The second reading brought to mind a scene from Wedding Crashers where Vince Vaughan and Owen Wilson are trying to guess what the readings will be for the ceremony they are attending. This one has been a favorite of mine for a long time. When I was in college writing my entrance essay to get into the Teachers College I referenced 1 Corinthians 13. What better way to describe the sacrifices a teacher makes? All day long I have to make the choice to be patient and kind instead of quick tempered. Bishop Barron's reflection on the reading was a beautiful reminder of how love is an constant abandonment of self.
When reading the verses from Jeremiah and the Responsorial Psalm I can't help but think of the recent law passed in New York. People's opinions on both sides have been all over social media and I've had a hard time knowing how to respond outside of conversations within my own home. I know that God's Word is true and that all life is precious and known to the Lord from the beginning. While I cannot understand why this horror continues to be praised and legal, I know that as St. Paul writes, we only know partially but the perfect will come. I will continue to seek God's Word to discern what it means for me to love others and sing of the Lord's refuge, hope, and justice.
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Saturday, January 5, 2019
Feast of the Epiphany
Growing up as an only child and the only grandchild on one side of the family for eleven years, I was always so excited when my cousins closest to my age came from Colorado back to Nebraska to visit at Christmas time. For years we would put on little plays for everyone and one year it was the Nativity story. I still remember as the narrator I pronounced Herod's name "Hair-odd" and my cousin correcting me on camera. I blame my public schooling (they went to Catholic school).
As I was going through Lectio Divina on Sunday's familiar Gospel, King Herod was the one who stood out to me. I did some research to find out more about him and why he reacted the way he did to the news from the Magi and it was fascinating to me. According to Catholic Scripture Study International, Herod was not really a King of the Jews. He was an Edomite, a descendant of Esau, which after his younger brother Jacob stole his birthright from him (Genesis 27), a rivalry persisted among their descendants with the Israelites. In Numbers 24:17 & 19, the prophet Balaam predicts that "...a star shall come forth out of Jacob...Edom shall be dispossessed." Herod already had a reputation for being a paranoid ruler, which helps to explain why he was so troubled by a newborn baby making this prophecy true and went to the extreme of ordering the slaughter of all the young boys in Bethlehem later on in Matthew 2 (which is commemorated as the Feast of the Holy Innocents on December 28).
So how could I possibly connect with a man like this? Because when I am struck with something troubling, I often react similarly in a scared, paranoid way. When Herod got the news of the newborn king, he assembled all his experts, the chief priests and scribes. What do I do? Go to Google, ask for advice on a Facebook group, text a friend, or call my mom. Now none of these things are inherently wrong, but what's my motivation? To get immediate wordly answers, instead of going to God in prayer or His Word first about how to best respond to the situation or discern what he is trying to teach me.
What did Herod do next? Ask the magi to do the work for him, find the Christ child then tell him where he is. He manipulates and uses others to get them to meet his needs. I know I've been guilty of that too. Finally he's so desperate that he has all boys under two years old killed, an extreme act to control and preserve his security. Unfortunately this is also a common way that I react to difficult situations, not in a violent way, but figuring out how I can take matters into my own hands instead of trusting in God's will and provision.
But in contrast, what do the magi do after their encounter with Jesus? Obey the message from God in a dream not to return to Herod. St. Joseph does this multiple times, in agreeing to take Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20), take their family to Egypt (Matthew 2:13), and then to return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:22). So as I continue to reflect on this story from God's word, I will look to the example of the magi instead and continue on my journey to seek and adore Jesus instead of trying to take matters into my own hands.
As I was going through Lectio Divina on Sunday's familiar Gospel, King Herod was the one who stood out to me. I did some research to find out more about him and why he reacted the way he did to the news from the Magi and it was fascinating to me. According to Catholic Scripture Study International, Herod was not really a King of the Jews. He was an Edomite, a descendant of Esau, which after his younger brother Jacob stole his birthright from him (Genesis 27), a rivalry persisted among their descendants with the Israelites. In Numbers 24:17 & 19, the prophet Balaam predicts that "...a star shall come forth out of Jacob...Edom shall be dispossessed." Herod already had a reputation for being a paranoid ruler, which helps to explain why he was so troubled by a newborn baby making this prophecy true and went to the extreme of ordering the slaughter of all the young boys in Bethlehem later on in Matthew 2 (which is commemorated as the Feast of the Holy Innocents on December 28).
So how could I possibly connect with a man like this? Because when I am struck with something troubling, I often react similarly in a scared, paranoid way. When Herod got the news of the newborn king, he assembled all his experts, the chief priests and scribes. What do I do? Go to Google, ask for advice on a Facebook group, text a friend, or call my mom. Now none of these things are inherently wrong, but what's my motivation? To get immediate wordly answers, instead of going to God in prayer or His Word first about how to best respond to the situation or discern what he is trying to teach me.
What did Herod do next? Ask the magi to do the work for him, find the Christ child then tell him where he is. He manipulates and uses others to get them to meet his needs. I know I've been guilty of that too. Finally he's so desperate that he has all boys under two years old killed, an extreme act to control and preserve his security. Unfortunately this is also a common way that I react to difficult situations, not in a violent way, but figuring out how I can take matters into my own hands instead of trusting in God's will and provision.
But in contrast, what do the magi do after their encounter with Jesus? Obey the message from God in a dream not to return to Herod. St. Joseph does this multiple times, in agreeing to take Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20), take their family to Egypt (Matthew 2:13), and then to return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:22). So as I continue to reflect on this story from God's word, I will look to the example of the magi instead and continue on my journey to seek and adore Jesus instead of trying to take matters into my own hands.
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Feast of the Holy Family
I remember once as a child out shopping with my mom and thought it would be fun to play hide and seek in the clothing racks. You can probably guess that she did not feel the same way.
Fast forward thirty years and I'm taking my three young kids to the zoo alone. Turn to show my son the elephants, turn back, and my oldest isn't with me. One of the most nerve-racking minutes of my life until I spot her a few yards ahead, walking without a care in the world.
