Memorial Day Weekend

Oh my, it's been a while. Sorry for the delay in getting these posted.

We had a great time last weekend. Saturday, I got to spend a little one-on-one time with my brother which has been rare these days. I really enjoyed it...thanks for the good conversation and laughs Daniel! Sunday, we headed to Uncle Daniel and Aunt Amanda's neighborhood pool and met Nana and Papa. The kids came home exhausted. It was an exceptional day. And, the fun didn't end there. Monday, we headed to Nana and Papa's neighborhood pool for the club's Memorial Day bash. Water slides, snowcones, BBQ and margaritas. Need I say more?

Enjoy the pictures!

Top Ten: Things I Love about Nursing

Clearly, some of you will enjoy this post more than others, but as we celebrate Clare Bear's 11-month mark today (WOW) I thought it was appropriate to share why I'm the crazy mom who nurses her kids to their first birthday :-)



THINGS I LOVE ABOUT NURSING

1. I apologize if this first one sounds a bit narcissistic, but there's just something quite gratifying about being the one person in the world who can give your baby just what she needs.

2. 2am feedings. No, I'm not crazy, really. I began to appreciate these more with each child. At 2am (and at 3, 4 or even 5!), the world seems so calm, so peaceful and all you can hear is your baby happily eating. It was in those moments that I've said my most heartfelt prayers. No one interrupted, the busyness of life was at rest and it was just me, God and a new life to love.

3. The milk drunk baby. I must ask, is there anything that says "contentment" more than a baby with a clean diaper, a full belly and milk running from her mouth? I think not. I do believe my favorite nursing memory is when the kids would nurse, be half-asleep, smiling, with milk running from their mouths.

4. Sometimes, on those nights when nothing else works (and I mean N-O-T-H-I-N-G) a quick 5-minute nursing session ends the screaming, the tears (theirs and yours) and makes the world right again.

5. The realization that our bodies really are a gift. During pregnancy, I was completely a-mazed with what my body was helping to create and nurture. After I delivered these magnificent beings, I was even more in awe of what God allowed me to do.

6. I'm cheap. I'll admit it. I can spend a bazillion dollars at Pottery Barn, but I simply couldn't bring myself to fork over $40/month for formula...especially when I knew I could get it for FREE!

7. That I didn't have to make a trip to the microwave at 2am (see #2) to warm up a bottle. That I didn't have to worry about forgetting a bottle, sterilizing a nipple or running out of formula.

8. Each of my children has nursed in his or her own special way, but one thing they've all done is rest their little hand on my chest, just over my heart, while they ate. For all of them, as I've held their hand it's reminded me that this "stage", this wonderful time when they are completely and totally dependent on another human being, is over way faster than I would like.

9. That I developed thick skin. On occasion, I would nurse in public. Hey, it's not like I planned my day and said, "Oooo, yea, I'm going to the mall in a half hour, I'll just sit in the food court around a million people and nurse Will/John Paul/Anna-Laura/Clare so some tacky stranger can tell me I'm making them uncomfortable." Yep, that's exactly how I planned it. I am discreet and I am a planner. But, when your kiddo is screaming at the top of her lungs for food, what are you gonna do?? Perhaps next time, I'll tell that kind stranger that she can go tell her child to eat lunch in the bathroom since that's what she's suggesting I do for mine...or I guess I can just smile and say nothing :-)

10. That I get the excited kick and squeal after bathtime when Scott hands said baby to me. There is nothing sweeter than that.

Tomorrow, I'll have the Memorial Day wrap-up. Until then...Happy Hump Day!

20 Questions

Will got the 20 questions hand-held game for his birthday. It's been a source of a lot of laughs around here. I almost stumped it with "Texas A&M University", but after 24 questions, it guessed "university." Pretty close, considering it asks questions in which you answer, "yes", "no", "sometimes", "unknown".

Our latest round of laughs was blog worthy, so I'll share the story with you. Saturday afternoon, Will busts out the game and a fight immediately ensues between him and John Paul over "who had it first." Yeah, it's pretty RARE that my kids EVER fight over toys, books, blankets, dolls... But, we managed to quiet the troops by letting them BOTH push the buttons. We were all at the dinner table, after wrapping up lunch and I told them I had a guess for the 20Q Master. So, Scott referreed and we were off. It was looking unlikely on Q18 that the game would beat me, until it finally guessed what I was thinking. Will yells out, "Is it a diaper?", but before I can answer Clare um, well...breaks wind and the table erupts in laughter. It was hilarious. Maybe you had to be there?

Hey, I left everybody hanging last week with no Top Ten. It's back tomorrow. It was a busy week (update on the dental story soon) and a long weekend, so we all took a break.

