QOTW: January 30, 2009

....(insert horrific gasp here)
Me, as I opened the dry cleaning bag. (see yesterday's post)

"Wow, Sisty, your new bows look really nice!"
John Paul noting ALG's fashion sense. Never too young to teach a man how to recognize when a girl does something new with her hair.

"AM I MAKEEN GOOD CHOICES, MOMMA?"
ALG, screaming at the top of her lungs, at the birth certificate office. Oh, and NO, she was not.

It's an action-packed weekend here at Casa Whitaker. Basketball game, slab signing at the new Catholic high school, nephew Alex's FIRST birthday and some minor house redecorating (that's what happens when Aaron Bros. has all their frames 50% off - I just can't pass up a good deal). I'll get the photos of JP's celebration posted soon. Until then, make it a great weekend...

A word to the wise

Just a little word to the wise...never fully trust your dry cleaner. I took Scott's yell leader sweater to the cleaners the other day because I am an overachiever. I thought it would be nice to get them cleaned up and then put into a shadow box for our office. Aren't I smart? Yeah, that was until I got them back and the beautiful, sparkly, WHITE block "T" on the front came back NOT white, but PINK. Um, yeah, not a good day...for the cleaners, or for Scott.

Top Ten: Best Folks I Know

We all have someone (or 10) who's in our life and we offer profound thanks to our Maker in heaven for sending them our way. I'm lucky enough to have 10 such folks in my life. Perhaps you do, too.

Here's to this week's...

TOP TEN: FOLKS YOU KEEP AND HOPE TO NEVER REPLACE

1. My husband. Yes, he is my "better half" and I mean that in every sense of the word. He's patient, level-headed, funny, sensible...all the things I'm not.

2. My pediatrician. Let me tell you, she is golden. I didn't think it was possible to top our first one in Indy, I was wrong. I believe God sends you the right people, at the right of your life. Dr. Cumming was old-school - measured and weighed the patients himself, had morning call hours and never (and I mean NEVER) got perplexed. The man had been a pediatrician for like 50 years. Then we moved to Austin and met Dr. Enders. She's funny, chatty, reassuring and can get forceful, if needed, with 'ol mom. I consider her a friend and a true advocate for my children.

3. My OB. I've been blessed to have two stellar ones in this department. To me, this is such an important job. Ladies, let's face it, our OBs see the best and worst of us and are unique in that they share in our most intimate moment as life begins. Dr. Teter shared our pain of miscarriage - I really, truly love that man. His life experience gave me my sanity back. And, Dr. Orth is sincere and kind-hearted. She is a joy to visit - even for those icky annual exams.

4. My hairdresser. She is the one person I go to feeling like the ugliest person in the world, and after an hour of shampooing, cutting, styling and soul-telling, I come out feeling like a pretty nice-looking soccer mom. She always knows what I want, even when I don't. And, she's not afraid to tell me it's time to cover up the gray. Kristen, you rock.

5. My priest. Let me clarify, there have been many wonderful clergy in our life. This encompasses them all. It's not possible to explain the richness our life has gained because of their spiritual direction, prayer and friendship. They are the reason Scott and I are so passionate about our Catholic faith.

6. My grandparents. The life experience and stories they have shared with me has taken on greater meaning as I've gotten older. I suppose we wake up and realize that life is short and people, particularly those older than us, have something important to impart.

7. The service folks. Weird, I know. But how happy are we to see our favorite housekeeper, pest control guy or repairman when we need them most? Despite all the bad service calls we've had here at Casa Whitaker - and trust me there have been some doo-oo-zies - there are a handful that make picking up the phone a relief.

8. My family photographer. When we lived in Indy, I had a great gig with my job working with AP freelance photographers. I learned alot and got some fantastic family photos to boot. When we relocated back to Texas, I was thrilled to have a good friend and fellow sorority sister to call. With kids, I realize just how precious those images are becoming. You think you won't forget the chubby feet, or how you felt when you delivered your first, or how quickly your family goes from having little ducklings to big kids. I am so thankful we've made this an important priority in our family.

