Tonight I left the house as soon as Drake walked in.
I had had it.
You know, a day full of screaming, tantrums, flat out refusing, littles being suddenly oblivious to the fact that Mommy is in charge. We even had a pediatrician appointment in there, and only the good Lord knows how we squeezed in some reading practice and handwriting.
It. An even less glamorous than usual day at the Stable.
So here I am at Panera. I ordered a bread bowl, an apple, and water, and I prayed with all my might that no one would see me here in the corner trying yet again to figure out how to gracefully consume a bread bowl. If you've got any pointers on that front, let me know. It's not pretty.
Anyway.
And as to the aforementioned walk-out, I did have dinner on the table for everyone, a dinner that I felt would be agreeable to all Steeds, big and little alike. AndthenIpackedupmystuffandgrabbedmycoatandnearlyrantothecar. Real quick-like. After goodbyes, hugs, and kisses, of course.
I think this might be a first-time event for me. Drake and I had it on the schedule that I would take some time out of the house for myself tonight anyway. But we hadn't really hashed out the mad dash that I decided to make within 5 seconds of his arrival home. He's a good man, that Drake. He calmly picked up our screaming 3 year old, finished pouring milk, and gently told the kids that Mommy had some things to take care of.
Number 1 on the list? Regaining a little sense of sanity.
As far as my vocation goes, I tend to lose a little of myself within it. I love it with all my heart, even in the midst of the sleep deprivation, meal circuses, and overall balancing act that is being a wife and mom. Those things are the makings of sanctity, what I desire most in this life. And as a service to my kids, sometimes I need to step away from it all and take a deep breath or twenty.
As I was chowing down on my bread bowl, I saw a mom of 3 smallish children sitting in a corner booth. And she just kind of sat there, staring at her kids running around. You know, I really felt for her. I know that feeling of paralysis when you feel like you just couldn't possibly handle the crazy for one second longer and just have to check out in some way.
I think the ideal in motherhood is to sprinkle in bits of self-care and personal time on a regular basis rather than doing something only when panic-mode hits. I so seldom do this, but I so often reach that point and then try, try again to be consistent about balance.
It's hard. But it's necessary. Totally necessary. I used to think it was selfish to ever go anywhere without at least one of my kids...selfish to even consider it, much less actually follow through with it. But a mentor mom encouraged me to see how much I was actually serving my family by taking time to do something enriching (aka, don't spend the personal time scrolling through email or FB for the umpteenth time), something that will revive my soul (which might look different from how you would spend your time) and have a fresh smile on my face and genuine hugs for my husband and children upon my return home.
Sometimes I go to adoration, especially if mass didn't happen earlier in the day. Sometimes I buy a $2 coffee and write. Sometimes I go to a park with a good book. Sometimes I hit the gym or go on a brisk walk.
What do you do to take care of you?
Friday, October 10, 2014
Friday, October 3, 2014
Musings on Motherhood
I'm a tired mama.
Doesn't that go without saying? Moms are some of the hardest workers I know, and I'm not saying that so you'll fill the combox with compliments. Whether up all night with little ones, pregnancy, nursing duties, bringing kids here, there, and everywhere, schooling at home, volunteering at school, cooking, cleaning, planning, sorting, making appointments, budgeting, running errands, and being emotionally available 24/7, motherhood is no joke.
Doesn't that go without saying? Moms are some of the hardest workers I know, and I'm not saying that so you'll fill the combox with compliments. Whether up all night with little ones, pregnancy, nursing duties, bringing kids here, there, and everywhere, schooling at home, volunteering at school, cooking, cleaning, planning, sorting, making appointments, budgeting, running errands, and being emotionally available 24/7, motherhood is no joke.
This could be me on any given day.
I never drank coffee in my previous 28 years of existence. It just didn't appeal to me, and I didn't get the hype. But then my husband entered his 4th year of full-time graduate school, and, well, it became a necessity. Given the up-and-down nature of breakfast at the Stable (read: I am up and down so much that some might argue it counts as my cardio for the day), I don't believe I have ever finished a hot cup of coffee. But I still choke down those last several cold sips because a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.
The fatigue is a hard battle for me, especially as someone who struggles with perfection. Today I put some Kipper the Dog episodes on for the kids (have you ever watched this adorable British show? Thomas is convinced that the character Arnold's name is actually Ahnold. I love it.), and as they watched I had these good intentions to do some planning for next week. My first mistake? Sitting on the couch. My second mistake quickly followed as I put the footrest up. It was only a matter of time before I was the gracious receiver of pats on my cheek to the tune of, 'Mommy! Mommy! Moooommmmy!' Needless to say, my well-intentioned planning was replaced by the shortest of naps and a quick trip to the bathroom to wash the drool off my face. True story. And classy to boot.
I think I'm also in good company when I say that there's a lot of pressure to be a super-mom of sorts. What is it that makes a 'good mom?' Your definition may differ from mine, but I'd love to hear your thoughts in the combox.
A good mom knows when to allow sleep to take priority over a swept floor or clean window sill.
A good mom feeds her family the best she can, even if that doesn't mean whole wheat, homemade, no sugar added 100% of the time.
A good mom knows when she needs a break and communicates this to her husband, preferably before the stress reaches a breaking point.
A good mom knows when to choose store-bought Halloween costumes over homemade based on the current mothering 'season.'
A good mom puts her husband first (blog post on this soon to follow).
A good mom puts her personal priorities into action for the good of herself and her family. For me, these are prayer, sleep, daily shower, daily Mass if possible, and exercise.
A good mom knows when her kids just need to get outside, even if it means leaving a stack of dirty dishes in the sink, unfolded laundry on the bed, and toothpaste all over the bathroom.
A good mom has a pulse on her family's needs for rest, leisure, and timelessness at home...and schedules accordingly.
A good mom takes time to pull her children close to her, hug them at every opportunity, and also leave the house when her spouse is home to recharge when needed.
So what's a mom to do when the demands are never-ending, sleep is elusive, and the kids pining for every ounce of energy? This is a particularly universally busy time for moms -- I would argue that now through New Years, the stakes are even higher than usual. Here at the Stable, we've got feast day celebrations, birthdays (parties!), Halloween (costumes!), All Saints Day (costumes!), a saint doll exchange (painting 30 peg dolls as Saint John Paul II...what have I gotten myself into?!), Thanksgiving (traveling!), Advent (planning!), Christmas (planning!), New Years...and I guess some amount of grocery shopping, errand-running, homeschooling, house-cleaning, child-raising, and some of those aforementioned personal priorities will happen between now and then, too.
Whew.
My goal, especially in these next several months, is to be realistic with myself about what I can handle. My goal is to be smart with my time, whether it needs to be used painting peg dolls or hitting the sack early. My goal is to give my best effort, give any resulting glory to God, and embrace what the moment has to offer.
Keep me accountable, will you?
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Weirdness.
I often wonder and worry about what others will think of the little Steeds once they find out that we're a homeschooling family this year. At one point, that concern was almost enough for me to not dive into homeschooling even though I know in my heart of hearts that it's best for our family right now. I think the mere mention of the word 'homeschool' conjures up images of weird, socially awkward kids who have a closet full of jumpers and turtlenecks. The 'h-word' brings to mind kids who stay inside the house all day everyday, doomed to a life of boredom and a general inability to cope with the 'real world.'
