A schedule, take 2

The sun outside is absolutely beautiful this morning. The air was crisp and chilly and has now given way to a gentle warmth. Truly a glorious late Spring day. We might even get a little more rain this afternoon which brings new life to pansies and petunias on the way out. One more week to enjoy the deep purples and vibrant yellows before the heat of summer makes it impossible to enjoy these flowers.
I'm back to trying to be organized. On schedule again. At least this morning! Aud has 3, yes 3! of my boys today, the babes is napping so I'm trying to pound out a little work. We have a dinner party on Sunday so today HAS to be Sam's day to finish getting all the last minute things and probably a few things not really needed. It's on the schedule!
I had a chance this morning to practice the whole suffering and offering up the sacrifice for someone else. (some crankiness going on around here this morning!) I did it and I do feel better. Nothing ruins a day like ruminating on a bad event. Nothing lifts the mood of a day better than offering up and then moving on.
Well, back to the schedule - back to work - and back to the day!

So much for organization...

So, today I got up and set myself on a schedule. I would start with laundry, cleaning the floors, spot cleaning the bathrooms, one hour of work, go to the store to get boxes to mail my mom's Mother's Day present, come home put baby down for a nap, work a little bit more, lunch, then go to the P.O. to mail gift, come home spend time with the boys doing summer school work and reading, make dinner, relax, put the boys to bed, then work for a short time and go to bed myself. Well, I made it through most on the list today, however after cleaning bathrooms and before going to the store I received a call about yet another "crisis project" that needs to be done by Friday. AAAAGHHH! I continued with all on my "schedule" but then proceeded to stress out the rest of the day about tonight's work. My Mother's Rule of Life doesn't really tell me how to allow for these little interruptions. Or maybe it did and I'm such a skimmer that I missed that part. Oh well, the best laid plans. All I can say is that I am really looking forward to middle June and hopefully work will ease up for a while (just a little while though!!)

Still praying for Tiff today - she should be out of surgery by now and hopefully will hear some really good news! Aidan is doing great - starting to say words again - advanced words for a 22 month old period, let alone a 22 month old that suffered a tramatic brain injury. I am still so in awe of God's miracles! And so glad for the opportunities he keeps presenting me to offer up my little sufferings for the good of others. So, my lesson for today - rejoice when sufferings come, since I can unite my suffering with Christ's to help bring grace down upon others.

Sunny Tuesday Morning

Ahh, the weekend is over and back to life as it will now be until August. I'm estimating my work load will lighten after June 15 but until then - it's the great juggling act. I'm trying to work an hour in the am, an hour in the afternoon and then the rest after the boys go to bed. This is the plan, however, I always end up spending more time than that working. I need to pull out a Mother's Rule of Life again and get myself organized. The problem is, I spend so much time trying to figure out how to get organized that I'm tired of it by the time I need to quit reading and start doing. The paradox.
The weekend was fun and busy. We watched movies, put up a new ceiling fan, worked on the cooler - ok Steve did that and it was NOT fun for him - did 18 million loads of laundry....the usual stuff. No out of town trips for us - just hanging around the house getting stuff done. That seems to be what we do. Steve took the boys to see Escape From Witch Mountain on Friday night so there was a little entertainment thrown in there!
Just a little update on baby Aidan for those not following the blog. He is doing remarkably well! He is now saying a few words - is crawling again - can eat pudding consistency foods - is very happy and looks SO GOOD! God does answer prayers - so keep praying! His mom asks that we still pray for his eye coordination - not quite there yet - and his g-tube (feeding tube) - it has been falling out and he doesn't seem to like having it put back in. (I wonder why?) At any rate - Praise God!
Now - our next set of prayers and sacrifice need to go to Tiffany Roberson - Kristi's daughter. Surgery is this week - pray for God to guide the surgeon to a completely successful surgury and for Tiffany with a quick recovery. And especially for Kristi - who feels so powerless this far away from her daughter. We are praying for you dear friend!
Have a great day all - it's summer!!!!

Thresholds

Life is full of thresholds. Learning to walk. Starting Kindergarten. Learning to Drive. The first date. Graduation from High School. I think this last is probably the biggest and perhaps scariest. We went to a graduation party today for a dear friend's daughter. There were many friends at the party. Most of them her parent's age. There were a few teenagers that came and celebrated with her. But most of the people there came because we know and love her parents and have also watched her grow throughout the years. We are not close with her, but we love her as if we were. The parents mingled and chatted amongst themselves. The teenagers mingled and chatted amongst themselves also. This separation of age groups will change in a very short time for her. Life in the world with a wide range of people, of ages, of beliefs is about to really begin. Soon she will be one of those "adults". Then she will be at parties and find the separation of guests usually entails the men and women breaking off into like groups - funny how that always happens.
At any rate, I was taken back today to my own graduation so many years ago. I was excited to be moving on to my next venture. I wasn't scared at all - I didn't have enough sense to be. I'm glad I didn't know what life held in store for me. I would have made different choices no doubt if I had known, but I wouldn't be me today. And so, for this precious young "adult" I am so very excited for her and know that life will not always bring sunshine. But the rainy spots sure will help her to blossom.
Congratulations and God be with you!