In the Gospel for today I am reassured by Mary's words as she finds Jesus after days of searching for him, "Son, why have you done this to us?" It was refreshing for me to read that she reacted the way I have to my kids when they have said or done something that they weren't supposed to do. And even more so, I've reacted to God this way when something hasn't gone how I expected it to, when those prayers haven't been answered or I'm rocked by tragic news. I'm also comforted that after Jesus's response to them that He was in His Father's house that his saintly parents didn't understand. This has been a year full of instances where I've seen people in my life suffer and I go to God asking why it had to happen.
On my nightstand right now is three different books related to parenting, a fourth is in my Amazon shopping list and I'm considering buying an app for moms. We're not going through a crisis or anything, but after spending time in the chapel this week I was convicted to seek more wisdom about the most godly ways to respond to our kids in the various situations that arise in our home, but with the mindset that our children belong to God first and they are not for me to control.
During this Christmas season especially I ask for the intercessions of Saint Joseph and the Blessed Mother. The couple that God chose to raise His son were human and experienced trials in their parenting, but as the Collect for today states, they were a "shining example" for us to imitate. I am also looking to the second reading from St. Paul to the Colossians for practical ways to do this, engaging each other with forgiveness, love, and thanksgiving and instruction with God's word so we can live more like the Holy Family did.
Fast forward thirty years and I'm taking my three young kids to the zoo alone. Turn to show my son the elephants, turn back, and my oldest isn't with me. One of the most nerve-racking minutes of my life until I spot her a few yards ahead, walking without a care in the world.
In the Gospel for today I am reassured by Mary's words as she finds Jesus after days of searching for him, "Son, why have you done this to us?" It was refreshing for me to read that she reacted the way I have to my kids when they have said or done something that they weren't supposed to do. And even more so, I've reacted to God this way when something hasn't gone how I expected it to, when those prayers haven't been answered or I'm rocked by tragic news. I'm also comforted that after Jesus's response to them that He was in His Father's house that his saintly parents didn't understand. This has been a year full of instances where I've seen people in my life suffer and I go to God asking why it had to happen.
On my nightstand right now is three different books related to parenting, a fourth is in my Amazon shopping list and I'm considering buying an app for moms. We're not going through a crisis or anything, but after spending time in the chapel this week I was convicted to seek more wisdom about the most godly ways to respond to our kids in the various situations that arise in our home, but with the mindset that our children belong to God first and they are not for me to control.
During this Christmas season especially I ask for the intercessions of Saint Joseph and the Blessed Mother. The couple that God chose to raise His son were human and experienced trials in their parenting, but as the Collect for today states, they were a "shining example" for us to imitate. I am also looking to the second reading from St. Paul to the Colossians for practical ways to do this, engaging each other with forgiveness, love, and thanksgiving and instruction with God's word so we can live more like the Holy Family did.
Sunday, December 23, 2018
4th Sunday of Advent
When was the last time you read the book of Micah? Years ago I went through a plan to read the entire bible so I know that
I have read it before, but that was probably the only time.
I have read it before, but that was probably the only time.
On constant replay in our van right now is a children’s Christmas CD that is songs of just scripture. One of the songs comes
from this first reading. I love that from a young age my children will hear these words of prophecy dozens of times more than
I ever did. I also love how the church fathers organize the readings throughout the liturgical year to teach us about God and
how the Bible is truly a story about His Son. A cross reference to the reading from Micah is Isaiah chapter 7, which was
another reading earlier this week prophesying the coming of Christ.
from this first reading. I love that from a young age my children will hear these words of prophecy dozens of times more than
I ever did. I also love how the church fathers organize the readings throughout the liturgical year to teach us about God and
how the Bible is truly a story about His Son. A cross reference to the reading from Micah is Isaiah chapter 7, which was
another reading earlier this week prophesying the coming of Christ.
A theme of Christmas that has stood out to me in the last few years was Christ’s humility. My last three babies were all born
in the fall so I’ve had wee ones at Christmas multiple times, my son only being 6 weeks old. I think of how helpless and tiny
these newborns are and am amazed that the savior of the world came into the world to live among us the same way the rest of
us do. In the reading from Micah Bethlehem is the least in the lands of Judah. It’s where King David came from, and he was the
youngest and least among his own brothers. (So was Joseph in the book of Genesis.) God frequently uses those who appear to
be weak to do great things.
in the fall so I’ve had wee ones at Christmas multiple times, my son only being 6 weeks old. I think of how helpless and tiny
these newborns are and am amazed that the savior of the world came into the world to live among us the same way the rest of
us do. In the reading from Micah Bethlehem is the least in the lands of Judah. It’s where King David came from, and he was the
youngest and least among his own brothers. (So was Joseph in the book of Genesis.) God frequently uses those who appear to
be weak to do great things.
How does that apply to my own life? God has convicted me this year to grow in humility and uses my children to teach me
this often. I’ve worked with children for 25 years and have a two education degrees but that goes out the window trying to
raise my own. The hours that I spend cleaning, cooking, and running errands feels mundane and unimportant, but keeping
our home running in a godly way is building up the domestic church. I see former colleagues advance in their careers while
I returned to the classroom, but just this week I received notes from former students thanking me for teaching them last year,
and I remember why I wanted to work directly with kids again.
this often. I’ve worked with children for 25 years and have a two education degrees but that goes out the window trying to
raise my own. The hours that I spend cleaning, cooking, and running errands feels mundane and unimportant, but keeping
our home running in a godly way is building up the domestic church. I see former colleagues advance in their careers while
I returned to the classroom, but just this week I received notes from former students thanking me for teaching them last year,
and I remember why I wanted to work directly with kids again.
