Six Little Privats

Mom, I Broke Your Thing

2013-02-05T08:52:00.000-06:00

"Mom, I broke your thing," said one of my children. I haven't posted a blog in a long while but this statement made me really think about starting up again. I often fly of the handle when I hear words like this. I am always on guard waiting for the other shoe to drop because it always does. I rarely have time to stop and truly enjoy my children. I always seem to be parenting (fussing, lecturing, nagging, etc.).

This morning was different...probably because I sent two girls to school on the verge of tears after I once again explained to them why actually doing their homework is important. I began blogging after I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis because I wanted my children to have evidence that I loved them despite my ever present rantings about homework, socks in the yard, dirty clothes on the floor next to the hamper, dishes on the table...well you get the idea. This morning I sent those two girls to school thinking that I am disappointed in them. While I am disappointed in their choices, I could never be disappointed in them.

So, when I heard those words that something of mine had been broken, I made a very conscious decision to at least wait for the explanation before losing my cool. I guess it was the immense guilt from the earlier events that led me to be rational this time. I have many things so maybe this time it's not something that I really care about anyway. I mean almost all of the really important stuff has already been broken! I waited for one of the youngest members of our family to plead his case. This one is young enough to not have the smarts to hide it, lie about it, or blame it on one of the others. That sweet boy had broken...wait for it...my pencil. Ummmm, so glad I decided to keep my cool!

As parents of many, Jason and I are so used to putting out fires that we are beginning to see every one as a potential inferno. I over think and immediately envision the multitude of possible outcomes. I am running out of time with the older ones. I guess I just want to make sure that I get everything in before they go. My goal is to make them successful while fully knowing that success will be on their terms. I hope that when they have their own children they will look back and say...maybe mom wasn't so crazy after all. Of course, I secretly hope that my grandchildren, at least once, forget to do their homework, leave their dirty clothes hanging around, and break at least one thing...payback!

Nov. 11...Today I am thankful for Veterans

2011-11-11T13:56:00.000-06:00

When my mother told me that my brother was joining the Army, my first thought was that we were going to loose the war. I think that this is a common reaction of big sisters. I saw him as a lost little boy whose father had died too soon. I didn't see him as a soldier who could defend an entire country. I was wrong. He went to Iraq and not only performed his job but came back alive. He must have done something right.

Today, I thank God for every veteran and every man and woman who have been affected by war. It was hard for my mom to send her only son to battle especially when she was still grieving. It was harder for her to send him back after he extended his enlistment. I thank God for mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, children, and all other loved ones who support the military in their lives. I thank God for the safe return of so many and even more thanks for those that sacrifice their lives. I am proud to be an American on this day and everyday.

Nov. 9 and 10...On these two days I am thankful for friends, prayers, and doctors.

2011-11-10T14:49:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, Genevieve had a doctor's appointment. Her spleen has been enlarged for almost two months. It was first detected during a check-up when she had a high fever. The fever and obvious viral infection was thought to be the cause of the spleen problems. We have gone back to the pediatrician every two weeks since just to check on it. Our doctor decided that enough was enough and sent us on to do blood work first thing this morning. I knew that she was checking for lymphoma or leukemia. I also knew that she was almost sure that it was neither of those things causing the spleen to be enlarged but they had to be ruled out.

I am thankful that the results came back normal. Her spleen should return to it's normal size in a few weeks. Apparently that viral infection was a bad one. I am also thankful for my friends and family who provided so much comfort. Even though I knew that the chances of something bad were extremely slim, it was so nice to know that prayers were being said. I have the best friends and family. I can call on them for anything. I promise that I won't keep hogging all of the prayers though!!!

Nov. 8...I am thankful for Tuesdays

2011-11-08T20:48:00.001-06:00

I know that I have already written about our Tuesday schedule but I continue to be thankful for this time that I have with my children. Today Annelise joined us. She usually goes home with a friend and then they both go to dancing until 8:00. She has a big test coming up so she decided to come along with us for some extra study time during gymnastics and piano lessons.

