An Interesting Virtue

This post was inspired by our meeting topic Friday in the Madonna and Child Guild, a group of women at our parish where mothers can join in prayer and fellowship. This topic has been on my mind all day since leaving the meeting. I just needed to share further.



Courage. 

Courage is an interesting virtue, isn't it? You don't really know that you have it until you are at your breaking point. And, even then you still question whether it is really there.

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Well, I never really had this "courage" that people talk about until a few months after my second child, Alex, was born.

Sure, I have been on a few roller coasters that scared the daylights out of me. I've been on the Tower of Terror (and will never get back on that death trap). I've attempted to swim the Pensacola Bay - twice. I've done a lot of things people may find courageous... But, becoming a mother was where I needed the courage. 

No, I wasn't scared of the idea. I feel like I've been a mom since my 3rd brother was born... See, I am the oldest of six kids. And, when you are the oldest you tend to fall into a parent-type of role. I changed diapers, fed bottles, babysat for YEARS. I was pretty ready by the time it was actually my turn to be a mom. But, I never knew just how many hats a mom and a wife have to wear...

As I said, I didn't really know I had courage until a few months after Alex was born -  about 2 years ago. I learned this fact in a rather hard way, but because of this I am holding on to this virtue more than ever. I was diagnosed with Postpartum Depression then. And, even though things are wonderful now within our family, I still fight some of those feelings that every day. It's just a part of it.

If you are a mom of two or more children, you have more than likely hear that annoying question, "How do you do it?" Most of the time mothers answer: "I don't know." "Coffee. Lots of Coffee." "Prayers." "Because I have to."

But, really, we don't do it all. We have friends to confide in, our own mothers to guide us, and God to help us see the rest of the day through. But, there are many of us that begin to feel like a failure when we ask for even the tiniest bit of help.

Don't feel that way, mommies. Please.

Yes, it is ok to ask for help. 
No, you are not incompetent.
It is ok to ask for help.

Once I was told to call my doctor about possible PPD from a friend, I was still iffy about it. I was shaking when I made the call. But, once I got to my doctor's office and talked about it, I felt better. I have an amazing doctor and couldn't ask for better. Now, I'm not saying to go run out to the pharmacy to get your happy pills, but if you think that you need it, ok. You are not a loser for knowing you need that extra bit of help. I only stayed on the pills (And a very small dosage, too. My doc knew I was not thrilled about this...) for just under a year.

All I am saying is this - whatever kind of help it is that you need...just ask. 

Maybe you need to get laundry done and would love to have that cup of coffee stay warm because it is fresh - not microwaved for the millionth time. Call up a close friend, tell her what's going on. I'm sure she will do what she can to help. She's most likely been there.

Perhaps you just ran out of milk and are on the verge of crying about it because your husband is going to be home late and there is just no way you are going to take an entire herd of people to the mini-mart at the witching hour. Call a neighbor up. That neighbor might just be cool enough to bring some cookies to go with that milk.

New to the area? Have kids? Join a mommy/women's/parents/whatever group at church, in your community, where ever. You will be amazed at things people will do for you when you just had a baby. Or just lost a loved one. Or...just because.

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I just want this to be put out there again: It is ok to ask for help. No one is going to think that you are whatever negative quality you are thinking for doing so. And if they do, so what? Move on. Those people aren't worth your time and energy.

Look down. Those children playing at your feet? They are the ones worth your time and energy. Listen for that garage door to open as your husband comes home from a long day at work away from his family. He is the one worth your time and energy (Even the furbaby that is 13 years old and can't see or hear...we love you,Max.). 

You are a mom. And, you are amazing. 

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So, what is it that you need help with? Where do you find your courage in your daily life as a parent?


Postpartum Depression is a serious subject. If you think you may have the symptoms of PPD, please seek a professional. For more information on these symptoms and more, check out PostpartumProgress.com.

Our Word of the Year + 2014 Goals

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FAMILY. 

Family is our word of the year. And, honestly, I only came up with it last weekend after our game night and popcorn for dinner night.

