Homeschool Geography Fair

It's a little bit like a science fair except each group studies one country and then prepares a display. The kids serve as 'ambassadors' for their country and come prepared to answer questions.

It's a lot of fun, and one of the best parts is that each group brings a food for sampling. Last night there were over 60 countries represented, so none of us left hungry.

I'm really proud of the kids for all their hard word.

One Year

New parents

New siblings

New country

New House (x2)

New pet, then goodbye to new pet

New routine

New grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends

Learning that family is permanent

Learning that parents have rules and expectations, and there is no new caregiver coming tomorrow who will let you break the rules.

One surgery

Many medical tests

New wheelchair, therapists, braces

New teacher = Mom

New sports, activities

Many discoveries about the world and how it works

Learning that not everything you do is wonderful,

but your family will always love you.

They may be mad at you, but they always love you.

A new life

Profound trust

~

One resilient kid

~

God bless you, Ignace!!

Why We Need Grass

This little guy just can't resist the glorious muddy mounds and dreamy dirty puddles that surround our house. As I was trying to throw dinner together at the last minute, I heard him yelling for help. His boots were completely lodged in the mud, and he required extraction.

He's obviously not the only one who loves to tromp around in this soggy mess.

Warm, grass seed-friendly weather, we need you.

To the Kind Lady in the Grocery Store

Rub-a-dub-dub, 3 cuties in the tub. The blondie is my nephew Sam.

Costume fitting for this weekend's ballet. So pretty...

1-year-old nephew's birthday party. All photos including birthday boy turned out blurry...

...kinda like this one.

First haircut

Making pipe cleaner rosaries for Lent.

Snuggle Bugs

(Now that I've inundated you with random pictures of what we've been up to in recent weeks, I can get on with the point of this post.)

Thank you very much. You didn't have to take time out of your day to say something nice to me and my kiddos, but you did.

It's been almost one year since we adopted child #4 into our family, and I had yet to brave a grocery shopping trip with all in tow. Until yesterday.

What's the big deal about that? one might ask. It may not seem that great a feat. But, when you consider the wheelchair lift, getting everybody in and out of carseats, loading bags, dealing with wheelchair tie-downs, etc., it gets complicated. Add bad weather, and the task becomes unmanageable. We'd rather just eat whatever random food items happen to be left on the shelf.

Yesterday, however, the sun was shining, nobody needed coats, we had to go to the library anyway (fines over $50, I kid you not), and I really wanted to try a new recipe for St. Patrick's Day. So, without really thinking about the logistical implications, I announced that we would also be stopping off for a few groceries.

Well, it went just fine. Everybody's behavior was about the best it's been, oh I'd say, ever. There were no meltdowns over candy or sugar cereal. OK, I did use a wee bit of bribery to the tune of modeling clay and those silly plastic things that expand in water. Miss 3-y-o was on the verge of a tantrum over gum in the checkout aisle, but she miraculously pulled herself together (I do not use the term 'miraculously' lightly here). I only had to ask my eldest son 3 or 4 times to move to the side so that we would not be blocking the entire aisle (wheelchair plus big cart - you get the idea).

At the checkout we realized that numero uno had inadvertently set down books she intended as a gift for a friend somewhere in the store while she was helping me shop. We were discussing this quietly (another minor miracle), so I didn't even notice anyone pull up behind us in line.

As I turned around to swipe my card, I heard a gentle voice say, "Good job, Mom. You're doing great."

She didn't say so, but she certainly appeared to be a motherly type. She obviously appreciated the struggle of shopping with an entourage of children. She proceeded to ask the kids questions and remind them of what a nice family they have.

It was a moment that encouraged not only me, but also the kids. Everybody needs to hear every once in a while that they're doing a good job.

I hope God blesses that sweet woman the way she did us.

Florida

Overheard

V:"Smash, crush, destroy.... Hey, Dad!"

D:"Yeah, Vic"

V:"I'm either going to destroy you or Lucy"

D:"I suggest Lucy"

V:"Okay"

Back to Reality

Tomorrow morning, bright and early, we head for the airport to return home from what has been a really fun and relaxing vacation. We spent 2 days at D*isney parks, so that I can use the term "relaxing" says a great deal...

Just checked the weather forecast on the homefront. After 4 days of sun and 80+ degree weather, I thought I better prepare myself. Looks like we'll be arriving home to some lovely freezing rain or sleet and near-freezing temperatures.

Ah well, at least Lent is right around the corner. One of my favorite things about this time of the year is our Friday night fish fry and Stations of the Cross routine. I really do love Lent, and so do the kids. And then, I'm sure by Easter the midwest will have caught up to the lovely weather in the Sunshine State.

If not, we've had a good dose of Vitamin D to keep us moving until Spring gains solid footing.