faith story ~ part 2

Continuing from Part 1

When I started college I was confident of my Christianity but did consider the possibility that I was Catholic because that was all I knew. I had the good fortune of making several good friends in my dorm that year, two of whom invited me to attend their church and join Inter-Varsity an inter-denominational group for students. The church was Baptist and while the service didn't really do anything for me, the Bible study beforehand was wonderful with a dynamic and caring leader. So for much of my freshman year that is what I did, Sunday morning was Bible study and then staying for service and then attending Mass in the evening with my roommate. During the week there was prayer meetings in the dorm-room of one of my new friends, and the large group meeting of Inter-Varsity. There was also wonderful activities at the Newman Center. I learned about Adoration for the first time and became an Extra-Ordinary Minister of the Eucharist. Busy, happy and learning a lot.

Early in my Sophmore year the bible study leader changed, and I was pressured by the minister to actually join the church ~ so I stopped going which was completely fine because by that point I had learn about more about Eucharist and the 'True Presence' and was now very certain of my faith as a Catholic. During that year I also became involved in liturgy planning, a committee where I made several (hopefully) lifetime friends and met the person to whom I am now married.

What an amazing blessing it was to, as I started my twenties, meet someone as on fire for Christ and committed to the Church and her teachings as I was seeking to be. No pre-martial sex ~ good by him, NFP ~ lets investigate together, going to Mass a priority ~ him too; PRAISE!! A bit older than me he was patient and loving as I dealt with 'ghosts from the nursery' and supported me as I got the help I needed to stop cutting. Without applying pressure but by his loving example he helped me return to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (I had a couple of bad experiences as a child and teen and so would attend Penance Services but couldn't make myself go to Confession for about five years).

The story since then is one of learning and seeking, trying to discern God's will ~ which job to take, when to marry, when to start a family. Seeking God's wisdom and strength as life takes loved ones away (including both our fathers) and brings new challenges and gifts. The current chapter has me learning about my vocation as a stay-at-home mom.

As I say in my introduction I'm learning, laughing and loving in the light of Christ. I know that there is still so much to learn, but I also see the great love and joy which surrounds me as my story as a Child of God continues.

My Faith Story ~ part 1

At the request of Leila of the Little Catholic Bubble

My story:

Actually my story is boring but blessed; I'm a cradle Catholic ~ my mom was (and is) a practicing Catholic and raised me in the church. My dad (now gone) was Unitarian and while he had been more active when younger only belonged to a church community until I was ten.

My mom wanted us to attend and belong to a church together as a family so for much of my childhood we attend Mass on Saturday evening and Sunday morning services at the Unitarian church. For us children that meant Sunday school where I learned about different faiths. It was for me the often spoken about 'roots and wings' and I loved it ~ I was Catholic, an identity and home, but also with some insights into how others viewed and worshipped God. The church had a very involved community so there were social dinners, Halloween parties, book sales, camping trips and always lots of kids to play with. One year my family was 'the family' as the community learned about and hosted an interactive Seder dinner.

Part of my parents agreement about my sisters and my religious upbringing was that we would receive the sacraments offered during childhood but those pertaining to adulthood were to be our decision. So when the time came for Confirmation it was my decision to make, and a relatively easy one ~ I was Confirmed. One of the great blessings to me was the vibrant Youth Group our parish had, led by a wonderful Youth Minister and filled with a bunch of other teens committed to having fun as we learned about our faith ~ it was a great place to begin to think about what God and being a faith-filled person meant to me. I ultimately served on the youth council and was one of the seniors chosen to speak at the Graduation Youth Mass my senior year.

That same grace followed me to college where I found a Newman Center busy with that same welcoming, seeking energy. Part II soon.

Ten on Tuesday: January 25th

1. Do you decorate for Valentine’s day?

Nope.

2. Does your desktop have a picture or computer graphic? Is it organized?

Picture of a tulip ~ sort-of organized

3. Do you use a paper planner, electric planner or no planner at all?

Paper planner

4. Do you change purses or bags often or stick with a good thing?

Use the same bag unless going out in the evening and want a smaller bag

5. What’s your favorite YouTube Video?

Not really, but with the toddler in the house currently Pocoyo rules!

6. Do you use Turbo Tax or a real person to pay your taxes?

My husband does our taxes and I don't think he uses Turbo Tax

7. How many states have you set foot (or tire) in? Which ones?

29~30, the whole East Coast, West Virginia, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Arizona, New Mexico, California, and Hawaii

8. How many countries have you been in? Which ones?

Canada, France, Luxembourg, (England if connecting airports count) and Belgium

9. How many pillows are in your house? (Sleeping or decorative)

~12 (5 decorative)

10. How cold is too cold for flip flops?

?Snow on the ground?

Please visit Roots and Rings and thank our host, Chelsea

Thanks 2 You!

Happy Blogaversary 2 Me!

Two years ago having so enjoyed other blogs and as a long time journal keeper I started this blog with the hope that it would be a good way of getting my thoughts down about mothering and being a woman of faith at this new stage in my life.

It has become so much more ~ a wonderful place to record those darling daily moments that go by so quickly as the little people in my life gets bigger ~ a springboard to following many other amazing bloggers, some I've been blessed to meet in person ~ and that safe place I imagined to share my thoughts and beliefs at this point in my life and faith journey.

I'm writing this with my sweet baby sleeping in my lap, a baby whose coming was still such a new blessed idea in my world a year ago ~ who is now so much more than an idea, making me so excited to see where life takes me and this blog in the coming year.

