7 Quick Takes: Take 4 Babysitting Edition

 

It's Friday at 9am and I am sitting down to write my 7 quick takes.  It's been a long week.  I have watched in total 6 children this week and the only day I was without children was Monday, so needless to say this "mom in training" is tired!  I decided to do a little change up with my 7 takes today.  These 7 Quick Takes are really titled 7 things I learned about motherhood this week!

**1**

Being a mom is hard work and you are BUSY!  This week I recognized quickly how your "being connected" goes down the tubes.  Normally, I can pick up my phone, open up my computer, make a call to my mom or friend, and play a game on my iPad whenever I choose.  Yes, I do do other things, but I am pretty "connected."  (Maybe too connected...)  Kids change that.  I have checked my Facebook A LOT less this week, made fewer calls, and have forgotten to get back to people.  I guess I should be less annoyed when my friends with kids don't answer the phone or are short winded.  I understand when you are making headbands or rocking a fussy baby, nothing else is as important.

**2**

Kids are messy!  I have never claimed to be the housekeeper of the year, but I have really been trying to do a better job at it!  With kids around it's like the perfect storm.  Man, they can rip apart a house in no time!  Oh and the crumbs!!  I have swept a million times this week!  I understand why moms cringe when the kids want to play with Play Doh now.  I understand why eating needs to be done in the dining room only and definitely not in rooms with carpet or upholstery. 

**3**

Kids are funny...downright hilarious, in fact!  My niece, who is 3, was cracking me up all week!  She mirrors me, but for some reason it sounds so funny coming out of the mouth of a 3 year old.  My other niece, is in 4th grade, and she has recently figured out her sense of humor and she not only understands sarcasm and jokes, but she makes them well too!  She was laughing so hard last night when the 2 of us were driving that it was making me laugh.  All of the kids I had this week made me laugh, like really laugh, at some point this week. 

**4**

Kids waste food A LOT!  I have to learn to give smaller portions and listen to what kids really like, because if not, they tend to waste food.  And it makes me crazy!  Don't they know how much food costs these days??  I think this is a learning curve for me.  A good lesson to learn.

((Baby wakes up...too early....enter blogging interlude here....)

**5**

When you are a mom you hear everything.  Last night, Tom and I got in bed and we were snuggling a bit before falling asleep and suddenly we heard the slightest noise downstairs and we both stopped breathing so we could hear better?  Luckily, it was just the cat, but I was amazed how astute my hearing became.  Especially with having a bungalow, I always worry if I am going to be able to hear our children sleeping downstairs, but I think my "mom hearing" is already coming in.

**6**

Speaking of my husband, my favorite person to talk about, I am convinced (if I wasn't already) that he is going to be a WONDERFUL father.  This morning we had to tag team.  I had to take my niece and nephew to school and our 5.5 month "niece" had to stay with Uncle Tom.  He assured me that he "had this" and I pulled out of the driveway a little nervous.  When I got back she was half asleep in Uncle Tom's arms, while he was singing "You are My Sunshine" to her.  My heart gushed and my eyes teared up a bit.  It was the sweetest moment I had ever seen.   This was after last night I got a little peek into our future when he gave our nephew a practice spelling test while I took my niece to dance, and when I returned they were battling each other in some game on their handhelds.  (We will ignore the fact that it was after bedtime for now...)  Anyways, I KNOW that he is going to be a great dad!  I am blessed!

**7**

Nap times are like gold.  And anyone who wakes a sleeping baby will suffer the consequences.  I love looking in on a sleeping babe.  There is nothing more peaceful than that.  (Plus it allows you to write blogs, instead of cleaning house....)  :)

Well folks, that's all for now!  It's been a tiring week, but a good week!  Tom and I have been given the all clear to start trying for another baby and hope that God will bless us sooner than later with our own tribe to love and care for.  For now, it's good to practice!!  Happy Friday to you all!!

