Before bed last night, I told daddy about all I wanted to do today - go swimming, get the tires rotated/balanced, and a visit to the playground for a picnic. After the chaotic days of Monday and Tuesday, I needed a day to chill and have fun with the kiddos....
Apparently God heard this and thought it was time to teach me a lesson...
2 weeks ago, our fridge/freezer went kaput. We fixed it, but knew the time was fast approaching when we would need to replace it...
That time came last night around 11. Daddy went to get his pre-midnight snack of ice cream and I could see him from the bedroom pressing buttons. This morning, when he woke at 5:30 for work, the first thing he did was go to the fridge and open the door. Between this and the sour face, I knew something was definitely wrong....
The fridge had died...
By the time he left for work at 6:15, we had a plan. I would go to Home Depot and check out appliances since they offered free delivery, set up, and haul away. We also knew that we wanted to replace everything as our dishwasher has not been available for almost a year and our oven was taking longer and longer to warm up.
At 7a, I trekked to Home Depot with my 3, sure that we would be in and out in less than an hour and home in plenty of time before my friends kiddos arrived at 9...
Again, God wanted to teach me a lesson...
The 4 of us arrived there around 7:20. We walked straight to the appliance section where I found plenty of vendors, but no employees. After 10 minutes of searching and waiting, not 1 but 2 employees came to my rescue. I told them I needed a fridge delivered today - tomorrow at the absolute latest. I wanted it to be white. I wanted to replace all of my appliances and needed them the same brand. And then I gave them my dimensions. This pair pulled out and measured every single fridge/freezer there and wouldn't you know that only 1 matched my criteria and dimensions! I said go for it and one of the guys left. The remaining guy, Sean, helped me pick out all of the other appliances. Numbers were plugged in and a quote was given. I thanked Sean and told him I would return shortly after I spoke to my husband...
It was now 9am and my friend was arriving at Home Depot with her kiddos...
I called daddy and we discussed everything. I now had second thoughts and daddy had concerns. I trekked back into the store and no sooner had I stepped foot in the Appliance section, was Sean back asking me what he could do to help. I told him my concern about the stove and daddy's concern about the fridge/freezer. We spoke for another minute and then I decided that maybe I would open the door to stainless steel. However, this would create the need for a new microwave as our current is white...
With Sean's help, we opened the door to stainless. We found one that could be delivered on Friday, but in the 5 minutes it took to call daddy, it was snatched! So we started over again...
Then again...
Then again...
Now it was 10:45. I was done. The kiddos were done. I am sure that Sean was done!
At this point, I had come around to the idea that it would be Monday before we had a fridge and we needed a way to limp along until then....
I had a light bulb moment and decided a deep freezer would be the answer!
Sean and I finally find everything and he creates an invoice. I call daddy for the final okay before making this gigantic purchase official. He gave it, I agreed. Sean smiled. We were done! It was 11:30, 30 minutes before Sean's 5 hour shift ended!
In the end, we got a heck of a deal. Between shopping the deals, asking for discounts, and thinking ahead, we bought just shy of $5000 worth of appliances for MUCH less. This included a $200 discount that paid for the entire deep freezer and gave us $50 left over!
I don't know what lesson God wanted to teach me, but I learned to keep my plans to myself and not tell anyone...that way He can't hear me ;-)
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Lil Robert's First Holy Communion
My heart is so full of emotion tonight. Tomorrow, my oldest will make, in my opinion, one of his most important of the seven sacraments. Tomorrow will be a day of rejoicing. A day of memories. A day of watching our oldest grow up...
Robert Edwin, III, Mommy and Daddy are so very, very proud of you. We love you and cannot wait to watch you receive Jesus! I am so grateful that your GodParents are here to watch you as well. You know, your Grampy drove over 600 miles be here? Your Grammie wishes she could be here, but will be praying for you. In fact, she called tonight to talk to you, but we had to put you to bed early because you have such a busy weekend! Your Grandma, Aunt Jeanine, and Aunt Sandra, along with your many cousins will also be there to celebrate with you. We are all so very excited!
Robert, we love you so much! Congratulations on receiving your 3rd sacrament!
XOXOXO
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Mommy knows best.... Or does she?!
As I was snuggling with my beauties tonight, as I have done almost every single night for the past 7 1/2 years, I began to wonder if anyone else came to snuggle with Robert, Hannah, and Wesley, would know just what they like and how they fall asleep. And after this thought, I began to realize just how very different each and everyone of them are - An Individual made in the image and likeness of God. A little person with their very own set of likes and dislikes. A unique child that is like no other.....
