Ten years later..

you are still who I most want to enjoy the dance of life with!

Happy Anniversary!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our home

to yours!

7 Quick Takes #121

1. A week of trying to take in and take hold of the events of last Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary. As the mother of a kindergardener next year ~ and a soon to be born baby many of my thoughts have centered around wanting to hold them very close and how to make this a better world to have to them go out into.
2. This was definitely helped by some of the wonderful posts I found around the web: by Sarah, and Colleen.
3. The wonderful actions of others such as the many police officers who are showing up to create human walls between mourners and protesters.
4. Touching, elegant tributes such as that by the judges and contestants of The Voice.

5. In the rest of life; we are continuing to make ready ~ cards are sent, out of town packages are mailed and while the weekend will include a lot of wrapping (hopefully while watching It's a Wonderful Life) I'm feeling in good shape for Christmas.

6. Baby #3-wise ~ We have the new car seat, newborn clothes are washed, and once the cradle is set-up and hospital bag is packed (hopefully this weekend); will also be in 'good shape' awaiting baby's arrival.

7. Happy Winter, now we await with hope and wonder the coming of the Light!

For more of this week's Quick Takes please visit Conversion Diary!

Why I love my husband: Vol 6

    Usually I have no problem coming up with an anniversary gift for my Hubby even with our anniversary coming three days after Christmas.  I'll pull from the traditional gift suggestions for the given year or give something referencing something that happened in the the marriage in the past year.
   This year however I'm struggling, between preparing for Christmas, the coming baby and trying to be intentional about Advent activities with the kids.  Plus I'm currently uninspired by the traditional gift suggestion of tin (really 10 years should be represented by something tin!).
   Mentioning this to my husband, he laughed and pointed out that as I had spent the last several months growing and nurturing within a child of the marriage I could have an extension until the right gift came to mind.

Perhaps he is right.


Inspired by Kaitlin of More like Mary ~ More like Me

Year of Faith: A review

The Year of Faith: A Bible Study Guide for Catholics   
Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J.
Our Sunday Visitor, 2012


     The study that can be performed individually or in a small group, lays down the foundation for the Year of Faith and the scriptural origins of our faith over the course of 6 lessons.  The guide recommended a lesson a week when used as part of a group study and I found that to be a doable pace completing the study individually.

     Each lesson begins with a quote from Pope Benedict's Porta Fidei the apostolic letter announcing the Year of Faith and then Father Pacwa using scriptural references and questions walks you through the tenets of the Church's faith.  I very much liked this approach for it allowed me to grow in understanding both of what our Holy Father aims for this year of renewal of faith to be about, and ways to accomplish that.  Each lesson contained different concepts to investigate and ideas to consider, later bible passages to study, discussion questions and finally several suggestions on how to put the lesson's central idea into practice.

     Overall I liked the study very much; I felt each lesson was well presented and well documented with quotations from the Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  Each lesson builds well on the one previous.  I also found the discussion questions to be interesting and 'put into practice' suggestions to be challenging but very doable. I would recommend this bible study as part of anyones observance of the Year of Faith.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on The Year of Faith. The Catholic Company has great gift ideas for all seasons of the liturgical year, be sure to check out their Advent selection and Catholic Christmas Gifts.

Reflection on Gaudete Sunday

Gaudete Sunday

A repost from Advent '10

   

  

As a child I loved to try and count how often I would hear my name or a variation of it during mass, I always lost count somewhere along the way, usually during the homily.

 
     Now as an adult I have an even greater appreciation. It feels so right and fitting during this season of reflection and prayerful anticipation to pause and focus on the happier aspects of this time of year. When preparing for a big test; it takes hard work and study ~ but ideally it includes taking a break from the intense focus and having some fun ~ more importantly remembering why I'm studying so hard.

Focusing on improving the place within our homes and hearts where we invite Christ to live is a good and worthy goal, but for today let us lighten the purple with some Christmas white and rejoice in the idea of the gift long ago given and that he desires with be with us wherever we are on the journey if we but invite him.