Closing thoughts I read on Facebook this week:

 

Good moms breastfeed.
Good moms formula feed.
Good moms vaccinate their kids.

Good moms don't vaccinate their kids.
Good moms co-sleep. Good moms use cribs.
Good moms have hospital births.
Good moms have home births.
Good moms adopt.
Good moms have natural births.
Good moms have epidurals.
Good moms have c-sections.
Good moms have 10 kids.
Good moms have 1 kid .
Good moms use cloth diapers.
Good moms use disposable diapers. 

 I always see moms putting each other down over these things all the time. I've even participated in it. But I've realized that an intelligent, loving mother can consider the same facts as you and still come to a different conclusion. I know we're all only human, but let's learn to respect each other.

The Liebster Award!

Wow, I have been nominated!  I am not sure if it's a prestigious award, but it's fun nonetheless and a great excuse to waste some time talking about myself.  I mean who doesn't like to talk about themselves?  Mary, who writes an excellent blog that I enjoy reading immensely sent this to me.  So I decided, What the heck?  So here goes nothing...more information about me that you probably never wanted to know.  ;)

11 Fun Facts about me

1. I was born in Michigan and I have lived in Michigan my entire life.  I am totally OK with that.  I didn't go away to school and after 15 years I am back in my home town.  I am OK with that too.  I am a homebody.  I like to travel, but I love to come back home.  I think Michigan will probably always be my home and it will definitely always have my heart.

2.  I have broken my arm 3 times.  In fact, I broke my right arm twice in the same spot so if I ever break it again they will have to put a metal rod in there to help support it.  I broke my arm once falling off a bunk bed, next I broke my arm trying to ride a ten speed after my mom told me not to, and finally I broke my arm roller skating at the Rollerdome.  (Oh the memories!)  Yes, I am a klutz.  Somehow though I have managed to escape stitches in my lifetime....so far.

3.  After being a teacher for 10.5 year I quit last summer.  I always told myself that once I didn't love teaching anymore I would quit and so I did.  Everyone asks me if I miss it and always expects me to say no.  But truth be told...I don't miss it.  At all.  Well, I miss the kids from time to time and the community aspect, but I don't miss the rest.  Not one bit.  I love being a stay at home wife and one day mom.  It really works well for my husband and I.  I am blessed and I know it!

4.  I have traveled to Europe 3 times in my life so far.  When I was in high school I went to Paris for 3 weeks!  It was an adventure and I was definitely homesick at times.  It was, however, a wonderful trip and when my love for Europe began!  My senior year of college my best friend and I went to Ireland for a week.  We loved it!  We stayed in Dublin and took day trips.  I would do that differently next time.  The bed and breakfast tour is more my style.  Dublin got old...quick.  And finally, 2 years ago I was able to go to Assisi, Rome, and Madrid over 2.5 weeks!  It was so awesome to see Rome finally and the headquarters of the Catholic church.  I got to see the Pope several times on this trip which was great!

5.  My husband and I didn't meet until we were in our mid thirties (he is 3.5 years older than I) BUT our paths have been crossing for years.  We grew up in the same city, worked in the same area, went to the same college, he attended the church I taught at, and so on....it's like it was meant to be...we just kept missing each other!

6.  I love to read!  Being a stay at home wife I have been able to pick it up once again and I am so thankful for that!  My favorite stories to read are christian suspense novels.  My favorite authors are Dee Henderson, Terri Blackstock, and Francine Rivers.  In fact, if you haven't read "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers, you really must.  It is FANTASTIC!!

7.  I converted to the Catholic faith in 2004.  It took awhile for God to get my attention, ( I will have to blog my conversion story one of these days...) but I have never felt so at home as I do in the Catholic Church.  Our church is so rich and full of beautiful Traditions.

8. If given a choice between vanilla or chocolate I usually choose vanilla.  Caramel or chocolate sauce...caramel. I have never been a big chocolate eater, but do like a good dark chocolate piece every now and then!  Most of my friends think I am weird....

