Seven QTs: Post-Christmas Musings

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I like to call this first segment "When Two Worlds Collide." It turns out the fabulous Mrs. Fulwiler and I were both Aggie Class of '99. Meaning if she attended commencement, we both sat through those same three (grueling) hours in the same physical location. Fascinating! It really IS a small world, Walt Disney.

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Christmas is a real struggle for me to be open to generosity, mostly because I feel guilty about having people spend a lot of money on me...or for asking for things that are expensive. This is true of other gift-giving occasions as well, of course. The Hubs and I set a limit for ourselves to buy just one gift for each other. Christmas fail. We both could not keep to that limit. There was definite scaling back, but both of us just happened to see little things that made us think of the other, so we ended up with two main gifts and a variety of stocking stuffers. My mother in law is a really huge gift-giver. While I am sometimes a little overwhelmed in not the best way, I have learned that this is how she shows her love and affection - it is her love-giving language...quite literally. Of course, she lavished us all with gifts, me most of all based on a glitch with my wish list (which included some jewelry that was supposed to go on another list). I love every one of them and am trying very hard to overcome the guilt of knowing how much must have been spent. I am underneath it all so very grateful for the many ways in which she blesses us, not just materially, but with her love and support as well. We are richly blessed this Christmas and always. I'll be back next week with my five favorite material things I received. Gotta save something for later, right?

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I will share my favorite gift that I gave this year. For the Hubs' gift(s), I went with a bit of a theme. We are both lovers of religious art and icons, and after "winning" the retablo style icon on retreat, and inspired by Britt's icon wall, I went on a hunt for religious art and icons of different styles. Who wants a monotonous art wall, after all? Etsy is my best friend for this. Etsy may be a bad habit, but I just can't quit her/him. I found a few small pieces which I was going to box up as my "one gift" for him, and then I ran across this:

Vintage 1910s Vespers Book artwork depicting the flight into Egypt

I couldn't resist - we had seen pieces like this at the DIA and it was just stunning. I thought about keeping it for his birthday, which is in February, but ... it is in February! Y'all - I cannot sit on anything that long! So, this became his second gift. It is definitely just as awesome as the seller described it to be. It was mucho fun to think out of the box/wishlist for his gifts this year. With a Gaffigan stocking stuffer to boot, I think the Hubs made out just fine...as did I for the record.

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I have shared my love of Amazon.com here. Just to be sure we all know I am impartial and not on the dole just yet, I will also share my one pet peeve: the price fluctuation. Remember how I said I have trouble asking for expensive things? Well, I searched long and hard for a new dutch oven that was quality and affordable. I hit the jackpot finding a great brand under $40. Wouldn't you know it was quite a bit more than that when Christmas rolled around? Now it back down to under $40. I shake my fist at you Amazon. I shake my fist. In other news, they have some stellar customer service. My BIL ordered something with his Prime membership shipping that ended up being rerouted and quite delayed in delivery. Before he could even compose an email, he received a note from Amazon acknowledging their error, giving him a gift card and refunding shipping (though we are curious to see how a Prime shipping is returned). So, I only shake one fist at you Amazon.com. The other hand's giving you a high five. 

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Darkness. We do a lot of talking about the light as we approach Christmas and in this season. Unfortunately, a great many people are so immersed in darkness that they don't experience Light. Sadly, we have lost another lovely soul to a battle with depression. Religious platitudes don't help here. She was a light. She tried to know Jesus. The disease won. That horrible, debilitating illness won. While I'm no statistician, I feel like we are reaching epidemic proportions of people losing battles with depression. We are reaching epidemic proportions of people thinking that death is a better alternative to life...that their life is not worth living. Sure, we could go into a tirade about how it is endemic in a society in which life continues to be devalued, how we live in a culture of death. While it is true, it doesn't help to bring back those lost souls. It doesn't help someone who is suffering from an illness that clouds their vision restore their sight. It's not about raising awareness, or raising money - it is about getting our hands dirty.

Those losses need to spur us on to love the hell out of everyone in our lives so they know that just their mere existence on this planet is of tremendous importance, no matter the darkness and no matter the disease. We have to look beyond the surface - we have to rekindle true intimacy. To be intimate friends so we know when someone is hurting despite their outward appearance. To know that when someone is hurting they need help, and if we cannot give them that help to reach out and connect them to people who can. I know I have limits to what I can offer, especially with a young family at home. I've been blessed to be connected to people who can give a lot more and do so quite selflessly. Know those people if you can't be one of them based on where you are in life. But love. Just love. Love tirelessly. When you fail to love, start over and love some more. Bring them Jesus, but know you are not the Savior. Sometimes darkness doesn't want to give way. When we lose, love even harder so we are that much closer to winning the next battle.