We had a great time playing together, acting silly, just talking, etc. There was no TV on, there were no phones/iPads being messed with (except the occasional picture), and it was great. The boys are counting down the days until the next game night and have even picked out what we are playing. It will be Andrew's turn to pick out the movie for Saturday and he said that he is "still thinking about it." Cutie.

Anyway, we are clearly becoming a busier family each day it seems. Making sure that 2 days are marked off as FAMILY time helps with the chaos (hopefully). Also, once the weather starts being nicer to us in the South, we can enjoy the outdoors again with fun outings/picnics.

If you want to catch a glimpse of our family nights, follow me on Pinterest! I have 2 new boards just for the occasion:

Family Game Night 

Popcorn for Dinner

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2014 GOALS

Read some classics --> I've started reading Pride and Prejudice as I joined the "Motherhood and Jane Austen Book Club" this month. Actually for the year. We are reading 6 of Jane Austen's novels over the next 12 months.

Grow in my faith...again --> I got myself into...maybe out of... Whatever it is. I am not as strong in my faith as I was last year. But, no worries. This week has been a great jump start in this area. I've been getting up in the mornings again (yes, Austin is in to a great sleeping routine now!). I've been enjoying my coffee, praying the Rosary, and just enjoying the peace (most of the time) before it is time for the House to rise and shine. And, I must say...my patience level is MUCH better now. Amazing.

Mothering --> This I have yet to begin. I'm getting my crew back into their routines again after being used to the many extravaganzas we have experienced over the past 2 months. But, here's what I plan on doing:

1. Read The Boxcar Children and/or The Magic Treehouse books aloud to the boys. They love trains and are, apparently, into mysteries... For the past few weeks, they have been trying to "solve mysteries" around the house. What mysteries, I'm not sure. Maybe that's the mystery... It is so cute though. I'm not entirely sure where they got it, but I'm loving it.
2. Prayer -> They have been doing really well in learning their prayers (and remember them after falling out of routine...many times). They know the Glory Be and Grace before meals pretty well. Andrew knows almost all of the Our Father, too. So, we just need to work on the Our Father and Hail Mary...then, before you know it, they will be able to say a decade of the Rosary with us!

Marriage --> We have an amazing babysitter, but I am waiting just a few more months before leaving Austin at home. So, this one is tricky in the sense that we really can't do much in the "date night" department. But, luckily The Dating Divas have some pretty awesome ideas that I may just try out in the coming weeks. So, I can't exactly write down those ideas here at the moment, but I promise to share as I go!

Home --> I have GOT to find a better way to get the house into order. All I have been really caring about lately are the kitchen and the guest bathroom (and, really, that's only when I know I will have guests...). And, yes, I know...I "just had a baby" but that can't be my excuse forever. I mean, he is "sleeping through the night" most nights and is a pretty laid back little man. So, keeping the house in order shouldn't be hard. I just need to figure out the right routine. Also, I have 2 little helpers who are getting back into doing their jobs after breakfast. I plan on sharing my housekeeping routine once I figure it out. Maybe that will help answer part of that age-old question... "How do you do it?"

Get healthy! Isn't that a given? I mean New Year's Resolutions and getting into shape just pair up this time of the year, right? Well, it is a MUST for me. I am 1/2 way to my first goal. I'm rather annoyed at the - ahem - shape of things right now. So, I'll share this portion when I get to my first goal. But, overall, the House is eating much better and we are staying as active as possible. When the temp decides to stop being -2 degrees in the morning (NOT even kidding...Ok, fine. That was the feels like temp. It was 9 degrees on Tuesday morning. Whatever.) then I can get back to walking around the neighborhood/parks with Austin.

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Do you have a word of the year?
What are your goals?

If you've made any changes for the new year, share in the comment or on Facebook! I would love to know. Everyone needs a bit of motivation and encouragement! Happy 2014!!

Five on Friday

Welcome back to another installment if Five on Friday! Here's what goodness was happening this week!
 
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Family Game Night

What a great way to start off the first weekend of the new year!

