Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Currently {11}



Thinking about: How crazy we are to want to be parents. To willingly put our hearts out there and to have them so vulnerable and exposed. It was Ted's birthday this weekend, which was so wonderful, but it was also a special day for a very dear friend. My friend lost her sweet one year old son 8 1/2 months ago. I can't even express the sorrow that we still feel when we think of sweet Bradley. Being a parent is the hardest thing I've ever done, yet her experience as a parent has been a million times harder. We have to put so much trust and faith in our God, and yet we know and sadly are reminded that these sweet little souls are on loan to us. Bradley reminds me every day of this...to cherish every moment I have with Ted. I'm reminded to turn off the TV, put down the phone and close the computer and enjoy and laugh and play from the eyes of a one year old. My friend reminds me every day to never give up and never lose hope. God has a plan for our lives and as hard as it is, we must trust. Although we still don't understand why Bradley had to leave us so soon, we know of God's love and his healing. In the midst of their (continued) suffering, God has blessed them with a sweet little lady that will join them next month. It was so amazing to get to celebrate this new little life, all the while thinking of her big brother in Heaven and how he is looking over his family. It's hard to explain or even really comprehend, but I know this new little life will bring so much light and joy and that she will have such a beautiful relationship with her sweet Bradley in Heaven. 

Listening to: Nothing really. I'm not one to try out new music so I really don't listen to much...not even on the radio.

Watching: Anyone else still watch Grey's Anatomy? Dr. Burke is coming back this week and I cannot wait! Aside from the awkward musical episode (seriously it's like a train wreck...I can't not watch) of Grey's Anatomy, I have been a big fan and Dr. Burke was one of my orig faves...can't wait!

(Re)Reading: The Help. I love this book and in order to put an end to my recent problems with illiteracy I decided I should reread and an old faithful that I know I love. It is definitely a book I could reread a dozen times. Love it.

Thankful for: Wonderful friends and family who helped celebrate Ted's first birthday! We had a wonderful party at a train park. Even though it was quite blustery, it was so much fun! I love seeing how social Ted is and just how much he enjoys the simplest things. It really puts things into perspective. We are surrounded by so much "stuff" and more than anything Ted loves being around other people...and playing with paper or a rock. ;-) I love this little man so much and I am in awe of the fact that I get to be his mom. I have never felt more blessed or privileged or truly unworthy of anything else in my whole life. Every night when we put him to bed, I thank God for another day, tell him how much I love him and ask Jesus to bless my sweet boy. The greatest gift ever.










Monday, April 21, 2014

Currently {10}

Thinking about: The Easter Vigil! I know it's long, but it is my very favorite Mass of the year! I remember going when I was younger when my uncle joined the Church. I didn't go again until I "had to" when I worked for the Church. The first time I experienced the Easter Triduum as an adult was a life-changing "AHA" moment of my life. For the first time, everything I believed and wondered about the Church made sense. And, it is so beautiful to see people come into the Church. I must say I am a little envious of them. I obviously don't remember my baptism as an infant. I do remember being really excited to receive the Eucharist when I was 8, but didn't know why I was so excited. My Confirmation was a blur of adolescence. Watching people and their emotions as they enter our wonderful Church (by choice) is so inspiring to me. The Church gets so much bad press and there are people leaving every day, but on this one day of the year, all over the world, people are coming into the Church together, united as one. So amazing to me. 

Also, we were happy to celebrate Jason's 1st anniversary as a Catholic! A dear friend offered to watch Ted, so we actually had an Easter vigil date night. Not many people's idea of a great date, but it absolutely was to me! My husband is one of those new Catholics that I am in awe of. ;-)

Reading: Nothing...seriously. You would never know that I am an educator by my lack of discipline in reading. I'm not even going to pretend I am still reading Love and Respect because it's Just. Not. Happening.

Listening To: I love, love, love Easter music. Christ is Risen is probably my favorite.


Watching (wanting to): Trial of Labor. I am trying to track down this documentary that follows 4 women attempting a VBAC. Anyone know where I can find it?! 

Thankful for: So many things...but this week I am focusing on this little man who is almost one! I cannot believe it's been a year since we were here. It's been amazing to say the least. I love watching him grow and learn so much every day. I know babies are happy, but I never knew they were this happy! His laugh...his smile...his silliness...melts my heart all day long! 


 One year ago! Jason joining the Church! Happy Anniversary babe!



 Ted "reading"


 Early birthday present from his Godparents!


 Easter Toms :)


 Learning about Easter from his cousin

Happy Easter!

