I have watched these 2 videos many times, and each time they bring a smile to my face:
Little girl singing Taylor Swift
Kicking Monsters
Little kids are the best!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Trying it out: 7 Quick Takes
I have come across many blogs recently (some of my favorite day-to-day stops) that have their own version of Conversion Diary's "7 Quick takes" and I want to try it out too. We will see if I follow through every Friday!
Volume 1.
1. I am home!
Two weeks ago I was chomping at the bit to get home and take a break. Now I am home and don't know what I'm going to do to without being surrounded by UNC life. It's funny that the saying is true-the grass isn't always greener on the other side! I am so blessed with the job I have and I am most certainly going to enjoy the break but it is a weird feeling going from non-stop craziness in Greeley, to quiet, laid-back home!
2. Bittersweet
These past few days have left me feeling especially melancholy and bittersweet. I've had to say goodbye to dear friends and I have shed many tears. I am so resistant to change! I know all I need is time to think everything over, but because the feelings are so fresh, that is hard to do. I am so blessed with the people in my life! I am so thankful that I was given a chance, and then brought into a place where I was cared for and loved. I was made part of the family and I will cherish the memories and always be thankful. I am so excited for all my friends and their new opportunities and the ways that the Lord is blessing their lives!
3. Baseball games and crepes
This weekend is full of fun things to do! In the morning I am going to attempt to make crepes for the first time. My roommate Claire, who is from France makes them all the time and just taught me how. I'm hoping I live up to her standards! I am also going to my third Rockies baseball game of the season. I'm excited for a good night with friends, (hopefully) sunshine and a great game. Go Rockies!
4. Plane Tickets
In June I will be attending my first Ordination Ceremony. My dear friend, Deacon Ed will be ordained a priest for the Arlington, VA diocese! I am so thrilled for him and so excited to witness a this beautiful Sacrament! The only downfall is right now I am having a heck of a time trying to find decent plane tickets. It kills me to think of spending $500 for a 2 day trip. Things like this are not really in the budget, but I want to be there so badly for my friend that I think the financial sacrifice will be worth it.
5. 100 days
There are exactly 100 days from today to the beginning of the new school year. I have decided to commit those days to reaching my goal of running a half marathon. I have extra time because I do not have to attend all 5 weeks of summer training and I have decided to put that time to good use! I want to go back into the year feeling accomplished and proud of myself for reaching a goal.
13.1 miles, bring it.
6. Book lists
I am in need of new books to read! At this point in time I am not reading anything! This is a strange feeling because growing up I never was without a book (or 2 or 3 :-) ). I have a few I would like to read and a few I must. Some of the top choices right now are: Essays on Women (Collected works of Edith Stein), Pride and Prejudice, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, A Severe Mercy, Weapons of Mass Instruction and the list goes on and on....
7. Regulated Schedule
I am going to try my hardest to be on a good schedule while I'm home. I want to catch up on sleep, workout, cook dinner for my family, work on fundraising and leave room for leisure. I can be such a night owl that I stay up for no reason and then sleep in late. That's a habit that needs to be kicked out of my life! I have so many fun things planned this summer as well, that I don't want to waste time either!
Volume 1.
1. I am home!
Two weeks ago I was chomping at the bit to get home and take a break. Now I am home and don't know what I'm going to do to without being surrounded by UNC life. It's funny that the saying is true-the grass isn't always greener on the other side! I am so blessed with the job I have and I am most certainly going to enjoy the break but it is a weird feeling going from non-stop craziness in Greeley, to quiet, laid-back home!
2. Bittersweet
These past few days have left me feeling especially melancholy and bittersweet. I've had to say goodbye to dear friends and I have shed many tears. I am so resistant to change! I know all I need is time to think everything over, but because the feelings are so fresh, that is hard to do. I am so blessed with the people in my life! I am so thankful that I was given a chance, and then brought into a place where I was cared for and loved. I was made part of the family and I will cherish the memories and always be thankful. I am so excited for all my friends and their new opportunities and the ways that the Lord is blessing their lives!
3. Baseball games and crepes
This weekend is full of fun things to do! In the morning I am going to attempt to make crepes for the first time. My roommate Claire, who is from France makes them all the time and just taught me how. I'm hoping I live up to her standards! I am also going to my third Rockies baseball game of the season. I'm excited for a good night with friends, (hopefully) sunshine and a great game. Go Rockies!
4. Plane Tickets
In June I will be attending my first Ordination Ceremony. My dear friend, Deacon Ed will be ordained a priest for the Arlington, VA diocese! I am so thrilled for him and so excited to witness a this beautiful Sacrament! The only downfall is right now I am having a heck of a time trying to find decent plane tickets. It kills me to think of spending $500 for a 2 day trip. Things like this are not really in the budget, but I want to be there so badly for my friend that I think the financial sacrifice will be worth it.
