Who truly has time for this? I am somewhat disappointed that Mike and I have not kept this blog up. I have picture after picture of some really powerful spiritual and athletic moments that have happended recently in our family and not a clue how to get them from camera to computer. Well, that isn't all true. I know how to IF they are stored on the little camera storage disc. But then, that requires the little dealy that the storage disc goes into...and who knows where that is!!! I very quickly, as this lapse in time shows, go to "I'm done"...before I even start. :) Weak, maybe, but true.
Our lives this summer have been filled with pool, golf, religion online class, baseball, scouts, girlfriends, World Cup, lacrosse, friends, sleeping in, and a little bit of school. Still working on the house...which I have a great "new" picture of that I'll get up someday. Larry did an amazing job which you will see when I get the pictures loaded!! Now, Mike and David are redoing the master shower because we had our THIRD (in 11 years) shower pan leak just as Larry was finishing his work! :(
We are counting the days to our return PHX trip...it's been TEN years! Crazy. And, somehow, someway, I want to journey to introduce my precious new, well not-so-new really, niece, Ellis, to our boys. Mike and I had a blast meeting her and surprising Karen back in January, and are anxious about getting the boys to meet her!!
All in all, God is so very good. He is so forgiving of and patient with us....as we still struggle from day to day trying to figure out how to best lift one another to the Light.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
First Communion
It is not a coincidence that the last post we made was “Opening Day”. Baseball season has come with a vengeance this year. It is our first year in a new league (different city) and the league does not play on Saturdays. I was a little torn about that. I love spending the day at the ballpark, but it is also nice to have a real weekend in the spring for yardwork and dog walking and going to the park. Unfortunately, with the rain we’ve had we have baseball games almost every night. Soooo, no time to post. We just got back from Cole’s game, Reed has one tomorrow and Cole has one Wed./Thurs. and Fri. Normally I would have fallen in to bed and been asleep by now, but Reed is in with Kim and I don’t feel like moving him, so here I sit.
I do have a story to tell. Cole had his First Communion a few weeks ago (April 10th). The school he attends does it as a class, so there were 60 boys and girls in their Sunday best with beaming parents all around. Cole, Kim and I had a good discussion about the Eucharist and said a prayer together before heading over to church. It was a great day. The Sunday before that day was Easter and after Mass Cole was very excited that “this is the last Sunday I’ll have to do this” as he placed his hands on opposite shoulders. The Mass was moving and the family celebration afterward was fantastic. Everyone was proud of Cole and our family felt close to each other and our God.
The only possible exception was Reed. He was not at all pleased that he was the only one in the family that was unable to receive Communion. He was a little pouty later that day and said it was not fair, he wanted to do it, all the normal things the youngest child says when they want to be like their older siblings. After a few days it subsided and all was back to normal. On Sunday, we loaded up the family and headed to Mass. At Communion we walked up in line, Craig, Cole, Reed, Kim and Mike. This is where things get interesting. We get to the front of the line. Kim and I proceed forward to Fr. Michael, we reverence the Eucharist and extend our hands (we receive together). As I start to turn to my left I see Reed step away from a Eucharistic Minister, place something in his mouth and cross himself. I almost fell over! When we get back to the pew I see Reed with his mouth open, Eucharist on his tongue. He swallows it, looks at me, shrugs his shoulders, smiles and says, “He gave it to me.”
My mind races. Of course, he knows how to go up and receive Communion, he has seen us do it hundreds of times. He knows how to extend his hands, what to say and what to do. Crap! But….who would give Communion to a 5-year-old!! Turns out it was an older gentleman who probably figured, “The kid knows what he’s doing. Sure, he looks young, but they all do to me nowadays.” I was flabbergasted.
