tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46533665409061170152011-11-26T13:09:49.944-08:00A Place For Catholic MothersKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.comBlogger4231100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-63924606275487857682010-05-14T00:34:00.001-07:002010-05-14T00:35:17.603-07:00

I am going to slowly move this blog over to wordpress. I really love blogger, but I kind of love wordpress more....St Monica's Bridge hereI will for the time being, post both places and am working to export this blog there.

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-38557686693519015202010-05-12T23:17:00.000-07:002010-05-12T23:25:44.514-07:00

1) I managed not to be the one who melted down on the baby's birthday. I left that to our two-year-old.2) I haven't had to ask God once for strength in cheering my husband on as he continues on the job search. I know not every week will be like this one, but I want to celebrate that I have been able to joyfully do this!3) I got all the Mother's Day cards out on time! This includes the one that

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-67034770622512989152010-05-12T21:51:00.000-07:002010-05-12T23:14:59.624-07:00

Remember when this used to mean you and siblings or other kids were playing "house" and someone was designated as "the mommy." Well, now that we're big girls and the house is a real structure and the title mommy we earned however we did, this can take on a whole new meaning. Sometimes, not entirely nice.I was reminded of this a few weeks ago when I was talking to a friend. She was describing a

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-72159823213824941252010-05-12T01:10:00.000-07:002010-05-12T01:21:04.579-07:00

Have you ever noticed links on blogs? Did you ever wonder how someone was added to a list of links?Well, I can't answer for everyone, but for me, the links I have are carefully chosen blogs that I read, that I like and that I feel are relevant to what I have posted here. Only one is not by a mother, not because I don't read blogs by men or women who don't have children, but because I do not find

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-46763338560439930812010-05-11T13:09:00.000-07:002010-05-12T01:09:41.206-07:00

William-- Mr Will is one-year-old now. Today is his 12-month check-up and Daddy is with him at the doctor's office right now. He took five full steps today independently with no prompting. Much earlier than his brother and sister! He is still teething and it is about to be the death of Mommy too!Joseph-- Joey is working on manners a lot these days. Mostly please, thank you and your welcome. And

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-59876990862242489752010-05-09T12:03:00.000-07:002010-05-09T12:05:59.949-07:00

Andrew James Kosmala1995-2008We remember our mothers and in our family we also remember him...Forever Andy.

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-53230367403120770992010-05-07T03:48:00.001-07:002010-05-07T04:04:33.903-07:00

1) In our house, we are lucky when it comes to stomach viruses (odd statment I know). We rarely get them, and when we do we are good at not sharing them. Jeff and I both were infected this week. And, mercifully, God spared the kids!2) Skin-So-Soft. I love this stuff. Avon is so worth it for this alone. Our poor Shelby, in addition to everything else, is a mosquito magnet (she got it from me).

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-20244021885819180352010-05-06T00:58:00.000-07:002010-05-06T01:13:10.220-07:00

Okay, because I lumber around with 3 kids in tow, in the south, people assume I am Catholic. It hardly matters what I am wearing. I have more than one, so I must be one of "them." Fair enough.One of my favorite Catholic bloggers is Simcha Fisher. Her old blog I Need to Sit Down was something I looked forward too. Now Simcha blogs for Inside Catholic.com and a while back shared this gem. (BTW IC

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-49653515770156953192010-05-06T00:28:00.000-07:002010-05-06T00:42:03.144-07:00

1) That one year later, Will is still with us despite a huge scare when he was seven months old. 2) That small blessings are coming more and more these days with kind words and prayers said. 3) That when I ask on facebook for good news, I have plenty of friends that are willing to oblige. 4) For old friends I have reconnected with recently. 5) Rain6) That Sherri was okay after this: happened

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-1500053858556823972010-05-06T00:20:00.000-07:002010-05-06T00:28:57.199-07:00

1) I have managed to faithfully keep to my 3 am (while I am at work) saying of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and my life seems ever better since!2) I haven't cried once about the baby's first birthday (this Friday). I hope I can keep it up!3) I made new friends, yes, anti-social, shy me made friends after mass this past Sunday. I guess I'm not to wierd after all!

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-23834174145770374022010-05-04T01:32:00.001-07:002010-05-04T01:38:05.415-07:00

1) William-- Will is going to be....one year old....on Friday. I can hardly believe this year is up. Looking back at how different our lives were one year ago when we welcomed our tiny miracle boy...I can't imagine he wasn't already with us! Will is desparately trying to walk and stands unassisted for several minutes at a time now. He is "daddy's boy" clinging to his father. He is also teething.