We Salute You

Memorial Day is upon us and I think it's only right that we honor those who make it so. Dad, Uncle Joe Mack, Papa, Cousin John and countless friends who serve - THANK YOU for your sacrifice. While the rest of the country enjoys a three-day weekend, I hope we can all remember why we get to enjoy that time with our families. So, fly your flags proudly and offer up a prayer for those servicemen and women, along with their spouses and families who put it all on the front line for our freedom.

Last Day 'O School

Today was a big day...the last day of Mother's Day Out!! John Paul and Anna-Laura crack me up, and each other, too. The kids sang some songs, but mostly they just waved at their parents and picked their noses. I mean, not MINE, but other people's kids. Mine don't do that. Anyhoo, it was cute, as usual. This is our fifth "graduation" and they don't seem to come any slower. Every year I look up and think, "Where the heck did that year go?"



We were very blessed to have two wonderful teachers. Anna-Laura was in Mrs. Katie's class. I'll admit, after having Mrs. Cheryl for the boys, I was a little apprehensive about changing teachers. But, as it turns out, Mrs. Katie was THE perfect teacher for little ALGie. They hit it off. Oh, and yes, I did have the cutest bow in the universe in her hair...it obviously didn't make it very long :-( Oh well, at least she didn't lift up her skirt during the singing (by the way, thank you Aunt Amanda for the new duds!)





John Paul jumped right into Mrs. Karen's class. She's the momma of 4, so she knows all the tricks. Yes, another perfect fit for Mr. Personality (see picture). At the end of the ceremony, he promptly invited the entire class back to our house, "anytime, to swim!" What a host. Nevermind we don't have a pool...





Here's to another great year... Now, ON TO SUMMER!!!

Party Pics!

After planning 11 birthdays that were all about trains, firefighters, construction, football, bowling and the like, it was so much fun to plan a girly, girl party for Anna-Laura's big numero 3. When we asked her what she wanted to do for the party, she said, "I want a pink bufday!" So, pink it was.



We had five little girls over for a garden party. They planted flowers (pink, of course), decorated their pots with handprints, ate a garden lunch, enjoyed the dirt cups and gummy worms, played and laughed. What fun. Martha Stewart would be proud. At first the birthday girl was shy, but she came around and started asking all the girls if they wanted something to drink. Too cute. So, to Emma, Erin, Savannah and Madelon, thanks for making the day so special!















This was one of the sweetest photos taken from the day.



Um, who's more excited???



Big ups to Uncle Daniel for taking such outstanding photos. There's one thing I've learned about documenting birthdays...hire a good Uncle with no kids and a great wife to help with everything else :-)

I should explain this one. There were 4 older brothers there, most of which are BIG fans of Captain Underpants. So, I guess it wasn't as girly as I thought.



The dirt cups were delish.



This was her reaction to one of her favorite gifts, from Godmother Lynne. We were also thrilled that her Godfather was able to make the party. She wasn't as cooperative then for photos, but it was great to see you Fr. David!

Happy Baptismal Anniversary Will!

Oh, so sorry for the late post. It's a wild and crazy week around here. First off - our thoughts were with the Will-man today. Has it really been 7 years since he became a Child of God? What a happy day that was...we were surrounded by friends, family and the priest that married Scott and I - Fr. Phil - did the honors. It was a truly AWESOME day...

Tomorrow or Wednesday I'll post pics from the Garden Party. Miss Anna-Laura and her gardening buddies had a grand time celebrating the big 0-3. I say Wednesday because I'm having a little dental surgery in the AM. Yeah for me! Can't wait... If the post tomorrow is incoherent don't say I didn't warn you.

Happy Birthday Anna-Laura Grace!

Can someone tell me how we got here? I clearly remember being at the hospital last week...giving birth.



Anna-Laura you are such a sweet part of our household. The way you say "Yesssss" (emphasis on the "s") and click your tongue when you're thinking, oh it always make me smile. Three years ago today, your mom was running around like a crazy person, ironing, getting the car washed and running errands right about now. At lunchtime, we headed to the hospital and 7 hours later you were born. In that moment, God taught us to trust in Him. You spent a scary 3 days in the NICU, but today you are happy, healthy and FULL of energy and laughter.





HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY ANNA-LAURA! You. Are. Loved.

The Bathtub

I should amend yesterday's top ten to "the things you don't want to hear your meteorologist say"... Things like, oh I don't know, FUNNEL CLOUD, 60MPH WINDS, TAKE COVER, BASEBALL-SIZED HAIL. Yeah, things like that freak me out.

