The safe spot

Happy Epiphany!  

I am not like those wonderful blogger mom's that celebrate Epiphany with creative little traditions shared with loving kids around a welcoming dinner table, topped with mouth-watering goodness served on a silver platter.  So- if you're looking for that, you are in the wrong place!  Hey, I actually had to go look up how to spell Epiphany correctly for this post!  The only way we celebrate Epiphany is by taking down the Christmas decorations around the house.  Usually this is keeping up holiday ornamentation much longer than any of the neighbors or friends.  However, I noticed that there are many Christmas lights still blinking in the neighborhood and after dropping in at my parents house, I saw their tree still standing tall in the corner.  Ummmm, I'm feeling a little Scroogish.   Maybe everyone one caught a bit of Christmas spirit that is thriving strong while I by passed those sentiments.  I might just be on the retail's schedule and looking towards Valentine's Day. 
All this speculations aside, I did get to celebrate Epiphany in a special way- by attending Mass not once, but twice.
Due to a cough/illness that The Bookworm caught, I was blessed to participate in an evening Mass, since she felt well enough to go later.  Now, if you asked The Boy and The Baby Boy how they felt about celebrating Epiphany this way, they wouldn't see it as a blessing per say.  If you are reading this, you either have young children or have had young children, and you can most likely understand how going to 2 Masses isn't on little ones' top 10 list of things they want to do.  A special Regency dance took the rest of the family away tonight though, so off to church went The Bookworm, Jewel, the 2 boys and myself. 

Here comes the safe spot.  Again, as parents with smaller children, you will know what I'm talking about when attending Mass with a little child in your arms and a small child at your side- there is a spot where the small child standing by you can "hide" under the one in your arms- and you cannot get to them.  Moving the infant in you arms only brings results of the sibling shuffling to keep up with the safe spot, less Mom should get hold of him- which at that point would not be good for them! 

Are you starting to see my Epiphany celebration?  It could have been titled "Jesus might have got frankincense, but if I get hold of you, you'll get a different type of sense!!@!"

Needless to say, we did make it though Mass a second time.  The boys managed to stay hidden in the safe spot, under Jewel.  And only a handful of close parishioners were entertained by the "fighting of the bull" show we put on. 

While I'm sure Jesus didn't complain about his wonderful gifts from the wise men, I too am not going to balk at the sweet little gift I received on Epiphany either.  As I nestled next to the boys tonight while tucking them in, I explained that I was going to show them mercy and not carry out punishment because it was a special day and every once in awhile I too must practice Christ's love. It was then  received that little tug on the heart when praying a forgiveness prayer with the boys.  The Baby Boy's face fell in sadness, knowing that he had hurt Mom's feelings and Jesus' too by his Mass shenanigans.  And his big brown eyes widened even more with sorrow as he looked at me as he said he was sorry.

It wasn't gold, frankincense or myrrh, but to me, it was priceless!  It's little times like this that I understand that God has created safe spots for us all- and you know when you are in them because even if  there is something/someone threatening you, your heart swells knowing that God is close and you are safe- even if it's just until you hear "Mass is ended, go in peace." 


 = PRICELESS!!

Surviving myself and enjoying my own "safe spots,"
Mary  

Howdy Y'all!



Dog-gone! : (

Hey All,

To those of you who know our family, this post should come as no surprise.  The only surprise is that one of you didn't stop our family on the front side of getting a dog!  Oh I am very convinced that the idea of having a dog is so much more fun than actually having a dog.  In my mind I see the kids camped out on the living room floor and collapsed in the middle of them is a family dog- soaking in the love that the kids radiate.  (Yeah, like my kids radiate love amongst themselves!)  And, in my mind, I see the boys running around the backyard with the dog in tow, romping and frisking.  (Yeah, like when my boys get set loose in the backyard it involves something more like crashing and breaking!)

Sigh, it's so beautiful. . . in my mind! 

Reality check:  we are NOT a dog family. 