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I spend a lot of time musing in my mind about whether the whole blogging thing is worth the time/effort with a small readership. This Advent and Christmas I realized that while I would love to build my readership, what I love about having started this venture is the community. In my young adult ministry days, I would try to explain until I was out of breath the very real and tangible nature of virtual friendships to a population that dismissed such a connection had real value. This community of faith filled writers, mothers, disciples and women (and some men too) have inspired in me a deeper thirst for our Lord, a greater desire to love my family and the world more selflessly, ways for me to serve more joyfully in the little ways instead of being stunted in giving while waiting for grand gestures, and to shed my insecurities to live more boldly as the woman God intend me to be. I am, as we all are, a work still very much in progress, and my pride gets the better of me as I want to give up instead of build up a readership, but I know I am in the right place because I see the small fruits of grace in my life. Thank you, fellow bloggers, for offering yourselves, your families, and your faith in this community. (Update: Evidence of these ties that bind - Hallie is posting the link up for Jen who is sick. Tell me how friendships don't grow through any resource God gives us again?)

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One of my favorite fruits of trolling inhabiting the blogosphere are new family traditions. I have loved, loved, LOVED all the Advent/Christmas traditions y'all have shared over the past several weeks. We are inspired to begin some of those traditions in our own family. A few favorites? Why not?

• Keeping the Christmas cards we receive in a basket through the year so we can pick one every night and pray for those who sent it. (I think this was a Team Whitaker tradition.)

• Wise Men ADVENTures as an Elf on the Shelf alternative. Though we weren't really looking for a substitute, the Hubs loved this idea of having the wise men from our nativity set wander the house through Advent (and really through Epiphany) and creating a story of what they saw/did on their way to Jesus. I saw this on a few blogs, so I am sorry I can't remember where I saw it first to give credit.

• Sharing scripture at every family dinner. Ann Voskamp shared this tradition from her husband's family whereby they break open the word (the bread), as they enjoy their family meal so no one leaves the table without being fed body, mind and soul. Love, and with a Scripture scholar in the making at home (not me), I'm sure he could come up with something for each night. Not exclusively an Advent tradition, but one that would definitely make an impact on our prayer lives through the year. 

• Un-doing Advent. While we loved the new traditions we started this year and built on from years past, I loved Bonnie's post on not worrying about the "doing." It seems I didn't so much listen to my own reflection from the Advent by Candlelight where I spoke about resting with our Lord in preparation to receive Him. We definitely simplified this year, but I am prone to getting caught up in the doing. 

• O Antiphon crafts with the kids. Rosie at A Blog For My Mom posted their craft ideas and my "doing" side fell in love for next year. This year we made baby Jesus on the last day, but that was about it. A craft or activity per day that last week of Advent for the kids to really engage in the meaning of who Jesus is would be awesome, provided it doesn't become a stressful endeavor. In that case, I'll have to revisit Bonnie's blog.

And a bonus, just to add some light to your day to balance out that short rant on darkness, here is what the Hubs sent me while I was at work yesterday.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary - praying Jen is feeling better soon!

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Good News of Great Joy!

From our Casa to yours, wishing you every joy and blessing in Christ Jesus this Christmas. I'll let Charlie Brown & Linus take it from here...

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My Soul in Stillness Waits

The hours of Advent are drawing to a close here in the Eastern time zone. That time of preparation, of anticipation, waiting upon the Lord is slowly fading. Soon enough we will be filling the pews and then our bellies, taking in the excitement of little eyes as they rip open those gifts that have found their way under the tree. 

I pray that Advent has been a fruitful season for all of us in our journey with and to Christ. I hope that we have taken this time to truly rest and await in awe. Below is a small excerpt from a reflection I was privileged to give for an Advent by Candlelight. As we approach the beautiful mystery of Christ's incarnation, I find that these words still bring me pause - they still my heart as I am tempted to be caught up in our to-dos. They set my sight upon our Lord, and I hope they will do the same for you as we await His coming. After all, in many ways, our whole lives are lived in a season of Advent.

When we look at the world around us, there is a frantic pace as we approach Christmas. Hurriedness, busyness, greediness, despair, loneliness, family drama, old wounds coming to the surface, new ones being created, struggling finances and relationships, and numerous other worries preoccupy many of our minds. While it is difficult to avoid entirely the influence of the world without shutting ourselves away, Advent offers us an invitation to refocus our lives on the One without whom life makes no sense, on the only One who brings peace.

Advent is a season of silence and stillness, as gently and quietly as the snow falls in the night, we wait with hushed wonder for our Savior. It is a season of amazement, if only we look for it, if only we prepare our eyes to see and ears to hear. The miracle of a small child born to an unwed mother in less than comfortable accommodations – that is the beginning of our Savior’s life. It is not what we would expect of a mighty King, of the King of Kings, and that is the way of God. As Mary so humbly proclaimed,

“He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.”