Quick Takes #120

1. The usually December craziness is made more so by the many, many appointments this particular month brings with it ~ last week had appointments on three days, and this week on four ~ but on the upside Liam's tubes are in place and functioning well and his yearly well check went well.  Midwifery appointments were unremarkable and NST's only significant for everyone vanishing just as I was about to be discharged making me late for pre-school pick-up. Yay for understanding teachers!!
2. My enthusiastic congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with a sincere hope that her experience with hyperemises gravidum is brief and rest of her pregnancy is complication free.
3. Kelly Jo of The Dr & The Mrs ( a lovely blog you may not yet be reading) and I have formed a laundry load a day pact in anticipation of the coming loads of little clothes a newborn brings.  So far I'm doing well, and am realizing that this plans allows for clean clothes fairly constantly ~ and folded clothes whenever I get a chance.
4. Speaking of Baby #3, the car seat is ordered and will hopefully arrive before the baby.  Clothes and blankets have been washed ~ leaving just emptying the cradle and washing that bedding as the outstanding important 'get ready for baby' tasks.
5. Christmas cards mailed ~ aided this year by my favorite preschooler, the stamps may not all be straight but placed with great enthusiasm for sure.
6. Lisa Jo of tales of a gypsy mom this week created a wonderful video tribute to the spaces we all work and create.
7. Plans for the weekend ~TREE!! Having traveled the last several years it has been awhile since we had a tree in the house; so excited!!

Please visit Conversion Diary for the rest of this week's Quick Takes round-up.

St Nicholas (observed)

   Owing to Dr Daddy's crazy work schedule and that none of the little people yet read a calendar ~ the Bishop graciously agreed to postpone his visit until this weekend.

Filling our shoes with clementines, and chocolate filled gold coins as well as gifting a book and movie each ~ we were all most grateful his visit and ever generous spirit!

Early Advent traditions and plans

    Today I'm joining with Molly Make Do & Carrots for Michaelmas to highlight and celebrate the traditions and customs of Early Advent ~ in our home we have set out our:


Advent Wreath ~ We have a lovely Celtic inspired wreath that my husband has had for years.  Previous  years we've put it on the dining room table and lit candles on Sundays.  This year we have set it up on our kitchen table and will attempt to nightly light the appropriate number of candles and say or para-phrase the prayers from Welcome Baby Jesus.

Advent Calendar ~ We've done a calendar (simple open a window a night version) with Lisbeth the last couple of years.  This year we have two, figuring that Liam was old enough to want to participate but both might struggle with alternating nights.

St. Nicholas ~ Being half-Belgian I grew up leaving my shoe out for whatever offering Saint Nicholas might want to leave as he journeyed by, this continued into my adult/married life.  Wanting to focus on teaching about Advent this year with Lisbeth I haven't talked much about St Nicholas ~ perhaps next year.


Still to do ~ aka coming soon: Setting up the creche.

5 minute friday: Wonder

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.

2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:

Wonder:

        The due date for this coming baby is New Years; I wonder which month will prove to be his/her birth month, which year?  I wonder what kind of Christmas I will make for my other littles; currently feeling good but I know at some point the energy level will take a hit.  I also know that this time and place is so full of wonder and children if given just the smallest of nudges can find amazement and wonder everywhere.  I wonder who this little person is, and if a boy what we should name him.  Wonder and amazement at the wonderful things about to happen most of the time, anxiety only happens a night a little, praise God.

STOP

Please visit tales from a gypsy mom for other 5 minute friday selections.

Thankful Thursday: November 29th

30 days of gratitude continued:

23 ~ My 'married' family; warm, funny and hard-working!  
24 ~ My husband's computer saviness for when badness hits.
25 ~ Sunday dinners with family and friends. 
26 ~ My children's laughter! 
27 ~ Warm drinks on a cold and dreary day!
28 ~ God's everlasting love!
29 ~ Hope renewed each morning.
30 ~ My life with all its struggles and blessings!

