Hey There!
What a week. It's been so packed, and I'm sorry (HAHAHA! Sorry...ha!) that I haven't updated. I have PLENTY to day, have incredible wisdom from my friends to share (God has blessed me!) and probably fun stories to share from this long weekend - but that will have to wait.
We're going to take a little break from reality for part of the weekend. We're going to spend some time in discernment on what plans we should make for our future, as well as just take a break and get away and HAVE FUN with friends. I'm looking forward to escaping our condo for sure!
Until we meet again....blessings!!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Comments I didn't need today.
~ Our computer's screen saver flashes all the pictures on our drive. They go back to when Lovely was around 2 years old and we went digital. Tonight she came up and whispered to me "Wow mommy, there was just a picture of you and you were so...ummm.... (very hushed) thin."
A) That is just plain disturbing to know how body image aware she is at age 8.
B) Sad she can see the effects of my comfort eating of late.
C) My Zumba workouts are not working fast enough for my liking.
D) Sigh. My daughter may not be feeling any of the stress in the house (so far, she seems not to be too affected as we play it cool pretty well at home. Family time was never our problem!), but she can SEE it on me, even if she does not understand it.
~ When speaking to a close family member on the phone tonight, it was heavily implied that this person approved of the idea of marital separation and possible divorce through the situation of a cousin (we just learned he is separated. His wife wants a divorce, but he does not want to grant it, but fight for the marriage) because my family member stated "some things can not be undone." Aside from the fact my close family member has spent countless conversations dogging this extended family (not just the cousin) and their choices of job, spouse, etc. and how too many of them marry only to divorce and don't work hard to work it out - this close relative NOW says separation is good? I called them on it. This particular person they were talking about actually would not sign any divorce papers because of their belief. I commented how proud I was of that - my family member said "Well, vows are important, but blood needs to be thicker than water."
While I would have loved to go more in depth on my relative's theory in the above sentence, I had to stop this line of discussion. I have to create boundaries. Hubby hurt and angered us all. He wronged me. Because our family is one that helps each other in more ways than one, they have all felt wronged by his decisions and betrayal. But, my family has to understand that in order for me to pick up the pieces of my own life, I can't pick up their pieces too.
If I take on their mantle of pain and anger - how will I ever heal my own? I know blood is thicker than water, but when two people marry they become family. Hubby and I made a covenant and created a BLOODLINE that would eventually, with God's help, flow in our children. I don't think one can 'water down' marriage. This situation is not an impossible one to come back from. When ending the discussion, I said I believe that working out a marriage should be the ultimate goal for every couple. My family member stated that "maybe it is easier for the person in the marriage to get over it than for their family members." I can understand that statement. If this ever happened to Lovely or Valiant, or if Gift did this to his wife and family - I would be seething and broken hearted for my child and grandchildren. But, I would pray I could respect the fact that this didn't happened directly to me, but something they need to resolve in their marriage and barring any abuse, I should pray for reconciliation and support their union. Right? Or am I just a hopeless romantic?
So, these were comments I didn't need today. Sigh.
A) That is just plain disturbing to know how body image aware she is at age 8.
B) Sad she can see the effects of my comfort eating of late.
C) My Zumba workouts are not working fast enough for my liking.
D) Sigh. My daughter may not be feeling any of the stress in the house (so far, she seems not to be too affected as we play it cool pretty well at home. Family time was never our problem!), but she can SEE it on me, even if she does not understand it.
~ When speaking to a close family member on the phone tonight, it was heavily implied that this person approved of the idea of marital separation and possible divorce through the situation of a cousin (we just learned he is separated. His wife wants a divorce, but he does not want to grant it, but fight for the marriage) because my family member stated "some things can not be undone." Aside from the fact my close family member has spent countless conversations dogging this extended family (not just the cousin) and their choices of job, spouse, etc. and how too many of them marry only to divorce and don't work hard to work it out - this close relative NOW says separation is good? I called them on it. This particular person they were talking about actually would not sign any divorce papers because of their belief. I commented how proud I was of that - my family member said "Well, vows are important, but blood needs to be thicker than water."
While I would have loved to go more in depth on my relative's theory in the above sentence, I had to stop this line of discussion. I have to create boundaries. Hubby hurt and angered us all. He wronged me. Because our family is one that helps each other in more ways than one, they have all felt wronged by his decisions and betrayal. But, my family has to understand that in order for me to pick up the pieces of my own life, I can't pick up their pieces too.
