I've been the most disappointed in people that I've been in a very long time. And I'm very sad about it.
On the upside-
I am thankful for a true friend...someone who is watching out for me.
I am also thankful for my BEST friend- my loving husband.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Fabulous 50
Well, I don't know how "fabulous" it will be, but I'm happy to celebrate finally writing 50 entries in this blog. When I had more time on my hands, I would write everyday in my old blog- and I kind of miss that. Its nice to see thoughts in writing. I'm hoping after next Tuesday (my last Religious Ed. class) to accomplish two things:
1. To focus on two writing pieces a month- not necessarily blogs (although I will post them here-) even though I know life will continue to get busy, I yearn to write- to have that outlet. I would like to work on a chapbook of poetry- even if its just for myself.
2. Get on the Tresdclimber three times a week- only for twenty minutes to a half hour a session. I really should be walking (no P90X while pregnant!) and I would like to spend more time walking outside once it warms up.
The challenge will be making time to do these things. I'm still going to have a lot of work to do, especially with Sacramental Prep and preparing for maternity leave- (though I'm hoping that I will be able to leave to stay home- we'll see what God wants)and family comes first.
In any case- here is a mini list of things I was thankful for yesterday:
1. Buying the correct number of ice cream cups for Religious Ed. elementary kids and teachers- and the fact that they didn't whine for MORE ice cream. They were all very gracious and loved their treats!
2. That a 10th grader I enlisted as an aide for an elementary school class wants to return to help second grade next year. This makes me SO happy. Many people told me this girl was "trouble" and to keep an eye on her. I'm so happy I listened to Jesus instead. She ended up in the Confirmation class (after not being in Religious Ed. for years) and did all the necessary work on her own to make up her 9th grade Confirmation Prep- and actively lectors when the 10th graders need to serve at a Mass. Thank you Jesus, for bringing H. into the Church again!
3. That my husband makes me laugh, even when I'm having a horrible night- and that he makes me laugh at the most ridiculous things.
4. For The Biggest Loser. That's the only show I've actually been watching now that LOST has come to an end. Not as many plot twists...:)...but fun to watch nonetheless.
5. For Joseph giving me a kiss when I came home without me asking for one! So cute.
6. That on Thursday, I will be halfway through my pregnancy.
1. To focus on two writing pieces a month- not necessarily blogs (although I will post them here-) even though I know life will continue to get busy, I yearn to write- to have that outlet. I would like to work on a chapbook of poetry- even if its just for myself.
2. Get on the Tresdclimber three times a week- only for twenty minutes to a half hour a session. I really should be walking (no P90X while pregnant!) and I would like to spend more time walking outside once it warms up.
The challenge will be making time to do these things. I'm still going to have a lot of work to do, especially with Sacramental Prep and preparing for maternity leave- (though I'm hoping that I will be able to leave to stay home- we'll see what God wants)and family comes first.
In any case- here is a mini list of things I was thankful for yesterday:
1. Buying the correct number of ice cream cups for Religious Ed. elementary kids and teachers- and the fact that they didn't whine for MORE ice cream. They were all very gracious and loved their treats!
2. That a 10th grader I enlisted as an aide for an elementary school class wants to return to help second grade next year. This makes me SO happy. Many people told me this girl was "trouble" and to keep an eye on her. I'm so happy I listened to Jesus instead. She ended up in the Confirmation class (after not being in Religious Ed. for years) and did all the necessary work on her own to make up her 9th grade Confirmation Prep- and actively lectors when the 10th graders need to serve at a Mass. Thank you Jesus, for bringing H. into the Church again!
3. That my husband makes me laugh, even when I'm having a horrible night- and that he makes me laugh at the most ridiculous things.
4. For The Biggest Loser. That's the only show I've actually been watching now that LOST has come to an end. Not as many plot twists...:)...but fun to watch nonetheless.
