Can you smell it?

Christmas is in the air! I love, love, love, LOVE this time of year. We were at the tree farm this weekend picking out the tree and saw a sign..."You're at a Christmas Tree Farm, feel free to breathe deeply."

But, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Monday was Grandparents' Day at school. We began the day with Mass and I got to enjoy a whole hour with Will at church. Glorious. Scott was home doing laundry - that, my friends, is love.

We enjoyed lunch with Master Will and the grandparentals. The weather was stunning and the time with family was precious. Thanks Nana and Papa for coming to celebrate a great day!






A few more Christmas decorations are beckoning, so we'll continue the post tomorrow. Turkey Day, part deuce. Then, we'll hit Advent. If you haven't blessed your Advent wreath yet, try this one.

Ballet Visit

You've heard the hype, here's the pictures. We purposefully did not tell Anna-Laura about her "audience" until a few days before the visitation. Why? Because we answered this question about 37 times (yes, one day I counted), "Momma, when is my ballet show?" She did declare after the "show" that she no longer wanted to be Dora the Explorer next Halloween. Instead, she was going as her teacher, Miss Daisy. For the last week she's been going around the house doing arobesque's, plie's and practicing her recital dance. Oh, the recital isn't until June!

Florida or Bust

One of Will's classmates and his family bid Austin adieu last week. Even though there were some tears of sadness, there was some great joy. Miller's - a pleasure and honor to know you. Texas' loss is Florida's gain. See you at Disney!

Clare Update: 17 months

We're inching up on that 1.5 mark. Life is never dull with Clare. She's walking/running and got her first pair of shoes this week. We were holding out and planned on letting her wear the Robeze for another few weeks. But, she has this "funny" habit of throwing things in the trash. Since the shoes have been MIA for a couple of days, we think the trashman is a proud owner of some pink-flowered shoes. Ah, such is life.

Clare is big into stacking things now. The kids love to stack things and then she barrels through and knocks them done. HOURS of entertainment, people, HOURS.



She's quite fascinated with anyone who comes to the door. She starts waving madly and screaming out "BYE!" And, when Scott walks in the door at night she can hardly contain herself.

I'm still holding out on cutting her curls. Wouldn't you?



The baby phase is still in full swing. We have 3 or 4, but yet she and Anna-Laura fight over the one-eyed, pen-marked baby with dingy clothes. Oh, don't you want the pretty smelling baby with her clean clothes and eyes that work? No thankyouverymuch Mom. Oh well, it keeps life interesting around here. And, I'm totally loving the belly poking out from beneath the shirt, here. Quite svelte, this one.



It's been a fantastically fun month watching her gain gross motor skills and perfect the fine motor ones. No matter what number child we're on, the "wow" factor never gets old. Clare, the family wouldn't be the same without you!

A peek inside the snowglobe

So, what do you see when you knock on your front door???

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Top Ten: Many Thanks

'Tis the season for thankfulness! We're starting my favorite time of year (next to birthday season, of course). I hope your house is getting as excited as mine.

I recall a few years ago, being pretty down in the dumps. Will was just a couple of months old, I was stressing about my career path and wondering just what God had in store for our family. It was a visit with my priest, Fr. Richard, where he encouraged me to make a list of all the things in which I was thankful. I came across that list the other day, and nearly 8 years later, the list is very much the same. A fantastic reminder that the temporal things in life always change...but the things that matter always stand the test of time.

May you and your family have a wonderful day of thanks tomorrow. Gobble, gobble.

TOP TEN: I'M THANKFUL FOR...

1. My marriage. Amidst all the things that come with having 4 children, I'll admit that sometimes my marriage takes the back seat. But no matter what, I'm thankful that Scott and I are in this for the long haul. Thank you God for giving me such an honorable, honest, faithful man to love.

2. Food to eat. I have no doubt many of us will indulge in a little gluttony tomorrow. Let us not forget to be thankful for the abundance...and to share with those in most need.

