QOTW: September 16, 2011

Me:  Do you like watching flag football?
JP:  No.  I like playing it.

"I don't want a boy." {insert tears here}
Clare, when she found out Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Cory had a boy.

"We don't need to care what it is Clare, it's just a baby."
Anna-Laura, trying her hand at empathy?

"I knew it!"
Will, when he heard Uncle Cory say it was a boy.

"Is his last name Whitaker?"
John Paul asks.

What a fabulous way to end the week.  Sweet baby Hudson was born yesterday and the kids are clearly over the moon - we think Clare will warm up to him soon :)  We have lots of sports games this weekend and a BIG birthday celebration for Master Luke on Sunday.  Could it get any better?  Make it a great weekend.

First day of PK!

Oh sweet Clare Bear - last Tuesday was just awesome.  She started her first day of PK and practically left Scott, Luke and I at the curb.  I had to beg to get some photos, but in true form, she showed off for the camera.  Yep, definitely a Whitaker.

I only picked out her clothes, she selected the bow and matching bracelet.  And she was VERY adamant about the bracelet.  "It's so pretty, momma.  I have to wear it."  Might I add that it is awesome that I finally have a girl who wants to wear dresses everyday?  It's very "Clare."

She barely gave us a second glance as we walked out the door.  She did stop, however, to give her brother a kiss and hug.  Clare, I pray it is an awesome year of learning, growing and creating.  As much as I don't want you to leave the house, I am loving the person you're becoming.  Thanks for letting me be your momma.

QOTW: September 2, 2011

"Welcome to the big leagues, buddy."
Will, commenting about John Paul's leap from letter grades to number grades.

"That's alarious."
Clare, about pretty much everything.  Oh, and that's "alarious" as in, "hilarious."  Hilarious, I know.

"That's diculous."
Clare, on everything else.  I'm sensing a pattern here.

"On your mark, get set, GO!"
Scott to Luke every night.  Luke lines up at one end of the hallway, waits for Scott to say his thang and then little bit runs like lightening to the other side of the room and falls on top of John Paul.  Then, Clare of course, says....'that's alarious.'  Yes, yes it is.

"How did Will get his tinsles?"
Anna-Laura talking about Will getting pimples.  It's really just an irritated spot on his leg, but it took some detective work to figure out what she was talking about.  Then, Clare chimed in...

"I hope I don't get more chicken pops."
Me either, sweetheart.  Me either.

It will be a FANtastic weekend around here.  Aggie football kicks off - whoop - we're finishing up the painting in the family room and spending some time at the pool with family and friends.  This three-day weekend is such a gift.  I feel like I haven't blogged about anything other than sickness and Luke lately.  I have some catching up to do.  10-year-old trip?  Aggies leaving the Big 12?  Will and JP's flag football season?  So much to share.  Have a great weekend y'all.  See you Tuesday!

Dominican Sister Love

You've heard me rave about the Ann Arbor Dominicans we have here in our Diocese.  We love them and cherish their influence on our children.  Before we knew them, though, we were introduced to an equally fine bunch of Dominicans from Nashville.

Back in 2000, Scott and I emceed a teen retreat for 700 at our parish, "Destination Jesus."  Parishes from around the diocese attend and the following year, when we emceed again, a group from St. Cecilia Academy joined in the fun.  It was there I met Sr. Anna Laura (name ring a bell??)  I was eight and a half months pregnant and having the time of my life.  To be perfectly honest, I didn't know they made Sisters that:  1) young, 2) joyful, 3) prayerful and 4) personable.  Sr. Anna Laura was from Arkansas, had a twang like me and laughed like nobody's business.  When she shared her vocation story I fell even more in love with her as a person.  I guess you could say she and those Sisters taught me how to be a better wife - and soon - a better mom.