Our suburban becomes a desk for homework, a dining room table for supper, and a holy place during our Rosary. We always say the Sorrowful Mysteries and listen to the scripture verses that goes with each mystery on the ride home. I meditated on the sacrifice of Jesus and the pain of his mother this evening. What a unimaginable site it must have been for Mary to see her child suffer. I am reminded that the struggles of my children are surmountable. Tests and grades, while stressful for me and my children, will not result in the end of the world. We will strive to do our best and to use our talents but I hope that we will put the results into perspective.

Nov. 7...Today I am thankful for my life

2011-11-07T14:04:00.000-06:00

I have a wonderful life. I could complain about a few things but for the most part I am so lucky. As I put our house back together as I often do on Mondays, I realized that this is just what I should be doing. I don't enjoy cleaning up but I enjoy the peace that comes from it. I know that things flow smoother when the dishes are done and the laundry is put away.

I often think how nice it would be to lunch with my lady friends in Anthropology dresses and fantastic red soled shoes at amazing restaurants. I think that life would get old quickly. I am more of a homebody with each passing day. I get out for my children's activities but pass on the grown-up ones more and more. I may not live a glamorous life but I live a fulfilling one. I can go to sleep at night knowing that I am loved and I have people to love.

So many people have so much more than I do but way more have less. I am a lucky girl. I thank God everyday for my life.

Nov. 6...Today I am thankful for football

2011-11-06T11:32:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for football not for what it is but for what it does. We were invited to several football parties for the big game last night. I saw numerous pictures posted on Facebook of people enjoying the LSU/Alabama game with friends. I love that people get together and enjoy each other's company in the name of football. While we declined the offers and chose to watch the game at home, we enjoyed it none the less.

We lit the pit for the Saints game today. The children are ready to cheer them on. We are somewhat lost on the weekends after football ends. The crazy thing is...we aren't really fans. If another offer is available, we will often forgo the game for something else. We don't change plans for football but we do watch if we are around a TV. It's not that we don't want the home teams to win but we just don't typically plan our lives around the games. Yet, we still miss them when the season ends.

I have friends who live for football. I am beyond happy for them when events like last night happen. I am ecstatic that UL is doing so well. I love the energy that this winning season has on our area. I can only wish that spirit continues if the scores drop.

Nov. 5...Today I am thankful for Saturdays!

2011-11-05T07:12:00.000-05:00

I am the only one awake right now. This is a rare occurrence. Usually, our mornings are hectic during the week and on Sundays. We are trying to become presentable in a short amount of time...get dressed, teeth brushed (or not brushed depending on which child you are), shoes on, and hair somewhat presentable. On Saturdays, we are relaxed and often stay in our PJs for hours after we have woken up. We can enjoy each other (in a perfect world this would happen) without the stress of hurrying up.

I drink my coffee slower on Saturdays. I don't yell as much (at least that is what I tell myself). We take on projects that we normally don't have time for. For example, today we have big plans to finally carve the almost rotting pumpkins that I bought two weeks ago. Saturdays are for family and we take advantage of every one of them. I am thankful for Saturdays and wish they came more often than once a week.

Nov. 4...I am thankful for "do-ers"

2011-11-04T06:25:00.002-05:00

St. Katharine Drexel is one of my favorite saints. She was a "do-er". She didn't start out this way. With prayer and action she made a huge impact on the world. She asked Pope Leo XII to send missionaries and he responded that she should be the missionary. She took this advice and founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored People which serviced her two great loves...devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the deprived people of our country. She opened many schools throughout the United States including Xavier University in NOLA which was the first university to serve black students. Her great wealth afforded her the ability to fund these institutions. However, without her love of God and his people, she may not have followed through.

Yesterday, someone messaged me about the impact my blog has made on her life. This was so humbling. While I don't know her very well, I see this person as a "do-er". She takes on projects and follows them to completion. We are all called to be productive and she answers this call again and again. We may not all make the impact of St. Katharine Drexel but today I am thankful for people who "do" in whatever way they can. I am inspired by the actions of others and the impact these actions make. I wish that I could take on more challenges...I wish that I could be more of a "do-er".