Well, okay, this time, with Roxi, we were close.  And I do have to credit the family 2 kids back to enjoying Ruthie- the Boston Terrier.  But, close is not good enough- especially when it was closeness that made us find a new home for Roxi as it was.  

I knew that Jewel #9 is a sweet, sweet little morsel of a baby.  I didn't realize that Roxi thought so too.  Not sure if it was an alpha-female thing, a jealous thing, or what.  But Roxi continually came after little Jewel.   It all started with her toys (who can resist fun, colorful baby toys?!)  then it moved to baby feet.  This wasn't pleasant, but a little adjustment here and there- plus a squirt with a water bottle- and the arrangement was tolerable.  However- 2 nights ago, Roxi decided to put an end to having a baby around- and thank God,  The Clown was on her game.  When dog came after baby aggressively!, The Clown put her foot down- literally.  And stopped the dog from making contact with Jewel. 

So now. . . dog gone. 

I should have listened to The Diva when we brought Roxi home - "Oh wow, a dog- When does it leave?"

Roxi left the house today.  There were 2 ironies in her hitting the road.  Irony #1.  None, and I mean NONE of the kids shed a tear in Roxi leaving.  Now I know, she hadn't been here that long- but you have to know that my kids attach pretty quickly to the come and go pets.  So, they either didn't really care, knew that she would eventually leave, or-and the most likely-  my children's little hearts have grown hardened to the cruel teasing attempts we make in offering a pet for them to enjoy? 

Irony #2.  The new owner of Roxi just happens to be my husband's previous girlfriend- the one he dated just before meeting me.  The one who had to attend an Ozzy concert with her best friend (my husband's sister) and her best friend's brother (my husband- now- then new love) and made me feel like (gulp!) I'd better attend the Ozzy Fest, because it was just a bit threatening to have him go with those 2. If you're an Ozzy fan- I'm sorry.  Really.  I've never had my naive, innocence shocked so quickly!  Good thing there was a quick exit from the concet and I chose not to hold it against him (to much),  

And now- old girlfriend is new owner of groan stick dog. 

It is so funny how quickly my husband forgets things like Ozzy Fest (well, okay, it was near 20 years ago), and dons this innocent face when he answers my  "Was that who I thought it was that just took our dog?" 

Oh well- I'm sitting here typing this on the living room floor while the kids are gathered around watching a Christmas movie- bickering like usual.  But, my baby is rolling on the floor- which she hasn't been able to do with a dog in the house for the past 3 weeks- so I'm happy. 

Audios pooch. 

And please, please those of you who do know me, remind me next time to leave the family dog idea alone!

        Fool Like You!!                                    

                                                                     

Surviving myself minus Ozzy, a former girlfriend, and a dog,
Mary

Drool # 9

     The big "new" at our house this week is a 40 pound, muscle clad, under bite member of our family.  No, it isn't another child- and how terrible that would be if this is how I would describe a little person!
This addition is a English bulldog named Roxi, and I have none other to thank for her being here but The Jane Austen Wanna Be.  I wasn't looking for a dog.  Although, if I were, it would be an English bulldog.  I'm not sure why that is so- but there is some kind of unexplainable "charm" about this breed.  I'm not able to even put it into words myself, especially when I look into the eyes of Roxi and listen to her make a continual sound that I would compare to the sound of a toy called a "groan tube"- the toy that one shakes up and down and it groans with each turn.  As I hear Roxi groaning, I can't help but ask, "What charm did I think you held?"  I am sure that my life was just needing more noise in it- really, 8 kids are not enough, needed to add more noise. 

     Ironically, each time we've had a dog, it has been "mine" by means of it adopting the Mom and following me like an extension of my own shadow.  This time however, Roxi appears to be a guy type of dog, so she doesn't turn on her charm until my husband comes home from work.  At that time, I hear from my husband - "How's my girl?"  and then, as I am ready to answer, realize he is speaking to the dog!  I know, I need to just begin making groan tube sounds and he'll move me back up to being first on his greeting list.

