Mommyhood

On Suffering

2011-10-03T20:07:00.002-05:00

For the past twenty days I have suffered from intense migraines and vertigo. Doctors have pumped me full of steroids, IV medications, and other noxious chemicals to try to abort the horrible pain. As a result my whole world is askew due to the vertigo which makes my vision and balance appear that everything is falling to the left and that I am on a boat swaying back and forth. Needless to say, it has been an uncomfortable month. Prior to this I have had a year of bad health and have been praying ceaselessly for good health. That's all I needed: a year of good health.

Well, my prayer did not fall upon deaf ears, but rather, God's allowing me to suffer for a better reason. Perhaps this is the only way for my stubborn heart to trust Him or to be stretched so that I will love more. Either way, I read this excerpt from In Conversation with God that struck a particular chord with me on the purpose of suffering and mortification in our lives.

"God came into the world to provide a healing remedy for the root of all our rebellion and misery. He destroyed many things as useless obstacles but chose to leave pain intact. He did not take away pain, but gave it a new meaning. He could have chosen a thousand different ways to accomplish the Redemption of the human race, but he chose the Cross. It was by this path that He has led his Mother Mary, Joseph, the Apostles and all the sons of God. The Lord allows evil to exist and he draws out food for our souls from it. Let us be sure to convert setbacks into occasions of interior growth."

Yes, this pain is an opportunity. Strange, isn't it? How counter-cultural and counter intuitive, but pain is a way to nourish our souls because it makes our souls more aware of the divine, more capable of love, more rooted in the Cross IF we allow it to.

I hope I can be this strong the next time my migraine hits or my vision starts spinning. That I can feel myself more connected to the sufferings of Christ and, as a result, my heart will be stronger and more capable of love.

Simple Living

2011-09-06T20:54:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite quotes is "Live Simply so that Others May Simply Live." Despite how close this is to my heart I struggle with my appetite for consumption and materialism every day. It is counter cultural and sometimes incredibly impossible to live a life where goods aren't the objection of desire, but rather, the desire is to love others. In a conversation on this topic with a dear friend she shared part of the mission statement of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps that she works for. I wanted to share the beautiful covenant the volunteers agree to when it comes to simple living. I wish I could more honestly apply these maxims to my life.

Honoring simplicity enables us to value relationships over objects and self-reflection
over status. Simple living is an emptying of the self for the sake of personal, communal, and environmental transformation. When our lives are free of an excess of activity and material possessions, our view of the world and of ourselves is clarified. We are better able to attend to our deepest self, our community, and people who are marginalized. Simplicity of time, energy, and resource means that I will choose to stay present to how my needs relate with the needs of the world, allowing for room to stretch and be flexible so as to care when that is what naturally arises.
I will value people and relationships over possessions or status.
I will seek simplicity in my use of time, energy and resources.
I will live on the monthly stipend, not accepting funds from family, friends, second jobs or any other source to supplement my living.
I will examine and transform my personal values and habits to reflect my care and concern for the environment. Being mindful of my impact on the earth, I will socialize and recreate in ways which enhance my active and true connection with other people and the natural world.

Being Present

2011-09-03T12:48:00.002-05:00

I read this today on a blog called "Delightful Home" and it struck me with its poignancy and application to my life. I'm sure we can all apply this to our daily lives. She said:

Spending too much time thinking about what I want blinds me to what I have.

I catch myself dwelling on the challenges, of what I think I "should" be doing, and only later realizing I missed an opportunity to revel in my children.

In fact, there was a moment yesterday of pure awe when I was at the kitchen table with Joseph and he was reading to me one of his first readers. My mind drifted away to something else, only to stop abruptly and recognize that here I was participating in my son learning how to read. It is something so simple that I take for granted every day, and yet I had the unique opportunity to witness this blossoming skill in my son for the first time. How breathtaking. I want to be more conscious of the present moment so as not to be blinded to the miracles of today.

A Possible Return and My Frustration with National Geographic

2011-09-01T20:55:00.002-05:00

Although my free time is severely limited I am going to "attempt" to return to the blogosphere, because if nothing else it serves as an outlet for me to rant and rave about my new favorite ideas or about the things that really frustrate me.

So, unfortunately for you, the reader, my first entry back will be a rant rather than a rave. Sorry about your luck.

As an avid reader of National Geographic for years I devour every issue when it appears in my mailbox. I have been enthralled by the photographs of distant places and cultural customs far different than my own for as long as I can remember. Many times I assumed my own fascination with the stacks of my Dad's NG magazines I would pour over led to my desire to study anthropology. So, here I am pouring over this month's issue in my customary fashion when I find myself at an article in a continuation of a series called "7 Billion" which highlights different aspects of the forthcoming population milestone of 7 billion. This article entitled "Machisma" was a look at fertility decline in one country: Brazil. It poured over the different factors contributing to the country's fertility rate dropping from 6.3 children per woman in 1960 to 1.9 in 2009. (Might I add here that a 1.9 rate isn't even a replacement rate)

All was fine until the author took some very unnecessary liberties and jabs at the Catholic Church. She interviewed a 69-year old Brazilian retired school teacher and wrote, "This woman had three sisters. Every one of them underwent a ligation. Yes, they were all Catholic. Yes, the church hierarchy disapproved. No, none of them much cared; they were women of faith, but in some matters the male clergy is perhaps not wholly equipped to discern the true will of God."

Seriously?! I can't believe the editors of National Geographic actually allowed this blatant bias and slander; so much so that I actually just sent a message to the editor about how ridiculous this is. Here is what I wrote:

Dear Editors,
I am horrified by the anti-Catholic underpinnings in this month's article "Machisma" by Cynthia Gorney. She made inaccurate and unfair suggestions about the teachings of the Catholic Church on contraception and abortion when she wrote, "Everyone of them underwent a ligation. Yes they were all Catholic. Yes, the church hierarchy disapproved. No, none of them much cared; they were women of faith, but in some matters the male clergy is perhaps not wholly equipped to discern the true will of God." This is an uneducated and completely secular impression of what the Church teaches, and if she was truly informed, as I would expect your authors to be, she would have learned before going to print that the Church is not speaking to burden women, but rather to empower them to embrace the natural way that their bodies were created. The Church does not expect all women to have 10 children as the article suggests, but rather, to only have as many children as can be lovingly raised. Not to mention, there are methods of natural fertility regulation that do not require synthetic hormones or permanent sterilization that are as effective, and often more so than artificial contraception. Additionally, the implication here that somehow it is the fault of the "male hierarchy" shows a complete lack of respect for both the Church and the leadership and tradition within. I am appalled that the editors of NG, a magazine that I have respected for many years, would allow this unfiltered bias into their journalism.

Molly Aranda
Kansas City

JJ Heller

2011-03-07T10:36:00.004-06:00

The song "What Love Really Means" by JJ Heller touches my heart every time I hear it. It reminds me that no matter the shame and discouragement I may feel at times because of my depression God loves me.

What Love Really Means:

He cries in the corner where nobody sees
He's the kid with the story
No one would believe
He prays every night
"Dear God won't you please
Could you send someone here
Who will love me?"

Who will love me for me
Not for what I have done
Or what I will become
Who will love me for me
'Cause nobody has shown me what love
What love really means

Her office is shrinking a little each day
She's the woman whose husband has run away
She'll go to the gym after working today
Maybe if she was thinner
Then he would've stayed
And she says...
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/j/jj_heller/what_love_really_means.html ]
Who will love me for me
Not for what I have done
Or what I will become
Who will love me for me
'Cause nobody has shown me what love
What love really means
What love really means

He's waiting to die as he sits all alone
He's a man in a cell who regrets what he's done
He utters a cry from the depths of his soul
"Oh Lord, forgive me, I want to go home"

Then he heard a voice somewhere deep inside
And it said,
"I know you've murdered and I know you've lied
And I have watched you suffer all of your life
And now that you'll listen I'll, I'll tell you that I..."

I will love you for you
Not for what you have done
Or what you will become
I will love you for you
I will give you the love
The love that you never knew
Love you for you
Not for what you have done
Or what you will become
I will love you for you
I will give you the love
The love that you never knew

Lyrics | JJ Heller lyrics - What Love Really Means lyrics

Surviving Postpartum Depression

2011-02-02T14:07:00.004-06:00

I am a survivor. I have survived my second battle with postpartum depression in the past five years thanks to God, my husband, my beautiful children, and a full handful of vitamins. I know what you're thinking. "Vitamins? How can vitamins help cure depression?" I was that skeptical at the beginning until it started to work.

Thankfully I was guided by some wonderful medical professionals who aren't so quick to write the proverbial anti-depressant scrip, but rather, treat the underlying cause of the problem. In my case, my body had become so depleted in vitamins and minerals over the past five years that it couldn't do anything but fall into a massive depression. Even before the depression hit when John Paul was three months old I had symptoms of clinical MS: loss of coordination, muscle spasm, tingling in my limbs, etc. It took a committed neurologist to find that it wasn't MS, but was all due to an underlying vitamin deficiency. Then the depression hit and it hit HARD. There were days when I didn't think I would make it to the next day alive. Thanks be to God His grace got me through it. It has taken six month of counseling and a daily prescription strength multivitamin, magnesium, vitamin D, sublingual B-12, 4 g of daily fish oil, 5-HTP, and Kelp to get me back to myself.

The more I learn about this misdiagnosed and common issue for women the more I become fascinated and outraged at the same time because there is little literature available and even less medical support for depressed moms. I just found a book that puts so much of what I have learned over the past six months together in one place--I wish I had found it back then! It is "Rebuilding From Depression: A Nutrient Guide" by Dr. Amanda Rose. I hope every women, depressed or not, reads this because it sheds so much light on what our bodies need before, during, and after pregnancy.

