The Excellent Wife, chapter ten

This chapter dealt with the issue of respect. It was uncomfortable to read because I am so guilty of often disrespecting my husband. I am very careful to always show respect in front of other people, but alone, I am guilty of sometimes treating him any way I feel like treating him.

Martha Peace gives several examples from the Bible both of wives who did show respect and those who did not. Then she broke the chapter up into 5 principles"

#1, The wife is to respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33 lets me know that this is not an option. If I want to be in God's will, which I do, this is part of the deal.

#2, The wife is to respect his position. This is so hard to do sometimes. Today, we have NO examples on t.v. or in movies of a wife respecting her husband and being satisfied with him just the way he is. She writes that your husband is "not some 'cross you must bear.'" I've often heard wives refer to their husband as 'their other kid.' The other day a woman, speaking of her husband, was like "Do you see what I have to deal with" in a ha, ha what an idiot he is kind of way.

#3, The wife is to behave in a respectful manner. Peace quotes 1 Corinthians 13:5, "love does not act unbecomingly." Reading through this section, I thought of the TLC show, "John & Kate Plus 8". I've only seen the show once, but I know Kate is notorious for degrading and disrespecting John. The episode I watched she, in the middle of a store, was yelling at him like a child and making sure he knew what a stupid idiot he was. Well as I sat and laughed, I couldn't help but think, "I think I talk that way sometimes." Those are the times I don't stop and think about how I am acting. Peace suggests having your husband point out times when your countenance, your words, your TONE are disrespectful.

#4, The wife is to reprove her husband respectfully. There are times that a husband is wrong, it could be little like his tie doesn't match his shirt or bigger, like a pattern of selfishness, but there is a loving way to deal with those things.

#5, The wife who is disrespectful may experience severe consequences. The part that nailed me was, "If you are disrespectful to your husband, your children will likely acquire the same attitude. It will be much more difficult for them to honor their father if your are belittling him and speaking to him in a harsh, sarcastic tone of voice." Why would I put my kids at a disadvantage when the Bible says they'll have a long life if they'll honor their father and mother?

I know that this is an area where I can do much better. My behavior doesn't need to be simply what is culturally accepted, or even what my husband is willing to get along with, but rather I have a command to treat him and his position with respect. He is the most valuable gift I have. I need to treasure and honor him, but it is an 'act of my will' to obey and show biblcal respect.

The Story of Us

Her turn:

I grew up number 2 of 4 in a rural town. I had a happy childhood. My mom stayed home with us kids and my dad was around more than most fathers. We were very content with our quiet street that many days only the mailman came down. We rode bikes til we wore them out. The pool in the backyard afforded us many, many, many hours of summertime fun. I remember other kids envying us.

I liked having 3 siblings. If I wasn't getting along with one, I'd go play with a different one. We also had several pets. We had a pony for many years and I still bear the scars on my elbow to prove it. We also had a couple of great dogs, a cat, chickens for a while.

I grew up in church. My dad was a pastor. I was saved when I was 4 and baptized when I was six. I was in church at least 3 times a week, but never ever resented it. It was always fun, and a place to hang with my friends. I was a 'good' girl. I never smoked or drank in high school and was 4th in my class.

When I was a teenager, my parents' marriage began to unravel. It was drawn-out and painful. In my late teens I escaped. I got my own apartment and put myself through college by waitressing about 40-50 hours a week.

His turn:

Colombo was the oldest of 3 boys and the lucky recipient of a stay-at-home mom AND dad. They were financially comfortable and he reaped the benefits of that by going on dream vacations, expensive ski trips, wearing name-brand clothes, and receiving a brand new car on his 16th birthday. They had live-in au pairs to do the carpooling, laundry, etc.

He grew up Catholic, but was also exposed to the Gospel at business conferences that his parents would have. One summer, he went away to a teen leadership camp and committed to changing his life. He stopped drinking and hanging around with bad influences. When he was 17, he surrendered his life to Christ and was saved. He got into his father's business and finished high school...barely.

Boy meets girl:

My best friend at the time was involved with a business and introduced it to me. Colombo, her mentor in the business, came down to meet me at a mall and give me some more information. We sat down together in a Chinese restaurant and talked about EVERYTHING except business. We talked about life ambitions, family history, how many kids we wanted. I walked away thinking, that's the kind of man I want to marry. He went home that night, broke up with his girlfriend, and told his dad he had met the girl he was going to marry. Five months later we were married.

