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.

Couple Time

I wish I had a swanky date photo to show you, but one only exists in my memory.  Last Saturday evening, Scott and I enjoyed a wonderful, fantabulous, lovely overnight date night as a gift from my parents for our 15th wedding anniversary.

Best. Gift. Ever.

Mom and dad arrived a little early so Scott and I could enjoy Mass with just the older boys.  It was great.  Will even held my hand during Mass.  Proof that the little boy still exists.  I'll enjoy it while I can.  Soon enough, that hand will be bigger than mine.

After Mass, we got the troops started on dinner and herded Luke to bed.  Miraculously, he went to bed with zero problems and slept until 6:45 the next morning.  I think that helped Scott and I really enjoy ourselves.  We were free from worry for an evening.  The kids all promised not to eat too much sugar and we left them in the able hands of Nana and Papa.

Our room at the Westin was awesome and the takeout food from PF Changs equally so.  We opted to eat-in rather than eat-out.  It gave us some more time to chat without all the craziness of a restaurant.  We were super excited to try out the new Gold Class Cinemas, now iPic, with our gift card.  A night out is always better with one of those, no?  The hotel let us hitch a ride in their golf cart and off we went.  While Scott grabbed a cocktail at the bar, I checked us in at the kiosk.  Fate was not working in our favor, though.  Some really important part of the movie reel burned up and all shows were cancelled.  Yeah, we were excited, too.  But, the bar comped our drinks, so alls well that ends well.  We got our tickets back and we'll just have to make it another date night!

Mostly, we just enjoyed the time away, together.  No food to cut up, no baths to give, no early morning wake-up call.  Just Scott and Kathryn.  Peas and carrots.

Thanks Mom and Dad for giving us a much-needed and very thoughtful gift.  We won't talk about what present was waiting for us when we came home.  Nope, that's Thursday's post.  Today is all about the happy :)

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!

Top Ten: 15 Years!!

Scott and are celebrating a big anniversary today - FIFTEEN YEARS!  When I think back to how little we knew then, how much we've learned and how much we'll know in another 15 years, I am humbled.  Every morning, I see those beautiful blue eyes and feel grateful.  I am thankful that Scott has a job he loves, that he cares for his family, that he cleans toilets, barbecues, cooks and rarely complains.  Mostly, I am giving praise that the man I married is one of the most faithful people I know.  Without a doubt, he is my rock.  I've seen just how much so in the last two years.  I don't take our moments together for granted.  Life is fragile.

Thank you, God, for giving me such a wonderfully, irreplaceable, loving, handsome gift.  I thought it might be fun to think back over these last 15 years with a bit of nostalgia.  Today you get a top 15 in honor of our big day.  Enjoy.

TOP FIFTEEN:  I DO!
1 Miscarriage.  In September 2004, I miscarried sweet Mary Grace.  It was then I think our marriage took on deeper meaning.  Up until then, we were just blissfully happy and then reality hit.  It happens to all of us.  I'm just thankful we took the experience and fell more in love, rather than falling out of it.

2 Apartments.  When we first married, we moved into a sweet little abode in Ames, Iowa, when we began graduate school.  You could stand in one place and see the entire apartment!  Two years later, we got "real" jobs, moved to Carmel, Indiana, and called another apartment home.  We were able to save up for our first house (totally exciting).  Wow.  So much has changed since then.

3 States we've lived in:  Iowa, Indiana and Texas. 

4 Trips to Italy (2000, 2002, 2003 and 2009).  We were excited to venture to Italy in 2000 and 2002 on a pilgrimage with our youth group from church.  In 2003, we went back for a business trip and in 2009, it was totally pleasure.  I've said it before...Italy, a lifetime is not long enough.

5 Kids.  I think  you might know these people.  We chuckled when we looked through the 'ol wedding album and saw that we answered the "How many children to you plan on having" question with "more than two..."

6 Cars (Ford Probe, Chevy Trucks - 2, Chevy Malibus - 2, Honda Accord, Honda Odyssey).  Gee, I guess we have been good customers at home and abroad :)

7 Parishes we've been members of (St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Cecilia - Ames, IA; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel - Carmel, IN; St. John Vianney - Round Rock, TX; St. Elizabeth - Pflugerville, TX; St. Theresa and St. Vincent de Paul - Austin, TX)  Wow, we get around.

8 Elfa closets from the Container Store installed.  Should you need assistance, provide Scott with a six-pack of beer and consider your closet installed.