She returned to DJ, then I took a couple of trips back to Nashville to help put on their first "Teens with Christ" retreat and a day retreat at St. Cecilia.  Sr. Anna Laura was moved to a new mission, we moved back to Texas, but the friendship continued.  Somehow life always found us.  She presented at an Aggie Awakening, we made the trek to Sommerville.  We were on our way to Indy and stopped at the Motherhouse to say howdy.  The last time we saw each other was July 2004.  John Paul was a baby and Will was only 4.  A lifetime ago.  Our yearly Christmas letters kept us in touch and I was always grateful to receive hers.  When God gave us a baby girl, there was never a question what her name would be, Anna-Laura Grace.

Then, this Wednesday, my cell phone rings.  I didn't recognize the number, so I sent it to voicemail.  When I saw the message pop up, I listened and almost cried.  Sr. Anna Laura was on the other end of the line and she and two others Sisters were in Houston, preparing to launch Frassati Catholic High School.  Note to my Houstonian friends, if you live in Spring/Woodlands, the school opens Fall 2013.  Get your kids enrolled!!  I tell ya, that God works in mysterious ways.  Our running joke was that somehow we would pray them to Texas, guess it only took ten years :)  Now look at the Lonestar State, we have Dominicans everywhere!

Saturday morning, a sweet knock, a "Hey Whitaker's" and a lovely laugh rang through our house.  Sr. Anna Laura, Sr. John Paul and Sr. Mary Albert walked through our door.  It was a lovely afternoon of visiting, talking about the new high school and praying.  John Paul was stoked to have a Sister "named after him" (HA) and Clare kept wondering where her Sister might be.  The conversations we shared were awesome and it was great to see an old friend and meet two new ones.  Just before they left, we were able to attend the Saturday Vigil Mass.  We were given a great gift of the Sisters time on Saturday and it is one I will always cherish.  How blessed are we to know two amazing groups of Dominican Sisters.

I had to pause for a bit on Saturday.  Sr. Anna Laura and I were visting in the kitchen and it struck me.  So many people we love have walked through the doors of our home and shared a meal with us.  There are such precious memories of family and friends in our home.  Everytime I look around our home, I am reminded of those gifts.  I truly believe, when you invite someone into your home, you're inviting them into your life.

Our love is equal for both those groups of Sisters and my life has been permanently altered because of their presence.  Thanks be to God!

The Anna Laura's :)

Will, in deep conversation with Sr. John Paul and Sr. Mary Albert about something riveting...

The whole bunch!

I used to joke with Sr. Anna Laura that it was a good thing I met Scott before her, otherwise I might've joined them in Nashville.  But, Scott is THE reason why I converted to Catholicism and it's likely I would've never give the Sisters a second glance if I'd remained Protestant.  Life is as it should be.

Is that just total joy or what?

Back to school

Every year I think...

...summer will last longer.
...we will be more prepared for the first day.
...I will not cry.
...I can freeze time.
...my kids will always want their picture taken with the family.

And every year, I am wrong.

Summer was fabulous until we hit the 4th of July.  Then it just stank.  But, it is what it is.  No use lamenting all the things we didn't get to do.  Time to make up for it and have a great fall.  Flag football has already started for the boys and they are loving it.  Bring on the pigskin.

I've been feeling really cruddy since Friday.  Come to find out, I have bronchitis.  Yippee {sarcasm font}.  So, I did NOT put my cell phone by the back door.  I did NOT put the CF card back in the camera.  And, I did NOT make sure Clare's shoes were out.  Hence, we got to school and realized we left all three said items AT THE HOUSE.  Scott dashed home and made it back just in time for us to snap a few pics before sending everyone to their classrooms.  I guess the second day of school pictures will be just as cute.  I can already hear the kids groaning.  Tough stuff.  They're doing it anyway.  Perk of being the parent.

The tears didn't hit until mid-morning when I realized the craziness pre-empted them.  That was probably a good thing.  It's just hard (and awesome) to see your babies grow up, you know?

