tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46533665409061170152009-11-10T22:02:57.109-08:00A Place For Catholic MothersKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.comBlogger334125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-47289861249407268222009-11-10T11:23:00.000-08:002009-11-10T11:26:01.144-08:00

William Christopher:Say it ain't so, can it be? He is six months old! Tomorrow he goes for the big 6 month check-up and shots. And cutting our first tooth. It can't really have been six months, can it?Joseph Patrick:Joey is working on gentle affection. He is a little rough with his love for the baby, so we are toning that down. He is playing better with Shelby though.Shelby Clare:Shelby has taken

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-64954706821221057802009-11-10T11:04:00.000-08:002009-11-10T11:21:55.574-08:00

Things I am thankful for (5 each day!)1) Cold spaghetti-- I can't explain it but I love it2) Play-doh-- my two-year-old's new obsession, but we only get to play play-doh when we do something nice for our sister or if we are exceptionally well behaved3) This recipe that I hope tastes as good as it sounds4) Stauffer's Family Meals especially for days when I am super exhausted and barely got a nap5)

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-7040421257327059132009-11-08T23:56:00.000-08:002009-11-10T05:28:37.616-08:00

In the recent discussion of finding out a baby's gender, one friend of mine spoke in a really quiet voice that made me think. She simply started to say, "If I were able to have a baby..." she concluded with her feelings on finding out the gender but the beginning of that statement caught my heart.My own struggle with infertility has colored my view on things such as large families, birth control,

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-83671913491139535262009-10-28T23:47:00.001-07:002009-10-29T00:11:23.601-07:00

Over at Faith and Family Live there was a discussion recently about finding out the gender of a baby before it's birth. Among all of the judgment free, this is what we do and why (the numbers were fairly mixed) was this response:I am a firm believer in waiting to find out. That’s how God intended it. The joy of the reward is intended to be at the end. I actually don’t even think women should be

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-28030479792604212792009-10-12T06:41:00.000-07:002009-10-12T06:44:15.232-07:00

to me!I have entered a new decade and couldn't have spent it with better people!

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-8182452854435961652009-10-06T12:45:00.000-07:002009-10-06T12:48:20.805-07:00

William--every day is a new adventure in Will-world. He is superman of the exersaucer and is doing better in his crib although he rolls over in his sleep and HATES that.Joseph-- This past week has been temper-tantrum city! I hope he grows out of this phase soon. The only solution, unfortunately, is isolation.Shelby--Shelby still loves school. She is excited to go every morning now.Sorry this is

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-81797093995753917512009-10-05T13:04:00.001-07:002009-10-05T13:10:39.083-07:00

Last year I went on a "playdate" on the way to my parents at a friend's house who has two boys, one six months older than Shelby the other 3 months younger than Joey. I was newly pregnant with Will at the time. I was in envy of how "picked up" her house seemed but mostly with a small project she had completed.On the wall of her playroom was a family picture poster where she had pictures of family

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-31735853406692838732009-10-02T11:52:00.000-07:002009-10-02T12:12:48.425-07:00

1) Whose Kids Are These Anyway?It's a question I am asking myself more and more these days. I have always wondered why my kids won't eat the "kid staples." They dislike tater tots and macaroni and cheese to name a couple. But sometimes my kids surprise me. Like Joseph with his compassion toward his sister during a thermal-nuclear meltdown. Or Shelby during her playdate yesterday showing steps

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-29166906487846152382009-10-02T11:31:00.000-07:002009-10-02T11:49:03.327-07:00

It's a question that I realized this week we sometimes dont' think about, but should.Lerin, as a convert, has been telling her conversion story. It is deeply personal and extremely moving. Her story reminds me of Paul's and although she avoided being knocked off a horse literally, her revelation is no less dramatic. This week, as I read the third installment, (read the first here and the second

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-90557478715219000252009-09-28T23:49:00.000-07:002009-09-29T00:11:33.566-07:00

William--Will is the happiest baby I have ever known. He giggles and smiles constantly. I don't know if that has to do with sleeping through the night or being content with food or both. Or maybe we just humor him. He is the first of our kids who really sleeps through the night already. And he's doing while sharing a room with a two-year-old! Another first for us. A rogue lymph node that had

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-6930952142388398642009-09-22T01:16:00.000-07:002009-09-22T01:25:48.234-07:00

William- has moved out of Mommy and Daddy's room. Since he started sleeping 6-8 hour stretches at night he has graduated to the boy room. So far it is a great arrangement! Joseph- is 2! His second birthday was yesterday! Mommy got him a big boy twin bed and Daddy got him a lightening McQueen car. We enjoyed Carvel ice cream cake this weekend in celebration and had Chinese food for dinner last

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-74073834863854051992009-09-20T09:43:00.000-07:002009-09-20T09:50:26.225-07:00

Gave a really nice thirtieth anniversary part for her parents last November.They had a wonderful time with family and friends and were very appreciative of her efforts.

Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113492383700221605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-49214575226458765122009-09-16T22:44:00.000-07:002009-09-16T22:55:20.884-07:00

That's what I am.One who helps out when asked, sometimes without asking and usually regrets it either way. Now, I will admit that when I help off my own volition, if the person didn't ask for it, I'm putting myself out there for complaints or down right ire of the person I was helping. What does bother me is when someone specifically asks for my help and I follow through only to hear complaints

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-15899474917572372732009-09-15T23:20:00.000-07:002009-09-15T23:26:51.005-07:00

William- Will had his four month check-up on Friday. My chunky monkey weighs 15 lbs 1 oz.He is healthy and very happy. Joseph- Joey is a little helper. Always first to tell Mommy when the baby or dogs need something. Unfortunately he did not do well at Will's check-up. You would have thought he was getting the shots! He will be 2 years-old next week!Shelby- Shelby has completed one week of school

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-38732930400717321842009-09-13T23:04:00.000-07:002009-09-13T23:14:55.907-07:00

Last night was the series finale of King of the Hill. Over the years it has become one of my favorite shows on television. I root for Hank's commonsense approach to life. I admire Peggy's confidence and I love Bobby's spirit and optimism. It was an animated series but it never resorted to the controversy grab that was South Park or Family Guy. Smart writing and strong characters were its

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-22927532622527074252009-09-08T23:14:00.000-07:002009-09-08T23:21:33.372-07:00

William: Will was 4 months on the 7th. He is still practicing rolling over and moving to rice cereal. Joseph: Joey is turning into a cuddle bug. When I rest during the day he loves to snuggle. He and Shelby are getting along better.Shelby: On the 8th Shelby started Pre-K at the Child Development Center (CDC). Her first day was a huge success.

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-44993894046916887482009-09-01T13:06:00.000-07:002009-09-01T13:29:59.776-07:00

William-- Mr. Will is growing bigger before our very eyes. He will be four months old on Monday. Unlike many moms, I will start him on cereal. I did with Joey at the same age. Due to Shelby's size I waited until 6 months with her. I enjoy exclusively breastfeeding, but as I am working now, even with pumping I am seeing a small dip in my supply. This was much more dramatic with my first two. The

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-31306606038114860172009-09-01T12:06:00.000-07:002009-09-01T12:26:20.795-07:00

It's a question I get a lot lately. Whoever is asking is referring to my returning to the workforce and specifically working 3rd shift and watching the kids at home. My answer is complicated. I love staying home with the kids. I am usually tired, occasionally exhausted. My house is definitely NOT cleaner than it would be if I were not working. I love that we can have family dinners together. I am

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-73135179681819533862009-08-30T06:28:00.000-07:002009-08-30T06:38:34.720-07:00

No on has crossed this one off the actual list yet...although Kristen hasn't seen it, and Michael said that he'd follow suit if one of the other Guys took the lead.The forever gift:For all of my children and grandchildrento be faithful servants of God,praying daily asking forgiveness for failings,petitioning for special intentions,and offering honor andGlory to God in Praise.Forgiveness, Thanks,

Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113492383700221605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-7829285911402816002009-08-27T15:20:00.000-07:002009-08-29T19:14:47.483-07:00

Prayer to St. MonicaHoly St. Monica, I know that your life on earth as wife, mother, kind grandmother and wise friendto many women and men made you a saint when you stood before the Throne of God.As I pray for your intercession, I pray for the courage to overcome fear and to find the Lord in the face of my friends, my neighbors, and especially in my own family members whom I remember in a special

Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113492383700221605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-25228215838545357542009-08-22T12:33:00.000-07:002009-08-22T13:00:14.831-07:00

I was quite moved this week by an NPR News interview of a California womanwho escaped a wildfire as it approached her home.She said:" I gathered important papers, and I few personal things,then I paused in the threshold, turned around, and thanked my house for sheltering me."Giving thanks.How old, yet prophetic?Giving thanks amidst escaping a devastating wildfire in 2009,and facing enormous loss

Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113492383700221605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-34471634688633973422009-08-19T09:27:00.000-07:002009-08-19T09:35:56.736-07:00

I started a new job working 3rd shift 3 weeks ago. Jeff is back to school today, so it's my first day flying solo while working. Not as rough as I had anticipated, but hey, we're at day one. Which will explain my lack of blogging. Too much to think about too little time, but I would like to share a story of prayer.Our good friend K is sending her son off to the NC School of Science and Math. Her

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-54004355751814673392009-08-09T11:31:00.000-07:002009-08-09T12:15:55.749-07:00

in any language, is The Word of the Lord.Last weekend we came home from vacation on Sunday.We had a Sunday to Sunday rental, so I decided to go toMass at 5pm on Sunday, the Spanish Mass.It's not the first time I've chosen to do this because of weekend scheduling.I just read the readings of the day as usual before I went.While talking amongst some Catholic friends, the issue came up.The consensus

Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113492383700221605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-43604549655164341392009-08-04T08:10:00.000-07:002009-08-04T08:16:06.908-07:00

William--This week we had our first family vacation as a five-some and Will dipped his baby feet in the ocean for the first time and loved it. On our last day (Sunday) I awoke before the rest of the house and fed Will. Since everyone was still asleep I walked down to the beach with him to watch the sunrise. We had an awesome time! We were joined shortly thereafter by my parents, my brother and my

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-76156779281054785002009-07-28T10:52:00.000-07:002009-07-28T11:02:24.555-07:00

William--Will is just a smiley, fun-loving baby. He laughs now at his brother and sister. He is also learning to soothe himself to sleep.Joseph--Mr Joey was a ring-bearer this weekend for his Godmother's wedding. (She is the "Mrs" in Mr and Mrs Armstrong .) He was a relatively well behaved little ringbearer for the entire mass. Pictures were another thing though. And he didn't make it to the

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0