Dancing With Our Stars

Thanks Aunt Pre

Thank you Aunt Pre for James' first haircut. It was time to clip his (hair) wings. Now we have a sweet little boy with a sweet little hair cut!

Camping at the Creek

A weekend forecast of impecible weather awaited the Chopin tribe as they made their way to Indian Creek State Park in Woodworth, LA for a three-day stretch of fun and relaxation in the outdoors. Joining us for the weekend were the Thomas', the Bayards and the Landreneaus. For those of you who are counting, that's a total of eight adults and 15 kids! But, it's a big park so there was plenty of room for us. We rode up with the Bayards and met up with the rest at a new campsite, one we had not pitched tent at before. We hustled to get unpacked and set up and began preparations for supper. Friday night's menu consisted of sausage po-boys and chips.

After supper the kids played around. Gus and Beedle got a chance to use their head lamps they got for Christmas from their Grandma Dee. These came in handy all weekend as they got a chance to do some night-time exploration, and read books in the tent at bedtime. And of course, a camping trip would certainly not be complete without roasted marshmallows and s'mores.

During the night, it seemed like all the families had a few that needed a little adjusting to the elements. Fortunately it was cool without being too cold. The Chopins slept surprisingly well. The AM came and after a breakfast around the fire consisting of mainly little powdered donuts, the kids were ready for a morning fishing trip. Fortunately they didn't have to go far as there was a nice fishing spot just down the hill from our campsite. Here are a few pics from their morning fish:

The biggest catch of the day belonged to Mr. Brett. Not a bad-sized bass!
As the fishing winded down, the bike-riding for the boys and the general playtime for the girls took place. After lunch, we took showers and made it to evening mass. Our families made up almost a fourth of the congregation. When we got back we made our preparations for supper, which was our usual Saturday night special at Indian Creek--crawfish, corn and potato soup. It warmed our bellies and gave us just the fill we needed. The kids were tuckered out a little earlier than Friday night, which left the adults time to visit and relax around the campfire.

Sunday morning started with a light breakfast and quickly turned to campsite clean-up. We packed ourselves up, but before we left we gathered the kids and their friends for one last photo to remember their fun weekend. (It's about as good as you'll get with 15 kids eight years old and under)

Everybody's Hero

Today was definitely a day of adventure and heroism. Beedle wanted to put a feather in his hat. Dado was a great sport and obliged him. He promptly went to his room and finished the rest of his costume. When asked if he was captain hook he said "No, I am a good pirate!" I guess hooks are too much fun to pass up. Tonight was baseball and Beedle decided he wanted to play this year. Last year he begged to play and went to the field once. After baby Madeline showed up at the park he decided that it would be more fun to play with her. This year he said ahead of time that he did not want to play ball. When we arrived the first week in sandals and no glove he changed his mind. We signed him up and told him he would start this week. He was prepared this week and really ready to play. Dado was doing some catching drills and Beedle stopped the ball with his nose. Are you picturing blood everywhere? His shirt looked like his heart exploded, not his nose. In fact the shirt was more of an issue with Beedle than the bloody nose. After we removed the shirt he was ready to play ball. This was most impressive for Beedle given that he is not motivated by athletics. Today Beedle you were everybody's hero.

Thank You Nanny "Wanna"

Tonight was Dado's annual Kiwanis Installation Banquet and, more importantly, a night out with no kids. That would mean that someone would have to watch all FOUR kids. There is no one better than Nanny "Wanna." James is officially seven months old today and it was time to see if he could part from Mom. James adores Nanny, so this made it a little easier for Mom to part with him. Nanny did a wonderful job of course! The kids always have fun watching movies and playing board games with Nanny. James was so excited that he took an abbreviated nap so he would not miss out on the fun. Nanny even fed him his first bottle and he LOVED it. Thank you Nanny for being such a great part of our family. When Mom and Dado have to part with the kids it is that much easier knowing that they are in such loving and capable arms.