Anna-Laura bounded into our room at 6:45 this morning, dressed and ready to go.  I tell you now.  There is not a child on earth more excited about going to school than her.  I pray it is always that way.  Even though the boys grumbled a little bit, they were pretty excited to see their friends and meet their teachers, too.  JP was over the moon when he spotted the word search (his all-time favorite thing to do) on his desk.  The teacher even overheard him say at orientation how he always sat in the back and so she moved him right up front.  Now that was thoughtful.  Will, I'm sure, just wanted to die when I summoned him from his desk to take a picture.  I'll be forgiven at pick-up, I hope.  I just couldn't let the first day go by without snapping a photo.

I pray this year is an awesome one.  Those kids of mine are pretty special and I look forward to inviting three new teachers to join our family this year.  I hope your first day went as beautifully!

Oh, may I add that Clare was NOT having this photo?  Her foot hurt so we all just went to where she was standing and took the photo anyway.  A grumpy Clare is better than no Clare!

QOTW: August 12, 2011

"My brain is already asleep."
Anna-Laura, as I gave her a kiss and hug before bedtime.  Mine too, pretty girl.

"I'm quished." AND "I want a nack."
Clare.  I love 4yo lingo.  I will never stop correcting her because someday (sooner than I'd like) she'll be talking just the way she should.

Here's your story:
Earlier this week, both the girls had their well checks.  I decided to do a 2-for-1 as I thought it might be easier.  I'm not sure that it was easier, but it sure was more entertaining!  Our sitter wasn't feeling well and couldn't make it, so I was on tap with all five kiddos.  Fun. Times.  We arrived at the doctor's office and I noticed lots of people practicing their math skills counting my children.

I think I'm going to get a new shirt that reads:

STOP COUNTING.  I HAVE FIVE CHILDREN.

Anyhoodle, back to the story.  I totally spaced that at the 4-year visit, there is the vision and hearing screen.  Amazingly, Clare passed even with all the distractions.  Then there were the five - yes FIVE - forms I had to fill out about autism, lead paint, developmental concerns and eating habits.  By the time I finished those, I heard a knock at the door.  Dr. E walked in and Clare announced, "Mommy, I need to potty."

Of course you do. 

I sent John Paul and C off to the bathroom, while Dr. E visited with ALG.  C showed back up, then Dr. E reminded me of the (spell it with me) s-h-o-t-s.  ARG.  How did I forget that she gets two?  I'm pretty sure the greater Austin area heard her screaming, "Mommy, nooooooooooo.  I don't wanna get owies. No. No. No. Noooooooo."  Repeat 8,000 times.

Somehow we survived.  Just in time for me to remember that Luke's therapy appointment was in 15 minutes.

We did have a great weekend planned and I don't really care that pneumonia has reentered the vortex.  We're going to do our darndest to still make it a great one.  After all, it's our last before school starts.  Sniff. Sniff.  No doubt there will be pool time, movie time and family time.

When you get a moment, please offer up this prayer:  Lord, please heal Luke's body.  Allow the medicine to help his lungs, not harm his precious belly.  Guide us as we watch for adverse symptoms and grant us peace.  Amen.

Make it a great weekend!

Sit Rep: Sickopalypse 2011

For my military-loving friends, here's our Sit Rep (Situation Report):

Clare, did in fact, have the chicken pox.  She scratched the area so badly it became a staph infection.  ACTION:  Taking bleach baths every night x3, bleaching the tub afterward, along with her bed, toys and towels and on antibiotics for seven days.

Will and John Paul had a nasty strain of bacterial pneumonia.  ACTION:  On antibiotics for 10 days and we're watching them like hawks to make sure they COVER THEIR MOUTHS when they cough. 

Anna-Laura got the worst of it.  Her bacterial pneumonia turned into all-out pneumonia.  ACTION:  Her first round of antibiotics was still resulting in horrific fevers (103 and above), so in addition to her 10-day treatment, she also had a shot of antibiotics last night.  If that doesn't work, it's off to the hospital we go.  We head back to the doctor in the AM to get the verdict.

