Never Pass Up a Lemonade Stand!

Never Pass Up a Lemonade Stand!

Springtime has arrived, even if the weather isn't quite cooperating!  Before you know it--at least in Texas we will be in the hot days of summer.

When my children were little they often had a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit and created a lemonade, popsicle stand at the corner of our cul-de-sac.  

Jenna's sign for the Popsicle & Lemonade Stand 

Hot Texas Summer, and no customers for delicious lukewarm fruit punch!

And like any good mother, I would call my neighbors and ask if they would stop by--not desiring my kids to collect their money, but to feel proud of the work they invested time in to make the stand.  

We had the best neighbors in the world who always encouraged our kids!
We still miss Karen, Allen and their boys!

In turn, my husband and I never pass up a lemonade stand!  We will buy a cup or two and give a tip -- which generally depends on the number of kids selling at the stand!

I remember once passing a kid's stand where they were selling drawings--and as I recall, they were pricy!  That time, I only purchased one drawing, and praised the kiddos for a job well done!  Leaving them with smiles and standing a little taller!

Lemonade stands are often a child's first business!

Now that my kids are grown, each of them striking out on their own--trying to make their way in the world.  And as unique as they all three are, so are their career paths.

Our daughter Sara, and her husband who are expecting their second baby, have made the decision and quite honestly the financial sacrifice for her to be a SAHM--stay at home mom.  I hear more and more young mothers expressing the desire to be SAHM.  And Sara has been blessed with a few of these moms who are mentoring her as she navigates not only parenthood, but having what you need, not always what you want in order to remain a SAHM.  

Which brings me back to the lemonade stand...and the support other mothers gave our kids when they were young.

Many of the new moms are developing their home-based businesses--in the effort to build and keep a nuclear family together, and being able to be there for the majority of the child rearing.  This isn't for everyone--being a SAHM, but there are families who are trying to make this work.  And now a days, in terms of home-based businesses there are more options than just Avon!  There are a variety of products being sold in these home-based businesses--from children's clothing, to bags and purses; from children's educational toys and books, to beautiful jewelry; from skin care lines and make-up to health supplements and protein drinks.

Just a sampling of the many great home-based companies!

Actually now that I think of it there are new moms, older moms and grand-moms who have home-based businesses. 

I guess I would like you to consider, if you are invited to one of these home-based parties, consider going as  a way of lending support or giving confidence to those who are trying to provide a quality product for a genuine need.  And much like the lemonade stands versus the drawings...some of the products you may stop and lend encouragement to, some you may make a significant purchase, and some you may only purchase one small item.  But you are doing so much more than that, you are giving them confidence.  You are rooting for their success.  You may think you are only buying mascara, but you are helping someone build a business.

I Lasso the Spirit Behind the Lemonade Stands! 

Ladies in Waiting Ministry

Ladies in Waiting Ministry

"I prayed for the child, and the Lord granted my request." 

 ~ 1 Samuel 1:27

I am at that point in my life--where I have been once before, about 30 years ago.  I was engaged and getting married, my friends were getting engaged, getting married--we attended   the circuit of all the bridal showers--all of the weddings.  

My mom and dad right before I got married to Joe!

Then many of these young wives were becoming mothers--once again we attended all the baby showers, and celebrated when the new little pink or blue bundle was born!  

The difference 30 years later is--that this cycle of engagement, weddings and babies involves the 'friends' of my kids!

When I was expecting my first baby I learned something about my dad I never knew before.  

Joe and me as newlyweds,
and expecting our first baby

My dad was in a prayer ministry since about the time I was born--actually he started this beautiful ministry, and he continues it today: 

The Ladies in Waiting Apostolate.

The ministry is devoted prayer for those who are hopeful and prayerful for a new life!  This is an apostolate of prayer for women who want children by conception or adoption.