At the end of the passage in Micah in verse 4 it says, “he shall be peace.” Instead of reacting to each unexpected situation
throughout the day, I am challenged to live as Mary and Elizabeth did, with joy and humility knowing that our Savior will
bring everlasting peace in any circumstance. One way that helps me is praying the Litany of Humility.
throughout the day, I am challenged to live as Mary and Elizabeth did, with joy and humility knowing that our Savior will
bring everlasting peace in any circumstance. One way that helps me is praying the Litany of Humility.
Monday, December 17, 2018
New Year's Resolution?
So I haven't posted to this blog in two years. In that time I've changed jobs and had another baby, so I've been a little busy. That new job is teaching at a Catholic school again. For Advent this year different staff members signed up to write reflections on the daily Mass readings for everyone. I jumped at the chance and really enjoyed the opportunity to dig into the same passage of Scripture repeatedly, meditate on it throughout the week and already be familiar with it on Sunday, especially since I am distracted by my kids most of the time. While at Mass I was convicted to make this a weekly habit. I know that life is going to get in the way sometimes (currently my bedroom is covered in a mountain of laundry and Christmas cards that need to get sent out) but I am going to try to make the time. And if I use this blog as a way to post them, maybe I'll have a little bit of accountability to post them. I'm already behind because I didn't post the reflections for Gaudete Sunday yesterday (a day that went very differently from what we originally planned earlier in the week) but the message of a rejoicing still applies as Christmas gets closer.
And now to get started for the 4th Sunday of Advent!
Today is also referred to as Gaudete Sunday, which comes from a Latin word meaning rejoice. You’ll notice this theme repeated in the first and second readings and responsorial psalm. We are just over a week away from Christmas and the time for celebrating Our Lord’s arrival is near.
But this doesn’t always feel like a joyful time. To do lists at work are long as we finish out the semester, there are extra financial burdens, and social media can put unrealistic expectations on creating the best memories, decorations, and meals. The holiday season can be a painful reminder of the loved ones who are no longer here to celebrate with us and hopes for 2018 that were unfulfilled.
Today’s second reading from Philippians is popular for good reason. No matter our circumstances we have reason to rejoice, because the Lord is near to us. St. Paul knew this better than anyone, as he was in prison when he wrote this letter. For us, every time we pray, sing hymns, and read His Word, Christ is there. We encounter Him every time we receive the Eucharist and worship in adoration. And He is present within all the people we encounter as we live out the words of today’s gospel and share the blessings we have with those in need. I love that as a member of the POP community I have these opportunities with my co-workers and students all the time!
In the midst of this particularly busy time of year I am trying to remember to view this season of anticipation with joy as my young children and our students do. While they are more excited about presents and Santa (though I am trying to teach them otherwise!) I can rejoice knowing that my mighty savior is here. One of my favorite ways to worship during Advent and Christmas is with the music of Chris Tomlin. Take a few minutes today to listen and rejoice!
And now to get started for the 4th Sunday of Advent!
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Almost one year later...
Look at that! The last time I wrote anything was for Bubba's first birthday. Over the weekend we celebrated his second birthday. It was a couple weeks early because we had family in town to meet his new baby sister. Because I am on leave with a newborn I was limited with time and money but was still able to out together a cute little construction themed party since he is all about anything that has wheels. Here's the Pinterest board that was my inspiration.
These are the signs that were scattered all over the house.
I was too cheap to buy caution tape but I found yellow streamers at home.
I used trucks he had around the house for decoration. I bought the banner at Hobby Lobby.
My mom made a pumpkin pie. She used dyed coconut for the grass.
The utensils were a big hit with the birthday boy! I stacked 2 round chocolate cakes and used chocolate icing and crushed Oreos.
Here are the treat bags. My hubby let me borrow a toolbox.
I found the hard hat at Hobby Lobby and made his dump truck shirt using iron transfer paper.
The weather was great and the kids had a blast playing outside. Grateful for our birthday boy and all the friends and family that celebrated with us.
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Dino-mite Birthday
We celebrated Bubba's birthday last weekend! We were blessed with perfect weather. Thanks to inspiration from Pinterest I was able to put together a nice dinosaur themed party with not a lot of effor or money.
I cut out some tracks leading up to the front door. See the pumpkin we never carved from Halloween?   |
| My wonderfully creative friend took care of the cake. I made 2 chocolate round cakes. She used chocolate frosting and crushed chocolate chip cookies. I bought the dinosaurs from Dollar Tree. |
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| My sweet sister-in-law made cupcakes and we added dino tracks to them. |
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| Lime sherbet and 7up for the Prehistoric Punch. |
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| I bought dino-shaped chicken nuggets and the Bugles were a big hit! |
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| The herbivores had a veggie tray. |
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| My husband's aunt used the Cricut to make the dinosaurs and my friend drew the landscape.. About a year ago we took down the mirror that was in dining room and covered the area with chalkboard paint. |
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| I used free dino themed printables. |
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| It was the perfect day to play outside. Poppa kept the kiddos entertained. |
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| Store-bought sugar cookies. Right after I took them out of the oven Big Sis used a toy dinosaur to make fossil cookies for the treat bags. |
Instead of gifts we asked for donations of diapers that we donated to a ministry for women in crisis pregnancies. Our friends and family were very generous. The best gift was being together to celebrate our sweet boy! Next post will be an update on all the fun things the kiddos are learning.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Three years and four months
These kiddos are growing so fast. Here's what they've been doing lately:
First the munchkin-
Through a friend's post on Instagram, I've discovered the term threenager. That is the perfect word for her. Check out this blog for a description. There are times every day when the hubby look at each other, shake our heads, and ask each other, "Where on earth did she learn that?" We still have the occasional accident, usually overnight, but I feel safe in saying she's potty trained.
Current loves-
Strawberry Shortcake (Is the Daniel Tiger phase over?)
Riding her tricycle
Reading books in bed
Wearing her dressup high heels around the house and her Spiderman boots everywhere else
Kissing her baby brother
Stalling going to sleep
Art projects
Playing with her doctor kit
Goldfish crackers
She weighs about 35 pounds but is still on the short side for length. Her confidence makes up for her size!
