It's Not Over 'til It's Over

Summer decided to show up after all.  We were sure that we were going to head straight into fall and miss the warm weather altogether.  I'm very thankful for our little wall A/C unit that has kept our house very nice.  I am also thankful for the windows in my kitchen and dining room where I can sit in my comfortable house and watch the kids splash each other with water.  Life is good.

Our summer has been packed full.  As usual.  Traveling, having guests, doing projects, growing a baby.  We always say that we aren't going to do quite so much during the summer, but in the end we just can't seem to make that work.  We have people to see, things to do.  

School starts up for all of us on Monday.  We follow Brett's schedule and so we begin.  I've spent the past few nights getting ready, writing plans, making lists, thinking, and over-thinking.  The budget is rather puny (read: non-existent) this year (but man, that chicken coop is awesome!) so I'm scaling back, not buying stuff, and making lists of good books we're going to read.  Aidan was reminding me of some great books that the "little ones" don't remember because they were too small when we last read them together.  I'm excited about this year.  It seems complicated to plan, but looks so lovely when it's planned.  Simple.  Just what we'll need this year.  

I contemplated not starting school until after this sweet babe arrives.  After all, we are just going to get going and we'll have a wonderful interruption almost immediately.  But, our break can't last forever and a little routine will be good for all of us.

I'm excited to spend the year with these little people.  Some aren't so little anymore, and some will be oh-so-tiny (we can't wait to meet you!).  What will the school year hold?  Some very exciting things to be sure (that actually have nothing to do with a baby), and I'm sure we will have those "hey, school bus, you forgot some!" moments.  I don't doubt that it will be a year, full.  Now, can I focus and stay attentive to my goal?  Can I weed out the tiredness, and criticism, and jealousies and keep going?  Pray that I can, I'll pray for you!

The Battle of the Lists

My List:
-clean/organize pantry
-clean/organize fridge
-clean/organize every closet in the house
-deep clean every nook and cranny of the house
-reorganize the bathroom closet
-wash and ready newborn diapers
-wash and ready newborn clothes
-vacuum every day
-get kids' chores set for the fall
-lesson plan first 5 weeks of school

His List:
-chop and put up wood so propane people can come
-mow the lawn
-finish landscaping project
-finish electrical in chicken coop
-cut down dead trees in woods
-go to work and get ready for the school year

Priorities people!  Priorities!  What is "he" thinking!  :-)

Okay, so maybe it's important that my lovely husband gets his stuff finished before the school year starts and he's back at work.  But, but, but....this baby will surely be checking the baseboards to make sure we fully prepared for her arrival.  

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!