Quick Takes #119 ~ Life and links

1. Thanksgiving: Have really enjoyed participating in 30 days of gratitude on Facebook.  And learning all about the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving from the Pre-K perspective.
2. Recently I've had the chance to read two wonderful posts on the question of choosing to stay home with small children despite having advance degrees; this is a question I find to be a work in progress in my life and so appreciate the input of others in the trenches: Elizabeth of That Married Couple and Lisa Jo of tales from a gypsy momma.
3. Preparations for Baby #3 continue at a leisurely pace; have pulled out the tote with newborn clothes but have yet to wash the clothes,  have looked a few infant car seat options on the web but still need to buy one ~ And the cradle, yup still full of random clothes and blankets.  I guess Advent preparations will include a few additional things this year.
4. This time around was the first time our announcement of a coming baby was greeted occasionally with something other than rejoicing by some friends and family.  Kinda wish this post by Erika had been around earlier.
5. Liam has become interested in drawing specific pictures of late (as oppose to simply scribbling) and the favorite picture of the moment is of lassos for his use as Cowboy Liam!
6. Favorite video of the week; one of those songs I keep coming back to during tough weeks.

7. Thanks to a lot of elbow grease and a small chainsaw we've been able to begin to return our backyard to some semblance of order, and availability for playing in.

Before (showing storm damage)

After chainsaw action

After (cuttings waiting for disposal)

Please visit Conversion Diary for the rest of this week's Quick Takes!

Thankful Thursday: November 22nd

30 days of gratitude continue: 

16: The lovely pre-school my kids attend; they seem to be thriving and I enjoy my couple hours free a week.

17: My 'little sister' who I have the privilege of mentoring since she was ten. She is now a high school senior and considering nursing (total coincident) as a career ~ such an honor to see what an amazing young women she is becoming.

18: My mom and her wonderful example of quiet yet devout faith.

19: My sisters; can always be depended upon for support and silliness! 

20: An autumn afternoon spent playing in the leaves.

21: Having a automatic dishwasher, and a husband who enjoys washing dishes!!

22: The chance to gather with family and friends and give thanks for our many blessings!

5 minute friday: Stay

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.

2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:

Stay:

   Our first experience with summer camp this year, a morning program hosted at a local playground, involved a delicate waiting game as she would me to please stay as she got her bearings, scoped who was there, got her feet down; and then I was free to go.  Which was fine because her younger brother, too young for camp, was not going to let me bring him to a playground and not let him play a bit.  

  There will be many more of these in our lives together as we sort out how long she needs me to stay, how long its good for me to stay, when I should stay in her (their) face, and when I'm over staying my welcome.  

STOP

Please go and enjoy other 5 minute friday entries at Lisa Jo's

Thankful Thursday: November 15th

30 days of Gratitude continues:

9 ~ A husband who shares so generously of his talents with his church and    family.

10 ~ Coffee ice cream!

11 ~ To Veterans and those currently serving

12 ~ Beautiful weather and the chance to enjoy it!

13 ~ My parents for instilling a love of reading in me.

14 ~ Liam's speech therapist is warm, engaging and really seems interested in       helping him.

15 ~ My washing machine, loyal workhorse!

Wordless Wednesday: My Guys

5 minute friday: Quiet

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.

2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:

Quiet:

    Quiet time is a work in progress in our house with the no longer napping preschooler in part to allow the still napping toddler to sleep, and in part to allow everyone a chance to take a deep breath and reset, and in those few minutes I find the space and respite I need to again be ready to listen to the story, watch the dance routine, answer the many 'why' questions that the late afternoon and evening will bring until tucked-in into their beds the quiet will return ~ except for the whispered conversation sharing our day between the parents as we too find the stillness amidst the craziness to rest.

STOP

Please go and enjoy other 5 minute friday entries at Lisa Jo's

Thankful Thursday: November 8th

Have been participating in 30 days of gratitude on Facebook and thought I would re-post here weekly:

1. Shelter and electricity
2. Sleeping children
3. My husband, a friend and great blessing to me
4. My faith, and the freedom to openly practice
5. Baby kicks, even when aimed repeatedly at my ribs
6. The 19th Amendment and all those who sacrificed much that my desire to vote is not questioned.
7. Elisabeth, my live wire firstborn filling my days with love and laughter
8. Liam, my smiley cuddly boy-cub 

Fall Drink Review

Completely non-sponsored post ~ just sharing some thoughts for the fun of it.

