7 quick takes...in memory of Gabriel Marie

It has been awhile but here I am back during the fall for seven quick takes.

1. Late in July we found out we were expecting a baby.  We were excited and thinking of the future.  But then when we were about 11 weeks along, we miscarried and our sweet Gabriel Marie when home to heaven with Jesus...as we mourn the loss, we glory at the immortal soul praying for us and our little family. Prayers for all that have lost a child during pregnancy.

2.  We had shared our pregnancy fairly early and so a lot of people knew.  This means that there were a lot of people to tell, but also a lot of prayers.  The community of believers interceding for us is an awesome thing in a time like this. Our faith is our pillar as we know our loving God loves us as well as Gabriel. We also know there are many saints interceding for us in Heaven...including our dear Gabriel.  Thank God for the Communion of Saints!

3.  This was one of those times I appreciated the medium of Facebook.  I was able to share about our loss and it actually connected with October being Pregnancy Loss awareness month.  This led to many people reaching out with prayers, and messages.  Some were even able to tell their own stories of loss.

4.  One of my friends gave us the book After Miscarriage by Karen Edmisten.  It was a great book..included short chapters of stories of how others coped with a miscarriage. It also had prayers and quotes from saints.  Hearing stories from others from others that have gone through the same thing is always consoling.

5. Another resource I found helpful is a blog about miscarriage by Mandi.  There are many links on miscarriage and also pregnancy after loss that I have found helpful in this time.

6.  Pregnancy after loss has been on the brain this week.  We aren't expecting yet, but I am already praying and thinking about it as I know it will be an anxious time.  I know I need to hand it over to Jesus and our Lady.

7.  I will take this last take to tell about Gabriel Marie's name.  We didn't know if the baby was a boy or a girl so picked one of each.  Also Gabriel can also be Gabrielle. Anyway, named after the archangel Gabriel, he told Mary what the Lord asked of her.  What he asks of us is that our baby to be called home. My husband also grew up going to Saint Gabriel's Catholic Church so there is that connection also to our family.   Marie is of course for our Blessed Mother.  She wraps her arms around our Gabriel even though his earthly mama never got to.  Mary our Mother, pray for us. 

Here is my answer to the bonus question from Kelly:  Catholic All Year....she writes about so many different things for the Catholic mom and she seems to have fun doing it too. 

That's all for this week. Joining up with Kelly at This Ain't the Lyceum. 

Fall leaves...through baby eyes

This fall my son Dominic turned 1.  He is at that age where you he babbles, and points, and notices many new things about the world.  It is something that I often had to remember when I was teaching...kids are seeing and learning things for the first time.  Dominic was alive but a little baby last fall.  So you can tell he is a little amazed by the changing colors of the world around us.  It makes me appreciate and look on those beauties of the world in a renewed way!

A Very Simple Crockpot Chicken Recipe...

I love Crockpot meals.  They seem to me to be easier and the meat turns out so much more tender that other ways that I have cooked it.   My favorite meal that I have done in this year after the birth of my first son (where sometimes meal planning isn't at the top of my list, is a simple chicken dish.  I have altered it a few different ways, but the essential parts are the same.  For my small family of 2 adults and one nibbling little human:

2 chicken breasts
1 can of chicken broth.  (add more broth if you add more chicken)

Ingredient one

Ingredient two

 









I add different seasonings to add different flavors, usually garlic or onion based.  Then most of time I make mashed potatoes to go with.  I like it and it also cooks up great for left overs.  


Thanks for visiting with me over my simple crockpot chicken recipe!

Extended family vacations...what I learned

A few weeks ago I went to Branson with my family and some extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins, my dad).  There are a few things that I learned while traveling with my own family as an adult with others.

1.  Not everyone will want to do the same thing:  there was a wide range of ages so different people were wanted to do different things. That's ok.  You can do some things together--maybe like a meal but then people can separate for a little bit.  

2.  Little people need naps.  For us it was in the car, going for a drive. It is hard to find time when you want to do this and that on vacation, but it is important for everyone's happiness to take the time for a break.

