Munchkins On the Path

Christmas Day Photos - Part 2

2011-12-25T21:38:00.000-06:00

Kathleen gets her requested t-shirt.
How apt.

Therese snuggles up in her new Christmas sleeping bag.

A new scooter, just for me!
(She was getting tired of sharing the boys' scooters.)

Anna Marie hopes to play her violin for weddings.
She already has quite a beautiful wedding repertoire.

We will all be able to track the NFL playoffs with this new magnetic playoff chart.

Marguerite gets a kick out of Lucia's new top!

Christmas Day Photos - Part 1

2011-12-25T21:15:00.000-06:00

The first mad rush to the gift pile.

Marguerite with her chocolate.
This was the theme of the day.

Excitement!

This is one excited boy. Santa listened to his request for a Donald Driver jersey.

Striking a Clay Matthews pose.

Elizabeth and Lucia chill, amidst gifts and wrappers and Christmas trash...

Christmas Mass

2011-12-25T21:01:00.000-06:00

We attended Mass on Christmas morning this year, rather than on Christmas Eve, as we have many previous years. We are finding this to be much easier for us at this stage in our family with all the little ones.

We have our Christmas Eve festivities:

Sprinkle the yard with Reindeer Dust
Write letters to Santa
Read Luke's account of Jesus' birth
Read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
Have a giant feast unlike anything else we eat all year
Put out cookies and milk for Santa
Track Santa on Norad radar

And since we do not do Mass on Christmas Eve now, we can go to bed. Well, some of us can. ;)

On Christmas morning, we get everyone up and dressed in their Christmas finery, and we shoo the kids out the door to church without letting them peek into the family room where all the gifts are located and the stockings are stuffed. This is no easy feat, mind you, and I'm not about to reveal here the bribery and threats that it takes to get these polished little children into the van without so much as peeking at the surprises under the tree.

After a beautiful Mass, we always take the children to the front of the church where they can view the Nativity Scene.

Going to Mass first and stopping to see Baby Jesus in the manger puts the whole day in the proper perspective, I believe.

Of course, once we arrive home, the kids can hardly be contained, but it's all good.

Below are some photos after Mass at Holy Redeemer.

Lucia and Marguerite (middle) with their friends, after Christmas morning Mass.

The Munchkins 7, after Christmas morning Mass.
(Why did I not pull down Lucia's dress?)

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-24T20:51:00.002-06:00

I did not manage to snap many photos on Christmas Eve, but here are a few.

Some happy campers, some Christmas caroling music-makers, and one wee Packer fan.

Andrew and Marguerite on Christmas Eve.

Christmas carols on the piano, concertina, and violin.

Note that Joe is in his apron. A sign that very good things are happening in the kitchen.

Football baby celebrates Christmas Eve in style.

Christmas Card 2011

2011-12-23T11:28:00.000-06:00

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Seamstress Anna Marie

2011-12-20T20:40:00.000-06:00

So one evening, a few days before Christmas, Anna Marie whips out the sewing machine, pulls out a skirt of Marguerite's, looks at it, traces around it, and starts whipping out a brand new tiered skirt in a festive corduroy pattern.

Just like that.

One minute there's no skirt, the next minute (well thirty minutes later), there is this adorable "Christmas skirt."

But, wait, there's more...

No sooner does Anna Marie finish Marguerite's skirt, than she sets off to make a matching jumper for Lucia.

In less than a total of two hours, we have beautiful matching Christmas outfits for our two littlest girls, courtesy of one seriously talented and crafty seamstress.

I (always needing a pattern, myself) am impressed to my very core. And these skirts are cute, cute, cute! (So are all three girls involved. :)

Anna Marie with her two youngest sisters, Marguerite and Lucia.
Check out those adorable brown corduroy outfits!

Peek-a-Boo!

2011-12-17T20:26:00.000-06:00

When Marguerite and Lucia's birthmother made the decision to keep these two sisters together, she made an inspired choice. These two little girls bring such joy to one another. It's a blast watching the two of them interact.

Here they are, perched in a laundry basket, on a weekday morning, caught in an impromptu game of peek-a-boo. I came upon this scene and was compelled to start snapping photos.

Where's Marguerite, Lucia?

Peek-a-Boo!

Marguerite entertains herself as much as Lucia.

Christmas Recital

2011-12-16T20:17:00.000-06:00

The four oldest munchkins took part in their music studio's annual Christmas recital.

I snapped a couple nice photos of William in action, before I remembered that flash photos aren't allowed during the performance. Oops. For this reason, there are no photos of Kathleen or Andrew playing piano or Anna Marie performing her vocal solo.

William and his wonderful teacher, Hannah.

The Leones make up a healthy 4/9 of the performers.

Kathleen and the music teacher who has inspired her to pursue a degree in music someday.
Kathleen is already busy looking at music programs at various colleges. (Yes, college is more than five years away.)

William Turns 11!

2011-12-15T20:02:00.000-06:00

Another December birthday, just ten days before Christmas: Mr. William turns 11 and claims that he loves the double-whammy of excitement that comes from having a birthday and Christmas just ten days apart.

This year, our football-loving boy received a new football, a football mouth guard, football receiver gloves, and a football tee. On top of that, Therese, sticking with the theme, made him a very cool pipe cleaner football! I can't say I've ever received a pipe cleaner football. But the new Rip Stick was the highlight of the evening.

Check out the smiles on this handsome eleven year old's face. We love you, Willy!

Marguerite Turns 2!

2011-12-11T19:35:00.000-06:00

Oh, how I love our two-year-old girl. Marguerite is our pride and joy. She keeps us smiling and brings so much life to our family. I cannot imagine life without our treasure, Miss Marguerite Jane.

Now that's a gift!

Kathleen made and decorated the beautiful Pooh cake. Marguerite was so excited!

A Hunting We Will Go

2011-12-08T19:12:00.000-06:00

Kathleen took Hunter Safety this year and was eligible, for the first time, to hunt with Joe. She had some great experiences in her several days of hunting this season, although she was disappointed not to bag a deer herself this year.

Having said that, we do have a freezer full of venison now, thanks to Joe and his buddies. (And as of today, we also have a freezer full of lamb meat, thanks to our farmer friends, the Wiedenbecks.) Next year, it will be Kathleen also bringing home the venison (and maybe Anna Marie too, as she hopes to take Hunter Safety in the spring).

Bring on the venison stew... the venison jerky... the grilled venison... the venison gyros... the venison shish kebobs...
Mmmm... I'm getting hungry.

St. Nicholas Day 2011

2011-12-06T17:57:00.001-06:00

When you see this sight...

...you know it's St. Nicholas Day in the Leone household.

A great little preview of Christmas excitement (okay, in this photo, they are trying to refrain from tearing into the little gifts, out of deference to their photo-snapping mom), and a reminder that the Santa Clause tradition comes down to us from St. Nicholas.

From http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/around-the-world/:

In many places St. Nicholas is the main gift giver. His feast day, St. Nicholas Day, is December 6, which falls early in the Advent season. Some places he arrives in the middle of November and moves about the countryside, visiting schools and homes to find out if children have been good. Other places he comes in the night and finds carrots and hay for his horse or donkey along with children's wish lists. Small treats are left in shoes or stockings so the children will know he has come.