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-84722450075783723742010-05-04T00:20:00.000-07:002010-05-04T01:14:55.068-07:00

Again, looking to Faith and Family Live for inspiration and it comes from Rebecca Teti's piece Big Love vs EWTN. Which dissects Barbara Nicolosi's interview about Christianity and the arts, particularly EWTN.Here is what EWTN does well:1) It focuses on prayer.2) It introduces people to foregone Catholic figures such as Mother Angelica and Archbishop Fulton Sheen.3) There is excellent live

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-47407673872690552932010-05-03T00:48:00.000-07:002010-05-03T01:45:21.834-07:00

Back in Lent, Arwen Mosher over at Faith and Family Live asked this question: The Passion on Good Friday: Would You Watch? In which she described how her father watches the movie The Passion of the Christ each Good Friday but she cannot bring herself to do the same.I read the comments with some interest because I never have, nor do I plan to, see the movie. I know, I'm waiting to burst into

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-2298224863498424722010-05-02T13:16:00.000-07:002010-05-02T13:26:15.646-07:00

This Sunday I was able to attend the early mass because I worked Saturday night. It was a First Communion mass and good friends of ours were in attendance not only because it was their normal mass time, but because the husband is a photographer and offers his services to photograph the children receiving. His wife sat with me and another good family friend and her son sat right in front of

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-52842807565069058302010-04-30T00:42:00.000-07:002010-04-30T00:52:27.052-07:00

1) I got all my kids to eat spaghetti last night. Well, the baby's noodles had no sauce, but I'm still counting it! 2) I get a 3 day weekend next weekend...but I have to work this Saturday night. I am praying it goes quickly and painlessly! 3) I am at a loss how in one week I will have a one-year-old. Completely at a loss 4) Overheard this week: Me: Joey did you poop?Joey: No poop mamaMe: Joey

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-84124991546371166942010-04-28T23:19:00.000-07:002010-04-28T23:26:02.089-07:00

1) When head-on provoked by someone I have had a tendency to have a short-temper with, I simply smiled and thanked them for their opinion.2) I managed to make it in and out of my parents' house with everything I came with. I left Will's birthday present there, but I didn't come in with that so it doesn't count :).3) When a little person asked me on Tuesday to "get shoes, socks. Get Mama's keys,

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-21000356115049591292010-04-27T05:31:00.000-07:002010-04-27T05:40:01.256-07:00

William- In less than two weeks he will be a whole year old! He is a really cruising a lot now and wants to walk really bad. He loves Cars as much as Joey now and Blue's Clues too.Joseph-- Joey is ever the helpful brother. He is enjoying being a little enforcer and helping make sure Shelby is not getting into trouble. He pushes Will in the swing.Shelby-- Shelby was crying last week...because she

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-63424687932592508952010-04-26T23:12:00.000-07:002010-04-26T23:30:08.331-07:00

One team walked for a thirteen-year-old boy, another for a former Marine who passed just six months after his fourth grandchild was born. Team AK Strong and Team Doin' It 4 Dale still can use your support as can the other angels fighting brain tumors at Duke's Preston Robert Tisch Brain Cancer Center. Please help us end this thing! For him: and him: and those of us who walked for them!

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-13149022968506794832010-04-25T05:19:00.000-07:002010-04-25T05:27:10.709-07:00

Yesterday my parents walked for Andy. My friends Holly and Christy, along with their families, walked for their father Dale. Brain tumors claim young and old but at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Cancer Center at Duke University, where both Andy and Dale received treatment, there is hope. Hope that a cure will be found. We had planned to walk but multiple scheduling conflicts combined with a

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-56803246092981024152010-04-23T02:18:00.001-07:002010-04-23T02:42:29.387-07:00

OMG, it was a magical experience. You'll never know what it was like, but it was the greatest thing ever. It's just too bad you can't feel the empowerment I feel now....I'll spare you the rest. Recently I met up with a couple of friends, one of whom just had her first baby. At home. With her midwife. I was totally revved up to hear her birth story. I was totally let down. Instead of hearing how

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-17059877917758334422010-04-22T22:56:00.000-07:002010-04-22T23:29:54.672-07:00

1) I am nervous for Jeff taking his Praxis II in Family and Consumer Science this Saturday. It will make him more marketable for sure. No, he doesn't sew or do interior design (although those will be on the exam) he can teach agriculture and the food portions well. I really, really hope he passes!!!! For me it is more stressful than when he was taking the exam for elementary education

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-27760981008370165092010-04-22T05:13:00.000-07:002010-04-22T05:26:06.487-07:00

1) For Tuesdays, SVU marathon2) This sweet face3) And this one4) And this one 5) For a husband who never gives up6) A rainy day to sleep yesterday7) That so many people are motivated to walk for brain cancer research8) A beautiful and fruitful vegetable garden9) Friends who are as obsessed with baby names as I am :)10) Really comfy pajama pants

