Sick Ward or Looney Bin?

BOTH!!!! It has been a tough day; lots of very cranky sick children and one very overwhelmed mama. Paul was not prepared for the amazon woman who greeted him as he entered the house after work; mind you I have never raised my voice in anger toward him. I think I may have been temporarily possessed. He asked how I was, and I just yelled "I'm angry!" He asked if I cared to elaborate, so yelled and emphatic, "No, I'm just angry and I'm tired!" He swallowed hard, put his head down, and began to work around the house. I know he was praying for me because as I sat down on the couch with the baby, I just started to cry; I felt the anger leave me, and thank the Lord Meredith returned. We will survive, we will survive, we will survive.

Here are a few pics from this evening. I have talked to a Dr more times in the last few days than in the last year; I feel like a newbie mom. I guess that proves you never outgrow worrying about your babies when they are sick. We are keeping a very close eye on Madalena. If she comes down with a fever, we will have to bring her in for possible RSV, but for now she is just a pitiful ray of sunshine. Don't ask me why George fell asleep with a spatula in his hand.

I should be in bed, but instead...

I am awake, sitting with my feet up in the quiet house and having some ice cream. In my world today, the 3 littlest kiddos got shots for croup and all, but Madalena, of the kids got put on medication for strep throat; it was nearly a 3 hour ordeal by the time we were done with the clinic and then picking up the prescriptions. This is one of the few times I really realize how many children we indeed have. We are generally a healthy bunch, but when we do it, we do it big, and NO there is not a buy-by-the gallon option or discount for so many of the same medication. I am hoping for a better night sleep than last night;  I am just so concerned about them, especially the baby, and feel like I sleep in a state of alert ready to dart into action if needed.

The other big deal of my day was confirming a date for a women's retreat that I have been asked to lead and put on. Yes, that's right, this mother of seven is planning a retreat and is darn excited about it.  I have such a passion for the Catholic faith and Church, and now God is giving me an opportunity to hopefully inspire, motivate, and convict other women about the beauty of our faith. It will be in May. I have a lot to learn and  do before then, but I am really looking forward to the opportunity to use some of my other talents. I will post more later just in case any one around town here might be interested.

Sorry there haven't been pictures for a while. I am a terribly inconsistent blogger.

Happy Valentine's Day

So it only took 17 years and 7 children, but my sweet husband surprised me for the first time tonight with a very romantic, candlelight dinner for two. I was away at church for my Adoration hour, and when I arrived home, the house was quiet and lite up with candles. I walked into the kitchen to find my hubby sitting at the table set for two with roses, candles, wine, and a steak dinner. Where were the kids you ask? Already fed and downstairs watching a new movie. We had a very peaceful dinner. And for dessert, he and the girls made chocolate strawberries. I love him so much.  He is full of surprises!

A sad day for Cecilia and a tough night for Daddy

All of Cecilia's pacifiers mysteriously broke yesterday. Am I terrible for catching it all on film? It was my coping strategy.

This is the moment her playful face turned to panic as she saw her beloved "pacies."

 And the first one gets chucked across the kitchen floor.

 To her dismay, yes, they were all broke.

 She stopped to eat and collect herself.

 Then, she walked over to them and calmly said, "Bwoke,"trying not to cry. I asked her if she wanted to throw them away, and she said yes. So, she gathered them all up and headed to the trash.

 She went back several times just to make sure they were really in there.

Not sure she believes me that she is a big girl now. 

 Now for some comic relief, so you don't think I'm all terrible.

In the Blink of an Eye

Madalena became an active, participating, and happy member of the family. Whoever believes the lie that there isn't enough attention to go around when your family is larger than the average, should come be a fly on our wall. Madalena loves all the attention she gets; we just can't get enough of her squeals and smiles. Nope, no shortage of attention here. Could you pass by this face?

 The first weekend of January brought a few of us to Missouri for my nephew Andrew and his wife Shawna's baby shower. We had a great time ogling over her belly. We had a very nice time. She delivered a beautiful baby boy, Ramsey, one week later. Welcome to the family Baby Ramsey.

 Grandma with her first grand baby, newest grand baby, and soon to be great-grand baby; pretty neat huh?

 Soon to be Papa, my brother Mike, sharing a special moment with Andrew as he ponders what's to come while holding our precious Madalena.

 Smile, God loves you!

Happy New Year to You and Happy Birthday to Me

Whoops, found this in the drafts, I meant to post it Sunday.

Finally, a birthday celebration for Cecilia

Thursday was such a busy day that we decided we would celebrate Cecilia's birthday late; last night we had a birthday dinner of ribs, presents, cake, and fun celebrating our special Little Miss Cecilia. She is such a special little person; she has brought a lot of joy, silliness, and music to our home.





 She sees her cake coming.

 Still not a fan of the singing.

We love you so much Cecilia. May the Lord bless you and keep you all the days of your life.