Andrew was the first to pick the game (next game night is Alex's turn). Candy Land is such a great game. Though, I really wish we had the original...this new version is all jacked up in my opinion. Queen Frostine has been demoted to Princess Frostine?! What is that about...? So weird. But, I'm not the only one worried...there are other characters that have been changed. This blogger has quite a bit to say - complete with pictures - about the "cultural evolution of Candy Land" that has happened over the year. Quite interesting to read. {click here}

But aside from my thoughts about the 2010 version of Candy Land, we had a great time playing together. Lots of giggles were heard and kisses stolen between turns. So much fun!

If you do not have a family game night yet, try it out. My boys (4 and 2.5) are still in the learning stages and getting over the "I can't win all the time" phase. But, if you don't play...they will never learn. It is OK to lose. Get over it and try again. 

Most importantly... HAVE FUN!!

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Over the weekend we put away our Christmas decorations. I love the holiday season but, we just couldn't take the chaos anymore. Almost everyone was sick over the break and school was starting this week anyway. So, it was time.


This year, though, I did something a tad different with how I put away the boys' ornaments. They made so many adorable ones, got different ones as gifts from friends/teachers, and a new ornament added for every Christmas that they now have their own boxes of ornaments. So sweet.

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Popcorn for dinner night!

This was so much fun! We made movie butter popcorn and kettle corn. YUM.

They boys are clearly excited! LOL

If you don't have a Whirley Pop...get one. It is FAR better than that microwaved stuff. Really. We had a taste test. So threes kinds of popcorn, people. Quite a spread. Thanks, again, to Justin and his fiance Kate, for the awesome Whirley Pop!

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Wait, what? Did you catch that?

Yes, Jason's brother, Justine, is getting married!! 

 Are they not the cutest?! Congrats, Kate and Justin! We can't wait to see y'all in March!
Thanks for letting me share your photo, Kate!

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Ok, so funny story about these cups (found at the ever-so-awesome Target)...


Jason and I were talking about our "probably not going to happen but let's just do it for fun" bucket list, and both of us would LOVE to go to Rome. Well, all of Italy, actually. But Rome/the Vatican is the first stop for sure. Anyway, the next morning Andrew and I run some errands and I spotted these cups and about died. A sign maybe? LOL...noooooo....maybe.... But, very cool just the same. Now we are enjoying our warm beverage of choice and always keeping Rome in mind.

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Fabulous! So what goodies do you have to share?

Have a great weekend!

Weekly Menu Plan

Welcome back to our weekly menu! I hope you will find some yummy inspiration here, and maybe a few easy tricks to help make it go {almost} as planned.

Having three kids is HARD. But, it is doable once you figure out a plan. And, believe me...there needs to be a plan. I learned that with just having the two boys.

Now there are three. A plan is a most important element in making this - whatever you call it - work.

So, I came across a FABULOUS post about easy menu planning. Tiffany, of Peanut Blossom, is a genius! You have to go read her post about to menu plan the easy way!! If you need your life to be a tad bit more simplified...read it. Read it now. You know what...just stop reading this and go read that.

Ready to see what's in store for our table this week?

Graphic thanks to Shabby Blogs

"Ok, wait...what?! Popcorn for dinner?! You can't be serious...."

Oh, but I am.

I found another post from Zina, of Lasso the Moon, about how she told her kids they were having popcorn for dinner. How great is that? A night off from cooking AND you become the greatest parent that ever lived. Win-Win. Done deal.

See, after I make these yummy dinners... We do have leftovers. Some are divvied up for the freezer, some for Jason's lunch, and some for the boys' lunches. Or saved all together and used in a big buffet of sorts on Saturday for a free-for-all kind of lunch.

And, because it is a Saturday...that means Mass in the morning. So, we have to get to bed to be prepared for the next day and such. Movie is done at a decent time for the boys and popcorn for dinner.

Awesome.

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Recipes from:

Crock On by Stacy Makes Cents

The Slow Cooker Cookbook

International Slow Cooker Cookbook

Once A Month Mom

Five on Friday

 Happy New Year!! 