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-32487641485350128812010-04-22T01:57:00.000-07:002010-04-22T02:01:52.142-07:00

1) I stopped drinking sugar soft-drinks and limit myself to one Diet Coke at work. This is to curb budget as much as waist line!2) I have started teaching Joey to use an open cup instead of a cup with a straw. We have spillage issues, but he's been really good about trying it out.3) I managed to hold down the fort and not count how many time I heard "where Daddy go?" last Saturday when Jeff went

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-43501833399838316602010-04-20T01:31:00.000-07:002010-04-20T01:42:30.021-07:00

William-- In 3 weeks, he will be 1. How this year has passed so quickly. He is a little machine and into everyone else's business. Let me try and change a diaper that is not his and he's in my face. He is big into smiling still and molars are coming in now. Oh the agony! But he is handling quite a bit of food, all of it real. We are working hard on a sippy cup. Hoping he gets it quick.Joseph-- So

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-40405177404299947772010-04-15T23:53:00.001-07:002010-04-16T01:11:37.676-07:00

So, here we are again....1) I did our taxes. I know, I know what you're thinking, doesn't everyone do them the day you get your W2's? My answer is what fun would tax day be if I didn't do them then. I'll let you ponder that...2) I am ever more drawn back to the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy as I struggle to help many close to me through this crisis in the Church.3) I

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-44396268898197087282010-04-14T23:15:00.000-07:002010-04-14T23:39:30.068-07:00

Everyone has advice. On everything. Especially parenting. Your kids won't eat something: well tell them they can have nothing until everything is gone! Difficulty potty-training: remove all "fun" from their lives until they decide that poop and pee only go in the potty.Acting up: a good hard spanking will resolve that once and for all!(These are common ones I hear people doling out to friends,

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-83279080400314388912010-04-12T23:44:00.000-07:002010-04-13T00:27:27.840-07:00

We want an answer, but we don't know what that answer is.We want accountability, but we don't know how.We want no more lies and cover-ups, but we can't decide how to enforce this.I feel like the fish in the plastic bags at the end of Finding Nemo. We made it this far, what next?I feel like Dory, just keep swimming, just keep swimming...I am angry, I am agitated. My husband always says everyone

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-79327250666945165932010-04-11T23:11:00.000-07:002010-04-11T23:47:47.800-07:00

How does one deal with disappointments?Is it based on how we were raised? Our religious convictions? A combination or other things entirely?I am one of these people who pray on things. I pray that if things don't turn out the way I would like that I will accept this as God's will and be able to bear it. I don't always succeed.Recently one of my best friends became pregnant despite being told she

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-50403820616258729152010-04-09T01:41:00.000-07:002010-04-11T23:11:15.258-07:00

Last night I briefly had the pleasure of meeting Marc Elliott.I was at work when I opened the door for a man about my age (there is a remote button behind the desk). The man entered and was making a loud noise over and over again. As he approached the desk, he looked at me and smiled and said, "Sorry, it's Tourette's didn't mean to scare the hell out of you." I smiled back and said, "That's

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-8248564253863479952010-04-07T22:42:00.000-07:002010-04-07T23:44:23.947-07:00

I'm not going to beat around the bush because unless you've been hiding under one, you might have heard about the latest scandal/cover-up regarding priests and sexual abuse.Let me start by saying that sexual abuse of anyone by anyone else is always wrong and should be punished by law. Yes, I think that priests who abuse children should face the law the same as any other citizen and those who

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-28072235143450369312010-04-07T22:01:00.000-07:002010-04-07T22:03:19.622-07:00

while it's still true there is so much testosterone in that home....now for something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT! Congratulations to the Balducci family! I cannot stop smiling.

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-59092493140942210232010-04-05T22:31:00.001-07:002010-04-06T00:02:20.352-07:00

These are some of the most common questions I am asked:1) How young can children be tested for autism? When was Shelby evaluated?Well, this is a complicated question. Most pediatricians (at least the ones accepting insurance) will have parents/guardians fill out some type of developmental questionaire when they see the child for well-child visits. The ones our pediatrician has are called "Ages

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-40374280170804433882010-04-01T01:07:00.000-07:002010-04-01T01:13:16.429-07:00

1) I signed up for the 5K in April with Angels Among Us to support brain cancer research and the Preston Tisch Brain Cancer Center at Duke where my cousin Andy was treated.2) I didn't lose my cool when Shelby woke up from a nap with a blow-out diaper that required immediate laundering of her clothes and sheets (and some clean up of her) and then went into the boys' room to discover Joey had

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-13169861085972681462010-04-01T00:30:00.000-07:002010-04-01T00:58:43.422-07:00

