From the eight year old:
"Mom, I think you can have four more children before you are 40. Then I'll tell you when you are done."
--------------------
The very next day:
"How old is (friend of mine who is 41 and having baby #5)? She hardly looks her age. You look like you shouldn't even have kids."
I mistakenly took this for a compliment and felt pretty good, until she clarified.
"I mean, she looks really good and you look older."
Oh, ok then.
"What?! I look older than I am?"
She starts to feel the pressure and covers with "maybe it's because I haven't seen you with a baby for a while so it seems weird. Like you're older than you are because I'm the age I am."
------------------
I felt like I should promptly run upstairs and load on the anti-aging cream.
So much for thinking this 32 year old body wasn't doing too bad. Oh well. I'll either use this moment to make me push harder in my exercising/self-care or to realize I shouldn't trust everything my eight year old tells me regarding my age.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Prayerful & Peaceful
Have you ever heard the music of John Michael Talbot? You know the stuff. Calming and peaceful. Reflective.
A parish near us recently hosted a three evening parish mission/reflection done by him. I had the opportunity to attend two nights with Gianna and one of those nights our whole family attended.
While I had to take a crying Gianna out of the church both evenings, I was still able to enter in to the peace and prayerfulness of the message to benefit. But really, who am I kidding? His voice could pretty much soothe me to sleep and peacefulness any time of day!
I remember my dad owning cassettes of JMT's many years ago and the serenity that flowed from his music was always something I appreciated. I could have listened to him in person for hours if he kept on playing his acoustic guitar and singing. Unfortunately, he didn't sing for hours and it wasn't a concert as much as it was a teaching. I was ok with that though.
The first evening he shared his story and background singing (did you know that he's recorded over 50 albums?)with the likes of Janis Joplin in his early years. He also shared of his conversion to Catholicism and entering the Christian music scene.
The second evening he focused on the Hail Mary Prayer and the Jesus Prayer. These were his focus because his soon to be released album was written with both of these as the theme. He reminded us that Pope John Paul II has said that the Church must breathe from both lungs--the eastern and western. The western tradition began the incorporation of the Marian prayer, the Hail Mary, and the eastern tradition brought about the Jesus Prayer.
John Michael Talbot taught us the Jesus Prayer and the symbolism in it. The Jesus Prayer can also be prayed on the rosary beads as a reflective prayer as well. These are the words:
'Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.'
Having sat through his explanation and teaching how to prayerfully relax and meditate on these words as they are slowly prayed, it became easier to see what a beautiful prayer it is.
I've been recalling it numerous times as a quick prayer offering during the day.
Although I would've loved to hear more of his singing, John Michael Talbot offered a short and sweet mini-retreat of sorts that my family all enjoyed.
You can downloaded his newest release, "Worship And Bow Down", through iTunes now or wait for its release June 21st. Go check out all of his music and books on his website.
Psst...stay tuned here in the coming weeks. I've got a giveaway coming and maybe you can score yourself some of his music!
A parish near us recently hosted a three evening parish mission/reflection done by him. I had the opportunity to attend two nights with Gianna and one of those nights our whole family attended.
While I had to take a crying Gianna out of the church both evenings, I was still able to enter in to the peace and prayerfulness of the message to benefit. But really, who am I kidding? His voice could pretty much soothe me to sleep and peacefulness any time of day!
I remember my dad owning cassettes of JMT's many years ago and the serenity that flowed from his music was always something I appreciated. I could have listened to him in person for hours if he kept on playing his acoustic guitar and singing. Unfortunately, he didn't sing for hours and it wasn't a concert as much as it was a teaching. I was ok with that though.
The first evening he shared his story and background singing (did you know that he's recorded over 50 albums?)with the likes of Janis Joplin in his early years. He also shared of his conversion to Catholicism and entering the Christian music scene.
The second evening he focused on the Hail Mary Prayer and the Jesus Prayer. These were his focus because his soon to be released album was written with both of these as the theme. He reminded us that Pope John Paul II has said that the Church must breathe from both lungs--the eastern and western. The western tradition began the incorporation of the Marian prayer, the Hail Mary, and the eastern tradition brought about the Jesus Prayer.
John Michael Talbot taught us the Jesus Prayer and the symbolism in it. The Jesus Prayer can also be prayed on the rosary beads as a reflective prayer as well. These are the words:
'Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.'
Having sat through his explanation and teaching how to prayerfully relax and meditate on these words as they are slowly prayed, it became easier to see what a beautiful prayer it is.
I've been recalling it numerous times as a quick prayer offering during the day.
Although I would've loved to hear more of his singing, John Michael Talbot offered a short and sweet mini-retreat of sorts that my family all enjoyed.
You can downloaded his newest release, "Worship And Bow Down", through iTunes now or wait for its release June 21st. Go check out all of his music and books on his website.
Psst...stay tuned here in the coming weeks. I've got a giveaway coming and maybe you can score yourself some of his music!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Happy Ending
Because my husband is an amazing and generous man, he went and picked this up for me our family yesterday:
HOORAY!
After my freak out and doing some computer shopping over the weekend, I gave Reed permission to pick out a computer that was best for us (and to find a great deal). He did the research and shopping online and then found a few to compare and we chose from those three.