Little Robert likes to sleep with his blue fuzzy blanket and Little R, his monkey friend that he has had for the past 5 years. When he first gets into bed, he likes to read, this is slowly transitioning into him reading to me, which I adore. After this, he rolls onto his right side and fall asleep within 5 or so minutes. He likes for me just to be next to him as he drifts into dreamland. Unlike the others, I can not have an arm or leg draped over him. But, if I leave too soon after he falls asleep, he will wake up and not go back to sleep until I snuggle again!
Hannah will read until I get there, but once I arrive, she is ready to go to sleep. We turn off the lights and get cozy into her bed where she has to have her horse sheets, comforter, and pillow. Then she must be covered by her pink flower blanket and finally her striped blanket. Finally, against the wall are her 30+ 'aminals' that join her nightly. Unlike her older brother, she must have my leg over her. if it is not there, she will fight sleep even more than she already does. Once she settles down, the battle begins - her eyes will begin to flutter and just as they are closing, they are wide open. This goes on for a bit with the amount of time her eyes are closed increasing everytime until finally, they are closed... UNTIL I get out of bed! At this point they open with a jolt and she becomes very confused, scared, and disoriented - night after night! Once I promise to come back, she calms down and I move onto Wesley....
Wesley is our wild child and is quite difficult to get to sleep - thus, the reason he is last to snuggle with! Before I come to him, he will sit in his bed and just 'read' books and talk to himself or his animals. Once I arrive and get into his toddler bed - a.k.a. a wood bed frame with a crib mattress - the real antics begin. He will wiggle and squirm. He will sing and talk. He will smack his lips and clear his throat ---> NON-STOP until Daddy comes in for a chat/you better settle down and go to sleep or else speech! After daddy leaves, he will settle down and only whisper while he shakes his legs and wiggles his fingers. This will go on and on and on, until suddenly, he is still and quiet. Wesley goes and goes and goes until he will literally drop and fall asleep in seconds! As soon as this occurs, I am free to get up and go about the rest of my evening!
As I was thinking about this tonight, it hit home just how unique and individual each and every child is. How what works for Robert will not work for Hannah and Wesley and so on. I have really realized this with discipline and bad behavior as well lately. With Hannah, all you have to do is tell her that you are disappointed and the tears begin and she will immediately change the behavior. If I tried that with the boys, they would shrug their shoulders and continue.
I pray that as this journey of parenting Robert, Hannah, and Wesley continues, that God can lead me, guide me, and give me the wisdom to be attentive to each of their individual needs. That I can know what will work to correct behaviors. That I can find what teaching method each needs as we continue on this homeschooling journey. That I will always be there in a time of need with whatever that individual child might need.
I also pray that I will never lose sight that these beautiful, unique, individuals that God has entrusted us with, that they are ultimately His children and I should always thank him, even in the hardest times, for the gift of Robert, Hannah, and Wesley as I am so undeserving of this most incredible gift......
Little Robert likes to sleep with his blue fuzzy blanket and Little R, his monkey friend that he has had for the past 5 years. When he first gets into bed, he likes to read, this is slowly transitioning into him reading to me, which I adore. After this, he rolls onto his right side and fall asleep within 5 or so minutes. He likes for me just to be next to him as he drifts into dreamland. Unlike the others, I can not have an arm or leg draped over him. But, if I leave too soon after he falls asleep, he will wake up and not go back to sleep until I snuggle again!
Hannah will read until I get there, but once I arrive, she is ready to go to sleep. We turn off the lights and get cozy into her bed where she has to have her horse sheets, comforter, and pillow. Then she must be covered by her pink flower blanket and finally her striped blanket. Finally, against the wall are her 30+ 'aminals' that join her nightly. Unlike her older brother, she must have my leg over her. if it is not there, she will fight sleep even more than she already does. Once she settles down, the battle begins - her eyes will begin to flutter and just as they are closing, they are wide open. This goes on for a bit with the amount of time her eyes are closed increasing everytime until finally, they are closed... UNTIL I get out of bed! At this point they open with a jolt and she becomes very confused, scared, and disoriented - night after night! Once I promise to come back, she calms down and I move onto Wesley....