1) My husband because I don't know what I would ever do without you!2) Joey calling himself Joe. So mature at two already3) The roaster I bought Jeff for Christmas that he said he didn't want and we didn't need but we'll be using to cook a beef brisket in for the family on Sunday.4) The wonderful people participating in the Angels Among Us 5k and Family Fun Run/Walk with us.5) For the sacrifice

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-18699423366981675842010-03-31T23:40:00.000-07:002010-04-01T00:26:16.312-07:00

Rachel has blogged about it. Ambrose has too. And you can read about it everywhere from People to ESPN to CNN.The recent bad behavior of athletes is, to say the least a huge turn-off. Especially to parents. Me included. But this is not a new battle. Yes, we may not see many more Wayne Gretzkys--who we call the Great One not just for the player he was on the ice, but the man he is off of it-- or

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-80537959558307546552010-03-26T00:39:00.001-07:002010-03-26T01:09:32.218-07:00

Inspired once again by Michelle, there are some things every mother thinks she has to have that she can really live without. Okay, maybe some moms are smart enough to figure out they don't need these things, but here's the idiot guide for the rest of us:1) Baby monitors: Now I know what you are all thinking, I will never hear my baby wake up, or but I want to watch them sleep! Here's the thing,

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-6968163292506214032010-03-25T00:59:00.001-07:002010-03-25T01:50:33.439-07:00

I opened my email and got this message from a fed-up friend:So, apparently, I am now a pariah among my "friends" here (she lives several hundred miles from me now) because I decided to give birth in a hospital with a doctor. This really annoys me because they know what happend with F's (name abbreviated to protect identity) birth and how the lack of intervention by _______(midwife's name left

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-6814005267295127262010-03-24T23:39:00.000-07:002010-03-24T23:54:34.832-07:00

A few years ago at the beginning of the NFL season I watched something incredible. Olivia Manning watched as her sons Peyton and Eli played on Sunday night. Against each other. It was the first time that had ever happened for the brothers Manning. My heart ached for her. And now I think, how did she do it?Bill Cosby jokes on the dvd "Himself" about how he was so excited to have a son (watching

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-79221882924158000472010-03-23T23:26:00.000-07:002010-03-23T23:58:18.716-07:00

Have you seen E!'s new reality show Pretty Wild? It's not for kids. And really not for adults either. Even executive producer Chelsea Handler is somewhat embarrassed of it.It chronicles the family of one-time Playboy model Andrea Arlington which includes her husband Jerry and her two daughers Alexis Neiers, 18 and Gabby Neiers, 15 and their friend (who is misleadingly referred to as a sister/

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-39284936873541511552010-03-22T22:09:00.000-07:002010-03-22T23:07:30.547-07:00

I've decided that I will blog once a week about autism so as to keep awareness high and burnout at bay.Lately, we've been seeing a lot more about autism in the entertainment world. Not only are more athletes and actors sharing their stories of dealing with the disorder, but it is being made into art. I don't watch Grey's Anatomy but am well aware (thanks to my mother and several other rabid fans

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-58024392613981590472010-03-21T20:42:00.000-07:002010-03-21T20:47:33.472-07:00

Joey and his father have been playing "slide" lately which means that Daddy first plays horsey with Joey and then Joey "slides" down Daddy's back. Yesterday we went ot the park and rode on the real slides.This morning, Joey wanted to slide and play horsey. Sundays are Mommy's day to get up early and so I agreed. Big mistake. My back felt off immediately and then when Daddy and Joey went to the

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-85211760464941736972010-03-18T23:00:00.000-07:002010-03-19T00:05:41.958-07:00

My friend Michelle has a "controversial" post about autism and other "ailments" in our era at her blog. I put controversial in quotes because it got me thinking (it did not get my hair up) hard about how we diagnose children.There is no doubt, and Michelle agrees with me on this, that Shelby is autistic. But, the sudden uptick over the last few years in diagnoses around the world, begs a lot of

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-53381465290482624782010-03-12T01:17:00.001-08:002010-03-12T01:35:19.705-08:00

So this week actress Rebecca Gayheart and her husband actor Eric "McSteamy" Dane released the name of their new bundle of joy. Her name is Billie Beatrice Dane. No word on the source but before her birth Dane had told the press that her name was "right down the middle" not exceptionally normal but not way out there either. I happen to agree and I think it's a beautiful name.But some people don't.

