NASCAR - - - The Logue Way

In my opinion, you can tell a lot about a person based on the Hot Wheels car they choose to race.

Tonight at The Logue Manor, the line up included a teal 1967 Pontiac GTO complete with white flames, a yellow 1968 Chevy Camaro with black racing strips, and a 1988 Hot Wheels school bus.

Can you guess who is racing which car?

In first place was Martin's school bus, Andrea's Camaro finished second, and bringing up the rear was Brian's GTO.


I love nights spent together as a family.

I Love Technology......

She has my nose and Brian's mouth. What a combo.
That's right. We're having a daughter!

A Jedi Morning

• Martin has not put down his light saber since his dad gave it to him yesterday.

• He slept with it last night in case any Siths came into our house.

• He had it clipped to his long underwear this morning.

• Martin discovered he & Yoda are the same size.
  

• We had to explain to him a light saber is not necessary in Church.
  

• Who needs a security system when you have a Jedi apprentice living with you??

A Christmas to Remember

We celebrated quite a Christmas! Actually, we are still celebrating because, as you know, the season starts on Christmas Day and continues through the Epiphany - twelve days later (remember singing The Twelve Days of Christmas? That song actually has a meaning...)

The Logues left to visit my family on Christmas Eve. We had the shortest drive out of all the siblings; only 4 hours to Valparaiso, Indiana. We spent some time there and in Merrillville, Indiana and Bristol, Indiana visiting friends and family. I'm not sure if Martin will remember everyone he met!

Brian and I decided on a tradition for our family - a tradition we borrowed from another family. We only buy three Christmas presents for our kids; one for each of the gifts brought to baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men. This is great because it keeps us in check and we can focus on the true meaning of Christmas rather than what the Retail Industry would like us to focus on. $$

We also don't do Santa (gasp! What kind of parents are those Logues??) While this may seem like we are "taking the magic away from Christmas", it's actually quite the contrary. You can't get more "magical" than God becoming flesh and giving himself to us as the greatest gift. Santa not stopping by on Christmas Eve is a lot more common than you would think; many of our friends choose this route. However, I will say, we also have plenty of friends in which Santa does stop by, and they do an excellent job of balancing what is important. It's all in the parenting.

Martin's extended family did not miss out on helping him celebrate his first Christmas in America! Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunts, & Uncles were very generous in the gift giving! It only took him a few presents to realize what was going on... He was very excited and thankful for everything he received. One of the gifts he received from us was a play Mass Kit, which he loved!

He also loves his remote control cars, Legos, blocks, clothes, and especially the semi-automatic Nerf gun his dad couldn't wait to open.

This was an absolutely wonderful Christmas! I couldn't be more thankful.

Snow!

Snow is a new discovery for Martin. Although it's "barry, barry cold" he can't get enough of it. This past weekend it snowed enough for a few inches to stay on the ground. He says it looks like sheep and is made of milk.

During the week, he stays with our good friends and plays with their kids while Brian & I are at work. Yesterday morning, when I was dropping him off, he told me he made a baby snowman and hid it in the bush so it wouldn't melt. He dug the snowman out of his "home" to show me.

I bought Martin his first set of snow pants and boots. Once we were home, he wore them in the house as long as he possibly could. He was up first thing this morning wearing only his snow pants and nothing else.

It's amazing watching him discover things I take for granted. He is such a blessing to our family.

Dreams Really Do Come True...

I asked. They won't let me wear this to work.

Maybe it's better that way.

I love you, Snuggie.

Some of These Things Are Not Like the Others....

I discovered this interesting scene today.

I planned on making some funny joke about the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and a Giant Yarn Angel announcing Jesus' birth; only to find great minds do think alike.

Jenny, I think our sons are cut from the same cloth.

Christmas Decorating - - The Logue Way

"We're kicking off our fun old fashion family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and select that most important of Christmas symbols." - - - Clark W. Griswald

Nothing says "Christmas" like my house smelling of fresh pine... (well, maybe that and celebrating our Savior's birth).

We drove to a local apple orchard who also sells Christmas trees in the winter. We told Martin he can choose any tree he wants - as long as it can fit into our living room.

