Worth Remembering

There are many images in my mind that I know won't remain. Maybe one day I will read this and remember:

Mary Catherine spinning around with a giant sparkler. Joyous, beautiful, on the cusp of womanhood.

Three boys running races outside the window, laughing together.

John Henry and Thalia playing a tough game of chess together.

John snuggled with his sons pouring over a Naval aircraft book.

Blaise seeing his siblings faces and cracking into a wide smile.

Thaddeus making the weird dinosaur noise, and Blaise belly laughing.

The 4 younger children having a conversation about how much they love Mary Catherine when she calls them "baby" and "honey".

Baby in my arms. Baby mouth on my face. Baby fingers in my hair.


I wish I could hold onto these moments, and keep them safe from time. Like that song that they did on the muppets "If I could save Time in a Bottle" As I recall there were some explosions in the Muppet versions, but with 4 sons, that's appropriate too.

Thaddeus Paul

Six year ago Thaddeus was born. He has taught me SO MUCH. Thaddeus, my fourth child, is the one I describe as my "straw"--you know--the one that broke the camel's back. I'm the camel. After Thaddeus I had to really get organised, and dedicate myself to larger family rearing. My volunteer work had to wind down. (though it didn't for about a year--that's another story).

Thaddeus is Loud, expressive, creative, left-handed, loud, exuberant, muppet-faced, small for his age, determined, has the sweetest tender heart, and he's loud. He thrives in the lap of order. Lisa is a favorite of his because her home is so orderly. Maybe he will have a vocation to a very neat and tidy order of priests!

His first verbal demand was "Sissy!Candy!!"

He loves his Godparents Sondra and Chip. They give him candy too. Last month at a contra dance, I was encouraging him to ask a little girl his size to dance. He said "I know who to ask Mamma." He asked the librarian.

I love Thaddeus, and thank God for his precious, unique soul.