I can't clean the lens through which you view my children. But this article summed up so well my internal responses to that all-too-common idea that many have of homeschooled children. That they're just. plain. weird.
Kids all have their quirks, their own little personalities, temperaments, likes, dislikes, comforts, discomforts. And don't we all? Little Steeds are surely no exception.
I can't clean the lens through which you view my children. But this article summed up so well my internal responses to that all-too-common idea that many have of homeschooled children. That they're just. plain. weird.
Kids all have their quirks, their own little personalities, temperaments, likes, dislikes, comforts, discomforts. And don't we all? Little Steeds are surely no exception.
Regardless of education in our family in years to come, these little ones (Mama Steed and Daddy, too!) will always have those wildly unique and beautiful traits that make them perfectly themselves.
And that is something to celebrate!
Friday, September 12, 2014
Then Again, Maybe Not
My husband is a wise man.
He talked me off my blogging ledge last night as I got so fired up about blogging that I even missed the cycle class I had been so eagerly anticipating. The long and short of it: I'm going to continue blogging.
I have had the wrong outlook on blogging all along. I realized last night that ultimately what I desire is authentic relationship, friendship with others. That's been lacking in my life due to being in a new place, sick kids, my own introversion. I've been lonely, I tell ya. And in the midst of this loneliness, I've been trying to adjust to so many new things: a new town, new home, new community, new parish, adding homeschooling into the mix. It's been a lot to manage.
And I think, on some level, I was expecting that the blog would be a way to connect with people, to foster the aforementioned relationships. I felt discouraged then to see so many page views and typically no comments.
Waa waaaaa.
I said that one of the purposes of the blog was to keep in touch with others and provide some family updates. My pride reared it's ugly head again as I thought that closing down the blog would 'force' others to ask more about how we were doing rather than assuming they knew based on what they had read.
Lord, I am the lowliest of your creatures. Truly.
Here's the deal. I can have a blog and post whatever the heck I want on it...family updates, beautiful photos, my thoughts on controversial social issues, etc. But I can also develop deep relationships with people, despite any comment counts on the blog. Both a blog and the genuine friendships I desire can exist! Whodathunkit? I cannot and should not let comments dictate anything, and, as my friend Erin helped me realize, the blog isn't going to please all readers all the time...nor should I be writing in an effort to make it so.
Thanks for your patience with me, dear reader. And here's to more writing, photo-posting, and general Steed shenanigans.
He talked me off my blogging ledge last night as I got so fired up about blogging that I even missed the cycle class I had been so eagerly anticipating. The long and short of it: I'm going to continue blogging.
I have had the wrong outlook on blogging all along. I realized last night that ultimately what I desire is authentic relationship, friendship with others. That's been lacking in my life due to being in a new place, sick kids, my own introversion. I've been lonely, I tell ya. And in the midst of this loneliness, I've been trying to adjust to so many new things: a new town, new home, new community, new parish, adding homeschooling into the mix. It's been a lot to manage.
And I think, on some level, I was expecting that the blog would be a way to connect with people, to foster the aforementioned relationships. I felt discouraged then to see so many page views and typically no comments.
Waa waaaaa.
I said that one of the purposes of the blog was to keep in touch with others and provide some family updates. My pride reared it's ugly head again as I thought that closing down the blog would 'force' others to ask more about how we were doing rather than assuming they knew based on what they had read.
Lord, I am the lowliest of your creatures. Truly.
Here's the deal. I can have a blog and post whatever the heck I want on it...family updates, beautiful photos, my thoughts on controversial social issues, etc. But I can also develop deep relationships with people, despite any comment counts on the blog. Both a blog and the genuine friendships I desire can exist! Whodathunkit? I cannot and should not let comments dictate anything, and, as my friend Erin helped me realize, the blog isn't going to please all readers all the time...nor should I be writing in an effort to make it so.
Thanks for your patience with me, dear reader. And here's to more writing, photo-posting, and general Steed shenanigans.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
This Could be the End.
Friends, I need to be honest with you. I struggle blogging. I always have. Some days I love it, some days I hate it.
I like to write.
It's a good outlet for me.
Little Steeds are amazingly adorable.
Friends and family can keep up with some of the goings-on here.
Those are all good things in and of themselves. But...
It is not helping me foster and maintain genuine friendships.
At various times throughout the last month or so, I have received many comments like, 'It sounds like you're doing great from what I read on your blog!' or 'I love reading your blog!'
Let me be clear. I am humbled that anyone would read the blog. And I know these comments are so well intentioned. But the blog is not mean to be a 'data dump.' I'm not interested in just writing down a bunch of stuff, posting it to cyberspace, and then doing that over and over again...all the while, I'm not having genuine relationship maintained with most of my blog readers. A reader knows bits and pieces of what's going on with my family, and, in the meantime, I do not know about how the reader is doing (and I mean how they are, not just the goings-on). And one might argue that the aforementioned data dump description is the very essence of a blog. In that case, I perhaps shouldn't have started it in the first place.
I highly value genuine relationship. It is tremendously important to me, and right now I feel that the blog is a deterrent of sorts. It's making relationship too one-sided for my liking. I will find another way to write, and I'll still post occasional pictures either in emails to friends and family, in the mail, or on FB once in a while. But I need real friendship. We're all made for community, right? I'm not willing to spend the time and energy on developing a bunch of friendships on the web through blog posts and comments. That's just not a desire of mine right now, though I know that approach works well for many.
Maybe the blogging doesn't have to be all or nothing. Maybe I'll post once in a while or something. And perhaps the blogging issue would be different if, in addition to blogging, I had solid friendships that were being maintained and strengthened outside of cyberspace. But that's not happening in my life right now, and I need to focus my energies on fostering community that's around me and friendships that I left in Lombard and elsewhere.
Thanks for your patience with me, and thanks for reading!
I like to write.
It's a good outlet for me.
Little Steeds are amazingly adorable.
Friends and family can keep up with some of the goings-on here.
Those are all good things in and of themselves. But...
It is not helping me foster and maintain genuine friendships.
At various times throughout the last month or so, I have received many comments like, 'It sounds like you're doing great from what I read on your blog!' or 'I love reading your blog!'
Let me be clear. I am humbled that anyone would read the blog. And I know these comments are so well intentioned. But the blog is not mean to be a 'data dump.' I'm not interested in just writing down a bunch of stuff, posting it to cyberspace, and then doing that over and over again...all the while, I'm not having genuine relationship maintained with most of my blog readers. A reader knows bits and pieces of what's going on with my family, and, in the meantime, I do not know about how the reader is doing (and I mean how they are, not just the goings-on). And one might argue that the aforementioned data dump description is the very essence of a blog. In that case, I perhaps shouldn't have started it in the first place.
I highly value genuine relationship. It is tremendously important to me, and right now I feel that the blog is a deterrent of sorts. It's making relationship too one-sided for my liking. I will find another way to write, and I'll still post occasional pictures either in emails to friends and family, in the mail, or on FB once in a while. But I need real friendship. We're all made for community, right? I'm not willing to spend the time and energy on developing a bunch of friendships on the web through blog posts and comments. That's just not a desire of mine right now, though I know that approach works well for many.
Maybe the blogging doesn't have to be all or nothing. Maybe I'll post once in a while or something. And perhaps the blogging issue would be different if, in addition to blogging, I had solid friendships that were being maintained and strengthened outside of cyberspace. But that's not happening in my life right now, and I need to focus my energies on fostering community that's around me and friendships that I left in Lombard and elsewhere.