The beginning:

We struggled the first 2 years of marriage. Honestly, I'm not even sure why we stuck it out. We were young (19) and we both had growing up to do. AND we had to get to know each other. In addition, things in my family were horrible and our finances were in shambles. But, we were both committed. The romance, the flowers, the champagne sometimes disappears, but commitment will see you through.

When I got pregnant with C4, things really turned around for us and it's just gotten sweeter every year.

Now what?

So here we are 12 years and 4 kids later. It keeps getting better. Colombo works out of the house running his communications business that he started from nothing. I am a homeschool mom...but not in the truest sense of the word. I don't wear jumpers and I only have four children.

We are so blessed with a GREAT family. God has restored my side. My parents and his parents are extraordinary grandparents. We've had nothing but support from them. They are always willing to help with babysitting. All of our siblings are close to us. They're our first phone call to hang out or go to dinner or catch a movie. Even extended family like my aunt and uncle in New York and his family in Maine have shown us so much love and support through our lives.

We are happy serving in our church. God has richly blessed us with wonderful friends and many outlets to serve in.

Random facts you'd never need to know about us:

We sleep on a water bed...so 80's.
Neither of us snore.
We both drive silver vehicles.
I'm two months older.
Colombo never cooks except for pancakes on Saturday mornings.
Colombo never does laundry except for his nasty hockey stuff.
Our family eats 3 meals together most days...so cool!
I have no qualms about taking something from the side of the road on trash night.

School's Out!

Hallelujah!!! By God's grace we have officially finished 3rd and 1st grades. We wrapped things up on Friday, May 23rd (a new record for us) and celebrated by blowing 100 tokens at Chuck E. Cheese (their choice). I've already dived into my summer 'to do' list by painting the dining room. I'm really looking forward to tending to a few things that have been neglected over the last couple of months.

The kids will still have some things to continue with. Their Bridge Books are en route via UPS. They will be reading library books and writing letters to family and friends. C4 will continue Spanish through the summer as well.

It's such a relief to have it done with. Generally speaking, we had a very, very smooth year. A few bumps, a few grumblings, a couple of days of bad attitude (mostly me), but thank God we made it through. I always remember a friend saying, "Amy, if God calls you to do something, He'll equip you." I rely on Him daily to see us through. Every morning I commit the day to Him and pray, "Help me to accomplish everything You want me to accomplish." And He's always been faithful.

Today we went to the park. Colombo, Madison, and Isaac, our homeschool friend, were the only school-aged kids there. I also want to get back to Sturbridge Village again before the schools let out. One benefit to homeschooling is really enjoying June. I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to have them home with me and teach them from a Godly perspective. To God be the glory!

The Excellent Wife, chapter nine

Wow...this was a long chapter. The subject was on LOVE-the wife's choice. I think that title is the best summation. The author begins by explaining how often times couples start off so in love. What happens to that love as time goes on? In the movie "R.V.", there's a moment when Robin Williams' wife is saying something like, "You know, you start off so in love. Then you buy the house and have a couple kids. Then work demands more and you're running to soccer games and piano lessons and before you know it, you become more like associates in the business of marriage."

I think that can be such a trap. Life does get busy. In our small group we're doing a study on "Communication in Marriage." Every time a question is asked like, "What do you think is a major obstacle in communicating with your spouse?" The biggest response is a lack of time.

Peace lays out how, no matter how we may "feel", we are commanded to love our neighbor, and there's no closer neighbor than our husband. She took us through 4 principles to break down this command.
#1, Wives are to love their husbands.
#2, Selfishness hinders love. I think we all know that, but overcoming that selfishness is the challenge.
#3, Bitterness hinders love. I know this all too well. She gave 9 signs of bitterness. I circled 2 that jumped out at me- Self-Centered and Brooding. Peace writes. "The wife broods about what her husband has done. She thinks about it often and plays it over and over in her mind." I admit that I've mastered the art of holding a grudge. God's been working on my bitterness for YEARS. Peace goes into great detail about replacing bitter thoughts with kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving thoughts.
#4, Fear hinders love.
#5, The wife is to "put on" love. Here she walked through 1 Corinthians 13...love is patient, love is kind, love is not jealous. Honestly when I got to love is not jealous I really got a good laugh. "Instead, a wife can show love by being glad for her husband that he can go fishing." I don't think I'm totally there yet! Only in our case it's golf. Sometimes I'm glad for him, but not every time. I guess I laughed just so I wouldn't cry.