5. For Joseph giving me a kiss when I came home without me asking for one! So cute.
6. That on Thursday, I will be halfway through my pregnancy.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday Musing
1. I'm thankful I could work from home today so I could help my hubby- (he hurt his back and could not pick up Joseph).
2.I'm thankful that I MIGHT get six altar servers for Confirmation- which means I can have incense during the Mass!
3. I'm thankful I'm not a Jedi. (Long story- to be developed at a later time!)
4. I'm thankful that my Dad re-painted the dining room "Spring Meadow Green."
5. I'm thankful for "Goodnight Moon," and that I've read it so many times, I've memorized it- I and when I recite it to Joseph, he stops crying and is mesmerized.
6. For baby kisses.
7. For husband kisses.
8. I'm thankful that my cousin finally had her baby- little Emma Eileen.
9. I'm thankful Religious Ed. classes are almost over.
10. I'm thankful my parents and sister were gone tonight and our little family had time together alone- much needed.
11. I'm thankful that this Saturday I will actually have time for a long blog post. I've been meaning to post, but life keeps getting in the way.
12. That we made it to H & R Block the other day to get our taxes filed- and that we'll be getting more back than we expected! We'll be able to pay off a credit card adn reserve some money for medical needs. Praise God.
13. I'm thankful for Confession, and for the penance the priest gave me- because I'm struggling with it. The penance was, "Ask God for something outrageous in faith." I have trouble asking for grace to make it through the day! I've been asking many things, but I don't feel like my asking is "faith filled" enough. With God's grace- I hope that my faith may increase!
2.I'm thankful that I MIGHT get six altar servers for Confirmation- which means I can have incense during the Mass!
3. I'm thankful I'm not a Jedi. (Long story- to be developed at a later time!)
4. I'm thankful that my Dad re-painted the dining room "Spring Meadow Green."
5. I'm thankful for "Goodnight Moon," and that I've read it so many times, I've memorized it- I and when I recite it to Joseph, he stops crying and is mesmerized.
6. For baby kisses.
7. For husband kisses.
8. I'm thankful that my cousin finally had her baby- little Emma Eileen.
9. I'm thankful Religious Ed. classes are almost over.
10. I'm thankful my parents and sister were gone tonight and our little family had time together alone- much needed.
11. I'm thankful that this Saturday I will actually have time for a long blog post. I've been meaning to post, but life keeps getting in the way.
12. That we made it to H & R Block the other day to get our taxes filed- and that we'll be getting more back than we expected! We'll be able to pay off a credit card adn reserve some money for medical needs. Praise God.
13. I'm thankful for Confession, and for the penance the priest gave me- because I'm struggling with it. The penance was, "Ask God for something outrageous in faith." I have trouble asking for grace to make it through the day! I've been asking many things, but I don't feel like my asking is "faith filled" enough. With God's grace- I hope that my faith may increase!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday's Good Things
1. Spending the morning with Joseph and going to work late- (I worked a late shift.) It was nice to watch The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and have english muffins with raspberry jam together- and then put him down for his morning nap.
2. Getting a new volunteer to help me in the office. She is THE sweetest lady. She stayed with me for four hours cutting out 2nd Grade projects for next year.
3. Riding home with M., who I'm truly convinced is a saint.
2. Getting a new volunteer to help me in the office. She is THE sweetest lady. She stayed with me for four hours cutting out 2nd Grade projects for next year.
3. Riding home with M., who I'm truly convinced is a saint.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Thankful
Yesterday:
1.I was thankful for a very good and beneficial conversation.
2.For my husband's insight and encouragement.
3.For my husband's patience with a teething toddler.
4.For my two office volunteers and my office assistant.
5.That I made it to an RCIA meeting, and was able to meet the catechumen. (Even though I was exhausted and initially didn't think I would make it.)
