When God Shows Up To Fill Our Cup

Summer and life are busy, crazy things. Summer life and pregnancy are just I don't know what. They're something. 

I've had this post roaming in my head for over a week and yet no perfect or flowery words can even skim the surface. It's like God is about some greater business and good deep within, but my humanness fails to fully put my finger on it. I partially blame hormones. There feels like there's been a lot of ups and downs, unrest and settled, calm and storms, but they are life. They are the life of a woman striving for God, fulfilling the duties of heart, home and family. 

This isn't a new role, but it feels like a different one. These changing seasons, whirling emotions.

Then there are radiant moments when God shows up in the form of other human beings. He shows me the loveliness that surrounds me and a village that fills the voids.

That village has longtime family and friends, those who are near and those who are far, some that have gone unmet and others that I've finally met. Throughout many summer days He blesses me with those relationships that sustain me and then there are the planned meetings that He sprinkles in just when the heart yearns the most. He knows what He's doing. 

He gently nudges and plans fall into place. 

He fills into hours so much joy, laughter, smiles, heart to heart chats, and listening ears, that could hardly be measured...

except in an immeasurably overflowing filled heart.

I'm not made to be alone. I'm not made to live only with my household family. He made me for the bigger picture, the one that He sees the completed end. I'm so glad He does.

So great is His love for me that He filled my village with grace filled, faithful, real people who support and encourage me along life's paths. 

Sometimes it takes great emptying of myself to see just exactly how wonderfully 

He will fill me back up again.

Read more about those smiles and blessings in the photos up above over at Jamie's where she talks about friendship and where Christine talks about the fun in getting together. 

Real People Behind A Blog: Meet The Martins

I've talked about it enough, you know, THE TRIP. I know you've been waiting.

Colleen is the best and has already posted her version. Really, hop over there. Her version is probably way better and thorough and well, she just writes better than I.

What happened when I arrived back home was that my computer crashed while I was away and hubby had gone out and bought a new one. Problem is, I'm not good with change and there's a learning curve to this Windows 8 thing.

The other thing that happened was that I haven't felt 100% since the day after I arrived home. Suffering and pushing through homeschooling, back to home life, Halloween, and 40 hrs devotion/adoration/All Saints/All Souls day things with my church job last weekend was my goal. Then Monday hit and I wasn't any better. A quick trip to my doctor friend (truly, she's the best) got me meds for sinus issues. It still took almost two days to get out of the clouds and back to daily living.

Which, by the way brings new meaning to these photos I took while on the plane to Colleen:

Let's get started, shall we?

I wish I could explain Colleen in words that could even do her justice. I can't. All I can say is that sometimes in blogging you run across some really amazing people. Actually, lots of times you do. 

There are those bloggers that for one reason or another you cling to, gravitate toward, and suddenly they become real. One day you take the leap and assume they are not serial killers or wackos and give them your address and eventually your cell number and you begin texting. 

You talk about them like they are the bees knees and you've been forever friends. Then you realize that's a little weird to all your friends and family IRL and talk about them a little less. The bond is there though and that place in your heart is forever written with their name on it. 

Nearly seven years ago, God blessed me with stumbling upon the Martin Family Moments. Over time Colleen became a role model in so many ways to me. I was in awe of her family, her amazing husband, her growing family through her self proclaimed 'super fertility', her faith, how she worked full time and mothered so well, her genuine awesomeness that could not be explained, and the sweetness she exuded.

In time, she also became my prayer partner, cheerleader and personal trainer. She inspired me to be more physically active and make working out a priority, including taking up slow granny running. I knew she was a real person and I knew that if God ever saw a way for us to meet, I'd take it.

Last year I began entertaining the idea of a visit to casa Martin. I waited too long and the cost of flight tickets jumped, which only fed my fearful self and therefore I pushed the trip to the back burner. This past Summer I began watching flights after I had saved my pennies and Reed had encouraged me to take the trip. One day I leaped and bought the ticket.

I'm so glad I did.

In the midst of our back and forth text conversations prior to my trip, Colleen kept asking what I wanted to do. Even when I was there, she'd ask. I truly didn't know. My one and only expectation and thing I really wanted to do was to meet her, hang out with her and the Martin crew. That was it. In my mind anything additional was just fun stuff to do with her. 