Thanks for your patience with me, and thanks for reading!
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Stable Turned Infirmary
Doctor Mommy has been on duty 24/7 these last few days. A cold bug started for Thomas last week and seems to be resolving...then it hit little Dominic* but turned into hand, foot and mouth complete with small-but-mighty mouth blisters (yowch!). And tonight Maria went to bed with the sniffles as she tried in her persistent way to convince me that sleeping is not what she wanted to do. I can't remember if she fell asleep 30 seconds after that comment or 35 seconds afterward, but, in any case, she's out like a light now.
*I decided to take Dominic to Urgent Care yesterday as he had woken with a rash that was worsening. And it's a good thing I did. It was humbling to hear from the doctor that we 'shouldn't go anywhere where there might be other people.' Aka, stay the heck home! We were just getting into such a good rhythm, too, but we'll live up the time at home together. I promised Thomas and Maria that we'd have some extra fun snacks around, get some books and movies from the library (Sound of Music happens to be a Steed favorite), do lots of reading under cozy blankets, and throw some school in there, too. I'm sad that we'll be missing our co-op this week, but Drake has been great about taking on all child and home duties as soon as he walks in the door after internship to ensure that I can get out of the house. Tonight is different as Maria desperately needed me to cuddle with her in bed for a bit, but curling up on the couch to write while my husband grocery shops isn't all that bad!
In other news, I joined the 21st century and now have a smartphone. Sadly the phone has already outsmarted me, but humility comes in all forms now, doesn't it? I was quite resistant to this change as you may know, but then it happened. I dropped my phone in the toilet. Yep, RIP pantech phone. You were good to me.
I mentioned on a Facebook post that I wasn't going to put my blog posts on my homepage anymore...I suggested subscribing to my blog as a way to stay updated on Steed happenings. I took a rare look at the stats tonight, and yesterday's post (the first after declaring this change) received 3 views compared to the previous post which had 114. As much as I don't write this blog for the attention that it might receive, I do want friends and family from afar to have some sense of what's going on at the Stable...
So, ummm...I guess I'll start putting them back on FB. I know there are all sorts of ways to publicize one's blog, but I just don't have the time/energy/interest in blogging to make all of those things happen. Sheer laziness and a few other things, I guess.
Okay, off to pour some red wine. It's been a day!
*I decided to take Dominic to Urgent Care yesterday as he had woken with a rash that was worsening. And it's a good thing I did. It was humbling to hear from the doctor that we 'shouldn't go anywhere where there might be other people.' Aka, stay the heck home! We were just getting into such a good rhythm, too, but we'll live up the time at home together. I promised Thomas and Maria that we'd have some extra fun snacks around, get some books and movies from the library (Sound of Music happens to be a Steed favorite), do lots of reading under cozy blankets, and throw some school in there, too. I'm sad that we'll be missing our co-op this week, but Drake has been great about taking on all child and home duties as soon as he walks in the door after internship to ensure that I can get out of the house. Tonight is different as Maria desperately needed me to cuddle with her in bed for a bit, but curling up on the couch to write while my husband grocery shops isn't all that bad!
In other news, I joined the 21st century and now have a smartphone. Sadly the phone has already outsmarted me, but humility comes in all forms now, doesn't it? I was quite resistant to this change as you may know, but then it happened. I dropped my phone in the toilet. Yep, RIP pantech phone. You were good to me.
I mentioned on a Facebook post that I wasn't going to put my blog posts on my homepage anymore...I suggested subscribing to my blog as a way to stay updated on Steed happenings. I took a rare look at the stats tonight, and yesterday's post (the first after declaring this change) received 3 views compared to the previous post which had 114. As much as I don't write this blog for the attention that it might receive, I do want friends and family from afar to have some sense of what's going on at the Stable...
So, ummm...I guess I'll start putting them back on FB. I know there are all sorts of ways to publicize one's blog, but I just don't have the time/energy/interest in blogging to make all of those things happen. Sheer laziness and a few other things, I guess.
Okay, off to pour some red wine. It's been a day!
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
A Trip to Indy!
We met up with Grandma Eileen a few weeks ago in Indianapolis. How we have missed her! She generously treated us to a hotel stay as well as a trip to the Indianapolis Zoo, some delicious meals, and we capped it off with Mass before parting ways on Sunday. Here are some photos from the trip!
Family photo op
ANOTHER picture? Well, okay...
It was pretty...and bright!
Like, really pretty!
Cooling off
Smiling Steeds
Photo taken about 2 minutes before napping at the dolphin show
Can't wait to see you again, Grandma!
Saturday, September 6, 2014
In Which I Give an Honest Look at Homeschooling
As with all things parenting, I have strong feelings about homeschooling in our family for this year. I am confident that the Lord is asking this of our family. I cannot think beyond this year, nor should I be!
I do think that I jumped the gun a little bit in terms of our approach as I fell prey to a few things:
1. I felt tremendous pressure to 'prove' homeschooling is legitimate. Some of this was due to pressure I put on myself, and it was also due to pressure/skepticism that I sensed from others. I know homeschooling raises some eyebrows. I get that. But if you have questions or concerns about our family's personal choice on the matter, then please just ask me! Last time I checked, I'm fairly approachable :).
2. Due to the aforementioned pressure I put on myself, I felt that our schooling needed to be socially accepted. And so, I tended toward something that was accredited. Accredited schools are good and wonderful, absolutely! And we will still be supplementing with our current curriculum. There are many great things about the curriculum that we chose, but it is all workbook-based. This isn't working for us so far for a few reasons:
I do think that I jumped the gun a little bit in terms of our approach as I fell prey to a few things:
1. I felt tremendous pressure to 'prove' homeschooling is legitimate. Some of this was due to pressure I put on myself, and it was also due to pressure/skepticism that I sensed from others. I know homeschooling raises some eyebrows. I get that. But if you have questions or concerns about our family's personal choice on the matter, then please just ask me! Last time I checked, I'm fairly approachable :).
2. Due to the aforementioned pressure I put on myself, I felt that our schooling needed to be socially accepted. And so, I tended toward something that was accredited. Accredited schools are good and wonderful, absolutely! And we will still be supplementing with our current curriculum. There are many great things about the curriculum that we chose, but it is all workbook-based. This isn't working for us so far for a few reasons:
- School is becoming something to just 'get through' for my oldest who is only at the tender age of 5. I don't feel that the workbook approach is fostering a love of learning for him. It's becoming something to just complete, shut the workbook, and move on to something else. He's not excited about the work, and admittedly, I'm not excited either.
- We came from a wonderful montessori school which is all based on a more tactile experience of learning. Workbooks are a far cry from that. I want workbooks to supplement our experiences, so I'm surely not ruling them out altogether. I do think that learning can and should extend far beyond workbooks. That's just like, my opinion, man (Lebowski reference, anyone?).
My outlook on Kindergarten is this: lots of reading, some math, some writing, gross and fine motor work, virtue, and socializing. Reading poems. Listening to good music by way of concerts and music played in our home. Focusing on quality over quantity. All of these can be achieved in many ways. I'm trying to work in more art projects as well and always strive to be living the liturgical calendar.
