All This And Heaven

2024-02-20T20:51:00.001-06:00

So much my has been happening. I needed comfort. I decided to make one of my favorite meals from my youth.

My mom was not the most flavorful cook. Her food was always very simple in taste. She once explained that she believed that she had numbed her own taste buds during her younger days as a huge smoker. I had made the meal of chicken and dumplings a few times over the years. My children did not like the meal at all. As I have cooked more and more recently I have learned that I do appreciate a lot more flavor that the dish I used to make.

I read several recipes.Went to store and made a small purchase and then cooked my chicken with so much flavor. I then made the dumplings. They were huge and fluffy.

Nature Study

2020-11-19T16:48:00.072-06:00

It had two weeks since our last visit because we were all traveling last week. The leaves were falling the last visit so we didn't know what to expect and almost didn't come. This is why a "charlotte mason" method of nature study should be done each week. We were in for a surprise. I feared that the park would be depressing, knowing the leaves would be gone.

Instead we could see to the very tops of the hills and lowest parts of the valleys. There was no foliage in our sight paths. It was really interesting. We saw lots of life, including people. We knew there were paths all over but never saw people up in the hills until today.

AT first we thought the deer were gone but we found two hanging out near the elk.

We saw lots of animals. The elk seam to be calmer and more separated.

We saw some here, some there and even two by themselves.

Geese were not in the pond but walking around tighter.

The Bisson were all together around the middle sized body of water.

I love two things about the above picture! One is that Miss Brenda is joining us each week. She is enjoying this as much as we are. One of us drives and then the other does internet searches when we have questions. We are learning so much.

Check out all the ducks, they were all over the bigger lake. They were so small in the pictures but covered the body of water. We also saw a beautiful woodpecker with a red head. No rabbits and no squirrels. The temperature was a warm 73 degrees and it was windy.

Nature Study

2020-11-05T17:18:00.023-06:00

Fall seams to be a great time to see activity around the lake. The elk are still in mating season, so they are everywhere and found in groups of mostly cows with one bull.

The leaves were hanging on to the trees but some were bare.

It was fun to drive around the bodies of water and to see the pops of color.

All while noticing the elk, bison, deer hiding just out at the edge of the trees.

The best part is these two. Twin Beautiful - Twin Mallorie.

I love that color. And it would be surprising just around the corner each turn. We saw no turkey but we saw lots of squirrels. The temp was 65 degrees. It was a beautiful afternoon to drive around the park.

Nature Study

2020-10-21T17:42:00.000-05:00

Memes 2020

2020-08-17T08:54:00.000-05:00

Thor VS Care Bears

This is the only "science" that is provided on why we should wear masks.

More Memes of Our Times

2020-07-30T18:56:00.002-05:00

Because everyone is homeschooling now and asking a million questions about it.

I will get pancakes. I wish I had her faith!

2020-07-26T19:20:00.000-05:00

J has been making big breakfast for the kids every Sunday morning. When we were on complete lockdown we would watch Mass (with Bear serving from OKC and Pooker and JavaJava watching the same Mass from TX) and then have a huge meal with special drinks, facetime phone calls and anything we could think of the make Sunday special. After we started back to regularly attending Sunday Mass, the breakfast size shrank. J still makes a big meal but all of the choices are not at each meal.

I have been struggling with the changes from Wuhan Coronavirus. As many of you know, I am a complete social creature. I want to be out and about in life’s adventures. The lockdown period was about two months for us, but I would continue to shop for groceries at least once a week. Often, I was desperately searching for much needed toilet paper. Masks were not required and I didn’t wear them, as I can’t stand them. So now as the restrictions lift but newer mask requirements are added, I am actually going out less and less. Most of our grocery shopping is done online with delivery or curb side pickup. This means a lot more planning and a lot less spur of the moment decisions on what to eat.