The only other two things I also wanted to do was meet up with Marijanna (this trip was also about being a two-fer and getting to meet another blogger whom I met through Colleen online) and her sweet babies, along with seeing the ocean. 

Being that I'm so behind with getting this post up, I'll make a feeble effort to recount just parts of my trip. There's just too much to share all of it (again, Colleen did a great job with her post and you can read more there). I've picked out a number of photos to share with you all so hopefully you'll enjoy those too.

It was smooth sailing on the airplane, I survived security checks, a layover in Detroit and then my final landing in Providence, Rhode Island. Much to my delight, just outside of baggage claim my eyes finally caught sight of the real, in person Colleen. 

That moment began the fun and the surreal experience of a weekend with the Martins. 

After a short evening getting to meet the Martins and finding my place, I hit bed fairly early. I had been up since 3:30 am to make the drive to the airport, plus the full day of traveling was tiring. 

I think I was exhausted every night when I went to bed during my visit. It somehow seems that traveling and having fun all day is more tiring than being a mom on my feet all day. Or maybe the Martins are just crazy fun people who really know how to entertain their guests.

The next morning I was quick to learn that Colleen had indeed done her planning. Most everything we did over the weekend she'd reply with "I've got a Groupon for that" or "I have a gift card." She's thrifty that Ms. Martin.

We hopped on the bus that first morning and headed to Boston for most of the day. I enjoyed the BIG city and sights I hadn't ever before beheld. 

Everything from arriving at South Station, to the trolley ride with the driver with the killer Boston accent, pizza lunch at a little spot in 'Little Italy' and walking the freedom trail together.

There is so much history in that city. I only wish I was better at historical facts and remembered things. Reed (a history major) would totally love Boston!

I loved that we could take the trolley tour and then venture out on our own two feet to take in more of the sights. Good exercise (to make up for all the yummy eats and treats during my visit) and good conversation with a good friend.

We hit the shops at Feneuil Hall, walked in Copp's Hill and saw the Old North Church.

Along the way as we were walking, there suddenly was a courtyard with beautiful greens and old statues outside a Catholic church. You know me, I had to stop for photographs. 

It was beautiful and so serene. 

The other major point of interest that we simply had to stop at (per Phil's request that we bring home cannolis) was Mike's Pastry. 

Oh.my.wow.

I only took a photo of one small section of the goods. There was a huge display counter filled with this stuff and people galore. Busy place. 

Being ever the tourist, I chose an authentic Boston Cream Puff which I ate later that evening. Of course by that point we clearly deserved the treat after all of that walking earlier. 

The next day was my birthday and the Martins were bound to help me celebrate. The four oldest were off to soccer in the morning, but they took the time to capture a photo with the birthday gal.

I know, really, how cute are the kids??!! The weekend really made me appreciate even more large families and also the value of a really good husband. Phil is amazing and like my husband, of a genuine and generous variety. Phil and Reed were the untold heroes of our visiting weekend and surely earned some extra merits in heaven. I cannot even tell you. 

You know what? Being with these great kids all weekend also made me totally get why Phil and Colleen keep having them. They are really good at what they do and are raising some amazing kids. Each has their own personality and place within the family and it was so fun watching that. Again, so well displayed on the blog but equally evident in person. 

We were then off with Xander and Declan to visit Marijanna. You know her, right? If not, you must. 

Kid you not, God bless that woman. She has Ava who is 3 and Clara who is like 20 months.

And then she has those twin babies in that belly right there. She's a saint. Those babies are like full term, 7 lb each boy and girl. Yes, she's still up and walking around with them like a real person. 

Even crazier, in the midst of that her husband works crazy hours and she manages to be a really great mom. Again, I learned so much from her even in our short visits during my weekend. 

Marijanna is a chatty woman, has an opinion, smiles a ton and really is just the cutest. She's even taller than me, which says something because apparently I'm "tall" (5'9"). She embraces her faith and the gift of her vocation so beautifully that I couldn't help but be encouraged.

Her girls, her girls, are really like the sweetest things ever. I cannot even say how darling they are in person. 

