Veronica's Firsts

Updated with video!

First tooth!!
First spoon!

First banana!

Here's Miss Veronica trying out bananas for the first time. In the ideal world her mother would have bought organic bananas and smashed them with love. Instead my love bought the organic container! Actually, the kids bought it while out with Craig. They've been waiting weeks to feed her. But my rule is babies need at least a tooth and the ability to sit in the high chair before their first bite (normally 6-7 months). Enjoy the video ... and Catherine's silliness!

And if you think its noisy during dinner, we were actually being quiet!! LOL!

Laundry woes leaves little time for nuthin' else

I didn't think it would be hard to start up blogging after such a long break. But it seems I'm not finding the time. Or maybe its that Veronica is stealing my time with her rolling, laughing and general cuteness. Also, she's increased my laundry load (which is NOT my strongest domestic duty!!) since she insists on frequent spit ups on the both of us. She seems to enjoy diaper changes and 3 dozen diapers isn't lasting as long as I thought it would. Or maybe its enough but they're not clean on time since they're waiting behind baskets and baskets of dirty duds.

I got back from Houston last night and enjoyed attending a Catholic homeschooling conference. More importantly, I caught up with good friends!! Now to catch up with laundry ...... 5 days in New Orleans and 2 days in Houston looks like ALOT of laundry!!

Sorry, no pics. I must maintain some dignity!!

Missing my little chicks

Tomorrow morning, before the sun wakes, I'll be heading out with Craig on a business trip/vacation. All week I've been looking forward to this get away. I've been dreaming about all the quiet time I will have during the day while Craig is meeting with co-workers. I've been thinking about the fun we'll have in the evenings as we dine and enjoy the city.

But as he was driving off with the kiddies to take them to grandparents' houses, Anna started crying, followed by Kolbe. And I started doubting whether I should leave for so long (5 days). I asked them if they wanted me to drive them to grandma's/abuella's instead of Daddy. They all nodded yes and Sophia started crying. I was on the verge of tears when ......

"Enough!! They'll be fine, Lillian. Now go inside with the baby and let me take them. Say good-bye kids. Tell Mom you love her."

They all waved and the noisy chorus of good-byes and I-love-yous sounded so beautiful.

I miss them already and can't wait until Wednesday. I know they'll be okay but I wish I could have one more day. I should have held them, read to them, and just sat with them on this last day. Instead, we cleaned, packed suitcases, organized school books/schedules (no school holiday for them), and went to see a children's play (Roxaboxen).

In the past 11 years since we've had children, I've never been away from ALL my kiddos for this long. When I do go for a workshop, swim meet, convention, etc., its never more than a night or two. And sometimes I go alone so Craig can stay with them.

But this time its 5 nights and I'll be with Craig (and baby, of course!!).

Tonight I cry until I know they're asleep. Tomorrow they will wake up excited to be having a long slumber party with their favorite people. And I'll wake up excited to have time to myself and with my sweetie. Bittersweet is the grass on the other side.

Meanwhile, I'm making reservations at Nola's!!! ;-)

What's New?

Well, I'm glad you asked! Since I've last "chatted" we've:

1. Gotten a dog!!!!
2. Had our oven break a week before Lent. We're still shopping for a new one so I "gave up" baking for Lent! LOL!
3. I've crochetted my very first wool diaper cover.
4. I signed up to teach in our co-op next year.
5. Have been making/coordinating costumes for co-op play which will be performed next week.
5. Baby Veronica learned to roll over & is cutting her first tooth.
6. Have a white 12 passenger van complete with Catholic/prolife bumperstickers (actually we've had it since December and I forgot to tell you!!
7. Did I mention we got a dog?!

Obviously, I need to show off our new dog, my wool cover, and Baby Veronica. But ... I'm packing for a mini-vacation with my Sweetie!! I'll try to get those up soon.

Wonderful News for Life!

I've missed you all!! I intend to post an Easter picture soon but I wanted to share some good news regarding the fight for the life of the unborn. Here in San Antonio I'm involved with a coalition that peacefully prays outside a local "clinic" that weekly ends the life of innocents.

I was so excited to recieve an email which contained the following:

"Because of the direct efforts of the San Antonio Coalition for Life with the assistance of the Texas Alliance for Life, 4 unlicensed Plann*d Parentho*d clinics that were performing medical abortions have been served cease and desist orders! Not only this, but the Plann*d Parentho*d on Babcock Rd is now be scrutinized for additional violations!

A little while ago the San Antonio Coalition for Life discovered that there were 4 clinics performing medical abortions in San Antonio without an abortion license. We continued our investigation, and when we had enough information, we turned it over to the Texas Alliance for Life which has strong connections with the Texas Legislature. After continued investigation, at a press conference today, the Texas Alliance for Life announced that there will be an effort to de fund Plann*d Parentho*d in the state of Texas!

Because of the discovery by the San Antonio Coalition for Life 4 Plann*d Parentho*d's will not be performing abortions and countless children will be saved!

Contact your Texas Legislature Senators and Representatives and tell them to de fund Plann*d Parentho*d! Next Tuesday they will begin debate on this issue and your voice from San Antonio, the melting pot of where this started, is the key!"

How exciting!! To read more about this, here are some links to different newspaper accounts!! Also, other facilities in Texas have been found to be operating without a license. Can you imagine!?! I pray that all funding to this organization ceases!!

Houston Chronicle
San Antonio Express News
Texas Alliance for Life

All Texas residents, contact your repesentative ASAP!!

For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Rosary for Life

A Powerful Prayer

Imagine what might happen if every Catholic in the world would pray a Rosary on the same day? We have an example in October of 1573, when Europe was saved from the invasion of the mighty Turkish fleet. Europe was saved by the praying of the Rosary by all Christians! So, on Good Friday, let's all pray a Rosary for the intention of ending abortion, including an end to terrorism. If possible, please pray your Rosary between noon and 3:00pm.

Also, please e-mail this message to every Catholic on your address list, and ask them to pass it along to every Catholic on their lists. Let's unite in praying one of the most powerful prayers on one of the holiest days, for these increasingly urgent intentions.

**I don't know where this message originated from, but it sounds like a great idea!! Can't wait to chat with all of you come Easter Sunday! I've missed you! **