Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Novena, Aug 30-Sept7th

(I'm a little late since its actually the 31st, but this is a beautiful devotion still the same)

Feast day Sept 8th (Mikey was due on this date)

Mary was chosen from all eternity to give us the Savior; hence she was eternally in God's plan of redemption. In time she was immaculately conceived, and her birth brought salvation to mankind. Thank God for having created the most beautiful of creatures and for having given her to you as a Mother. Thank Him for all the mercies He has shown to mankind through Mary. Let your birthday gift to your Heavenly Mother be the wholehearted consecration of yourself to her.

Whosoever is a little one, let him come to me. prov. 9:4

With gladness let us celebrate the birthday of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, that she may intercede for us with our Lord Jesus Christ!~ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be.

Let us call to mind the most noble birth of glorious Virgin Mary, whose lowliness delighted the gaze of the Lord, and who, at the message of an angel, conceived the Savior of the World...Hail Mary full of grace...

This day the Blessed Virgin Mary was born of the royal family of David. through her the Salvation of the world appeared for all who believe. This is she whose life gave light to the world. Hail Mary...

O Virgin Mother of God, thy birthday announced joy to the whole world, for from thee arose the Sun of Justice, Christ our God, who having taken away the cruse bestowed blessing, and having triumphed over death, gave us life everlasting. Hail Mary...

Mary speaks: The Lord possessed me in the beginning of His ways, before He made anything from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of old, before the earth was made-Prov. 8:22

Prayer

May all our hope of assistance, O Lord, ever rest upon loving kindness of Thine only begotten Son! May He, Jesus Christ, Our Lord, who when born of the Virgin, did not detact from the virginity of His Mother, but made it sacred, cleanse us of our sins on this solemn feastday of her Nativity, and make our prayers, pleasing in Thy sight. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

My Sweet Alex

Today marks a very important day in my life. Maybe, just maybe the most life defining day of my life. Its the day that I held my firstborn. The day I realized I wanted to be Mommy. The day I fell in love with my own child. 17 years ago today, I gave birth to Alex Edward.

The story goes, about 1am I started feeling contractions. Well I got so excited and never giving birth before, woke my mom and wanted to go straight to the hospital! Well after watching my contractions and such they kept me. Now hindsight tells me it was way too early to go to the hospital!

So I labored all night. Boy, it seemed like a breeze all night, til morning. Morning hit and the nurse told me to start pushing. This is where the real pain set in. I pushed and pushed and pushed. Sadly the clock kept ticking away. Time was of no essence. And I was in so much pain, I didn't know what to do. They attempted an epidural to help but it didn't. Finally everyone started getting scared. It had been 8 hours of pushing. My face had broken blood vessels and I looked like I had downs syndrome or some serious ailment. Finally they used the vac to get him out, the next step was c-section. Of course I was in terrible pain, looked horrible, and needed a large amount of stitches. Later on, I learned of all the mistakes that occurred during my labor but at the time I was just so glad it be over and have my baby.

He was beautiful. Of course he was perfect! Never mind that cone head! hehe. I held him all night and told him about all the wonderful things we would do together. I was so happy and I realized right there and then, that I was meant to be a mother. Nothing else mattered. I have to admit I was selfish in the next 2 week span, holding him non stop and not sharing him with anyone. He was an alert baby, with dark blue eyes. He looked so intently at me, and smiled and did so much more than any of my other children have done in the newborn stage. That's a gift from God, I think.

Anyway, today was the day 17 years ago, that my life was sent on the course. I'm thankful for Alex. I miss him, but thankful. His life was beautiful. 10 days of beautiful. And he taught me and led me to the person I am now. For many years, many years, every decision I would make I would say, "would he be proud of me?"

Today, the day of his birth, I took Katelyn shopping. Last night didn't work out, as soon as we got to the outlet mall, my car broke down. We looked through a few stores waiting for Daddy to come to our rescue. So today while Dad fixed our car we shopped. It was hard for me, to walk, but Katie walked slow. Even held my hand! I spent the day with my rainbow. The first one! The four years between Alex and Katelyn were hard years. I yearned to be a mother. To feel what I felt with him. And so today, I spent it with her. We had a wonderful time and I even bought my daughter some lip gloss, blush, and girly things! Do I think it coincidence that her birthday is the day before his. Nope! Do I think its a coincidence Mikey's is tomorrow? Nope-God found a way to take a broken heart and make it whole. So one day before and one day after Alex's birthday I'm surrounded by the love of my rainbow children. Now if that isn't comfort I just don't know what is.

