Honey Bunches Turns 10

Honey Bunches at 3, 6, and 12 months

"The eyes are the window to the soul."  I love this quote, especially when I apply it to my wonderful son, Honey Bunches.  He turned 10 on February 6th.

As a baby, Honey's eyes captivated me with their dark - almost black color.  His eyes still capture my heart, with their depth and lashes so long they brush against his glasses.  I've been told more than once that Honey has an old soul.  He is often protective of what lies deep within, but every once in awhile, he allows others a glimpse.

Honey Bunches giving Pumpkin a guitar lesson. 

Honey voluntarily helping Sweet Pea with her reading homework.

Last fall, his 4th grade teacher explained to us that she sees Honey as a boy with many layers.  Her goal for the year; to peel some of those layers away to find the true Honey Bunches.  As a mom, I was truly joyful in hearing that recognition.  In school, he often talks when he shouldn't and spends too much time digging in his desk (when he shouldn't), so to hear that another sees Honey as more than those things, well, it made my heart sing.

Speaking of singing, Honey sings every, single day. He'll ask me to turn the radio off and then serenades us to and from school.  His siblings don't always appreciate it, but I love it.  He sings with feeling and shows no fear in showing it.  I was a bit under the weather a few weeks ago, and as I lied on the sofa, Honey stroked my hair and asked, "do you want me to sing to you Mom?"

When asked what he wanted for his birthday this year, Honey needed some time to think about it.  He came back with, "people can just make a donation to a charity instead of buying me presents."  I promise, I did not coach him to say that!

A few days later, as we were listening to the radio, Honey heard a promo for the TobyMac concert coming to the Twin Cities.  He tried to win tickets by calling into the radio station, but he couldn't get through. With help from an Auntie, we were able to buy two tickets to that concert.

Monkey created a scavenger hunt for Honey. With each clue, he received a puzzle piece.  At the end of the hunt, he put all the pieces together to reveal his gift.

Honey Bunches before the TobyMac concert.

In addition to the concert, Honey also received tickets to The Lego's Movie, he went to a Timber Wolves game with his cousin, and he opened up a new blanket, socks, and a box of cereal.

For his birthday supper, he chose chicken enchiladas, rice and white cake with chocolate frosting.

Honey Bunches, I am so proud of the person you are, and how you are developing the gifts and talents God has given you.  You are smart, witty, funny and talented.  I love how you would rather tear something apart and rebuild it, than to read the instructions.  I love that you wander into the kitchen each night and ask if you can help me with supper.  I love that you sing, play guitar, and have dreams of being in your own band someday.  I love that you would rather build with Lego's, read a book or play a game, than watch T.V.  You are a true treasure to our family and Dad and I are blessed beyond measure, that God chose us to be your parents.  I love you Honey, now and forever!

The mandatory "birthday picture in the corner."

Cucumber Is 7

This little Cucumber turned seven years old on January 10th.  The morning of her birthday, she was awake before I came into her room, ready to announce that "today is my special day!"  Since we were not planning on celebrating her birthday for at least another week, I attempted to satisfy a few of her requested whims.  She asked for oatmeal for breakfast, with an extra sprinkle of brown sugar.  She "pretty pleased" me into buying chocolate cupcakes with whipped, white frosting and colorful sprinkles to share with her classmates.

 She wanted to cash in a non-uniform pass on the exact day of her birthday, but since it was a Mass day, she had to wait until the following Monday.

For supper we had pepperoni pizza, and her cake of choice was chocolate with chocolate frosting.

Her gifts included Lucky Charms, a Paracord Bracelet Kit, underwear, the lovely white jacket (shown above), a monkey, Shrek, and a headband (the last 3 items were re-gifted from her little sisters).

On another day with extended family, we celebrated once more.  Her requested meal was grilled ribs, steak and rice.  Monkey claims that she is "a true Chamorro!"

To top it all off, Cucumber had an Oreo Blizzard ice-cream cake.  She also received a Rainbow Loom Kit, a giant tub of cheeseballs and socks.


