Disney World

Before any MORE time goes by (arrggh! There are never enough hours in the day to do what I'd like to do!), I wanted to at least post that YES, we did, in fact, make it down to Disney World.

Long story made short: my husband got a great deal on a place to stay on one of his (very few) business trips, and he's been planning this vacation ever since. All we had to do was come up with the funds for Disney World (which are expensive), but a one-day trip to "The Magic Kingdom" wasn't nearly as much as I thought it would be. The place where we were staying also provided $100 in "Disney Dollars," so we ate at the park for free (whoo hoo!).

Those who know me know how much I dreaded this trip. It wasn't just the drive there (which would be long), or the preparation and packing (also long) -- it was the frustration of trying to herd seven small(ish) children through a crowded park, getting on rides (while dealing with those who wouldn't be on that particular ride), and all the waiting.

Let me say for the record that Disney World is SO MUCH EASIER than other amusement parks... especially one which will remain nameless, but boasts many a flag over the grand state of Georgia. For starters -- you can bring your own cups in, so getting water was easy. Two, there are actually bathrooms and water fountains all over the place, so you can find what you need quickly and easily. Three, the whole place is child and family-friendly (duh), so we didn't have to jump hoops to get what we needed. Four (and this is the big one) we could ALL RIDE THE SAME RIDES, so I didn't have to sit on the sidelines for hours with the little ones while waiting for the others to get off the ride.

So we all got to ride the magic carpet...


...and Pirates of the Caribbean...


...go through the Hall of Presidents...

(You better believe THAT counted for homeschooling! What was funny, though, is that most of the kids thought these were real people. When they found out they weren't, they were HIGHLY amazed).

...go through the "Small World" ride...

(Don't tell me I'm the only one who had this record as a child! )

...ride the merry-go-round...



...and many, many others. The only ride the kids DIDN'T like was the Haunted Mansion. I feel bad about this one. *I* loved this ride as a kid (and so did my dh), but our kids were a bit traumatized by the whole thing. Most of them just rode with their eyes closed the whole time. Please keep in mind that these are the same children who watch LOTR on a regular basis and have NO trouble with orcs. (I've got my own theories about that).


We spent the next day touring Fort Christmas, which tied in nicely with what we had been studying in American history (Andrew Jackson, the Trail of Tears, the Seminole Wars, etc). It always makes such a difference when you can actually visit a historic site, rather than just reading about it in textbooks!


The rest of the time was spent swimming, celebrating (two!) birthdays, and enjoying each others' company. The trip came to an end far too quickly, and by Friday we were back on the road to go home.


I've got much more to say about the things I learned about myself while on this trip, but I'm afraid that will have to wait until another day!

Thought for the morning

You know, we can all wax poetic about the glorious vocation of motherhood, and find all sorts of deep spiritual lessons from the activities of the day, but this morning I can't stop laughing at the thought that *MY* personal path to holiness -- lovingly planned and hand picked by God Himself -- is peppered with such questions as:

"What did you just eat off the floor?"

"What the heck is that smell?" and

"Why are the Rice Krispies in the bathroom?"

[those are three questions I've asked within the past hour, by the way]

All in a day's work

OK, quick poll time... just a simple show of hands...

How many people had to dress up like Mary while they made lunch today?

Anybody?

Alright, how many people opened up their washing machine and found a unicorn with its hooves handcuffed together? Come on, raise them up!

Still no one?

Hmmmm.

OK, how about all those who have a beetle obstacle course in their homes?

Children who read their "pet" tent caterpillars a bedtime story?

Was anyone ELSE awakened this morning by a small child with a caterpillar in her hair and on her arms saying, "Yook, Mommy! I holdin' da bugs!"


Wow. All I have to say is your day doesn't seem to be nearly as interesting as mine has been....

Happy Birthday, Christopher!!!

In the blink of an eye, we've gone from your first birthday...


...to your sixth.


Happy birthday to my sweet, wonderful Christopher. You keep us amazed with your insights and laughing hysterically with your off-the-wall comments (starting with the kicker when you were two:

"Daddy, do my feet look trapezoidal to you?"

Yes, we knew then we were in for a treat...)

You have a heart of gold and take care of your younger siblings so lovingly it makes me choke up... and yet are all boy (as your birthday cake attests!)