Wesley is our wild child and is quite difficult to get to sleep - thus, the reason he is last to snuggle with! Before I come to him, he will sit in his bed and just 'read' books and talk to himself or his animals. Once I arrive and get into his toddler bed - a.k.a. a wood bed frame with a crib mattress - the real antics begin. He will wiggle and squirm. He will sing and talk. He will smack his lips and clear his throat ---> NON-STOP until Daddy comes in for a chat/you better settle down and go to sleep or else speech! After daddy leaves, he will settle down and only whisper while he shakes his legs and wiggles his fingers. This will go on and on and on, until suddenly, he is still and quiet. Wesley goes and goes and goes until he will literally drop and fall asleep in seconds! As soon as this occurs, I am free to get up and go about the rest of my evening!
As I was thinking about this tonight, it hit home just how unique and individual each and every child is. How what works for Robert will not work for Hannah and Wesley and so on. I have really realized this with discipline and bad behavior as well lately. With Hannah, all you have to do is tell her that you are disappointed and the tears begin and she will immediately change the behavior. If I tried that with the boys, they would shrug their shoulders and continue.
I pray that as this journey of parenting Robert, Hannah, and Wesley continues, that God can lead me, guide me, and give me the wisdom to be attentive to each of their individual needs. That I can know what will work to correct behaviors. That I can find what teaching method each needs as we continue on this homeschooling journey. That I will always be there in a time of need with whatever that individual child might need.
I also pray that I will never lose sight that these beautiful, unique, individuals that God has entrusted us with, that they are ultimately His children and I should always thank him, even in the hardest times, for the gift of Robert, Hannah, and Wesley as I am so undeserving of this most incredible gift......
Sunday, July 22, 2012
20-year-old pro-life Crossroads walker hit by car and killed Friday morning | LifeSiteNews.com
A decade ago, I had the honor of participating in this. In fact, not only did I grow in my faith and learn so much about myself, I also met my soulmate and husband, Robert.....
I first heard about this tragedy as I was walking into the doctor Friday afternoon with 4 kiddos. My mind still cannot wrap around this tragedy....
A few things to be grateful for: 1. When you are on crossroads, you have NO option but to be spiritually sound. 2. He was praying the Rosary at the time of the incident. 3. He was discerning the priesthood. 4. He is now a martyr for the unborn - giving his life for those he so cares for.... maybe some scared mother read about him and cancelled her spot.....
May or loving and gracious God watch over and bless all of Andrew's family, team mates, and friends. May we all learn from his example and finish his mission for the unborn since he is no longer physically here to do so. May Andrew Moore be flying high with all of the angels and saints....
God bless you, Andrew.
20-year-old pro-life Crossroads walker hit by car and killed Friday morning | LifeSiteNews.com
I first heard about this tragedy as I was walking into the doctor Friday afternoon with 4 kiddos. My mind still cannot wrap around this tragedy....
A few things to be grateful for: 1. When you are on crossroads, you have NO option but to be spiritually sound. 2. He was praying the Rosary at the time of the incident. 3. He was discerning the priesthood. 4. He is now a martyr for the unborn - giving his life for those he so cares for.... maybe some scared mother read about him and cancelled her spot.....
May or loving and gracious God watch over and bless all of Andrew's family, team mates, and friends. May we all learn from his example and finish his mission for the unborn since he is no longer physically here to do so. May Andrew Moore be flying high with all of the angels and saints....
God bless you, Andrew.
20-year-old pro-life Crossroads walker hit by car and killed Friday morning | LifeSiteNews.com
Friday, May 18, 2012
Father Norman Weslin
I was given the unique opportunity to spend 10wks with this incredible man during the summer of 2002.
That summer, my life changed in so many ways. I met the man I call my husband. I walked across the southeast proclaiming the beauty of life one step at a time. I was away from my family for the first time ever. I had recently been diagnosed with depression. My baby brother had been in Heaven only 5months. I made many incredible friendships. I grew in my faith. I met Fr. Norman Weslin........
A few hours ago, I received the phone call informing me of his death. At first I was in complete denial - this incredible man. A man who became my spiritual father. A man who would hear my confessions over and over. A man that would wipe my tears. A man who spoke with me in the middle of the night while I was scared and alone in the ICU that summer after my snake bite. A man who almost concelebrated our Nuptial Mass. A man who meant so much to me... could this man really, truly have left this world?
I know that he is now in Heaven rejoicing with our Heavenly Father. I know that he is holding his wife so closely as it has been just over 30yrs since she died. I know that he is no longer suffering. I know that he is able to look down and see all of the good that he did while on this earth. All of the babies he saved and life's he touched. I know that Heaven has just gained another Saint....
