My Daybook :: April 13, 2010

by | Apr 13, 2010 | Daybook | 15 comments

Outside my window… it is rainy.  I am so ready for the sun to come out to stay so we can start spending more time outside!

I am listening to… my kids singing “the Eastern Border of the United States!”  I love  Geography Songs!  (The CD we have is also available as  an MP3 download.)

I am thinking… about Chiquita’s birthday… It is coming up quickly and I still haven’t chosen a birthday gift for her!  I am thinking about getting her this set of cookie cutters to go along with the Alphabet Path.  I also would like to get her some Stockmar Crayons, but other than those two things I am stuck.  I really don’t want to add any more toys to our home at this point, and we have enough unread books to last quite some time.  I am considering Play Silks, but they just seem so expensive for what they are (and I would like to get a variety of colors…) At this point, since I am running out of time, I am thinking about ordering some plain white ones to give her along with a whole bunch of Kool-aid packets and we can dye our own.  Hummmm…..

I am thankful that… everything turned out okay, after the scare of my life on Sunday afternoon. Deo Gratias!   (I’m not going to go into the details here on my blog at Hubby’s request, but some of you know what I am referring to…) 

I am hoping and praying… that my little niece grows quickly and that she will be able to go home soon.  I was blessed to be able to hold her this past weekend and she is tiny.  My “little” Rose seems HUGE now!

From the kitchen…  Last night I served Orange Chicken (the Orange Chicken in the freezer section at Costco is one of my “Ahh! It’s dinner time and I haven’t planned anything yet!” meals), Rice and Steamed Broccoli.  This morning we had Irish Oatmeal.  Tonight the kids will be headed out to dinner with their Daddy since it is Bunco night at our house this month!  I am planning on serving Mini Chicken & Cheese Tacos, Chips, Guacamole & Salsa, Mini Angel Food Cake & Brownies (they are in the oven right now!) with Strawberries and Whipped Cream, and Margaritas.  

From the learning rooms… We are just now (finally!) getting back into our “regular” school schedule, after Spring Break, Easter and the flu!  The girls will be starting “T” week and the boys will be getting back to History, Science & Geography.  (I didn’t give them much of a break from Math and Language Arts.)

Living the Liturgical Year at Home… we are celebrating the Easter season with The Garden of the Good Shepherd: A Sticker Calendar to Count the Fifty Days of Easter and with a weekly Good Shepherd’s Garden Party.  Our first party was so much fun and my children are looking forward to our second party this coming weekend!

I am creating… lots of plans! Garden Party Plans, Bunco Plans, Little Flower Plans, Fairy Birthday Party Plans, House Remodel Plans, Homeschooling Plans, etc… No wonder I’m feeling a little bit busy at the moment!

I am wearing… sweats.  I am hoping to exercise, and then clean the house, before getting ready for company this evening.

I am reading… Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids.

On my iTouch… Monopoly.  I downloaded it when I was stuck on the couch with the flu last Tuesday.

Pondering these words…

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them – every day begin the task anew.” ~ St. Francis de Sales

Our little Rose… is cooing and giggling and the boys are sure she is saying “Hi!”  I LOVE her little laugh and start giggling myself every time I hear it.  Oh, and she is very ticklish!

Noticing that… people can be so rude!  On our way into Mass on Sunday an older man passed us coming out of the prior Mass and said loudly “I sure hope they can afford all those kids!”  Some people! I’m still thinking about how I should have responded to that… Instead I just repeated it loudly when Hubby turned and asked “What did he say?!”  Sigh…  God has blessed us with “all” these wonderful children and we trust that He will provide.  He always does!

One of my favorite things.. Tiered Trays and Trifle Bowls!  Have you noticed?  I recently added the new Adjustable Tiered Tower from Pampered Chef to my collection since I happen to be an “active” consultant at the moment and was able to purchase it as a “sample” with a 50% discount!  I love that it all comes apart (super easily) for storage.  I also love my Trifle Bowl.  Oh, and it’s on special this month!  (If any one would like to place an order, let me know! FYI: Hosts can purchase the new Tiered Tower or the Trifle Bowl for only $15.80 and get free shipping in addition to other benefits by hosting a show – ie: collecting $150 in orders.)

A few plans for the rest of the week:

  • Tuesday: Bunco
  • Wednesday:  Hockey for the boys
  • Thursday:  Little Flowers Meeting for the girls
  • Friday:  Mass & Benediction
  • Saturday:  Clean the garage and then have another Garden Party!
  • Sunday: Mass



A Picture thought I am sharing:

(Photo Credits:  Hubby)

15 Comments

  1. Anonymous

    Yee Haw, cowboy!!! So cute!!!

    You have a busy week ahead too looks like!

    Reply
  2. Aimee Landreneau

    http://www.atoygarden.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=1105

    My friend bought these…they are superb and only $5 each. We dyed silks at a party…fun project, but they look more tie-died than solid just so you are aware.

    I'm planning too! Although we usually school through the summer, it's looking like we'll take this one off. We all need a BREAK! We'll be done by the end of May with the exception of a few math lessons. Then we'll be off until August.

    And I will mail you those fairy crowns tomorrow! I'd love for Chiquita to have it for her birthday. I'm sorry it's taken so long!

