Matthias

Happy Birthday, Matthias! You're becoming such a big boy.

We love you & we're praying for you.

Have a fun day!

Speaking Her Language

Here's a little of that crazy babble to enjoy...
And nothing says "I love you" like a two-legged kick to the noggin. ; )

Storefront

As much as I love the hours it keeps them having fun, imaginary play like this... ends up being just a lot of stuff to clean up in the end. Any suggestions for making the clean-up as fun as the creation?

Long Lost Friend

Rebecca: The sun!!! It's coming to our house! Andrew: I sure love it when the sun comes out!

Me, too. =]

Nine Words

NINE WORDS WOMEN USE
(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)
(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man.. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome.. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' . that will bring on a 'whatever').
(8) Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying...Go to H***
(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

***

(This is another funny e-mail I received, written I'm guessing by a very wise husband. I didn't know we were so predictable! You'd think we were specifically taught these or something.)

Reach for the stars!

Congratulations, Teresa! You've taken your screaming to new heights! All that chatting, singing, & babbling during the day must be working your vocal chords well. So, now instead of that sweet, little baby cry, you have the I'm-freaking-out-why-don't-you-love-me-anymore cry when I so much as lay you down. It's so intense that Andrew & Rebecca think it sounds like their "pretend" cry... so they laugh. Ah, sibling love. We used to only hear a smaller version of it when you had accidently scratched your face or had a huge bubble waiting in your tummy. No more... you're growing up. Hooray!?

Cinderella

Rebecca: (in tears) My bippity-boppity-bop isn't in the book basket!

My Little Artists

Rebecca's latest masterpiece:

"my garden (red splotch), doggy stuff, a "huffy" (puppy) thing, & a circles"
Andrew's latest creation:
"that's me with my cat on a leash & some flowers & a fire with sticks & a mouse in the colorish grass & a goose in the stormy sky & (I don't remember what he said the yellow thing is... probably a bee... kind of looks like a flying lobster to me!)"

Grocery Nerd

Well, even though Darren is calling me a "grocery nerd", I can't help but be giddy with excitement over my last Hy-Vee run. I saved $32.72!!! That's just coupons, so it doesn't even count all the things majorly on sale. I feel like I just won a marathon! Certainly rejuvenates my coupon-clipping energy. Anyone else get a thrill from saving?

Above is another of Andrew's grocery lists. I especially like that his mispronunciations are evident in his spelling. Can you guess what he thinks we should get? My favorite is the second one. (Answers in the comments.)

Prayers

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for my Uncle Brian. He passed away last weekend. Due to the weather, we were unable to make the trip out to Illinois for the funeral this week. (My parents left Monday & made it there, only to find the power off in the entire town of Aledo. They had the wake & funeral by candlelight!) I ask your continued prayers for the repose of his soul & for the comfort of his family. May we all appreciate every day we have together as a blessing!

Ding-dong

Rebecca has recently decided that she's big. And she's acting so grown-up! She's been doing 25 piece jigsaw puzzles, making up goofy songs that she KNOWS are goofy, "reading" books to Teresa, drinking out of a big cup without a huge mess to her shirt... so many big girl tricks. She's recently become fascinated with this Little People set that my sister, Denise, so generously lent to us. You can see she set all of the people in a circle for a tea party & all the animals in line for a "water party".
When she had it all ready to go, she asked me, "Would you come & ding-dong my door?"

Sisterly fun

Thanks to my wonderful hubby who stayed home with the big kids, Teresa & I enjoyed an evening out with the Marians. It was so much fun! Tasty food, pleasant conversation, & joyful friends.

Sr. Karen Marie & I were reminiscing good old times. It will be 10 years since our trip to Europe come this summer; that means 10 years since she entered, too. Seeing Pope JPII, praying before incorrupt saints, singing "Father Abraham" as we wore our crazy hats getting drenched in the gardens of Versailles, speedy car rides when the hatch of our rental car flipped open... so many memories that are ingrained in my mind forever.

