Happy, Happy Birthday Aunt Amanda!

To a great aunt, we wish many blessings today. Shoot, you're still in your 20s. What's not to celebrate, right? I am incredibly thankful to have you as a sister-in-law. You've seen me at my worst (really, you have) and hopefully at my best. You're always willing to help with the kids - which they love and we totally appreciate - and you love my brother with all your heart. What more could a sister ask for?

Make it a great Aunt Abanda (as John Paul so lovingly says). We love you lots!!

What a date night!

When Scott asks me out on a date, he knows how to do it right. I love that man.

A couple of weeks ago, some friends invited us to attend a Gala event for the Majella Society. I was excited, mainly because that meant a date with my husband, talking about babies AND a hot meal I didn't have to cook, along with some sort of chocolate for dessert. Hey, what can I say. It's the little things.

Then, I found out Gov. Mike Huckabee was speaking...and I got a little more excited.

Last Wednesday I found out we were invited to the VIP "Meet and Greet" with the Governor. Sold. 100%. Where are those fancy earrings and shoes that make my feet hurt? Totally worth it.

So, we arrived at the convention center and ran smack into, you guessed it, Gov. Huckabee and Raymond Arroyo, the event emcee (host of EWTN's The World Over). The meet and greet was really fabulous because the room wasn't packed and we actually got to visit. I must say - and I hope I'm not offending any of you out there - it was incredibly refreshing to hear a politican so unabashedly and proudly proclaim his pro-life stance. Folks, in today's world that is rare. They so often dance around the topic and never cut to the core of morality. Clearly, I'm a pro-life mom (aren't we all in some way?) from the beginning of life to its natural end. I was proud to be in a room with a man who not only believed the same, but uses his very public pulpit to share that belief.

And, just when I thought the meet and greet was over, I looked over and saw another Governor, Texas' that is. Fightin' Texas Aggie Yell Leader Governor Rick Perry, ahem. I almost paused to see if he and Scott would break out and lead the room in "Aggies." They didn't, but boy wouldn't that have livened up a room of t-sips?

The gala was great - the message important - and the time with Scott precious. How is Scott going to top this one?

SOLD!

Holy smokes that was fast. Our house was officially on the market 8 days when we got an offer. We signed initial papers and will close on May 21. Yes, you read that correctly. (Insert major freak out here) In the same breath we're hyperventilating, we're also shouting out major thanksgiving. In this market, heck in any market, 8 days is fantastic. And we even made some moula! Our buyer seems to love our house as much as we do. That always makes it easier to say goodbye.

We were actually all set to make an offer on another house but we've put on the brakes while we get some questions answered about said fantabulous house. We shall see. Reason #2 why I'm freaking out.

I kinda feel like I'm on the Tilt-a-Whirl at the amusement park, without the seatbelt. Nauseous and excited all at the same time. I'm trying really hard not to think about how my to-do list just hit the one-mile mark.

So...any prayers you could send this way would be quite welcome. I'd say any boxes of wine or hard liquor but only Scott would get to enjoy those :-)

Happy 3rd Anniversary to Me...

Today marks the day God gave me a whole new life.

Three years ago today I was on the operating table at Brackenridge Hospital, losing blood like a crazy woman.

Three years ago today I learned how important it is to have a really amazing doctor whom you trust with your life.

Three years ago today I whispered to my mom - certainly in a seriously drug-induced state - "I'm so glad I did this."

Three years ago today I realized what unconditional love from your husband really means.

Three years ago today in the midst of my excruciating pain, I prayed God would bless us with more children.

Three years ago today I learned first-hand about that whole "power of prayer" thing.

Three years ago today I grew two inches.

Has it really been three years? Scoliosis sucks. Yes, having it meant I wore an icky brace for 5 years and that I learned to have a sense of humor to compensate for that low self-esteem. The curve still got worse - my doctor says I was a special case. Humpf. But then we moved to Austin and I was extraordinarily blessed to meet Dr. Geck. Who, by the way, is the greatest doctor of all time. He gave me 24 screws, 2 rods, a big 'ol incision on my backside (2 actually) and a new lease on life. What he didn't give me, however, was a reality check. God did that.