Just as a family might switch schools at the end of the year if the school (public, private, Catholic, montessori, some combination) wasn't working for their family, we are switching approaches as well. Families switch schools all the time, change their level of involvement, add extracurriculars, etc based on what their family needs at that given time. Those choices are all in an effort to serve the needs of their family. Our choices are no different.
Just as a family might switch schools at the end of the year if the school (public, private, Catholic, montessori, some combination) wasn't working for their family, we are switching approaches as well. Families switch schools all the time, change their level of involvement, add extracurriculars, etc based on what their family needs at that given time. Those choices are all in an effort to serve the needs of their family. Our choices are no different.
And so, it's time for a change. With Charlotte Mason as my inspiration, I hope to take a more holistic approach to education in our home.
St. Philip Neri, pray for us!
Monday, September 1, 2014
Unexpected Grace
Drake and I had mapped out some time for me to take for myself this morning. I was going to head to adoration, catch a spin class, and come back home. Sounded simple enough.
None of that happened.
As my phone bit the dust this weekend, I took the ipad with me as I wanted Drake to have our one functioning phone with the kids. We agreed that I would email if I needed something while I was out. So I left our home around 7:30, headed out to the van, and figured I would look up directions from there. Well, before I left the house, Maria was screaming about who-knows-what, Dominic was struggling, and I decided I would just go exercise at a more local Y and try to get to adoration. Then I would be back home in time for us to head to the Labor Day parade.
Well, as with many well-intentioned plans, this didn't pan out either.
I couldn't access the Internet from our dear old van, and so it meant that I couldn't look up directions to either of the places I had intended to go. So I came back in the house, figuring that I'll get some of this personal time at a morning retreat that I'm planning to attend tomorrow at a local parish.
I came back into the house. I'll just go upstairs and exercise with Jillian.
You guessed it. This didn't pan out either. So I snuck away for 3 minutes to send a quick email and then was notified that breakfast was ready.
So I instead sat down to breakfast with the rest of the Steeds...yummy pancakes compliments of Drake. We had started a rousing conversation at the table (the topic of which I admittedly have forgotten). And then...
I dropped my coffee. All over myself. And all over sweet, unsuspecting Thomas. And all over the floor. And all over the chairs.
Thomas started screaming. I started silently stewing (alliteration intended) about the events of the last 2 seconds, cleaned up the mess, and headed upstairs to shower. Drake helped Thomas calm down, change, and get back to breakfast.
Wasn't I supposed to be adoring our Lord in focused contemplation and working out the frustrations of the week in a spin class right now? This seemed like a far cry from that.
I came back down after a quick shower and rejoined our family breakfast. Maria and Drake were sharing a pancake. Thomas was dressed, calm, and eating. Dominic was off playing somewhere. But things were somewhat peaceful. And I reveled in this.
I took a moment to sit back and just marvel at the moment. And I realized that I didn't want to be anywhere else but here. Truly. I didn't have to work very hard to make myself be okay with all the changes in plans. I just was.
Instead of burning calories, I was consuming them. Instead of sitting in quiet solitude, I was in the middle of controlled chaos.
And I was at peace.
Praise be to God.
None of that happened.
As my phone bit the dust this weekend, I took the ipad with me as I wanted Drake to have our one functioning phone with the kids. We agreed that I would email if I needed something while I was out. So I left our home around 7:30, headed out to the van, and figured I would look up directions from there. Well, before I left the house, Maria was screaming about who-knows-what, Dominic was struggling, and I decided I would just go exercise at a more local Y and try to get to adoration. Then I would be back home in time for us to head to the Labor Day parade.
Well, as with many well-intentioned plans, this didn't pan out either.
I couldn't access the Internet from our dear old van, and so it meant that I couldn't look up directions to either of the places I had intended to go. So I came back in the house, figuring that I'll get some of this personal time at a morning retreat that I'm planning to attend tomorrow at a local parish.
I came back into the house. I'll just go upstairs and exercise with Jillian.
You guessed it. This didn't pan out either. So I snuck away for 3 minutes to send a quick email and then was notified that breakfast was ready.
So I instead sat down to breakfast with the rest of the Steeds...yummy pancakes compliments of Drake. We had started a rousing conversation at the table (the topic of which I admittedly have forgotten). And then...
I dropped my coffee. All over myself. And all over sweet, unsuspecting Thomas. And all over the floor. And all over the chairs.
Thomas started screaming. I started silently stewing (alliteration intended) about the events of the last 2 seconds, cleaned up the mess, and headed upstairs to shower. Drake helped Thomas calm down, change, and get back to breakfast.
Wasn't I supposed to be adoring our Lord in focused contemplation and working out the frustrations of the week in a spin class right now? This seemed like a far cry from that.
I came back down after a quick shower and rejoined our family breakfast. Maria and Drake were sharing a pancake. Thomas was dressed, calm, and eating. Dominic was off playing somewhere. But things were somewhat peaceful. And I reveled in this.
I took a moment to sit back and just marvel at the moment. And I realized that I didn't want to be anywhere else but here. Truly. I didn't have to work very hard to make myself be okay with all the changes in plans. I just was.
Instead of burning calories, I was consuming them. Instead of sitting in quiet solitude, I was in the middle of controlled chaos.
And I was at peace.
Praise be to God.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
(Another) Outing!
The parks 'round these parts are one more fantastic than the next. We stumbled upon another free and fun activity about 10 minutes from our house. Have I mentioned that everything is 10 minutes or less away from our home? We have become so quickly accustomed to this that anything that is 12 minutes away or *gasp* longer is cause for skepticism. Anyway, here are a few photos from a recent adventure at the Children's Garden...
So pretty!
Maybe I'll see a fish...right...NOW!
Pretty and pensive.
Just look at all. that. sand!
Carefully calculating...
She loved these scoopers!
Brothers hard at work.
Rockin' out, sibling style.
Hey, you! Wait up!
Rocks + water + sun = bliss.
A spooky cave with teeth!
A waterfall, too? Awesome!
Diving in!
So pretty!
Maybe I'll see a fish...right...NOW!
Pretty and pensive.
Just look at all. that. sand!
Carefully calculating...
She loved these scoopers!
Brothers hard at work.
Rockin' out, sibling style.
Hey, you! Wait up!
Rocks + water + sun = bliss.
A spooky cave with teeth!
A waterfall, too? Awesome!
Diving in!
I said a few photos...I meant a multitude. In any case, we enjoyed a hot day and a picnic lunch here. Can't wait to take Daddy, too!
Thursday, August 28, 2014
School at the Stable
We started school a couple weeks ago here at the Stable. It's our first year of homeschooling, and I am more convinced now than ever that I will be doing more learning than the kids this year! We took a couple of photos the first day as well as the second day. I went into the school year thinking that we would include uniforms into our daily routine, but after day #1 I nixed that idea for now. It got too confusing when we did a few things after lunch and the kids didn't know if they needed to put their uniforms back on or not...plus, the learning never really ends, does it? Anyway, I have the idea in my back pocket if we decide it's a necessary addition to our day. So here are a couple of shots from our first day:
Maria almost never does the 'lips only' smile, but here it is on full display.
A liiiiitle bit better...
I can never seem to get a good photo of how handsome this little guy really is!
Steed siblings, no doubt!
And here are a few from our 2nd day of school...
Typical.
Big guy!
Who knew pictures could be so painful?