3. My health. Fertility has given me gall stones and kidney stones (and the occasional migraine), genetics gave me a crooked back, but all in all, they're pretty minor compared to the crosses other folks carry.

4. That I'm able to stay home. The thankfulness for that gift continues to grow with each passing year. This is the hardest, most demanding job I've ever had, yet we keep coming back for more :-) Wouldn't trade it for 1,000,000 free Dr. Peppers.

5. For 2 paid-for cars. Clearly, that was 8 years ago. I'm just thankful we made it through the year with no wrecks to our still-financed ones!!

6. Scott's happiness with his job. Man, he is so good at what he does. He comes home with so many ideas on how to do his job better. I only wish the rest of the world looked at the gift of treasure through his eyes.

7. For all my rights as an American. There are so many, aren't there? I'm especially thankful for the men and women who fight for them everyday. John, you're at the top of our list this holiday season. We hope the year in Iraq is a short one.

8. For an awesome church. We have found a really wonderful community at St. Theresa. Our friends provide us with support, laughs and a dose of reality!

9. For our ability to conceive and raise our child. When we first got married, we all think this one is a given. Life experience has taught me otherwise. My kids crack me up - most of the time - and it's an honor to be their mom.

10. Safety of my entire family. This list was generated shortly after 9/11. I remember how raw that feeling was, how much we were all searching for some peace in the world. Let's don't forget those who long for the safety we take for granted.

Sheez.

Buckle up folks, this week I have some catching up to do. We've had visitation at ballet class, Grandparent's Day, 16 month pics of Clare and more. Stay tuned...school's out tomorrow at noon and Scott took the week off - that's a big Hoo-ray, on both fronts.

DP in the house

You won't believe it, but I have a free Dr. Pepper for you. Read all about it here.

What are you reading me for? Go get your free 23 flavors!!!

Top Ten: Papa the Great

Well, your calendars may say Thursday, but I'm going with Wednesday. Here it is!

TOP TEN: THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MY PAPA

1. His blue eyes. Fortunately, this brown-eyed girl carried that recessive gene. Combine it with my hubby's blue eyes and voila - 4 kids with eyes just like my grandpa.

2. His service to our country. He's a WWII veteran, a tailgunner. I've had the privilege of hearing some of those war stories. As a parent, I treasure them even more and everday my admiration for his sacrifice grows deeper.

3. His amazing woodworking skills. He's a master in the workshop. Step aside Norm Abrams, you've got nothing on Jack. Our house is full of his masterpieces and I'll be so proud to give them to my kids someday.

4. His laugh. He likes to tell jokes - some a little off-color - but he sure does like to laugh. And, at 83, laughter is a beautiful thing.

5. His optimism. Certainly, being a war veteran, then losing two wives must wear on your soul. Despite all that, he's proof that happiness can be found at any age. You just have to be willing to look for it.

6. His energy. He and his wife, "Great Betty" (as the kids call her) are still busier than Scott and I! They have bridge, Texas Tech basketball games, dancing, traveling and that hot cup of coffee every morning. Oh, and did I mention he built his own backyard pergula and workshop? He's an inspiration.

7. His knowledge. As a little girl, I remember riding along in the car while he pointed out endless tidbits of information. Perhaps there was an eye roll or two on my end. But, he kept talking anyway. (thank you for that) Did you know if you're driving along Highway 287, there's a mile marker that denotes the start of Potter County and the end of Moore County? Bet you didn't. I find myself looking for those darn markers everytime we go on a roadtrip...and I usually spot one.

8. His ability to solve a problem. You have never, and I mean NEVER, met a man who can figure out just about any logistical problem like my Papa. Think a dresser won't fit through that door? Or, that you'd like to build a pergula but it looks too complicated? Meet my Papa. He's one smart guy.

9. His hugs. As a little girl and now as a grown-up Mom, Papa has always been quick to "hug my neck." He always told us that he loved us and always expressed his appreciation when we did something for him.