9. My kids' teachers. For every season, God has given us great ones. And, quite honestly, the ones that weren't so fab taught us some valuable lessons. The great ones nurtured our children and brought out things we didn't know existed. And, the less than stellar ones taught Scott and I to be better advocates for our children and their education.

10. My girlfriends. High school and college buddies. Grad school office mates. Co-workers. Playdate mommies. Fellow SAHMs. Other entrepreneurs. They are many. Some of us are still good buddies, some of us chat on facebook, some on the phone, some in carline and some of us have parted ways...just because life has taken us in different directions. But, when I think back to our friendship, I know that they were there for a very important chapter in my life. Just because the chapter has now closed, doesn't mean I've forgotten how important they were to me.

What's your 20?

Yep, still here. A wee bit frustrated that the software we installed for downloading photos isn't working. Uncle D took some really great photos of the bday party this weekend. That's my excuse. Technology. Yes, definitely going with that excuse. It's not that I'm addicted to fb (that would be facebook for you non-users), or working, or feeling like cow poo, or have an under-the-weather baby, nope none of that. Technology. Definitely.

He's 5! He's 5!! He's 5 :-(

Yes, our little man is growing up. Explain to me, people, how that happened so dad gum fast.

Us in the NICU, freaking out (ok, so we don't look freaked out here, that was the exhaustion mixed with happiness, with a dash of delirium) because his heart kept skipping a beat in utero. Lo and behold, though, an overnight stay in these first-class accommodations cleared up the abnormality and it's never returned.

Let's count backwards, shall we??

Brought to you by the letters "J" and "P" and the number FOUR

Ciaobello TRE

Draft pick #TWO

ONE

There is so much to love about John Paul - his laugh, his blue eyes, his mischief, his ER visits, his love for his brother and sisters, the way he says "free/three", "actuwee" and "broder/brother". I could fill a novel with just how much I love this kid.

John Paul, your life is a gift. Being your mom is an honor. It's my wish that every family has a little John Paul in it...

Look who got a telegram...

Words of wisdom (quite eloquent, I might add) from the Holy Father to President Obama...

VATICAN CITY, 21 JAN 2009 (VIS) - Made public yesterday afternoon was a telegram from Benedict XVI to Barack Obama, congratulating him on his inauguration as forty-fourth president of the United States of America.

In the English-language telegram the Holy Father offers his "cordial good wishes, together with the assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will grant you unfailing wisdom and strength in the exercise of your high responsibilities.

"Under your leadership", he adds, "may the American people continue to find in their impressive religious and political heritage the spiritual values and ethical principles needed to co-operate in the building of a truly just and free society, marked by respect for the dignity, equality and rights of each of its members, especially the poor, the outcast and those who have no voice.

"At a time when so many of our brothers and sisters throughout the world yearn for liberation from the scourge of poverty, hunger and violence, I pray that you will be confirmed in your resolve to promote understanding, co-operation and peace among the nations, so that all may share in the banquet of life which God wills to set for the whole human family.

The Pope concludes: "Upon you and your family, and upon all the American people, I willingly invoke the Lord's blessings of joy and peace".

Top Ten: Things I Admire in my BIL

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE CORY!

Most of us are blessed to have one, a brother-in-law, that is. I met Cory way back in 1992 which seems like a whole other lifetime ago. I was actually taller than him - now he towers over me at 6'7"!!

In honor of said brother-in-law, he's lucky enough (or not!) to have his big day fall on Top Ten Wednesday. So, this one's for you, Cory...

TOP TEN: THINGS I ADMIRE ABOUT MY BIL

1. His smarts. He and my hubby were both tops in their high school classes. Those are some good genes, I say.

2. His laugh. It reminds me of his dad...everytime.

3. His attitude. Cory has never been one to listen to the critics. If he set his mind to it, you might as well consider it done.