Teresa was a big hit, of course. I can't count how many times I heard, "Could I hold her, please?" She was pretty happy for all of them... except Sr. Ann Marie... I think she pinched her. Once a crazy Zierke, always a crazy Zierke. ; ) Sr. Helen, whose birth name was Teresa, was her biggest fan. We practically had to pry her out of her arms! So much love to share. What a gift!

Who knew?

Who knew that playing...

within 10 feet ...of the front door...
could be so much fun?

A masterpiece complete!

When school was cancelled yet again for Andrew & he was in desperate need of something to break him out of the hum-drums, I took out this awesome puzzle of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mom gave it to me a couple of years ago, but I hadn't had the chance to dive into it until now. I forgot how small the pieces are in a 1000 piece puzzle! I'd never done one in a circle either. Andrew was actually pretty into it for the first few days... then it was too hard. It became my naptime, bedtime, quiet time, "need a break from this crazy mommy job" escape. After sitting out for over a week, there was *amazingly* only one piece at large. I found it when cleaning up some Christmas decorations yesterday. A masterpiece complete!

A vision of St. Margaret

A bunch of us had the joy of taking in

"The Mission of Joan of Arc"

last weekend. It was impressively done! Simple staging, realistic costuming, exquisite music. I enjoyed watching my friend Amy play St. Margaret (whose voice is even better than when we were in college), Dave play the Duke d'Alencon (whose fancy garb had me giggling), & former student Michael as St. Michael the Archangel (who definitely looked ready for battle). Having a night out with the girls was just what I needed. Thanks for the good time & inspiring performance!

I suppose...

Andrew: What do you think I should be when I grow up: a policeman, a priest, or a president?
Mommy: Well, what do you think would be best?
Andrew: I think president would be best.
Mommy: That's a pretty big & important job being in charge of the whole U.S.A. Do you think you could do it?
Andrew: Well, if President Obama can do it, I sure can.

More funnies

Hello, baby! ***

Andrew: If I lived in a volcano then I would be so hot, I wouldn't need any clothes! I wouldn't even need my skin. I'd just walk around with my bones on. They'd keep me warm & sweaty.

Pet Diaries

Excerpts from a Dog’s Diary….

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!

1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Diary…

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. Idiot.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.........

(I received this as an e-mail forward months ago & found it again as I was cleaning out my folders. It still cracks me up! Thought I'd share the joy.)

Generation gap

Rebecca: I up clean it, Dad!
Darren: Thanks, Yoda.
Andrew: Hey, is that one of the Teenage Frogs?

A quick three

My sweet Teresa Rose

it can't be three months already since we first met. You're already surrounded by so many adoring fans!

You have grown so fast!

You're completely into 6 months clothes, ready for size 2 diapers, & starting to "launch" out of our arms whenever you feel the urge. You're holding yourself up pretty well, considering how often I've forgotten to give you "tummy time".
You've slept like an angel since birth. You usually only wake up once at night to eat... and occasionally make an 8 hour stretch! Are you related to Andrew & Rebecca??? We have swaddled you much tighter than the other two... maybe that's the trick. You also are a great car seat sleeper. Mass with you has been a piece of cake because you pretty much just conk out right away until we get home. The joy of infant car seats abounds! We'll appreciate it while it lasts.
You babble & chat with Cookie Monster & your big brother the best though you will smile with almost anyone who makes eye contact. You're a fan of the bouncy seat, changing table with mobile up above, bathtime... & of course nursing. : )

You're most destinctive features are your crazy duck-tail hair & adorable grin. Though I already miss my tiny bump of a baby, I'm excited for you to learn & grow. We are so blest to have you!

Snowday creations

Of all the things we hoped to do during Advent...

but didn't get around to...

why not do them during the last week of Christmas...

when you are snowed in, desperately missing preschool, & it's too cold to play outside?

Lots of fun! (Thank goodness he finally got to go today though! I'm exhausted.)

These gingerbread house kits were 50% off at Walgreens the other day. That's cheaper than I could make it from scratch & definitely easier! I'm remembering that for next year.

99 bottles of milk

Well, she did it. Teresa took a bottle three different times on Saturday! Hallelujah! We've only tried with her a few times so far without much success, but I was determined to make it work.

