Happy Birthday "Justin Time for Christmas"

It is hard to believe that 19 years ago today I was on my way to the hospital to deliver Justin. The time has flown by. I remember the day I found out I was pregnant. 17 and scared. My parents, even though they were disappointed in me, loved me anyway. In fact they loved my husband to be as well and allowed us to live with them. I have the greatest parents in the whole world. I don't know what I would have done without them helping me during that time of my life.

Here we are 19 years later, my little baby boy has grown into a wonderful young man. He is gorgeous on the inside and gorgeous on the outside. He has been through alot in his 19 years but has shown great strength through it all. He could have chosen different roads enlight of his circumstances, but he didn't. He has taken the right path. I am very proud of the man he is becoming.

I am hoping that as the teenage years come to an end this year, I'll get him back. Those of you with teenagers know what I am referring to! He will want to spend time with me! He won't think I am stupid anymore! He will want to sit down and eat dinner with us! He won't roll his eyes! Oh well, I can dream can't I? Lol. Gotta love the teenagers. So full of emotion. The teenage years are a roller coaster. One almost down and 4 more to go!

Happy Birthday Justin. I thank God that even though you came into my life at a time that was not normal for most, it was perfect for me. I am honored that God chose me to be your mother. We have had our ups and downs but one thing has stayed the same... I have loved you always and will continue to love you no matter what. Have a wonderful day and I wish you Peace, Love and Happiness for this New Year.

Love,
Maureen aka Mommy

The true meaning of Christmas

We are enjoying this Christmas season. We are spending less and having less stress. Our focus has been on the sights and sounds and the true meaning of Christmas. Our home is decorated from inside to outside. The kids love turning on the lights at night. We have taken several drives around town viewing Christmas lights which is one of my favorite holiday activities. Last weekend we attended the Walk through Bethlehem. That by far is our favorite tradition. It wouldn't be Christmas if we didn't go says Ashlyn -15. Even though we waited 3 1/2 hours in line, it was worth it. Nothing says Christmas like going back in time to the first Christmas and seeing the Baby Jesus! I can't forget about the Christmas cookies we will be baking on Saturday.

So, we have filled our Holiday with many fun activities with a few more things on our agenda. But yesterday when Lauren-8 and Dylan-6 had an opportunity to visit Santa at the mall, my eyes filled with tears when I heard Santa talk to my children. After they told him what they wanted to receive, he proceeded to tell them that the true meaning of Christmas was not the gifts that he will bring them, but it is about God and love and loving the people around you. I have never heard a Santa talk that way and it really was so nice.

Merry Christmas,
Maureen

A Mother's Prayer: Help me to Play Lord!

Lord, I know that a child's work is to play. So help me to be quick to stop what I am doing to play with the kids whenever they say "Play with me Mommy".

Help me not to hear those words as interruptions; rather, help me to hear them as a special invitation into their world. I should feel honored that they want to take me there.

While we are playing, Lord help me to realize that at no other time will my children be this receptive to me. Help me to seize these chances to teach them important things. Help me to use these opportunities to affirm my kid's importance to me, our family and most of all to you. Amen

As soon as we feasted our eyes on our squinty-eyed babies in the delivery room, they and we began the slow, but quick process of separating. A quote from one of my favorite books "Celebrate Home".

I know that my time with kids is a gift. I am doing my best to celebrate each day, make special memories for my kids and just soak up these precious moments. As Christmas draws close, I hope to enjoy all the magic my kids will bring to our home. I love seeing their eyes light up and the hearing the excitement in their voices. Take a moment, stop whatever it is you are doing and play with your kids, talk with your kids, and snuggle with them. There will be a day when they are too big to play, or snuggle and as they approach the teens years talking with them might be a challenge as well lol!