Oh, My Sweet Alex in Heaven-I love you!

Happy Birthday Katelyn

I have a teen-ager! I can't believe she's 13. 13 years ago, tonight I was in the hospital. I had, had what I thought at the time to be pre-term labor and the doctor decided what was best was to induce. I was so desperate to hold my baby that I agreed. It was four years earlier that I had given birth for the first time, and for four years I prayed for the chance to be a mother again! So there I sat, all night long waiting for morning. Also being the day before my precious Alex's birthday I was filled with so much anxiety!

The induction was much more than I bargained for, but when I finally was willing to give up and get pain med's. It was too late, and she was coming. And before I knew it, there she was. 6lbs 13oz! So tiny, and so precious. My Katie-did! And now, my little precious baby girl is this really tall (5ft 9in) teen-ager.

Katelyn is special. She has a heart of gold. She loves very deeply and hurts very deeply. She craves affection and loves to hug. She loves Carolyn I think more than anything. And cares deeply for all her siblings. She is still Mama's girl. And she still calls her father, "dada" She is funny. So funny. She has a great since of humor but as my dad would say, she has a mean streak a mile long. She sure can get mad. She frustrates easily and she is very sarcastic. But she forgives everything, she is loving and selfish all rapped up into one. But as she grows, her positives keep growing and her little antic's seem to strink. I'm very proud of her. Now if I can make it through the next seven years and see her through these teen years....that will be something! haha!

School update!

Well we are on day 3. So far its been great. We got 5 new students today alone! I think our little school is at the biggest enrollment. Its so exciting! Good things are happening.

Katelyn and the others have been doing great. All the kids that are in this year get along wonderfully. And some problem area's that were present last year, aren't this year. I'm hopeful this will keep Katie's spirits high! Her birthday is Friday and she is so excited to become a teenager.

Things also worked out with the Joey situation and his Math. Sr. Mary Catherine is allowing Joey to work at his speed. Not to wait for others. Once he finishes the 3rd grade book, and she estimates probably arround Christmas, then she will just take him to the 4th grade book. He's already tested out of one chapter and I think that is where the idea came from.

Well, have to run. Bedtime comes so early right now. I'll download pic's this weekend.

I am struggling keeping up with dinner and laundry, but just have to make it through one more month! I can do it, I can do it.......hehe!

First day of school has arrived!

I did it! 5 kids....school clothes, school supplies, etc. It was NO EASY FEAT THIS YEAR! I had to go to so many stores, nothing was at the same store, and being this far along made it harder to get it done.

A few changes, school ends at 3:00 instead of 3:30 to help with parents driving through rushhour. And the 5th grade is staying in the younger room and not move over until the 6th grade. I think a plan for aiding the homeschool parents that are homeschooling highschool is beginning. So we'll have to see how that pans out, and I can't wait to hear all the in's and outs of that.

And sadly things didn't work out with Joey. He was suppose to get bumped up to 4th grade Math, but we were to have a certain amount of work done over the summer and we just couldn't accomplish it. Joey is disappointed and honestly I am too but its just the way it is. And Joey learned a valuable lesson, sometimes when you try but you just don't get done, you have to abide with the consequences. I met with both Sister's and they said they will keep him at his current level and supplement when its needed for him to stay challenged. So I can't ask for more than that.

Jaclyn asked me to cut her hair today. I relunctantly did so. And all the kids are excited and ready for morning. I'll have to update and let you know how things go with school. We have a nice size group this year and happy about that.

Happy Anniversary

Mom and Dad Cichos!

August 18th marked 61 years. That is just so wonderful.


Well, this week has been fine. Steve has been using my car since his is in the shop, yet again. So we've been homebound. Took the last week of summer to get some household things done. We have been doing just one room a day and getting things situated. The girls shirts came in today (school shirts) and I've been washing clothes and getting everything ready for school. We got the back packs filled, everything labeled and ready to go.

And the garden is finally winding down. But we had good production. A whole summer of salad and we probably shredded about 50 zuchinni for winter. And we have cantelopes still growing and I think cabbage too. Pumpkin plants are still alive, but not as large as I would think.

And I think we have decided to fill the eyeglass perscription for Madelyn. Her vision has took a turn back, and as the doctor said would happen, the period of time her eyes were straight would not last forever. So I have another appointment for her in November to be on the safe side.

And washed and put away baby clothes, found the carseat and just gearing up. I've gotten very sore, and tired. Par for course for me at this stage. Time to be gentle with myself and patient. So that's the plan.

