SQT: The One About Adoration for Babies, The Superbowl, Intercessory Prayer, Mugs, and Lenten Loving

Hallelujah, it is Friday, and I'm in love! Well, as soon as this headache goes away, I'm in love.

--- 1 ---

It's Superbowl weekend. I almost forgot. To me, it is Mary's Mantle Adoration Kickoff weekend. We are so humbled to be able to move to a new, stunningly beautiful location this spring, and are kicking it off with perpetual adoration from February 1 - 4. If you are local and want to know more, email me or leave a comment, and I will hook you up with the details.

I may or may not have broken a frame whilst hanging up
the photo wall of babies who have been born in residence.

--- 2 ---

As for the Superbowl, I've got no skin in the game. I mean, I grew up in Iowa and now live in Detroit - I will likely NEVER have skin in the game. A friend from high school is a big shot over at Budweiser in PR & Marketing, though, so she's got skin in the game...the commercial game. I think they're aiming for a tearjerker again this year!

--- 3 ---

Last Superbowl related take, promise. My cousin-in-law posted this earlier on Facebook, and it always brings to mind the utter disparity that exists. Cheering, money-throwing, rowdy fans versus those with nowhere to lay their heads...or in this case, very limited means to feed their family.

I witnessed a man get arrested for shoplifting a gallon of milk and a bag of bread this morning while making my morning run for Starbucks.As he was being led away from his car, that was missing the back window, he pleaded with the security guard to allow him to get his young son out of the car. The guard allowed him to get his child. I offered to pay for the bread and milk but it was against store policy. I get that the man was wrong and should have sought help but how desperate he must have felt to steal milk and bread from the local grocery store. With the Superbowl and Phoenix Open in town and the great wealth associated with the two events, I paused, and hope you also pause and remember all those who lack the basic necessities of life. Pay it forward today.

He admits, as do I, that there are places this man could go for help. That doesn't negate the fact that he needs help to feed his family. I do so wish stores wouldn't have such black and white policies on generosity in the face of bad decisions. The man wasn't lifting an Xbox - he needed a breadbox. Why not let my cousin pick up the tab and let the man be on his way with a warning instead wasting time, money, and energy prosecuting him? Jail won't fix his problem. Generosity may have. I won't even get started on the whole shipping out the homeless when the Superbowl is in town rant... You can thank me later.

--- 4 ---

There is a new feature up now at The Pitter Patter Diaries. Sunday is our family rosary night. Every week for the past year, we have been offering our rosary for prayer requests that you have sent us via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Now, there is a spot on the right sidebar where you can submit your prayer requests at any time. We will, of course, offer prayer immediately, but these requests will then also be offered during our Sunday Family Rosary. I've written before that I started soliciting prayer requests on Facebook as a whim. It is so humbling to see how this has become a family ministry of intercessory prayer, and the truly intimate prayers that people have entrusted to us. It is equally humbling to watch how the Lord answers in His own way and His own time.  The lesson here is truly that the Lord uses us as He chooses, not how we always dream to be used, and not always in ways we feel well equipped to be used. I suppose that is where His glory shines brightest, isn't it? 

--- 5 ---

I posted this mug on Instagram for Blessed Is She's #ProjectBlessed yesterday and got a phenomenal response. It is now sold, but I think this quote will become a standard store item!

--- 6 ---

I saw this on Facebook today, and while I too love my mug design, this wins all the mugs. Do you think this fits the "bringing light to the darkness" mission for my store? Laughter is light, right? I'm thinking this might have to hit the virtual shelf in the shop soon as well.

--- 7 ---

February is right around the corner! It's love month...and also the start of the Lenten season. I think perhaps this year there will be a little L&L (Love & Lent) going on around here in very strange ways as I continue my Project Empty. In the Love Department, look for musings on how we can grow in love and do it better over the next several weeks...and maybe a little giveaway from the Etsy shop.

As for Lent, I am all ears for ideas to fast, pray, and give. Currently, I am thinking of adopting the Whole 30 for Lent and turning it into a Whole 40. There will be more on that if the Hubs agrees (because I cannot do a food journey alone) in a new Project Empty post next week. I think Lent will be about simplifying and going a little gangbusters with Project Empty around here. More of Him, less of me...and my stuff! Have you thought about how you're going to fast, pray, and give this Lent? I'd love to hear what you're thinking!

For more Quick Takes, visit This Ain't The Lyceum!

If you enjoyed reading this post, follow The Pitter Patter Diaries on Bloglovin, Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter!

SQT: On Children, Mary's Mantle, Beauty Experiments, & Not Alone

--- 1 ---

I started this post a little after 8. Here's how the hour before that went:

2 time outs
Several "I need juice"s
A smattering of "I need milk!"
2 "I NEED TO BRUSH MY TEETH"s
Multitudes of "I do it myself!"s
A handful of sad "I don't WANT to sit down"s from the sicky boy.

Welcome to a Friday morning at Casa McCormick!

--- 2 ---

In other news, our Li'l G is a schoolgirl AND she has a bestie already. After running into her bestie's parents at school yesterday, it seems the feeling is mutual. As the Hubs said, this could be a lifelong friendship in the making. How sweet is that to watch! Their topic of conversation yesterday? Toilet tales. Let's hope that's a phase, or the teenage years are shaping up to be highly awkward.

