searching souls

Still searching

2009-10-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

It occurs to me today that my life seems to be all about searching. When something is not going the way I would like it to I start looking for a way to improve it. All aspects of my life fall under this scrutiny. I wonder if used correctly this is Gods way of bringing me closer to Him.
I always feel as if I'm short the time and attention He deserves in my life. So I am always searching for a better way to get closer to Him.
Prayer, meditation, simple conversation, acts of love and mercy to my fellow man. Its the sitting down and being quiet part I have trouble with. The ability to just be, to just open my heart and mind to listen to His voice speaking to me. I seem to find Him in the faces of the people around me. Maybe He knows its the best way to reach me.
I am often humbled by Christ' presence in others. Seeing Him in their eyes, hearing Him in their voices, feeling Him in their touch. God is all around us its true. I just look forward to the day when he truly will hold me in His arms.

Living without fear.

2009-06-30T11:44:00.001-07:00

This is my new goal. To live with out fear. To offer to God all of my anxiety and trepidations. To find a road in my life designed by God and follow it. I am sure I will hit a few potholes on the way but I will with His help get up, dust off and move forward. I have been blessed with a husband who has always been guiding me closer to God. I have let my personal pride get in the way of following him like I should. No longer. I will walk with my husband into the light of God and the three of us shall make this journey together.

Holy Thursday

2009-04-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

We went to Mass this evening for Holy Thursday . Our Lords last supper when he instituted the Eucharist. He reclined at table with his friends. They talked, laughed, told stories. These men were Christs best friends. He spent 3 years of his life with them. Every day all of the ins and outs of everyday life. He of course taught them, educated them on all the things God needed them to know. He was preparing them for what was to come. His death and resurrection. Only for him to come back for 40 more days and help them become the men God truly designed them to be. The leaders of His church.
To have been able to sit at His feet. To listen to the sound of His voice. These are the ideas that send a tingle down my spine and butterflies in my heart.
What can we do now to be worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven? What can our sinful souls do to show Christ how much His sacrifice means to us? We who have been given the greatest gift ever given, the gift of life, eternal life.

Happy Birthday Buddy.

2009-03-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

This is my pal and today is his 7th birthday. When this little man was born I was over the moon with his red hair and blue eyes. He really resembles my side of the family which is a bonus. He was a dream as a baby and over all has been a dream to raise. He is famous for his kisses. This guy will kiss anybody he loves without abandon. His favorite is to take my hand kiss it and utter the words every woman longs to hear. "as you wish" (yah we have seen the princess bride a few times) He will make a wonderful husband someday. I am so proud of the person he is becoming . I love you son with all my heart.

mommy

To have neglected this so badly

2009-02-27T05:36:00.001-08:00

Oh how sorry I am to have neglected my blogs so badly. I forget how therapeutic it can be to just get it all out.
The weather here is still dark and cold. I keep trying to not wake up each day and wish for spring and instead it works out to be every other day that a little wish passes through my lips. Yesterday however as I stood at the sink washing dishes a bright red cardinal flew by. It was like he just came by for me. That zap of brilliant color in the picture of a grey world out my window felt like a memo from God saying, "Things may feel hopeless at times in your life but I am always here, I will be watching and waiting for you, I am the presences of warmth and color in your life."
It makes me think of how we get so attached to this earthy world. Thinking this must be the best there is and how we are afraid to leave it. If this world is just the grey part of our short lives here on earth and that little cardinal with its bright color is the heaven that awaits us than we must remain focused on the life to come.
Our Lord Jesus Christ knew that. He knew that we would get lost in our worldly obsessions, transfixed on the here and now. He knew that he had to bring us the kingdom of God and open the Gates of Heaven for us. The question is will we accept the invitation? Will we do what is required of us to gain our place with God for all eternity? Will we leave this grey world for the brilliance of Heaven?

True Love

2008-11-19T12:46:00.001-08:00

I' ll bet you thought you'd find a picture of my husband or one of my kids. Well of course I love them but, this here slowcooker is the "other man" in my life right now. I have always tried to tap into the grove of the slowcooker but it wasn't until I happened upon www.crockpot365.blogspot.com that all my dreams came true. You won't belive what this gal can do with a crockpot. Check her out. Go ahead I won't tell your husband.

Beautiful Creations

2008-10-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

allbeautifulcatholicbeads.com
These beautiful pieces are created by a homeschooling mother of six in Australia. I am madly in love with the antique replications she uses in her jewelry and rosaries she creates. So Christmas is coming take a visit and see if there is something you like.

Buddy

2008-10-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

So long Summer

2008-10-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

Oh how I wish I could love fall. I wish I could embrace her crisp breeze. I wish I could welcome the lovely landscapes of colors it creates. But No, I dread fall. My reason can be spelled out in one simple word. Winter. Cold, colorless, frozen fingers and toes winter. So good bye days in the sun, running in the park, splashing around in the water hose. No more sleepy days on the porch rocking away in the breeze. Oh sweet summer how do I love thee.
Oh wait there is a silver lining to this snow cloud. It the weather is cool then my flowers are asleep and the weeds are dead and the grass won't be growing. YAHOO!!!! Hello sewing machine, hello photo albums ( I have 5 bins of loose pictures) , hello good books and hot chocolate with a big fluffy blanket. Fluffy slippers, days where I can just wear sweats. Oh yes, Fall bring it on! I will roll in your leaves and wear my favorite sweater and jeans. I can still sit on the porch with a steaming cup of coffee and a lap quilt (when I make one). The kids can still play basketball in the drive and ride there bikes. What have I to whine about, I simply buy some long underwear and a really warm hat. Thank you God for a weeding break!!!!

