Strategic Errors and God's Mercy

This Sunday presented a series of strategic errors which became more comical as the day wore on. First of all, Larry told me that I had gotten FAT. Now he wasn't trying to be mean, he was making more of a public service announcement.He really thought that I hadn't noticed.This definitely could have been a counter productive strategy on his part! However, I became sufficiently motivated to start a diet that I intend to stick to. The rotten strategy here was that I had just purchased 4 half gallons of ice cream the night before.You can figure out the rest.  That's the great thing about "tomorrow".

By the time I was ready to start talking to him again, he was putting gas into the mower. It unfortunately spilled all over the tire and back end of the mower. We sprayed it off and he began to mow.We were still gently sparring when I took this picture.

Just then, he ran over one of the boys' gloves.

Soon afterward, I remembered that it was Divine Mercy Sunday. Jesus said " I want your mercy, not your sacrifices." I decided that it was too pretty a day for a tiff, which brings down the whole family. The truth hurts because it is true... I don't want to go gentle into that dark night of increasing weight gain because I fail to adjust my strategy of eating whatever I want to.The worst part is that I don't like the discomfort of being hungry (like I've ever experienced that feeling!), so the proper strategy will be to ask God to help me to control my appetite.Today was a little better. I am told that small changes consistently implemented can make a difference.We'll see....

After I  realized that we had all just celebrated the Divine Mercy of God of which I am so much in need, and which it is my duty to extend, I enjoyed the beauty of the spring day and the kids at play.
"For the sake of His sorrowful passion,               Have mercy on us and on the whole world "

"Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion-inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself."

Larry, no doubt, spent time thinking about what a little hottie he married and the strategic necessity of sugar-coating some comments to a feisty gal!

Do It Yourself Breakfast

In this picture, John is eating some eggs that he cooked all by himself. It was 10:30 am and he was taking a break from his schoolwork to eat outside on a beautiful day.This is one of the things that I like about homeschooling.He could take the time to fix something good and also to enjoy the weather.

Natalie is doing the same thing.They all know that breakfast around here is a self-serve operation.Usually, it is cereal but occasionally we run out of milk. I don't realize that we are low on milk because I rarely drink it. Eggs are such a great food because they are a complete protein, tasty,versatile and cheap.I really should quit buying cereal and stick to eggs and toast. Everyone would probably be healthier and the behavior would be better.

I love to cook breakfast foods, but only at dinner time.Once a month or so I might make a big breakfast on the week-end.What I REALLY like to do in the morning is drink coffee.I have one cup sitting down before I do anything else and often say my prayers and read a meditation.I pour a second cup and make my list for the day.Then it is time to get to work on the business of the day.I can't stand to rush  around in the morning and this homeschooling lifestyle allows me to start my day at the time of my choosing.At this point, I am getting up at 7:30, the kids at 8, and we start at 9 am. It is going to be a busy one with book reports needing to be finished and typed, so it's past time to begin!

Little Burgers

Natalie has been having a hankering for burgers for days and when Miss J. suggested that we make little burgers, the deal was made and off to the store we went for supplies.I bought the 5 pound roll of burger and was able to make 39 little burger patties out of it (I cooked the rest after this first pan was broiled). Two onions were processed finely and included in the meat as well as Worcestershire  and steak sauce, onion powder, salt and pepper. They were absolutely delicious on these potato rolls served with pickles, mayo and ketchup.

Tori had already made a chocolate cake from scratch with homemade fudgy frosting ( it is so great that Lent is over!) while I was at the store and this made for a wonderful dessert.Dad wasn't at home to enjoy this feast but we are saving some for him for tonight.Jeff just rolled in and it was nice to offer him a couple of these burgers. Thanks be to God for such a good dinner and all His many other Blessings, too

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Faker

Don't worry, Sam 's foot is perfectly fine.When he heard that I was going to the grocery store, he quickly wrapped his toe in gauze and grabbed this surgical boot that he keeps on his shelf for just this purpose. He ran downstairs to get our crutches out of the closet and off we went. By this time, I could see the writing on the wall and brought my camera.

Wearing this medical costume, he jumped on the motorized scooter and drove around the store looking the part.

 John got on for a little bit and the crutches doubled as machine guns.