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-82445036124593050522010-03-09T22:16:00.000-08:002010-03-09T22:49:21.128-08:00

As a pregnant woman, or mom, do you follow doctor's orders?This question came up recently when a friend of mine innocently asked if she could have a ham sandwich (she is 14 weeks pregnant). She got over 30 responses. A lot of people told her to eat the sandwich. A few, like me, told her to proceed with caution. One response was "when I was pregnant I asked my midwife about eating deli meats and

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-60178186789355022762010-03-08T23:32:00.000-08:002010-03-08T23:41:51.925-08:00

William- My big boy is 10 months old. He is pulling up to stand more and more often now and prefers standing to sitting. He is just starting to cruise a bit, we'll see if that catches on. He also found another food he likes, black-eyed peas. Daddy made them for me the other night and he tried a few and is hooked! We are still transitioning to whole milk, it's more of a process than with the first

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-70826857860663173732010-03-01T22:48:00.000-08:002010-03-01T22:58:13.844-08:00

William-- The baby is growing up. This weekend he started pulling himself up to stand and he is wanting to walk when we hold both hands over his head. He is, officially, into everything now! He is also starting to climb which, as I remember with my first two, is more terrifying than the walking. Next Sunday he will be ten months old and we are starting to slowly wean him off formula. So far, so

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-78222558247576518222010-02-25T22:37:00.000-08:002010-02-25T23:06:54.950-08:00

Last week I was upset to hear a friend criticizing her priest. She was not critical of his homilies or how he "ran the church" but upset that he takes one day a week for himself. A day off.About 10 years ago, an episode of King of the Hill poked a little fun when the Hill family's Methodist minister left to become an online minister. Upon hearing the news, Peggy made a comment about the man "only

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-67470873886664492802010-02-24T01:31:00.000-08:002010-02-24T01:40:48.864-08:00

It is hard to want something badly only to never see it come to fruitition. At least for the time being. Infertility taught me a lot about that.Back when we were trying for that first baby and month after month coming up short, I remember reading something from Sister Patricia Proctor where she said that God does all things in His time. Not ours. Being human, patience is a learned virtue and one

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-15557711668353157382010-02-22T22:46:00.000-08:002010-02-22T22:51:29.955-08:00

William- "No biting friends!" is a song on Yo Gabba Gabba I wish Will could learn. My shoulders are bruised from the biting, as are Daddy's. It is purely the teething causing it, I wish they would hurry up and come in! Will is trying to pull himself up to stand as well. It is so hard to believe in just under two weeks he will be ten months old! He is also graduating from baby food to table food

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-73420256293329433342010-02-18T23:07:00.000-08:002010-02-18T23:18:43.036-08:00

so goes a favorite line of mine from a favorite movie, as spoken by penguins.I think of it often when dealing with certain people who, if they didn't grate on my nerves would be acquaintances.And this lent, it is a good penance. "Smiling and waving," for me, is a metaphor for dealing with the difficult people we encounter in life. Treating them better than they treat me.When I was a day camp

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-70000488099839675412010-02-17T22:16:00.000-08:002010-02-17T22:19:11.003-08:00

This winter, Lent seems very appropriate. It sounds strange to say that, but it is true.The economy is in a terrible place, our country is at war, and we are having a real freeze-out. It seems like spring might never come.But come it will and we all know that. And Jesus will rise from the dead once again.For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world....from The

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-3922641687217324432010-02-16T23:05:00.000-08:002010-02-16T23:07:51.243-08:00

Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel. Mk 1:15

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-39567893586487166412010-02-15T23:58:00.000-08:002010-02-16T00:29:39.413-08:00

my favorite sporting event, the WINTER OLYMPICS!!!!I mentioned we watched the opening ceremonies while on our mini-vacation, but that hardly cracks open the love I have for this event.I think the Canadians did a beautiful job on the opening ceremonies. I also think there was an appropriate level of acknowledgment of the loss of the Georgian luger. I have to admit, I cried every time he was

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-72758949528962696272010-02-15T23:04:00.000-08:002010-02-15T23:17:18.652-08:00

Well, we caught up on being Mommy and Daddy for sure! Friday, after we checked into the hotel, it snowed! In Morehead City, NC. After deciding it would not be wise for us to venture out for dinner that night, Jeff ordered us a pizza and wings and stopped by Wal-greens to procure real sudafed, aspirin (I was two days into a cold and had a raging sinus headache) and some junk food in case we were

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-85777393478891949222010-02-15T22:44:00.000-08:002010-02-15T23:02:41.974-08:00

William--Oh the saga of the teething tot! Will is cutting more teeth. And he does not like it one little bit! He is, however, enjoying being more and more mobile. If only those legs would let him walk! He had his nine-month check-up on Friday. Just a seasonal flu shot and his iron was checked and is great. He is healthy and happy and that's just the way we like him!Joseph- Joey was a great help

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-3752855426165854402010-02-11T23:07:00.000-08:002010-02-11T23:46:12.830-08:00