We are so blessed to be your parents, and I thank God daily for the privilege. May you live a long, happy, healthy life, and may you follow Jesus closely every step of the way.

Our week in review

Thomas decided that the laundry basket made a much more comfortable bed.

(and while I didn't get a picture of it, the next night I couldn't find Kathryn anywhere. I checked next to Reilly. I checked Marie's crib. I went into the boys' room. No Kathryn anywhere. I knew she HAD to be in the house, but where could she hide? I rechecked all the beds and was just about to turn some lights on when I saw something out of the corner of my eye... the top of her head... sticking out of the laundry hamper! I got her out of there and said, "sweetie, why on EARTH were you sleeping in the HAMPER?" She just gave me a sleepy smile and said, "Because every kid likes to be found and picked up by their mom or dad and put into bed...")


She won't let me get a good picture of it, but Grace has her first tooth. She handled it pretty well, actually... no fuss, no fever, no excessive drooling (blech)... just a "ta-da!" and there it was. So, no official tooth picture... but I offer you an official "first time in the swing" picture instead. (She is just the cutest little thing!)


And finally, Kathryn had a lifelong dream realized on Friday -- she started horseback riding lessons! (She has been saving all the money she's received from Christmases and birthdays from very generous friends and relatives). I wanted to cry -- she was just sooooooooo happy!

My brush with greatness

For those of you who use the MAGNIFICAT magazine for your daily devotions, please turn to page 311 (yes, I'll wait...)

Blessed Pepin of Landen?

Direct ancestor.

Thank you.... thank you very much!



For those who do not have their latest copy available, here is his biography:

BLESSED PEPIN OF LANDEN
Layman (646)

Pepin served in the high office of "Mayor of the Palace" under three Frankish kings. In this station he distinguished himself as "a lover of peace, the constant defender of truth and justice, a true friend to all the servants of God, the terror of the wicked," and a "zealous and humble defender of religion." Pepin did not shrink from rebuking one of the kings he served, Dagobert I, after the latter had sunk into a life of vice. Pepin's censure ultimately led the monarch to repent of his sins. Before dying, Dagobert entrusted to Pepin the tutelage of his young son, Sigebert, who under the pious stateman's instructions became a saint. Pepin's daughters Gertrude and Begga are likewise venerated as saints. When after Pepin's death his body was transferred from its original resting place in Landen, Belgium, to the convent church of Livelles, it was noticed in the course of the procession that although a strong wind buffeted the participants, the lit candles they carried were not extinguished.


I am also a descendent of St. Begga.


So there you go!

I think it is amazing... and a wonderful testimony... that he is considered Blessed, he was married to a saint (St. Itta), and had two daughters canonized (St. Gertrude and St. Begga), AND taught the king's son, who also became a saint!

What I'm Thankful For

It's basically inevitable. I take my baby in for a WELL-BABY check-up at the doctor's office, and a few days later BAM! We get sick. (Do the words, "please don't touch your face" not mean ANYTHING to my children???)

Oh well. On a day of horrific colds with coughing and snorkeling everywhere, I am thankful for the extra snuggle time, for the good attitudes my kids had in spite of feeling yucky, and...

...that Thomas found a comfortable place to take a nap...

(that's our kitchen floor, right in front of the dishwasher)

...Marie found ways to have fun...


...the "snack of choice" was a bowlful of frozen broccoli...


...and that a very sweet baby found comfort in the sounds and smells of the kitchen as Mommy cooked supper, and took her longest nap of the day.

Feast of the Epiphany

I was going to write a post on organization (which seems to be a topic of interest everywhere I turn!), but that will have to wait a bit... I have only a short time this evening to blog, and that post will take longer to write.

Instead, I wanted to share some pictures of our feast day fun!

The magic for the kids, you see, is in DRESSING UP. And, since we've got quite a few little ones around here, there's a part -- and a costume -- for everyone.

What we've done for the past several years is had the kids dress up as Magi, march around the house singing (what else?) "We Three Kings," and then bring our versions of gold, frankencense, and myrrh to lay in front of the Nativity scene. Hokey, perhaps, but it's fun for little kids, and helps them to remember what this feast is all about. (oh. and don't forget the cake. Feast days just aren't fun unless there's some sort of "yummy dessert" associated with it, according to my oldest child Sean.)

Here we have Marie as Mary, Grace (thoughtfully sleeping) as the Baby Jesus, and Christopher as Joseph (I love the taped-on beard!)


