tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41414395527695748002024-03-05T04:23:05.231-06:00Praying TwiceDaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-59822569047239928762013-07-16T15:08:00.001-05:002013-07-16T15:08:38.848-05:00Happy 6 Months Baby Girl<p>My dear sweet Gemma,</p>
<p>You are 6 months, 1/2 a year today! Where does the time go? You are growing so very fast, and each day is so exciting. I can't tell you how much I am enjoying watching you grow and become a beautiful and active little girl. </p>
<p>You certainly don't stay in one place very long anymore. Between rolling and scooting on your belly you move from one side of the room to the other so quickly! You move to get a toy or to even go pet puppy Payton. And Dominic, oh how he loves you! The feeling is mutual and despite his constant tugs and pokes you giggle at everything he does. In fact often I go to yell at him for being too rough only to see you smiling from ear to ear. You are also treated to his songs constantly, most are Dominic originals. Dominic's favorite game to play is "Gemma Monster" where we chase him around the house. You reach your arms out as far as you can hoping to catch him, and when you do, you laugh with delight.</p>
<p>You are quite a talker too! You always have so much to say, especially to daddy. Even if he is on the other side of the room, you don't hesitate to strike up a coversation with him. Your favorite time to vocalize though is when we are in Church for Mass or adoration. </p>
<p>You love being outside also and in general are so content. You have been so easy on mommy with sleep, nursing and growing (unlike your brother). Thank you for 6 wonderful months and I am excited for every day to come! We love you and thank God every day that he trusted us with your precious soul. </p>
<p>Love, Mommy</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OsJwih4h7EjEsMnCt9WfC5Ow8oWqIBWhTL9auMNEFAGeJtJ9BlqMUxcnWck-CXM8Z41dQhAjdodWHLQqNWpIWG3IffPaLkQILKgaspVNPTyF4DaBTSp0lRKFXUKtldXPIJPAENgjM1T7/s1600/PhotoGrid_1374003103430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OsJwih4h7EjEsMnCt9WfC5Ow8oWqIBWhTL9auMNEFAGeJtJ9BlqMUxcnWck-CXM8Z41dQhAjdodWHLQqNWpIWG3IffPaLkQILKgaspVNPTyF4DaBTSp0lRKFXUKtldXPIJPAENgjM1T7/s640/PhotoGrid_1374003103430.jpg"> </a> </div>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-69254019031921378572013-06-13T22:36:00.000-05:002013-06-13T22:36:40.128-05:00In My Free Time<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Many days I find it easy to offer my daily life to God.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I willingly offer my cleaning and cooking,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> taking care of the littles,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and my work.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But I realized yesterday that there is one thing I really struggle to offer to God.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One thing I cling so tightly to as mine.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My free time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For me this is the time when the kids are in bed,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">my husband is often gone at work,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and the chores are mostly complete for the night.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Many nights I feel the tug to do some spiritual reading,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">play my guitar and write music,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> or just sit in silence and prayer.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Many nights I ignore these promptings telling myself that I have worked hard all day </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and I deserve some down time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You know because growing in faith and love of God isn't down time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It requires thought.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It requires work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It requires me to continue to give of myself which I spent all day long happily doing.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6M7Tf2HBG5S3RD8c9bESnUZ0roQKW6K0_BZzyERJdYM1wN6Z314IDbr5M-Zkzb5fH-91QwdXR4gFSwVli9urwXMjfTSPevdC1r9KZvhec22ZehobXk0NMunRaJJ1apBJSxalLoNRY_zP/s1600/DSCN6375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6M7Tf2HBG5S3RD8c9bESnUZ0roQKW6K0_BZzyERJdYM1wN6Z314IDbr5M-Zkzb5fH-91QwdXR4gFSwVli9urwXMjfTSPevdC1r9KZvhec22ZehobXk0NMunRaJJ1apBJSxalLoNRY_zP/s320/DSCN6375.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few nights ago when I was contemplating on this, I realized the absurdness of it all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If there is one thing to that will recharge me,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">refresh me,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and soothe me...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">it is God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know not only do I need to give over my free time for me,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">but also for my family.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What hope do I have of being gentle and kind, my daily prayer, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">if I don't allow God to strengthen me in every aspect of my life?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My children, husband, and the youth I serve deserve the best of me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They deserve a person who does not yet exist because of the small part of myself I cling onto and haven't given over yet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And God deserves all of me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not just what I feel like giving Him at the end of the day when I am beat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Which is usually nothing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He deserves my whole day, start to finish.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And my whole self, body and soul.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh God in my free time, my "me" time, my relax and unwind time, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">in my down time, my catch a breath time, my settle and rest time </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">help me to choose You.</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For nothing else can truly free me, refresh, and recharge me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sanctify not only my works, my mothering, my daily duties, </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">but every moment of my life.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Help me let go of thinking that it is mine and give it over to You.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jesus grant me the grace to desire it.</span></div>
Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-83163574609194486872013-03-17T22:42:00.001-05:002013-03-17T22:42:34.052-05:00Long Over Due Birth Announcement<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sorry for the blog neglect!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wish I could say that was going to change, but...yeah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Someone commented on my last blog post the other day wondering if I had the baby.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Woops, didn't I announce that? No?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well thankfully I am not 2 months overdue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had a beautiful baby GIRL!!! on January 16th.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Gemma Inez Wells</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6 lbs 6 oz</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">19 1/2 inches long</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Perfect!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDv9I4VB0teB_QGZVOSLlLA3J0nictwIoHm5blchqySiWuQjVRU8NnFFgrhOO5xMVcQv-7Nsc-buQuxii3ebiHsyR767_uzAVM_Z9MxkElLAu3EnmwMexm2bBHKgZLtkwrVWo7sWsZ9Owb/s1600/IMG_0735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDv9I4VB0teB_QGZVOSLlLA3J0nictwIoHm5blchqySiWuQjVRU8NnFFgrhOO5xMVcQv-7Nsc-buQuxii3ebiHsyR767_uzAVM_Z9MxkElLAu3EnmwMexm2bBHKgZLtkwrVWo7sWsZ9Owb/s320/IMG_0735.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This picture was taken shortly after Gemma was born in our home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My, how she has changed and grown in the last 2 months!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have been working on the birth story and hope to have it up soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And by soon I mean maybe in another few months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My two little blessings are keeping me quite busy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happily so.</span></div>
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Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-58429159247638276142013-01-08T20:56:00.004-06:002013-01-08T20:57:33.495-06:00Coming Soon...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>his week I will be 37 weeks. It is almost hard to believe. Not that this pregnancy has gone incredibly fast or anything, it is just that I feel so blessed. With losing two babies we might actually get to meet this one and I am so very close! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This pregnancy has been more difficult than Dominic's just from being bigger and overweight from the miscarriage when I got pregnant. Also the progesterone shots, ugh, which I am so very </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">grateful</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> for. Overall though, it has been another easy and wonderful pregnancy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">At 37 weeks, I am feeling almost ready. We are having a home birth, for which I am so very excited! Thanks to the help of my mom and wonderful husband, my house is mostly clean and ready though there are a few projects to do and the clean state to maintain. With the exception of just a few items, our birth kit is almost ready too. I still have no idea what we are doing with Dominic, at this point I am playing it by ear. If go into labor during the day, he will go to my in-laws down the street, but if it is at night I just don't know. He has never been away from us at night, nor should he be at his young age, and I worry he will just be crying and wondering where we are. At the same time, if he is here and wakes up I don't want Geoff to have to deal with him for a long period of time while I am in labor. My mom will (hopefully!) be here too so I think that will be a help. The dream would be he goes to sleep, labor starts, he stays asleep, wakes up and bam! Baby! So I am sure that will happen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The biggest joy has been watching Dominic embrace this baby. He is so very excited! He prays for and talks to our sweet baby every day. We also ask him "do you think this baby is a boy or a girl?" The answer use to switch every day and the names use to be very creative from "Baby America" to "Brotius" to his most common name "Baby Blue". Over the past month however, he always says it is a girl, he is convinced (I have no clue) and even refers to "her" with the name we have chosen for a girl. Well except for yesterday when he was trying to convince me that we were in fact having two babies a boy and a girl and he had names for both. Boy would that be a surprise! On a daily basis he talks about the baby and all the cute thing she will do. Today he was talking about how the baby will have a car seat and sit in the back seat with him and how awesome that will be. It melts my heart so much. I can't wait for him to meet this baby for the first time! He is going to be an amazing big brother.