Happy Surprise!

Today my friend called me and said that one of my all time favorite priests, Fr. John, was here from Mexico. I was SO excited! I got the kids ready and rushed over. I went to down to Tijuana almost every summer from 1996 - 2005. We stayed with the Sisters - the Missionaries of the Cross, and just do whatever they need. I've done everything from putting a roof on a house, tiling a floor in the school, sorting clothes, visiting families to ask why their kids weren't coming to school, painting classrooms, and I was usually the unofficial translator. I loved this job (back when I was good at Spanish) because I got to go everywhere with everyone. Those summer mission trips are some of my best memories. Fr. John is the closest to a living saint I've ever met. He has worn the same sweater, shirt, pants and shoes ever since I met him. Whenever anyone gives him anything at all, he gives it away. He lives among the poorest of the poor. I want to be like him when I grow up.

He's also in the best shape of any 70 year old man I've ever seen. He plays basketball twice a week and can keep up with the best of the best. He is seriously talented. So one year we all pooled our money and bought him a really nice pair of basketball shoes. I knew he had never had anything like that, at least since he became a missionary priest. He was so excited when he opened it. I thought maybe he would give those away, so we told him we had bought them just for him. And he used them every year I went back :) I will never forget his face when he saw them.

So the last year I went there, 2005, Madre Maria told me that within one year, I'd have a baby. She was right. So I haven't seen Fr. John since he came to Indiana in 2006.

Today he got to meet my kids for the first time. He also blessed our whole family. He looks exactly the same and it was so wonderful to see him.

Quit whining Buddy, don't you know who is holding you?? ;)

God Bless Fr. John!!

Madeleine at the eye doctor

I took Madeleine to a follow up eye doctor appointment today, for her eye muscle problem. It doesn't seem to be getting any better after a year of treatment, so she mentioned that surgery -loosening of her eye muscles, might be needed. We are to continue her treatment for 4 more weeks, then off for 3 weeks, then come back and she'll check her again. I really hope she doesn't need surgery, although the doctor said it was pretty easy, no needles, only takes about 45 minutes, and the only restriction is no swimming for two days.

She really had a great time and even asked if we could go back and get her eyes checked tomorrow!

Bud's birthday party

Here are just a few pictures from the party. I didn't get very many good ones! And I helped him open his presents so I didn't get any of that. Here's my sweet birthday boy:
Toddling around his party.
I bought a birthday cake for everyone else, and got him his own piece of strawberry shortcake from this delicious bakery in town.
He really enjoyed it :)

These Boots are made for

Walking ;)

Buddy has started walking all over the house. It was like something clicked and now he's doing great! He loves to walk right up to Madeleine and give her a hug - and she loves it too! I have to remind her not to lift him up or hug him too rough while he's standing, because he's not all the sturdy yet. However, he's much sturdier than she was when she started walking at 15 months!

We had his one year and her three year doctors appointments today. Madeleine weighs 29 lbs and is 38 inches tall - she's up to the 50th percentile for weight and still in the 75th for height. John Paul weighed almost 20 lbs and was 30 1/2 inches - so 25th percentile for weight and 75th for height.

I had been nervous about going to the doctor for a while, because I've delayed Madeleine's MMR vaccine and I kind of wanted to delay it for one more year. I read in Dr. Sears Vaccine Book that if a child waits till they're 4 for that shot, they only need one dose instead of two. I mentioned that to Dr. J today and he said "Deal!" It was no problem. I was really happy about this.

They both have rashes on their legs, he said they just have "allergic skin" and it's a type of atopic dermatitis or excema, so I have to keep them well moisturized all the time and use some hydrocortizone if it flares up. He asked if M was speaking in 3-4 word sentences!! I almost laughed out loud and told him she was doing that at 18 months. John Paul pointed to a book in the room and said "book!" and Dr. J was really impressed - just from that he said he's ahead of most boys in speech. He also says a few more words, but not as many as M did at this age. But he said that was totally normal - boys usually develop physically sooner (hence the walking) and verbally later.

He said they were both doing great. JP has to come back for a 15 month appointment, but after that only once a year. I love our pediatrician!