     Another trait bulldogs are known for is drooling.  Here, I am happy to say, Roxi doesn't excel in.  Although there are a few puddles here and there, it isn't any more drool than Jewel #8, so I can't complain about that. 

     I think Roxi is a pretty good fit with the family- which if you knew the track record with our family and dogs, that is making a big statement.  As The Drama Queen asked me when we brought Roxi home, "Wow, we got a dog!  How long before we get rid of it?" 

     I will say, there are some advantages to not having a dog- more than just the lack of the freaky groaning sound that continues in my ears even after it leaves a room.  Days ago, I didn't have to worry about my boys using their "boy brains" to carry out what most most dogs would not put up with. I also didn't have to put away playful baby toys that must be masquerading as dog toys, nor did I have to kennel an animal because vacuums are terrible machines that must be attacked with the force of a charging bull.  And most of all,  I didn't need to even holler "Don't stick your finger there- that is NOT a place to put your finger!"  (This last statement was of course directed to one of the boys, and I'll let you insert your own image of where he thought his finger should go.) 
When we got Roxi, the previous owner asked if we had any other dogs- because Roxi is a one pet to house type of dog.  We don't have another dog, but we do have a guinea pig (just one now- see earlier post).  The pig is in a corner of a room, on a table, in a cage- set out of the way so to speak. 
Guess where Roxi's favorite place in the house is?  Yep, set for launch, ready to eat, smack in front of the pig cage.  Poor pig, I'm guessing it's days are numbered due to the huge dog head that jumps up about 10 times a day to see if it's Hansel snack is ready for eating yet.

     Well, I guess I need more drama in my life- and Roxi was the answer.  I found myself praying for the intercession of St. Francis and St. Martin De Pores in making the decision to get Roxi or not.  I'm guessing there are 2 saints in heaven that are having a good old laugh right about now.

Surviving myself, although my guinea pig, vacuum cleaner and boy's fingers are NOT,
Mary

I Love Bread

Yep, I Love bread.  I say this as I'm snacking on a biscuit that was leftover from yesterday's lunch.  What does that have to do with anything?   Nothing!  It is just a random little blessing from God that I'm enjoying.  The thing is, I enjoy a variety of breads- actually cheeses too- and I can't help but wonder if I could have made it as an Israelite sentenced to wander the dessert eating only Manna.  I actually think I'd be okay without the quail meat.  Manna is good for me Lord ( Well, an occasional Dr. Pepper would have been great, but I don't recall that as an option.)  It's not a gourmet breakfast, to many it's not even a snack.  But, I was tickled to find it setting, untouched on the counter top when I got up this morning. 

So, why is it there are some blessing in life we are in awe in receiving, but in others we totally miss ?  Maybe it's because we are to busy to recognize the blessing.

Here is some more manna. . .

I am now joined by The Baby Boy, who is the one, ONE, child I have that is extremely picky about his clothes ( should have been a girl).  He is very sensitive about the idea of his clothes  being "soggy."  Which, by the way, when you figure out what that means, the definition changes.   I often get frustrated by his clothing demands- and lose track of the little blessings- like how cute it is when he makes an appearance with  boots, shorts, and a batman shirt, and holster- because why wouldn't I want to have a cowboy superhero for a son?!?

The Boy is now working on reading- and after a slow start, he has really taken off.  Writing notes has become a whole new world now that he can put together his words.  I get bogged down spelling endless words for his means of communications and often miss the blessing~ like when he comes to me, chest stuck out, bursting with pride, and hands me a letter- "to moM.  Iluv win u red me buks inthe mrng."   Oh, how sweet phonetic spelling is from a 5 year old!  And, everything is now able to be a word- like an open pair of play handcuffs, turned upside down and held on both sides of his mouth-  "I can spell your name with my handcuffs and my mouth!!- 'm - o - m' "

Oh- my biscuit is gone, and now so must I go too.  The little kids are turning Jewel into a pizza- rolling the dough (baby), tickling on the toppings and baking her (placing her on the couch), to commence in eating- more tickling.   I'm going to go enjoy- the giggles and smiles compete- and I can overlook the morning, dragon breath (for awhile) because it is really a very big blessing to have us all enjoy each other's company.

