My Friend Knows How to Feast!

My friend wrote a book. It's really good. You should buy it.

And that's the end of this blog post.

Ok, ok. Just a little more. I'm sick and really, really tired and want to go to bed five hours ago. But I just can't do it until I sing the praises of Haley and her book. Haley was one of my first friends when we moved to Florida and she's still one of my closest. Such a beautiful soul. A great writer, devout Catholic (a convert, the best kind!), wonderful mama, and all around fun gal. We may or may not have stayed up way too late last night at a ladies night out and I may or may not have had several glasses of wine and I may or may not have called her a name that I can't retype here on this blog. In love. It was all in love.

I really do love Haley.

And her book is awesome. I've learned so much from her friendship about living liturgically and what that really means. This book is a great example. I've also been privy to Haley's cooking when she's had us over for dinner to feast on the rooster that our husband's slaughtered together. Among other, less gruesome, times. She's a good cook. And I don't think she'd be offended by my saying that her husband's even better. They're a pretty terrific team.

So if you'd like a cookbook that has REAL FOOD recipes (most of which are gluten free, yay for me), reflections on living liturgically, and facts about some awesome saints then you should buy her book. It's an ebook that comes to you via email as a PDF and she's selling it for only $4.99 through Thanksgiving (at which time it will go up to $375 so act quickly). And because Haley is super sweet and generous she offered to let me put an affiliate link on ye olde blog and make a few pennies. Gotta finance my July adventure somehow, ya know.

So if you do buy it, buy it through my link at the top of the sidebar and I'll be super grateful. ------>

And this is the real end of this blog post.

A Good Group of Gals

Moving to two new towns within the first three years of our marriage has taught me and Ted one thing. Good friends are really important. When you move away from family and to a completely unfamiliar place (twice!), being able to rely on a few good friends can mean the difference between barely surviving and happily thriving. Ted has been really fortunate to have great classmates followed by amazing coworkers, so he's found most of his friends without even trying. I've had great success meeting wonderful, wonderful friends by just introducing myself to Catholics who I think look like they'd be fun to hang out with. Sure, I might come across as a creeper at first. But it's worth it if it means a true friendship might form.

My network of Catholic mom friends has been steadily growing since we moved to Florida almost two years ago. What started out as a small group of five to six women, has grown into a weekly play date with as many as 15 moms at a time. All because I put myself out there and made an effort to make friends. I'm blessed to have a regular time each week to connect with other Catholic moms over coffee to chat about whatever is on our minds (while we wrestle our steadily increasing brood of children).

There's always coffee.  

Lots of coffee.

I also get to have spontaneous ladies' night outs every few weeks, a monthly prayer/discussion group through Families Following Christ, and plenty of great moms to choose from when asking friends to meet us at the park or the museum.

Sometimes I find myself thinking that it doesn't really matter that my friends are Catholic. It's not like we sit around talking about the Pope's latest encyclical for two hours. Sometimes I start thinking that I could really get along fine with just any ole group of moms on the playground. And I probably could. I've certainly had plenty of great friendships with non-Catholic moms in my short time as a mother. I've connected with moms over breastfeeding or healthy eating or toddler activities. But none of those groups have been quite like this one. My Catholic mom friends in Florida are all over the place when it comes to parenting styles. Bottle feeders and tandem nursers are the best of friends. Co sleepers and cry-it-outs manage to get along great. Some of us live in beautiful homes in the nicest neighborhoods in town and some of us are in tiny apartments. A few are passionate about homeschooling, others about the Catholic school in town, and others have no idea where their children are going to be educated.

And although we don't sit around talking about "Catholic" stuff all day, it definitely colors the conversation. And it's a brilliant shade if I say so myself. We keep the complaining about our kids to a minimum and instead seek out advice on the aspects of parenting we're struggling with. We don't have to choose between keeping our mouths shut or being led into an argument when sensitive conversations come up. No one asks the other, "Are you done, yet?" nor do we expect anyone to have any more children by a specific time.

And there is one major difference that I've noticed between my great group of friends and other groups I've been a part of (or moms I've just overheard talking on the playground). We never, never speak badly of our husbands. I like that. It's not like we've all taken an oath to only say nice things. It's just that we each understand, without having to voice it, that we are truly one flesh with these men. To tear them down would only tear ourselves down in the process. So many times I've heard a simple complaint about one's husband turn into an all out male bashing extravaganza. But not so with these girls. If one of us has a genuine need for advice, it would be sought privately with one or two of those women who are closest to us. Not aired out for the entire group to hash out together.

Refreshing.

And as our children have morphed from crawling babies into actual preschoolers, our efforts in the "Pray" part of "Pray and Play" have been slowly improving.

We still keep it pretty simple, but each week we take turns leading a short prayer with all the kids. Sometimes we sing a song (written by Colleen Nixon of course) and we usually do a litany of all the kids' name saints. We always make sure to get a holy priest to come and give the kids a blessing.

No, I'm totally kidding. Colleen's priest brother-in-law just happened to stop by to see his nephews on the day I brought my camera. Notice that said nephews actually missed out on the blessing.

And another blessing of holy, Catholic mom friends? Holy, Catholic girlfriends.

Thank you, Lord, for my good group of gals.

Do I have to add that, yes of course non-Catholics can get along despite different parenting styles? And of course non-Catholics can resist complaining about their husbands. Blah blah blah, please assume my good will in this.