Where St. Nicholas is prominent, his day, not Christmas, is the primary gift giving day. Parties may be held on the eve, December 5th, and shoes or stockings left for St. Nicholas to fill during the night. Children will find treats of small gifts, fruit or nuts, and special Nicholas candies and cookies. St. Nicholas gifts are meant to be shared, not hoarded for oneself.

Spelling Bee Excitement

2011-12-06T17:37:00.002-06:00

Continuing in fine tradition, Kathleen secures another second-place finish in the Holy Family Homeschoolers spelling bee. Of course, she would have loved to have achieved first place, but she was a good sport and was so happy that her friend won.

Kathleen is now the alternate for the All-City Spelling Bee, so if the first place winner is unable to go for any reason, Kathleen will represent Holy Family Homeschoolers. (A few years ago, Anna Marie won first place in the HFH bee, but had to offer her spot to the alternate because she was ill with the flu!)

Kathleen, on the left.

Nativity Play

2011-12-05T17:23:00.001-06:00

The kids have begun a tradition of putting together a little family Nativity play each year close to Christmas. I believe this is the fifth year running.

This year's play was excellent, as always, and—for the first time—we had a photographer (Miss Anna Marie) putting together some nice cast shots prior to the play. (Yes, Lucia—who appears not to have a cast photo—took the starring role as Baby Jesus.)

What a high-quality play the seven Leone kids performed for us this year, complete with program and great costumes—all found in closets and dress-up buckets.

William as Angel Gabriel

Therese, as the Blessed Virgin Mary

Therese and Andrew, as Mary and Joseph, headed to Bethlehem.

Shepherd Marguerite

Marguerite adores Baby Jesus.

A shepherd and her many lambs (in interesting array).

Marguerite (double-cast) as the Star of Bethlehem.

That is one shiny, happy star.

Andrew as St. Joseph, letting the donkey rest.

William, as the Christmas angel.

Words of Widsom

2011-12-05T14:28:00.001-06:00

On teaching my daughters... and my sons. Wise words, indeed.

(Found this at http://a-ladys-findings.tumblr.com/)

Still More Random Baby Cuteness

2011-12-03T14:17:00.000-06:00

These two little girls keep my photo-snapping fingers busy:

Carrying her two babies on a Saturday morning.

Marguerite and Lucia kick back on Mom and Dad's bed.

Is that sisterly love? Suspicion? Mischief?

Beautiful, smiling Lucia!

Merry (early) Christmas to Andrew

2011-12-02T14:16:00.000-06:00

Andrew has an amazing Godmother (who is married to his amazing Godfather)... Godmother Claudia decided that this year was the year for an "experience gift" for Andrew for Christmas. And not just any experience, mind you. Artist Claudia took him to this amazing art studio in the woods where Andrew was able to create his only paper mache rhino on a wire frame. Andrew reports that it was "the best gift ever."

Just take me back to my childhood and set me up with a Godmother like Claudia Daniel, please.

Andrew and the art instructor work on the rhino.

Adding the paper mache.

A rhino masterpiece which now resides in our kitchen.

Sisters

2011-11-30T14:05:00.001-06:00

Can I tell you how happy I am that these two girls have each other? I pray for their birthmother every night, thanking God that she gave them life and chose to keep them together. God bless you, T!

(Pay no attention to the tonsure hairstyle that Lucia has created for herself.)

Chia?

2011-11-28T14:02:00.000-06:00

There are Chia Pets.

And then there are Kathleen Pets.

Kathleen displays a science project.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-11-28T13:23:00.000-06:00

Holy smokes; I turned 45 this year. Half-way to 90. All things considered, I am doing A-OK!

Presenting some scenes from my happy little birthday celebration:

The lighting isn't great, but I sure do love this photo of sweet Marguerite with her ever-loving' mama.

Lucia celebrates right alongside us. Would you look at that smile?

The birthday girl with her very favorite man!

Enjoying our two Georgia peaches.

Therese loves the festivities of a good birthday party.
The poinsettia in the background is a birthday gift from my dear friend, Claudia Daniel.

Big love, all around.

Mom-and-daughter antics at the kitchen counter. Lovely, eh?

Braces!

2011-11-26T13:08:00.000-06:00

Introducing our second child to get braces: Mr. William.
(The palate-expander has just been removed. Upper braces will follow shortly.)

Kathleen in a holding period, until the last baby tooth falls out, will probably get braces next. That'll be three for three. Let's hope that the four younger munchkins have mouths full of nice straight teeth, with no underbites. Please dear Lord. Our pocketbooks could use the break. ;)

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-26T13:03:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving 2011. Otherwise known as the Packer game-day Thanksgiving when we were still basking in the understanding that the Pack would go all the way to the Superbowl again this year. Yep.

And this demonstrates why tardy posting of November blog updates in January is revealing—sadly revealing in this case: For what we know now about the Packers' fall from grandeur in the first game of the post-season would have wiped that Thanksgiving pre-game smile right off my Aaron-Rodgers-jersey-reflectin' face. Woe to we Packer fans. (And I say "we Packer fans" inclusively. Please note that my Chicago-boy husband has finally traded in his Bears gear for Packers gear in the last several years. That's my man Joe.)

Joe and Elizabeth, before the game, before Thanksgiving dinner.
(The jersey was an early birthday gift from Joe to moi. Good guy, that Joe.)

Therese surveys the Thanksgiving spread, as Mom dices salad fixings.

Is William eager for dinner?

Joe and Anna Marie do their part at gravy-making. (The gravy must be taste-tested.)

Beautiful (hungry) Anna Marie.

Joe, Lucia, and Kathleen—ready for Thanksgiving dinner.

Sweetie Therese.
"When is dinner ready, Mom?"

Lucia and Kathleen are ready for the last-minute gravy prep.

Random Cuteness

2011-11-17T12:15:00.000-06:00

Random cute pics of the little girls, Marguerite and Lucia.

Time Alone with Marguerite

2011-11-16T11:51:00.016-06:00

On a Saturday in November, a rare treat befell me: I had a couple hours alone with Marguerite. Just the two of us.

Joe had taken all but the two littlest kids out for some (birthday-for-me!) shopping. I had a very quiet house, with only a baby and a toddler on the premises. When little Lucia went down for a nap and was safely nestled in her crib, Marguerite and I decided to head out on a little walk around our property. What a great time! We talked (toddler talk though it may have been), and we laughed. Marguerite tried to repeat every word I said.

It's easy to forget how important the one-on-one time is with each child. With a big family, I have to consciously create that time. With my oldest daughters, it might be something as simple as sitting on the edge of their beds and quietly chatting with them in those few moments before we all head to sleep. Last week, I was able to slip away for to a coffee shop for a half hour with my oldest daughter. I will always cherish these times. I love the hubbub and merriment of the big-family dynamic, but the one-on-one times are precious and needed too.

The Joys of a Large Family

2011-11-15T17:14:00.000-06:00

Since I've had so little time lately to keep this blog updated, I am filling the gap for now by pasting a favorite article of mine. It comes from the December 5, 2009, issue of World magazine. You can find the article here. Enjoy.