Ended our school time that day with cups, bowls, trucks, and oats!
Our school year is going well so far. We're using one of many Catholic 'packaged programs' while supplementing things as we go. Next week begins our homeschool co-op where Thomas will be taking Art, Memory Jr., doing Blue Knights, Liturgical Celebrations, and a monthly field trip. Maria will have ballet, Little Saints, and Liturgical Celebrations. There are many other components to this co-op, including a saint presentation and rosary each Thursday as well as lunch with all the other families, recess, and by that time little Dominic will be way past his usual nap time, so we'll head home. I think I mentioned in my previous post that Cadet Judo will begin for Thomas next week and gymnastics for Maria. Soccer is still a mainstay for us on Friday evenings.
We're still working to find a good rhythm to our days, balancing school, classes outside the home, chores, errands, downtime, and everything in between. But I must say, I have surely been experiencing a great serenity in our home these last few weeks. Like any other family, we have our moments (myself included!), but this is serving us well so far, and our homeschool group has been a great blessing to us. Here's to a year of learning!
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
A Recap!
It's been a long while since I've posted. That goes without saying, I suppose. In many ways, I struggle to make blogging a priority in the midst of so many other responsibilities. But, it is a good outlet for me to get out a few thoughts in written form every now and again.
We Steeds have been busily relishing in family life these last few weeks. Drake is busily getting smarter by the day on internship. He's attending a training in Cincinnati for a few days this week and realized how quickly he adapted to a 10 minute commute after 4 years of a 1-2 hour commute. 'It took me so long to get there this morning!' he told me with a wink when he arrived home last night. His rotation starts on Thursday, and while he's looking forward to getting into some kind of rhythm, the stakes are incredibly high. Jesus, we trust in you!
Thomas Michael seems more accustomed to our home and new surroundings now. He just cannot get enough of having a playroom! If you ever came over to our home in Lombard, you might understand his excitement (and relief!) over a place for his toys. He has grown quite fond of Legos (thank you, Father Krengiel!) and enjoys pretend play with Sister Steed. Lately he has been enjoying trips to the local children's museum, visits to the park on his scooter, reading with Mommy for hours on end, and Friday night soccer. He's doing quite well in school, and next week we'll add Judo to the mix twice a week in the hopes that it helps dear Thomas develop a little more body/spatial awareness. He has been embracing his role as the oldest boy in our home as he helped me get an unwelcome furry visitor out of our home last week despite his reservations. As he told Maria, 'I'm scared, but I'm staying downstairs to help Mommy.'
Maria Therese is absolutely loving the aforementioned pretend play with Thomas as they have been creating all sorts of adventures together including, but not limited to, camping, trips to the store, Mass with young children (always an adventure, for sure!), cooking, and boat trips. She is loving school and is often known to come bounding down the stairs in the morning just to check her list of work for the day. She continues to be the most maternal 3 year-old we have ever known. Maria will start gymnastics next week, which we hope she will love!
Dominic Ambrose is keeping busy keeping up with his older siblings, and they have been showing him a great deal of care and affection in recent weeks. He is getting more and more verbal, specific in his likes and dislikes, and is ever so slowly warming up to the idea of vegetables in his diet. I am currently perusing Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious in an effort to sneak in more nutrition for this little Steed. He continues to be the most adorable rascal and quite the little flirt with a fantastic smile and gorgeous blue eyes. And he cannot get enough of Mommy, which I'm not complaining about in the least!
As for me, our Lord has given me many graces in these last several weeks to get our homeschool year off to a good start. I am learning to manage 2 curricula simultaneously while also trying to keep Dominic involved in his own 'tot school' which involves a lot of fine and gross motor activities. I'm learning how to manage our home and our time well (or at most times, not so well!), and I'm seeing how important self-care is for both Drake and I as we embark on this internship year. It is often an act of the will to get myself to the gym at the end of the day, but it always helps. I am finding that my efforts to stay close to the sacraments, prayer throughout the day, and openness to the Lord's plans (often different from my own) typically result in great serenity and love within our home. Praise be to God.
I hope to post soon on our school year, including a few sassy photos of the little ones. We're excited for our homeschool co-op to begin next week. The adventure continues!
We Steeds have been busily relishing in family life these last few weeks. Drake is busily getting smarter by the day on internship. He's attending a training in Cincinnati for a few days this week and realized how quickly he adapted to a 10 minute commute after 4 years of a 1-2 hour commute. 'It took me so long to get there this morning!' he told me with a wink when he arrived home last night. His rotation starts on Thursday, and while he's looking forward to getting into some kind of rhythm, the stakes are incredibly high. Jesus, we trust in you!
Thomas Michael seems more accustomed to our home and new surroundings now. He just cannot get enough of having a playroom! If you ever came over to our home in Lombard, you might understand his excitement (and relief!) over a place for his toys. He has grown quite fond of Legos (thank you, Father Krengiel!) and enjoys pretend play with Sister Steed. Lately he has been enjoying trips to the local children's museum, visits to the park on his scooter, reading with Mommy for hours on end, and Friday night soccer. He's doing quite well in school, and next week we'll add Judo to the mix twice a week in the hopes that it helps dear Thomas develop a little more body/spatial awareness. He has been embracing his role as the oldest boy in our home as he helped me get an unwelcome furry visitor out of our home last week despite his reservations. As he told Maria, 'I'm scared, but I'm staying downstairs to help Mommy.'
Maria Therese is absolutely loving the aforementioned pretend play with Thomas as they have been creating all sorts of adventures together including, but not limited to, camping, trips to the store, Mass with young children (always an adventure, for sure!), cooking, and boat trips. She is loving school and is often known to come bounding down the stairs in the morning just to check her list of work for the day. She continues to be the most maternal 3 year-old we have ever known. Maria will start gymnastics next week, which we hope she will love!
Dominic Ambrose is keeping busy keeping up with his older siblings, and they have been showing him a great deal of care and affection in recent weeks. He is getting more and more verbal, specific in his likes and dislikes, and is ever so slowly warming up to the idea of vegetables in his diet. I am currently perusing Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious in an effort to sneak in more nutrition for this little Steed. He continues to be the most adorable rascal and quite the little flirt with a fantastic smile and gorgeous blue eyes. And he cannot get enough of Mommy, which I'm not complaining about in the least!
As for me, our Lord has given me many graces in these last several weeks to get our homeschool year off to a good start. I am learning to manage 2 curricula simultaneously while also trying to keep Dominic involved in his own 'tot school' which involves a lot of fine and gross motor activities. I'm learning how to manage our home and our time well (or at most times, not so well!), and I'm seeing how important self-care is for both Drake and I as we embark on this internship year. It is often an act of the will to get myself to the gym at the end of the day, but it always helps. I am finding that my efforts to stay close to the sacraments, prayer throughout the day, and openness to the Lord's plans (often different from my own) typically result in great serenity and love within our home. Praise be to God.
I hope to post soon on our school year, including a few sassy photos of the little ones. We're excited for our homeschool co-op to begin next week. The adventure continues!
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Germanfest!
Today we Steeds enjoyed some family time together before Drake begins internship tomorrow. Now, I fully recognize how spoiled I have been in having him home for 3 full weeks. It's been fantastic, and I'm going to miss him tomorrow! But, we are so grateful for this opportunity.
Anyway...I digress.
