Weekend In Review

We just had a crazy weekend! On Friday, Trevor woke up throwing up, so I spent the morning dealing with him. My friend Lil came after lunch to pick up the kids and go strawberry picking, an annual tradition she has with them. TJ was feeling better by then, but I kept him home. I spent the afternoon doing laundry and disinfecting the house.

I spent the evening making desserts for Father's Day and salads for the parties we had the next day. We invited the neighbors over for a visit after the kids were in bed. I was happy to see my bed at midnight.

On Saturday, Madison and I and Rocco headed out early to meet Kelly at the salon to get their hair cut for Locks of Love.

Straight from there, we met Colombo at the soccer field to see C4's last game. Straight from there we went to my sister Bethany's for a shower they were having for Levi.

When that was over, we loaded the boys into the van and headed to my niece, Amanda's dance recital. This was the 'scene' during the hour break we had.

Amanda wanted everyone to smell the flowers she received after her performance.

Straight from there, we went to my sister Lisa's house for Avery's 4th birthday party.

We arrived home at 10:00 and went to bed.

Father's Day...

On Sunday the alarm went off at 7:00. Colombo was off to go skeet shooting with a good friend. I got the kids dressed for church and out the door. The plan was to pick Colombo up en route and go up to my Dad's church and 'surprise' him for Father's Day. Colombo's shooting ran late which left me alone with the kids for the hour ride to Dad's church. I met Bethany and her family and Lisa and her family in the parking lot, ducked in the back, filed the kids into a pew just as service was starting. We definitely SURPRISED him. When he stood to begin service he could hardly function and couldn't remember all of the announcements...success!

The kids got up and sang a song with him for the congregation. Dad introduced Levi and Rocco. It was sweet.

From church, we headed home to meet Colombo. We spent an hour loving on him and doing our traditional treasure hunt to find his 5 gifts. The kids just squeal with delight as they trail behind him looking for the next clue.

Afterwards, we loaded up the van and went to Colombo's parents to celebrate Father's Day with his Dad. Andrea cooked a beautiful meal for everyone, including her parents. Nicky and Katie were also there.

Notice the boys' new summer haircuts too!

And that was just another weekend in paradise!!!

Locks of Love

Madison and I donated our hair two years ago together. This time she did it with a friend from church, Kelly. Maddy was able to give 11" and is super excited about her short hair. It will be much easier to deal with jumping in and out of the pool all summer. We all agree she looks a little older with short hair.

3 Weeks Old

Rocco celebrated his 3 week birthday. We spent the day laying low at home with his 2 year old brother who woke up puking and did so until lunch time...so fun. Thankfully Trevor recuperated quickly and everyone else escaped catching it.

Rocco's neck is getting stronger. He's working on his double chin and is quickly growing out of the newborn onsies. One day he pooped 4 times in one hour...four diapers in one hour! Cha-ching! And they're not the little newborn ones anymore. He's graduated to size 1. He is alert and attentive for long stretches during the day and sleeps well at night (mostly) except to eat every 2 hours.

He also had a huge milestone this week. At 2 1/2 weeks, he showed us his first real smile. I thought it seemed early (17 days), but he has consistently done it every day since then. He's also cooing. Although it takes a little coaxing, he'll start to coo and it is just totally heart melting. He and his Dad have had some long, sweet conversations. Of course trying to capture this on film proved quite difficult. Here's a sample of a little cooing mixed in with a little fussing.

And this one is super quick, but you get the idea.

Other pictures from the week:

Rocco with Cousin Levi

T-Ball is over. Nathanael enjoyed it and has a trophy to remember the season.

Soccer is over. C4 LOVED his first year of soccer. The team, over the course of the season, scored 16 goals. C4 scored 12 of those AND missed one game.

No More T.V.

5 1/2 yrs ago, we cancelled our cable. We've had no channels, no t.v. for 5 1/2 years, and honestly have NEVER missed it except for the occasional things like Olympics, hockey playoffs, Meet the Press, etc. But in general, have just been so thankful that we made that decision. We chose to do that because of the GARBAGE that was coming into the house...even if we controlled the shows that were seen, there were still evil movie trailers and 1/2 naked women in beer commercials!

Well since then, we have done videos. Mostly through Netflix and the library, we have enjoyed watching movies after the kids go to bed and even kept up with some t.v. series like 24 and most recently Lost. The kids have stayed current with all the High School Musicals and Barney has done a wonderful job babysitting Trevor during school hours.