A recent poll I showed asked what was wanted for Valentine's Day. I'm assuming the intended responders were women based on the options of flowers, chocolate, jewelry, a date night and peace and quiet.Since Shelby's birth three and a half years ago we have not had a date night. I have gotten flowers. I'm not big on jewelry and chocolate just isn't a big deal gift for me.So, this weekend for the

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-27162460486830113342010-02-11T00:54:00.000-08:002010-02-11T01:10:07.775-08:00

Over the last week we have been waging war in my house. Against colds. Shelby brought one home from daycare that KO'd her for two days last week. She is finally at day 10 and it is subsiding. Just one day later, Will came down with one and at the end of the week, on the day I took him to Myrtle Beach, Joey.I have to say, my kids are pretty good about colds. Sure they are cranky but I've seen a

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-83720579046804427572010-02-10T21:38:00.001-08:002010-02-10T21:46:18.939-08:00

Ack! Where has time gone? We are already half-way through February AND we are getting ready for the six week trek to Easter?I am pretty unsure of what to give up or add to my life this Lenten season. Jeff and I will be trying to do only one meat dish a week, but that doesn't seem a tremendous sacrifice nor does it seem to significantly enhance my spiritual life.Times like this remind me of a

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-76880302325032874992010-02-08T23:10:00.001-08:002010-02-08T23:30:11.154-08:00

according to the catechism and John Paul the Great, but what does that really mean?Lerin is pondering this at her blog and in her life. A recent change was made in their household from home school to public. Catholic school is cost-prohibitive.There are lots of reasons that public, private, or homeschool might be a good option for your family. Perhaps your family is like mine, unable to afford

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-11347894603645305002010-02-08T22:59:00.000-08:002010-02-08T23:09:54.923-08:00

William-- "one fell off and bumped his head!" or tooth as the case maybe. This weekend we took the kids to Myrtle Beach for a family reunion of sorts with my dad's family. While I took Joey to the aquarium, Jeff stayed behind with a napping Will and Shelby. After Will's nap and his dinner, Jeff was letting him investigate on the floor and we believe Will might have been trying to pull himself up

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-29035583582770874802010-02-05T01:37:00.000-08:002010-02-05T02:05:25.717-08:00

the nightmare is always the same. A doctor is telling us there is nothing else she can do to help us. We are not accepted by adoption agencies or foster care.I haven't had it in almost a year, but this week it woke me up again. I crept down the hall where the kids were napping to see them in their beds.In the last few months, Joey's godmother defied odds (no ovulation) to conceive and in January

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-91472441463199487202010-02-03T23:00:00.000-08:002010-02-03T23:39:05.319-08:00

Rachel has a great post about risk taking behavior by children, particularly boys. The type of risk being discussed is performing stunts on purpose that can cause bodily injury. Being a mom of five boys and having a baby on the way (sex to be found out at birth!) this is an issue close to her heart. But it should be close to every mother's heart regardless of the sex of her children, number or

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-50330573878486356822010-02-01T23:09:00.000-08:002010-02-01T23:16:03.865-08:00

William-- Will is still busy cutting teeth and is doing his darndest to try and get through it without Motrin or orajel, which means a lot of gnawing, and biting. He is enjoying "boy time" the time Joey and Will have with Daddy during the day while Shelby is at school and Mama is asleep. The three have lots of fun playing peek-a-boo, hide and seek and everyone crawl around on the floor and see

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-26039489334838875822010-01-22T00:07:00.000-08:002010-01-22T00:08:00.985-08:00

A Prayer for Abortion VictimsHoly Mother of God and of the Church, our Lady of Guadalupe, you were chosen by the Father for the Son through the Holy Spirit. You are the Woman clothed with the sun who labors to give birth to Christ while Satan, the Red Dragon, waits to voraciously devour your child.So too did Herod seek to destroy your Son, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and massacred many

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-86184923371541821172010-01-21T23:58:00.000-08:002010-01-22T00:06:33.172-08:00

So, one more year has gone by, and what have we done?Not enough, once again. And as if abortion still being legal was not enough of failure, we (pro-lifers and conservatives) have let a senate election in Massachussetts eclipse our cause in media coverage. The one time of year the liberal media outlets will actually listen to us and give us equal airtime...and we let it slip away. And even Fox

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-46232532134641184422010-01-19T00:26:00.000-08:002010-01-19T00:43:58.400-08:00

William-- I swear, never was there a baby who laughed so much or so easily. Will is eager to catch up to his brother and sister and at the rate he's going it will happen soon! He is pretty fast as a crawler and loves games of peek-a-boo with Joey. He is also happy to see DJ Lance open up that boombox on Yo Gabba Gabba. The kids don't see that show often, but for some reason it's a real giggle

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-49364231471182416652010-01-15T00:21:00.000-08:002010-01-15T01:09:08.203-08:00