Likewise, St. Paul writes in his first letter to the Corinthians,

For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:25-29

If we don’t take the time to rest in the Word of God, to soak ourselves in our Savior, we miss the way He moves in our lives. The Holy Spirit prepared the path for His coming then, and He prepares it now. Jesus prepares the way before Himself to enter into our hearts, our lives, if we allow it. The beauty of beginning the Church year now, is that it gives us an opportunity to hit the restart button. It presents us an invitation to be intentional about seeking Christ with new eyes and hearing Him with new ears, of offering Him all our sorrows and fears that He might fill that void with peace and joy, so our hearts can once again be still. So we can honestly say again, my soul in stillness waits.

While Advent is a season of waiting, sometimes, it seems as though our whole lives are a waiting game. From the time we are small children, we are waiting for something. Waiting to start school, waiting to grow up, be old enough, waiting for that first love, first kiss, graduation, college, marriage, children, first vows…always waiting and anticipating what is next. What comes can be so captivating it mesmerizes us into thinking that is the moment in which our lives will be complete, that is the moment in which our lives will have meaning. We can get so caught up in the next big moment that we lose sight of outpouring of grace in the current one. 

Advent offers us an invitation to live in the tension of waiting and preparing. When we wait upon someone we love, we are filled with joy. Some of us, no names here, scurry about cleaning and preparing a place for them to visit or come home to that is comfortable and demonstrates our love for them. We wait, for certain we wait, but we are not passive. Mother Mary Francis is quoted in her Advent reflections as saying, “The most profound passivity before God is that most teeming with activity. We agree to wait upon the Lord, and we agree to do something in this period of waiting. We are watching for every occasion of His coming.” 

The stillness of the season offers us a chance to attune our eyes and ears to notice the multitude of ways Christ comes to us each day, to notice more deeply how much He lives in those around us, and in us. It offers a chance to let go of those things that have taken up space in our hearts and lives that create a roadblock to His coming. 

“Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together.” Isaiah 40:3-5

The silence offers us a chance to remove the distractions that keep us from preparing our hearts and souls for the coming of Christ. I know when I am surrounded by noise and movement, it is difficult for me to complete the smallest of tasks. It becomes tempting to dive into whatever the distraction of the moment is, whether it is a toddler wanting to play or throwing a tantrum, Facebook calling my name, or a friend who wants to talk or go out. What I need to be doing is cleaning, but any distraction ends up taking over. The invitation of Advent is to silence those distractions first, so we can make that highway for God to reach us more quickly. Now is the time, not later, not on Christmas Eve once the presents have been wrapped and the dinner planned. Now is the hour. 

Prepare your hearts by offering little sacrifices for others. Prepare your hearts by choosing the way of virtue even when it takes all the energy you have to do so. This is how Christ becomes born anew in us. It is so important we continue to try even with the road seems uphill all the way. 

It is critical that we train ourselves because these preparations are not only for our own hearts. Not only are we preparing ourselves to receive Him now and at the second coming, but we are preparing with His help to proclaim Him from the rooftops. You could say we are on the Jesus "CrossFit: program. We are strengthening our Spirits and gathering steam to proclaim, as the angels did on the night of His birth, Glory to God in the Highest! Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior! In Him is our hope. In Him is our life. In Him is our salvation and that of the whole world.

May you and your families be showered with the peace, joy, hope and abundant blessings of Christ in this sacred season.

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7QT: Sleep, Cookies and Messy Thoughts

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WANTED: Child that sleeps through night. REWARD: Eternal gratitude.

Our little man was the BEST sleeper in his first year. Since his bout with the mysterious virus that shall not be named (because it had no name, not because it bore any resemblance to Voldemort, though we might have seen some dementors flying around), he is up every 2 hours. Maybe 3 on a good night. HEEEELLLLPPP!! Asking all you veteran moms how to get this almost 18 month old back on a sleep-through-the-night schedule. HOW?? With a toddler in the room right next door, we haven't wanted to try the cry-it-out in the wee hours of the night/morning. We have checked the teeth, the ears, the belly, the diaper. We have done bath before bed and no bath before bed. He is medicated for teething pain, given a snack and milk before bed, diaper freshly changed and not soiled. We have altered the temp in his room in case he was too cold or too hot. We have used up our muse of bedtime, the fabulous Audrey Assad.

The only thing I can muster a guess at is that he still has a little post-nasal congestion that chokes him up from time to time. Any other ideas as to why and/or more importantly...HOW DO WE MAKE IT STOP? I'm sorry, was that yelling? Mea culpa.