I challenge you to seek and thank the Lord for the manna today- without (or before) demanding the quail!

Surviving myself- with buscuit in hand,
Mary

Yikes, Momma Didn't Tell Me About This!

Childbirth- it is not necessarily what I would call fun.  In fact, if it weren't for the beautiful baby one holds after all the work, I'm not sure how worth it all the pain would be.

Even as I try to type this post, with Jewel #8 sitting on my lap, fighting for my attention, I can almost still feel the pains of childbirth like it was yesterday.  Surprisingly, on my lap  now sits a 5 month old!  Where does time fly?  But, as for the pains, I've been privileged? to have experienced those all to familiar birthing pains but just a few weeks ago.

No, I've not given birth to yet another.  I've been diagnosed with kidney stones- multiple ones-  in both kidneys.  Multiple- as in 3 or more for each side.  So, if we do the math, that is at the very least, 6 fun episodes of passing to go though.  Actually, I have managed to pass a few, so I'm hoping to only have about half left.

Just like childbirth, some of the episodes were a bit more bearable than others.  One passing was, however, leaving me crying for an epidural-so painful was it!  Funny though- also like childbirth, there was a feeling of euphoria after passing it- like "Whew!  I feel so relieved" and "Whoa ! I could take on just about anything  now, knowing that I survived!"  AND don't forget the feeling of "So glad that is done and that I won't have to go though it again!". . .wait a minute, I guess I do :   (

What is a bit harder to take is that the doctor has no explanation as to why my body is producing the stones.  

I can only thank God for my kids- especially my older 5 girls- in going through this.  They are incredible!  When needed, they jump into action and do what's necessary to keep order so I can retreat into hours of  pain.
 

It's just to bad that the end result isn't as cute and adorable as my little Jewel!

Surviving myself and hoping to keep the stones rolling,
Mary

Yes, I think that song is about me.

I'm so vein. . . yes, vein.

I love my kids.  I love that the Lord has blessed me 8 times over with wonderful, healthy children.  I would not change a bit of that.  Well, just one tiny thing- 8 pregnancies has taken a toll on my body- leaving what has become dubbed my "pregnancy tattoo."  This is a series of veins that wrap around my ankle and travel up my leg.  When I am pregnant, my "tattoo"  glows a purple/blue- and it's anything but praise to KSU/KU.

I've not done anything about this issue because there was always the possibility of another baby coming along and making corrections moot point.   But, and I'm not counting out the possibility of another beautiful blessing from God, our insurance deductible is now met- due to Jewel #8, and it seems like it might be a good time to look into doing something about the lovely "pregnancy tattoo."

Now, that this surgery is a reality, I'm trying to decide if I'm really just. . .  vain.

Friday I go in for a consultation to see how vein/vain I am.

The answer will be quite clear- insurance pays, it's a go. .  . insurance doesn't pay, I'm heading to a tattoo shop to put on some finishing touches.  Just kidding- I don't think my shadow will ever grace a tattoo shop.

I love those little reminders that speak beautiful truths of how a woman's body looks after pregnancy is a testimony to her being pro-life.  I find that statement poetic.  And most women who have given birth can tell you that there are changes in her body that she'll have to deal with the rest of her life, yet the changes are totally worth it (She usually has no problem reminding her offspring of these changes when in a heated discussion-after all, a little guilt goes a long way!)

My only problem is that I don't like the yucky feeling I get when I see other women who look great in shorts and skirts. . . while I think about how I'm so vein!


Surviving my post pregnant self,
Mary