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on Poppa’s birthday

By Tricia on July 18, 2013 in Birthday Celebrations, Family, Handmade Holidays and Celebrations

Today started quietly, as I saw him sneak past our bed and heard the squeak of that first step down the stairs which gives everyone away. I pulled myself out of the bed after a busy night with Matthew of mostly no sleep again. I peaked my head over the banister and whispered to him…. Happy Birthday, try to come home early! I will, he said and with that he slipped out the front door.

We spent the rest of the day organizing the loft area to house all of the kids folded clothing, hats, scarves, sweaters etc. This is one of our biggest challenges in a family of our size. Too much clothing and not enough places to keep it which means there is always a mess of clothing somewhere and it really makes Poppa unhappy. The perfectionist that he is has to live with the mess that I am and I know it is hard for him. What better gift could we give him than to clean up or act, I hope to share the final redo tomorrow, Friday.

As early afternoon approached, I left Nick in charge and went to the market to get some fresh salmon to make Poppa his favorite meal. Raviolis topped with a parmesan cream sauce accompanied the buttery, melt in your mouth salmon in a lemon butter sauce.

Then I pulled the angel food cake out of the oven and we filled it with fresh whipped cream and raspberries. The kids laughed and said that I should have called it a raspberry tallcake instead of shortcake. I put it together atop my favorite cake plate, one that Poppa and I bought in the early years at an Estate sale and still my favorite though I now have many.

As soon as he blew out the candles, we gave him the gifts we have been hiding from him and then the kids all hugged him at the same time which turned into a free for all of kids trying to get into the inner circle of hugs with Poppa trying to kiss and hug each one.

He hates pictures and I warned him that if her made silly faces, I would post them here so here you go! Happy birthday my love. Thank you for the man you are and the father you have become over the years. We pray that Our Lord will bless us with a very long life to enjoy your company.

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an adventure for her

By Tricia on July 2, 2013 in Family, Handmade, Sewing and Crafts

For the past few days I have been ignoring that today was coming. I knew it was coming but my heart just couldn’t deal with it so I put it out of my mind. Today, Ronnie left to spend a few days at her godparents house three hours away.

That may not sound very tragic but to this momma it is gut wrenching. I know she is in good hands and I also know that she is certainly having a great time but my momma’s heart wants her close by. Selfish, I know but I am certainly very selfish with my children and I probably always will be.

I’m not the only one though. For the past few days, every time I have turned a corner the conversations floating in the air all surround Ronnie’s upcoming trip. Everyone is concerned that she will be alone. She is definitely not alone but to our children, being without another sibling is indeed alone for they all share a heart, the heart of our family.

The night before, Erica helped Ronnie pack her bags which I am sure was hardest for her since they are probably the closest being sisters that are exactly two years apart and share a room and most everything. Erica tried every way of getting herself invited on the trip so she would not have to be without her sister but the time came for Ronnie’s first journey away from us and it was time to go.

I secretly made her a new pillowcase for her trip knowing that this would be hard for her. She did love it as did Olivia and Erica and so I am now working on two more pillowcases for the girls beds. She hugged it tight and said she was taking my love with her in the pillow….sigh.

We all put on a brave face for her sake, though as the time drew near for Poppa to take her on the trip there, the faces became less and less brave. By the time she made her way to the car, there were very few dry eyes including her own. Goodbye hugs were aplenty as well as instructions such as “if you need to come home, don’t worry, I will tell Momma to come and get you” or “if you miss me, just close your eyes and think of me”.

As I made my way back in to get Matthew, who was now on Erica’s hip, still with my camera in hand, I walked into the sight of my little ones consoling each other and could not help but get a picture (or two…or three). Veronica will I am sure be surprised to see how even the little ones missed her so.

She called me tonight and told me all about her wonderful day, the beautiful room that was prepared for her and how her Aunt Tara tucked her in and sat with her until she fell asleep, things mothers of nine do not do. She said that she loved everyone here and could not wait to see us in a few days. In her voice I could hear the little bit of homesick feeling we are all sharing today but also the fun of a new adventure for her.

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