Today was a day filled with Padre Pio. While Gus was in Latin class we laid out a picnic blanket and colored pictures of Padre Pio. We referred to it as a Padre Pio Picnic (B.J. still had lunch to finish and James enjoyed a little snack as well) We read some quotes from Padre Pio and discussed what they meant. When we returned home we did a little painting inspired by what we had learned.
Gigi and Khaki had planned to go to mass in Scott to celebrate Padre Pio and we wanted to tag along. I am most proud of the kids for doing so well for the three hours that followed. We were able to have a mass, get to hear more of Padre Pio's life by someone who met him, and the kids even went with Gigi to touch some of Padre Pio's clothing. I think Gus was more excited than Gigi to be able to touch his belongings.
This was definitely one of those days that you reflect on and realize what a spiritual battle is being played out each day. There were many things that happened that could have stopped us from attending (or even leaving) without getting to experience the fullness of what God had for us. James pooped all over his clothes and spent a good part of the time in a diaper only. None of the kids ate until nine-thirty which was also way past their bed time. And yet it was a beautiful night. Thank you Lord for always showing us that you are bigger than anything we face.

The Pictures of Brotherly Love....

Beedle and Gus have been enjoying brotherly love these days. When they are not totally enthralled with their Legos and Tinker Toys, they are pretending to be pirates, making up games, reading and almost always giggling!!

Here they are playing with their marbles. We finally found some sets at Walmart and they are so pleased.

Thanks For Your Prayers

For all those that have been praying for sleep in our household, thank you! Since the hurricanes passed our way James decided to boycott sleeping through the night. He rested fine during the day but as soon as I put him down at night he began to cry. The end result was a baby in Mom and Dado's bed all night nursing. We were all a little tired of that. Apparently James was too because he decided last week to start sleeping in his own bed again. Well Saturday night proved to be a little late for our normal schedule as we arrived home at midnight. James woke at TEN FORTY Sunday morning. What does a baby look like who has slept that late you may ask.......

No one will ever ask that question again!!

Wedding on the Road

On Saturday, the Chopins made a trip to the grand metropolis of Vinton, Louisiana for a family wedding. For those of you unfamiliar with Louisiana state geography, Vinton is in between Lake Charles and the Texas border. We went to celebrate the marriage of Bradley & Tina Thibodeaux. Brad is Dad's cousin on Gigi's side of the family. It was a lovely ceremony at the Methodist church with a reception to follow at the American Legion. The kids had a blast! I was quickly reminded how much wedding receptions are fun for kids. There were red balloons everywhere, mostly for decoration, but they quickly became high-octane entertainment for all the kids in attendance. The boys ran and played with their cousins. Gracie was absolutely enamored with Tina and her bridesmaids. Often times, when we couldn't find her, she would be right near them, staring and begging them to notice her (it bordered on stalking). I think she wants to be a princess. The reception was a lot of fun. Families got a chance to hang out and chat. Mom and Dad also had a chance to practice a skill we both had little experience in--cake cutting. We volunteered to cut pieces of the bride's cake for those in attendance. It is a very delicate skill and the pressure's on not to screw it up. But, it was also an opportunity for Mom and Dad to laugh and spend some time together. As the night winded down, we huddled up the kids and started on the trek home. The kids took a little longer than normal to fall asleep; it was mostly because they couldn't stop laughing. Nothing like a wedding to bring joy to family! Congratulations Bradley and Tina! We will be praying for your marriage to be enriched by God.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Today was the first day of homeschool baseball. Gus was the only one who chose to participate this year. Gus really likes baseball. He is still in the teeball age group and really seems to be coming along. There were seven other kids that showed up to play so Gus had an opportunity to get some good social time with his friends. Dad was asked by the parents to instruct the teeball kids and he really enjoyed it as well. The players worked on catching, throwing mechanics, hitting mechanics, base running and of course, running. All the players are right-handed, except for one--Gus. Dad says it's not easy to teach someone "backwards", but fortunately it comes quite natural to Gus. We'll try to get some pics from the next practice. Until then, play ball!