Well, this past weekend we went to our homeschool conference. The first seminar we sat through was about t.v. and what a time waster it is, how much junk comes from Hollywood, etc. As a side note, did you know that Hollywood was run by a board made up of 2 churches up until 1964? Everything produced had to be approved by this church board. That's when we saw shows like 'Father Knows Best'. When was the last time Hollywood made Dad look like anything but a blubbering idiot?

Anyway, there is also hard evidence that t.v. viewing accelerates the propensity for ADHD because images on the screen change every two seconds. Have you ever driven around after dark and seen the blue hue coming from every house? It's like we've been taken over...very freaky.

On the way home, Colombo said, "What do you think about getting rid of the t.v. for the summer?" Well, honestly, I was fine with it for the kids' sake, but selfishly, I still like to veg on the couch after kids are in bed. But I wanted to support Colombo's leadership and conviction, so I said, "Sounds great!" That was Friday. Coincidentally, that same day the kids watched Marley & Me, which was promoted as the 'family' movie of the holiday season. They had seen it with their uncle in the theatre, so I let them rent it and watch it again. That night I watched it and was disgusted that my kids had seen it twice! This 'family' movie had every curse except F and tons of references to sex, including a scene with skinny-dipping. I was just mortified. Garbage!

On Saturday, Colombo was having cold feet about his decision, but I had gotten my head wrapped around the idea and was ready to do it.

On Sunday, our Pastor preached out of Psalm 1. "1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night."

In his message he brought up movies and how they fill our minds with bad thoughts, bad ideas and if we want to stay connected with God, we need to delight in the law of the Lord, which is the Word of God. This was just confirmation for us about our decision.

That night, Colombo and our neighbor moved the beast down to storage in the basement. In it's place, Colombo lined the shelves with books.

Monday morning Colombo sat the kids down and gave them a little devotional...an abridged version of Pastor's message and talked about being set apart and holy. When I joined them, we called a family meeting. The kids were like, "Ah! Don't tell us you're pregnant again!"

Colombo said, "Let's review. What have we learned?" Nathanael answered, "To not walk in the wicked of the counsel." [Well, close.]

Then Colombo asked, "What's a way that bad ideas and thoughts get into our home?" Madison answered, "Probably the t.v."

So we opened up the doors to reveal no more t.v. and explained that for the summer, it was gone. C4 said, "Madison, why did you have to say that?" As if it were her fault for answering the question. So funny! Madison said, "When did you guys get all these crazy ideas?" Trevor clutched his Barney DVD case with a very sad look on his face. The kids ran down to the basement, wondering if the the spare t.v. was still down there...nope. After the initial shock, the older 3 were fine with it. We explained that we will replace that time with books and boardgames and time outside for the summer. TJ was more apprehensive. He asked for a movie through most of the morning. Even at 1:00 he brought me his video and asked me to play it on the computer...too smart!

At dinner, we were doing our usual best / worst part of the day. When it was Nathanael's turn, he said the WORST part of his day was losing the t.v. When it was Madison's turn, she said the BEST part of her day was losing the t.v.

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On Tuesday, more confirmation came in form of my e-devotional. Here's an excerpt:

"Jesus guarded the disciples' spiritual growth by protecting their minds. It is your job, as a father and spiritual leader, to protect their innocence. This is a huge task today in the culture we live in. Children are not mini-adults and we need to protect the innocence of our children as they're growing up. They cannot handle violence; they cannot handle sex; they cannot handle death. These things are a heavy subject for a little mind."

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So now if people don't think we're weird for having 5 kids, and if they don't think we're freaks for homeschooling, then I guess we've upped the ante and now there's plenty of reason to think we've totally lost it! I must say, though, I've enjoyed having music piped through the house all day instead of whatever might be on the t.v.

Although we said we'd reevaluate at the end of the summer, we're hoping that we all decide to just continue on without it. So far my only regret is not videotaping our family meeting!

Spring Showcase

Madison danced in her 5th recital for Northstar Dance Academy. This year she was in 5 dances! She was the preschool leader for Goody Goody Gumdrops.
Then she was in her jazz number, Peanut Butter Jelly.

Shes' the littlest one in the center.

Then her two competition tap numbers, Pajama time and Rockin' Robin, and then the Finale with everyone (no picture).

She also got her '5 Year' trophy. Miss Kandie made special note that Madison was the very first official Northstar student. She was the first registrant 5 years ago when she opened her business. That was such a God thing that we found Northstar. I found the ad in the Reminder, called and chatted with Kandie. At that time, she didn't know exactly where the studio would be. I decided to sign her up there. It ended up being a mile from the house and Kandie and many other families are Christians! Every recital ends up being a bit of an outreach with the Christian music.

She LOVES to dance. She did a beautiful job and now will enjoy a break for the summer.