Now for bubba! He has been just the best addition to our family, full of smiles, and getting bigger by the minute. He's in a pretty consistent routine of eat, play, and sleep and generally easy to please. Not really interested in rolling yet but he can sit in his Bumbo well.
Current loves-
Milk-bottle or nursing, formula or breastmilk, he drinks it all
Snuggling-he always sleeps longer when he's held
Being swaddled at night
Watching his sister
Putting things in his mouth-paci, fingers, toys
Playing in the bouncer
At his last checkup he was just under 16 pounds and in the 99%ile for length. We just did a big reorganization of clothes and he's can already wear some size 6 and 9 months, especially with the cloth diapers. He's paying attention when we eat, and given his appetite, solids are coming soon.
First the munchkin-
Through a friend's post on Instagram, I've discovered the term threenager. That is the perfect word for her. Check out this blog for a description. There are times every day when the hubby look at each other, shake our heads, and ask each other, "Where on earth did she learn that?" We still have the occasional accident, usually overnight, but I feel safe in saying she's potty trained.
Current loves-
Strawberry Shortcake (Is the Daniel Tiger phase over?)
Riding her tricycle
Reading books in bed
Wearing her dressup high heels around the house and her Spiderman boots everywhere else
Kissing her baby brother
Stalling going to sleep
Art projects
Playing with her doctor kit
Goldfish crackers
She weighs about 35 pounds but is still on the short side for length. Her confidence makes up for her size!
Now for bubba! He has been just the best addition to our family, full of smiles, and getting bigger by the minute. He's in a pretty consistent routine of eat, play, and sleep and generally easy to please. Not really interested in rolling yet but he can sit in his Bumbo well.
Current loves-
Milk-bottle or nursing, formula or breastmilk, he drinks it all
Snuggling-he always sleeps longer when he's held
Being swaddled at night
Watching his sister
Putting things in his mouth-paci, fingers, toys
Playing in the bouncer
At his last checkup he was just under 16 pounds and in the 99%ile for length. We just did a big reorganization of clothes and he's can already wear some size 6 and 9 months, especially with the cloth diapers. He's paying attention when we eat, and given his appetite, solids are coming soon.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Tigertastic!
We celebrated the munchkin's third birthday recently. She has been obsessed with Daniel Tiger for the last 9 months so when I asked her what kind of cake she wanted, she said a tiger cake. For her first birthday the weather was cool & damp; last year it was sunny and 70. We decided to take a chance and have the party at a nearby park. But it rained most of the day so we had to cram about 45 people in our house. It was crowded and chaotic but everyone had fun, and it forced us to clean our house...twice.
Here is the cake my wonderful friend decorated. I made 2 round cakes and 2 cupcakes and she did the rest. It was chocolate with cream cheese frosting and crushed Butterfingers between the layers.
The treat bags were "tiger tails"-Cheetos in a zebra print bag. I got the tag from this blog. I've finally learned the lesson to make enough bags for each family that attends, not each guest. I did not want extras in the house!
My amazing sister-in-law made tiger striped cupcakes.
Because we were planning on having the party at park I wasn't going to do much for decorations. I got printables from the pbs website and the balloons were from Party City for like $5. I also used the site for her invitations and thank you cards. I used the images and iron transfer paper to make shirts for the kids-Katerina for munchkin and Daniel Tiger for baby brother.
Because the girl has more than enough toys we suggested guests to help us build a collection of board games. I think she's set for awhile.
Because of the new baby and working full time I had to scale back my party planning more than I would like but she had a great time, and that's what matters.
Here is the cake my wonderful friend decorated. I made 2 round cakes and 2 cupcakes and she did the rest. It was chocolate with cream cheese frosting and crushed Butterfingers between the layers.
The treat bags were "tiger tails"-Cheetos in a zebra print bag. I got the tag from this blog. I've finally learned the lesson to make enough bags for each family that attends, not each guest. I did not want extras in the house!
My amazing sister-in-law made tiger striped cupcakes.
Because we were planning on having the party at park I wasn't going to do much for decorations. I got printables from the pbs website and the balloons were from Party City for like $5. I also used the site for her invitations and thank you cards. I used the images and iron transfer paper to make shirts for the kids-Katerina for munchkin and Daniel Tiger for baby brother.
Because the girl has more than enough toys we suggested guests to help us build a collection of board games. I think she's set for awhile.
Because of the new baby and working full time I had to scale back my party planning more than I would like but she had a great time, and that's what matters.
Monday, December 8, 2014
One month old!
The little guy is now a month old, although it feels like he's always been a part of our family. It's been interesting to see the similarities and differences so far between him and his big sister.
How they are alike-
The face! Everyone keeps remarking how much he resembles L as a newborn. My friend LEBean says that she and I are just able to make the same kind of baby.
Nursing has been easy and so far, both have been fine taking a bottle. Since I'll be going back to work in a month, I'm praying this will continue.
If we're out, he'll be asleep most of the time, except when he's hungry (about every 2 and a half hours). He's definitely the easier child to take out in public right now.
They both are good escape artists with the swaddle blankets, although L was able to get out of them a little earlier on.
Loves the ceiling fan, even if it isn't moving.
How they are different-
At night L slept in the swing from about day 3; her little brother prefers to snuggle and sleep with us, but we're transitioning to the vibrating chair and he's been sleeping for longer stretches at night in it. He tolerates the swing off and on during the day. Big sis likes to adjust the speed and music for him,
He spits up more. It doesn't seem to bother him, but I have to keep the burp cloths accessible all the time to save our clothes. His eyes are bigger than his stomach, like his father.
He is taking a pacifier a lot earlier, although he does like the same kind big sis did. He's also a big fan of his fingers. He was actually born with a callus from sucking on them in utero.
We think his eyes are turning blue, and his hair is coming in blonde! L's hair didn't lighten until after a year.
