A Touch Of The Irish

As the pink and red hearts come down, the green and gold shamrocks go up! Here is a peek at March in our country home. : )

Here is The St. Patrick's Day mantel...

with a sweet little pillow nearby.

I moved the little holiday tree to the other side of the room...

and added some cute St. Patrick's Day signs.

This little print rests on the sideboard...

near this pretty, fresh smelling candle on a pretty plate.

If you are wondering, it smells fresh...almost like fresh cut grass. : )

This fun little sign hangs above my desk...

while this one greets visitors in the mudroom.

And this beautiful candle burns every evening in our country home. : )

Happy St. Patrick's Day, my friends!

Weekend Plans

Happy Weekend, friends! March tends to be as cold as January here, so we don't have any outside plans yet. : ) Friday night I hope to go on a date night with my hubby to see Son Of God. Rhett will most likely work at the theatre, and the girls will stay home with Flynn. Supper before will be a staple of Lent in this house...Tuna and Noodles. : )

Saturday morning I am going to go to my mom's and help change her bedding. I bought her some new pillows and plan on putting her spring bedding on for her. : ) Steve and Rhett are attending a Wild Turkey Federation Dinner that Steve sponsors through work, and my sister Margie's husband is going too. That means a girls night here with my mom and Margie. I'm thinking take out wings. Thanks for the idea, Beth!

Sunday we are attending a memorial Mass for my father. I can hardly believe it has been a month since I looked into his eyes or heard his voice. I am thankful for the many Masses offered in his name. We will be taking my mother and meeting my sisters there. After Mass, we will probably go out for breakfast before heading home. Madison has work Sunday evening, while the rest of us relax and get ready for a brand new week.

So that is what we have planned for this first weekend of Lent. I hope your weekend is cozy and quiet and fun, whatever your plans may be. And don't forget to spring forward an hour on Saturday night before bed! : )

Madison's Confirmation was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. We were not permitted to take any pictures during the Mass, so I took a few afterward. Here she is with her dear friend Jeffrey, her sponsor. She chose the name Cecelia, the patroness of musicians, as she loves music and singing.

She and her best friend Jessica, who first met in Kindergarten...

and with Sister, a wonderful teacher who prepared the young people so well. : )

Here she is with my beautiful mother...

and with Rhett, who was honored to serve the Mass with the Bishop, and got to hold the chrism oil during Madison's actual Confirmation.

           And here we are, with our first born, after her Confirmation. I was smiling here, but must admit, I cried a few tears during the Mass. I was remembering her Baptism and how she was just a baby, who belonged only to us, not yet to the world. And it seemed just like yesterday. : )

We went out for a nice dinner after. Here are two of my sweet daughters...

and me with my baby girl.

It was a beautiful day, and I thank you all for the prayers for my Madison on her special day.

Also this week, we celebrated Mardi Gras! We made cupcakes to snack on...

decorated the table...

with coins, beads, necklaces...

and even masks!

We had pancakes for dinner...

and our version of King Cake (Monkey Bread) for dessert. : )

Our Ash Wednesday craft...Flynn painted a cross, then we added a crown of thorns. I cut the center out of a paper plate, then she painted it brown and added painted popsicle sticks for the thorns. I am planning on adding the Stations of the Cross pictures as she colors them. : )

And a sign that spring is coming...this beautiful sight out my side door before we even had dinner!

Perspective

My Madison cannot do a cartwheel. And that is alright. I remember picking her up from school one day years ago, and she was in tears. She told me that in gym class that day, she was the only girl who could not do a cartwheel. As I squeezed the steering wheel tighter until my knuckles went white, I flipped through the Rolodex in my mind, frantically searching for a place where my sweet little seven year old could learn to do a cartwheel so all would be right in her world. And suddenly, I stopped. Something in my mind quieted that frantic voice, and told me to just stop. And get some perspective. And I am so thankful for that moment in my life.

I asked myself if in the big picture of life, did it really matter if Madison could do a cartwheel? If she has a burning desire to be a gymnast or competitive cheerleader...yes. Absolutely. If not...if her interests lie elsewhere... then...no. I can do a cartwheel. And guess what? It doesn't matter. I haven't done one in thirty years. It does not play a role in my life. So why stress about it? Why spend hours and hours driving her to a gym and watching her practice and practice just so she can do something that other people think she should be able to do?

Peyton cannot do one either. In fact, Peyton has no interest in any extra curricular activities. At least the ones other people her age are spending hours and hours doing. She doesn't do basketball or cheerleading or volleyball. Does this mean she is wrong? Or lazy? No way. It simply means that she has chosen to spend her time doing things she enjoys. Peyton spends her time at home. She is learning to cook, bake, plan meals, do laundry, and care for Flynn. Peyton spends her extra time babysitting for friends of ours. She loves it and does an excellent job. She also loves to read, and spends hours visiting other places between the pages of books.