I'm sure Martin's grandparents are dying to see pictures (am I right, Susan?). So without further ado....

This is Martin's first Christmas in America, and having a tree in our house just blows his mind. We let him decorate it himself. All the ornaments were at his eye-level in one spot. Brian went around and rearranged a little.

Life is good.

Mommy Needs to do Laundry!

I can't help but love these insanely hideous red corduroy overalls.
Martin looks so silly wearing them, but I think he looks absolutely adorable.

He's going to hate this picture when he gets older.

A Proud Moment in Motherhood

My son really does not have the attention span to watch a full movie.

....or at least I thought so.






Now in our house, there is a new found obsession with good versus evil, light sabers, Jedi's, and their quasi-telekinetic power.

I have never been more proud of Martin than watching him reenact every fight scene in The Phantom Menace. I can't wait to see his reaction when he actually watches one of the good Star Wars episodes.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Today Catholics celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception; when Mary was conceived without original sin. Also, the Gospel included the angel Gabriel telling Mary she has found favor with God and will have a son named Jesus.

This morning over breakfast, I was doing my best to teach Martin the importance of today and how we would be going to Mass later tonight to celebrate this feast day. He informed me this was indeed a special day for girls, but not boys.

Where babies come from has been a recent hot topic in our house. Martin has never asked how babies get inside mommies' tummies, but instead, he is obsessed with how babies get out of mommies' tummies. On his own, he has come up with a very logical explanation that isn't too far from the truth (sorry... I can't bring myself to share details, but I'm sure you can imagine...). I'm not ready to explain it to him just yet; mostly because I'm not sure myself.

So tonight while we were sitting in Mass, Martin leans in close and says, "Mommy, Jesus will come out of Mother Mary in five minutes?"

To which I replied, "No, that's on Christmas."

Yep. That's one for Daddy to handle.

Sophisticated Gentleman

This outfit was bought to wear to Christmas Eve Mass, however, Martin was insistent on wearing it today.

Back off, Ladies, we're hoping he's going to be a priest.

Just Another Day....

Yes, this is my three year old son getting out of the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist putting on deodorant.

Apparently, it's just another normal night at The Logues.

First Sunday in Advent

Today is the First Sunday in Advent; the beginning of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church. This is the much needed time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas.

I love Advent for so many different reasons. I love the waiting and anticipation of Christmas. I love how this season helps me to be more discipline and become more in tune to my faith. I also love how this season helps me to focus on ways to become a better Catholic, mother, and wife.

Often times we get so caught up in the material preparations that we forget about the spiritual preparations. My goal this Advent is to really focus on the true meaning of the season and the true meaning of the Christmas season. I want Martin's first Advent and Christmas with us to memorable, and hopefully start some Logue Family Traditions along the way.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year was a great Thanksgiving! Martin is home to help us celebrate our thankfulness for all the wonderful things in our lives; our rapidly expanding family, great friends, good health, jobs to help us provide, and plenty to eat.

Since both sides of our family live farther away, we decided to stay home and have our own Thanksgiving Feast. Yes - - - I made the turkey! I even got a little fancy and stuffed it with apples and oranges. It turned out great (thanks, Jim K. for the great recipe)! We had a couple of friends over to help celebrate. It really was a great day.



Martin was not shy about digging into a turkey leg. He had been eyeing it all morning. DNA or not, he is definitely Brian's son!


On a side note - - - People have asked if Martin celebrated Thanksgiving in Ethiopia.

The last I checked, the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in America, not the Plymouth Rock in Ethiopia. (Just to clarify, there isn't a Plymouth Rock in Ethiopia.)


Actually, the Oromo celebrate Thanksgiving, but not the way American's do. It's a very religious and spiritual holiday, and I don't think pumpkin pie is involved.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

18 Weeks & Counting....

(I really miss wine)

Interesting....

Apparently, there are random modes of transportation in clear plastic baggies strategically placed though out this house.....


I found this one in our bedroom on an unused phone jack.



I'm still trying to figure it out myself.