There are many reasons I love this little girl.  She is confident, funny and quirky.  Many of the phrases that roll off her tongue remind me of someone who is beyond their years.  We were having a conversation one day and were interrupted by one of the Love Bugs.  Once the commotion passed, Cucumber said, "O.k. Mom, as you were saying."

She greatly dislikes to clean her room and is as stubborn as anyone I know.  She can outlast all of her siblings in any sort of stand-off.

She can quote movies, tell jokes and put on an impromptu play.

When I look at Cucumber, I see someone who portrays certain characteristics that I wish I had as a kid.  I was so reserved and shy, but Cucumber, well, she has the determination to conquer the world.

These past seven years have been a thrill, watching this child develop into herself and having a heart for Jesus.

Cucumber, I love you more than you'll probably ever know.  You are a true treasure to our family and to all those who know and love you.  Happy Birthday Sweets!

7 Quick Takes: Technology, Single Parenting, and Polar Vortex

~1~

Monkey Toes and I agreed to not exchange gifts this past Christmas.  Finances have been a little tight and we decided to cut back where we could.  Under the tree, however, on Christmas Eve, was a box with my name on it.  It was a new laptop from Monkey.  He sold some sound equipment the day before so he could replace my old computer.  I love having my own computer again!  The problem - I am technology challenged.  I do o.k. navigating around where I need to, but far too often I find myself in uncharted territory and must rely on my live-in Techie (Monkey).  My current computer problem is figuring out how to get downloaded pictures from my desktop to this blog.  I am unable to open any of those files.  I was up far too late last night trying to figure this out.  At around midnight I gave up.  Blogging about Cucumber's 7th birthday will simply have to wait until Monkey gets home.

~2~

Monkey is on a business trip, leaving me to single-parent the household for awhile.  Can I just say, I'm not a fan of it.  Even though Monkey is typically gone the majority of each day, there is a certain comfort in knowing that he is coming home.  And if there is ever a time that I absolutely need him home, then he makes arrangements to do so.  When he is on a business trip, the kids are a bit more irritable, I usually deal with a bit of insomnia, and we all miss him very much.  

Yesterday at breakfast:

Pumpkin:  I miss Daddy.

Me:  I miss him too.

Gummi Bear:  He'll only be gone a week.

Sweet Potato:  That's a week too long!

~3~

Once again, school was delayed two hours today, due to the cold temperatures.  Yes, I am a Minnesotan. Yes, I have lived here all of my life.  Yes, I should be used to conditions such as these.  No, I don't like to complain, especially about the weather, but YUCK! YUCK! YUCK!  I don't have a problem with the season of winter, but I struggle with the sub-zero temperatures.  The kids don't like it, Grandma doesn't like it (FYI:  Grandma complained today of feeling "cooped-up"), my van doesn't like it.  Fortunately, tomorrow is forecast to be 33 degrees.   No doubt, it will feel great!

~4~

A couple of days ago, Pumpkin wandered into the kitchen while I was cooking supper.  She asked me to pick her up and then she laid her head on my shoulder.

Me:  We haven't snuggled in a while

Pumpkin;  That's a shame.

Oh, be still my heart.

~5~

Cucumber had a dentist appointment yesterday to get a cavity filled.  The dentist office is located in the mall. As we were walking past Hallmark. . .

Cucumber:  (Pointing) Hey, that's where Marc (her Godfather) buys my action figures each year for my birthday!

Me:  Mmm, do you mean your Precious Moments figurines?

Cucumber:  Yeah, whatever.

~6~

One of the gifts Cucumber received for her birthday was a giant container of Cheeseballs.  At first, she asked if she could keep them for herself without having to share with her siblings.  For some reason, she had a change of heart and decided that her brothers and sisters could eat some.  Her sharing, though, consists of counting out the correct serving size (32 cheeseballs) for each sibling.  If one "accidentally" gets 33 cheeseballs, she has determined that he/she will only receive 31 cheeseballs the next day.  Cucumber is running a very tight ship and fine-tuned system.