There are too many moms who are miserable and need help but don't know where to look! There is hope!

Tomato Juice?

2011-01-31T18:47:00.002-06:00

My twins were looking at a wonderful childrens book called "Can You Find Saints? Introducing Your Child to Holy Men and Women." It is a mix of Where's Waldo meets Catholic theology. Pretty rockin. Anyway, the boys came upon a page illustrating the Mass with a picture of a priest elevating the consecrated host.

Next thing I know Joseph turns to Jacob and proclaims with disgust,
"Eww. Gross. I don't understand why we have to drink Jesus' blood."

Jacob coolly responds, very matter-of-fact, "Don't worry Joe, it's just tomato juice."

Apparently that was end of discussion for him. Joseph was relieved and Jacob felt confident in his revelation on the actual mystery of the Eucharist. I hated to have to burst his bubble. :)

Everyone is Beautiful

2011-01-20T10:15:00.003-06:00

Post-pregnancy body images struggles suck. I want to be back to my college body, my pre-pregnant self, but the reality is that I will never return to that state because my body and my life is forever changed by the four little miracles that grew inside of me. It is hard to remember that my softer stomach, the "battle wound" stretch marks on my side, and my curvier hips are a reminder that my body was a temple for four new souls. I wish there was more talk and images of the beauty of normal, curvaceous mothers and less of celebrity moms who lost 20 lbs in 10 days after giving birth. With that said, I just read a great "fun" novel in which the author goes right at that and I wanted to share an excerpt from the end.

And here, after all that, is what I have come to believe about beauty: Laughter is beautiful. Kindness is beautiful. Cellulite is beautiful. Softness and plumpness and roundness are beautiful. It's more important to be interesting, to be vivid, and to be adventurous, than to sit pretty for pictures. A woman's soft tummy is a miracle of nature. Beauty comes from tenderness. Beauty comes from variety, from specificity, from the fact that no person in the world looks exactly like anyone else. Beauty comes from the tragedy that each person's life is destined to be lost to time. I believe women are too hard on themselves. I believe that when you love someone, she becomes beautiful to you. I believe the eyes see everything through the heart--and nothing in the world feels as good as resting them on someone you love.

-"Everyone is Beautiful" bu Katherine Center

Stay with me, Lord.

2011-01-12T06:50:00.002-06:00

With all the craziness of life right now, between trying to establish a new routine incorporating prayer and exercise and maintaining life with four little kids, I've noticed my "ability" or openness to prayer has been dry. I've been distracted by other things but still have the yearning for the Lord and His intimacy, but this morning I came across my prayer card with St. Padre Pio and found such comfort and consolation that I wanted to share.

Prayer of St. Pio of Pietreclina after Holy Communion:

Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon You. Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak and I need your strength, that I may not fall so often. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life, and without You, I am without fervor. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light, and without you, I am in darkness. Stay with me, Lord, to show me Your will. Stay with me, Lord, so that I hear Your voice and follow You. Stay with me, Lord, for I hear Your voice and follow You. Stay with me, Lord, for I desire to love You very much, and always be in Your company. Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be faithful to You. Stay with me, Lord, for as poor as my soul is, I want it to be a place of consolation for You, a nest of love. Stay with me, Jesus, for it is getting late and the day is coming to a close, and life passes; death, judgment, eternity approaches. It is necessary to renew my strength, so that I will not stop along the way and for that, I need You. It is getting late and death approaches. I fear the darkness, the temptations, the dryness, the cross, the sorrows. O how I need You, my Jesus in this night of exile! Stay with me tonight, Jesus, in life with all its dangers. I need You. Let me recognize You as Your disciples did at the breaking of the bread, so that the Eucharistic Communion be the Light which disperses the darkness, the force which sustains me, the unique joy of my heart. Stay with me, Lord, because at the hour of my death, I want to remain united to You, if not by communion, at least by grace and love. Stay with me, Jesus, I do not ask for divine consolation, because I do not merit it, but the gift of Your Presence, oh yes, I ask this of You! Stay with me, Lord, for it is You alone I look for, Your Love, Your Grace, Your Will, Your Heart, Your Spirit, because I love You and ask no other reward but to love You more and more. With a firm love, I will love You with all my heart while on earth and continue to love You perfectly during all eternity. Amen.

Pride and Prejudice

2011-01-04T12:56:00.002-06:00

One of the highlights of my Christmas break was watching "Pride and Prejudice" with my sister-in-law. There is a primal, romantic thread to almost every woman in which we desire to return to a simpler time in which people talk with eloquence and use words like "vexing" and "euphoric" to describe everyday emotions. Needless to say, I ate it all up. I loved every sentence, every scene. I want to try a day talking in Jane Austen-ese, but I'm afraid my audience of four and under wouldn't understand. Oh well, another day!

A Better Day

2011-01-04T12:54:00.002-06:00

Today is a better day. It started better and has gone off easier. So far no blowouts, no major tantrums, or bleeding husbands to care for. Knock on wood. John Paul still has his 6-month appointment this afternoon with shots, so the afternoon could be a different story. Yikes!

Wisdom Teeth

2011-01-03T16:43:00.002-06:00

Today Jeremy finally went under the knife and had his four wisdom teeth extracted. What that meant is that I was given the task of caring for the four little ones and Jeremy. Thankfully, he is easy to care for and I supplied him with ample amounts of pain killers and creamy mashed potatoes. The kiddos, on the other hand, were a challenge. Today has been a hard day. John Paul blew out of his diaper, Jacob threw up while pooping (who grosses them self out so much they have no choice but to vomit?!), and Grace has pink eye.

I wish I could write something witty, charming, and overwhelmingly optimistic but I can't. I want to write about how the hard days make me appreciate the grace and mercy of God, but I can't. I want to write about how cute and sweet this season of life is, but I can't. I'm exhausted and I have no idea how in the heck I am going to get it all done.

The Cousins

2010-12-30T10:08:00.001-06:00

Grace, Hannah Shaffer, Joseph, Jacob, and John Paul

A Return

2010-12-30T10:00:00.002-06:00

Despite my failed attempts in the past year at returning to my blog I have failed. It has been a year of joy and hardship, elation and sorrow. I have a wonderful baby boy whose disposition is peaceful and happy, and yet, the absolute craziness of four little ones overwhelmed me to the point of brokenness. Hormones and exhaustion led to what I can only describe as an absolute hell of post-partum depression. The sorrow and despair I have experienced over the past four months have shaken my faith, rocked my marriage, and tested my family. Thanks be to God for this suffering because despite these tests, we have emerged from the flames stronger and more dependent on our God. It is this refining fire that will make me a better wife, mother, friend, and sister.

Thank you to the many family and friends that have supported me along this journey. I want to use this blog as an outlet for my healing and hopefully as an opportunity to have a little fun as well!

One of those Days...

2010-09-21T15:14:00.003-05:00

Today is one of those days in my journey as "mom" that leaves me both exhausted and amused. It was a day of firsts. The first time I ever had all four of my kids sit through a 30 minute story time at the library without having them vomit or throw a fit. Pretty good start. Then, it was the first time that Grace went poop on the potty! Of course, it was followed by the twins insisting that they had to poop too but because of the layout of our split that meant I had two pooping kids separated by a two flights of stairs and a naked Grace perched on a training potty in her room. Thankfully, no major messes but it was the first time I have ever wiped three separate butts in the span of three minutes. I think I got my cardio in for the day running all those stairs! Finally, and best of all, it was the first time I let my boys sleep together for their "nap." They insisted on cuddling and because it was just too precious to break up I allowed it. In fact, I can hear them talking to each other in there right now. I would burst in and enforce the nap policy that I judiciously have held in place religiously for the past four years, but at least the door is closed and they are somewhat quiet. That's all that matters anyways....

Ooops. I spoke too soon. Their door just burst open.

The Mother of Four Four and Under

2010-09-08T13:36:00.003-05:00

You must be insane. A glutton for punishment. Are you crazy?! Wow, you are busy!

Every time I set foot in public donning my infant, toddler, and two preschoolers these are the mix of reaction I get from people. It's never, "Wow! Good for you! We need more talented multi-taskers in the world!" or "if only more people could look to you as an example of what it means to have 'relaxed' house cleaning." Even people of absolute good intentions still comment on the sheer number of little hands and feet clinging to me. Most likely, because they're right. I must be slightly insane and crazy to take on this load, but without each one of them I'm missing something. Without Joseph there wouldn't be moments where he remembers something we talked about three months ago, or without Jacob there wouldn't be times when he full out tackles his brother in the living room and pins him down in two seconds flat, without Grace there would be a sparkle lost from this world because she just shines when she smiles, and without John Paul there would be an innocence lost. Each one of them makes my life more full...more chaotic...but more full!

My Return to the Blogosphere

2010-09-08T13:35:00.003-05:00

After a long stint away from my blog, due in part to a broken computer, a difficult pregnancy, and an illness I have returned! I realized that I need this as an outlet, even if it purely for myself. My hope and desire is that I can entertain at least one person with my thoughts and reflections on the absolute chaos of my life!

Chunks of Inspiration

2010-03-02T16:30:00.002-06:00

Here are some things that have inspired and/or made me smile today:

1. Grace stuck her fist in the cookie dough we were making just to snag some chocolate chips.

2. Jacob kissed my pregnant belly and said, "I love you John Paul!"

3. "God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December." -J.M. Barrie

4. Excerpt from Globalization, Spirituality, and Justice:

"From the perspective of Christian spirituality, fasting does not mean desiring less but desiring more: its goal is not to eliminate desire but to intensity it and orient it toward flourishing human relationships and the prospering of human life." (248)

The Big Time-Out

2010-03-02T16:25:00.001-06:00

Yesterday my boys experienced a lengthy time-out. A common punishment, but this time the reason was an uncommon crime. The crime? During their short video time I was upstairs putting away laundry when I heard a strange conversation brewing. It was something like this...
-Ewww...Your nonnies (our word for butt) smells stinky!
-Yeah, well, yours smells poochy too!