Mark It Zero, Martin

The Dude Abides

Is He Trying to Tell Me Something?

Picture this.....

Dangling underneath a cryptic drawing on a bank envelope is a clear plastic baggie housing a miniature motorcycle...

What does it all mean?

I couldn't comprehend it either until I found it taped to someones bedroom wall.









When I asked him about it, he told me "it's special, Mommy."

Where's the Tooth Fairy?

"I will not have my son believing in fairies." - - - Brian Logue

So when the first tooth was lost, we decided on a Tooth Elf. Except Martin had no interest in the dollar found under his pillow (maybe he understands the weak value?). I honestly think he would have rather kept the tooth.

Last Sunday the second tooth was lost. This time he couldn't wait to put it under his pillow. Just like the time before, it was placed in a sealed envelope. This time Martin would not fall asleep. This time he held onto that envelope and was constantly pulling it out from under the pillow and checking it. This time we had to explain the tooth had to stay under his pillow.

The next morning, he pulled the envelope out from under his pillow to find another dollar in the sealed envelope.

No fairies or elves involved in this transaction. He is convinced this is all the mailman's doing.

Catching Up....

I haven't been the best blogger lately. That's partly due to being a mom, working a lot, and being tired at the end of the day - chalk that up to the prior two things plus growing The Littlest Logue Part II.

Actually, the real reason I have been absent from cyberspace is we bought this great new laptop with the newest everything, and I have no idea how to work anything! I really miss having a mouse...

So I am going to cheat and update you on Life at The Logues (assuming someone is still reading this) with pictures and maybe some captions....

Enjoy!

Brian's family goes crazy for popcorn. Honestly, I think every time we visit his parents, popcorn is always being made. Here is Martin discovering the Stir-Crazy for the first time. He loved it! I know Grandpa Carl is proud.

I think someone was tried of me following him around with the camera?

I love this picture for two reasons... 1. I'm loving my kid's foot pajamas; he obviously hates them. 2. I love my new vintage 1971 green lazy boy recliner - which I found at the Salvation Army for only $12.50.

Here we are, on our way to Mass when my kid decides to lose his second tooth. This picture captures everything - right down to his bloody gums.
(If I have to look at it, so do you)

And finally - while downloading pictures from the camera, I found this one. I think it's safe to say a certain three year old found the camera and decided to try out his artistic skills. Or Brian is trying to tell me something. It's really anyone's guess....

Dining with Daddy....

...includes mini pulled pork sandwiches and Cheetos because "they look like carrots".

November 3, 2009 - Feast of Saint Martin de Porres

Today is a very special day here. Today we celebrated the Feast of Saint Martin de Porres!

This is the saint whom Martin is named after.

I don't think Martin could eat another piece of candy, or bite of cake, or drink another sip of cola.

I love feast days - - - but, of course, I didn't realize how close his is to Halloween.....

All You Holy Men & Women, Pray for Us!

Today is All Saints Day!

This happens to be my favorite feast day. This is also a very important and special day to me.


Saint Chrysogonus
Ora Pro Nobis!

Happy Halloween!

There were a lot of firsts here in The Logue Household today....

Martin lost his first tooth (with us in America)



And Martin had his first Halloween trick or treating experience.

Needless to say, he loved it.

Wordless Wednesday

How Do They Do It??

Things here in The Logue Household have been very busy.....

• Working 45+ hours a week.
• Brian working much more than that.
• Picking Martin up from the babysitter's (which he loves, by the way).
• Grocery shopping.
• Making dinner.
• Spending only a few hours a day with my son.
• Realizing my son is growing up way too fast.
  
• Laundry.
• Dealing with a 100 pound Labrador Retriever, who might as well be another kid.
• Keeping up with housework. (I refuse to have a messy house)
• Growing a new baby.
• Being very tired from growing a new baby.

I realize this very normal for many women. The key is finding balance. I am still looking for it.

I Love Fall!

(If I didn't know better, I would think Brian is in a union or working for the city)

Male Bonding

Yes - there is some serious fingerpainting going on here....

(On my hardwood floor.... Brian reassures me it's water-based and washable.)

I love these guys.