Our family time came in the form of walking to a local Germanfest this afternoon. With the older 2 in the wagon and little Dominic in the stroller, we headed over in the heat to a festive party! Dancing, a live band, craft booths, rides, and of course, plenty of overpriced food!
Ready to ride!
Daddy and his mini-me
We made it!
The inflatable bouncy house got a thumbs up from Maria and a so-so from Thomas.
The band featured the lead singer playing an accordion. Major thumbs up in my book.
A bit unsure of the selfie...
Strawberry smoothies and German pretzels for snack!
Yeah. It was hot.
But it was fun!
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Feasting at the Stable
Friends, we Steeds love our Catholic faith. Love it! It surely is difficult to live out at times, but we are trying to build up a very Catholic culture in our family based on Christ and His teachings. And one of our favorite things about being Catholic? The feasting!
As Catholics, we do a lot of celebrating: feast days throughout the year (several each week), sacraments (and the parties that often follow), namesake/patron saint days, baptism anniversaries. Easter isn't limited to one day of celebrating - that party lasts 8 full days! And then there's the Christmas season, too...and every mass, commemorating the Resurrection of Our Lord!
We have recently made a change regarding sweets in our home. Little Steeds (and the bigger ones, too) love sweets just as much as anyone else, but we realized that they were becoming all too common at the Stable. Dessert was eaten happily every night, and treats were no longer treats...simply expected sugar intake. And so, we opted for a change.
We splurged on a large $3.99 monthly calendar at the local teachers' store, adhered some magnets to the back (fancy shmancy, I know), and put it right on our freezer door. This calendar helps us keep track of all 'dessert days' as the kids have named them. We have decided that each month we will have dessert on all Sundays, any family birthdays, any patron saint days in our family. Then we also ask all Steeds to choose a saint whose feast is celebrated that month, learn a few things about that saint's life, enlighten the rest of the family about it (clearly help from Mama Steed and Daddy Steed is needed and happily given), and that child/adult even gets to choose the dessert for that night!
Friends, Steeds are not wanting for dessert, juuuust in case you were starting to feel sorry for any of us.
We had our first go-around at this beginning on Sunday. After some lively table discussion regarding dessert preference, it was decided that chocolate cake should be made by Mama Steed and any interested helpers. And so, chocolate cake was made. Disclaimer: I'm not big on the 'by myself selfie' so I do not have any photos documenting my cake-baking. You'll have to take my word for it.
As Catholics, we do a lot of celebrating: feast days throughout the year (several each week), sacraments (and the parties that often follow), namesake/patron saint days, baptism anniversaries. Easter isn't limited to one day of celebrating - that party lasts 8 full days! And then there's the Christmas season, too...and every mass, commemorating the Resurrection of Our Lord!
We have recently made a change regarding sweets in our home. Little Steeds (and the bigger ones, too) love sweets just as much as anyone else, but we realized that they were becoming all too common at the Stable. Dessert was eaten happily every night, and treats were no longer treats...simply expected sugar intake. And so, we opted for a change.
We splurged on a large $3.99 monthly calendar at the local teachers' store, adhered some magnets to the back (fancy shmancy, I know), and put it right on our freezer door. This calendar helps us keep track of all 'dessert days' as the kids have named them. We have decided that each month we will have dessert on all Sundays, any family birthdays, any patron saint days in our family. Then we also ask all Steeds to choose a saint whose feast is celebrated that month, learn a few things about that saint's life, enlighten the rest of the family about it (clearly help from Mama Steed and Daddy Steed is needed and happily given), and that child/adult even gets to choose the dessert for that night!
Friends, Steeds are not wanting for dessert, juuuust in case you were starting to feel sorry for any of us.
We had our first go-around at this beginning on Sunday. After some lively table discussion regarding dessert preference, it was decided that chocolate cake should be made by Mama Steed and any interested helpers. And so, chocolate cake was made. Disclaimer: I'm not big on the 'by myself selfie' so I do not have any photos documenting my cake-baking. You'll have to take my word for it.
A slightly nervous Maria adding the butter she proudly softened herself.
Focused.
Sneaky.
Not so sneaky.
Chefs!
Did I mention this cake had homemade cocoa frosting? I meant what I said about feasting!
Adorable chefs eagerly awaiting dessert!
And so, many delectable desserts still await the Steeds this month! Dominic's feast day is Aug 8, so we'll celebrate with a dessert of our family's choosing. Thomas will be learning about St. Clare and choosing a dessert for her feast day on Aug. 11, Daddy's birthday and Assumption of Our Lady will be celebrated on the 15th. Maria chose St. Rose of Lima this month on Aug 23. Mama Steed chose to learn more about St. Monica this month, so we'll feast on Aug 27, followed by Daddy Steed's St. Augustine choice on the 28th plus every Sunday this month.
Yum! It's good to be Catholic!
Monday, August 4, 2014
Just In Case You Were Wondering...
Here at the Stable we just started reading
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(*gasp*, is that a photo? On this blog? Why, yes! Yes! It is!)
And I am head over heels for this series. Reading this book aloud is bringing me back to my 4th grade days in which I was first introduced to this book. I love reading C.S. Lewis works, and I'm so happy to be sharing them with our children. Of course the kids don't grasp every word at their tender ages, but the intensity with which Thomas focuses on understanding the plot is second to none. We read about 2 chapters a night (one before night prayer and one after), and the older little ones are eating it up.
And bonus? I scored the entire Chronicles of Narnia series for a whopping $1.89 at Goodwill early in the summer. Thrift stores have become my favorite place to buy books (and many other things!) as people tend to be donating the very books that I'm trying to procure.
And on an unrelated note...
I do apologize if you've tried rather unsuccessfully to leave comments on any posts on the blog. After hearing of the difficulties from a few people, I was able to fix the problem (with much help from my tech-savvy husband). So please do feel free to comment if you wish! My apologies!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Some Steed Family Updates
This weekend marks 2 weeks that we've lived in Dayton, and we are relishing in the family time together! Here's a recap of what we've been up to lately:
- We have been trying to establish good routines for the time being, for both Drake and I and the kids -- so we're working on exciting things like routine bedtimes, establishing our family's daily mass time, exercise for Drake and I (besides child-chasing), and a general schedule for caring for our home, time for school, community events, etc.
- Speaking of exercise, we joined the Y again and hope to get in on some open gym time for Drake, group fitness classes for me, and swimming for the kids. Our goal is to be doing one sport at a time, so we'll focus on some family swim times in the fall and take swim lessons in the winter once soccer is over.
- Speaking of soccer...we joined a homeschool soccer league that gets all the families together on Friday nights for practice and then scrimmages. Drake will be helping coach the younger kids with the hopes that he can be one of Thomas and Maria's coaches. We're really looking forward to this, even if it makes for a guaranteed late night for all members of the Stable. The little Steeds have yet to fully grasp the foreign concept of...what is that called again? Ah yes...sleeping in.
- Drake and I were really spoiled in Lombard as we enjoyed date nights out almost every week during the last academic year. It was fantastic! As we continue to meet families here (specifically families with older children), we hope to get some date nights out on the books. But in the meantime, we've enjoyed a date night in or two. My parents sent us gift cards to two local places, including Piada. We had that for dinner on Friday, and I cannot remember the last time my mouth was watering through an entire meal. Thanks again, Mom and Dad!
