Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Katie slept in until almost 9 this morning! This is beyond amazing for my light sleeper that wakes frequently before 6am. While waiting for big sis to wake up, Max and I snuggled on the couch while watching 'georgie". Every time he calls Curious George, georgie, I smile. He says it so sweetly.

LOVE HIM, Love his big sister

back from the dead...

Ok so I am back to this whole blog thing...I put it on hold because our life had fallen off a cliff somehow, but we are back and doing well and if I do not document it we will lose it...

Here are my top 5 moments of this weekend:

Random order of course...

1. Seeing Katie in her first performance...when did she grow up? I won't worry she is only 3, plenty of performances left.

2. Hearing Max tell a knock knock joke to completion at the age of 29 months

3. Making Christmas cookies with my mom and the kids

4. Seeing Max clap in delight that his sister was on the stage Saturday night

5. Seeing the kids delight in Christmas lights as we drove around town

6. I know I said 5, but I am fickle....the most hilarious moment of the weekend was late Saturday night, early Sunday morning. Max had woken up coughing and I had taken him in my room to be with Billy while I got him some water. He was crying pretty loudly and when I returned I cuddled him close. It was too late though, he had woken up his sister. Katie, sleepily, wandered into our room, and not wanting to stir Max I carefully and seamlessly glided her into the middle of our bed. A minute later she spoke to her Daddy and he said "Has she been here all night?" It cracked me up...but definitely one of those you had to be there moments

Show Us Your Life...Mission Trips

So happy to participate in Kelly's Show us your life series. This week is mission trips. Unfortunately it has been a long time since I have participated in a mission trip, but as they have been some of the most profound experiences of my life, I thought I would elaborate.

I have had the unique experience of working with the Sisters of Charity on the Navajo Indian Reservation, just outside of Gallup New Mexico. These amazing nuns, who are the same order as Mother Theresa, dedicate their life to prayer and to the service of the poorest of the poor. Each day they get up and pray, immediately following they get into vans and an old bus and drive the dirt roads of the reservation. They scoop up any children they may run into, even going so far as to knock on doors and wake families up. The kids get off the bus and are immediately served a wholesome breakfast. All the food on the mission is donated. The rule is you must eat what you take, and there were never any picky eaters in this group. Following breakfast the children play games. It is some sight to see these women on God do double dutch jump roping and see them play kickball! After morning prayer, the children are split into groups by ages and are lead to a class area to do vacation bible school like activities. The children sing songs, do crafts, and play games all with limited supplies and $0 budget. The children are then served lunch. The sisters stuff their pockets with granola bars, fruit, and crackers to take home, and then it is off to closing prayer. The kids are then driven home to some of the most amazing homes in America. I do not mean amazing in an HGTV way, but rather in the way that it amazed me that people in America actually live like that. We then would work to clean the school rooms, the lunch room and kitchen. At this time the nuns would then have private prayer and then at 4, we would share daily mass before heading back 5 miles to a trailer where we would make our own dinner each night, shower and get ready for the day ahead. I had the opportunity to work on the reservation for 2 years in the summer and both experiences were just amazing. Seeing the homes of the children and getting to work with their sweet faces, it was evident you were doing God's work. Seeing the prayerful and quiet manner of the nuns, it was evident I was in the presence of true holiness.

My current vocation of motherhood really prohibits me from giving to people in this particular way, but I am forever changed for my time on the tiny mission in Gallup, NM. I was blessed by my time with the children and the amazing nuns that through their example provided an amazing message to me.

My babies are growing up!