And here comes the procession...


The Magi give their gifts to the Holy Family.


And oh look! It's Thomas, surprise surprise, dressed as a dragon! He brought a toy to Baby Jesus, but Joseph is still looking rather apprehensive.


Finally, after supper we had dessert, lovingly decorated by the kids.


Hope your Sunday was just as wonderful!

We're back!

We had a wonderful time visiting my family at my parents' home this year. The drive was long (12 hours), but well worth it (thank you, honey!).

Since it's late, I'll just post some pictures for now.

As you can see, my parents had a rather full house...



...which made it hectic, but fun. Getting everything "set up" in the wee hours of the morning is a family tradition...


...as is waiting for someone to brush teeth/brush hair/start coffee/whatever before we dive in...


...to the incredible chaos we like to call "Christmas morning."


We had a quick trip, but God blessed us the morning we were leaving with a light dusting of (can you believe it?) SNOW! Needless to say, we HAD to play in it before hopping in the car, so we went sledding...




...while Grace took in her first snow with sheer delight.


Then it was back in the car for another 12 hour trip. I will not claim to have perfect kids, but on this trip, they did far above and beyond what dh and I could have hoped for. There were NO temper tantrums, NO fussing, NO "but I can't sit in my seat anymore" whinings... NOTHING! Dh and I were simply stunned. The biggest surprise is that Grace slept through the ENTIRE trip home. No joke. I had to wake her up to feed her at rest areas!

I will be getting back to regular posting tomorrow (Lord willing), but for now, I hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Into Great Silence

I finally got a chance to rent the video Into Great Silence. For those who have not heard of this film, it depicts life in a Trappist monastery as it is lived -- no explanations, no "voiceovers," etc. And, as the title suggests, most of the movie is silent. While it would seem tedious to watch a 3-hour movie in almost total silence, it actually allows the viewer to settle deep into the silence and start to get a taste of how beautiful it really is.

I can't say it's a great movie in a normal "great movie" sort of way -- great dialogue, fantastic plot, etc. -- but it has provided me with many things to think about:

1. All people are called to holiness. (Everybody now! Why did God make me? God made me to know, love, and serve Him in this life, and to be happy with Him forever in the next...) Some receive the vocation to live this out in a monastery surrounded by silence, and others are called to live it out amidst the chaos of normal family life. While I expect monks and sisters to pursue holiness in their vocation, I find myself often excusing my spiritual shortcomings because "I'm too busy/tired/surrounded by noise/etc..." What struck me during this movie is that God gave us all our vocations for the same reason, and I am to pursue holiness here and now just as much as I would if I were called to religious life.

2. Their lives are filled with the same sort of "drudgery" that mine is. In the movie we see these monks going about the normal work in a monastery -- cleaning the rooms, splitting firewood, sewing new robes, cooking, bookkeeping, caring for the animals, etc. What is different, however, is how they go about their tasks. Since they live their lives in mostly silence, they can focus on the task before them without the distraction of idle chatter, and can therefore find it easier to approach working on the task as a prayer to the Lord. It was amazing to watch how each monk did his work deliberately, taking special care to perform each task to the best of his ability. While I do not have the luxury of focusing on only ONE task in total silence, I *can* approach all that I do during the day as a prayer. I may not be given the opportunity to do each thing slowly and with great precision (are you kidding?), but I can keep in mind that I am called to bring my best to everything I must do.

How would that play out on a normal weekday? As I am folding laundry while Grace is crying, Marie is asking for juice (and not understanding the concept of "wait a minute") and Thomas is filling up any empty space with one story after another of how he is pretending to be Gollum... or Randall... or whoever, and the older kids are bringing in various requests of their own, HOW am I supposed to bring my best to that situation? I suppose that would mean that instead of getting frustrated and shouting, "I'm only one person here, people!", I could roll with it a bit better and see each child as an individual instead of lumped together in this big category I call "things that are trying to drive me insane at this moment." In other words, I could pause for a second and realize that even though it's all coming at me at once, that is GRACE who is needing her Mommy, and her needs are valid. MARIE is thirsty and needs to be attended to, and also needs to be helped along in the growing up department by being patiently taught to wait. THOMAS is a real person with real feelings who needs to be listened to, even though I may find his particular story tedious... and so on and so forth. I can't do all things and be all things to all people at once, but I can seek to give my best in each situation.

