Inspiration From Above

As I was walking/jogging yesterday I was thinking about what I should write about in my blog today. Sometimes it seems like the ideas just pop into my head, and sure enough I heard two wonderful songs while I was exercising that really made me think.

With the coming of a third baby, a wild day in church, and an overly grouchy for no reason day, dealing with the idea of taking care of three kids was really all I could think about while I walked/jogged. Sure enough, God decided to speak to me. Maybe He was trying to reassure me, or maybe He was trying to make me feel guilty for being so grouchy all day…either way I think I got the message.

Below are the chorus’ of the two songs that I heard, if you’ve never listened to the full songs, I highly suggest you listen to them asap.

Darius Rucker

Learn to Live  

“You gotta live to learn
You gotta crash and burn
You gotta make some stances
and take some chances
You gotta live and love
and take all life has to give
You gotta live and learn
So you can learn to live

　

　

Billy Dean

Let Them Be Little

“So let them be little,
'Cause they're only that way for a while.
Give 'em hope, give them praise,
Give them love every day.
Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle,
Let 'em sleep in the middle,
Oh, but let them be little.”

What I realized after listening to both songs is that life is life. We’re all going to have those days where you feel like nothing is going right. We’re going to have those days where thinking about the future throws us into a panic attack. We’re all going to have those days where we just keep making mistakes. But at the end of the day we’ve learned something, and our kids have learned something too. We’re going to survive, and hopefully our kids will make it out of our care without too many scars (emotional or physical). God provides us with opportunities each and every day. It’s up to us to take those opportunities in stride with an optimistic attitude or to look at those opportunities as huge hurdles that we just can’t get over without complaining every step of the way.

So if you’re having one of those days, remember we all make mistakes--just keep doing the best you can. Your kids are growing and learning every single day, don’t be afraid to let them. Before we know it we’re going to blink and they won’t be so little anymore.

Medium

The dictionary defines medium as a state between extremes. If you ask my husband I define medium as just perfect. Maybe some of you do the same thing as I do when it comes to the word medium. My answer isn’t usually a lot or just a little, but just medium. Obviously it’s not a very concrete meaning so that’s why I think I use it. Medium in my eyes is just perfect.

I think this is probably how we are meant to live our lives--at the level of medium. Sure there are certain things that call for that huge amount of passion or other things that call for just a touch, but day to day medium is probably the way to go.

We are called to set a good example for those around us, and I think that the best way to do that is by living like a normal (medium) person. If we act too happy people can tell that it’s all a charade. If we are depressed and angry all the time, people want to avoid what we’re doing in our lives at all costs. Just be real. People appreciate honesty and I think that’s what everyone can relate to best.

This doesn’t mean that I don’t think you should strive to live your live as Christ. Let’s be honest, he didn’t have a medium kind of life at all. Or did he? Jesus Christ was an amazing example of how to live. He loved better than any other person on Earth has ever loved, he forgave better than any other person on Earth, and he also demanded more than any other person on Earth has demanded. However, Christ didn’t expect for humans to do the impossible. He gave us expectations that He believes we can attain.

As I think more and more about medium I really think it’s definition should be changed to “the perfect amount”. Let us all try our best to live a medium life today. Let’s not be “fake” happy or angry and depressed. Let’s live as a good example for those around us. Remember it is you who brings Christ alive in this world. When we meet Him at the gates of heaven we all want to be able to say “Yes, I lived each day as you taught me with love, forgiveness, and joy.”

　

　

Those Questions...

Was this baby planned?

Do you know what causes that?

Wow, you ARE brave.

You sure are going to have your hands full.

Are you Catholic?

You’re going to be just like your mom aren’t you.



This list could go on and on, and those of you from large families could probably add quite a few to the list. I usually try to take these comments with a smile and some kind reply, but sometimes I tell the person exactly what I am thinking. I’m sure you can imagine how some of those responses go.

However, a conversation that I had earlier this week really got me to thinking about the “planned” question. Was this baby planned?