I cannot believe it is already time to plan birthday parties! It seems like just a few short moments ago Max was born and 2 weeks later, Katie celebrated her 2nd birthday. Now here I am just days from Max's first birthday. Time to plan the party! From the moment we knew we were expecting and due in March, I was immediately excited for the idea of joint birthday parties. Double the fun, double the budget and our friends and family do not have to make time twice in just a few weeks. Seems like a win win. All year long I have been mentally planning an under the sea party. Katie loves mermaids, and the ocean seemed fun and gender neutral. Though I have already even prepared some items for this theme, I recently choose to save it for next year and go with something more in the now: Curious George! This has been Katie's favorite show for months, actually it is one we all enjoy. Even since Max started walking he has been our little monkey. He is a climber, and a mover and a shaker. He is our very own George. I figured that by the time she is 4, Curious George would seem like a "boy" party theme, so the time is clearly now. I am excited with this choice because I know it is something that is relevant for both children. My long time dear friend Lauren made these adorable invitations. She is so talented! Invitations are out, bounce house has been rented. More party details to follow!

Ergo Giveaway from Simple & Posh

So in love with this Ergo Carrier! I have been stalking it for many a month and today I found out there is a giveaway from Simple & Posh. It was one of the first times I have ever visited this particular site, and I will be back. I adore the Organic Twill Cranberry carrier - Nautilus Print Lining as pictured here. I have always enjoyed baby wearing, but have never had the opportunity to own one. I would love this one! Keeping my fingers crossed!

So Sad

I am just so filled with sadness tonight, and it is the loss of someone I never even met. Brophy senior Robby Mayasich died earlier today, from injuries he sustained being hit by a car during an overnight road relay race from Prescott to Mesa. He was running right near a van for the relay when he was hit by another vehicle. Since it happened I have joined his parents, family and friends in praying for his life, despite word from doctors that he would not live. This kid had everything going for him; grades, sports, music, college acceptance etc.. He was clearly a kid whom any parent would be proud. I am so sad for those who knew him. I am so sad for his parents. Tears flood down my cheeks at the loss of this fine young man that I will never meet. I am amazed at the courage and faith that his parents have shown in this time. Tonight I hold my own dear children a little closer, remembering how fragile life really is. I am so blessed as a mother to hold these dear little hands for such a short time. I am honored. I am blessed. I am grateful.

Student of the Month 2

Congratulations Timothy! We were so excited to eat delicious breakfast burritos at your school today and sit with your Math Teacher. I had tears in my eyes as your teacher talked about you because it was so nice to hear another adult speak all of the amazing things that you know about your kid out loud. We are so proud of you. You are always our high school student of the month. We love you!

We hope that as you grow your self doubt will disappear and you will know the amazing person that you are!
Be strong, banish fear and doubt. Remember the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Maxaroo

Thursday 2/25/10....Max you are 11 months old today. You weigh 21 pounds. You smile so much and enjoy every moment of the day. You have become very determined over the last month as you learned to walk. Max, you are all boy. You love anything physical and to be in constant motion. You are so eager to find out how things work. Your words are Mama, Dada, katay (Katie), Coco (you think all dogs are called cocos), and Tata for thank you. You are squealing and babbling up a storm. You often say things that are an exact imitation of what we have said. We are so proud of you and so thrilled that you are healthy.

Student of the Month

SO PROUD RIGHT NOW!

Our Timothy has been chosen as student of the month at his HS. He just started school in January. He has had to meet new friends, learn the ways of 6 new teachers and navigate a fairly large urban high school. His grades are good and he is clearly getting noticed for his hard work. One of his teachers nominated him for this honor and we are grateful that he is getting some recognition for being a great 15 year old. We are sure proud of him!

Weekend End

I am just so sad to see this weekend come to an end! I love rainy days and having two of them in a row in Phoenix is a rare treat. Yesterday both Rich and Tim were on outings with various family members. This time allowed Billy and I to enjoy something we have not shared in the last 6 weeks: naptime! We had a relaxing afternoon and for the brief moments that both Katie and Max slept we had a great nap together.