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One of the noticeable differences post-motherhood has been how lightly I sleep. Apparently that has changed over this last week. There have been several nights now where I do not hear the baby get up crying, or the husband get out of bed. After a peak level of frustration last night, I realized I have to try my best to stay awake or I do not guarantee I will get up. So after the abrupt foray into consciousness, the night goes a little like this. Go get the baby to go back to sleep. Doze off in the process. Come back to bed and lay down, pray and close eyes whilst trying to stay awake to be sure the sleep sticks. Doze off and have bizarre, yet somehow realistic dreams. Hear baby. REPEAT. Dreams included a stint on Friends where we go to a hotel having a girls night in one wing while the gents are having a guy's night in on another wing. Deep, deep thoughts my mind has... So goes the new routine, so, um, please read #1. Grazie.

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Because we have been struggling with sleep at night with the babe AND at naptime with the toddler, I was at my wits end trying to envision package delivery week at our house where all the delivery men come either before we awake or during naptime. That is the norm. So...I was inspired to be a little goofy and try out a plea for them to not knock but enjoy a little treat from our family as a thank you for delivering our shopping to us.

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It was apparently a big hit.

Next year, I'm installing a camera so we can observe their reactions, which have been pretty amusing. They most certainly did all come at naptime, but every one of them read and respected the plea, and helped themselves to some cookies while looking around to see if anyone was watching. Too funny! I feel a little like Monica on Friends, except I made cookies and no one is pounding down our door.

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These came in the mail from my mom as an early Christmas present with the cheesiest (albeit cute) note: "Maybe you can click your heels three times and then be home with me this Christmas."

See, she lives in Oregon and we are in Michigan. Between doctor's appointments and jacked-up ticket fares, she is not coming to be with us this Christmas. This will be the second time ever that we have not been together. Praying that she is able to sell her home quickly in the new year and be with us by Easter.

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Did y'all read Dwija's post on Wednesday about "It's Not How You Think It Is?" No joke, I was just thinking about that very thing that  morning as I was putting together our handprint cards from Li'l G. The end product looks pretty cute, but boy oh boy getting there was a battle. Same with baking the cookies. Toddlers are not mess or meltdown free, and mama's nerves are a little shot so she was outta her mind making crafts and baking with the toddler. A few minutes into the baking the girl was sequestered in the other room learning valuable life lessons from Veggie Tales and Dora. I'm loving all the "real-life" blog posts and link ups popping up. It's a great reminder that life is meant to be messy and that we don't always know the backstory of even a seemingly perfect life or soul. Isn't it just life? We are awaiting our perfect end, but holy-pigsty-mess-of-a-journey along the way, Batman! All that to say her post really resonated with me at that moment, and I think you should read it too on the off chance you haven't.

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Along similar lines, I was going to update everyone on our Advent progress where we've mostly kept up with our calendar prayers, but that seemed boring and deceptive. We have done a better job than last year for sure - probably hit 75% of the evenings which is probably a 70% improvement on last year. Li'l G has decided the "Noel" song is her favorite...except that it is O Come, O Come EmmaNUEL. We realized last night that as the Church recites the O Antiphons, that MAYBE we should sing those since, well, those are the verses after all. Yeah, I knew that, but surely didn't think of it until the Hubs realized it last night. Our shopping was relatively simple this year, and I feel like I am forgetting something because we are mostly ready (minus the wrapping). Maybe it is supposed to feel this empty as we approach that holy night so there is room for us to take in all the wonder and mystery and miracle of the season. I can't wait to put the star atop the tree and welcome baby Jesus in the manger (which we haven't put up yet). Even in the chaos, it seems like we are ready for the stillness.

As hard as the days (and nights) are with screaming toddlers trying to see how far their wings can stretch before mama clips them and babies who just want snuggles all.the.sleepless.night, there is a certain sweetness about these days when we finally collapse into bed at the end of the night for our 20 minute nap before one of the minions decides they have had enough of this thing that mommy and daddy like to call sleep. Cuddling by the light of the Christmas tree quietly...finally quietly...I know there will come a day when I look back with fondness on this house that seems too little filled with too much chaos. It may not be today...nay, it really isn't today...but one day the sweetness will be all that remains in the memory, perhaps because my senses will have been dulled by the whining and nagging, or maybe because the memory will have been purified into its most perfect form. One day...

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

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A 2013 Retrospective: Five Posts With the Most

It's a double link up this week as I join Sarah at Amongst Lovely Things for her "Most of 2013" link-up and Hallie at Moxie Wife for the usual Five Favorites. I've been looking through old posts recently, so Sarah's linkup focusing on different blog highlights of the year seemed a perfect fit. Here is a quick "Five Faves" retrospective based on Sarah's five categories:

{ONE}

Post with the most clicks

I have to admit, I adjusted this to the second most clicks because I am certain based on the amount of spam I get with my top post that there is some machine out there somewhere just sending autobots my way. Thus, I don't count it. The next post with the most click is actually one of my favorites, and one I should read more often myself:

{TWO}

Post With Most Comments

I am the furthest things from a fashion blogger that there could ever be. EVER. However, it does seem that the What I Wore Sunday linkup gathers the most comments. What a lovely, supportive, ego-boosting group of ladies! The specific WIWS edition that gathered the most comments was the Makeover Edition, where I unveiled the blog makeover and a few prayers for a spiritual makeover as well.