9 Anniversary trips out-of-state (South Dakota, Tennessee, Ohio, California, Florida, Indiana, New York, Arkansas, New Mexico).  These totally make my year.  Five of them have been "out of country" and I'm just not telling you yet where we're going this year!

10 Years as a fundraiser.  Scott is so darn good at asking people for money.  I'm pretty good at spending it.

11 Years of pre-school.  Wow.  Now that number just makes me feel old.

12 Place settings of nice china that's still unbroken.  Amazing, no?

13 ER visits (John Paul is 6 of those, just in case you were wondering.)

14 Times we've seen the Pope.  Twelve of them Pope John Paul 2 and two of Pope Benedict 16.

15 Years of love, laughter, faith and family.  I love you sweetheart.

So, I did this thing...

I may be opinionated, but I don't usually call the radio and let 'er loose.  On Friday afternoon, I did just that.

You see, a sweet friend called and told me there was quite an animated discussion about Harry Potter on our local Catholic radio here in town.  It was a national show, but broadcast on our local affiliate.  At first, I was like, "Oh, I'll tune in and see what they're saying."  I figured there would be equal play and I was curious as to how the discussion was going.  After a few minutes, I'll be honest.  I was horrified at what they were saying.  And I quote...

"The Harry Potter series is an invitation to sin."

"After reading Harry Potter, droves of young people are delving into the occult, researching real witchcraft and wizadry and turning to Wicca."

"Parents would be ill-advised and irresponsible to let their children not just read the series, but watch the movies."

"Harry Potter is not Christ-like, he is evil and JK Rowling has woven a fascinating tale of evil."

Hold up there, skippy.

You know how you get all trembly because you are so frustrated and are trying to arrange your thoughts in an articulate manner?  That was me.  I dialed and after hearing my counter-argument, they patched me right through.  I'm guessing I was either 1) good for ratings or 2) a poor soul they could beat up on, or 3) both.

"So, Kathryn from Austin, tell us your thoughts on the Harry Potter series."

And I did.  Hopefully eloquently.  I mentioned that the series uses magic as a conduit, but that the real issue at hand is the point of the book:  good vs. evil and love vs. hate.  End of story.  How Scott and I've seen it as an invitation to talk with Will about evil in the world and how to confront it, battle it and ultimately be a disciple of Christ.  And, how we look forward to reading the books and watching the movies with all five of our children.

That did it.  That's when the priest said parents were being led astray and five years down the road my kids would most likely be on a path to championing the occult cause.

For the love.  I wanted to respond, but they cut me off.

Let's shoot straight, shall we?  Our job as parents is to provide experiences for our children to learn.  To catch them when they screw up (and they will) and lead them to make good choices.  We should show them how to constantly ask themselves, "Is what I'm doing glorifying God or glorifying the Devil."  For every parent, that is a constant struggle.  No one choice is the right choice for every family, for every child, for every situation.

I'm reminded of my own misgivings.  I am a Christian, but I have missed the mark so many times.  Yet, somehow, the learning experiences, the guidance of my parents and ultimately the grace of God has allowed me to decipher right from wrong, good versus evil.  But sometimes I have to be wrong and experience evil before I get to right and good.

There was the time in high school when my then-boyfriend was home from college.  He picked me up for a date and before things got rolling he asked if I wanted to smoke a joint.  Um...NO.  Take me home.  Date over.  Never talked since.  Clearly, I made a bad choice in going out with him, but by the grace of God I got out of that car.

In college, during my time as a 4-H camp program staff, Scott came up to visit.  While he was getting ready in the bathroom, I turned on the TV, fell asleep on the bed and then was summoned to the director's office.  The TV was mistaken for "inappropriate behavior" and I nearly lost my scholarship.  That's when I learned the harsh lesson of "perception is reality" no matter how jacked up it may be.

As a mom, I could write my own book series of my missteps.  But let's not go there.

Point being?  I'm hearing a lot of talk about how evil Harry Potter is...from people who have never read the series or watched the movies.  From what they've heard on the radio, Googled or perceived the series to be.

That sure sounds a lot like what non-Christians say about Christianity.

If you've read the series you've seen the beauty in Harry's final sacrifice.  You've learned to fall in love with his friendship - true and pure - with Ron and Hermoine.  You've seen how Voldemort's way (complete with his pesky SERPENT) never works no matter how hard he tries.  You read about the magic, but it is the relationships that keep you hooked.  It is the love that makes you believe good can win.  And it does.  I say, don't be so quick to judge until you've read it for yourself.