9.  I love musicals!! I have ever since I was little!  Sound of Music and Annie will always be special to me.  They are what grabbed my attention and led me to the theater!  I have acted in many since then and hope that one day I will return.

10.  I prefer cats over dogs.  Dogs are a lot more work than cats.  I like low maintenance.

11.  I hate doing the dishes.  I would rather clean a toilet than wash the dishes.  Finally in marriage I have gotten a dishwasher...that helps, but I still hate them.\


Answer to 11 questions from Mary....




1. Happiest memory?

I have so many happy memories, but I would have to say the first memory that popped into my head was the night my now husband asked me on our first date. I had just left the Easter Vigil Mass after waiting around forever to say hi to Tom.  I finally left and when I got halfway down the street my phone suddenly rang.  Tom said, "I wanted to wish you a Happy Easter, where'd you go?"  My heart leapt!  We met for pie a few moments later and the rest is history....


2. Most difficult life experience that you are now on the other side of?

The most difficult life experience I have ever experienced is of course losing my son.  I guess you could say I am on the other side of it now, but in reality I don't know that I will ever be on the other side of it.  A piece of my heart will always be missing.  I do, however, have some peace these days and talk of trying to get pregnant again has even started.  I have learned so much about myself and my husband through this all. 

3. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging because I was talking to my good friends Rakhi and Tim saying that my life's dream really is to be a speaker at a conference.  I love talking to groups of people, telling my story, and encouraging others.  I really, really wanted to get involved speaking, but didn't know how to get into to it.  They encouraged me to start blogging as a way of getting out there! I did and here I am a few years later.  I love blogging and hearing people's feedback and giving a piece of myself to my readers.


4. What is your favorite blog?

To be honest, I like reading the blogs of my friends who share my thoughts and are real.  Mary, Rakhi, Patty...I don't really follow tons of blogs, but I did once love watching this blog that for a whole year she made a new dress or outfit out of something she found at a thrift store! I was super impressed.  I also loved the movie "Julie and Julia" and would love to follow blogs like that!

5. Who is a person that you KNOW (in real life) that you currently admire most?

I would have to say that the person I currently admire the most in my life is a woman I met at my support group for losing a child.  This mom of 2, with one on the way, had had 12 pregnancies total.  I was amazed by her strength and faith in God, which was evident by the smile on her face and loving support she gave the group.  The pain of losing one child has been devastating for Tom and I, I just don't know if I would have the courage and perseverance that she has.  She was a true testament of faith in God and perseverance in faith.


6. What is your favorite EASY dish to make?

My favorite easy dish to make is kielbasa with sauerkraut.  I take a can of sauerkraut (rinsed), add a drained can of sliced or diced potatoes, cut up one apple, and cut up one ring of kielbasa.  I mix all of it together in a big pot and cook it through until the apples are soft and the kielbasa is warm.  My Polish husband loves it too!


7. Favorite song (you have to choose just one)?

Oh gosh..this is hard because I LOVE music! I would have to say though my top favorite song is probably "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."  I love to sing that song.  It always makes me happy and hopeful.  There are a lot of close seconds though....

8. Best place you have ever visited?

This is a hard one too.  I have been to a lot of wonderful places.  I have been to a lot of beautiful places.  One of the best places I have been to though is actually in the great state of Michigan.  Tom and I went to Traverse City for our honeymoon and one day we explored the Leelenau Peninsula.  It was breath taking!  We enjoyed driving and seeing the sites.  We loved the beautiful scenery and the great little towns along the way.  Assisi, Italy is definitely a close second for all the same reasons.
9. 1 of your life goals

One of my life goals right now is to get out of debt.  We don't have a lot of credit card debt, but we have some.  I would like to really work at paying that off in the next year or two.  There is such a freedom to being financially free and it is important to both Tom and I.

10. What is your favorite thing to do with children?

One of my favorite things to do with my nieces and nephews is to take them to Greenfield Village and The Henry Ford museum.  It is such a great treasure we have in this area and I love to go walk around with them and watch them learn and take it all in.  We have a seasonal pass just for this reason alone!