For over 50 years my father and the powerful The Ladies in Waiting Apostolate (comprised of hundreds of faithful prayer warriors) has been praying for pregnancy, safe delivery and successful adoption. 

While he is a very devote Catholic, the Apostolate prays for all women--no matter what their religious affiliation.

I am blessed to be among the hundreds of prayer warriors in the Apostolate.  We have seen many prayers answered.  We have seen other prayers go unanswered--which is always heartbreaking.  But we continue to pray and while we don't know why, we have to trust in God's plan, and let me tell you, this can be a very difficult task!  Sometimes there are very dark times for these couples.  But having hope in God's plan during these times of sadness reminds me of something  Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "When it is dark enough, you can see the stars."

I can tell you I have more compassion for women trying to conceive, because like many women, I too had my own dark days of wanting a baby, when Joe and I lost our second baby.  

I didn't understand why God would take a baby we planned for, had dreams for...

While I can now fast forward 25 years later--and have clearer perspective, I can honestly tell you that I see God's hand in my life then and now (that's one good thing about getting older, we not only gain wrinkles...we are blessed with a little wisdom too).  

When one is so close to the desire and the anxiousness, it is hard to understand or
"Be still and know He is God" and
-- you-are-not-He!  :)

The comfort of knowing others are praying for you--and for new life...I believe that's God's grace being poured out for us.

The Apostolate does not always hear about the outcome of our prayers.  But this week, we found out that one of the couples that The Ladies in Waiting Apostolate have been praying to conceive--for several years--is happily through her first trimester!  The joy of learning the news did our hearts good!
  

Daily prayers continue for the hundreds of women who are pregnant--for a healthy baby, and safe delivery.  Daily prayers continue for those who are trying to conceive, and for those who desire to adopt.

If you are reading this, and you or anyone you know is seeking to conceive, adopt or is pregnant and would like The Ladies in Waiting Apostolate to pray for you, you can email:

prayer@theladiesinwaitingapostolate.faithweb.com

I Lasso the power of prayer!

I Lasso the beautiful ministry of 

The Ladies in Waiting Apostolate 

my dad started over 50 years ago!  

I Lasso the love I have for my dad!

As a Nonna, I thought this was cute!

I Lasso seeing anything with Nonna on it--Italian Grandma!

Adventures of Being a Nonna!

Adventures of being a 

Nonna!

If you follow my blog, you know that I am crazy about my family!  I am also crazy about my twenty month old grandson!  I love that he made us "Papa and Nonna" -- although my name comes out "NoNo", but you know what, I will answer to whatever he wants to call me!

This little boy has charm, personality and has completely stolen my heart!

His animated personality is beginning to emerge.  

He loves music--what amazes me is he seems to hear music and 'beats' in the simplest sounds...for example when our dogs are drinking from the metal water bowl, and their tags hit against the bowl--he starts to move to the rhythm and beat!  When he hears the wind chimes at our house, he stands perfectly still, recognizes the chimes as music and begins to sway!  You can only image how he rocks out when he hears real music!

He loves cars and choo-choos!  We were tickled to see his excitement when we gave him a Thomas the Engine Table and trains for Christmas. 

He notices the face of Thomas and that it sticks out and he can touch!  He thought THAT was cool!

He started to realize there was more to this toy than a Thomas face!  He explored more!

Then everyone became a kid playing with Landon!
He calls bowls "buckets" or "bucky" -- that's a long story!

I think Papa Joe looks as cute as Landon here playing!

My turn to play with little boy!

Sara captured this darling expression when I showed him that the trains are magnets and can stick to one another!  Way cool!

And while Ryan and Sara were not home for Christmas, they did come home the weekend of the Feast of the Epiphany--so we still had Christmas decorations up throughout the house.

Sara and Ryan at their home

Just some of our Christmas decorations taken with my cell phone,  kind of blurry

One evening before going to bed--it was dark outside and all of the trees and bannister lights were on...he looked around and he looked up at the bannister lights and Christmas trees--and when he looked up at me he pointed and said, "Wow!  Cool!"  Okay, it may seem like two simple words to you...but to me, it was magic!  