{THREE}

Post with the Best Picture

Asking me to pick the "best" anything is an exercise in futility. Additionally, there are so many "favorite" photos of my littles in my posts through the year, how could I possibly pick just one? So...I went with the following favorite photo, not only because it is truly one of my favorites, but also because I am so very overjoyed that on this anniversary of their first sweet baby's return home to the Lord, my dear friends have this little miracle to bring them joy and comfort. God is good.

{FOUR}

Post That Was the Hardest to Write

I know there were several posts that were terribly difficult to write - streaming tears threatening to short out my laptop hard. I cannot for the life of me remember which ones they are now, because with the writing comes some healing. I do know that this following post was my attempt NOT to make a soggy mess of the blog writing about my dad.

{FIVE}

Post That Was My Personal Favorite

Yeah. Right. One personal favorite. Ha! As I was reading down memory lane, I came across so many that made me do a double take and think, "did I really write this??" It is difficult for me to pick just one favorite, but here is one that really resonated with me today, so it will take the "my favorite" title for the night. Just for the night, so don't you other posts cry your eyes out, okay?

There you have it! A look back at five posts that were the "Posts With The Mosts" in some way this year.

It has been quite a growing year for the blog and for me. Looking back over old posts I can see the rhythm of my life - when life was chaotic and when the Spirit took over that chaos. If nothing else comes from my writing, that has been a blessed exercise. However, I scarcely think you could avoid a "The Year in Retrospect" with more of my favorite posts as we approach the start of a new year! Exciting, I know.

Now get thee over to Hallie's for some neato-spiffy finds and Sarah's to read up on others Posts with the Most!

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ISO A Wonderful, Beautiful Very Good Day

I have grown tired of the horrible, terrible no good day. Before we get too far in, let me be clear that I recognize how very blessed I am in all things. Now we can move on.

I would like to have a wonderful, beautiful very good day. So for this intention I prayed my Memorare "Novena" this morning. God misunderstood. I think He thought I meant I'd like a very good day for sanctification. Let me be clear. I appreciate Him shining up my halo, but today, I just wanted to take a little break from the polishing.

Lesson learned. Be VERY specific in prayer. Because we all know it's about getting what we're asking for. *wink*

What would my wonderful, beautiful very good day look like? It's really fairly simple. I don't ask much.

{1} It would start with kids that sleep through the night and cats who don't lose their d*** minds in the middle of the night. Sleep. It would start with a full night's sleep.

{2} It would involve children who do not wake 'n' whine. Happy, joyful children in the AM after a good night's sleep. Yes, that.
 
{3} Said day would involve solid chunks of interactive, friendly play time between siblings so mama could get chores and a bit of writing done in an orderly, efficient fashion so that...

{4} This day would involve "fun mom" full of playing and projects on demand. Well, maybe not on demand. But we would get out our project list and supplies.

{5} Said day would involve no tantrums, screaming, hitting, sassing, whining, crying for no reason, and/or bad attitudes. *sigh*

I'm never getting that day, am I? I guess I'll just settle for more polishing and a few dozen or hundred Hail Marys and make an effort to safeguard our afternoon from the earth-shattering knocks of deliverymen and wailing nap-woken children.

Think it'll work??

Here's hoping your day is equally sanctifying minus the terrible, horrible no-goodness to get there!

PS - Advent series on hope & joy will start later this week, minus any ranting. ;)


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Rejoice, Rejoice!

The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom.

They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song.

The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;

they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.

Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak,

say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not!

Here is your God, he comes with vindication;

with divine recompense he comes to save you.

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared;

then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing.

Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing,

crowned with everlasting joy; they will meet with joy and gladness,

sorrow and mourning will flee. Isaiah 35:1-6A, 10

Happy Gaudete (rejoice) Sunday!! Just dropping in for a quick note as we enter into the third week of Advent...

What a long two weeks it has been at the Casa! Fighting stir-crazies, sickness and exhaustion, we are a bit weary as we anticipate Christmas. We did finally get most of our shopping done this weekend thanks to our friends at Amazon.com and Etsy. I must admit, I've only browsed Etsy before, but after a longer excursion through the inner sanctum of the site, I might be a bit of an addict. I guess that suggestion for putting an Etsy.com gift certificate on my wish list isn't such a bad idea after all. I could spend all our money there for lots of pretty pretty things for the house. I haven't even looked at the jewelry and crafts!

