One Busy Weekend...Coming Up!

I kinda miss the days before we had kids...we slept in really late, David nearly always made me breakfast in bed, we read the paper leisurely, and almost never had any real concrete plans except for Mass on Sundays.

Well...those days are long gone, and while I wish we could sleep in and be lazy, I actually have grown to appreciate busy weekends, even when it looks like this:

Friday--I have to teach a FAMILIA class at St. Maximillian Kolbe. We usually finish around 9PM, but I will leave by then if we're not. I need to get back home and finish packing any last minute things for our campout.

Saturday--We are driving to Huntsville for the Cub Scout Spring Campout. Last fall, we were all planning to go, but the troop stayed overnight on an aircraft carrier and it was $50 a person, so only David and Joshua went. This spring, I really wanted to be a good mom and go, even though camping is not my thing. I am already making the list...it's ridiculous what you have to take on a camping trip, and we're only going to be gone one night.

Sunday--We have to get up early, get everyone dressed in church clothes (so yes, I'll have to pack those) and get back here by 8:45AM so the girls can sing in the choir with the rest of the Cherubs for the 9AM Mass. It will be a more involved mass, since it's also Palm Sunday.

After Mass, we'll have Formation class. I already plan to give the class notes and materials to my co-teacher Cathy so I won't have to take those on the campout. I was looking at the snack schedule, and realized I have to bring snacks too (which I'm also going to give to Cathy).

I'll have to get Joshua and Rebecca early so we can be home by 11:45, grab a super quick lunch, because we have 2 couples coming over at noon for an NFP class. I am hoping class doesn't run late, since we'll still have to unload the van from the camping trip. Heaven only knows how much dirty laundry will be involved...

Is there anything else we could possibly fit into 48 hours? I don't think so!

Sometime this week, I need to nail down plans for a Marian potluck for the Mom's Group, take the van in to get a dent repaired (I was bumped by a nice big Silverado in carpool line last week), get David's shirts to the cleaners, study for my FAMILIA class, Gabriel is getting his speech evaluated on Wednesday, and I hope to post a meatless recipe on my cooking blog by Thursday.

If you see a chicken running around with it's head cut off, it's probably me...

Reflections on Suffering

Today I was able to go to a Morning of Reflection sponsored by Regnum Christi. David would have started his new job today, but he promised me he'd watch the kids so I could go...thanks honey!

We have these morning retreats once a month, and the theme this year is based on the Beatitudes. So, today's topic was, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be consoled." Essentially, Fr. Thomas talked about suffering...something we can all relate to for sure.

Our society seems to shun suffering. People tend to seek food, drugs, material goods, or other pleasures, hoping that somehow, they will find consolation and the peace they long for. But...some people understand that none of those things will be enough, all of them will eventually fail. Only when we embrace suffering can we unite with Christ's Passion and death. In fact, the more we suffer, the more we grown in our capacity to love and become a person for others.

Fr. Thomas referred to Pope Benedict's encyclical letter "Spe-Salvi" ("in hope we were saved," Rom 8:24), and how suffering cannot be eliminated altogether from the world, to take our comfort from Christ when we are in the midst of pain and sorrow. I have not had a chance to read the encyclical in depth, but I hope to in the next few weeks.

When David lost his job 3 weeks ago, I wasn't sure I could handle it. We had known about it for some time, and that didn't make things any easier...I feel completely unprepared. I knew intellectually God had allowed this to happen, He had a reason, and everything would turn out exactly the way he intended. But, I admit it...I was scared...there were a couple of days I was sad, depressed, and felt like I was just going through the motions. I kept wondering how we'd make it if David didn't find a job after a few months. Could we stay strong for the kids? Would we have to sell the house or move if David found a job in another city? So many questions...

I have friends who are also unemployed, and have been for months. They have been suffering with grace, and I was afraid we'd be doing the same thing. My heart was so heavy, yet I knew we had to hang on, and pray, pray, and PRAY.

After 10 days of intense job-hunting, David had a new job! I couldn't believe it...I was so happy and proud of my husband. David hadn't looked back for one moment...it had taken me a little longer to let go of the anger I was feeling. They say hardships make a marriage stronger, and I believe that more than I ever have before.

So...I'm not trying to dispense advice...I don't feel qualified, nor deserving of the blessings God has given us. But...I believe...I believe faith is EVERYTHING...don't give up...even when hope is the only thing you have left. Just hang on...God has not forgotten about you...He is your consolation. When you are truly moved by God, then you will know what your life is all about.

Happy Yet Sad

Earlier today I was a wreck. I shouldn't be. I am so happy David got a job. He will be working for Sterling Bank, about 40 minutes from home, and he may be able to start as early as next Monday. I am thankful...beyond measure...we have friends who have been out of work for months...and they are truly struggling, suffering, and just hanging on for dear life.

But I am profoundly sad today. One of the purchases we'd put off was a mattress set for Gabriel (it was a big expense that had to wait while David job hunted). This was fine with me, because Momma was NOT ready...I repeat...NOT READY for Gabriel to graduate to a big boy bed. And we're thinking more kids may not be in our future...so our little boy may be our last one...

Well, we went out today and got the mattress set. I helped David carry it all upstairs, and he asked me:

"Well, sweetie, you ready?"

"No" I said, and promptly burst into tears. I cried...hard...David just held me...thank God for such a caring husband...