Since they don't live close by, I really want his visits here to be special.  I want to create for him, what hopefully we created for our own kids growing up...a feeling that the holidays at Nonna and Papa's house are are very special.

He is so loved...he is blessed to have wonderful grandparents on both sides of the family--with Gigi, Gumpa, and Mimi.  He has truly captured the hearts of us all!

I remember as a young mom, when I was getting close to giving birth to our son, Adam--Joe and I had just gone through our ritual of bath time, story time, prayers and night time song--tucking Sara in for the night-- Sara was almost 2 years old at the time...well from fatigue of being pregnant, not to mention the added adventure and energy needed to chase around a toddler, coupled with the hormones raging, and the anticipation of having "children" I started to cry.  Not a weepy cry, but a sobbing cry.  

Joe asked me, "Kathie, what's wrong?" and I told him, "Joe it is just too awful to say out loud!"  He said, "Kath, you have to tell me why you are crying!"  I said, "I am so worried I won't love this baby that we are about to have as much as I love Sara!"  Well, Joe, not having hormones raging, fatigue from pregnancy hugged me and said, he couldn't imagine a sillier thing to worry about--especially from me.

But I remember this overwhelming concern and powerful feeling--for me at the time, the worry was real, and such a grave concern.  

What I didn't realize was when Adam (and then later Jenna) was born--my capacity for loving grew exponentially!  It reminded me of when the Grinch's heart grew three sizes larger.

It also gave me a glimpse of God's love for us!  "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..."  ~  Jeremiah 1:5



In July, Sara will have her second baby!  Yes, Sara and Ryan will have children!  

Which means Nonna and Papa, Gigi, Gumpa and Mimi will have another little grand baby to smother with love!

From where I sit, it is hard to imagine loving another grand baby more than I love Landon, but I know that I will be blessed with my heart growing larger!  What a miracle, what a blessing...the gift of life!

So for now, I Lasso loving one grand baby at a time!

Nonna and Landon saying Good Night Moon!  

Seeing the world through the eyes of a child, 

it was a complete thrill to introduce my grandson to the moon!  

Sara, thank you for snagging this precious picture!

Superwomen Syndrome, Really?

My New Normal

Over the weekend we had Sara, Ryan, little Landon home for our last Christmas--or Epiphany for the holiday season.  I kept all of the Christmas decorations up since Sara and her family were not able to come home for Christmas.  I really wanted Landon to see Papa Joe & Nonna's house at Christmas.

Yes, I decorate...I have snowmen, santas and Nativity scenes throughout the house.  As Jenna said, "Mom the house looks great!  Well, actually it looks like Santa just threw up, but I like it!"   

So, Sunday after church, I kissed the kids good-bye and they headed back to their home--yes, a few tears appeared as the car drove off.  Jenna went to work.  Adam was cramming in as much visiting of friends while home as he possibly could.  
Joe and I knew it was time to take the snowbabies, Christmas trees, jinglebells and stockings away until the next Yuletide.  

And so it began.  I started to get the after Christmas blues.  You know...
Naked house.
No familiar carols playing.
No more macaroni and felt ornaments on an evergreen.
No UPS, or FEDEX deliveries.
No Christmas cookies left.
Even the whiskey and egg nog were gone!

Today, Adam left for Boston.  I took him to the airport.  The entire drive to Love Field I was amazed I wasn't emotional at all.  In fact in some regard, I was quite proud of myself "manning up" and just taking care of business of getting kids to and from... 
  

I pulled up to passenger drop off at Southwest Airlines...the airline we luv the most...parked the car, pushed the button for the lift gate, got out of the car...and as Adam  pulled his trumpet case out of the car a gush of tears fell.  Not one or two tears...it was Niagara Falls--complete with erratic breathing.  

