We're getting close!

We decided about eight months ago that our little family needs to take a break. So we decided to make some smart money choices and save enough for a trip to Disney World. It didn't leave us much time to save for this big trip but we did it! We went for some of the big upgrades and I am so glad we did.

Forty days and counting!!!!!


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Volunteering

Over the course of my adult life I have almost always been involved in volunteer work. My parents had us begin volunteering in middle school as helpers for the Special Olympics. Early on I discovered the immense benefits of helping others. Since middle school I have been a school volunteer, room parent, teacher at my church and most recently helping fulfill the responsibility of running our local track program (with Brian). There are weeks that it feels like too much; my job, being a mom and wife, a catechist and the track responsibilities.

What has occurred to me lately is that there is a small group of people in the world who are the doers. The ones who put in those extra time to help fill a need or run a program or teach a room full of eager children. It is the same faces I see over and over and over again when you ask for extra help. They’re quiet about it. They don’t brag about all the time they spend helping where no one says thank you and no one even notices. They just fill the need because they know someone has to and they feel like it is their responsibility.

I am lucky that my parents taught be the value of helping. I don’t need thanks or notice, I simply love putting my time and effort to good work. But remember that when you see the person who volunteers to teach, coach, organize or help, a thank you might just fill their spirit.

Faith

I am a former lapsed catholic.

For a long time I found my inner voice constantly telling me that I did not need any formal church or building or affiliation to be a believer. I have always felt that in the wind or a sunset is where I truly saw God. It felt like being required to have my butt in a pew every single Sunday was an imposition on my life. Now don't worry, you are NOT about to read a preachy post about going to church. Where you spend your Sundays is your business. This is just about my own journey.


In my teen years I bounced from church to church. I tried the baptist church (which was fun) and evangelical. I tried several non-denominational Christian churches and they only ever felt like home for a short time. When we got married we chose a highly educated reverend who would marry us in a general Christian ceremony.

When we had the girls the idea of baptism struck me from time to time but why baptize them in a church that wasn't "our church." This is when the search began again. We looked around but nothing seemed to suit us as a family. The thought occurred to me to try on my old religion and see if it still fit. Slowly, over a matter of months it started to sink in. My non-catholic husband even started to feel at home in the tradition of the catholic church.

As an aside I will say that being a catholic in this day isn't always easy. There were horrific actions by member of my faith that should have been punished to the furthest extend of the law, rather than ignored. There are parts of my faith that I quietly disagree with. Then there are the looks you get when you say you can't attend a get together until after 6 on a Saturday because you have to go to mass. That's the moment when you get the "can't you just skip it look."

So it became obvious we needed to move on this whole "becoming a catholic family thing." Brian began to attend religious formation (RCIA) classes and I initiated the process of having a catholic wedding ceremony to make us official and a baptism for the girls. Within just a year we were married by the church (no we do not celebrate two anniversaries) and had our daughters baptized on the same day!

My catholic faith is something that I need to stay grounded in this crazy world. I teach, volunteer and organize at my church because when I am there I don't feel the crunch of regular life. Time moves slower when I working directly for God. The light shines brighter there. So if we can't make it to a party or a get together until 6:15 on a Saturday night just know that it is for a good reason.

Summer Musings

It has been an up and down kind of summer thus far. We have had some high highs, and some very low lows.

We were fortunate to have two vacations this year.

One at our local beach... 

and one in North Carolina with my in-laws.

We have spent lots of time at the pool and playing outside.

We've really been lucky and had nice hot weather in NJ.

We've run a 5-k ...

...and gone for long hikes.

 

We have one more month of summer vacation here in NJ and we plan to get the most out of it!

December

It's that time of year again. Time for rushing and bustle and the hectic days. We made a conscious decision that our December would be one of purpose and thought. Our holiday this year will be overshadowed by the loss of my aunt to cancer and the final chapter of my grandfathers life. Dealing with loss, end of life issues and grieving at the holiday is sad. No one wants to go through loss and really no one wants to go through it at the holidays.

I'm trying to take something more away from the grieving process. I have a feeling that if I asked either of my family members what piece of advice they would give me it would sound something like "enjoy your family", "spend more time with the people you love" or "slow down and enjoy life." So that is my goal for this holy season.