I am a Panhandle girl and I'm certainly no stranger to all things windy. We spent many a night in our basement with flashlights, candles and blankets. But, 'ol P-flugerville has a fancy limestone base that doesn't allow for such luxuries. So, when the news came in that Central Texas, particularly southern Williamson County and Pflugerville, were experiencing weather that produces funnel clouds, Scott and I didn't mess around. I felt like we were at a sports bar, we were watching as many weather channels as we could trying to figure out if this was serious business or just nasty weather. We finally made the decision to get all 4 kids up and huddle in the bathtub. They did pretty well...considering.

Will: curled up in the tub and tried to sleep

John Paul: annoyed he said, "Will, he taking up all the space in here, Mommy."
Anna-Laura: oblivious to the chaos, she kept making Clare laugh

Clare: yes, laughing up a storm (bad pun, sorry) and kept trying to turn on the bath faucet

Me? Well, I was praying Hail Mary's, refereeing the shoving match between the boys, smiling and trying to keep the squirmy 10-month-old from dousing us all with cold water. Scott, in the meantime, had drug John Paul's mattress into the bathroom and was sprinting between the bathroom and the living room with the latest updates. Yes, it was a sight to see. After 30 minutes, we got everybody back in bed, thankfully.

I have to tell you, though. As all that craziness was going on, I just kept thinking, My whole family, everyone I love in this house, is in the bathtub. The bathtub! With a mattress and a flimsy Texas-themed shower curtain to keep us safe. Thank you God for technology and we pray for all those who are in the path of this storm.

Here's hoping we don't have to do that anytime soon!

Top Ten: Van Gate 2008

A couple of weeks ago, after we finally got a break in the rain, I decided it was time to wash and clean out the van. That, and the fact that it hadn't been washed in like 3 months (seriously). It's filthy once again, but I digress.

I thought it would be "fun" for the kids to help. Actually, the front got very clean - but after 5 minutes, they were done. Oh well. At least we made an attempt. So, as I'm cleaning, I'm cracking up at all the stuff my pack-rat kids have stuffed in every nook and cranny. I only see the van from the front left and basically have no idea what they do in the remaining 95% of the van. Scary...as I found out.

So, enjoy this week's - slightly messy, but oddly fascinating?? - top ten...

THINGS I FOUND IN THE FAMILY VAN

1. John Paul's missing white sock. We've been searching for it for weeks.

2. My sunglasses! I lose them about every other week, along with my cell phone, much to husband's dismay. Note to blogger readers: if you want to reach me, phone home, do not phone cell phone.

3. A smashed up styrofoam cup - in about a thousand pieces - crammed into Will's cubby. Where he got this, I have no idea.

4. Silver unidentifed object thingy that had bolts and looked like it went to our van? I hope a wheel doesn't come flying off or the roof separates. Scott assures me it's not from our van, but we shall see. That does make one wonder, doesn't it? Just WHERE did it come from????

5. Scooby Doo snacks - crushed and nearly permanently imbedded into Anna-Laura's carseat. Thank goodness for the Shop Vac. It took like 11 passes to get that stuff out.

6. The utility bill. Good thing I decided not to put off cleaning the van another day or we would've been without water. Then again, I guess I would've figured that out when I went to turn on the hose and there was none.

7. 3 bows. Anna-Laura looks especially cute - when she wears these for longer than 5 seconds. But, she has a bad habit of looking all cute when we pull out of the garage and 2 minutes into the trip, I look back and the bow is gone. To where? I did not know until I cleaned out the van.

8. A dime! Yes, I got paid a whole 10 cents to clean out the family van.

9. A "You're my best friend, Will" note from one of his classmates, Kyle. That one almost made me cry.

10. Last but not least, a Hershey's Kiss! Hey, it hadn't melted and I'm guessing it had been behind Clare's car seat for a good month or two. I see it as my reward for doing the dirty work. Thank you Van Gods!

Precious Time

Forgive me while I get a bit nostalgic. We're starting to wind down the end of the school year for all the kids and there's a part of me that freaks out a wee bit - will 4 kids under the age of 7 for 13 weeks put me in the crazy house?? But, there's another part, a much bigger part, that wants to freeze this summer and keep replaying it even before it's begun.

Freeze in time our little Clare Bear who almost has crawling mastered; I know walking isn't far behind. And then, she won't be our baby anymore...

Freeze in time the way Anna-Laura sucks her thumb when she's tired. I know the dental bills will be horrendous, but today it reminds me that she's still a little girl that looks darn cute with pigtails.

Freeze in time John Paul's temper tantrums. They are still reminders he's not quite ready for kindergarten, not quite prepared for a day away from momma.