Impromptu

Today we were able to relax and just hang out at home. Tonight when we were getting out of the bath we had some nice suprises. First Dado made it home early from his board meeting. What a great treat! Right as Dado came through the door Gigi made it home with an impromptu visit from Khaki, Uncle Eric and the girls.


The kids ran around amd we all had a very nice visit. Even James and Maddie had a great visit!

The Wonder Years!!!

Today was a day that we so desperately wanted to be outside. Usually when the weather is this beautiful we drop everything and run to the zoo or park! It was not going to happen today. Latin falling right after lunchtime in combination with all six kids (and mom) needing naps/quiet time trumped any intentions to be outside. So when the group dwindled to a reasonable four kids we ventured out past our own backyard. A short trip to the pond with respectable visits with several neighbors was a wonderful treat. It is always on these beautiful days that I remember being a kid and playing under the street light so as not to go inside. Usually a game of kick ball in the cul-de-sac. Visiting with all the neighbors today and finding out how the new school year is going or the new baby that has been added since our last visit makes me feel like there is just a little decency left in our world. Maybe the days of Father Knows Best are long gone but we can still hold on to the Wonder Years.
The kids are growing so fast and this is ever so evident on our walks with fewer kids in the wagon and more kids dependent on their own transportation. Fewer shouts from mom to get to the side of the road and more shouts from the kids for mom to hurry up. Knowing when we make it home there is only one baby to nurse and the rest will get their own glasses of water. It is times like this that I wish will be saved forever in my mind. There will come a time when this too will slip by.

The kids found wonderful bamboo sticks on our walk. They brought them home and made some projects. Beedle decided on pirate ship sail and Gus made the American flag. Gus greeted all the traffic at the roadside with a salute while Gracie and Beedle sailed away on the driveway. What fun it is to be young. Maybe it should be the Wonderful Years.

Happy Anniversary

Well, seven years, four kids and two houses later, here we are! Aged, a little, but to perfection! Today we celebrated the seventh year of our marriage. It has truly flown by. We spent our evening at Cafe Vermilionville dining and reminiscing about all the wonderful memories we have made over the past seven years. We thank you, God, for giving us each other and giving us the grace to truly love one another every single day. May we continue to be blessed with many more years of marriage!

God 1, Devil 0

Today started out as if the devil was going to have his way. Our intentions were to make it to 9:00am mass at the Cathedral as we do most Sunday mornings. However, a late start, a missing shoe, an exploded diaper, and a short-tempered dad created a cataclysm that rolled into our household, much like the recent hurricanes in our area, and seemingly destroyed what should have been a great Sunday. Frustrated, but forgiven, we made it to St. Pius and a packed-house for 9:30 am mass. We were pressed to stand in the rear of the church for the entire mass. I must say that I was very impressed with our kids, especially Gus and Beedle, who had to stand almost the entire time, except when they were kneeling (not on the kneelers, on the ground). And they never complained. (OK, God, you're pulling even.) We went back home to have lunch. After lunch we read from Gus and Beedle's journals. They are terrific writers and are both creative. We all had good laughs. (God, you regained the lead!) We then divided the troops--Mom, Gus and James went shopping for clothes for Gus (he's growing like a weed and doesn't fit in almost everything we have for him) and Beedle, Gracie and I stayed home. I thought this would be a great opportunity to watch some football (Have I ever mentioned that I am a die-hard football freak? It's a sickness, really.) However, I really tuned out of the games and was having a blast playing with the kids. We pretended to fish. We pretended to swim. We colored. We drew. We read stories. We played board games (Cariboo, Hi Ho Cherry-O, etc.). We really had fun. I could tell because they both said, "Dad, I'm having fun!" And I was saying it too, and meaning it! (Ok, God, you're starting to pull away!) When the away team got back, we shared dinner, played more games (Ziggity and Sorry), bathed the kids, welcomed back GiGi and settled down for our evening prayer time. We decided to sing songs for prayer time. Everyone participated.

