Gobble, Gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Barclays!

Endless Thanks

On the eve of Thanksgiving, traditionally a night that hosts church services solely designed to give thanks, I want to cultivate a heart of gratitude.

Throughout my days I encounter many moments where God seems to give me a "wink" but I am not always quick to jot it down, or type as the case may be. Inevitably, I forget those specific "winks". And so the Gift List, intentionally looking for and documenting reasons for my joy.

If I was able to attend such a service dedicated to praise this is what I would have to offer:

133. Impromptu lunch with my friend and our children. Our shared history makes conversation possible above the chaos that naturally ensues when little ones and alarming child are involved.

134. Missing my family -odd intro to this gift, but Mimi and Papa are out of town for the holiday. So even though I might still have been with David's family - something just doesn't feel right. It's good to miss people sometimes because it reminds you of the blessing of closely located family. I don't want to take that luxury for granted.

135. Thanksgiving Chapel Service at M&M's school this morning. Children singing praises, reading God's word, and leading those attending by example set the tone for this holiday season.

136. The Thanksgiving Prayer Walk that followed chapel. It was a small gathering of parents that walked from the flagpole to 7 identified locations around the school building praying for our children and their teachers. It was such a sacred assembly because God clearly is found when two or more gather in His name.

137. My little ones excitedly preparing for a reader's theater presentation they will spring on the family at our celebration tomorrow. Complete with pilgrim hats and props.

138. Eamon's contagious smile, warming my heart with each breathy laugh.

139. A new seat for the prince, albeit a loaner, allowing him to join us at the Thanksgiving table. Sitting up, soaking in all the sights and smells. Laughing, I'm sure, all the while.

140. Days off to decorate, a tradition for the Barclay 5 to deck the halls the day after we feast. And, a little extra exercise to assuage our guilt.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Building Cathedrals

My sweet cousin, Deirdre, sent me a video clip, The Invisible Woman. I found it to inspire what I endeavor to do, and remind me of all the wonderful mothers I am so blessed to know.



My ongoing gift list needs to include the many women who have shaped me, who have built when they thought no one was looking, and who continue to encourage me through my days. Number 131, my mom, thank you for pouring your life out - I hope to be a Cathedral worthy of your sacrifice.


And to all the other women (number 132), who set out to live selflessly, you point me to a better walk. My baby cathedrals are affected by your influence. So "with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees," I offer my gratitude.

Do Not Exasperate Your Children...

There is a scripture verse that warns against such activity. But, it's not easy to get a good picture.

As a side note to the agony I subjected the Prince to - the hat, a sweet little Irish knit that has been worn by all my babies! I just love that!

Our 7 Wonders of the World!

Well, the 7+ Wonders of our World. My children are somewhat fascinated with the idea of a free public library. So much so that we have started visiting the libraries that dot Bergen County. Some like to travel afar, some like to be connoisseurs, we like to fully acquaint ourselves with the vast circulation of books, DVDs and audio recording in our neighboring towns.

M&M don't quite understand the "free" part. Maeve, the only other card holder in our traveling band, tells me "Don't worry Mom, I've got it this time."

Their feverish excitement reminds me of a friend I used to teach with. Bashi is an avid reader, with a vocabulary that includes words like.......well, they are so impressive I can't remember the one I was going to reference. Anyway, Bashi was mugged several years back. While giving report to the police, she was gripped with absolute terror. Bashi realized her library card was included in the lost items. She had images of the assailant racing to her library, checking out all the new releases and DVDs with no plan to return them in a timely fashion, and ultimately sticking Bashi with untold overdue fees. Clearly, Bashi wins for greatest respect for "the card" and overall devotion to the Library, but Maeve and Myles are in close second.

The countdown has begun for Myles. At age 5, he too will be eligible for a library card. And then, Maeve will not have to always throw hers down for payment.

These Boots Were Made For Walking

Eamon is stylin' with some new orthotics. Exciting because this is the first step toward "standing". It will be a process, but the end result will be weight- bearing opportunities for the prince. These fancy boots, ok braces, will allow Eamon's feet to remain at a 90 degree angel. After an orthopedic clearance, we (drs/therapists) will fit our boy for a "stander". A somewhat Frankenstein looking device that will provide full body support in an upright position. Thus offering Eamon the experience of standing. Being upright allows for greater respiration, digestion, hip maturation and a whole new outlook on the Mister's world. I can hardly wait, but alas wait I must. Truly rehabilitative equipment takes forever to acquire. We are anxiously anticipating the arrival of Eamon's Kid Kart, a customized seating stroller and base, which we ordered June 3rd - yes, that would be almost 6 months ago, but I'm not bitter!