A little cheese with that Whine

2008-09-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

I have intentionally kept away from blogging as of late because all I feel like doing is whining about all the wrongs in my life. The house, husband, kids, school, house, family, animals, house, garden, oh and did I mention the house.?! Although I typically find putting these thoughts to pen and paper (ok, computer screen) therapeutic, I hate to bore everyone.
So I will approach this day with optimism and attack my house chores with joy that I have a home to clean and a family to make it dirty again when I am done. After all how boring would my life be if I cleaned my house once and never had anyone to play with when I get done.
Cheers

Ages and Stages

2008-08-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

As a mother of six I have been through the various stages of childhood a few times (at least to the age of 9) I often catch myself saying "Oh I just love this stage (age)." Then I recall that I say that for just about all the various stages my kids have been through. They are each so unique in so many ways and yet there are so many similarities. I guess what it just boils down to is I love my kids all six of them for what makes them different and what makes them alike as siblings.

The value of everything

2008-07-16T06:19:00.001-07:00

This has been a crazy week. My dad and his wife lost their house to a fire last Monday. They had only been there for a year but had accomplished alot in making it their own. I have been thanking God that no one was home. It has however been difficult to realize all of the pieces of our history as a family that are now gone. Things that we will never be able to get back like my dads reel to reels of him singing when he was in high school or some of the videos of me singing in high school. Of course those are just things and I am eternally grateful that my dad and Tammy are ok. It is still painful for all of us though. I can't help but worry about them and how this is affecting them. It is overwhelming to think of all of the things they now have to replace to rebuild their lives. Please say a little prayer for them.

Perfect summer day

2008-06-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

The air is thick and sticky. Almost like taking a bath but it surrounds you wherever you go. This is a welcome sensation in contrast to the bone chilling cold of winter. I hate being cold, I would much rather be hot with the warm sun heating me through while I sip a cold glass of iced tea. Today will be a glorious day. My family is all together and the day is free to work outside on the garden beds and lawn. The kids plastic pool will be filled and Popsicles will be consumed. Toes will be covered in sand and sticky fingers will attract all kinds of dirt. This will be a day of good clean fun. Maybe if the rain holds off we will top it all off with a campfire complete with the mandatory smores.
A no rush day without obligations, just us being a family. Oh how sweet it is.

Craziest hour of my life

2008-06-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

Ok every woman love to hear and tell birth stories so here goes.

5am I woke up after taking a does of castor oil the night before with cramping (assumed it was just cramps from the castor oil) Went to the bathroom and back to bed.
5:10 Got back out of bed cuz cramps were to painful to stay laying down.
5:15 Woke up Ross after two monster contractions came on top of each other. Transition anyone. Yelled at Ross to call the midwife and get in the truck.
5:20 to 5:45 (roughly) Intense drive to the hospital where I prayed with every contraction that God would just let me get to hospital before the baby was born.
Felt baby's head descending. "Oh Ross, I can feel the baby Drive FASTER!"

When we arrived at the hospital security was waiting for me parking service however way no were to be seen. Ross had to go park the car while the guard tried to figure out how to get the wheel chair through the revolving doors. Yeah I yelled at the guard. " This my sixth kid we don't have time for this go through the other doors!!"

5:55 Got upstairs, Yelled out a hello to the nurses in my room while I made a bee line for the shower. The nurse asked me if I would at least let them know if I was going to push. My response was "Maybe."

5:58 Out of the shower as I was starting to feel the need to push. Ross was in the room by this time and everybody just kind of stood there and watched me labor.

6:00 roughly
I climbed on the bed and started to push by the time he was crowing my midwife walked in and asked if she had time to change her clothes. The nurses and my husband all said NO.

6:04 Ethan arrives and I thank God its over. Man does that ever hurt!!!!

Quick but not so painless however it will make for a great story for him to tell.

Introducing the cutest baby in the world

2008-06-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

He has arrived!!!!!

2008-06-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hello All!!!
Baby Ethan arrived at 6:04 am this morning at 8lbs 6oz. 20 in long with brown hair and deep blue eyes.
I'm in the hospital still and will post pictures as soon as I get home.

Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

Wedding Day

2008-05-29T04:53:00.001-07:00

Great Grandpa (the groom)
Grandpa (best Man)
my Boys (super cute in their tuxedos)

Great Grandma Helen (The Bride)
My Girls (ya don't get sweeter)

The Flower girls and Maid of Honor (My New Aunt Tammy)

Grooms men (boys)

Husband and Wife

37 weeks

2008-05-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

This is where I am. Any woman who has given birth will recall the last two to three weeks of pregnancy when the entire world seems to want to stop you and ask how much longer? Even the guy at the gas station. My swollen belly has turned into question and answer session that I wish would end. Its not that I mind people asking very much. Its more about trying to keep myself from thinking about it every second of every day. Patience has never been my strong suit especially when its something I really want. This baby has chosen a time in our lives that to say the least is insane with other happenings. My poor husband is just trying to get his chicken coop built. All of the flower beds are full up of weeds that I cant really bend over to pull and the poor lawn just keeps growing faster that anybody can mow it. So I am trying to use the energy I have left toward getting some of these things caught up before the baby comes and I'm snuggled up on the couch nursing my sweet smelling baby all day and all night. Oh yeah and somewhere in there the kids and I must finish the last 4 weeks of school.
Oh really, to have such glorious things to worry about.

Second Chances continued.......

