St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

With home education comes the responsibility to explain...everything. And so far, I've really enjoyed explaining Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, and other calendar-inducing topics. Well, yesterday it was St. Patrick's Day.

And I must say, through a bit of study, I am a revived proud bearer of the "O'Brien" name, as well as a BIG FAN of St. Patrick's day.

Just so you can share in my excitement, here are some little known facts that you may have missed due to the gradual secularization of St. Patrick's day celebrations.

St. Patrick was kidnapped from Britain at the age of 16. He was taken to Ireland and forced into slavery. After escaping (for which he gives God the credit) and returning to Britain, St. Patrick studied to be a priest. In later years, he returned to the land of his torment to share the love of Jesus with the polytheistic Irishmen. He is credited for bringing Christianity to Ireland.

The shamrock is worn on St. Patrick's day because it is said that he used the three leaved plant to explain the trinity to the pre-Christian Irish people.



The tradition of heavy consumption of alcohol derived from the liberty to feast and drink alcohol on this celebratory day, in the midst of Lent - where both are usually restricted.

Needless to say, John and I found great joy in sharing and celebrating this holiday with our boys.

You see, since having children, John and I have tried to be more careful about confusing messages that we mindlessly let into our home... Such as: the celebration of Santa clause (on Jesus' birthday), the observance of All Hallows Eve (the night before All Saints Day), the silly idea of a frighteningly large bunny who lays chocolate eggs (on Resurrection Sunday), and other meaningless rituals that are allowed room to vie for a child's affections.

However, I am proud to say, that from this day forward, my family and I will proudly wear shamrocks, eat green cookies, and when legal, even drink a glass of wine, to honor the example and legacy of St. Patrick.

On Sports, part three (with a P.S. ...)

.... soccer IS a sport.

And Mathias loves it.



We've been able to play outside the last few days (yipee!) and Mathias is quickly becoming familiar with his "new" territory... outdoor balls and more time with the neighbors.

On sports, some more...

Malachi and Mathias play football together all the time. Malachi is so tender and careful. He hands Mathias the ball and Mathias takes the ball around the kitchen as fast as he can with a big smile on his face, wobbling back and forth... He is met by Malachi when he re-enters the living room and is tackled (very gently) to the ground.

I wish I had gotten better pictures of this. This is Malachi kicking the "baby" football and Mathias toddling joyfully around - just happy to be on the field.




Micah is still taking Tennis lessons. Yesterday, Daddy got to come on the court with him and play some games. Fun memories.




Malachi watched the dunk contest that was on a few days ago... It's no surprise that this display ensued.

DIY bathroom "remodel"

Long story short: we found water in the hall. After three or four experts paced through our downstairs, they concluded that our toilet was leaking. So we pulled up the vinyl flooring and found... mold.... all the way down to the concrete.

We had to scrape up the old flooring, pull out the vanity, pull out the toilet, and redo. We finally finished this last weekend. (the hall still needs work - but we have a working, mold-free, bathroom!)

Cousins

What a gift to spend a morning with some family! Alana and Moses (and Uncle Mat) met us for some swimming and breakfast while we were in the cities.




And this is where Moses gives Mathias the old, "No seriously, get off my sister's lap" pull. :)

everyday with the obrien boys

From the recent snow storms to indoor play time, these are the things, and faces, that fill our days. :)

Rediscovering the outdoors

Our first walk around the neighborhood since September. And not only was I thankful to be walking outside, I was thankful to be WALKING... and able to push these chunkers around. There was so much to talk about, discover, and play with.



The boys decided they would show the ice who's boss...


Carrying around pieces of ice, like we own the place...


But then the ice takes a shot back... (The boys were laughing so hard, they couldn't get up. So fun!)


Malachi wonders what ice tastes like...


and he thinks Micah should try it too...


There is something about running that brings a smile to the face of children. (especially when he just mashed his brother's head into a snowbank...)



Puddle jumping...




A tree that still has it's leaves??



The boys raved about how much fun the morning was! And if you were wondering... Mathias enjoyed the fresh air from the stroller... he fell asleep briefly and enjoyed a lolipop while watching his brothers. (he's still working on his footing in "outdoor" shoes)



Let's do this again...