Doing Good

You know what makes me feel really good? Giving. I feel really good when I give generously. I feel even better when I do it anonymously. I must say though, I'm not near as giving as I'd like to be. It's a character flaw I'm working on constantly. I read a book years ago called "Doing Good". In it the main character is struggling (failing) miserably in her marriage, as a mother, with her friends. Her whole life is based on material goods and wealth. At a session with her therapist she is given a list. The Rules of Tzedakah (Ze-da-ka). This is an old Jewish writing, set of rules that he feels just might benefit her. Little does she know that as she slowly begins to give more, the better her life gets. She is for once focused on someone other than herself and it was transforming. She turned it into a game at first, giving herself points for each item on the list she did each day. As time went on she had no reason to give herself points. Giving became automatic. Here's the actual list:

1. Giving begrudgingly
2. Giving less than you should, but giving it cheerfully.
3. Giving after being asked
4. Giving before being asked
5. Giving when you do not know the recipient's identity, but the recipient knows your identity
6. Giving when you know the recipient's identity, but the recipient doesn't know your identity
7. Giving when neither party knows the other's identity
8. Enabling the recipient to become self-reliant

I think I'll try that point system tomorrow and see how good I do. Oh, each time she didn't give when the opportunity arose, she deducted points. Ouch.

A Lesson to be Learned at Walmart

Today is Field Day at school. Lots of fun and games outside for the kids. This requires a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water. Well, I had the first two covered so I thought, no problem, I'll just run by Walmart and get a bottle out of the vending machines in front of the store. So, we left early this morning and ran by Walmart. As luck would have it, all 4 vending machines were sold out of water. As I was driving back through the parking lot I saw a St. Thomas parent with his son loading up the car with 2-3 cases of bottled water. I thought to myself - "hmm, I wonder if he would sell me a bottle so I don't have to run into the store". So, I pulled up beside him and said "Excuse me, my son goes to St. Thomas too. We tried to get a water out of the machines but they were all out. Could I buy one from you?" I waved 2 dollars in my hand to show him I would pay for it. He just stared at me and shook his head. I then said "I have 4 small boys in the car and was hoping not to drag them into the store". He said "no." So, I thanked him and drove over to Sonic and bought a bottled water.
Now, I know it is my fault for not preparing and having the water in advance. But, I have to say, I was hurt and disappointed by this man. What an ungenerous spirit. I know he was taking the water to school, he told me so. However, each child is to bring their own water, so those were just extras. At any rate, my boys saw a behavior from this man that was very unchristian.
We talked the rest of the way to school about how it makes us feel when others are not generous and how we must make other people feel when we are not generous towards them. A good lesson for them. And me.
I must be honest - a little part of me hopes this man feels guilty today. I said a Hail Mary for him and decided to write about it on my blog.

The Power of Prayer - beyond the expected

I know we always talk about the power of prayer. How it is so powerful, how it brings communities together, how it can heal, provide, console. I am beginning to realize another aspect of prayer. How it can change the one praying. How it can change attitudes within and change our outlook. Take for example baby Aidan. I know I talk about him a lot. I don't even know him or his family but how many have been affected by this little one has been nothing less than spectacular. One lady wrote today on his blog that "she had fallen for this little boy". She doesn't know him personally. However, she has been praying for him, daily and even hourly. The prayers for this child have given her a love for him. A deep love. As it has me. I love this little guy whom I've been praying for. My heart softened toward a family in tragedy instead of trying to find anything else to focus on since it's painful to hear of another's pain. This causes me to wonder - if I put that much effort into praying for someone I'm at odds with, someone who has hurt me, someone I don't particularly like - would I grow to love them too? As God loves them?
Something to ponder.
Only 2 more days of school - I'm on track to finish one project tonight and then I can start on the next big one - but I should be able to work on that mostly at night after bedtime. The boys are totally bugging me about pulling out the slip n slide. That thing is such a pain to set up and take down. Perhaps if I didn't buy the one that had blow up bumpers I wouldn't feel this way. Maybe on the last day of school -
Went to lunch with Kristi today. It's so nice to reconnect in person. Gabriel and Zach were not happy we didn't take Devon and Parker home with us - just what the big boys want - more young ones idolizing them and copying their every move. -- Ah, another good subject for another days blog....