If I'm honest with myself, it's really not THAT difficult to meet the needs of my kids during the day. The most difficult part of it all is that it comes at a time that interferes with what *I* want at that moment -- such as being asked to read a story when I was going to have a cup of tea, or to tie someone's shoes when I wanted to read a bit of the newspaper. That's where the sacrifice comes in. I sincerely doubt that these monks get up in the morning thinking, "oh YES! I get to shovel out the barn today!" However, they set their minds to the task they are called to do -- whatever it is -- and pursue it well, regardless of how they feel about it.

3. I truly appreciate the simplicity of a monastery. There's not a lot of clutter to distract you. (I'm particularly sensitive to this one right now, as I'm in the middle of a huge "I-can't-take-the-size-of-my-house-anymore-'cause-there's-no-room-for-everything" mood.) I find clutter visually assaulting, and it does greatly impact the peace of a home.

Those are just a few of the thoughts swirling around in my mind while watching this movie. Let's see where God takes it from there...

Our weekend in pictures

Feast of the Archangels.
We made a devil's food cake, and then we stabbed it with little plastic swords! (goofy, for sure, but my kids love doing this, and what better way to talk about St. Michael battling Satan?)



My girls decided to rake the front yard... for fun!
(God bless them!!!)





High fashion for the 23-month old in your family -- the chicken hat!



Brave, braver, bravest.
(My husband was under the house spreading lime to speed up the "drying up process" of the big puddle we had under the house -- courtesy of last week's plumbing mishap. For some reason, a dark, enclosed space that smells like mildew and is filled with crickets and spiders actually DRAWS little boys in!)



The girls have been working very hard on finishing their very first handmade rosaries! Ta-da! They were both so very proud of the work they did!

Girl, where have you been?

I'm not sure, exactly... the days are just slipping by so fast (before Grace's arrival) and with it, most of my brain cells.

I'm struggling, people! *grin*

But still, things seem to be going well. Had a fantastic Bible study last night (And did I ever need it! God bless you all!!!), good report at the OB visit (still measuring right on track), a plumbing nightmare over the weekend was cleared up quickly and inexpensively, we've got a possible van lined up (a HUGE praise God for that one!) and even managed to get the house decorated for Fall! (ssshhhh.... do NOT tell my husband that I went up into the attic and got that box down!)

----------------------

We all have those days when everything goes wrong, attitudes at home stink, and we wonder why we ever signed up for this vocation in the first place.

On days like that, I find that prayer, talking to a trusted friend, and a nice cold Frosty Joe works wonders.

But it's also important to document the GOOD days, when everything goes smoothly and the kids do exceptionally well. They deserve the praise, and it serves to encourage me.

So, with that in mind, let me say that for the past two days, my kids have been AMAZING!

Let me backtrack a minute, though. I have been re-reading Elizabeth Foss' Real Learning: Education in the Heart of the Home. I have been trying to remember (again) WHY I am doing this -- why I am homeschooling, the heart of my vocation as a mother, and why God has called us together as a family. I saw many points where I have become lazy, or allowed my selfishness to get in the way, and I turned again to the Lord to ask Him for all the grace I need to do what He wants me to do.

I think He answered that prayer mightily, because He enabled me to see each of my children with "new eyes" -- a greater appreciation for who they are, their strengths and good points, and the joy they bring to each day. I prayed specifically that they would know that they are a blessing, and not a nuisance, in my life.

With His grace, I have been able to truly say that I've ENJOYED being around them these past few days.

And this morning they stunned me.

I was trying to make some phone calls this morning (to line up a loan for our "new to us" van) and I just knew that we would be getting a mighty late start on homeschooling today.

Until Sean and Reilly came in. WITH their work in their hands. That they chose to get started on. WITHOUT my asking them.

I praised them up one side and down the other, and Reilly just said, "well actually, Mommy, all the credit goes to Sean. It was his idea."

More shock...

They continued on through the day, jumping in to take care of younger siblings without being asked, CLEANING UP without my having to ride them, having cheerful attitudes when normally they would be complaining, SITTING STILL in the loan officer's office for FORTY MINUTES while I got the loan application taken care of, and generally just being so sweet and wonderful I was halfway tempted to see if there were pods in the backyard.

I mean, they aren't normally complete hellions or anything, but they were just amazing the heck out of me today.

