JP and His BS - Bachelor of Science, That Is

When they tell you that the days are long but the years are short, they aren't kidding...

JP is currently driving home from college as I type, and I have all the feels.  He is not walking in graduation (which was his choice) mostly because his friends are all graduating next year, but also because The Ice Cream Cottage opens tomorrow, and we need Andrew and him to start working.  My motherly guilt is strong and I don't want JP to go unrecognized for this incredible accomplishment, so I'm gonna brag a little here.

 We are so, so, so proud of him and all of his hard work.  He was able to graduate in three years by taking lots of classes each semester, a couple summer classes and having transfer credits from AP exams and some college classes earned while he was in high school.  He always knew he wanted to pursue the medical field, and took steps toward that dream by becoming an EMT and shadowing at a doctor's office.  He will now be looking for a job getting patient care hours so that he can apply to Physician Assistant programs sometime in the next year.  Those seats are notoriously hard to get, so it might take a few years.

JP had a wonderful college experience at Franciscan. He made such great friends, met his wonderful girlfriend, studied abroad and travelled all over Europe, grew in his faith, gained incredible scientific knowledge (organic chem y'all!) and matured into a young man that we like to be around!  Isn't that the goal of parenting, to raise children that become adults you like?  JP has always been such an easy kid and I'm happy to say that nothing has changed, we never had any hard times with our first born which is probably the reason we have such a big family :)  

We love you so much John-Paul and we thank God for the gift of you every day.  

The Last First Communion of the Martin Family

Our last Martin family First Communion took place yesterday, and it was beautiful.  Brendan Joseph, at the wee age of seven and a bit on the smaller side, borrowed a suit from one of Declan's friends that he had worn to his First Communion.  He looked very sharp and was so excited to receive Jesus!!

Phil is the Director of Religious Ed at our parish, and had one of the parents take these professional photos, which was such a great addition.

Brendan did the second reading and Eamon was serving the Mass (along with Xander and Declan) and making sure the readers got up on the step and close to the microphone.

At the end of the Mass, each child received the Brown Scapular and then sang Ave Maria as a group, which was as adorable and emotional as you might imagine.

Now for all of the lesser quality phone pics!  

Week in Review: A School Gala, A Graduation Scare and A New Restaurant

Happy 1st Friday in May!  This month is always a rollercoaster filled with social events, graduations, sacraments, anniversaries, the return of the college students and the opening of The Ice Cream Cottage.  It's all good stuff and I feel so grateful to be included in the celebrations and milestones of my family...but sometimes I deeply empathize with her:

Heehee.

True story, after the very social weekend we had, Phil and I went to a workout class at the gym on Monday night while Brendan had swim team practice.  While in the car en route, I was telling Phil that I was excited to catch up with my friends from the gym whom I hadn't seen in a long time.  

As we entered the class, I stopped and peeked through the glass part of the door to see who was inside.

Phil: What are you doing?

Me: Just trying to see where my friends are so I can avoid them.

Phil: 

On Friday night, Phil and I (and Eamon who was a volunteer) attended our Catholic elementary school's annual gala.  How do you pronounce that word?  I say gala like *gosh what rhymes with the way I say it* "pal uh".  But I've heard people say it like gay-la.

I had bought a cute new dress for the gala, but then ended up wearing this flowy number instead because my cycle just loves to show up at the most inconvenient times.  I was very happy that my black eye turned the corner and was able to be covered with makeup.  Phil is sporting the facial hair because he can't shave near his scar yet.  I like the look of it on him, but how on earth do you ladies kiss a man with facial hair?  Ouch!

My lips WERE harmed for the sake of this photo

On Saturday, we did some yard work and chores and errands and work at the shop and then went to Mass and had friends over for dinner.  We were able to sit on the screened porch with our firepit for the first time this spring, so nice!

Grandpa can always get them to work hard!

Maggie had her last (hallelujah!!) volleyball tournament on Sunday and we didn't get home until almost 7pm.  Her team came in 3rd place and now she just has to finish up her Spring Track season.  Every year at this time we swear we won't do this off season volleyball team next year.  And then every year we do.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas and a Note from a Mom of Many

Amazon Gift Card - always appreciated!

Fresh Flower Bouquet - or plant a bush or tree outside

Laneige Lip Gloss - my daughter and I love this lip gloss

Kate Spade Wristlet - I have this for special events

Owala Water Bottle - all the rage now, Stanley who?