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So soon I will get to see what this baby looks like. Will he or she look just like my husband, like Dominic does? How will he/she differ from Dominic as a baby, and in personality? Most of all, I can't wait to see my husband as a father again. He is so gentle, kind, loving, and a true man of God. I could not ask for a bigger gift than to share our lives in the eyes of another child.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-79551244359319371972012-12-22T01:01:00.002-06:002012-12-22T01:01:17.061-06:00Prepare The Way<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">W<span style="font-size: small;">ith the 4th Sunday of Advent approaching and Christmas drawing near, I can't help but reflect on the path that God has lead me on in my life. My whole life I knew only one thing, that I was to be a wife and mother. I didn't realize that God was preparing me with every moment, well every moment I was actually listening and following Him. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'd like to share my Wednesday with you. Dominic insisted we light the Advent wreath at breakfast, which we usually only do at dinner time. So light it I did and we sang "O Come O Come Emmanuel" and offered our days to God. I had a lot to do that day. I gave it to our Blessed Mother and ask she guide my day and help me get done only what Heaven wanted me to. Geoff had the day off so I was going out Christmas and grocery shopping while Doc and Daddy got some quality time together. I started the day around 11:30 with confession. Feeling pretty good afterwards, I headed to my first stop, a local resale shop. After I purchased a few gifts, I went to the car to realize I locked my keys inside. Fresh off a confession joy, it wasn't a big deal and I called my husband who promptly came to bail me out and unlock the doors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Next it was off to the local Catholic Gift Store where I was blessed to work for 4 years, actually until the day Dominic was born. I collected the items I needed and right before checkout, my former co-worker mentioned that she needed to go pick up her daughter from school. She was a half hour late and was the only one there to man the store which was having a much needed busy time. I offered to man the store for her if she felt comfortable with it (it had been 2.5 years since I worked there aside from helping out a few times when needed.) She thanked me and said she'd be only 15 minutes and asked the Holy Spirit to help me remember how to run the register and such if I needed. It all came back to me quite easily and I sold $80 worth of goods. When she returned, I told her I had a lot to do and needed to get going but just after check out a gentleman walked through the door. He said hello but passed us and proceeded to go to the back (he was there to visit the boss man). My former co-worker called his name and introduced him to me as a future priest, a seminarian for the Diocese of Madison. We ended up chatting for a little, mostly about the Liturgy. I was very impressed to hear of his orthodoxy and love for Latin, he will be a great priest! The boss man came down and pressed him to tell me about some of the blessings God has given him. He seemed hesitant and very humble about it. The boss man told me this future priest had a gift of healing, spiritual and physical. The future priest expounded a little and told me about some incredible graces God has given him recently, which were so awesome I probably shouldn't share. After an astounding conversation, he ended up praying over me and afterwards, I can't even tell you the peace I felt. He then told me that I am right where God wants me at this moment. He said I am doing a wonderful job in my vocation as a wife and mother and that He called my two babies home to be with Him...God has a plan for our family. It was just what I needed to hear. You see I've been thinking about how one of the hardest adjustments for me with becoming a mother is giving up, or rather changing some aspects of my relationship with God. I can't make it to daily Mass everyday or wisk off to adoration whenever I want and stay all hours of the night. Truth be told I miss these things. But I know that my offerings in my wifely and motherly duties have much merit and can lead me to holiness in the same way, if I offer it all to Him. He reminded me of that. I left the store thanking God for taking charge of my day. Though I hadn't gotten much done and it was getting late, I knew that I locked the keys in my car and offered to man the store because otherwise, this encounter wouldn't have happened. It seems like it's been a while since God has been so blatantly visible in my day. I wonder if God would say that it's been a while since I've been so blatantly visible in His.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This Advent has been a very busy one. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior as a sweet little babe, i also prepare the way for the birth of the sweet little babe in my womb. The past 34 weeks has sure flown by and I can't believe that hour is drawing so near. We've been doing a lot to prepare the house for our homebirth, though much is left to be done. I feel my prayer this Advent could be better, but I've been trying hard to offer each daily action, each pregnancy discomfort, and each motherly challenge and joy as my prayer. I am feeling so very blessed today and thank God for being here, in my life every single day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Heavenly Father,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You who through the incarnation gave us your only Son</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">and fulfilled</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> your promise of salvation,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">be with me in this time of Advent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Show me how to be the voice crying out </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">and prepare the way of Your coming in my home,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">in my family, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">and in every aspect of my life. Amen.</span></div>
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Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-39986042363797663522012-07-24T21:14:00.000-05:002012-07-24T21:14:31.940-05:00Due Date<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Celebrating today the brief life of our Michael Gerard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today would have been his due date</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and I am grateful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh so grateful for him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I can feel the graces from his prayers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">washing over our family </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">showering us with the love of Heaven.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And what sweet love it is.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am grateful for his big sister, Ellen</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">who he prays with unceasingly.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am grateful for big brother Dominic</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">who is such a joy.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Who teaches me about the love of God everyday.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am grateful for the new life growing in my womb.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Precious, sweet, little.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Growing every day.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mostly I am grateful for the love of a man</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">who created all these wonderful children with me.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Four.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am blessed.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">God is good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-40151301476391541692012-05-04T22:56:00.000-05:002012-05-04T22:56:10.277-05:00Singing. Writing. Praying.<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">N</span>othing like spending the evening on my front porch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Guitar in hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Singing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Writing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Praying.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">My blogging absence can only be described as</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">my creativity and voice being put into song instead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've been working a lot on music.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Writing new songs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">New prayers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I can't wait to share them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I promise.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-20386485950266622742012-04-13T16:58:00.001-05:002012-04-13T20:39:06.587-05:007 Quick Takes: IuseNFP and the Caracass Snatcher<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FmFCjZ1ugTLbB4TqH8WMlV_MYszUlYgHI-km4jFhLY0U8r6QIPAdsbyEICOSuDD2WD_4Pq2I7lcg68xwMcCxb2aEWdICj8goWltuXSC5PEWpnoMXNT6Y5FHcCF2SO5Gq80KtVoq0hyphenhyphenjg/s1600/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FmFCjZ1ugTLbB4TqH8WMlV_MYszUlYgHI-km4jFhLY0U8r6QIPAdsbyEICOSuDD2WD_4Pq2I7lcg68xwMcCxb2aEWdICj8goWltuXSC5PEWpnoMXNT6Y5FHcCF2SO5Gq80KtVoq0hyphenhyphenjg/s1600/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">**1** I am totally in love with the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/iusenfp">IUseNFP</a> facebook page! Are you a fan yet? If not, you should be. The buttons. are. awesome. Especially this one. </span><br />
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<a href="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/563771_218270444940603_210800962354218_298079_1570481005_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/563771_218270444940603_210800962354218_298079_1570481005_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And this one. </span><br />
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<a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/563057_215948818506099_210800962354218_292756_51770159_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/563057_215948818506099_210800962354218_292756_51770159_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Oh and this one.</span><br />
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<a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/540639_213431562091158_210800962354218_287105_1647996012_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/540639_213431562091158_210800962354218_287105_1647996012_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But not this one. </span><br />