Tried and true:

photobucket.com

• Dunkin Donuts Vanilla Chai ~ a favorite for many years now having been introduced by my mom (who was introduced by my god-father and his late wife, great connection).  Warm, spicy but not too spicy and low enough caffeine  that I don't have to worry about the kids sneaking sips.  Have discovered ordering Chai's at other places, the vanilla is an important addition as otherwise I find it to be too cinnamon-y.
• Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte ~ expensive but very yummy.  Again I think what appeals to me is that it is more spicy than my usual mocha but not too.  Also I love the flavor of pumpkin; in muffins, pies, and lattes.

Tried out this year:

• Trader Joe's Pumpkin Chai ~ Good find, not too expensive, easy to make and when augmented with some pumpkin creamer very, very delish.  Am currently debating whether to stock-up or trust that when the leaves again change color next year I will be able to find it.
• Starbucks Salted Carmel Mocha ~ Meh,  not bad but didn't really add much to the experience of drinking a mocha and even may have detracted a little as it had a somewhat nutty flavor (think hazelnut) which I am not a fan of in my coffee.
• Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Mocha ~ Also not bad but not good, I think the problem is that there was not enough pumpkin and so it just tasted like a mocha with something amiss.  Disclaimer I only had one so perhaps I just got a bad one, also I did have a pumpkin flavored ice coffee which was a bit sweet but overall tasty.

fotosearch.com

Any fun new finds dear readers?

Favorite fall drinks??

5 minute friday: Roots

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.

2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:

Roots:

    This September my mom brought me lily of the valley clippings to try and transplant, and I grow tomatoes in pots just like my dad did once we moved to a house with a yard too small to truly garden in.  These are part of my roots, as is the french title by which my kids refer to my mom, and I referred to hers.
   What little things, habits and everyday phrases are sending out tiny tendrils deep into the soil of my kids forever grounding them into who they are and will help them stand tall in the future.

Quick Takes #118

1. Sandy: We weathered the storm well, never lost power and sustained no damage to the house.  By the 2nd day cabin fever was definitely starting to show-up but compared to others ~ no complaints! The trees in our backyard had a tougher time, with four ultimately not able to withstand the wind and rain.

With two trees down

With four trees down

2. Seriously, thoughts and prayers to all for whom the clean-up will be much more extensive and difficult.

3. Seeking to be somewhat practical when Lisbeth was tiny I choice gender neutral options for Halloween costumes, pumpkin, bumble bee, monkey ~ despite this year being her choice; the trend continues as she chose to be a Rocket! LOL!

4. Halloween trick or treating went well (despite the lack of smiles in the picture) with older one leading the way and speaking for the group, but happily returning home to hand out candy when the younger one was done in.

5.  Happy November! Am excited to see what the month brings: Election Day, another peek at Baby #3, and one of my favorite holidays Thanksgiving.  What does November means to you?

6. Am enjoying the Read the Catechism, daily emails of a portion of the catechism over a year hosted by Flocknote.  I'm also about a week behind in reading them, will hopefully catch-up this weekend.

7. This weekend the clean-up for us starts in earnest along with some quality family time as Daddy has been away all week.  Have a good one!

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

Day 31 ~ Writing my story

     Firstly thank you to the nester for sponsoring the 31 day challenge and the gypsy mom for her inspiration and guidance through the specific Write your story challenge.

   Secondly thank you to my readers who followed along and provided support and encouragement.

   Thirdly (and lastly)  a few thoughts.  I have really enjoyed taking part in this 31 day adventure and while I am looking forward to not having the pressure to post something everyday ( or guilt when I didn't), I truly believe this challenge was just the shot in the arm I and this blog needed.  I have been able to work through some fears and anxieties and found inspiration in the different perspectives offered by some blogs and writers I discovered in the past month.  I already have several ideas for posts in November and in general have re-found my energy and enthusiasm for blogging ~ and writing my story.

Day 30 ~ When the storms come, keep writing

    I woke to find that my bed was shared with two littles who had each in the night sought comfort and warmth when woken by the strong winds and rain, and able to read the clock I knew that we still had power.  Making my way down through the early morning light found my backyard littered with trees unable to stay standing against the forces of the storm but none of their falling branches breached the house.
  And so began the morning after, checking on friends and family, praying for those still in the storms path, and making breakfast for my fellow little storm survivors who are definitely are exhibiting the signs of cabin fever but are otherwise fine.  And setting down our little piece of the story of this storm,

•  of embracing the power of yes and assenting to a request for spaghetti for breakfast
• of making muffins in the hope that they would finish cooking before any power failure
• of letting the TV/screen time rule slide for the day
• of messages and tweets of concern and supports sent out and received
• of missing Dr Daddy as he stood his post
• of rediscovering once again the loving promise of Psalm 30:5

For his anger is but for a moment; His favor is for a life-time: Weeping may tarry for the night, But joy cometh in the morning.