Using their own money, they bought themselves a treat and paid for it by going through the self serve check out. On the way home, Sam  unwrapped his foot so that he could get out to play as soon as the car was unloaded.

A Well Loved Dressing Table

        As you can see from the two cracks in the edges of the upper basket, this dressing table is on its last legs. It is leaning forward,too. I will be sorry to see it go because this incredibly useful piece of baby equipment means a lot to me. Andrea and Tim gave it to me when I was expecting Jeff, who will be 25 next month. Andrea was 11 and Tim was 8 years old when they obtained it from their baby-sitter,who was finished with it, and gave it to me.The sweetness of this beautiful gesture and the help from their mother to make it happen still touches me.They generously welcomed their half sibling.There must have been layers of feelings in that gift.
        Their charitable and loving response is why I  have loved this handy item so much. I have used it with my eight children and my daughter is using it now with my grandson.The buckets underneath have held stacks of baby clothing and function as a dresser.The top is a great changing table and actually came with a baby tub under the lid. I never did use that part and removed it to make it easier to access the wicker baskets.
       When I found out that I was expecting a girl with Miss J., Aunt Catherine came over and we recovered the top with a fabric pattern called "Daisy Kingdom".We sprayed the baskets a lovely white as they were by that time an old and faded yellow. It was always a pleasure to get this dressing table out and to start loading it with little undershirts, receiving blankets and baby nightgowns.We keep this in the living room where Meg has it full of diapers, wipes, lotion and a few spare outfits.The top of it comes in way too handy as a catch all for baby blankets, jackets and shoes! Larry and I decided a long time ago that we wouldn't be able to keep house as if there were no children living here.
          It won't be too much longer until this dressing table falls over.The little guy is 16 months old so the timing will be about right.This usually unsentimental Mom will give this piece up sadly, because it represents so much to me. I will always remember the love and generosity that came with this gift. Thank you so much, Andrea ,Tim and Diana.
        

Swimming in April

By the third day of mid to high 80 degree temperatures, Meg decided it was time to get the baby pool going. She and Natalie carried buckets of hot water out to fill it. It was a big hit with the littles.

I broke down and turned on the air conditioning.We have too much schoolwork to do to sit here being irritable with each other in this unseasonal heatwave!

A Wonderful Easter Week-end

It has been such a beautiful week-end, both weather wise and in every other way.This will be a ridiculously long post high-lighting the many activities and get- togethers that we enjoyed.

We started by wishing Grandma Dolly a Happy Birthday and a Happy Easter.She is in wonderful health and spirits as she celebrates her 92nd Birthday.

Natalie participated in the Zone finals after accumulating enough points in the winter shows of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association. We traveled to Maryland for her to compete in the Junior Varsity Jumping and Flat classes.She did well enough on Friday to have to ride again on Saturday. Her sisters, without a jealous bone in their bodies, but wanting to support and help coach her, attended.She won an eighth place ribbon on Saturday and was very pleased with her performance on both days, Thanks be to God.

On Saturday morning, we had our friends and family join us for the Outdoor Stations mentioned in a previous post. Weather is everything and it was Spectacular! It was very spiritual and everyone enjoyed it.We had 48 people in attendance. The families stayed for some fellowship afterward.We were thrilled to have Greg and Cindi stop by.

We kept some of the cousins who played football and  Risk. Of course, no week-end is complete without Canasta!!!!! 

Then, we were treated to a delicious Barbecue at Brian and Kat's new house! The food was cooked to perfection and the hospitality delightful. We all had a blast.

Miss J. was getting excited about the imminent arrival of the Easter Bunny.

On Easter Sunday, Meg and Jon became engaged to be married.Jon presented this gorgeous ring in the golden egg with the bunny sitting in a little chair that will be perfect for the little guy to sit in!

We are very excited for them. Jon will be calling our parish priest tomorrow to begin planning the details.

The 11:15 Mass was beautiful with everyone in their Easter finery and ready to celebrate Our Risen Lord,
Alleluia!

The afternoon brought a chance for a trail ride with my honey.

Tim and Kristy brought over some Easter goodies

After this busy week-end, our Easter dinner was a very simple leftover spaghetti!

May all the Joy and Hope of this beautiful season bless you and your family. Happy Easter!