OH I WAS SO MAD AT MYSELF!  I really didn't want him to see me cry...for heavens sake the kid has been out of the house for years...but that "letting go" is still just so hard for me.

Adam and Pirate 12 years ago

I must invision Adam as a boy, rather than the terrific man he has become!

Adam walking me down the aisle at Sara & Ryan's wedding

I remember my mom having a very difficult time with the whole empty nest thing...

and I remember making a conscious decision I would not be like her (I mean that with a great deal of respect, I loved my mother)...but the sadness, and the feeling of being depressed, waiting for the next visit from one of her half dozen--her children were her world!  

So early on as a young mother I remember making a conscious decision to be involved with our kids activities, but I also got involved with a career, and then with volunteering...PTO, Sunday School Teacher, Girl Scout Leader, School Board President...then later taking on a high pressure job--something just for me--or so I thought...these activities, while they gave me more of an identity than "Sara-Adam-Jenna's Mom"...were all about the kids.  

Joe told me early in our marriage that he thought I had "The Superwoman Syndrome".  I thought he was crazy and making it up, but a woman by the name of Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz actually studied and wrote a book about women who essentially feel they have to be June Clever and Murphy Brown or for the younger audience, Robin Scherbatsky -- rolled into one person.  Some women can do it well...I seemed to trip over my cape--a lot!  

When I really think about it, yes--I do things that I can be proud of that are separate from my kids' activities.  But I am really no different than my mom. My children (and Joe) are my world.

And at the end of the day, while I am very proud of all my kids...I love my role as a mom, but in reality that "mom" is really gone--which as parents--that's what we pray and hope for...that they are ready and prepared to be launched out into the world.

The way I am reacting to this new normal has taken me by surprise...so I will have to work harder at letting go.  I know that I am so very blessed that Joe and I have three great kids to enjoy when we are all together and miss when we are apart! 

I Lasso loving my kids as adults...or at least I will try to lasso!

Exciting News! Mama's Due with Baby #2!

Sara and Ryan surprised us a few months ago--at Thanksgiving--with some exciting news.  They arrived at our home during the late morning.  As our grandson was brought out of the car, it was the first time I really think he remembered the house, the dogs, and of course...Papa Joe and Nonna!  I was more excited to embrace Sara and Ryan and couldn't wait to slowly go to Landon to see if he would come to me...I scooped him up, but noticed he had a cute little tee on...being way too excited to "read", I brought the kids in the house and had lunch ready for them.  Putting Landon in the highchair, I kept trying to compute what the tee said.  Their son sporting a tee...

T-shirt read:

Club "Only Child"

Membership Expires July 2013!

I looked puzzled I'm sure...first I looked at Sara, then Ryan, then the tee again.  Finally I said--rather truthfully I squealed to Sara...are you going to have another baby?  I jumped up and down, hugged Sara and Ryan and could not stop smiling...Sara can attest to the fact that I did indeed jump up and down with elation!

Papa Joe came home shortly after the kids had lunch and I was trying to keep myself contained...anyone that knows me, knows all too well this can be a challenge for me...I kept indicating that he should "READ" Landon's tee.  Joy swept over his face and he immediately had hugs for everyone.  Jenna returned home from work just thrilled at the thought of another  nephew or niece was on the way.  Adam found out by way of Facetime on my iPhone since he was still in the Northeast for school.

Ryan and Sara were just beaming and said they were so excited--and remarked how hard it was to keep it a secret for a month from us.  It was still very early...so they asked that we not share the news with anyone.

Sara and baby are almost 4 months along in the pregnancy, coupled with the fact that Sara literally can't keep the baby news in much longer...as baby #2 has decided to make his/her presence known! 

So as we begin the New Year, we have so much to be thankful for...the arrival of a new family member is just the beginning!

So July 7th is the ETA for Baby Corl #2.
We are praying (and always appreciate prayers) for a healthy baby and a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery for Sara and baby!