5. 100 days
There are exactly 100 days from today to the beginning of the new school year. I have decided to commit those days to reaching my goal of running a half marathon. I have extra time because I do not have to attend all 5 weeks of summer training and I have decided to put that time to good use! I want to go back into the year feeling accomplished and proud of myself for reaching a goal.
13.1 miles, bring it.
6. Book lists
I am in need of new books to read! At this point in time I am not reading anything! This is a strange feeling because growing up I never was without a book (or 2 or 3 :-) ). I have a few I would like to read and a few I must. Some of the top choices right now are: Essays on Women (Collected works of Edith Stein), Pride and Prejudice, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, A Severe Mercy, Weapons of Mass Instruction and the list goes on and on....
7. Regulated Schedule
I am going to try my hardest to be on a good schedule while I'm home. I want to catch up on sleep, workout, cook dinner for my family, work on fundraising and leave room for leisure. I can be such a night owl that I stay up for no reason and then sleep in late. That's a habit that needs to be kicked out of my life! I have so many fun things planned this summer as well, that I don't want to waste time either!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Here Comes Summer
These past few days I have been reflecting on my memories of summer break. The long awaited 3 months of pure bliss that couldn't arrive soon enough the last few days of school. 3 months of lazy days, enjoying the sunshine without a care in the world. No homework, no school, nothing to do but be free.
This will be an interesting summer, and even with the work that will need to be done, there are many fun things tucked inside-like friend's weddings, an ordination and a trip to California, but long gone are the continuous lazy summer days!
The last few weeks, while watching the students prepare for finals and move out of the dorms, I felt the looming excitement of summer. Now, the parking lots are deserted, the dorms are quiet and the senior class has graduated. I am finished with all my commitments and I'll be going home soon-but I don't feel the "free-ness" summer brings along with it.
This will be an interesting summer, and even with the work that will need to be done, there are many fun things tucked inside-like friend's weddings, an ordination and a trip to California, but long gone are the continuous lazy summer days!
Monday, May 10, 2010
The loveliest woman
Mom. That word seems so small for the greatness that defines it.
My mom is patient, funny, strong and to top it off she has a huge heart to love people with.
If we had been the same age at the same time, I think we would have been friends. Instead, I am privileged to be her daughter.
I've grown up watching and learning from her. Some points in her life have not been easy, and I have seen the pain and hurt she carries with her. She does not dwell in the past, and she moves fearlessly into the future-knowing that God is with her every step of the way.
Every time she's sacrificed one of her desires or wants, it was because she wanted to give us our desires and make us happy. Even if it goes unsaid, those sacrifices are noticed and appreciated. She's taught me so many things and I can't wait to continue to learn from her.
My mom is patient, funny, strong and to top it off she has a huge heart to love people with.
If we had been the same age at the same time, I think we would have been friends. Instead, I am privileged to be her daughter.
For 9 months she carried me right under her heart- and there was a bond created that is so special, so unique to just me and her it can never be broken or reproduced.
I secretely love when people ask if we are sisters. It means I'll continue to grow up and look just like her.Thank you for giving me your beautiful brown eyes. You are the prettiest woman I know.
I've grown up watching and learning from her. Some points in her life have not been easy, and I have seen the pain and hurt she carries with her. She does not dwell in the past, and she moves fearlessly into the future-knowing that God is with her every step of the way.
Every time she's sacrificed one of her desires or wants, it was because she wanted to give us our desires and make us happy. Even if it goes unsaid, those sacrifices are noticed and appreciated. She's taught me so many things and I can't wait to continue to learn from her.
Life is good (if I may put it ever so simply) with my mother in my life.
I am so very, very blessed because she is my mother.
(Caitlin, my mom, me and Erin before Christmas Eve Mass 2009)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Food for Thought
Today is day 2 of my attempt at Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. She's one tough cookie! I'm excited to keep going with this workout routine because it is intense, but quick. When I'm through, I feel like I have actually accomplished something, even in 20 minutes. It's great! Along with that, I am running and now that the weather is starting to be more beautiful every day, I can't wait to start running outside!
I have had food on my mind for the past few days. I know I blogged earlier this year about my new lactose free diet my doctor put me on. It's been harder than I thought it would and with the idea of possibly needing to go completely gluten free too has me craving carbs and dairy like it's going out of style. I get frustrated with myself because I let myself have more cheat days then I really should. I think this stems from feeling like an inconvenience, especially when dining out or with friends. I hate being the 'picky eater' that needs to know what we're eating and then ask for a special meal. Instead, I just don't say anything, and then pay for it later. If I didn't have such a guilty conscience, I think I could get away with this but, alas I can't let myself go too long without suddenly feeling like a slacker and a cheater. I have started to think about how this isn't the way to take care of my body or glorify God through the body He gave me. When I'm feeling sick, because of my own stupidity, I can't help but think: 'why is it so hard to give it up when I know the outcome?' How can I better take care of myself? By sucking it up and saying goodbye to dairy and as much gluten as possible. I'll feel better, I won't be sick and my body will be healthier. I've been doing some research and I have found many wonderful websites to give me recipe and food ideas while on this diet. There are even blogs of other people who are completely gluten free for me to read. It's my own mini-support network! I'm ready to dive in and change my lifestyle in order to better my body. I am excited about it too-just not the self disciple it's going to take to change and keep going, even when I hear my favorite ice cream calling my name :)
When I discover some recipe's that I really love I'll post them here.
