"Beauty and the Beast"

Today was a special day. C and J participated with 65 of their friends and fellow homeschoolers in the Avon Mountain Drama Group's Summer production of Beauty and the Beast. In just 4 rehearsals, the show came together beautifully and all grandparents and family members were amazed at how well done the whole show was.  The scenery, costumes, dance numbers and acting were quite good, aside from our parental bias. Doobs made her acting debut, playing the part of Tink (Chip, the teacup in the movie). She had a handful of lines, even one line in a song and she pulled them off with charm and great stage presence.  Linka was a villager named Jane in the French town as well as a flower dancer in the Enchanted Garden!  She had a few lines too and was graceful and poised in her ballet dancing in the garden scene. MK was supposed to be a "grandchild" but decided last minute that she didn't want to be on stage. (I think she found the snack table and wanted to stand guard until after the show.)

The kids had a blast with all of their friends at rehearsals and it was really great to see such a team effort on behalf of all of the families. Mom had an even bigger blast living vicariously through her children. Ahhhh, the old aspirations of becoming a broadway actress came full circle in just a few short weeks. I KNEW God had a plan for those desires!

Congratulations to our two little "rising stars." We are so proud of you, Tink and Jane!

Cast of Beauty and the Beast 

AMDG(2) - Summer 2008

"Green" Cocktails

At the risk of boring you about my new favorite subject which is "juicing", I feel I must for the sake of good communication. It all started when I saw an old high school friend on Oprah. Kris Carr is her name and cancer has changed her life.  She decided that since there was no cure for her rare form of vascular sarcoma, the only power she had in her healing process would be to control everything she put into her body. She spent years researching everything under the sun and landed soundly into the world of raw foods, wheatgrass and juicing!  

While this encompasses an entire lifestyle change, which can be quite expensive and challenging with children, I am very interested in the whole juicing thing.  It's fun, it's green and it's super healthy.  I figure that if I can kick-start my day with a healthy dose of chlorophyll, live enzymes, vitamins and minerals, then I may offset some of the other junk that I take in which can damage my body. (i.e. brownies, cookies, wine, cheese, etc.) The pleasant surprise is that the more I juice, the better I feel, which makes my cravings for the "bad stuff" decrease.

The girls actually like the juice depending on what I put into it and the baby especially enjoys sipping from the green straw.  

Fact: "The only place you will find the "helpers" you need to detoxify and restore your cells from the toxic poisons of synthetic, processed and indigestible foods (mostly meat and dairy) is in uncooked plant foods and their juices." (Natalia Rose, Phd, author of The Raw Food Detox Diet)

Why juice instead of just eating the veggies, you ask? Well.....if you could see how much stuff I throw into the juicer to end up with 8 ounces of juice, you would have half of the answer.  You couldn't possibly eat for breakfast the heaping mound of kale, celery, cucumber, romaine, broccoli, apple and lemon that goes into one drink. (nor would you want to) The juicing process allows you to ingest all the benefits without expending any digestive engery.  There are also enzymes deep in the  fibers of fresh veggies which don't get absorbed through normal digestion but are released by a juicer.   

"You with your juicing, mom", they say to me. But ahhh, they're right there in line fighting over who gets to throw the next veggie down the juice shoot!

Maestro in the Making!

Doobs had her very first piano recital this afternoon. It was a lovely occasion completely organized and hosted by the piano teacher who, herself, is only 16 years old. Having studied piano since age five, she is quite a poised and accomplished young lady to be teaching younger children and putting together such a special program for them today. We were delighted to watch our little cutie pie perform "Brahm's Lullaby", "Alouette" and "London Symphony" with some poise and confidence of her own. Nick and I both agreed that neither of us could have done this at the tender age of six!

Good job Dooby.  We are so proud of you and hope you continue to develop your natural flair for all things musical.  You are a talented girl.  We love you honey.