I'm especially thankful for the perspective and thankfulness God gave me. There were many friends and family who helped in big and small ways. You know who you are. You rock.

There are moments in life - like when a close friend or family member dies, or when a medical emergency happens with your child - when your entire world stops. You forget about the to-do lists jamming your planner, the voicemails and text messages on your cell, the laundry that needs to be folded and put away, your pile of junk you need to sort through, that argument you had with a good friend. God gives you clarity in that moment. Clarity to know that really, none of that matters. That's when you let the Holy Spirit in and you have to completely and totally trust on a being greater than yourself. If ever you've been a skeptic to this whole religion thing, I can tell you this. There is no way, NO WAY, I would've survived that 9-hour surgery, those horribly long middle of the nights in horrific pain, that year recovery if not for a power beyond my own.

God is good. All the time.

Yea for three years! Yea for two inches! Yea for a new me!

Amen Sister!

Because my back is having one of "those weeks", I'm totally plagiarizing and offering this for your reading pleasure.

I'll have the top ten next week. I've been such a slacker. Forgive me please. And, tomorrow is a BIG, BIG anniversary. Check back in for details.


It's Time To Speak Up
Elizabeth Foss
4/22/09 12:00 am

It’s been one of those weeks. They don’t happen very often, but when they do happen, we all become more aware. This is a countercultural life we lead and it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to swim against the tide.

There was the baseball coach who insisted that a parent must be present for the entirety of every practice and every game. When it was pointed out that he was making baseball inaccessible to any child with a sibling (or eight) playing other sports, he just repeated the policy.

There was a basketball coach who was clearly “disappointed” we were unavailable for a tournament Easter weekend.

There was a frank conversation about the way Christian young ladies behave when we were confronted with young ladies who clearly hadn’t had such a discussion.

Everywhere I turned it seemed, the big, Catholic family was sticking out like a sore thumb. I felt it and so did my children.

Those are the times my husband and I genuinely smile all the brighter and remind ourselves that this life is a blessing — that the crosses, though real and rough and heavy, are our privilege to carry. I want to run for the hills, to build a house on the mountain and gather my children around me.

It’s a lot of work to interact with so many people who touch the lives of my many children and don’t understand why we live the way we do. Instead, I try mightily to smile and give an authentic Christian witness with my entire being. Those are the teaching opportunities, the chances to show the children by example that being Catholic isn’t something we do for an hour on Sundays, nor is it something we do when it’s convenient. Being Catholic is who we are, all the time.

I think that’s why it was particularly disturbing to me this week when Georgetown University shrank from its Catholic identity. Instead of proudly being Catholic for the world to see, instead of proclaiming itself Christian, the prestigious Catholic university cowered in the corner like Peter before the cock crowed. True, they didn’t honor the president with a degree the way Notre Dame plans to do. Instead, they just obliterated Christ.

According to news reports, President Obama asked that the “IHS” inscribed behind where he was speaking be covered. The White House made it clear that the monogram, which stands for the Greek translation for Jesus Christ, not be visible to cameras. It was covered over with a piece of black painted plywood, which remained in place even the next day. As a parent who teaches her children to be authentically Catholic every day, I am dismayed at Georgetown’s decision. I don’t take down my crucifix or hide my statues when non-Catholics come to visit.

From a purely secular perspective, I might even understand why Obama would ask to have the IHS covered. It's a politically-motivated, misguided communication strategy. Such a request is disrespectful to the host, but I understand it.

What I don't understand is why Georgetown would agree. To remove the ancient symbolism of Jesus Christ Himself from a Catholic institution in order to placate one of the most extreme anti-life, pro-abortion-under-any-circumstance politicians in the history of the our country shows a clear lack of character.

They could have said, "No, we won't deny Jesus at the nation's oldest Catholic university. Respectfully, Mr. President, you'll need to find another place to deliver your speech." We practice responses like that with our children all the time. Perhaps if the folks who make decisions at Georgetown were made to practice authentic Catholic responses, they, too could answer readily in defense of the Faith.