2008-05-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

After Grandmas passing I worried about my Grandpa spending the rest of his life alone. He and grandma were married for over 45 years. However, as some widowers do Grandpa meet someone from his past and a new fire was kindled.
Enter Miss Helen. This woman is a gift from God. She is gental, funny, loving and compassionate. I honestly can't say enough nice things. Well I am thrilled to announce Miss Helen will become Grandma Helen tommorow. They will be getting married in her church and all of my children will be in the wedding. We had the rehearsal yesterday and had a wonderful time.
I explained to my kids that we will be refering to Miss Helen as Grandma Helen so as not to forget or confuse them when we speak of Grandma Phillips. I still want them to remember and know who I am talking about when my grandma is mentioned. However, the love I have in my heart for this new woman is great and I look forward to sharing in the rest of our lives.

Second Chances

2008-05-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

Life if full of new opportunities. We are faced with them nearly every second of everyday. Each conversation you have is a new opportunity to affect a relationship you have with that person. Some opportunities are not so common.
My grandma died last summer. I received a phone call from my dad that he was on his way up to the hospital because she wasn't doing as well as they had hoped after knee surgery. Grandma had a history of illness. She battled cancer at least two maybe three times. Lived with a tracheotomy for over a year from throat cancer and had many other health problems over the years. To be honest I had spent many years trying to brace myself for the phone call that my grandma, the woman who had taught me to be strong, independent, and not afraid of a good days hard work was gone. But, grandma couldn't be beat. She was a stubborn woman.
I told my dad I wanted to go with him on the trip up north to the hospital to be with our family and most importantly grandma and grandpa. We arrived in the afternoon and she was in and out of time. Some people she recognized some she didn't I won't lie and say I wasn't relived she did know me. I spent the next two days taking turns by her side. Telling her stories about my kids and talking about when I was a child and she and I had spent time together. You see in my adulthood spending time with grandma had become nearly impossible for me. Grandma suffered from compulsive hoarding. Both of things and animals. Her home was not a place I could take my children. I begged the Lord for an answer that would let me help her improve her living situation both for her health and simply so she could live and socialize comfortably with family and friends. She would have none of it. I spent many years angry. I felt like she had built a wall of stuff around her to block the rest of us out. Like she didn't want me, my husband, or my children in her life. Many invitations for her to come to us were declined. I eventually accepted that this was just who she was and I would have to do the best I could. I wrote letters, made phone calls and sent pictures when I could. The last two years of her life however I became so consumed with the day to day of raising and schooling my kids that I didn't keep in contact as much. I still pray she forgives me for that.
The time spent by her bedside I think was a gift from God to both of us. She at one point was concerned about her appearance and signed the best she could that she wanted me to comb her hair. Grandmas hair was very curly just like mine, I remember that moment well. I took out the comb and picked it through those tight curls. It took everything I had not to cry. I told her, I have always thought myself so lucky to have my grandmas curly hair. She smiled so big. Most of the next two days were spent keeping her calm, wiping her brow, and making sure she had a supply of ice chips. At a point when she was falling in and out of consciousness she sat straight up in her bed and looked me dead in the eye, reached for me and said " your a good girl Kelli Marie, I love you" I smiled with tears in my eyes and said ' you make it easy to be so good grandma, I love you too." I think those were the last words she said to me.
Grandma also had the gift of song a gift she handed down to my father and my father handed down to me. We were a musical family. Grandma loved Patsy Cline and any of those old gospel songs from Sunday church. She asked me to learn many of them so I could sing them to her over the years. My last moments with grandma were spent with me singing these songs to her. I don't know how but God granted me the ability to do it with out choking on my tears. I sang all the Patsy I could think of and my dad swears he could see her moving her mouth to sing with me. Finally, I came to what I knew what a favorite gospel. 'Just a closer walk with thee'. I hesitated, thinking it would be to strong a reminder of where this day would end for grandma. She roused a little, and shook my hand until I started singing it again. I sang it strong for grandma with the hope it would be what she heard when she went to meet St. Peter.

We went home late that night and received the phone call in the morning that Grandma had died peacefully that night with my Grandpa by her side, just like they had planned.
I have held those last days with my grandma close to my heart ever since. I thank God for a peace that I received from what I believe was a second chance to alter my relationship with a woman I loved deeply but maybe understood to little.
God rest her soul

Dedicated to Betty Belle Phillips

Our Chicks

2008-04-26T19:45:00.001-07:00

This is the chick I picked out. To cute!

I love my life

2008-04-26T19:17:00.000-07:00

This is what I get to wake up to in the morning. Does that sound to much like bragging? No seriously. I don't mean to brag its just sometimes it takes my breath away.

Today we began our journey as hobby farm idiots(my husbands words not mine). We bought ourselves six little chicks at the local TSC. They are cute I must admit but its like I told my kids they will get to grow up and be ugly. My husband has banned the kids from naming them and calling them pets as they will one day be dinner. Hopefully though they will provide us with eggs for a year before that. Every day here is a true adventure. Why not start on another one.

Wish us luck.

Signs of spring

2008-04-17T09:27:00.000-07:00

The first meal on the sun porch of the season.

Yuppie!!!!!!

Whoops!!

2008-04-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

So sorry I've been gone for so long. Sometimes I hit a dry spell where inspiration seems out of my reach.
Today is a glorious day. The sun is shining and the winds are calm. Its a balmy 70 degrees today. I'm even wearing a tank top and turned off the heat in the house today. So maybe I'm a little ahead of myself but hey ya gotta start somewhere.
Ross and I are starting to feel the pull of all of our outdoor chores that come with this breath taking home we have been blessed with. The evenings of hiding in front of the TV are long gone now unless it rains of course. It will be traded in for preparing our flower beds and grass for the new growth that has begun. I hope to have all my flower beds ready before the baby arrives.

Rosie has decided she is interested in the big girl potty. I have never had a kid start this early but hey you never know. So far there has been a lot on the floor and none in the potty. I guess we will see what happens.

So long for now!