(Working backwards) Friday night we had a fabulous meal at Z-Tejas Grill. We were so excited to go out, just adults with our good friends Kathy & Tim. We realized we had made a major error though in going during lent. From pork to beef, their meat selections are to die for and not having one was sadly disappointing. I guess we really felt the self denial on that one :) However we did have the most delicious margaritas and great company. We finished off the night by watching Valentine's Day, which was cute but just ok :)

Last night Billy and I spent some quality time with our favorite teenager. We played trival pursuit on the Wii until 12:00am, which made us super tired today. We still managed to get alot done though, thank goodness we had that nap yesterday! Yes we are getting old!

Because Life has been hectic we have not all been able to make mass at the same time. Here are some photos of one of the Faby Fam's favorite morning pass time after church. Can you guess what it is? Look Closer...DONUTS!

Show Us Your Life....Ministries

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8

Last year our nephews moved with their mom from Arizona to Tennessee. This was a move that we all dreaded because we feared it would not be in the their best interest. Shortly before Christmas we asked if they might be able to spend Christmas with us, and we were blessed that they were going to be able to come! We were so excited when they stepped off that plane! Without "going there" on Christmas eve we got the call that their parents had been arrested and their home would be destroyed. We currently have custody of these remarkable young men, eight and fifteen respectively. We are very grateful their mom had the courage and willingness to allow us to care for them. We love them dearly. We would like this to be their forever home and are working with an attorney to that end. We are working with our pastor and their schools, therapists etc to heal them from all of the hurt that they have suffered. It is a daily struggle, harder then any other challenge we have faced. We pray daily for the strength and courage to move forward and the wisdom to make the best choices possible for these young men. As a mother I am at a constant loss as to how to mother everyone and give everyone what they need. I continue to grow through prayer and the support of our loving extended family.

Another "ministry" of sorts...
This is our Max, born perfectly healthy on our Three year anniversary, March 25, 2009. When we were 24 weeks pregnant with our son Max he was diagnosed with a C-CAM on his right lung. We immediately became a high risk pregancy complete with a dozen specialists and frequent ultra sounds. Our initial concerns were that for his life. We were devasted as we worried about the viability of this little life. However after each and every ultrasound, every two weeks, we had greater hope.We called upon everyone who would listen to lift our unborn baby up in prayer. By the time we were at 34 weeks they believed he would have one working lung. As we prepared for the baby, the doctors prepared us for a child that could be born in respitory distress. With over eighteen doctors attending, Max was born in perfect health. At 9 pounds he was the largest baby in the NICU being tested. We were so very blessed.

He continues to grow in perfect health, however his lung abnormality remains present. He will need surgery in the near future, and we contine to turn him over to the Lord. During this time we met so many other parents via chat sites etc. whose children faced similar or even more grave hardships. Our hearts are so grateful for our blessings, we wanted to reach out to parents in similar circumstance. Recently we have been making dinner one night a month for our local Ronald McDonald House. As I have found in all service, I always get more from the evenings then the families do from our group, but we really enjoy every minute of our time in this extraordinary place.

Thanks for listening/reading!

Eating outside for the first time and loving it!

Perfect Weather!

I have long felt that the later part of Feb and March are the most magnificent months in Phoenix. The morning air is cool and fresh, perfect for a walk. Mid-day it is sunny and gorgeous in the low 70s. I love this time so dearly. It is the only thing that could make up for our oppressive summer. We have been having some great days outside with the two little ones. Here are some pics from our backyard picnic the other day. Katie loves to drive her cool pink coupe. Please excuse the ketchup smile!

We have been terrible about packing a camera this week. We have enjoyed two playdates, one at the park and one at the zoo. Both were such fun! We dearly enjoyed our time with friends. We went to the zoo with our good friends the Pattons...they have a daughter Rich's age and two young ones, similar to us. At the park we met another great match. We had a picnic & park time with friends of ours. I used to work with her and her husband. They have a daughter about 9 months older than Katie, and their son is 2 weeks after Max. Best of all the girls get along great, so it makes it pleasurable for all involved. This was the first time they were both old enough to engage in some dramatic play together. They played the classic baby and mommy and played together beautifully.