Freeze in time Will's eagerness to give me a kiss and a hug before he leaves for school. How he kisses the whole clan and shouts out, "Have a great day everybody! I'll see you at carline."

Thank you, God, for today. For giving me some moments to remind me that the vocation of motherhood is hard, but it's also wonderfully humbling. I have eight little feet to kiss, eight little hands to grasp and four little hearts to love...

Snapshots: A Whole Lotta Cute

Told ya.

Happy Mamacita Day!

I don't know about you, but the Mother's Day festivities around here were fantastic!

Saturday night, Scott and I had a DATE NIGHT (yes, they still exist) and we went to the Mobile Loaves and Fishes Wine Tasting, "Uncorked". The kiddos had a sleepover at Nana and Papa's. Big hooray for that. The gala was at the Texas Disposal System's Exotic Game Ranch. If you ever get invited to an event here, go. The animals are free-range and they even let us snap a few pictures on our way in. Mobile Loaves and Fishes began as a ministry at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. It's a truly amazing ministry that has grown and just last year, they served their 1,000,000th meal to the homeless. Amazing, right? It was an honor to be there and support a worthy cause AND have time with Scott. Win/Win.



Because the ranch is a quick 5-minute drive from mom and dad's, we spent the night with them. Mom cooked a great breakfast and then the whole clan - mom, dad, Team Whitaker and Uncle Daniel and Aunt Amanda met at Austin Java over in Southpark Meadows for brunch/lunch. The food was great, as usual, and they had a great jazz band playing. The kids played in the park, while we sat on the patio and enjoyed the 80-degree temps and good music. I love Austin.

Are you LOVING the pigtails?





We headed back to reality this afternoon. But, before bidding adieu to another Mother's Day, Scott made some fajitas in my honor. They were great - thanks honey.

Here's hoping your day was just as wonderful...

Weekly Fun

Wednesday was a good day. We made chocolate chip cookies. That makes any day a good day. I had two great helpers, although only my proud Aggie would pose for this one. He and Anna-Laura were great "testers" of the dough. Clare just sat in the floor and banged on a cookie sheet. Yes, she's #4. No Fisher Price toys are good enough for her.



On Friday, the kids were into coloring. At least they colored in the coloring books ON the pages and NOT on one another. And, the quiet lasted about 15 minutes. It gave me some time to take some pictures and take in the moment. Sometimes your kids let you do that, take a step back and savor parenthood before putting them in timeout.



Do you see it? Clare's nap face? I LOVE nap face. She still has handprints on her forehead from her morning nap. Nap head is good too, but not nearly as cute as nap face. Oh, I hope she's not our last...



This is Clare's "almost" crawl. You know the kind where she almost gets going and then smacks back down on her behind and everyone in the rooms says, AWWWW. We are so almost there. Hooray! A Whitaker that crawls! Call Guinness.



Scott and I were blessed with a fantastic date night (or gate night as John Paul so eloquently said) with just the girls. Uncle Daniel and Aunt Amanda took the boys for a sleepover, lego building, Buster harrassing, video game playing, eating pizza but don't tell mom and dad what else evening. They rock. We took the girls to Phil's Ice House over on Burnet here in Austin. Yes, we've lived here 5 years and are just making it over there. Lots 'o room for kids to play, cold beer, fabulous food and outdoor eating. It was awesome. We even ran into people we knew. A sure sign we've been here a while :-)

Tonight we're off to spend some time sans kids while my parents take the four tornadoes for the evening. And, then, it's Mother's Day. YES!

Top Ten...Favorite Mom Memories

Sorry to leave you hanging yesterday...

In honor of one of my favorite holidays (it's the one day I don't have to do laundry, clean dishes or toilets, or cook a meal!!) I'd like to give credit where credit is due to my own mamacita. Here's to you Mom!



FAVORITE MOM MEMORIES

1. The day she met each of her grandbabies...especially Will. At the time, we were in Indy, she and Dad were in Florida. She stayed two weeks with us, after Scott went back to work. Boy, did we have fun. I'm SURE there were some moments she wanted to step in and say, "No, Kathryn, if you'll just do it this way it will be so much easier." But, she didn't. She knew just what to do without me telling her. Guess that's what moms do, right? I've never been more scared, or more sad, when she left for the airplane. I remember standing in the living room telling her I wasn't sure if I was cut out for this mom thing. She just smiled, hugged me and told me I was already doing a great job...

Nana loving on Clare



2. How she took care of my Gan-Gan. When everyone else couldn't stand the heat, my mom stayed in the kitchen. She taught me alot about unconditional love and that sometimes, taking care of someone who doesn't want your help but desperately needs it, isn't pretty. But, she did it with grace.