We set firm boundaries for our children and set our standards high - real high.  But, keeping your kids in the bubble, sheltering them from the secular world is not the way Team Whitaker rolls.  How blessed are Scott and I that we get to have these discussions with Will while he's still living in our house.  We get to help form the conscience, shape the character.  In eight short years, those lessons will be cemented.  Our day-to-day job as parents will have ceased.  What kind of a young adult will we have created?  One who shies away from everything that doesn't conform to his thinking?  Or, one who meets people where they are and shines as a Christ-like example?  I hope the latter.  I'm praying for it.

QOTW: July 15, 2011

"Mom! Mom!"
Master Luke finally busted out with the word I've been praying for all of 21 months.  Then, he followed it up with about a dozen kisses.  I did tear up, for the record.  Now, when I ask him, "What's my name?" He proudly says, "MOM," with a big smile.  That makes two of us, buddy.

"I hope I make it to the eighth grade."
John Paul.  Where does he come up with this stuff?

"Do you ever wonder if I'm going to stop talking?"
John Paul, again. 

"I have lots of things to say, don't I Mom?"
John Paul.  Yes, son, you do.

"So, we'll see you in a year."
Luke's nephrologist.  Love that man.  I'll have a full update with pictures next week!

"Being sick sure does stink."
Will.  Who then so kindly shared his icks with John Paul and Anna-Laura.  They've all had fevers and hacking coughs.  The doc says it's just a virus.  And that the incubation period is 7-10 days.  Awe-some.  We told Will if we had to, we'd leave him at home while we went to HP.  Kidding, only kidding.  Maybe.  It looks like he's on the mend, though, so we're in the clear.

"12 more hours!!!!"
Scott.  I think he's more excited than Will and I combined about seeing Harry Potter tonight.  It should be lots of fun.

We have a little cinema, a little home improvement, a little decluttering and a little family time on tap these next few days.  Make it a great weekend!

Art Camp was AWEsome

Every year, I think there is no way the kids will top what they did the year before.

And every year, I am wrong.

Will missed art camp this year because he's spending the next three weeks at DEEP (the Catholic diocesan gifted and talented camp) - yea and boo all in the same breath.  Super excited and very proud that he qualified to go, but a little sad he's missing one of his favorite camps.  I'll be blogging about his awesome experience in a couple of weeks when it wraps.

Back to art.  John Paul and Anna-Laura happily hopped in the car every morning.  Ms. Ingraffia always does a great job of introducing new mediums, new projects and new skills each summer.  This year, a few of their projects included painting and glazing their very own bowl (it's been deemed the cereal bowl around here!), a beautiful self-portrait (definitely framing that one) and their flowerpots.  They were so excited to show me how they made the flowers.

The highlight of the week is the Art Show on Friday.  Scott and I were both able to attend this year and you can just see the pride on each of the kids' faces.  It is priceless.

As we're collecting all the kids' art and walking out the door, John Paul says, "Oh man, it's a whole year minus a week until the next art camp."  Looks as if I'm not the only one who loves it :)

Happy Father's Day

There are some stellar men in my life, namely my husband, Scott.  I often think how great it is to be one of my kids and have him as a father.  He is remarkably patient and kind.  He does things with them I would never dream of doing - and he's usually smart enough to keep most of those things to himself.

Scott, you are something else.  The kids and I all hit the daddy jackpot in you.  Happy Father's Day, sweetheart.

And, a happy father's day to the other men in my life:

- my dad, we have a special relationship and I am grateful I'll always be your #1 girl

- my little brother, Daniel, may the relationship with Ava be one the two of you always cherish

- my brother-in-law, Cory, you are so kind and fully present to Alex, seeing you as a dad is really a gift

- my grandfather, Jack, you have lived 1,000 lives and your wisdom is inspiring, how lucky am I to still have you here :)

- and to my uncles, cousins and other family members who celebrate Father's Day today, I am blessed to call you family!

- in a special way we honor those father's who celebrate from heaven today, my father-in-law Bryant and my grandfather Toots, you are missed

Happy Birthday #6 and a Fab Art Party!

This one has been in the works for a long time.  Anna-Laura, like all my children, loves art.  It's part of her DNA.  Papa used to paint mighty fine western art and Mom is a graphic designer.  Can I just say planning the party with her was total heaven?

I have always loved home birthday parties.  The kind where the tea is sweet, the screams aplenty and the decorations homemade.  We have certainly gone to places for a few of my kids' parties, but mostly we've kept it close to the casa.  I did the math and this is my 28th kids' party.  That's just crazy talk.

Let's get to it, shall we?