Enjoying my children,
Maureen

Happy Thanksgiving

I have so much to be thankful for this year. My blessings have been overflowing and abundant. This past year has been one of the most difficult years we have had to face. I am thankful that we are happy, healthy and together. I am so thankful for the life I have and the people I have to share it with. I am looking forward to spending the holiday with my extended family. I have so many fond memories of Thanksgivings at my Aunt Marilyn's house. There were always about 30-35 people, football on tv and a football game going on in the backyard. I can remember her fancy china and the smell of coffee and pumpkin pie. Times have changed and our family has gotten bigger. Some of us have started our own Thanksgiving traditions with the start of new families. We now gather at my Mom's house, the numbers have dwindled down to 15-20. There might be football on the tv, but we're too old for the backyard game! There is always plenty of coffee and pumpkin pie after our delicious Turkey dinner but, we've traded in the fancy china for pretty Thanksgiving paper plates! I can't forget about the traditional Macy's Day parade. My grandmother watched every minute of it and would discuss all the beautiful floats and balloons with us over dinner. I just love Thanksgiving.

My house is full of excitement as the holidays arrive. My children are ready to burst they are so anxious to decorate for Christmas. I just love the magic that little children bring to the season. Their eyes light up and their hearts are so full of joy. Ryan-5 is obsessed with Charlie Brown. He watches the DVD's over and over. Both Grandma's can't resist any decoration that is Charlie Brown related. We have 3 inflatable Snoopy's for the yard, one set of peanuts gang characters skating that light up a pathway, a replica of the Charlie Brown Christmas tree and a replica of snoopy's house decorated for Christmas that plays music. It is a tradition of mine to decorate the day after Thanksgiving and into the weekend. Ashlyn-15 has promised to take Ryan-5 outside to lay on a blanket and drink hot chocolate with candy canes and just gaze at our yard decorations. Ryan-5 is calling it his Christmas party with Ashwyn (that is how he pronounces her name, it used to be Afwin so it is starting to form correctly!). I can't wait to decorate and really get into the holiday spirit.

My holiday spirit will get a jump start on Black Friday. It is a tradition for my Mom and I to hit the stores the day after Thanksgiving. We never go before 7 am ( we're not that crazy to get up at 4 am ) and we never go for anything in particular. We just like to get a little shopping done, eat a nice breakfast somewhere and put ourselves in the Christmas mood. Not that my Mom needs any help in the Christmas Spirit department. She has always been crazy about Christmas.

I am anticipating a wonderful memorable Thanksgiving and Holiday weekend with my family. I can almost taste the turkey and smell the pumpkin pie and coffee!

So very Thankful,
Maureen

Truly Blessed!

On December 7th we are having a Family reunion. My family is large and most of them live close by, some are only about and hour away and a small amount live out of state. As our family has grown over the years it is harder and harder to get everyone together for the holidays. We decided to have an informal gathering at my parent's clubhouse where everyone brings a dish and some beverages. No presents, no fancy clothes. Just us. I can't wait. It is so good to reconnect every so often with family.

My cousin has taken on the job of creating a slide show entitled "Christmas through the years". Every family has to submit a few photos taken at Christmas time and we will be able to watch this wonderful video of our precious memories at the reunion. He has promised to make a copy for everyone to take home. I am really excited about it. So, I have spent the greater part of today pouring over photos, watching old VHS tapes and combing my computer for just the right pictures.

Looking at these pictures made me realize how truly Blessed I am. I have the most wonderful family. God gave me the best parents in the whole world. My aunts, uncles and cousins and grandparents are so special to me. God gave me the gift of a loving husband and 5 beautiful children who have brought me so much joy. I have these two Aunts that are so much fun to be around. Everyone who has the opportunity to spend time with my family always says they want to be adopted in! It also made me think about how fast time flies. It is so easy to get caught up in the mundane routines of your daily life and forget how each day is a memory. Every person in your life is precious. We should be enjoying our relationships and smiling and laughing and just enjoying everyday life.

My scanner isn't working so I am unable to share some photos from the past. I am so ignorant when it comes to all of this technology. Thank goodness God blessed me in that area too, he gave me my Mac guy, my husband, the technical wiz kid...Dennis (thanks honey for putting up with my technical shortcomings). So, here are a few pics from recent years that I have on my computer. Lauren about 3 months old, now she is 8, (sitting with Santa aka... Uncle Fred. Justin and Ashlyn with her Reindeer antlers on. They are about 9 and 6 years old here. (now they are 18 and 15). Lauren and Dylan acting silly under the tree, here they are 3 and 4. Now they are 8 and 6 1/2. Also pictured is 4 of them acting goofy under the tree as Dylan tries to ride on Justin's back! Oh the good times we have had!