Back to Gaudete Sunday, in which we light the rose (not pink) candle. I learned something today at Mass about why we celebrate in rose tones. I must say I never really stopped to think about the why - I just figured in contrast to the deep hues of purple for penitence, pink was more joyful. Fr. John in his homily described the image of the hues of the sky at the earliest hint of sunrise, and how there is a pink aurora before the sun hits the sky (well, in places other than Michigan when it is snowing, I suppose). He explained that we celebrate in rose because Gaudete Sunday is our moment to rejoice in anticipation of the coming of the Light of the World. We begin to see the hint of the coming of the Son of Man and see that same rosy aurora fill the world in anticipation of the end of darkness and coming Light. 

Love.

Next year I will have to plan ahead and set out rosy hues to wear instead of the dark grey and black tones of today's last minute functioning on 2 hours of sleep wardrobe choice. Did I mention that our little man has decided the only way he will sleep after the week of sickness is being held? He can be dead-to-the-world asleep, but the minute you move him in the direction of his crib he is wailing as though it is the end of the world as he knows it. Oh, little man, even that beautiful smile may not get you through too many more nights of those shenanigans. Praying tonight breaks the streak. Anyone have a go-to patron saint to get children to sleep?? Anyone??? Our Lady and St. Michael may be tiring of my pleas...

That is all from the Casa for now. Look for a series from me next week based on a reflection I did for a ladies Advent by Candlelight last week. I hope you are all enjoying a peaceful Advent. May we continue to keep in prayers so many people who are suffering the loss of loved ones, illnesses, war, famine and a real threat to their lives as they wait upon Jesus, especially our brothers and sisters in the Middle East. May God reward their faith and bring them peace.

7QT: On Blank Minds, Crazy Sick Kids, Retreats & Rosaries

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Why is it that every Friday when I sit down to write, my mind suddenly is devoid of any rants, ravings or ridiculous thoughts? All week I think, "oh! That's a good one for quick takes!" Come Friday, it's as though all I have is a stream of drool coming out of my open mouth. I'm not gonna mention anything about the state of the motherly mind, because we are after all superhuman creatures who clearly do not lose brain cells from our children's sleep patterns or early toddler life choices, so it must just be that I lost my superhero juju this week. Must be that. Yeah.

--- 2 ---

Speaking of superpowers, I think I want mine to be healing. Invisibility is a close second. I cannot believe how deeply joyful I am when my littles get over their sicknesses. I cannot.even.imagine what I would do if they were seriously ill. My heart goes out to all those parents whose children are facing debilitating diseases or conditions (and again, if you haven't looked into the work St. Jude Hospital does, please consider doing so this season and helping if you can). Little man is finally on the mend - the fever has gone, he's working out the last bits of sickness and I am tears-in-my-eyes praising the Lord and thanking every.darn.one of you that has prayed for us this week! So.very.joyful to have him back to "normal." Yeah, that word will always be in quotations in this family.

--- 3 ---

Speaking of not-quite-normal, this happened yesterday after dinner.

Li'l G: (Watching Phineas & Ferb) That's Perry. He's a playtpus. Platypuses are semi-aquatic.
Me: What's that G?
Li'l G: Moooom...I SAID, a platypus is semi-aquatic.
*crickets*
Me: Oh. Yes, yes they are.

--- 4 ---

Here's a random fact about me that I just discovered today. Using completely worn down pencil eraser are to me as scorpions are to Jennifer. Or nails on chalkboard to others. Just touching one and almost using it sent not-at-all pleasant shivers down my spine. Who knew? See? Random.

--- 5 ---

In some rather surprising news, I may be reconsidering the whole Santa thing. It's a conversation the Hubs and I will have to have first, so more on that another day. I may not be as opposed to Santa himself as I originally thought. Darn that Jennifer and that Mary for making me actually think about it. The Hubs may be shaking his fist at you...or rather, me.

--- 6 ---

Coming home to a sick little one, I completely forgot to mention that I was on retreat last weekend with the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor. Now, I must admit that I was rather distracted the whole time since the Hubs texted me a couple hours in to tell me that the babe was throwing up and running at 102-103 fever. I almost left, but am glad I stayed through most of the retreat and left after Mass on Sunday. 

While I'm sure I missed a good deal of wonderful material on Sunday afternoon, I know that I needed to be home for my own heart. As is always the case with the Sisters, the fruit from the retreat came pouring out this week even if I didn't feel connected at the time. Gems like "Jesus is in the mess of motherhood sometimes more so than in the quiet because it is through our vocation that we find our sanctification" and "if we can't show mercy and grace at home then it really doesn't matter if we show the rest of the world because it is at home that we are passing on the meaning of discipleship to the next generation" - definitely not pre-retreat gems! Thank you Sisters! Oh, plus I got a bomb-diggity icon (which I've been looking for style-wise since seeing them on Britt's icon wall) from the totally crazy gift exchange game and learned how to make a one decade cord rosary. Sah-weet!