Overall I'd say our family of 4 is adjusting well. Things take a lot longer to get done around the house with 2 munchkins to feed, keep in clean diapers/Pull-ups, clothes and also happy. This post, for example, was started 2 and a half days ago, and Christmas decorations took a few days to get put up and then a week for the storage boxes to be put away. I've gotten lucky and both will occasionally be napping at the same time; then it's the big decision-do I sleep/relax or try to get a task completed? About half the time, dozing on the couch while Property Brothers plays in the background wins.
How they are alike-
The face! Everyone keeps remarking how much he resembles L as a newborn. My friend LEBean says that she and I are just able to make the same kind of baby.
Nursing has been easy and so far, both have been fine taking a bottle. Since I'll be going back to work in a month, I'm praying this will continue.
If we're out, he'll be asleep most of the time, except when he's hungry (about every 2 and a half hours). He's definitely the easier child to take out in public right now.
They both are good escape artists with the swaddle blankets, although L was able to get out of them a little earlier on.
Loves the ceiling fan, even if it isn't moving.
How they are different-
At night L slept in the swing from about day 3; her little brother prefers to snuggle and sleep with us, but we're transitioning to the vibrating chair and he's been sleeping for longer stretches at night in it. He tolerates the swing off and on during the day. Big sis likes to adjust the speed and music for him,
He spits up more. It doesn't seem to bother him, but I have to keep the burp cloths accessible all the time to save our clothes. His eyes are bigger than his stomach, like his father.
He is taking a pacifier a lot earlier, although he does like the same kind big sis did. He's also a big fan of his fingers. He was actually born with a callus from sucking on them in utero.
We think his eyes are turning blue, and his hair is coming in blonde! L's hair didn't lighten until after a year.
Overall I'd say our family of 4 is adjusting well. Things take a lot longer to get done around the house with 2 munchkins to feed, keep in clean diapers/Pull-ups, clothes and also happy. This post, for example, was started 2 and a half days ago, and Christmas decorations took a few days to get put up and then a week for the storage boxes to be put away. I've gotten lucky and both will occasionally be napping at the same time; then it's the big decision-do I sleep/relax or try to get a task completed? About half the time, dozing on the couch while Property Brothers plays in the background wins.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
First Week
At this time last week we were headed home from the birthing center with our SON! November 6 was a whirlwind day.
I woke up to my alarm, set to get ready for an early morning at work but instead starting having contractions. My doula arrived around 8 and by 9:30 we left for the birthing center, my husband saying Hail Marys the whole way up. My 10:31 I was holding a baby, in shock that it was already over, given the munchkin had me in labor for a full day. Then we decided to check the sex of the baby and were in even more shock to find out the sonographer was wrong back in July. Fortunately my doula is expecting a son and lives a few minutes away from the birthing center so she lent us some clothes so the little guy didn't have to go home in a Daddy's Girl sleeper. After skin to skin time, stitches, lunch, a fabulous herbal bath and multiple checking of the baby's vitals we were headed home, 5 hours after birth as expected. I am so grateful that God answered my prayers for this delivery experience. It has been so nice to recover at home.
I am loving being a hermit, watching Netflix that isn't Daniel Tiger (currently watching an Anthony Bourdain series), not wearing any makeup, and staying in pajamas all day. My mom and husband have been wonderful help and big sister is adjusting really well and loves her baby brudder. Friends and family have been super generous, buying and sharing TONS of clothes, bringing meals, and sending flowers.
Our little man is an easy baby, as long as he's fed he's happy, but once he decides he's hungry I've got about 2 seconds before he turns tomato red! Nursing has been going well overall but I forgot how tiring it is to do it so frequently. I'm taking advantage of the extra help to get a nap in during the day. My hubby and I are so much more relaxed this time around; taking care of someone so small really does come back to you like my friends said it would. Continue to keep us in your prayers!
I woke up to my alarm, set to get ready for an early morning at work but instead starting having contractions. My doula arrived around 8 and by 9:30 we left for the birthing center, my husband saying Hail Marys the whole way up. My 10:31 I was holding a baby, in shock that it was already over, given the munchkin had me in labor for a full day. Then we decided to check the sex of the baby and were in even more shock to find out the sonographer was wrong back in July. Fortunately my doula is expecting a son and lives a few minutes away from the birthing center so she lent us some clothes so the little guy didn't have to go home in a Daddy's Girl sleeper. After skin to skin time, stitches, lunch, a fabulous herbal bath and multiple checking of the baby's vitals we were headed home, 5 hours after birth as expected. I am so grateful that God answered my prayers for this delivery experience. It has been so nice to recover at home.
I am loving being a hermit, watching Netflix that isn't Daniel Tiger (currently watching an Anthony Bourdain series), not wearing any makeup, and staying in pajamas all day. My mom and husband have been wonderful help and big sister is adjusting really well and loves her baby brudder. Friends and family have been super generous, buying and sharing TONS of clothes, bringing meals, and sending flowers.
Our little man is an easy baby, as long as he's fed he's happy, but once he decides he's hungry I've got about 2 seconds before he turns tomato red! Nursing has been going well overall but I forgot how tiring it is to do it so frequently. I'm taking advantage of the extra help to get a nap in during the day. My hubby and I are so much more relaxed this time around; taking care of someone so small really does come back to you like my friends said it would. Continue to keep us in your prayers!
Saturday, September 6, 2014
30 months and 30 weeks
The munchkin is officially 2 and a half today. The way she acts and talks you'd think she's much older. It's fascinating to watch her figure things out and convey what she's thinking. She knows her colors, if she sees letters calls them "ABCs". She'll occasionally count "123" and can identify a few shapes. She loves going on bike rides with her daddy to the playground, coloring, reading books, and watching Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. She's still in gymnastics once a week and other parents often comment on how strong she is and how well she can do the little routines (when she wants to follow directions). She started Parent's Day Out this week and didn't even look back when we dropped her off. We're really excited to see how much more she'll learn from being there, one that we're hoping for is potty training. This summer ended up being so busy (I worked all of June, then we visited family most of July) that I couldn't get into a consistent routine, but even so, the interest isn't quite there yet.