10. His honesty. Perhaps that comes with age, but I've never known Papa to tell me something other than the honest-to-goodness truth. There's no bush to beat around with him. Now you know where I got it :-)

Papa, I love you. I pray your BIG day was a great one. And, I pray there are many more to celebrate.

I didn't forget...

Papa, Happy Birthday.

I hope your day was a great one. I have a top ten, just for you, for tomorrow.

What was I thinking???

They say the first thing you do when you have a problem, is to admit it. Here goes...

"Hi, my name is Kathryn and I have VD...as in VOLUNTEER DISEASE."

Yep, card carrying member. Right here. Why is that? Why can I not walk into a room and leave the dishes on the sink? When the homeroom parent calls and needs a dessert, why do I reply, "No problem!" when it really is? When the school gives me a list of things to bring for the Thanksgiving dinner, why don't I ever sign up for plates and napkins? Ugh. I know I do it to myself.

The solution?

Let's all say it together..."NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOO" and not feel guilty.

I'm really only typing that for my benefit. Sometimes (ok, alot of times) I want to do it all. Be the fun mom, the superhuman mom, the compassionate mom, the best mom and in spite of all that, I end up getting stressed out.

My cup runneth over in things to do and in little blessings screaming and running outside. So, I think I'll join them. Until tomorrow, or later this week, when the cup isn't so darn full.

Time capsule

Well, just when you think your college photos are safe...I get an email last night from a sorority sister with this attachment.

This is what we looked like when we knew everything.

Date Night - twice in one weekend!!

How did that happen?

Props to Uncle Daniel and Aunt Amanda for hosting a sleepover for the big kids. Word on the street is they had a blast. Something about Xbox, getting up at 0530, eating donuts. Translation: burning off energy, glad we got to sleep in, sugar high. Excellent. Scott and I spent our evening eating a very quiet dinner with Miss Clare at PF Chang's (LOVE that place), window shopping at the Arboretum (oxymoron, I know) and watching the first half of "West Side Story." Yes, our movie date nights have resumed. More on that later this week. Then, we slept until 8, YES, 8AM. Holy smokes that was late. Took Clare to Mass and then joined the fam for lunch.

And, tonight Miss Emily (one of our favorite babysitters) came to watch the kids while we enjoyed a grown-up party with the parents of Will's second grade class. The kids got to wear someone else out and we got a hot meal we didn't have to cook. Win/win.

Have a fantastic week. We'll be back in the saddle tomorrow.

Top Ten: My Website Favs

Obviously, I spend some time on the computer :-) It's work, I promise. Really. But when I've had enough and there are no creative juices left, here's a few gems I've found. Anybody have a good one you want to share? Remember, this is a non-political family blog...

TOP TEN: WHERE I SURF (in alpha order)

1. Blooming Bows (this one has turned out to be serious trouble for the credit card but MAN are their bows all that and a bag of chips)

2. Busted Halo (this is a newbie to the list, but I'm loving the site - I recently did their first newsletter and I'm totally addicted. If you've got Sirius Radio, Fr. Dave Dwyer, a former producer for MTV and Comeday Central, has an awesome show.)

3. Catalog Choice (I think I wrote about this one in a previous post? Can't remember and I'm too tired to look. BUT, if you're sick of the catalogs - and we know with the holiday season they're coming - you've gotta check this one out)

4. Couture Moms (heard about this one from Jon & Kate Plus 8 and had to see how to get those cute shirts)

5. GoodyBlog by Parents Magazine (awesome deals on this one)

6. National Sex Offender Registry (ok, this one isn't my 'favorite', but in today's world, a necessary tool...don't go freaking yourself out, just be aware)

7. The Soft Landing (we've really been searching for ways to be more green around here and when it comes to the kids, we're even more OCD - I love this site)

8. Tinyprints Stationary (I've never actually ordered anything from here, but I've gotten some great design ideas!)

9. Wordle (yes, this one is completely useless, but you can spend innane amounts of time typing in things to wordle - um, slightly addictive - don't say I didn't warn you.)