Doob-alicious

WHERE are all the pictures of you Doobs?  I had to scroll all the way back to 2006 to find one! I mean, there are some more recent ones, but it's that "Doob-alicious" look that I was searching for.  I finally found it...so here you are in your pretty green dress from Aunt Jul holding your fancy water goblet at Aunt Darlene's fancy party in New York.  You are growing so quickly right before our eyes. Almost at the end of your Kindergarten year, you are reading, writing and learning so much in school. You have an ear for languages and you excel at piano, Math, Irish Step dance and singing (that - coming from a tough critic). Most importantly, though, you are growing in character and virtue. Daddy and I are proud of the ways you are practicing patience and self-control...usually at the hands of one of your younger sisters (the one who walks and has a full set of teeth)!  

This past weekend, we watched you sing and perform in front of many of your peers and their families at the Memorial Day gathering. This shows a lot of maturity for a little girl who "just-turned-six".  You are a blessing to our family, Doobs. We love you and no, I haven't forgotten that I owe you a sleepver at the Convent to celebrate your birthday (and yes, Babcia will take you to Mohegan Sun for a sleepover there too.)  Sheesh! Quite a life you lead...from convent to casino.  Aye!

My First Birthday

Well, I did it!  I hit a milestone today. Turning ONE was exciting...so exciting that I slept through most of the celebration festivities.  After my pancake breakfast, I napped.  Then after my special lunch with mommy, daddy and my sisters, I slept again.  Then it was dinner....boy mom cooked a great meal, but I missed the dessert.  I heard whispering about dad taking the big girls out for an ice cream once I fell asleep.  Well, these things aren't all they're cracked up to be, but I can't complain.  I mean, I never miss a meal.  

Tomorrow, my godparents are coming over to visit me, so I'd better get some rest.  I don't want to sleep through a second day of partying. I'll report back later. Night Night!

Big Sister

What would I do without my biggest girl? She is such a great kid.  She's the mini-mom of the house, retaining over 50% of all vital information (which compensates for her mother's short-term memory loss) and she's the designated "mommy substitute" whenever I'm gone - which is basically never. This past weekend, however, I was on retreat in Massachusetts - a much needed and timely gift for Mother's Day. Anyway, Linka (age 7.5) told me that on Saturday when Kicky (age 3.5) woke up in the morning, she crawled up in to Linka's bed, wrapped her arms around her and said, "Are you my mommy today?" The poor little thing, deprived of her mummy for 72 hours!

Little Shmoo is not without mention here either. She adores her biggest sissy too. She is toted around on her hip most of the day, even though it seems as if the baby weighs only a few pounds less than the seven-year-old.  

It amazes me how much the first child takes on that role of "the responsible one" and "the one who always takes care of everyone" and "the one who always gives in." I have to be mindful to acknowledge her for the many small sacrifices that she makes for the three smaller ones. I keep telling her that she is "super-sizing" the crown of sparkly jewels that awaits her one day!  (I sneak her an occasional ice cream cone too.)

Be-ne-dic-to !!!!

Today was a day I will never forget. All six Christies ventured into New York to see the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI.  It was a beautiful memory, one that I would never trade. We were quite fortunate to even get tickets in the first place and then to be able to go together as a family was just awesome.  The girls did great, even better than we expected.  We took the train from South Norwalk down to 125th Street and then hopped on the subway which took us right to Yankee Stadium. 

As we arrived at our subway stop, we could see the massive lines of people outside the stadium. We gulped, wondering if we were in for a long day. But we met lots of great people in line, even bumped into some of our home-schooling teenaged friends, some priest friends and we kept ourselves occupied text messaging other friends who were also there somewhere! When we got to our seats, we were thrilled because we were seated right in front of the altar (in the nose bleed section, but still!) The view was great. We felt the excitement of the crowd and sensed an overwhelming unity with all those around us.  

Nick is a seasoned pilgrim of Papal visits to the U.S.A. but this was my first experience and I just soaked it all in, feeling such gratitude for being able to witness such an historic event.

The thousands of hispanics behind us in the stands began a joyful string of chants.  "Be-ne-dic-to" (beh-neh-dee-to)  they shouted while pounding on the congo drums. We all joined them in their contagious song and the momentum grew as well as the sound, echoing throughout the stadium. Gold and white handkerchiefs were waving all around us and I started to cry. It was a great moment for us to watch our girls see with their own eyes the majesty and vastness of the Church at large.  It was unbelievable to observe thousands of cheering pilgrims become silent as soon as the mass began, reflecting such a spirit of reverence and respect for the mass.