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<a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/576116_216736878427293_210800962354218_294906_1580976304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/576116_216736878427293_210800962354218_294906_1580976304_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Because Michelle Duggar is in fact my idol. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">**Update** My SIL reminded me that Michelle Duggar is NOT in fact my fashion idol. This is very true. When we are shopping I have many times said "I dunno this might be a little too Michelle Duggar." It is hard when I am shopping for long skirts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">**2** My husband just showed me this clip from </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Family Guy the other day. </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/-PtrDTdF0hA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Not a show either of us watch but this made me cry a lot. Ok I didn't really cry but the reality of it all was sad. It is kind of awesome they addressed this though. The sad part is I am sure a lot of people would rather have a fancy car, big house, horse, etc. over a house full of kids. Not me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">**3** I said to my husband at dinner tonight that I am going to be known as the carcass snatcher. He seemed to think that was a terrible idea because people would think I steal dead bodies. Human bodies. Let me just say for the record I have never stolen a human body. Okay now that that is clear, I have found myself asking at family functions (dinners not funerals), if I can have the bird carcass or beef bones to make homemade stock with. I got THREE turkeys this past Thanksgiving! I mean they are just gonna through them away and store bought stock cannot even come close to comparing to homemade stock. So delicious! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">**4** Just because I am a little worried about the police knocking on my door, I do not steal dead bodies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">**5** As long as Dominic has been eating solids, we've given him a good, healthy, balanced diet. It is very important to me that he learns good food habits. Lately he has been not eating cooked veggies so much. What? I thought all two year olds LOVED cooked veggies! But Geoffrey started this awesome game while eating homemade soup (with delicious homemade stock) called "find this". He would say "Daddy found a carrot in his soup. Can Doc find a carrot?" He did, and ate it, and he loved this game! We tried it again the next day and it worked with all the veggies. WIN!</span><br />
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**6** For my birthday (April 3) my dear SIL gave me the ZUMBA Rush Fitness game for XBOX Kinect. I love it! I've been doing it at least 4 times a week and am feeling great to be working out and dancing! It is truly a fun workout. I am hoping it helps me shake some of these unwanted pounds off from the last pregnancy/misscarriage and hopefully before I get pregnant again. Anyway the other day I just finished working out and left the room really quick to do something. Dominic was dancing with me and knows how to perfect work the Kinect. So I come back into the room to find "confirm post to Facebook" on the screen. AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! CANCEL CANCEL CANCEL!!! Pffhew that was a close one. I'm not sure exactly what it would've posted, probably just the stats of my workout, but my fear is that it was going to post a video of me dancing. Now I love the Zumba game, but I am no dancer. I am quite terrible actually. Oh how embarrassing this would have been!<br />
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**7** I really hesitated to post my last post. I don't want to be negative or make people think I am super depressed. I'm not even a little depressed, just overcome sometimes with it all. But it was very nice to get some thoughts out. I feel bad though that I completely blew over the fact that it is Easter. HAPPY EASTER! We had a blessed Tridduum and Easter Sunday. I hope you did too.<br />
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For more quick takes check <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Jen </a>out!</span></div>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-38054827561918928902012-04-11T22:12:00.002-05:002012-04-11T22:12:19.846-05:00Fertility Issues<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sorry for the silence lately, I've been thinking a lot, too much. I believe in staying positive, and trusting in God's plan, but sometimes it is so hard. Since our second miscarriage two months ago, I've been seeing a Creighton Fertility specialist. My cycles as far as I can tell have always been pretty normal, but now they are all messed up. It is suspect that I might have a Post Luetal Phase Defect, though I won't have hormone testing till later this month. Basically what this most likely means is that my progesterone levels are too low to maintain a pregnancy naturally. Again right now this is all my speculation based off of charting and such. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am so ready to be pregnant again and to have another baby. I have been for over a year. Some women have no problem getting pregnant while breastfeeding but that didn't turn out to be me. Dominic nursed every two hours until 15m old and nursed very frequently until about 18m. I am sure this kept me from getting pregnant, though I don't regret on demand nursing him one bit. He was 18 m when I did get pregnant. He still nurses once or twice a day with skipping sometimes (signs he is weaning). It is possible I think that it could be a factor, maybe my progesterone levels are suppressed more than normal while bf? I won't know for sure what the issue is however until I get the testing done and right now, the wait is killing me. A few weeks ago I thought I might be pregnant, and I was terrified. Knowing that my babies have died at 5.5/6 weeks (though I don't misscarry for another 8 weeks!) I was terrified because I knew if I was pregnant, I was already 3-4 weeks. It would mean I had 1, 2 weeks at the most to fix my progesterone problems and it was honestly, maybe too late already. Though I really want to be pregnant, the thought of another miscarriage is so scary. I don't want to bury another child. Obviously I wasn't pregnant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Lately I've been getting a lot "when are you going to have another one?" or "I bet you're ready for another". These questions are certainly innocent and well-meaning, but painful none-the-less. I feel so many women take for granted that they can get pregnant and carry a healthy baby to term, when they want. It isn't such a luxury for everyone. Though I do know I am blessed more than many women to have one wonderful child on earth and two waiting for me in Heaven. Still on most days when I am longing so much for another I just try and pray hard. <strong>I long ago turned my fertility over the God, I just need to remember that vow.</strong> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The future is uncertain, as I suppose it always is. I find myself struggling though, struggling with what my I thought my family would look like after almost 5 years of marriage. My heart is longing for something so much. I always thought I would have child after child; big family, close in age. I thought this was from God. But maybe I need to let this dream go. <b>His will is better than mine, perfect in fact.</b> And who knows? Maybe 10 yrs down the road as I chase my small army around, I will laugh at all this. <strong>I need to trust. I need to trust. I need to trust.</strong> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Only Heaven knows what will happen. God-willing this fertility issue will be an easy fix and we will conceive again soon, but in the mean time I think I need a sign on my wall that says "I have three children". It helps in those few moments when I am feeling a little sad, which are usually when Dominic is asleep because let's face it, it is hard to be sad when he brings me such joy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Right now I am trying to...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Trust</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stay positive</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hope in God</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Carry my cross</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Offer up my suffering</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Be joyful</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Keep my eyes fixed on Heaven </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">AND</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Love my children and husband like only Jesus has loved.</span><br />
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</span>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-4054208231752177972012-03-23T23:50:00.001-05:002012-03-23T23:50:28.856-05:007 Quick Takes: Original Song!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FmFCjZ1ugTLbB4TqH8WMlV_MYszUlYgHI-km4jFhLY0U8r6QIPAdsbyEICOSuDD2WD_4Pq2I7lcg68xwMcCxb2aEWdICj8goWltuXSC5PEWpnoMXNT6Y5FHcCF2SO5Gq80KtVoq0hyphenhyphenjg/s1600/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FmFCjZ1ugTLbB4TqH8WMlV_MYszUlYgHI-km4jFhLY0U8r6QIPAdsbyEICOSuDD2WD_4Pq2I7lcg68xwMcCxb2aEWdICj8goWltuXSC5PEWpnoMXNT6Y5FHcCF2SO5Gq80KtVoq0hyphenhyphenjg/s1600/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Visit <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Jen</a> for more!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">**1** I</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> posted a <a href="http://www.dacia-prayingtwice.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-music-all-yours.html">new original song</a> yesterday! This is nothing short of a miracle really, to have recorded a song in a quiet house (it was nap time). I am hoping I can do this on a very regular basis. In case you missed it, please take a minute to check it out and let me know what you think. Thanks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">**2** I actually wrote the song shortly before Dominic was born (or maybe after, I don't remember), but haven't got a chance to share it with people. I haven't "played out" in a concert setting for two years so this is kind of a big deal for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">**3** Do you see the strategically placed daffodils behind me? Aren't they perty? There are SOO many outside in my flower beds that I am loving having fresh homegrown flowers inside. Even better, I've been putting them in my newly acquired blue glass Ball jars. I plan on doing this with the jars eventually. They will go in my bathroom and hold toothbrushes, combs, etc. Thanks Pinterest!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">**4** Tomorrow I am going to see Bring It On: The Musical in Chi-Town. Laugh if you want, but I am sure you are jealous deep down inside. Those movies, all 18 of them are so bad, they are hilarious. I don't have many guilty pleasures, but this is one of them. I love musicals so this is a perfect girls day out with my sister, mom, and two sils. Can't wait!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">**5** I went to the <a href="http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com/">Stand Up for Religious Freedom</a> rally today in Rockford, IL. It was AWESOME! We had Mass with Bishop Doran, heard some great speakers, and protested the HHS mandate. There were over 500 people there. It was so beautiful. Mostly, it was just nice to feel rejuvenated in this fight. It was Dominic's first protest/rally and I can't think of a better cause.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">**6** I wrote a post the other day are <a href="http://www.dacia-prayingtwice.blogspot.com/2012/03/why-i-veil.html">Why I Veil</a>. I've always been mostly a traditional chapel veil type of girl but then a friend pinned the below picture and I swooned over every single item <a href="http://www.garlandsofgrace.com/">Garlands of Grace</a> sells.