That's never a good sign. I went downstairs to investigate this sketchy dialogue only to discover that both boys had removed their pants and underwear and were taking turns sniffing each others behinds. Let's just say that there was no doubt left in their minds after the incident that this is NOT appropriate behavior!

I can barely write this without laughing, because it was so absurd and gross that you almost have to laugh. I mean seriously, what inspired them to do that?! Oh, the little moments that just make you giggle...

Intentional, Professional Mothering

2010-03-01T15:53:00.003-06:00

I am reading a book called Steady Days: A Journey towards Intentionally, Professional Mothering, based on a blog I like to frequent called "Steady Days." She makes great points about organization and having a plan to carry you through your day with intention rather than merely survival. Obviously, we don't just treat motherhood like a job--it is a vocation--and with that come other responsibilities and realities. Thank goodness I don't go around hugging, kissing, wrestling, and tickling my co-workers, but I definitely do this with my children! There are many perks to the profession of motherhood.

The only problem for me right now...finding the motivation to put aside the million other tasks at hand and organizing myself. Hmm...hard to be intentional when I'm not motivated to make a plan! So, here's to my journey towards more intention!

The Best Picture Ever

2010-02-25T15:19:00.000-06:00

Seriously, there's nothing more to say except "Wow--that's awesome!" Pretty much sums it up!

Tae Bo

2010-02-25T15:14:00.002-06:00

Back in January 2009 I started exercising almost everyday. I started with workout videos then switched to running when the weather got nicer. It all culminated in a half-marathon run with Jeremy back in September of 2009, and although I was looking forwards to a marathon run getting pregnant put that on a holding pattern until post-baby. So, in the meantime (post-meningitis and inner ear nerve damage) I am back at the workout videos and running. I can't go quite as all-out as I'd like for the sake of the pregnancy, and the limits of my rounding belly, but I am so addicted to that sweat and post-workout high. I even bought a heart monitor at the suggestion of pregnancy trainers to keep track of my HR and calories burned. Just now I finished Billy Blank's Boot Camp 2 workout (with a few pregnancy modifications), burned nearly 500 calories, am sweating like mad, and feel like a million bucks.

Prego-licious!

2010-02-24T14:04:00.003-06:00

Pregnant at 18.5 weeks!

Please, I'm begging you, just ignore the title. It's an attempt to make myself feel better about my expanding waistline, growing chest, and blossoming buttocks. Unlike my previous two pregnancies I am working out almost everyday, which does wonders for my prego self-esteem; however, despite my husband's best efforts at his genuinely authentic compliments about my changing form, my cultural self-possession about "thinness" and its relation to "beauty" reigns dominant. I know in my heart that a pregnant woman is truly a beautiful thing. What is beauty, my husband explained, but that which is in line with the designs of God. What can be more in line with God's design for woman than a pregnant, swollen belly? Nothing. I know this when I look at another pregnant woman--fecund, voluptuous, and glowing. Yet, my own struggle is to see myself this way. Yet, Johnny Diaz sings, "There could never be a more beautiful you. Fall in love with the beautiful you!"

So, one of my Lenten (side note: did you know the word "lent" comes from the Germanic word for "springtime"?) resolutions is to find a new beautiful thing about pregnancy everyday, pray about it, and embed it into my soul so that I can begin to believe it.

Pee-Pee Crashing Contest

2010-02-16T14:21:00.002-06:00

Unfortunately, I did not get to witness this first hand but the story came directly from the primary witness--Jeremy.

Last night before bed Jeremy had both boys in the bathroom to go potty before bed. Apparently they both dropped trow at the same time and, while on opposite sides of the potty, and started going. Suddenly their streams collided and Jacob yelled out, "My pee pee crashed into your pee pee!" Then Joseph rebutted, "No! It was MY pee pee that crashed into yours!" Either way it was a friendly argument, with at least one man laughing hysterically in the background.

Falling in Love Again

2010-02-16T14:16:00.002-06:00

My life is so blessed. I know this sounds cliche, but I fall more in love with my husband every day. Between the way that he selflessly serves me on the weekends so I can sleep in, has my cup of tea ready for me, and watches the kids so I can take naps and rest. It's not just his actions, but the authentic love he has for me. He doesn't love me for merely surface reasons, but because I am a woman of God.

I love you Jeremy!

Preschooler Analysis

2010-02-09T10:51:00.002-06:00

Today at snack time I quizzed my boys while they munched on pretzels and sipped juice boxes about what they saw this morning while they watched a couple cartoons. I don't like to treat TV as a babysitter (even though I often have to use it as one!), so I try to probe them to see what they learned. Well, today the topic was a favorite: "Dinosaur Train." The normal intro questions were answered promptly, correctly, and almost without thought.

"What kind of dinosaur is Mr. Conductor?"
"A troodon".
"What kind of dinosaur is Tiny?"
"A tarandon."

Then, the kicker...
"Do you remember how Tiny and Buddy were really hot at the beginning and were fanning themselves? Do you remember what dinosaur they met?"
"A stegasaurus"
(Here's where I thought I would stump them)
"Do you remember why they have plates on their backs?"
Jacob: "To keep cool and stave off meat-eating carnivores."

Yep, this is no joke folks. Jacob, with complete confidence and zero stutter, used the word "stave" and "carnivore" in the same sentence. Whoever said TV can't be educational?

Butt Pinches

2010-01-25T13:36:00.002-06:00

Last night we went to 5 pm Mass at our parish, Holy Trinity. Normally it would be like all other masses we have attended, except there was an unusual occurance...

On our way up to receive communion Jeremy was holding Grace, and both boys were in front of Jeremy with their arms crossed over their chests, and I was behind all four of them. Suddenly, Joe cocks his head to the side, reaches his arms out, and with both hands grabs the middle-aged man's butt in front of us. We're talking a full hand worth, not just a pinch and release. Jeremy quickly pulled Joe back so as to release the grab. The man quickly straightened up at the sensation of being accosted on his way to receive the Body of Christ and then turned around and gave Jeremy a strange look. When we realized it wasn't Jeremy (partly because he was holding Grace, half cracking up, and telling Joe "no") he turned around stunned. Needless to say, he didn't return to his pew after communion. Of course, as witnesses to this butt-grabbing we couldn't stop laughing. We could barely contain our snickers when it was our turn to receive Jesus. When we got home we asked Joseph why he grabbed the man's butt and his response was simple..."Umm...I'm not sure."

Classic.

Prayers

2010-01-20T08:47:00.002-06:00

Last night we received the horrible news that a dear friend, Jeff Montolio, was killed in a car accident. If you would please keep the family in your prayers that would be so appreciated; they are grieving the loss of a father and a husband today.

Rejoining the Blogosphere

2010-01-15T14:55:00.003-06:00

I have been away from this blog for several months now. No, I haven't been off lounging on a beach with a Mai-Tai in my hands. Unfortunately, far from the truth! However, the sickness that prevented me from doing much of anything has subsided and I am finally feeling like a normal person again.

Updates:

1. I am 13 weeks pregnant and already showing. My boys keep saying, "Wow! Your belly is really huge!" What are they going to say when I'm 30 weeks? Maybe they can just roll me around like the girl who turned into a blueberry on "Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory."

2. Grace is a full-out toddler with tantrums and ill-communicated opinions. For some reason though, it is easier to handle coming from her. Maybe it's just that despite the tears and the pathetic prostrate pose on the kitchen floor she still looks so darn cute!

3. Jeremy is back in the academic swing of things. He has even adopted a new policy for the month of January: it is tie month. It is thoroughly throwing his students off because he is normally so casual. And yes, what's the talk mostly about this month? Sex and Marriage. A heavy topic demands a tie, I think. :)

Funnyisms from my 3-year old

2009-11-18T09:01:00.003-06:00

I was browsing through a Fit Pregnancy magazine last night with Jacob on my lap and he pointed to a picture of a very pregnant woman and said,

Wow! Look at her belly--it's huge!

Well, what's in that belly Jacob?

A baby.

You're right! Did you know you were in my belly with Joseph at one time too?

Oh yeah! A mouse came and chased us in your belly and we wiggled our nonnies (what we call the butt) until we were free so we could get away from the mouse and then we just popped out!

*UNCONTROLLED LAUGHTER*

Oh, so that's how you were born?

Mmmmhmmm. Yep, that's how I was borned.

Updates

2009-11-18T08:55:00.004-06:00

I apologize for the lack of blogging lately. Life has been, and this is an understatement, crazy. First of all, we are pregnant! Another July baby to add on to the Aranda clan. I have to say, although we weren't "trying" to get pregnant we rolled the dice, took a calculated risk, and BAM! PREGNANT! Maybe I should look into gambling...my odds always seem to work out in my favor.

On top of that, I have still been suffering some pretty intense vertigo and nausea. If anyone isn't familiar with vertigo, it can manifest itself in different sensations of spinning but for me it is like I am constantly riding the teacups at Disney World. Not so fun.

Congratulations St. James Boys Soccer!

2009-11-04T14:23:00.001-06:00

Here's a little shout-out to the St. James Boys Soccer Team for making it to the final four of state soccer this coming weekend! Make us proud boys!

Who Are the Poor?

2009-11-02T07:13:00.001-06:00

Who Are the Poor?

