Fun Times with the Fam

It's a good blogging break when it's due to family visiting. :)
My parents are visiting from South Carolina, and it's been a nice visit so far. We haven't seen them since Christmas!
Aidan (like usual) is talking their ears off, and Brennan is attempting to charm them into cookies, bananas, and ice cream. Both boys have been pretty successful.

We've enjoyed having them here, with playing outside, going for drives, and stopping by a local historical place. I've enjoyed snapping some photos:

Aidan & Brennan cruising on their "beep-beeps" to show off

Playing in the backyard on Friday (Aidan's friend was over)

Brennan w/ Grandmom & Pop-pop
I love this one
Brennan mooching some of Grandma's ice cream
Aidan & Pop-Pop checking out a pond at the historical place
What they saw (isn't it pretty?)
A frog!
Inside the botanical garden
Boy meets bear :)
Grandma & Brennan jamming

Even Pop-pop played some music
It's been a lot of fun. Aidan & Brennan are loving all the extra attention! What will we do when they leave?

Wordless Wednesday: Walk in Someone Else's Shoes

Go here for more Wordless Wednesday.

Fire It Up!

The grill, of course. ;)

Check out the foods we've been enjoying here.
(plus a yummy pork recipe)

I hope you all had a nice Memorial Day!

He Asked For It

Mess with the bull, you'll get the horns.

This 12 Year Old Girl Is AMAZING

The courage she shows is outstanding. (going on to give this speech when told not to by her teachers)
She understand life much better than many adults, and she is only 12.

I am so proud of this girl and hope she continues to lead in such a significant way.
You go, Lia!!

12-Year-Old Lia Speaks at March for Life

“Every day, 115,000 are being put to death through abortion. 115,000. Look around at this great sea of people. This is only about 10,000 people. Every two hours, this amount of children are killed because of abortion.”
“Almost one third of our generation never made it out of the womb,” Lia said, “all those lives are now gone. All that potential, gone, and all that hope and future, gone.”

Lia rhetorically asked the crowd, “Why do we think that just because a fetus can't talk, or do what we do, it isn't a human being yet? Could it be that we only call them humans if they're wanted?”

This next part gives me immediate goosebumps:

Next, Lia spoke out against the startling abortion statistics related to babies with disabilities, saying, “What doesn't make sense to me is that on the one hand, we provide special parking and elevators for the handicapped, we sponsor the Special Olympics, speaking of the joy they are to us and how they inspire us.” She continued, “But, when we find out that a pregnant woman is carrying one of these very children we counsel her to abort it, not giving the child a second thought.”

Lia also addressed gender targeted abortions, specifically the targeting of women. She said that “in Bombay, out of 8,000 pregnancy tests which indicated that the baby was female, only one of the babies lived. As for the rest, the mother exercised her choice. They were aborted. Killed.”

Lia ended her speech quoting Dr. Seuss's book “Horton Hears a Who,” saying, “even though you can't hear them, or see them at all, a person's a person, no matter how small.”

I hope we gain many more "Lias" in this world.
We certainly need it.

The Cure for Bordeom (re: blog quiz)

How Do You Really Feel About Your Family?

When taking this quiz, I had in mind my immediate family growing up, not me, Pat, and our boys.

You Feel Inadequate Around Someone in Your Family

You are very quick to forgive your family for wrongdoings. You don't expect them to be perfect, and you try to help them out whenever it's possible. You feel like your family is prone to too many arguments and instability. You never feel like things can be completely peaceful. You feel envious toward someone in your family. You can't help but be jealous of some one's success or popularity. You tend to be the rock in your family. You support everyone in their times of need, and they take your advice seriously.

How Do You Really Feel About Your Family?

Hmmm....
I especially agree with the 2nd paragraph. I agree with the 1st one, too.
Envious towards someone? Sure. There are 7 other kids besides myself. I'd say I'm envious of at least 2 for different reasons.

Last paragraph: me a rock? Not sure I agree, but I do hope to be there for my family when they need someone. Not always easy considering I live out-of-state from them.
I don't think I'm one for advice or to be listened to, but who knows.

What about you?
Take the quiz and let good ol' Blogthings read into your soul. ;) Ha!

Huh. Ya Learn Something New Every Day

I've heard of St. Rita and knew that she was patron of impossible causes, but I never knew that:

• she was married due to an arranged marriage
• her husband abused her
• she had 2 sons
• she joined the convent after her abusive husband and sons died
• she died on this day in 1457
• today is her feast day

I'll bet Haleigh (my niece) knew this.

To me, I think it's amazing she had such strong faith living the life she led. Being beat by your own husband? Watching him die, and then watching your own children die?! I tend to lose faith in those times.
St. Rita is cooler than I knew.

What Time Is It? Summertime!!!

It's our vacation. :)
It's Aidan's, at least.

With graduation yesterday and his school picnic today, he is completely done with preschool!
Good & bad, since he loved it so much. Hopefully he'll have a few playdates over the summer.

The picnic was at one of our favorite parks today, and it was a lot of fun. (Fun for Aidan. I was busy chasing after Brennan;)
I snatched a few pictures. I especially love the first one.