Welcome back to the House, y'all! I am hoping to get a lot of great things added to the blog this year. Obviously, you will see more pictures because, hello? Why not, right? There will be a few more reviews/giveaways, freezer cooking posts, new recipes and a lot more. So make sure you are keeping up with us via Facebook or Instagram!

Here are the few remaining favorite pics of the year. Can you believe it is already New Year's Eve?? This year has really flown by...

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Crazy post-nap hair. I love it.

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 Love of my life loving the smallest love of ours

 So sweet

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 Silly Alex sporting my sunglasses and Daddy's face mask that he uses when mowing the lawn. Haha!

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Ew. The sickness took over our house late Christmas Eve night and just left us yesterday. Nasty bug, don't come back!

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Getting our "thank you" notes done! Dear world, teach your children to WRITE a thank you note... Seriously. Do it.

Austin {8 Weeks Old}

 

My, oh my. How time flies. This little...er, big guy is growing by the second! But, yes. He is 8 weeks old today. Crrazzzy!

I mean, really. I don't remember life flying by this fast when I had Alex. And it certainly moved at a snail's pace when I had Andrew. But, luckily he is still a "tiny baby" for a moment.

Though he does think he is a big kid... He loves to play more and more these days.We are trying to do more tummy time since the Little Mister is not a big fan of it. It's good for him to gain that neck strength, but he is just not in the mood for it like my other two were.

And, speaking of being bigger...we are finally getting on a routine since be better again. Ugh, having 2 sick boys (Alex and Austin) and a sick husband is NOT fun - especially during Christmas. But, we are all well and good now. Thank goodness! He is up to eating his 6 oz per feeding again. Much, much better than 2oz last week. That was rough. But, again, thankful it is over. We are also almost done with out 2am/3am feedings - YAY!!

 And on that sleep note...he thinks it's pretty nifty to be able to fall asleep anywhere.

At any time...even holding on to his binky...

 

And fall asleep in the Moby Wrap. Which is quite nice on cold days.  Love that little snuggle bug!

Side note: I'm attempting to be IN the pictures more instead of BEHIND the camera. The sun was rather bright this day. You wouldn't know it though since it was a rather lovely 36 or some bologna that day.

Austin is pretty laid back compared to the wild monkeys living in our house boys. We were blessed yet again with another sweet little guy. He loves to smile at his brothers and listen to them talk. He loves "talking" to Daddy now that he has started to find his voice. And, he loves to snuggle with anyone who will let him.

And, we love every minute of it.

Happy New Year!

It's 2014!? Holy Moly. One more year until flying cars and life like the Jetsons! No? Oh...well that was what I pictured 2015 like when I was in 4th grade anyway. I don't suppose there will be any shopping in the skies (unless you are on an airlplane - haha!).

Anyway, the boys answered a few questions about their year. Here's what they said:

Such cuties, right?! I can't wait to hear what Austin will answer one day.

We hope everyone had a fantastic year! Cheers!!

Christmas Slide Show - Enjoy!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

Make sure to have your speakers on!

Note: If you have trouble viewing, click here! Enjoy the show :)

Austin's Baptism

On December 15th, Austin was Baptized! Here are a few pictures from that weekend that I wanted to share.

His little outfit for his special day! 

 Austin is Baptized! My parents are God Parents for a third time. I had to promise 4 of the 5 brothers that they could be sponsors when we get around to Confirmation. Too funny.

Father Jaya with the newest Catholic at OLS :)

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" Matthew 28:19

Here are a few other pictures from the weekend's fun:

My Dad playing trains with Andrew

4 of the 5 brothers - this cracks me up. I really wished that William (red shirt) had his leg crossed the other direction. Hilarious!

 And speaking of hilarious...this guy thinks he is just that. He is QUITE the morning person. Love that smile. 

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House Update: 3 out of the 5 of us are under the weather with some obnoxious stomach bug. Fun. Fun. So, Mama is on 24/7 medic duty (on top of the 24/7 everything else duty lol). Blog posting will be mainly pictures until the beginning of the New Year. Enjoy! And, please say an extra prayer for this nasty bug to leave our house! Thanks!

Merry Christmas!

From our home to yours,  we wish you a very Merry Christmas!!