The poor are the center of the Church. But who are the poor? At first we might think of people who are not like us: people who live in slums, people who go to soup kitchens, people who sleep on the streets, people in prisons, mental hospitals, and nursing homes. But the poor can be very close. They can be in our own families, churches or workplaces. Even closer, the poor can be ourselves, who feel unloved, rejected, ignored, or abused. It is precisely when we see and experience poverty - whether far away, close by, or in our own hearts - that we need to become the Church; that is hold hands as brothers and sisters, confess our own brokenness and need, forgive one another, heal one another's wounds, and gather around the table of Jesus for the breaking of the bread. Thus, as the poor we recognise Jesus, who became poor for us.
- Henri Nouwen

Halloween Blunders and the hope of All Saints Day

2009-11-01T16:24:00.003-06:00

Last night we set to the streets around 6:30 to take the kids trick-or-treating down our block. I had enough energy to walk with them and told Jeremy I wasn't going to miss it for the world. Not that Halloween is a big deal to us, it's not. Quite frankly, I think it's a strange holiday that people like just because they want an excuse to dress up as something they are not and walk around scaring people. We're so afraid of death in our culture that we tiptoe around it, except on Halloween, and even then it's a warped approach to death. What a nice follow-up then that the day after this strange holiday is All Saints Day in the Church. A day of hope! A day when we realize that God wants us all to strive to be saints; to join those in heaven that literally had no fear of death that some of them were gruesomely martyred.

Here's a great excerpt about All Saint's Day:

"Throughout the liturgical year, we have feast days for thousands of saints. But today is the feast of everyone else. It’s the day when we all rejoice in God’s gift of salvation and the hope of heaven. The beatitudes, lofty though they seem, are possible for us because it is God’s gift of grace that transforms us and builds his character in us. He makes saints of us as we follow him. In fact, every step we take to put aside self-centeredness, every choice to give of ourselves to others, every prayer time spent on our knees before the Lord moves us one step closer to our heavenly goal." (Word Among Us Press)

Viral Meningitis and Labrynthitis

2009-10-28T09:44:00.001-05:00

I have a diagnosis. I have viral meningitis and labrynthitis (an inner ear disease) that is causing my pain, headaches/neckaches, and a host of other problems. Thankfully, God blessed me with an incredible faith-filled neurologist who was patient and thorough and got to the bottom of my illness.

Considering I am now on my second round of serious illness for the month I have to completely trust in God and know that He has a greater plan for all of this. If I have learned anything in my life it is that I deeply believe in the power of fruitful suffering. So much good can come out of pain and I think this is exactly what this trial is. He is teaching me to surrender. To give everything to Him and to rely on Him completely. To trust that He will provide, care for my children when I am unable to, and heal my pain. I thank God that we have these trials in life to remind us how blessed we are when we do have our health.

A Must Read!

2009-10-25T09:56:00.003-05:00

I have a MUST-READ for all people who want to do more about integrating social justice into their lives and want concrete steps to start this overhaul in their life. She reinforces the biblical idea of true justice as that which all Christians are called to do to restore right relationships with all people and with God.

It's called Everyday Justice: The Global Impact of Our Daily Choices by Julie Clawson.

Here is a link to her blog: http://www.everydayjustice.net/ where you can read more about the issues she touches on in her book.

She has great commentary, examples, and resources in her book how changing a few basic actions can greatly impact justice. They are:

1. Coffee
2. Chocolate
3. Food
4. Oil
5. Clothing
6. Waste
7. Jubilee and Debt Forgiveness

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE...if you read no other book this month, buy a copy of this one, read it, pray about it, and consider making small changes in your life to make a big change in the world.

Bed Rest

2009-10-23T14:33:00.002-05:00

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to everyone for all their prayers and help this past week. Once again, I found myself in the emergency room and bed ridden for the week. This time, I wish I could say I had answers and a speedy recovery but even typing a coherent sentence is physically taxing. In the meantime, I am surrendering to the fact that I am not invincible, that I am not the only person who can take care of my children, and that I too need to rest. God is a good

Immaculee Ilibagiza

2009-10-15T12:50:00.003-05:00

Last night Jeremy and I had the privilege of attending a talk by Immaculee Ilibagiza, who wrote the best-seller "Left to Tell." She is a survivor of the Rwandan Genocide who hid in a bathroom for three months, escaping the massacre, and left with a supreme faith in God. Her story is breathtaking. She is a prophet in our age who speaks of love, kindness, and forgiveness. She met with the men who killed her family and forgave them. She lovingly embraced them and said "It is okay. I forgive you. I love you." Her humble joy and piety was inspiring--Jeremy and I both left feeling the strong call to pray more and I felt like I had heard the life of a saint first person. If you haven't read her book, go out and buy it! It is phenomenal! She has two others on the market that I have yet to read but will be purchasing right away.

Her website is:
www.immaculee.com

Some key thoughts she said that stuck with me:

1. "If you have a choice between being kind and being right, always choose to be kind."

2. "These were people with Ph.D's that were organizing the genocide. They were smart people, but if you only train the head and you neglect the heart then there is great potential for disaster and harm. This is why it is crucial to focus our hearts on Jesus."

3. "Anytime I am struggling, unsure, or angry I stop everything I am doing and pray the Rosary."

4. "I like to send God emails....god@heaven.org...He never replies, but I know he's getting the message."

Not catching a break

2009-10-13T20:28:00.002-05:00

I'm sick with a cold. One of those annoying ones where you aren't so sick that you need to lay in bed all day, but sick enough to feel tired and stuffy all day long. So much so that you find yourself zoning out quite often...so much so that I think I already corrected four spelling errors in this short post.

I lift my warm cup of tea and toast to things that make me feel better:

1. Vicks' VaporRub smelling Kleenex
2. Green Tea with Honey
3. A scoop of Nutella
4. The sound of my husband's car pulling into the driveway

Charity's Wedding!

2009-10-12T11:57:00.002-05:00

Jeremy and I posed for our own shot down in Forest Park in St. Louis

My sister-in-law got married this weekend and it was an awesome celebration! Again, all five of us were in the wedding and this time the logistics were a bit more complicated because my parents weren't there to help us with the kids. Let's just say I REALLY enjoyed that first beer when Jeremy and I got on the party bus without the kids! Despite the chaos of my wonderful children, who, by the way, did a great job going down the aisle, it was a beautiful celebration of love. Congratulations Charity and Jeff!

Mastitis and Bacteremia

2009-10-02T09:08:00.002-05:00

God has a funny way of forcing me to rest. Last Sunday I suddenly started vomiting violently, spiked a fever, and had violent shakes called rigors. It literally came on within an hour of me mentioning I was achy and that my left breast hurt. Well, turns out I had a massive infection in my breast called mastitis--a result of weaning Grace. After a shot of morphine, strong anti-nausea meds, and IV super antibiotics I spent the next two days in the hospital fighting fevers and being stuck with plenty of needles. It's funny...I had been praying for silent time with God just to hear what He wants of me. I just didn't think it would be in a hospital room. So, upon being allowed to leave I still didn't feel 100%, but figured it would just be a matter of time; however, the next morning I woke up nauseous, dizzy, and I ended up fainting in my kitchen. According to Jeremy I was a bit delerious and not speaking coherently. So, ER trip #2 for the week. This time it turns out that the infection was more severe than initially suspected and it had spread to my blood, something called bacteremia. My body was left weak and stripped of all its energy. Literally every ounce of energy I have goes to fighting this infection. So, here I am, computer in my lap, in bed for the next seven days. I guess this is the time that God wants me to have with Him!

A Fishing Trip

2009-09-20T22:02:00.003-05:00

Today was another big "first" in the lives of my children. It was their first time fishing. I personally don't care too much for the sport, but considering it is my father's favorite past time, he was thrilled to introduce the boys to the "art" of fishing. We journeyed down to Williamsburg, KS, and tried our hand at catching fish with two pee-wee Mickey Mouse Clubhouse fishing poles. We were anticipating a max of 15 minutes of attention span from the boys, and much to our shock, they were fascinated for a whole two hours! It was wonderful to see my kids having so much fun outside and with their Dad and Grandpa.

Sometimes the most wonderful entertainments are often the most simple.

Joseph and Papa reeling in the first catch!

Jacob insisted on doing it"all by myself!"

However, we all need a little Daddy guidance on in a while....

Of course, the princess came to the lake too!

Final Thoughts on "Happy Are you Poor"

2009-09-17T15:22:00.002-05:00

I just finished the book "Happy Are You Poor: The Simple Life and Spiritual Freedom" by Thomas Dubay, which was sent to me by my dear friend, Jess Heringer. I knew this was not going to be a superficial approach to Gospel poverty and boy, oh boy, was I right. There are times when Dubay can come across as slightly arrogant, and yet, the spirit of what he is saying is all truth. I think he does a great job of going straight at upper-middle-class America and challenging our materialist, consumerist, self-centered society. I know that he has challenged me to drastically change some fundamental premises and mind-sets that I had regarding what is "poverty" and what I can "do about it." Although the overall message and challenge of the book is good, I felt like it was lacking in its approach to the married laity. In regards to the question of evangelical poverty the hardest part for me is practicality. How do I, a mom of three, go about living a life totally (spiritually, emotionally, and physically) for God in the midst of the world? How do I be in the world but not of the world with three children to care for? I didn't feel like he approached this well enough, nonetheless, it contained so much truth!