I want to wake up every day and instead of thinking of how much I have to get done, I want to think of ways to enjoy my children, my husband, my family and my friends. When my live draws to a close I sincerely doubt I will be looking back on the Christmas cookies that did not get baked or the half-done wrapping job. I will remember the time spent with the people I love.

I wish you all a family filled, peaceful and purposeful December!

An Oldy, but a goody

My Mom and Dad are in the long-avoided task of going through their attic. Inside those angled walls are years and years and years of memories (and dust). While they have the calamity of deciding what stays and goes I am reaping the benefit. I received an old box of letters and memories. Inside was an old birthday card with money STILL INSIDE! I also found my old "letters" from high school softball (the patches that go on a letterman jacket), my middle school glasses (epic!), some old baseball and football cards and my membership to the art museum (I loves it there in high school and college).

Aside from all the wonderful memories that can up with the dust, my kids are also benefiting. Some of the old toys that were hand made for my siblings and I as youngsters (by my Dad and Pop-Pop) are being reborn. In a world where kids have ipads and cell phones I was astonished that an old dusty hand built and painted castle/fortress would bring all three of them to the floor. The same castle I played with alongside my brother has been given new life.

It amazes me that my kids are as interested in learning from my history and memories as their own. It's all part of their story.

**Reminder - Go get those old albums out. It will keep them busy for HOURS!

Touch-A-Truck

I'm not sure if this is a regional thing or not but here in NJ there are several opportunities to go to Touch-A-Truck shows. Kids can sit in, touch, climb on and get close to a bunch of different kinds of cars, trucks and vehicles. We have been once before and the girls loved it but we thought Jack would have a blast.

I think Daddy might have enjoyed it as much as the littles. 

Grace of, course has not met a wall she didn't feel compelled to climb. 

Ice Bucket Challenge

Since I am not much for Facebook I thought I would share our family Ice Bucket Challenge Video here. Before the girls were born Brian's grandmother, Grandma Betty, was diagnosed with ALS. It moved quickly and she dies in a very short period of time. What many people do not realize about ALS is it is a painful and debilitating disease. One minute Grandma Betty was enjoying her golden years with friends, taking trips and living life and the next minute she could no longer speak or walk. She was forced into a nursing home and was never able to come home.

So when Brian's parents nominated us for the challenge we decided to accept it as a family. I'm guessing this video will bring a huge smile to Grandma Betty's face!

For more information on ALS or to donate to the cause please go to www.als.org

Fifteen Years Later

Last Friday Brian and I celebrated our fifteenth wedding anniversary. I am only 35 years old and I have been married fifteen years. It almost seems surreal. I am lucky to have married someone that was fun to "grow up" with and complements everything about me and who I am.

He's goofy. 

 He's weird. 

 He's kinda funny, 

 And WAY more adventurous than I am. 

 He forces me out of my comfort zone. 

 And teaches our kids lessons I am not equipped to teach. 

 He has always been there. 

 He's loyal. 

 He's fun. 

 He's willing to carry around a kid...

 When you need him to. 

 Did I day he was goofy. 

 And fun. 

 He's a dependable, loving, caring person who would give you the shirt off of his back. 

That's why I love him. Here's to many, many more!

Momma's Day in Pictures

A belated Happy Mothers Day to all of you!

My Mother's Day was spent just the way I like it, outside!

In my garden!

Sitting in the shade!

Watching the kids play happily. My kind of day!

The Boy Turns Two

How is it possible that my sweet little baby is already a rambunctious two year old? It seems like a month ago he was chilling in his swing in the middle of my kitchen.

We decided to keep his birthday simple. I made the mistake with the older two of over thinking birthdays. 

He got a few presents in the morning. Then Honey and I took him to feed the fish at the garden center. 

After nap he and I played out front. He insisted on cleaning off the front porch. 

The girls and I decorated two cakes for his party. 

My attempt at a Mickey cake:

Abby and Grace's attempt at a Mickey cake:

Jack and Wizzum sidestepped the party hats and went right for fancy headbands. 

 

In the end he had a lovely day. It was quiet and laid back. He got to have lots of fun without getting overwhelmed. Only problem is, now I have a two year old boy to contend with.