--- 7 ---

Learning to make a one decade cord rosary has led me to want to make ALL.THE.ROSARIES! I quickly exceeded our rosary supply budget (as we don't have one) and bought a boatload of supplies to try to make more, and explore making full rosaries. I am perhaps a little braggity braggin' that I made my very first one last night. I have a ways to go to figure out some of the finer details, but I'm pretty proud and really loving the exercise in a prayerful sense too. I find it is a bit like finger crocheting, but manageable time and space-wise. The boy is almost back to 100%, so play-date on muy soon, Jenna!

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Five Faves: Christmas Movie Time!

Happy, happy Advent everyone! As we surrender to the wonder of the season, we are actually up to our ears in the whine of a little boy who is fighting a stubborn virus. Prayers for his fever to go far, far away would be much appreciated. We are on the right track, but not quite over it just yet. I'm just glad the spewing has subsided for now. Of course, as Mommy's Law would have it, he'll probably throw up just after I write this. 

We are trying our darndest not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, but there is something about this time of year that just gets everything caught up in a whirlwind...all with good, good things, but busy nonetheless. Between retreats, parish meetings, work, Advent Teas, and the normal day to day things, we can begin to forget the wonder. I am proud of our effort to keep on track with our Advent calendar, though we have missed several days here and there when one of us is gone in the evening. Even the smallest effort, though, has made it easier not to get taken down by the busyness. 

One thing I am looking forward to over the next few weeks is getting in some of my favorite Christmas flicks. Brew up a cup of hot cocoa java, pop a little popcorn or other tasty treat, and snuggle in front of the not-so-big-screen...oh, yes please! There's nothing that captivates the heart in the spirit of the Season like a good Christmas movie. The Hubs even caught me red-handed watching some of those super cheesy ABC Family movies off of Netflix. Busted.

Here are five of my favorites as I link up with Hallie at Moxie Wife. I know there are a lot of other fantastic films, so these are not exclusive, nor are they in any specific order.

{one}

{two}

{three}

{four}

Only the animated. Never Jim Carrey.

{five}

[Sidenote]: I know! Little Miss I'm-Not-So-Sure-About-Santa does really like the magic and wonder of this movie (though it has to be the original and not the remake). I mean, who doesn't love Kris Kringle! What kind of meanie would send him to a mental institution?? On Christmas?? We can re-visit the Santa thoughts another day...

{Honorable Mention}

A little explanation... This is completely unlike the other movies above, but I can't help it. I love Buddy's enthusiasm. I've especially grown to love the movie more after a conversation with a friend about the whole, "It's Santa! I KNOW HIM!!" bit. Her point? What if we all had that kind of enthusiasm for Jesus at Christmas? "IT'S JESUS!! I KNOW HIM!!" She got me. That's all I think of now, and so, it receives an honorable mention. 

With that, I'm off to watch some Charlie Brown shorts with the boy until the Hubs gets back home. What are your must-see-movies for the season? Share 'em below - I'd love to know! And, if you haven't gotten that special man in your life a gift yet (gasp!), head on over to Hallie's for some fun and unusual suggestions!

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It's Cool to Be Catholic

I've been meaning to write this post for many a moon, and this little ditty in my Facebook feed this morning gave me the kick in the seat I needed to get 'her done.

Image via Time Magazine, of course. Do take
some time to read the lovely article.

Some have called it the "Francis Effect." Others have dubbed him the "people's Pope." Whatever you call it, all of a sudden, it seems it is cool to be Catholic again. The Catholics are crawling out of the woodwork! I was flipping between radio stations a few weeks ago, and within a half hour, two hosts had begun talking about being Catholic. One was mentioning being part of his parish's Alpha Program, and the other was hosting a fundraiser for Catholic Charities in her her diocese. Two hosts I regularly listen to, and have never heard a peep from regarding their faith.

Pope Francis has given us either the permission or the inspiration to be open about our faith. Suddenly, maybe being Catholic isn't all about being a hater. Maybe it means being on fire for Jesus, filled with love for our neighbor, concerned about the poor, walking in compassion with one another. For those of us "in the know," this is really nothing new. Every Pope has maintained the beautiful teachings and traditions of the Church. It is just that at this time of human history, the Holy Spirit sent us a Shepherd who seems to have the right charism to make it crystal clear. Honestly, who of us hasn't heard the "I'm not Catholic, but I love Pope Francis!" bit over and over? Busting down doors, this Pope.

The problem of Pope Francis remains, though, that we risk making him an idol unto himself, forgetting the One he has been charged with serving. In response to the first post I saw about the Time Magazine piece, I mentioned that while I am so proud and Papa certainly has turned the world upside down and all atwitter (not be to confused with "the Twitter"), I do hope that in all this buzz people begin to see and know the person of Christ. How sad Papa would be if he became a rock star and Jesus and the Gospel were left behind.

Not minutes later, I ran across this statement from the Vatican:

Vatican spokesman Lombardi said that "the Holy Father is not looking to become famous or to receive honors. But if the choice of Person of Year helps spread the message of the gospel — a message of God's love for everyone — he will certainly be happy about that."