Rhett does not play basketball. The horror, right? ( Insert sarcasm here.) Around here, young people start basketball in third grade. So, Rhett dutifully signed up for third grade basketball a few years ago. He spent every Saturday that winter in an old gymnasium learning drills and skills with every other boy in his grade. He came home with pages of drills he was supposed to practice in our basement every night. Never mind that our basement was finished. With carpet. We went to the final practice and watched as every single boy in his grade showed off skills and talents. We looked around and saw all the families sitting there as if it were the National Championship Game. And we waited. We waited to see if this was something Rhett wanted to pursue. In the end...in a word...no.( Insert huge sigh of relief here.) Rhett decided that while it was ok, he really had no interest in spending the rest of his school career playing basketball. And Steve and I were glad. If that were his true interest, if he had an innate talent, and innate desire...then yes. We would encourage him to continue. As it was, he did not.

 His interest lies in something different. Movies. Rhett loves movies. He has a collection of over a hundred and fifty DVDs and watches them over and over. He studies the characters and the plot lines. He follows the story lines and character development. And he loves it. This is much more than a hobby for him. Because we allowed Rhett to follow his own interests, he found a place where he can learn more about the movies he loves. He spent so much time at the theatre watching movies, the lovely family that owns it asked him to help out there. He now knows how to run the movies and works the concession stand. He helps sweep up after the shows and talks movies for hours with the owners. And he loves it. Side note here...my dear father's very first job was also running movies in the local theatre years and years ago. : )

What will the future hold for my little Flynn? If I had to guess based on her current interests, I would say something along the lines of wearing a blue ball gown and a tiara while dancing with a handsome prince. : )

Where am I going with all this? I am simply stating that it is alright to say no. To all the young mothers out there who are beginning to feel the pressure to sign your preschooler up for soccer or basketball or gymnastics simply because everyone else is...you have a choice. If your child shows an interest in or a talent for something, then by all means foster that. Encourage it. And sign him up. But if not...if your little one really has no interest in soccer or basketball or gymnastics...then allow her to find what she IS interested in. And allow her to flourish and succeed in that. Just don't be pressured to spend precious hours of your little ones childhood sitting in a gym or at a soccer field just because you think that is what you are supposed to do. You have a choice. Put it in perspective. And enjoy your children's childhood. Because it goes by so very quickly. And your memories are what you are left with. Make them happy ones. Be it sports or art or movies or childcare...let your child find his or her own thing. Put it in perspective. And enjoy.

My dear sweet husband said it best last evening as we pulled away from Dairy Queen with our treats made by Madison. He said he was happy for her. Some kids have sports, he said. And Madison has Dairy Queen. And all is right with the world.

Last year with my working girl...

And this year...doing what she loves!

 Peyton with her Flynn...

 doing what she loves.

Rhett's impressive movie collection...

and with a couple that he loves. 

And proof of what I think is Flynn's wish for the future...

 Because this is what she loves.

And because the world could use more princesses, don't you think?

This Makes Me Happy...Madison Loves Her Job

Yes. She does. She loves her job. And that makes this mommy so happy. Madison is only seventeen, but is beginning her fourth year working at our local Dairy Queen. She has always loved Dairy Queen. As a toddler, she would light right up when we asked if she wanted ice cream. Her first and favorite treat was a small twist in a dish with sprinkles. : )

When she turned fourteen, she asked about getting a job. As parents, Steve and I feel it is important for young people to work. It provides a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, as well as pocket money for gas and treats. : ) Madison knew right away where she wanted to apply. She got the owner's name, called her, and submitted an application. I remember dropping her off for her interview. And she got the job.

She has loved working there. She has become a pro at making the cones with the trademark curl on top. She is so very good working the drive thru, even on the busiest of days. She helps train new workers. In fact, Madison has been so successful at this job she loves, that this year, her boss asked her to be a manager! Yes, that's right. My little Madison, at seventeen, is the youngest manager in the store's history! She will work more hours, be responsible for many more aspects of the day to day running of the store, and most exciting to her...wear a black manager shirt instead of a blue one! It seems my daughter has inherited her love of business from her father and both of her grandfathers. : )

I am so happy for and proud of her. She loves it so, and that makes me so happy. Steve and I have both been blessed to have careers that we absolutely love. Steve runs his family business and loves working with his brothers every day. I loved my first job as a teacher, and now I love each and every day as a mother. I remember working to fix up my first classroom after I was hired. The secretary came down and smiled as she asked me if I wanted to know what my salary would be. I remember thinking that I couldn't believe they were going to pay me for doing something I loved so much! And Madison is the same way. She never even asked about the pay...she just loves it so much.

I am happy and thankful. Loving your job is a blessing. It enables you to enjoy your work, and makes it easy to succeed. Steve and I always tell our children to be sure to love what you do. Madison does. And it shows. And that makes me happy.

