The Ten Commandments

In the last couple of weeks, we have been learning the 10 commandments in 2nd grade. The other night David was naming them off and could even tell you what number it was. He is preparing for reconiliation which is December 2.
Today he was disobediant with me, and I was able to say- what is one of the ten commandments about your parents? He knew right away- Honor your father and mother. What a teaching moment that became. Not just a lecture or yelling like I normally would do.
I love our school. I love that along with his education, he is working on his heart and relationship with God. What a gift to go to mass each week, to pray every day in class, and to hear stories from the Bible each week.

All of them have been learning their prayers. Caroline told David the other day- I will pray for you. How sweet.

In all those days of fighting and screaming, there are moments of gentleness and love between them. Yesterday, Caroline wanted a toy from the garage sale we were having. It was one of Patty's that she was selling. David had been working that day selling chips for $.50. He made about $6, and told Patty he would buy the toy for her for $3- half of his earnings. That is a precious moment. That can make a mom cry!

Thank you, God, for opening my eyes to see love in my children.

I'm Back...maybe

Let's see if I have time for this! I used to love blogging but my time is so limited! Now I have a new laptop so there might be some more time to write without trouble brewing in the house. :) Brent turns 18 tomorrow! David is 7; Caroline is 5; and Kate is 4. We also have a new puppy (11 weeks) and he is the baby! It really feels like I have an infant all over again. Lots of care and time and picking things up off the ground so he won't eat them. Feels very familiar. His name is Sam. The kids LOVE him,and he loves them. I will say though that he goes to bed usually when they do and sleeps all night. Poor little guy doesn't get to take a nap much anymore. He is constantly being carried or moved or rearranged or just stared at and talked to.
Today my good friend Stevie shared a blog idea that you choose a saint to learn more about for the year. It chooses a saint for you while you pray for one that brings you closer and more devoted to God. Mine is St. Gerard of Majella- the patron saint of motherhood! It is the saint for those trying to conceive, those that are mothers, and pro-life and unborn children. I am excited to learn more and see where God is teaching me this year.

Sisters...

How awesome to see my two girls sitting in bed reading books quietly together. No fighting, no pulling hair... only in a diaper/ pullup- yes, that's how we roll.

Valentine's Day...

These pictures are a little late from Valentine's, but I forgot they were in my camera. What a feast! So cute seeing them all (even Kate) go through their Valentine's from school.

Explaining Lent to a 5 year old...

Tomorrow is Fat Tuesday and time to prepare for Lent. I told Little D that he could bring beads to school tomorrow to share with his class. Here is our conversation tonight:

D: What is Fat Tuesday? We all have to be fat?

Me: (laughing) No, it is just a day to prepare for Lent. This is the time before Easter when we think about Jesus and how He died on the cross for the bad choices we make.
On Wednesday, it is called Ash Wednesday and they make a cross on your head with ashes.

D: Awesome! I love crosses!

Me: Then during Lent- we give something up that we really enjoy like a favorite drink like coke.

D: Oh, well, Ms. Melissa (his teacher) likes to drink coke.

Me: Okay. Well, we can give up something that is a favorite thing or do things differently- like choosing to share with sisters or not yelling at each other- speaking kindly.

D: Well, how about I give up being at school!

Brent: Yes, I will give up being at school, too.

Me: (laughing) Nice try!

Caroline.... the rat

Caroline loves taking things and hiding them. The problem is I can't find her hiding spot. I am missing toothpaste and her tennis shoes! The other day we were missing chapstick and David's toothbrush. These have been found though. I caught her one day putting on the chapstick, and the toothbrush was in my nightstand drawer!?! My makeup and devotional book are her favorites to take. Who knows what else is missing that I don't even know about! I have cleaned out her whole closet, looked under beds, under the couch/ pillows, everywhere... How can a pair of tennis shoes be gone? She is quite the sneaky little girl! If anyone comes over, she even tries to sneak in their purse. I have found her many times under the kitchen table with my purse. If she is around..... beware! She is storing up for something.

Soul Mate Friends....

My friend DeNae is such a treasure to me. She has been my best friend for 20 years. It is so amazing that we do not see each other for months but stay so close. She came in town from Austin this week and stayed with us for a couple of nights. She just left today, and it makes me so sad to see her go. Usually when you don't see someone regularly, you drift apart not knowing what to say to each other or just talk about "old times". I am not saying we don't laugh and laugh over old times, but we share who we are now. We have both changed so much, but we have grown together and I will always have such a special place in my heart for her. We are so similar that you would think we were sisters. To me, she is my sister. We can share our deepest selves with each other- all the good and bad- and still love each other. We have such a strong bond that will never break, and I am so blessed to have her in my life. She is my soul mate friend.