To complete the randomness of this blog, I have one last thought. I really, really am passionate about dental hygiene! I went to the dentist today (and I'll admit, I haven't been in awhile..oops!) But I walked away with a sore mouth just from a cleaning! I had to keep reminding myself that the dentist had seen far worse teeth then mine, but I was so embarrassed! I keep good care of my teeth, but somebody in my family passed down the genetic bad enamel and weak teeth to me! After leaving the dentist's office, I promptly went to the store and bought fluoride rinse, fluoride/anti-cavity toothpaste and looked into an electric toothbrush (I really wish my budget allowed for one of those right now!) I always brush and floss, but I'm going to be more diligent about it. 2 minutes of brushing and never going to bed with out a good floss! I'm serious! Every one should do that! I am determined to keep good care of my teeth up to my old age and my children will have good dental hygiene too!
I have had food on my mind for the past few days. I know I blogged earlier this year about my new lactose free diet my doctor put me on. It's been harder than I thought it would and with the idea of possibly needing to go completely gluten free too has me craving carbs and dairy like it's going out of style. I get frustrated with myself because I let myself have more cheat days then I really should. I think this stems from feeling like an inconvenience, especially when dining out or with friends. I hate being the 'picky eater' that needs to know what we're eating and then ask for a special meal. Instead, I just don't say anything, and then pay for it later. If I didn't have such a guilty conscience, I think I could get away with this but, alas I can't let myself go too long without suddenly feeling like a slacker and a cheater. I have started to think about how this isn't the way to take care of my body or glorify God through the body He gave me. When I'm feeling sick, because of my own stupidity, I can't help but think: 'why is it so hard to give it up when I know the outcome?' How can I better take care of myself? By sucking it up and saying goodbye to dairy and as much gluten as possible. I'll feel better, I won't be sick and my body will be healthier. I've been doing some research and I have found many wonderful websites to give me recipe and food ideas while on this diet. There are even blogs of other people who are completely gluten free for me to read. It's my own mini-support network! I'm ready to dive in and change my lifestyle in order to better my body. I am excited about it too-just not the self disciple it's going to take to change and keep going, even when I hear my favorite ice cream calling my name :)
When I discover some recipe's that I really love I'll post them here.
To complete the randomness of this blog, I have one last thought. I really, really am passionate about dental hygiene! I went to the dentist today (and I'll admit, I haven't been in awhile..oops!) But I walked away with a sore mouth just from a cleaning! I had to keep reminding myself that the dentist had seen far worse teeth then mine, but I was so embarrassed! I keep good care of my teeth, but somebody in my family passed down the genetic bad enamel and weak teeth to me! After leaving the dentist's office, I promptly went to the store and bought fluoride rinse, fluoride/anti-cavity toothpaste and looked into an electric toothbrush (I really wish my budget allowed for one of those right now!) I always brush and floss, but I'm going to be more diligent about it. 2 minutes of brushing and never going to bed with out a good floss! I'm serious! Every one should do that! I am determined to keep good care of my teeth up to my old age and my children will have good dental hygiene too!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
St. Joseph ~ Pray for Us
This Friday is the feast day of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary. These past few days I have been praying a novena for his intercession. Today, while I was praying, the words in today's specific prayer really struck me. Today's prayer was centered on the family and I want to remember to pray this prayer for my family and then for the family I will have one day. It's a beautiful portrayal of what families should be striving for-to be like the Holy Family. So here is the prayer:
Saint Joseph, I venerate you as the gentle head of the Holy Family. You lived, moved, and acted in the loving company of Jesus and Mary, even died in their arms. Your family life at Nazareth radiated divine charity. Jesus chose to fulfill toward you all the duties of a faithful son, showing you every mark of honor and affection due to a parent, and Mary loved you as a devoted wife. You responded to this love and veneration with the deepest love and respect. You had for Jesus a true fatherly love, and your love for Mary grew stronger every day. God has made you the patron of family life because of how peacefully and happily the Holy Family rested under the care of your fatherly rule. You are the patron and intercessor of families, and you deserve a place in every home.
Saint Joseph, please obtain God's blessing upon my own family. Make our home and the home of each Christian family the kingdom of Jesus and Mary- a kingdom of peace, joy, and love.
Grant that we may be reunited in God's Kingdom and eternally live in the company of the Holy Family in heaven.
Amen
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