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"Our deepest hungers are not for food and drink, not for amusements and recreations, not for property and wardrobes not for notoriety and gossip. We hunger for truth, we thirst to drink beauty, we yearn to celebrate, we seek to delight, we stretch out to love and to be loved. That is why anything than everything is not enough...Happy are the poor because they suffer no thing impediments to what they most deeply crave. They are free to rejoice in the Lord always. Such is at least part of the reason why one cannot be a disciple of Jesus unless he renounces all that he possesses (Lk 14:33)...Poverty of fact and of spirit contributes to the radical self-emptying that is a condition for this fullness of prayer and joy: 'Having nothing, possessing all things' (2 Cor 6:10)...The poor are indeed happy. They have EVERYTHING." (162-164)

Miracles in Mexico

2009-09-16T07:06:00.003-05:00

I am reading an incredible spiritual book entitled "Globalization, Spirituality, and Justice" by a former professor of mine, Fr. Daniel Groody. Just like the cover quote says, it literally takes my breath away. If you don't have the time to read it and reflect on the beauty of its message then please follow this website and watch "Miracles in Mexico." It is a short film documenting the work simple people are doing for the Body of Christ to alleviate poverty at the Mexico-US border.

http://www.groodyriverfilms.com/#

Half-Marathon Conquered!!

2009-09-13T20:01:00.002-05:00

I did it!!!!

Jeremy and I completed our first half marathon today in St. Louis, Missouri! It was thrilling, challenging, and exciting running with thousands of people all with a common goal of pushing our bodies beyond the line of comfort to see just how strong we are. Mile five to six was the hardest, but I enjoyed all of it! I think I was smiling for 90% of the time! Here are our official times from the marathon website.

2837    MOLLY ARANDA           OLATHE  KS           25   291 F 25-29    2:27:33    2:33:31      05:58   11:16/M
2838    JEREMY ARANDA          OLATHE  KS           29   194 M 25-29    2:27:34    2:33:32      05:57   11:16/M

What Inspired Me Today

2009-09-10T13:59:00.003-05:00

This quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church inspired me to look at prayer in a new, fresh light. I had to pass it along and hope that it touched your heart as much as it touched mine.

What is prayer?
For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look tuned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy. (St. Therese of Lisieux) (CCC 2558)

Beautiful Reflection of Mother Teresa

2009-09-09T07:53:00.004-05:00

If only we could all embrace these words with humility and joy!

Co-Sleepers

2009-09-01T16:50:00.002-05:00

I was taking a little online respite while my kiddos were all napping when I heard some crying from the boys room. My twin boys have always shared a room and just recently they made the big adjustment to big boys beds. They were very resistant as they have always loved their cribs because, according to them, it made them feel safe. I entered the room to find Joseph curled up in the fetal position next to a sweaty Jacob who was crying because he was so hot. Apparently Joseph crawled out of bed, climbed into his brothers, and decided it was better to cuddle than be alone. Jacob looked at me with half open eyes, squeaked out, "new shirt please", and after taking off the sweaty long-sleeved one and replacing it with a lighter t-shirt, he proceeded to go back to sleep with his brother by his side. Isn't that adorable?! Gosh, my life is blessed!

Let Justice and Praise Become My Embrace

2009-09-01T08:38:00.003-05:00

I am taking a moment to myself while my kids are watching their morning cartoon and the song "From the Inside Out" by Hillsong United is playing in the background. Here are the lyrics:

A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
my heart and my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

I am so inspired by the part about "The art of losing myself in bringing you praise." I think God is constantly calling us to lose ourselves to find Him, to put away our desires and be transformed in His. I know this is true of my life right now because there has been so much professional disappointment and my pride has taken a severe beating, and yet, I know God will provide if I am faithful and follow His plan for me.

I'm Baaack!

2009-08-31T20:58:00.003-05:00

Welcome back to my newly updated blog! I am thrilled to be back, update, and ready to write about what inspires and moves me.

Blast to the Past

2009-08-21T08:34:00.003-05:00

This morning my sweet daughter decided to rouse bright and early around 5:30 am. Normally when this happens I grab a cup of coffee, which has long been brewed since my dear husband has already been gone for an hour or so, and head downstairs with her to catch the morning news and weather report. Instead, this morning I decided to channel surf a bit and had a wonderful surprise! On TBS they were replaying episodes of "Saved By the Bell: The College Years." Anyone 25-35 is probably familiar with this classic from back in the day. It just so happens that the college years were my absolute favorite of all the Saved By the Bells! I indulged and felt like a middle schooler in front of the TV eating breakfast before school again. Instead, this time I had my toddler girl in my arms!

Des Moines Visit

2009-08-20T16:01:00.001-05:00

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Prayer in the Midst of a Crazy Life

2009-08-19T15:03:00.002-05:00

“Here I am, Lord. Mold me. I will go anywhere you want me to go. I will do anything you want me to do. I will say anything you want me to say. Lord Jesus, promise me just one thing—your presence.”

HIDDENNESS

2009-08-13T06:44:00.000-05:00

Hiddenness, a Place of Intimacy

Hiddenness is an essential quality of the spiritual life. Solitude, silence, ordinary tasks, being with people without great agendas, sleeping, eating, working, playing ... all of that without being different from others, that is the life that Jesus lived and the life he asks us to live. It is in hiddenness that we, like Jesus, can increase "in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and with people" (Luke 2:51). It is in hiddenness that we can find a true intimacy with God and a true love for people.

Even during his active ministry, Jesus continued to return to hidden places to be alone with God. If we don't have a hidden life with God, our public life for God cannot bear fruit.

Share your thoughts on this reflection. These reflections are taken from Henri J.M. Nouwen's Bread for the Journey.

Materialism Madness

2009-08-06T14:55:00.004-05:00

One of my biggest challenges as a Christian is my battle with materialism. I love to shop. I love to consume. Well, I love the feeling of shopping, that is, until I get home and realize that no one really needs the same shirt in four colors or organizers for every type of toy. When I remember that the majority of the world lives on less than a dollar a day I am ravaged with guilt and a desire to change. And yet, here I am, struggling with the same thing day after day. No, I don't do anything extravagant like fancy purses or expensive cars. For me, a big purchase is a new dress from Target; however, the struggle is the same. How do we consume less in a culture driven by our consumption? How do we then teach our children to be satisfied with the goods they have and put more emphasis on relationships with people instead of things? How do I "relearn" how to channel by desire to shop into something more productive?

Come As You Are...

2009-08-05T14:08:00.002-05:00

Be amazed. Be changed. By a perfect God.

The song "Perfect People" by Natalie Grant goes down as my new favorite song. I love the lyrics that emphasize the myth of perfect people and show there are only imperfect people and a perfect God. I need to hear these words right now as I head back into the busy season of school and soccer. Jeremy's hours are crazy again (4 am- 6:30 pm) and this means I am on. I am their mother, their teacher, their guide on this journey. But, I am not perfect. I screw up, make mistakes, and sometimes even plop them in front of Sesame Street or Veggie Tales for an hour when I need a mommy break. Nope, I'm not perfect. Far from it. The best I can do is admit that I must loose my life in order to find it. Even better, I will find it anew in a perfect God. A God that loves me for exactly where I am.

My little princess

2009-07-30T09:13:00.000-05:00

Grace makes the most hilarious faces. So dramatic and expressive!

Big Wheels

2009-07-30T08:20:00.002-05:00

The boys are 98% potty trained. Of course, there is the occasional poop at the park accident, which is never lovely, but we are doing pretty great. As a reward, the boys got Big Wheels as a surprise. The box said the toy went from age 3-8, but considering my boys are abnormally short their little feet barely reached the peddles.

Never fear, they did get a ride in! My ingenious husband decided we should strap on our roller blades, put Grace in the jogging stroller, and tie rope to the front wheel of the Big Wheels. This way we could pull the Big Wheels behind us on the roller blades. Let's just say we had some neighbors cracking up. I wish I had a picture because it looked like we were taking our children on a walk on their leashes. Hmmmm....interesting

The Return of the Red Beast

2009-07-29T08:25:00.002-05:00

Surfing the maroon waves. Riding the red tide. The Big P. All common euphemisms to describe the return of the feminine monthly friend--the period. It's hit me like a ton of bricks. When you have a baby and then breastfeed exclusively like I did you are blessed to not have your period for quite a while. In my case, my last one was October 2007! So, needless to say, this return has caught me in quite a state of shock. It's not the bleeding or even the inconvenience--both of those things signify that I am fertile and could possibly, one day, conceive another child. That is beautiful! However, I am a freakin' basket case! The emotional roller coaster is enough to think I was a two-headed terror beast on the prowl for fresh blood.

My poor husband. This morning he asked me if ok (because I skipped my run this morning) and if I was feeling guilty about skipping it. Without a moments hesitation I snapped, "NO! BUT YOU MAKE ME FEEL GUILTY ABOUT IT!!! ROOOOOOOAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Not exactly a loving, patient response to my frustration.

Oh Lord, please relieve this crazy estrogen roller coaster that I am on.
Help me to see the beauty of the mood swings,
and refrain from biting off my husband's head
Amen.

Profound Prayer

2009-07-28T21:50:00.004-05:00

This was posted on a friend's blog and I found it so profound that I had to share it. I think the age of the handwriting tells it all. If only we all could have such a humble faith...

Video Creation

2009-07-28T21:37:00.003-05:00

I am making spiritual reflection videos as a side gig for a Catholic Catechesis group and I wanted to share them with my followers out there. Hope you enjoy!

Froggy Potty Madness

2009-07-22T19:52:00.003-05:00

The boys are making great strides in the potty training department. After a few diarrhea set backs we are again full steam ahead. Jacob has even started to tell us when he has to go poop. This is a big step in the right direction after the numerous explosions all over the floors and couches. However, it's not fair of me to gloss this over as rainbows and teddy bears and pretend that there haven't been any missteps in the past few days. Please, let me explain...

