Happy Easter!

Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks to the Risen Lord! :)

We had a beautiful Easter day filled by family, food and fun. We are so thankful for our blessings, and pray that you and your loved ones really, and truly, felt the bottomless depth of God's love on Easter!

Triduum 2009

We have all been sick here for a week now, and while some are getting better, others are getting worse. And it's timely, because just as my wise friend Erin said to me, this wouldn't be Holy Week without some suffering to remind us of Christ's sacrifice. So I'm unfortunately unable to prepare all the nice traditions this year that we have in years past. We had to miss our Passover style meal with our friends this year, but instead we will have a simple meal at home and a family footwashing tonight to remember the Last Supper celebrated tonight in the Holy Thursday services. On Friday, our Senele is coming to watch the kids for us so we can attend Good Friday services, and we will plan to do this resurrection egg activity to tell the Easter story in a child-friendly format. On Saturday we will be dyeing eggs and baking these cookies to remind us of the tomb being empty the day before Easter, and Easter Sunday we'll be heading to Senele's with both sides of the family celebrating together, and of course an egg hunt for kids big and small alike :)

This absolutely is my favorite part of being a Catholic Christian - getting to participate in the Lenten and Easter liturgy that are centuries old, and traditions which are treasured by families all across the world. Of all the days to feel one with the human race, I think it's Easter Sunday. God loves us all, God has saved us all if we will follow Him, God wants us to love and help each other. The meaning of life is really quite simple. :) I hope God will send each of us someone to share this message with this Easter. Blessings to your family as we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection!

11 months with Milo

Tomorrow Milo will be 11 months old, how can it be that a year has almost come and gone? What a busy 11 months it has been! I can still remember running errands with a sleeping newborn Milo in my Moby wrap, and then later watching him cooing every morning on his playmat, and later seeing him bounce joyfully in his bouncie seat. Now he is crawling, climbing, standing, cruising, making all sorts of new noises and faces, and paying attention to little details that grown ups forget to appreciate all the time. Milo is a sweet baby boy. He just wants company, and he is very content. I do think he's a little high strung, like his Mama :) So that will be interesting to watch as he grows :)

Milo I love how you study and hold objects, it is so cute to watch your fascination. I love when you get excited about going to pick Dominic up from school, and how when you get your diaper changed, you kick your legs a thousand times a second with excitement. I love how happy you are when we go for wagon rides around the neighborhood with big brother. I love your silly face that you give us only when we take pictures, totally unprompted. I love how you love to pant and crawl fast to the bathroom when you hear the faucet or tub turn on. I love reading you books and playing on the floor with you while brother is at school, it is a special time for us. You are in such a fun stage right now! It is a joy to watch you grow and learn. Your sleep has finally become more routined (until we travel or you get sick, of course :) You nap for 1.5 hrs in the morning and afternoon, and at night you sometimes go straight through but usually there is a 10 pm wake up. You love to play in your crib. We hear you thumping around and talking all the time in there. You eat EVERYTHING under the sun. You lost complete interest in nursing this month once you started crawling, and just when I was about to give up and let you wean, you started nursing again, 2 or 3 times a day. You tried steak and sweet potato fries last night and gobbled them up! We are so proud of you Milo, and we can't wait to celebrate your first birthday as we remember the day we welcomed you to the world. We love you!

End of March updates

We went to Houston this past weekend to celebrate my sweet (not so) little brother Steve's birthday, and we made an appearance at the German Festival while we were there too! Tonight we went to "Look What I Can Do" night at Dominic's school and we were joined by Senele as well. We were so impressed by what he has learned in his time there! Afterwards we went to celebrate by going out to eat. The littlest Motekaitis enjoys food the most, as you can see!

Around the house moments

In this issue...

Bronius and our friend Lisa practicing in the garage (with some helpers, if you look closely)

And a goofy photo shoot in Milo's crib. I'm in shock that Dominic used to sleep in there, and was Milo's size once!