2 years old and going strong ~ thanks 2 you!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Quick Takes Vol. #71

1. Busy week, the baby that was showing no signs of rolling over now does consistently and he has two teeth which is making nursing a little challenging in the evening when he is tired fussy.

2. Liam who has never been a great fan of 'tummy time' has now discovered the solution- roll over and voila done with being on his tummy. I'm thinking I will allow a week or so of this before again insisting again on some strength training on his front.

3. A Blogaversary ( watch for separate post) and nearly 300 post have me in a reflective mood and feeling like I'm still finding my voice and footing as a blogger, as a mom, as a Catholic.

4. So many wonderful posts this week in anticipation of the March; Rosey Outlook and Little Catholic Bubble to share just a couple. Am not marching today but will be praying for those who are.

5. Husband working crazy long hours in anticipation of a huge projected rolling out this weekend. Am pleased that there has been less bickering and pulling apart and more offers of support even from afar and tag-teaming ~ a guess you can teach old married people new tricks!

6. More snow last night ~ very pretty though I am growing weary of the multiple layer project going out to play involves. To her credit, I believe I have yet spent more time getting her ready to go outside than she has spent outside playing.

7. Plans for the weekend, Lisbeth has been invited to her first birthday party, and I get to watch football with no firm favorites and one new enemy.

Please visit Conversion Diary hosted by Jen for the rest of this week's Quick Takes.

Small Successes: January 20th

1. According to his weigh-in at the 4 month appointment, Liam has more than doubled his birth weight. Yay Mommy Milk!
2. Two trips to the recycling center this week in place of the cancelled pick-ups due to weather.
3. Old food cleared out of the refrigerator, next step wash the shelves
4. Bonus Liam-style: He rolled over!

Please visit Faith and Family Live and share your successes!

Giving thanks this Thursday for:

healthy children

good books

a husband that cooks

snow in the pines

down comforters

God's promise of hope and love everlasting

Quick Takes Vol. #70 ~ Liam @ 4 months

1. Now holds head stable ~ due to the bulkier snowsuit we have moved to the Bjorn, and he does great facing outward.
2. Overall did well on the long drives over the Christmas holiday; meeting/being held by lots of adoring relatives
3. Survived his first night at home without mom and dad ~ or rather I did.
4. Loves his new Bumbo seat and being part of the action on the floor
5. Not really showing any signs of rolling over.
6. Appears to pay attention when books are read to Big Sister
7. Quick to smile and laughs with more regularity

Please visit Conversion Diary to enjoy the rest of this weeks Quick Takes

Wordless Wednesday:Winter Fun!

Why I Love My Husband, vol 2

Inspired by Kaitlin of More like Mary:

1. He does not mind changing diapers
2. He loves my skin!
3. Is almost always up for a walk on the beach, even in winter
4. Will play any animal assigned to him by our daughter
5. Seems to be always looking for new ways to give of his time and talent

Quick Takes Vol. #69 ~Happy New Year!

1. Happy New Year: one week in so far so good, reading more ~ letting my anger simmer over every little thing less. Now to continue on this good start...
2. Sending up a prayer for our host Jen who is pregnant and also has a clotting disorder and is being evaluated currently for ongoing pain in her legs
3. It's snowing!!
4. During our Christmas break ~ Lisbeth enjoyed for the first time many of the snowy pleasures available including making her first snowman, sledding, building snow castles and a couple of snowball fights
5. Pronoun Problems: Currently when you tell her Thank you, she responds Your pleasure; which I think is You're Welcome and My Pleasure gotten slightly mixed-up.
6. Got for Liam, who is holding up his head like a champ, a Bumbo seat this week. Loves it, and so does his sister who occasionally insists it is her turn.
7. Plans for the weekend: Continuing to put the house back into order ~ and perhaps some fun in the snow! Have a good weekend!

Please visit Conversion Diary to enjoy the rest of this week's Quick Takes

Small Successes: January 6th

1. In addition to a lovely week spent with family; managed a long overdue visit with good friends.
2. Met my blog post goal for 2010!
3. Post-vacation laundry done and started in on washing new clothes received.

Giving Thanks This Thursday for:

my daughter's laughter and hugs

my baby's big smiles

hope renewed each day

a warm home

my husband's strength

that I am loved and forgiven

Please visit Faith and Family Live and share your successes ~ small and otherwise

Ten on Tuesday: Home stuff

1. What type of home do you currently reside in? (house, apartment, etc.)

A house ~ a renovated cape cod style

2. If you could completely redecorate one room in your home, what room would you pick, why, and what would you do to it?

Our back bedroom which is currently a sort-of attic/storage (house has no attic) but ideally should become a bedroom in the next few months.

3. What is your favorite place to gain inspiration for your home decor style?

HGTV shows like Sarah's House and Dear Genieve

4. What is your favorite piece of decor in your home?

The artwork in our dining room ~ a nice balance of old and new pieces.

5. What do you want visitors to feel when they visit your home? Do you think your home gives off that feeling?

Welcomed ~ i think so (hope so).

6. Describe your home in one word and explain why you chose that word.

Family ~ it is where I am building a family with my husband.

7. What are some predominant colors or patterns in your home?

Mostly neutral accented by blue.

8. What is your favorite room in your home and why?

The dining room or family room for their warmth and welcome.

9. Do you take a hands-on or DIY approach to projects around your home or do you enlist or hire help?

Mostly DIY, though lately someone else got to install the new roof and hot water heater.

10. Where is your favorite place to shop for home furnishings?

IKEA for kids stuff and pottery barn otherwise

My thanks as usual to Chelsea of Roots and Rings for hosting this fun meme