Father Weslin, words cannot express the gratitude I have in my heart for all that you did for me. I always loved hearing your name on the news. I loved hearing all that you did for the unborn. Father, I have wanted to give my children the opportunity to meet you. The opportunity to attend one of your Masses. Both my husband and I love you and miss you dearly. Thank you for all that you did for me during those 10wks...and beyond!
I pray that you are holding your wife close while you both dance the angels.
I rest assured knowing that you are in Heaven and able to hear my prayers and listen to me heart. Please know that my prayers are with you, Father....
Pro-Life champion Fr. Norman Weslin’s death is ‘Heaven’s gain,’ Fr. Pavone says | LifeSiteNews.com
That summer, my life changed in so many ways. I met the man I call my husband. I walked across the southeast proclaiming the beauty of life one step at a time. I was away from my family for the first time ever. I had recently been diagnosed with depression. My baby brother had been in Heaven only 5months. I made many incredible friendships. I grew in my faith. I met Fr. Norman Weslin........
A few hours ago, I received the phone call informing me of his death. At first I was in complete denial - this incredible man. A man who became my spiritual father. A man who would hear my confessions over and over. A man that would wipe my tears. A man who spoke with me in the middle of the night while I was scared and alone in the ICU that summer after my snake bite. A man who almost concelebrated our Nuptial Mass. A man who meant so much to me... could this man really, truly have left this world?
I know that he is now in Heaven rejoicing with our Heavenly Father. I know that he is holding his wife so closely as it has been just over 30yrs since she died. I know that he is no longer suffering. I know that he is able to look down and see all of the good that he did while on this earth. All of the babies he saved and life's he touched. I know that Heaven has just gained another Saint....
Father Weslin, words cannot express the gratitude I have in my heart for all that you did for me. I always loved hearing your name on the news. I loved hearing all that you did for the unborn. Father, I have wanted to give my children the opportunity to meet you. The opportunity to attend one of your Masses. Both my husband and I love you and miss you dearly. Thank you for all that you did for me during those 10wks...and beyond!
I pray that you are holding your wife close while you both dance the angels.
I rest assured knowing that you are in Heaven and able to hear my prayers and listen to me heart. Please know that my prayers are with you, Father....
Pro-Life champion Fr. Norman Weslin’s death is ‘Heaven’s gain,’ Fr. Pavone says | LifeSiteNews.com
LifeSiteNews Mobile | I thought I was pro-life but God told me I had the ‘spirit of abortion’
An absolutely beautiful article on the realities of contraception.....
LifeSiteNews Mobile | I thought I was pro-life but God told me I had the ‘spirit of abortion’
LifeSiteNews Mobile | I thought I was pro-life but God told me I had the ‘spirit of abortion’
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Accupuncture.....
Well, today at 3:00, I meet with Beth at Beth's Center for Accupuncture for a consultation and first session. I have so very many mixed emotions going into today.....
I am hopeful - but in a hesitant, afraid to get my hopes too high kind of way. I have tried so many things, from chiropractic care (that only caused things to get worse), to physical therapy, to doctor after doctor, and even surgery to remove adhesions. All of which did not work. So while I desperately, with every ounce of my being, need and want this to work, I am so scared to get my hopes up out of fear that they will be crushed again..... But I am going into this with a positive attitude. I have heard many positive things about this. I have also heard of people feeling completely better after the first session.
God-willing, this is the answer to many prayers........
Friday, April 6, 2012
*Edible* Easter Crafts
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| (Lacy's Inspiration) |
Here are ours - we have been passing them out to friends and family.... plus eating a few:
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Praying at CCD
Tonight at CCD, Mrs. Yip asked who wanted to lead the prayer. Well, our little 6 year old who, thus far, has been pretty shy in there, raised his hand and led the class in the Our Father - Saying a stanza and waiting for the class to repeat after him. (It would have been great had he led them in the Ave Maria afterwards, but we will save that for later!)
After this, it was his job to read the 10th Station of the cross - "Jesus is stripped of His garments." This was his first time to EVER read in front of non-family members! When Robert texted me and told me that he would be doing this, I was so excited.....yet quite anxious at the same time! Mrs. Yip did help him a bit, but he tried, and that is what is important!
He stepped out of his comfort zone a lot tonight. Something that Daddy and I do not see him do very often. Our little boy is definitely growing up!
After this, it was his job to read the 10th Station of the cross - "Jesus is stripped of His garments." This was his first time to EVER read in front of non-family members! When Robert texted me and told me that he would be doing this, I was so excited.....yet quite anxious at the same time! Mrs. Yip did help him a bit, but he tried, and that is what is important!