Spring Break visit from the Bell's

We got to spend a WHOLE day with my best friend Jamie and her precious sons Mac & Schae. Domestic life is so much more fun when you can spend it with a friend. :)Can't wait to do it again. Love you James.

Stopping to smell the bluebonnets

On an early evening walk with Daddy. I love the Spring.

The finished product

A few posts ago, you may have noticed Dominic painting on a HUGE canvas (if only I could figure out how to link back to it...) So here is the finished product! Bronius let Dominic paint the base of the piece, and then he added his finishing touches. They signed it with their hand prints in the corner. I'm proud to hang it in our living room :) The title is yet to be determined...we may start a contest for the best title!

40 trash bag challenge

Just thought I'd share this. Granted, we have more than enough to fill 40 trash bags, but we're trying a little something different. Each week we're filling a bag with either toys, books, clothes, shoes, food from the pantry and donating.

And thanks to this SUPER awesome book my sister Lesley gave to us after Milo was born, Dominic is really grasping the concept. He loves this story.


I got an email today with this idea for Lent. I thought I'd pass it along.

I picked up this handout at church recently: The Forty Trash Bag
Challenge. It looked like a great idea, and it fit right in with the
Decluttering for Lent email I just got in my inbox. Here is the Forty
Trash Bag Challenge:

Every day during Lent this year, empty one bag of 'stuff' that is no
longer needed from your house, totaling a loss of forty bags of stuff!

1.) Taking a look at the size of your family and household, with an
acknowledgement of how much 'stuff' is present, make a prudential
choice on the size of bag to be employed during this challenge. Bag
size should be small enough that the goal of 40 bags during the season
of Lent is able to be accomplished, while not being too big that you
are left with nothing. We must still live in the world, after all!

2.) If smaller children are a part of your family, a 'gauge' may be
helpful to keep them engaged and help them keep track of progress. As
part of your preparations, make a 'paper chain' of forty numbered
links. As each new bag is started, place a new link in the bottom of
the bag. This way, as the chain gets smaller, there is a greater sense
of accomplishment.

3.) This challenge necessarily involves sacrifice. Each member of the
family should be encouraged to give something to each bag, or there
could be designated bags for each member of the family.

4.) Instead of just throwing things away, recycling is a great way to
encourage good stewardship of the gifts we have been given, as it
symbolizes that we are passing along our gifts to others. Families
with children are encouraged to pass along clothes that no longer fit
or toys that sit dormant in a closet to families in need instead of
just throwing them away.

5.) Units of count need not necessarily be trash bags, either; however
they should be equivalent. For example, a box of gently used toys or
clothes could equate one bag off the chain. A stack of books donated
to the parish library is another easy equivalent.

As the family accepts this challenge together, bonds will be created
that will last a lifetime. Lessons are also learned not just by
saying, but by putting it into practice. Here, the simple lesson will
last throughout life that having fewer things can lead to a greater
contentment in life.

(Credit due to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for this handout on
vocations and family faith formation)

~Beth Odom

Sundays with Senele

I love little boys in rompers!!!! And guess who is crawling and quasi-cruising now?!!!!













Fresh from the outdoors and full of life, that's the essence of Dominic.














The world according to Dominic (he actually can take much better pics than this :)

Sweetest 10 bucks I ever spent

The play doh magic swirl ice cream shoppe! Dominic and I play with this together during Milo's naps and sometimes I can even sneak into the kitchen to do a little tidying up while he is happily (and quietly) playing! You can make sprinkles and little candies and cookies to go with your sweet confections. It's so much fun. All the playdoh has now been amassed into one pile and been mixed and mushed and has turned latte brown, which is pretty much the fate of so many other cans of playdoh in our house from the past, so everything we make in our shoppe is chocolate :)

Flying a kite at Senele's house

We love our trips to Senele's house. We're so glad we live in the same town as she does!!!!