Perhaps Catholic University spokesman Victor Nakas would coach them. He said, "I can’t imagine, as the bishops’ university and the national university of the Catholic Church that we would ever cover up our religious art or signage for any reason. Our Catholic Faith is integral to our identity as an institution of higher education.”

On Good Friday, when I talked with my children about Peter’s denial of Christ, and then we prayed the Stations of the Cross, my 8-year-old’s eyes filled with tears.

“Why,” he cried, “why didn’t anyone step in? Why didn’t the Apostles stop them? Why did everyone just let Jesus die?”

In this country, He’s dying again and again and again. It’s time to speak up before the cock crows.

Foss is a freelance writer from Northern Virginia.
http://www.elizabethfoss.com/

Did I mention...

Yeah, so last Wednesday Scott calls me at 8:15 in the morning and starts off with, "Guess what just happened to me." Go ahead, guess.

I'll give you some hints.

Blinding sun.
Hilly part of Austin.
Animal.

Yep, he hit a doe. Dang it. So, the car is in the shop getting fixed for that AND the hail damage from a few weeks ago. I've officially signed myself up for the crazy house. Anybody want to come with me?

From Tigers to Angels

Oh how I never thought this post would come.

Some of you know that we drive a fair distance to get Will to school. And, truly, the drive has never really bothered us. But, with the addition of numero cinco bambino come October, we decided to take some serious stock in the whole, "Are we really being good stewards of the family God gave us?"

That question took us on a three-week journey of great introspection, honest discussion, wise advice from friends and family and serious knee time with God. I believe there is no coincidence in the fact that the culmination of that decision occurred during Holy Week. There were some tears (ok, a lot of tears), some frustration, a decision and finally, some peace. Our house is on the market, we're looking for another and the boys are officially starting a new Catholic school come August.

Now, I realize some of you might be thinking, "What, THIS is the big news?" And, that's when I'm reminded of the cross God gives each of us to bear. Sometimes, don't we look at others and say, "Sheez, I wish I had that one" or "Wow, there is no way on God's green earth I could carry that one"...

For Scott and I a Catholic education for our children is incredibly important. It's not that we think public schools are evil (we are, after all, both the products of quite wonderful public school systems), we just want to have a say in where our kids learn, what they're taught and how God can be a part of all that. So, by leaving the school, we're not just leaving a place of education, but we're leaving our entire community. The parish, the many ministries in which we're involved, much of our after-school activities, our circle of friends - yeppers, the whole ball of wax. That's what made the decision so painful.

Having said all that, though, the Holy Spirit often opens a door and you want to look at Him and say, "Um, seriously? No." Then He smiles and opens it anyway. So, we're taking a leap of faith. There are many, many, many, MANY things that we considered when jumping off the deep end, but the one that matters most is this...we have to do what's best for our family.

I'm quite certain that's a motto than many of us have, don't we? We parent different ways, have different political views, spend our disposable income (HA, totally an oxymoron) in various places and even have differing fashion sense. It all comes down to doing what you think is best, in consultation with God, and owning it

So, we are the proud owners of a fresh start. Scary as hell, but we're doing it. Holy Family Catholic School Angels, here we come :-)

The Last Supper

What a touching ceremony last night. The second grade class at school hosted "The Last Supper" to help prepare our children for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. For us converts, we typically receive this sacrament, along with confirmation and sometimes baptism, all at once. Will, however, gets to experience them one at a time. It's a real privilege to watch his faith walk slowly unroll before our eyes. Bit by bit, he's growing up, embracing his faith and becoming a man of God. Yes, you could say we're a teensy bit proud.

In a few words, the ceremony was... Understated. Beautiful. Touching. Heartfelt. Overwhelming. Sanctifying. Holy. Really, what more could we ask? For my Catholic readers, I pray your children have the same thoughtful preparation for one of our church's most meaningful and important sacraments. The Eucharist, the living God, is central to our faith. For my non-Catholic readers, I hope it gives you a glimpse into just how seriously we take communion. At the altar each Sunday, it's not a symbol or a remembrance for us, but rather the real deal. It took me some time to embrace this teaching of the church...someday I'll write a blog post about all that. Until then, you'll have to trust me when I tell you that communion is the most amazing part of Mass for me each week. And, in two short weeks Will gets to experience that, too!