11. When have you felt closest to God? How did that come about?

I feel closest to God when I am praising Him during a rocking good praise and worship session.  There is something about praising God with music, lifting my hands, closing my eyes that just brings me to the very presence of Christ. Someone wise once said, "Singing is praying twice.'  That rings so true with me.   When I am singing a good song I feel the Lord.

7 Quick Takes: Take 3

 

It's Friday morning and I am whipped!  It's been a busy week for this chick!  (And my house is proof of just how much cleaning didn't get done because of it....thank God we have nothing going on this weekend!)  Here we go!

***1***

It's March 1!  March seems to be keeping true to it's name by coming in like a lion.  It's cold and dreary and the sun seems like it's going to stay hidden today.  Blah!  I hate March.  March is a tease...soon we will have this really nice day and think, "Finally, Spring is here!" and then BOOM another snow storm will hit.  I like April.  April is a much better month (really cool people were born in April.)

***2***

Speaking of Lions, last night I went to the Detroit Opera House to see The Lion King live on stage!  It was spectacular!  The story is the same as the cartoon Disney version, almost verbatim, but the costuming and production is phenomenal!  Absolutely breath taking!  Whoever came up with the costumes and ideas of how to make these animals come alive was a genius!  Pure genius!

***3***

This week I have gotten a taste of motherhood as I have been helping out my sister-in-law by watching her kids while their grammy is out of town.  Up early...lunches...backpacks...naps!  I have gotten most theme songs to the popular toddler shows down pat.  I have cleaned up crayon on the table, made Kraft Mac N Cheese, and buckled a car seat more times than I care to count.  Phew!  I gotta give it to all you moms out there.  This mom stuff is hard work!  Next week is gonna follow suit.  Except Thursday and Friday we are throwing an overnighter into the mix for my other niece and nephew while mom and dad take off for a few days!  Tom and I are being trained and gearing up for a few little Bauers.  (Secretly though...I've loved it!  It's great being an aunt!)

***4***

I need to give a shout out to my husband!  He works really hard at his job and has been taking on more hours and responsibility at his job these past few weeks!  Last night I came home at 11pm from the Lion King and he was downstairs working.  He was so excited about what he was doing and was telling me all about it! (If you read #3 you'll know that I was really trying to listen and take it all in even though I was totally exhausted!!  Poor guy...he just wanted someone to listen to him and I tried...I really, really tried....) I love that he loves what he does for a living!  He is such a great provider for our family and going to work is truly a joy for him most days! He makes me proud.  :)

***5***

Back to March...one reason I actually like March is because of St. Patty's Day!  My friend walked in yesterday and exclaimed how it appeared as if St. Patrick himself threw up in my house.  (She has a tendency to over exaggerate...)  I love my little shamrocks and "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" signs!  My name is Erin for goodness sakes! It's in my genes!  Erin Go Braugh!

***6***

For the first year in a LONG time I don't know if I am going to make it to Florida to see my parents!  This makes me sad for many reasons...I hate Michigan this time of year (in case you haven't figured that out yet) and I really miss my parents.  It's one of the things that stinks about having snow birds for parents.  Luckily, they will be staying in Dearborn this summer so I will get to spend lots of quality time with them. Hopefully, it will be an early spring here in Michigan.

***7***

It's Friday! We have no plans for this weekend!  Just how fabulous is that??  Tha..tha...that's all folks! :)

The Scene of the Crime

Today I have to go back.  Back to the scene of the greatest crime committed in my life.  Back to Oakwood Hopsital where the greatest robbery known to man was committed.  The place where my son was taken from me.  I haven't been back since December 21, when Tom and I had to return to make arrangements for our son's burial.  And I am scared.