And so I write it down as requested by the gypsy mom

Day 29 ~ What words and girl power has in common!

May I offer a little challenge to pony up a cheer for a woman whose words have changed you? Go ahead, link to a blog in the comments that has blessed, transformed, loved, challenged, amazed you.



     Today as part of the 31 day challenge hosted by the gypsy mom Lisa Jo we are celebrating girl power  ~ that wonderful force that encourages and inspires us all when we celebrate each other.

Here are some of the wonderful women and their blogs that inspire me:

Modern Mrs Darcy for offering so much inspiration of how to find balance in the modern world with all its blessings and challenges.

Martin Family Moments for sharing with so much wisdom and humor the daily adventure of raising a family, being slightly ahead of me in the parenting journey acts as a guiding light of the path ahead.

Fumbling towards Grace for sharing of her experience and passion for social justice so thoughtfully and beautifully.


Now it's your turn...

Quick Takes #117

1.Thank you for all the prayers and good thoughts for Liam's surgery this week.  It went really well with him being curious/concerned but cooperative during pre-op, fuzzy when they carried out to the OR,  and confused but cuddly in recovery.  He loathes having the ear drops put in but we are done with those tomorrow evening.

2. Despite the tough start of having to drive the car for the first time in the pouring rain rushing to an emergency dentist appointment for Lisbeth.  We are coming to enjoy the new car over the past week and hoping it will be a good addition to the family for years to come.  We ended up choosing the Honda Odyssey ~ which my sister-in-law says is aptly named.  Let the journey begin!

3. Now that we have the new car, we can focus on getting a new car seat (the infant seat we had for L1 and L2 is timing out) for it.  As I hit 30 weeks this week we still have time but given that the next ten weeks also include Halloween, Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas and two weeks on service for my husband, I also don't want to be too casual about it.

4. My husband often begins his introduction at Pre-Cana with this quote from the Princess Bride. I read somewhere recently that the movie is celebrating its 25th anniversary ~ guess we are starting to date ourselves.  Don't care, great movie with so many key quotes for my generation.

5. While I have missed a day or two recently am continuing and enjoying following along with the gypsy mom Lisa Jo's 31 day challenge ~ the latest installment here.

6. Halloween costumes, Lisbeth has requested to be a Rocket and glory be I found one, and Liam was very happy with the Monkey costume shown him (Lisbeth's from last year) and so I thought I was set...until Lisbeth decided that he was an astronaut monkey.  Any suggestions how to augment a monkey costume a bit so to suggest space travel?

7. Weekend Plans include pumpkin carving and an in-home date night of dinner and a movie with Doctor Dad making one of my favorite things he makes: Stuffed Squash!!

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

5 minute friday ~ Voice

Voice:


Start
    
    I'm not sure when I started talking about the concept of her inside voice with my first but when her little brother came along it definitely became a concept often discussed.  Still a couple of years later a work in progress, she has discovered the great joy of finding herself outside and the freedom to let her voice fully demonstrate her energy and happiness of the moment and if there is an echo even better.
    And I'm learning along with her ~ when to let loose and shout, laugh and giggle so that the wind can pick it up and carry notes skyward like seeds to take root elsewhere.

Stop.

Day 24 ~ Because stories are more interesting...

     So much of why I decided to take Lisa Jo's challenge and spend these 31 days learning to write my story is that this blog and my belief in it had started to slowly die, my belief that I had anything to say that was worth putting down, worth being read by others.  But that is not really for me to say ~ all I need to do is put down best I can what I know and what I feel about this life I live.

   This life of loving children still receiving more than they can yet give but giving in their own way and  as I teach them about compassion and empathy teaching me again and again the great good in giving of yourself expecting nothing in return but to serve and to the gifts and opportunities given you by God for his glory.