Does it really matter if the baby was planned or not? What exactly is the point of that question? Are you trying to make me think back to the time this baby was conceived and tell you if I knew this would happen? I’m pretty sure if that’s your question then no pregnancy is “planned”. No one knows for sure if they’ll get pregnant or not. If the point of asking that question is for me to look like a fool or an out of control hormone crazed teenager who can’t control urges--you’re not going to get that out of me either. I enjoy my “time” with my husband and I will never regret that time blessing us with a child. I will never wish I wasn’t pregnant. I will never wish that “time” with my husband didn’t take place.

A child as an accident is a baffling thought to me. I never look at children as a burden or an accident. (I want a word or two with you if you do look at them that way.) I couldn’t imagine if my parents had told me that I was an “accident”. What message is that sending to our children? Shouldn’t we be telling them that they have always been wanted and are truly a blessing in the lives of everyone they come in contact with. I’m not saying this because we should lie to them, I’m saying it because I believe it to be true. My children are a blessing and they have already changed so many lives by being here on Earth.

Does this mean that I think everyone should go and have 10 kids? Absolutely not. However, you might want to think about what you say to a pregnant woman the next time. When it is all said and done it’s none of your darn business if the pregnancy was planned or not. It’s none of your business how many children my husband and I choose to have. Why do you care if I’ll have my hands full or not? And thank you for telling me I’ll be just like my mother. If I make it out of this wild adventure half the mom that she is I’ll be thankful!

Children are a blessing from God. Mother’s have this awesome task of taking care of them, nurturing them, loving them, teaching them, and guiding them to the right path. Don’t ever ask me if God has over-burdened me. God has blessed me over and over and over again. I thank Him every single day for the opportunity to pull my hair out, get worn down, run around in circles picking up the same old mess, and mend the superhero’s knee. This world needs to quit thinking of children as a problem, and start looking at them as a solution.

For those of you who were “accidents”, I sure am glad you’re here today. I believe that you will change the world, maybe you already have.

Yummy

How long does it take you to unwrap 24 Hershey kisses?

Ready go.

So?

I’d like to say that although my chocolate cravings have been getting the better of me lately, I didn’t unwrap 24 Hershey Kisses this afternoon quickly because I ate them. Instead I’m trying out a new recipe. Chocolate cupcakes with a Hershey Kiss melted in the middle and chocolate frosting on the top. They are baking right now and already smell wonderful. I plan to hold myself to eating just one, and luckily Eliza is having friends over tomorrow to help get rid of them or else they’d sit on the counter daring me.

Don’t you think cravings are a funny thing? I would bet that most women out there know exactly what I’m talking about. For some reason God designed us to have these wild hormones that cause us to crave foods. Usually we crave the stuff that’s not at all good for us. I don’t know about you, but I’m not a guilty eater at all. If I really want something that I know is not good for me, I’ll eat it. Later on I might think about being on my best behavior the next day but I’ve never put a guilt trip on myself. I believe that if you truly want to eat something--go ahead. Just make sure you do so in moderation, and if you can’t eat just a little bit then don’t eat any at all. (I know much easier said than done)

I am a very passionate eater, just like other areas in my life. I love to eat good food, and when I have favorites of things I rave about them. If I eat a good meal you’re going to hear about it. You might even hear some moaning while I’m eating it. I believe that eating should be enjoyed, and if you’re not enjoying it then why bother. My husband, on the other hand, eats the same way he does most everything in life. He is very even. He doesn’t have many favorites and he eats whatever is set in front of him. He doesn’t really care for desserts (except cheesecake) and the only time he eats them is when I only eat a couple bites of a huge dessert after a meal out. Some days I wish I could be more like Brian--it would be great not to have cravings to give in to.

I guess I’m just blessed to enjoy foods as much as I do. I don’t think I’d trade my passion for foods for a boring life of “whatever”. How do you deal with your cravings?

As I finish typing this post I’m thinking about how I’ve been trying to go exclusively Paleo again. It seemed nearly impossible the first part of pregnancy, but I’m determined to stick it out for the second half. I guess my will power is going to have to grow a bit, because pregnancy cravings are going to test me for sure.

For those of you thinking…what about those cupcakes? They just got out of the oven, they smell delicious, and the kids are down for a nap. I guess it’s a good thing the 2^nd half of my pregnancy doesn’t start until Monday. I’ll have a couple days to rid my body of the cupcake sugar. J

The Spunk in My Life

The silence of naptime is wonderful after the wild morning we had. Don’t get me wrong it was pretty much self-inflicted. Really, who in their right mind goes to the mall 5 months pregnant with a crazy almost 3 year old and a 15 month old? I guess this is just one more thing that proves I’m not in my right mind.