Nov. 3...Today I am thankful for Jason

2011-11-03T05:47:00.000-05:00

I have the best husband ever. You may doubt me but it is true. Jason is kind, patient, and most importantly loving. He rarely raises his voice and never complains. He can keep his cool in almost any circumstance.

I am often chaotic. I lose my temper easily. He grounds me and makes me realize what is really important. I can count on him which is the best part of our relationship. I know that he will pick up my slack.

He recently brought five of our children to mass. Several people who saw him there made comments to me about how great of a father he is. I realize that not every dad would do this. I sometimes take him for granted and forget that he is exceptional.

Jason has been away for work recently. I miss him immensely when he is gone. Our house doesn't run as smoothly. We feel his absence in a way that goes beyond just having to take out the trash and cook breakfast. He is gone now and Genevieve keeps looking for him. She began crying last week every morning when he leaves. Sam has been doing this for two years! I don't take it personally because they would cry if I ever left too (I hope!).

I am so thankful that he is mine. I see the other choices out there and know that I picked the best. I hope that all of my friends feel this way about their husbands. I can't imagine living life without kindness, respect, and most important...love.

Nov. 2...I am thankful for my washer and dryer

2011-11-02T06:47:00.000-05:00

I got behind on laundry last week. It was a bad week for that to happen considering we were fighting a terrible virus. Actually, that virus was the cause of the pile-up.

I am so thankful today for my large capacity washer and dryer. I have washed FOURTEEN loads of laundry in two days. Genevieve went through eleven pairs of pants in one day. They are now all clean! We went through six extra sets of sheets (on top of the six that we normally do) and numerous blankets and towels too many to count. I could not have done all of this with my old set. I think that I would have just starting throwing things away!

How did our ancestors (many of which had more than the now standard 2.3 children) keep up with their clothes when germs invaded? Could you see me loading up all those piles and dragging them to the creek? I celebrate and give thanks for the hard workers at Whirlpool. Hallelujah and Amen!!!

Give Thanks

2011-11-01T11:08:00.002-05:00

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

St. Paul instructed believers to give thanks for everything. I have been thinking about this verse for several weeks after I heard a discussion about the difficulties of this message on a Catholic radio show. It is so easy for me to thank God for all of the blessings in my life. I have so many and I try to be grateful for all of them. The tricky part is thanking God for the bad in our lives.

Every difficulty in our lives provides an opportunity to grow. I definitely grow more through struggles than any other time. I see the need to thank God for these struggles and the evolution that they may bring. However, I don't always feel grateful even when the outcome is beneficial. In the past few weeks I have been really looking at the life-altering hardships that I have had including being diagnosed with an autoimmune arthritis, raising six children (rewarding but definitely a hardship at times), and the biggest...my dad's death.

Arthritis has taken a lot out of me. Anticipating a flare-up makes me anxious, coping with a flare-up makes me tired, and having the pain makes me angry. It has also taught me to take advantage of the many, many pain-free days. I hate trick-or-treating but I felt good so I took my very excited children last night. They had fun and I loved seeing them enjoy the experience. I think that I do more with my children now in case there is a day when I can't. I started this blog so that later they can read about our life and remember the fun that we had.

Having a large family provides more opportunity for bad things to happen. When Meredith fractured her skull, we had to adjust our life to accommodate her healing. During this time, I taught both Meredith and Annelise how to pray. My relationship (and their's) with God changed. I began praying more, learning more, and looking to the Saints for guidance in living a holy life. It was the same when Katherine was born and was so sick. I learned to depend on God and look to an everlasting life. Recently, we had a health scare with one of our other children. We chose to keep it to ourselves until we found the results. This took almost two months. I prayed harder than I ever had. I also knew this time that I could handle the outcome because God's plan always proved to be better than my own. Luckily, the results were what we hoped for and a crisis had been averted.