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.garlandsofgrace.com/wp-content/uploads/wpsc/product_images/stretch%20snood%20meg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.garlandsofgrace.com/wp-content/uploads/wpsc/product_images/stretch%20snood%20meg.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is so beautiful! I want to get one, maybe two (blue and pink) and I'd love to wear them as a more no fuss chapel veil. But really I think I might get into the habit of wearing them around the house on days when my hair doesn't have a prayer of being washed and I am spending the day cooking, cleaning, gardening, and mothering. I love the idea of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">**7** I will leave you with my proud mama moment of the week. Dominic found a Batman video game, brought it up to me in the kitchen and said with big puppy dog eyes "mommy, play Batman game please?" He has never seen the game, and I've maybe once showed him a picture of Batman and told him who it was (we are HUGE Batman fans in this house). Needless to say, I was quite proud. It was hard to refuse, but since A. it is completely age inappropriate in every way and B. we have a no TV or Xbox during the day rule, I had to say no. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Have a great weekend!</span>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-87681607610350441752012-03-22T23:01:00.000-05:002012-03-22T23:01:04.436-05:00My Music: All Yours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Alright.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Here goes nothing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This is All Yours by yours truly.</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dYguLTYW3Y0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ALL YOURS ©</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By Dacia Wells </span></div>
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I want to be all Yours and hold nothing back.</div>
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I know that I don’t have much to give, but I have Your love. Yeah.</div>
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How can I make a return to the God who gave me everything?</div>
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Power and riches will fade but Your love remains. </div>
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All that the world says I need I have no desire for. </div>
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Empty and worthless to me they are.</div>
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Consume my heart with Your Heavenly fire oh Lord I will dwell with You, forever.</div>
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I can feel Your presence stirring in my soul.</div>
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Nothing can ever compare to Heaven’s joy. Yeah.</div>
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This world try as it may to please me, </div>
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giving all that its got still falls so short.</div>
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For having tasted the love that awaits me,</div>
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Nothing yeah nothing can pull me away.</div>
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Consume my heart with Your Heavenly fire oh Lord I will dwell with You.</div>
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Consume my heart with Your Heavenly fire oh Lord I will dwell with You.</div>
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Consume my heart with Your Heavenly fire oh Lord I will dwell with You.</div>
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Forever. </div>
</span>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-80238325591807674752012-03-20T23:06:00.003-05:002012-03-20T23:06:59.997-05:00A Return to Catholic Music<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Music.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It is really why I started this blog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Praying Twice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It was supposed to be an outlet to share my own music</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">but got somewhat lost of mommyhood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm not complaining, I love being a mom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First, wife and mother is my vocation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I do believe God gave me gifts and talents </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and I don't wanna bury them in the ground.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Out of fear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Out of laziness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've had some success with my music</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">but really abandoned it all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm ready to get back to it,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">if it be God's will.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Lets see where He takes me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Maybe nowhere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">His will be done.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I will have some vids with new songs up soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'd love to hear your thoughts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">If you like what you hear,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">spread the word.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Also I'm going to bring you some of my favorite Catholic music out there</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">in a series called </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoVXv2NYzKrpZnri3ICVzNzENn_Ojq2GYhsScczt-v4cXSlmyia9MOeTlOyKywtFQU0MDNUHPASX8EISRXMP8LLUWIEZ8DrSV5pAYAz_dipcaCBVhm6OaXbbE4CYENs0L0fOpLDj_BoCD/s1600/the+best+of+catholic+music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoVXv2NYzKrpZnri3ICVzNzENn_Ojq2GYhsScczt-v4cXSlmyia9MOeTlOyKywtFQU0MDNUHPASX8EISRXMP8LLUWIEZ8DrSV5pAYAz_dipcaCBVhm6OaXbbE4CYENs0L0fOpLDj_BoCD/s320/the+best+of+catholic+music.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Some I've opened up for, and some, well I am just a huge fan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I will share their music, why I love them, and even some interviews.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It is so important the we support current Catholic music</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">because it is awesome,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">people using their talents for God's glory.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">AND being totally Catholic!</span></div>
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<br /></div>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-25068225824460218052012-03-19T00:53:00.000-05:002012-03-19T00:53:08.987-05:00Why I Veil<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOWUReViDSt8mPQaci1MLyZLqBd3qmE-8mlZaJw2xmxqOPs9zgtBFbghA9nKT0k45T-ka3xbUh7dEgRUPen47hCHW14_L9tHsfUx5CAYCTc_hOzZssP0PUd5nD7sfEfy_HQZM6Yao-96S/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOWUReViDSt8mPQaci1MLyZLqBd3qmE-8mlZaJw2xmxqOPs9zgtBFbghA9nKT0k45T-ka3xbUh7dEgRUPen47hCHW14_L9tHsfUx5CAYCTc_hOzZssP0PUd5nD7sfEfy_HQZM6Yao-96S/s320/me.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">A scarf I sometimes use as a veil.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">A <span style="font-size: small;">few years ago, maybe 4, I felt a longing in my heart to veil during Mass.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I didn't know anything about the practice, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">nor did I know anyone who veiled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I didn't understand why I was feeling this at the time,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">but I did know God was calling me to take up this practice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It was the exact same way He called me to receive the Holy Eucharist on the tongue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It was something I felt in my heart was the right thing to do, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">even though (at the time) I didn't know the concrete reasons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">In both instances, I was afraid, a coward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">No one in my Parish veiled and I really didn't want to stand out or be thought of as a holy rolling weirdo (though I'm pretty sure I already was.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Still, my pride held me back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Year after year, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I felt the longing in my soul every time I was in a Sacred place to be veiled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It just wouldn't quit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">When I worked at my local Catholic Store (before Dominic was born)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">someone came in and asked if we carried chapel veils. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We didn't, but I knew we should.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">First I decided to do some research on the practice and read stuff <a href="http://www.catholicplanet.com/articles/article51.htm">like this,</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">which spoke to my tradition loving self </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">but didn't really convince me that I "needed to" veil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I looked online at some pretty veils to order for the store and decided,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">why don't I ask my Grandma?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">After work I went to her house and asked if she used to veil, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">and is so, if she still had her veil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I knew she would, us Meisinger women don't throw good things out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">She <strike>gave it to me </strike>let me borrow it to help pick veils for the store </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">and it did help.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I never gave it back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Sorry Grandma!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Every Sunday before going to Mass, I would look at this beautiful vintage white lace Spanish veil and dream of taking it with me and wearing it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">My lame excuse was I just didn't want to be a distraction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But God kept calling me. Asking me. Pleading with me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I needed to veil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Two years ago I took a job at a Parish a couple towns over as a Director of Youth Ministry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">At this beautiful Parish, which I know call home,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I attended my first Extraordinary Form of the Mass.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I wore my (Grandma's) veil for the first time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">There I didn't stand out as there were plenty of veiled women.