So the other night Jacob informs us at the dinner table.

"Mommy, Daddy, my tummy hurts. I need to go potty." (a.k.a he has to poop)

"Ok, babe let's go!" I shout as I race him to the cute little frog potty in our bathroom. He proceeds to help me pull down his underwear and shorts and plop down on the seat. After a few seconds of no action his little lips purse to one side, his cheeks turn a rosy with intensity, and he starts pushing. Suddenly I see this large, non-stop roll of poop, almost like soft-serve ice cream, come cascading from his bottom. He realized what is going on and decides he needs to sneak a peek. He sits up, sticks his head between his legs, and take a giant sniff. Now, I must warn you, this is not sweet, innocent breast fed baby poop. This is stinky, nasty, I-drink-too-much-milk poop. He realizes it smells awful, looks up at me with a look of disgust, and then it happens.

"BWWWWAAAAAA!!!!!" He starts projectile puking all over himself, me, the floor, his potty, everything. He was so grossed out by his own crap that he puked. If that wasn't enough I see Jeremy in the hall trying to catch Grace, as she B-lines for the puke pile, while Joseph is screaming for more ketchup in the kitchen.

Oh, the trials of motherhood. Quite frankly, it didn't even phase me. I thought it was hilarious. In fact, I couldn't stop laughing. The poor kid probably thought I was nuts.

Construction

2009-07-18T13:31:00.002-05:00

Right now my house is a mess! My kitchen has literally been turned upside down as we replace our oven and counter tops. Unfortunately, this is one of the side effects when you are "do-it-yourselfers." Ok, I'll cut the crap. My husband is a DIYer--not me. I'd call the handy man in a heartbeat, but when you're living on one income doin' it yourself is a budget-friendly option.

As I write this I am serenaded by the roar of a circular saw, my boys screaming the theme song of "Veggie Tales", and praying to God that Grace manages to fall asleep for her nap amid this cacophany.

Seasons of Love and Motherhood

2009-07-17T09:41:00.003-05:00

Most people in my generation are familiar with the hit song from the Broadway musical "RENT" entitled "Seasons of Love." Here's an excerpt of the lyrics:

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes,
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Moments so dear

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights
In cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife

In five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in the life?

How about love? How about love?
How about love? Measure in love

Seasons of love
Seasons of love

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Journeys to plan

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Of a woman or a man?

I was thinking about this all night as I lay in my bed wide awake after an awful nightmare about my children dying in my arms. I was praying that I enjoy every moment with my children in all "seasons" of their life and in all the stages and seasons of motherhood that follow. It is so easy when life is beyond chaotic to wish time away, to await tomorrow without appreciating today. If I were to rewrite this song I'm sure my lyrics would include something about "Five hundred twenty-five thousand poochy diapers in the pail" or "In nursing, in teething, in trips down espresso lane." However, ultimately it would all still include "measure in love." So, my prayer for you today is that you too can measure your days, your seasons of life, in love.

Brotherly Love

2009-07-14T21:35:00.001-05:00

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4th of july

2009-07-13T21:53:00.001-05:00

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Female Models of Faith

2009-07-13T09:29:00.004-05:00

I have been so stressed out lately with potty training, sibling fighting, and other woes of motherhood that I needed to take a break to think about what women I look to as models of living and faith. In the back of my mind I expected it to be women with a long list of credentials behind their name or someone who single handedly started their own company that changed the world. Ironically, none of the women on my list fit that description. The woman I look to for the most inspiration in both motherhood and holy womanhood is Mary, the Mother of God. I admire her for her humility, faith, and gentleness--not for her killer business instinct or her "success" in the eyes of the world. It was a good reminder that although what I am doing as a mother may not be looked upon with awe by the eyes of the world (or myself at times) I am doing God's will, and that alone, is enough to satisfy me. Once I realized that I must "loose my life to save it" I realized that this suffering has a great purpose.

Potty Training Sucks

2009-07-11T19:01:00.001-05:00

Potty Training is my LEAST favorite experience in mothering so far. I think even less than projectile vomiting in public. Yesterday we have three poop accidents that resulted in liquid poop shat all over our basement carpet. Yes, carpet. Let's just say, bootcamp isn't going well. Any tips from seasoned pros?

Excerpt from SimpleMom.net

2009-07-09T21:45:00.002-05:00

"Clutter annoys me, but I’ve also learned to not let it bother me too much. I’ll clean it up in a minute, and I know it’ll get filled with stuff again in a few hours. I like keeping the perspective that these items tossed hither and yon are footprints of those people in my life I love. This doll that never lives where it’s supposed to is here because of my daughter. And she’s such a blessing in my life. I’ll take her over a perfectly organized home any day."

The Transformation Within

2009-07-09T21:30:00.003-05:00

I am in the midst of a self-renewal. Of a time in which I can feel the fire burn within me; the spirit stirs my soul. I desire to know Him more, to know Him deeper, and to serve Him more fully. How can I do this in the midst of apparent chaos? I have to find the stillness in my soul. I am learning. Learning how to find the quiet voice of God present in my soul while being distracted by the earthquake of my surroundings. Learning. Loving. Being still.

Addicted

2009-07-08T20:35:00.003-05:00

I just ran 6.2 miles. Jeremy and I go on running dates now. Running dates!! I don't know what the heck has gotten into my system but I am totally addicted to running. It's the "me time" that I desperately need each day to get pumped up about my vocation, because, let's be honest, being a mom 24-7 isn't all that glamorous. I'm looking forward to some 8-milers in the coming weeks of my training!

The smallest flower girl in the world!

2009-07-08T16:04:00.002-05:00

Grace was one of the flower girls at my sister-in-laws wedding on June 27th. She didn't quite make it down the aisle, but she looked darn cute trying!

Aren't my men handsome?!

The Return of Mommy

2009-07-08T16:00:00.002-05:00

After a week and a half of vacation I am back into the groove of life at home. Here are some highlights from the past week:

1. Seeing my kiddos in formal wear at Christy's wedding!

2. A 2-hour hammock nap on a perfect day

3. 10-mile running date with Jeremy topped off by the best breakfast in Okoboji with a view of the lake

4. Watching Grace smother cake over herself as she indulges in on her first birthday.

It's the little things that make a vacation incredible. We don't even have to spend thousands of dollars or plan obsessively--it is just wonderful getting away and spending quality time with my family!

Photos from 10K

2009-06-10T08:39:00.003-05:00

These are small copies of the professional photos taken at the 2009 Hospital Hill Run. 10K down and half marathon to go!

Day Out with Thomas

2009-06-09T09:08:00.002-05:00

Daddy and the boys with Thomas after their big ride

Getting ready to take off on their ride on Thomas complete with conductor hats

Joseph got a kick out of playing with the train tables

Even Grace got in on the action!

The boys got their early birthday present this past Sunday. Thomas the Tank Engine, their absolute favorite, was in town for a "Day Out with Thomas." We surprised them that morning by simply asking them if they would ever want to meet Thomas. Of course, they were pumped so we hopped in the car and drove the 30 minutes to a quaint little town just outside KC where they got to ride on a full size Thomas, play with trains, get Thomas tattoos, meet the characters, and experience funnel cake for the first time--compliments of Dad, of course. Their little eyes were enormous the entire time!

Hospital Hill Run 2009

2009-06-09T09:00:00.002-05:00

This weekend Jeremy and I ran our first 10K together. It was amazing! The hills were definitely a challenge, but I conquered them all and had plenty of gas left over at the end of the race. I could have kept going for much longer! Needless to say, Jeremy was incredible. I run slow. Eleven-minute mile slow, and for 6.2 miles that is an hour and eight minutes of running. He can run so much faster than I can, but he stuck with me for the entire time--we talked, laughed, gave high fives. Many men would have had their egos bruised by the people passing us, but he didn't. He had a great time with me and I can't wait to run another race with him. In fact, (I'm totally insane!) but we are going to run a half-marathon in September. I'm totally addicted!

Funny Three-Year-Old-Isms

2009-06-03T14:33:00.002-05:00

We had a little incident this past weekend at state soccer (ST. JAMES WON STATE AGAIN--WHOOHOO!!! GO THUNDER) in which there were fans from the opposing team sitting near myself, Joseph, Jacob, Grace, and Grandma. One of those fans, a 20-something young woman, was wearing a black eye patch with a strap that wrapped around the head. In an adorable moment of revelation Jacob screams, "LOOK GRANDMA!!! THAT LADY IS A PIRATE!" The jaw drops, you realize in horror that this comment was definitely within earshot, and you try to contain the laughter while simply explaining that she is not, in fact, a pirate on a pillaging break to watch a soccer match. Oh, the innocence.

A Tiny Tux

2009-06-03T14:23:00.002-05:00

All five of us are in my sister-in-law's wedding in three weeks. My sister-in-law, Christy, was so generous and bought tiny tuxedos for the boys to wear in their official first time as "ringbearers." They are going to be pulling Grace, the flower girl, down the aisle in a decorated wagon. Oh, don't ya worry--there will be plenty of photographic evidence from the event. I'm just hoping they don't take this as an opportunity to run full speed down the aisle and dump their sister overboard.

Here's a shot of Joseph trying on his tuxedo for the first time today. He didn't want to take it off!

So Many Updates!

2009-05-25T20:46:00.002-05:00

The past month has been full of fun--mostly because my mom moved in with us to help with the three musketeers while Jeremy finished school and soccer. Let's just say it has been GLORIOUS! My house hasn't been this clean since my one-time visit by Molly Maid, nor have I been able to leave the house this much in the middle of the day BY MYSELF since before I was pregnant!