Don't miss the joy

A large family is a gift that 'stuff' cannot replace | Matt Anderson

Everyone knows we live on an overpopulated planet. Too many people (carbon footprints) harm our environment, causing global climate change, a threat to us all. In addition, increasing population means more poverty and starvation. Responsible adults must limit their family size.

What I just wrote is nonsense, of course, but is religion to environmentalists and accepted by many if not most Americans. In spite of such bleak pronouncements, abundant space remains in and on this world for more people. The sun controls our weather more than we thought. Carbon dioxide helps plants grow. Denmark and Japan, two densely populated countries, experience remarkable prosperity in spite of (because of?) their many citizens. Dishonesty, graft, greed, and corruption seem to contribute more to poverty and starvation in developing countries than anything else.

But what does a socially responsible young adult do about family? Should a couple have children? If so, how many? Is a large family a curse on the planet or a blessing? As Psalm 127 says, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!"

I deal with this issue every day in my OB/GYN practice. It's my job to inquire about childbearing desires, an inquiry that always leads to a discussion of family size. The comments I hear are almost always the same: We have the perfect family, a boy and a girl; my husband won't let me; daycare is too expensive; we just moved into a new house and can't afford another child; one child is too much hassle, more would be worse; we want to travel and have fun; we should limit our family to not hurt the planet. Money. Time. Fun. Job. Daycare. Hassle. Husband. Environmental responsibility. Such are the reasons I hear for limiting family size.

I'll ask to share my perspective. If permitted, I do my best to counter such arguments and am occasionally persuasive.

For those with money trouble, I counter by saying there has never been a better time to afford children. Discount stores and thrift shops dot cities and towns. Frugality is not poverty. The most important things a parent can give a child—time, support, love, care, discipline, and training—cannot be bought with money. A strong social safety net protects in the event of hard times. No one starves.

To the hard-core environmentalists, I mention Denmark and Japan as examples of countries maintaining a healthy environment with dense populations and present the view that people are the solution, not the problem.

It's harder to counter the "perfect family" argument and the "we want to have fun" argument. To that I ask if her children bring her joy. And, of course, they do.

Then, if permitted, I share my Thanksgiving story.

Thanksgiving—it's a busy day at the Anderson house. Family and friends arrive from all over, some bringing food, some Thanksgiving cards, some half a gaggle of kids, and everyone their appetites. Decorations of turkeys and pilgrims delight the little ones. The smell of food fills the house. In the kitchen, a passel of women (and men) prepare food in abundance as talking fills the air. Discussions of kids, jobs, cars, church, joys, and sorrows go on between where's-this-bowl and what-shall-I-add-to-this. Toddlers run, scream, fall, laugh, and cry. Babies are admired, diapers are changed, naps go on in the quiet rooms, and comments are made about how every child is taller this year.

Eventually, everyone gathers at the table where I read a thanksgiving Psalm and pray, thanking God for His providence, praying for those in need, remembering with sorrow the close family and friends who have passed on, and blessing those who could not attend. Everyone eats as conversations continue. A few do the dishes, sometimes even joyfully, as most bundle up for the football game outside where someone is always learning the game and someone always gets hurt.

Then I tell her that when she gets to my age, material things—cars, houses, bank accounts—dim in importance. But family, this gift of God, provides abundant, often indescribable, joy. Even with the sorrow of loss, family events like that are as close to heaven as I'll ever get this side of glory. I tell her my desire for her to have children has nothing to do with my OB business, as some joke, but everything to do with her joy. Don't give up the joy! Don't settle for "stuff"—money, cars, homes, travel, big retirement nest eggs—when you can have family!

Of course, everyone knows families can be dysfunctional, traumatic, abusive, and broken. Just read a newspaper. But the Psalmist had it right. Children are a reward and a joy, not a "carbon footprint" to be avoided.

Singing Andrew

2011-11-13T15:28:00.002-06:00

Andrew regularly entertains us with his gymnastics, but historically not so often with his singing. However, this semester, he has a whole new supply of fun songs from his choir teacher, the wonderful Katie Erickson—and he is happy to share them! (Someday soon I'll have to get video of Andrew doing his roundoff-into-back-handspring!)

Be sure to scroll down to the very bottom of the blog and pause the blog music first.

"Father Abraham," sung by Andrew

"The Lord's Army," sung by Andrew

Happy Halloween

2011-11-06T22:23:00.000-06:00

After visiting our neighbor in the hospital, so she could see the costumed kids, we headed to a new neighborhood to trick-or-treat this year. The kids reported it to be the "best neighborhood ever." (Translation: They give out mega-candybars.)

Kathleen as the prettiest pirate.

Andrew keeps William off the streets.

Therese, aka Sylvester the Cat.

Anna Marie, as Miss Beatrix Potter.

Marguerite and Lucia.

The clown demands ransom.

All Saints Day

2011-11-06T21:15:00.000-06:00

Holy Family Homeschoolers hosted an All Saints Day party this year which included a potluck, square dance, and a bonfire with the Litany of the Saints to round out the evening. All kids reported having a grand time.

October Photo Recap

2011-11-06T21:02:00.001-06:00

I've been a bit under the weather lately and haven't had much extra time to spare for anything but sleeping. Nevertheless, I have every intention of keeping this blog better updated than over the past few months, so I'll be posting a series of photos that speak for themselves.

The boys study magnetism (see iron filing activity) in science class.

William and Andrew have some friends over to play backyard football. (Joe even comes home from work early to get in on the action.)

Sacked out, watching the Packer game. A Sunday tradition at our house.

Kathleen makes some very festive Halloween-themed cookies.

Dodging Cars

2011-10-15T16:23:00.001-05:00

Zipping down the road on the way to five-year-old Therese's "Junior Saints" class yesterday, this is our discussion.

Therese: "Are we going to be late, Mommy?"

Mom: "I hope not, but we're not going to be early today."

Therese: "I don't want to be late, Mommy."

Mom: "I"m doing my best, Therese."

Therese, shouting now: "Go speeding, Mommy! Go, speeding!"

Mom: "Honey, I don't want to get a speeding ticket. Besides it's not very safe to 'go speeding.'"

Therese: "We'll be fine, Mommy. Just dodge all the cars!"

Mom: "Did you just say 'dodge all the cars'?"

Therese: "Yep!"

Well, okay then.

~~Next time I~~ If I ever get pulled over for speeding, I'll try to mitigate the penalty with the ol' "dodging cars" plea.

Therese

See Kathleen Play

2011-10-15T15:55:00.002-05:00

At the request of my brother, I am posting a couple clips of Kathleen playing the piano.

She didn't have time to brush up these tunes which she can play flawlessly, but she rocks out anyway. Kathleen's been too busy working on her new Sonatina Festival Competition piece to focus on keeping old pieces polished at all times.

To hear these pieces, you'll need to scroll down and PAUSE the "Playlist" music at the very bottom of the blog.

Babies, Babies, All the Time

2011-10-15T13:53:00.000-05:00

As if this blog didn't already have enough baby pics, I have to post some more. It's the supreme cuteness that drives me.

Lucia (or Cheetah, as Marguerite calls her)

Sweet Lucia Rose

Sisters—Lucia and Marguerite

Pretty Lucia

Beautiful Hair

2011-10-15T13:22:00.000-05:00

Marguerite has some beautiful hair.