As you can see, Ava and Xander had a little breakfast date while we visited.

Afterward, we rounded up the Martin troops and headed to a pumpkin patch/corn maze/hayride place. Declan was my van mate during my visit. If I could have rationalized it and it were legal, I probably would've smuggled him home. 

He helped with my baby fix. So precious and like the happiest baby you've ever seen. EVER. 

That evening we headed to Mass, Colleen and I hit a local store to get small tokens of love for my kiddos, and we grabbed Five Guys for supper (or dinner which is what they call it). Having never been to Five Guys and to top off another great day, it was the perfect ending for my (29 and holding) birthday.

Sunday was my last full day with the Martins and we had plans.

I was going to finally run an entire 5K without wimping out or walking. Yes I was! And I did.

WE did. I was able to do my first "official" 5K from start to finish with my Best Bloggy Friend. For years this was my goal, to one day exercise with Colleen. I was excited (but tried not to show it) and nervous. Thankfully, Colleen made me feel like I was actually running, encouraged me all the way, and kept up a good course of conversation to keep my mind busy. 

I wasn't the fastest runner ever, but as Colleen chided it was about finishing the race 

and the cause we were running for. 

In the afternoon we headed to lunch with Marijanna at a local restaurant. Another excellent round of food (local haddock with a pesto cream sauce served with rice and veggies that pretty much made Colleen display a serious case of plate envy) and great friends with enjoyable conversation. 

Sadly, after that it was time to say good-bye to Miss Marijanna and the babies. While for their sake I'm glad they were still inside growing, there is a little disappointment that I didn't get to meet them in person. Perhaps one day. 

Afterward, we picked up two of the boys from altar server training and headed home. We had decided that we'd go to do one more touristy thing that afternoon and chose the Cape.

For fun, Miss Maggie joined us that afternoon. I really enjoyed the one on one time with her because she is so sweet and obviously I kind of understand girls. The other reason is that I've kind of been a big Team Maggie fan for all these years. She stole my heart early on and as she stands alone in that house full of boys, I find her even more endearing. Sweetheart.

Off to the Cape we drove, hitting up the beach where the Martins go in the summer, seeing the ocean once again, checking out the amazing houses along the way, and walking along the Cape canal.

Pretty awesome.

Colleen even drove across the bridge to Cape Cod, drove around the rotary (Minnesotans, think large roundabout) twice for me to get photos and we headed back over the bridge. At least I can say I was technically to Cape Cod.

Before heading home, Colleen took my past some more beach houses on the way to this lighthouse. I know, stereotypical, but I wanted to see a lighthouse while out East. And we did. 

That evening the Martins had two priests over for supper and they were a hoot! I can see why Phil and Colleen have included them as Godfathers for two of their children and why they fit so well with their family. So much fun! They made me think of a couple of our priest friends who joke and feed off of one another the exact same way.

Best and most hilarious part of the evening was when the conversation came to how Colleen and I knew one another. We'd discussed this several times during my visit and how awkward we felt when we tried to explain our oddity of a relationship to other people prior to my visit.  Everyone was like, so you're friends but you've never met? You only know each other online? 

So, when this point came up that evening, we looked at one another and giggled, neither of us speaking a word. Phil was totally reveling in it and was so gonna make us admit to two priests that essentially we were 'strangers'. I think the priests said random things that perhaps made us connected and we answered 'no' to each one.

Looking at one another confused, Fr. Dave's eyes suddenly shot open as he shouted (in an accent, of course) "FROM THE BLOG!!??" I almost died laughing and still do every time I replay it in my head.

Yes, we were two dear souls who met on a little obscure place called a blog. That little place became a bigger place where we shared our lives, our families, our joys and sorrows, our struggles, our realities. Those little blogs formed a safe place for a friendship to blossom and grow. 

I am so glad that God put us both in those little places so that we could meet.

Since my return home a couple of people have asked if Colleen was what I thought she'd be. I wholeheartedly reply with "YES!" She turned out to be the wonderful woman portrayed on her blog. A unique, golden hearted woman, wife, mom, and friend who is definitely changing the world one diaper at a time. 

I promise, she really is. 