Her little sister is 30 weeks along. I found out I was pregnant 2 days before the munchkin's birthday and got her a Big Sister shirt to open as my way to announce it to her daddy. This pregnancy has been thankfully uneventful, but the first trimester was tougher than I remember it being before. I wasn't working full time or chasing a toddler before so the nasuea and fatigue was especially rough. We made the decision to deliver at a birthing center this time, so we're praying that this will be another smooth (and hopefully shorter!) labor without any complications that would require a hospital stay. The munchkin is excited about being a big sister and kisses my belly and talks to the baby. We've been reading books and encouraging her to take good care of her baby dolls to try and prepare her. The office is now being taken over by baby stuff but we're so grateful for the generosity of friends and family to share things with us. My co-workers have been great about making sure I don't push myself too much or carry heavy things. The comments and questions from students are pretty cute, too.
We'll see if there's another post before the baby comes!
Her little sister is 30 weeks along. I found out I was pregnant 2 days before the munchkin's birthday and got her a Big Sister shirt to open as my way to announce it to her daddy. This pregnancy has been thankfully uneventful, but the first trimester was tougher than I remember it being before. I wasn't working full time or chasing a toddler before so the nasuea and fatigue was especially rough. We made the decision to deliver at a birthing center this time, so we're praying that this will be another smooth (and hopefully shorter!) labor without any complications that would require a hospital stay. The munchkin is excited about being a big sister and kisses my belly and talks to the baby. We've been reading books and encouraging her to take good care of her baby dolls to try and prepare her. The office is now being taken over by baby stuff but we're so grateful for the generosity of friends and family to share things with us. My co-workers have been great about making sure I don't push myself too much or carry heavy things. The comments and questions from students are pretty cute, too.
We'll see if there's another post before the baby comes!
Friday, March 14, 2014
The Puppy Pawty
For the munchkin's second birthday party I decided on a puppy theme, because she loves all dogs (no, she did not get one as a present). Like last year, I relied on Pinterest and people much more talented than me to put it all together.
This was the banner on the front door, and we had a "Happy Birthday" sign over the food.
I used vases and some clearance tennis balls from Target and collars from Dollar Tree to decorate the tables.
Here is the cake! My friend used a rectangular cake and cupcakes to turn it into a dog bone. We even had enough pieces left over to make a little smash cake for her (which she didn't smash, just ate the icing).
My wonderful sister-in-law made the cupcakes. She used Junior Mints for the big part of the paw print, which I thought was so clever!
The dessert table also had Puppy Chow, of course.
We grilled hotdogs with all the fixings, and had the fruit served in dog bowls.
These were the treat bags everyone took home. Found dog bone shaped cookie cutters on Amazon and baked sugar cookies and included a couple of puppy stickers.
We were blessed with beautiful weather and had a great day celebrating with family and friends.
Guess who's 2?
Our munchkin turned 2 a little over a week ago, so an update is in order about her.
Praise God first because she's healthy. Still on the short side, wearing 18 month pants and onesies comfortably but her belly means she wears 24 months/2T shirts (which isn't the same size, I learned). She's overall still a good eater but cheese, fruit, and ice cream are definitely her favorites.
What she likes-
Water! She asks for baths all the time. Every time we pass by a fountain she has to stop and put her hands in the water. Then she touches the water to her forehead, like she's blessing herself before going into Mass.
Being outside. We spend lots of time in the backyard and taking advantage of our Arboretum membership. Lately she has been trying to look for bugs. She likes to ride on her new bicycle, can throw and kick a ball, and is doing better about drawing with the sidewalk chalk instead of eating it.
Climbing. The kid has no fear at the playground, or at home. She is loving gymnastics class and has become a very good jumper.
Babies. Thanks to some friends who have had babies recently, she is getting lots of opportunities to hold them. If we're out and she sees a stroller or bucket carseat, she has to go say hi to the baby.
Reading books. Spot, Todd Parr's books, and the series that started with "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" are her current favorites.
Saying no. Sometimes it's pleasant, other times it's very emphatic.
It's really neat to see her vocabulary expanding. If you ask her what color something is, she'll almost always say it's blue, although she can say the names of the other colors. She will identify two of something without being prompted and will say "ABC" as well. She has her animals and the sounds they make down.
I am waiting until summer to tackle potty training, and as long as she doesn't try to climb out of her crib, we're keeping her in it (hope I didn't just jinx it). She's definitely starting to assert her will but most of the time, distraction will keep us from a temper tantrum. Everyone told us it would go by so fast and it really has. Sometimes I look at her and am just amazed at how big she is. We are grateful for every day we have with her.
Praise God first because she's healthy. Still on the short side, wearing 18 month pants and onesies comfortably but her belly means she wears 24 months/2T shirts (which isn't the same size, I learned). She's overall still a good eater but cheese, fruit, and ice cream are definitely her favorites.
What she likes-
Water! She asks for baths all the time. Every time we pass by a fountain she has to stop and put her hands in the water. Then she touches the water to her forehead, like she's blessing herself before going into Mass.
Being outside. We spend lots of time in the backyard and taking advantage of our Arboretum membership. Lately she has been trying to look for bugs. She likes to ride on her new bicycle, can throw and kick a ball, and is doing better about drawing with the sidewalk chalk instead of eating it.
Climbing. The kid has no fear at the playground, or at home. She is loving gymnastics class and has become a very good jumper.
Babies. Thanks to some friends who have had babies recently, she is getting lots of opportunities to hold them. If we're out and she sees a stroller or bucket carseat, she has to go say hi to the baby.
Reading books. Spot, Todd Parr's books, and the series that started with "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" are her current favorites.
Saying no. Sometimes it's pleasant, other times it's very emphatic.