Learning how to care for it has been a huge learning curve for Yours Truly. Sometimes it even requires two of us. But I am constantly in awe of the beauty of this tightly-coiled mass of hair which looks so exotic when in an afro and so sophisticated when tightly corn-rowed.

Marguerite, you are beautiful!

When time is tight, it takes both Mommy and Daddy to work through my hair.

Check out my freshly-combed hair.

Twenty-one months old, and I have a lot of hair!

When Mom pulls my hair straight, it's down to my shoulders.

Braids are nice, but it feels good to have my hair "loose" once in a while.

Lucia Rose

2011-10-15T13:00:00.000-05:00

Sweetness.

My beautiful, smiling, Lucia.

Look at those eyes!

Learning All the Time

2011-10-15T12:54:00.000-05:00

Therese made a Rosary this year in her Religion class, counting the beads to make decades and figuring it all out on her own. She also sewed a matching rosary pouch.

Stringing her own rosary.

Andrew and William involved themselves in a rocketry project with homeschooling friends, measuring the degree to which variables (psi and water quantity) affected the resultant height of the water rocket. The project was wild and wet—and a ton of fun.

Little Andrew tries to build up the requisite pressure under the rocket.

And the water rocket is off with a huge spray!
(William is holding the rocket launcher.)

Andrew builds the pressure for the next launch.

William (in blue sweatshirt) and friends launch another rocket.

Scaring Mom

2011-10-15T12:32:00.000-05:00

Do I dare post what the kids have taught Marguerite to do?

For the record, I knew nothing about this until after the fact.

And the Fingers Fly

2011-10-15T12:23:00.000-05:00

In our homeschool, we usually begin teaching keyboarding around third grade—after handwriting skills are solidified.

Andrew, however, broke the mold. He's been ready for a while, and we decided to start him officially at the beginning of the school year. We use Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing—a program geared for adults. I like that it is no-nonsense and just teaches typing without all the fluff found in some of the kids' typing programs.

Since the school year began, Andrew has gone from being a beginning typist to an intermediate typist in the Mavis Beacon program. Amazing stuff for a second grader with small hands!

Go, Andrew!

Check out the message on-screen... ready to move out of the Beginner Level.

New message... Welcome to the Intermediate Level! Woo-hoo!

A New Look for Kathleen

2011-10-15T12:08:00.000-05:00

Kathleen, before...

Beautiful with long hair.

Kathleen after...

Beautiful with short hair.

Cute Baby Updates

2011-10-15T12:05:00.000-05:00

Since we don't have nearly enough cute baby pics on this blog...

Lucia - 4 months

Lucia and Marguerite with Baby Doll Janie.

Marguerite at HFH classes.

Marguerite with her pouty face after a hair detangling session which made her particularly unhappy.

Doin' the Strut

2011-10-15T11:57:00.000-05:00

Look what we saw strutting through our backyard the other day.

Gobble, gobble.

The Little Red Fan

2011-10-15T11:45:00.002-05:00

Once upon a time, a little red desktop fan sat on the shelf at a local Target.

With every visit to Target, a little boy named Andrew would beg his mother to buy the little red fan for his bedroom.

With each visit, little Andrew would leave Target disappointed, knowing his bedroom would not bask in the stirring breezes of that tiny desktop fan.

Oh, it's not that we don't have central air. We do.

It's not that it's a steamy time of year. It's not.

It's merely the coolness factor of a personal red fan for a seven-year-old boy.

That coolness factor led to unflattering begging behavior with each Target shopping trip.

And then, Red Fan Day dawned. No one knew yet that it was Red Fan Day, but the stars were aligning just so.

On what was anticipated to be just another ordinary shopping trip, young Andrew entered Target with his mother, plodding along beside her as she bought socks and underwear for Big Brother, acne wash for the household Teens, and cat food for the Nellie the Cat.

Nearing the red fan aisle, Andrew made a sudden dart for his treasure. Toting the red fan behind his mother, the badgering began:

"Mom, can you buy this red fan for me, please?"

"No, Andrew, we've been through this already. We're not buying a fan."

"Please, Mom? I'll put it in my room, on my nightstand. It won't be in the way."

"No, Andrew. We don't need a fan." [Mom proceeds to push cart toward the other end of the store.]

"Please, Mom, please?"

"No, Andrew."

[Long pause. By now, Mother and Son are on a completely different end of the store... far from red fan aisle, with Andrew still traipsing behind Mother, fan in-hand.]

"Mom, listen. I'll clean my room if you buy me this fan."

[Eh?]

"Mom, I'll clean my room, AND I'll clean the whole basement.

[What?]

"Wait a minute. I'll clean my whole room, AND I'll clean the whole basement. AND I'll clean out the van for you—if you buy me this fan."

[Excuse me? Cart slows.]

With all the earnestness a seven-year-old can muster,
"Okay Mom, I will actually work for you for three hours today—if you buy me this fan."

[WHOA. Cart slows. Mother's ears are way-perked-up.]

"No, no, Mom, actually...listen... I would work for you for A WHOLE YEAR—if you would just buy me this red fan."

[Cart comes to a sudden stop. Mother's feet come to rest. Mother wheels around for a discreet glance at the price tag on the little red fan. Clearance marked: $1.67. Angels start singing.]

In the blink of an eye, Little Red Fan had a new destiny, indeed a whole new identity. It was now the bedroom-cleaning, basement-cleaning, van-cleaning, work-for-a-whole year fan.

The little red fan found a temporary home in a shopping cart, took an adventurous romp down a check-out conveyor belt, and found its way that afternoon to the nightstand of a little boy named Andrew.

Mother never spent $1.67 so well.

Son felt like he'd never made a better deal.

Andrew's bedroom, and the family basement and van never looked so good.

There are deals. And then there are deals. This was a DEAL.

Just don't ask about the insanity-provoking rattling sound coming from that little red investment.

You KNOW you'd work a year for this fan...

Aunt Margaret & Uncle Tony Pay a Visit

2011-10-15T10:31:00.000-05:00

It's always a festive day when Aunt Margaret and Uncle Tony visit. With no children of their own, Margaret and Tony have dubbed themselves the favorite aunt and uncle. Indeed, the kids are entertained to no end when Margaret and Tony are anywhere in the vicinity. It's usually chess, Uno, or puzzles with Uncle Tony and primo baby playtime with Aunt Margaret.

Aunt Margaret gets primo baby-holding time.

Uncle Tony & Andrew duke it out in a game of chess.

Watch out, Uncle Tony!

Lucia basks in the glow of Aunt Margaret & Uncle Tony's visit.

Sisters

2011-10-15T10:21:00.000-05:00

We always figured Marguerite and Lucia would develop a special bond. We just never imagined we see it so early.

Upon awaking, Marguerite's first activity is to peek into Lucia's bassinet and make sure she is "awake, awake!"

While we change Lucia's morning diaper, Marguerite strokes her face.

If Lucia is fussy, Marguerite takes her own pacifier out of her mouth and puts it in Lucia's mouth. (No, we do not encourage the pacifier swap, but it happens.)