He asked about Madeleine's passing out episode - and I told him about her diagnosis of Ketotic hypoglycemia, and that we just have to make sure she eats regularly, and gets protein and some sugar at every meal (sugar like fruit). He said it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to make sure we feed John Paul that same way, since he's turning out to be a skinny kid too, and this kind of stuff runs in families.

We hit a few garage sales afterwards and bought a few little things. Madeleine LOVES garage sales. It started raining and I told her we had to go home and she was really sad. I'm happy she loves them because I do too! We'll have some fun shopping experiences this summer I'm sure.

Speaking of garage sales, my friend is having a huge one next weekend to raise money for their adoption. If anyone around here would like the address, please email me. Madeleine is already looking forward to it!

Buddy's birthday

He had a great day yesterday! He got to open a present from Aunt Jenni and Uncle Mike, which was a huge hit with him AND Madeleine :) (They're learning to take turns!)

Also, Grandma and Madeleine set up his present from Grandma and Papa during his morning nap. It was also a huge hit! But we learned that this is a "before bath" activity ONLY. They both got completely covered with sand and water - but had a great time!

Daddy and the Birthday Boy!

I made him one of his favorite dinners - meatloaf, sweet potatoes, artichokes, and for dessert, he got his own slice of chocolate cake. He loved it!

I tried to take a picture of Madeleine and John Paul but this was the best I can get!

So just yesterday, John Paul started walking all over the house! It's like something just clicked. He's walking from room to room, bending down and picking up toys on the floor, and he even walked up and gave Madeleine a hug yesterday! She loved it! Madeleine said yesterday that John Paul was getting to be a big boy and asked if we could have another baby. I told her it was ok for her to ask God if she wanted another baby in our family, since He is the one who decides when families get babies. She asked if we could ask God right now, so we all held hands around the dinner table and Ken asked God if it was His Will, that He'd send us another baby. Madeleine got a HUGE smile on her face. So we will see what happens! I thought it was pretty cool that she was thinking about that.

Happy Birthday John Paul!!

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We Love YOU!!!!

My handsome boy

My sweet boy turns one tomorrow. In the blink of an eye, he went from this sweet little newborn....

To my wonderful, happy, sweet, funny, food throwing, almost walking, destructive, loud, loving, still likes to cuddle with mama boy.
And this mama thinks he is the most amazing little boy who ever lived.

Fr. John *update with pictures*

My favorite priest from college is leaving campus ministry and getting reassigned, and they're having a going away dinner for him up at my college tonight. I haven't seen him really since I graduated in 2001. Whoa. That was a long time ago. But we are going to head up tonight and I can't wait. I have so many good memories of him!! I got to go on a few Habitat for Humanity trips with him over spring breaks my junior and senior year. One year we went to Pikeville KY and another time Marion SC. We spent the week building houses, and having a fantastic time. Fr. John drove about 10 students down, taught us all how to hammer, make sure the wood was "flush" and "square." He was extremely patient with us and now I feel like I am pretty good at hammering a nail! haha! He also got up early one morning, went to the Piggly Wiggly (you think I'm kidding) and made homemade cinnamon rolls for the 100 people who were sleeping at the church. He was getting his masters degree in Metal Arts at the time, and was making a chain for the incense to be used at the Chrism Mass. He let everyone help and patiently taught us all how to form the wires.

I lived at the Newman Center for 2 years, and those were some of the best years of my life. Fr. John's patience with us in teaching us new things has helped me be a better parent. I think of him and pray for him often, and I'm so excited to see him tonight!

We had a great time at St. Francis tonight! Fr. John sat with us for probably an hour and a half and chatted. It was fantastic. We also saw some old friends from college which was lots of fun. John Paul loved Fr. John.




When we left, he gave them both blessings. We are so lucky to have these wonderful priests in our lives!

My Bud

I cannot believe he'll be ONE in less than a week!!

Seriously, where does the time go? Shouldn't he still be a tiny newborn??

Madeleine and Sew

Hanging out at Borders. Madeleine LOVES her. She's been talking about her and singing about her since she left!

Sew is so great about stepping in and helping - getting them out of the car, feeding, cutting up food, getting drinks, etc. She is like a family member and M can't wait for her to come back!