If I take on their mantle of pain and anger - how will I ever heal my own? I know blood is thicker than water, but when two people marry they become family. Hubby and I made a covenant and created a BLOODLINE that would eventually, with God's help, flow in our children. I don't think one can 'water down' marriage. This situation is not an impossible one to come back from. When ending the discussion, I said I believe that working out a marriage should be the ultimate goal for every couple. My family member stated that "maybe it is easier for the person in the marriage to get over it than for their family members." I can understand that statement. If this ever happened to Lovely or Valiant, or if Gift did this to his wife and family - I would be seething and broken hearted for my child and grandchildren. But, I would pray I could respect the fact that this didn't happened directly to me, but something they need to resolve in their marriage and barring any abuse, I should pray for reconciliation and support their union. Right? Or am I just a hopeless romantic?
So, these were comments I didn't need today. Sigh.
The Three Kings
(carried on from yesterday's post.)
The Three Kings came!!!
This is what the kids found left by the Three Kings in the spirit of what the Kings gave Baby Jesus - something for the body (nailpolish), something sweet smelling (lotion spray), and a faith related treasure for everyone).
The faith based treasure for everyone was a new audio CD holder for our growing Holy Heroes audio collection. We already had (and somehow those crafty Kings got the two volumes and put them in the holder lol!) Volume 1 - which is great for 1st communicants! - and Volume 4. Both are just fantastic in their storytelling and format (so theatrical! It brings back the old "Ovaltine Hour" a la The Christmas Story on the radio, ha!). So our friendly Kings brought the girls Volume 10 (St. Rose is one of our girls' FAVORITE saints!) as well as one of Holy Heroes other audio collections that are mystery/adventure based. This volume is another good one for a 1st communicant as the mystery has to be solved before they can have their 1st Communion celebration and teaches them facts along the way!
It was so neat to see the kids get so excited about such simple, small things:
Honestly, the season of Christmas doesn't need to be about the biggest or the best (though it is fun to give!) but seriously, kids can get excited about such little treasures! I hope that is a value that continues to adulthood. And, I love how many family traditions our church provides that a family can come together on. Yesterday and this morning were wonderful family centered moments. That, my friends, is RICH.
Bless you all as the Christmas season ends this weekend. Much love!!!!
The Three Kings came!!!
 |
| The camels were hungry! |
This is what the kids found left by the Three Kings in the spirit of what the Kings gave Baby Jesus - something for the body (nailpolish), something sweet smelling (lotion spray), and a faith related treasure for everyone).
The faith based treasure for everyone was a new audio CD holder for our growing Holy Heroes audio collection. We already had (and somehow those crafty Kings got the two volumes and put them in the holder lol!) Volume 1 - which is great for 1st communicants! - and Volume 4. Both are just fantastic in their storytelling and format (so theatrical! It brings back the old "Ovaltine Hour" a la The Christmas Story on the radio, ha!). So our friendly Kings brought the girls Volume 10 (St. Rose is one of our girls' FAVORITE saints!) as well as one of Holy Heroes other audio collections that are mystery/adventure based. This volume is another good one for a 1st communicant as the mystery has to be solved before they can have their 1st Communion celebration and teaches them facts along the way!
It was so neat to see the kids get so excited about such simple, small things:
Honestly, the season of Christmas doesn't need to be about the biggest or the best (though it is fun to give!) but seriously, kids can get excited about such little treasures! I hope that is a value that continues to adulthood. And, I love how many family traditions our church provides that a family can come together on. Yesterday and this morning were wonderful family centered moments. That, my friends, is RICH.
Bless you all as the Christmas season ends this weekend. Much love!!!!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Feast of the Epiphany!!
Ok - so yesterday I was sick - and if you read the below post, I was up too late trying to "make plans" with Hubby (in a negative way). So.....the Three Kings (who by tradition if they come by your house, come the eve of Epiphany) failed to show. The Fourth King (me) just wasn't prepared with their traditional remembrance gifts for our family. BUT, that is ok because my children are not as clued in on the timing of things. I knew I would not be prepared, so I told the kids The Three Kings would stop by after they went to sleep ON Epiphany. I'm sure next year I can do it correctly. LOL!
Blessedly, my girls were more excited about the feast day, and the plans we made that modified the main dish here along with food that would be golden in color.