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It felt right.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I felt, beautiful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I felt like a woman.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A woman acknowledging God's creation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">When I next attended the Ordinary Form, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I knew it would be hypocritical not to veil,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">so I did. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And have ever since.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I love it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It does not make me more modest, or reverent than women who don't veil,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">but it does make ME more modest and reverent than when I didn't.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">At Mass, the Earthly veil is lifted and we are literally IN HEAVEN.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">All the Saint and all the Angels are present,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">and Jesus our Lord and Saviour is physically present.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Call me weak, but I need to veil myself to remember this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I think some women look at veiling as demeaning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I think nothing could be farther from the truth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What is a veil if not something that honors the beauty underneath?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We veil what is Holy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Traditionally the tabernacle is veiled because in it is the Holy of Holies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Women, is holy </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">because she carries life, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">a new soul, in her womb.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Which is why contraception is such a sin,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">it is denying who God created us to be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The <a href="http://catholicrestorationists.wordpress.com/2007/06/29/theology-of-the-chapel-veil/">Theology of the veil</a> reveals much to us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It reveals to me that</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">God made me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">He made me for Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">He made me for my husband.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">All of God's good creation echos and honors Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">When I veil, it reminds me that my body is in fact,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">a veil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A veil honoring true beauty I am, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">that of my soul.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-69458657011144964962012-03-14T22:20:00.001-05:002012-03-14T22:20:37.978-05:00Put Love There-In Action<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So</span> quite possibly the best thing I took home from the Behold Conference was </span><a href="http://fumblingtowardgrace.com/2012/03/14/put-love-there/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">this</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. I am so terrible at explaining things in detail, especially if I didn't take notes, but Sarah did it so perfectly. </span><a href="http://fumblingtowardgrace.com/2012/03/14/put-love-there/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Put Love There.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> When Sister Elizabeth spoke of this, I felt the way I looked at my busy toddler change. I pray and try so hard to be gentle, loving, and kind to my little sweetie, but sometimes it is just so hard when I tell him not to do something for the 30th time in one day. While Sister was speaking, I wrote this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Just be love. Instead of correcting and disciplining, just love and be gentle. Instead of seeing my child, look at Dominic as a beautiful soul, made by God who needs further nourishing; a beautiful flower which needs watering. Just love. Sweet, tender, love.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've been really doing my best to put this into action these past couple days. I've always delighted in him, but now it is easier to delight in his whole self, not just the part that does what I want him to. It is more about changing MY behavior, than his. <a href="http://dacia-prayingtwice.blogspot.com/2011/09/sit-down-and-be-quiet.html">This post</a> comes to mind. Dominic is only two, and is a wonderful, joyful little guy. A very wise mom and dear friend of mine always says, "sure I could get her to be quiet, sit still, and do everything I say, but it would be changing the very person she is." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Certainly there are some things that need to be reprimanded or require discipline, but when I truly think about it the list of such occurrences is much shorter than I think. So when I am frustrated, if he isn't in danger or isn't doing something sinful, perhaps it is best to take a step back and just delight in him and act out of love. Indeed, thank you Sister and <a href="http://www.fumblingtowardgrace.com/">Sarah</a>.</span><br />
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<br />Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-68941005821157444572012-03-13T22:01:00.002-05:002012-03-13T22:01:43.994-05:00Behold<div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last Saturday I went to the <a href="http://www.beholdconference.com/">Behold Conference</a> and it was Ahhh-mazing. I feel so blessed that it is only a 2 hr drive from my home. I went with some wonderful friends and we are already making plans for next year to go and bring just about each and every woman we know with us. I also got to meet the beautiful <a href="http://fumblingtowardgrace.com/">Sarah</a> whose blog was probably the first I ever started reading years ago. Anyway here are some of my highlights/thoughts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The talks were great. They echoed JPII in talking about how God made the world and everything in it, made man, and then realized something was missing. So He made women, the crowning achievement of His creation. Wow. Awesome. We are all created in His image, man and woman. Though very different, we each reveal something about who God is. Woman shows God is gentle, nurturing, and beautiful. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We should also embrace and love all the gifts God created each of us individually with, and ask what He would like us to do with those gifts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://katewicker.com/">Kate Wicker</a> spoke about body image and how it is important to take care of the body God gave us. We all have something about us physically that we aren't quite happy with, but to hate our bodies or what we look like, is to deny God's creative genius. She was also hilarious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://www.mariemiller.net/">Marie Miller</a> played some amazing music for us. Check her out-we need to support Catholic musicians! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">At the Conference there was an awesome "meet the bloggers" aspect. Some popular Catholic women bloggers were sitting at tables in the back so meet us readers and to sign books and such. It was pretty cool. I got to meet <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Jen</a> and thank her for her hilarious and faithful writing. She said my cowboy boots rocked, and she's right, they totally do. I also met <a href="http://www.bettybeguiles.com/">Mrs. Betty Beguiles</a>, Hallie. She looked so cute and vintage-y just like knew she would. I think next year I will bring a cardtable and have my own table in the section to meet the bloggers whom no one has heard of and whose blogs are read by their mom's, <a href="http://youshallgooutwithjoy.blogspot.com/">best friend</a>, and <a href="http://wonderfulworldofweez.blogspot.com/">Louise</a>. Why yes, I will sign that book you are holding!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There were 600 women there. Simply amazing. You know you are at a Catholic Conference when half of the crowd is pregnant or has a newborn in tow (most of which are being breastfed or worn in a wrap/sling at any giving time.) Love it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On the way out of the Conference, a beautiful Sister of Life handed me a pamphlet of discernment and sweetly invited me to the discerning retreat for their order. I said thank you so much but I am already discerned. I am telling myself that it was because i looked so young and holy that she handed me the pamphlet, but in reality it was probably because I looked like I need a lot of guidance and help. Trust me Sister, I do.</span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In all seriousness, it was such an amazing day. We were truly pampered with delicious Lent sacrifice-killing food and drink. Best of all, there was Mass, ongoing adoration, and confession. The speakers were great and the fellowship, even better. I even heard there was a mommy room for private nursing, pumping, changing etc. with the works in it, which I also heard wasn't big enough for our baby-making crowd. </span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What I took home from the Behold Conference was a clean and renewed soul. I felt the whole time that I would LOVE to do what Marie Miller did. What a blessing it would be to play and sing at women's retreats and conferences. I created this blog to really share my music and haven't done much of that. I hope going forward that I can do that so much more and maybe getting my music ministry going again.</span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Thanks to <a href="http://learningtobeanewlywed.blogspot.com/">Bonnie</a> for Behold! I will be there next year.</span><br />