Andrew barely ever took a bottle. Not to say I didn't leave him from time to time, but we would come home & see two or three bottles partially filled with milk just strewn about the house after failed attempts. (If you've ever been a nursing mom, I'm guessing you can relate to the heartbreak of all that "hard work" that got dumped down the drain. That stuff is like pure gold. Yow.) We eventually resorted to spoon feeding him with a very "milked-down" rice cereal... it always went better but wasn't quite as easy or sufficient.

I started teaching mornings out at the Seminary again just four months after Rebecca was born, so she HAD TO learn how to drink from a bottle. My sister Cara was the magical queen who made that happen! There was a rough morning here & there, but in general she did okay. Nighttime babysitters who weren't Cara didn't always have it so easy. : (

So, I'm hoping this is going to really happen for Teresa. I can't even express the overwhelming sense of joy & relief I felt as she finally gave in to suck down those first two ounces. As much as I love nursing & the bond I get to enjoy with this sweet little girl, I know that getting that occasional break of more than 2 hours does an amazing job to rejuvenate me. It makes me a better mom. Here's hoping. Prayers appreciated!

Overheard

Rebecca: (BIG yawn) I a little bit resty.
***
Andrew: (singing Joy, Joy, Joy) And if the devil doesn't like it, we can sit on his hat, sit on his hat, sit on his hat...

Flurries

Looks like there have been more than snow flurries around here! I kind of took a break from all things routine, including blogging, over "Christmas break". Finally, telling about it... I can't believe how much we did considering how little we seemed to leave the house! NOW I'm tired. ; ) So, enjoy the scattered blizzard of posts!

Children's Museum

We earned free passes to the Children's Museum from our summer reading program five months ago... we finally used them four days before they expired! We totally lucked out & it was the quietest we've ever seen it. It's lots more fun to explore when we are the ones making the chaos! Here's some pictures of our adventure. Dr. Rebecca, the veterinarian Our little astronauts "Is it on sale?" Dressing up is even more fun when you can see yourself in a television!

"Can I really squirt you, Mom?"

Christmas #3

We did finally make it home to my family's farm last Tuesday. There were some huge snowdrifts! The cousins dug a tunnel out in the windbreak that supposedly was 17 feet long! Pretty amazing. Anyone have pictures to share with me?

We had a house full of kids, sweets, & laughter.
Gus holding Teresa...

there were so many loving arms reaching for her!
The big girls playing Telephone Pictionary, my new favorite game.

Morning Mass in the family room with Fr. Jon. So awesome!A heated game of peanuts

We were having too much fun to find time for a big family photo.

Thanks for a lovely time!

Birthdays galore!

To my niece, Clare...

a fun, sweet, beautiful girl & fantastic big sister Happy Birthday, Clare

Epipha-what?

Happy Epiphany!

We had a fun day with a postponed Christmas celebration with Darren's Grandma & lots of family. Andrew was oogling her key chain collection.

Then we partied with some friends in the evening & enjoyed this yummy King cake. It looks like a crown, right? The kiddos did the decorating & Rebecca was the winner who found the almond in her slice of cake. But instead of being excited, she started crying because we were all cheering & scared her! Oops.

A Christmas miracle:

a bundt cake that easily came out of the pan!

~Can any one name the movie this title comes from? I think of it & laugh most times I hear the word Epiphany. =]

NOT Grumpy Old Men

Happy Birthday this week to Green Grandpa,

Uncle Danny, & Uncle Taylor!

We're so blest to have all of you in our lives.

For mothers of boys...

& of girls who get shocked by all of their "weaponry", here's a great article to reflect upon!

http://www.firstthings.com/article/2009/12/the-killer-instinct

A couple of my favorite quotes:

"Hand a girl a rock, and she will make a pet out of it. Hand a boy a baby doll, and -if no adult is looking- he will point it's head at somebody and say "Pow". "

"A desire to commit violence is not the same thing as a desire to commit evil."

St. Mary Anne

Five years ago today, my sweet niece Mary Anne took breathed her first & last. We are sad she's not here with us... she would be the same age as Andrew. Yet, we are thankful to have a perfect little saint watching over us from Heaven. St. Mary Anne, pray for us!