When we left the stadium, we were approached by NBC newscasters who asked to interview us. We were all pretty speechless and camera shy, so I guess they kept on interviewing until they found something worthy of the 6-o'clock news. I wish I had remembered to point to Caroline's pink Redsox hat that sported the classic "B" on the front. We added a makeshift "16" beside it just for the occasion (and to protect ourselves against any potentially hostile Yankee fans!) 

Pope Benedict is gentle, yet strong.  He knows who he is and Whose he is.  As the t-shirt on the woman in front of us said, so too will I say, "I love my German Shepherd!"

 

Shmoo McGoo

Where does the time go?  Miss Shmoo-McGoo, formerly referred to "Muffin Top", is eleven months old already.  (sniffle sniffle) Didn't I just deliver her last week? It's so true that time goes by faster and faster with each passing year. I would also say that it goes by equally faster with each child. It's so hard to remember those day to day experiences from even a few years back. Hence, this blog...my attempt to preserve the little memories that I, myself, am forgetting as soon as they become a part of the past. I can't remember the sound of my own children's voices from earlier years. I can't even seem to remember what we did last week!

Take Shmoo-McGoo, for instance.  I took this picture of her in the tub just two months ago. This evening as I looked through my pictures, I thought, "Gee, what was that little bandage doing on her arm?"  How could I have forgotten so quickly?  I started to rack my brain, and that's when my "Dream Team" quickly stepped up to the plate. (The big girls remember EVERYTHING whether you want them to or not - especially when you don't want them to, I should say!) Let's just put it this way.  A. Did she bite herself? B. Did her sisters scratch her? C. Did she get her first bug bite? or D. Did her mother scald her milky skin with a hot cup of joe? (Answer:  D)

Should I be so flippant as to advertise my parental neglegence with a multiple choice quiz? Perhaps not, but the white bandage on that sweet little arm reminds me of how quickly the body heals but even more importantly, just how quickly a little child can bounce back from their daily trials, replacing their tears with big smiles in what seems like a few minutes. A lesson for us big, sophisticated folks. The most meaningful memory isn't about the bandage or the bathtub, but rather, that happy little heart that reminds me of God's purity and His everlasting joy.

Colored Easter Hands

Easter Sunday was a lovely gathering up at our cousins' house.  It was also Doobs' birthday, so we had lots to celebrate.  We had a little egg hunt in the back yard for all the kids.  It was chilly, but that didn't stop them. Each child was instructed to collect only 8 eggs and then STOP! We're all about fairness in this family and Easter eggs are no exception to the rule.  Speaking of Easter eggs, it appears that Kicky became a little more interested in dunking her hands in the dye than in dying the eggs themselves.  I had to laugh when I read the back of the dye box (after the fact).  It read, "Dye may cause staining.  Parents should supervise children during the dying process."  Ooops.  Well at least she had fun and it eventually came off after a few good scrubs in the tub.  

Stations of the Cross

AMDG2 (Avon Mountain Drama Group - Ad Majorem Dei Glorium)

2nd Annual Presentation of

The Stations of The Cross

The 11th Station:  Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

(clay station created by Linka & Doobs)

The girls participated in a very special reenactment of The Way of the Cross one week before Easter.  It was cloudy, cold and damp weather-wise, which was fitting for the occasion. Grammy joined us up in Avon for a memorable afternoon.

The Living Stations were presented by the AMDG2, a student-run drama group for Catholic homeschoolers from all over.  Forty plus children participated in this special presentation in various ways; through drama (the Living Stations of the cross) through song (singing of the Stabat Mater in latin) through sculpture (creating clay replicas of the 14 Stations) and drawing (an art contest for the cover of this years' program). Linka and Doobs created the above station themselves. All of the clay stations were fashioned by the use of natural elements only - sand, leaves, rocks, sticks, moss and clay in order to achieve an authentic and "earthy" model depicting each step of Christ's journey on his path toward Calvary.  