The Catholic Church is Small

This post has been in my head for years now. And with today's very BIG news that our beloved Pope Benedict XVI is resigning from the papacy, now is as good of time as any to share my thoughts on the smallness of our big faith.

The Catholic Church is quite huge-over 1 billion people worldwide. It spreads to every country and truly knows no boundaries. It has existed-unchanged-for 2000 years. It's one of the many reasons I love my faith. The expansiveness. The history. The consistency.

But my personal experience of being a Catholic has been anything but huge and expansive. The Catholic Church, as I know her, is very small. Very tight-knit. Today's news demonstrates just that. My entire facebook feed is filled with nothing but Catholic friends commenting on Pope Benedict's news. Prayers for him. Pictures of him. Status updates about how proud we are to be Catholic. Friends who live all over the country-hundred of miles away from me-are united today in one thing. And it makes me feel so close to them.

Being Catholic is like having an instant connection to fellow Catholics. Because of our faith, Ted and I have never had a hard time making wonderful, life-long friends wherever we go. We just seek out authentic Catholics-and friendships are formed. When you meet a fellow Catholic-you know you are meeting someone who shares your faith in Christ, your understanding of the role of Mary and the Saints, your love for the Mass and the Eucharist, your respect for all human life, your reverence of sex, and your admiration for the Holy Father. My most cherished friendships are hinged on this fact-that we belong to the same Church. That we are members of this same, small family.

The internet and social media definitely have something to do with it. It connects Catholic across the world in a way that has never before been possible. It's only because of social media that I know Bonnie and was able to participate in the miraculous healing of her son. When her son was stillborn and came back to life after being dead for 61 minutes, she asked everyone she knew to pray for the intercession of Fulton Sheen-a great American priest from her diocese. I printed out the prayer she wrote and taped it to my desk at work. And I prayed. And I hoped for a miracle-even though I doubted one would happen. But a miracle did happen. And because of our prayers-because of my prayers-Bonnie's son is healed and Archbishop Sheen is currently in the process to be declared Blessed (one step before Saint).  The Saints may seem so far out of reach-so "famous" in the world of Catholicism. But they became saints from the prayers of very ordinary Catholics-just like myself. And this connection that I now have to a great man becoming a Saint-reaffirms to me that our faith is so small. So close.

It may seem from the outside that our faith is too big to be close and personal to individual Catholics. Little old me in Florida and the great big Pope all the way in Rome. But even that chasm is crossed with the many friendships I have with holy Catholics. In 2005, I had the opportunity to meet then Archbishop Burke in St. Louis. I kissed his ring and was introduced to him by my cousin who was a seminarian at the time. Ted had the opportunity to meet him a year later during his cousin's confirmation. A friend of mine is still in communication with now Cardinal Burke all the way in Rome because of his work with the Church in St. Louis. Hannah's godfather was ordained a deacon by him in Rome a few years ago. And although we've never met him, we have another funny connection to Cardinal Dolan, the popular head of the USCCB. Cardinal Dolan's parents bought Ted's house when Ted was four years old and moving into another one.

We were thrilled when these good and holy man were elevated to become Cardinals of the Church. Cardinals-meaning they will be among those electing the next Pope! Even with the possibility that they could become Pope themselves!

The Cardinals are not just far away figures, men in funny hats using an outdated system of white and black smoke to choose the next Pope. They are real men. Two of them-especially-are very real to me. And this connection, however small, that I have to Rome and the upcoming election makes me feel like I really matter to this Church.

I know that I matter. I know that we all do. Because the Catholic Church is the Church that Christ founded so many years ago when he gave Peter the keys to the Kingdom. It is the single greatest blessing of my life to be a part of this Kingdom. To be a Catholic and be surrounded by other Catholics. To belong to this personal, close-knit, and very small faith.

Pictures and One Liners

Ok, they're not all going to be one-liners. Because I'm wordy and can't help myself. But the last two weeks have been a whirlwind deserving of a post. And I can't watch election coverage without a distraction to keep me calm....

Grandpa John came to visit and built us a screened-in porch.

Hannah helped.

And watched.

Hannah was a monkey for Halloween.

Her first trunk-or-treat was a smashing success. I even gave in and let her eat a sucker.

We made garden green beans. Sauteed with onion, bacon, an ostrich, and a few dinosaurs.

Hannah and Daddy finished up the porch after Grandpa left.

She kissed the "boo boos" that she caused with the hammer.

We carved pumpkins. I was pretty proud of the one on the left-a squirrel had eaten a huge chunk out of it so I had to get creative.

On Halloween, we went to a second trunk-or-treat with some friends, came back and stuffed ourselves with homemade baked potato soup, passed out candy to cute little kids, not-so-cute big kids, and even two adults with Walmart bags.

Then Ted and I spent the evening sitting in our new porch, eating pumpkin bars, sipping pumpkin spice coffee, and relaxing by the light of our little girl's hands and feet.

Hannah continued to use her new carpentry skills to make some improvements around the house.

We celebrated All Saints Day by voting early, going to Mass, and getting her St. Rose Duchesne doll blessed.

Then it was off to Mississippi to visit some friends and cheer on the Bulldogs.

"Hannah, that's a little too much cowbell."

"Ok, definitely too much cowbell."

Ted maintained his cornhole winning streak. Hannah dumped everyone's drinks all over her dress.

