Big Trip Finale

Wow, life has been crazy lately.  Just now getting to the final part of our trip to Philadelphia. 

We crammed a lot in a short amount of time, but I think it's safe to say that the trip was a success!  Many great memories were made, and we are so thankful that our younger crew got a chance to meet a man who has been a huge influence in our lives.  It was also fun seeing the older kids connect with Archbishop on a different level.  Can't wait until next time!

Big Trip Pt.2

Day 2 of our trip was driving, and driving, and driving.  We started in Madison, WI and ended in Bedford, PA.

Felicity says, "Wait, I'm going to be sitting in this car seat for how long?"

Pics of kids first entering vehicle to begin this leg of the trip.  No after pictures were taken.  Just imagine.  We drove halfway through WI, all of IL, IN, OH, and part of PA.  2 adults (one of whom is 25 weeks pregnant), 5 kids, 11-years-old and under.  I think you can picture what we looked like.

We pulled into a motel which we thought would be just great only to find that it was awful.  We switched to a less awful room than the first one, but I'm pretty sure it's just as awful now because one of the kids was car sick, and well...no more details. 

Day 3 found us in Bedford, PA, the place where George Washington led (as president) 3,000 troops to put a stop to the whiskey rebellion.  This was the first major "test" for the newly formed union.  From Bedford we went to Gettysburg.  We could have spent a couple days in both of these places, but we did as much as we could in the short amount of time that we had. 

Big Trip Pt.1

I'm not sure exactly how this trip came to be, but we found ourselves at the end of the school year and planning a cross country adventure to Philadelphia, PA.  Okay, so I guess it started when we received an email from Archbishop Charles inviting us to come and hang out for awhile.  Brett grew up serving for him in SD and then they both moved to CO and we've all stayed in touch throughout our moves to TX and WI.  It's been 4 years since we've last seen him, and we decided that was way too much time.  Miraculously, we both had the same week in June available for a visit so we decided to just do it! 

Stop #1: An Ordination!

A friend of ours was being ordained to the transitional deaconate, and the oldest two kids were serving.  The ordination is usually held at our Cathedral, but because David was the only one being ordained it was held in his home parish which is about 3 hours from home.

The kids had a rehearsal at noon, and then we headed to a local park to let every one let off a little energy.

I don't actually have any pictures of the ordination, or the reception.  Pictures during and after a 2-hour-long Mass are not something that is likely in our current season of life.  So, there ya have it.  It was beautiful and touching and amazing.  You'll just have to believe me. 

Sugar and Spice

..and everything nice.  That's what little girls are made of. 

We have been blessed with a wonderful son as our oldest child, followed by 4 full-of-sugar-and-a-mighty-dose-of-spice girls.

Early last week I had a doctor's appointment, with ultrasound, and this time around we decided to find out what this next sweet babe's gender is.

 Brett was out of town and the kids were over at the neighbor's so I was the only one who knew.  I told my neighbor, who quickly "whipped up" the beautiful cake you see pictured here.  We've never done a big "reveal" so this was very exciting!

 The secret was out at the first cut.  I think every one was in shock and very excited!

What does Aidan think about another sister? 

He is thrilled.  Really.  He was just being a goof in the pic because well...he's almost 12 and I think that's what almost-12-year-old boys do.

So that will make 1 boy and 5 girls! And here I thought I was going to be one of those mom's of all boys.  God sure does have a sense of humor.  

Please pray for me and our newest treasure as we round the corner into the final few months of pregnancy.  Although I know that what happened with Felicity will likely never happen again, this pregnancy has been harder on the nerves than I expected it would be. 

School's Out...Sorta

 Our big puppy.  He's sweet, when he's not trying to eat the boot/shoe right off your foot. 

 Some prep work that needed to be done before the building of the chicken coop could begin.

Some one was very proud that she had pockets.

I felt a little like Winnie the Pooh this evening as I had a great "complaining post" all written in my head.  Topics ranged from closet cleaning to friend needing. I even put a ban on piano practicing!  What sort of mother am I?  My children happen to love playing the piano, and I just could not take another note.  I hit a major low apparently.  

Instead of my complaining song post.  I'll give you a "what's up" post.  You're welcome.

We are pretty much finished with our "schoolwork" for this year.  I did let a few things fizzle out, which I hate to do, but then again, the sun came out, the dad came home, and we were ready for a change of pace.  So, we're finished for now.  We're taking the next couple of weeks off and then we'll start our very-light-but-I-don't-want-kids-with-mush-brains summer school schedule.  It will consist of Math, the rest of our science, and maybe some handwriting just because. 

The View

Chicken coop in progress! What an adventure this has been. Snow, rain, busy schedules, and finally....

Slowing Down

Let's begin by stating the fact that although I'm 32-years-old and 21 weeks pregnant, this post has nothing to do with the speed of my physical being.  We'll not go there.

My internet was down for 4 days.  4 days!!!! 

The frustration of it all soon faded.  The weather was gorgeous for a couple of those days so the windows were opened, the chores done at a record-breaking speed, and we headed outside to soak up some sun.  Yeah, yeah, we did some schoolwork too.  Really, we did.

The stack of papers that I needed to correct for the kids shrunk considerably, the "great season clothing switchover" was completed, and the laundry? Caught up (as far as laundry is ever caught up).

This is not meant to be a brag.  Just an observation from this mom who although is not online a lot throughout the day, has noticed that when I am it slows down the progress of the day.  My mental state is crowded with comments, and statements, and images, and news reports. 

Note to self:  Pretend internet is down every day.  Or get some self-control.  Ah, there's a concept. 

And on that!  Happy weekend!