I found a great art collection of PDF printables on Etsy.  It included invitations, thank you's, banners, popcorn boxes, birthday gift list, address labels, food / beverage labels and more.  It's fantastic because you only print what you need - no waste.  Love me some Paper & Cake.  They were also instrumental when we planned John Paul's Cabela's party.  We took a generic place and personalized it for us.  Proof positive that you can make any party your own.  Back to the art.

The party was all about color.  I got the lanterns and the colored buckets 50% off at Hobby Lobby.  Weee.  We will definitely be reusing them for another birthday party next month.

These adorable cake balls were made by a co-worker of my mom's.  They fit perfectly in these paint palettes, another 50% off find at Hobby Lobby.  Instead of slicing cake (we saved that for the family dinner and celebration after the kid party) we served these up to the girls.  Note to self, serve them in bowls in lieu of plates.  They don't roll as much :)  The cake was created by my favorite bakery, Polkadots.  Olga knows how to rock it.

The girls rotated to four different stations.  Face painting was definitely the highlight.  Christine is crazy good and I think the girls' faces show their excitement.

Next station? Tote bag stamping.

Self-portrait collages.

And, you can't call it an art party without a fabulous piece to take home and hang on the wall!

There were lots of smiles, giggles, sweet tea drinking and awesome memories made.  I am grateful for a husband who patiently hung the lanterns, a mother-in-law who willingly folded popcorn boxes and strung banners, a brother who took fantastic photos and a mom and dad who organized the cake balls and finishing touches.  It takes an army to throw a birthday party.  But, I wouldn't have it any other way.  Celebrating such an important milestone is a big deal.  I hope my children always know how much they're loved!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET GIRL!

And they may call him "Blessed"

Oh, our beloved Pope John Paul II.  A little more than three years ago, I shared my favorite JP2 memories.

What a man.  What a Pope.  What a soon-to-be saint!

Scott and I were blessed to see him nearly a dozen times from 2000-2003.  Some of the sightings were quick (at his apartment window late one night as he waved to a few singers in the square and a quick motorcade drive by late, late one night after our dinner in Rome).  But, others.  Other times we spent hours listening to him.

There was the first Papal audience in St. Peter's Square.  It was unbelievable.

There was the canonization of Padre Pio.  Yes, us and 9 billion (ok, maybe a little exaggeration, but it was KAH-razy) other pilgrims crammed into St. Peter's Square on a very hot June day and witnessed history.

There was the prayer Vigil and Mass at World Youth Day in Toronto.  That one still makes me tear up when I think of it.  We had seen him just a month before in Rome and he looked so frail.  When he arrived in Tornoto he was not the same man.  Youth invigorated and inspired him as much as he did them.

There have been Sunday Angelus' and more Papal audiences.  Each time I wondered this:  is this the last time we'll see JP2?  I was reminded that being in his presence was a tremendous blessing.

As a non-Catholic, I had a hard time understanding what was so exciting about the Pope.  When I became Catholic and learned about the church's history I began to see and understand the papacy.  The disciple Peter was the first Pope.  Every Pope since then follows in the line of the succession of St. Peter.  These men weren't chosen by man, but rather by the Holy Spirit.  I am grateful beyond words that I was given so many opportunities to be in the presence of the Holy Father.

As he reflected on scripture during his audiences and Masses, I was inspired to change.  To change the way I love my husband.  To change my views on artificial birth control.  The death penalty.  Social justice.  Wars.  Famine.  Injustice.  The John Paul II Generation isn't a cliche, I'm a proud member.  His teachings, compassion and love will affect generations of Catholics.  I'm honored to be one of them.

Blessed John Paul II, pray for us!

Top Ten: Easter Memories

We had a really great extended Easter weekend.  The kids and Scott got out of school/work at noon on Thursday and didn't return until yesterday.  Oh, yes.  The time together was precious - slightly loud - but mostly awesome.  Here's our weekend in ten.

Saturday:  Friends in the 'Hood Hunt.  20 kids, whoa.

Saturday Night:  Baking resurrection cookies.  They were awesome!  John Paul was "beating" the pecans as we read scripture and talked about the Roman guards beating Jesus.

Sunday Morning:  0730 Easter Mass.  Yes, we went that early.

Sunday still morning :):  Easter egg dying!  Scott is the egg pro.

Sunday evening:  The "hunt".  This time the eggs had money (spare change), not candy.  It got serious.


What a great weekend.  It always goes by too quickly for this momma.  But, the Easter season has just begun.  We still have lots of weeks until "ordinary time" hits again.  Can I get an Alleluia?!