We got to meet a sweet baby and Hannah was smitten.

We managed to survive the weekend despite 16 hours in a car, changing time zones, AND dealing with daylight savings time.

The next two week won't be quite as eventful. To be certain, lots of time will be spent on our back porch. We'll go back to missing family and friends instead of hanging out with them. We'll continue to eat pumpkin in everything. And we'll just try to enjoy this simple little life we're living,

Hannah's Famous! (and a Giveaway)

Hannah's famous!

Well, actually it's Colleen who is famous. Hannah is just helping her become more famous.

Let me back up.

This is Colleen Nixon. She is my incredibly talented and beautiful new friend. She writes songs and sings them for people. And they're good.

Her style is self-described as "pop/jazz/indie/quirky" and I happen to LOVE it. Colleen released her first CD, Love is in the Details, in 2009 and is planning to go back in the studio this summer for a second CD-her first full length album.

Colleen was one of the first friends I met when we moved to Florida and I knew from the minute I heard the voicemail she left me that we would be fast friends. And we were. And I'm so blessed by her friendship.

Colleen and her husband Titus are full-time missionaries. They travel the country with their son, Benedict, speaking to teens and young adults about the beauty of the Church's teaching on sexuality. She incorporates her music into their talks-think of it as a Theology of the Body musical but without the dancing. She's also the vocalist of a Catholic musical group called Marian Grace.

The thing I love most about Colleen's music is that she finds the perfect balance of sacred, holy, pure and actually sounding good.

Hannah rocking out during one of Colleen's live shows.

Don't get me wrong-there are some wonderful Christian artists out there. And not all pop songs are about sex. But honestly, most "church" music is pretty awful. And most everything on secular radio is just disgusting. Colleen manages to fix both of these issues with  her two styles of music. Her secular pop album is actually good. And she's not singing about sex! Or her milkshake. Or Mick Jagger. Or any of those other songs that I can't even reference because I never listen to the radio. She sings about life. And love. As she says, "it's not Christian music, but it's from a Christian heart."

And her religious music is just breathtaking. Listen to the link above for some samples. Seriously. good. stuff.

Soooooo why am I telling you all of this? And what does it have to do with Hannah?

Colleen needs to raise money to pay for the cost of recording her second CD. A lot of money. Like 25,000 dollars. So she asked Hannah to help. I mean, who wouldn't? My little girl is a movie star! Or at least a music video star.

See for yourself:



Now wasn't that the most adorable thing you've ever seen? It was tons of fun to film. And Colleen and I are not-so-secretly hoping that we get to play this video at Hannah and Benedict's wedding someday. (oh my-wouldn't that just be cuuuute!)

And now for the giveaway. I have three prizes to offer-all three of Colleen's CDs. I'll draw three winners and you will be able to choose which CD you want.

Love is in the Details-her pop/jazz/quirky/indie album. It features the song you heard in the music video. If you're not Catholic/Christian you could still enter and just choose this CD!
Marian Grace-their self titled first CD. The first song Let All Mortal Flesh is bone chilling. Soooo good. I had to force myself not to listen to it during Lent (she says the A word) (Alleluia, not ass) and it was HARD! Scroll to the bottom of the page and press play to hear a sample.
What Wondrous Love-my personal favorite. Veni Sancte Spiritus is probably the most beautiful prayer I've ever heard sung. I find myself singing it all the time. Only to Hannah of course-I definitely don't sound like Colleen.

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is go to Colleen's link on Kickstarter, watch the video (or watch it above), and read about her project. Just leave a comment letting me know you did that and you'll be entered!

If you want to earn FIVE extra entries, share this post or Colleen's Kickstarter link on your blog/facebook/twitter/whatever. Then just leave a comment telling me what you did.

If you want to earn TEN extra entries, donate any amount to Colleen's project. Donations start at just one dollar. Leave a comment letting me know you donated-but don't feel obligated to include the amount.

And remember what she said in the video-if she doesn't raise ALL of the money, she doesn't get ANY of it. So help her out! She and her husband are full-time missionaries for goodness sake! The could definitely use the boost!

So go check it out! And no, I won't sway the results in your favor if you tell me how adorable Hannah is in the video. But feel free to do so. :)

Not Crazy

I used to think that couples who met online were a little crazy. Not a lot crazy, just a little crazy.

That was before I made "blog friends". Those blog friends became "facebook friends" and then a few of those facebook friends have turned into real life friends. Isn't that nuts?

Like last summer-when Hannah and I drove five hours to hang out with three women we had never actually met. So much fun. Not at all crazy.

And this past weekend I had the absolute honor of hanging out with Karen and her family while they welcomed sweet Hannah Clare into the world. Hannah and I arrive about an hour before baby Hannah was born. We hung out with Mary Grace (Karen's one year old) in the living room while mama labored in the tub. Although I didn't get a chance to see Karen during labor, I could definitely hear her :) And I got to hear that sweet little baby cry through the door. The cry that said, "I'm here! No more pain! It's over and I'm here!"

The whole experience confirmed that choosing natural birth is definitely not crazy. Karen was up, walking around, and getting up and down on her own within an hour of the birth. You would have never known she just had a baby. Love that quick recovery!

Then for the next three days I got to pretend I was a postpartum doula and cook, clean, and hopefully make Karen's life easier. And watch Hannah and Mary Grace become best friends.

