Playing Catch Up!

I'm back! I have been so busy chasing Lil' Man, being preggo and being exhausted ALL. THE. TIME that I just haven't had the time or energy to blog. I promised myself I wasn't going to bed to night (not that baby or heartburn would let me anyway!) until I posted something! ANYTHING!

So, what has happened since back in December???

1. We celebrated the feasts of St. Nicholas, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Juan Diego during Advent.

 Package from Grandma and Gramps for the feast of St. Nick!

Note the ziplock bag. It contains my husband's favorite warm beverage-

Russian Tea!

• 1 cup instant tea powder
• 2 cups orange-flavored drink mix (Tang)
• 1 (3 ounce) package powdered lemonade mix
•   1cup (we often use less) white sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1. In a large bowl, combine instant tea powder, orange drink mix, lemonade powder, sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Mix thoroughly. Store in a sealed jar or bag.
2. To use, mix 3 to 4 tablespoons of mix with 1 cup hot water. 

Setting up the Creche.

 

Mary and Joseph really traveled to Bethlehem on a Tonka truck!

 

 

Sombrero cookies for the feasts of OL of Guadalupe and Juan Diego.

I stole the idea from Catholic Icing

2. Our dogs had puppies!

Lil' Man claimed the runt who we now call Zoe because she is a girl and hence could not be called Elmo!

3. We got our first real glimpse of our little angel!!!!

 Smiling, happy baby!

4. We visited one of my best friends who is due this week!

5. We had a wonderful Christmas with my family (and I ended up sick for the next 3 weeks-ugh!).

 

It was extra special because my brother-in-law drove up from Texas to Tennessee and he was there just in time to celebrate a white Christmas with us!

BIL and Lil' Man blowing out the candles on Baby Jesus' birthday cake!

My favorite 2010 Christmas memory: We told Lil' Man that Christmas was Jesus Birthday and that on that day we would be celebrating because He had been born for us. Since we were staying at my parents, Lil Man was sleeping in the pack n play by our bed. Early Christmas morning, while we were still half asleep, we heard Lil' Man stir. A moment later he popped straight up grasping the side of the pack n play and shouted at us, "JESUS BE BORN!!!!" It was the most excited, perfect and innocent way to announce the good news of the day! 

The innocents of children at Christmas truly makes Christmas. This was Paul and my first Christmas since we had gotten married where we hadn't spent Christmas in our truck making deliveries. It was perfect, but not because we were out of the truck, but because we had Lil' Man to share it with us!

A Very Important Reminder

I am leaving in the morning to visit my dear friend, "Diana of the Lake of Shining Water". After visiting with she and her family for a few days, Paul will meet me at their home and we will head down to Tennessee for an exciting couple of days with my family. I can't wait!!! It will be our first time home since our big move.

I won't be blogging until I get home, so I thought I would direct you to one of my previous post that I feel I personally needed to be reminded of once again (Oh my weakness! Lord help me to be a better wife, mother, friend and Your daughter.).

You can link to it HERE 

The whole mouse thing sounds much worse than it was now that I read that post again, but the marriage stuff is something that is a very important reminder to me, especially now that I have a two year old underfoot and I spend most of my day having toddler level conversations.

Hope you find it to be a helpful reminder too. Have a great week, friends!

Happy Birthday, Dearest Diana of the Lake of Shining Waters

Today one of the greatest blessings in my life was born into this world.

We met as young girls on our way to see the play Anne of Green Gables and we knew immediately that we were Kindred Spirits. Together we shared a love for our Catholic Faith, Christian femininity, large families, reading, scrapbooking, tea parties and Anne of Green Gables. This Ann had found her Diana. And my life has never been the same.

We were young girls when we met. Busy being homeschooled and involved with our families and friends. We've shared adventures, roadtrips, picnics, slumber parties, camping trips, summers, "ice cream therapy", microwaved bananas, bad jokes and girlhood secrets. Like our fictional counterparts, we've spent long nights whispering together, sharing dreams, hopes for the future, crying together over life's trials, and dreaming of Gilbert Blythe and Fred Wright coming and sweeping us off our feet.

There is nothing as powerful as a friend who knows what to do and say when you're hurting. Who rejoices in your triumphs as much as, if not more than, you yourself do. That person who is there for you even when they can't physically be by your side. A sister who is always loving you and praying for you. That is my Diana.

A few years ago, Diana found her Fred Wright and I was able to be by her side as she prepared for life by his. Together they are a beautiful example of everything that love and marriage should be. The day that was one of the most wonderful in Diana's life was also one of the most beautiful of mine as well. I was so happy for my best friend who deserves all that is good and beautiful in this world that even thinking about it now brings tears to my eyes. She was the most beautiful of brides. I was honored to be by her side and there to remind her "if he faints, make sure you catch him!"

Diana has become a mother. She has two of the most beautiful angels I have ever seen. She is a model of womanly virtue and a domestic goddess. : ) I know that her life is not perfect or easy, but it is hers and she lives it to the best of her ability. Always striving to be the best wife, mother, friend, teacher and mentor that she can be.

The only thing that breaks my heart is that we can't be by eachothers side to share the ups and downs of life. I wish I could bring her ice cream when she's sick and feeling down. Drink tea by her side while she shares what's on her heart. Or that we could just sit together on a couch and introduce her daughters to the magic of Anne of Green Gables and Jane Austen. I wish we had the same phone plan so we could talk for hours! : ) I know that God has a plan and someday He will allow us more opportunities to spend time together.

As much as I wish life was as simple as it was when we were girls, I am simply happy to know that God brought my Diana into my life when I needed her the most and allowed her to help shape me into who I am. I am eternally thankful. Of course, "True friends are always together in spirit." — L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables), and together in prayer.

Dearest Diana, I love you! I am thankful that God brought you into my life. I have spent today thinking of you, rejoicing in our memories and thanking God and you for all the joy and support you have always given me. I'm praying that you are enjoying this lovely summer day in the company of your amazing and loving husband and daughters. Take a moment to sit by yourself on your porch, surrounded by flowers and blue sky, and remember all the blessings and milestones in your life. Then know that there are so many more wonderful things to come.

Happy Birthday, Diana of the Lake of Shining Waters!!! You are like the sparkle on those waters and in the lives of your loved ones. May your day be filled with joy and the memories of the two giggling girls that we still are! God bless you, Diana! I love you!