6. That I was able to put Joseph to sleep last night and cuddle with him while I felt his baby brother moving. :)
7. That my husband attempted (and succeeded!) in giving Joseph a haircut.
8. That I had the opportunity to wear a new maternity blouse that is a bright, coral color- it helped keep me cheerful. :)
9. That when I looked at the calendar, I saw on Saturday I have a day off. The first real day off in two weeks.
10. That my mom cooked dinner last night.
1.I was thankful for a very good and beneficial conversation.
2.For my husband's insight and encouragement.
3.For my husband's patience with a teething toddler.
4.For my two office volunteers and my office assistant.
5.That I made it to an RCIA meeting, and was able to meet the catechumen. (Even though I was exhausted and initially didn't think I would make it.)
6. That I was able to put Joseph to sleep last night and cuddle with him while I felt his baby brother moving. :)
7. That my husband attempted (and succeeded!) in giving Joseph a haircut.
8. That I had the opportunity to wear a new maternity blouse that is a bright, coral color- it helped keep me cheerful. :)
9. That when I looked at the calendar, I saw on Saturday I have a day off. The first real day off in two weeks.
10. That my mom cooked dinner last night.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Open House
Today, the best thing that happened (aside from coming home from work) was the success of our Religious Ed. Open House, despite the fact that we went ahead with a volunteer down due to a back injury. Everything came together- and we (I) survived. Open House number two is on Sunday, and I hope it goes as smoothly. I'm hoping to have time to blog on Saturday.
Also- I'm very happy that I'm 18 weeks along today- I'm almost halfway through my pregnancy! I can't believe it!
This Lenten "positive" blogging/journaling thing has been difficult for me, but I do see the fruits of the exercise in my spiritual life. I'm so grateful that God opened my eyes to this process.
Also- I'm very happy that I'm 18 weeks along today- I'm almost halfway through my pregnancy! I can't believe it!
This Lenten "positive" blogging/journaling thing has been difficult for me, but I do see the fruits of the exercise in my spiritual life. I'm so grateful that God opened my eyes to this process.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Its a...
Boy!
Joseph will have a new baby brother on (or hopefully before!) August 23rd.
I don't have too much time to post right now as I'm getting ready for work- but to keep up my Lenten attempt- a few good things:
1. I'm very happy that we're having a little boy. Not only will Joseph have a buddy to play with, but I will have some idea of how to deal with a baby boy because I've already had one- AND I don't have to buy a ton of new things because they can share.
2. I only have one more week without a day off to get through.
3. My 9th graders did a fantastic job assisting at Mass, considering they had not done it since the Fall semester.
4. It was a great thing that Fr. E and the Principal were available last night during Religious Ed- especially since the boy's bathroom was overflowing with toilet water and leaking into a classroom! The mess was cleaned up with a wet-vac, but I don't know if the problem has been solved yet.
5. I can see green patches in the back yard. (I'm hoping Spring is REALLY on it's way!)
6. Hubby is sending in two applications today. Please pray for his job search.
Hopefully, I'll have time to post something more detailed soon.
Joseph will have a new baby brother on (or hopefully before!) August 23rd.
I don't have too much time to post right now as I'm getting ready for work- but to keep up my Lenten attempt- a few good things:
1. I'm very happy that we're having a little boy. Not only will Joseph have a buddy to play with, but I will have some idea of how to deal with a baby boy because I've already had one- AND I don't have to buy a ton of new things because they can share.
2. I only have one more week without a day off to get through.
3. My 9th graders did a fantastic job assisting at Mass, considering they had not done it since the Fall semester.
4. It was a great thing that Fr. E and the Principal were available last night during Religious Ed- especially since the boy's bathroom was overflowing with toilet water and leaking into a classroom! The mess was cleaned up with a wet-vac, but I don't know if the problem has been solved yet.
5. I can see green patches in the back yard. (I'm hoping Spring is REALLY on it's way!)
6. Hubby is sending in two applications today. Please pray for his job search.
Hopefully, I'll have time to post something more detailed soon.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
A Few Good Things
Yesterday:
1. I didn't need to worry about dinner because my sister and her boyfriend cooked a pesto feast!
2. Because I worked late last night, I went in late to work yesterday and got to spend time with Joseph and put him down for his nap and cuddle with him.