 

 

This morning I woke up and was admittedly not very pleasant.  My husband was the pleasant one this morning, which is not the norm for us.  I was frazzled, agitated, and grumbling.  I picked up my necklace, which was all knotted (from last night to this morning somehow?) and began swearing a bit and fighting with the necklace.  At that point, there was a hand on my back, a quiet voice telling me to relax, and my eyes began tearing up.  I realized at that moment that maybe my husband wasn't a jerk, maybe something else was going on here...that "maybe" was really a strong anxiety of having to head back to the place where I said good bye to my son.

 

And I have to go.  I have one final test I need to take before we have the "all clear" to begin to try and have another child.  It's just a precaution, but nonetheless, we want to have all our ducks in a row before we attempt another pregnancy.  Anything we can do to make this pregnancy successful, we are willing to do!  Thankfully, although with the impending snow storm I wasn't sure this was going to be the case, a good friend of mine is going to go with me.  She knows the pain of returning to the scene, and so she has offered to brave the storm and hold my hand.

 

I also am going to give back today.  When Jackson died, the clergy who prayed with us gave us a rosary donated by a family who had lost twins and was also given a rosary to remember their children by.  Soon after Jackson died I purchased a crystal rosary to leave at Oakwood.  We also want to pay it forward.  We pray that this rosary will give our son some honor and bring comfort to another family facing the tragedy of losing a child.  It's a small gesture, but it means a lot to my husband and me. 

 

 

So my friends, I ask for your prayers today.  I know I can do this. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  I am scared, but I am tough and I will get through this day just as I have gotten through the last 2 months.

Praise You in this Storm



If you are familiar with contemporary Christian music, you have undoubtedly heard the song "Praise You in this Storm" by Casting Crowns.  It's always been one of my favorite songs, even before I entered this hurricane of a storm we are currently going through.  Yesterday, this song was sung at church during communion time.  The lyrics to the song begin like this:

"Praise You In This Storm"

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus:]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

 

You may find it hard to believe that I haven't cried much in the last few weeks.  I guess that stage of grief had left me for awhile, but when that song was sung so beautifully at Mass yesterday my eyes began to fill once again.  I wasn't only crying for my sadness that still lingers, but really I was crying because of the reality of my thankfulness for my God and my faith during this time.  Truly, the only reason I can get out of bed in the morning is because of my faith.  As this song played I began to reflect on this.  There are times I WANT to be so mad at God.  I want to blame someone for this and if I am not blaming myself and my own body for failing my family, I want to move on to God.  Someone has to take the blame for robbing me, my husband, and those who love us by taking away our Jackson.  But the reality is I can't be mad at God.  And as much as I'd like to point fingers at someone (usually myself), there is no one to blame.  This is just what happens in life.   Not all pregnancies end happily.  That is our new reality.

 

In fact, losing my son has done something for my faith.  Instead of making me doubt God and His works, I find myself trusting Him more easily.  I recognize that there is nothing in this life that I control and that at the end of the day God is all I really have.  Yes, God has blessed me with an awesome, supportive husband, a great family, and wonderful friends, but the love and strength of a human will never measure up to that love of Christ.  People ask how I get through this, and really it's that simple.  I get through this because of my faith.  That's all. I don't know how people get through things like this without faith? Without faith there is no hope that tomorrow will be better.  Without faith the thought of another pregnancy is too daunting and scary.  Without faith, the anger and resentment cripples you and makes getting out of bed harder than necessary. 

 

 

When a woman who has lost a baby has another baby it is called a "rainbow" baby.  I love this.  After this storm we pray that we will see the rainbow when God blesses us with another child.  Unfortunately, we know the reality that there are no absolutes in pregnancy.  Any pregnancy is risky, any pregnancy I have will be high risk.  But just like after a storm the sun comes out and we all find hope in the rainbow, we find hope that God may bless us with a rainbow too!  Rain or shine, we will praise Him knowing truly He never leaves our side.