Y'a down with NKOTB

2008-04-08T05:46:00.001-07:00

Its a good thing that I don't mind dating myself cuz I just found out some great news. New Kids on the Block is back together.

This was the group I adored as a pre-teen/ teenager. Donnie Wahlburg was my favorite and I have followed his film career for the last 10 years. I admit that seeing them this morning brought a smile to my face and a vivid walk down memory lane. My girlfriends and I all had a favorite and we formed our own female version of the group complete with choreographed dance moves. Boy were those the good 'ole days. I still have my collectible cards and pictures from the concert we went to. I remember thinking "I am actually breathing the same oxygen as Donnie!" Oh to be young again. Yes, I know......... I was that kookie.

Rebirth

2008-04-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

Spring has officially sprung. I have the most lovely orange crocus flowers popping up through the ground and smiling at all who pass them. Sorry I have no picture today but I'll take one tomorrow.
The kids have spent the last three days playing outside and running the length of the property with the dogs and cat. They have come in each night with pink cheeks and smell of the dirt and grass outside. Oh how I love that smell.
There is something so poetic in waiting for spring to arrive and the rebirth of all that silently awaits its moment to sing and also awaiting the birth of our newest child. This pregnancy has been a gift of reflection and a lesson is patience I have not experienced before. It truly is amazing this gift of life God has given us both before and after we are born.

Warming up?

2008-03-31T07:20:00.000-07:00

We have a family of red headed woodpeckers that live on our property. The knocking that commences with their arrival is a sure sign that a spring warm up is the near future. Today the weather man says a high of 58 degrees is expected. Granted that means it will be raining all day but, I am so excited I may even crack open a window or two to let a breath of fresh spring air slip through. Enjoy !!!

Easter Joy x2

2008-03-26T06:11:00.000-07:00

So this year on Easter Sunday we celebrated not only the rising of Our Lord but our little Rosebuds 2nd birthday. The day started out a little stressfull getting all the children ready for Mass but, once there all went well. I just love all the flowers and the sense of the rebirth of spring that comes with Easter Mass.

Rosie's birthday was just the (pardon the pun) icing on the cake. Our little angel looked as sweet as her strawberry cake and had oodles of fun with all her new prizes. I just love my kids birthdays. It always brings to mind the first moments I spent with them. How tiny they were and so full of promise for the future. Each of my children are so different and add so many blessings to my life. It is as if each of them was sent by God to fill a seperate part of my life.

Its no wonder I keep having more of them. The Lord has such purpose for all of their little lives.

Happy Birthday Rose!!!!

Halalujia to Our Risen Lord!!!!!

10 incredible years

2008-03-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

Today is our 10th wedding anniversary. I always think back to what I was doing this day that many years ago when this momentous occasion arrives each year. I laugh at how early I got out of bed for a myriad of appointments in preparation for the big day only to find out the Ross crawled out of bed like 2 hours before. Our wedding was beautiful. My husband was so handsome and having our friends around us was such a blessing.

In our 10 years much has changed as is expected. 6 kids is the most notable. However our own personal relationship has gone thru its various stages as well. We have become more patient with each other and more respectful of the other as well. I think the respect we have for each other is the greatest aspect that keeps us so tightly bound together.

Maybe, I'll write more on my secrets to a fantastic marriage later cuz that's just what I have been blessed with .

So Happy Anniversary my darling. I Love You + 1.

Plug me in

2008-03-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ok so most of you know my absence from the Internet is because we lost our Internet wireless card. Well its been found thanks to Ross and Gracie. It was for those interested to know under the unused antenna behind our flat screen tv. Only the Lord knows which kid put it there and why but I'm just glad to be plugged back in.

So here is a little reflection on being unplugged.

We (the whole family) gave up TV for lent. Now this is not a new concept for our family. I have traditionally put the TV in the upstairs closet for the summer in past years. However, we have never tried it in the cold winter when we are all locked in the house together 24/7. I have been surprised over all with how much I have not missed the noise or the distraction of the TV. I have also been surprised at how there were days when I really missed the noise and distraction of the TV. Mostly for the purpose of a late night movie and bag of popcorn or the occasional Food TV show for inspiration.
The kids have stopped asking if they can watch TV with exception of Colin. He still asked at least twice a day. They however have done well finding other distractions. Now my kids have never been allowed to watch endless hours of TV (on a regular basis). I will not pretend there haven't been days. I usually try to not entertain my kids on the philosophy that if they have to use their imaginations and each other to entertain themselves. It forces them to problem solve and be creative.
I think that proof of my theory has been found these last 40 days. They really have done well. Good Job kids!!! We have had multiple games invented and art pieces created.
I on the other hand until last week was just happy to entertain myself with the computer. The Internet has all sorts of things to keep one busy. Then the Internet disappeared. Maybe God hid the card? I read 3.5 novels last week. Not little ones either. I also had a lot more time for reflection on what I would blog about in certain moments. It was cathartic. So I guess this lent had a lot to offer me this year and I'm thankful for it. It has left me with a deep appreciation for the life I have around me. Thanks be to God.

Do you ever?

2008-03-05T08:19:00.000-08:00

Do you ever just want to putter around?

As a mom and homemaker there is always a long list of to dos. Today my list of to dos is so long it seems forboding. So I have managed to use my time this morning reading some of my favorite blogs to find inspiration. But, I can't help but want to just hang out with the kids, maybe go to the used book store and find us all a good read, then come home to make a simple dinner of Tacos. Oh that sounds so good.

However I will get up after I post this go start another load of laundry and dishes, make lunch, and go clean all three floors of my house in the next few hours. Yeah, somehow that just doesn't sound like as much fun. I will however take the kids to that book store as a reward later today.