After Mass we had a loooong talk with our youngest about lots of things. It hasn’t happened again and I have a pretty good feeling that it won’t until it’s his turn to sit in a packed church with his second grade classmates and receive his Second Communion
I do have a story to tell. Cole had his First Communion a few weeks ago (April 10th). The school he attends does it as a class, so there were 60 boys and girls in their Sunday best with beaming parents all around. Cole, Kim and I had a good discussion about the Eucharist and said a prayer together before heading over to church. It was a great day. The Sunday before that day was Easter and after Mass Cole was very excited that “this is the last Sunday I’ll have to do this” as he placed his hands on opposite shoulders. The Mass was moving and the family celebration afterward was fantastic. Everyone was proud of Cole and our family felt close to each other and our God.
The only possible exception was Reed. He was not at all pleased that he was the only one in the family that was unable to receive Communion. He was a little pouty later that day and said it was not fair, he wanted to do it, all the normal things the youngest child says when they want to be like their older siblings. After a few days it subsided and all was back to normal. On Sunday, we loaded up the family and headed to Mass. At Communion we walked up in line, Craig, Cole, Reed, Kim and Mike. This is where things get interesting. We get to the front of the line. Kim and I proceed forward to Fr. Michael, we reverence the Eucharist and extend our hands (we receive together). As I start to turn to my left I see Reed step away from a Eucharistic Minister, place something in his mouth and cross himself. I almost fell over! When we get back to the pew I see Reed with his mouth open, Eucharist on his tongue. He swallows it, looks at me, shrugs his shoulders, smiles and says, “He gave it to me.”
My mind races. Of course, he knows how to go up and receive Communion, he has seen us do it hundreds of times. He knows how to extend his hands, what to say and what to do. Crap! But….who would give Communion to a 5-year-old!! Turns out it was an older gentleman who probably figured, “The kid knows what he’s doing. Sure, he looks young, but they all do to me nowadays.” I was flabbergasted.
After Mass we had a loooong talk with our youngest about lots of things. It hasn’t happened again and I have a pretty good feeling that it won’t until it’s his turn to sit in a packed church with his second grade classmates and receive his Second Communion
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Opening Day
I had a great Dad day on Saturday. Cole and Reed are both playing baseball in Farmers Branch. They have a parade to kick off opening day. Reed’s team didn’t participate (bummer), but he got to ride in the truck with Cole’s team. They threw candy and had a great time riding through the town. There was then an opening ceremony with a prayer, songs (Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America), introduction of the teams and a ceremonial first pitch. It was a great way to start the season. Reed then had a game.
(Proud dad moment coming)
Reed is 5, the youngest one on his team (the Cardinals) and in his first T-ball game ever he started as the pitcher. Now for those of you who don’t know much about T-ball, they usually put the best players at pitcher and first base in hopes of getting 3 outs at least once in a game. Reed was able to catch the ball and throw out the runner at first…TWICE! They got three outs in the inning. In the next one he played first base and caught a throw from the pitcher for an out. He also got 2 hits. Quite a stellar start to his career. I guess having 3 older brothers paid off. Cole had a game right after Reed’s.
(Proud dad moment #2)
Cole played hi first game with a new team, the Lugnuts. He played 2nd base, pitcher, short stop and third base. He fielded 5 grounders and threw the runner out at first all 5 times. While playing third there was a hit down the line over his right shoulder. He reached up backhanded and snagged it as it went by. A great catch! I had to leave the dugout to celebrate and give Kim a kiss. (Didn’t want to show my bias to the other Lugnuts). He also went 2-2 at the plate.
I realized on Saturday that I still love baseball. Of all the sports I have been involved in during my life, baseball is the best. There is nothing like spending time at the ballpark, siblings running around, sunny day, sunflower seeds, playing catch, a line drive up the middle. I had an amazing day on Saturday. It was the best day I have had in a long time. Thank you baseball.