Hanging with Sew

We had such a great time this week with Sew! She is like part of the family. I really wish we had had a few more days since we didn't get to fit everything in. We did go to the zoo.... and Jenny came with us. I had the zoo pass less than a week and got her to go to the ZOO, which has ANIMALS and is mostly OUTDOORS (all things she's not fond of ;) We all enjoyed the penguins - we happened to catch the penguin feeding...

When we got home, Sew decided she was going to organize our entire kitchen! I didn't take before pictures, but here is my pantry after.... she is the BEST!!!! She was like a machine. My kitchen never looked better.

Jenny and I went to Walmart, and got all these glass jars and Jenny bought a label maker.

She got a little "label happy" towards the end...

My mom babysat on Friday night so we all got to go hear Ken's band play and eat a nice dinner. We had a great time and several other friends came too.
I used all of Jenny's pictures since I can't seem to find my camera at the moment - there might be some new pics when I find it!

We also watched the movie Food, Inc. on Saturday night. It took us 4 HOURS to get through because Ken kept pausing it and "discussing" the ideas in the movie. I enjoyed it and will probably watch it again by myself so I can see it straight through. I've been asking Ken to watch this with me for a LONG time and he finally agreed. It was very interesting.

Sew, we had such a great time with you! Thanks so much for everything, all the cleaning, organizing, helping with the kids, and being such a great friend ;) We hope you come back soon!!

Look what Sew's doing to my Bud ;)

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He really did start walking yesterday, he took about 10 steps! But he wasn't into it after awhile ;)

We are having a great time!

John Paul's first Easter

Oh look! The bunny came! Mom bought them baskets with their names on them.

Madeleine got a big blow-up globe - both kids like it. The Easter Bunny didn't bring any candy to our house - it's a good thing because they got overloaded by the Easter egg hunt at church on Saturday, and the Grandmas.

I took probably 20 pictures - maybe I'll do an outtake post ;)

Madeleine having fun at Grandma's house

Opening their Easter baskets. Madeleine got a really cute house that folds out, and came with furniture and a whole bunny family (Mommy bunny, Daddy bunny, Madeleine bunny and John Paul bunny.) It has her name on it too! John Paul got a car to push around - his favorite thing to do! And a bunch of other stuff too!

Grandma and Madeleine

Grandma, Papa, the kids

Family picture

Madeleine got a new leap touch junior book

Papa and John Paul. My dad was really proud of his shirt - it says:
Toyota. Once you drive one, you never stop. ;)

I forgot to bring my camera to Ken's parents house, but we went there later that day. They hunted for eggs, ate a ton of candy and a delicious ham dinner, and played outside with their cousins.

We are so excited - Miss Sew is coming tomorrow! (She must like us - this is the third time she's been here!)

Easter Vigil mass and Prayer Buddy

was beautiful. Long, but beautiful. Here's what happened about an hour in.

Dad: PSSSST. Do you have internet on your phone?
Me: Yes.......
Dad: Check the score of the Duke game!
Mom: her trademarked "disappointed click."

We had a great Easter and I will post pictures tomorrow.

Also, my prayer buddy was Fertile Thoughts. John Paul has been sick for 2 months, and that involved a lot of extra waking up at night. I made a point to remember her during those times, offer the loss of sleep up for her and her unborn baby! A, I'm going to send you something, but after you find out if your baby is a boy or girl ;)

I'm not cutting it yet!

Today on our walk with the kids in the double stroller:

Madeleine, running her fingers through her brother's hair: "Mommy, you really didn't do a very good job combing John Paul's hair today!"


I took the Bud back to the doctor this morning for the infection that won't quit, so we didn't get to do our Good Friday lesson plan. (But it worked out, since Grandma read her a bunch of books about Easter at her house.) Yesterday we did Holy Thursday and I focused on Jesus washing his disciples feet. After going over it 20 times, she remembers that Jesus washed his disciples feet, and he was trying to teach us to be kind and do things for other people. I asked her what kinds of things she could do to serve, and she said she could pick up her toys.