Here's some general updates:

1. I am still on a runners high. I used to think that phenomenon was totally bogus, but it's real and it's addictive. Nearly as good as ice cream. Ok, that's going a bit far, but nonetheless, my fancy for running continues to grow. After Julie and I rocked our Mothers Day 5K (we ran it in 33 minutes and sprinted the last 100 meters) I was on the prowl for my next race. They are a blast! Now, realizing that my stamina is better than I thought, Jeremy and I are running a 10K together on June 6th in KC called "The Hospital Hill Run." It starts by Crown Center downtown and weaves through the plaza and other hip, fun parts of downtown that I rarely see. As part of our training we went on a run-date the other night and ran seven miles together as the sun set. It was so much fun! I know, we're total losers, but it was actually really romantic! Hey, when you're on a budget and free time is a luxury you have to get creative.

2. St. James soccer made it to state, so Tuesday we head to Topeka and assuming a win there we will be in the final four in Wichita this weekend. Go Lady Thunder!

Mothers Day 5K

2009-05-13T09:41:00.004-05:00

These pictures are blurry because they are from the professional photographer, but they are a taste of the awesome Mothers Day 5K we completed! Once I get the pictures from my sister I will be sure to post more. It was such a blast!

The Poopy Rocket

2009-04-29T09:43:00.002-05:00

This is one of those stories that is too cute to ever forget.

We were at a park yesterday and, as usual, the boys both pooped right away. I have no idea why they do this, but about every time they go hide under the slide and drop a giant turd in their diaper. That can't feel good! So, anyway...I go to change them in the car and I've got Jacob laying down on the floor of the minivan with Joseph looking on waiting his turn. Jacob has poop everywhere--all over all the boy parts, if you get my drift! Then it happens. Joseph peers over and says, "Eww...Jacob has a poopy rocket." "A what?!" I ask in disbelief. "A rocket," he says while matter-of-factly pointing to Jacob's pee-pee. Awesome, I think. Just what I need. My son proudly proclaiming that he's got quite the rocket. Awesome.

Ripping out my Eyeballs

2009-04-23T14:34:00.001-05:00

Gory, but true. This is how I feel today. You know those days when you feel like you want to just rip your eyes out from their sockets and collapse on the floor from the stress?! That's today. In fact, that has been the last month.

Lord have mercy!

Random Pictures

2009-04-21T21:17:00.002-05:00

I love this yellow outfit from her aunts Christy and Charity. She looks like a ball of sunshine!

The boys at Deanna Rose Farm. This is the only shot I got of them before my camera died that day. They were mesmerized by the giant fish and their freedom out of the stroller.

Joseph is puzzle obsessed. Not just any puzzle. THIS PUZZLE. He did this puzzle over and over again today for an hour and a half. No joke.

Puke and Poop Saga

2009-04-21T21:02:00.002-05:00

As any mother knows there are certain standards of beauty and even hygeine that are lowered once you have kids. No longer are you allowed to spend ten minutes doing your hair--the ponytail is the go to and mascara is now optional. Most days I am lucky if my pants and shirt aren't pock marked with snot and peanut butter by lunchtime. Well, this past Saturday my standards were lowered even farther. Here are the ooey, gooey, not so charming details...

Joseph decided he wanted to wear underwear on Saturday after successfully going potty on his frog toilet. This was a big step because he kind of regressed in his interest after being sick. I sent him downstairs to play with Dad, brother, and his aunt and uncle while I nursed Grace and got her down for her morning nap. After this was completed I walked downstairs and noticed the overwhelming whiff of poop. Someone was poochy. Considering I had already changed Jacob's poopy diaper that morning I knew it was Joseph. "Jeremy, Joseph's in underwear!" I said accusingly. In the excitement of the morning this minor details was lost in translation somewhere and now Joseph had pants full of poop. I took him upstairs and noticed right away I wasn't dealing with a minor case of the turdlets. This was a full blown, boy becomes man dump. I started peeling his Thomas the Train underwear off when this giant ball of turd went careening out of the fabric and was on a trajectory to land on the carpet unless I swept in and caught it in my hand. It was either catch the man-turd or clean up the mess later. I was busy enough; this was poop catchin' time. I caught the turd and felt my fingers squish agains this nasty, warm thing. When between "I do" and "It's a boy!" did I sign up to be a poop catcher?! I guess it's this kind of stuff we don't get a memo about when we're trying to conceive because it just kind of comes with the territory.

If you've got the stomach, there's even more...from Joseph...on the same day.

Let's just say too much apple juice and Jo-Jo's tummy are not a good match. I discovered this in the stands at Jeremy's soccer game that same day when my sister-in-law's fiance leaned over to me and politely observed, "I think Joseph is poochy." Indeed he was. "Strange, he doesn't normally poop twice in one day," I thought to myself. I left Grace and Jacob with their aunt and grabbed Joe, wipes, and a diaper and headed to my car for the change. When I got to the car I noticed something. My arm was wet. Not just wet, but brown. A brown wet. Oh God. Diarrhea. I looked at his pants and they were soaking wet with brown crap. Lets just say for lack of too many details that this stuff was everywhere. I had in one day caught a turd the size of a small puppy and had diarrhea run down my forearm from the same kid. What a glamorous job this is. Funny thing is, I don't think I'd change it for the world. What drugs am I on?!

My pretty princess

2009-04-20T15:25:00.000-05:00

Deanna Rose

2009-04-17T13:56:00.003-05:00

The three musketeers and I ventured out today to Deanna Rose Farmstead. It is this great little petting zoo/park near our house with goats, cows, horses, pigs, etc. Pretty much anything you'd see on a farm you can find at this place. Pulling into the parking lot I feel right at home considering there are more double strollers and minivans there than at a mother of multiples garage sale. We had so much fun soaking in the sun and the adventure--the boys especially liked the turtles and the bunnies. It was so fun to see their little personalities come out as Jacob was intrigued but scared of the animals, whereas Joseph literally had no fear. He would climb on the fence to get as close as possible and stick out his hand to touch the goats. Hopefully the goats don't have any communicable diseases because before I could slather on the antibacterial gel Joseph went straight for his mouth with a pretzel. Just strengthening the immune system, right?!

Abundant Blessings

2009-04-17T13:52:00.002-05:00

I love the readings for today. We read in the Gospel of John the story where Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection and shared a meal of bread and fish with them on the beach near a charcoal fire. He invites them to eat "breakfast" with him and in Greek the literal translation of this is "the best meal." I love that! Jesus is inviting them to have a share of the best because he wants to provide for them and us abundantly. If we are obedient to him and follow his teachings he wants to provide the absolute best for us! Dang, I want to pee my pants that is so thrilling!

A Letter to President Obama from "America" Magazine

2009-04-14T11:45:00.000-05:00

A Letter to President Obama

From the Superior General of the Congregation of Holy Cross

Hugh Cleary | MARCH 30, 2009

ear Mr. President,

As Superior General of the Congregation of Holy Cross and an alumnus of the University of Notre Dame I wish to offer you some personal reflections on the university’s decision inviting you to campus to deliver this year’s commencement address and to honor you with a Doctor of Laws degree.

In reflecting on your upcoming presence at Notre Dame, I am reminded of the way you seized an opportunity in your presidential campaign to address the issue of racial bigotry in our American culture. You used the occasion as a teachable moment for the nation.

In a similar way your presence at Notre Dame affords all of us, including yourself, a teachable moment. President Obama, you are superbly versed in the issues of our day. I have no doubt that your policy convictions are grounded in rigorous study and that all your important decisions are supported by your conscience. I am confident that you are likewise well versed in the Catholic faith conviction that human life begins at conception. Therefore, through this open letter, I would like to take advantage of your appearance at Notre Dame to ask you to rethink, through prayerful wrestling with your own conscience, your stated positions on the vital “life issues” of our day, particularly in regard to abortion, embryonic stem cell research and your position on the Freedom of Choice Act before Congress.

Perhaps such an impertinent request rings with insolence. I mean you no disrespect. But why not seize this moment as an opportunity to pray over the sacred truths we hold to be self-evident: "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life …”

Mr. President, you expressed our most essential faith conviction in your remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast this past February 5th, when you said: “There is no God who condones taking the life an innocent human being. This much we know.”

This much we know, President Obama, your statement on the unconscionable taking of an innocent life is truly our belief. It is the kind of clear, straightforward talk of your conscience convictions that we find so appealing. But sadly for us Catholics, your words do not express our meaning.

Innocent human life is conceived through sexual intercourse meant to be love’s most intimate, expression, save giving up one’s life for another. It is true that sometimes, tragically, life is formed in the brutality of rape or in the shame of incest. Likewise life is often conceived unintentionally through the enjoyment of sexual pleasures. An “unwanted” child comes in many forms such as an untimely presence; a disabled or deformed creature; an embryo of the wrong sex; a baby conceived out of wedlock, a child bearing a child.

Tragically, we have a tradition in our United States culture giving us permission to define the parameters of human life to suit our self-interest. Did we not justify our tradition of slavery by denying that a black human being of African decent was fully human? As I understand it, President Lincoln had a contrary view and took us to civil war for the sake of unifying our country’s conscience. And so now today we are engaged in a great civil war over conscience formation. The defense of human life is an obligation for all humanity, not just for Catholics.

President Obama I am embarrassed to admit that I could not participate in the last election cycle. I wanted to vote for you, but I just could not because of your position on abortion. In fact, I am finding it more and more difficult to vote for the candidates of our major political parties. My friends tell me to vote by all means, vote for the lesser of the evils. Unfortunately today’s evils seem so much larger than my conscience can bear, whether they pertain to abortion, the death penalty, euthanasia, immigration, the economy, housing for the poor, gun control, health care for the uninsured, the environment, war for oil or weapons of mass destruction. I do love my country and I do want to vote. I just do not know how to vote while remaining true to my conscience formed by my faith convictions.