The death of my father is still a struggle for me. I feel his presence and sense his love daily. I miss his smile. I wish that my children could know him. I can thank God for the other hardships but this one is more difficult. I know that St. Paul meant "all circumstances" but I am not at the point that I can thank God for taking my Daddy. I am not mad at Him about it and I am so happy for my dad that he is in heaven. However, thanking God is still hard.

Last year, I listened to Father Gary give a homily about being thankful. He suggested keeping a gratitude journal. I decided to write a Facebook post everyday about the things that I was thankful for. I have that print out to remind myself how easy it was to think of 30 things. I plan to continue that experience this year. I hope to inspire you to do the same.

Yucks!

2011-10-31T08:57:00.000-05:00

The yucks overcame our house last week. Within hours three children and myself were taken out. Of course, Jason was not here...doesn't it always seem to happen that way?!?! I kept thinking about "The Devil Wears Prada" specifically Emily Blunt's line..."I am just one stomach flu from my ideal weight". How could she have wanted such a thing? I felt like death. Vanity would never trump health in my book.

We made it through this incredibly powerful bug. It lingered for days but we are all better now. However, my almost organized house is a wreck. The mail piled up along with the laundry. The four of us who were sick only consumed Gatorade from the bottle yet dishes filled the sink. If I ever doubted that I am needed to run this house, I know that indeed I am. I am getting everything back together this week.

I am also looking forward. Tomorrow is the first day of November. The month of thanks. Last year I posted daily on Facebook the things that I was thankful for. I plan to write about my blessings each day. I hope not to bore you but inspire you to offer thanks for the good (and the bad) in your life.

Old Friends

2011-10-25T09:51:00.001-05:00

Today is the happiest day of my life. Well, that might be an exaggeration but it really is a great day! I was going to order a new pair of jeans. I found my favorite brand in the cut that I like on sale (really...super sale!). I pulled out my pre-pregnancy clothes to reference the too small size. Against better judgement I began trying on this clothes. Here comes the happy part...most of them fit! I have reconnected with my old jeans and it feels good.

I have memories with many of these jeans. Most women have experienced trauma when trying on jeans. I remember buying each one of them. I don't remember buying most of the slacks or shirts but boy do I remember the jeans. I remember when they became too big when I was really sick and I remember when they became too small because of my pregnancies. I remember when Sam wrote on my favorite pair with a Sharpie. I remember the skinny jeans ripping at the knee (who has fat knees?!?). I couldn't believe the feelings that I had today...excitement, nostalgia, and familiarity. Thank you jeans for making today great!

Pecan Island

2011-10-24T12:07:00.001-05:00

When Jason first announced that he wanted a camp, I was thinking that the inter-coastal canal in Orange Beach, AL would be perfect. He was thinking closer. He built our camp in the backyard and pulled it to a small lot near the Pecan Island Canal which takes us straight to White Lake. Phase One, as he calls it, consists of a bathroom/laundry room and a kitchen/living/bed room. He thought that I would go once or twice and be done with the whole thing. I discovered quickly that I am more of myself in Pecan Island. I am calmer and happier there.

We needed more room so he added a large porch and screened it in. This is Phase Two. Our porch almost doubled our living area. Everything was cozy until Genevieve came along. Luckily Jason loves a project so he started on an addition. He built "Mommy's Camp" (or Phase Three). I now have a beautiful bedroom, bathroom, and walk-in, cedar-lined closet. We got furniture from a friend who was remodeling and bought a studio couch and chair from World Market. Jason let me decorate with beautiful drapes and tons of pillows. My new room is fancier than the one at our home! I love being there. I can read or pray while the others are fishing and crabbing. I can work on projects and cook. I can spend time with my children without being distracted by laundry, dusting, and other to dos.