I Lasso enjoying the amazing joy our grandson brings into our lives! 

I Lasso the anticipation of another grand baby to love!

The Gautille Gazette 2012

The Gautille Gazette Goes Electronic!

Joe and I want to extend our warmest wishes during this Christmas season to all of our friends and family!  We thought we would go "green" with our family update, and post it electronically on my blog!  

Nonna and Papa Joe

We went to Pflugerville, TX  earlier this month to celebrate Christmas with Sara and her family!  It was so much fun to see Landon's eyes light up with excitement when he saw the Thomas the Train table and trains!

Landon Lee Corl and his choo-choo!

It has been a long time since I've stepped foot into a Toys R Us, but it didn't take long before the memories of the Lego and Barbie aisles came flooding back to me from my days as a young mom.  Landon is 19 months old and a complete delight!

Ryan, Landon and Sara

a

Sara and Ryan Corl

I love being a Nonna and Papa Joe has also embraced his role as a grandparent! Sara and Ryan make a wonderful parenting team! Sara, a former elementary education teacher has changed her career to Stay-At-Home-Mom.  She recently shared that while there are challenges and sacrifices to staying home, there are wonderful nuggets of joy too.  One afternoon, after a tough day with Landon, as she gave him his afternoon snack, she watched her son fold his hands and say, "Amen" before he ate his raisins. That little act of faith erased the stress of the day and reminded her why they both made the decision for her to stay home with Landon.   Ryan is still an avid golfer, huge Texans fan (although I have tried valiantly to convert him to become a Steelers fan), and continues to enjoy his job in sales at Callaway Golf.  

Jenna's Corner

Jenna

Hello family and friends and Merry Christmas!!

A lot has changed since last year, I no longer have to say I am working on getting my Associates Degree...I got it!  I graduated in July and have my treasured piece of paper hanging on my wall.  I still plan on going to school to pursue being a makeup artist and masseuse.  I just need to find an institution that is far enough away that I will have no choice but to move out.  The search is on.

In the meantime, I surrendered myself to adulthood, got dressed up and joined the world of retail.  I currently slave away at Victoria Secret and New York & Company.  I have a lot of fun at both...but I must say I am paid better being a Dog Sitter.  I can no longer wear my jeans and graphic tees.  I have to wear 'big girl' or as they say, 'professional' clothing now.  The nerve.  I really had to let go of the Peter Pan Syndrome I had so long embraced.  However, they give me discounts so I can buy even more professional clothes.  My closet is slowly losing its color and is fading to black (yes, work dress code).  And sadly, I can no long wear my super cute heels, at least not at work. No more heels. Flats. Always. When working.

I'm still very involved at my church in the Young Adult Ministry.  It's like my youth group in high school, except we have cars, and no curfews.  We discuss our faith and topics that relate to being a, you guessed it, young adult.  Many young professionals are part of this ministry, so it's nice to have new friends to hang out with when you are still living in your hometown.  

Being an aunt is like the coolest thing ever.  Landon is super smart.  I never thought I would get so excited about watching a baby roll over, crawl, walk and talk for the first time, but amazingly I do.  The best part about being an aunt is that I get to spend time with Landon, play and spoil him then give him back only coincidentally the exact moment he gets fussy.  He is such a loving boy.  I am really lucky I have him for a nephew. 

Landon and Auntie Jenna are all smiles at the tree farm!

Landon is as tall as this sweet Charlie Brown Christmas Tree!

Well, I guess that's it.  Besides earning my degree, having three part-time jobs, and keeping my room clean 76% of the time, that's about all the changes I have made for 2012.  I hope this finds you and your family well and I wish you the happiest of holidays.

Tune in next year for more updates.

Yours truly, 

Jenn

Adam's Turn!

Hello and Merry Christmas!