I finally stopped crying, and together we set up the bed. David had to go get his socket set to take apart the crib. I couldn't bear to watch that part, I went downstairs and started this post. Once it the crib was dismantled, I was somewhat okay.

Here's the before (sorry, couldn't do it during the process):

And here's after:

The quilt was made by Grandma Reisinger. She's made a baby quilt (you can see just a bit of it on the floor) and a twin quilt for every grandchild...she's awesome. Grandpa Reisinger has made a little stool for every grandchild, with their name wood-burned on it.

I still want to make a roman shade for the window and a couple of accent pillows. David is going to help me make a fabric-covered headboard and French-style bulletin board. But I held off on those things b/c of funds...I will probably start getting the supplies I need to make all that in a couple of weeks.

Sigh...we'll see how Gabriel likes his new bed when he takes a nap this afternoon. My sweet angel boy...in a big bed.

If they could just stay little...

Darn it...I'm going to cry again...

A Rare Sight

David came home early enough last night to grill the skirt steaks we were having for dinner. I'm always happy to delegate the grilling to him. However, I wasn't expecting this:

My hubby is the most manly guy I know, so at first, I was a bit perturbed. I have other aprons, but David took this one, the one with embroidered flowers and my name on the front. He says he didn't want to get his shirt dirty (although I told him he had plenty of time to change).

After looking him over, I decided he looked pretty cute :-) I am glad I got a pic, if nothing else, I can show it to his mom (who BTW, made the apron).

What a Deal

My friend Allison sent out an email last week about a big consignment sale going on this week, and I went yesterday with Rebecca (thanks for the info Allison!).

I was so glad to get out of the house...it's been cold, wet, and rainy for 3 days now....the kids are getting cabin fever, but love watching Animaniacs on DVD for hours...

I found some shirts for both the girls for school (we'll save them for this fall), plus a denim jumper dress for Rebecca. There is always good stuff for girls at sales like this.

I wish it were the same for boys. The selection was limited on their end of the gym, but I did get 3 tees, a book, and a new umbrella stroller for Gabriel. Someone pointed out the boxes of boys shoes, and I found a cute, gently used pair of sandals that light up. When I showed them to Gabriel, he was enthralled by them. They're just a tad too big, but that's fine, because he'll grow into them.

But the deal of the day...I was SO happy. Allison gets all the credit for this one too (she called and told me yesterday because she bought one also). I found a brand new, 1st Communion dress for Rebecca. It was originally priced at $70.00.

It was marked down to $18.00

I couldn't believe it, a beautiful white dress, with some white piping on the bodice and a row of flowers on the waistband. I wanted something simple because Rebecca will be wearing the veil I wore for my 1st Communion, which is rather elaborate.

It is long, but she only grows a little; likely it'll be just above her ankles next year. Christina is not as petite, so the hope (and prayer) is that it will be tea-length for her when she receives the sacrament in another 3 years.

Here's a pic, what do you think? We modeled it for Daddy when we got home, and he approved of it (especially the price!).

I LOVE A GOOD DEAL!

Ropin' and Ridin' at the Rodeo

Every year, David takes the kids to the rodeo and carnival. They LOVE it, and spend most of the day going on rides, pettin' piggies, eating carnival treats, and basically having a good ol' time :-). I usually stay home--next year, when Gabriel can go without his nap, we'll go too.

David always teams up with our brother-in-law Mike (Jenn's husband) who brought his 2 older kids. Here's a shot of all the little chittlins; left to right: James, Joshua, Rebecca, Audrey and Christina.

Checking to make sure the kids are tall enough. (For a while Rebecca wasn't tall enough for a good number of the rides, poor girl). Christina is not as petite, and was able to ride everything this year.

We're about to get WEEETTTT! (not really, but they still love it).

Of course, the Ferris wheel is a "must-do." Good thing nobody is afraid of heights! It's actually the world's largest transportable Ferris wheel--everything is bigger in Texas, right?

Mike and James

The view from the top...

All the kids piled in for this one...

And this one, the "Rockintub."

Everyones favorite--the BUMPER CARS! I can't wait until Gabriel is big enough to do this.

Next up, the SUPER SLIDE! Yee haw!

More slidin' fun...

and the racing cars (you know Joshua liked this one. He had the blue car and he came in 3rd :-).

Last thing...the pigs, baby chicks, and some serious looking longhorns.

Sorry about the hind shot, but maybe this is a longhorn's "best side", lol. (Katie, are you reading this?)

As you can imagine, all the cowpokes were pretty tuckered out and ready to hit the sack after dinner ;-). They didn't eat much, got baths, and were sound asleep by 8PM!

Nothin' like a day at the rodeo!

Meal Idea for Friday

If anyone needs a meatless recipe idea for dinner tomorrow night, I just put one up on my cooking blog:

Shrimp and Corn over Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

http://kims-concoctions.blogspot.com/

Check it out!

Music Monday

I hope my friend Susan doesn't mind me jumping on the music bandwagon :-).

This is another song I love, it's so simple, yet so full of meaning. Enjoy.

Gem of the Week

I found this quote about a month ago. This is dedicated to a dear friend of mine who is truly carrying the biggest cross imaginable right now. Please say a prayer for her. I know Jesus is holding her...

If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again. ~Flavia Weedn

I like to think that even when our cross seems impossible to carry, Jesus is right there, helping us to carry it, and hold on...because I believe the biggest gains come from enduring the greatest pain.