Happy Thanksgiving!

This year I have many things to give thanks for, but I am especially thankful because I don't have to cook.... anything!  Thanks to the generosity of my brother and sister-in-law, who are hosting, I get the day off.  I will get my turn next year.  Our plans for Thanksgiving and the day after include; watching the Macy's parade, going to Mass, watching the Saints beat the Cowboys, eat, play Settlers of Catan ( I haven't told my brother about this yet) and decorate for Christmas.  The only downside is that I don't get to drink any wine!  I hope everyone has a blessed and relaxing holiday!

Monkey on the Counter

So this is what has been happening everyday, multiple times a day....

Oliver nearly gives me a heart attack everytime I walk into the kitchen and find him on the counter.  I have had to make sure that I don't keep anything on it, because he will ruin it.  We've never had a climber before, and I realize that I took that for granted!  I really hope he grows out of this stage soon!

Joseph Augustine

Happy 7th Birthday to my big boy Joseph!

 

  

 

Second Project Completed!

I finished my second knitting project, a hat for Henry.  He loves it, which makes me very happy.  Knitting is becoming addicting for me.  I already have 4 more projects that I want to start!

Oh Boy Oh Boy!

Looks like this will be the scene at my house in the coming years, in fact I may need to frame this picture.  
It's another boy!

I was not surprised, but honestly a little disappointed.  I am sure my boys will love their little brother, I am just getting used to the idea of 4 BOYS!

I am trying not to feel sorry for myself and remind myself that there are many who struggle with infertility or face a major health issue with their children.  We are very blessed to have three healthy boys and one on the way.  As it is the season to be thankful, I am really trying to embrace this and just be THANKFUL!  This may not be the vision that I had for my family but it is God's, and He has the greater plan.

The Lego Party

Today we celebrated Joseph's 7th birthday, even though the real day isn't until next Sunday.  This was our first "friend" party and I have to admit, I was a little scared.  We had to keep 9 boys, ages 4-7, busy for a couple of hours without getting bored and without fighting. 

Joseph's chosen theme was Lego, of course.  The party ended up being a complete success, everyone had fun, minimal messes were made and Thomas and I survived.

We decided to make these personalized Lego mini-figures for all of the boys.  They came out really cute, but were a lot of work! 

 Henry with his Drew Brees Saints mini-figure.

 Joseph, with his Lego Universe mini-figure.

 The Lego cake, that I slaved and stressed out over.  It came out okay, but next time I will not chicken out and will try the fondant.

 Enjoying the party.

Thank goodness we are done with the party, hopefully I won't have to worry about another one until June!  I also have to add that I am so thankful for my husband, who helped with everything.  He was the game master and shared the burden of making the mini figures and, as always, attempted to calm me down when I was overreacting :-)

Can We Move Here??

One of the biggest frustrations about where we live is the choice of schools.  If I didn't feel like I "had" to, I would not homeschool.  I admit my reasons are selfish, I just want more time to myself.  This is where I want to go.  The curriculum is incredible and is exactly the type of education I would love for my kids to have, without me having to teach it.  Now I just have to convince my husband to move to Maryland! :-)

Pre-Mass Pictures

Some mornings before Mass I think the boys look so handsome, but I never bother getting the camera out (or don't have time!)

This past Sunday I am so glad I did, even though I couldn't get one with all of them looking.

 

Frustrated Oliver

Here are some pictures that are going to make you wish you came to my house more often...

 Isn't he too young for tantrums??!

 Henry trying to comfort him....it didn't work!

It really is a shame that I didn't take a movie, because you really can't appreciate these pictures without HEARING him.  The volume level that Oliver is able to reach makes my ears ring and gives me a headache, and he does it ALL the time.  I do believe this was because Thomas wouldn't give him a piece of his cupcake....hmmm...OVER REACTION?!

My First Project Completed!

Here is my first attempt at knitting something real.  

I can't believe I actually finished it, I certainly never would have if it hadn't been for my friend Wendy's help.  

Henry asked me to make him a scarf last year and I never finished it.  I practiced  a little more and then started this one a couple of weeks ago.  I am going to ignore the fact that after putting it on for the first time he said it was itchy!!!

Happy All Saints Day!

All you holy men and women pray for us!