Our Bella Rose is 5

It's so cliche, but it is hard to believe it's been five years. Every year we celebrate her birthday, we celebrate the hope we continued to have that God would bless us with more babies. After 3 miscarriages, many would have been happy with the children they had and been content to move forward. We are so thankful that we headed God's gentle nudging. Just think what it would be like without her dimpled face and sassy smile. Paul and I also remember our first date 16 years ago today. Sure is amazing how much things can change. It was only Divine Providence that I didn't turn around and never look back that afternoon; oh the days of bachelor hood.

We recently started giving the big kids an allowance, and they went shopping for gifts for Gabriella. It's pretty neat that they chose to do that with their money, and their gifts were a hit.

 Pauly got more than he bargained for, a hug and a smooch with her thank you. Yeah, water guns.

 Olivia made her a really sweet card about Bella's birth story and then here today she's five. She also got her a neat ball, make up, and a $. Boy did her eyes light up.

 Woohoo, bubbles and more. Elizabeth was excited at the bargain she found.

 A snazzy new outfit complete with shades from Auntie Missy, Uncle Dale, and Alexandria. We love the anticipation her wrapping creates; endless tape and pretty paper. All the kids know the trademark and quickly ask for scissors. An outfit this cute is worth the wait.

 The kids get so excited when we get packages in the mail. This one is from Uncle Mike and Auntie Julie. Thanks for the learning book, and as you can see, the headbands and barrettes are definitely needed these days.

 Cecilia of course couldn't help but steal a little lime light for herself; we'll let her.

 George just really wanted to at least say it was his birthday too; sorry buddy, not for quite a while.

Happy birthday Gabriella Rose. We are so thankful for your spunk and all you add to our family. We love you. May God bless you with more faith, hope, and love each day of your life.

Welcome to the table of the Lord Pauly

Yesterday was Mother's Day, and I received some very precious and memorable gifts. One of them being Pauly's First Communion. We are so proud of him, and he was proud of himself. There were of course a few bumps along the way with all the uncertainty for him, and the poor thing totally froze when Fr. spoke the words, "Body of Christ." Darn that eye contact. We got back to the pew, and Paul and I just hugged him and prayed for him; I of course started to cry. Pauly looked up at me, smirked shyly and said, "No crying Mom." I guess I was making him uncomfortable. The whole group of children sang and signed a special song for all of us at the end of Mass, and I just cried. What a triumph for him to stand in front of a full church so strong, confident, and proud. Then all the names of the kids were announced and they received their certificate. Another very proud moment to here Paul Joseph B... the Fourth out loud. He was just beaming as he returned to us.

Another very special part of the Mass was that our oldest Elizabeth was the lead altar server for the first time. She got to do some of the special jobs like bell ringing, washing Father's hands before the Consecration, and bringing the Chalice to Father. She did a fantastic job for her brother's special Mass, and she had the best seat in the house to see him receive for the first time.

 Pauly was getting a little tired of pictures, but I couldn't help but snap all I could of my handsome boy. Then he threatened to come after me, ok, no more.

 Finally, a change of clothes and presents. We were so surprised at how well he did being the center of attention for so long and with so many people; another triumph.

 He got a little help from a friend so he could make a thank you announcement to everyone at the same time.

We all love you so much Pauly. May you continue to grow in faith, hope, and love.

For those of you wondering if we got all our projects completed before the party, yes, we did. Not exactly sure how, but we did it. 5 rooms were rearranged, work load ranged from very minimal to major. We are so happy with how they all turned out, and the kids are enjoying their own spaces without tripping all over each other.

Our bedroom, rearranged and touched up.

 Gabriella and Cecilia's room, just some minor rearranging, but so wonderful not to be stumbling over 4 girls' stuff.

 George's room, rearranged and painted his dresser now that there was room for it. He loves his new room and doesn't mind being alone.

 Pauly's new room required major work especially since all the furniture had to be moved down two flights of stairs. He loves having his own space and especially likes having his own place to play Legos and leave them up without his little brother getting into them.

 Elizabeth and Olivia's room. Most of the work there was going through and finding a place for all the stuff that was in that room.  There was some purging and dispersing, but everything found a home. They love their new room, and to our surprise they are getting along very well despite their very different approaches to things. They are such girls, so much stuff.

 Lastly, Georgie got glasses on Saturday. After Gabriella got hers, the Dr said we should have him checked because it is rare for only one child in the family to have the condition she has. Sure enough, he does. We are hopeful that the glasses will correct the delay in development of his eyes to the point where he won't need them anymore. For now, isn't he just the cutest thing you ever did see?