Sunday Night - A long day

Finally, Sunday night. What a long day. Mass was wonderful - as always. Fr. DePalma gives homilies so focused on helping us to do right. To see the flaws in ourselves and then realize God is here to love us inspite of them. It's always a joy to see friends and familiar faces of people I haven't met yet. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the 2 young ones are in the nursery. Yay Aud!
I listened to President Obama's speech at Notre Dame today. He is a very good speaker and makes you really want to like and believe him. Bottom line is though, his actions speak louder than words - he is not a friend of the unborn. Not by any means. And I have mixed emotions about Fr. Jenkins. I understand he wants to open up civilized dialogue but he went against the US Bishops. That is wrong. Maybe the talk today will encourage more Catholics to stand up for their pro-life beliefs. God has a way of working through these things.
Baseball took up a lot of time today. The game was postponed yesterday until today. Only 7 more games to go, and maybe next week my babysitter will be able to watch Moose and Raph and I can actually sit through an entire game!
Lastly, God has given me many opportunities to offer up sacrifices today. It is after all, Sunday - sometimes the hardest day in my week. I hope I was able to make God proud by offering up instead of fighting, feeling sorry, sulking....etc. I wasn't perfect in this struggle today - but more was offered up than not - so, all in all a good day on that front!

A Saturday Without Sports!

Yay! Our first Saturday in months with no sports. How relaxing! Zach does have a birthday party though - should be fun for him at Hoots. Steve is opening up his dad's pool - yuk for him - it's windy today and that is a dirty job. But all in all, a nice relaxed day. I have a roast in the crock-pot so we'll have Sunday dinner tonight. Maybe I'll talk Steve into something fun for tomorrow for lunch (instead of me cooking)!

I've been keeping us with Aidan's progress in Oregon. It is so amazing the progress this little boy has made. 3 weeks ago he was in surgery clinging to his life and now, he is in the rehab hospital - starting to eat again, stand, crawl, pick things up, follow commands. God has truly shown compassion on this family and on this little angel. So many people have been praying and pouring out their hearts to God and the saints, and Mary, and whoever would listen to bring complete healing. What a testimony to those with struggling faith. All praise and glory to God!
This incident, although with people I've never met, has taught me so much. The community of believers in this world is alive and well and there for each other. But with Aidan and his family it is easy - they are a beautiful young family. Are we as compassionate with those that may not be as likeable? Those that are different than us? Those that possess different faith or ideology? God loves us all - do I love us all? Probably not.
I've also learned the world is much bigger than my petty problems. Wow, do my little troubles seem so small in comparison. It's actually very good to get away from myself for a change. I am way too focused on me. I hope I am making the change to move away from my selfish desires so much and focus on serving others. I also want to focus on serving others that I may not particularly like. Ew, that's hard. But I feel God is leading me to do this. And to pray daily for others, and not so much my own petitions. I sometimes worry that God may not want to listen to me because of my sinful nature. I heard someone say that God wants to listen to us - even in our filth. Sometimes I feel that way - when I haven't devoted the whole day to him or forget to pray except when I need something or when I totally lose focus about what matters and what really doesn't. When I don't act very Christ-like. God makes all things new. That's a good thing. A very good thing.

The joys of kids at home

• Zach and Moose have a love/hate relationship. They are both home today and getting on each other's nerves like crazy. Moose just wants to do everything Zachie is doing and that bugs the bejeezers out of Zach. Thus, the fighting begins. They are happily sitting under blankets on the couch right now watching Star Wars II. Ok, sort of happily. There is an occasional "Stop It!" from Zach's side. How to teach them to love each other now so that when they are grown they still love each other - that is the question of the day! That might be the question of all time - how do we teach grown-ups to love each other? Or at least be civil to each other? Our Gospel readings this week have focused on the love of Jesus for us - Love one another as I have loved you. I suppose if we do that, then the bickering would stop. For today that is my focus. To love as Jesus. He tolerated all the disciples little personality quirks, and used them to further the will of the Father. Paul's stubborness and tenacity got him into places most people couldn't go. Thomas' doubt encourages us to believe witout seeing. Peter's cowardice and subsequent repentence shows to us the generous loving forgiveness that we all can recieve. And so on...


• But back today - how to use temper tantrums, stubborness, anger, pride, overactiveness, untruthtelling, (ok -lying) ... and mold these qualities into something positive. I'll let you know when I figure it out!

Raph drank out of a straw for the first time today! Yay! Now, I just need to get him off that bottle. I also need to get Moosies potty-trained. He has been frustrating me so! I don't know what to do at this point. He simply will not tell me when he needs to go and doesn't seem to mind messing himself. There must be a saint I can pray to about this.

Baby Raph - 14 months old - and still drinking a bottle. Oh well - some day!

We are so thrilled to have him here. He was the surprise baby and is such a joy and delight!

Hello All,

First day at the blogging. We'll see how it goes. I have been too busy for words. My work load is quite heavy until the middle of June - I hope it eases up by then since I will have 4 boys at home to entertain.

I'm so happy about Aidan - see http://prayersforaidan.blogspot.com - he is going to the rehab hospital this morning. I just feel so confident he will make a full recovery. Many thanks and praise to God, Mary and the Saints. They are working overtime on his behalf. This has taught me a valuable lesson in prayer and sacrifice combined. They are so powerful and very satisfying also. I am looking now for ways to sacrifice. When I take the focus off of myself and truly pray for someone else, it is so much easier to pray and to want to pray. I think I will keep this us.

All for now, Rhonda