There that felt a little better.

Here is a funny picture of me and my rose to leave you with.

Gardens, Gardens, all around

2008-03-05T07:33:00.000-08:00

We bought our dream home last spring. Part of our dream, well my dream, is landscaping with lots of flowers and plants to look at and smell. Well our dream house came complete with 10 (at last count) flower beds. I roamed around yesterday and spent sometime visiting my sleeping jungle of color. Its still to cold for even my darling crocus to peak through the frozen ground.
When I last spoke to the former owner who planted most/all of what I have she and I agreed to the welcome of fall and winter to give us a break from the weed pulling and dead heading. However a long Michigan winter ensures a tremble of anticipation for the spring thaw that means a return to my leather gloves and garden clogs. Here of some pictures of my sleeping beauties.

Oh yeah a new toy

2008-03-03T19:29:00.000-08:00

My darling husband and son Nathan bought me a new digital camera for my birthday. It arrived via Fed-Ex today. I don't care that the shipment got messed up cuz I'm just super excited to photograph my kids and us it on my blogs. I love to take pictures. It's one of my many hobbies that I dabble in. I once wrote how I secretly desired to be really good at one thing. That people would instantly think of me when a subject came up. (I know the subject of kids usually follows with my name but lets focus here.) Sewing, garding, singing, cross stitch,decortating, and photography seem to be my main points of interest. I guess I should pick one but well, to be blunt I get board so I jump around as inspiration strikes me. My poor hubby is really the only who suffers from my wandering hobbies, and he knew it when he married me. So here are my first pictures I took today with my new toy. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday to me

2008-02-29T15:58:00.000-08:00

YAHOO!!! Yesterday was my birthday. I love my birthday and I really hope that I always will. This year I turned 32. I must say I have loved my thirty's so far. I have been gaining such a sense of who I am as a woman. An accomplished, attractive, and life loving woman. A woman who doesn't have to apologize for who I am. I like who I am. In fact I am learning more and more about who I am and what makes me that person. I have to say there is a certain peace that comes with that knowledge. My husband wrote a little about what he thinks of me on his blog. Of course I cried to know he holds me in such high esteem. However, I was pleased to see that the things that I have been striving to accomplish seem to be surfacing where my husband is concerned at least. I hope it has bled out into my other relationships.
I look forward to continue getting to know me. Happy Birthday ME.

A little side note of thanks to my family and friends for all the phone calls, cards, and gifts. It really made me feel special and loved to know I was being thought about by so many.

God Bless

Daddys

2008-02-22T16:38:00.000-08:00

My husband is the very best of husbands. He is patient and loving, kind and thoughtful. I have such a crush on him.

He however is an even better daddy. Dads are super special and important to our children. Not only to their hearts but to their actually development. I learned with our first child how true this is. Moms snuggle, kiss, comfort. Dads chase, throw in the air, toss in the pool, you know rough house. My children reveal in this attention. Even our 2 year old will run to the door when he walks in for a super squeeze and belly nibble from her daddy. I know what moms do is important but oh those daddies. Girls if you do nothing else to the father of your children do not, I repeat do not correct them when they toss that baby in the air, do not have a fit when the wrestle those kids to the ground and tickle them till they scream because they need it. Both the dads and the kids. After awhile you'll even catch yourself laughing with them.

OOPS

2008-02-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

Hello make that www.learningtolivethelittleway.blogspot.com.
Thx

Feeling inspired

2008-02-19T11:32:00.000-08:00

So after much thought and deliberation I have decided to open a second blog. The topics of this blog with go primarily to homeschooling and my catholic faith. I hope any and all will visit from time to time but worry not. I will still be a searching soul blogging at this location.
Stay warm everyone.
www.learningtolivethelittleway@blogspot.com

Found something

2008-02-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

So not to long ago somebody said some really not nice things about me. This person is unaware that I am aware but thats a long story.
I fumed for about a week, ranted for a few days, and then proceded to pray for the wisdom to handle it as Jesus would want me to. It takes me while sometimes.
Anyway I decided to use the experiance to learn a little more about myself.
Here goes, the not nice things had to do with the choices I have made in my life to be a stay at home mom and a homeschooling mom. The two biggest decisions I have made in my life. At first I thought "how dare they, they have no idea who I am and why I do what I do" then I relized.....duh, of course they don't or it wouldn't have been said. Fast forward to moment of enlightenment. I am my childrens mother. I am their caretaker and educator. I will love them like no one else. I have been entrusted with giving them the tools in life to make good people out of them. Christ gave all of these gifts and responsibilites to me. This is my vocation. My calling in life. Christ called me and I responded. I took the challange that this lifestyle entailes and will do my best to keep it working. This challange to my character is simply an opportuninty by God to refreshen my reslove to follow the path he has laid out for me.
We are all called to different things in life. Gods plan for each of us is as unique and as beautiful and we are. I feel so refreshed to have such a clear sense of where He wants me. (at least for now)

Misery loves company

2008-01-25T06:40:00.000-08:00

What happens when mom gets sick and mom is the the primary caregiver of children, house duties, food prep, and educating. A whole lot of nothing. I came down with the flu this week. 21 weeks pregnant and they put me in the hospital for dehydration. My poor little baby was not doing so good so its a good thing I went in but oh how I hate needles and doctors. All of our parents rallied around us and took turns caring for the kids. Thank God for grandparents. My hospital visit only lasted overnight but, still the sickness consumes. Problem is it is consuming my husband and my mom and well who knows which kids.
The one shining light of this week has been our ultrasound of the baby. Drum roll please..........Its a Boy. We still haven't picked out a name but time is on our side.
See ya!!