 

We ALL have "storms" in our lifetime.  Many of you will never lose a child, thank God, but we all lose someone we love at some point.  We all have struggles, crosses to bear.  It's sometimes hard to  see God in the midst of the tragedy, but I pray that you too will find strength in your faith in God.  He is there.  Sometimes quiet, sometimes whispering, but know He is there. And one day then rain will stop, the sun will shine, and somewhere a rainbow will shine with hope that tomorrow will be better.



7 Quick Takes- Take 2

 

***1***

 

 

It's official.  I am done with winter.  I am done with snow.  I am done with cold.  Apparently there are 27 days until Spring arrives and I cannot wait.  I love Michigan and it's 4 seasons.  I even enjoy the snow for awhile, but end of February/beginning of March it's time for the snow and cold to bid us all adieu!

 

***2***

 

Yesterday, Tom said good-bye to his stepfather.  It was sad, but we are peaceful knowing he is no longer suffering.  I only knew him for a short time, but in that small time I realized he had a very quiet wisdom and love about him and he loved my husband.  Family relationships are complicated, and that's putting it mildly, but I appreciate that on days like yesterday we were able to forget all of that for awhile and honor Robert for the man that he was.  Rest in peace, Dad.

 

***3***

 

Speaking of Spring, I officially have the spring cleaning bug.  Today I was looking around at our home and I have this intense desire to clean out and clean up!  Us Bauers have come a long way, but it's time!  Time to tackle the junk room (yes, we have one of those) Time to tackle our stack of bills and papers that need to be filed and sorted.  Time to tackle our basement and make it into the TV room as planned.  I cannot wait to open windows and air out!! It's time!

 

***4***

 

This week I have felt the old Erin resurface.  It has been just over 2 months since we lost our son.  I miss him like crazy and as his due date (April 15th) approaches, I feel the ache of losing him a little more each day, but I also feel stronger.  I also feel like my brain is working again and the fog is lifted.  I knew I was intensely grieving, but it's only when that grief has lifted a bit that I realized the fog I functioned in for the last 2 months.  My arms still feel empty wishing they could hold my little guy and a piece of my heart will always be with that sweet boy in heaven, but I know I will be OK.  The worst of it is over. 

 

***5***

 

Every Friday my husband works from home.  I love Fridays for that reason.  He works all day in the basement in his make shift office, but it's nice just knowing someone else is here with me.  I like to go visit and bring him coffee, lunch, and steal a kiss or two.  We are so blessed that he has the job he does and is able to be home one day a week.  It always starts our weekends off on the right foot.

 

***6***

 

My husband and I both love the theater!  I am so excited that in the next 2 weeks we are going to 3 different shows!  Tomorrow, a former student of mine is performing in "Damn Yankees" with U of D Jesuit's theater program.  The last performance they put on was spectacular, so I am hoping this is the same.  Then, my husband let me splurge and buy us tickets to go see "The Lion King" at the Detroit Opera Theater.  I have heard it is fabulous and I cannot wait.  Lastly, we are season ticket holders to the Dearborn Players Guild and our next show is "Return Engagements."  Tom is always encouraging me to get back into the theater, and maybe one day I will, but for now, I will enjoy watching others perform.  My niece has also started performing in shows and I pray she takes off in her aunt's love of music and theater. 

 

***7***

 

Lenten update:  We have given up going out to eat for Lent (with a Saturday exception.)  So far, so good!  We are pleased to be saving money we would've otherwise spent on eating out and happy to be eating better.  It is tempting to go out or run through fast food, but we feel good about giving this up.  I still want to work on my spiritual life a bit better, but we have enjoyed Stations of the Cross and a few extra rosaries.  I pray all of you are doing well with your Lenten promises and God is blessing you during these 40 days.