Our crazy week & a special day

Before I dish on the craziness, it's important to remember what today means to our family. Five years ago today, John Paul was baptized. For some, it may just be another day. Not for us. To be quite honest, with all that's been going on this week, I completely forgot about today's significance...and then I checked my email and found a sweet note to John Paul from his Godmother Gachia. It made me cry. Not just because it was so sweet, but because I just plain forgot (and I'm slightly hormonal). I know we all do it. Me especially. This is why we have Godmothers. To keep the rest of us sane. Gachia, we love you.

Our little, chubby, one-in-a-million, happy, feisty, loving John Paul..from the baptismal day, after all the fun festivities.

Speaking of love overflowing, we've been having some peeing issues with Master John Paul. Last summer, we took him to his pediatric urologist and they did some invasive tests, ran lots of bloodwork and did some ultrasounds - all came back "average" but he was on the borderline of average. One does not like to hear "fluid on the kidneys" and "it's probably okay" in the same sentence. We've tried incentives to encourage him to wake up dry. We've woken him up once, sometimes twice, a night to visit the potty. We did the sticker chart, the ice cream bribery and the "you're wearing underwear like a big boy" routine - all with the same result. A horribly wet pullup the next morning. That's when you start to feel two things, 1) a failure as a mom and 2) that something is really wrong. We weren't getting any real answers from the pediatric specialist and although I like the guy, they're making some fat cash over there. Four doctors in the ENTIRE freaking city of Austin. It's like Fort Knox getting in. As a matter of fact, they never even allowed us to see Dr. C, only his PA. Not happy.

Remember that little kidney stone incident I had shortly after Clare was born? Well, I LOVED my doctor. He prayed with me before the surgery, answered all my questions and took the time to really understand what was going on. So, at the urging of John Paul's pediatrician, I called up Dr. Bruce. NOTE: If you live in Austin, he is THE urologist to visit. Love him. The visit on Monday alleviated many of my fears, questions and concerns. All in all, we have a course of action to follow and I feel confident that we've found the right doctor for JPizzle.

Bottom line? Be an advocate for your child. Whole heartedly and with great passion.

So, onto crises numbers 2 and 3...

For those that have known us any length of time, you know that our 10-visit punch card at the ER is nearly full. Tuesday morning I headed to my spine surgeon for my annual checkup (and to get Master Will checked out). More on that later. A little anxious for both of us, but thankful for the one-on-one time with Will.

We arrived at the office when my cell phone rang. That totally freaked me out because Scott never calls me on my cell - mostly because 1) he can totally handle the kids on his own and 2) because I never remember to turn it on. I hear a panicky voice saying he's on the way to the ER because he thinks Clare swallowed some pills. I was either amazingly calm or in total denial that it was happening. Let's go with superhero calmness - that sounds so much better. So, Scott carted the three to the Round Rock ER and I sat in the office with Will to see if he had the beginning stages of scoliosis. Eeeny meeny miney mo. Hello rock. Hi hard place. Both ended up just fine. Clare didn't injest any pills, as it turned out, and Will's back is straight as an arrow. Whew.

So, lesson learned is that God always throws you a curve ball. And that life, in its many glorious stages, is so incredibly precious.

Tonight is a really special night at our house. Will's second grade class at school is having the washing of the feet at "The Last Supper." It's a touching ceremony that allows the parents to wash their second graders' feet, read a blessing and help prepare them for their upcoming First Communion. It will be some precious time...

We'll post our exciting/sad news tomorrow. Oh, and Laurie, we are not having twins!

Top Ten: Emotional Week

So, when we started this week, my "plan" was so totally different than the one God had planned. He's a funny man, that God of ours. HA, HA. In honor of that sense of humor, here is this week's (slightly belated)...

