Before the Wedding Stuff...

Aggie is potty trained! Took just over 3 weeks and was a battle very single day. Every day I woke up and just repeated to myself over and over, "I will NOT put a diaper on her, no matter what."

When I started the process 3 weeks ago, I never imagined we would not be quite done during the rehearsal dinner where Aggie asked to "pee on the potty" oh, about 100 times. I'll just tell you I am quite familiar with the bathroom at a certain Chinese restaurant in downtown Chevy Chase, MD.

One more gem of wisdom...potty training and soda (lots of soda, because, hey, its a party and the nice waiter just keeps bringing glass after glass without even having to be asked)...BAD.

And I promise, Carlos and Jenn, my further thoughts on your wonderful wedding will have nothing to do with the potty.

Wedding Weekend

Life has been busy and this weekend is full. I can't complain. It is full of celebrations of family, friends and vows to share a life of love. It doesn't get any better than that. Maddy will be taking many pictures and I hope to share some here. Until next week...

Christmas in October

 I am very sad to say I only just discovered this wonderful Catholic business late this summer. I'm sure I had heard people refer to them, but had never visited their site. What a treasure! Great prices and amazing service. Linda personally called me to let me know a book I ordered had just gone out of print. And have I mentioned their selection is outstanding. Let's just say my wish list is getting rather long. Now go there and don't miss out on the Christmas in October sale for some even better deals.

Delight

 My little man.

Peeking

Isn't this cute? Maddy took it, of course. Actually, I'm just playing around with some new blogger features. Baby needs me so this is all I have time for.

Daybook: Sleep is Overrated Edition

Right now...I just cleaned up milk that Aggie poured over the table and being so sleep-deprives, managed to spill the rest of the cup all over the counter by the sink. I can hear attempts at waking the big girls going on in the basement. If they don't drag themselves up here soon, things could get ugly.

Later...Ah Mondays! Spanish for Maddy and then another round of ballet and soccer.

This week...sigh...

Sleep Deprivation...is no fun. Tough going this morning. At least I think I've figured out what is making it difficult for John to sleep easily. Separation anxiety. Last night, he was laying right next to me. He kept drifting off, only to wake himself and frantically lift his head looking for me. Each time I had to whisper to him, touch his cheek, take his hand and he would settle back down, only to repeat that pattern as he drifted off again and feared I would leave his side. It took him a long time (really long time) to finally give in to his exhaustion.

Living the Liturgy...Our Lady of the Rosary this week. I hope to post about the stunning Rosary handmade by this dear lady. Do check out her shop, she's got a beautiful giveaway this week.

In the schoolroom...we'll just keep plugging along. Despite my fuzzy brain, we are managing to keep on track.

Around the house...Uh oh, you know what I'm going to say...yup, laundry. Lots.

I am reading...*still* have to finish the Solanus Casey book. I do actually like it, but I got distracted by Hunger Games. (Where's the embarrassed emoticon?)

Picture Thought...

Anna at Tae Kwan Do. I know, scary thought.

Some Days

Is it possible to capture in words the blessings and grace of this day? I think I will try because I want to keep it with me for a long time. How to describe the abundant love and generosity of my Father in heaven? Consider these things...

A morning started bright and early with pumpkin bread already prepared from the day before.

A smiling baby.

Bringing the one I love his first cup of coffee to start his day.

A morning full of learning, shared with other dear families, each one of their children a precious blessing in our life.

A sweet boy signing "I'm sorry."

A tiny boy crawling around fearlessly.

Little ones reciting the Guardian Angel prayer.

A big teen sister proudly telling me that her own little sister could find Peru on a map of South America and sharing about the "fiesta" for Abuelo tonight.

Another big teen sister treating everyone to lunch at McDonald's with her own hard earned babysitting money.

Cheerful and efficient employees who made helped make lunch that much better.

Lots of big kids to wrangle little kids through a quick run at the store.

Trying to hide the tears as I drove as Lilly played this song because she knows I love it.

And still to come...bobbing for apples (because why not, it is Abuelo's birthday "fiesta" and he wants to), playing with cousins and celebrating with my father, who exemplifies in so many ways the generous love of my heavenly Father.

Happy Birthday Aggie!

Today you are "fwee"!