Faith and Family Live had a priest address the question of whether you were obligated to attend your neighborhood church or the church of your choosing. His answers were very interesting and he addressed the idea of "parish shopping."For me this is certainly a hot-button issue for many reasons. Twice in my life I have first hand experienced being in a parish where I felt my "spiritual needs" were

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-5178264548984468842010-01-14T00:18:00.000-08:002010-01-14T00:46:57.632-08:00

It might just be my theme for 2010 and I've had to use it so far.My brother is in the military. He is a Marine. He will most likely be deploying this year. My family sends me a LOT of those pray for military chains. A LOT of them. And I'll be honest, I pray every day but I don't always forward them. But this week, for some reason, I did. And I added a little note to say a prayer for my brother

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-30957207678008713692010-01-11T22:26:00.000-08:002010-01-11T22:37:06.329-08:00

William- could this little guy be any cuter? He has FOUR teeth coming in up top right now (in addition to the two already erupted on the bottom). He giggles and laughs constantly and loves to play peek-a-boo with his brother Joey. Joseph- My Joey laugh for the week. I ask Joey if he wants to watch Mo-Mo (Finding Nemo) to which he replies, "no!" So then I turn to Shelby and ask if she wants to

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-45616209563757091492010-01-10T22:52:00.000-08:002010-01-10T23:16:21.071-08:00

I have a few pregnant friends right now so all the talk is baby names, which we have already established is a favorite topic of mine. Right now the debate raging in all of their households it seems is naming a child after a living loved one. My father has always warned against this. I'm not a huge fan either. I kind of like the Jewish tradition of naming after a deceased loved one and then, if

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-28889670939620103672010-01-05T23:55:00.000-08:002010-01-05T23:58:04.695-08:00

Check out my new blog chronicaling the journey to a healthier lifestyle: here. I hope to share what I am learning and learn from others as well!

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-18577852534473584742010-01-04T22:59:00.000-08:002010-01-04T23:16:11.115-08:00

Willam- Mr. Will is cutting teeth. Lots of them. He's a pretty happy teether for the most part, for which I am grateful. Sure, he has his moments, but overall he's a happy boy. It's a good thing these teeth are coming in fast because he is desperate to eat real food. Not baby food, the stuff the big kids are eating. He got ahold of a partially eaten apple the other day and gnawed away. At least

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-23423569582921784862010-01-01T00:26:00.000-08:002010-01-01T00:30:32.073-08:00

May you and yours have a healthy, happy and prosperous 2010!

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-60508665642516505962009-12-31T02:10:00.001-08:002009-12-31T22:58:08.644-08:00

Kristi has been asking me some interesting questions about celebrating Chanukah as a Christian. I can address this a bit more specifically as a Catholic.Let me start by saying I am not a historian, theologian or scientist. My statements are based solely on my personal beliefs within the framework of the Bible and the Catholic church.For several years now, I have hoped to commemorate Chanukah in

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-14447073006636952622009-12-30T00:42:00.000-08:002009-12-30T00:58:29.925-08:00

So, for Christmas this year, Jeff and I asked for a Wii from his parents. We expressed an interest in playing the Wii sporting games and I said if I had the console, I could just get the balance board to do Wii Fit. So, on the second day of Christmas, two Wii items entered our home. We were given as a present together the Wii Sports plus and I was given Wii Fit Plus. And I LOVE them! Bowling is

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-27804708707716000642009-12-29T01:15:00.000-08:002009-12-29T01:27:33.976-08:00

William- Will went back to the doctor today for a follow-up appointment after his procedure. While he was fully healed from that, turns out he has his first ear infection. He had not been fussy almost at all beyond the normal when he wants to eat and gets tired. In fact, my in-laws commented this weekend they had never seen a happier baby. He enjoyed Christmas morning immensely, especially the

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-1758435643258602252009-12-21T22:08:00.000-08:002009-12-21T22:28:05.875-08:00

I debated about posting this and finally decided yes, I should.On Wednesday, the 16th, Jeff came home from picking Shelby up at school and placed a large black trash bad on the table. I came in and asked what it was. He replied, "Shelby's Christmas presents." I gave him a look and asked, "What?"Shelby had been, unbeknownst to us, put on the school's angel tree. We believe this is because she

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-37895323641231453142009-12-21T21:56:00.000-08:002009-12-21T22:07:45.410-08:00

William--We are up on all fours and rocking back and forth now. We are also doing the slug scoot on the tummy. Crawling is sure to be right around the corner! How can this be that he is almost eight months already. He is holding his own now when Joey takes toys, but big brother usually still wins. We are also seeing an increased interest in the dogs. It is too early to tell if this is good or

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-41331668208669144732009-12-14T21:57:00.000-08:002009-12-14T22:15:26.382-08:00