TOP TEN EMOTIONS I'VE HAD THIS WEEK

1. Joy

2. Frustration

3. Trepidation

4. Fear

5. Relief

6. Thankfulness

7. Love

8. Sadness

9. Excitement

10. Peace

Setting all others aside, it's that #10 that really matters. Tomorrow, you get the Paul Harvey rest of the story on the ER visit - no worries, all is really ok on the homefront - and we'll share some exciting news. It's just hard to be the grownup sometimes, ya know? Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes.

Still here...barely

Sorry for the lack of posts since Easter. We have some big decisions looming here at the homestead and they're starting to take their toll. Fortunately, it will be over soon. Hey, in the last 48 hours, we've had two major doctor visits and a stop at the ER. See all the posts you have to look forward to? No siree, never a dull moment here.

I'll be back in the thick of it tomorrow, along with your way overdue Top Ten.

He is Risen!

From our house to yours...Happy Easter!

Holy Saturday

Well, we're almost there. Easter Sunday is a comin'. This morning we had quite a lively time at the parish Easter Egg hunt. I have never seen that many sugar-hungry kids in one place with like, a million eggs, in all my life. That must be what heaven looks like if you're 5. I'll post pics tonight after we recover.

We plan on making the annual "Resurrection Cookies" (see recipe below) later this evening (Carolyn thanks for the reminder!). We've done this the last couple of years, and each year the kids get more and more into it. Instead of the race for the Easter baskets, they all race to the oven door. I.love.it. And, of course, no Easter is complete without dying some eggs. Busy day/evening ahead. Even busier tomorrow. But, we're trying hard not to anticipate the joy of tomorrow morning. It's hard, but we still have some preparations to do - to our home, and our hearts.

Resurrection Cookies

Ingredients:
1 c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
Pinch of salt
1 c. sugar

Supplies:
Zipper baggie
Wooden spoon
Tape
Bible
Wax paper

Preheat oven to 300 F. Place pecans in a zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces (set aside). Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3. Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11. Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 c. sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes, until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3. Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20, 22.

On Resurrection morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Resurrection Day Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.

Good Friday

Undoubtedly the most solemn and quiet day of the year in the church. Since last night, there are no organs, no bells, no pianos, no choir of angels. All the hosts for Mass were consecrated last night, none will be today. Today is a day we remember that suffering, most especially from noon to 3pm...the hours Jesus hung on the cross. We contemplated letting Will watch The Passion of the Christ with us today, but opted out. Still too young, still too innocent. Another time. Another Good Friday.

Instead, today we'll join parishioners at our church for outdoor Stations of the Cross. The kids aren't required to be extraordinarily quiet (thank goodness) and the weather is beautiful here today. Win-win. And, if we have to jet out, we don't stumble over anyone in the pews :-)

We might even attempt to make hot cross buns. That would be a new tradition and it sounds intriguing. It's one of those tangible lessons that make it easy for a child to grasp what these three holiest days of the year are all about.

I'm signing off until tomorrow. But before I do, I'd like to offer up some serious prayers of thanksgiving on behalf of my MIL and her family. North Texas was hit with some ravaging fires yesterday. So many people lost their homes, their cattle and their farmland. Thanks be to God that Carla is ok, as is her family and their homes. Amazingly the Catholic church down the street suffered no damage. Or, maybe not so amazingly. It was Holy Thursday, after all...

Holy Thursday

Here we are, on the eve of the Easter Triduum. Holy Thursday has always been one of my favorite days of the year, ever since I started dating Scott. He took me to a Holy Thursday service and I was hooked. If you've never been, even if you're not Catholic, I encourage you to give 'er a try. I promise they won't try to convert you at the door :-)

It's a beautiful Mass that includes a foot washing ceremony. The parish typically chooses 12 people (sometimes men, sometimes not) to come forward. They each remove a shoe and the priest, humbly and patiently washes each foot. I've seen many a tear shed, both at the altar and in the pews. It's this amazing symbolism...our sweet, holy priests washing our feet. I often think what that must've felt like on that Holy Thursday as a disciple. To have your deliverer do something so humbling. Talk about an act of love. The most poignant service was certainly eight years ago. Will was a mere two weeks old and we were asked to come forward. His Godfather, a priest, washed that tiny little foot. I was pretty much a puddle after that. Actually, I'm tearing up now just thinking about it. What sweet innocence, what amazing love.