My favorite quote from this chapter was, "You do not have to feel 'led' to be unselfish, you just have to do it." We can show our husbands love in trying circumstances, even if we've been hurt. Love is a choice. However, we cannot ON OUR OWN simply try to love more or love better. God's supernatural love has to permeate us and transform us if we're going to show real love to our husbands. Our society is all about 'feelings' and 'my needs'. Well, we have a higher calling. As a Christian, our standard cannot be 'does it feel good now?'

There was no lack of scripture in this chapter. Afterall, Jesus had quite a bit to say on the subject as well. This is very challenging. Anytime LOVE is preached about, I am always challenged. Probably because I know I can always do better. Not just with my husband, but with my kids and loved ones, the poor, the elderly couple across the street. Our love is our witness.

Memorial Day / Yale Commencement

This Memorial Day was unlike any other. It began when the alarm went off at 5:30. We were on the road by 6:30 headed back down to Yale to another chapel service. Nick's gospel choir sang, they served communion, and the message was very good. Then we chilled outside for 3 hours waiting for commencement. Nick had to go to a different area where all the schools of Yale gathered together, AND he saw Paul McCartney!!! Nick got within 20 feet of him. Apparently he was given some sort of honorary degree. But I digress. It was gorgeous! The kids ran around. The ladies chatted. We were served fresh fruit, muffins, bagels, etc.

As the drumming began for the procession, the leader of the drumming group announced that Colombo was going to come and help on drums. (Earlier, he had jumped in on the extra bongo before chapel, so Mike invited him back.) C4 jammed for the 15 minute song, and Madison jumped in on the cowbell...more cowbell!



Then the proud moment...Nicholas Paul DiSalvatore crossed for his Masters of Divinity.

The grad with his girlfriend, Ann.

Me and my man.

Luckily we made it to my Mom's for a barbecue, so we could celebrate Memorial Day and take time to thank God for our freedom, remember those who died fighting for it, and pray for the safety of those who are now defending it.

YDS Service

Nick is graduating from Yale Divinity School with his Masters. He's worked EXTREMELY hard to get to this point. Tonight was the service and awards before the actual commencement tomorrow. The service was laced with beautiful music as we sat just outside the Chapel in 'the quad' on this stellar day.

Trevor did NOT like Uncle Nicky's outfit!

Here's the fam...Ninny, Papa, Nick, C3, Trevor, me, Jonathan, Andrea with newest DiSalvatore, Nathanael, Madison and C4.

Home Maintenance

We've had a few little home maintenance projects going on around the house. The brick foundation needed to be scraped and re-painted, so the boys worked on that today. We try to explain to the kids 2 things. One, our family is a team and it takes all of us cooperating to run the house. And two, it pleases God when we are good stewards of the things He has blessed us with.

A Mother's Heart

I'm having an unusually melancholy day brought on by the sad news that Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest daughter was accidentally run over and killed by their teenage son in their driveway last night.

First a confession:
Yesterday was one of those days that as a mother I wish I could rewind and redo. I know that in most of the blogs I read, most posts are focused on the wonderful and the exciting. The husband is amazing. The children are perfect. Blah, blah, blah. And I'm am also guilty of choosing the 'highlights' of my life to post.

Well let me be candid about yesterday. Trevor had an unusually crabby morning which kind of took me to the end of my rope. By lunch, I had screamed at Madison for having a bad attitude about a writing page. I had screamed at Colombo for being out playing basketball instead of working on the schoolwork he was supposed to be doing. I had spanked Nathanael for not obeying when I asked him to get off the computer. By the time my husband came down for lunch, I had had it with the kids. They had pushed me over the edge. As we sat at the table, I was hot with anger and on the verge of tears. Why won't these kids just listen to me? Do they enjoy pushing me over the edge? Do they plan days like this to all gang up on me and take me down?

Colombo lovingly talked to them as they ate and "covered" for the mess I had just made. They all knew this was serious. Madison sat next to me and trembled saying, "Mommy, I'm sorry I had a bad attitude and I think I need everyone's forgiveness."

Well that sent me into tears. I got up from the table and threw myself across the couch crying. Yeah, I know...real mature. My husband closed the door to the living room and instructed the kids not to bother me. He put Trevor down for his nap and took the other 3 up to his office to work on their school.

As I cried, I prayed, "Lord, I know I am wrong in all of this. I feel like a failure. I have hurt the ones I love the most. Forgive me."