4. His love for Jennifer and Alex. It's obvious he loves those two...very much.

5. His faith. Cory and Jennifer have made it a point to find and get involved in a church home no matter where they were living.

6. His pro-bono work. Yes, he's our financial planner and a might fine one at that. If Jerry Maguire lost the love of his life at "hello," then Cory lost me at "hedge fund." Seriously, though, I think it's an amazing gift.

7. His guts. Not many folks would've packed it up and moved to Manhattan for 5 years or Boston for 2 or back home to the Lone Star State. I'm sure those moves came with their fair share of anxiety and excitement. They took a leap, though, and it made them better people.

8. His athleticism. I can't even dribble, ok, let's be honest. I'm severely athletically-challenged. So, anyone that can do more than me has my utmost admiration.

9. His love for his brother. He and Scott share a special bond. I hope my boys are taking notes.

10. How much he enjoys being an uncle. I think it's fair to say we broke all the aunts and uncles in well before they had their own brood. Cory reminds us to loosen up a little bit and have some fun. Now we get to do the same for nephew Alex. Wahoo!

Imagine the potential

Proof that life is precious.

Bring it

Well, a keynote, a wee 6 hours of sleep, some caffeine and 1,300 teenagers later...the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference in Waco was a-mazing. Scott and I began our early marriage working with high school youth. But, 4 kids later our shift has moved to working with engaged couples. This past weekend, we were reminded just how much we love the teen set.

The weekend's theme, "The Calling", encouraged teenagers to seek out their own calling. Scott and were able to share our call to married life...with some well placed jokes, scripture and witness along the way. We enjoyed the time together, the fabulous hotel room, the good conversation and the inspiration.

And, to Nana, Papa, Aunt A and Uncle D who held down the fort in P-town - our prayers of thanksgiving go to you.

Camp Aunts

I realized after posting the double top ten that I left out two very important people...Aunt Mary Lou, Martha and Tobie (um, make that 3). MLou is, without a doubt, the one person in the world in which I can share my whole heart and get nothing back, but love. We don't agree on everything - who does? But she always gets me. I love that about her. And, Marth is just a pretty amazing person herself. Funny, real and a Cubs fan. What's not to love?

The girls, Scott and I headed over to their house while up in Amarillo and got to see their Southern Living magazine-spread-worthy backyard garden. Even in the dead of winter it was awesome. The girls enjoyed flavored water and getting to know the star of the house, Tobie Grace.

Thanks MLou for snapping these pics. They're golden.

Wow

So, lots of you know that our little Anna-Laura is named after a Dominican nun, Sr. Anna Laura. In our eyes, Sr. AL is one cool cat. We met her at a youth retreat in Indiana, Destination Jesus. There was just something so real, so holy, so utterly amazing about her. I suppose we just felt like we were in the presence of someone blissfully happy about living out God's plan for her life.

Salt + Light TV just produced a documentary on her order, the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, in Nashville. About halfway through, much to my surprise, was Sr. Anna-Laura! She's the one in habit. HAHA. Ok, she's the one speaking when you see the girls in yellow shirts.

Just had to share...

QOTW: January 16, 2009

Story time.

Like many of you, we have our fair share of accidents around here. The kids, that is. And, when they happen, I usually have said child remove clothing and change. Well, on my way to change clothes last night (and NO I did not have an accident!), I hear a sweet voice say this...

"Mama, you pee in your pants?"

From the mouths of babes.

Make it a great weekend. Scott and I are off to Waco to speak to like a bazillion teenagers (ok, not that many, but when we're talking for 45 minutes, it'll feel like that) at the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC). Our topic? The vocation of marriage. We'll let you know how it goes. Better get that Facebook page set up so I don't look like such an old woman!

Top Ten, Take 2

So, as promised, here are the other 10 worthy Kodak moments. I know you've been waiting...

Christmas Day
Yes, that is us in short sleeves, on a golf course, in the middle of winter.