3. All of my Second Grade Parents and their kids (except for two!) showed up to our First Eucharist meeting last night.
4. It was warmer than thirty degrees and I could walk around with an open coat! Could Spring FINALLY be arriving?!
5. The Fifth Grade student I'm tutoring remembered almost everything from our last tutoring session two weeks ago and has memorized two of her prayers.
Good things to come:
SONOGRAM on Wednesday- and my Mom volunteering to watch Joseph since it's an hour long- AND the fact that Alicia will be here for the results!
1. I didn't need to worry about dinner because my sister and her boyfriend cooked a pesto feast!
2. Because I worked late last night, I went in late to work yesterday and got to spend time with Joseph and put him down for his nap and cuddle with him.
3. All of my Second Grade Parents and their kids (except for two!) showed up to our First Eucharist meeting last night.
4. It was warmer than thirty degrees and I could walk around with an open coat! Could Spring FINALLY be arriving?!
5. The Fifth Grade student I'm tutoring remembered almost everything from our last tutoring session two weeks ago and has memorized two of her prayers.
Good things to come:
SONOGRAM on Wednesday- and my Mom volunteering to watch Joseph since it's an hour long- AND the fact that Alicia will be here for the results!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude
Being pregnant, I'm not to abstain and fast from certain things during Lent, so I was trying to find something I could give up that would cause me to struggle and to grow- and I've found it.
I'm trying to give up complaining about my job and my living situation for Lent. And- let me tell you, after one week- ONE WEEK of Lent, I've had to start over this resolution on a daily basis.
It's been an eye opening experience- one that has not only revealed to me my cynicism, but also faithlessness, and ingratitude for what God has provided me with- a place to stay with people who are (trying) to look out for my well being, and a job in which I have an opportunity to provide for my husband and son, all while doing the work of a missionary.
In any case- now that I have realized my weaknesses- I want to do something to work on having an "attitude of gratitude". Whether it's in my personal journal or in this blog, I need to record down all of the good things that have happened to me during the day, and keep a log of them. I have a feeling that with this new practice, i will begin to change my attitude. Sometimes, when we can concretely see how God's hand is working in our lives, it makes it that much easier to be faithful, and to place a childlike trust in Him and in His providence
This Bible passage is one that I will reflect on during Lent:
Matthew 6:26
I'm trying to give up complaining about my job and my living situation for Lent. And- let me tell you, after one week- ONE WEEK of Lent, I've had to start over this resolution on a daily basis.
It's been an eye opening experience- one that has not only revealed to me my cynicism, but also faithlessness, and ingratitude for what God has provided me with- a place to stay with people who are (trying) to look out for my well being, and a job in which I have an opportunity to provide for my husband and son, all while doing the work of a missionary.
In any case- now that I have realized my weaknesses- I want to do something to work on having an "attitude of gratitude". Whether it's in my personal journal or in this blog, I need to record down all of the good things that have happened to me during the day, and keep a log of them. I have a feeling that with this new practice, i will begin to change my attitude. Sometimes, when we can concretely see how God's hand is working in our lives, it makes it that much easier to be faithful, and to place a childlike trust in Him and in His providence
This Bible passage is one that I will reflect on during Lent:
25“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?g 28And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:26
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Joseph
Today I went out with a friend after stopping by the salon for a trim. I hadn't seen this person in a while, and it was lovely to catch up. However, the entire time I was getting a manicure, and the entire time we had lunch, I had Joseph on my mind. I was wondering what he was doing- if he was behaving for my husband and my Dad- just missing him SO much!
I guess I don't understand (probably because I currently work full time) how to be away from my child, and feel "okay" about it. As it is, I know I won't be able to lift him in the near future as my pregnancy progresses- and I feel like each moment that I can still hold him, hug him and play with him is so precious. He's the joy of my day!