As often as we've seen the living stations reenacted, it still stirs our hearts and brings us to a place of humble gratitude for the sacrifice that Christ offered for our salvation.  Watching the children silently portray the final moments of Christ's life is both powerful and "living" each and every time. 

Linka was a "weeping woman" of Jerusalem.  (Notice the giant fake tears in photo above....nothing but dried droplets of glue squirted out from a glue gun and adhered to the cheek with a dab of corn syrup! Man, these mothers have good ideas!)  And Doobs, though an original member of the Stabat Mater a cappella choir, found reading in Latin a bit too advanced for her five-year-old self.  So she remained focused on her clay station contribution as well as and her assistance with baby watching and the passing out of programs.

As for the tears - the fake ones got thrown in the garbage can.

The real ones have all been dried for Christ is Risen!  Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Whatever it Takes!

Breakfast in bed was the bribe du jour last Tuesday!  At 7 a.m. with smiles on their faces, the girls were awakened tenderly by their loving mother who entered the bedroom bearing three fancy trays each adorned with a bagel & cream cheese and oj (not their usual breakfast beverage).  "What's this for?", they asked sheepishly?  "Well, I replied sarcastically, whatever it takes to get you people out of bed in the morning!"  You see, now that we've "relocated" to the other part of town, our lives have been torn up-side-down.  Okay, I'm exaggerating, but my point is that everything was so on track over at Ardmore Street.  Get up at 7, put on clothes, run out the door for 7:30 mass, home at 8, breakfast, chores and school begins at 9!  (mommy loves a schedule).  WELLLLLLL, since the little church at the end of the street in the new "hood" has morning mass at 9:00 a.m., mommy's schedule is being thrown off completely. Even I have gotten sucked in to the 9 a.m. mass dilemma.  I like a little extra shut-eye myself during these cold, winter months and who wants to hop out of bed in the dark and cold?  Ugh.  But going to mass at 9 a.m. feels more like lunch time when you get up at 6:00, so what's a woman to do but sleep in!  Alas, the girls (and mom) have become sleepy heads...and waking up later means.....you guessed it, going to bed later, which means, frustrated mommy!  I know April, none of this would have happened if we hadn't moved.  But there are some benefits of living in the woods, like mice, spiders and other woodland creatures, but that's for another post.

Instant Snowman in a box

The girls made an awesome little snowman last week (which has since melted).  But it was as easy as 1, 2, 3. They piled up three heaping mounds of snow, one atop the other and then quickly ran inside shouting, "Hey mom, where is the snowman kit that Auntie Tania gave us for Christmas?" Quickly grabbing the little wooden box from the closet, they headed back outside to bring their icy white statue to life.  Inside the little box lay all the ingredients necessary to put the decorative touches on any snowman:  three round black buttons, two eyes, a pipe, orange carrot nose, red scarf and black felt hat.  They pushed all the little wooden pieces right into their frosty snowman and VOILA!  He came to life, just like the song says (well.....almost).  

Lands' End Snowboots: $39

Plastic hand shovels: $ 2

Christmas Tree Shop Snowman Kit: $4

Seeing the proud smiles on your kids' faces:  Priceless !

God bless "America"

Oh, forgive me.  Did I say I have four girls?  How silly of me.  I actually have five! (drumroll) Ladies and gents........Meet "America."  She is a very important member of our family.  This is actually the new Amercia.  The old (or original) America was discarded accidentally by the insensitive McDonald's employee several months ago, when we left her on the table. (Hint: Don't ever leave important things at fast food restaurants...they don't save anything even for 24 hours!  We learned the hard way.) Needless to say, "Kicky" was devastated when she lost America. We promised to replace her immediately, and so here she is....the new America! She goes with us at all times.  She washes quite well in the machine and she's the quietest of all the girls by far. She receives blessings at mass from Father Charlie, who even knows to call her by name.  "God bless America" he says as he makes the sign of the cross on her forehead. He knows well that if he doesn't bless her, Kicky will stand in front of him waiting until he does! It was after her first official blessing that I realized with a giggle how Kicky had chosen her name. She obviously made an association with the song "God bless America" that we often sing and probably figured, "Oh, America!  That's a great name for my baby."