7 Quick Takes

 

 

I love to blog, but I don't always get to blog like I want to, so I decided to jump on the Friday 7 Quick Takes that some fellow bloggers have.  So here we go...7 Quick Takes, Take 1! :)

 

 

**1**

 

Yesterday, was Valentine's Day and my husband and I have also been married for 7 months! (My favorite number, which is surprising because I hate prime numbers normally, but I was born at 7:07pm, and weighed 7lbs and 7ounces, so alas, 7 gets a dispensation)  Anyways, for our 7th anniversary falling on Valentines Day it was a hit!  My husband, who doesn't always excel in the random gift department, spoiled me with flowers, charms for my Brighton bracelet, an iTunes gift card (for all of my books I have been reading of late), AND healthy chocolates!  Then he took me out for a wonderful dinner!  The day was perfect!  He's a keeper!

 

**2**

 

Tom and I are having serious discussion about getting rid of our cable and watching Netflix and possibly Hulu solely.  So, those of you out there who already have gone this route...what do you think?  Do you miss cable TV?  We aren't huge TV watchers, but do enjoy a few shows.  How about availability of current shows online?  We are frustrated with how much we pay for cable a month and think this may be a smart place to make cuts in our budget.

 

**3**

 

Did I mention my husband spoils me?  Well, my lease on my Focus was up and we knew we needed to get a new car.  We pray God will bless us with a family down the road, so we knew we needed to upgrade to more of a family friendly car.  We went to the dealer (Taylor Ford if you are looking for a fabulous dealership in the Dearbon area) and had a price point in mind and a car in mind.  We drove the fancy Ford Edge first (this was our first mistake...never drive the fancy car first) and afterwards drove a few other cars, but nothing compared.  We had to negotiate price for a bit, but finally decided to splurge and go fancy!  I love my new car! It's a great ride, very safe for our future family, and super high tech.  I just have to learn how to not play with it while I am driving.  ;)

 

**4**

 

Last Sunday, Tom and I did something we haven't done since we've been married...sadly.  We took a whole day to just lay around.  Isn't that sad?  We didn't have any plans, both of us were tuckered out from a busy week, and we just watched TV and relaxed.  Tom took a nice 2 hr nap (sleeping is his favorite hobby to date) and I read a book.  We decided that day that we need to carve out a few more lazy days in our schedule.  I definitely need to remember that my dear husband needs days like these.  He is a happier camper when he has time to recharge and reboot! Life gets so busy we forget to take time and rest.  I think God knew what he was doing when he instituted the day of rest. 

 

**5**

 

Lent started on Wednesday.  I think Ash Wednesday is one of my favorite days of the year.  I love being about town with ashes on my forehead as a sign of my faith and beliefs.  I also love Lent as a time to focus on my spiritual walk and to be challenged to grow as a follower of Christ.  This year, besides focusing on getting my prayer life back on track, we are also giving up going out to eat (most days with a few exceptions) and praying a rosary for one family member or friend each night.  We hope that come Easter Sunday we will feel closer to the Lord and proud of our efforts.

 

**6**

 

This week I have noticed a few people on Facebook who constantly post negative or condescending posts.  I find it so aggravating.  I even unfriended someone because I was so sick of it! (Gasp! I know...so mean.) It has also made me aware of what I post.  I love Facebook, I think it's a great tool to connect with people, but for those of you who are constantly telling people off on Facebook or complaining.  Stop! It's annoying!  (And I hope you won't be the next victim in my friends list...)

 

**7**

 

Last week, I finally went to an allergist.  Besides having a shell fish allergy (which we knew already) I apparently have a high allergy to dust and mold (who doesn't right?)  But for a woman who is a less than stellar house cleaner this isn't good.  Oh well, back to cleaning.  On a positive note, you can all rest easy that I now carry an epi pen (damn, they are expensive) BUT if I happened to go into anaphalactic shock, hopefully someone can save my life! I even have a training pen if you are interested in learning how to administer it! It involves stabbing me, which may be fun for some of you!  Apparently though, you cannot stab me in the buttock with it...the papers remind you several times of this fact.  So even if I am a pain in the butt...you cannot return the favor!

 

TGIF everyone!!  Have a great weekend! :)  Blessed Lent to all of you Catholics out there (and those of you of other faiths celebrating Lent)