First Sunday of Advent

Today we enjoyed a fun filled day at our church. We belong to a very nice, relaxing, wonderful church family in Middleboro. It has been a very special place for me (and my family) since I joined in 2001. We started the day off with Sunday school. I helped the classes today..that was interesting. I find teaching preschool much easier than school aged children-lol..but it was fun! After Sunday School we headed into the church for service. Today is the first Sunday of Advent, so that was the main focus of the sermon today. My pastor spoke today of awaking to life..to God..when will we or have we become awake? As usual, my pastor presented this in a very interesting and thoughtful way. She shared stories with us of times when others that she had spoke to had "woke up." Some woke up to hear the Lord or slow down in life when; a loved one had passed, a tragic accident had happened, When life became too hectic.... So as I normally do, I spent the afternoon thinking, "Am I awake?" I cam to the conclusion this evening, that I have small wake up calls each day. Each day I find something to be greatful for, to find ways to help others, find ways to better my life (for myself and for my family.) I also try to "evaluate" my current living style from time to time. I have recently thought of this because my dream of owning a bigger child care center, didn't end up happening as I thought it would. I was disapointed that all my hard work and dreams had been broken. I then realized that it just wasn't meant to happen at this time. I thought about how my whole life, I have always wanted more. I don't mean, I wan't people to give me things..I just feel like I need to work harder and get more, weather it's "stuff", a bigger house, car, daycare, etc... This lesson recently taught me, maybe rather than chasing a dream of always wanting more; a bigger house, more stuff, a nicer car, etc.. I need to breath and appreciate all of the wonderful things that I have. I have 5 beautiful, helathy children, a loving husband, a great family, friends, church family, a nice home, car, stuff, small daycare..why do I need more? I don't!! I woke up and realized..I don't need more..I just need to breath, appreciate what I have and thank God for all the miracles that happen each day. We ended our day back at the church for a concert. Another thing I am blessed to have; music! I love music and our church choir is the best around! It was so peaceful sitting and listening to the Christmas music! I have also joined in the church medition/book discussion group. I have been involved with one in the past. It is very relaxing and peaceful. Another great way to wake up and breath!! We started the advent season with so much to be thankful for! I wish for all of you to find peace, love and to breath and wake up too!

Haven't written in a while..updates..

Well..I haven't written in a while..so here are the updates. The first few months of school have come and gone, for the kids. Emily is doing well this year and Cassandra (as always) is doing excellent in school. It was so nice, for once, to go to parent conferences and hear all wonderful things about both of my children! Emily usually has a hard time at school..especially concentrating. I debate back and forth every year about homeschooling my children. It's always a toss up. They get a lot of great things out of the public school..but there are other things that go on there that I disagree with. Most especially the MCAS testing and all of the silly, unrealistic expectations that they put on our young children! I wonder though, do I have all of the tools to teach my children all that they need to know to be sucessful adults? Some of the math work that my daughter in 4th grade comes home with (Geometry) is stuff that I have never learned! Anyway..they are both doing excellent this year..so I am thankful for that. Danny is also attending preschool at a Christian preschool program. He absoultly loves it!! He comes home each day with new songs and prayers that he has learned. It is amazing to watch my children grow and be individual people. Each one of my children is so different from each other!
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at home (third year that I have cooked for everyone.) It's so nice to be able to stay home for one holiday out of the year.
We also just found out that we are pregnant with baby #6! We are very excitied as we have been ttc since June. We are most likely due
July 20, 2008. I go to see my Dr. on Tuesday, so we will see how everything is going.
I have been battling a serious rash for almost two weeks now. The doctor's are assuming that it is an allergic reaction to something..but they don't know. They put me on steroids for 5 days (before I knew I was pregnant..I actually found out I was prg. while I was on the steroids.) Then when that didn't work, they assumed it might have been a skin reaction (scabies) that I had come in contact with. I took the prescription for that..the rash got worse! The Dr. told me to take a 2nd dose of the prescription cream..I did and the rash is still getting worse! The next step was for me to call the Dr. Friday (which I didn't) to go back on steroids. I am not going to start taking medication after medication, especially while pregnant..and especially since they don't know what is wrong with me. I hope that the Dr. can figure it out..because I have had very little sleep the past two weeks! I am so itchy and uncomfortable and it's a big mystery, what am I coming in contact with? Anyway..we started off our Christmas season the day after Thanksgiving. Friday night we visited Lasalette shrine to see all the the beautiful lights. We all had a great time and the best things were: it wasn't too cold, very few people were there and it was FREE!! We decorated the house and my husband is decoarting the yard today. In a few weeks we will get our tree! Next weekend I will bake 16 dozen cookies! The children are very excited to get their parts today for the Christmas Pagent at our church! Emily is going to be one of the wise men, Cassandra is an angel and Danny is a sheep. Very cute!!! We are getting ready for Christmas!! Peace and happiness to all this season!

Fall is here

Fall is here..The children are back in school, activities are in full swing (soccer, girl scouts, sunday school, dance class), the leaves are changing colors and the weather was cooler..until this week (heat wave!) We have begun our fall festivities; apple picking, getting ready for Halloween, changing out the summer clothes to fall clothes in everyone's clothes drawers. Fall is a bit hectic, but we love it! We enjoy watching our children learn and grow from all of their expereinces. Fall is fun..but I miss the summer days and being with all of the children all day!

Sunny Sunday!

We spent all morning and half of the afternoon doing what we usually do one day on the weekend; housework and yardwork! At 3PM I decided to pack everyone up and head down to the pond. What a beautiful day! Not too hot or cold and the water was perfect too! The kids had so much fun swimming, digging, running around..savoring what is left of our summer days. I feel so blessed for all that we have, children, family, friends, water, love.......another beautiful day in New England!