I am honored to call her friend, to have shared life in her shoes for a few days, to have conversed in person, and to have hugged her. 

I truly hope that each of you who longs to meet some of those computer friends of the heart, one day that you do. It is like a balm to the soul and a completeness that God gifted me with being able to experience.

Don't forget to read Colleen's post because hearing both sides of the story is always good. If you haven't already read over there or met Colleen, you really should. You'll soon see why she became my Bestie and how she blessed my life from over 1,000 miles away for all these years.

Balm To The Soul

Last week I had the honor to to meet up with two of the most lovely bloggers. In the evening I received an invite from Jamie to a get together with Margaret the following day. It somehow turned into a game changer. Or maybe just a reset along the path.

Have you ever had that feeling when something just isn't right? I've felt it for months, wearing on my heart and soul. That unsettled feeling that makes me restless, anxious, stressed, grouchy and therefore makes the every day wear and tear grueling, unhappy.

Sometimes it's a blog post that you read that inspires, a conversation or an impromptu visit with a friend, that helps get out of the rut. Out of the funk. God provides us with the opportunities to get out of ourselves, see a new light and smile again.

It's tough because feeling like hiding and internalizing a whole lot of stuff is just easier, especially when you can't quite put your finger on what's wrong. 

Then a series of events happens or just one that changes your outlook, snaps you back to reality and draws you closer to God, your spouse and your family. 

Processed over days, a moment of clarity arises during an early morning conversation at the kitchen sink. A long list of changes, deaths I was unprepared for, changes in my children's seasons, transitions in motherhood, waning prayer time, outside demands of me and my time.

It all added up.

It all challenged me and took away my peace. Slowly, but steadily and therefore making the climb out of it that much more difficult.

Then the clouds broke and the sun shone in the form of a smiling face and small conversation while running around after our children. 

It helped the process of slowly chiseling away at the sadness, the unknown, the loneliness. All that has kept me from being able to live fully and trust in God's amazing ways.

All of the things that while seemingly small and hidden, found their way to grate and grind away at my true happiness in my heart and soul. 

Friends of the heart and a good laugh are a good medicine.

And sometimes that seemingly simple invitation, setting aside other plans and expecting God to show up, is exactly when He will.

**Read Margaret's version of our get together over here. She speaks more eloquently than I. 

Thankful For Every Day Life

 Joining the wonderful Jamie with a dose of Thankfuls today.

With a winter as long as this one seems to be, I've got to stay focused and keep in mind all the simple things that keep me Thankful.

A bonus for you, if you stick with me until the end of this post you'll find out how much fun

Jamie's house really is when you go to visit.

Thankful for birthday girls. My WINTER birthday girls. Somehow having these two gems to celebrate in February gives us something extra special to look forward to after Christmas. Getting to celebrate them near Valentines Day each year and during the month of love is just another extra benefit. 

Thankful for this three year old who gets as crazy as she sometimes looks. She can come up with some of the most quirky looks/screeches/shouts a toddler ever displayed. While this can get trying and loud at times, she does keep me laughing. 

Thankful for little piggy toes and the girls they belong to. Those girls are already striving to do all that their big sister does, including demanding the blue nail polish. I gave in because blue is their favorite color and they were satisfied with it just painted on their piggies. 

Thankful for sister love and sister kisses. It makes me smile every time as I capture the moment on my motherly heart. 

Thankful for beautiful music I hear each day from my piano children. Thankful we have been able to afford taking them to weekly lessons for this long and they are making such wonderful progress.

Thankful for toddler questions that range from hilarious to just plain quizzical. A couple from this week: "Why does daddy go to work?", "Why do people have to live in houses?" and "Why do we have faces?" When it begins with 'why', I never know what I'm going to get with what follows. 

Thankful for warm winter days that at least give the illusion that winter will end. Thankful for big kids that I can send out in the snow while the little girls nap. Thankful for the sunshine and the longer, lighter evenings. I think that helps all of us feel better about things.

Lastly, Thankful for blogger friends like Jamie who invite us over to their home for fun and friendship. It was so much fun reconnecting with her and meeting all of her sweeties. They all really are as fun in person as they are online. To prove it, Margaret had so much fun that she got a black eye during our visit. It's almost all gone now and it didn't seem to bother her.