Regardless, we are thrilled for Eamon. He is ready for some new challenges.

If I may be so bold as to ask for a bit of detailed prayer for prince number 2. David and I often wonder if Eamon is uncomfortable, in any way, that we are unaware of. He doesn't speak, and while I feel completely in tune with Eamon and intuitively understand him, there are still some questions left unanswered. One that seems to plague us is whether Eamon has an itch. He would be unable to scratch it on his own, and how could he communicate such a need. I know it sounds trivial, but it upsets us to imagine our little man so uncomfortable. So to that end, David scratches Eamon randomly - a real full body scratch - just in case. And I, everyday during spa time rub and cream every exposed part of his precious body. Due to our diligent scratching, Eamon is probably the least itchy child around, but still a bit of prayer never hurt!

The Prince, in all his glory, watching Elmo - why is it every child loves that furry friend.

How Great is Our God

Yesterday, our church had a media presentation of Lou Giglio's How Great is Our God. It was an incredible display of the Heavens - stars bigger than words can explain being compared to the almost insignificant size of planet earth, and ultimately to the two cells that come together to form each precious person. To hear and see the magnitude of God's greatness, the display of his glory in the sky, and the intricate, coded details of our bodies certainly would convince anyone of His existence. One may still wrestle in our humanity to comprehend the indescribable of the Divine, but you could not rationally deny Him. David and I, along with the whole of the body at church were awe struck, humbled and ecstatic with the absolute wonder and enormity of our God. He has a plan.

And as awesome as God is, He is still intimately aware of us. Our needs, struggles, the places where we lack. Our comparative insignificance but to Him, we are marked in His image, beautiful and so loved.

He has a plan. And so, Eamon was perfectly created for a high purpose and to the Glory of his creator. I can hardly wait to see the unfolding, the majestic display.

"We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name."

Get Out the Vote, Barclay Style

It should come as no surprise that the Barclay 5 tend to be on the conservative side. Maeve and Myles have been quite attune to the presidential election. Several months back, while driving in the car, Maeve announces, "Obama, Obama, Obama. Barack Obama, I'm so tired of hearing about him!" To which Myles commiserated.

This certainly set a tone for M&Ms tolerance factor for the other side.

With all the tension the race for the White House has created, I thought a bit of levity was needed. The following story is true, but names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Maeve was busy hanging her coat at school when her friend, we'll just call her Jane, came along. Maeve enthusiastically asked who she (Jane) was voting for. Without hesitation, the unsuspecting girl answered "Barack Obama!". Aghast, Maeve responded with "W-h-a-t, don't you know he lies!" Poor, frightened Jane answered, "I didn't know." Maeve was still reeling when she later relayed the event to me. Horrified that her friend would vote for "Barack-O".

The girls have since settled on agreeing to disagree, and will continue on peacefully their friendship.

I am glad to see such enthusiasm for civics.
So tomorrow, Maeve and Myles will accompany us to the polls and cast "their" vote. No secret who Maeve is voting for! Go McCain/Palin!

Trick or Treat

Just some Pumpkin Fun! This pumpkin, in particular, is our inspiration for Eamon's ensemble. Veggie Tale Pirate, of course.

Myles is "batty" for his mommy.

The end of a hayride with prince #1, Eamon stayed home because it was cold and windy.

Our little "veggie" pirate. Ah Hoy There!

Quick name that picture! Napoleon, anyone?

The crew! Myles is giving two clues: He is red and really fast; yes, he is speed - Lightning McQueen. Maeve is "Bop Bop Bopping to the Top" as Sharpay.

Oh, and for good measure - Clifford, our family dog, is a Yankee!

Cousins! Emma is SpongeBob and Miss Charlotte is a wild chicken.

Everyone. All treats and no tricks. As I write, my M&Ms are counting out their spoils!

Unbelievable, we gave out just shy of 12 bags of candy. Our Hood is the place to be for treat collection!