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!

Vacation...Family Goes to Branson!

Back from vacation with some of my extended family...first time Dominic has spent an extended amount of time with his Grandpa.  It was great!

Sorry for the blurry pic! We went to Branson and the humidity fogged up our cameras part of the time!

I hope to share more about our vacation later...

Answer Me This

I do have some posts in the works that aren't Answer Me This :) but for now joining the virtual cocktail party is where it is at for me! I,like Kendra, have been following the Edel Gathering on Instagram.  This is the party I get to attend, even if it is virtual, it is fun to be a part of.

Here are my answers for this week:

1. At what temperature do you keep the thermostat set? Summer, winter, day, night?

Let's see...I kind of let me husband control the actual degree as long as it is in my comfortable zone. Before we got married, he would leave it crazy cold in the winter, but we have seemed to land on a good temperature.  Summer is around 74 or 75 during the day, and 73 during the nights.  Winter: I think is around 68 degrees (but I have summer amnesia and can't remember what it is like to be very cold and what temp we have the house set to...)

 

2. What is your favorite frozen beverage?

Yum!  I love strawberry daquiris.  Your basic fruity frozen drink.  If it has little bits of strawberry even better. Oh and also blended.

3. Where do you keep your keys?

Well, at home, there is a hanger with the words home sweet home and two little hooks. That is where they are supposed to go when I get home.  Most of the time they make it there.  Otherwise, they land in my pockets or on a table.  When I am out and about, they are either in my pockets or in the purse (where they sometimes get lost in the depths of despair). 

4. Have you ever really been lost?

Not, that I remember.   The most disorienting thing is getting lost in a parking lot.  This happened once where I really thought I was in the right place and thought my car had been stolen. Not a good feeling.  Some guy helped me figure out where my car was.  I was in the wrong place, but it looked identical.

5. What is the last movie you saw in the theaters?

 Hmm...can't remember exactly.  I don't go to a lot of movies in the theater these days.  A cartoon though.  One of the last ones was The Lego Movie....on Valentine's Day (last year), with my husband.  It was my pick and I really enjoyed it.  

That's it for now.  Join Kendra for more Answer Me This at Catholic All Year.

Answer Me This..4th of July

 

1. How did you celebrate the 4th of July? (Or, for you international types . . . Do anything fun this weekend?)  We had some friends over and bbq'd. Although we have been at our house for a year, this is the first time that we have used our grill.  We went on a walk through our lovely neighborhood with our friends.  We lit off a few fireworks.  I spent 6.27 on fireworks at a stand that supports our local Catholic services.  Just wanted to get a few that Dominic could enjoy so no big boomers.

2. Do you sunburn easily?
Sometimes.  Not just if I am going on a walk, but if I am swimming and don't put on enough sunscreen then ouch...yes it hurts.  But usually pretty cautious with the sunscreen these days.  I burned pretty easily as a kid.

3. Hot dogs. Yay or nay?
Yay...usually only at party or ballparks.  For some reason, I like them at these places. But I don't usually just cook them up at home.

4. Have you ever personally set off fireworks?
Yep, lots as a kid and yesterday I set off our quite tame fireworks.

5. Have you ever jumped off the high dive?
Yes, again as a kid.  But I was always quite frightened to do it and just did it to prove to myself that I could. 

6. Do you do anything weird in your sleep?
Umm... I don't think so.  My husband tells me when I snore sometimes, but that doesn't seem to weird to me.

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

Answer Me This...Home Sweet Home

1. How long have you lived in your current home?
We have lived here for about a year.  I like our home. It is nice and cozy. It is almost a hundred years old.  We moved from my husband's bachelor pad that was about 20 years old and pretty cookie cutter, and had some awesome forest green carpet ;) (although we changed that in order to sell it.  So we did the three things in one year that we are supposedly not supposed to do :) Get married, buy a house together, and have a kid. 

2. How do you find out about news and current events?
Mostly the internet, but sometimes the radio. (We have Netflix, but not cable and our tv isn't even hooked up to an antenna, so unless we are at someone else's house it is not tv)

3. Would you be able to make change for a twenty right now? For a dollar?
Ummm...since I am at my house and we have a bucket of coins, I think I could. You would just get quarters, dimes, and nickels.  Maybe some pennies too.

4. What's the craziest food you've ever eaten?
I am kind of a wimp when it comes to food, so I am not sure I have a crazy food to report....I like different kinds of food: Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Indian, but none of it was too crazy....

5. Which of the commonly removed parts have you had removed? (tonsils, wisdom teeth, appendix, etc.)
Wisdom teeth...I was actually having one of them removed on 9/11 so that is part of my memory of that crazy day.  I think one of the buildings was coming down as I sat in the chair :(  I haven't been back to that dentist office.

6. What's your favorite sport to watch on TV?
I love to watch football, but just college. I suppose it is because of the state I live in.  We are big into our home team here and don't have a pro team in the state.  I have been watching since I was a kid and have fun memories of watching with my dad.

Linking up with Kendra at Catholic All Year for Answer Me This!

7 quick takes...midsummer edition

Summer is has been fun and relaxing for us.  As we head toward the middle of summer, here are a few things we have done.

1.  Learn the Rosary...just kidding.  He likes the feeling of the Rosary and is gettng a feel of it in his hands. Sooner or later he will learn the prayers.

2.  Going to baseball games with friends.  We have gone to a few of the hometown team and watch my niece and nephews play t-ball.  Usually hot and steamy, but fun to have a little bit of time at the ball park!