I woke up an hour later...in a much better state. We continued on with our day of dance class and church. As I tucked each one in, I individually apologized to them and all seemed to be well. Thank God kids are so resilient.

So that brings us to today. As I read of the Chapman family's tragedy, I grieved. I'm grieving for that mom who lost her daughter. I don't think that any mother should have to bury their child. That's not how it's supposed to be. I'm grieving for all Moms who have had to live through the pain of losing a child. I'm grieving for all Moms who have had to get through the pain of a miscarriage.

Some of you readers will think this is a little overdramatic, after all, the Chapman's are perfect strangers, and unspeakable tragedies happen all the time. That's o.k. I'd like to think I'm just being extra reflective, not overdramatic. I can't imagine the pain they are going through over this great loss and what their poor son is going through.

But I do know that they have a faith in Christ. And now they have the world watching to see if they will blame God, or hold tight to their certainty that God is on the throne. And if we knew the answer to the question of "Why?" then we wouldn't have a need for God. I pray that they will find comfort in Jesus. I pray they can cope with their loss and still have enough strength to embrace their son who must be devastated beyond comprehension.

My thoughts turn inward as I reflect on my life and do a self-examination of 'what if it were me?'. Days like yesterday can't happen. They're too hurtful and destructive. Tomorrow is not a guarantee! I need to cherish what I have now, not knowing if or when it could be taken away. So I'll continue to greive for my sister in Christ as she tries to figure out how to do life again. I'll share some of the burden and lift her up in prayer, all the while thanking God for the blessings in my own life.

I've been listening to MercyMe's "Bring the Rain." The lyrics are so powerful. He is our only shelter from the storm and it is our choice to praise Him. Jesus, bring me anything that brings you glory.

Bring the Rain -MercyMe
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that
I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am yours regardless of
the clouds that may loom above
because you are much greater than my pain
you who made a way for me
suffering your destiny
so tell me whats a little rain

I've Been Tagged!

An old friend 'stumbled' across my blog and as a result we've reconnected. Technology is amazing! She tagged me for these "Six Things You've Always Wanted to Know About Me."

Here are the rules:

1. you link back to the person who tagged you.

2. post these rules on your blog.

3. share six unimportant things about yourself.

4. tag six random people at the end of your entry.

5. let the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs.

6. enjoy the results.

1-I can't cry subtly...it's always straight to the ugly cry.

2-In my next life I'd love to be a great ballroom dancer.

3-If finances were no object, I'd have 4 more kids.

4-My favorite shoes are bare feet.

5-I still sleep in a waterbed...I know, so totally 80's.

6-Anything Italian is my favorite food.

There you go...fascinating stuff. I tag Diane, Kristi, Kayla, Melanie, and Tanner.

My Cousin's Graduation

The six of us, Lisa and Avery, and my Mom drove to Grantham, Pennsylvania to celebrate with my cousin, Jonathan L. Boyd (that's what his diploma says...we know him as Johnny) as he graduated from Messiah College. Friday night upon arrival, my Aunt Bonnie, Uncle Lee, Melody and Johnny were waiting with pizza in the hotel lobby. Then the adults left for the Baccalaureate service while Colombo took our 4 kids plus Avery to the pool...what a brave, brave man!

The service was beautiful! The music was wonderful and several students spoke and reflected on their 4 year journey. It was so refreshing and inspiring to pause and listen as the Class of 2008 gave thanks to God for their time at Messiah. The service ended in a candlelight ceremony. Afterwards, we moved to the gym where Johnny played basketball for four years and were served a very posh dessert spread, which ended up looking better than it tasted.

On Saturday morning, the rain held off so that we could cross the very picturesque covered bridge over to the soccer field where commencement was held. We all hooped and yelled as Johnny crossed and finished this chapter of his life.

After hugs and pictures and lots of smiles, we headed to a favorite spot for lunch and gifts before heading home. We were very honored to share in Johnny's special day and pray that God continues to direct his path.

The Excellent Wife, chapter eight

The following is a review of a chapter from a book I am reading with some other Christian women. I do not apologize for my opinions, but warn that they may not be popular.