They were exhausted by the time we got home; Brennan even took a short nap.
I told Aidan he & I would watch a movie. What did he pick?
High School Musical 2! Very fitting for his last day of school stuff.

Summer Vacation for Aidan begins!! And I get my boy back every day for the next few months. :)

Preschool Graduation!

My baby has completed preschool!!!
Aidan's graduation was just too cute yesterday. I am so very pleased with his preschool. Every ounce of me is happy with sending him there. It was a great experience, great environment, and he loved it all.
He never cried, never wanted to stay home, never had to come home from school...I am so grateful he loves school. I feel like we hit the jackpot!

They did a fantastic job with the graduation. I'm probably posting too many pictures for your interest, but that's the risk you take coming to my blog. ;)

We had fun getting ready at home, very happy to see Pat's mom, sister, and her 3 kids come down, and surprised by some things during graduation.

They had a guest speaker! Totally didn't expect that one. Our city's mayor came and gave a speech. It was very cute. After that the students did the Pledge, then sang America, the Beautiful! It was adorable. They sang some more songs, then one class received their diplomas, then Aidan's class. I can honestly say I held up better than I expected. It's just something to learn as a parent: each milestone your child reaches, it's a bittersweet growing pain for you. It's deep.

And now the endless pictures!

Aidan & Brennan before going to school

the cupcakes

Aidan with his teacher

the sign Brennan & I made
table w/ the book his preschool sent home (that was the real tear jerker)
It's dark, but this is his group before walking down the aisle to Pomp & Circumstance

DRUM ROLL....







THE GRADUATE!

His class listening to the mayor


Good shot of Aidan
His classReceiving his diploma!


Back in the classroom, cutting loose
Aidan & his cousin Mercy at the sanctuary where graduation was held
Back home for the "party", holding his newest cousin, Luciano

A lot of pictures! It was a great day and we're very proud of him.
It's not just the fact that he went to preschool. It's the fact that he went so bravely, from day one, eager and ready to learn.
From day one he has constantly reached out to the other kids to develop friendships.
He spent many hours drawing pictures and making cards for classmates, teachers...
He developed his first true friendships, had play dates without me there...

My once colicky baby is 5 years old, and he has grown so much. He grew so much this year, and has matured.
I love you, Aidan!

Taking Comfort in Comfort Food (plus a recipe review)

Humor me and read about it here.

Menu Plan Monday--May 18, 2009

I'm back on track! I'm excited about this week's menu because we're trying a new recipe (see Monday), and having an oldy but goody (Thursday's dinner). :)
PLUS....my oldest has his Preschool Graduation on Wednesday!! I can't believe it. I know it's "only" preschool, but he's our oldest, and this is a big milestone for all of us. He'll be in school full-time after this, for at least the next 13-17 years! The early years sure did go by quickly.
**scroll down for the cute dessert I'll be making**
Monday: Mexican Pasta Skillet
Tuesday: Sandwich Night
Wednesday: Grill out Hot Dogs~Aidan's Preschool Graduation!
Thursday: Crockpot Cola Pork Sandwiches (alter recipe for pork)
Friday: Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings (recipe @end of pg1-pg2)

As mentioned above, I'm making a cute unofficial-start-of-summer dessert to celebrate my son's Preschool Graduation.
You gotta love KRAFT! I found this adorable recipe on the site:

Are they not adorable cupcakes?!It's my little "surprise" for Aidan. :)

Sunday Prayer~Join Me?

I have gotten away from posting much on my faith and prayer life.
Earlier in my blogging days, I often posted about matters in the Church, being pro-life, etc.
Those things still remain a part of me, but for whatever reason, I no longer blog about them as I used to.

That is going to change.
I plan to try and do a Sunday post each week with a prayerful focus. Not to be holier-than-thou, but to start the week off in a better way, to get my focus in order, and maybe even to offer a gain to you, the reader, as well.

I hope to find the Gospel online and coordinating meditations to go with it. Nothing fancy, but a start.

Will you join me?

Today's Readings are:
Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48
1 Jn 4:7-10
Jn 15:9-17 (Gospel)

In Acts we learn of Peter's meeting with Cornelius, wherein Peter teaches Cornelius and his family more about Christ. Cornelius then becomes Baptized.

Cornelius is quite the example. I like the meditation offered here:

Cornelius was blessed because of his virtuous disposition, even though he didn’t know about Jesus. He was blessed because of his desire for God, his faithfulness to prayer, and his willingness to open his home to Peter and his companions. He was blessed because he and his wife led their family in the ways of God according to the best of their understanding. They practiced their faith, however limited it may have been.

The meditation further offered:

Likewise, God will bless our families if we bring him into our homes and if we try to have a right disposition in life. So let this story encourage you. God loves your family, and he will reward your attempts to bring them closer to him.

From this I ask myself how well do I bring God into my home?
Sure, we have a crucifix in each room, along with some religious pictures. We pray Grace before meals, and bedtime prayers with the boys.
But are we actively bringing God into our home, our just doing a routine?
I'm guilty of many days just doing a routine.