I love this pic because it captures our life perfectly...precious Clare, happy as can be and piles and piles of laundry behind her. See? Christmas Day is no different than any other around here!!

THE trip to Amarillo!!

You're lookin' at our reason for driving 19 hours. Could Great Betty and Great Papa look any happier? The boys were thrilled that they, along with my parents, got to spend the night with Great Papa. I hear they played dominoes, ate pancakes like racehorses and wore out said Greats.

Friends from A&M, Jan, Leighton and Co.

We're nearly the same as we were in college, except now we get excited about "kids eat free on Mondays" instead of penny pitchers...

High school friend Heather and her gang.

She still goes a million miles a minute, but I so love that about her. Heather knows the best, and the very, very worst about me and still invited me over for dinner. Heath, we loved seeing you.

Yeah, yeah, there's more than 10. I'm an Aggie and taking Math 151 almost kept me from graduating. Nuff said.

Top Ten: For the Love of Christmas

Yes, we had an amazingly fun - albeit slightly chaotic - Christmas season. I had high hopes to hit today's top ten with our ten best moments. Clearly, that is easier said than done. So, you're in luck this week. We'll have top ten, part uno, today and dos tomorrow. Enjoy!

Christmas in Bowie
Stop with the cuteness...

Hello reality.

Christmas with Uncle D and Aunt A before they went ski tripping.

Christmas Eve

Prayer before opening all the Baby Jesus'

And, on that note, your fun for today has ended :-)

And so it begins...

Another sports season, that is. I can already tell you I'm loving basketball. No cold wind, no hot sun, no chairs to drag to and fro, no timeouts (not in his league) and no crazy parents. Oops. Strike that last one. There is one dad.

I'm especially thankful that we enrolled Will in the Upward league. For all you mommies out there who are looking for a league that focuses on how to foster Christ-like players, while developing the fundamentals of the game, this is the place for you. The had a team prayer prior to the game and when the refs blow the whistle, they take time to explain why to the kids. Love it.

The first half was, well, interesting. But, the halftime talk must've rejuvenated and focused the team. We came back and scored 12 unanswered points (yes, I've been watching ESPN). We'll be on the circuit until the end of February. So, stay tuned ...

Saturday afternoon I saw evidence that the many prayers being lifted up for Rose and her family were felt. The burial was so, so beautiful. In fact, there were many moments when I felt like we witnessed some extraordinary grace. Thank you for allowing me to write and remember such an amazing family...

QOTW: January 9, 2009

"Mommy, it's fun loving Clare."
Anna-Laura commenting on just how great it is to have a sister to love. Amen.

"Tommorow, you read me a book and pray with me. Got it, Mom?"
John Paul, on his way to bed last night.

"I don't like you anymore."
Will in response to my making him pick up his toys. I am a mean, mean Mom.

"BAA!"
Clare-ese for "boo" as she poked her head around the office door to scare me. 18-month-olds crack me up, especially when they're mine.

It will be a bittersweet weekend, full of highs and lows. Will has his first basketball game on Saturday, which I can hardly wait for...he just looks so handsome in that uniform. Later that day, we'll attend little Rose's burial. (what you don't see is that I just paused for like 2 minutes, because I'm just at a loss) Is it possible to feel two things at once? Awe of the afterlife/Anger at reality? Peace as another angel flies home/Frustration that a Mom grieves so deeply? I suppose so. A wise friend recently told me that the rawness of loss never really goes away. We just learn that God still gives us life, thus, we live for Him.

Make it a great weekend all. I'll get those happy Christmas pics up soon. They really do capture the joy we just experienced. Man, I love my kids. And my husband. And the 5 of you that read this :-)

Bye Week

Mind if I take a bye on the top ten this week, folks? I'm just not feeling very top-tenish.

I'll get some fun Christmas pics of the kids uploaded and posted later this week. I think that might really brighten my day :-)

From this life to the next

I want to thank all of you for praying for little Rose...your prayers are now with her in a most special place, Jesus' arms.