I spent the day sitting for some close friends' 3 children where the mother was out of town with her family, and the dad had to work. Our plans were to just watch a few hours, come home, and prepare our feast and have family night. Well, their dad's day grew long - and so I ended up having Hubby bring what he could by their house and I used some of their sides or crackers to add to the golden, royal, feast and all the kids eat together! We decided to make it a true party and banquet so everyone made crowns:
We set the table with crown pizza, golden carrots, goldfish, (green peas - not pictured for effect lol!), and for dessert - golden twinkies!:
A true Epiphany celebration!!
Literally, this was thrown together (with the EASY craft) in just minutes. Maybe I could mother 6 kids (2 sets being very much like twins lol)?. HA! The kids were the amazing ones!
After getting home and baths, the girls took our good deed/sacrifice manager and filled it with bread and apples for the camels, put it by the door, and went to bed:
Tomorrow they will find the following "remembrances" left by the Three Kings (I got the rules for these from someone's blog - love it!):
Like the gold for Baby Jesus - their "treasure" will be Glory Story CD's with two new CD's inside a new case (along with their other ones). This is always a faith based family gift.
Like myrrh was for future use for Jesus' body - their "body" gift will be some nail polish. (I've seen great ideas like tooth brushes, bath toys, scrub brushes, hair supplies, etc).
Like frankincense was perfume for Baby Jesus - their "perfume" will be some after bath lotion. (I've read about kids receiving deodorant, great smelling shampoo, lotions, baking supplies, etc).
CLICK HERE for my post on their morning discovery! :)
I love these neat traditions and feast days!!!
I am linking up to The Kennedy Adventures and their Sunday Saint and Scripture link up! Check it out!!
Today was a GOOD day! Blessings!!
Blessedly, my girls were more excited about the feast day, and the plans we made that modified the main dish here along with food that would be golden in color.
I spent the day sitting for some close friends' 3 children where the mother was out of town with her family, and the dad had to work. Our plans were to just watch a few hours, come home, and prepare our feast and have family night. Well, their dad's day grew long - and so I ended up having Hubby bring what he could by their house and I used some of their sides or crackers to add to the golden, royal, feast and all the kids eat together! We decided to make it a true party and banquet so everyone made crowns:
We set the table with crown pizza, golden carrots, goldfish, (green peas - not pictured for effect lol!), and for dessert - golden twinkies!:
 | ||
| Yes, those are green peas ON the pizza. I couldn't locate anything else! It was still good, for the record! |
A true Epiphany celebration!!
 |
| My little king! |
Literally, this was thrown together (with the EASY craft) in just minutes. Maybe I could mother 6 kids (2 sets being very much like twins lol)?. HA! The kids were the amazing ones!
 |
| G coloring his crown. |
Tomorrow they will find the following "remembrances" left by the Three Kings (I got the rules for these from someone's blog - love it!):
Like the gold for Baby Jesus - their "treasure" will be Glory Story CD's with two new CD's inside a new case (along with their other ones). This is always a faith based family gift.
Like myrrh was for future use for Jesus' body - their "body" gift will be some nail polish. (I've seen great ideas like tooth brushes, bath toys, scrub brushes, hair supplies, etc).
Like frankincense was perfume for Baby Jesus - their "perfume" will be some after bath lotion. (I've read about kids receiving deodorant, great smelling shampoo, lotions, baking supplies, etc).
CLICK HERE for my post on their morning discovery! :)
I love these neat traditions and feast days!!!
I am linking up to The Kennedy Adventures and their Sunday Saint and Scripture link up! Check it out!!
Today was a GOOD day! Blessings!!
Angry
Just when I relax...things go undone.
I am so tired, and yelling at midnight is not really helpful.
Goodnight.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Word for 2012
A few years ago, I noticed a lot of bloggers diverging from the traditional resolutions at New Year's and instead going for a "word" to define their year. I liked that - and meant to do it last year, but could NEVER pick one word! But, I can tell you that this past September, my word for 2012 became CRYSTAL clear. My world crashed around me September 16th with my family learning our house was no longer ours anymore. The next week my husband got VERY ill and was hospitalized with major surgery. While I felt oddly grateful that aside from my husband's surgery we did not have sick children, cancer, or a terrible accident or house fire - I still felt great loss. In fact, I felt like while spiritually I was stronger than ever, worldly I was drowning. I knew God had us, and would guide us. It was how to meet God halfway that consumed me.