So no, I don't think people who meet online are crazy. Unless Karen and I are crazy. She did have a homebirth after all. But no, I don't think that's crazy either.

Thoughts for Three Hundred

I was told by a friend today that this little blog has over 300 subscribers on Google Reader. Wait. What??? Three hundred? I currently have 156 followers and I thought that was a TON. I'm not sure what to make of this new information. Feeling very honored and humbled that 300 people actually care about what I have to say. Feeling like I better come up with something a little more insightful to keep 300 people caring about what I have to say. Feeling like I'd really rather just write whatever comes out of my mind and not care at all about what 300 people think.

This post is going to be the latter :)

How is Lent going for you? Mine is good so far. Carving out some daily time with my Bible. Practicing self-denial. Haven't made it to Adoration or Stations of the Cross yet. That's the goal for next week!

Some friends of ours from college stayed with us last night on their way back to Missouri after going to Disneyworld. They were married the same summer as Ted and I and now have two beautiful children. I actually grew up with Jen, she's my second cousin and we went to the same school growing up. We met her husband in college. I've met so many wonderful friends here in Florida. Amazing, strong, Catholic woman. And I have very dear friends back in Mississippi that I miss terribly. But there's just something comforting about hanging out with someone who really knows you. She knows my parents, my siblings, what my house looks like, everything about my high school and hometown. We used to play Game Show Host in her basement and go to Youth Group together. After living away from home for so long and having friends who know nothing about my childhood, it was really nice to spend an evening with her. So familiar. Being 12 hours from home, I think I needed that.

I'm continually being surprised by God at how incredibly Catholic this town is. I've met more awesome Catholic women in the last month than I knew in the three years we were in Mississippi. The resources here for Catholic families are just awesome. It's becoming very clear why God picked us up and moved us to Florida. I think he knew we needed a little kick in the pants and some really, really good examples of holy family life.

Hannah only woke up once last night. Once. Did you hear me? Once!

I had coffee with some of those awesome Catholic women tonight. My white chocolate latte made with almond milk was delicious. But I forgot to ask for de-caff. So I'm blogging until I get tired........

Speaking of almond milk-still dairy free. We've done some testing with bad results. If I eat a slice of cheese-eczema. Butter in some cake? Eczema. Raw goat's milk yogurt-even worse. Poor baby.

Ground beef costs over four dollars a pound here. Am I the only one who finds that absolutely unacceptable? Surely, out of 300 people, someone will give me an Amen on that one.

A Bulleted List

because that's all my brain can handle right now!

-We made it to our new home in Florida on Wednesday and have been unpacking ever since. Our new place is pretty great-we like almost everything about it. We do NOT like the ugly gold that they painted every wall nor the way it makes all our decorations look weird. We DO like the backyard, and deck, and storage space, and neighborhood, and trees, and squirrels.

-Hannah is really close to walking. What qualifies as actually saying "she's walking"? She can take up to about 6 or 7 steps and even took 10 steps once. Just this week she started doing it on her own, without needing any prompting from us. Is that walking? She still falls after 6 steps or so.

-It's like she became a toddler over night. Seriously-I look at her and wonder who she is and what she did with my baby. She is already testing her limits and definitely understands my simple commands and chooses not to follow them. Grrr-it begins.

-She's so beautiful. Really, really beautiful. I can't even believe it.

-Our new neighbor came over and introduce herself and even brought us dinner our first night in town. What a welcomed welcome that was!

-This place has the best food. The grocery just the down the road from us has tons of affordable organic options, a huge produce selection, and just about anything you could ask for. I spent almost two hours browsing the aisles yesterday and loved every second. They had vegetables I had only heard about in Mississippi! And that was just the regular grocery store. We went to a Farmer's Market this morning and it got even better. There were more vendors in JANUARY than Starkville's market in peak season. Vegetables-check. I'm on the hunt for pastured eggs and good milk now.

-We already have dinner plans tomorrow! A friend's sister and her family live here and invited us over. Woo hoo!

-Mass at a huge parish tomorrow-3000 families.

-Ted's first day of work went great. I think he's going to love his job. Praise God.

-Two of our best friends just had a baby today! Gianna Therese-we love you so much and can't wait to meet you!

-Christmas was great. We got to spend lots of time with both families since I quit my job and Ted hadn't started his yet. Hannah didn't really understand how to open presents, but she enjoyed her toys after they were opened! Her favorites-her push walker that makes her smile every time she sees it and the drumsticks that came with her music set. She likes the entire music set too, but those drumsticks really make her happy.

-New Years was perfect and spent where we always spend New Years-in the middle of nowhere Missouri in a retreat house with our closest friends. We missed it last year due to being 9 months pregnant and it just wasn't the same starting the year anywhere but there. We were only there for one night-but we packed as much fun in as we could. Normally, we climb the mountain and pray the rosary at midnight, but this year we had Midnight Mass in the chapel-which was also cool. Hannah's godfather was the celebrant and he sure knows how to give a homily. Confession, fellowship, walks to the river, catching up with friends, reflecting on the past year and praying for the one ahead-perfect.

-I've been going to that same retreat house since I was 16 years old. It was there that Ted and I began our dating relationship. So many times we've talked about bringing our kids for the retreat and this year it actually happened. Hannah became the youngest New Years retreatant and thoroughly enjoyed her time there. It was pretty surreal having my baby there. And oh so wonderful. Everything is better with her around.