2008-01-15T19:39:00.000-08:00

New Year Resolutions

2008-01-04T05:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!!!!
I gave up making resolutions a few years ago. My way of preventing myself from failier. This year I decided it was time to pull up my boot straps and get it together. To often I say to myself 'your failing at this that or the other thing, why can't you just pull yourself together.' Be it related to house keeping, my prayer life, or how I'm parenting/teaching my kids I never seem to be able to keep up with it all. ( up to my own standards) My mantra in life has become over the years .... each day is a new gift from God to start over and try again. This has gotten me through many a bad day. However, it totally sucks when I say everyday with no hope in site. Any way right now things are good. I feel good, the house looks good, the kids are smiling, and food has been on the table. Wish me luck as I journey forward into this new year of opportunity.
I'll be thinking of all of you. God Bless.

12 Days of Christmas

2007-12-28T11:13:00.000-08:00

Most people don't know this or maybe they do but, the 12 days of Christmas actually begin on Christmas day. The end of the Christmas season is on epiphany January 9th. So Merry Christmas to all.

Love to hate technology

2007-12-19T09:27:00.000-08:00

Ok just found the usb cable to my digital camera so all the pictures I have on my camera for the last year I now have access to. Here are some samples.

Enjoy!!!!!!!

Babies, babies, and more babies

2007-12-19T06:40:00.000-08:00

I have written before about how blessed I am to have so many incredible friends. Well this month two of my very best friends have both had twins. The funny part is they both are also my country neighbors. (meaning we live on the same road just not a short walk away from eachother) Anyway, Linda and her family had a girl and a boy about two weeks ago. Sarah just had two boys on Saturday. Our little group of six friends has been blessed with a combined total 34 children. All incredible families, all blessings to the world we live in. I suspect we will see some amazing people that affect our world come out of our little group in this little town. Thank you God for blessing us all so abundantly.

(this is Sarah with one of the twins)

Drama

2007-12-08T07:20:00.000-08:00

Life can be so dramatic. For me, in my youth I thrived on it. I still enjoy a dose I suppose now and then but over all I try to avoid it. What amazes me is how things can be so calm and tranquil and then all of a sudden Bam! you get nailed with it. For some reason the Christmas season seems to bring it out in my extended family. But that's not what today is about.
Thursday evening was like any other I'd just got snuggled into bed when the phone call came.
My mother in law (whom I love to pieces) called frantic. At first I thought my father in law had a heart attack but, it turns out our trailer along with their garage were on fire and burning fast. Mom got out of the house safe with my sweet little niece Claire when the neighbor broke open a window. Fire department and 7 emergency vehicles arrived to put the fire out but all was lost except the house of course. Thank you Lord. Now we are all dealing with insurance companies and the like. This is the kind of drama I could do without.

Ok this is a cute kid

2007-12-05T17:57:00.000-08:00

Our little Rosebud

Rosebud

2007-12-05T17:45:00.000-08:00

So my darling Rosie had outpatient surgery today. She had a pyogenic granuloma above her left eye right at her brow bone. The surgery to remove it normally would have been in office but because she is 20 months old they used gas to make her sleepy and that required a hospital. All went well the procedure lasted a mere 10 minutes or so. The doctor came right out and got my husband and me. Then he looks at me and says in so many words. Well everything went great except..... we had the gas mask on her face and when I (the doc) use the tool to cauterize the blood vessels it burned her eyebrow off. But it will grow back. Now don't get me wrong I like this doctor and to be honest I really don't like any doctors. But, I could swear when I was in elementary school they mentioned something about fire and gas not mixing well together. Do you think maybe all the doctors and nurses present missed that day of school in their childhood. Yeah that's probably a stretch huh?

Anyhow our little Rosebud is no worse for the wear and bounced back with a vengeance. She was singing me songs in no time. I'm just grateful all went well in the end and I am able to laugh about it.

God Bless

Giving Thanks

2007-11-20T03:55:00.001-08:00

Wow Thanksgiving is in two days. Here in Michigan we have had an incredibly mild fall. This I think has lead to the feeling of a long summer. This season has literally crept up out of no where. Well I am so excited to be spending our very first holiday season in our new home. I can't wait to have our families over and celebrate. So here are the things I am so very grateful for.

I am thankful for my incredible husband and spectacular kids. I'm grateful for the love they give to me every day. I'm thankful that my parents are still with me and have their health. That my children have grandparents who love to spend time with them. I'm thankful to have such awesome friends who help me find the joy in the difficulties of our days. I'm thankful that Ross has a job and that we can buy gifts for our families this Christmas. I'm thankful for a warm home, clean water, and plentiful food. I'm thankful for God and His never ending love for me. I am thankful to him for all His creations like sunrises and sunsets. Lilacs, and the soft fur of my cat Chloe. For all of the very small things that make us who we are.
Most of all I'm thankful that God has given me the eyes to know enough to look for all these things in life and to be thankful they are here to be seen.

Ok I know that may have gotten a little cheesy but, well that's just me.
Happy Thanksgiving

Bad case of the I wants........

2007-11-11T10:44:00.000-08:00

So my husband was worried about how much stress I've been under and took over the bills for me. I reluctantly agreed. Not for any reason other than I'm a control freak. Anyway, I have found that I rather enjoy not being responsible for the mountain of bills that accumulates each month.
So here's the new problem. I want everything now. New clothes for the family, shoes, boots, all things that we actually need but can't afford to just go out and buy all at once. Then there is the subject of interior design. I love my new home I just can't stand how the former homeowners decorated. So my little brain is working over time wanting to get each room decorated to my specifications NOW. I have always sucked at patience. I'm trying to learn how to save money first and buy when I have the cash. Problem is that takes so damn long. All help would be welcomed with this one.
Chow.