Reed is 5, the youngest one on his team (the Cardinals) and in his first T-ball game ever he started as the pitcher. Now for those of you who don’t know much about T-ball, they usually put the best players at pitcher and first base in hopes of getting 3 outs at least once in a game. Reed was able to catch the ball and throw out the runner at first…TWICE! They got three outs in the inning. In the next one he played first base and caught a throw from the pitcher for an out. He also got 2 hits. Quite a stellar start to his career. I guess having 3 older brothers paid off. Cole had a game right after Reed’s.
(Proud dad moment #2)
Cole played hi first game with a new team, the Lugnuts. He played 2nd base, pitcher, short stop and third base. He fielded 5 grounders and threw the runner out at first all 5 times. While playing third there was a hit down the line over his right shoulder. He reached up backhanded and snagged it as it went by. A great catch! I had to leave the dugout to celebrate and give Kim a kiss. (Didn’t want to show my bias to the other Lugnuts). He also went 2-2 at the plate.
I realized on Saturday that I still love baseball. Of all the sports I have been involved in during my life, baseball is the best. There is nothing like spending time at the ballpark, siblings running around, sunny day, sunflower seeds, playing catch, a line drive up the middle. I had an amazing day on Saturday. It was the best day I have had in a long time. Thank you baseball.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
TWENTY!!
Aunt Krissy SAVES the day...and my "non-photo-computer" shortcomings!! Here are the pictures just the size I was trying to get them!!
Tod Michael on 3/23 at 4:56!! Look at those pinkies! 
Proud Daddy!
My mom and Tod
Aunt Karen, Tod and IThis day was absolutely amazing. It is was filled with such joy, laughter, pain, comfort, hugs & kisses, and CHOCOLATE (thank God for Jamie!)! Mike and I had NO IDEA what we were doing, or what we had gotten ourselves into!
Tod, thank you for making it easy for us. You, as I have shared so many times, have added so much color to our lives. Thank you for growing our hearts, and showing us just how BIG love can be.
Happy 20th, our little man!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
shredders
My "to do" list during spring break was long. And sadly, like my lenten "sacrifice," I failed at wiping off every single sinkin' thing on that list. Pet peeve. I like even my list "spit spot." Two of the items on my list ended up being very charged with unprovoked emotion. As many of you know, our 45ft live oak's roots decided to to "let go" of it's hold on our tree...which came crashing onto our house in late September. Recently, Larry, the most amazing, patient, and talented contractor...and more importantly, family friend, and his team finished repairing our home. It looks amazing. (SHOULD insert photo, right? slacker owner doesn't have one YET) Anyway, Larry got Mike and I working like bees on the inside stuff that was not on his list...one of which I finished this week. Painting the walls and trim (never ever again...on the trim that is) of our entry and hallway. Hall looks great. One item on the list was returning the crosses (which we collect) on one of the walls of the hallway. Forty eight to be exact. It was quite powerful. In fact, I teared up as I reached for nails to hammer into our wall....nails....and I erected many crosses. Flashbacks of the Passion of the Christ came to mind which had a tearful result. It reminded me of just how weak I am. Can't even give up Diet Coke successfully this Lent for goodness sake!! Capital "L."
And today, despite my OCD issues, the IRS paperwork from daycare and brown's pharmacy (which we DID receive and I filed in the IRS file) are missing. I get that Fatal Attraction look of "I won't LOSE in this search..." (truly scary for all to see, I know) as I examine every single piece of paper in the house. There is a LOT to be said for the aging process but my mother would reach down from Heaven itself to deliver a bar of soap for this girl's mouth if I said what I want to say!! This search, however, led to the most beautiful sound in the world. The shredder. How did I ever go so long without one? Nothing is better than ridding your life, your home, your filing cabinet, etc. of all this unnecessary JUNK. This led me to a place that brought about much emotion. How I wish I could shred some memories, choices, places, decisions, etc. from my life. Permanently ERASE and shred their existence. So many of them, despite my strong and persistent efforts, haunt me, periodically, to this day.
