Busy Beavers

I'm always surprised how little (or big) pieces of pop culture seep into our children's lives, since their exposure is very limited. Due to that fact they usually get it wrong at least in part, but I seldom find it necessary to correct them. Who cares? Besides it can be hilarious. My favorite is the tendency to say someone looks like or sounds like "Jackson Beaver". Andrew said he needed a haircut because he was starting to look like him. He's even on the front cover of a book in the Scholastic book order for this month, so how can we escape? I really don't know much about him either. (I could be the one saying, "What's a Bieber?" on that commercial.) Things like that crack me up every time. Have any good ones to share?

Happy Halloween!

Since Halloween fell on a Monday this year, we were able to celebrate at our library story time.

Besides the regular stories, songs, & activities, we also did a little Thriller conga line around the library. Cute but interesting song choice for 2 year olds!

While Teresa napped we carved pumpkins. Bet you can't guess which one is Rebecca's?

Then it was out for trick or treating. It was a beautiful night & all three of them were really into it. Andrew had me carrying his mask & cape before we were around the block. Teresa just flipped back her giraffe head & tromped right up behind them for her goodies. Rebecca was rather tickled about the whole experience. She surprised quite a few candy-giver-outers with one more last second, "Hope you have a nice Halloween! Trick or treat!" as we walked away. She was adorable. After over an hour we came home, had a piece or two of candy, & sent them off to bed...without any meltdowns! It was marvelous. Probably our best Halloween experience yet!

Superbowl of the Saints

I can never pass up a good chance to visit my college roommates. Being with them brings such an instant joy to my heart! So, I just had to take Andrew & Rebecca out to the Superbowl of the Saints. They broke into age groups to play games & do crafts with the Sisters at first. During that time all of the parents went to Chapel for a great little lesson on how to pray Lectio Divinae. Afterwards we went around to different stations with the kids to see short plays about the saints. Here the children are pretending to be ill in the streets during the story of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.

St. Andrew got to deliver a letter for the play. Blessed Mother Teresa decided just to watch from my side.

At the end we all met back in Chapel for Adoration & Benediction. Beautiful. We came away with candy, devotionals, deeper understanding, & great smiles!

Trunk or Treat

We've had a blast the last few years attending our parish Trunk or Treat. It's a fun way to get to see all of their classmates in costume, since we don't dress up at school, while raising money for the HSA. Attending were Darth Vader, a "pink" kitten, & an often headless giraffe. This was our first year having a trunk however. Our GodTeens had a competition among classes for the best trunk/costumes/treats. We tried for Noah's Ark. Unfortunately, we stood right in front of our car almost completely covering it, but I promise it was pretty cool.
The Super Freshmen The Disney-clad Juniors The Seniors "Up" display...they were the winners! The weather was gorgeous considering it's Nebraska & we had over 500 kids!!! Great turnout, great fundraiser, great time. You should join us next year!

God's Beauty

We've been revelling in every single beautiful fall day that God is giving us! This day was just so gorgeous outside. We decided to relax in the backyard. But, Teresa being the workaholic that she is, decided to tend the garden. It got pretty intense... hence the helmet.

Let's roll!

While Rebecca was celebrating at preschool, Teresa & I joined Andrew's class (& the kindergarteners & the 2nd graders) for their Halloween skating party. Andrew took off & was doing awesome after about the first two laps around the rink. Though it was her first time skating, Teresa only held my hand for a little while & then decided she was too big for that. Once again, she surprised me with her independence!

We skated, colored pumpkins, limboed, & ate lots of goodies. It was a fun time & another great chance to get to see Andrew interact with his buddies. I'm so glad we were able to go!

Exciting first

Last Friday Andrew read for the first time at Mass. He was super excited. The older kids still did the actual readings, but for the week the 1st graders were all over the petitions.

It also happened to be the last day of school before All Saints Day, so the 6th graders all dressed up as a saint. This picture is terrible, but you get the idea.

That also means it was the same day as the Halloween parties, so the kids all were out of uniform. Andrew was so excited to wear his skeleton shirt, but decided it would be best not to wear it while reading at Mass... I agreed! He did a really good job. It was funny to hear him over the microphone, though. Those four missing front teeth sure change his little voice!

I'm so glad that he loves Mass. I'm so glad that he gets excited about taking up the Offertory or reading the petitions. I'm so glad we are able to send him to a Catholic school where he can go everyday. Though we're still working on the how-he-treats-his-sisters application, it's amazing all the knowledge & love he takes away from each Mass. Thank you, Jesus!

Weather Radio

Teresa keeps looking out the window on this crazy weather morning & singing...
"It raining,
it pouring,
Dada snoring..."

Happy All Saints Day!

All Holy Saints of God, pray for us!

Visiting the Sisters

Our parish GodTeens ventured out to visit the School Sisters of Christ the King on Wednesday night. We filled a bus & headed out for the evening. Andrew & Rebecca were excited just to ride on the bus!

We broke up by grades & were given a tour of the place. Here Sr. Mary Catherine, one of my two college roommates that now live here, is holding a picture of thier crest that shows the most important aspects of their charism.

We toured Epiphany House & heard all about the upcoming Superbowl of Saints.

Then we played some very intense 3 on 3 basketball with the sisters!

Finally, we headed out to the bonfire for s'mores & hot chocolate. So much fun!

I hope we get to visit again soon.

Priestly practice

Mom's Group

Each Wednesday morning we get to enjoy the company of other moms & kids from our parish. It's been a great way to get to know people over these last 6 years! This last week we decided to let the kids dress up for a mini Halloween party. Here are our cuties!

After a rousing game of Musical Pumpkins, the junior high teachers let us parade around their rooms & trick or treat. It was great for kids big & little.

Back to the social hall for more yummy goodies!

Did you know that giraffes like frosting?

Hug

One bonus of washing all of the sheets in the house is being able to throw them around my shoulders while still warm. Love it. Feels like a hug from Mom.

How's potty training going?

Sisters

My sister Melissa came to town this weekend with her oldest girls for the Celtic Thunder concert. Of course it was "So awesome!" They bunked at Cara's house & we all met to go wedding clothes shopping in the morning. Shopping is in general not a good time for me, but it sure was fun to be with them. I love my nieces & I love my sisters. We all connect in abundant unspoken ways that make us close even when we aren't together often. I'm so thankful to have them!

Teresa & Rebecca have gone through strong love/hate phases already. It's so sweet so see them loving on each other & so reminiscent of days past to hear their bickering! (Well, as much as a two & four year old can bicker anyway.) I know it's all part of being sisters but my prayer is that the love phases dominate. I hope our girls will continue to grow closer as they grow older like I have with my sisters. God knew I would need all four!