The Nativity

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (a.k.a. "The Atrium") has been an invaluable hands-on experience for all of the girls over the past three years. Every week, they enter a "quiet place" where they experience the Mass in miniature.  Everything is small, simple and tangible.  This program was pioneered by Maria Montessori.  It is unique to other classroom styles of teaching because the only teacher is Jesus "The Good Shepherd" and the child learns through role play, art, music and quiet observation.  The atrium is a place of prayer, in which work and study spontaneously become meditation, contemplation and prayer." Illustration by Doobs, age 5.   www.cgsusa.org

Be Mine....Valentine's Day 2008

The girls and I received a special surprise from Daddy. The night before Valentine's Day, Nick presented us with a small 3x5 printed invitation that he had made at work. It read, 

"Please join me for a Valentine's Day Dinner 

Tomorrow evening, February 14th

Meet me at the dinner table at 6:00 p.m.  

You are special to me"

I smiled with glee, knowing I wouldn't have to cook!

Sooooo....the next Day (Valentine's Day) we set up the table for dinner....see above picture. Nick came home with a second printed card displaying the "menu" for the evening. (see photo below) Even baby Muffin-top got her own personalized menu complete with "nummies" (mommy's milk) for dessert.

He pretended to be a waiter at a fine restaurant, seating us at a candlelit table, serving us our surprise "fine cuisine" and entertaining us in his usual, comical manner.

All I can say is....Nick is one of a kind.  I reminded the girls that not all daddies do things like this.  This puzzled them greatly since they assume that all daddies do! My gratitude grew as I realize more and more how high the bar has been set for them.  Thank you Papa Tom and Dabada.  It starts with the parents.

P.S.  Mommy got her own menu too.  Caesar Salad, Pan-Seared Sea Scallops, Balsamic Mustard Glazed Salmon, Spinach Risoto and a bottle of Red Zin...yummy!

Out of the mouths of babes!

Mom: "Let's get Mrs. Mihaliak a Yankee candle for Christmas."

Linka:  "Okay, but is she a Yankee fan?" (age 6)

Grammy: "Linka, can you give me a little leg rub with lotion?"

Linka:  "Oh grammy, you need to get your legs redone." (age 4)

Old man in elevator: "Well, little girl, aren't you a little munchkin."

Linka:  "Yes, I'm glazed and my sister is chocolate."  (age 3)

Doobs:  "Mom, that Santa was cute.  I wonder what his name is." (age 4)

Doobs:  "Do nuns ever throw up?" (age 3)

Mommy: "Kicky, please go to the potty."

Kicky:  "I can't, my bummy doesn't work." (age 3)

Mommy:  "What's the matter Kicky?"  

Kicky:  (crying) "I stubbed my tongue."  (age 3)

Kicky:  "Mommy, when I grow up, can I have a body of Christ?" (age 3)

Kicky:  "Mommy, can you be my sister?"  (age 3.5)

My Little Women

Well...I have started this blog mainly to hold myself accountable in creating for my daughters an online keepsake, if you will, that records the small but significant moments in our daily life along with observations of their growth and accomplishments throughout the years. I'm thinking that this may also be the easiest way to share pictures and stories with long-distance family members and friends. I bought four very pretty journals after the births of each daughter with the hopes of writing down for each one the stories that will over time create our family story. Needless to say, with all that goes along with having four small children under the age of seven, here I sit with 4 empty journals. Big sigh! Since I spend a considerable amount of time in the evenings skimming through the world of wonderful blogs in search of holy, helpful hints and inspirations for the journey, my husband finally said, "honey, you should start a blog." Voila! I figure this may be the way of my future. I'll have to use those pretty little journals for something else.

It's the little things that happen on a daily basis that are so meaningful, but it's those same little things that we can forget so quickly if we don't write them down. I hope my four "little women" won't mind signing on in years to come to read all of their marmee's memoirs.