3. Flexibility is key.  Sometimes you want to do something with the rest of the family but no one can agree on what.  It helps if there is flexibility by all involved to make this a happy, fun time together.  

  

4.  On these types of family reunion vacations, remember it is about family and not having to see "everything".  The people are the most important part of life and having fun and relaxing with them will make the best memories.

All that said, Branson was a lot of fun. There were lots of different things to do (although the main strip is a little (or a lot) touristy.  There is a great lake (Table Rock), fun shows, a great amusement park(Silver Dollar City--we enjoyed its pioneer days feel and activities while it still has some fun rides), and nice camping  (although it was pretty hot!).    When Dominic and other future kids get older, I can see going back and visiting there. 

God's Kindness

"Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, your husband or wife. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your smile, kindness in your eyes." -Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

This is one of those quotes that I can read and ask myself: Am I doing this? Do people look at me and see the face of God.  How can I do it better....

Answer Me This! Ice cream, dip and more

Even if I am a little late to the party, I wanted to join Kendra for her last Answer Me This for the summer!

1. What's your favorite grocery store splurge?
Oh there are so many things that could go here. Ice cream, donuts, cookies...there is a them in that list.  Yes I have a sweet tooth.  But I think I am going to have to go with veggie dip (french onion).  The already made kind that you just open up and dip your chips or veggies in.  I love veggies and dip during the holidays and for some reason getting this dip makes me feel like I am splurging.  Probably because as a kid that was the only time we would get it.

2. How's your penmanship?
Cursive can be nice, if I take my time.  Manuscript--well two words would describe it...chicken scratch.  Oh and another word....kindergartener.  I feel like sometimes its pretty rough.  However, I found that as a teacher with chalk my teacher handwriting would improve ten fold. 

3. Do you have a "Summer Bucket List?"
Nope,  not officially.  I would like to go swimming more often then we have and go to the zoo more, but there is no official list.

4. What's the best thing on the radio right now?
I admit that most of the time I listen to Catholic radio, so I would have to say Father John Riccardo or Dr. Ray Guarendi.  I enjoy listening to both of these men for different reasons.  I would not be the person to ask about current music, as if I am not listening to Catholic radio, I switch it over to classical music.

5. Ice cream or frozen yogurt?

Ice scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! There is just something about it for me that it feels like a real treat if its real ice cream. Although I won't turn down frozen yogurt either :)!

A big thanks to Kendra for hosting the virtual cocktail party this summer.  It has been fun, and I hope it comes back around again!

Answer Me This: Superhero Edition

Another edition of Answer Me This...joining in the virtual cocktail party :)

1. What's currently on your To Do list?
Hmm... I don't have an actual to do list.  I have a list of things that I am looking for:  a new water jug for my husband and new flip flops for him and a few other things.   I  do have a list of things that I haven't written down that I want to get done:  have a better cleaning schedule, tackle some big jobs in the house like cleaning out and organizing, putting up a wood fence in the backyard, read more often (I have been better at this lately), get a calendar and use it(so I don't forget things that I have put on my mental calendar)...the list could go on and on so I will stop at that.

2. Better type of superhero: magic/radioactive powers? Or trauma/gadgets/hard work?
I think I prefer the magic/radioactive powers superhero.  I think it is adds just a bit of whimsy to the character and you don't have to pretend that maybe it could happen in real life.  

3. Finding out if baby is a boy or a girl before birth: Good idea? Bad idea?
We found out with Dominic.  I was convinced I was having a girl--my husband still talks about the look on my face when we found out Dominic was a boy.  I liked being able to get boy things for him and telling every one.  It was nice to be able to call him a he instead of an it too.    We did keep the name a secret though until after Dominic was born.  I think I would like to do it the same way if we have more children.

4. Have you ever appeared on a stadium jumbotron?
Nope.

5. Are you more book smart or more street smart?
I think I am more book smart.  I did well in school and I love books.  I think I have pretty good common sense too though. 

Joining with Kendra of Catholic All Year for Answer Me This!