Rosemary Mint Scalp Oil - my hairdresser told me to use 5 drops of this with my shampoo

Travel Jewelry Box - better than the ziploc situation I currently employ

Veggie Chopper - our old one broke and I miss it!

Essential Oil Diffuser - we have this exact one in our bedroom and it lasts all night long

Nail Polish Set - these are my kind of nail colors, pretty and neutral

Summer Pajamas - these are soft and comfy and come in lots of colors

Just some notes from a lucky mom of seven...

Sometimes a perfect Mother's Day includes a planned family day with a nice meal and an activity for everyone to enjoy.

Sometimes a perfect Mother's Day is sending mom off to have lunch and her nails done with her mom/sister/friend while the kids are taken care of by Dad/Uncle/Grandpa.  

Moms go through seasons with the ages and stages of their kids, and the best way to figure out what she wants is to offer both scenarios and see what would actually make her happy.  Is she in a season where she needs a break from the demands of the children?  Or is she in a season where she relishes moments spent together before they are gone?  Either way, she most likely doesn't want to cook or clean or change a diaper that day.

As for you moms - the best way to have a nice Mother's Day is to lower your expectations :)  I mean that in the best way.  Hug your kids and remember when you wished and hoped and prayed for them.  Let the house get a little messy for one day, use paper plates, order takeout or even better, go out for an ice cream cone!

Week in Review: Say my Name, Say my Name

Happy LAST FRIDAY OF APRIL!!  Before we know it,

Let's play the name game, shall we?  Do you know who's who in the Martin Family?

1. Somebody had his college Senior Formal on Friday night...

2. Someone was evaluated and excited to make the spring swim team and get some jammers like his big brother...

What's Your Most Popular Post?

 I'm in a bit of a writing funk currently, one could say a funk in general, but that mostly has to do with the black eye I developed after the Mohs Surgery on my face.  I'm praying it heals by Friday night when we have a fancy schmancy school fundraising event to attend.  But that's enough boohooing for me!  OK just one more.

Boo

Hoo

Anyways, I thought it might be fun for you all to check your own blogs and leave the link in the comments below to your most read post of all time (or maybe the one you think is the most popular if you don't know how to check those stats).

Here's mine: If Only

I look forward to reading your most popular posts while this case of writer's block passes :)

I'll post the comments here so the links work easily!

From Elisabeth: 

Well, isn't this funny because your guest post on my blog is my most-read post. https://optimisticmusings.com/guest-post-welcome-colleen. My recent name post might be the post that has elicited the most comment action? https://optimisticmusings.com/whats-in-a-name

From Dixie:

My most popular recent post was about C.S. Lewis and reading for young teens: https://thehollow.substack.com/p/introducing-children-to-mature-reading

From Jennifer:

My most popular post is my big list of free nature lore books. It makes the librarian in me happy to share book lists: https://bookishfamily.blogspot.com/2018/05/best-free-nature-lore-books.html

From Busy Bee Suz:

https://busybeesuz.com/2020/03/02/gravel-gertie-and-other-lies/

From Life of a Doctor's Wife:

My most visited post is this one: https://lifeofadoctorswife.wordpress.com/2012/06/26/joan-vs-joanne/
The post that generated the most comments was this one: https://lifeofadoctorswife.wordpress.com/2011/03/02/it-may-be-best-if-we-all-just-pretend-this-post-never-happened/

From Laura Pearl:

https://mumsie2five.blogspot.com/2020/02/social-media-and-thief-of-joy.html
https://mumsie2five.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-heart-of-lion.html

From Ernie:

http://www.nosmallfeetblog.com/2023/11/have-me-met.html

I have no idea how to figure out which one has been the most popular. I'm sharing that one, because it had the most comments of recent posts. I'm also gonna share this once, because this is a story that still makes me die laughing.

http://www.nosmallfeetblog.com/2020/08/mirror-mirror-stay-on-wall.html

From Ally Bean:

My most popular post is: Comment Confidential: The Perks And Pitfalls Of Reaching Out To Newfound Bloggers

https://thespectacledbean.com/2021/04/20/comment-confidential-the-perks-and-pitfalls-of-reaching-out-to-newfound-bloggers/

From Kate:

Here's my most popular post -- it was right after we moved to Rome so lots of extended family and friends were very interested in our escapades!

https://meltedsmoosh.blogspot.com/2018/08/italy-day-2.html