All in all, powerful reminders, this week, of our brokeness, and our inability to become whole without Him. I look forward to the day that He shreds all of my imperfections. I pray that your Lenten journey through this desert self examination period has caused each of you to reach out for His Hand, and to hold on to It...steadfastly.... through the storms of our brokeness.
And today, despite my OCD issues, the IRS paperwork from daycare and brown's pharmacy (which we DID receive and I filed in the IRS file) are missing. I get that Fatal Attraction look of "I won't LOSE in this search..." (truly scary for all to see, I know) as I examine every single piece of paper in the house. There is a LOT to be said for the aging process but my mother would reach down from Heaven itself to deliver a bar of soap for this girl's mouth if I said what I want to say!! This search, however, led to the most beautiful sound in the world. The shredder. How did I ever go so long without one? Nothing is better than ridding your life, your home, your filing cabinet, etc. of all this unnecessary JUNK. This led me to a place that brought about much emotion. How I wish I could shred some memories, choices, places, decisions, etc. from my life. Permanently ERASE and shred their existence. So many of them, despite my strong and persistent efforts, haunt me, periodically, to this day.
All in all, powerful reminders, this week, of our brokeness, and our inability to become whole without Him. I look forward to the day that He shreds all of my imperfections. I pray that your Lenten journey through this desert self examination period has caused each of you to reach out for His Hand, and to hold on to It...steadfastly.... through the storms of our brokeness.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
BOYWORLD
In reference to my non existence (of late) in blog world...
WELCOME to MY BOYWORLD ....
Last week:
Reed, who JUST turned FIVE, tells someone at school (shamefully an adult I'm afraid) that they have a big bootie. Yes, my friends, you ARE reading correctly. This was topped a few days later at his BAPTIST pre-school by his pulling his shirt collar down to expose his chest. When asked by his sweet teacher, Ms. Renee, "What are you doing, Reed?" He plainly and matter a factly answers, "I'm flashing people." GOD is the ONLY one who knows where in the world he heard the word "flashing" (probably Spongebob...who Craig defends vehemently...anyway). I assured Ms. Renee that this to the core CATHOLIC family was NOT teaching baby Reed about how to get beads at Mardi Gras.
Lord, have mercy.
This week:
Cole, who just turned EIGHT, decided, partly because "someone told him to" and partly in curiousity, to flood a school bathroom (at lunch) by repetitively flushing a urinal. He was caught by another 2nd grade teacher who decides to "hand him over" to his own teacher for discipline. (bad move) Miss Griffin ROCKS, in Cole's words, and I think his sincere tears and sobs tugged at her amazing heart. Not so for mom. It's one thing if your teacher sends you to the principal...but WOW, far, far worse when your MOTHER takes you there. Upon arrival in Mrs. Russell's office, Cole had trouble even getting the sincere apologetic words out of his mouth due to the flood of emotions. He finally succeeded, and later at home wrote four apology notes...one to the teacher who caught him, one to Miss Griffin, one to our principal, Mrs. Russell, and one to Mr. Ramon, the janitor (whom Cole felt didn't need one "cuz it all went down the drain anyway, Mom.")
Christ, have mercy.
Yesterday:
As we leave LATE for our daily drive to school, Mike phones to let us know that Craig's lunch is sitting on the kitchen table, and his phone is in his room. In this day and age...and especially at Jesuit, your main "line" to your children is through texting. Not having a phone means you have no idea when mom/dad have arrived at the school to pick you up for the day. Craig waits daily...mainly because I can not leave MIS until 4. I arrived yesterday at 4:20. At FIVE, I get out of the van with the boys (almost permanently damaging the van door as I slammed it shut) to go on an UNWANTED and UNPLANNED Jesuit scavenger hunt for Craig. Like Mary and Joseph who were looking for Jesus, I should have known. At 5:15, I arrived at the place. Studying? no Meeting with teacher? nah Library? no! No, no, no, just playing computer games on the computer in the lab. Upon seeing me, and my raging angry face, you would think that would EJECT you out of your seat. Nah, just a, "Hey mom, I'm gonna finish this level and then I'll be out there." We arrived home THAT night at 6:40.