This week I want to try and see God more in my home. I hope to bring Him into our home in a new way, a more concentrated, deliberate way.

How do you bring God into your home?

“Lord, I invite you into my home. Come, Jesus, and make your home among us.”

Psalm 98:1-4; 1 John 4:7-10; John 15:9-17

One Week

In one week Aidan will be all done with preschool!

I can't believe it. I'm getting goosebumps even just typing this.

Wednesday is his preschool graduation, and I have a feeling they'll be wearing little kid caps & gowns.
Ah! :)
I know they're learning songs to sing for us parents. I will be an emotional mess.
I tear up NOW just hearing any hint of Pomp & Circumstance.

It has been the best year for Aidan. From day one, he walked right into that preschool classroom with the biggest smile on his face. He never wanted to stay home. He never cried.
On the days he wasn't in school, he'd talk of wanting to be at school.

He has developed many friendships, gone to birthday parties, play dates...
He even has some special girls in his life. ;)

I was apprehensive about preschool, but I am so glad we did it. He had an amazing experience.
We lucked out with his school.

One week from today it will all be over & done with. Wednesday is the graduation, and next Thursday is the end-of-year picnic at one of our favorite parks.

I will be sad to see it end, but I know many great things lie ahead with kindergarten starting in the fall.

We have all grown this year with preschool being a part of our lives.
Aidan has really matured, and I am so very proud of the little man he is becoming.

I'm planning on making these special cupcakes to honor the unofficial start of summer, and hopefully Pat's mom will make it down for the graduation. I know it's only preschool, but it's a big deal for us.

One week...ah!

Wordless Wednesday: Mother's Day Present

My 5 year old is one smart boy, remembering me saying I wanted a flag for our house!

Aidan & Patrick put it up last night

Ta-da!

Aidan insisted on taking my picture:

Come Visit Me!

I'm here today. :)

I'd love to see the ball rolling more over there, so please stop by and visit!

On Mother's Day

I love being a mom because I can sense my purpose.

I have brought 3 souls into this world.
3 different times I have experienced that unique time, looking down at a stick and seeing two lines.

The first time I had no clue what I was in for.
I had no idea I would become so sleep deprived. I had no clue I would become absent from movie theaters, restaurants, and my pillow.
I had no clue I would experience clothing in the double digits.

I also never knew how amazing it would be to hear myself being called "momma".
I never expected it to feel so incredible to watch my own flesh & blood get himself dressed, or bid farewell to diapers.

Lord knows I was not prepared for the joy in seeing my son develop into such a kind soul.
Aidan, for instance. The boy goes out to every kid at the park, inviting them to play.
He opens the door for me. He cares for his baby brother. He has man-time with his daddy.

Brennan...never did I expect to fall in love with more than one child so deeply.
Hearing Brennan sing turns me into mush in a matter of seconds.
Watching him run to hug me makes me feel like the brightest star in the sky.

It's fascinating. Having the opportunity to help form these little people into good men or women...it can take your breath away.
It can also make you count to three over & over again, but the rewards far outweigh the moments of frustration.

As mothers, we are blessed. It may not always feel like it, but in my opinion, all worthwhile things in life take work and sacrifice.

If we do our part, I believe God rewards us back with loving children.

Today I am especially grateful for my own mother. She is an amazing woman who has endured so much.
I am grateful for my sister, and the example of compassion and patience she is as a mother, even if she can't always see it herself.

I feel blessed for all of my friends who are mothers, and my bloggy friends, too.
We are on this journey together, and it's nice to know I am in good company.

Happy Mothers Day to all of you wonderful moms!

Filled with Emotion

Today I participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk with some ladies my husband works with.

I've done charity walks before, but never for breast cancer, and not since high school.
It was such an emotional experience for me, I'm sure in part more now that I am older and have matured at least a tad since high school.

Some people are so clever with their signs/slogans.

My favorite was "Don't Slack! Check your rack!".Another good one was "Save em all, big or small"
Most clever was a tee with a lemon on it, reading "Squeeeeeze", then a mammogram reminder on the back.

Hitting me emotionally was the people walking with signs on their backs, "walking in memory of...".
Wow. Totally teared up there.

Some were reassuring, reading "my so & so survived cancer", or "I am a survivor".

Serious lump in my throat.

I'm sure we all know someone who has been hit by some form of cancer. My paternal grandfather died from lung cancer. Two local friends I know have each had different types of cancer, and thankfully they have recovered.

As a woman breast cancer awareness is certainly something I should pay more attention to.
Yes, I do things to limit my risk. But you just never know...
Isn't that scary?
You never know when you or someone you care about, regardless of age, could be struck with such a difficult disease.

I was so happy to be out there today walking in support of both the victims and survivors. I hope it is true that each year, there will be fewer victims, and more survivors.
Even better still, fewer people struck with cancer.

So today I started off walking for women everywhere. Scratch that-all of us. Even men can get breast cancer.
I walked for them, and I hope to do it again next year.

Check out the American Cancer Society site for information on breast cancer.