If Lucia is crying for long, Marguerite runs to her side, exclaiming, "Don't kye, Cheetah! Don't kye!"

These two have a bond that is intense and something to behold. How blessed we all are to be able to watch them grow up together, these two beautiful girls.

Physics in the Family Room

2011-10-15T10:14:00.001-05:00

Kathleen learns about cantilevers while constructing with blocks...

Our Pianist

2011-10-15T10:01:00.002-05:00

Kathleen came home from her music studio's awards night with...

not ONE...

not TWO...

not THREE...

but FOUR awards.

Out of a large music studio, earning just one award would be a special accomplishment.

But this music studio has only one KATHLEEN. And Kathleen stacks up accomplishments like a lumberjack stacks up wood.

Our Kathleen is the most driven musician I have ever met. Homeschooling is such a great fit for Kathleen, because her drive and determination means that she can get all her school work finished early, and have all the excess time to pursue her passion—piano.

Ask Kathleen to play for you someday. Pretty amazing stuff. (Do I sound like a proud mom, or what?)

Kathleen wins her studio's "Insatiable" award—for her insatiable love for creating music.

Kathleen wins the "Mega Chops" award — for tackling difficult songs and blowing them out of the water.

Kathleen wins the coveted "MPH" award — for her ability to learn with lightning speed.

Last, but hardly least, Kathleen wins the studio's "Hardest Worker" designation.
Go, Kathleen! You amaze and inspire all of us!

A Trip to the Zoo

2011-09-29T22:17:00.000-05:00

Wrapping up the summer by visiting the zoo with our dear friend Claudia was big on the Leone popularity meter. Of course, the tortoises made the day all the more memorable.

Claudia graces us with her presence during our end-of-summer visit to the zoo.

What girl should be so lucky as to have Mrs. Daniel carry her around the zoo?

Anna Marie (sporting cute, new glasses) was so sweet to Marguerite,
helping her along whenever she could.

Kathleen (and Therese) at the zoo.

Four of the Leone kids enjoy a last summer outing at the zoo.

Teach Your Children Well

2011-09-29T22:09:00.000-05:00

Let it never be said that homeschoolers skimp on teaching the facts of life.

This was part of our Henry Vilas Zoo outing today.

Anna Marie is 15!

2011-09-28T22:04:00.000-05:00

The end of summer means... Anna Marie's birthday!

Happy birthday, my beautiful 15-year-old!

Birthdays make Marguerite smile!

Anna Marie enjoys a new scarf and a new movie while Marguerite enjoys being part of the birthday mix.

Marguerite isn't the only happy camper on birthdays.

Happy birthday, lovely Anna Marie. We all love you!

Run-Bike-Swim!

2011-09-28T21:51:00.000-05:00

So proud of our triathletes.

Talk about working hard and kicking it in.

Anna Marie and Kathleen did great, and enjoyed a challenging day of athletics with friends.

Kathleen and Anna Marie arrive, ready to race.

Anna Marie and her great pal, ready for the swim.

Ready, set, go!
Anna Marie has become a much faster swimmer this year,
with all the cross training for cross country in the pool.

Kathleen hits the water.

Out of the water, Kathleen runs to the transition area.

Go Anna Marie! The finish line is within sight!
All that cross-country training is paying off!

Kathleen finishes a very hard race with grace and determination.

Just a little tired.

April Fool's in August

2011-09-27T21:32:00.000-05:00

Kathleen decided to play a trick on the younger kids.

She served up a delicious breakfast of "eggs and toast."

The boys and Therese were temporarily fooled.

Look closely.

The yolk is a peach. The white is yogurt. The toast is pound cake.

While they figured out the pound cake right away, they were pretty stumped on the egg—trying to figure out why it looked "so big."

A great way to start off a summer morning, thanks to crafty Kathleen.

Baby In a Basket

2011-09-27T21:25:00.000-05:00

Are there words for such cuteness?

Look, Mom! Baby in a basket!

This is my desktop photo at the moment.

Cub Scout Camp

2011-09-27T21:18:00.000-05:00

For William, there is nothing much better than annual Cub Scout camp.

This year, William was an old pro, having been to camp the year before. He ended up being the big man on campus too when he showed up with a walkie-talkie (to quell his nerves about being slightly separated from Joe).

It was a great experience for William. School is a challenge for our ten-year-old, so Cub Scouts lends a nice physical reprieve for a boy who really excels in the physical.

Be Still My Beating Heart

2011-09-27T20:53:00.000-05:00

When the kids decide to work, they can do a great job.

The "great job" part is not always predictable, and the emphasis is on can. But my heart races pitter-pat when it happens.

I've been known to bribe. (Act all surprised now.)

So bring on the joyful workers. (Because we're always joyful around here. Yeah. Uh-huh.)

Handsome car detailers.

Beautiful laundry folder.

The Leones Sleep (and not always in beds)

2011-09-27T20:40:00.001-05:00

I guess we are nappers around here.

(We don't necessarily make it to our beds.)

Came across this cute scene on a Sunday afternoon...
Bring on the beauty rest!

And then, on a Saturday morning, when Therese offered to hold Lucia so I could make breakfast,
I came around the corner to this scene. Out cold! Glad Lucia didn't wriggle free.

Eeeeeew!

2011-09-27T19:08:00.000-05:00

Boys love bugs.

Boys love big bugs.

Boys love scaring their sisters with bugs.

Boys love eliciting the "Get that bug out of the house!" response from mom, calmly stated, of course.

Still, the large-bug-come-visiting is an improvement over The Snake.

Andrew admiring Big Bug.

William threatening with Big Bug?

Too Cute to Resist

2011-09-27T19:00:00.000-05:00

Cutie Marguerite Jane

Marguerite & big sister, Therese Genevieve

Nothing like the Very Hungry Caterpillar to get you geared up for Saturday morning breakfast.

Beautiful Lucia!

Lucia Rose

Hanging out in an empty planter. Why not?

The Leones Do Hair

2011-09-26T20:30:00.001-05:00

Not a lot of time goes by around here, it seems, without hair styling marathon or two.

Daddy does hair.
(Yes, that's a head-lamp on his head.
And, yes, he has his essentials always within reach—detangling spray and beer.)

Mommy does hair.
(Yes, Mommy looks like she hasn't gotten enough sleep.)

Anna Marie does hair—curly hair for Kathleen's "Big River" performance.
She did this seven times, for seven shows.

(Oh, and when you cornrow all rows except the middle, you get Mohawk Baby.)

Big River

2011-09-26T18:48:00.000-05:00

The Leone kids decided to re-enter the musical theatre world this summer after a two-summer hiatus.

Kathleen, William, and Andrew had great fun, reestablished old friendships, and made new friends. We spent the summer listening to the lilting country-styled tunes of Big River, the Broadway musical adaption of the Huckleberry Finn story.

It made for a busy summer with a new baby in the house, but the kids auditioned and accepted roles. Kathleen was an old hat and thrived on the whole experience. William and Andrew got their first experience in a full-scale production and did extremely well.

Thank goodness for good friends who helped with carpooling; this exhausted mom needed the reinforcements.

The kids are already talking about next summer's musical. With Joe now on the board of our local community theatre, it's looking like more community theatre is in the works for this family.