We have met so many people who have become our dear friends. We share meals and our fishing bounty. We also share hot fishing spots and trout lines. We attend mass at the simple church. Everyone knows when we are there because we usually have the only children attending. The regular parishioners overlook Sam's fidgeting and Genevieve's noises. Jason and one of the men always talk about the weather after mass. We don't know his name but we miss "Weatherman" when he is not there. There is a lady who makes the best pepper jelly and garfish patties. We bring her fresh jalapenos from Jason's garden and mason jars and she fills them up. The pianist and soloist always close with "Immaculate Mary" or "Amazing Grace" when we are there because they know that my children know every word and will sing with everything they have.

At first I agreed with Jason that I would not like Pecan Island. I really thought that I would go two or three times a year to be polite. Now I am the one encouraging the weekend trips. It is more than the crabs and fish, more than the friends, and more than the fun. It is the ability to do things that I can't do at home and be the person that I want to be without being bogged down by my every day life.

Works for Me Wednesday (Once again on Thursday!)

2011-10-20T08:58:00.000-05:00

About a year ago I was having a lot of trouble with my children wasting food and drinks. They would leave half-eaten plates of food on the counter or at the table and deny ownership. I decided to buy new plates, cups, and bowls and assign colors to each child. These new place settings are small which I like. We now have much less waste and I know immediately who the dishes are for if they are not put in the sink. I allow them to have one cup a day and they keep it in a certain place on the counter. They know to rinse it out and reuse it. I have less dishes to wash now too.

This was working so well that we now implemented a color system for towels. Each child has three towels for the week (along with their bathrobe) in their designated color . I wash these on the weekends. If they run out before then...they must drip dry (and then figure out how to wipe up the water on the floor!). I had to take this step because a certain child of mine felt it necessary to use THREE towels after her bath...one for her hair, one for her body, and one to go OVER the bathmat.

Genevieve's First Word

2011-10-18T09:55:00.000-05:00

Genevieve now says "No". I don't know why I was surprised that this was her first word besides DaDaDaDa and MaMaMa. I say this word eleven thousands times a day. "NO, you cannot go outside." "No, you cannot have a friend over when your room looks like that." "No, you cannot bite the dog."

I say "no" about forty-seven times more that yes. I blame this on my children. They never ask me questions that I would answer yes to. They are always asking for expensive toys, adventures, or adding stuff to the schedule. If they would only ask things like:

"Can I clean the bathroom?"
"Can I fold those clothes for you?"
"Do you want some time alone?"
"Can you buy yourself those new outrageously expensive boots instead of buying us food this week?"

I would answer "YES" to these in a heartbeat! Jason and I had to tell Annelise no today. It was hard because I knew that she really wanted a yes. I couldn't say yes because I couldn't add any more activities to our already hectic schedule. I saw the disappointment in her face and the sadness in her heart. She didn't handle the decision well and I didn't handle her reaction well.

Don't these children know that I could be a much better parent if they would just ask the right questions and accept the answers?!?!?

Jason Fell Off the Fashion Train

2011-10-15T08:43:00.000-05:00

If you ask Jason's sister she will tell you that Jason fell off the fashion train in 1989, the year he graduated from high school. I tend to agree with her. I have taken him shopping at Banana Republic on more than one occasion but his "style" still comes through.

He made an early morning trip to Walmart today in search of jeans. He needed "weekend" jeans whatever that is. He came back with medium wash carpenter jeans a size too big. They are horrid. I can't explain just how bad they are. After our girls literally picked themselves off of the floor at the mere sight of these jeans, he explained that they are all the rage in Morgan City!

He jokingly tells me often that he dresses the way he does to keep the ladies away. I told him this morning that he may successfully keep me away if he keeps wearing those jeans. He is a simple person with simple needs. I could complain but his lack of fashion leaves a lot of money in the clothes budget for me!!!

I Miss My Mommy

2011-10-15T06:26:00.000-05:00

Last night Luke was invited to his first sleepover. I knew from the start that he wasn't going to stay the night. I didn't think that it was a good idea. However, Jason was pushing to let him try. It was a house that he had been to many times for play dates and a mom that he was extremely comfortable with.