Phhbbbtting

Rolly Polly

Hanging out at the coffee table

Milo is 10 months old!

I feel a little guilty doing monthly updates for Milo and only bi-annual ones for Dominic, because Dominic needs updates too! So I'll have to do quarterly updates on Dominic or something!

Milo, you are 10 months old sweet little boy! So often I feel you're just "along for the ride" and I know that I am missing so many of the things that you do, that you observe, that you enjoy. Needless to say, you are a pretty good sport about things! I noticed your top two teeth starting to come in the other day! Fortunately, you don't seem too bothered by this, certainly less bothered then when we try to clean your face after dinner :)

Speaking of dinner, I don't think there's anything you love to do more than eat. You want to taste and try EVERYTHING and devour it until it's completely gone. When you're all done though, you're sure to let us know. You ate 6 meatballs last night. I've pretty much given up on baby food because you will grunt at us until we give you what we are eating, so we grant that wish with pleasure. :) You're a very busy guy, so nursing isn't on your top list of priorities, but you seem to nurse about 4-5 times a day. I let you drink mama's milk out of a sippy cup occasionally and you do really well with it! I will of course be sad when you're ready to wean, but I'm proud to see how you are growing.

You like to sleep on your tummy these days, at first it upset you, but now you enjoy it. You take about 2 1.5 hr naps and you sleep from 7pm-9pm (waking to nurse) and then from about 9pm - 6:30 am. But that's always subject to change, as we all know :)

You have found a way to "get around" without really moving. We are amazed. You lay on your tummy and scoot forwards and backwards to reach things, and you roll over to get things, and while sitting, you'll just turn around on your bottom till you reach what you need. Often I see you lunging for things. You're SO close to crawling, but you're far more interested in cruising. You are happiest when you stand, and standing at the coffee table is the most exciting thing to you in the world right now.

In other news, you love to pull off your socks. And rolling balls is your favorite game. You LOVE walks outside, especially when we go down to the "creek" to throw rocks from the red wagon. You love playing with cars, wheels amaze you. And finding and picking up small things from the carpet keep both you, and me, busy all day long. You of course still adore everything your brother does (when he is being kind and loving) and it is fun to see how happy he makes you.

We love you sweet Milo. Can't wait to see how you'll dazzle us with your growing personality next month.

Crown of Thorns centerpiece

It's certainly not the most traditional centerpiece, but Christianity is almost always about going against the grain. :)

Book Club

This isn't what the group looks like, but this was too fun to pass up :) We had our first meeting tonight and it went SO well! I am so excited about this group. We're coming together to discuss our children's temperaments and positive parenting approaches - and we have a strong focus on raising boys and spirited children. Everyone in the group is reading a different book and we're giving "book reports" at each meeting so that we can share the information and ideas with one another. I feel like this is a prayer answered at a time in my life where I'm often feeling at a loss with knowing the "right thing to do" with my kids and their changing needs and development. This group has already brought me blessings and I pray it will do the same for all who come!

Return to Innocence

I'm sorry my posts have been so sparse, and few and far between. I have felt so overwhelmed lately, by nothing and everything all at the same time. Meanwhile, it's almost unbelievable that the season of Lent is about to begin this week. It usually catches me by surprise, but definitely this year. I find myself almost desperately glad to be expected to come out of my comfort zone to come face to face with our Lord and to deepen my spirituality with sacrifice, discipline and prayer as we prepare for the miracle of Easter. Praying for every body as we journey together to witness the greatest miracle of all!

I'm most excited about getting Dominic involved this year, in whatever interests him about Lent. I was hesitant to really get into the details about the crucifiction and resurrection with him just yet, but I think he would really grasp a walking stations of the cross well, and we'd like to go here. I found some good ideas at catholicmom.com that we'll finally get to try out this year. If I'm organized enough, I'll post some pictures of what we do! I would love to hear some ideas about your family's traditions during Lent! More to come soon, bed for now. God bless!

Uh oh!