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Currently {9}

Thinking about: Holy Week. I love this week. My favorite week of the Church year leading up to my three favorite days of the Church year. I've loved going to Mass this Lent with Ted. We haven't made it every day, but at least three days a week. He gets all giddy when I get him out of the car to go in. He tries to dodge the blessing from the priest and he gets lots of smiles from all the daily Mass-goers. I can't say I've been able to focus much on the readings or the Homily, but someone once told me even if you are distracted, your soul is being fed. All I know is our days are better when Ted and I get to Mass in the morning. Hopefully the grace continues and we can keep up with a few days a week.

Reading: Just finished Dad is Fat...finally. Still trying to grapple through Love and Respect...slowly, but surely I will (maybe) get there.

Watching: We just started watching Mad Men on Netflix. I don't know how I missed this show or why I'm about six years late to the party, but I love it! Love the time period...all the ladies smoking and drinking while pregnant. Makes me wonder how we ever made it. ;-)

Listening to: A sweet little Lent playlist I made awhile ago. Like I said, I love this time of year and I love Lent worship music. 

Just a few of my favorites...
Beautiful, Scandalous Night
Savior King
Wonderful Cross
How Deep the Father's Love for Us
The King He Comes by Ike Ndolo
How He Loves Us
From the Inside Out
Love is Here

Thankful for: Family. We just got back from visiting Jason's family in Washington. We had a great time introducing Ted to Jason's aunts, uncles and cousins. We also went to the zoo and aquarium. Ted loved seeing all the fish! Of course, this just made me miss my family in Iowa all over again. Always feeling pulled...Iowa or Arizona? Time will tell, I guess. ;-)






Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Currently {8}

Thinking about: Traveling on a plane with an almost one year old. We are going to visit Jason's family and I am slightly nervous about traveling with Ted now that he's almost one and constantly on the go! How to contain him for a three hour flight? He's not a fan of the Ergo, or sitting still for more than five seconds. Any recommendations are welcome and appreciated!

Reading: Ugh...still on Love and Respect. Every time I go to pick it up it feels a little like purgatory. Isn't reading supposed to be relaxing? I don't think I'm cut out for book discussions...

Listening to: Nothing. Silence. I love it.

Watching: Let me jump up on my soapbox and tell you why the HIMYM finale was SO AWFUL TO WATCH

  1. They spent an entire season on the weekend of Barney and Robyn's wedding only to find out 10 minutes into the finale they get divorced?!
  2. Ted finally meets the mother (whom I loved) and then doesn't marry her for seven years?! 
  3. They have two kids and then finally get married?! 
  4. We finally meet the mother only to have her suddenly die of some illness?! 
  5. Then his kids tell him he's clearly in love with their "Aunt Robin" and he should go ask her out?! 
  6. I read some blogs about people's responses and some said it was great because not all stories have happy endings?! Well, shouldn't a sitcom (situation-comedy) have a happy ending? I guess for those that liked Ted and Robin this is their happy ending. I think her character was always selfish, always focused on her career, never wanted kids...it's like Ted met the mother just so he could have kids and end up with Robin. Ugh...as you may detect, it annoyed me to no end. I had to rewatch the "Friends" finale to find my happy sitcom place again.
Also watching...Blackfish. I kind of wish I hadn't. I love SeaWorld...love it. After watching this, not so sure anymore. I know it's a documentary who's sole purpose is to get everyone to hate places like SeaWorld and you need to understand that going into it. I'm not a crazy animal lover that cares more about animals than people, but I do believe in treating animals humanely. I'm sure there is a way to teach people about orcas without putting them on display the way they do. A good documentary because it definitely makes you think. Just maybe wait until after you take the whole family to my favorite happiest place on earth before you watch it. :)

Thankful for: TEETH! Ted finally has one sweet little (sharp) tooth popping through! And I will say, I am quite thankful now he did not get one until 11 months because OUCH! I'm thankful he only nurses twice a day now.

Also so thankful for good friends and beautiful weather. Yesterday, Ted and I went on a walk to the park with a friend and her two kids. I love seeing Ted interact with other children and see him laugh and smile so much. We had such a fun picnic and he loved the swing and the sand!






Thursday, April 3, 2014

32 things that make me happy


this guy


and this kid


daily Mass...when we can get there

Annie (the original only)

annual campouts with Iowa friends


fresh out of the oven cookies


delicious dinners on a budget

growing families and baby bellies

dozens of cousins in Iowa


Catholic community

early morning snuggles with an almost one year old


smiles on swings


family picnics in the park


father/son bonding


grey's Anatomy reruns

Getting $144 worth of new clothes for $17

baseball games with my babe


zoo days


peaceful walks with Ted


almost friends


Skittles and Starburst and Tootsie pops and Nerds and Gummy Bears

the Eucharist

"healthy" Cocoa Pebbles


Arnold Palmers

Papa and Grandma visiting from Iowa


girls' journal with beautiful ladies from afar


summers in Iowa


San Diego 4th of Julys


1st birthdays

green grass

cousin trips


and this smile...all. day. long.


linkin' up with Erin