He stepped out of his comfort zone a lot tonight. Something that Daddy and I do not see him do very often. Our little boy is definitely growing up!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Why?
Lately it seems that I am surrounded by people who are having difficulty conceiving, some without any reason whatsoever. I had reasons. Between my cystic ovaries, stage IV endometriosis, and adenomyosis, I had EVERY reason to NOT get pregnant, yet I did. Then on top of that, I had huge reasons to not carry babies as long as I did. I will always remember the phone call from the Maternal Fetal Specialist during Wesley's pregnancy telling me to come in NOW because my labs were back and were not good. I will never forget the hematologist telling me that the combo of the Factor V Leiden, MTHFR Mutation, and Protein S Deficiency were a 1:1,000,000. With that combo, all of my pregnancies SHOULD have ended in miscarriage.... Why was I given this gift, yet so many others, with no reason, are not?
Then there is our true miracle baby Robert. When he was born, it was discovered that there was a velementous cord and I was in the process of a class 0 abruption. In other words, had I had 1 mild contraction, he would have died. In pregnancies with a velementous cord, babies are delivered at 35/36 weeks, regardless of lung maturity, in order to prevent stillbirth. I was in the very beginnings of labor - He should not be here, yet he is. So, why was my baby spared, yet my friends baby was not just 3 weeks prior for absolutely no reason?
With Hannah, I had a class 2/3 abruption.... My baby brother died from an abruption just 5 years, 3 months, and 13 days prior..... Why was I spared the pain and agony of this, of losing my child, yet my parents were not?
Finally with Wesley - looking back, although his first many weeks were very traumatic, it was nothing compared to what it could have been. He only required a Level II NICU. I have a friend whose baby had to be transferred to a Level III NICU. He could have come MUCH earlier and required many more interventions than he did. He could have been like the baby next to him that required a chest tube. Or the baby that my friend is caring for that required his chest to be open and covered in a membrane so that the doctors could access his heart and surrounding vessels when needed. He could have suffered brain damage. Wesley could not be here, but he is. And he is healthy. And he has no side effects of his early, rough start. Why?
Please do not misunderstand me, I am beyond grateful for me babies. For all of the gifts that they have brought me, brought us as a family. For all of the Irish Luck that they entered the world already embracing. I truly understand and appreciate just how very, very blessed and lucky we are to have them in our lives. I appreciate just how precious life is and how things can change in an instant. I realize just how miraculous each and every one of them are and how incredible our God is to have given us this gift. So in no way am I really, truly questing God and His plan, I am just wondering. And instead of wondering to myself, I am opening myself up. I am allowing the human side of me to come out.....
Then there is our true miracle baby Robert. When he was born, it was discovered that there was a velementous cord and I was in the process of a class 0 abruption. In other words, had I had 1 mild contraction, he would have died. In pregnancies with a velementous cord, babies are delivered at 35/36 weeks, regardless of lung maturity, in order to prevent stillbirth. I was in the very beginnings of labor - He should not be here, yet he is. So, why was my baby spared, yet my friends baby was not just 3 weeks prior for absolutely no reason?
With Hannah, I had a class 2/3 abruption.... My baby brother died from an abruption just 5 years, 3 months, and 13 days prior..... Why was I spared the pain and agony of this, of losing my child, yet my parents were not?
Finally with Wesley - looking back, although his first many weeks were very traumatic, it was nothing compared to what it could have been. He only required a Level II NICU. I have a friend whose baby had to be transferred to a Level III NICU. He could have come MUCH earlier and required many more interventions than he did. He could have been like the baby next to him that required a chest tube. Or the baby that my friend is caring for that required his chest to be open and covered in a membrane so that the doctors could access his heart and surrounding vessels when needed. He could have suffered brain damage. Wesley could not be here, but he is. And he is healthy. And he has no side effects of his early, rough start. Why?
Please do not misunderstand me, I am beyond grateful for me babies. For all of the gifts that they have brought me, brought us as a family. For all of the Irish Luck that they entered the world already embracing. I truly understand and appreciate just how very, very blessed and lucky we are to have them in our lives. I appreciate just how precious life is and how things can change in an instant. I realize just how miraculous each and every one of them are and how incredible our God is to have given us this gift. So in no way am I really, truly questing God and His plan, I am just wondering. And instead of wondering to myself, I am opening myself up. I am allowing the human side of me to come out.....
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