Well, I'm in my final year of grad school at Boston University.
I returned to Boston without my best buddy, Ducati because the new apartment I am in has a no animal policy.  But I have to say while I really miss Ducati, I was lucky to find a great apartment, along with four great roommates!

At the beginning of 2012 I released my AJ Adams
"Heart to Give" CD, with all of my original music .  My buddy Alex McKee and I had the opportunity  perform songs from the CD, along with other music in gigs from New York to LA.

Alex and AJ

Performing in LA with Alex and Clayton!

Each month of the summer was a special wedding I was honored to be involved.  First I played trumpet and sang at my good friend from high school, Jessica's wedding, who was married at West Point.  Then I was honored to be the "second" best man at my oldest friend Clayton's (and Tala) wedding.  A month later I played at the wedding of two close friends of the family, Spencer (Clayton's brother) and Anna Smith.

So if I am not playing a horn, I am strumming a guitar and singing.
In May I graduate from Boston U with a Masters in Trumpet Performance. So now begins the auditions for a real job!  Prayers are really appreciated as I continue to pursue a career in music!
Wishing y'all a Merry Christmas and Happy 2013!
Adam

Joe Heads into the Homestretch!

Hello Everyone!

Well, I am inside the last 10 months of my commercial flying career.  In September, I have to retire from Southwest Airlines before my birthday.  I love my job and mentally I just cannot see myself not flying after 41 years!  But, I also look forward to what God has in store for the next adventure of my life with Kathie.

I continue to blog for Southwest Airlines and this year I am chronically each month of my last year with a blog column "Ten Months to go for Captain Joe"-- then counting down to the day before my birthday or should I say my retirement on the blog "Nuts about Southwest".

We are so blessed to count you among our family and friends!  Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas!
Joe

Kathie Gets the Last Word

This past year God has blessed us with so many of the beautiful aspects of life!

We had the opportunity to have good friends visit us--one happens to be a high school friend of mine, Bill and his bride Mary Ann came from North Caroline for the Restoring Love Event.  The other friend was Carol from New York City.  Joe has known Carol since grade school--they played in the band together at school, Joe with his trumpet and Carol with her flute!  Carol is one of the most respect and acclaimed flutist performing today, and is a professor at Juilliard.  It is always wonderful to spend time with people who live outside of Texas!

Bill, MA, Joe and Kathie at Restoring Love
at Cowboys Stadium

A photo booth I set up for Anna & Spencer's Bridal Shower
Jenna, Kathie and Sara

Celebrated the weddings of several very close family friends!

Mother of the Bride and Hostesses of Anna's shower

Clayton and Tala's bridal shower

Tala and Clayton

Enjoyed a First Birthday Party for our grandson, Landon!

Landon turns one!

Rejoiced with Jenna earning her Associates Degree!

Kathie and Jenn

Treasured the time I spent with a life-long friend, Diane in Sewickley, PA!

Reunited with a group of my Alpha Xi Delta Sorority Sisters at Clarion University, in the hills of Pennsylvania!  A joyful time!

Blessed to be actively engaged in a wonderful church we have been members since we were newlyweds.

Prayed for dear friends and family members who were struggling with illnesses.

Praised God for those whose health is back to normal.

I can't close without mentioning our four-legged family members:
Ellie, Piper (our Australian Shepherds)
and Adam's sweet dog Ducati--they bring us laughter, a lot of love--not to mention fur!

Adam's dog, Ducati

As 2012 comes to a close, and we begin to look to embrace the New Year that is upon us, we know we are so lucky to have you in our lives!

We wish you many blessings of joy, good health and hope for a wonderful 2013!

Kathie, Sara, Adam, Jenna and Joe

I Lasso the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ!

I hope you will stop back at kathielassosthemoon.blogspot.com for more family news!

God bless you and those you love this Christmas!

from the Gautille's!  

Love, 

Joe, Kathie, Adam and Jenna Gautille
Sara, Ryan and Landon Corl