~7~

Yesterday morning, I reminded the boys to brush their teeth after breakfast.  A few minutes later, it was evident that they were doing anything BUT what I expected them to do.  I hollered calmly yelled downstairs for them to get moving.

Pumpkin:  Mommy, how did you hear that they were not brushing their teeth?
Me:  Because I'm a Mom and moms hear everything.
Pumpkin:  Oh.

A little bit of silence. . .

Sweet Pea:  Mom also has big ears.

For more Quick Takes, please visit Jen here.

7 Quick Takes

--- 1 ---

The Love Bugs are home, again, due to something we're referring to in these parts as a "Polar Vortex." Today we had blizzard conditions - not much snow, but very strong winds causing whiteouts and much drifting along roadways.  It's not even fun to play in the snow on these days.  The kids spend more time bundling up than actually playing outside, due to the cold.

--- 2 ---

My children NEED TO GO OUTSIDE.  My house has turned into a playground, a jungle gym, a race car track, a craft room, a bakery, and something I am referring to as a circus.  I can't walk two feet without stepping over/on or having to go around something or someone.  I love having my children home, but I am having to learn the skill of surrender.  They are taking over!

--- 3 ---

Since having our family, I have been asked for the second time in my life if my children are adopted.  It happened at a recent piano recital, where Sweet Potato, Gummi Bear and Cucumber performed.  The woman who inquired was very nice, but her question caught me off guard.  I simply smiled and calmly said, "No, they are all my biological children,"  to which she responded, "Really?"  I was half tempted to pull up my shirt and show her my lovely stretch marks as proof, but I don't think that would have been pleasant for anyone.

--- 4 ---

Two of the Love Bugs had a dentist appointment last week.  I picked all the kids up from school and didn't have time to go home first, so I had packed a snack bag for each to eat on the way.  I emptied out the snack cupboard, and their bags contained an assortment of crackers, raisins, chocolate covered candies & pretzels.  Once in the waiting room at the Dentist Office, Sweet Pea asked if she could sit on my lap.  As she walked over, a gentleman sitting in the chairs commented, "I think your little girl had an accident."  I had Sweet Pea turn around and noticed her butt had brown streaks and splotches all over it.  After closer review, I said to the gentleman, "No sir, it's just chocolate."  

--- 5 ---

Yesterday for lunch, I asked Pumpkin if she wanted a sandwich to eat.  She said, "Yes, but can you make it with nazi bread"  Oh good heavens, where is this going?

Me:  Pumpkin, what did you say?
Pumpkin:  Make it with nazi bread.
Me:  I don't know what that is.  Where did you learn that word?
Pumpkin:  I said NOT. SEED. BREAD!

Apparently my Whole 12 Grain bread is only loved by me.

--- 6 ---

Sweet Pea was given an American Girl doll for Christmas from her Nina and Nino. She LOVES this doll. It sleeps next to her and she asks to take it everywhere (to church, the library, school, etc.)  Each day after school, she tries to find outfits for both of them to wear so they can look alike.  She has lovingly named her doll Brianna.  She talks about Brianna as if she were one of her friends from school.  It usually takes me a minute to figure out she is referring to her doll and not a real person.  

--- 7 ---

I just realized this is a 7 Quick Takes Friday edition and today is only Thursday. One can only hope. . . . .

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

One Last "Merry Christmas"

Today we celebrated the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, which also signifies the end of the Christmas season. Our tree is still erected and our nativity remains in place, as we fully embrace this time of Emmanuel. We have had a lovely Christmas, with much love, laughter and memories made.

We drank eggnog and laughed at our "staches."

There was "dress-up" to be played,

facials to be given,

games to entertain,

 and naps to be had.

The kids received knit animal hats for Christmas.

Pumpkin:  Mommy, who gave me my piggy hat?
Me:  Auntie Silly.
Pumpkin:  Yeah.  I like that Auntie Silly. 