William--We have entered the "festival of lights" in more than one respect. As Chanukah began last week, we also put up our Christmas tree and trimmed it last Saturday. Will is infatuated with the lights. We really enjoyed his joyful reaction. He is getting up on his hands and knees more and plays peek-a-boo. He initiates the games! Watching his little face light up at each new decoration and

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-68500015028962619932009-12-08T01:00:00.000-08:002009-12-08T01:11:24.082-08:00

William- Yesterday Will was seven months old. Last Thursday I arrived home from work to find out that Will had, since waking, refused to eat, thrown up bile and had blood in his stool. I turned right around and went to the pediatrician. My worst fear was confirmed: bowel obstruction. We were admitted to our local hospital for him to be stabilized and receive IV fluids and then Will was airlifted

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-26494024948211189612009-12-03T01:48:00.000-08:002009-12-03T02:05:03.160-08:00

Have you ever been caught up in a wave. Something that seemed great and rewarding and good for you soul, only to be let down?It's even worse when someone is trying to use faith to let you down like that.Years ago, several of the Catholic members of my family were swept up in the Left Behind book series. Before LB had become popular, I had read Bud MacFarlane's Pierced by A Sword series and was

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-2954978210792190102009-12-02T05:36:00.000-08:002009-12-02T05:38:21.744-08:00

This might, quite simply be the greatest "Christmas carol" ever. Do not get me wrong, I love singing carols at church (my two favorites being Hark! The Herald Angel Sings and It Came Upon a Midnight Clear) but these funny ones when I feel like the stress of the holiday season is getting me down help me smile!

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-78001716276549362762009-12-02T01:07:00.000-08:002009-12-02T01:23:25.515-08:00

It seems that everyone I know with a two-year-old's two-year-old is speaking in complete sentences. Everyone except me. Joseph babbles, he says actual words and points, he even has a few phrases down. But no sentences, not even close. My husband had difficulty with annunciation as a child, so we were sure we'd see that in at least one child and Joseph does slur some things together. The

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-29861423262525603642009-12-01T08:33:00.000-08:002009-12-01T08:44:15.966-08:00

William--Little man is cutting two teeth on the bottom and it is no laughing matter. It's, in fact, very much a crying one. And where are the Zwieback toast? We can't find them anywhere for a kid who loves these kinds of biscuits! He has pushed up on his hands and knees a few times and scoots on his tummy fairly well these days. He has a big brother to catch up to and he's working to catch up!

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-13821600706875315942009-11-23T22:37:00.000-08:002009-11-23T22:43:37.378-08:00

Will: I am thankful for your sweet dimples and big smile. For your laughter, your insistance that you will crawl, your demands that your brother's cars go into your mouth.Joey: I am thankful for your obsession with cars and dogs. Your ability to "accessorize," your absolute belief that every bald man is your father and every woman with dark hair is mama, the kisses you give your brother, the

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-2132616997806156492009-11-23T00:48:00.000-08:002009-11-23T01:05:21.420-08:00

I have a favorite celebrity mom. Her name: Tori Spelling.This weekend I caught a couple of episodes of a marathon of Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood. And I learned I have this in common with Tori:1) We named our children normal names: for me: Shelby Clare, Joseph Patrick and William Christopher; for Tori: Liam Aaron and Stella Doreen.2) We both felt after our first two children (one a boy and

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-20847438023970044532009-11-23T00:33:00.000-08:002009-11-23T00:48:47.682-08:00

I have to confess I am a HUGE Seinfeld fan. That show about nothing? Count me in.I think one of the funniest episodes deals with Frank Costanza's made up holiday "Festivus." The holiday causes Kramer to lose his job, Jerry to break up with his girlfriend, Elaine to confront the men at the other end of her made up number, and all kinds of mayhem for George, Frank's son.I think what I love the

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-64874880291522873852009-11-16T12:05:00.000-08:002009-11-16T12:22:06.336-08:00

Finding Mountain Dew Code Red (yes I know it is evil) in a 12 pack.Snuggling with my boy JoeyWill's smiles and gigglesGetting in and out at the DMV (true story, happened to me on Friday)Planning to meet up with old friendsGoing to a favorite family spot for Thanksgiving weekend

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653366540906117015.post-44614434616568167062009-11-16T00:38:00.000-08:002009-11-16T00:41:51.737-08:00

Already people are asking what I will do for my New Year's Resolution. And already I am thinking of skipping that whole tradition altogether.I really admire the wish to do better in the new year, but besides weight loss and quitting smoking, I rarely here the resolutions I know people need to make: to spend more time with God, to become better spouses and parents, to enjoy a few minutes of quiet,

Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603870354395202703noreply@blogger.com0tag: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.com1