Blaise Again

He's getting bigger!

Teeth to Remember

So I can remember before braces.

Olivia, age 11

Collette, age 7

Slip 'n' Slide

We do not have a pool much to our children's dismay.  Once the heat of summer hits, everyone sits around and whines just a bit. Taking pity upon my littles, a kind neighbor offered to let us use their cool and inviting pool.

So today, when another pool-less friend showed up to announce that this was a swimming day, my kids suited up in great anticipation. Cheerfully, big ones helped younger ones find suits and towels. Eagerly they stood in the doorway, willing me to move faster so that the fun might begin.

Then it was all undone.

My neighbor called to let me know that her son had been hasty. The pool was not available. Tears ensued. Towels were thrown down in discouragement and suits were tossed in corners. Within minutes, everyone was back in their play clothes, wanting no reminder of what could have been.

To perk up my droopy children, I brought out the Slip 'n' Slide. Now, this gift has lain unused until today due to a distinct lack of grass in our yard. But the pool-less neighbors have droopy children and grass, so I introduced everyone to the fun.

Ready, Set, Go!

Quinton slides like an old pro.

Olivia splashes in style.

And Grace is thrilled at the wet fun.

Around again.

Quinton romps in the baby pool.

Dominic takes a more cautious approach.

Xavier watches from the side.

My Little Boys

The End

7 Quick Takes Friday-ish (vol.8)

The Barnyard Edition

1. Dominic and the Frog Toad
I scooped this frog out of our front pond. Swimming is a favorite past time of theirs but, once they jump in, they can't get back out due to the lip on the pond liner. Normally, Dominic is terrified of their unpredictable jumping. Hmm, Quinton has informed me that it is a Western Toad. Oops.

2. The House Finch
This poor finch was found at the feet of our Marian statue. The kids were fascinated by his perfectly preserved body as they had only seen them from afar and in quick flight. Once everyone had carefully held it and sadly exclaimed over it's perfection, Collette ran to look it up in our big animal book. Identity: House Finch. He was then solemnly buried by St. Francis under the shady oaks. Natural nature study.

3. Flowers on the Front Porch

4. Xavier and the Puppy (video coming soon)





5. My Boys and the Chickens
Can you tell that our chickens are quite tame? I think Little Red was going to come along on our walk!

6. Literature in the Oaks
When the big kids have wandered off and seemingly disappeared, it is best to look up.

7. Evening Walk on the Ranch

Hosted by Jen @ Conversion Diary

Our New Arrival

Blaise

Happy 5th Birthday Grace!

 I love you Grace

May you be blessed with many more!

7 Quick Takes Friday (vol.7)

1. The week started off so peacefully. Little ones blew bubbles on a warm Monday while Stephen worked on the fence.

2. By Friday we had these guys suiting up. Bees have invaded our walls. Unfortunately, the bee keepers were not able to remove the hive, dead or alive. So, after paying them a pretty penny to say "so sorry," we will have to call in the exterminator. I was really hoping to be able to relocate the colony.

3. How far do you think he will go?
I found Dominic at the sink wanting to play in "jus' uh lil bit" of water. I did have to let him know that sinks are not for swimming. Surprisingly, he was okay with that and still "wuvs" me.

4. Feast day art:

Sacred Heart of Jesus 

Immaculate Heart of Mary

5. Any ideas on how to keep the two year old from unrolling the roll of T.P. every time he enters the bathroom. Anybody? All suggestions are welcome.

6. New puppy to arrive on Monday.
Blaise, as he has been tentatively named, is part Labrador and part Great Dane. The big guy really wanted a big dog for his birthday. And he found one.

7. Hmm, I can't think of anything else. My brain keeps trying to wrap itself around the addition the puppy. I think school is officially done for this year, though.

Hosted By Jen at Conversion Diary

7 Quick Takes Friday (vol.6)

The Late Edition

1. We had a wonderful May Crowning at our home with about 30 children. What a joy it was to see everyone running and climbing, collecting frogs and petting chickens, singing and praying. The mothers and children loved an afternoon in the country and we loved having them up! Our statue has never looked so beautiful.

2. Little Quotes:

Dominic this morning trying to pry into my mouth:
"Open ya mouf Mama. Oh, I see big potato.
Open ya mouf Mama!  Oh, a big rock."
And when I had had enough of little fingers in my mouth:
"I wuv you."

And from Collette in the car:
"I see a beautiful baby boy- Xavier!
I see a Godzilla- Dominic!
I see the wisest girl in the room- Olivia!
I see a mother with lots of children- Mommy!
I see a hero with pink slippers with pink pompoms- Quinton! (Yes, that was to irk him)
I see the Queen of Peace- Gracie!"

3. Christmas Eve 2009: I bought all of the children coordinating pj's for Christmas Eve. I had visions of happy children reading Christmas stories, putting up stockings, and laying out cookies for St. Nicholas as I enjoyed their anticipation and took pictures. What happened instead was a wicked night of suffering from the effects of the flu. I still took a picture but it was not what I had envisioned.

So, the other evening, I asked all of the children to wear their Christmas pajamas again so I could take a happy picture. Christmas in June. Ahh, there are my healthy beautiful children. Much better.

4. Happy 82nd Birthday Grandma! Grandma is amazing. She is the most active, engaged, and happy eighty-two year old I know. I beg to blessed with her vitality and joy. Many more, Grandma!

5. So I can remember Xavier:

Two Little Teeth

Worried Eyes

Chubby Hands

6. Fun at lunch with fruit:
My children squealed with laughter as Mr. Lemon kindly spit out lemon juice on our avocado and crackers. It was even better when I accidentally squeezed too hard and he "sneezed" all over me.

7. I have a new appreciation for the men and women who blog. I love to read blogs and I have been richly blessed by those who share. But, goodness, it takes true dedication to post week after week. May they be richly blessed in their efforts.

Hosted by Jen at Conversion Diary