When I was a young man I thrilled to the stirring words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. calling us to stand before the door of a great truth and open it wide: “to stand up for that which is right and that which is just…We die when we refuse to stand up for that which is right. We die when we refuse to take a stand for that which is true. So we are going to stand up right here.”

Perhaps, Mr. President, at the University of Notre Dame, you can stand up for the great truth of life, walk through that door and take us, as a nation, with you. If you do, I have no doubt whatsoever, your greatness will be realized.

Be assured of my prayers, Mr. President, for you and your good and delightful family. What a blessing your family is to the nation. May God’s grace expand the love in your hearts day in and day out.

Respectfully yours,
Rev. Hugh W. Cleary, C.S.C.

Hugh W. Cleary, C.S.C., is the superior general of the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Good Friday Prayer

2009-04-10T13:52:00.001-05:00

“Jesus, on this Good Friday I join with the saints in heaven to mourn what my sin did to you, but also to rejoice in what your love did for me. May this litany be in my heart today: Cross of Jesus, purify me. Blood of Jesus, cleanse me. Wounds of Jesus, heal me. Love of Jesus, free me. Mercy of Jesus, forgive me.”

5 out of 5

2009-04-10T12:21:00.003-05:00

We're batting 100 in the Aranda household. All five of us are sick. 5 out of the 6 ears of the kiddos are infected with massive ear infections (Jacob being the lucky soul with only one bum ear) and Jeremy and I sound like we've got the black lung. Oh yeah, and the medicine my doctor gave me for the sinus infection gave me the runs. Awesome!

Here's a good story from the other day that fits into this theme quite nicely...

After the doctor appointment for the kiddos (man, co-pays are a killer!) I had three prescriptions for amoxicillan to fill at the pharmacy. I wanted to get the first dose in as soon as possible so I decided (this is me pre-sinus infection) to take all three kids into the pharmacy. Both boys sat in the double stroller and I held Grace. Now, normally this doesn't work so great anymore because whichever twin sits in the back proceeds to kick the one in the front until he stars screaming and demands to walk; however, Joe was so sick he just laid there like a limp ragdoll. I proceeded to drop off the prescription and be told it would be about 15 minutes. Fine. Totally expected. They were being little angels, so I offered to get them a little treat for their bravery at the doctors. Joseph didn't really care but Jacob wanted his favorite, M & M's. So, anyone who has ever pushed a double stroller knows they aren't exactly the easiest things to maneuver, especially with baby in tow. So, I headed back to wait by the pharmacy counter for my scrip. There was no one in line and very quite for a weekday. We were minding our own business off the side when the pharmacy clerk politiley asked me (but mostly insinuated), "would you be more comfortable walking around while you wait?" I was thinking to myself, "Do I LOOK like I'd be more comfortable?" I nicely responded, "Oh, no thank you. We'll just wait here." A look of frustration crossed her face. Had she never seen a lady with three under three before? For crying out loud!

Oh, but wait...it got better. When my medicines were ready Joseph simultaneously let out a huge puking session. I was catching the vomit in my hands while both the pharmacist and the clerk looked at me puzzled. And where was Grace you ask? I had to set you down on the floor to fend for herself while my hands became a puke recepticle. All the more reason for their speedy action, right?! Nope. They continued to look at me until finally I asked, "Do you have some paper towels I can use?" The pharmacist reached under her cabinent and found a box of tissues. She handed me one. HAHHAHAH! Have you ever cleaned up puke with a tissue? No! There's a reason they are only made for boogers! I responded with a half laugh, "Something a little more substantial would be very helpful right now." Meanwhile the pharmacist is watching this circus unfold, holding my bag of antibiotics in his hand, and looking at me with an impatient, skeptical look. Finally, after receivng paper towels from the clerk I clean up the mess and proceed to pay. Here's the killer. The pharmacist comes over and asks me in a very concerned voice, "Can you handle all this?" DOES HE THINK I'M A FREAKIN' IDIOT?! A part of me wants to scream at him, "YOU TRY JUGGLING THREE KIDS THAT ARE ALL SICK AND THEN HAVE TO DEAL WITH JERKS LIKE YOU!" Don't worry, I didn't blow up that way. I smiled and coyly said, "Sir, are all the bottles clearly marked with names and dosages?" "Well, Yes," he responded. "Great. I think I can handle it."

What a boob.

Let the Sleep Deprivation Continue

2009-04-07T13:18:00.003-05:00

The only way I can make this continual sleep deprivation better in my head is to unite it to Christ's suffering, especially since it is Holy Week. Now, I know, this is a stretch comparing my lack of sleep and cold with Christ dying on the cross, but for my purposes it is helpful in understanding suffering.

You see, last night was another doosie. We were exhausted by the time all three kids were in bed (around 8 pm) so we both proceeded to go to bed right away. Two hours later (I think this was our longest stretch of uninterrupted sleep) Grace woke up with a fever and wouldn't nurse because her throat hurt. No, she didn't tell me this...my pediatrician told me yesterday. Didn't you know I spoke baby babble?! So, after we both took turns getting her to settle down the boys woke up. When one wakes up screaming it naturally wakes the other up. Thankfully Jacob wasn't sick, but he has started this new thing where he says he afraid of the dark and is terrified to go back to sleep. Both were demanding to sleep in "mommy and daddy's bed!" They just screamed, pointed, and yelled "mommy, daddy's bed! mommy, daddy's bed!" We tried to hold off because experience has proved this doesn't work well. (We sleep in a full size bed, so four bodies is just impossible) Well, Jacob wouldn't take no for an answer so he started throwing up. Not a little but massive amounts of throw up. So much that he started throwing up a little blood. Then what happened? Grace heard the screaming and woke up. And the insomnia cycle repeated.

I tell this story because we survived. We are both exhausted and sick as dogs this morning, but we survived to tell the tale. I guess that's the moral of parenthood. It goes quick so if you can get through the tough stuff with a smile and love your kids up throughout then you're doing a pretty good job. At least that's what I tell myself...

Under the Weather

2009-04-06T17:57:00.002-05:00

All five of us are sick. We have fevers, stuffy noses, and sore throats. I think Jeremy and I each only got a couple hours of sleep last night. He probably got around two while I maybe snuck in three hours. This just doesn't cut it. Needless to say, we are all a little miserable today.

Disappointed with Iowa

2009-04-03T11:40:00.002-05:00

The news of Iowa's decision to overturn a ban on same-sex marriage is INCREDIBLY disheartening for me!

Here's the link:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/03/iowa.same.sex/index.html

TV guilt

2009-04-02T10:40:00.003-05:00

The boys are watching their third straight hour of TV right now. Yep, TV watching along with eating chicken nuggets was something I always said I would NEVER ALLOW as a mother. Ha Ha Ha. Then reality hits. I have one sick boy who doesn't want to play but only wants to watch TV, and the other brother who, if the TV is on, won't play either. So, what's a mom to do? Plug in the tube, let go of the guilt, and know that we'll make up for it in exciting play on other days. For now, let the Veggie Tales reign.

SILLINESS!!!

2009-04-02T09:28:00.000-05:00

Puke Patrol

2009-04-02T09:25:00.004-05:00

Jacob has a nasty cough and you know what comes with that? PUKE PATROL! The poor little guy can't hold any solids down because the second he swallows, he coughs, and then he pukes. I can't even describe how much vomit I've cleaned up between yesterday and today. It's hard to stay positive when this is happening, but I am trying to remember how awful it is for him to be so sick. Oh yeah, and did I mention Grace tried to crawl into the pile of puke this morning at breakfast while I was cleaning up another pile? Mmmmm....delicious.

The Dignity to Give and Receive

2009-04-02T09:25:00.001-05:00

"Nobody is so poor that he/she has nothing to give, and nobody is so rich that he/she has nothing to receive." These words by Pope John-Paul II, offer a powerful direction for all who want to work for peace. No peace is thinkable as long as the world remains divided into two groups: those who give and those who receive. Real human dignity is found in giving as well as receiving. This is true not only for individuals but for nations, cultures, and religious communities as well.

A true vision of peace sees a continuous mutuality between giving and receiving. Let's never give anything without asking ourselves what we are receiving from those to whom we give, and let's never receive anything without asking what we have to give to those from whom we receive.

-Henri Nouwen

A Return to the Rosary

2009-04-01T15:18:00.003-05:00

I had forgotten how powerful the rosary was...until yesterday, that is.

You see, in college I used to pray the rosary daily with girlfriends and sometimes with Jeremy. It was a devotion that was close to my heart and one that I cherished. I always felt like I could learn more about the life of Jesus by drawing nearer to his Mother, and in turn, receive abundant grace from it. Well, once kids came along I was lucky if I got past the first decade. It became my go-to when I couldn't fall asleep. I was pretty much guaranteed to be asleep quick!

So, yesterday I decided to try it out again. The rosary is kind of like riding a bike--you never really forget how to do it--and it was wonderful ride. God is so good. So, if you've fallen from the practice I would HIGHLY recommend it!

Some Milestones

2009-03-31T12:34:00.002-05:00

Oh yeah, did I mention Grace is crawling and pulling herself up?! AND FAST!

Grace's new eating habit is sniffing her nose like a bunny rabbit--pretty adorable!

Spring Break biking adventure. I got off easy--Jeremy had all three on his bike! Those hills were no problem for me, but a bear for him!

A Mom Time-Out

2009-03-26T12:26:00.001-05:00

I'm taking a Mom time-out. I desperately need one...oh crap, here they come. I guess it's over. :)