By no small miracle, Luke is still well and doing beautifully in therapy.

Scott and I are sortof on the verge of losing our sanity.  But other than that minor detail, Dr Pepper and the gym are keeping us off the ledge.  I really should've just posted a one word description of life here the last couple of weeks:  Seriously???!!

QOTW: July 8, 2011

This Friday, you actually get the story of the week, peppered with quotes (as noted by the fancy-shmancy italics).  This is a doozie and totally sums up life with five kids.  Enjoy.

Last Friday afternoon, just before naptime, the kids were playing hide-n-go seek.  All fine and dandy until someone gets hurt, right?  I call them out of my bedroom and I hear a WHACK, then a THUD, see John Paul walk out of my room sheepishly and hear a WAAAA from Clare.  She walks out holding her arm.

Mom-radar kicked in and I immediately knew the following things to be true:

1.  John Paul had hurt his sister.

2.  Possibly on purpose.

3.  Clare had nursemaid's elbow.

4.  The ER visit would cost us around $400 smackeroos (hopsital room, ER doc, x-ray + a valium for me).

5.  I was completely peeved.

John Paul got sent to timeout while I muttered something like, "Your piggy bank better have $400 bucks, mister."

I took Clare upstairs to her room and tried to bend her arm.

"MOMMY THAT HURTS!" she wailed.

"D****T," I tried to say quietly.

Will softly whispers, "I heard that, Mom."

Proof that I did not.

Before I call Scott, I decide to text my college roommate whose husband is an ER doc.  Todd knows us well.  This would be, after all, our THIRTEENTH visit to the ER.  Can I just say that is wrong on so, so, SO many levels?  While I'm waiting to hear back, I call Scott and say, "Well, are you ready to start off the weekend with a bang?"

In the meantime, Clare is continuing to cry, I get Luke down for a nap, John Paul is in timeout and Will and Anna-Laura are doing their best to keep C calm.

I hang up the phone and hear the familiar 'ding' on my phone.  Incoming text says Todd is not at work, but I can call him on his cell.  I call, get the voicemail, leave a slightly exhasperated message and hope that he calls back soon.

Clare is still crying, Luke is (thankfully) still sleeping, John Paul is still sitting in timeout, W and ALG are still doing a great job and I'm still muttering under my breath.

The phone rings and it's Dr. Todd on the other end of the line.  We chat briefly about how it all went down and then I ask, "So, should I take her to the ER or could we swing by the Urgent Care place across the street?"

"Well, do you want to fix it yourself?" he says.

Hallelujah, baby.  "YES!" I reply, perhaps a bit too enthusiasticly?

I put Dr. T on speakerphone and less than a minute later the crying has ceased and the elbow is fixed.

I practically scream in the phone, "Holy smokes, Todd.  You. Are. So. Awesome."

Then I text his wife:  "Todd is awesome.  Walked me thru it on the phone.  All better.  Tell him he has a six pack of beer with his name ALL over it."

Oh, yeah.  Momma has skillz.

As I'm walking down the stairs, I hear a tiny little voice say, "So, Mom.  Can I get out of timeout now?"

He's still sitting there.

And that, my sweet readers, is your SOTW!

QOTW: July 1, 2011

"We've been upstairs frying our brains out playing Monopoly."
Will trying to tell me just how intense the game had been.

"This is SO excitin'!"
Clare, when we pulled up to her favorite restaurant, Chuy's, for her birthday.

It's been a good week, but I am SO grateful for a three-day weekend.  Happy birthday America!  Usually, a three-day weekend or any extended vacation means Scott has a Container Store project on the horizon.  This weekend is no different.  Raise a shelf and a drill to another organization project!  Make it a great weekend.