Kevin and Leslie are showing amazing strength - more strength than I believe I would possess in the same situation. Surely, they are supported by an amazing faith community and by prayer.

Time and time again God tries to tell us that our most precious gift is not tangible, but it is real. His love for us is what endures. His sacrifice. His peace.

Rose Marie was sent to this life for a purpose. May her life be a reminder to each of us that it is our faith that is our most cherished gift.

The power of prayer

We've all heard that phrase at one time or another...but today, I believe there is one family who needs it desperately. On December 30, some friends of ours from Austin who now reside in Lewisville, checked their baby daughter into the hospital for severe head trauma.

Little Rose is only 10 months old - and I think many would agree that's just too soon to put on those angel wings. Her progress has not gotten better, nor worse and her parents sit in joyful hope that a miracle is in store for her.

Please keep Kevin, Leslie, Rose and her four siblings in your prayers today. Go ahead, take a minute and lift them up in prayer.

St. Therese of Lisieux, the "Little Flower" - pray for us. Let God's work begin today.

A whole lot of joy

I think our Christmas season - and yes, it's technically still Christmas until January 6 - can be summed up in one sweet word: JOY. I pray yours was filled with the same. Here, I'll give you another word: LOUD. Another: UNFORGETTABLE. And one last one: NUTS. That pretty much sums it up...joy, loud, loud, nuts, unforgettable, joy, joy, nuts.

We started the season by heading up to Bowie the weekend before and celebrating the Whitaker family Christmas. Amazingly, we didn't freak out nephew Alex. He and Clare had a great time with the wrapping paper. The kids - and by kids I'm speaking specifically about John Paul and Anna-Laura - had Academy award-winning reactions. There were lots of "Yes!" and "I knew it" and "AHHH". Classic. We even filled up a whole pew (and then some) at Saturday evening's Mass. Granny, thank you for hosting such a joyful get together.

Then, it was back home to celebrate Christmas with Uncle Daniel and Aunt Amanda. It was pretty much the same scenario of oohs and ahhs and performances. Scott felt like the pits, though. So, we ordered in Chili's while he slept on the couch. Aren't we nice?

Christmas Eve, we met my parents and cousin Mickey at Mass. Will was in the choir and did a fabulous job. I must say, at the end of Mass Msgr. Bill dimmed the lights in the church, we hugged those next to us and sang "Silent Night." That was when God let the peace in. It was a precious moment. Afterwards we tried for a kid picture in front of the Christmas tree out front. Exit unforgettable. Enter nuts. The pasta dinner at home was eaten in lightening speed, then it was on to present opening. Yes, we open them all after Mass. This year, we did something different, though. We wrapped all the baby Jesus' and placed them under the tree. We prayed together as a family and then the kids opened the package. The excitement was contagious as they ran through the house placing Baby Jesus in his rightful place. It was also dangerous as one lost his head. Remember this post?

We dutifully spread reindeer food out front and baked delish cookies for Santa. What sweet innocence. I now know there is a God who performs miracles - our children did not get out of bed until 7:14 AM. Did you see that?? 7:14 AM!!!!!!!!!!! We enjoyed the rest of the day at my parents and then hit the sack with a heavy head that night.

Oh, but the festivities didn't stop there. 3 Christmas celebrations were not enough.

We decided it would be fun to head up to Amarillo. In a car. With 4 children. For 19 hours. Enter loud.

I've bored you long enough, though. Check back in tomorrow for the evidence that we survived, had a blast and made it back home in one piece.

QOTW: January 2, 2009

First off, let me say that it's weird to write 2009.

Ok, onto the quotes of the week:

"Dad, when you're home, we get the good stuff."
Will, in response to Scott telling him that we were having BBQ sandwiches for dinner. I am so feelin the love.

"Actuwee..." (also read "Actually")
John Paul, when he's trying to make a point.

Next week, I'll get caught up on the Christmas follies here at Casa Whitaker. Until then, have a great weekend before school starts!