In the midst of the churning waters threatening to overtake us, God's hand started to show up - almost immediately. When Hubby came home from work early (1pm on Sept 16th) to confess we needed to be out of the house by the 19th and he was not himself - a qualified friend answered my stunned phone call for help for my husband to give him someone to talk to. My children were immediately tended to for the next several days, and a place for us to live was offered generously and ready immediately. My sister and next door neighbor started organizing what to do to get us moved while I walked around rather like a zombie, and best friends (including all the before mentioned) started POURING out of the woodwork to pack us up, take down furniture, PACK, wrap, feed, and soothe us. I'm talking about friends driving HOURS to come cover us in love. We were drowning, and were being pulled to safety by everyone. It was overwhelming.
I could not believe it. I was feeling like a failure - a fooled woman too traditional and blinded by my own vocation to see what was veiled from me - and yet friends poured in to support BOTH Hubby and I - no matter how it happened that the house was lost - it didn't matter to anyone. We were reminded we were worth far more in this life than as homeowners. I could tell, almost immediately, God was redeeming the situation. I never felt like saying "Why Us?" because God didn't cause this. Instead I felt like saying "Why NOT us?" knowing God had us protected and would keep showing His hand. He redeemed.
Our new little 2 bedroom condo somehow fit all the things we absolutely needed, and the things that made it feel like a home. Furniture just FIT. The crib just FIT in our master bedroom. The girls' stuff just FIT in the other bedroom. Storage for the rest was secured. God redeemed our housing situation. Much was donated or given away to help others (redeem!), much was purged to create more peace in our souls and future space (redeem!) before moving day. Meals came almost every night for 3 weeks (redeem!), and when Hubby was put in the hospital - people did it all again! Can you believe it? More meals, childcare, support, donations....the redeeming went on, and on, and on. I was brought to my knees in humbleness. I started to understand just how hard it was for Mary to say "YES" to Gabriel. I was having to learn to say "yes" to so many people.
Then, as things quieted down - it was just me and my empty feeling marriage. While still in love, I had no idea really who I was married to - since the hiding and trying to shield us from the painful truth had gone on a few years - but deep down I felt God. I knew we had the POTENTIAL for becoming great again as a true partnership sharing the load. I could, and still can, feel God redeeming our marriage and family. That feeling will continue into 2012.
I've grown up my whole life hearing "Christ the Redeemer." I never EVER got the true meaning of the word "Redeem" until we had this loss. It dawned on me that weekend as I stumbled around watching so many people help us that many people of the world assume God will FIX our problems, that Jesus will just FIX our illnesses, situations, flaws, or problems. Fixing is NOT what God is. He is "The Redeemer." He'll take what is broken and reform it, reclaim it, fulfill it.
So, my world for 2012 is:
Amazingly - in my daily life I can use the above definition to my advantage. To redeem 2012, I can use all these verbs to my advantage every day, every step, every breath and whispered prayer:
atone
retrieve
fulfill
free
exchange
restore
reform
ransom
clear
win back
offset
repurchase
Jesus did all the above for me. He has shown me the way. Now I will give it my all.
Happy New Year - I wish you freedom too in this wonderful new year. Bring on 2012!
Much love!
P.S. Holy Moly! I just noticed as I hit publish I listed 12 words that defined "redeem" in its definition. There are 12 months in a year...
God is SO Good.
In the midst of the churning waters threatening to overtake us, God's hand started to show up - almost immediately. When Hubby came home from work early (1pm on Sept 16th) to confess we needed to be out of the house by the 19th and he was not himself - a qualified friend answered my stunned phone call for help for my husband to give him someone to talk to. My children were immediately tended to for the next several days, and a place for us to live was offered generously and ready immediately. My sister and next door neighbor started organizing what to do to get us moved while I walked around rather like a zombie, and best friends (including all the before mentioned) started POURING out of the woodwork to pack us up, take down furniture, PACK, wrap, feed, and soothe us. I'm talking about friends driving HOURS to come cover us in love. We were drowning, and were being pulled to safety by everyone. It was overwhelming.
I could not believe it. I was feeling like a failure - a fooled woman too traditional and blinded by my own vocation to see what was veiled from me - and yet friends poured in to support BOTH Hubby and I - no matter how it happened that the house was lost - it didn't matter to anyone. We were reminded we were worth far more in this life than as homeowners. I could tell, almost immediately, God was redeeming the situation. I never felt like saying "Why Us?" because God didn't cause this. Instead I felt like saying "Why NOT us?" knowing God had us protected and would keep showing His hand. He redeemed.