My favorite part of the day is when I come home from work and I can hear him calling for me as he hears the door open..and then he reaches out to me and gives me a kiss. I wish I could freeze moments like that.
I guess I don't understand (probably because I currently work full time) how to be away from my child, and feel "okay" about it. As it is, I know I won't be able to lift him in the near future as my pregnancy progresses- and I feel like each moment that I can still hold him, hug him and play with him is so precious. He's the joy of my day!
My favorite part of the day is when I come home from work and I can hear him calling for me as he hears the door open..and then he reaches out to me and gives me a kiss. I wish I could freeze moments like that.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Cheerfulness
I've started reading another book about Mother Teresa- and that woman just AMAZES me. This book has published much of her correspondance that she had wanted to have her superiors and spiritual advisors destroy, (they obviously didn't) and it's so eye opening to read the thoughts and musings of this saint.
Last night when I was reading, I came across a particular line (a Golden Line!) that struck me. The paraphrased version of this is that whenever Mother Teresa saw someone who was sad, that person must be keeping something from God.
Wow.
The seoond thing that struck me was how she wrote about the virtue of cheerfulness. So often we hear about the virtues of faith, hope, charity, etc., etc...that at least for myself, I forget that cheerfulness is a virtue- and one that I need to work on!
So many of the saints were cheerful despite their interior trials because they LOVED God and would do anything to make Him happy. It's amazing to me how when one changes his focus from himself to God, his entire life changes.
I've seen few people who manifest this virtue, but I can say that my sister Amanda is one of those people. Out of everyone I've known, despite what she was going through, she was cheerful. She didn't deny that she had difficulties, but because of her childlike faith and humility, they did not weigh on her. She trusted that she would be taken care of.
And she was.
A little while back, a friend had posted as a Facebook status that "Everyone receives a cross, but the weight of it depends on the person..." or something to that effect. I think that's true. Everyone does have difficulties. But when handled with a childlike faith, when one TRUSTS in God and abandons himself to God's will, the cross is not only lighter, but a sweet offering of love to Our Lord. The burden is transformed into an "unwritten love note" to the Beloved.
Someday, I hope to get to that point! :)
On a completely unrelated note- I'm eagerly awaiting my sonogram. Baby #2 has been swimming and rolling on my right side- and I'm actually quite surprised I've been feeling him (or her!) so early. I'm going to be 16 weeks tomorrow. Where does the time go?!?
Last night when I was reading, I came across a particular line (a Golden Line!) that struck me. The paraphrased version of this is that whenever Mother Teresa saw someone who was sad, that person must be keeping something from God.
Wow.
The seoond thing that struck me was how she wrote about the virtue of cheerfulness. So often we hear about the virtues of faith, hope, charity, etc., etc...that at least for myself, I forget that cheerfulness is a virtue- and one that I need to work on!
So many of the saints were cheerful despite their interior trials because they LOVED God and would do anything to make Him happy. It's amazing to me how when one changes his focus from himself to God, his entire life changes.
I've seen few people who manifest this virtue, but I can say that my sister Amanda is one of those people. Out of everyone I've known, despite what she was going through, she was cheerful. She didn't deny that she had difficulties, but because of her childlike faith and humility, they did not weigh on her. She trusted that she would be taken care of.
And she was.
A little while back, a friend had posted as a Facebook status that "Everyone receives a cross, but the weight of it depends on the person..." or something to that effect. I think that's true. Everyone does have difficulties. But when handled with a childlike faith, when one TRUSTS in God and abandons himself to God's will, the cross is not only lighter, but a sweet offering of love to Our Lord. The burden is transformed into an "unwritten love note" to the Beloved.
Someday, I hope to get to that point! :)
On a completely unrelated note- I'm eagerly awaiting my sonogram. Baby #2 has been swimming and rolling on my right side- and I'm actually quite surprised I've been feeling him (or her!) so early. I'm going to be 16 weeks tomorrow. Where does the time go?!?
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