I told them in the car how proud I was of them, and that their behavior was just amazing, and that I couldn't imagine my life without them -- for the joy they bring to our lives, the way their very presence just blesses us, and how God is using them to help Daddy and I grow in holiness. You should have seen Reilly's face beaming!

I told them I would blog about all of this, so with that in mind, thank you:

Sean, for having a great attitude toward homeschooling, and for practicing your cello faithfully.

Reilly, for not dissolving into tears during math, but having a great attitude and just deciding that "trying again" isn't nearly so bad.

Kathryn, for buckling in your younger sister faithfully every time we get into the car without my even asking you to, and for playing with her when it would be much more fun to do something with someone else.

Christopher, for realizing that "whatever we do, we do to Jesus," and then trying so hard to live that out these past few days.

Thomas, for jumping right to it when Daddy and I asked you to clean up, and for all the extra hugs you've given me lately.

Marie, for every "Day-too, Mommy" you've said to me... even when I was cleaning up your messy diaper.

You guys are amazing, and I'm so blessed to be your Mommy! Thank you!!!

How do you make it to 8:00 AM Mass?

That is a question we hear QUITE often... especially since we have only one bathroom, and eight people that need to shuffle through it rather quickly in order to be out the door and ready to leave for Mass on time.

The key person in all this is my husband, pure and simple. Without him getting us up and going, I don't think there's any way we could make it. Together he and I make a good team on Sunday mornings, but it is his dedication that makes it all happen.

Here's the run-down:

6:20 AM -- DH's alarm goes off. He gets up and takes a shower.

6:45 AM -- DH is in the kitchen, making the standard Sunday morning breakfast -- broiled bagels (bagel, turkey breast, provolone cheese. I add tomatoes and a bit of oregano to mine).

6:50 AM -- Bagels are done. DH goes into the kids' rooms, turns on both lights, and sings a rather irritating rendition of "Good morning, good morning, how are you this morning?" It's enough to wake anyone up... Girls get dressed (they are much better about jumping right to it in the morning. The boys take a bit longer)

6:55 AM -- I'm up and in the bathroom, brushing my hair and putting on makeup.

7:00 AM -- Everyone is in the kitchen. We pray and start eating. We USED to read the readings to the kids at this time, but we've gotten out of the habit (hang head in shame).

7:05 AM -- I have finished the few bites that I can eat in the morning (it's way too early for me!), grabbed a brush and started doing all the kids' hair. The girls have complied nicely, and the boys have all acted like the hair brushing has hurt them somehow. I don't dare try to brush Thomas' hair, or the curls will all come out and he will look completely ridiculous. The best I can do is fluff his hair with my fingers.

7:15 AM -- I have now gone back and made everyone's beds (it's their one day off from bedmaking responsibilities, and I don't want to come back home to a messy house!). For those not yet dressed, I pick out outfits for them to wear. The kids, as you can see, are still eating...



"Hey Mommy! You didn't get a picture of me!"


7:20 AM -- DH gets dressed. I pack the baby bag to make sure we have Marie's juice and diapers. I also throw in this week's Magnifikids and the Can You Find the Saints? book. If we don't have a Magnifikids, I get Sean and Reilly's Bibles ready so that they can find the readings...

7:25 AM -- DH is dressing Marie while I am getting dressed. Kids are now in the back either getting dressed (if not already) or finding shoes.

7:30 AM -- The kids make a mad dash to the bathroom to brush their teeth. Some of the younger ones (ahem) seem to miss out on this process... DH calls out that those who are finished need to report to the van. He buckles in the little ones.

7:40 AM -- Sean (always the last guy finished!) and I battle it out for the bathroom for last minute teethbrushing, bathrooming, etc...

7:42 AM -- Sean is out the door! I put the dog in the backyard, grab any last minute items, and lock the door.


7:45 AM -- Everyone is strapped in and we are on the road! (we usually are going by 7:40 AM, but we were a bit late this morning)

7:53 AM -- We make it to Mass! (Unfortunately, since we were a bit late this morning, someone took our pew.... grrrrrr..... funny how little things like this can make me feel so possessive!)

Fresh bread!

Remember that my neighbor and I were getting a wheat grinder?