Andrew hangs out in the props room before a rehearsal.

Kathleen (right) makes a great new friend at rehearsals.

William and Andrew, front and center, during one of many rehearsals.

Andrew (left), Kathleen (center), and William (right) with great friend, fellow castmate, and carpooling buddy, in costume after one of the performances.

Andrew and William, post-show.

Kathleen & friends after a show.

The Leones with their old pal, Nathan.
Kathleen has never been in a show in which she didn't share the stage with Nathan.
College-bound in the spring, he will be missed.

Moving Up In the World

2011-09-26T18:24:00.000-05:00

On my summer bucket list was to take the big kids rock climbing at a local place called Boulder's. Lucia had her very first babysitter that day.

Here we are, in all our lofty glory. I made it to the top, but let's just say that I definitely know I won't be parachuting out of airplanes in this lifetime.

That's Anna Marie up there, with Yours Truly belaying.
Anna Marie definitely won the award for most accomplished climber among us.

Kathleen was a little hesitant at first, but became extremely proficient by the end of the day. Impressive!

William conquered a mild fear of heights today. Go, Will!

Hey, that's me!

Kathleen at the top; Elizabeth belaying.

Go, Anna, go! It was no easy feat getting over that angled portion.

Cutie-Pie

2011-09-25T20:28:00.000-05:00

Check out our two-month-old cutie, Miss Lucia Rose.

From the Files of the Weird

2011-09-25T17:16:00.000-05:00

We parked at the dentist's office the other day, only hop out of the van and find ourselves perched on top of a parking lot sink hole of some sort.

The dark part of that hole that you see in the photo was amazingly deep. I've never seen anything quite like it.

It necessitated a quick snapshot to show Joe.

Is this bizarre, or is this just me?

Eeeeeek!

2011-09-25T17:07:00.000-05:00

Check out this snake that we found nestled up against our house.

Look carefully at the photos. Then look at this page. Tell me what you think it is.

We were so convinced that "our snake" was a Massasauga Rattlesnake. However, the DNR says it's a fox snake.

Whatever it is, it's BIG, and it lives in a hole right up against our house. Yikes!

Run, Anna, Run!

2011-09-25T16:19:00.001-05:00

Anna Marie is enjoying her first season of cross country. Her season began early, as the team began training together in mid-June. Her training regimen was intense, with daily trainings during June and July, followed by twice-a-day training sessions during much of August.

All that training resulted in a seriously well-conditioned team, and Anna Marie felt great and was eager for her first meet at the end of August. However, all that training took a toll on our first-year runner, and Anna Marie ended up with a pretty serious groin pull just a few days before the first meet. Sadly, she missed participating in her first four meets and had to miss almost a month of practices.

Just last Saturday, she ran in the fifth meet of the season—her first. It was the hilliest and most challenging course in these year's line-up, so it was a brutal way to start her season. Even so, Anna Marie showed grit and determination and finished strong. We were all so proud of her. As I type, she is preparing for her second meet, and the groin injury seems to be behind her.

Run, Anna, run!

Anna Marie (front, fourth from the right) with her cross-country teammates.

4th of July

2011-09-24T22:20:00.000-05:00

Scenes from a very mellow 4th of July at home this year.

Lucia Rose

The kids enjoy mini-fireworks on the driveway.

Sweet Marguerite enjoys the 4th.

Cutie-girl.

Summer Days in Whitewater - Part 3

2011-09-24T21:46:00.000-05:00

Lucia

Lucia is looking a little lost here, but she sure did seem to enjoy her day hanging out with Kathleen at Whitewater.

Uncle Bill and Lucia.

Snagging those braiding opportunities when I can get them.

Joe and his friend Kristin jam in the backyard at Whitewater.

Uncle Bill and Lucia Rose.

Summer Days in Whitewater - Part 2

2011-09-24T21:24:00.000-05:00

Kathleen in Whitewater Lake.

Elizabeth and Marguerite on the shore.

Kathleen has a ball in the lake.

Kathleen is ready for some laser tag action.

Summer Days in Whitewater - Part 1

2011-09-24T21:15:00.000-05:00

We spent some great days in Whitewater, at Joe's family's cottage, this summer with friends and family. The kids had a ball, and it was relaxing and restful. We sure do miss Grandma Carolyn when we're in Whitewater!

Joe, Marguerite, Kathleen, and Therese on the beach.

The kids have a ball in the lake.

Marguerite and Elizabeth.

Marguerite with a bit of sand in her hair.

Therese has a ball on the beach.

Bug Tunnels

2011-09-24T20:39:00.000-05:00

The kids have a ball creating block tunnels for their hex bugs to traverse.

Kathleen surveys her hex bug track creation.

And the hex bugs are off!
Kathleen's tracks are so excellent. The hex bugs bounce off the walls and just continue zipping through the tunnels.

The Joys of Summer

2011-09-24T20:22:00.000-05:00

Homemade yogurt pops on the deck.

Now that's summer livin'.

YUM!

Marguerite, Andrew, & William

Beautiful Kathleen enjoys her treat.
With her stomach issues behind her, Kathleen is looking strong and healthy again.

Look at that face!
Looks like she enjoyed her treat.

Is this the life, or what?

Boys with treats. Summer vacation is good!

Bathtime

2011-09-24T19:32:00.000-05:00

Bath time is not always the blissful event that it "should" be. Regardless, girls have to get clean!

Baths are not fun yet when you're a one-month old!

Poor Luchie-Lu! At least you're clean!

Marguerite, fresh out of the tub, is having a lot more fun than Lucia.

Yay! I'm all clean! Thanks, Kathleen, for helping with my bath!

Random Summer Shots - Take 2

2011-09-24T19:22:00.000-05:00

We had such fun introducing Lucia to Rebecca, our friend and amazing trainer.

Rebecca and Lucia, getting to know each other.
Rebecca sometimes feeds Lucia for us during our workouts.

I did an enormous amount of gardening this year. This was perennial installation number 1.

William oversees the mass of new perennials, as we prepare for a long day of digging and planting.

Kathleen finds a very cute perch for a very cute little Lucia.

Big-time sisterly love.

She doesn't always look so stunned. Stunned or not, I thought this was a pretty cute photo of Miss Lucia.

Catholic Familyland - Part 4

2011-09-24T18:51:00.000-05:00

One of the highlights of Catholic Familyland for the kids was the show that they rehearsed all week and performed for the parents on the last evening. I didn't manage to get any photos of the older kids in their skits, but following are some photos of Therese's group performing:

Therese is in the front row, but her head is turned back. She has a striped dress; you can just see it covering her knees in this photo.

Catholic Familyland - Part 3

2011-09-24T18:14:00.000-05:00

At Catholic Familyland, the biggest draw for our kids was the big swimming pool. We encountered a couple rainy or partially-rainy days, but all-in-all, the kids managed to get their fill of swimming.

William makes a splash.

Elizabeth takes advantage of this poolside time to work on Marguerite's cornrows.

Pool time makes for good nap-time.

Lucia finds a friend who's willing to sit and hold her.

The kids are all being entertained which makes Mom happy!

Catholic Familyland - Part 2

2011-09-24T18:05:00.000-05:00

At Catholic Familyland our cabin was situated conveniently next to the cabins of two of the families who are part of our homeschool group back here in Wisconsin. It was one big camp-out, bonfire, eating fest!