This week:
Cole, who just turned EIGHT, decided, partly because "someone told him to" and partly in curiousity, to flood a school bathroom (at lunch) by repetitively flushing a urinal. He was caught by another 2nd grade teacher who decides to "hand him over" to his own teacher for discipline. (bad move) Miss Griffin ROCKS, in Cole's words, and I think his sincere tears and sobs tugged at her amazing heart. Not so for mom. It's one thing if your teacher sends you to the principal...but WOW, far, far worse when your MOTHER takes you there. Upon arrival in Mrs. Russell's office, Cole had trouble even getting the sincere apologetic words out of his mouth due to the flood of emotions. He finally succeeded, and later at home wrote four apology notes...one to the teacher who caught him, one to Miss Griffin, one to our principal, Mrs. Russell, and one to Mr. Ramon, the janitor (whom Cole felt didn't need one "cuz it all went down the drain anyway, Mom.")
Christ, have mercy.
Yesterday:
As we leave LATE for our daily drive to school, Mike phones to let us know that Craig's lunch is sitting on the kitchen table, and his phone is in his room. In this day and age...and especially at Jesuit, your main "line" to your children is through texting. Not having a phone means you have no idea when mom/dad have arrived at the school to pick you up for the day. Craig waits daily...mainly because I can not leave MIS until 4. I arrived yesterday at 4:20. At FIVE, I get out of the van with the boys (almost permanently damaging the van door as I slammed it shut) to go on an UNWANTED and UNPLANNED Jesuit scavenger hunt for Craig. Like Mary and Joseph who were looking for Jesus, I should have known. At 5:15, I arrived at the place. Studying? no Meeting with teacher? nah Library? no! No, no, no, just playing computer games on the computer in the lab. Upon seeing me, and my raging angry face, you would think that would EJECT you out of your seat. Nah, just a, "Hey mom, I'm gonna finish this level and then I'll be out there." We arrived home THAT night at 6:40.
Lord, have mercy.
You know, I try often to put things into perspective and count my many blessings! I mean, at least Cole hadn't set off the FIRE ALARM at school like his Dad did back in the day, right??? And, at least Reed is still noticing attributes of others (and, I say still because his proud daddy posted a long time ago about his comments he made about one of the summer Olympic gymnasts ...well, yeah, you just have to have read it)!! Too bad, though, that Cole doesn't mop floors or scrub toilets here at home, and Reed seems to be blind to the large mound of various toys left all over....
I'll leave you with this poem by Jayne Jaudon Ferrer:
You know, I try often to put things into perspective and count my many blessings! I mean, at least Cole hadn't set off the FIRE ALARM at school like his Dad did back in the day, right??? And, at least Reed is still noticing attributes of others (and, I say still because his proud daddy posted a long time ago about his comments he made about one of the summer Olympic gymnasts ...well, yeah, you just have to have read it)!! Too bad, though, that Cole doesn't mop floors or scrub toilets here at home, and Reed seems to be blind to the large mound of various toys left all over....
I'll leave you with this poem by Jayne Jaudon Ferrer:
The Boys Club
We know who we are.
Ours is like one of those
ancient, fraternal orders
whose identifying rituals include
elaborate hand signals and
mysterious primal grunts.
In public,
the cue is often a series
of short, repetitive barks:
"Sit down!"
"Give me that!"
"Come here!"
"NOW!"
People who aren't in the club
look disdainful, annoyed,
disgusted, or smug.
But fellow members grin-
slowly at first, as they
identify and empathize-
then broadly, as they
catch your eye and
nod slightly to acknowledge
well-known phrases and
familiar responses.
"Boys are somethin', aren't they?"
And, you know, they are. They are my world, and I wouldn't trade a single solitary part.
~that's where I've been...just sayin'.
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