With Gus on the piano, Dad on guitar, Gracie on triangle, Beedle on harmonica, and James on the skins, never did a rendition of "Oh, How I Love Jesus!" and "Gentle Woman" sound so beautiful!

(Game Over! The winner, and still reigning champion...Our Heavenly Father!!!) In ending a day like today, I look at it as a summary of what life is like. We all do or say things in life that we are not proud of. We feel worthless, ashamed and broken. And there God is to pick us up, brush us off, forgive us, love us and then give us more beauty than our eyes and hearts can contain. Thank you, God, for today's full gamut. I should never have doubted your perfect victory!

Did We Ever Tell You Beedle Was Creative???

Beedle's mind is amazing. And so is his love for his little brother. He so desperately wants to play with James all of the time. He's always swinging him in his "Johnny Jumper" and giving him a tinker toy light saber so they can play Jedi's together (of which James usually puts in his mouth and Beedle scolds him saying that if he puts the light saber in his mouth it will "cut his mouth off"). One of Beedle's favorite "toys" is a stethoscope. One would think he would like to play doctor with it and pretend he was performing some type of major surgery. Beedle, instead, puts it around his waist and pretends it is a tail. Sometimes he's a monkey with it on. Sometimes a mouse. A squirrel. A lion (although when he REALLY wants to be a lion, he puts on his ACTUAL lion costume). Today, the stethoscope served as a leash. And who better to play his pet dog....his little brother. Fortunately his mom and dad were around to make sure we was not choking his little brother with his ingenuity and creativity. But, as you would expect, James seemed to enjoy it as well. They have a pretty amazing relationship. Today was just another example of why we love Beedle so much. His beautiful mind. His simple love. His heart of gold. He's a wonderful brother and son!

You Give Me (Cabin) Fever!

With Hurricane Ike making its way through our area late Friday night and Saturday morning, a weekend of fun activity was looking quite bleak for the Chopin brood. And when the power went out at 9:00 am and there was nothing to keep us occupied, we feared we'd be ailing from cabin fever. And at 9:20am, as if angels from heaven appeared chanting "Alleluia", the power came back on and the cool winds of heaven blew upon us (the A/C came back on). With the breath of cool air came inspiration. The cure for cabin fever...bowling, anyone? And so, Gus, Beedle, Gracie and Dad made their way to Lafayette Lanes for a late morning of bowling. When you have a birthday party at the bowling alley or attend one, they give each partygoer a pass to have a free game of bowling every month for a year. This also comes with 4 free tokens for each of them to go hog-wild in the arcade. We've been trying to take advantage of this as often as we can. In our opinion, there was never a more perfect morning. It was a ghost town in there; it was as if they were open only for us. It was only midway through the game that other patrons starting filing in. Of course, more often than not, most of kids' excitement comes from putting on the wacky shoes and picking out their loud-colored bowling balls. Beedle chose an olive-green ball which he affectionately called the Hutlet (Jaba the Hut's son in "The Clone Wars"). Gus and Gracie agreed to share a hot pink ball. Pink for power! They did quite well. Gus really enjoys bowling. Although the bumpers were out, Gus rolled quite a few shots that never touched them. In fact, one of such shots resulted in a strike. Of course everytime they knock down any pins, they run back to see what animation is created on the screen. Sometimes the pin will cut in half (a split) or a pirate ship will sail real fast in a straight line (a spare) or, my personal favorite, a trapeze artist swings and knocks over all the clown pins (a strike). Beedle's attention span was better than average today and he really seemed to enjoy himself. Gracie, Miss Independent, wanted to do it all by herself, but then quickly realized that Dad's help isn't always the worst thing in the world. When the game was over they made a beeline for the arcade. They accumulated a good bit of tickets (165 to be exact) which resulted in a luxurious prize--a miniscule pack of Skittles and a Fun Dip. They were extatic! Not wanting Daddy time to end, I decided to take them to one of my favorite eateries--BJ's Pizza. They enjoy BJ's, as does Daddy, and they always get to hear about all the times Daddy and his family ate there while growing up. They will surely be tired of these stories soon. As we waited for our pepperoni pizza and hamburger for Beedle, I decided to take advantage of our together time by being a little creative and at the same time trying to have a little fun. I grabbed a small stack of paper plates and began to draw different faces on the plates--happy, sad, angry, scared, etc. I had them take a plate, put it in front of their face, and the others had to guess which feeling was being portrayed. By the way, I majored in Interpersonal and Organization Communication, so this is really about the only time I get to use anything I learned from it--pretty pathetic, I know! As they were guessing the feelings, they had to acknowledge what particular facial expressions indicated their decision (ex: angry face had slanted eyebrows and was not smiling). This seemed to go over very well and I felt like I was for once contributing constructively to their social development. And so the pizza and burger came and they scarfed everything down, I am sure because of the serious mental energy exhausted in their communication exercises. With bellies full, we made a quick stop at the store and the gas station (before gas prices skyrocket) and headed back to see Mommy and James. I must say I cherish the Daddy time I get to spend with my kiddos. They are really good kids with wonderful hearts. Today was no different--they still don't cease to amaze me!