Crazy? Yup, that's how we roll

So, I am nearing the end of the first trimester and have been pretty much out of commission from nausea and exhaustion. Those of you who really know me, know how much I dislike not being able to be productive and "useful." Paul is ever the encourager as he reminds me how active my body really is, and reassures me that keeping this little one safe and firmly planted in his number one job for me. Anyhow, I started to get a little stir crazy last week and decided our ridiculous room and sleeping arrangement for the girls had to be remedied; four girls in one room is a little much.

I decide that the two oldest would go back down to their fully finished, not being used bedroom. The twist, I decide they would move to the other room in the basement which is brighter and much more "girl" friendly for all their stuff. This meant I needed to clean out my treasured "Mom" room. The room of my dreams with couches, a comfy chairs, my mementos/pictures, etc. You know a place I could call my own, scrapbook, etc. Right! So, I said good bye to this pipe dream and went through tons of pictures that have been piling up, years of homeschooling stuff, and lots of other things. Where I am going to put all my stuff is still yet to be determined. Once I got all my stuff out, we moved the girls in, and I'm just saying... they are two lucky girls with a room I would have loved as a girl.

The room the girls moved into does not have a closet, so we are turning the closet under the steps just outside their room into their clothes closet. Elizabeth exclaims, "Awesome, we have a walk in closet now." Yes dear you do. Should be interesting when we have bad weather since that is our storm shelter.

Pauly got the idea that he wants to move down as well into the girls' old room. Although he is in need of his own space, I am a little leery of him being so far away. We'll see. Last night he and I went and bought paint and decorations for his new room and got the bars for the girls' new closet. While we were gone, Paul decided to rearrange our bedroom. I really like the new arrangement. Only problem is we were lazy painters and didn't move some of the furniture when we painted last; not usually a big deal, but I can't find the paint we used; nice! Pauly was hoping I would start painting last night, but we got home too late. Oh, I forgot. Before the shopping, I went to the doctor and found out I have STREP. Perfect timing right?

Here's the crazy part... Pauly is making his First Communion this Sunday! Told you we were crazy, but that's just how we roll and we love it.

Easter Pics

On Holy Thursday the kids and I made unleavened bread and talked about the Last Supper. For dinner I set the table nice with a table cloth and each kid had their own "chalice" with "wine." We read from the Bible and broke bread together and drank of the cup together remember what Jesus did for us. This was especially neat to do since Pauly is preparing to receive the Eucharist for the first time on Mother's Day. Part of our Last Supper meal included washing feet just like Jesus did to the disciples. There was more than a few giggles as I washed their feet, blessed them, and kissed their feet, but they got the point and a definite message and memory was made. Finally, we read the account of Jesus' betrayal and arrest and said some prayers before they went to bed. 

Good Friday was a day of a lot of praying; it felt like it was forever time to pray, but it was a good day. We read Scripture, started the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and prayed through the Stations of the Cross with Mary, Our Sorrowful Mother. Wow, did that pull on my motherly heartstrings.

Easter Saturday, we made some pastry treats and just discussed what was happening that day for both Jesus and His disciples. Paul and the two oldest girls went to the Easter Vigil while I watched parts of it on tv.

Easter Sunday was a beautiful day, full of sunshine, family, and fun. I only snapped pictures of the basket opening because we were too busy enjoying ourselves to think about taking pictures. Hopefully your Easter was a happy and blessed one. 

Happy Easter

Wow, what a busy Triduum and wonderful Easter. There are lots of fun photos to share, but I will save them for another day. Today, I want to share with you our Easter limerick and family photos; please no critiques, we are no English majors, we just had a little fun.

We thank God for all our gifts from Heaven

At times we feel like bread that's unleaven

On this Easter day

We rise up and pray

Please, oh God, bless our number seven!

Holy Thursday- The Institution of the Holy Eucharist

"When the hour came, Jesus took his place at table with the apostles. He said to them, 'I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I tell you that I will not eat it again until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God.' Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said, 'Take this and share it among yourselves; for I tell you that from this time on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.' Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup is the covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you." (Luke 22;14-20)

May God bless you abundantly during this Easter Triduum. May your hearts be illuminated by the immense love and sacrifice of Our Lord. May you feel how deeply you are cherished that Our Lord would endure such ridicule, scorn, and torture even if you were the only one to benefit. May your hearts be turned to greater reverence, adoration, and sacrifice in return for all the favors granted to you. May your will be obedience to the will of the Father. May you be filled with trust and grace to endure the suffering asked of you. Amen.