Tickle Torture

This is how we entertain ourselves...

Isaac

Clare

The kids love it, and we can't get enough of their laughing!

Moneywise

Recently we have started allowing Isaac to earn nickels for various tasks he performs. For example, if Isaac picks up all his toys without a fight we reward him with a nickel, or if he remembers to wash his hands without prompting he may earn a nickel, too. We told him when he earned a dollar he would be able to do something special with his nickel. Last week that glorious day came when Isaac counted his nickels and realized he had twenty. After much thinking Isaac decided that he would like to use his nickels to purchase a trolley ride throughout Little Rock. So last Sunday after a short trip to the zoo, we took a family trolley ride to celebrate Isaac's accomplishments and good behavior! Way to go Buddy!

Isaac's Ride

Clare's Ride

Weekly Menu

Monday: Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn

Tuesday: Cream Cheese Chicken, creamy noodles, green beans (On last week's menu, but there were too many leftovers, so it was pushed until today.)

Wednesday: Couple's Group Potluck

Thursday: Chicken Sandwich, French Fries, corn

Friday: Taco Soup (Dinner with Friends)

Saturday: Night at the Embassy

Sunday: Rigatoni all Norcina, Salad, Bread

February Calendar

Here is what we are up to this month!

Snow Day!!!!!

St. Thomas Aquinas, Pray for Us!

Today is the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, a Doctor of the Church, influential theologian and author of the Summa. He is the patron of all universities and students. Today let us pray for all students, that they work diligently in their studies, and offer all that they learn for the glory of God.

"Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand."

Saint Angela Merici, Pray for Us

Today is the Feast of St. Angela Merici. She is the foundress of the Ursulines whose purpose is to educate young girls. Today let us pray for all educators and for all those dedicated to forming the youth.

As our Savior says: “A good tree is not able to produce bad fruit.” He says: A good tree, that is, a good heart as well as a soul on fire with charity, can do nothing but good and holy works. For this reason Saint Augustine said: “Love, and do what you will,” namely, possess love and charity and then do what you will. It is as if he had said: Charity is not able to sin. Mothers of children, even if they have a thousand, carry each and every one fixed in their hearts, and because of the strength of their love they do not forget any of them. In fact, it seems that the more children they have the more their love and care for each one is increased. Be sincerely kind to every one according to the words of our Lord: “Learn of me, for I am meek and humble of heart.” Thus you are imitating God, of whom it is said: “He has disposed all things pleasantly.” And again Jesus said: “My yoke is easy and my burden light.” - from Spiritual Testament by Saint Angela Merici

Weekly Menu

Here is what is for dinner this week:

Monday: Beef BBQ, baked potatoes

Tuesday: Egg Burritos, Hash-browns, Fruit

Wednesday: Stew Meat Stroganoff, Green Beans, Noodles

Thursday: Spaghetti and Bread

Friday: Slowcooker Cream Cheese Chicken, noodles, fruit

Saturday: Leftovers

Sunday: Turkey Tenderloin, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Stuffing

Monday: Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans

The Conversion of St. Paul

Today's feast day is the Conversion of St. Paul. It never ceases to amaze me how God works in people's hearts. Today let us pray for conversion. Not only for the conversion of of those far from God, but also for our own conversion. Let us pray that our love for God grows stronger and that our relationship with Him goes deeper.

Acts 9:1-22: Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that, if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" He said, "Who are you, sir?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.".

Choose Life!

Thirty-seven years ago today the Supreme Court legalized abortion in our country. Today let us join our prayers and pray for an end to abortion and for a greater appreciation and respect for life. Let us pray for all our government leaders that they may realize the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death.

"The care of human life and happiness and not their destruction is the first and only legitimate object of good government."
~ Thomas Jefferson ~

St. Agnes, Pray for us.

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Agnes. She was an early Christian martyr who remained faithful to Christ through all trials. Here are some of the famous stories from her life. She is the patron saint of the Children of Mary, girls and engaged couples. Thank you, Jesus, for her beautiful witness of faith and love!

