More Babies!

Is it possible? More moms and new babies?

Why yes it is.

First up, Katherine and her little Ella.

And for Cindy tonight as she meets her new little man. Cindy left Virginia before I could meet her in person, but it has been a treat to get to know her a bit online.

Join me in praying for these faith filled mamas and babies.

Small Successes: Hoping for a Big Success Edition

1. I baked my very first cherry pie. It was very very good. I'm very happy I have a frozen one waiting for later.

2. I let my big girls go to the pool, by themselves. Lest you worry, we live across the street so making sure they're not getting into trouble checking on them is as easy as looking out the window.

3. I didn't burst into tears at John's appointment when I discovered he's still not gaining enough weight. We've got to check on some things, but like the title says, we're hoping and praying for a big success for my little boy very soon.

Count It All Joy

There are times when nothing goes as you planned. We had looked forward, with so much anticipation, to cherry picking this year, remembering fondly the magnificent black cherries from last year. But this year was a little different.

We had to wake up and get out the door early. Imagine how much the kids just loved that, especially my teens.

The farm was packed full of people, many with ladders.

Worst of all, the wet weather and storms had damaged most of the sweet cherry crop. Most of the luscious black cherries hung on the branches, split open, already starting to rot. Most of those industrious people with ladders were able to quickly pick the choicest fruit, not encumbered by adorable toddlers or baby is slings, or just plain being a kid. We despaired a bit as we could count exactly how many cherries were in each bag. The older kids lamented and Kay was very concerned. We decided to try the sour cherries.

I've never cooked with sour cherries. All I knew was they are smaller and well, sour. These trees were so pretty. Every one of them full with bright red cherries that even the little girls could easily reach. So we picked. Kay was so worried she didn't pick enough. I still wasn't quite sure if I could make anything good with them.

Then was there was the weeping about not going to McDonald's. Kay in particular found it very tragic.

The pies were made as soon as we got home. A quick trip to the pool. Nachos for dinner. Papa came home just as we were ready to sample my first cherry pie, ever. He sits down and asks how the cherry picking went.

Without missing a beat, Kay proclaims, "Oh Papa! It was AWESOME!"

Happy Father's Day

On Growing Up and Letting Go

Maria's beautiful blog post about her daughter has been on mind these past few days.

This week Maddy had the opportunity to work with a professional photographer at a wedding. (I would give you a link, but she doesn't quite have a site up and running yet.) She was really just acting as an apprentice, watching and learning and helping in whatever way necessary. She was even encouraged to take her own photographs.

As nervous as she was, I was more so. As I waited for her to finish at the rehearsal where she did a walk through and planning with the photographer, I had to fight every urge in me to step in, to give advice, even to give an encouraging word. I knew that this was her passion, her world and now was the point at which I needed to hang back and let her go forward without me. She needed to learn these new things on her own, from the real expert. It was so hard! My heart was swelling with pride and love and I just wanted to smother her with it. What a shame if I had! More than anything, I want this passion and talent to grow and develop. This is her unique talent and I realize that it is a delicate balance now to nurture it without smothering it.

Contrast these thoughts with what I experienced last night. I was once again captivated by John's perfect little hands and sweet smile as I nursed him to sleep. As he drifted off in his favorite spot, right in my arms, I was overcome with emotion. I was suddenly seized with an aching desire that he stay so perfectly little forever. My heart ached at the thought of how quickly he will grow, suddenly a toddler, a little boy, a teen, a man. Have nearly six months really gone by? And even as I felt that pain, I knew it would be wrong to keep him from what God has planned. Given everything we went through to get him here, I can only imagine. So I asked God to never let me forget that exact moment, his quiet, utterly peaceful breathing and how overwhelming in love I am with this boy. I told God that if this was the only memory I could have as I lay dying I would certainly be assured of a happy death.

Tricky Schedule Edition

1. I managed tricky scheduling on Tuesday and gracefully was able to get 2 different children to 2 different sides of town at the same time, in a thunderstorm with a dinner of pasta salad ready to eat when we all finally made it home.

2. I finally got rid of some school materials that I was never going to use. I know this because I've had them for probably about 10 years and guess what? Never used.

3. I have decided not to attend the local homeschool conference this year. I really really want to go. I don't have my school money together yet, don't want to be tempted. I have another complicated driving situation on Friday afternoon that would be even more complicated if I tried to get out to Chantilly for any amount of time on Friday. Not to mention the very busy weekend ahead for us. I need to let it go. The sky won't fall if I'm not there. Staying home serves my family better this year.

Daybook: The Start of the Very Hot Days

Outside my window...very sunny, and I'm guessing very hot.

I am hearing...Carmen eat a bowl of Cheerios.

I am thinking...I am so happy I moved the bookcases, got rid of junk and will make the school room work much better for all of us. I still have more organizing and tidying up, but I can see the finish line.

From the school room...nothing unusual, just making sure we keep up the routine. Umm, yeah about that, still working towards the ideal.

Living the Liturgy...St. Anthony, Body and Blood of Christ...I'm pretty sure there's some good learning there.

Around the house...the whole family did some super cleaning and purging, especially in the kitchen. And of course (and if you're a member of my family, stop laughing) laundry.

From the kitchen...very excited to try this recipe for homemade gyros this week. Planning some other family favorites for this week. Tonight I'm finally going to make some lovely risotto with asparagus. Also going to make my very own greek yogurt following these directions. Very excited to try my hand at making my own yogurt.

I am hoping...you know what? I'm pretty much open to whatever blessing or trial God has coming my way...I am hoping for grace.

I am thankful...for my husband.

I am reading...Dandelion Wine. Well, I've just barely started it, but I zipped through Animal Farm. Also reading Thank God Ahead of Time: The Life and Spirituality of Solanus Casey and
Tomatoes, Potatoes, Corn, and Beans: How the Foods of the Americas Changed Eating...

One of my favorite things...I'm John's whole world right now, with occasional moments for Papa. I love how he turns his little head to look for me if I hand him to someone to hold. It also means he wants only me (a lot), so I think I need to invest in a new carrier. I love my slings, but they're just not working for me these days, not completely hands free and John wants a little more wiggle room I think. I'm longing for this one. Those owls are so cute!

A few plans for the rest of the week...food shopping, maybe a trip to the Farmer's Market, maybe more bowling, big book sale at a local warehouse, maybe some stolen moments with the baby at a homeschool conference, a crazy weekend...

A picture thought I'm sharing...

More from Maddy's camera. Exciting news for her this week. On Friday she'll be "working" with a pro at a wedding. There's a planning meeting tomorrow, rehearsal on Thursday. As you can imagine, Maddy is very excited.

Visit Peggy for more Daybook entries.