Anyway, one of his ears is better, but the other is still infected. Well, he said this could be a completely different infection. He also thinks he has a sinus infection draining into his throat making him cough. So, another 10 days of antibiotics.

In other news, I don't have my Ergo yet, even though I check the front porch about 50 times a day. I did, however, get a nice Jehovah's Witness tract. Just what I always wanted. You invite one Witness in, and you never hear the end of it.

Ken and I decided to split up for Easter mass this year. I'm so excited because I haven't got to pay attention in Mass for 3 years and a month. AND, I get to go to the Easter Vigil! I can't wait. That is my favorite mass ever.

Bud's new words

So, we went to DQ today, and Bud said his first two words together. He pointed at mom's ice cream and said,

"A bite!"

I thought it was just a fluke, but he said it several more times! Boy knows what he wants.

I am taking him back to the doctor tomorrow. He can't stop coughing now. He just can't kick this thing. Say a prayer for him if you think of it. I hope they don't put him on more antibiotics - they don't seem to be helping at all.

And, our Holy Week activities are in full swing. I'm not exactly sure if any of this is sinking in though. Here's a typical conversation.

(Right after we read and talked about Palm Sunday.)

Grandma, "Madeleine, what did you read about today?"

M: "What?"

Me: "Madeleine, what did we just get done reading about?"

M: "What?"

Me: "What animal did Jesus ride into Jerusalem?"

M: "A giraffe?"

Me: "What did the people wave in the air when Jesus rode into Jerusalem?"

M: "A stick?"

Me" *sigh*

Holy Week begins

As nervous as I was about Palm Sunday mass, everyone was really well behaved! In an attempt to actually listen to the Passion Gospel, I decided to nurse John Paul during it. I actually haven't done that in public for a while, but it worked like a charm. He nursed during the entire gospel, and then kind of dozed off. So for the first time in probably 3 or 4 months, I did not have to leave the church once! It was really nice.

We are skipping Before 5 in a Row this week and focusing on Holy Week. We're doing a lot of reading from our kid's Bible Stories book - they have stories from Palm Sunday through Easter. We are also going to use our Can You Find Jesus book for the appropriate days.

I have some fun crafts planned too - a stained glass cross with tissue paper for earlier in the week and a Watercolor (her favorite) picture of the 3 crosses on the hill for Good Friday. I'm also planning on making Hot Cross Buns.

While searching for ideas, I came across several great sites. I am going to make a new section of my sidebar and post a few links.

In other news, John Paul finished his second round of antibiotics today for his ear infection that won't quit. I'm still not sure he's better. I might call the doctor tomorrow. What do they do after antibiotics don't work? Poor little Bud.

So excited!!!

Today on babysteals.com there was an ERGO baby carrier for 50% off - I have wanted one of these for years! (But I didn't think Ken would be all that thrilled with me buying a $135 baby carrier, so I never got one.) Even the used ones I've seen are over $100.

So I finally got one- this one - and I can't wait!

I can't wait to use it on hikes this summer, in church, farmer's market, etc. The best part was, after I ordered it, I found a check for $60 from my aunt that I had forgotten about! (I had sold her some of my stamps.) So that just about covered it.

Pictures coming as soon as I get it!

Is some of this actually sinking in?

We've having a bible verse of the week, and this was our verse last week. It went with the book Katy No Pocket, which I highly recommend. We didn't talk too much about it, but we talked about being kind and what it means to be generous once or twice.
So yesterday I went to the Starbucks drive thru (I know!) and got an iced chai and I got M an oatmeal raisin cookie. She kept giving bites of her cookie to her brother. I told her that was a very kind thing to do. After a while she said, "Was I being generous, Mommy?" YES! She shared her music toys with him today and said she wanted to be generous. What a good girl!

This is our verse for this week. We are reading The Snowy Day and the pictures are a mixture of watercolor and collage. Here's our spring collage with our bible verse:

And speaking of watercolors.........
She is LOVING them. We did it yesterday and she begged to do it again today. She painted for at least an hour. We do all this stuff during John Paul's morning nap. So....
I had to go get him so I left her alone with her paints for 30 seconds.... and THIS is what I come down to.

Oh my....

Notice the sleeping cat who has been styled by someone in this house.