So Long, Starkville

Of all the posts I've written in my head, this one is by far the longest running. I started compiling a list of things I will really miss about this town...as well as things I won't miss...about a year ago when we thought we would be moving. I refused to let myself put them to paper, so most of them have been forgotten. But I can think of a few things I'm really gonna miss. And some more that I won't mind doing without.

************************************************************

I will miss the slow, laid back pace of Mississippi.

I won't miss the idea that appointment times don't matter and you can just up show "whenever".

I'll miss seeing people wear their Sunday best for Mass and getting to church at least ten minutes early.


I won't miss having only one church in a 30 mile radius and only one opportunity a week for confession.

I'll miss seeing little girls in their sweet Feltman Brothers dresses.


I won't miss seeing little boys in their girly Feltman Brothers dresses.

The kiddos. I'll miss my speech kids and all my friends' children. Thank goodness for blogs and facebook pictures.


The drivers. I won't miss regularly getting behind a driver going fifteen miles under the speed limit. No, that is not an exaggeration.

Smoke free restaurants and gas stations. Ahh fresh air.

Mugshots.

Tailgating.

Crawfish in everything.

Taking walks around the ponds near our apartment.

Free golfing any time we want it.

A pool just down the road.

A priest that gives great homilies.

These people.

The great group of mom friends that have welcomed me into their ranks.


I absolutely will not miss having to scour the town for fresh food. It took me two a half years to find pastured eggs. I found them a week before we leave town!

A six hour drive home. I didn't think this one would be on the list, but six is looking pretty good compared to the twelve we're going to have once we move.

Our Mississippi Fish Family.


Ted complaining about the horrible fishing. I fully expect fish in our freezer at all times now-we *are* moving to the fishing capitol of the world!

Standing in my bathroom remembering the first time I saw that positive pregnancy test.

Driving through downtown at sunset.

Seeing deer on our lane while driving home at night.

Great friends that don't mind hanging out on a Friday night but each just eating our own leftovers because we're both too cheap to cook for each other.

The awesome support system I have for breastfeeding, natural birth, and all things motherhood.

An awesome consignment store that has supplied me with a virtually free wardrobe.

Sonic just a half mile from our apartment.


Living in an apartment. (We're moving into a great duplex!)


Neighbors that throw their grease and uneaten food off the balcony and into our front yard.

Did I mention I'm going to miss these guys?

The beautiful examples of Catholic family life in our parish and amongst our friends.


I won't miss not having  a Target!

Wearing maroon on Fridays.

Roadside cowbell stands.

Fantastic co-workers. Absolutely fantastic co-workers.

My little office on the stage.


The snake that scared the hell out of me in my little office on the stage.


Mild winters. Ha! I'm moving to the beach!


Dreadful summers. I can't believe we're actually moving further south....

And of course, those Landry's.

********************************************************

Last night in town. Last night in our apartment. So many thoughts and emotions but none that I can articulate. I'm grateful for the past two and a half years. I'm so sad to be leaving great friends behind. But I'm ready for our next adventure.

So long, Starkville! Florida, here we come!

Elated!

I can think of nothing in my life right now that makes me happier than the news that a beloved friend has been set free from the agonizing burden of infertility.

Thank you Jesus.

Please join me in praying for a healthy pregnancy for this beautiful blogger.

Blogger Beachfest by the Numbers

4..."infertile" blogger ladies. Awaiting, Me, Lauren, and Karen

3... adorable baby girls

2... belly babies

27... collective hours traveled

3... true southerners (Texas, Florida, and Alabama natives)

1... southern impostor (Mississippi transplant) who was ridiculously excited to see the ocean!

572... times Hannah stuck her hand in the salt water and then licked off all the salt

6... Blue Angels flying over the beach

18... inches from wing tip to wing tip. Amazing!

2... screaming babies upset by the LOUD noise from the Blue Angels

1... adorable baby who just waved at the airplanes

3... evening trips to the beach

6... delicious, healthy, and dairy-free meals eaten (thanks Lauren!)

50... hours spent talking about babies

50... times I thought, "Would you believe that none of us thought we would be mothers just a short year ago?!"

16... attempts it took to get this shot with all three babes looking forward

1... gracious husband who sacrificed his space and privacy for three women he'd never met

83... pictures I took with Karen's awesome camera

83... times I coveted Karen's awesome camera and considered stealing it

1... day it took to convince Awaiting how cool cloth diapers are

2.75... consecutive hours of napping after a hard day at the beach. Her longest EVER!

 
8... pounds, 3 ounces of amazing coincidence! My friend Kelly had her baby, Luke Everette, while we just happened to be staying just minutes from her hospital! Congrats again Kelly and Brett!

1... times I had to stop for Hannah on the way down

0... times I had to stop for Hannah on the way back!

2... minutes I got out of town before I wanted to turn around and go back to the beach one more time!

In Thanksgiving

Bonnie encouraged her readers to make a list of things they were thankful on Thanksgiving. I only have so much time to write this before I need to start making pumpkin cookies......so it'll be MUCH shorter than the actual list of blessings in my life.