Now you've been warned what a blast Jamie's house is that you come away with injuries. 

And a smile that accompanies the full heart that you received from a simple afternoon with a friend. Thankful.

When Blogville Meets Real World

You know when bloggers meet we have to tell you all about it, right? It's because we're bloggers and we blog about this kind of stuff.

Well, as I mentioned, I had a little blogger meet up planned this week.

Mrs. B and I met a few years ago when our blogging and infertility paths crossed via the internet. We connected in many ways, but our MN roots also interwove our bond.

Then, in 2011, my family prayed the St. Andrew Christmas novena specifically for Mr. & Mrs. B. A few months later, pregnancy news was revealed and we joyfully celebrated and waited for their little Elizabeth to arrive. 

Fast forward to recently when Mrs. B became an Usborne Books consultant and emailed a few friends. I sent a quick reply letting her know that if she was willing to make the drive, I'd gladly host a show at my home. 

It was kind of my ploy to actually get to meet in person, but the book show would be great too.

With that, we've been planning on her and Elizabeth making the two hour drive, coming to play, having the book party and just plain old visiting. 

It couldn't have worked out any better!

Yes, IRL, Mrs. B is exactly as she comes off in her written blog: fun, a bit spunky, a good conversationalist, smiling, a faith filled woman with a generous heart and a wonderful mom.

Here we are, unedited:

The girls enjoyed the new playmate and she even stayed overnight, double bonus!

It came morning time and a couple of the girls were less than eager to sit still for photos.

And the cat next door kind of lured them together for this shot.

Again, Jonah is the only boy, but he doesn't mind it too much.

A very good visit indeed. Thanks Mrs. B and Elizabeth for visiting our humble abode!

It's always amazing to me how we all bond through a computer and our blogs. Friends of the heart whose lives are intertwined together through technology.

Now if we could only all live in some little blogging bubble so that we wouldn't have to wait so long to meet.

Happy Weekend Friends!

House Unseen: Help A Sister Out

Did you know that 6 months from today is Christmas? 

How would you like to be a part of a very early Christmas gift/baby gift/help-a-blogger-out gift?

I thought so.

You've probably heard of Dwija via Cari. At least, that's how we met.

Well, life has recently handed Dwija a whole lotta lemons and as always, she's still servin' up lemonade.

Cari, seeing the need to help out organized

Operation Laundry Room Recovery. 

She's thoughtful like that.

If you feel inspired to help and donate, Dwija will reap the rewards of a more functional laundry room. Which the girl desperately needs with a houseful of laundry and sweet kids to tend to.

You can go here (the Donate button is under 'Thanks Everyone') to donate through Paypal or contact Cari (cari@clan-donaldson.com). You may donate through next Sunday.

Even if you cannot help financially, I know Dwija, baby and family appreciate your prayers, so send lots of those her way as well. 

That's Sheenazing!

 Have you seen the nominations for the Sheenazing Blogger Awards yet?

Hop on over to Bonnie's to join in and cast your votes!

Thank you to the reader(s), whomever you are, that nominated me for Best Looking Blog and Most Inspiring. You are too kind and I am above honored.

This is not a plug for votes, since I am in the company of some very noteworthy and amazing bloggers.

There is a whole treasure trove of awesome blogs listed and some of my best Bestie's are on there too. 

Maybe you made the list....go see!

For My Due Date Buddy *Update*

Patty and I have shared a special bond over these past months. A due date, but also thoughts and prayers spread between miles.

She's meeting her sweet Baby Joy this morning via c-section. Please send a few extra prayers for her and baby. I know she'll appreciate them.

And later, hopefully you can go meet her little one over at her blog. I cannot wait to see this precious little one we have prayed and eagerly awaited.


**It's a GIRL!!** Go Congratulate Patty and her family.

Please Pray Tonight For A Dear Blogger

Jamie and her baby could use your prayers tonight.

Let's surround her in our prayers and keep this sweet mom in our thoughts.

We All Have Favorites

Of course I have a number of favorite blogs, but every once in a while I like to check out someone new. Do you do that too?