3. 4-H Record Books. Remember those, Mom? $16K in scholarships later they were worth it. At the time, it's a miracle we didn't dig one another's graves. We survived and I learned that if it's worth doing, it's worth doing right...the first time.

4. Sewing. My mom is a phenomenal seamstress. Actually, she's really good at everything she does, except sports...but we won't go there :-) She and I spent many a screaming match blessed hour at the sewing machine. We've made cornice boards, throw pillows, dalmation puppy costumes, drapes - you name it.

5. Cooking. I have two words for you "Kiwi Cheesecake." This is my mom's creme de la creme. It rocks, so does her Italian Lasagna, Butter Pecan Ice Cream and Guacamole...although not all together.

6. Our traditional day after Christmas shopping trip. The season isn't complete until we've ransacked Hallmark and Target in search of the best deals. And, we usually find them.

7. How she remembers everything. For years, my brother and I have been making fun of my mom for remembering even the smallest detail from something that happened forever and a decade ago. Guess what? Yep, that's a gene that's evidently hereditary. I can't remember squat from my childhood, but I can remember the whole shebang from my own kids' lives. Why is that???

8. How much she loves her Dad. My Papa, if you haven't met him, is one amazing guy. He's 82 years young and does more than most 20-year-olds. He's funny and happy and gives great hugs. What's not to love? I must say, watching my mom have such a special relationship with her Dad, makes me thankful for my own Dad (love you!!) and how my girls get to experience the same thing with Scott.



9. That she speaks her mind. My mom and I don't always agree and sometimes we make sure everyone around us knows that, but at the end of the day, we agree to disagree and give each other a hug.

10. That we live in the same town. I have some very sweet memories of my own grandmother (and great-grandmother for that matter). The frozen banana pops Gan-Gan used to keep in her freezer, curling my hair in curlers on the back porch, shopping at her Hallmark store. I remember the gum sticks my Great Gan-Gan hid in the end table, her beautiful flowers and her squeezable cheeks. It's an honor, really, to have my kids live so close to my own mom. She's starting to make sweet memories with them - reading, making pancakes, doing puzzles - that I know they'll remember for a lifetime.

Ring Dunking...the Holy Way

Who knew? Check out this link on Aggie ring dunking. For you non-Aggies out there, there's a little tradition over at the Holy Land where recent ring candidates dunk their ring in a pitcher of beer, drinking it as quickly as possible. I know, so mature, right? Hey, it was fun back in the 90s. After reading this article, though, I must say I'm ready to re-dunk my own...but this time in Holy Water and with a blessing. What an awesome way to honor a place my hubby and I love so much!! And, even sweeter that Fr. Brian McMaster '95 is an Aggie himself.

Whoop!

Godspeed Glen Ray

My dad is the oldest of 5, but has one step-sister, Aunt Jeana, who is a road trip all to herself. Every family should have an Aunt Jeana. Her mom, Glen Ray, was such a special lady, too. At 93 years young, she passed away in her sleep last night. My most vivid (and favorite) memory of Glen Rae was riding in her red corvette at my cousin's wedding. You should've seen all the men who checked us out. She was in her 70s!!! Ah, no doubt she's tearing it up in heaven today. Glen Rae - we miss you...

Flat is Good

First off, my apologies for leaving you hanging this weekend. I had great intentions of getting this posted Friday night...really, I did. But, I was completely worn out, Scott was out of town and my back was k-i-l-l-i-n-g me. So, thanks for the patience.

Friday night, Will and I had a special date night! Scott and I were inspired by one of our favorite shows on TLC, Jon & Kate Plus 8. They recently did a bit on the show about spending individual time with their children on a special outing. So, when I heard about the musical, "The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley", I knew we had to get tickets. If you have an elementary school kiddo, then you're familiar with this guy. The show was OUTSTANDING, we had awesome seats and Will loved every minute. It was quite cute - about 5 minutes into the musical, he leans over to me and says, "Mom, there SURE is alot of MUSIC." My reply, "That's why they call it a musical, buddy." His? "Oooohhh."

If you live in Austin and have a chance to go to The Long Center, do it. The facility is incredible. We'll definitely be going back there.



On Saturday evening, some friends of ours (He: Kentucky native, She: Australia native) have a smashing good Kentucky Derby party. I took the kids, all dudded up in their dress clothes, along with a Derby hat, of course, and we really enjoyed ourselves.

Adelaide and Clare (3 days apart, these two) looking quite cute in their Derby dresses



All in all, a great weekend.