I am thankful for:

Ted, Ted's sense of humor, the fact that my husband also happens to be my best friend, the comfort that comes with being married in the Catholic Church and knowing it's forever, the fact that Ted got us home safely in the storm last night

My baby, every single squirm and kick, a pregnancy free from complications, the generous gifts given at the baby shower, the advice of wonderful friends/mothers, the support we've received on our decision to cloth diaper and breastfeed, the chance to actually choose to cloth diaper and breastfeed, my growing belly, strangers that ask me when I'm due, Ted's smile when he feels the baby kick, the opportunity to make both of our parents grandparents

My degree, my job, having a job that doesn't stress me out, having a job that doesn't require a commute, being able to help adorable little kids get the services they need, great co-workers, a great boss, a phone finally being put in my office

My health, my NaPro doctor, my regular OB who is more wonderful than I could have hoped for, ultrasound technology, being able to afford all the pregnancy books and classes I want, a husband that supports me in every way possible to have a natural birth

For friends in Mississippi, especially Alisha, for friends in Missouri, for sisters that I enjoy spending time with, for parents that are married and still crazy in love, for two living grandparents, for being part of a big extended family, for the opportunity to be a part of Joan and Charlotte's lives, for Ted getting into his Master's program, for Ted doing so well in his Master's program, having a husband that works harder than anyone I know, being completely debt free!!!, the adorable cradle that Ted's dad is making by hand, having a sister who's a nurse and can answer all my questions

For blogging, the fact the people actually read my blog, for the advice and support I received during our infertility struggle, for the strong Catholic witness that so many offer through the blogs, for confession, for the Eucharist, for weekday Mass, for our Adoration hour, for the universal Church, for Cardinal Burke, for Fr. Schumer, for our wonderful seminarian friends, for Lesterville, for the example Pam and Tony have been to us, for their influence in our lives, for New Year's retreats even though we don't get to go this year, for fun lunches with friends

For growning up Catholic, finding a Catholic husband, for the consistency of the Church's teachings, for the freedom found in obedience, the Saints, the angels, Pope Benedict, Scott Hahn, St. Michael, St, Gianna

For health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, car insurance, and vision insurance, for the opportunity to afford all those insurances, for monthly paychecks, for our car that runs great and has room for a car seat, the fact that Ted's truck is still kicking

For Thanksgiving dinners, time with family, milk, ice cream, Sonic cranberry limeades, broccoli, fruit pizza, BBQ, Mugshots burgers, and....pumpkin cookies!

Visit Bonnie for more reasons to be thankful!!

My Seeking Friend

I have a real-life friend who blogs! And it's incredible. I sometimes wonder if she thinks I'm crazy because I comment on every post, sometimes within moments of her publishing it. (And sometimes I leave the window open and come back to it hours later to comment, just so she doesn't know how much of a stalker I really am.)

She's a Catholic wife and mother of one. An English teacher. The most reflective person I have ever known. And a beautiful writer.

If any of those characteristics are of interest to you, then you should check out her blog.

And it was this post that inspired me to write this plug for her amazingness. Seriously. good. stuff.

Me sitting at her feet, soaking up the wisdom over four years ago.

Quick Takes (13)

-1-

Another great week of work has flown by! Man it's nice liking your job.

-2-

The baby is moving more and more often, sometimes up to 10 times a day. It still takes my breath away. When she moves, I can't think about anything else. If I'm listening to someone tell a story, I completely zone out and concentrate on the tiny tickles under my skin.  I just don't want to miss one second of it. It takes everything I have in me not to loudly interrupt whoever is talking and shout, "My baby is moving! He's alive and healthy and growing! It's a miracle!! God is so good!!!" It's gonna happen one of these days, and I can't say that I'm gonna be embarrassed by it.

-3-

I felt movement for the first time in the middle of the night last night. And yes, I know that this will cause me much frustration in the future, but for now I just relished every second. I curled up next to Ted and just smiled myself back to sleep. Thank you Jesus.

-4-

I'm sooo ready for fall! Thankful emailed me today and told me she was off to spend the weekend in a cabin in northern Minnesota. I'm insanely jealous. The heat index was 110 today. It's still disgustingly humid down here. I'm ready for jackets and football and orange leaves. How much better would life be if it was fall all year round?

-5-

We went bowling last Sunday and I broke a hundred for the first time in my life!! I actually bowled a 127! Ted, who usually blows me out of the water, only got a 94. It was glorious.

-6-

We're having another couple over for dinner tonight. We met them at church recently and they're new to town. And even though they're from Idaho and Pennsylvania, Ted and I were SHOCKED when they told us they had never had catfish.

Welcome to the catfish capital of the world new friends! I hope you like it fried!

-7-

Meeting new people always reminds me of how diverse our group of friends is. We now have friends from Idaho, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, California, Mississippi, Kentucky, Minnesota, Illinois, North Dakota, Iowa, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Florida. (And I'm sure I'm forgetting a couple.) All right here in Mississippi. It's just crazy.

But the verdict on the best state in the union? That would still be Missouri :)

Praying for Friends

In early May the blogs were buzzing with news of miraculous pregnancies. I was going through yet another period and failed cycle. It seemed like  blessings were being poured out to everyone but me. Women who had been trying for 4 years or more found themselves pregnant by the grace of God. Announcement after announcement revealed the power of the Holy Spirit. And I felt alone.

But just a few short weeks later I joined the ranks of women who could announce pregnancies. I became a mommy and life has been so different ever since.

