Mother's Shower

Alrighty.  I'm dusting off the old blog, because some experiences just have to be shared.

I know so many mamas of many have encountered many nay-sayers, some close to their hearts, some complete strangers.  I have to admit, I haven't really found this to be true for me.  People certainly share opinions, but I have never been so bombarded that I feel attacked in any way.  It's easy enough to laugh off.

On the flip side, I have also felt extreme support for this path of motherhood I've traveled.  But none more than last weekend when a friend hosted a "Mother's Shower" for myself and two other sweet mamas.  When one thinks of a baby shower, images of new mamas, gifts of giant strollers and playpens, and crazy games come to mind.

This shower had none of that.  It was just so much MORE.  It was truly a blessing to all in attendance, but most especially to the mothers.

For one thing, each of us was expecting either baby #5 or baby #6.  I'm pretty sure none of us needed a giant stroller.  But I know for certain that we all need love, support, and prayer.

Our talented hostess (oh, if I could be so cute and talented!) provided a beautiful spread of delicious food and drinks.  She also provided comfort and hospitality for all to simply visit and enjoy.

The crux of the event was prayer.  She wrote up a beautiful and moving Litany invoke Mary and many Saints to bless the mothers and bless our children.  She invited all in attendance to continue praying for us.  It was really an amazing thing to know that, even after six children, people are rooting for you!

We left the afternoon with flowers, a book of prayers and well wishes from all attendees, and special candles to light when labor started.

Now that Kateri has been born, I can say these candles were an amazing source of strength and support.  All of the woman at the shower that day were given a small candle (and matches!) to light when they were informed that one of us was in labor.  I lit mine and knew my friends were praying for me.  And I even checked Instagram at one point and saw a picture of a friends candle, lit for me, and placed next to a picture of Our Lady!  Chills!  It was beautiful.

Football

It's football fever around here.  Both boys are playing football this season - Christopher plays full pads with the school's "Little Gridiron" program and PeterXavier is playing flag football.  PeterXavier had a game last night and made a pretty good run.

Busy Times

School is in full swing here and we are finding our new normal.  It's more than a little wild though.  PeterXavier started Kindergarten this year.  He loves it.  Everyday he comes home and says school was "awesome" and when asked what he learned says "nothing".  My mother wisely pointed out that this means he's having so much fun he doesn't realize he is learning.  I like that explanation.

As wonderful as kindergarten is, it has added one more schedule to the mix.  We are basically running on Christopher's traditional school schedule, Grace's home school schedule, and PeterXavier's kindergarten schedule.  Throw in naps (not really happening, but a girl can pretend), big kid football, and flag football and you have a bit of a wild ride.

Oh, and did I mention that we got rid of one of our cars?  Andrew's car died and we were left wondering what to do.  Buying a truck was strongly considered, but that's expensive so many levels - initial cost, registration, taxes, insurance, and then gas to make the thing run.  Yikes!

So we bought a bike.*

Best. Decision. Ever.

Ask me again in January, but right now, I am loving this set up.  We are blessed to live very close to everything as well as in a town with great public transportation.  Also, biking is becoming much more prominent in our area, making it that much safer.  Andrew tries to bike or bus to work each day and the kids and I are biking all over.

It's great to chat as we ride, share in the challenge of a tough hill climb, and listen to screeches and screams as we glide down a hill.  It's also fun for us to stop and chat with people as we pass by, talk to each other as we stop for a water break, or cheer each other on when the going gets tough.

(*My beloved Ute was purchase used from our local bike shop - I certainly didn't pay sticker price.  I don't want anyone to follow that link and think I'd lost my marbles)
**Also, Avila does not ride on the deck as pictured above!  Andrew built me a stoker bar and Avi was pretending to test it out.

Seven Quick Takes

I realize quick takes are usually on Friday, but if I don't seize the moment, it won't ever happen.

I.
This has been a super busy week of errand running and general craziness.  Christopher had football camp every morning, which was actually quite the blessing.  He loved every minute of it and had a great time.  Bonus: it got us up and out of the house early so we could get our busy-ness out of the way early in the day.

II.
School shopping is d.o.n.e.  The boys have all of their supplies, shoes, and uniforms.  PeterXavier is super excited to start school like his big brother. Early completion of school supply shopping short of a miracle, as I am not usually finished with a task a month in advance!  But it had to be finished before . . .

III.
Christopher leaves for Italy on Monday!  Ahh!  And returns about six hours before school starts for the year.  So I pretty much had to be ready for the beginning of school half way through the summer!

IV.

  It turns out that there is a lot more to shipping your child over seas without you than just getting a passport.  I ended up printing numerous "Permission to Travel" documents and having them notarized.  Hopefully no one thinks my parents are trying to steal him.

V.
My sweet little niece is being baptized tomorrow.  Along with that celebration, we are throwing in about four birthdays to celebrate as well.  I have to laugh that my family can never have a celebration for just one thing.  We always find so much more to celebrate!  Since Christopher and my dad will be in Rome for their birthdays, we'll eat our cake with them tomorrow :)

VI.
Are all four year olds this whiney??  Oh boy.

VII.
I feel like we've been trapped inside by heat for weeks!  On this afternoons agenda - pizza and a movie!  I think everyone deserves a treat after this busy week.

A Slightly Disjointed Crazy Summer ReCap

We're half way through summer and I'm still trying to find those "lazy days"!  We've been so busy, but all in a good way.  This week and last we've had swimming lessons every morning.  It makes for a busy morning, but the kids are having fun (finally!  it started out a little rough) and it forces us to get moving on our day.

Yesterday, the kids wanted to practice their new skills at my uncles pool.  Turns out, we weren't the only ones!  Lots of cousins showed up and it turned into a fantastically fun afternoon!  Not only do I have a great family, but they all have great spouses and their kids are friends with mine, so it works very well.

I've been wanting a wicker basket for my bike for a while now, but who wants to shell out $50??  Last night I had a genius idea to make my own!  So this morning I biked to the nearby thrift store and got this basket for $1... a little ribbon and some buckles from me stash and easy - peasy basket!

Oh!  Back to my cousins . . . the youngest cousin was married last Friday and Grace was one of her flowergirls.  It was a beautiful wedding and Hope was, hands down, the CUTEST bride ever.

Happy Birthday, Avila!

Our sweet Avi turned two today! 

How did she grow so fast?  She went so quickly from a bright eyed babe to a running, climbing-everything-in-sight, giggling little girl!

She's such a cheerful little girl, bringing sunshine to our family everyday!

Happy Second Birthday, Avila Josephine!

(Photo #2 credit goes to Uncle Morton and his fancy-dancy new iPhone!)

Where'd she go?

I know I've been MIA around the blog lately.  Today, I'm over at Tailor Made Mama talking all about babywearing!

Our busy summer is charging along at full force already.  Four kids have a track meet tonight - fun times!