The boys have a bunk bed now. They are ages 6 1/2, 6 1/2 and 7. If you have any experience with boys this age in a group you might wonder how they ever get to sleep in such proximity: twins on bottom double bed and 7yo on top. I've come up with something far better than continually reminding them to quiet down from the other room long after tuck-in. I've become The Quiet Old Lady Whispering Hush. Mind you this is not in place of several stories and bedtime blessings. But even after all the lovely routines and rituals the pack mentality of a crowd of boys dies hard. I haven't taken up knitting yet like the Quiet Old Lady. But here I sit blogging which might be even better since I can do it with the light off.

Shared items

Several months ago I made the switch from Bloglines to Google Reader.  I finally figured out how to list my "Shared items" in my side bar.  So if you don't usually visit my blog directly to read my occasional posts, I invite you to pop in now and then to check out my Shared items.  I read blogs a lot more than I post and it's fun to be able to share some of the great inspiration, humor and creativity that I find out there.

Father's Day

You know you're a Catholic family when........

.......you're sweet little four year old announces that tomorrow is St. Fathers Day!

Wordless Wednesday

Little Leprachauns

I love this. I haven't even gone to pick the kids up from homeschool co-op yet but the teacher has already sent this picture via iphone and here it is on my blog. Mine is the leprechaun without front teeth.

Tour of California

My first-born is very influential. Somehow he managed to get me to the finish line of Stage 3 of the Tour of California. Did I mention yet that I had all 8 kids which involved a double stroller and backpack? And it was snowing when we left and pouring rain when we arrived at our destination which was 1 1/2 hours away? How on earth did he convince me? Something about if he ever wanted to see these cyclists again he would have to go to the Tour de France and here they were in our own backyard (sort of.) Lance Armstrong riding again.... etc.

As we sat in congested traffic, trying to find a decent parking space the sky cleared and the sun actually came out. The clouds were black all around us but it only started drizzling as we watch Levi Leipheimer get his awards and talk to the world about his crash. I had a great workout pushing the stroller (and backpack) the many blocks back to the van as the rain increased. I'm sure I burned off the dark chocolate bar I justified to keep me awake and more energetic than the kids.


Here are some little ones trying to see the awards over the crowds. They saw it all on the Tour de France in July so they sorta knew what was happening: pretty girls handing roses to tired cyclists, etc.
That influential first-born had all the little ones playing "virtual Tour of CA" so as they squatted down and poked their heads through the metal sidelines they rooted for "their" teams. "Go Team Jelly Belly!!" "Go Liquigas!" "Go Rock Racing!!"
I'm glad August stretches me out of my comfort zone for things like. The children all did wonderful and stayed safe and close in the crowds. I just pray that all of this strength, power, influence and leadership will be put to good use in making the world a better place in August's fast-approaching adulthood. I better get back to my research now - college, drivers ed, etc. I can't believe I'm there already.

Small Sucesses 3

This is my first time participating in Small Successes. Check out all the other successes Faith & Family Live.

1. I successfully diverted what could have been a major freak-out when one of my adopted sons nearly knocked out a tooth. Through the blood (which he was sure was a sign approaching death) and tears I cheerfully explained how the tooth was going to be coming out soon anyway and that meant the Tooth Angel would be coming all the sooner. Eventually he asked if we could e-mail a picture of it to the orphanage director "Grandma Patty" whom he lovingly remembers. He went to bed with a smile. Phew!

2. I prepared a homeschool learning record for 5 of my learners to present at a meeting tomorrow. Phew!

3. I did those things today in addition to the usual 3 meals and 3 snacks and all the other bare essentials that go with 8 kids 14 and under without calling a sick day (to my husband who was running around putting out fires) even though I wanted to be in bed. Thank you God for big kids who are learning to do SO MUCH!

Newsworthy

Gotta like the small community newspaper on a slow day. They found my children newsworthy.