It's really neat to see her vocabulary expanding. If you ask her what color something is, she'll almost always say it's blue, although she can say the names of the other colors. She will identify two of something without being prompted and will say "ABC" as well. She has her animals and the sounds they make down.
I am waiting until summer to tackle potty training, and as long as she doesn't try to climb out of her crib, we're keeping her in it (hope I didn't just jinx it). She's definitely starting to assert her will but most of the time, distraction will keep us from a temper tantrum. Everyone told us it would go by so fast and it really has. Sometimes I look at her and am just amazed at how big she is. We are grateful for every day we have with her.
Monday, December 9, 2013
A little ice never hurt anyone
Unless you've been living under a rock, or without power for the last 4 days, you heard that Dallas was victim to an ice storm. I have thoroughly enjoyed being contained to my house and was fortunate that my hubby ended up being off work with me for all but a few hours Saturday afternoon. Although he did have to ride home in the cold and rain Thursday night. Check out his bike!
I spent most of Friday doing crafty projects to get ready for our Bible study Christmas party. I found a link on Pinterest to this party mix. Fortunately I bought all the ingredients last weekend, otherwise my friends would not have gotten anything nearly as yummy as a gift.
I spent most of Friday doing crafty projects to get ready for our Bible study Christmas party. I found a link on Pinterest to this party mix. Fortunately I bought all the ingredients last weekend, otherwise my friends would not have gotten anything nearly as yummy as a gift.
There was lots of laundry and cleaning done on Saturday, and the crockpot got plenty of use over the weekend. My good friend's baby shower was scheduled for Sunday, and we made it happen! I wasn't supposed it host it originally but it ended up that I did, and we had a fabulous turnout! We did the traditional belly measuring game, advice for the new mom, and bingo while she opened gifts. We even had a dear friend who couldn't fly in for the shower Facetime so she could still be part of the fun!
After those festivities we had our annual Edge Group Christmas party. It amazes me how every year we always have new people. We've got a couple members still in utero, one who was just born to LEBean, and our friend Bagels became a part of our community in the spring. Some old friends have moved back to the metroplex after being overseas for 3 years, and it honestly doesn't even feel like they ever left. The highlight of the evening for me was the munchkin and her toddler friends pushing each other around in the doll stroller.
Oh and one of our friends bought a donkey as the community gift.
Today has been a quieter day. We all slept in, the munchkin sleeping the longest, and we ran a couple errands. The roads were fine by the afternoon, but I'm grateful for the bonus day off with my little family. Just another 9 days of work until Christmas break, two of which I'll be spending at a conference, and we're also celebrating our anniversary (twice!) and my brother-in-law's birthday, and going to a Christmas party. Busy December!
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Getting closer and closer to 2!
Little L is now 21 months old and she is all toddler! We're learning that we need to make everything into a game, otherwise we have a very stubborn and strong munchkin to contend with. But overall she is good natured and affectionate, but very active and curious. We wouldn't have her any other way.
Finally putting away the 12 month pants, but she can already wear 24 months and 2T shirts, if we roll up the sleeves. She recently had her 2nd hair cut, just a trim of her bangs, to keep the hair out of her eyes. She is a good eater, especially if it involves fruit, cheese, or pasta. She also is loving peanut butter and yogurt right now and her favorite treat is ice cream. (She calls it ice!)
It's tougher to get outside since it gets dark earlier but Scott still takes her to the playground on his days off and I try to take her on the weekends at least once. She loves her gymnastics class and practices at home by climbing on everything and jumping in her crib. We read lots of books, currently Todd Parr, Eric Carle, and Spot are her favorite, and she likes to push her stroller (sometimes empty) around the house. We let her watch a little tv, the show Taratabong everyday.
Her talking is really taking off. She's great with her animal noises and can recognize a couple colors too. She will say "bless you", "thank you" and "excuse me" at the right time and loves saying "Hi!" to people when we're out running errands. She has a name for herself, it comes out sounding like "Sha sha". She's starting talking to Grandpa and Grandma on the phone and with Skype, which always makes their day.
We're looking forward to her second Christmas in a couple weeks!
Finally putting away the 12 month pants, but she can already wear 24 months and 2T shirts, if we roll up the sleeves. She recently had her 2nd hair cut, just a trim of her bangs, to keep the hair out of her eyes. She is a good eater, especially if it involves fruit, cheese, or pasta. She also is loving peanut butter and yogurt right now and her favorite treat is ice cream. (She calls it ice!)
It's tougher to get outside since it gets dark earlier but Scott still takes her to the playground on his days off and I try to take her on the weekends at least once. She loves her gymnastics class and practices at home by climbing on everything and jumping in her crib. We read lots of books, currently Todd Parr, Eric Carle, and Spot are her favorite, and she likes to push her stroller (sometimes empty) around the house. We let her watch a little tv, the show Taratabong everyday.
Her talking is really taking off. She's great with her animal noises and can recognize a couple colors too. She will say "bless you", "thank you" and "excuse me" at the right time and loves saying "Hi!" to people when we're out running errands. She has a name for herself, it comes out sounding like "Sha sha". She's starting talking to Grandpa and Grandma on the phone and with Skype, which always makes their day.
We're looking forward to her second Christmas in a couple weeks!
Saturday, October 12, 2013
The Sprinkle
My Bible study (Edge group for those who know what that means) put on a "sprinkle" for one of our dear friends having her second, a boy, next month. Once again, I let the people who are much more talented that me put everything together to make it beautiful and fun and I provide a clean house and nice platters to place all the food on! The theme was alligators.
One of the girls came up with a cute game. The mom-to-be loves See's Chocolate, so my friend created a gator out of the box. She took pieces of candy out of the box and put them in baggies with questions about her pregnancy. To get the chocolate back, she had to answer the question. She had a few "Pregnancy Cards" she could play if there was a question she didn't want to answer.
It was a great afternoon celebrating The Bean and her little boy on the way!
