It's Infertility Awareness Week. It is one of those crosses that many couples face, some soon after marriage and for others it comes after one or two children. It often goes unseen, unnoticed and unacknowledged. While it may not be talked about, the thought never leaves the mind. The longing, desire and heartache often becomes all consuming. They are perceived by many as the couple choosing not to have kids or waiting until they are older. Labels are put on them and questions are asked. Often leading to the feeling of more guilt and embarrassment about something completely out of their control. People tell them to ... view the post
It’s a Good Morning
It has taken me almost six years and five kids later to establish, put into practice and recognize the importance of a good morning routine. Let this be said, it doesn't always go perfectly or as planned, because children and motherhood are always fluid. I have found that in taking the time to be intentional about the habits and routine that I do in the morning sets up the day, puts me in the right frame of mind and allows me to be better focused on the tasks ahead. I recall the days when Grace was a baby and I would try to squeeze in a shower between morning naps, put on my makeup between teaching the older boys a ... view the post
Easter Lessons
Happy Easter! He is Risen, Alleluia!! He is Risen indeed! On Holy Saturday we made a late and last minute decision to take all of the children to the Easter Vigil starting at 8:00pm! Aaron's comment while weighing the pros and cons, deciding whether to go to the Vigil or on Easter morning, "Well it may not be our best parenting move." We went anyway! I was thinking the smaller ones would fall asleep pretty quickly with the Church being dark for a good portion of the time. They proved me wrong. Briella grabbed a quick 15 minute power nap on the way there and was an energizer bunny for the entire 2 hours and 45 ... view the post
In Loving Memory
Here we are finally to Holy Week, approaching the Sacred Triduum and now just days away from the great celebration of Easter. I cannot help but think of my mother in-law who passed away just ten days ago. The heavy cross of dementia she carried during the last months of her life and the suffering she endured in her final days. My heart mourns her loss as I think of her strength, her constant support and the unending outpouring of prayers she had for her family. I grieve the time my children will never have with her and the loss of truly knowing Grandma. If you read her obituary you will not see a title, degree or ... view the post
The Things They Say
This past weekend my mother in-law passed away. Needless to say this week has been a whirlwind and I haven't found the time or energy yet to sit down and write a meaningful reflection on her passing. So for this week I thought I would just share another edition of the things my kiddos say. If you haven't done so already I encourage you to find a notebook and record some of the sweet quotes and quips from your children. Not too long ago I sat down with my older sons and read them some of their words from five years back, it had all of us laughing. Hope these make you smile. Happy weekend!! While driving for ... view the post