Well, it finally arrived today, and behold one of the loaves I made! (OK, it's not really as hideously lumpy as it appears... I took the picture at a funny angle)



I say "one of the loaves" that I made, because here is where the second one was... (with most of the crew in attendance and giving their full approval)



"Mommy, after that snack, I am happy and contented... quick, take a picture!"

Field Trip to the Biltmore House

Now that I'm feeling better (and thank you all again for your prayers!), I can finally write a bit about our field trip on Monday to the Biltmore House.

DH and I used to go there quite often when we were dating and when we first got married. It was a great little day trip for us -- tour the grounds, maybe go in the house, visit the winery, and take a stroll through all the wonderful little shops in the village outside.

However, day trips proved to be a bit too much for us once we started having kids in rapid succession, and the thought of taking everyone up there was a bit daunting.

Fast forward 10 years: now that the kids are older and are at an age where they would begin to appreciate the house, the artwork, the grounds, etc. (and before our daughter comes in 5 short weeks!), we decided it was time to take them up there.


Whoo hoo! They're finally going to take us to the Biltmore House!
(actually, the kids like to pretend that every hill is part of a roller coaster, so they are doing their famous "roller coaster scream.")


Mommy, can we REALLY go inside the castle???



Kathryn and Thomas having a great time exploring the gardens.


This sweet little girl was this quiet for the WHOLE TRIP... and without a nap, too!


Mommy, please take a picture of me peeking through the leaves!



Feeding our faces (and proving that I was, in fact, there!)

Handmade toys

I absolutely loved Alice Cantrell's post on handmade toys (seen here on her blog A Number of Things). Like Alice, I spent a good portion of my childhood "making things," whether it was a fabric wallet, a purse with a zillion compartments, clay figures (with everything they would need to make their home comfortable), drawings, or even little 3-D scenes set up in tiny boxes (such as the one I made for Easter one year depicting the Resurrection). In other words, I made a LOT of stuff.

As pressed for space as we are around here, I want my children to have the same sort of freedom I did -- the access to plenty of "craft supplies," whether fabric, paper, or boxes, and the room to display and cherish their works of art. (believe it or not, I still have many of the things I made when I was younger). I think it helped me tremendously to have parents who "cheered me on," and gave me the space I needed to display my creations proudly, and I would like to provide MY kids with the same opportunity.

We love homemade stuff around here, and I had to smile when I read her words about the uniqueness and love that goes into handmade toys. My kids have all expressed a desire at one time or another for Mommy to make something special for them. For example, there was a time when "The Toy that Saved Christmas" (from Veggie Tales) was Reilly's favorite movie. Her favorite character, of course, was Buzz Saw Louie, so I had to make one for her:



Likewise, Thomas has been on a huge Three Tales of My Father's Dragon kick for quite some time. (I think we're going through our 3rd or 4th reading of it now). He talked incessantly about "the stripey dragon," so one rainy afternoon I sat down with some fabric and did my best to recreate one while a very excited little boy danced around the sewing machine:



(I know I didn't get the face right, but I was a bit pressed for time!)

The point is, handmade toys, whether amateurish or not, are cherished by our children simply because of their uniqueness and the love we poured into them. They are one-of-a-kind toys made for our one-of-a-kind child.

Playroom fun

Our "playroom" is actually an open area at the end of the hall, just before you get to the kids' rooms. It's rather hard to keep clean (duh...), and occasionally I just have to have a clean and purge session.

Today was that kind of day.

So, to remind myself that it can ACTUALLY look nice and organized... from time to time... I took these pictures.




And if you think it will look this way tomorrow, you're crazy! (but, a mom can always hope, right?)


Secondly, I'm sure that this is nothing new to many out there, but I had to share one of my kids' (and the neighbors') favorite toys... the treasure chest! My mom went to Hobby Lobby during one of their sales and bought a wonderful "pirate's chest," and then bought several bags of silver and gold buttons. I've added many things along the way as well (beads, old junk jewelry, etc). The result is simply irresistible for kids who love to be pirates... or dragons guarding secret treasure (like Smaug)... or whatever.

The beauty of it all is that a simple $3 bag of buttons can restock it nicely, and thrills the heck out of the kids!



**In case anyone is curious, Marie is not a "put stuff in her mouth" kind of toddler (and praise God for that, since we've got Bionicles and Legos all over the place around here!), so I don't have to be hyper-vigilant. Cautious, yes. Freaked out (like I would have been for Reilly or Kathryn), no.**