Love little toes

2007-10-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

So this is what our baby number six looks like right now at 8 weeks gestation. Look at those sweet little toes.

This is an excellent reminder to me of why I am suffering through 24 hour morning sickness. It's so easy to fall into a sense of self pity and frustration when you feel like crap all the time. I will keep my eye on the prize. ( sweet smelling baby) and remember as always "This too shall pass."

Gracie and Colin ( 2 of our 6)

2007-10-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

Colin being super cool

Grace by the 'wise tree'

thought you would enjoy

Friends

2007-10-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

I am a woman blessed with many friends. This didn't used to be something I could say about myself. I always had a friend in high school a few of them for long periods of time. But, as kids can be someone always got their panties in a bunch and that was the end of that. Of course I have always had a pension for the dramatic and usually ( I think anyway) was guilty of some offense or another. Thus ending that friendship. Fast forward about 4 years after graduation and I'm a lone without a girlfriend to chat with in sight.
Fortunately I have always had my Ross. This of course is my husband and best friend in the world. There are few things in this world that I wouldn't want to be doing with him but its those few things that we woman so desperately need.
So, there I was crying my eyes out begging God for a friend. Just someone I could call once in awhile to chat with or invite over for coffee, maybe a trip to the mall. You know 'girl time'.

You know how they say God answers all prayers, just sometimes the answer is no. Well I had grown accustom to the no. This time however God answered me with a giant YES.
Now I am a woman blessed with more friends than I could have ever hoped for. The kinds of friends I can literally call in the morning to just say Hi, yeah I know , its ok, thanks for listing, oh yeah a beer sounds great to bad i'm prego. Oh and your the best.
These woman are a constant source of inspiration, unconditional love, patience, kindness, laughs, tears, and most importantly friendship. I love you all and I thank and praise God for his gift of you in my life. My only hope is that I am a fraction of a friend to you that you have been to me.

Linda, Sarah, Ruthie, Stephanie S, Stephanie K, Ann, Marianne, the list goes on and on.

Hugs to you all,
Kel

P.S. Ross you are still my best friend I love you honey.

Life

2007-10-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

So I suppose I have one more thing to add to 'things you don't know about me'.......

We will be having baby number 6 in June of '08. In fact this baby is due the same week as my oldest twos birthdays. We told the kids last night and they all had different reactions but all are thrilled. Devin is most worried about having enough seats in our new suburban for friends now. I told him we would work it ok. " well ok then I'm glad we get a new baby" he says. Hey everybody has their priorities.
Anyway yes, this baby was a bit of a surprise but aren't the gifts we don't expect to receive the most exciting. We are 5 weeks along and already the debate over names has begun amongst the kids. What an exciting winter we have before us.

Praise God for his miracle of life.

10 things you most likely don't know about me

2007-10-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

Ok Ruthie here's my list........
1. Every time I walk outside and the breeze hits my face I feel like God has just kissed me.

2. I absolutely love being Catholic even though in my youth I swore I never would be.

3. I am crazy about Lilacs. I think its because they are only around for such a short time each spring.

4. My new favorite meal is a bottle of Merlot, grapes, an aged cheddar and a loaf of fresh bread with my husband of course.

5. I believe all people are good they just have to let themselves be.

6. I love my friends so much sometimes I want to call them and tell them how much but I'm afraid they will think I'm weird.

7. I can only stand to be away from my kids for two days and then I start to ache for them. (but the two days are nice)

8. I really wish I were good at something. Not just pretty good at lots of little things. I would like to be know for an excellent talent in something.

9. I envy people with a strong ethnic heritage. I wish I weren't a hodgepodge of different nations. I would love to have those traditions to look to.

10. Ok so most of you know this but I am madly in love with my husband. There isn't a moment in my day I don't think of him.

So there it is some things you may have know some maybe not. I hope you enjoy .

Homeschooling

2007-09-30T18:27:00.000-07:00

So I have failed to mention that I am a homeschooling mom. Currently I am educating 4 of my 5 children in Religion, reading,writing and arithmetic. We cover more than that of course but that's the bones of it. Grades Pre-K thru 3rd. We did try our parish school last year but it just wasn't right. In all honesty I couldn't begin to list all the reasons that homeschooling is right but it is for us. The kids miss seeing their friends every day at school but relish in the fact that they actually have time to play, watch some TV, and do various other things they couldn't do last year because of the long school day, bus rides, and homework to be done. I love it because I love watching them learn. I bathe in the little light bulb that flashes when they know the answer. I relish when the find the courage to keep on trying when the problem is difficult and then celebrate at their hard won victory. Our children are such a beautiful gift from God. If you really think about it our time with them is so short. Look at yourself, think back to when you were a child in your parents charge. It seems like such a small portion of your life. They will grow, find their vocations, and move on. You will always be mom or dad but someone else will enter their lives and take up the space that you once inhabited in their day to day happenings. I have stopped wanting to apologize to the school for our choice. God lead me to this my vocation and I will wrap my arms around it with passion. Don't let the secular attitude of "what a pain my kids are" take residence in your heart. Drop kick it at the door. Kiss them twice as much, hug them three times as hard and tell them you love them at every beckoning the Holy Spirit sends it to you.
God Bless

My little man

2007-09-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

So I have this little guy named Colin. He is 4 and believes himself to be indestructible. He also lives in his own little world where if he doesn't like the rules he just smiles, gives you the thumbs up and goes on his merry way to do it anyway. Problem is he is so charming that its super hard to stay mad at him long enough to punish him.