Loyal Fans:

Daddy, Uncle Joe, Kiki, Gramma, TJ, Pop, Auntie Lisa

Avery, C4, Nathanael, Rocco, Bobbi

2 Weeks Old

He's two weeks old!!! In some ways he still feels brand new and in some ways I don't remember life without him.

Well Madison's theory proved true. After N.Y.C. at one week, his 2nd week 'birthday' was not as exciting. He spent the day with Colombo and me at our statewide homeschool conference.

Rocco also had his first trip to Moe's Southwest Grill this week. It's a favorite of ours on some Tuesday nights because kids eat free!Other sweet pics from the week:

Blue Belt

C4 tested in Tae Kwon Do and received his blue belt. Ninny, Papa, Nana, Daddy, and all his brothers and sister were very patient to sit through all 2 1/2 hours. He broke 2 boards. The first one is the video below. It's called a flying side kick. He jumped over 3 kids to do it! We're very proud of his hard work.

Sweet Baby Rocco

Could he be any sweeter?!

Rocco has just totally found his place in our family. We've all gotten used to him being around. It's so nice that school is finished and activities are ending for the summer. I've had lots of time to just enjoy him! I haven't even cooked for over 2 weeks now. We were overwhelmed by the love shown by friends and family. Meals kept coming in...good meals and decadent desserts. Colombo's even made lunch most days, so I've been very spoiled.

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I was a little worried about Trevor and how he would do accepting the new addition. For the first few days, although he was alright having the baby around, I didn't think he thought it was a 'permanent' change. I thought perhaps he was thinking, "Alright, fun's over. When's this kid leaving."

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At the end of the first week, we were in the car. TJ looked over at Rocco's empty seat and said, "Where's Rocco?" That's when I knew he was o.k. with him...even watching out for him. That's one of the sweetest things I see in my kids is how they watch out for one another. (Usually!) C4 has always grabbed Madison in parking lots, or they'll always ask where 'so and so' is if someone is not home. It's sweet.

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Trevor also came up to me one morning while I was holding Rocco. The baby had a little white 'piece' of spit up on his tongue. Trevor saw it and said, "Rocker eatin' gum?" It was cute. That's how TJ says his name...Rocker. So now the other kids will throw it around. And I've lengthened it to Rocker Dude, but only once in a while.

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He's just so awesome to have around! Newborns are just such a mystery, such a miracle. And every inconvenience that they come with is overshadowed by their sweet smell and innocence. I'm so blessed. So very, very blessed!

Rocco Is One Week Old

What better way to spend your one week birthday than in the Big Apple?!

We had a VERY last minute offer from my mother-in-law to join them for a Broadway show in New York City Friday night. She took a whole group of business associates and we were the lucky recipients of some extra tickets...thanks, Karen! Lisa and Shaun were able to come with their girls with only a few hours notice.

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It was the kids' first time in the city. It was a quick adventure with much anticipation. They were so excited! I spent the day putting the fear of God in them about staying with me, holding hands, 8 million people... I scared Madison so badly that while we were in an Applebee's for dinner before the show, she was almost in tears to have to sit 4 chairs down from me. So maybe I went a little overboard. I explained to her the difference between dining room table in Applebee's and walking on the sidewalk. Then she was fine.

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After dinner, we got cones at McDonald's and then quickly walked to Times Square to snap a few pictures. It was raining, but we made it...less than a block to walk. Then onto the theatre.

The kids all sat through the show wonderfully. The theatre provided cushions to boost them a little higher. Rocco slept through the entire thing! The kids loved the music and dancing and were familiar enough with the movie to follow along.

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Once in the car, the kids changed into PJ's and settled in their spots and were fast asleep. Madison thought it was a very big deal for Rocco to go to NYC at one week old. She thinks from here on out everything will be anti-climatic for him.

I'm So In Love!

I'm lovin' my new little guy! He makes it easy to love him. He has a very sweet disposition, seems very content, and is totally cute!

About 3 times a day, he has a stretch of awake time. He's very alert and turns his head to my voice.

So far at night he's done well. He's up every couple hours to nurse, but then goes back to sleep. On night #4, he actually gave me a 4 1/2 hour stretch of sleep.

By far my favorite thing so far is something that all of the kids have done, but this newborn stage is so quick and fleeting that the little things sometimes are forgotten. When I nurse him, he often rubs my skin with his hand...oh my gosh, that is just the best thing ever!!!

I have to say a huge thank you to my sister Lisa and my friend Laurie who have so lovingly snapped all of the pictures I've posted of Rocco. They are both very talented with a camera, and always generous to share their work.