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</div>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-40916411653391867942012-03-09T11:58:00.002-06:002012-03-09T13:50:23.239-06:007 Quick Takes: Birthday, Behold, and Bowling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">**1**</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Today is my little Dominic's birthday!! He is two and I can hardly believe it. I truly enjoy his company and being his mom so very much. I love all the cute little things he does, one of my favorite is when he excitedly yells "We're here!!!" whenever we arrive someplace in the car. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Another favorite is when we ask him "Do you know where daddy (or anything else) is?" "Yes" he says. "Oh good, where is he?" "Neh hiding." But probably my absolute favorite is when he eats something like dog food, or has a drinking of dirty two day old water in a cup in the sink and says "mmmm it's so so good." I reply "no it's icky dont do that!" to which he insists again "yumm so so tasty!" Oh boy what a character.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">**2**</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So we've been working on the whole "Dominic how old are you?" thing for a while now. He can say two, and hold up two fingers, but so matter how much we insist the answer to that questions is "two" he'd rather say he is five. Oh well, three more years we will be set!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">**3**</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> For Doc's birthday breakfast today I made cinnamon roll french toast. He and Geoff really enjoyed it. Geoff took the day off which I think is probably the best birthday present for Doc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">**4**</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Dominic is obsessed with playing XBOX Kinect Bowling. He wants to play all. the. time. During the day (when the TV is not allowed to be on) I must hear "Xbox kinect bowling?" a million times. But it is a fun activity to do in the evening and I must say he is pretty good at it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">**5**</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've talked before a little about how I am a Director of Youth Ministry. During Lent our youth put on Fish Fry Dinners every Friday, so this is my really busy time at work. It has been so much fun and so very tasty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">**6**</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I am going to the <a href="http://www.beholdconference.com/">BEHOLD CONFERENCE</a> TOMORROW!! I am so very excited. It is in my back yard (well a two hr drive) and I feel so blessed. I am going with some friends and my mom and think we are all in need of a nice day retreat. I hope to come home renewed and a stronger woman of God. Is anyone else going??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">**7**</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Some cute pictures. Because I couldn't resist!</span><br />
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<br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">See </span><a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Jen</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> for more quick take fun!</span></div>
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<br />Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-83769652124000822542012-02-26T00:54:00.000-06:002012-02-26T00:54:26.581-06:00The Burial<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When we lost our first child, Ellen Mary, I miscarried naturally at home. Through the shock, pain, and sorrow of it all, I was unable to find the body of our baby. I wanted so badly to bury her, to have that physical act of mourning and a place to visit. I had even made the arrangements with our Parish to purchase a plot and such. To this day I think about it often and regret that we never got to bury our child. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When we found out that we had once again lost a child, I knew this time I needed to bury him. I miscarried at home two days after we found out he had died and pleaded with our Blessed Mother to help me find the body. I did. I gently cleaned him and his sweet little face, then wrapped him in a pretty cloth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our wonderful pastor made arrangements for the burial. I went to our local Catholic Store, where I used to work, and tried to buy a beautiful wooden box for the casket (I say tried because Colleen, my friend and former boss wouldn't let me pay for it bless her heart.) It was a baptismal keepsake box; it was perfect. I decided that I wanted to make a baby blanket to wrap him in so my dear SIL taught me how to crochet. I made him this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was nice to make a gift for him. In the casket we also placed these pictures which we took right after we found out I was pregnant. We were SO happy that I wanted to remember that moment forever. It was important to bury it with Michael because from the moment we new he existed, we loved him so very much. He is part of our family.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5_tiNMAQDjoBRWgE1wmGyH7MwRCSD4yCffx51HXzzjkQKqhWt_lpBXsVNuQm28_Rm-vxhKhsnZ4RlYvi1eR7gW3V9rMaVkv7m3SPQBrOO3KsTF8sNdkR1IcEG_rPcJMYUU2LBZ16UNFk/s1600/IMG_20111115_191059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5_tiNMAQDjoBRWgE1wmGyH7MwRCSD4yCffx51HXzzjkQKqhWt_lpBXsVNuQm28_Rm-vxhKhsnZ4RlYvi1eR7gW3V9rMaVkv7m3SPQBrOO3KsTF8sNdkR1IcEG_rPcJMYUU2LBZ16UNFk/s200/IMG_20111115_191059.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBRCe3rqdEA/TuAuWxpxMgI/AAAAAAAABws/U55ERHCXcX4/s1600/IMG_20111115_191150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBRCe3rqdEA/TuAuWxpxMgI/AAAAAAAABws/U55ERHCXcX4/s200/IMG_20111115_191150.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On Christmas day we surprised our families with the good news. Dominic wore this shirt and we had so much fun listening to people's reaction when they noticed. We buried this picture too.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRYL5_vszgM/TxLmQJTZQPI/AAAAAAAAB78/WwbRO7Qq0CM/s1600/IMG_20120113_101655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRYL5_vszgM/TxLmQJTZQPI/AAAAAAAAB78/WwbRO7Qq0CM/s200/IMG_20120113_101655.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JAeifa5vuH8/TxLmSFTJE7I/AAAAAAAAB8I/9bu-apcj0bQ/s1600/IMG_20120113_101353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JAeifa5vuH8/TxLmSFTJE7I/AAAAAAAAB8I/9bu-apcj0bQ/s200/IMG_20120113_101353.jpg" width="149" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I wrapped the casket in a rosary and tied a ribbon around with a St. Michael/Guardian Angel medal and a Miraculous medal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On a Saturday afternoon, we got all dressed in black and headed to the cemetery. It was cold sunny. Geoff, Dominic, and I met Fr. Lange who was wearing his beautiful black and gold vestments. Brain (who works at our Church and who was my prayer buddy during advent) was also there. Geoffrey sweetly held Dominic who rested his head on his daddy's shoulder. Brian placed the casket in the ground and Fr. lead us in the most beautiful service I have ever seen. Tears streamed down my face and I was overcome. The words were so comforting and as he spoke them, I could feel God's mercy washing over me. When the words ceased, Fr. sprinkled some Holy Water over the grave and the swervice was over. I turned to Geoffrey and buried my face into his chest. We cried together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The next morning I woke up and for the first time in the past week and a half, I felt like I had the strength to get through the day. Though the pain of our loss would never really leave me, I felt God had healed me through our Priest and the act of burying our child. Michael Gerard, our third child. I think about him every day. I wonder what he looks like and can't wait until the day when I will finally get to take him into my arms. Until that day, I will unceasingly call upon the intercession of our little Saint.</span>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-34057726490746418482012-02-15T23:38:00.001-06:002012-02-15T23:38:21.534-06:00Let It Out<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know that my child, Michael Gerard is in Heaven. I am happy for him and feel blessed to have another advocate for our family. I talk to him, think of him, and love him. But there are some things I just need to say, because they are true. They are hard for me to get out because I don't like to complain, and I believe it is so important to be positive and focus on the good, otherwise the bad will consume you. I am not "depressed", and truth be told, we are doing pretty well but I am still mourning. Maybe putting these things in writing will help me heal. I don't want sympathy, or even to be consoled. I just want to get it out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I miss being pregnant. <br />
I miss my baby belly.<br />
I miss the way my husband rubs my belly, knowing he is saying hi to his tiny baby.<br />
I miss planning my homebirth.<br />
I miss being excited about experiencing childbirth again.<br />
I miss Dominic running to kiss my expanding belly while saying "baby".<br />
I miss feeling like I am the most special person in the world, because I had a growing infant, a new life, a new soul inside me.<br />
I miss sharing our "good news."<br />
I miss doing crazy things like drinking homemade green smoothies for the health of my baby.<br />
I miss wondering how Dominic would be as a big brother.<br />
I miss saying "when the baby comes".<br />
I miss the thought that soon i'd be able to feel him move, kick, hold him, kiss his face.<br />
I miss just being with him, feeling so close and in love with this baby i'd never even seen.<br />
I miss thinking about all the things we would do the same, and the few things I would do different than with Dominic.<br />
I miss wondering if he would be a good nurser, if he would like to sleep in our bed or by himself, if he would love the Moby, baths, singing, choo choos, Payton, and on and on.<br />
I miss our baby...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But I still wonder if he looks just like his daddy.<br />
One thing I do know is, he is perfect.<br />
He is God's.<br />
He is our child.<br />
He is with his sister.<br />
And one day, I will hug him so tight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am also praying God blesses us again soon.</span></div>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-82363082448481090962012-02-15T00:24:00.000-06:002012-02-15T00:24:31.212-06:00Sweet Little One<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Harrington; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>ith love for our third child, Michael Gerard.</span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Oh sweet little one, whom my arms long to hold</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Heaven's gain is our loss.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Playing in It's fields, skipping along</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">with your sister hand in tow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Just mine for a little while, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">though I guess you never really were.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Made out of love with a beautiful soul</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Never blemished by the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So perfect and innocent</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So holy, our little Saint</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Waiting for us to whisper your name</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">and pray.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Oh joy and sorrow of a precious short life</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">made in His image <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">and born into light.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We call you by your name</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">our child we know you, though unseen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I see your face when I close my eyes,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">and hear your voice in my heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Together one day, we'll eternally be</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">and our family, finally complete.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So perfect and innocent</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So holy, our little Saint</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Waiting for us to whisper your name</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">and pray.