Just a start on some vacation pics...

Destin, 2011 - great trip, more to come...

Leah's Beautiful Eyes

My darling, oh why do you want to wear makeup...to be like Mom I'm sure. But then what's the right approach to making sure they always feel beautiful without makeup? Hmm, but Mom wears makeup, why does that make sense? Hmm, haven't answered that yet. In any event, these thoughts are in response to Leah's many trips to my bathroom lately...seeking the makeup. One morning recently (I think I worked the night before), I was getting ready & noticed that my eyeliner, mascara, and body lotion were all missing. After she woke up, I just calmly asked her if she had been keeping those items safe for me. She said yes. I asked her where she's been keeping them and she quickly got them out. I thanked her for keeping them for me and just asked her to make sure Mom was with her if she was needing any more of my makeup. Since then, there's been multiple occasions where she appears with huge black circles literally drawn around her eyes - from eyebrow to below the eye, or mascara streaks on her cheeks, or lipstick everywhere BUT her lips. And then of course you ask her if she's been in my makeup and OF COURSE, the answer is, "No." But then she seems so amazed, like, wow, how did Mom know I was in her stuff again? Priceless. Now, I think we have it all under control - I gave her some old makeup - just some light eye shadow and some almost gone blush in a compact that she can keep. She was glowing. Now she has those things in her purse for safe keeping. So after she's all made up, her most recent other adventure is that she's been putting her pink backpack on hanging on the front. Then between her chest & the backpack, she puts a baby...it's her baby carrier. I just can't help but enjoy the surprises that come with each day. That reminds me, I better quit typing..another surprise may be on its way.

Mom Retreats, Dad & Kids Party

This past weekend I had an excellent retreat. My team gave the Christ Renews His Parish Retreat to the next group of 30 women from our parish. It was really a great weekend & Patrick & I are so glad we have participated in this program. Patrick & the kids got to handle things on their own. I think they did pretty well. When I got home on Sunday afternoon/evening, I asked Nathaniel how his weekend was & he said it was good. I asked him if he by chance cleaned his room. His reply, "No, I was too busy going out to eat." That made me laugh. Sounds like they went out for lunch Sat., out for dinner Sat., and out for breakfast Sun. I'm just glad they had a good time. I also brought home some left over desserts for the kids...I am wondering if they'll think Mom should leave more often? Hopefully not. It's hard to define exactly, but the retreat & formation process has been great for us and I think it is an awesome thing for our parish. The ways it can change people's focus & path is just so encouraging and I think no matter where you are spiritually, it has so many benefits. I know that what convinced Patrick to go was that he'd heard about it so much from my doctor & he thinks a lot of him. I had been curious for a while after my parents went to it. A time commitment so worth doing! Funny that one of the men on Patrick's team mentioned how they wouldn't be meeting weekly anymore and he said it felt like they were all breaking up. I am sure they'll make a plan for what to do next. For today...back to the laundry, groceries, work, and the routine.

Jacob's Sand Sculptures...to be continued

Jacob found some sand in the garage last week. We brought it home from Florida as kind of a "souvenir." It was in a bucket that had actually spilled. He sat out there & played and played with it. He asked me if I would build a sand sculpture with him sometime as we'd planned to do more of at the beach. I said sure, we could do that sometime. He then asked, "Mom, are the Kansas beaches closer?" ...if only.

Nathaniel's Class's Mass Planning

Well, this week was a big week for Nathaniel. His 1st grade class had their first opportunity to plan the All School Mass. He read a petition and he did great. He practiced it every day for a week and were very happy to watch him read it. They also did a skit/game for the homily. It was basically a two option multiple choice - either stand or sit to show the answer you selected. It was fun. You could see how proud they were of this first opportunity.

Coming Soon: Spring Break!

So a recap of our great trip to Destin should be up soon. I have some pictures to share, too. Maybe next week I'll be able to get that done. Hmm, we can hope.

Anne's Newest Word

Tonight I was sitting on the couch while Nathaniel was reading to me. Anne came and sat on my lap. I guess she was ready for her prayer. She sat, looked behind me at our picture of the Last Supper hanging there, and she pointed and said, "Jesus." I was amazed. I have never myself said that to her in front of that picture. We applauded & cheered, she continued to point and say, "Jesus" several more times. Definitely my wow moment of the day. I love you sweet baby girl!