I was THAT lady today. You know the one I’m talking about. The lady that you look at and think “Ahh, her kids are so cute, why does she look so disheveled?” Then her adorable daughter comes up to you with a bright smile and a “Hi!” so you think to yourself “Oh, what a polite little girl”. But as you walk away you turn to look back over your shoulder and you see that same little girl running ahead as her mom says her name with increasing volume and anger each time, and as she’s running ahead she’s touching every single piece of clothing she can possibly touch, and if they fall on the ground she just giggles a little. And you see that pregnant lady following behind the wild little girl pushing a stroller and picking up the tornado of a mess that is left behind. Continuously threatening the spanking of misbehavior. Yup, that was me this morning.

As I said above, it was my own fault. Maybe some really good 3 year olds can go to the mall and shop for specific things with their mom and not be in a stroller, but my beautiful little girl just isn’t one of those. I was reminded over and over why I like to go shopping all by myself.

Luckily, the car ride home eased my stress/anger. When we got in the car I buckled Eliza in with the common phrase “I don’t want to hear you say a thing when I get in this car.” It doesn’t always work, but for the first 3 minutes or so there was complete silence. It truly was golden! After Eliza felt it was safe to speak she began her usual line of questions.

Mommy, are we on the interstate yet?

      Not yet.

Mommy, can you roll my window down?

       No, we’ll be on the interstate in just second.

Mommy, do you think it’s beautiful outside?

      Yes, it is a very pretty day.

Mommy, look I think Ronald McDonald is waving to us.

Mommy, Can we go to McDonald’s to eat?

        Nope not today.

Mommy, do you remember when I was a burrito? (she brings this up randomly all the time)

         Yes, that wasn’t much fun was it?

Mommy, when will Jackson talk?

         I don’t know.

Jackson say mommy, say mommy.

Mommy, will daddy be home tonight?

         No, not until tomorrow night after bedtime.

These questions went on and on all the way home, as they always do when we’re in the car. However, they didn’t irritate me, they just reminded me that she’s 3. Three year olds have a whole world to discover so they are going to have a lot of questions. They are going to run through stores and hide in clothing racks. They are going to test the limits each and every day. They are going to learn a lot every day. And when you’re having a rough time they will be the first one to give you a big hug and say “Mommy, I love you!” Not because you deserve it or because you ask for it, just because that’s what 3 year olds do. I’m blessed to have a spunky 3 year old in my life. Even though she keeps me on my toes all day every day, she is one of the reasons I go to bed every night with a smile on my face. Isn’t God amazing for blessing the world with children!!

Gag Me

Yesterday I was getting ready to go to dinner with a friend and the kids were kind of fussy so I asked them if they wanted a snack. Jackson gave me a blank stare and Eliza asked for a cheese stick. So I ended up giving them both a cheese stick. Eliza gobbled hers down quickly and Jackson wasn’t too far behind, however, he decided that he didn’t want the last bit of his so after he had chewed it up he smiled as it rolled out of his mouth onto the floor. Eliza was standing right by him so I asked her to pick it up and toss it in the trash for me. She didn’t hesitate, she bent over pick it up and immediately began to gag. At first I thought she was teasing, but I quickly figured out that her gag was going to turn into so much more. I rushed her to the bathroom (thinking of my brand new carpets the whole way…lol) and she finished the throw up there. (my carpets were wounded a bit) She finished by telling me that Jackson’s cheese was gross.

I’ve never seen Eliza gag before. In fact, I’ve always thought she had a pretty strong stomach and she likes quite a bit of weird foods. So I was still in a bit of shock as I walked out the door to dinner.

The more I thought about the incident the weirder it seemed. As I contemplated this isolated incident of weirdness it made my mind wander (shocking) to the world as a whole. The phrase “gag me” is one that I have used in the past. Usually I am referring to the sight of something in public that is inappropriate such as an outfit that doesn’t suit a person or some inappropriate displays of affection. Most of the time I just mumbled the “gag me” phrase under my breath, maybe just loud enough for those around me to hear and understand what I am referring to. Those who know me well know that I observe everything and I have a pretty strong opinion on what is acceptable and what’s not.

