New weekend

Well, two days ago we sold our puppy back to the breeder. With 4 children 6 years old and younger, it's too exhausting for us. As my mother said, "it's like having a child who never learns." Wait, that's just child #5 for me, haha! I always said I'd never have an indoor animal... I had a weak moment as this past Christmas approached and stepped too far out of "my box" I do believe, because I'm entirely too OCD. It's tiring enough keeping a house picked up with littles, but the stress of making sure all shoes, cups, toys are off the ground at all times was too much and too expensive, let alone the accidents on the floor.

Writing this out makes me feel less guilty about getting rid of her, but it has been sad watching my 6 year old pout because "she misses Carmel..." The other ones seem to have gotten over it.

We've promised each one a bunny they can name (NOT the babies, only mommies and daddies... we've made that clear). I suppose we need to make good on our promise soon! Daddy has almost finished the cages - very exciting. Now they're *up* in my dining room instead of *rolled up* :)

How can you  not take this over a dog?

We're trying to decide if we should attempt my family reunion the week after Easter in Louisiana. It won't be a cheap excursion or one without stresses. Is anything ever either of those anymore? ;) I figure it'll be one of the last trips we can make, as animals creatures will be coming soon after. I do need to plan just in case we decide to though - summer skirts, sandals and swimming suits for the bayou! The kids thoroughly enjoyed it last year, as they had no idea we were really there for my grandpa's funeral. It's hard to believe it's been almost a year... may he rest in peace.

In honor of tomorrow:

Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows,

pray for us!

“I will attempt day by day to break my will into pieces. I want to do God’s Holy Will, not my own” ~ St. Gabriel

Time to plan

So, during these cold days it gives us time to research, plan, research again, plan some more... in this process, I found these:

Reusable canning lids

I'm so excited to try them!  Canning all together is going to be another learning experience, but one I'm willing to be challenged by - it can't be any worse than potty training 4 kids, right?  Right?  *gulp*  ; )

Tonight we'll be purchasing our organic seeds for the garden, which will at least make us feel like Spring is somewhere around the corner! (despite the freezing temps, snow & ice on the ground...)  Can you tell I love Winter?  ; )

I also need to take advantage of these "inside days" and start sewing spring/summer skirts for the girls.  So, a material run will be in my near future.  I could go nuts in those stores!  I already have patterns, so now I have no excuse...

Today is the feast of the apostle who replaced Judas...

St. Matthias, pray for us!

Another cold one

Snow, really?  I was a little surprised to wake up to flurries!  The kids think snow equals Christmas, so every time we have "white stuff", they scream "is Santa coming?!" haha!  Umm, no, kids... sorry.

Snow on the farm!

I will say, I do enjoy snow days, as they make good "bundle up on the couch and watch a good movie with kids" days  : )  

I am so itching for spring though!  Ready to till our 50x100 garden, acquire bunnies, our bees (who's hives are in our living room), and have little children busy in the sunshine during the days.  Oh, sunshine, warmth... yes, I'm dreaming!  One thing I love about these winters is that it will make us truly appreciate summer.  

Until then, we'll snuggle and dream  ; )

Feast of St. Peter's Chair at Antioch

""...and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates 

of hell shall not prevail against it." ~ Matthew 16:18

And we have syrup!

Right now: naps have ended, children are snacking, and it's time to prepare dinner! It's a busy time of day in our household, as young ones get hungry, and need to let out energy (during these cold, winter days, that means running around the house screaming).

This weekend: was a really nice one! And we had 3 days with Daddy, which added to it.  Saturday was very accomplished, cleaning up the yard full of broken limbs/branches that fell during the ice storm several weeks back. We spent the entire day outside, even skipped naps and slept quite well that night! Sunday started with Mass, home by lunch and ended quite relaxed.

Maple syrup boiled today by my

husband! Our first home produced product!

Ah, adventures on the "farm"!

Some plans for this week: it's supposed to be fairly cold and wet this week, so outside won't be in the plans. We will hopefully see some more sap from our maple trees this week if it warms up enough during the days.

Some prayer intentions for this week: A young friend/mother of 2/wife who is still battling cancer and recently returned from an amazing Lourdes trip.  Praying for a miraculous cure!

Something that makes me smile: My husband coming in the door... *sigh*