Leones mingle with friends from Wisconsin.

William and friends.

A bit of a pyromaniac, William had loads of fun at each bonfire.

Lucia with her Godfather.

Joe and Marguerite jam with a fellow Wisconsinite.

Therese entertains her older friends.

Catholic Familyland - Part 1

2011-09-24T17:49:00.000-05:00

This summer we decided to take a summer vacation in Ohio at a place called Catholic Familyland. Catholic Familyland offers camping-style vacations for those who wish to come together to enjoy faith and family. It is part retreat, part camp-out.

The thought of traveling with a three-week old and roughing it in a cabin with no running water was a bit daunting. However, we had made our reservations in fall of 2010, and we decided we'd go for it. We could always come home early if it wasn't going so well.

We had a great time. The kids participated in kids programs during the morning, while talks were made available to the adults. Our afternoons and evenings were spent swimming, playing ball, horseback riding, exploring, roasting marshmallows, zipping down water slides, playing volleyball, and more.

Our cabin was rustic and simple, presenting a challenge with a three-week-old baby and a toddler. However, with tips from family friends who also attended, we managed quite comfortably. We did arrive home tired, but the kids are already begging us to return. They had fun with our caravan of Wisconsin friends and made many new friends as well.

If I had to review Catholic Familyland, I would say that it is loads of fun for the kids and doctrinally solid. However, the music at the Masses leaves something to be desired. While the Masses were reverent, the "praise and worship" style music is not our favorite. Bring in some Gregorian chant and some traditional Catholic hymns, and we are sold. All-in-all, Catholic Familyland is a good place doing some very good things.

Here are some shots of our very tiny one-room/with-a-divider cabin...

William and Andrew ascend the stairs to their sleeping loft. We kept it simple and brought only sleeping bags and pillows—no other bedding. With baby gear, our van space was tight, and sleeping bags rolled tightly seemed the best route.

Kathleen and Elizabeth at the small table in our cabin. We assembled meals here most days and then ate outside on the grass where there was more room for a family of nine.

Marguerite conked out one night before we could even set up her sleeping bag properly.

The loft was a very large hit.

Random Summer Photos - Take 1

2011-09-24T17:23:00.000-05:00

Beans and rice—funny stuff?

Kathleen's new hairdo.

Yes, those are real flowers from the garden.

Feeding baby Lucia.

Summer of Friends

2011-09-24T17:10:00.000-05:00

This summer was a full one... an adoption, two "babies" in the house, two out-of-state vacations, cross country practices, swimming lessons, music lessons, Cub Scouts, gymnastics, and a big theatrical production. That left precious few free moments. Nevertheless, we made time to be with good friends.

Anna Marie (center) with two of her best friends.

Baby Lucia with big sister Therese's "favorite friend."

Anna Marie (front right) with some of her cross country teammates.

Andrew (front, left), Kathleen (center), and William (right) enjoy the company of a favorite cast mate, after their last of seven "Big River" performances.

Several of the Leone kids visit the farm of some friends in Westby, Wisconsin.

The Leone kids enjoy the zoo with a favorite friend and Godmother, Claudia.

Anna Marie (left) and friends include Marguerite in their hanging out time.

We're Back!

2011-09-05T18:53:00.000-05:00

We blew out the record books for the busiest summer in our family's history.

And the blog suffered because of it.

But the tradeoff was sweet... We got a new baby, took two out-of-state vacations, followed kids in new sports, and got our upcoming homeschool year off to a better start than ever. I'll take a wimpy blog.

Having said that, the end of the wimpy blog is here. I will be updating with a summer-full of posts over this holiday weekend. The conversation may be minimal due to time constraints (school IS starting on Tuesday), but the photos will tell the story.

Kathleen in our neighbor's pool.

The neighbors invited us over on the hottest day of the year. Bless those good neighbors!

William is enjoying his day at the pool.

A pool invitation got Anna Marie out of the house quickly.

Wild-man Andrew.

Post-Placement Visit #1 is Behind Us

2011-09-03T16:10:00.000-05:00

Our social worker must make two post-placement visits to our home before Lucia's finalization in November or December. One of the visits is now history.

Miss Lucia was in good spirits and entertained our kind social worker, Lynn. Her older siblings kept the noise level high and the parental stress level up. However, Lucia gets a thumbs-up in her new surroundings from Lynn, and that gets three cheers from all of us.

Lucia, formerly Miss Skinny, has now plumped up nicely. She is loooooooong. She will be one tall girl one day. She is already one tall three-month old.

We can't imagine life without Lucia. She's such an amazing and perfect addition to our family. We are all counting down the months to finalization.

Happy Lucia!

Marguerite and her little doll-like sister!

These two have such fun together!

Lucia may hold the record for the smiliest of all seven of our babies!

Our angel.

Sweet Words

2011-06-17T16:07:00.000-05:00

While we were in Georgia, one of Joe's clients sent him a copy of an amazing email. It was an email that the client had sent to his own business partners.

I have pasted below the content of the client's email to Joe, followed by the client's email to his own business partners. I have removed all identifying information.

These emails brought to tears to both Joe's and my eyes. I have never met this client with the big and thoughtful heart, but I hope I am blessed with the opportunity one day.

Joe,

I believe in the providence of God – that he is the author of my life.

So I have faith that meeting you was part of this plan, and trust that what is happening right now is part of his bigger plan which is ultimately for my good.

As I was thinking about it this morning I had another thought which I shared with [my partners] - I also wanted to share it with you…

[Joe's Client]

Dear [Partners],

We like to joke that we pay for lawyers' boats and luxury cars with the legal fees we pay – you’ve personally paid a large sum to [Joe's firm] to defend [your] right to benefit justly from [your] life’s labor.

However, your lawyer Joe does not buy boats and Ferraris with his income – he drives to Georgia to pick up a newborn baby that would have a horrible life but now will grow up in a loving family and have a bright future with the opportunity to reach her full potential.

So I would like to think that you’ve only spent $___ in defending yourself and have spent $___ to ensure a new life for a little girl that you’ve never met and probably never will.

[Joe's Client]

Lucia is Baptized

2011-06-17T16:04:00.001-05:00

Just nine days after we arrived home with Lucia, she was baptized.

Our pastor, Monsignor Kevin Holmes, performed the baptism at St. Patrick Catholic Church (part of the same parish of our church, Holy Redeemer).

We were honored when our friends, Jill and Dave, accepted our invitation to be Lucia's Godparents. Jill and Dave also have a large family (eight children) and are adoptive parents themselves. Not only will they make excellent Godparents for Lucia, but they are good and kind to us—inviting our tired family over for a cozy get-together at their home after the Baptism.

One more milestone for little Lucia, now baptized into the Catholic Church. God bless Lucia Rose!

William gets ready to serve Mass and the Baptism.

I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit...

Lucia and her proud mama.

Joe & Elizabeth with newly-baptized Lucia.
Lucia is wearing Papa Del's (grandfather's) baptismal gown, worn also by all her siblings.

Posing with Monsignor Holmes and Lucia's Godparents and their children.