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbArDa1sxicEuc9GjbsyyAgCyWEQR59MPwdtqZoJsMkDwNY9JbIVTW4YnoDXNjNt1pDMUjhzYgZJJSInG5HSEUFEMHTefq4W0GfJtscYY__xbPmssE7htOdsLRPR7UHI4ttfUW_URNvNQ/s1600/bro&sis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbArDa1sxicEuc9GjbsyyAgCyWEQR59MPwdtqZoJsMkDwNY9JbIVTW4YnoDXNjNt1pDMUjhzYgZJJSInG5HSEUFEMHTefq4W0GfJtscYY__xbPmssE7htOdsLRPR7UHI4ttfUW_URNvNQ/s1600/bro&sis.jpg" /></a></div>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-24561394312574373092011-12-30T19:04:00.000-06:002011-12-30T22:50:47.310-06:007 Quick Takes: Merry Christmas Ed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FmFCjZ1ugTLbB4TqH8WMlV_MYszUlYgHI-km4jFhLY0U8r6QIPAdsbyEICOSuDD2WD_4Pq2I7lcg68xwMcCxb2aEWdICj8goWltuXSC5PEWpnoMXNT6Y5FHcCF2SO5Gq80KtVoq0hyphenhyphenjg/s1600/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FmFCjZ1ugTLbB4TqH8WMlV_MYszUlYgHI-km4jFhLY0U8r6QIPAdsbyEICOSuDD2WD_4Pq2I7lcg68xwMcCxb2aEWdICj8goWltuXSC5PEWpnoMXNT6Y5FHcCF2SO5Gq80KtVoq0hyphenhyphenjg/s1600/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. Merry Christmas!! We have had a very blessed Christmas thus far filled with good food, family, and gifts. I love this time of year. It's only missing one thing:</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> SNOW!! I've spoken about my love for snow before and how it drives all the snow-haters crazy. I'm happy to have some kindred souls around me though in my husband, dog, and SIL Robyn. I can't ever remember a time when we will be ringing in the New Year and still haven't had any significant snow. Worse yet, it has been raining. Cold. icky. rain. I don't want to complain, if this is the worst of my problems, then life sure is good, and life sure is good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2. Dominic met his 2nd (I believe) cousin on Christmas Eve. We had a great time with my husband's family as always and he got along with his cousin, Jake, wonderfully. That is until he threw a very hard big plastic toy at his head. I was mortified. His mom was so sweet and acted like it wasn't a big deal as she comforted her almost 1 yr old. Jake was a champ, and such a sweetie trying to play with my crazy, rowdy little guy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> 3. We</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> always dress up for Church around here (I wouldn't wear jeans to my wedding after all), but especially so on Christmas. Here is my handsome boys in their Christmas best.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLW6Xd87tIo/Tv32wxeECcI/AAAAAAAAB2E/iJryulxnIXk/s1600/IMG_20111225_105351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLW6Xd87tIo/Tv32wxeECcI/AAAAAAAAB2E/iJryulxnIXk/s320/IMG_20111225_105351.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Funny thing is, last year after Christmas I bought Dominic a cute outfit with Christmas tie on super clearance...and of course, the tie was no where to be found.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">4. Even though last year was Doc's first Christmas, this year was the first Christmas he cared to open presents and such. It was so much fun! He caught on quickly. Next thing we know, he was opening everyone else's presents for them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5. I had fun decorating for Christmas this year. I am trying to find my own vintage Christmas style. I feel I have ideas and direction now so next year will be even better! Here are our last minute centerpieces made by my wonderful husband from a pine bush in our back yard and some holly from his parent's house down the road. Simple, but I really like it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And thanks to some thrift shopping and my <a href="http://www.robayre.com/news">creative SIL</a> (well the idea was actually from a blogger she stalks ((well she doesn't really stalk her, she just loves all her ideas))) I now have a miniature pine tree forest. I love it! I think Robyn and I might be taking turns housing this collection. I'm excited for it to grow over the years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">6. Everyone was so generous for Christmas this year (well every year!) Dominic got some great gifts including a Brio train set, drums, some much needed clothing, and the cutest hat in the world (of which I will post pictures when I can convince him to wear it!) I also received some great things. It's funny my husband apologized after I opened one of my gifts from him, a canning kit, for it being a "working" gift. But I LOVE IT! I am a practical gift kinda girl. I mean, I like games and such, but I really like stuff that I will really use often, or that will help me grow. I've been wanting to learn how to can but wouldn't have started the initial investment myself. Thanks sweetie!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">7. Isn't it funny how when I was little, I would sneak candy so my parents wouldn't see me, lest I get in trouble. Now I sneak candy so my son won't see me, lest I have to share with him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Merry Christmas and have a blessed New Year!! Check out <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Jen</a> for more Quick Takes.</span>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-78013113316002217942011-12-23T00:10:00.001-06:002011-12-23T00:10:28.952-06:00The Santa Thing<div><p>When I was a teenager, I babysat my two cousins a lot. They did not believe in Santa. Why? Because my aunt did not want to lie to her children. I thought it was the stupidest thing ever. I thought she was ruining their childhood and robbing them of belief and magic. It is funny now that I am in the position of having people say the same about me. </p>
<p>First off, none of this is a judgement on what other parents have decided to do. I think holy people of good faith can disagree on this subject; this is just what Geoff and I know to be best for our family. </p>
<p>St. Nicholas was awesome. He was a tremendous miracle worker whom God used to multiply food and even raise 3 children from the dead. He was a very generous Bishop who did much to take care of the poor. This is a Saint that certainly deserves our veneration. His Feast is Dec 6th and will be observed in our house. Christmas however, is (should be) all about Jesus. I think no one would argue that this holy and sacred day has instead become has all about "Santa Claus" and materialism (another blog in itself). </p>
<p>Going to Mass on Christmas is not enough to thank God for the amazing gift of our newborn Savior. The whole day, our whole lives should be lived as a thank you. Christmas is about giving the gifts of ourselves in return to the God who created us, and gave His life for us. It shouldn't be taken so lightly.</p>
<p>Here is where my problem with the whole Santa thing really comes in though. As Christian parents, nothing is more important than getting our children to Heaven and instilling in them the love of God. From a young age we tell them that God exists, that He made them and loves them. They can't see Him (with the exception of people like St. Gerard), or really KNOW He is there, but they believe because the people they know and love more than anything, their parents, tell them it is so. God gives us gifts like virtues and graces, to help us through life's trials. As they get older, society, pagans, and heretics are constantly on the attack, saying God doesn't exist and that one is wasting his or her life living for God. Not to mention the evil one and his minions are constantnly prowling looking for an opportunity to devour the soul. It is going to take a strong faith to withstand that. </p>
<p>On the flip side, we tell our kids Santa is real. He has cool powers and bring them wonderful gifts like trains and dolls, just the thing they really really wanted. He brings them such joy and all the world is his advocate. No one hates Santa, and goes around telling kids he doesn't exist. He is in songs, movies, and commercials that are everywhere for a good two months of the year and is just so jolly and loveable. He gives them gratification now, not the promise of future joy and eternal happiness (which seems so far away).</p>
<p>Now when our children find out the truth about Santa, which is obviously inevitable, I think it stands to reason that most will begin to question deep down, what else their parents have been lying about. It seems to me that the first seeds of doubt about the existance of God will be born in them. I mean, if Santa isn't real, and all of the world is behind him, what then does that say about the God that so many hate? </p>
<p>Now don't get me wrong, it is part of our faith journey (ownership) to question, but not at such a young age. When it really comes down to it, there is a battle going on between life and death for our souls, and the souls of our precious children. I don't want to give the devil any one-ups. I know our children won't be missing out on anything by not believing in Santa Clause, afterall God IS wonder and awe; but instead they have all of Heaven to gain.</p>
<p>Again, this is just what Geoffrey and I know, after prayerful discernment, is the right thing to do in our family. I'm praying our extended families honor that decision. Also I don't think less of people who choose differently; I think kids can be raised to believe in Santa and turn out perfectly holy adults. I believe however that there are enough battles for their soul, why fight a possible big one at a young age when it is completely avoidable? Sorry Santa Clause, you aren't real and my kids will know the TRUTH.</p>
</div>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-61432603249463560522011-12-10T10:02:00.001-06:002011-12-10T10:36:57.624-06:00Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Ball Awesomeness<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Be warned, these are the tastiest, yummiest things ever. Seriously. Overwhelming deliciousity. If you make them, you will eat half of them, or more. Just to give you an idea of how good they are, I made them for a cookie exchange with my husband's extended family two years ago. Last year, when I made a different cookie, there was nearly a huge revolt and a call for my burning at the stake. They had mercy on me though and trust me this year, I will be bringing these once again.</span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Recipe</strong></span></span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mix together:<br /> 2 cup creamy peanut butter<br /> 3 cup rice krispies<br /> 1lb (3cup) powdered sugar</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/4 cup melted butter<br /> <br /> Make balls and dip in melted:<br /> 2 (maybe 3) package milk chocolate chips<br /><br /> Put on cookie sheets in fridge to harden. Enjoy.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Makes about 70 balls.</span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Okay so just to give a few pointers since I've been making these since I was a little child. They are kind of labor intensive. Once you get the powdered sugar in, it is almost impossible to stir. I wash my hands really good and end up using my hands to mix in the rice krispies. I gave a friend the recipe and she used a mixer. She said it turned out good, but I am too afriad to ruin a good thing so I stick with what I know.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Depending on the peanut butter you use, you may have to add more powdered sugar. You will know when you try to make a ball. If it is too sticky, add more. I've always had to add more except this year I used my new favorite peanut butter, Skippy Natural with honey. The recipe worked perfectly. If the balls are too crumbly, add more peanut butter.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The original recipe my mom used called for a bag of semi sweet chocolate chips and a bar of milk chocolate. They are still really good like this, but I prefer just to go all out and use all milk chocolate. Yep that's how I roll. And it seems that no matter how much chocolate I melt, I have to melt more so make sure you have extra on hand.