So the more I thought about how I use “gag me” the more I thought that maybe the words are not enough. Maybe what I need to be doing is not only setting a good example but speaking up when something truly is gag-gable. It’s easy to walk by something and judge and make a snide comment. It’s a lot harder to either keep my snide comment to myself, or say something to the person that’s offending me. Maybe it’s time that I try to spread God’s love by trying to rid the world of gag-able offenses. Maybe all the PDA couple needs is someone to politely tell them to knock it off? Or maybe I just need to keep my mouth shut? Whatever it is I decide to do from now on I’m going to try to be proactive. I’m going to try to spread God’s love and not my own judgment. Maybe we can rid the world of gag-gable offenses together!

No Words

Sometimes I just don't have the words to express all the thoughts going on in my head.

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about teenagers and stupid mistakes. Honestly, it's hard for me to relate to "dumb" teenagers and their actions. I just didn't get it when I was a teenager. It all seemed so stupid and on the surface to me. The drinking, the sex, the parties, all of it just seemed pointless to me and I was taught so much better than that. So not only did I avoid those stupid mistakes, but I didn't understand those friends or aquaintances who partook in such behavior.

I guess not much has changed because I still don't understand such behavior. Whether you are 16 or 36 some behaviors just shouldn't be ok. However, this is more for those 16 year olds than those 36 year olds.

I'm doubting that I have very many 16-22 age followers. That's ok. This is more for me to "vent it out" than for them to listen. We all know how well those teenagers listen after all.

Back to my point...I don't really have words of wisdom for those teenagers that I am close to. They think they know it all anyway. That's not going to stop me from saying prayers for them each and every day. One day they may get it. Maybe. For now I just have a beautiful song that really spoke to me. It reminded me that it's not about us or what we do, it's all about Him and what He did for us. Life would be so much simpler if we all remmbered that. Before every decision we should think about Him and maybe, just maybe we'd think twice?? Enjoy. And please keep praying for those crazy teenagers in our lives.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J3M7uVjwI8

Catholic Women

We’ve been back from vacation for 4 days now and I am just getting around to writing my first post-vacation blog. I’ve been “reminded” by multiple people that they have missed reading it. I can’t promise this is going to be one of those awe inspiring posts, but I’ll do my best in the coming days to put some thought provoking blogs up.

For now I’m just trying to catch my breath. It’s amazing how far behind you can feel after being gone for a week. I feel like I had housework, laundry, and catching up with family and friends to do…and there is still a lot of that to do.

Today the thought that keeps going on in my head as I try to balance everything in my life is “What does it mean to be a Catholic woman in today’s society?” I know that some of you that read this are not Catholic, but this is a sentiment that I’m sure you can sympathize with.

I’ve always believed that nothing is worth doing unless you are going to put your full heart into it. Being a Catholic woman is no different. I try not to do it half way. In my mothering, my marriage, and my daily life I do my best to live as a Catholic woman should live. That is not to say that I don’t sin or make mistakes, but in my eyes we are called to so much more than other women in our society. I believe that we must lead by example. Praying daily with our children, discussing controversial subjects with our friends, not using birth-control, living everyday in a loving manner are just a few of the ways we must live. I don’t believe these are optional, I believe they are essential.

Is this easy? What do you think? A lot of times doing the right thing is far from easy. And sometimes it’s hard to see how living this way is changing anything. Our world is far from perfect and it’s hard not to see all the chaos and craziness and just despair. But if we don’t have hope then who will bring hope to the hopeless?

I urge you to continue to hope. Don’t give up on doing the right thing--because it is worth it! Truly think about what it means to be a Catholic woman in today’s society? We aren’t perfect and we never will be, but we can be a good example for the world. When someone looks at you wouldn’t you rather them say “wow, what an amazing and Godly woman” than say “what does she believe in again?” Even if they think you are crazy and disagree with your stances of things, at least you are standing.

What does it mean to you to be a Catholic woman in today’s society? Can you be doing more? Celebrate your uniqueness and share your faith!