--- 3 ---

For those of you stopping by who don't know, my paid gig is a part-time stint as house manager at Mary's Mantle, a Catholic residential program for homeless, expectant mothers (read: maternity home). The women who come through our doors have stories that I cannot imagine living. Some are recovering addicts, some are recovering from the scars of past abortion, some have been prostitutes, some have been in pornography, some have been victims of domestic violence, many have extremely damaged relationships with their families, and all have been broken by abuse, whether emotional or physical. One thing I love about this ministry is that the majority of our budget is funded by small, individual donations. We take no money from the government and our grants are limited as we are committed to fidelity to church teachings. From $5 to $5000, individual donors are the lifeblood of keeping us afloat.

Every September, donors are invited to participate in our 30,000 in 30 Days campaign, which challenges us to find 1,000 people to donate just $30. I ask you to prayerfully consider making a small donation - the link can be found on the website, or a check can be mailed to Mary's Mantle (please note 30,000 in 30 Days in the memo) at PO Box 115; Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303. Even more importantly, I ask that you consider keeping our ministry and the women who come to us (and those who we cannot take) in your prayers. Thank you in advance!

--- 4 ---

With the crisper, cooler weather that has hit in the last day here in these parts, it is clear that autumn is on its way. It seems every purveyor of tasty treats has also predicted an early arrival of fall with the influx of pumpkin spice everything hitting the stores. This girl is not a fan. The hubs is, though. No one is perfect. *wink*

As autumn approaches, I'm also working on a few new pieces for the shop. If you follow the shop on Instagram, or the blog on Facebook, I am doing monthly giveaways of some rough sketches as well. I still have to figure out just how to promote everything, but baby steps, right?

--- 5 ---

With us in the thick of ToddlerTown, we are also in the thick of the older one goading the younger one into saying words that will get him in trouble. The word of choice right now is "stupid." The more he says it and gets reprimanded, the more the other one laughs. As we approach the risk of her permanently being banished to her bedroom, any thoughts on how to curb that little minx?

--- 6 ---

As I argued with my mom about what to get me for my birthday, which incidentally I hate precisely because of such arguments, I arrived at an option that was acceptable to us both. A salon day for haircuts for us together, and I decided to take the plunge for the first time and get highlights. It was a bit of a harrowing experience, mostly because the owner of the salon decided I would actually like lighter and brighter highlights than I said I did. "Subtle" did not have the same meaning for the two of us. I tried to politely say they were lighter and orange, when I had asked for darker and reddish, when what I really wanted to say was "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO MY HAIR - THIS LOOKS RIDICULOUS!" I refrained. We did finally arrive at an agreement that they would just do what I first had asked for and voila!

I'm not sure I'm in love, though. I think it may be a one-time deal. Turns out I kind of like my original, plain-old-boring color. Plus, I might be having PTSD and flashbacks to some rather questionable color-out-of-a-box experiences harkening back to my collegiate days. Let's just say a friend called me Barney for a while after a "rosewood" mishap.

--- 7 ---

Apparently, last Saturday was a gettin-your-hairs-did kind of day, as I discovered Heather and Jen's post-do photos on the old Insta. Speaking of Jen, if you don't follow her blog, you should head over there! I'm so proud (that sounds weird, doesn't it?) of the work she and Morgan have been doing with their Not Alone Series for single women.

I remember how hard that struggle was when I had discerned my vocation and was waiting for it to find its fulfillment in marriage. I'm so thankful that she and Morgan have found a way to encourage women in the single life, not as an until, but as an important part of their journey to, the altar. They are on CatholicTV today being interviewed about their work. Hooray for them!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

PS - If anyone local is looking for some newish, free toys this weekend, and you're not afraid to dumpster dive, there may be a purge going on at the Casa if mama hears "THAT TOY IS MINE, NOT YOURS!!!!" one more time. Time will only tell if I am serious.

PPS - This conversation just happened:

G: I'm never going to leave you!
Me: Really?
G: Mama, when I get BIGGER. I will live on my very own!!
Me: You will? You will leave me?!?
G: Don't worry. When I get bigger and live on my own, I will get you a NEW....BABYSITTER! I will get you a babysitter.

I'm so glad my daughter already has my old-age plans made. She's still only three...thoughtful girl. :)




If you enjoyed reading this post, follow The Pitter Patter Diaries on Bloglovin, Facebook, and/or Twitter!

What I Wore Sunday {4.21.13}

After a rowdy Mass for a family First Communion yesterday, the Hubs and I split Masses today, so I'm flying solo. The kids are in their PJs. Oh, and it was definitely a pull the hair back kind of morning.

I'm finding that the more intentional I am about choosing what I wear (read: actually plan and not just throw something on in the morning), the more I discover what makes me feel more feminine and confident. I'm definitely swayed by the textures of fabric. This skirt is amazingly soft and flowy knit.

Skirt: Target daily deal - favorite comfortable skirt ever so I got it in brown, too. I'm sure it will make its WIWS debut one day soon.

Blouse: Wherever Worthington is sold (JCPenney?) - so old I can't remember, but that's what the tag says!

Cardigan: Hand me down from I'm not sure who.

Shoes: a DSW clearance birthday purchase last year

Necklace: 

   Pendant 1) sterling silver crucifix from a local Catholic supply store

   Pendant 2) custom locket of Madonna & infant Jesus made as a fundraising item for Mary's Mantle, the maternity house where I work. If you are interested in getting one to add to your jewelry collection, let me know!

That concludes another edition of What I Wore Sunday, on a day where it is much colder than it looks, and I refuse to wear socks and a jacket. For more Mass fashions, check out Fine Linen and Purple!