3.  Support vocations....at the ballpark.  Two of the diocese in our state had a softball game with the priest playing against each other.  The proceeds of the the tickets went to the vocation funds in the diocese. It was great fun.  I have taught with some of them, did retreats with some and had some as assistant pastors.  Good clean fun.

4. Going to garage (rummage or yard) sales.  No pictures of this, and I have already wrote about it.  But we have gone to plenty and the big early summer season is winding down.  I may or may not have gotten too many clothes....

5.  Getting ready to go on vacation.  My husband has been working quite a bit of overtime lately and we are looking forward to going with some of my extended family to Branson soon. 

6.  Trying to maintain going to daily Mass. We are blessed to be in walking distance  to our church and summer days make it easier to do this.

7.  Hang out with friends....especially teacher friends.  Being a teacher for so many years, I have many teacher friends so summer is high time to see them. 

Things I want to do as the summer goes on: read more and attempt to organize and tidy the house up. :)

For more quick takes, visit This Ain't the Lyceum!

Friendships and Being an Older First Time Mother....

Becoming a mother is quite the adventure, and there are many things that are quite difficult.  From being responsible to a living, wiggly human to dealing with ups and downs of hormones for the first few months, there are so many things that make you feel almost like a different person.  I suppose in some ways you do become a different person.  You become a mother.

I became a mother at the age of 36.  Old by some folks standards.  It's not like I put it off.  I just didn't find my husband until later in life, so I had lived a single person's life for a quite awhile.  Since I haven't ever been a young first time mother, I don't want to say it is easier, or harder, but there are things that I noticed or think about being a older first time mother.

You are kind of in between worlds of different groups of moms.  Many of the moms that are my age in our area have been moms for 5, 10 or sometimes 15 years and so have 3, 5, or maybe 8 kids.  So although they are my age they have a vastly different life experience then me.  They have things to share, we can be friends, but our life experience are just so very different. In addition, they have established their routines as moms, and have their solid group of mom friends which sometimes can be hard to break into.

Then there are the moms that have their first babies in the last year like me but are a lot younger.  They got married during or right after college.  Again we can be friends but our experiences of life are as different as the first group. It is sometimes hard to hang out with folds that are a lot younger than me. I find myself stuck somewhere between these two groups of people when trying to find moms that I can share my thoughts and mom experiences with.

I am lucky to have friends that are also older first time moms, but we sometimes find ourselves wondering how to break into the groups of other moms where they seem to have their set of friends firmly in place. 

Then there are my single friends.  I have many strong relationships with my friends.  Some of them are married with kids but many are not. I was single along with many of them in my adult years until I got married at the age of 35. Even though now they are not living the same kind of life as me now, we have such a strong bond that we have stayed friends.   It is neat to see these relationships evolve as they come to love my family and not just me.  I definitely have seen different sides of my friends when they interact with Dominic than when we are all hanging out with only adults around.

This is just my experience of becoming a mom when I was older.  I am sure others have different stories of how their life changed when they became a mom and how it was effected by where you live, how old you were, or whether or not you work or not.   I was reminded by my spiritual director that I do have awesome friends that are sharing my experience, and how Dominic has blessed the lives of my single friends who find much joy by sharing his life with them.

 I think this has been a lesson for me learning how to live that saying "Bloom where you are planted."  Because if I had my way, I would have gotten married earlier in life, but this is where God placed me, and this where I am supposed to be touching the lives of those who have been planted where I am too. 

7 quick takes..books I love (fiction edition)

Before I taught elementary school, I graduated with a Bachelor's in English.  I loved creative writing and literature.  Here are seven novels (or series of novels) that have stuck with me through my life of reading....

1.  A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.  Actually I am not sure if I made it through this in college,  it was one of those books that was hard for me at the start.  However, once I got into it pulled me in and made me fan of Charles Dickens.  It is probably the part of me that loves mystery and crime stories.  He weaves things throughout the story and then brings them together at the end.  I am always like, oh that's why he brought that crazy character in at the beginning.  I have enjoyed many BBC versions of his stories on the tellie.

2.  Pride and Prejudice...and others by Jane Austen.  My university actually had a class one semester just on her books. The characters in her books seemed to be women I could relate too even though they were removed by many years and many countries.  They were real to me...although I did always wonder what the story of their maids or cooks would be like.  Maybe more like a story of Charles Dickens.


3.   The Anne books by L.M. Montgomery.  I think I know many a girl that has love these books and I have to say that I am one of them.   They were different than other teen fiction out there.  Although they were about a young girl growing up, they seems to have more substance than other things I was reading like....The Babysitters' Club.

4. Father Elijah by Michael O'Brien.  I am not sure what to make of this book still, it was kind of futuristic, kind of foreboding. However, the prose in the book was so fantastic that it kept me interersted.

5.  The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (I am just grouping them all together as one).  I actually read these for the first time as an adult.  Lewis had a way of creating a world I could picture even with the fantastical elements swirling all around the story.  

6.  David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.  The way this story of a boy growing into adulthood and all the different things he encountered in England long ago is another great Charles Dickens story.  I don't love all Charles Dickens (Oliver Twist wasn't my favorite)  but I could add a few more to a list of my favorites including Nicholas Nickelby and Our Mutual Friend.

7.  The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien.  Now I have to admit some of these stories got a little wordy for me but the again the ability to create a whole new world that pulled me in was great and kept me going through some of the slower parts.

There you have my 7 Quick Takes of the week.  Join Kelly at This Ain't the Lyceum for more!