- This week we'll be starting VBS at our parish - I'm pumped! I love the family-style nature of it as Maria and Thomas will be in the same group, and I'll be volunteering to help babysit the other children (along with sweet Dominic, of course). Many of our friends will be doing this all week, and there's a big party on Friday to celebrate. Bonus!
- Drake is getting ready for internship which starts next week. While the time off has been nice, it's also a lot of time to anticipate a new and rigorous job.
- We're also hoping to use this week for continuing to unpack those last few pesky boxes (you know, the ones that we've managed to survive this long without even knowing what's inside and could probably just donate the items sight unseen...those boxes).
Friday, August 1, 2014
Do the Most Good.
There's a woman who has been on my heart and mind almost constantly these last few days. And while I never knew her personally, her life has been remarkably impactful on my own. Perhaps you have heard of this Catholic wife and mother, Sarah Harkins. A quick internet search will give you a glimpse into the recent happenings in her life and in the lives of her family members, and I hope you will take a moment or more to pray for the repose of her soul and for all those who mourn losing her, specifically her husband and young children. And, if you feel so inclined, you can donate monetarily to the family here.
I hope that you will take some time to work through any grief you have over this recent happening; sometimes we experience great sadness and confusion even if we ourselves did not know the person. I think this is particularly true if elements of that person's life resonate closely with our own, and that is why I have been thinking of Sarah so often these last several days.
I am not going to attempt to convey the heartbreak and suffering that her family is experiencing, nor am I going to speculate on the affliction that her husband and children are now forced to live through. But there are some striking things to me about her story that I've been reflecting on as of late.
It seems to me that one of the greatest tragedies in this already confusing and devastating situation would be to chalk it up to a horrific event and then leave it at that. It would only make this situation worse to say, "Wow, how could God let something like this happen?" and then harbor anger and then forget about it. Instead, what can we learn from this? I went through some moments of confusion as I wondered, 'Why would God allow for a person doing so much good for His Kingdom to be taken from this earth, especially at a time in which the Church desperately needs the witness of people like Sarah?' And it is a valid question that is worth considering...but, in the end, the reasons behind this event are not mine to know. But I do know that God speaks to His people in a multitude of ways, even in the midst of sadness and pain; we just have to be willing to listen to what He desires to say.
I am most struck by some of the seemingly smaller aspects of this story as I find similarities between Sarah's life and my own...we are both Catholic homeschooling mothers who desire large families (if it be God's will), we both are active in our parishes, we love the Church. But something strikes a different chord with me -- Sarah did the most good in her short time on earth. She poured herself out to her family, her parish, her volunteer organizations. Her life was a great witness to her faith, and it isn't because she held positions of prestige, had letters behind her name, or could run a 5-minute mile (or maybe she could, but it's not important). She did small things extraordinarily well, saying 'yes' to Our Lord in the various contexts that comprised her vocation as a wife and mother. And those small acts of generosity bore great fruit in the lives of those blessed enough to know her as she lived what some would call an ordinary life. Saint Josemaria Escriva has summed this up well:
"...the holiness that Our Lord demands of you is to be achieved by carrying out with love of God your work and your daily duties, and these will almost always consist of small realities."
May the soul of Sarah and all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
I hope that you will take some time to work through any grief you have over this recent happening; sometimes we experience great sadness and confusion even if we ourselves did not know the person. I think this is particularly true if elements of that person's life resonate closely with our own, and that is why I have been thinking of Sarah so often these last several days.
I am not going to attempt to convey the heartbreak and suffering that her family is experiencing, nor am I going to speculate on the affliction that her husband and children are now forced to live through. But there are some striking things to me about her story that I've been reflecting on as of late.
It seems to me that one of the greatest tragedies in this already confusing and devastating situation would be to chalk it up to a horrific event and then leave it at that. It would only make this situation worse to say, "Wow, how could God let something like this happen?" and then harbor anger and then forget about it. Instead, what can we learn from this? I went through some moments of confusion as I wondered, 'Why would God allow for a person doing so much good for His Kingdom to be taken from this earth, especially at a time in which the Church desperately needs the witness of people like Sarah?' And it is a valid question that is worth considering...but, in the end, the reasons behind this event are not mine to know. But I do know that God speaks to His people in a multitude of ways, even in the midst of sadness and pain; we just have to be willing to listen to what He desires to say.
I am most struck by some of the seemingly smaller aspects of this story as I find similarities between Sarah's life and my own...we are both Catholic homeschooling mothers who desire large families (if it be God's will), we both are active in our parishes, we love the Church. But something strikes a different chord with me -- Sarah did the most good in her short time on earth. She poured herself out to her family, her parish, her volunteer organizations. Her life was a great witness to her faith, and it isn't because she held positions of prestige, had letters behind her name, or could run a 5-minute mile (or maybe she could, but it's not important). She did small things extraordinarily well, saying 'yes' to Our Lord in the various contexts that comprised her vocation as a wife and mother. And those small acts of generosity bore great fruit in the lives of those blessed enough to know her as she lived what some would call an ordinary life. Saint Josemaria Escriva has summed this up well:
"...the holiness that Our Lord demands of you is to be achieved by carrying out with love of God your work and your daily duties, and these will almost always consist of small realities."
May the soul of Sarah and all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Awestruck.
Today I am in awe of many things.
I am in awe of the selfless love of my husband who works tirelessly without seeking recognition.
I am in awe of the children Our Lord has entrusted to us -- their beautiful physical features as well as their compassionate hearts, thirst for knowledge, desire to understand, and their love for one another.
I am in awe of living in this home. Please, please come visit!
I am in awe of the gift of faith that has brought our family to this point of embarking on internship after 4 years of full-time graduate classes.
I am in awe of the parish we have found here.
I am in awe of the families we have already met here, the opportunities we have in upcoming weeks for fun and fraternity.
I am in awe of the gift of Jesus Himself in the Eucharist and the chance to receive Him daily.
I am in awe of family walks along the river that oftentimes find the 5 of us holding hands all in a row.
I am in awe of the chance to ease into life in a new place before internship and the school year begin as we relish in time together.
Thank you, my God, for your infinite gifts!
I am in awe of the selfless love of my husband who works tirelessly without seeking recognition.
I am in awe of the children Our Lord has entrusted to us -- their beautiful physical features as well as their compassionate hearts, thirst for knowledge, desire to understand, and their love for one another.
I am in awe of living in this home. Please, please come visit!
I am in awe of the gift of faith that has brought our family to this point of embarking on internship after 4 years of full-time graduate classes.
I am in awe of the parish we have found here.
I am in awe of the families we have already met here, the opportunities we have in upcoming weeks for fun and fraternity.
I am in awe of the gift of Jesus Himself in the Eucharist and the chance to receive Him daily.
I am in awe of family walks along the river that oftentimes find the 5 of us holding hands all in a row.
I am in awe of the chance to ease into life in a new place before internship and the school year begin as we relish in time together.
Thank you, my God, for your infinite gifts!
Monday, July 28, 2014
A Little Photo Op
A random handful of photos for your viewing pleasure...
A tired and happy conversation after Boys' Adventure Camp
Pulling out the winter garb just in time for summer
Smiley in the bathtub
Do you see why I can't stop kissing these babies? Thanks be to God!
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Good Mo(u)rning!