This chapter covered the idea of the wife's responsibility to be a "worker at home". The authour went through Proverbs 31 and explained how we need to be the keeper of our household. We need to not get too busy with activities that our house is unorganized and chaotic. She was clear that in her opinion, a young women with children should be at home running the house. Right up front she admits that "this is not a popular topic in our culture, but God did and still does intend for the wife to be a 'worker at home'." And I agree. I think that no one does a better job of raising a child than the child's parent. And the time they are little and home is so very short. I feel very blessed to be able to be at home. Of course it takes sacrifice. Of course we could use the income of my being in the workforce, but we have made choices that we feel work well for our family and honor God.

I think women have a lot of pressure to work outside the home. Perhaps before children they get used to two incomes. Or sometimes society does not 'exalt' the position of homemaker like it does other careers. However, Peace writes "Many times, if a couple did an honest appraisal of the wife's income, and looked at how much they spent on transportation, child care, taxes, clothing, lunches out, dinners out, and increased grocery bills due to buying prepared foods, the couple would likely see that they are actually losing money." And in my observation, many wives are losing much more when you consider that on some days the only time spent with their children is to give them dinner, a bath and put them to bed. I think the author is right that it comes down to examining your motives when it comes to working. Why do some women feel like they need to work?

What I did NOT like about this chapter:
Peace uses the text of Proverbs 31 for her case for why a wife is to stay at home. She even points out that nine of the twenty-two verses refer directly to her work in the home. BUT what about verse 16, "She considers a field and buys it, from her earnings she plants a vineyard." OK, so this is a business transaction that she did on her own and by the way, without discussing it with her husband. Verse 18, "She sees that her trading is profitable." So obviously she is producing an income for her household. Verse 24, "She makes linen garments and sells them." Again she is engaging in business and making money. And finally, verse 15 references her servant girls, so I'm thinking that she not doing all the household work on her own!

Why were these verses not analyzed in the chapter? I think in this day and age with our technology, it is very possible for a wife / mom to get creative about producing income. Working from home is a more viable option than before. Now I'm not necessarily saying that every woman should do this, but I think it's something to consider. I don't think it's fair of Peace to cherry-pick ONLY the verses that supported her case and not consider the others within her choice text.

Part two of the chapter talked about setting the tone in your home. Our homes should be full of joy, optimism, and delight in the Lord. It was a reminder of the 'power' us women have within our homes. We are to be patient and gentle, not harsh or rigid. Our home should be a refuge. Taking an extra moment to look a child straight in the face and tell him what a joy and a blessing he is. Or stop and take a second to give your husband an extra hug or kiss. Basically be the kind of person that your family is happy to be around!

I'm proud to be a stay-at-home mom. It's always been my dream. I'm blessed that I'm not torn between affairs at home and affairs at work. For this season of my life, my home and family is my main focus and priority. I think it's up to every family to seek God as to what they should do. Seek counsel for their situation if they think it would help. I choose to believe that everyone is doing the best they know how to do.

Mother's Day

This was one of my top three Mother's Days. I've had a few very special ones. My first, of course, was very special. Another good one was when Colombo put an incredible slideshow together for me of our first three kids. Each kid had a song and he painstakingly scanned all the pictures in and surprised me with it.

This year started out a little different. Traditionally, I get served a lovely breakfast in bed, but because C4 and Madison sang in all three services, we had to get up and out of the house early. In between the 1st and 2nd service, Trevor began vomiting...the first time all over me. I know you're probably thinking this sounds like a horrible Mother's Day, but wait, it gets better.

When the kids were done at church, we headed to the park for lunch in our matching tie-dye shirts. Colombo had packed everything for a picnic. The weather was gorgeous...like 70 and sunny...perfect! We spread our blanket and I snuggled with TJ who was just starting to feel better at this point.

The kids ran around, hit some golf balls, passed the football, but mostly we just relaxed and chilled together. The kids got to do their own cards, so Nathanael sent me a Hoops & Yoyo e-card...so Nathanael...totally his idea. Madison made me a lovely card, and C4 bought me a sweet one. Each was very demonstrative of their personalities. As the 6 of us walked down the big hill, I was brought to tears thanking God for the blessings in my life. I'm still unsure why He would see fit to loan these miracles to me, but I'm so grateful. They are beautiful and healthy. They bring me so much joy. Then to have a husband who supports all my mommy efforts and shares my passion for family...it's all overwhelming! I'm living my dream!

That's Hartford in the distance...what a view!

This is the guy who made me a mom.

Rounding out the 'perfect day', we hit D.Q. for ice cream.

Back at the house, I grabbed a nap (what a treat!) Then we headed to Colombo's Mom's for a BBQ and movie.