Ideas for Celebrating this Feast Day

• Pray for girls in your family, especially that they would be filled with love, faith and purity.
• Pray for all those preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage.
• Pray a rosary or part of a rosary asking for Mary's intercession for you and your loved ones.
• Pray for the future spouses of your children or loved ones.
  

St. Sebastian, Pray For Us!

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Sebastian patron saint of athletes and soldiers. He was a martyr in Rome during the Diocletian persecution. Take some time today to pray for athletes and soldiers.

Ideas for Celebrating this Feast as a Family

• Pray a Rosary or Decade of a Rosary for athletes and soldiers
• Pray for a famous athlete.
• Pray for all people in the military.
• Send a card to someone serving in the military.
  

Grocery Deals

I had a fabulous trip to Kroger today! I love coupons, sales and Manager's Specials!

• 10 Tony's Pizzas
• 6 Boxes of Organic Oatmeal Packets
• Betty Crocker White Cake Mix
  
• 1 Jar Pillsbury White Frosting
• Suave Deodorant
  
• 2 Bottles of Suave Shampoo
• 5 Blocks Cream Cheese
• 1 Package of String Cheese
• 2 Packages of Frozen Green Beans
• 1 Package of Frozen Corn
• 1 Container of Frozen Apple Juice
• 1 Container of Frozen Orange Juice
• 5 Rolls of Pillsbury Honey Butter Biscuits
• 1 Package of Bagged Salad
• 3 Packages of Shredded Cheese
• 1 Package of Bagged Mini Carrots
• 1 Container of 18 Large Eggs
• 1 Loaf Wheat Bread
• 3lb Bag of Potatoes
  
• 2 Lunchables
• 1 Loaf Bakery Fresh French Bread

TOTAL: 49.75

Ice Skating

We took Isaac ice skating with some friends of ours in December. We were shocked at how well he did for his first time. And of course, he decided right at the beginning of the skating session that he had to use the restroom. So much for all the time it took to get his skates on!

Christmas Morning

Here are some videos of the kids on Christmas morning. They were very excited that Baby Jesus and Santa had finally arrived.

Christmas Morning 1 (This video is a little longer than are others, but Isaac was just too cute!)

Christmas Morning 2

Fun in Cincinnati

Here are some videos of the kids that we took during our trip to Ohio. Isaac and Clare were both excited that they were able to experience the joys of snow!

Snow Covered Slide

Clare Sledding

Isaac Sledding Take 1

Isaac Sledding Take 2

Fun on the Stairs Day 1

Fun on the Stairs Day 2 (They definitely started going faster the more practice they had!)

Wii Bowling (Isaac was a pro at this game. In fact, one game he bowled a Turkey! He consistently scored in the 140 range.)

Weekly Menu

Here is this week's menu! Enjoy!

January Calendar

Here is the calendar for January.

For Those Who Have Been Asking...

This picture was taken about a month ago, so I can assure you that the baby bump is even bigger now! I will post a more recent one soon. It seems to me the bump is appearing sooner with this pregnancy than all the others! I guess that is one of the many joys of a third pregnancy in four years!

(15 Weeks)

Motherhood Monday!

I realize it has been a long time since I posted anything, so I thought I would update everyone. We have been extremely busy with the holidays, a trip to Ohio, and just the daily comings and goings of life. I will try to post some pictures of our Holiday Festivities and trip to Ohio in the coming days, but in the meantime I thought I would share with you a sweet little tradition that the children have started!

Every night after prayer, Isaac walks with Clare to her room, watches us put her into the crib, and than proceeds to walk out, shut the door, and say "Goodnight Sweetie!" I think this is simply adorable, and illustrates perfectly the affection they have for one another!

As a mother, there is nothing that warms my heart more than seeing my children develop a bond with and love for each other. I have come to realize that one of the best gifts that I can give my children is the gift of a sibling! There is nothing more precious than the love that they share for each other.