I treasure my time with other moms living the good life :) Staying home is not what I dreamed about when I was younger. I mean I always dreamt about staying home with my kids, so in that respect I am living my dream, but it is certainly not at all what I thought it would be. It is far more glorious and far more difficult than I had ever knew! I truly appreciate my time with Kathy & Trish, such a blessing!

Meal Planning Monday

Monday: Penne with veggies & spicy sausage

Tuesday: Turkey (Turkey breast in the crockpot) with sweet potatoes, oatmeal bread, and stuffing

Wednesday: Spinach & Pasta Bake

Thursday: Chili (I do it in the crockpot unlike the recipe mentions)

Friday: Date Night! Left overs for the kids? Kids have chicken nuggets? We'll let Nana decide!

Saturday: Make your own tortilla pizzas (family favorite)

Sunday: Tacos Trying out a new recipe! I usually stick to my packet of seasoning but feel it is time to branch out!

Happy Cooking!

Show us your life Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Ideas!

So excited that I am finally blogging so that I can contribute to Kelly, at Kelly's Korner (love her!) show us your life Fridays...today the topic is Valentine's dates or ideas. We do not have any fabulous ideas to share but we do have some fun traditions. Here is me and my valentine shortly after we started dating in 2004. That year I poured over a homemade valentine for days. He still has it. I still have him, such a keeper!

Our valentine's tradition has always involved staying home! Even when we were first dating it was the one night we would always stay home to avoid the crowds. We refer to it as amateur night :) We usually order take out of some kind and enjoy a romantic night at home. Our first Valentine's Day, I ordered a pizza and had the pizza makers write I love you on it with pepperoni. Since then we have used our meal as a creative outlet to express affection of the special day. We do try to make it an event though, whether it is eating by candle light or a picnic on the carpet. We also add some creativity by placing a spending limit on gifts. The limit has ranged from as low as $5 when we were tight to more extravagant budget of $20. We have exchanged homemade CDs, cards etc. It usually adds to the fun! See this is the type of fun you can have when you just stay home! Here is Katie doing her fashion show as the Valentine entertainment last year!

I think she was a cheerleading waitress :)

Last year, Katie was 22 months and she was very excited about Valentine's day. We began a new family tradition of having a Grandparent Valentine lunch. Last year we had a "red" lunch. Everything we had was red, red meat, red sauce, you get the picture. This year we are having a heart shaped brunch. I have a fabulous heart shaped muffin tin which I will be using to make baby quiches, heart shaped muffins, and although the ham is not exactly heart shaped, it is at least pink! All the kids have been hard at work on their Valentines this week and we are super excited for this meal. Here is Katie and Nanny, last year dancing before lunch.

Love that heart outfit! My generous mom got that for her at Cracker Barrel. It had Raggedy Ann & Andy on it which was a relic of my childhood. Wish it still fit.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Welcome

I have wanted to blog for sometime, but one thing or another always got in the way; time, laziness, procrastination, even a bad attitude. In the beginning I believed blogs to be a bit of an indulgence. Why would someone else want to read the daily goings on of my life? Why should anyone else care what type of lip gloss I enjoy or what shows can't stop watching. Then my life changed. Now as the mother of 4, I feel this blog to be my own sanity. I have never been one to journal. In high school and college I was the kid who would "fake" my own journal entries the night before they were due. I was not alway a procrastinator, but the "interpersonal intelligence" has never been my highest IQ. I much prefer to chat. But my conversations while enjoyable do not keep an account of our life together, and as much as I value the oral tradition, in this generation it seems a bit of a waste. This is a way I can keep a daily or at least weekly account of the comings and goings of my crazy life and the five people I adore most in all the world. Thus this blog will be our daily life, a way for me to remember the nitty gritty. For I believe the small things are the ones that matter most.