Happy St. Valentine's Day!

Yesterday we did a little 'research' into who St. Valentine actually was... seems like there's no real firm evidence on this obscure saint of old, and there seems to be question regarding whether he was truly real or not. But nonetheless! We celebrated this day as one to remember a man, perhaps named Valentine, who was possibly a priest that secretly continued to marry people, going against the orders of the 'government' at the time, and was eventually caught and put to death for defying their unjust orders. M eats these stories up completely, asking all the details over and over again, wanting to soak up every little bit of info she can- such a glutton for stories!! L, well, he's our little smilin' Irishman whether it's Valentine's Day or not! And our sweet lil' C, despite her sniffles from a lingering cold, she enjoyed, as usual, being entertained by her ever-amusing siblings! How can you resist celebrating a day that highlights love!? Seems to me it's one of the more 'positive' days recognized by our culture (without getting into how commercialized and outrageously materialistic the day is, of course.... ahem!!!!) But seriously- I think 'tis a good thing to celebrate Love... afterall, we know Who real and true Love Is! Another day to celebrate Him- why not?! We made some awesome paper-bag puppets (thanks to Grandma Sharon for those! They're sooo adorable!), and then spent the afternoon at our friends' house, where we joined a Valentine's Day party complete with games, prizes, cupcake decorating, yummy snacks, and just lots of fun with friends! Our evening ended at home, watching "Oliver and Company" (thanks to Grandma Peggy!) before crashing for the night! Today was definitely a "kid's day"- they were a total mess by the end of the day, head to toe with everything from sticky candy remnants to dirt under their nails, completely black feet bottoms and snarled hair! Ah! The life of a kid! Good thing Mama and Papa had our evening out alone last night (thanks, Auntie Courtney- you're so awesome!) We enjoyed our first night out, completely and totally without children for the very first time in.... whoa, over 8 months! (C turned 8 months today!) And I don't think any of them missed us for a second, thanks to their cool aunt! They had a blast, painting and coloring special Valentines for us, eating mac 'n cheese (only for you, Court!), taking a bath, and watching a movie. Mama and Papa lived it up- dinner and dessert, all for under $25! Oh yeah! Hey- gotta start slow, right? Maybe next time we'll do a fancy evening and go dancing.... well, Papa might need some convincing for that kind of date!!
Happy St. Valentine's Day! Whether there really was a true "St Valentine", or whether it's 'just a story', I love what our priest recently said to me: "All Stories are True...Some of them actually happened."

Special

"God made me special." The 'theme' for our homeschool day today. We read books related to this wonderful truth, sang songs, talked about how unique we each are, and had fun with fingerpaints, making handprints to mount and save. I also recorded simple interviews of both M and L, asking them basic questions (What's your full name; How old are you; What do you like to do; What do you think God likes to do; etc). Then we listened to their recordings played back and talked about how special they are; no one else has their same voice or unique thoughts, their same handprints or fingerprints... they are completely special, made to love God and be loved by Him forever! What a thought to wrap your brain around, eh?! Gosh, I swear I learn as much as the kids everyday as we homeschool! Talking with them about how special and unique they are to God makes me reflect on that very thing about myself, too. Sometimes it sure is easy to forget! Especially as a mother, with my days centered around educating, feeding, sleeping, disciplining, serving, cleaning up.... all the day to day mom schtuff! But today, for just a wee moment (!), I sat back with the kids and thought about this marvelous, incredible Truth: God made me special, unlike anyone else, with a special plan and purpose for my life, and He created me because He loves me...He loves ME! And He wants me to spend my life and all of eternity loving Him and being loved by Him! When I think of the love I have and want to pour out into my Treasures, it amazes me to think that our Heavenly Father's love is infinitely greater, deeper, and unconditional!
I've been reading about Our Lady of Fatima, and I am struck by the messages she gave to the three children...in particular her message about how offended her Son is by our sins. When I think of the enormity of the task God has given to us as parents, sometimes it really scares me! These precious, untainted, pure souls have been put into our care to be loved, taught, directed, and molded on this road toward eternity! I am becoming more and more aware of all my shortcomings, failures and weaknesses... making me all the more amazed at God's grace and mercy! How much He must believe in me, in His plans and purposes for each one of us, in the power of His all-consuming Love... would that I would believe in myself as much!!
If I can help my children to truly have a sense of the reality that God loves them and has made them each completely unique and special....wow! Then I will consider myself very blessed.
Lord, by Your Grace alone, may I recognize daily Your unique call on my life, and may I help the children You have given me to recognize and believe in the same thing about Your love and plans for them.

New Irwin Blog

Hey Family! Just wanted to let you all know the 5 Irwins' Blog is back up and running, with a little different look, but the same cute kiddos and lots of new amusing stories!! Hope you enjoy!