In the years since, it's gotten harder and harder and a wee bit squirmier and louder since those first Masses. So this year, we decided to bring the service to our house...with a twist. After baths, we'll place our children in front of us and read the passage from John 13:1-15. We'll explain what that means, then remove their shoes, and as their parents, we'll wash their feet.

I suspect it may take a few years for the ceremony to take hold and probably when it does they'll all be old enough to sit through the hour-long Mass. Nevertheless, families are about making memories - you know, the good kind that don't require your kids to go to counseling. Our hope is our children will know that our act of love is offered with the same love Jesus offered on that night over 2,000 years ago.

Tomorrow, we'll share why Good Friday really is good. Until then...enjoy these last few days of Lent.

Yeah for Holy Week

Technically, Holy Week began on Sunday, but go with me.

Today is the Chrism Mass, where the Bishop blesses the oils that priests use throughout the year (baptism, confirmation and the annointing of the sick). It's a really beautiful Mass and sometime, probably around 2015, I'll get to attend.

The week is full of beautiful liturgies, solemn Masses, prayerful Stations of the Cross and a joyful celebration on Saturday night and Sunday morning. When it was just Scott and I, we got to enjoy all those by our lonesome. It's hard to make the week as beautiful when you're tending to little ones. So, I'll share what we do along the week, with you, in hopes that you can do the same.

Alleluia!

Seventh inning stretch

Yea, we're those parents. We took our kid out of sport before he ever really got started. Hard to do, but the right things usually are.

Being in France gave Scott and I a renewed perspective on family life, most importantly it made us reflect on this question: Are we being good stewards of the family God gave us?

We spend a fair amount of time in the van - school, work, after-school activities, church, parent's day out, yadda, yadda. When we looked at the calendar and the number of nights we had baseball practice and games, it was another 3 nights/days of shuffling kids, juggling schedules, on-the-go dinners and stress-filled evenings. And, John Paul is FIVE. Not 15. I don't care what sport or activity it is, 3 days a week for a five-year-old is activity overload.

When Will started school, we didn't monitor the after-school stuff too much, because quite frankly, we didn't have to. Now that we're a quiver of 6, soon to be 7, the family landscape is very different. And, I'll throw this in the ring for your thoughts, too much really can be too much. There's no harm in sending the kids outside to play and hollering, "Be creative, just don't kill each other."

Quite honestly, I'm fed up to you-know-where with the secular world telling me my kids need to be in a 5-day-a-week all-day pre-school, or that they should be reading by the time they're 5, or that after-school activities help build their self-esteem. What happened to our role as parents? Have we just decided to lay that responsibility on someone - or something - else? Not I, said the fly. These kids were given to Scott and I to form and we take that role very seriously. Even more so, now that there are more chubby cheeks to squeeze in our casa.

Wow, that soap box just popped up out of nowhere. Sorry :-) Moral of the story: If you think it's not right for your family, then it isn't. No excuses.

We're looking forward to a spring full of weekends to camp out, take a day trip to the Hill Country, have a backyard BBQ with friends or just hang. Cause that's what a being a kid should be all about...

Time to party!

I think all of you know my motto when it comes to birthdays...

Go big, or go home.

Well, after doing 16 birthdays, collectively, between the kids, we/I decided it might be fun to adopt a new motto...

Go small, no stress.

Definitely liking the new motto. Will gathered together 5 of his buddies from school and the neighborhood and we enjoyed a great dinner at Mighty Fine Burgers & Shakes. If you're from Austin, you gotta try this place. The masterminds behind Rudy's BBQ dreamed it up and it's some good eats. Plus, we didn't have to cut anyone's food, get their drinks or clean up after them. Eight IS great. We polished off dinner with a little cookie cake. Even better.