I've got my if-only-we-lived-closer-IRL-we'd-totally-be-friends bloggers, others who humor me with their posts, those who always leave me with food for thought and some I periodically visit.

I'm looking for a few new places to stop by and read.

Who are a few of your favorites? Who encourages you in your vocation, inspires or leaves you down-right laughing on the floor?

Please share, won't you?

Or perhaps you have your own blog, but haven't commented here in the past. Let me know who you are, I'd love to stop on by and say Hi!

Who's Been Drinking The Water?

I daresay there's something in the water around Blogville. In the last several weeks I cannot even mention all of the lovely ladies that have announced pregnancies.

Actually, I know it's not the water. It has a lot more to do with the blessed women and their husbands that are open to the precious and beautiful gift of life. It's so amazing to read another pregnancy announcement when some other glowing mama is blogging it!

Currently on my fridge is my prayer list of moms and babies both of bloggers and IRL friends. The total is currently at sixteen! One of them just recently had her baby and the due dates will continue to roll on through the beginning of next year. Wow!

With this realization it starts to get me thinking and perhaps a bit eager to drink of the water again. Yes, you just read that correctly. Now that you've just re-checked my blog sidebar and reminded yourself that I just had a baby in February, you can *gasp*. Keep in mind that I'm not saying TODAY that I want to drink fully of the water here, but it gets a girl thinking. And my husband *sighing*.

Then I remind myself that I was just part of this current wave of babies coming soon. I was at the beginning of the wave and we're just riding out the rest of it. I can wait my turn, but you never know what God may have in store for us. Not being completely sure of what happened that labeled us as a case of secondary infertility, the reality is not forgotten that we could possibly face that again. It is just that thought that again brings the baby bug, despite my just having a three month old. You must also remember that Gianna is near the perfect baby. When she makes things so easy, it's simple to want to add another little darling to our household.

I'm finding it easier to think of a bigger household when I've surrounded myself with like-minded women who celebrate the gift of their fertility and welcome fully each new child she is given. What a blessing! It's easy to picture life with more children when I read of all of you grace-filled moms who keep it together (albeit, as you share honestly, sometimes just barely) with your four or more children. I've learned so much from you all and only wish that we were all friends IRL. Because, after all, not everyone is so kind or so open to the blessing of children.

I cannot imagine reading most of your blogs without the stories and antics that involve and revolve around your children. Sorry to say it, but you probably wouldn't be nearly as entertaining to read without them. Don't you agree?

For now I think I'll wait this one out and I'll catch the next wave (hopefully) of pregnancies. In the meantime, I'll keep on praying for all you pregnant ladies, your babies, healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries.

Babies Abound!

It seems that I'm keeping some pretty good company lately. There's a new batch of blogger baby announcements that have been keeping up the Blogville population. Hooray!!

I enjoy reading how each of you share the news and I love being in the company of many wonderful women who are open to new life.

I wanted to give a shout out to all of you, so please pardon my pregnant brain if I've forgotten you. Be sure and let me know though in comments. I try to keep each of you and your baby on my prayer list. Congrats again, Mamas!

Allison at A Broken Fortress

Hope at Memoirs of a Hopeful Housewife

Aimee at The Mother Load

Holly at FALLING UPWARD

There's also Sarah at More Than Enough who is due VERY SOON.


And of course, there are a couple of my IRL friends who are expecting too!


If you are among the wonderful women who still wait with empty arms either through infertility, recent miscarriage or other reasons and I read from you or you read here, know that you're in our nightly St. Andrew Christmas novena prayers.

How Do You Edit?

Photos, photos...

I enjoy taking them and I enjoy working with them on the computer, but numerous hours can easily be spent messing around with this little hobby.

It's one thing when I'm doing the work in order to make them ready for printing and framing, but it's another when it's just simply to post here on my blog. Most often I just opt to post them and be done. Forget the cutesy effects or borders, it's just easier to add the photo to the text and be done.

But sometimes I want to do a little more and darn it if it isn't a frustrating feat.