  This life where my professional vocation seems in flux and I'm so unsure of what to do next and when my responsibilities at home will allow more focus outward in a way that grows us as a family and community.

  Having gained so much from reading posts on ideas such as success and mentoring I seek to find again the confidence to put down what I know and believe in the hope that someone will be helped and fed at this blog table.

Day 20 ~ Jesus lives in the details

   
     Yesterday the gypsy mom teaches us that our stories are important because Jesus lives in the details ~ love that and I hope so ~ I hope that in the details and little moments I write about and share about my life Christ light shines thru illuminating some of darkness.  For I truly know that in the fatigue and struggling, in the busy craziness; God's grace is everywhere

~ in coming out of the shower to find both my kids snuggled in our bed with daddy
~ in Lisbeth looking up from her book this afternoon to listen to the consecration
~ in getting the giggles with my husband remembering some of the comments at
    Pre-Cana
~ in watching Liam stand at his daddy's feet during the closing song
~ in driving on a lovely fall afternoon freed up to run an errand by myself

Everywhere.

Quick Takes #116

1. In addition to participating in the 31 day series sponsored by the gypsy mom, I've also been reading and enjoying the series hosted at Nesting Place and Bits and Pieces.
2. Have of last night survived Daddy's last business trip, and in good form if I say so myself.  Lisbeth really enjoys FaceTime on the iPhone ~ Liam interested if a bit confused.
3. It has been recommended to us that we consider placing Eustacian tubes in Liam's ears, he has never had an infection but frequent fluid might be contributing to his speech delay ~ so that is what is happening next Tuesday.  Prayers welcome, it is overall a low risk surgery but a tough reality is that you can't know how someone will react to anesthesia until they are given it for the first time.
4. A recent sign the my little girl is growing and thriving in Pre-K is that she can write her name, all nine letters of it.  
5. A new era begins today with us trading in the Prius, and getting a minivan! A good choice as we will soon have another car seat (and occupant) traveling with us, but still bittersweet as over the past 8 years I have really enjoyed my car. I promise more information about the new car as she becomes part of our lives, but taking a moment to say good-bye to Batty.
6. A first batch of autumn shaped cookies have already come out of our kitchen with another batch planned for this week.  I think my baking assistant is going to really enjoy this new activity during her brother's naptime.
7. Presenting at Pre-Cana this weekend, please pray for us and the engaged couples attending.

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

31 day catch-up

     Wanted to take a quick moment and catch-up on all of  31 day posts of the gypsy mom Lisa Jo that I have not yet included here ~ either I already had a post planned or I couldn't figure out how her post translated into a prompt.  However they have all been wonderful and don't want any of you following along from here to miss them.

Day 15 ~ What to do with your broken pieces

Day 17 ~ Edit ruthlessly

Day 18 ~ Save the scraps for another day  (today's)

Day 16 ~ How to write yourself out of the dark

Writing myself out of the dark:

     My darkness sometimes looks like loneliness; no family nearby, few friends with young children, a husband who works very long hours, and missing the interactions and activities of a full-time work life ~ I write to connect with other moms, to see if there is an answering call that comes back as I record the moments of sweetness, the moments of hilarity, the moments of stress when I sure I'm doing it all wrong ~ Me too!

     My darkness sometimes looks like overstimulation: too much noise, too much mess, too many demands for hugs, or chocolate milk, or Caillou, or whatever is the essential thing of the moment ~ I write in stolen moments to find again the quiet that centers this introvert and leads me back to myself, back to gratitude for the blessings amidst the craziness, to quiet my mind and find the rest that brings the strength to do it all again with fresh eyes and strong arms.

How do you write yourself out of dark?

500th post!

     So in January 2009 I had this crazy idea of starting a blog and amazingly this marks my 500th post!

Not all of them have been good, and perhaps too many have included pictures of my 'littles', but I'm still pluggin and hopefully as evident in my participation in the 31 day writing challenge interested in improving the quality and variety of posts found here.

Thank you so much for those who have offered inspiration and encouragement along the way!!

Hope you keep reading!



(Miss Lisbeth @ 15 months, June'09)







Prior reflections and milestone posts:
100th post
200th post
(my 300th post was in the middle of a series and does not have a milestone post)

400th post