    Reply
  3. Nadja

    I really enjoyed your daybook! Dharma Trading Company has undyed silks in an assortment of sizes. I plan to get some myself for my gang.

    I lost your address…I have an outfit that was meant for Madeline Therese, but she got big before I could send it off. It is a preemie size, so I'd like to send it to you for your niece! Email me your address, would you?

    Cute little cowboy shot!

    Reply
  4. Lenetta

    Here is a post I found a while back on dying play scarves. There is a link to Dharma Trading's silk scarves, looks like lots of sizes available. Perhaps the tie-dye effect might be minimized by using something bigger – dishpan, roaster, etc.?

    Reply
  5. Anonymous

    Too many children? That is like saying there are too many flowers!!! –Mother Theresa
    Praise God for your precious family and may He shower the best of blessings upon you all!!!!

    Reply
  6. Mom2Seven

    You are amazing! I am blown away by that Daybook (as usual)! I try to ignore rude remarks, but it can be hard and hurtful. Love the little cowboy!

    Reply
  7. Kelly

    Oh, I LOVE Pampered Chef! Sweet temptation! Thy name is Pampered Chef! LOL! 🙂

    I'm sorry for your scare on Sunday and for the rude remark as well. How sad that this man had just come out of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to make this kind of remark! I think he is in need of many prayers. Unfortunately, more and more people hold these sentiments. Even within our own Catholic community. 🙁 I know that we've had our share of rude comments from strangers and family.

    May God bless you Jessica and your beautiful, growing family!

    Reply
  8. Kelly

    Unfortunately, the rude comments start when you have more than two kids. Even with 3 we've had our share as well. Glad the scare was resolved. I hope everything is OK.

    The kids are adorable!

    Reply
  9. ~Grace~

    Hi Jessica
    I'm glad every thing turned out fine, after you scare on sunday.
    God bless you and your wonderful and beautiful family.

    Reply
  10. ~Grace~

    Hi Jessica
    God Bless you and your wonderful and beautiful family.

    Reply
  11. mel

    hehe…I think I would have eyed my kids critically and said, "Hmmm…they do look a little underfed, don't they?" (My kids are all rather big, and my babies are chunky things…)

    I highly recommend the playsilks. My kids love ours. I bought plain ones from dharma too and dyed them. I was thinking of getting some more soon….we've had ours for five years now and a couple have finally ripped. They are superhero capes, tablecloths for tea parties, bandages for hospital games, blankets for baby dolls, tie around the waist for dress skirts…I'd love to make some big ones too to use for building forts and such.

    Reply
  12. Tiny Actions

    I've had my fair share of comments and questions regarding the size of my family and I have half the amount of kiddos that you have at the moment. At first I used to get angry about the very rude comments, but now I try to take the opportunity to evangalize. I nicely ask, "Why would you say that?" or "Why do you ask?" First, it clarifies the person's thoughts and reasons for asking or making such comments. Second, it allows a dialouge regarding God's presence in our lives and marraige. In my own experiece, people who make such comments aren't surrounded by people who are open to life. And they sadly don't hear that message. I've always walked away from such conversations much happier and so have the other people.

    Reply
  13. Gardenia

    what a lovely day book post. I've never heard of play silks, and I went to the links you posted (thanks) and they are wonderful. Every child i know (including my own) would love these. I like the idea of dyeing them, and that way, the child activiely participates and we make it a fun project. and then she can be reminded about our dyeing them, when she plays with them in the future.

    Reply
  14. Jessica Gordon

    Thank you all for the comments! I always enjoy hearing from you all!

    So late last night, after all my company left, I finally was able to get back on the computer and make a few decisions. Though I think it will be fun to dye our own Play Silks sometime soon, I also ordered the 12 pack from A Toy Garden. I really wanted to order their 24 pack with ALL the colors, but that is just not in the budget right now.

    Dharma Trading is where I was looking at, for the plain white play silks, and was very impressed by their selection and the reviews. I still may order a few… We'll see!

    Nadja ~ That is very sweet of you!

    Now, in regards to the comments. I really have gotten use to them and they don't phase me much anymore… The thing that bothers me the most however, is that they have to say these things in front of my children. Children are so sensitive, at least mine are, and I hate how it makes THEM feel… Especially now that they are getting older and understand what these comments are implying. I guess it just gives more opportunities to reassure our children about how much they are loved and what blessings they are to us.

    Reply
  15. Katie

    Jessica,
    I was just saying to my husband that I wish I knew of an active consultant (I used to be one) I am in NY, but would love to order from you, maybe you could add me on to a party you do.
    It can just be shipped to me right?
    Let me know.
    Thanks for all the inspiration!

    Reply

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Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me. Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege—to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.


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Hi! I'm Jessica, a Roman Catholic wife and home educating mother to our nine children. I was home educated myself, along with my eleven younger siblings. I have a special devotion to St. Therese, through whom I have been given much help and many blessings--the beautiful "Shower of Roses" that she has sent my way! Here I will record a few of the blessings I treasure. Please remember that what you see here is just a little glimpse at our lives, so please say a prayer for us, as we continue to strive for holiness.

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