Mother / Daughter Celebration

The day before Mother's Day, our church always has a special Mother / Daughter banquet. It worked out this year that my mom was able to come with Madison and myself, but also my two sisters and their mothers-in-law came as well. On the left is Lisa with Avery, then Bethany, then my Mom (I hope and pray I age like her!).

The food was great, the band was great, and the message was great. Guest speaker was Lisa Whelchel who played Blair on "The Facts of Life" and now is an author / speaker and homeschooler. She signed my copy of "Creative Correction" which I read last year.

I'm very thankful that God blessed me with a mother who loved me and raised me with strong family ties and a foundation in the Truth. I think my life has been easier because of her loving discipline and consistency in pointing us kids towards Christ. It was only after having my own children that I could really begin to understand all that she did for me. And now to see her be a Gramma to my kids, I know that they are better with her in their lives.

The Excellent Wife, chapter seven

This chapter was very challenging. It dealt with idols that we as wives tend to hold. Author Martha Peace explains that "Believers have a God-given capacity to have a pure devotion to and worship of the Lord Jesus Christ, but they frequently struggle with other "gods" / lusts / cravings competing for their affections." This makes sense, right? Everyone has a 'God-sized hole' inside of them. Until they fill it with devotion and worship of Jesus, people search for other ways to quench their longings...drugs and alcohol, sex, gambling, work, shopping, approval of others. Before you count yourself out, remember, sometimes even good things become idols...exercise, church activities, children, blogging.

The problem is many times these things start to take the place of God in our lives. We begin to set our affections on these things. We become so focused and committed, that we start let our devotion to God slip away. Countless times I've skipped my devotion and prayer time because I'm too busy. It's the first thing I let go, which is the exact opposite of what I should do. When that happens, I'm telling God, "Sorry, I'm good doing this on my own. I really don't have time for you. I have all this other important stuff that needs to get done."

People try to fill that God-sized hole on their own, and it produces anxiety, fear, and frustration in their lives.

She listed 25 verses of Psalm 119 in which David desired, sought after, and longed after God. As a wife, my heart's desire should not be that my husband would be more romantic, it should be that I know God's Word and obey it. Since the beginning of the book, this has been the lesson. I have a higher calling than to produce a successful marriage. I am to honor God.

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

The first part of the verse is what we are responsible for. We are to set our mind on things above, have God-honoring desires, and build contentment into our lives. Contentment is a sweet place to be. God's been so good. I'm saved and sanctified. I'm an American. I have a godly, loving family. My kids are healthy. I am healthy. My needs are met. I could sing of His love forever!!!!

More Family Fun

Today was Tim and Beth's last day for this trip. We started at my Mom's for breakfast.

That's my newest niece, Katie.

Then we headed back to my house where Tim gave horsie rides. Then he became a canoe for all the kids who used hockey sticks for oars.

Can you see Tim?

Then we completed a project we began yesterday...tie-dye shirts. I would show pictures of the making of the shirts, but I was so busy trying to keep the dye bottles under control and keeping small children clean (meanwhile, I still have rainbow hands 24 hours later!), that I wasn't able to snap any pictures of the process. However, we were pleasantly surprised with the product as this was my first time doing this. What do you think?

Before heading to the airport, Madison and Juliet sold ice cream from the kitchen window. That added a lovely 'chocolate-brown' to everyone's tie-dye.

Sturbridge Village

We spent a fantastic day at Sturbridge Village. This was a spot I had not been to since grammar school. What a great trip. The kids loved walking around, seeing the animals, and learning about a simpler time. All of us adults were sort of pining for a simpler life as we rewound 200 years.

The weather was perfect! There was so much to do...we didn't do it all even though we were there for 5 hours. We had a picnic on the green. The best part was after 2:00 when the school groups left we had the place to ourselves.

Chili & Pie Contest

Here's the crew on our back porch for our first ever Chili cook-off and Pie contest. Five chilis were entered and 3 pies. Above are the 10 cousins. From left is Allison and Juliet (Bethany's), Katie (Tim's), Madison, Alaina (Tim's), Avery (Lisa's), Colombo holding Amanda (Lisa's), Trevor and Nathanael. Ages:9, 7, 7, 4, 3, 2, 1, 1, 1, and 4 mos. Whoo!

It was all for fun and for these very coveted trophies.

Then to top it off, my sister-in-law, Andrea brought a pinata for Cinco de Mayo. The kids took turns whacking it with a hockey stick...what else would you expect from the DiSalvatores?!