A Blessed Weekend

A handful of months ago, our oldest godson's mother and I began chatting about the upcoming sacrament that both her son and our Gianna would be receiving soon.  The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist!  If I remember right we were mainly making sure that they didn't fall on the same weekend that way Brett and I would be able to attend.

One thing led to another (that makes it sound so easy) and somehow both children were scheduled to receive together, along with two other boys at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe with Cardinal Burke presiding!  Gianna's godfather was able to be there and concelebrate and she wore the same dress that she wore for her godmother's wedding with a veil that her godmother made for her.  It was all so lovely!

A beautiful day filled with many, many graces. 

Big Day-Sneak Peek

Little Factoids about the Present

Factoid #1:  I am 32 weeks pregnant as of today.  There is a 6 day difference between my dates and my doctor's.  I love NFP...I'm right, and I know it.  For the health of the baby I'm going by my dates, but in the next couple of weeks don't judge if I take those extra six days and say I'm a little further than I truly am.

Factoid #2:  I am a little concerned about making it to term this time around.  Maybe it's been the crazy summer, or maybe I'm no good at taking it easy.  Whatever it is, I just have this suspicion that this baby will be here sooner, rather than later.  Hopefully not soon enough to necessitate a stay at the brand new NICU.

Factoid #3: I would love some prayers for my peace of mind (see Factoid #2) and for this sweet baby.  I'm trying, really, really, really trying not to focus on what happened with Felicity.  My, it's hard.  I had 4 amazing, wonderful birth experiences before hers, I should focus on those.  But, when 15 minutes meant life or death (literally), it's hard to get past that.  So that's where I am on that.  Trying not to worry, but failing pretty miserably.

Factoid #4: I think summer is gone.  We had 2-3 days of "hot", and now I'm pretty sure fall is here.  As in, the toddler slept in long sleeves and pants last night.  Even the huge pregnant woman is donning pants and a long sleeved t-shirt today.

Factoid #5: Regardless of Factoid #4, it is still ice cream season.  Ice cream is good for pregnant women, I'm fairly certain there's been research.

Factoid #6:  Nine-year-old girls are a huge help.

And on that note, I should relieve said 9-year-old from her unruly charge.  Hope your Sunday has been restful and full of love! 

Say What? No More Facebook?

 

Maybe it's because my 11-year-old son is almost as tall as me.

Maybe it's because I feel as old as I am this pregnancy.

Maybe it's because every time I turn my camera on the first thing I see is Miss Felicity hooked up to every machine imaginable and I'm reminded about how amazingly precious life is.

Maybe it's because I've seen too many moms blow their kids off as they sit and scroll and stare at their iWhatevers.

Whatever the reason, I've decided to take the plunge and say good-bye to Facebook.  

Yes, I know, Facebook itself isn't bad.  I've reconnected with many good friends from my past and have also connected with new friends.  I enjoy seeing my friends' families, and hearing about how they are doing.  Facebook has been a source of encouragement for me during rough times, and a source of information during times of crisis.  

But here's the thing.  Even when I'm not actually "on" Facebook, it has this way of creeping into my life.  I care about my friends, both past and present (who doesn't, really?), and throughout the day I find myself preoccupied with whatever I was reading on Facebook.  Maybe it's just the way I'm wired, but it seems like I can't get away from it all.  

I truly don't intend to make a dramatic exit.  I did mention this departure simply because I want to make sure I have contact information for some people before I say my farewell.

A lot of good has come from Facebook for a lot of people.  I think, though, at least in my case, more "not good" has come.  I could give myself limits, I could "cull" my list of friends, but in the end I think the best approach is just leaving.  I will miss many things about being connected with so many people, but I have a feeling I will connect closer to those around me and find many things that I've been missing while being so "connected". 

Big Trip Finale

Wow, life has been crazy lately.  Just now getting to the final part of our trip to Philadelphia. 

We crammed a lot in a short amount of time, but I think it's safe to say that the trip was a success!  Many great memories were made, and we are so thankful that our younger crew got a chance to meet a man who has been a huge influence in our lives.  It was also fun seeing the older kids connect with Archbishop on a different level.  Can't wait until next time!

Big Trip Pt.2

Day 2 of our trip was driving, and driving, and driving.  We started in Madison, WI and ended in Bedford, PA.

Felicity says, "Wait, I'm going to be sitting in this car seat for how long?"

Pics of kids first entering vehicle to begin this leg of the trip.  No after pictures were taken.  Just imagine.  We drove halfway through WI, all of IL, IN, OH, and part of PA.  2 adults (one of whom is 25 weeks pregnant), 5 kids, 11-years-old and under.  I think you can picture what we looked like.

We pulled into a motel which we thought would be just great only to find that it was awful.  We switched to a less awful room than the first one, but I'm pretty sure it's just as awful now because one of the kids was car sick, and well...no more details. 

Day 3 found us in Bedford, PA, the place where George Washington led (as president) 3,000 troops to put a stop to the whiskey rebellion.  This was the first major "test" for the newly formed union.  From Bedford we went to Gettysburg.  We could have spent a couple days in both of these places, but we did as much as we could in the short amount of time that we had. 

Big Trip Pt.1

I'm not sure exactly how this trip came to be, but we found ourselves at the end of the school year and planning a cross country adventure to Philadelphia, PA.  Okay, so I guess it started when we received an email from Archbishop Charles inviting us to come and hang out for awhile.  Brett grew up serving for him in SD and then they both moved to CO and we've all stayed in touch throughout our moves to TX and WI.  It's been 4 years since we've last seen him, and we decided that was way too much time.  Miraculously, we both had the same week in June available for a visit so we decided to just do it! 

Stop #1: An Ordination!

A friend of ours was being ordained to the transitional deaconate, and the oldest two kids were serving.  The ordination is usually held at our Cathedral, but because David was the only one being ordained it was held in his home parish which is about 3 hours from home.

The kids had a rehearsal at noon, and then we headed to a local park to let every one let off a little energy.

I don't actually have any pictures of the ordination, or the reception.  Pictures during and after a 2-hour-long Mass are not something that is likely in our current season of life.  So, there ya have it.  It was beautiful and touching and amazing.  You'll just have to believe me.