The past few weeks, the blogs have been filled with women who have either received children through adoption or are becoming increasingly close to bring home their adopted child. So many women have wonderful news of birth mothers selflessly giving over their children, due dates drawing near, and holding their precious child in their arms the very day they were told they were going to be parents.

So many times in life it seems that blessings come in packs. And, unfortunately, it seems to be the same for heartache.

In the last week or so five bloggers have dealt with miscarriage. Five amazing, beautiful women who don't deserve this pain. For some it was their first pregnancy. Others have suffered this far too many times. Others have received devastating medical news with the results of their miscarriage. And others are praying that their baby makes it as I type this.

It seems like every day I tell my husband that a dear blogger friend has lost their baby. My growing belly and excitement about my upcoming baby shower are bittersweet.

I'm 14 weeks along. Surprisingly, these sad announcements don't make me scared for own baby (any more than I already am of course). I'm so overwhelmed with sorrow for these women that I honestly can't think about myself, which is rare for this selfish blogger. Tears stream down my face as I fight to get through these posts. It's. just. not. fair.

Life is precious and if miscarriage teaches me nothing else, it teaches me that. God gives and God takes away.

When I've mentioned to friends or written posts about my fears surrounding miscarriage, I've sometimes been dismissed as a "typical worrying pregnant lady". And yes, I realize that ALL pregnant women have at least some fear of loosing the child in their wombs. And while I don't mean to glorify sorrow in any way, there is a fundamental difference from a typical woman fearing miscarriage and a woman who has endured infertility fearing miscarriage. That difference is the gut wrenching, deep in your soul, stomach sinking feeling that if you were to miscarry, you may never have another chance again.

This is not to say that having a baby after miscarriage could EVER replace the baby that you lost. That is absolutely false. But for someone who had to undergo surgeries, ultrasounds, injections, blood work, and countless amounts of pills just to bring that baby into existence-loosing a baby is doubly hard.

Although I don't dwell on miscarriage on a daily basis-it's never far from my mind. And I know that if we loose our little bean, we might never have a chance to have an earthly child. Our conception was a miracle (not that all aren't). And who knows if God would ever bless us with that miracle again.

I'm not writing this post to be morbid. I hope I don't upset any of of the dear women who are currently struggling with this, I'm sure this was a thought they've already realized. I am simply asking anyone who reads this blog to pray for these five women. To be understanding to the pain and heartache that miscarriage creates, especially for someone who had to fight so hard to get pregnant in the first place.

St. Gianna, pray for us.
St. Gerard, pray for us.

Quick Takes (10)

-1-

I'm still contemplating going private with the blog (read yesterday's post if you haven't yet) but haven't made a final decision. [By the way-nothing creepy or scary has happened. Just weird. Don't worry about me :)] I talked with Ted about it (who ALWAYS helps me clarify things!) and still need to spend some time in prayer asking Jesus what my purpose is for this little blog. So until I make a decision, I'll keep it public. But I'm loving the lurkers coming out from their hiding! Welcome!!

-2-

I had the BEST time at a friend's bachelorette party on Monday! Why would a bachelorette party be on Monday you ask? Because we went to Six Flags of course and had to beat the crowd! The entire day was a complete surprise to the bride and I had such a great time just hanging out with most of my close friends from college (Linds and Ash-you were missed!). We even had t-shirts made for the event (thanks Jude!). Here are a few pics:

Me and some friends on one of the TWO rides I got to go on!

The shirts said "Preparing for the ride of a lifetime." Get it? Marriage. And roller coasters. We're so clever!

The gang with Sylvester.

-3-

God answered a very specific prayer request when it came to the party. We started planning it in November and I prayed, "God, please let me be the purse holder when we go to Six Flags!" I so hoped I would be pregnant and wouldn't be able to ride any of the rides. Roller coasters are among my favorite pastimes-but it was definitely more gratifying to watch my friends enjoy the ride while I watched from the sidelines, knowing I was taking care of the little life inside me.

-4-

I went to Mass this morning! And before anyone offers me any congratulations on getting up at 6:00 am to make it there, know that this is the FIRST time I've done this all summer. I went almost every day last summer and have spent this summer sleeping in and being lazy. And yes, I realize I'm in my first trimester and need to take it easy-but come on! I'm off work! I can just come right back home and take a nap! No more excuses-I need to get to Mass more often.

-5-

Since I was home by 7:30 I took the opportunity of actually being awake to clean the inside of my car before it got too hot out. I had to stop by 8:15 because it was already approaching 90. Oy vey. I need to go to the pool.

-6-

I told the girls at the baby shower the other night that I was more nauseous when I'm home than anywhere else. When I got back from my trip to Missouri last week I was nauseous within 15 minutes of stepping inside, whereas I felt great for almost the entire trip! They suggested it was a candle or something in the house causing it. I got rid of our reed diffuser thingy and voila! No more nausea! At least for the past two days. So goodbye nausea and hello stinky house!

-7-

Ted and I have an awesome weekend ahead of us! We're going fishing tonight on Ted's newly remodeled boat. Tomorrow we're forcing ourselves to get up early and go to the Farmer's Market so I can start eating a little better. Autism Support Group later in the day. And a bbq on Sunday! Woo hoo!

Quick Takes (9)

-1-

I don't know if I'm going to make it all the way to seven today. I'm using these two sentences for number one to help me get there.