As the Holiday Season approaches I am going to squeeze every bit of the magic, the fun, the good food, great family get togethers and fill my heart to overflowing with the joy my family will give me.

So thankful for Family,
Maureen

God is in control...

Good morning,
Like many of you I stayed up late last night watching history unfold before my eyes. Fear began to creep its way into my heart. Disappointment filled my being. Unsure of what lies ahead I turned to the only person who could help me....God. As I laid my head down I heard his gentle voice tell me, Maureen put your trust in me, not a man, not your government. I am in complete control and always have been. Even when you can't see me or hear me, I am there. Pray for your new President Elect. I began to pray and peace came over me. I awoke this morning feeling more at peace then I had last night. So, no matter who you voted for it is time we come together and pray that God's hand will rest gently on those in political power.

On a lighter note, it's over! No more ads, signs and heated debates! I don't know about you but I sure was growing weary of it all. My oldest son voted yesterday for the first time. That was exciting to see him taking part and fulfilling his responsibility as a young adult citizen. Hard to believe he is a young adult already. My how time flies.

Leaning not on my ways but His,
Maureen

Halloween at our house

Halloween is my kids favorite holiday. The candy, the costumes, the fall decorations and I can't forget our favorite Halloween show, It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. We are huge fans of the Peanuts Gang here. Which is why I didn't mind staying up until the wee hours (ok it was only 11pm, but when you're as old as me, that is the wee hours) making a Charlie Brown shirt for my little guy Ryan.

I have included pictures of my kids dressed in their costumes. Lauren was a witch, Dylan was a vampire, Ryan was Charlie Brown and my nephew was the Joker from Batman. My oldest son was working and his costume days are long gone which is sad. My daughter Ashlyn was at her high school football game. She is on the colorguard and performs at half time. She was disappointed that she missed out on Halloween. She is still tiny enough she could get away with dressing up! The little kids were kind enough to share their loot with the older ones and me of course. They know right away to hand over the Butterfingers and other chocolate bars they don't like!

The Great Pumpkin actually made a stop at our house a few weeks ago and left a pumpkin patch right in our front yard. Complete with a bale of hay, some scarecrows and about 50 pumpkins ranging from little to big (Thank you Grandpa Dennis shhh!). My little guy Ryan was so excited to sell pumpkins to customers who drove by ( my husband's employees who were secretly sent to pose as customers!) He was happy to help his customers choose the perfect pumpkin. I was a little worried we may get cited for running an illegal business in our front yard, but it worked out just fine!

It was a memorable Halloween. The weather was beautiful and we went trick or treating in a neighborhood close by that hosts a safe and fun experience for all. The houses were beautifully decorated and the kids had a great time. I am a little tired from all the walking but it was worth it.

Unfortunately I have come down with a cold. Why is it when you are sick the kids are louder and messier? It is so hard for me to sit around. I am not a good patient. With a family of seven if you take even a few minutes off things could get out of control. I am trying to rest and get well. The dirt and laundry will still be there when I am well, right?

Hoping to feel better soon!
Maureen

Welcome friends!

I have been trying to get this blog up and running for quite some time.  With 5 kids and a husband to care for, it seems the days just slip away. I hope to be able to share with you my adventures in raising five children as well as the Blessing it has been.   Allow me to introduce my family to you.  My husband of 10 years, Dennis,  Justin-18,  Ashlyn-15,  Lauren-8, Dylan -6, and Ryan-5, and of course me, Maureen!

The pictures above were taken recently of my older kids going to the Homecoming Dance.  The last two were taken on our traditional visit to the Pumpkin Patch.  My kids love Halloween.  Next to Christmas it is their favorite holiday. 

Today I am preparing for a road trip.  I love road trips!  My husband Dennis and I are traveling to Maggie Valley North Carolina for the weekend.  I will be competing in a Clogging Competition on Saturday.  For those of you who may not know me, I have been clogging since I was 9 years old.  A very long time!  I currently teach beginning, intermediate and advanced clogging to all ages at a local dance studio.  I love it. This year I hooked up with some friends who are into the competition circuit and they invited me to join them for this event. I am very excited.

I have never seen the leaves change and I am looking forward to the cooler weather and some time with  Dennis.  So, I am gonna run and finish packing.  I hope to be able to post next week.  Until then, thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend.

Happy Fall!

Love,

Maureen