New Year's was celebrated with Mass and then coming home to an evening filled with games, crafts, food and an abundance of energy.  The Love Bugs all made it to midnight (except for Sweet Pea who fell asleep on the sofa at 10:30 PM. Monkey woke her up, though, to ring in the New Year).

Waiting for the countdown!

The kids went back to school on January 3rd, which was actually a welcomed event (for all of us!)  I love having my kids home with me, but I also see great value in structure, which school helps to satisfy.  The Love Bugs were excited to see their friends again.  Cucumber, who expressed exasperation over her classmates inquiring over the state of our Christmas tree, exclaimed, "I can't wait to go back to school and tell everyone we finally put our tree up!"  

My Dad gave me this angel in 1996.  It remains my favorite ornament.

This season, I am most thankful for the gift of time and presence from our families.  I love them all so much!

To all of you, may the hope, joy and peace of Christmas last throughout this entire new year.  May we always show graciousness and kindness to one another and share the love of Christ wherever we go! Happy New Year and blessings to all!

Christmas Reflections 2013

On this second day of Christmas, the Love Bugs are still flying high from all of the celebrations.  We have had a lovely past few days.  Christmas Eve began with us going to Mass and then returning home to host Monkey's side of the family. Sweet Potato, Gummi and Cucumber entertained us with their piano solos and duets, and Honey Bunches serenaded us with Tom Petty's "Free Falling" on his guitar.  Christmas Day we stayed in our pajamas as long as we could before heading over to Sissy #1's house for a prime rib dinner, gifts and games. Ah yes, and the ever loved eggnog station. We played "Balderdash" which had us laughing until we cried.  We pretty much all collapsed in our beds last night.  Today was about recovery for me, as I think if I had been afforded, I may have slept the entire day.  As I am writing this, Monkey is ice-fishing, the boys are gone overnight, Cucumber is reading on the Kindle, Pumpkin is stickering on a stack of papers, Sweet Pea is coloring and Gummi is working in an activity book.

A few minutes ago we gathered for our evening family prayer, continuing with the Jesse Tree symbol and reading.  Tonight's scripture was Luke 2:8-20.  There are many passages I hold dear, but my two favorite scrpiture passages are Psalm 139 and this one from Luke, "And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart."  These words never fail to move me.  They are simple, yet beautiful. They are full of wisdom and love.

This reading is so timely, as I sit and reflect on the Christmas season.  There were so many moments that I wanted to freeze time.  I desperately want to remember certain conversations and funny stories.  I wanted to capture feelings of contentment, joy, and gratitude.  These reflections I never want to forget.  I want to hold them in my heart forever.  No other time during the year seems to remind me more of the preciousness and fleeting of time, than Christmas.  It is a season where my heart aches for the absence of those loved ones who have passed, and increases my home-sickness for those who live far away.

For Mary, she held close the message that had been revealed to the Shepards about the Christ child.  As a mother, I can only imagine all the thoughts and emotions racing through this gentle and faithful woman at that instant.  I have often wondered, that as she held Baby Jesus in her arms and gazed into his eyes, did she too long to remember that moment forever?  Did she too want to freeze time and keep Jesus "little" for awhile longer?  As she knelt at the foot of the cross, did she think back to that time in the stable?

As our family continues to celebrate these days of Christmas, I will continue to challenge myself to hold close all that is dear, with the Holy Family as my model.

With all that being said, here are a few fun comments from my kids.

Before Christmas, we were at a gathering where there was a drawing.  Someone got up and announced, "We'll now be drawing for the door prizes."  Sweet Pea asked, "What kind of prizes does a door give away?"

Pumpkin needed a bandaid for a small cut on her finger.  Since she is a "big" girl, she wanted to do it herself. After I had watched her struggle with the application of the bandaid, I asked, "Can I give you a hand with that?"  Pumpkin said, "No.  I've got it under control."

A few Saturdays ago we were attending one of Sweet Potatoes basketball games.  The girls had packed a tote bag with "essentials."  Honey Bunches had offered to carry the bag into the gym for us.  Half way there he said, "Did you girls really need to pack so much?  Just remember, there are people in this world without water bottles, snacks and boardgames!"

