As we enter one of the best days of the year, I thought it would be appropriate to share 10 of the best images of the kids participating in school plays, pageants, parties, musicals and concerts...but I think I went over my top ten limit. My apologies now for the maternal bragging - but it's what we mom's do. Hey, send me a link to your blog and I'll be happy to dote on your children. Promise.John Paul & Anna-Laura's ...

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that Will had has First Reconciliation. To our non-Catholic friends, I'm sure you were wondering what the heck that is. Since I was once in that category, let me explain.First a little history...Before our second-graders take the leap toward First Eucharist (sometimes known as First Communion), they must first learn what it means to be truly sorry for their sins. The church says the "age of reason" is about 7-8 years old. You know, ...

See, I told you I fell in the "might not" category this week. Sheez. The whirlwind of activity at the school is beyond the outer world of craziness. In the last 5 days I've baked 4 dozen cookies, attended 3 Christmas parties, 1 Christmas Concert, 2 Christmas Plays/Pageants, shuttled one child to basketball practice, another to ballet (and attended her Christmas show) and yet another to choir practice. And the week ain't over yet folks.But, before I get tired again ...

Somebody HAD to get sick this Christmas season. Our unfortunate victim? Clare Bear. Yes, for a record EIGHT times, croup has hit our house. Will is the winner thus far with seven bouts of it - one time landing him in the hospital. As soon as I heard that barky cough and labored breathing I knew what it meant.So, we've been heading outside for that cool, damp air and then back inside to sit in a steamy bathroom. And, we ...

We all have one of these don't we? Some of the wishes are realistic, others notsomuch. But, I'm gonna give it a whirl anyway.TOP TEN: ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS...1. For my kids to get excited about the real reason we celebrate. This might be a stretch to get 100% buy-in, but it's a work in progress. I remember how excited I was as a kid before we opened presents, how much fun all the "stuff" was that came ...

The big man himself arrived on Friday eve...evidence by the 5:15 in the AM wake-up call we got. Scott went in to survey the damage and the kids had already dressed themselves in their new pajamas and were clamoring to see where "Sparkly" was (that would be our "Elf on the Shelf"). Holy smokes whose idea was it to do all that on a Friday evening??? Don't reasonable people know you SLEEP IN on a Saturday morning? Not our children.They ...