My heart didn't even skip a beat when the phone rang at 11:15 as it usually does with a phone call at that hour. I knew that my boy needed his mommy. Jason was putting his shoes on before I got off the phone. He also knew what that late night ring meant.

Luke feel asleep on the ride home and Jason carried him to bed. He must not have needed to see me or even talk to me. He just needed to know that I was near and he was safe. I think that I secretly needed the same.

Dads are Dads and Moms are Moms

2011-10-14T11:39:00.000-05:00

Like most families that I know, Jason and I have clear rolls in our household. I know what I take care of and the same for him. I am not talking about the 1950s version of mom jobs and dad jobs but a division of labor that suits us. Genevieve has been sick all week and often when this happens our rolls get muddled. Jason had to pick up the children from school while I saw about her. The children got soft drinks and candy for an afternoon snack. They waited for me to start on their homework and that was just fine with Jason (not so much with me). He went grocery shopping for me after the children had been bathed. Apparently we are eating Little Debbie cakes and chips this weekend and I am now drinking decaf coffee. The printer ink was forgotten...I guess Annelise will have to WRITE her essay with a pen on paper. He said not to worry about supper because he would bring something back from town. We ate Taco Bell at 9:15.

He is rarely sick. Six years ago he had back surgery and I had to pick up the slack for him. I was equally as bad at his job as he is at mine. I forgot to put out the trash and had to call someone to cut the grass. I often think that I am better at things than he is. I am better than he is at my jobs but not even close at his. Instead of fussing this morning when I realized that I would be drinking coffee without the necessary kick, I remembered that we are a team and we do our best. This is a huge moment in my control-freak life!

Works for Me Wednesday (Thursday)

2011-10-13T08:57:00.000-05:00

I forgot that yesterday was Wednesday. I really wanted to post weekly tips but the day got away from me. I have a great suggestion from a friend. She wakes up thirty minutes before her family and drinks her morning coffee in silence. She uses this time to reflect and to plan her day. I tried this but my little ones must have thought that I needed company because they both woke up way too early each morning last week. I am more of a night owl so I have been spending thirty minutes at the end of each day to organize and plan the next one.

Since I was a day late, I'll give a bonus tip. I print out the spelling words and vocabulary definitions for the year and keep them in my suburban. The "Imagine It" website is www.imagineitreading.com. After creating a free account, you can access this information under the "At Home" tab. We are often waiting in the suburban at dancing, Annelise's bus stop, or even red lights. I can quickly review this information. I also have Annelise's Vocabulary Workshop words and Luke's pre-decodables. I am a multitask-er but still short on time most evenings. Getting in a few minutes of study time when we would normally be idle has really helped out.

Praying for Speeders

2011-10-12T21:02:00.000-05:00

Every time I see an ambulance or hear a siren, I say a prayer for the drivers of the emergency vehicles, the people that may be hurt or sick, and the families of those people. It is usually a quick prayer. I also do this if I see a funeral procession. I say a quick prayer for the priest(s) of any church that I pass. I have always done this. I have passed this habit on to my children.

Today Sam and I saw a policeman who had obviously stopped a speeder on the interstate. Sam reminded me to say a prayer. I said, "God, I pray for the policeman and the woman to be safe." Sam told me that I needed to say a longer prayer and I explained to him that the woman was probably speeding and the policeman was reminding her that she needed to slow down and I just ask God to keep both of them safe today. He looked irritated with me. He began to say his own prayer...God, please help the lady to slow down so my mommy can get to Lafayette and help the policeman to stop all of the speeders. I looked down at my speedometer and realized that I was one of those speeders. Oops!

I am always late and always in a hurry. I pass on good habits (praying) and bad ones (driving) too. One day I will have six drivers. I hope that they don't remember the time that I ran into Daddy's truck in the driveway (OK, the TIMES that I ran into Daddy's truck in the driveway), the time (TIMES) that I have run red lights and stop signs (always accidentally), or the times that I speed. I hope that they don't text and drive (or Facebook and drive). I really just pray that they are at least as good as I am at my best and way better than me at my worst.