After burgers and cookies, we piled in the van and headed to see "Monsters vs. Aliens" in 3D. Way cool, way funny. Definitely not for kids that are younger than our guys, but quite hilarious. It was really fun to hear the giggles down the row. Then, we piled them all back into the van and took them home. Party graded a success by Will.

Classic moments throughout the evening -

Keep in mind, the restaurant only has burgers and hot dogs. One of the boys says to Scott, "Um, Mr. Whitaker, I don't eat burgers." Scott asks what he does eat. His reply? "Pretty much anything besides burgers and hot dogs." Would you like some ketchup with those french fries?

When we asked one of the guys if he liked popcorn, he quickly shouted, "Well, who doesn't?"

With 7 boys, including Scott, I didn't have to make any bathroom runs!!

For the actual birthday, we headed to a family favorite, Chuy's. Totally Will's choice, I promise. He got a little sheepish when the waiters came out singing, but quickly dismissed that when he saw the dessert. Who wouldn't love that attention? He grinned and giggled the rest of the night.

So, 8 has officially come. First Communion is in less than 4 weeks and school ends in 9. Holy cow. I'm getting old. Master Will - it was a really, really fun birthday celebration weekend with you. I think your Dad and I had just as much fun as all your friends!

QOTW: April 3, 2009

"Oh, that's a good, strong heartbeat!"
Dr. Orth after hearing a healthy 168bpm on the doppler at my OB visit this morning :-)

"We are just the luckiest people."
Will, while eating dinner outside at Uncle Cory and Aunt Jennifer's house during spring break.

"Is Alex a boy or a girl?"
John Paul, inquiring about the sex of his nephew.

"We'll always have Paris."
Said, like a million times, in the last week by Scott and I. Getting everybody deprogrammed takes so much energy.

"Um, that looks like a bad hole, Mommy."
Will, after seeing the huge hole in our kitchen skylight - courtesy of our hail storm last week. Awesome.

"Previously, on ER."
So sad I won't be hearing that again.

We have lots of fun in store this weekend - two whole days full of absolutely NOTHING to do. Can that be possible? So looking forward to playing outside and enjoying our pretty spring weather. It'll be 100 before we know it and we'll be camped out inside with the AC. Make it a great weekend everybody. I'll dish on our crazy week and give you the Paul Harvey "rest of the story" on the baseball season.

Say it ain't so...

After 15 years, our Thursday date nights will never be the same. ER is going off the air tonight. As much as I've loved Noah Wylie and George Clooney, it was never about them (ok, maybe a teensy weensy bit about them), but mostly about the time with Scott. Thursday nights have been our standing date nights since our dating years. In the early years, we'd get our ER fix and then head out the door for a night out...sheez. That was like 1opm! Now, we're in BED by 10pm. These days, we snuggle up on the coach, grab some popcorn or Blue Bell and live life in the ER and hit the sack after the show's over. Funny how life changes like that.

Tonight, we say goodbye. I know, I know it's just a show. And, admittedly there were some nights (and some seasons) that I could've done without. The content was just too much sometimes. But, it's more the saying goodbye to a show, we're closing another chapter of our lives, that comfortable, predictable night. I'm sure we'll find another excuse to snuggle up on the coach, maybe even go crazy and find a new night to love.

:::Sigh:::

Goodbye weird cases that I'm sure never hit the doors of an ER.
Goodbye cranky doctors who need to retire.
Goodbye way too cute doctors that I've NEVER seen in a real-life ER.
Goodbye shows that make me think.
Goodbye characters that make me cry.

It's been a good 15 years...and an even more magnificent 13 being married to Scott. Here's to finding a new way to celebrate date night...any suggestions??

No foolin'

I love this day. Just wish I had the energy to play an A+ joke on someone that we could laugh about for years and years. Another year, I guess. It's been a wee bits nuts around Casa Whitaker the last week. Part of it still acclimating to stateside life, part taking John Paul out of baseball (another post on that one) and part other "stuff." We've been doing our share of knee time around these parts.

Sorry for no top ten today. I hate disappointing people (strike that, if my kids saw that word, I'd be in trouble)...I strongly dislike disappointing people.

We'll be back in bloggerland soon.