Well said, my little philanthropist.

On our way to Christmas Eve Mass

The Eggnog Station

My favorite Christmas decoration this year; Gummi posed as an elf.

The "warm-up" after playing in the snow.

Advent, Feast Days, and Yoga Pants

Welcome to Christmas vacation!  It was a bit of a thrill this morning to wake up without an alarm.  It's the little things in life, isn't it?  I haven't written anything for almost a month.  So much has taken place and life's busyness has occupied our time.  Here's a quick review of the last few weeks.

Thanksgiving

Monkey and I hosted Thanksgiving for 33 people at our home.  We were a little nervous about space, but in the end, it all worked out well.  It was a day that had my heart brimming with grace and gratitude.

Basketball
The boys are playing basketball through Community Education.  They practice twice a week and play games on Saturdays.  Beginning in January, we will have to divide and conquer, as the boys have different game locations.

Feasts
We celebrated the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6th.  The kids left their shoes outside their bedroom doors and the next morning they discovered small gifts within them.  On the 13th we celebrated St. Lucy with braided sweet bread, adorned with candles, and reading about her life.

Advent
Last year at this time, I was so busy trying to make sure that we were making Advent meaningful, that I think I missed the mark a bit.  I'm a big fan of the concept, "don't reinvent the wheel," and so this year we are using a Jesse Tree Kit.  It has simplified our lives and is giving our family a really beautiful and meaningful reflection each night.  We pray, we read scripture, we learn about the day's symbol, we pray some more and then we end with singing a verse of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel."

Our Advent table with our Wreath and Jesse Tree

Surrender
Today is December 21st and we still do not have our tree up or cards sent out and not one cookie has been baked.  I haven't purchased any gifts, with the exception of gift exchanges the kids had in school.  I am at a point where I have to be o.k. with "not doing it all."  So with 4 days until we host Christmas Eve, we are being very intentional with what gets done.  Sometime today the kids and I well erect our tree.  Monday, the Love Bugs and I will make some gingerbread.  And as for gifts?  Well, we have scaled back.  I've been teasing the kids by asking, "who gets presents on your birthday?"  They reply, "We do."  "And who gets presents on Jesus' birthday?"  If nothing else, it gives them something to think about.   I did attempt a group photo the evening of the kids school Christmas program.  I asked Monkey if he could doctor it up for a card.  This is what he came up with.

There's just something not quite right about Wise Men and camels walking on the back of our sofa.  We're going to keep this one for ourselves and our own amusement for years to come.

Yoga Pants
A little over a week ago I threw my back out.  I was retrieving something from the refrigerator and fire shot down my legs and across my lower back.  I managed to shuffle to a chair and wait for Monkey to get home from work.  I was panicked because Monkey was leaving at 5 a.m. the following morning on a 4 day trip and I couldn't imagine handling our household with feeling the way I did.  I was blessed in a few different ways.  1) Thanks to Sweet Potato's confidence in the kitchen, he cooked supper for the family that night.  2) Due to a snow storm, school was two hours late the following day.  I was able to get into the chiropractor within that time frame.  3) Upon my return home from the chiropractor, we were notified that school was closed for the day.  That was a huge relief.  4) Getting dressed was difficult and so I relied on my yoga pants which transitioned from day wear to lounge wear (pj's) with ease.  Gummi helped me get dressed, which was humbling, yet necessary.  She may never fully realize how much I appreciated her help.

In other news, Sweet Potato, Gummi Bear and Cucumber had a Christmas piano recital which was lovely.  Sweet Pea had a touch of the stomach flu, but has already bounced back to heatlh.  Honey Bunches is excelling at guitar and Pumpkin LOVES being the only child home during the day.  I'll share more about that at another time.  So I think that brings us up to date.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas celebration.  Take time to live in the present and savor the little things.  God's blessings to you all!  Merry Christmas!