I'm so grateful that he did all the work and so excited to have a new laptop! Now we'll just need to get the files transferred.
I better stop playing around and get hopping. We've got our Little Flowers end of the year luncheon that we're hosting at our house today. It should be lots of fun!
Afterward, I can get back to playing.
HOORAY!
After my freak out and doing some computer shopping over the weekend, I gave Reed permission to pick out a computer that was best for us (and to find a great deal). He did the research and shopping online and then found a few to compare and we chose from those three.
I'm so grateful that he did all the work and so excited to have a new laptop! Now we'll just need to get the files transferred.
I better stop playing around and get hopping. We've got our Little Flowers end of the year luncheon that we're hosting at our house today. It should be lots of fun!
Afterward, I can get back to playing.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Teachable Moment #247
Jonah had an item on his birthday list he just HAD to have. He'd seen numerous commercials for the Gaz Zuds bubble gun and thought that it looked and sounded like so much fun.
It boasts of its foaming action and the bubbles come pouring out of the bubble gun leading to endless entertainment.
We were skeptical, but he insisted and we bought it for his birthday. He was perhaps a little less thrilled with it as he unwrapped it, but still seemed eager to try it out. The following day we took it outside to give it a try. It seemed a bit disappointing to me and as I looked at my boy's face it indicated that he felt the same way.
His head hung low as he said 'That's not very exciting at all. It's nothing like the commercial.'
I took hold of the moment and reminded him how things aren't always as they seem, especially on t.v. Commercials are made to promote a product and make it look like we can't live without it, but the reality is never quite as the commercial makes it out to be. I quoted St. Augustine, 'our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord'. Nothing on earth will fulfill us as much as we believe it will because we are seeking God and a peace only He can give us.
He agreed that sometimes things/toys aren't as exciting as he thought or he's only happy with that toy for a short time.
In that moment we were both reminded that things are just things and they all come and go, until the next thing we think we need to make us happy and fulfilled. In the end, what we already have is certainly more than we really need.
P.S.--I'd like to also add that Colored Bubbles are not as fun as they are made out to be either. We found them messy and leave a colored mark wherever they land. Clothes must be washed immediately (and not sprayed with stain remover) and your porch, shoes, etc. for instance do not come clean until washed or rained upon. FYI.
It boasts of its foaming action and the bubbles come pouring out of the bubble gun leading to endless entertainment.
We were skeptical, but he insisted and we bought it for his birthday. He was perhaps a little less thrilled with it as he unwrapped it, but still seemed eager to try it out. The following day we took it outside to give it a try. It seemed a bit disappointing to me and as I looked at my boy's face it indicated that he felt the same way.
His head hung low as he said 'That's not very exciting at all. It's nothing like the commercial.'
I took hold of the moment and reminded him how things aren't always as they seem, especially on t.v. Commercials are made to promote a product and make it look like we can't live without it, but the reality is never quite as the commercial makes it out to be. I quoted St. Augustine, 'our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord'. Nothing on earth will fulfill us as much as we believe it will because we are seeking God and a peace only He can give us.
He agreed that sometimes things/toys aren't as exciting as he thought or he's only happy with that toy for a short time.
In that moment we were both reminded that things are just things and they all come and go, until the next thing we think we need to make us happy and fulfilled. In the end, what we already have is certainly more than we really need.
P.S.--I'd like to also add that Colored Bubbles are not as fun as they are made out to be either. We found them messy and leave a colored mark wherever they land. Clothes must be washed immediately (and not sprayed with stain remover) and your porch, shoes, etc. for instance do not come clean until washed or rained upon. FYI.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Pushing My Button
I started up my laptop on Saturday morning as usual and a tiny box in the corner alerting me to the fact that the USB was not supported. Ok, whatever. That shouldn't effect me.
Well, until I try to use the mouse. Ok, so the mouse is a cheapo one we've had four years. It must be broken. Oh well, we'll go get a wireless one next week.
And then there were those photos that needed uploading from the camera. Hmm...my Windows Gallery is popping up but it's not recognizing my camera. Weird. Oh, I wonder if either of these things have anything to do with the USB message that came up.
Of course they do, silly.
It's not a matter of life or death, because my computer is still working after all. *sigh* I can still check email, look on the Internet and blog for heaven's sake. BUT, I can't upload those photos.
There's no rush, but to me that's most important right now. Inside I begin a slow meltdown that leads to a slight freak out. Things like malfunctioning computers tend to do that to me.
I freak out because a) is this problem fixable on my laptop? b) how much will it cost us? c) my laptop is four years old and as much as I'd love an upgrade, I don't want to spend the money right now d) I don't have the time to go computer shopping e) I don't have the time to transfer all of my things on to a disc and then on to a new computer f) with a new computer I'll have to learn how to use everything again and there's that whole learning curve thing that I'd have to deal with.
On the bright side, I'd get a new laptop! AND, it would have Windows 7 vs. the Windows Vista we currently have that my hubby absolutely despises (secretly, I do too!).
Now that I've been honest, wouldn't you like to share something that makes you freak out? I'd love to hear about your small or big freak outs in comments. I promise not to judge. After all, according to Jamie's kiddos "All moms freak out sometime".
Friday, May 20, 2011
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.
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