-2-

I met bloggers!!! In real life!!! When I started blogging in January I had NO IDEA it would turn into this. I had no idea I would make actual friendships with amazing Catholic women who shared my struggles and rejoiced in my joys. Truly amazing. Sew, Allie, Ann, and I all met up for some long awaited talk time. We literally sat and talked for over 6 hours. Just like old friends. Sew asked our waitress if we could be somewhere in the back and said, "we haven't seen each other in forever." I had to laugh and add, "forever and never!" But it felt funny saying, "nice to meet you" because I've talked with all of these girls either online or on the phone for months now. As we were leaving, Sew said, "see there are good Catholics in the South!" To which I had to respond, "yeah, but we all had to drive a few hours to meet them!" Oh well-it was soo worth it.

Me, Sew, Allie, and Ann (who strategically stood on the end so we could cut her out and help her stay undercover)

-3-

I think I talked the LEAST of all four of us. (I know my husband and friends in real life are picking their jaws up off the floor right now.) But seriously, I couldn't hold a candle to these women! Maybe it was the pregnancy brain fuzz, or maybe they're just that much more interesting than I am. Either way-I just sat and took in all the wisdom...

-4-

One thing I realized as I listened talked to them was that I need to be more introspective. I rarely stop and think about how my words (in blogland or real life) are affecting others. It's hard for me to articulate this further. I'm trying....but the words aren't coming. I guess I'll just leave it at that.

-5-

I miss Ted. He's been out of the state all week for work. He's not the best at phone conversations (thank the Lord we only did long distance for 3 months of our dating relationship!) so I'm left just waiting until he gets back and fills me in on everything. I hate being away from my husband. But it always reminds me how much we really do love each other and keeps me in check for not taking him for granted.

-6-

I LOVE fireworks!! I HATE that I won't be with Ted to watch them this year. The last time we were apart for the 4th of July was in 2005. He went to Canada with his mom and sister for vacation. Seriously, who leaves the country for the FOURTH OF JULY??? (Mom-that one is directed at you ;)

-7-

I made it to number seven! But this one is just as much of a cop out as number one....

Happy Fourth of July Everyone!

Quick Takes (8)

-1-

I have a bump!!!!! It started popping out around 7 weeks but didn't show up in a picture until 8 weeks. Yesterday, TWO people told me they noticed my bump! I was glowing! Ted hears, "look at my bump!" at least 5 times a day. Every time I walk past our bathroom I stop and look at it in the mirror. I used to obsessively check my hair anytime a mirror was in sight-I don't think I've even glanced at it lately (other than fixing it....sometimes). My belly is way more interesting.

I only squeezed on this jean skirt for this picture-it's already too tight!

-2-

If I were given the gift of an all-expense paid shopping trip anywhere in the world, I would pick.....Utah. Those Mormons take their modesty seriously! And they make it look good! Exhibit A (world's cutest swimsuits) and Exhibit B (worlds greatest undershirt-especially for Mississippi). Both are Utah based companies and it seems like every modest clothing website I come across is from Utah. When I showed Ted the undershirts, always the frugal, common sense man that he is, he asked if I REALLY needed them. A blank stare ensued. An undershirt? That won't make you hotter? And will fit me no matter how big my belly gets??? I need five. If Catholics took modesty (and fashion) as seriously as Mormons-can you imagine how good the shopping would be in St. Louis??

-3-

We met some new friends! Two couples that started attending the earlier Mass (same as us) rather than the later one. Who knew there were even MORE good Catholics in this Protestant-run southern state? The two guys like to golf and play poker-Ted is set. And the ladies like to.....talk :) So I'm happy. We're heading out to one of their houses for a BBQ tomorrow and I'm so excited!

-4-

Despite supplying us with plenty of Catholic friends, the South continues to disappoint. I'm really drawn to the Bradley Method of natural childbirth. It seems like a great system. A 12-week course, lots of hands-on training by certified instructors, real-world advice. When I searched for providers online I found two dozen in Missouri! And in our state? One. And she's an hour and half away. Seriously-this state just has nothing to offer. Last night Ted said he wouldn't live here permanently for even a million dollars. The more I teased him about it-the more I realized he was actually serious! "If you got a job that gave us a million dollars and allowed me to have as many kids as we possibly could, stay home with them, and never work another day in my life-we are STAYING." His response? "Only for two years-no longer. The fishing just sucks." God love him.... :)

-5-

Despite the ridiculous distance between us and the only Bradley instructor in the state, it's not out of the question that we might actually do it. We don't have to decide until September, when her next class starts up. She told me last night she's had couples from our town-so we're not the only ones crazy enough to actually consider it. I guess if we drove three hours (sometimes several times in a week) to see our NaPro doctor and GET a baby-we can drive an hour and half to learn how to BIRTH a baby! We'll see....

-6-

Ted was kind of hurt by how many people didn't wish him Happy Father's Day last week. (Thanks to those that remembered!) It's crazy to me that people don't consider you a father (or mother) until the child actually comes out of the womb. We have a baby. We are responsible for this baby. This baby is a living being with a soul that is loved by us and God as much as any baby out of the womb! Last Sunday was Ted's first Father's Day. Next year will be his second. He's not a daddy-to-be. He's a daddy. And he's a great daddy.

-7-

Last night, I heard something pounding so hard against our window that I thought it was starting to rain. I got up to check it out and realized it was actually giant bugs committing suicide by flying full force into the glass. Gross.