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Sunday, December 27, 2009

John's Gift

Here is the wonderful gift that John gave us for Christmas:

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Scootin' Johnny!

Just a few hours ago, I was working on Christmas cards on the floor (I like to keep John company!). He was a few feet away from me and began to complain. I said "Come over here..." like I always do. But this time - HE ACTUALLY CAME! Yes, he scooted himself on over to where I was and reached out his hand to touch my knee. I couldn't believe it! We went to get Andrew to show him John's new ability. Here is the video of John doing it for his daddy:




Yey Johnny!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Share-worthy post

I so needed to read this post from Heavenly Homemakers today!

Why? Why do we do it to ourselves?

We’re all just moms.

Why do we think (even though we know better) that all the other moms have everything under control…all of the time? Why do we see messes in our own homes and feel badly because the other moms surely never have messes like the ones we have? Or at least not as often as we do? Why do we sometimes feel like a failure when our kids don’t obey…again?

[Click here to read the rest]

Monday, December 14, 2009

What a Cutie!!

Here is a peek at our son's adorable laugh. We just can't get enough of it! =) Enjoy!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Giving my Life to God

I have been wanting to share something that has been on my heart and mind, but I have been struggling to find the words to express it. Here goes nothing:

St. Lorenzo Ruiz is quoted as saying "If I had one thousand lives, I would give them all to God." He said this to his executioner right before he was hung by his feet for two days until he died a martyr's death in the year 1637.

I read recently in Hallowed Be this House by Thomas Howard that "going to sleep is a small metaphor for death." I had never thought of it that way. This led me to meditate on how waking up in the morning is a "small metaphor" for being born. Which then led me to consider how each day can be regarded as a metaphor for one life.

Sometimes in my day-in and day-out routines, I get caught up in mediocrity. The days roll by and I seem to live as though each day does not matter. But now I feel challenged to treat each day as though I am living my life out in one day. From the time I wake up (birth) to the moment my head hits the pillow (death), I want to live for God. I want to give all my days to God in this way; which leads me to view the quote from St. Lorenzo Ruiz in a different light. When I first heard that quote, I thought "I hope I would have the courage to say that (and mean it) if I was about to be martyred." In reality, I know the answer, which lies in this question: How could I possibly have the strength to say that with sincerity if I don't even live every day of the one life that I do have for God? Don't get me wrong, I live some days for God, but not most.

Lord, please help me value each day that you give to me and live my life dedicated to you.

Friday, December 4, 2009

7 Quick Takes ~ Vol. 13

Hosted at Conversion Diary

1. I'm not sure why, but I haven't been feeling too inspired lately in regards to blogging. I'm sure you have noticed by my lack of posting! I have been busy - but no more busy than I have been in the past. Regardless of my inspirational drought, I will keep pressing on and do my quick takes this week. =)

2. We went up to Bellingham for Thanksgiving. It was very refreshing to be with Andrew's parents, Lou and Jenna, and friends. Mom St.Hilaire sure is a great cook! I was in charge of the mashed potatoes, which turned out well. Since I generally don't eat turkey, mashed potatoes are my main dish for Thanksgiving. Yum, yum, yum, I love potatoes! While we were in town, I was able to visit with some friends that I took care of when I worked for Catholic Community Services. I hadn't seen either of them since before our wedding, so it was great to catch up!


3. I've been busy baking Christmas cookies. I am trying to get a bunch done a head of time so I have less to do around Christmas. Hopefully they make it to the freezer before we eat them all now! Here are the recipes for the cookies I am making this year:
Buckeye Balls
Chocolate Toffee Crunchies (SO good!)
Lemon Drop Cookies
Chocolate Crackle Cookies
Ginger Cookies
Holly Christmas Cookies

4. Andrew got a beer brewing kit about a month ago. He just began brewing his first batch of beer last Sunday. If all goes well, it will be ready by Christmas!

Beer - Yum!


5. We just saw the movie "UP" last week. I really enjoyed it - So much that I watched it again last night. See it. It's good!

6. Another recommendation: I just bought the book Super Baby Food. It is very informative and I am learning a lot. It has great recipes for making your own baby food. Under the guidance of this book, I made some brown rice for John. First I ground it in our coffee grinder. It turned to powder and then I boiled it in some water. I felt very accomplished - until John showed great disgust during his meal. Maybe I can doctor it up somehow...

7. John is SO CLOSE to crawling! I bet he will be crawling within a week or two - definitely before Christmas! Today he was holding himself up on his hands and then flexing his legs out so that he was holding himself up by his hands and toes (See pictures below). It looked like he was ready to do a push up! Overall, John is doing great! He is a healthy, happy, and joyful guy. I love spending my days with him!

Look at his cute little toes flexing! =)