2 years in the making

Well, two years ago Steve and I, began an endeavor that hit closure today. We were in the midst of grief, longing for our daughter, and struggling with acceptance of God's will. I personally found the desire to pray harder than ever before, but my mind was so clouded with every possible sadness that their were times I could not remember the words to prayers. We began to find devotional practices, many times small enough that we could concentrate on them long enough. And thank God we had each other. I think its meant a lot that we took these steps together first beginning with the conceration to Our Lady and then it progressed as we found it was helping us so much.

We found our church had a sodality, Mary Immaculate Queen and asked to join. We began attending the monthly meetings, reading the books for discussion and found it an outlet to let God's graces enter into our broken hearts. After the first year, we recieved our Miraculous Medal on the blue cord and today marked the second year and we received our large scapular to be worn to Mass on the first Saturdays and principal feasts of our lady.

We made our public profession of faith, and are full members now. As soon as we got home, I looked up at a picture of Marilyn and instantly the thought came into my head, all the blessings we have received since she came into our lives. Our dear Mother has been with us, guiding us this way. Anyhow, here's some pic's of tonight:

August 15th

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
August 15
Holy Day of Obligation



http://www.wf-f.org/Assumption.html

Found a few more!

Found a few more pictures I forgot about. These were from my mom's camera. I had bought her a camera and we were getting used to it. I think my favorite is the group picture.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Finally updated!

Well, here we go....finally updated! Scan down to see all the pictures. I put many on slideshows to save multiple posts. We can only post 5 pic's per post. Anyway, click the play button and enjoy. You can pause the slideshow at any time by pushing the pause button.

Also today had my doc appointment. Went well. My blood prick came back perfect. She asked if I was doing the diet and I told her no, that my diet is healthy and is not compromising to her "belief" that I'm glucose intolerant. She also asked if I would be doing the counceling and I told her no. So when she asked if she could prick my finger I said "of course" I followed her request of eating 2 hours prior to the appointment. My level was 85. Was told the perfect was between 70-I think about 120. I might be off, going by memory now. Anyhow, that is good news.

I gained 2lbs in two weeks and she's happy now with my total gain of 20lbs. and that I have things under control.

I also saw the hospital tonight and it looks good. I'm 32 weeks now, so just holding on! Being patient! hehe.

X-tra's

A few extra pic's. See the sign that was a sign in my father's home town. Its my street! hehe

Michigan Adventure.

Slideshow from Michigan Adventure Amusement Park

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

This slideshow is of our swimming in Grand Rapids and visit to Lake Michigan!

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St. Anthony's Cemetary

This is a little piece of Heaven, my father's resting place and its simply beautiful on the side of the mountain. Also my paternal grandparents (Alex & Freda Polgar), great grandparents (Anna and Constantino Mastrelembo) and great Aunt (Mary-my grandmoter's oldest sister). Pictured also is my second cousin Bobby, that took us to brunch that morning.

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Swim time in Pennlylvania

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Flight 93 Memorial

This is the memorial from Sept. 11. It was very touching. In the field you can barely see a flag. That is where the actual plane went down going 500 miles an hour. A permanent memorial is planned for the field. The one we saw is a temporary one until it can be finished. Its touching!

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Mom's visit with family members

These pictures are little visits my mom had with Uncle Bob (dad's brother) and Aunt Marlene (her sister in law) Aunt Betty my grandmother's sister. Also the kids are pictured with Aunt Betty's great grand daughter.

Ok, part two!