Saturday evening one of my daughters announced that she can’t wait for pancakes on Sunday morning. I heard Jason tell her that it was unlikely because we didn’t have any mix and he would not be going into the grocery store any time soon with the requirement of wearing the masks. Shortly after her announcement Jason went to bed. This child came to me and proclaimed that she would have pancakes in the morning and smiled a huge grin. I explained that it was very unlikely and why. I said next Sunday for sure, but she would just have to be ok with waiting. She told me with the greatest of confidence that, “My daddy really loves me and he always tries to make me happy. I know I will have pancakes, I don’t know how but I trust he will provide!”

I don’t share this story to point out that this daughter was acting a tad cocky or that she had true-spoiled, unrealistic expectations. You see, I struggle with trusting in God. I struggle with trusting in those little things. I know the big things are covered but the little details worry me way too much. My kiddos don’t struggle to trust in God, and my husband is the reason. This is something I need to work on so much. Over the lockdown at the one time we got the privilege of getting to confession, I was given the penance of mentally responding to every worry with, “Jesus I trust in you!” I realized that is very easy to say but so hard to feel. Not for my kiddos.

Early Sunday morning J had to run another child to early Mass and then to her lifeguarding job. He drove through somewhere and ordered a stack on pancakes. The truth is that our kids are not really spoiled but they trust that their dad will do what he can to make them happy. He works very hard to make their lives better. It is that complete and innocent trust that we are supposed to have in our heavenly Father! I am most thankful that my children will not struggle with trusting in God that much because they have such a loving dad! I pray that I will gain this trust in HIM.

Memes of Our Times

2020-06-27T18:59:00.006-05:00

Christmas Is Coming

2020-06-19T08:10:00.002-05:00

I love the idea of having heirloom Christmas stockings up on my wall to remind me of each precious soul in my family for Christmases to come. I have always wanted to create a beautiful stocking for each family member but don't know how or where to begin. What are your traditions? Do you use stockings? Did you make the stockings, did you have them made? Do your family stockings match or is each one unique? I have been told that my kiddos do not like the fluffy felt creations so how else can I use my creative juices and talents to bring to life my vision of a wall of stockings? Please send ideas my way!!

I shared on facebook and got a bunch of cool responses and I wanted to see what this creative crowd might have to inspire me.

Mother's Day Dinner

2020-05-10T21:00:00.000-05:00

Slow cooking ribs smelled so good all day. It was wonderful when it was time for dinner.

Everything was so yummy. I loved having many of my babies around me for dinner. I just adore my people.

Ok this proves that the kids know me so well!

Today was a wonderful day! Happy Mother's Day, may God bless each of you as he has for me!

SHE is Here!

2020-05-09T22:00:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Prayer for OUR NEW GRAND BABY

"O Saint Joseph, you witnessed the miracle of birth, seeing the infant Jesus born of your most holy spouse, the Virgin Mary. With wonder and awe, you took into your arms the Savior. With gratitude that only a parent can know, you glorified God for the birth of his Son, entrusted to your fatherly care.

Like you, St. Joseph, I too give praise and glory to God for the birth of a beautiful child. This child’s life is such a miraculous testimony of God’s loving presence. My heart is filled with grateful joy. Join me dear St. Joseph, in offering thanks to God for the gift of this child.

What great trust and confidence God placed in you, St. Joseph, by entrusting his only Son into your fatherly care. This inspires me to entrust the spiritual care and protection of this newborn child into your competent and loving hands. Teach, guide, and support her parents Javajava and Pooker to fulfill well their awesome vocation to be a worthy parents to Our Precious New Grand-baby! Amen."

Thank you to all of our friends that have been praying for this precious child. We are in love, to say the least. J and I are thrilled to now be grandparents (still working on our names!)

Mom and baby are healthy and under the watchful eye of dad who is ready to help if either needs anything.

Happy Birthday Baby!

Happy Mothers Day Pooker!

Happy 1st wedding anniversary to Pooker and Javajava!

Tea Party

2020-05-08T21:00:00.000-05:00

Twin Beautiful ~ Twin Adorable

So a tea party was planned and prepared for. The twins sent invitations they went to the big kids and their friends. Do-Lo was the guest of honor. It was planned as soon as we were allowed to have gatherings.

While we discussed the news that the baby was fine and Pooker was not in labor, the twins sat by the door waiting to greet their guests. Pooker and JavaJava dressed and attended the party via phone while dad and mom were banished to the upstairs.