Now this leads to my story. Time: 7 pm Place: my drive way c
Colin loves vehicles. He especially like trucks. Well my hubby and I just got new trucks. My husband has a Chevy Silverado and its purtey . Colin is not supposed to play on or in the trucks.
Yeh you know where I'm goin'. Picture this ....... One cute little man standing on back bummer of truck pulling on latch to tailgate. Tailgate opens falls into one little man, knocks little man backwards onto concrete driveway. KNOCKS HIM OUT!!!!!!!!
Fast forward to er and sleepover at the hospital with mom.

Little man is ok he did fracture his noggin a little but he has been doing super good.

Problem is he doesn't want to leave the hospital. Imagine you are the fourth kid out of 5 and all of a sudden mom and dad are giving you their undivided attention, the nurses will bring you anything you want to eat and most important of all you have full control of your own remote control to the tv. If he didn't have a needle in his hand I think he would cry when we leave. (note: I'm still at the hospital)

Any way for those who know us our little man is still the ruler of his universe but maybe, just maybe he will think twice............ Yeh I know, wish full thinking.

Wow can life change fast

2007-09-18T23:23:00.000-07:00

Yeh so I had that baby I wanted. She was born March of 06. Rose is her name and she is incredible. Ideal birth with my midwife and nursed for the first full year no problem. I did find out that I have trouble with post-partum depression and apparently anxiety issues. So hey, new approach. "Better living through drugs." that's what my hubby's doc says.

Our two older children went to private school last year but we have decided that just wasn't for us so we are back to homeschooling. I am so glad we did. It is incredible to watch and assist my kids in learning all about their world and their God. We also moved into our dream house.

So a lot can change in a year. I'm still searching but maybe now I'm looking for the best ways I can serve God and the world around me.

More on that later.

Trying to work on patience

2005-07-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

So, I don't think I have made much mention of my family. I am proud to be married to the most amazing man on the planet. We have been together for almost 11 years now. Married for 7. He has this amazing gift of forgiveness and patience that constantly humbles and leaves me in awe. I can honestly say that my love for him can not be put into mere words. God has richly Blessed us with 4 incredible children. 6, 5, 3, and 2. Three boys and one girl. The last year has been a trial for me to be patient to have another child. I've gotten to the point where I'm ok with waiting another year ( the "ideal" time) but the week before and during my ovulation. It nearly drive me insane. Today I woke up with that "special Nausea" I get when I'm pregnate. I was convinced. Yes, finally. Then I took the test. NO, not today. No baby. Ouch!!!
So I pray for patience. I pray all day and God will help, but please hurry Lord.

Its a good day

2005-07-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

Today is a good day. In my bible reflection I was reminded that in every new stranger I meet. I am meeting another of Gods children. A soul he loves and cares for regardless of how they feel about him. He looked out at the people and felt sorry for them for they seemed a flock of sheep without a sheperd. How wonderful he decided to take on that position. In my goal to become a good example of Christ's love to others, it came to me that I do try to think of the souls of those I meet. It also reminded me that I don't always treat EVERONE that way. There are those that cause me irritation and I loose that train of thought. So how do I change that behavior. Well when I am doing good. I think "what has made that persons day or life so bad that they would treat others that way?" Next question to self..... "how can I help?" Well if they are driving 80 miles per hour I can't exactly stop and give them a hug now can I. ? :) So of course I pray for their searching soul. However if I am able to speak to them I give them a big smile and say " I hope you have a good day." Any ounce of kindness is good and pleases God. Of this I am convinced. You never know you maybe the only person who shows that person kindness all day. I would much rather be remembered in a good way than a bad one.
Keep searching,
Kelli Marie

Its a good day

2005-07-05T06:08:00.000-07:00

Try and Try agian

2005-06-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

Well here I am, back agian. The last 7 days have been great. I woke up last monday morning and relized something about how God wants me to be. My searching soul needs to remember that everyday is an opportunity to try agian. I've wasted so much precious time beating myself up for what I haven't accomplished. I have goals yes, and goals are important. I won't give them up but, and this is key. I don't have to accomplish them in a 6 hour period.

Goal #1 Increase time spent with God through prayer and study. With this being my number one goal I have started here. Oddly enough I found and extra 3 hours of my day I had been wasting. Now I get up at 5:30 in the morning. The kids aren't up till 7:30 sometimes 8. Ah ha! What am I giving up? You ask. No, not sleep. About and hour and half of TV at night.

Now get this, Goal # 2 Get the house in better condition with out loosing time with kids. So after prayer/ study time ( usually 1/2 hr) I have an extra hour and half to clean house and shower. Amazing. So what happens if I fail next week. I just try agian and keep trying till I get it right.

The only sins God won't forgive are those we quit trying to commit. The ones that we say "Oh well, I'm only human God will just have to accept that." Maybe he will ...........Maybe he won't. I personally am not willing to take that chance. So here I am, searching for the person God wants me to be . Everyday I get a little closer. There is so much hope in trying. Every new fresh day offers that chance.

Gods Blessing on you,
Kelli Marie

searching souls

2005-06-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

So I chose Searching Souls. Thinking at first well yes I truely feel like a searching soul. Not for my souls betterment to Our Lord but for that perfect me who I'm supposed to be. The perfect wife, mom, friend, daughter, self. I really just feel like I'm looking and searching all the time. Somedays I wake up and think ah ha I found you. By the end of the day she has disappered. Blown away by some wind of stress come over me or feeling of failer.
Then I thought so what about those souls searching for a deeper relationship with God. What can I offer them if anything? I guess just the lessons I have learned and continue to learn. So I hope to offer that at times.
We are all searching for something aren't we. Especially in our world today. Our TVs say what they want us to buy to find the miracle cure. The ANSWERS. They haven't got it. Not the real IT.
Well I'll continue to search and maybe you can come with. Maybe we can help eachother.
Christ Blessings,
Kelli