Our new little 2 bedroom condo somehow fit all the things we absolutely needed, and the things that made it feel like a home. Furniture just FIT. The crib just FIT in our master bedroom. The girls' stuff just FIT in the other bedroom. Storage for the rest was secured. God redeemed our housing situation. Much was donated or given away to help others (redeem!), much was purged to create more peace in our souls and future space (redeem!) before moving day. Meals came almost every night for 3 weeks (redeem!), and when Hubby was put in the hospital - people did it all again! Can you believe it? More meals, childcare, support, donations....the redeeming went on, and on, and on. I was brought to my knees in humbleness. I started to understand just how hard it was for Mary to say "YES" to Gabriel. I was having to learn to say "yes" to so many people.
Then, as things quieted down - it was just me and my empty feeling marriage. While still in love, I had no idea really who I was married to - since the hiding and trying to shield us from the painful truth had gone on a few years - but deep down I felt God. I knew we had the POTENTIAL for becoming great again as a true partnership sharing the load. I could, and still can, feel God redeeming our marriage and family. That feeling will continue into 2012.
I've grown up my whole life hearing "Christ the Redeemer." I never EVER got the true meaning of the word "Redeem" until we had this loss. It dawned on me that weekend as I stumbled around watching so many people help us that many people of the world assume God will FIX our problems, that Jesus will just FIX our illnesses, situations, flaws, or problems. Fixing is NOT what God is. He is "The Redeemer." He'll take what is broken and reform it, reclaim it, fulfill it.
So, my world for 2012 is:
From Webster's - the definition of REDEEM :
transitive verb
1
a : to buy back : repurchase b : to get or win back
2
: to free from what distresses or harms: as a : to free from captivity by payment of ransom b : to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental c : to release from blame or debt : clear d : to free from the consequences of sin
3
: to change for the better : reform
4
5
6
Pretty amazing definition, huh? I think this is the PERFECT word for 2012 as I seek do the hard work involved to redeem my marriage, redeem our marital love and trust, redeem my feeling of worthiness, redeem our FEELING of home for our children to feel secure and know that faith is what matters, not the THINGS. My husband and I can also redeem our financial future. It won't be easy...but I will let the Redeemer in.
Amazingly - in my daily life I can use the above definition to my advantage. To redeem 2012, I can use all these verbs to my advantage every day, every step, every breath and whispered prayer:
atone
retrieve
fulfill
free
exchange
restore
reform
ransom
clear
win back
offset
repurchase
Jesus did all the above for me. He has shown me the way. Now I will give it my all.
Happy New Year - I wish you freedom too in this wonderful new year. Bring on 2012!
Much love!
P.S. Holy Moly! I just noticed as I hit publish I listed 12 words that defined "redeem" in its definition. There are 12 months in a year...
God is SO Good.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Usually, we host a family friendly New Year's Eve party every year. This year, all our special friends somehow ended up in different places and not near us and able to come ring in the new year with us. While we missed this them this evening, it also seemed to work out. I have been under the weather since yesterday, and hosting anyone seemed out of my league. So, instead - we had a quiet family Eve. We played games, napped (I've been in bed all day), and then went out for dinner (Chinese) before coming home and resting. While quieter than in years past - it was nice. I think after the chaos of the last few months, my soul craves the quiet. Hubby wanted to go to bed early, and I felt this nudge to try something I've NEVER done before - go to 11pm Mass, that ends at midnight. It was really nice and peace-filled. It was bilingual and a great way to have the community come together. After Mass (which ended a minute before midnight, so it was neat how people got all excited once the clock ticked away) I spent about 20 mins in Adoration. It was a unique experience - an hour of worship bridged between two years. Powerful when you think of it like that, right?
I had so many things to pray for, and give thanksgiving for. For so many of our friends, there has been a lot of suffering and loss, especially in the last few days. I'll blog about it another time. But, I prayed hard for peace tonight - and my word for 2012 - which I'll share tomorrow. Tears were even shed this evening. It was really beautiful. A quiet entrance to 2012 with a touch of fireworks outside punctuating the night. As always, I took a picture - I always seem to be searching for a way to freeze time - and my camera is one of my methods.
There is something about entering a new year with the words "Go in PEACE to LOVE and SERVE the Lord!" right at the stroke of the clock. May this leap year bless us all - with an extra day thrown in to get our hearts and actions right to grab that peace, give love, and to serve others.
So, from my family, myself, and the Big Guy pictured above lol - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)
+-+Copy.jpg)
.jpg)
+-+Copy.jpg)
.JPG)
.jpg)