Bedtimes and wake-up times around the stable have been anything but predictable. We're adjusting to a new home. We're adjusting to a new city. We've had much less routine and structure this past week. And perhaps the main culprit? Eastern Time. The typical 7:30pm little Steed bedtime feels like 6:30pm to them...and, as Maria so sweetly reminded me..."If the sun's not asleep, then why do I need to sleep?"
Well, my darling, the Ohio sun works second shift around these parts and doesn't go to sleep until well after 9:00. And we all feel the effects of a sleep-deprived 3-year-old.
Anyway, bedtimes for certain littles have been late, thus throwing off wake-up times on most days. On one of our earlier mornings, I was reading to Thomas on the couch (you see, Thomas has always been a good sleeper and actually did go to bed at 7:30 Eastern Time. He was fairly refreshed by 5:30am and excited about a new batch of books we had borrowed during a trip to the library). This particular book is called Grasshopper on the Road and is divided into a handful of chapters that each tell a story about Grasshopper's adventures on said road. Grasshopper's first encounter involves a large group of morning-loving beetles. These beetles are all holding signs depicting their love for morning including slogans like:
"Three Cheers for Morning!"
"Make Mine Morning!"
"Morning is Tops!"
You get the picture. Just as we had begun this thrilling tale, Mr. Steed made an appearance in the living room. This was a pre-coffee appearance, mind you. He took a seat on the couch and was listening rather intently to the narrative before beginning some sleepy mental prayer. And one particular line caught his attention. "They danced and sang M-O-R-N-I-N-G spells morning!"
Without missing a beat, Mr. Steed comments, "They forgot the 'u'."
And that, my friends, sums up Mr. Steed's general feelings toward most mornings, specifically pre-coffee mornings.
Well, my darling, the Ohio sun works second shift around these parts and doesn't go to sleep until well after 9:00. And we all feel the effects of a sleep-deprived 3-year-old.
Anyway, bedtimes for certain littles have been late, thus throwing off wake-up times on most days. On one of our earlier mornings, I was reading to Thomas on the couch (you see, Thomas has always been a good sleeper and actually did go to bed at 7:30 Eastern Time. He was fairly refreshed by 5:30am and excited about a new batch of books we had borrowed during a trip to the library). This particular book is called Grasshopper on the Road and is divided into a handful of chapters that each tell a story about Grasshopper's adventures on said road. Grasshopper's first encounter involves a large group of morning-loving beetles. These beetles are all holding signs depicting their love for morning including slogans like:
"Three Cheers for Morning!"
"Make Mine Morning!"
"Morning is Tops!"
You get the picture. Just as we had begun this thrilling tale, Mr. Steed made an appearance in the living room. This was a pre-coffee appearance, mind you. He took a seat on the couch and was listening rather intently to the narrative before beginning some sleepy mental prayer. And one particular line caught his attention. "They danced and sang M-O-R-N-I-N-G spells morning!"
Without missing a beat, Mr. Steed comments, "They forgot the 'u'."
And that, my friends, sums up Mr. Steed's general feelings toward most mornings, specifically pre-coffee mornings.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Steeds Have Landed.
If you're reading this blog, you're well aware that our family recently relocated to Dayton, OH; and you're likely also aware that this move was in an effort to finish up dear Drake's last official grad school year as he embarks on internship in early August. I will say only this about our move: moving is crazy. That's why we plan to do it 3 times in a 3 year span.
No one will be happier than I will when Drake graduates. No one!
This blog is an attempt to keep you, dear reader, up to speed as to the goings-on at the stable (stable for Steeds, of course). I have kept blogs in the past...and I have landed flat on my arse in many of those attempts. But looking back on those writing escapades, I realize that most of why I failed so miserably was because I worried too much about what you (yes, you!) would think about what you were reading. I agonized over the conclusions you might be drawing about me, my husband, our children based on the words on your computer screen (yep, I'm typing this on an old-fashioned lap top. It's even plugged in, so it's more of a glorified desktop. And I daresay, I like it this way.). With that said, I'm posting without expectation on this blog. Go ahead and conclude all you want...that's between you and the Lord. In the meantime, I'll post as I'm able. And maybe, just maybe, you'll be privy to some photos on this blog, specifically starting in the Fall when there's the slightest chance that I might dip my toe into the modern age pool and get an upgrade on my pantech phone. But don't hold me to it.
In recent news, we are loving this house. Loving it! I never felt that our place in Chicagoland was our home...it was always just the place we lived. And while I am full of gratitude that Our Lord provided a place of refuge for us during the first 4 years of grad school, I struggled to call it our home. Both Drake and I are a bit in awe of the chance to live in a pretty home like this one. Oh, and we love visitors, so come on over! Please!
The kids are adjusting well overall. I'm not gonna lie, the first few days were pretty hairy. In fact, the two weeks leading up to the move had me seriously considering having the ears and vocal cords of all the littles checked as both disobedience and screaming were at all-time highs. I am relieved to report that listening is improving and screaming is typically saved for more appropriate affairs like fingers caught in doors (ouch, Dominic) and arguments over using the garbage disposal (this is a pretty novel contraption for Steeds). However, I am still mulling over the idea of DIY seat belts for our kitchen chairs as keeping our children seated for an entire meal, or even for 5 consecutive minutes, is becoming an unnecessarily strenuous enterprise. But that's a post for another day.
Here's to a year of faith, adventure, and growth! Cheers!
No one will be happier than I will when Drake graduates. No one!
This blog is an attempt to keep you, dear reader, up to speed as to the goings-on at the stable (stable for Steeds, of course). I have kept blogs in the past...and I have landed flat on my arse in many of those attempts. But looking back on those writing escapades, I realize that most of why I failed so miserably was because I worried too much about what you (yes, you!) would think about what you were reading. I agonized over the conclusions you might be drawing about me, my husband, our children based on the words on your computer screen (yep, I'm typing this on an old-fashioned lap top. It's even plugged in, so it's more of a glorified desktop. And I daresay, I like it this way.). With that said, I'm posting without expectation on this blog. Go ahead and conclude all you want...that's between you and the Lord. In the meantime, I'll post as I'm able. And maybe, just maybe, you'll be privy to some photos on this blog, specifically starting in the Fall when there's the slightest chance that I might dip my toe into the modern age pool and get an upgrade on my pantech phone. But don't hold me to it.
In recent news, we are loving this house. Loving it! I never felt that our place in Chicagoland was our home...it was always just the place we lived. And while I am full of gratitude that Our Lord provided a place of refuge for us during the first 4 years of grad school, I struggled to call it our home. Both Drake and I are a bit in awe of the chance to live in a pretty home like this one. Oh, and we love visitors, so come on over! Please!
The kids are adjusting well overall. I'm not gonna lie, the first few days were pretty hairy. In fact, the two weeks leading up to the move had me seriously considering having the ears and vocal cords of all the littles checked as both disobedience and screaming were at all-time highs. I am relieved to report that listening is improving and screaming is typically saved for more appropriate affairs like fingers caught in doors (ouch, Dominic) and arguments over using the garbage disposal (this is a pretty novel contraption for Steeds). However, I am still mulling over the idea of DIY seat belts for our kitchen chairs as keeping our children seated for an entire meal, or even for 5 consecutive minutes, is becoming an unnecessarily strenuous enterprise. But that's a post for another day.
Here's to a year of faith, adventure, and growth! Cheers!
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