Top Ten: Clare's Mermaid Par-tay

Yes, it's true.  If I could've been the inventor of birthdays, I would.  My mom always had home birthday parties when we were kids.  There is just something very "family" about that.  I love having people over to the house.  I suppose it's part of my love language - acts of kindness.  We had great weather - warm but not blistering, sunny with a touch of clouds.  Now, onto my favorite ten memories from Clare's mermaid party.

TOP TEN:  CLARE'S 4TH BIRTHDAY!

1.  The invites and sign.  Olliegraphic crafted these printables (I am SUCH a fan of those) and Clare loved them.  It's even better when you score them on sale!  Just in case it's not obvious, Clare loves all things purple.

 2.  The driveway.  This was totally spontaneous.  Clare's sweet crew leader from VBS gave her sidewalk chalk on the last day.  On Friday afternoon, we went out front to draw and I thought, 'hey, let's write happy birthday to Clare on the driveway'.  At the encouragement of the kids, I just kept drawing.  Clare's quote of the week?  "Oh, mom.  This is sooo awesome.  You are such a good draw-er."

3.  The slip 'n slide.  Would it really be a summer backyard party without one of these?  Without a doubt, the kids #1 favorite activity.  Well, that and the ice cream and cake pops.

4.  The water balloons.  It took Scott 20 minutes to fill them and the kids less than 5 to conquer and destroy.

5.  The bubbles.  For those kiddos not wanting to get wet (namely the birthday girl), we set up a bubble station.  It's worth noting that Clare was tote-ally on board with the whole "water games/mermaid" party theme.  But, one step on the grass with her wet feet and she bailed on me.  Oh well.  She had a grand time swinging and blowing bubbles while everyone else enjoyed the water.  Par for the course, right?

6.  The cookies and party favors - they totally deserve their own number.  When I called Olga over at Polkadots and asked her to do some mermaid cookies, I never dreamed they would look this awesome!  And yes, they tasted just as amazing.  The favor buckets were a great find at Party City, filled with bubble wands, a water gun, purple Gatorade and said super de-duper cute cookie.  Honestly?  It made me want to be 4 again.

7.  Friends and neighbors.  We have certainly loved being blessed with such great families in the neighborhood.  Saturday was a great reminder of that blessing.

8.  The delicious food.  Scott grilled some pretty fantastic hot dogs, complete with onions and chili for the adults, and chose the perfect watermelon.  The kids sat so politely and sat so quietly - we were all in awe!

9.  Candles!  It took a little creative wind-blocking to keep them lit, but the birthday girl blew them all out right on cue.

10.  Family.  It wasn't until I scanned these photos that I realized how badly my legs need to see the sun.  My apologies for not giving you a sunglass warning.

Happy 4th Birthday Clare Bear!

Clare's birth story brings back some sweet memories.  I was in the middle of leading VBS - no really - and my water broke. It was a slow leak so I wrote it off as a weak bladder.  HA.  You'd think after that many pregnancies, I'd know the difference.  Evidently not.

I drove myself to the hospital because no one else was around and arrived with my iPod and my car keys.  No wallet, no ID.  Sure enough, I was in labor.   I was four weeks early and more than a little worried.  After a hefty dose of pitocin, scrambling to find someone to watch the kids and the arrival of Scott - Clare arrived with just one push.  She was a dainty 5lbs. and change, yet perfect in every way.

She was, by far, my easiest baby.  We all deserve one, now don't we?  She slept beautifully (still does), is easy to please, has THE loudest voice and funniest ways of saying things and she is a total ray of sunshine.  Without her at home these past couple of years, I most definitely would've checked myself into the crazy house.  No really.

Clare is so patient, so loving and so funny.  She often says, "Oh momma, when I go to school you will cry."  Yes, sweetheart, I will.  I am not ready for her to grow up.  I savored every day of age three.  For us, there was no terrible 2s or 3s.  They were merely terrific.  No lie.

Our sweet, sweet, Clare Bear...happy fourth birthday pretty girl.  You are a gift to our family!