It's been awhile...
A blog update has been stewing in my brain for awhile, but alas, the time to do it! It's Saturday afternoon, pumpkin chocolate muffins are cooling, dishwasher is running, the Munchkin and hubby are both napping, and I'm listening to Husker football online. I win.
The new job is great. It's a lot of work and not enough time to do it all that I want but I make the most of it. My co-workers are passionate, caring, and humble. I'm so grateful.
Little L is now 19 months old and I think the terrible twos are starting a little early. Not that she's terrible all the time, but she definitely has an opinion she will express at times and has developed some selective listening. But she's also super affectionate with hugs and kisses, likes to help us, and is talking more. She says mama, dada, whoa, ice, hi, bye bye, uh oh, and her favorite food, cheese. She is very friendly and likes to wave and blow kisses. She has also become an expert climber; as a result, we're now in mommy and me gymnastics on Saturday mornings. She's the youngest one in her class and is still working on following the teacher's directions but we have fun together. She loves looking at her books, especially The Very Hungry Caterpillar, riding in her swing in the front yard, and dancing. Now that I'm at work all day, I cherish even more the time we spend together on the evenings and weekends, especially when the three of us are all at home.
My dad and his amazing lady came to visit us a couple weeks ago, and we made the most of the trip. We went to Oktoberfest, participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's in memory of my Grandma Jo, and went to the state fair. Headed back up to Nebraska in a couple weeks for a wedding. We're flying this time so say a prayer for us!
Hopefully a Halloween post will be written before Thanksgiving! :)
The new job is great. It's a lot of work and not enough time to do it all that I want but I make the most of it. My co-workers are passionate, caring, and humble. I'm so grateful.
Little L is now 19 months old and I think the terrible twos are starting a little early. Not that she's terrible all the time, but she definitely has an opinion she will express at times and has developed some selective listening. But she's also super affectionate with hugs and kisses, likes to help us, and is talking more. She says mama, dada, whoa, ice, hi, bye bye, uh oh, and her favorite food, cheese. She is very friendly and likes to wave and blow kisses. She has also become an expert climber; as a result, we're now in mommy and me gymnastics on Saturday mornings. She's the youngest one in her class and is still working on following the teacher's directions but we have fun together. She loves looking at her books, especially The Very Hungry Caterpillar, riding in her swing in the front yard, and dancing. Now that I'm at work all day, I cherish even more the time we spend together on the evenings and weekends, especially when the three of us are all at home.
My dad and his amazing lady came to visit us a couple weeks ago, and we made the most of the trip. We went to Oktoberfest, participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's in memory of my Grandma Jo, and went to the state fair. Headed back up to Nebraska in a couple weeks for a wedding. We're flying this time so say a prayer for us!
Hopefully a Halloween post will be written before Thanksgiving! :)
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Update
So it's been an interesting few months for us...many people have been asking us about our job situations and I finally feel comfortable making the news public.
S has been working nearly full time at Performance Bicycle since the spring. He is currently in training as an Operations Manager. Once he finishes the training process he will be full time with benefits. He loves his job and is very good at it, both things we've been praying for him about for a long time. He still commutes by bike and actually gets rewarded for it! The downside is that it doesn't pay enough for me to just work part time like I have been for the last two years.
That being said...I will be working in Dallas ISD as an Instructional Coach for math teachers at a campus about 10 miles from our house. Getting a job offer this early in the summer was a huge blessing. I will still have a teacher schedule, and while I have experience with teacher workshops and mentoring, this will be the first time I get to do it full time. It's the kind of job I was praying to get, and I am so grateful. I will continue to work at the Dallas Zoo occasionally and sell Silpada jewelry, because those are just too fun to pass up!
So the question most people will have is...what are we doing with the munchkin? Fortunately we do not need full time care; between our two work schedules it'll probably be about 20 hours a week, but at this point, we're not sure what the hours would be exactly. We'd like someone to come to our home, so if you are interested or have someone you would recommend please let me know. I know God has the perfect person already determined.
Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement during this time of uncertainty. God is good and always provides.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Q125
We made two trips to Nebraska in the last month. The first was for a cousin's wedding, the second was to celebrate Newman Grove's 125th anniversary of its founding, quasquicentennial . It worked out that the weekend fell on my birthday so I was able to celebrate with family in the place I always was when I was young, with homemade pie and ice cream cake. The first night we were there they had a BBQ dinner in the park followed by fireworks. L hadn't been around fireworks since she was pretty little so I wasn't sure how she'd react, but she loved them! Having her sit in my lap and enjoy the fireworks was one of my favorite times that weekend. (Her sitting still in my lap doesn't happen very often anymore!) The next morning my dad and hubby participated in a 22 mile bike ride (in the rain!). They didn't plan on coordinating, but they looked good together in Husker colors!
My aunt, brother, and cousin all participated in the fun run and got medals. My husband got first place in the bike ride so our family represented well!
After Mass we went to the pancake breakfast and I got to meet my grandparents' second grade teacher. She was 17 when she taught them! I can't even imagine teaching at that age. Sunday afternoon was the parade. There was a flyover, a lot of tractors, and plenty of candy thrown at us. My grandpa won first place for his antique tractor.
After Mass we went to the pancake breakfast and I got to meet my grandparents' second grade teacher. She was 17 when she taught them! I can't even imagine teaching at that age. Sunday afternoon was the parade. There was a flyover, a lot of tractors, and plenty of candy thrown at us. My grandpa won first place for his antique tractor.
(This isn't it, I just thought it was funny and so appropriate!)
My hubby had never driven a legit tractor before, so Grandpa gave him a lesson.
It was refreshing to get out of the city and spend some time in a small town with family. I remember being in Newman Grove when I was 8 for the town's centennial so I was so glad we were able to come back and create more memories. L was an excellent traveler as usual, falling asleep in the car more than once while reading her books. She's turning into a bookworm like her mom and grandma!
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