Looks like it's time to move the crib mattress down!

Around the house moments

In this issue...

....a cute Milo smiling in his exersaucer. He loves to stand up and I suspect he will walk before he'll crawl!

....a creative Dominic having a blast painting the giant canvas Senele gave Daddy for his birthday.


....a picture of Schlotzsky's, the location of our Valentine's Day date. Not very exciting you say? Turns out it was the best Valentine's date, to date! Bronius took me to see the movie Coraline, and then realizing that Cafe Eccell was swarmed, we opted for hot, toasty sandwiches sitting in a quiet place beside a window overlooking the rain. Then we spent 2 hours in Barnes and Noble just browsing books! And MY FAVORITE PART of all...sharing a chocolate strawberry tart at home. Thanks again Senele for letting us go out!!!!!!

Randomness

A picture of Bronius' birthday dinner at home...many happy returns my dear!
















A picture of the Valentine's card I made for B in 3 minutes, with the heart punches from Valentines I had made with Dominic earlier (go me!) I wish I had more time for rubytreedesign.com!





















A trip to the nursing home to deliver previously mentioned valentines to the residents. We had a wonderful time (and weren't quick enough to catch Elizabeth's kids in the picture!)

Ain't Misbehavin'

Some friends of ours gave up their tickets to the performance Ain't Misbehavin' because they had just brought home their newborn daughter from the hospital and could not attend. Congratulations to the Lynett family on the birth of baby Julianne!!!!!!!! I was THRILLED to take the tickets off their hands since it was Bronius' birthday. I tried to persuade the production manager to sing happy birthday to him, but I just didn't have enough clout to make it happen this time around ;) We always enjoyed Fats Waller's music, and we learned more about stride music in this musical! I thought it was fitting also to celebrate one of the greatest contributions to the world during black history month - the jazz music movement in all it's versatility!

Birthday dinner

A big thank you to our friends who came out to our birthday dinner this year (and even those who didn't because we still love you and totally understand if you couldn't make it!) 2 couples got away before we took this picture, but here are the rest of the people who blessed us with their company tonight. We are so very thankful for such special people in our lives who bring us laughter, encouragement, support and inspiration. And also for a Grandma who graciously and lovingly watches our children so we can go out from time to time!

I got a response!

I'm sure it's automated, but nevertheless, someone took the trouble to let me know that my voice was heard!


Dear Mr. and Mrs. Motekaitis:

Thank you for contacting me about the Freedom of Choice Act (S. 1173). I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this matter.

As you may know, S. 1173 was introduced in the Senate on April 19, 2007. I oppose S. 1173, which would overturn the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act and prohibit future federal legislation that protects the life of the unborn. Though S. 1173 was not enacted prior to the adjournment of the 110th Congress, you may be certain that I will keep your views in mind should the Senate consider relevant legislation during the 111th Congress.

During the 108th Congress, I co-sponsored the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act (P.L. 108–105), which prohibits all partial-birth abortions unless necessary to save the life of the mother. President George W. Bush signed the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act into law on November 5, 2003. In 2007, the Supreme Court upheld this law and ruled that it does not violate the Constitution. I applaud the Court for upholding the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act. I believe that all human life is a gift from God, and I will continue to work within the law to see that all human life—from conception to natural death—is treated with the dignity and respect it deserves.

I appreciate having the opportunity to represent the interests of Texans in the United States Senate. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.

Sincerely,

JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator





517 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: (202) 224-2934
Fax: (202) 228-2856
http://www.cornyn.senate.gov

Sunny moments from today

Look how pretty my birthday flowers are in the morning sunlight. I had to take a little picture so I'd remember them! Today was a nice day, our sweet friend hosted me for a birthday lunch and we spent the afternoon outdoors in the sunshine and breeze. The birthday blessings keep pouring in, and we have more to look forward to this weekend!

The Orange Cup - a short story by Dominic

Just a story he made up on the way home from school today.