A great tea party was had by all. The interesting thing is that these two 7 year olds were able to get grown men dress up to have tea with them. I am impressed. Love these people!

Dad's Hair

2020-05-06T19:00:00.000-05:00

5/1

One of the fun things that has been happening around here is that the twins have enjoyed fixing dads hair.

5/6

Dad stocked up on treats to reward his hair dressers before we were on lock down. Twin Beautiful will work very hard for those treats.

Where to Stand

2020-05-06T16:59:00.000-05:00

Every where you go there are lines on the floor and notes about where to stand, and how to social distance.

If we were able to rename church then we would be able to back to church.

Just stand behind the blue markers.

This one is history in the making.

Sugar Is A Wedding Planner

2020-05-05T16:49:00.000-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS Sugar!

Sunday Fun!

2020-05-03T21:00:00.000-05:00

We all sit around waiting for the big news from Pooker. So far no news. Poor Pooker is due to have that baby's any time. The kids sat around, chatted while dad cooked dinner, talked to TX and then played some waffle ball!

Dinner was delicious! Yum!

Brothers Building A Fence

2020-05-02T16:06:00.000-05:00

We have had a few fence pieces fall down. I love watching the boys fix the fence. They do almost everything together. Pickle is teaching Jumba, always. It is so cool to watch!

Sticks is 21

2020-04-29T20:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Sticks! It was so fun to participate in this trendy way to celebrate a birthday! The car train is so popular and allows us to wish happy birthday but doesn't require a ton of time. We allowed Sugar and Possible to stay out and spend time with their guys, even though lockdown didn't lift for us for a few more days. These kids have been locked up at home or babysitting or teaching swimming. Same people small areas, they needed to social again. There were so many cars lined up, and the group was led by a fire engine. I was glad to talk to Sticks later and hear him say that this was one of the best birthdays he has ever had.

Happy Birthday Sticks!

Now Things are Changing Again

2020-04-29T19:39:00.002-05:00

I continue working on blog posts - the stay at home social distancing posts of our different life. I wanted to write as I was feeling the hurt and fear. It is part of where we are and If this time is going to make us better we need to understand what it was.

I must say that my anxiety is now growing. I was ok when I was told we needed to hunker down. Now the idea of sending the kids out into the world again has me a little sad and a little scared.
Groceries stores change from week to week, with new restrictions added to shoppers constantly. More barriers between people and cleaning stations at the entrance. I hate being told to put my mask on.

The news is telling us that there are supply chain issues for food.

My husband is still not traveling and I like that. How soon will that change?

My first Grand baby is due to be born ANY MINUTE and we are trapped hundreds of miles away. I want to be there for my daughter and I wanted to have helped her in these weeks before the baby. I wanted to pamper her but we are in a new world right now. Praying for sure! Praying for everyone. I miss Pooker and her husband JavaJava so very much, especially as their first wedding anniversary approaches.

I also miss Bear. We get to watch him at daily Mass that is being streamed and that is wonderful. He is also organizing a morning show that is shared on Facebook. Check it out by clicking here. I get to see him 3 times a week and pray with him everyday at the Mass. I am scared we will loose that connection to him.

The other kids have been forced to be around mom and dad. We have been forced to work on puzzles together. We have been forced to make meals and eat together all the time. We ate together three or four times a week before but now we are at 7 days a week. When someone is at work, we miss them. I don't want to loose that.

I look around at all the places of employment that are closing and those that I suspect will not make it. My heart sinks. My kids are lifeguards and coaches; but summer pools are not planning to open this summer.

Missouri is announcing "opening" under huge restrictions. We will need to leave name and address to enter stores. Our temperature taken to enter restaurants. Limited number of people allowed in all of these places. Forcing many of them to loose ever more money. How will they survive?

Then we turn to church. Pooker doesn't want us to visit baby until we can go to Mass together. It doesn't look like that will happen for a very long time. The idea of going to church for Mass and being told to go home because they have met their quota will break me. I miss our Lord in communion. I miss the normal Sunday Mass.