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you have left over melted chocolate, you can always use it creatively doing something else. That is how a family favorite-chocolate covered BACON!! was born in our house. Also awesomeness.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The double batch I made (140ish balls).</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You're very welcome.</span>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-55463406092617755902011-12-08T14:29:00.001-06:002011-12-08T14:44:02.638-06:00I'm Still Alive<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Wow it's been a while since I've blogged. I don't have writer's block, to the contrary I have a million and one things to write about. I even have many almost finished posts. I guess I've just been living life. Not that blogging gets in the way of that but I've been busy. And believe me, life is great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What exactly have I been up to? Having fun with and treaching Dominic. Playing games with the hubs. Cooking. Making my own cleaning products. Being creative. Having fun with the youth group. Praying. Adoration. Rosaries. Maybe sometime soon I will be able to tell you more indepth about some of these things, but for now there is a lot of living to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm still here and hopefully will blog again soon, maybe tomorrow or maybe in a few days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">For now all I have to say is, God is good. Have a blessed Feast of the Immaculate Conception.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.</span>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-9360081515933227352011-11-16T22:12:00.001-06:002011-11-16T23:34:32.404-06:00Busy Bags FTW!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In my last post I talked about a Busy Bag swap I recently participated in. I just have to say, best. idea. ever. I never heard of this until a friend invited me but it is pure genius. Here is the low down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I participated in the 1-2 yr old swap which had 11 people participating. I had to put together an "activity" that a 1-2 yr old might like to do. It had to be clean, easy, cheap, safe and contained in a ziploc bag. I made 11 of this activity, brought it to my friend's house, and we all swapped. So now I have 11 different neat things for Dominic to do! And because I think it is so awesome, and because I love you all, here are the 11 bags I received:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr8rzwoizuMaAj6b7248dMzd_iKuY1xzXHjtao6Hm3kBoRHweKONcyZWJcHwuoNq1e1vvzUeJHN0BoJJIIOEDq8gHhexEIFX9lWICnx4D0k9qwfEPfhu7-y6y6m8IVLVHm4ktftf3KHpj/s1600/IMG_20111114_114522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr8rzwoizuMaAj6b7248dMzd_iKuY1xzXHjtao6Hm3kBoRHweKONcyZWJcHwuoNq1e1vvzUeJHN0BoJJIIOEDq8gHhexEIFX9lWICnx4D0k9qwfEPfhu7-y6y6m8IVLVHm4ktftf3KHpj/s320/IMG_20111114_114522.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">#1. Sparkle Bottles-The first activity consists of three bottles filled with *1-hair gel and glitter *2-water(I think) and glitter, letters, confetti, and other awesome stuff and *3 tissue paper. These are fun to shake and look at.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dominic has mostly played with them like this:</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VYmGTeBquks/TsFaQZIn9GI/AAAAAAAABf8/cr6Y1F5iC7s/s1600/IMG_20111114_121049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VYmGTeBquks/TsFaQZIn9GI/AAAAAAAABf8/cr6Y1F5iC7s/s320/IMG_20111114_121049.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">#2. I Spy Bottle: An old water bottle filled with rice (you can also use sand), and other random items like a paper clip, dime, eraser, etc. Also included was a card with a picture of all the items included. Shake to find item. Fun. Though so far, Dominic has just tried to feverishly open it to dump everything out so it is a good thing it is glued shut. In a few months, he is going to love this.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQI-TNrXbEpR58wd4o2uRkesacZJFahSptuyEOF2xuSxZEIQJTQLysHc2Gnbec8IvlN_SuG2Fm6eZSBecYRwxhRl01x3s2yQNoV3KM9wF8RIlT3X6Q_zezfNUPhZnRVYBZwRpN9x2srZZ/s1600/IMG_20111114_120655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQI-TNrXbEpR58wd4o2uRkesacZJFahSptuyEOF2xuSxZEIQJTQLysHc2Gnbec8IvlN_SuG2Fm6eZSBecYRwxhRl01x3s2yQNoV3KM9wF8RIlT3X6Q_zezfNUPhZnRVYBZwRpN9x2srZZ/s320/IMG_20111114_120655.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">#3. Cups and balls. This is proably Dominic's favorite thus far. Simple, but the possibilities are endless.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Of course he is drumming away.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">#4. Clothespin Bucket. I spent hours on teh interwebs (Pinterest especially) searching for an idea of what to make. After lots of pins and millions of great ideas, I put all the to waster and just made up my own thing. I chose this because Dominic loves taking stuff out and putting them in again so really I made it for him and hoped others would like it too. Also I had tons of old yogurt/cottage cheese containers sitting around which I wanted to use. I cut three holes in the top just the size of the clothesepins for them to be put back in. This was a really simple thing to do, but then just because I like to be difficult, I decided the containers were ugly so I covered them with scrapbooking paper I had laying around. Woops. Completely unnecessary and took way too long and I highly anticipate all the paper being torn off. Nonetheless, Doc likes this one too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">#5. Sensory Board: This is essentially a book of giant notecards with different textures and fabrics glued to the notecard (there is also a bell and some pom poms). Dominic might be either A. too old for this or B. too destructive. I'm going with b. Certianly saving this for the next baby.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> #6. Animal/Letter Book. Picture and name of an animal on one side, corresponding letter on back side, laminate, attach together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> #7. Button Snake. This is so cute! You sew a button on one end, put a bunch of pieces of felt on the ribbon with a slit in the middle so they slide on the ribbon. Then sew the ribbon to a piece of felt on the other end. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">#8. Pom Pom Push It. Dominic has played with this one a lot too, and it is so simple. I love it. Take a container and make a few holes in the lid. Make sure the holes are smaller than the pom poms so they are a challenge to put through.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">The apples are not part of the activity, he is multitasking. :)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">#9. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt. We haven't gotten to try this yet, but I am so excited to! It was laminate and had the words and pictures: car, fire hydrant, leaves, house, mail truck, school bus, sidewalk, squirel, stop light, stop sign, tree. It also included a crayon so you can check off things when you see them. I might make more of these more catered to our neighbordhood but also can see that this would be good for a car ride (and for years to come).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">#10. Bag of Foam Shapes. This is too very simple but great. I like asking him to find the "blue one" or "green one", and the same with shapes.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">#11. Egg Carton. Another favorite in our house. Cut a egg carton in half. Put pom pom inside plastic eggs. Paint corresponding color in each space. Color, motor skills, in and out, this has it all.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sometimes we have more than one activity out, and the other day Dominic combined two:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Those five of you who read my blog frequently or know me in person, know that my Dominic sits still for almost nothing. I have found very creative ways to keep him busy with stuff around the house but this just makes it so much easier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So make them on your own, or organize a busy bag swap among friends (it's much easier to make multiple of just one activity). I'm so grateful to have been part of this and cant wait for the next one! There are TONS of Busy Bag ideas on teh interwebs for the 1-2 or 3-5 age groups. Hopefully this post gives you some good ideas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And btw if you aren't a recovering gamer like I am, FTW means "For the WIN". This is certainly WIN.</span>Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4141439552769574800.post-36830275833082351892011-11-12T15:19:00.001-06:002011-11-12T22:39:32.354-06:00Random Thoughts<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">*Last night we made homemade pizza. It was super easy since I cheated and used the bread machine to make the crust. I don't mind thin crust but I love me a nice thick one so I made enough for two pan pizzas. Only 55 mins in the bread machine and the dough was ready! Dominic helped me then roll it out (I threw one of them around a little, how could I not!) Dominic was also a big help spreading the sauce and sprinkling the cheese on them. Everything was going perfectly until Doc took a nice big hunk of the yummy fresh mozarella and threw it on the ground proclaiming "GET IT!" to our hovering dog. Yep we've created a monster. The pizza however was DELICIOUS.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">*We don't feed Payton at the table, but we do give him our scraps afterwards, so Doc whenever he is done with something will throw it on the ground and yell "Get it!" to Payton. Oh boy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">*Speaking of which, what do people with kids who don't have dogs do? Seriously. Do you people clean up after yourselves??? I shudder at the thought.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">*The other day it snowed. I know people hate me for this but, I love it. Even though it was just a dusting, it was the funnest thing ever because it was Dominic's first time really seeing snow (he didn't really pay much attention last year.) He was so excited. We went to bring Payton outside and then it really started coming down and Doc and Payton were both running around going crazy. Pure joy. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I didn't teach him to stick out his tongue to catch the snow, that part my friends is pure, raw, instinct</span>.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">*I went to "tupperware" party this morning (I use quotes cause it was really laid back, food, fun, fellowship); it was wonderful! I spent the day with some amazing like-minded Catholic women. It is so nice to have faithful ladies to talk with. Food for the mommy soul.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">*At this party we exchanged <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/tag/busy-bag-ideas">Busy Bags</a>. Best. Idea. Ever. There were eleven of us who participated so we each came up with an ziploc bag contained activity (for 1-2 yr olds) and made eleven of them. Then we swapped! So I have 11 easy and fun activities to keep my very active won't sit still for nothing boy. We've already broken out a few of them and...love! My next post with be a little more in depth about this and I'll share all the wonderful activities people made. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">*Have a great rest of the weekend!</span><br />
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<br />Daciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01835636106102322421noreply@blogger.com0