The scene: We're heading home with an orange tumbler of water that Dominic borrowed to drink water from on the way back from school.

Me : We must remember to return this to the teachers at school or they will wonder what happened to the cup.

Dominic: And they'll say "I wonder if Mommy and Dominic and Milo drove away with the orange cup."

M: That's right. Then what would happen?

D: And then we will drive away fast and all my teachers will come running after our car.

M: (stifling a laugh) And then what?

D: And then we will come to a red light and the teachers will open up the door to get the cup.

M: Then what?

D: And then I will hold this cup tightly so my teachers can never get it.

M: Then what?

D: Then I will hold it over my head so that they can't reach it.

M: Then what?

D: Then I will fill it with sink water and then throw water at my teachers.

M: (grimacing with disapproval) and then what?

D: Then they will be all wet.

M: Then what?

D: Then they will get a towel and dry themselves off, and go back to school......pause....and they will say (panting softly, since teachers are out of breath now) "I hope Dominic brings that cup back to school."

The End.


(footnote...Dominic loves and respects his teachers WAY too much to actually do this!)

Thanks for the birthday wishes!

Life is good!

Milo is 9 months old!

Where is the time going? I have a nine month old baby! I remember thinking Dominic was SO BIG at 9 months, yet when I look at Milo, he's still so little in every way. Milo is a funny guy. He knows how to maneuver himself in any direction towards an object of interest, as long as he's holding on to my shirt with one hand. Or, he'll just bellyflop from my arms in the direction of something that he wants. He's quite content with not crawling, and as previously stated, so am I! :) He is starting to pull up on toys, and he is very happy while standing. So who knows?


Eating ~ He's almost 20 pounds, and loves to eat. He wants our food and will grunt and flail until he gets it. I am working on trying to replace the grunts with baby signs because they are REALLY loud, and fairly constant while we are seated for meals. He eats avocado, bananas, sweet potatoes, apple sauce, cooked pasta, pancakes, crackers, ground beef, occasional baby food (usually veggies or fruits), he loves to sip water, and he nurses about 6 times a day. I love to watch him pick up bits of food, he seems so agile to me!

Sleeping ~ ahhhhh my favorite subject. Our sleep issues have been aplenty these last 9 months, and it's always in flux. Milo was FINALLY in a great nap pattern and then for a month he was back to waking a half hour into his naps, and often not being able to go back to sleep. NOT fun. He seems to be back in a 1.5 hr per nap pattern, which is just about ALL I can hope for, for himself and for me, and so I am thankful! He goes to bed 7 pm and wakes at about 10 for a feeding, and usually sleeps till 6:30 or sometimes 7 am.

Playing ~ the remote is Milo's favorite toy. Even though Dominic is the only one who ever gets to watch a show around here, the remote is somehow the most highly prized object in the house. He enjoys playing "get him" with Dominic, peek a boo, singing songs, car rides and stroller rides, but not so much being in baby carriers anymore. He'll tolerate them for a while. He loves attention, and I really love my time with him when Dominic is at school. He loves mimicking our sounds - he mimics everything he hears! Water running, doors squeaking, someone sneezing - it's hilarious. He loves his baths, especially since we don't bother with putting him in a baby tub anymore and just let him in the real tub. Sometimes big brother will get to bathe with him too, if he's not rough-housing!

I was pushing Milo in the swing the other day and watched him squinting in the sunlight, trying to look at me, and smiling his little two-toothed grin. I felt a wave of emotion overcome me - that reminder of the unbelievable responsiblity we have to this child, as well as the overwhelming feeling of flattery that I feel when I realize that God entrusted his life to me. Life continues to amaze me. And while motherhood leaves me completely and utterly exasperated some days, these moments are what I live for.

Happy 9 months MILO! I love you my sweet little chubby chub.

Do not disturb

the groundhog in its burrow.......guess who built the burrow? And guess who got to be the groundhog? (don't worry! it was me, not milo!)