Two for Tea

Today we had tea with our new and very special cups. Last Sunday Grandma Dee shared some cups and saucers from her colection. We were each allowed to pick our own cup. Gus chose a special cup from Jeruselem and Beedle picked a "big fat cup." You may notice that Gracie is not in the picture. She was having some issues and is hoping that she can make tea next week. She is anxious to use her new little demi cup as it is just her size.

Today we had to shop early due to Hurricane Ike and we had little time to prepare for our tea. The boys did not seem to mind having Reses peanut butter cups and some swiss rolls. Good thing the person before us at Walmart picked them up and the clerk checked them out with our groceries. There is so much confusion at a store before a storm, and when you add in a mechanic helping the checkers you have some mistakes. God knows what is really a need and today that was sneaking some sweets into our groceries:) We were very pleased to have Gigi with us for tea today. It is always great to share some tea and time with Gigi.

And speaking of two, notice anything missing...

In the last week Gus has lost both of his front teeth. If you are wondering what to get him for Christmas, I think it's pretty obvious! We can't believe we have a son old enough to have his two front teeth missing. Where did the time go?

What Fun It Is...

What a Great Find!

This morning when taking out the garbage we found a little egg. What a great find. Since today is Tuesday, we got to journal about the find. We probably would have journalled any day that we found something so great. It was really cool because you could still see a bit of the yolk. The kids were really excited until there was a little accident. That is the way it goes. Much consoling went on and mom assured Gus that it was better to squish the empty shell as opposed to the egg with the little bird inside!

After our lunch we all headed out to bring Gus to his first Latin class. He did not get to start last week because of Hurricane Gustav. He was very excited and his teacher was very impressed. Mr. Larry kept saying "He is a bright student!" Hopefully he continues to enjoy class and maybe he can teach his parents. Homeschooling is a family affair.

Ballerina by Day....Cowgirl by Night

Today was Gracie's first day of ballet! I do not know who was more excited mom and dad or Gracie. She got ready this morning in record time. We all loaded up (including B.J. and Eeiah) and headed out to Milton. We had heard great things about this school so we were prepared to take a short trip out of town to take ballet. Mom was preparing Gracie and telling her the name of her teacher and Gracie said "I love Ms. Beverly!" She had yet to meet her. Some of the girls were shy and a little timid but Gracie could not get in fast enough. It was a fifty minute class so we had time to eat our fruit, feed babies and do Gus's history lesson. This will work out nicely. Gracie did not want to leave even when she was told that she would get to come back every Monday. Hopefully she stays this excited all year!