Christmas Wishin'

2011-10-12T07:45:00.000-05:00

Samuel has been telling me about all of the things that he wants for his birthday and Christmas. These dates are a week apart. He wants everything that he sees on television, in magazines, and in his brother's hands. He has even been making a list for Genevieve. Apparently, she wants a doll that poops and pees, a new Sing-A-Ma-Jing, and a remote-control train that has 100 feet of tracks (strangely similar to what Sam wants).

Sam has been keeping a running list for about a month...ever since his brother's birthday. Yesterday, he told me about his biggest wish. He wants a surfboard with wheels that goes on roads instead of the sea. I tried to explain that this amazing contraption is called a skateboard. He wasn't buying it.

Surfboards have caused Annelise confusion too. When she was Sam's age, she had a bathing suit with a small pocket. She insisted that it was for a surfboard key. She didn't have a surfboard and especially not one with a key. However, that was her favorite bathing suit because of the potential for surfboard key storage.

I think about how life would be different for adults if we still had some of our child-like reasoning. Would we look at chores as a burden or an adventure? Would we dare to dream more? Yesterday, Sam told me that "life is not too much hard". While his grammer needs work, his message was clear. Life is fun, exciting, and rewarding but sometimes we adults forget that.

Sorry I've Been Gone

2011-10-12T07:19:00.000-05:00

Life sometimes gets in the way of intentions. I intended to post every day to my blog, complete Operation Clean-Out, and add tons of recipes. Blogging is difficult in Pecan Island especially without internet and spotty cell service. Organizing my children's bedroom proved difficult from PI as well. I did go through some of my favorite recipes and will post those soon.

A sick baby and the St. Michael's Auction has taken up some of my time also. I am really looking forward to the auction. There are so many great packages to bid on not to mention grown-up time with some of my favorite people. I am hoping that my sick baby gets better because Momma needs a night out!

Today, I am getting back to organizin'. Before I can go through the dreaded toys, I am going through the closets and drawers. I figure that the winter clothes will make an appearance soon and they will need a home. I'll be sad to put up bathing suits and sundresses. I miss the summer so much.

Operation Clean-Out: A week later

2011-10-06T16:54:00.000-05:00

Many parts of our house are clean and organized better than they have been in years. Crowley Christian Care and the Acadia Parish Recycling Center are getting an embarrassing large load of "stuff". I am going to continue with the process until every nook and cranny are clean. However, I am taking the weekend off to enjoy some time with my family at our camp. Thanks for everyone who encouraged me along. I am glad that I have done the same for you. Next week I will be tackling the children's rooms...toys, clothes, and more "stuff".

Antiquing with Sam

2011-10-06T16:48:00.000-05:00

Sam and I and a friend and her children went to Firefly's, a cute antique shop, in Rayne today. Sam was amazed by the goodies. I was nervous that he would touch everything. He looked at each treasure with awe. He had never seen so many wonderful things in one place...horse shoes, a glass fishing float, an iron bed, and bird "traps" (cages). He kept asking for things for his birthday or Christmas. He loved everything that had character which was pretty much everything. He talked extensively on the ride home about a wooden pew and a boat (an old bathtub). He wants that pew so he can sit and think. He wants that "boat" so he can sail in the gulf and catch dolphins. His imagination was in overdrive just seeing those old gems.

Sam is a little like those antiques. He is a little rusty, a little crooked, and a little quirky. He likes fun and adventure and not rules and such. He has stories to tell. He has character too. I thought about my Sam as he told me about all the things that he saw. He has trouble sitting still and trouble paying attention. He likes movement, chaos, and action. Recently, I was told that Sam was bad...he didn't listen and he couldn't stay quiet. That hurt my heart because while I know this is true, I know he is sweet, loving, and a thinker. The world needs all types of people especially his type. He won't be one to follow the rules or to wait on others. He will follow his heart and make his own way. He will ask for explanations and test boundaries. I celebrate his uniqueness!