The day my mom left Steve got a call that his job wasn't ready yet. We have been planning a 2 day trip all summer, just didn't know when would be the best time. We noticed the decent weather this week. Sp Steve looked at me and says, load up....let's go. So I spent the next day doing laundry and packing up. So Mom left Tuesday, I did laundry Wednesday and we left Wednesday morning for Grand Rapids. It was a two hour drive so not bad after driving 800 miles already that week. We got to the hotel, and we were so pooped we took a nap. Isn't that bad? haha. We got up and went swimming! We showered for dinner got back and just was nice and lazy! We got up early the next morning for breakfast and then dressed for Michigan Adventure. Its owned by Cedar Pointe but its in Michigan and not as big as Cedar Pointe but we really had a good time. I had my belly belt that aided me. There were a few rides that I could handle. We even took Mikey on the log ride! Mikey loved the car's. Evelyn loved the cars. Maddie loved the thrill seeking smaller roller coasters. Joey and Carolyn loved the huge roller coasters....which I was so jealous. I wanted to ride! I am going back there and I am going to ride that roller coaster....haha! Katelyn road not the largest but the next smaller one and declared she was having a heart attack! haha! It was a long day but fun! And yes I got my cotton candy! We all dragged our rear ends out of the place, but very relunctantly. My feet were getting very tired and I felt them starting to swell. Thank God it was a nice 73 degree day! We were so tired and crashed out big time! The next morning we checked out and headed to Lake Michigan. Oh, it was so nice. It was really cool. The water was only 63 degrees. Katelyn was in her element! She was out in that cold water for hours jumping the waves. The great lakes are so big they seem like an ocean. I stood in that cool water for about 30 minutes and cured my swollen feet! They felt fine! We had lunch and walked the pier and just relaxed by the huge body of water. We left, and made our way home. We got home alittle tired but refreshed. I'm ready for school, baby and what ever comes. It was just nice to have time with the kids and Steve not worrying about anything or what I have to get done or whatever. It was just a nice lazy sorta vacation and we really realized how blessed we are! ok. lots of pictures so keep scanning down!

We are home!

Pennslvania and Mom's visit!

Well, let's just say the last two weeks have been full of fun. Started off with picking up my mom from the airport. It took Mikey less than five minutes to fall in love with his Grandma! All the kids were so excited as I was! We got home and had some nice time, for a few days. Me and Mom got to go do some shopping together, which is something we both miss doing together. She spoiled me, of course. hehe. She got me some pans that I so needed, got me some clothes and bought Steve a recliner from the second hand store. She bought the kids each two outfits and new tennis shoes. We prepared for our trip and got on our way. My cousin Annie came with us as well. So we went to pick up Annie and Mom got to see Uncle Bob and Aunt Marlene and then we headed off to the fruit market to get some driving snacks. We picked up the rental van...it was beautiful and roomy. We began our trip to Pennslyvania and made great time. Mom was adament about *taking* us on this trip but every once in a while we could steal the resturant bill and pay for it! hehe. We checked in and first things first....TOOK THE KIDS SWIMMING! After we went swimming we showered and went and had a nice dinner. Of course I snuck over to Mom's hotel room and we stayed up every night for quite a while. Katelyn, Carolyn, Jaclyn and Annie all roomed with Mom. The next day we got up and dressed and me my cousin Bobby. (actually he's my 2nd cousin) and he took us to a yummy brunch. We visited and really enjoyed that time. He's younger than my father would be, but grew up with my Dad so he has fun stories to tell. He took us to visit his mom and sister. My sweet Great Aunt Betty. She is the only suriving sibling now out of 10. My grandma got close though. hehe. Anyway, she lives in an assisted living home now and has had some back issues. Say a prayer for her. She is so wonderful. We looked through photo albums and she gave my kids my grandmother's guitar and a small drum set! hehe. We then went though her home that led to another section of the assisted living home to an area that is for those that need 100 % assistance. This is the most beautiful thing I think I've ever witnessed! Her daughter's name is Ann. Ann has extreme cerebal palsy and was born with it. Her body is pretzeled and when it came time that Betty could not care for Ann by her self, she found this home for Ann and for her so she could be close by. So she only walks down a hall, though a dining room and down another hall to her daughter. She has cared for Ann with the love of a beautiful mother and I find it so inspiring to see them together. Ann was so excited we were there! She is just so sweet.

So we said our good byes and then off for a cruise around the area. We made it to the cemetary and still the perfect little piece of heaven on Earth and to see my father's stone, broke my heart, but it also made me feel close to him as well. It was so amazing that when we got to Johnstown I could feel my father say, "Thank you for coming" I didn't utter a word to anyone, just put on my sun glasses and let the tears stream down my face. I didn't want to upset my mother. Back at the hotel room, she pulls me aside and tells me with tears flowing that the minute she reached Joshnstown, she felt Daddy saying, "thank you for coming" We both shared our feelings and were struck by the emotions of it.

We then went swimming again with the kids and the next day started for home, but not without going by the September 11th Memorial. Wow....that was beautiful. Its a temporary memorial right now, but they are building a permanent one. The outpour of love and respect was so evident. The rosary's hanging from the cross, blowing in the wind...the metals, the love and sadness and not one person spoke over a whisper.

We made it home for a few days of just visiting, before Mom went home. I cried to see her leave. We had such a wonderful time. Staying up late with her. It was all I could of wished for.