We returned home to eat a quick bite and unclog the sink before we had to rush out for Beedle's therapy (again out of town.) Gracie insisted on being a cowgirl and wearing boots. Who is going to argue with that!! It was definitely more appropriate than the pink fur hat she wore all last week in the heat! After our doctors appointment we were off to get Gus a haircut. Beddle had a crocked haircut this summer and we had to shave his head. Gus wanted to do the same so it has taken a long time to grow out and it was getting long in the back only. We told the lady exactly what dad said "Gus' hair is a little too much country and not enough rock-n-roll. It is time for a haircut to get rid of that MULLET!" She did a great job and cut only the back. Gus reminded her three times "Don't cut the front." Hopefully he never asks to shave his hair again because he looks better with longer hair.

Gigi was great enough to cook tacos for dinner and Dado gave the kids baths at five o'clock so he did not miss kick off. We are definitely still supporting the Packers this year. Everyone was happy to learn some facts about Wisconsin and the three kids and Gigi passed their quiz. The Packers won their game and Dado was thrilled that another game followed so football season is officially here!!!

Hi God

Today we were able to go to adoration. Dado was in charge of music for the kids. Mrs. Kessie suggested Hi God, and that is what she got. It is really neat to share this music with the kids. Mom remembers listening to the double album--it actually opened up and held two records on both sides. Dado grew up with the live version (Dado was named after Carey Landry, the artist who wrote Hi God, who was a close friend of the family). The kids were happy and I think that Dado will be asked to play music again. It is great to have an opportunity to have family adoration time and we thank Father Chauvin for exposing Jesus for us.
We were blessed to get to eat lunch and have an extended visit with the Thomas'. As always they were great hosts and the kids had a blast! We left feeling Gods love for us!

Friday

Today we were finally able to get up and go to Mass. We have been having repair work done on the air conditioner and it has taken up two mornings. Apparently turning off your air conditioner during the storm is no guarantee that it will not fry when you turn it back on. Having no air conditioning is not such a big deal when so many of our neighbors are without fans, lights, and even the convince of a refrigerator. Mass was of course, followed by a trip to Dado's office. We left promptly when James decided he did not want to wear his outfit anymore and because he is unable to talk, made me aware in another way!!

The kids have been wanting to go to Books-a-Million for a while and this made the perfect day. They got to meet a new friend and we came home with three new books. James was unable to get a book because he decided that a new outfit was more important.

After nap we had a nice tea with rice crispy treats and homemade chocolate candies (thanks Gus!) Today's choice for tea was French Vanilla Cafe. The kids have requested it again! We finished off the evening with our regular sandwiches for Friday dinner and a discussion of mother Theresa. The kids colored pictures of Mother Theresa and we went around the table picking quotes from her and sharing what they meant to each of us. We were very grateful to be together as a family in our cozy and COOL house.

Puting the Pieces Back Together

We spent an exciting day with our extended family the Maders. We are so appreciative to have had great fellowship while waiting out the storm. The kids were absolutely unaware that it was even raining outside. They are ready for another hurricane party, a.k.a. movie day with friends.

Unfortunately we got a call just before the calm of the eye passed over us. Gigi had a huge tree fall on her house and another huge oak on her fence. Given the heart procedure she had she was at home instead of the hospital. Next time a storm comes through she will probably volunteer to stay at the hospital! Carey and Brett went out to get her and nanny Wanna before the next part of the storm came through. Although we were sad that her house got crushed we are more than a little relieved that everyone was safe. God is good!!! This is what a house looks like with a huge oak on top of it!

Carey said he always wanted his mom to put a swimming pool in the back yard!!!

And Then There was Light

We will blog tomorrow but we are letting all know that we are alive and well. Sadly we did not all make it through unscathed:-( Our Labor Days start tomorrow!!