Homeschooling humor

We were eating some fruit popsicles, and after Catherine finished hers, she held up the stick and said, "Mom!  Look what was in my popsicle---a tally stick!"


When we were reviewing our catechism questions, I asked the question about what we have to do to go to heaven.  Before his big brothers could answer the question, Thomas piped up with, "we have to die."  I had to give him that one, even though that wasn't the answer they have learned from the catechism.

One Week At Home

 

Sunday, September 9th, our first time to go to Mass as a family of 8, plus Abuelita, who wore her new pearl necklace from China in honor of the occasion.

 

 

The "new kids" love to try out all the new toys.

 

He didn't want his picture taken, but John Francis really likes the Cozy Coupe.

 

It looks like they are real Chinese drivers, riding each other's bumpers.

 

The first fender-bender.  Therese is going to get out and investigate.

 

The trikes were a big hit.

 

Neither one can pedal yet, but they like using their feet to scoot along.  It is amazing how Therese can get around, with her feet in their current condition. She wants to try everything and doesn't slow down if she can help it.

Welcome to the (Catholic) Family! September 8th

We were able to schedule the baptisms for Saturday after getting home, which was nice because Abuelita was still here.  She was here for 3 weeks helping Bryan take care of the kids while I was gone, and she was wonderful to have around for those first few jet-lagged days.  I don't remember those first days very clearly, but I was so happy to be home with ALL my kids.

 

September 8th is a special day for a baptism because it is also the Feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This was the first time for us to ever have two children baptized the same day, and also our first baptisms since we switched to a parish that follows the traditional Latin Mass.  Our parish is administered by priests of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, and we use the liturgical rituals from 1962, in Latin.  Most of the women in the parish follow the traditional custom of wearing hats or mantillas inside the nave of the church.  I brought Therese a pretty Chinese dress to be baptized in.  Since it was white, I carefully strapped her in the stroller so she wouldn't ruin it before the ceremony. 

 

 

Therese and her little mantilla.

 

John Francis with his godmother, and Fermin and Jose.

 

Before the ceremony, the place to be was, of course, the kitchen.

 

The traditional rite of baptism begins outside the church door.

 

Thomas was still feeling a little seperation anxiety and stuck to me like glue.

 

Therese was amused by the salt that is put on the tongue in the old rite of baptism.

 

After the priest placed his stole on Therese, we went into the nave.

Therese didn't mind being held by her godparents.  She enjoyed switching from godmother to godfather throughout the rest of the ceremony.

 

John Francis was the first to be baptized.

 

 

 

John Francis was in a very happy mood after his baptism.  In addition to being a member of the parish, and the Universal Church, he knows he is going to get cake and punch soon.

 

John Francis with his godparents.

 

Therese with her godparents.

 

Our first photo with all 6 of our children.

 

Therese likes her new grandma!

 

Bryan and I filling out the baptismal paperwork.  There is still more paperwork after all the paperwork for the adoptions.

 

Therese sits on Aunt Hannah's lap to investigate her gifts.

 

That big bow makes a very chic hat!

 

Therese got a very special gift from her godparents, an original artwork of St. Therese.

 

To make it extra-special, Father P. blessed the painting

 

and the two wall crucifixes I bought for them in China.

 

Now that the serious part was over, the party could begin.

 

Bryan and his mom coordinated the cake and made the punch all by themselves.  They found a punch recipe on the internet and planned it all while I was in China.  The cake was made by the granddaughter of some very good friends.  Both the cake and punch were delicious!

Therese liked the cake and managed not to ruin her dress with punch, which was very impressive.  Or maybe it was because Grandma helped her.  Catherine splattered punch all over herself, and all the boys' clothes were smeared with cake and frosting.

 

Uncle Brent entertains an appreciative crowd.

 

It was a wonderful day, although the jet-lag made it all rather a blur for me afterwards.  I am very thankful that friends and family took so many wonderful pictures and shared them with us.  I am so thankful to have all my family together.

The Homecoming--Friday, September 7th

 

We have lots of pictures of the airport, thanks to the family and good friends who were waiting for us.  There were a lot of balloons and very special signs made by the kids.

 

 

Catherine enjoys some Grandma time while waiting.

 

Fun with balloons!

 

Thomas was very proud of his sign.

 

 

The weary but happy travelers emerge! 

 

 

 

Catherine was the first to run to me for a hug, followed by Thomas, who, brandishing his sign, hit me in the face with it.

 Therese enjoyed her celebrity status.

 

 

 

She started showing her cute personality right away.
 

 

Thomas wanted to see if his new brother was real. 

 

I think the new kids were wondering what kind of a crazy family they have found themselves in.

 

 

A highlight of the evening was reuniting Thomas with his Little Panda, and returning Froggy to Jose.  Both boys were concerned that I take very good care of their friends in China, so they were relieved to get them back safe and sound.

 

 

Jose loved Froggy's Chinese outfit.

 

 

John Francis got pretty overwhelmed by all the attention and went into shut-down mode, then quickly into crying hysterically. 

 

He even refused an offered cupcake, but calmed down after I held him.

 

 

It was so wonderful to see all the familiar faces!

 

 

After we got our luggage we loaded up our 6 kids in our big van. Both new kids took the carseats well.  Jose really did a great job making his new brother feel at home.  He sat next to him and I could hear him chattering cheerfully to John Francis, and before long I even heard some laughing.  My little Thomas, who was so brave the whole time I was gone, really lost it when we got in the van.  I sat next to him and he kept crying and telling me he was so sad I was gone.  It was a big sacrifice for a 3-year-old to have Mommy leave for 3 weeks.  I haven't ever been away from him for more than a few hours.  The only time I have left the older ones was to go to the hospital to get Catherine, once for an outpatient surgery, and then the 2 nights in the hospital when I had Thomas.  I think it will take awhile for everyone to recover from the trip, with the adjustment to two new siblings, the travelers being jet-lagged, and the "old kids" needing to get caught up on Mommy time.