10. Zabillion Blogs (ok, so this isn't actually a site, it represents the many, many, many blogs in which I'm now addicted. You know who you are, thanks for helping me support my habit.)

Now, get to surfing. My apologies, in advance, if I've helped you get lost in cyberspace.

A Day of Honor

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."
John 15:13

Today, we remember and we honor all those men and women who served our country. For our family, it's a little more personal than that.

WWII: Thank you Papa.

WWII: Thank you Grandpa Toots.

Korean War: Thank you Uncle Joe Mack.

Gulf Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom x2: Thank you cousin John.

Vietnam: Thank you Dad.

There are many brave men and women in the world, but in our household, none are braver than those 5. We can't possibly understand the sacrifice each of you made. All I have to offer is my thanks and my prayers. We love you today - and everyday. It's because of you that we live in freedom.

That's a wrap

And...we're done. Just a short 8 weeks ago, we started soccer season. This past Saturday we bid adieu to fall futbal. Shoot, we were just starting to hit our groove with clean soccer uniforms, carpooling to three practices/week and juggling 4 kids and 2 games every weekend.

It was a total joy to see Will evolve this season. We had to sit out during the spring - darn that broken arm. He's not the super star, but he tries hard and loves to study the game. I'm proud of his progress, and thankful for our coach who got him there. We even ended the season with a made for tv goal shot. He had the penalty kick and blasted it through the opposing team who lined the goal. I've never seen a kid smile that big and run that fast to give me a hug. It was awesome.





Just before the "big" shot



John Paul is showing signs of a budding athlete...if only he could stop talking to the girls and focus on playing. Making goals came second nature to him - must be the 2.5 years of soccer practices he watched from the sidelines.






Will had his basketball evaluation on Saturday, before the last game. So, it looks like we'll still be in athletic season around here. We might even make a certain uncle quite proud. We promise to forward you the schedule when we have it, Uncle Cory :-)

Gate Night

Last Saturday Scott and I had a date night, or "gate night" said John Paul, to a swanky gala. We had a great time (thanks Granny for watching the kids). It's been a long time since I got that dressed up. I'm such a fashionista during the week - sunglasses as a headband, some item of food on my shoulder or jeans and flip-flops. Last Saturday I felt like that Suave commercial. You know the one. The "Motherhood isn't always pretty" campaign. I stepped into the shower feeling like a very tired soccer mom and stepped out feeling like the pre-kiddo Kathryn.

Thanks sweetheart, for a wonderful evening.

Halloween Bonanza

Sorry it took me a full week to get my act together on posting the Halloween pics. If it counts for anything, they've been sitting on my computer since last Saturday...

We started off the night with SONIC. If you don't live in Texas, sorry you have to miss out on this southern tradition. We partook of way too many corndogs, fries, ice cream and vanilla Dr. Pepper's. The kids scarfed down dinner so they could put on their costumes. Maybe I'll try that on a night they don't eat.

The weather was awesome for trick-or-treating. We gathered with the neighbors and took off. What a fun night.

Enjoy the photos.

Top Ten: Election Observations

Since we haven't read, seen or heard enough about Election '08, I figured I'd throw the top ten in the ring. I don't know about you, but I've been fascinated with all things political this year. But, please don't confuse fascination with happiness.

There's really so much to say. A good friend of mine said it quite well on his blog (Hat tip to Chuck). I'll admit, I went to bed at 10:30. We knew the winner and I didn't feel like listening to the pundits analyze the election to death. I just couldn't do it. Scott stayed up until the wee hours, though.

We both woke up this morning talking about what is in store for our country. Then, our door opened and Will came in crying. He wanted McCain to win. In his world, he gets excited when the Aggies win or his soccer team scores a goal or when his class wins the food collection competition. When you're 7, the world is a much simpler place...