All smiles...

on her first day of work! : )

Notes From The Schoolroom...February 2014

February was a rather short month in our little classroom. It seemed to fly right by... We did enjoy our time together inside as the wind howled and the snow continued to fall outside. : )

Madison loves her Fashion Merchandising Class this semester. She just finished a report on Jackie Kennedy Onassis as a fashion icon, and thoroughly enjoyed it. She is also doing well in Consumer Math, where she is learning all about payroll and deductions and a host of other things that make my head spin. Fortunately, she gets it, and Steve is an awesome helper too. This course is so important, as it involves things she actually will use in her life.

Peyton continues to work well. She is my steady worker...always working ahead. : ) She especially likes her American Nation Class where she is studying the 1800's. She is doing very well in Geometry, and works mostly independently. Thank Heavens!

Rhett has also become a mostly independent worker as the year progresses. He has grown as a student and is working very well. He continues to enjoy Spanish and Science. We are doing much better in his Math class this semester, as he is studying Algebraic Expressions and Equations. Finally, something my literary mind understands! : )

And my little preschool student, Flynn.... I love each and every day with her. I just love the simple, uncomplicated world of preschool. It is so fun to see her learn the basic components of math and reading...the things everything else to come is based on. Plus, it is just plain fun! We are working on letter formation and soon will start numbers. She cant wait for that! : )


Things I'm loving...

1. No snow days to make up
2. Watching my children succeed and also truly understand what they are learning, not just memorizing and repeating it for a test
3. The Cyber school teachers, who really love their job and are committed to helping my children succeed
4. Just being with my kids all day everyday : )

And not so much...

1. Madison starting back to work this week...meaning she won't be with us in the afternoons : (

Here are some pictures of February in our little home school classroom!

Our Preschool Corner all decorated with hearts and love!

 

 

Working on the painting for her little...

 

 

 

Lovebug!

 

 

She made a snow covered tree with Popsicle sticks and cotton balls...

 

 

And Teacher/Mommy learned something too...while we were waiting for her Popsicle sticks to dry, she did some free painting...and she loved it! Mommy needs to remember to let some things happen without planning...And yes...she is wearing Santa jammies in February, because...well, she can!

 

 

Our Wall of Saints is filling up. We study one every Friday. During Lent, however, we will be learning about The Stations of the Cross.

 

 

And our favorite snack this month...warm, gooey, sweet rolls. : )

 

 

 

 

Weekend Plans

The Weekend is here again, my friends. The first weekend of March. And a special one here for us, as my Madison is receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. : ) Friday is a quiet night at home for some...a busy night of work for others. Madison will be back to work at Dairy Queen, and Rhett will helping out at the theater for the premiere of a much anticipated film...Son of God. I have read so many good things about this movie. I can't wait to see it. : )

Saturday can be summed up in two words. Deep Clean. My house needs a good- roll up your sleeves- fill the bucket- and scrub away type of cleaning. And Steve will be here to help! : ) Madison is working, but the rest of us will be spending the day getting this house in order. Once we clean, I plan on packing up the pink and red hearts, and replacing them with green and gold shamrocks. We don't have Mass on Saturday night, as we will be attending Sunday, so it will be a nice night to rest up after all that cleaning. Take out pizza and a movie sounds good, don't you think?

Sunday is my Madison's Confirmation day. She has prepared for this all year, and is ready to receive this beautiful sacrament. Her friend Jeffrey is coming home to be her sponsor, and my mom is coming as well. Margie and her husband Chris have offered to stay at home with Flynn. I agreed. There are around ninety young people being confirmed, and I think that may be a bit long for Flynn to stay interested. And quiet. ; ) After Mass, we are going out to celebrate and then heading home before yet another big winter storm arrives.

And that, my dear friends, is what we will be up to this weekend. I hope yours is happy and cozy and full of family and fun, whatever your plans may be. Thanks for visiting. I am always glad you do! : )

We have had some beautiful winter weather this year...

this is what I saw one morning when I took my pup outside...

pretty pretty pretty. : )

Last Saturday, it was finally nice enough to venture outside before Mass. We usually just run from the house to the van in the garage! It was so nice to step outside and see the sun. : )

And then after, while she was beating us all at a game of Hedbanz. : )

Here is the movie I can't wait to see. : )

I am planning on some night next week. Anyone else planning on seeing it?

Look at these pretty, sweet tasting things I picked up at our little grocery store this week...Flynn eats these by the handful!

I prefer mine sliced up with an assortment of others...alongside a big plate of  hot, buttered French Toast. : )

Someone loved the sweet little crayon buckets I set on her table this week. : )

And she loved her movie date with Rhett and Daddy to see The Lego Movie. I am so thankful for my hubby. He always enjoys taking the kids to movies and such. He knows what a stay-at-home gal he married. : )