I know I've got some very talented bloggers in my midst who follow or read here and I'm always inspired by so many of you. When you are working with photos for posting, how do you do it? I've worked with Picnik and Photobucket, but they tend to stall my computer and spend so much time thinking and progressing through the simple tasks I'm trying to accomplish. Like those collages from the other day, you don't even wanna know how long that took! And I even have wireless internet at home! I do have photo editing software that I use at times, but sometimes I'm just looking for something fast and simple to make collages, add borders, effects, etc.

So, leave a comment you computer-blogging-photographing savvy people out there and let me know what works best for you. Anyone use Picasa Albums? Hints? Tricks? I'm open to it all!


HELP!

When Like-Minded Adults Gather

This has become the better-late-than-never post. Each day I've wanted to promptly write my take on the Minnesota Catholic Home Educators Conference from last Friday and Saturday, but just haven't.

It won't be anything overly beautiful and wordy, just a brief reminder why I enjoy this conference each year. If you want to read more posts written far more eloquently, you can read Margaret or Tracy's version.

Ways Reed and I enjoy the annual conference:

-We get a little over two hours (one way) in the car together for uninterrupted talk time (or even silence).

-We get to meet up with a wide array of parents/educators, but mostly I enjoy meeting up with old friends and new ones too! So many ladies from my single days that I got to bump into again now that they are dear mamas who homeschool.

-A Bloggers Chat that gave me the opportunity to meet even more MN Catholic bloggers, along with those I've already gotten to know here in cyberspace.

-Curriculum shopping with my husband! He gently helps to keep me grounded and realistic on what I can or cannot undertake. Ultimately, he leaves decisions up to me but he helps immensely in weighing out all of those awesome resources out there. We bought almost everything we'll need for the new school year already! It helped to have an itemized list for each of the kids this year and we stuck to it.



-We found fun resources that other bloggers have talked about and get to see them in person. Like the Lapbooks for Catholics gals, of which we bought the Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist and The Holy Mass lapbooks for Lily and The Things I See At Church for Jonah. Lily's already looking forward to hers in preparation for her First Communion next spring.

-We get the opportunity to be inspired by amazing presenters...



Like Dr. Ray Guarendi, what a hoot that guy is! He has tons to offer on disciplining, teaching and guiding our children and he delivers it with such humor. It all just sounds so easy when he's saying it. I'd highly recommend his books or DVD's if you can get them.


Reed opted for fill-in David Rinaldi's 'Keeping Your Kids Catholic' and he really enjoyed it. I used to know Dave from my NET days, so I highly anticipated that his presentation would be dynamic and funny as well. And he delivered. A few of his points he delved into were: Family Prayer; Spend Time, Not Money; Speak With One Voice; Have A Spiritual Vision For Your Family; Renew Your Love For Christ and His Church; Renew Your Love For Your Spouse.



Of course, I chose to sit in on both workshops given by our favorite coffee loving blogger, Margaret. EXCELLENT! And no, I'm not just saying that because Margaret is Minnesota Mom and well, everyone loves Margaret so we all write nice things about her (although that is true too). She spoke with honesty and beauty and of course the wit that we've all come to love in her blog. She reminded me and the others to guard out heart and remember why we are home educating; not to be misguided and lured by the homeschooling family who has the perfect little crafts, the ideal curriculum, etc. That's not why we are at home educating our children. I think it struck a chord with many of us who jump around with curriculum, try to perfectly teach every little thing and spend too much time trying to create what is not best for us or our families.

Margaret had a lot to say in her second talk about perfectionism. Did you know she's a perfectionist? Again, this struck me so much. I'm still hearing her words repeat in my head asking how often we let our children bake with us? Because heaven forbid the cookies aren't perfect. We want all of these things all lined up and just so. Does that matter? She certainly gave me a lot to ponder on these last few days.

We both went to hear Maureen Wittmann, who presented 'The Thrifty Homeschooler' and had wonderful insight into easy ways of saving money in our homes and our homeschool too. She's author of this book, in case you didn't know it.


So, yes, we came home fulfilled and rejuvenated. Ready for the next school year, eventhough we had just finished the last one the day before. And tired.

All reminders why hubby and I enjoy this special date each year, why we attend it together and why we still choose to homeschool. We are so blessed.


*If you are interested in any of the sessions presented, you can purchase CD's too.