Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Early Voting

We always try to make a big deal out of voting.  I love that as Americans we can share our opinions through votes.  Princess was along for the ride but this was Possible's First Official Vote!  So proud!






We celebrated with breakfast.  Yeah Possible!  
GO VOTE!


Monday, February 26, 2018

MNO


Another MNO group.  More ladies and I love these ladies also.


Mom and Dad Return

Back at home we were greeted by a happy house full of very loved children.  They love all that sibling time.

JavaJava is into beer making with his brothers.  He brought some for J to taste.  He approves, and enjoyed the beer.
Mrs. W gave me a very cool mug for my birthday.  it changes color when filled with hot coffee.  We left Grand Rapids a little down.  We thought we would be moving there but it doesn't seam like that will be the case.  All of that searching a effort just to let us know that we were looking in the wrong spot.  I drowned my sorrows in a delicious pile of fruit and coffee.  

Sunday, February 25, 2018

MI Adventure

Where should be move?  Where will we live?  Where is God calling us to establish our new family home base.  To answer that question we have mapped out cost of living, taxes, political leanings, catholic identity and the housing situation in several areas.  One of the areas we liked is Grand Rapids Michigan.  We decided that while J had a trade show, I would join him.  We would explore after the trade show ended.  


OK I must say that we never see that much snow stuff in any store in Houston (and we had two snow days this past winter).
While J was at the trade show, I found a local church that some homeschoolers had recommended.  It was beautiful.  I felt very comfortable at the church but not at home.


I was so happy that I was able to catch noon Mass.

Back in Houston Java Java, Pooker and Goobers all come to the Tiemeyer home to have fun with the younger kiddos.
The kids went all over, visited parks, painted a bird house and had two showings for the house.  Sadly, still no offers. I think I might have been a little upset if the kid had been able to sell the house without my help.  LOL.  I am very proud of their hard work.  Every report we got were that the house looked fantastic just not the right layout for either shopper.




We drove all around the GR area.  We never did find an area that we liked.  We grew more and more depressed as we couldn't find out place.
Back in Houston a few are gone for the day.
Possible and Princess left for one day to help with the EDGE retreat.
They were all having fun.

At the end of a long weekend for all of us, we were happy to head home.  In the end we ruled Grand Rapids out of the running for our home search.  We just didn't feel at home in MI.


Friday, February 23, 2018

Stations - Breakfast Burritos

The stations were set up and waiting.  The W family hosted this week  J and I were out of town but a few of our kiddos went.





The W served meatless breakfast burritos and bagels.  I hear the food was yummy!





Good people!
I have so much faith for these teenagers.  They are our future.

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Bear Heads Off

His first assignment is here, now that he is back from his adventures in Rome.  Bear has been accepted into seminary for the Oklahoma Diocese.  Until school begins in the fall they want him to work at a parish.  He was nervous but very excited.
The kiddos woke early to say their goodbyes.

Bear packed his car and headed off.  This is one of those times when a mother's heart is so full of love!  My son was leaving as a grown man to pursue his own adventures.  This was not how I felt when he left for college.  I felt this way the day that Pooker and Goobers moved out into an apartment together.  It is joyous and heart wrenching at the same time.  I hugged him goodbye, and kissed his check knowing that he was leaving my home as a man.  He may live in our home again but never as a boy that I must instruct.  Unless you have a child that has grown into adulthood, you will not understand.  It is so hard to explain.  I know that he is well formed.  I know that I have taught him and his father has guided him.  Our day to day job in raising this man is finished.  My heart rejoiced.  It also brought an ache to my heart.  My job is over.  I must trust that he will follow God's plan for him.  I can't fix it anymore.  He leaves a man responsible for his own path, his own faith, his own destiny.  All of these feeling I would have no matter what he was leaving to do.  Dad and I are extremely proud and confidant that Bear is leaving a man of God.
At this moment Bear's path is to pursue his place as a priest.  We have no way of knowing if that is the vocation that God has chosen for him.  We do know that Bear is listening to God with his whole heart and is willing to do what ever God asks of him.  I see my son leaving our home and beginning his journey.  No matter where his life takes him, I am confidant he will be close to God.
Bear gave J and I this book months ago, when he first applied to OKC diocese. Today I sat and read it as he drove away.  The truth is that the book didn't apply to us as much as it might to others.  This is a family that loves our church, even with all of it's flaws.  We understand that our duty is to support our son and pray for his vocation.  We ask that you offer prayers for him as well.
A few hours later he arrived at his new home.  God's will be done!  
Bear, you will forever be our son.  We will forever love you.  We will be here for you to support you when needed.  We promise to continue to pray for you every day!  Now go and pursue God's Will! 
Can I just say that being mom is not easy.  It is in these moments that define our parenthood.  I am not threatened in his leaving.  I am not worried for his soul.  I am both filled with joy and sadness.  I am sad that part of my role is complete but I am joyful for the life he will live!
May Our Dear Lord, protect and guide you Bear!