I am not wanting to be a "Debbie Downer" here, I am just wanting to record my feelings. Yeah, we might open and but I am fearful of the newer normal.

So I have learned to recite this over and over again the past two months. I was reminded last month when we were blessed to be able to go to Confession privately and then again on divine Mercy Sunday. It does help and I do believe! So many things out of my control. I need to continue to be the best me I can be and constantly say,

"Jesus I Trust In You!"

Last Sunday On Complete Lockdown In St. Charles

2020-04-26T14:00:00.000-05:00

So St. Louis had said they are waiting until May 15th but St. Chalres said they are lifting some restrictions on May 4. Not sure how this will all play out but I did want to make the most of our last totally restricted Sunday without dates and kiddos running off to meat others outside the house.

Anticipated Mass 4-25

Sunday 4-26

We started with Mass.

We gathered personal care items and food to donate local food pantry through ICD.

We enjoyed a wonderful and delicious breakfast made by dad.

We drank mimosas, bloody marys and fruit juiced depending on our age.

We enjoyed spending time together over breakfast.

We talked to everyone on the phone.

We got a blessing from each priest in the drive through at Icd,

had our salt blessed and exorcised,

and received holy water from the church,

and handed in our donations.

This was a full Sunday. It will soon be a thing of the past so we wanted to enjoy our Covid designed Sunday!
Happy Sunday, I hope it is filled with family and new traditions.

Shopping on Saturday

2020-04-25T15:21:00.000-05:00

Word is that some areas of the country are going to open up. We are stallion lock down but things are changing. This was for the good, I found toilet paper in the store. There wasn't a lot of it bt hopefully this is an indication that the shelves would not be as bare as they had been.

Everyone was wearing masks and the store design is being altered to cater to social distances. People look so fearful.

Personally I was feeling very confident. I did my nails and felt very put together. Who knew that nails and makeup can really give a girl courage and strength.

I came home from the store with stuff for our last official Sunday on lockdown and some more toilet paper and hand soap. Maybe things will get back to normal after all.

Impromptu Tea Party

2020-04-23T22:00:00.000-05:00

The twins got tea sets for Christmas but have not been able to use them much. They decided that today was the day. They were not waiting any longer.

The tea was made and the sisters sat down to enjoy!

Twin Beautiful ~ Twin Adorable

Sister are the best. When you have a lot of them you can through an impromptu tea party with many guests.

Masks and Memes of the Time

2020-04-22T14:40:00.000-05:00

The risk of the the disease is smaller that the issue that it is causing the country and the world. There are so many conspiracy stories floating around and I am beginning to feel that they are all real. The world is spinning and the truth is twisted. I can't even attend Holy Mass. So weird.

We know so many people in the oil industry. This was an issue before the virus and now with the lockdown there is no demand.

I have no way of knowing if there is any truth to this tweet but things like this are keeping me going!

I do find comfort in hearing from the president. I don't think that I trust his advisors. I am not sure I agree with the lock down idea at this point.

The CDC says not to wear masks but then localities are requiring them.

All I know is that I want things to be like they were before all this covid stuff.

My mom got me a cute mask, thanks mom.

Dinning Room, School and Puzzles

2020-04-21T12:24:00.000-05:00

I am hoping that you all notice that the dinning room has been redone. The table, chairs, hutch and church bench have all been re-stained. I am loving this so much. Our stuff now looks very classy. Our dinning room is still a very used room in our home. School work and the time killing puzzles all center around the over used room.

Today the twins got a very special thank you note from Monsignor from ICD for the notes that they have been making for the priest.

Look at how cool that table looks, when this lock down is over - I will miss my kiddos being around all the time but I will have a wonderful dinning room and beautiful new kitchen table.

Easter Visit to Mimi

2020-04-19T18:00:00.000-05:00

The kids got to point that they didn't care if we were on lock down or not. Goobers, Sugar, Possible, Princess and Bagel wanted to celebrate Easter. They got fun baskets and delivered to all of our St. Louis extended family.

I love the picture that Tim shared. No one was in anyone else's space, social distancing at its best! I love all the family in this picture. Maybe next year we can hold a huge family party!