Our friend Angela (Godmother of Marguerite) snuggles with Lucia.

Dairy Cows and Wedding Bells

2011-06-17T16:04:00.000-05:00

Less than twenty-four hours after introducing Lucia to the land of cows and cheese, we attended a friend's wedding reception. Little Lucia rolled with it all and pretty much snoozed the night away. As for the rest of us, we stumbled around like sleep-deprived zombies, but we wouldn't have missed Jen's wedding reception for anything.

The beautiful bride and her handsome groom.

John, father of the bride, takes Kathleen—sporting a balloon hat—for a spin on the dance floor.

Elizabeth with the beautiful baby girls.

Claudia, the beautiful mother of the bride gets to know Lucia.

John, father of the bride, dances with Miss Marguerite.

Claudia cuts the rug with Therese.

What a happy, exhausting night!

Home Sweet Home

2011-06-17T15:36:00.000-05:00

Apparently, I have a whole lot more time to blog on the road than I do at home. We've been home four whole days, and it's been nothing but a whirlwind of activity, getting back into the normal rhythm of life. And that normal is the new-and-improved normal, as our lives are altered forever by the addition of our beautiful Lucia. Just eleven days old today, it's hard to know what we did without her.

Lucia is settling in well, and so are we. Miss Marguerite is full of tremendous love and affection. We have to diligently guard against her smothering Lucia as she envelopes her in enthusiastic hugs and kisses.

Tonight, around 10:00 pm, ten days will have passed since T signed the papers surrendering her rights to parent Lucia. At that point, T will no longer be able to change her mind, and we will rest in the knowledge that Little Lucia will be with us forever. Bliss. Meanwhile, we remember T in our prayers every night. She gave us two of the greatest gifts we'll ever receive. And she gave two lucky little girls the great gift of life.

Sweet Wisconsin slumber for our newest cheesehead.

Looking a little like Marguerite here?

Lucia and Marguerite in their dueling high chairs.

Thursday on the River along the Tennessee Border

2011-06-17T15:35:00.001-05:00

We spent Thursday fighting the extreme heat by seeking out the recommended local swimming hole on the Ocohee River. Joe and I took turns on the river bank with our little Peanut Lucia while we alternated with helping the other kids in the water. The water was shallow and virtually still, but the rocks were slippery underfoot, so Marguerite and Therese required some careful attention. Most of the time, I stayed out of the water, shading and fanning Lucia—and sprinkling bottled water on her. It was one seriously hot day. Eventually, I made my way down to the water while Joe held Lucia. It was good just to get wet.

Anna Marie in the north Georgia mountains.

Cooling ourselves in the river.

Okay, I would normally never post a photo of myself in a swimming suit—blech!
But look at our peanut Lucia! I thought this was such a great photo of her, I couldn't resist including it.
(Marguerite simply would not look at the camera. She was having far too much fun taking over Lucia's stroller.)

In the Mountains of Northern Georgia

2011-06-17T10:01:00.000-05:00

While we waited for our interstate adoption paperwork to clear, we enjoyed our new family of nine in a huge log house in the northern Georgia mountains. What a find. The owner, bless her heart, gave us an amazing deal, because we were new adoptive parents! It was the perfect place to finally spread out a bit and just get to know sweet Lucia better.

Atlanta

2011-06-16T21:12:00.000-05:00

We made quite a day for ourselves in Atlanta, touring the Atlanta Aquarium, and meeting our friends at Mary Mac's Tea Room.

Oohhhh, ahhhhh...

Kathleen and Lucia take a breather.

Elizabeth and Marguerite enjoy fish overhead.

Three amigos, enjoying sea life.

Awesome sights. We were counting heads like crazy though in the crowd!

So many hands-on exhibits!

Getting caricatures drawn!

This is just two families. Don't you love it?
We loved hanging out with our friend, Courtney, and family. And I recommend Mary Mac's tea room to all northerners who find themselves in Atlanta. Southern food at its finest.

One More Touring Day in Macon

2011-06-16T19:27:00.000-05:00

Had to visit the HUGE Bass Pro Shop.

Elizabeth and Lucia (and kids in background) at Ocmulgee National Monument.

The six oldest kids at Ocmulgee National Monument.

Elizabeth and Marguerite have fun at a Macon park.

Kathleen, Therese and Andrew at a Macon Park. It was "only" 103 degrees. Ouch.

Anna Marie and sweet pea Lucia, just three days old.

Touring Macon Some More

2011-06-16T19:06:00.001-05:00

With Lucia in our arms, the touring of Macon continued...

We visited Macon's Museum of Arts & Sciences...

Andrew got up-close-and-personal with a polar bear.

Kathleen played archaeologist.

Little archeologists digging for treasure.

Touring Macon

2011-06-15T13:58:00.002-05:00

We had time to kill while waiting for the placement of Lucia. So we spent a little time exploring Macon.

Touring a historic cemetery in Macon.
Kathleen and Therese, gargoyling it.

Miss Marguerite

William and Joe check out the cemetery's historical data.

Hey, Mom! These things don't grow in Wisconsin!
Andrew and Therese.

Kathleen, Marguerite and Elizabeth braving the sweltering heat at the cemetery.

Beautiful cemetery. Very hot!

First Family-of-Nine Photos

2011-06-14T13:58:00.000-05:00

Baby Lucia and family, immediately after her first Mass. She's only been in our arms about an hour at this point. We went straight from placement at the hospital to noon Mass in Macon.

Check it out... Lucia is still in hospital garb and hospital blanket. I was counting fingers and toes in Mass and getting my first long look at her right there in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Life is good.

Adopting a Miracle

2011-06-14T13:24:00.000-05:00

Little Lucia Rose came into our lives with great fanfare and a bumpy delivery. Starting with low apgars, she bounced back nicely. When she was placed into our excited arms, she was a whopping 22 inches long. Her 7.0 pounds spread over her 22 inches made her the longest, thinnest baby I have ever seen.

What joy Lucia Rose immediately brought to our family. For the full story, all the amazing details, hop over to our adoption blog where we chronicled her arrival. On this blog, I will let the photos do the talking.

Beautiful Lucia Rose, we thank God for your arrival into our family, and we thank your birth mother for giving you the gift of life.

So Close, But Yet So Far...

2011-06-13T22:12:00.000-05:00

On that first night after Lucia's birth, the hospital would not let us even view her through the nursery window. Very disappointing. They wanted all paperwork signed.

Despite the rules, we were able to catch this little glimpse of sweet Lucia through a crack in the hospital blinds. It would be about thirty-six hours longer before we'd be able to hold her.

On the left is Sandra, the case worker for Lucia's birth mother.
She facilitated the adoption for us through our agency, An Open Door.
Sandra is a really wonderful person and helped us with both adoptions.

Lucia Rose!

2011-06-13T21:19:00.000-05:00

Introducing our beautiful daughter, Lucia Rose...

All the action and baby updates have been happening over on our adoption blog. Eventually, I'll bring this blog up-to-date on baby photos. But until then, pop over to our adoption blog for the full story. Lucia (pronounced Loo-chee-a) is perfect in every way. We are overjoyed by the addition of this beautiful baby girl. We are now home from Georgia, and the ten-day revocation window has passed. Life is very, very good.