Scott and I saw a great moment to teach our child about the political process. We live in a country where we get to voice our opinion, even if the outcome isn't what we'd hoped. That's a gift. But, it doesn't mean you should stop voting - or caring - about the things in which you believe. If anything, we should care more.

Ok, enough rambling, on to the...


TOP TEN: ELECTION OBSERVATIONS

1. The country misses Tim Russert.

2. Some Catholic politicians need to do some serious soul-searching on life issues.

3. Sarah Palin is a firecracker. Wonder what she'll do next?

4. John McCain is an honorable man, a really, really honorable man. He lives that whole "Country First" motto. A POW for 5 years? Unbelieveable.

5. Aside from all the gaffes, there is a side to Joe Biden that really fascinates me. Any person who lives through the tragic death of his wife and daughter has some serious life lessons to share.

6. Barack Obama is proof that there is still an American Dream.

7. If we could take all the frivolous money spent on campaign advertising, we might be able to make a serious dent in that national debt.

8. The mainstream media drives me nuts.

9. It's going to be tough for the Obama girls to grow up under the microscope of the national media.

10. We need to pray for our national leaders - for their value set, for their life, for their wisdom. Being President is not for the faint of heart.

A little perspective

Either way you slice it, some folks are not going to be happy with the outcome of today's election.

I, like lots of you, have been watching the polls, reading the articles, sneaking in a few SNL episodes and digging around on the Internet to find out about these two guys and their VP nominees. The reality is, though, that there is no more important work than what we're doing in our own houses. Yes, House of Whitaker voted in early voting. But we're focusing more on the difference we can make in our own household.

Do our kids understand wants vs. needs?
Are we fostering the most important life lesson - know God, love God, serve God?
Can they learn to share?
Are they learning that money is only temporal? But, that spending and saving it wisely is a true gift?
Do they see Scott and I treating one another with respect and love?
Do they view life - all of it - as precious?

All things that our federal government could stand to learn, I suppose. So, before you get all frustrated with the red, blue and pink states, take a look around your living room. Make it count there. After all, you have family for eternity. Another national election gets underway in a mere four.

Which is more important to you?

Clare Bear Update: 16 Months

Clare Bear is the joy of the house. The rate at which she's learning things is lightning fast. She's not our baby anymore.

She walks. Finally. About 2 weeks before the 16-month mark, she took off. Right on track for our kids. Will, 1 year. John Paul, 15 months. Anna-Laura, 21 months. Clare, 15 months. Now she's a maniac. Not only can she move that hiney pretty darn fast, she's becoming quite the climber. Her guardian angel is doing some serious overtime.

She understands. She's following one-step commands, like "Clare go to the bathtub" or "Clare let's go eat" or her favorite, "Clare let's go outside and swing!" Amazing. I'm sure she has a repertoire of words, but I'm less concerned about what she says and more amazed by what she understands.

She's tough. She garnered her first "Whitaker Bruise" on the forehead last week. She's officially a member of the family. One of my children must have one of those at any given time. It's a house rule.



She's sassy (see picture). Her screams can bust your eardrums.



She's curious. She'll just be cruising through the living room, only to stop, squat and investigate the crumb I missed while vacuuming. A new toy can keep her mesmerized for a good 20 minutes. Or not.

She's sweet and funny. Clare loves to give kisses now and pat you on the back when she hugs you. She loves to say "hi" and "bye" and wave. She giggles when we kiss her on the neck. She cracks up when her siblings head butt her. Hilarious. The interaction with other people reminds me that she's learning to be her very own person. I love that.



I suppose there's a big part of me that's just can't stop smiling when she reaches a new milestone... And then there's this other part that's a little sad. That's one less thing she needs me for.

Momhood is bittersweet. As a TV mom once told her daughter, "Yes, I went completely insane raising 5 kids. But, then you'd do something sweet...You just have to be open to the moments."

Here's to being open to the moment...