Still simpatico, Papa and I.

We saw this phenomenon with Blessed John Paul II in so many ways as well.

Who doesn't remember this moment?

A magnanimous leader, many people lived quite happily in the tension of loving him, but still keeping at bay many of the teachings of the Church. Papa Benedetto was more of a teacher, a scholar, so the pop star route wasn't his to take. Pope Francis brings back, with his larger than life actions, that celebrity surrounding the papacy. A very different type of celebrity, but it risks being simply celebrity nonetheless.

While there are reports of people returning to the faith upon the witness of Pope Francis, and this is a beautiful thing, I can't help but wonder if some of them will be shocked to see that Papa doesn't waiver on the lines of our moral teaching, or as people have said with sometimes biting humor, will they be shocked to find out that the Pope is Catholic?

Regardless, and without belittling the wisdom and work of any prior Pope, I am so encouraged to see that the world is taking notice that we Catholics are not just a bunch of legalistic curmudgeons. It is encouraging and challenging at the same time to think that perhaps the perception of the Church is changing to one in which people see that we are a people of sacrificial love, of welcoming the stranger, of being emissaries of God's love to the least of these, who at their very essence are Jesus coming to us in distressing disguise. If that opens the door to filling our pews again so people may be in the presence of the Real Presence in the Eucharist, fantastico! What miracles the Lord can work when we give him but a fraction of an inch.

Through Love, we draw the heart closer to Jesus. Through love, we invite people into a divine relationship. Through love, we carry on the salvific work Christ has entrusted to His people. Through love, we allow Christ to transform hearts and conform them to His ways, His truths and His person. We simply carry Christ and must let Him do the work. Thank you, Papa Francis for being such a bold embodiment of this message.

Thus, I say well done, good and faithful servant. Through this honor, serendipitously bestowed in the season of Advent, may the hearts of all the world be opened to the wonder of the Christ child and filled with the love of God and a love for God and one another.

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Saving the World This Advent and Beyond!

It's beginning to look a lot like Advent...well, pre-tax filing season. Everyone and their non-profit organization is clogging up our mailboxes, of both the electronic and snail mail variety. For many, this is the time of year to be extra generous. Okay, I suppose we are all called to be generously generous in this season as we anticipate the Lord's arrival...(except that we are called to be generous all.the.days because the Lord is always on His way).

How do we discern which of the many envelopes and emails we will open and or send money to, when there are so many worthy causes and organizations? This is where having a giving budget comes in handy. We can, through prayer, discern each month how much we feel called to give away. Some months money is tighter than others with cars dying, ambulance rides, furnace replacements and such, but we always have something to give. The Christmas season is no different. We are called to give generously, though I question if it is more so than any other time of the year, or just with more focus to the least of these around us as we have visions of mangers dancing through our heads.

At any rate, developing a budget is the first step. How much income do we anticipate receiving over these weeks? How much of that do we feel called to give away? Have these conversations before coming up with your Christmas budget (food, presents, decorations, etc). We give the Lord our first fruits, and Jesus reminds us over and over that He comes in distressing disguise as the "least of these" in our midst.

If you have organizations you give to on a regular basis, might you give a little more in this season of giving? Are there some organizations that you cannot commit regular donations to, but could possibly send a small gift to at Christmas? At most, pick five organizations/causes that your family chooses to support. I know when our children are older, my desire is to have each of us pick one organization dear to our hearts and then discern one as a whole family. Now if we have another handful of offspring, that might change, of course, but I digress... Remember that while it may be tempting to give to all the organizations, we are not actually called to save the whole world. Jesus already did. We are just called to discern how to be a part of His redeeming work.

Remember too, that money is not our only gift. Are there ways for your to extend your charity that does not involve the bank account? Get creative! Could you send homemade Christmas cards from the kids to area nursing homes? Could you offer to wrap presents for organizations that give away gifts as part of their Christmas giving? Might your family set a few extra places at the table for dinner or in your pew for Christmas to invite someone who is without family during this time, perhaps a widow or someone new to the area? Are there programs in your local jail or prison that allow you to send a card with a message of hope for someone who has lost their way?

While it is perhaps getting a little late in the game for some of these ideas, let's also not forget that Christmas, like Advent, is a full season, not just one day. If you haven't quite gotten to thinking about what you might do, there is still time! If it all seems overwhelming to coordinate before the end of the month, make Epiphany your goal (January 6th). Still overwhelming? Why not simply make a commitment to carry this spirit into the New Year? Spend this season picking one thing to do and/or an organization to help each month. Simply commit to sharing all year the joyous proclamation of the angels,

"But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’" Luke 2:10-14

Don't let the act of giving become a burden. Make it simple, but make a commitment. Most importantly, make it a habit to include the giving as part of your budget before the presents and festivities. At the end of your days, you won't be sorry.

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