Originally, this blog was supposed to be for both Brian and myself but it slowly evolved into my own outlet to post thoughts. That being the case, Brian started his own blog called Beggar for Christ. He said he doesn’t have much free time to post but it’s nice for him to have a place of his own. Check out his first post Forty Years with Humane Vitae.
Category Archives: family chit chat
Beggar for Christ
Monday Morning Ponderings
It’s Monday again and I’m still amazed that the weekends can pass so quickly. Brian is off at work and the kids are still snug in their beds so I thought I’d make a post. This morning I can’t stop thinking about a conversation I had with a dear friend of mine who has a serious illness. It has made me really think about the brevity of our lives in comparison to eternity. It reminded me of a promise I made to God that I wouldn’t just settle for being comfortable in life, but instead, I’d try to make a difference. I promised to love God with all my heart and to do whatever He asked of me to help others come to a greater love for Christ. It made me reevaluate how I have been living this promise.
I know we all need a little relaxing “downtime,” but I think we can get caught up in a lot of frivolous things that, although not bad in themselves, can keep us from doing what we are called to do as Christians – to love God with all our heart, mind and strength and to evangelize the world so others may do the same. So I challenge you to join me in asking God this question: “Lord, is there something in my life that is taking up too much of my time and energy? And if so, please give me the wisdom and strength to correct it.”
Friday Five: Dream Edition
I used to love doing the Friday Five questions as a fun diversion. I haven’t answered them in ages so today I’m starting again for the heck of it.
What are some recurring dreams you’ve had? I often have dreams where I am in the home I grew up in as a child. I can still be at the present moment of my life but I am living in my old house. I spend the first 20 years of my life there so I guess it is pretty ingrained in me. (Thankfully, in my dreams I was no longer wearing big hair and leggings.)
What is the significance of dreams in telling you about yourself? I don’t see dreams as “signs” in the literal sense of the term but they can be an indication of what has been on my mind lately or issues I deal with often. Other times it is just insane stuff like the 50’s era horror movie dreams where I was fighting giant insects.
How do you feel after you’ve had one of THOSE dreams? I remember one time I had a dream (or nightmare) that Brian was having an affair and his boss at work was telling me not to worry about it since everyone does that these days and I should have an affair too. I remember waking up crying and being so mad at him. Of course, my Sweetie was bewildered at why I was upset with him for something that never happened. I think I was also pregnant when I dreamt that so the hormones were also wreaking havoc, the poor guy.
What was the last dream you remember? Yesterday I dreamt that I was back in school (circa junior high) and I was talking to my friend Eric about another friend who had died. We were consoling one another when the lunch bell rang and we had to go into the cafeteria. However, we could not sit together because a teacher assigned seats and I had to sit at a table with people I didn’t know well. However, when I got to the table all the seats were already taken so I decided to go back and find Eric. Then I woke up. (Okay, figure that one out.)
When did you last dream about something that later happened as you dreamt it? I once had a dream that I was sitting at the computer typing. Around me there were dishes that needed washing and piles of laundry that needed cleaning and Bella was asking for lunch and Andrew was dumping a container of oatmeal on the floor while I kept typing away at drivel. Then I woke up. Fast forward to his moment…yes, it is just as I dreamt it. This déjà vu is my cue to sign off for the day. Later!
Bella Moment: Who’s Coming?
Me: Bella, you need to straighten up your room and help Mommy get the house cleaned.
Bella: Who’s coming over?
Me: Just because we’re cleaning the house doesn’t mean that someone is coming over.
Bella: (Keeps looking at me.)
Me: (Thinking to self, “Dang, she is right. If it wasn’t for the steady stream of visitors we’d never dust or vacuum.” So I admit…) Well, actually, Ms. T is coming to visit us but that’s not the point. We’d have to clean the house anyway.
(Note to self: Next time we’re cleaning when someone really isn’t coming over.)
One-Year Well Check and Vaccines
My mind has been in a fog today. I was on my way to taking Andrew for his one year check up and I kept zoning out while I was driving and then having to think, “Wait, where am I going again? Swimming lessons? Dentist? Target? Oh, yeah, pediatrician.” Scary.
I’m happy to report that Andrew is fine and healthy although just a little peanut compared to other babies. However, Bella was the same way and he began life on the small side, clocking in at 5 lb, 12 oz, so I’m not worried about it. I must say he was also a trooper since he was due for his next round of shots. In fact, my sis EL was just asking me about my views on vaccinations. I have friends in both camps and I respect both sides. Personally, I am pro-vaccine with reservations.
We go to a pediatrician who is more holistic and into organics and keeping things as natural as you can. He does give vaccines but he doesn’t follow the standard procedure and timing. He does the bare minimum and spreads out the timing of the shots so the kids’ little bodies aren’t inundated with them all at once. It requires me going to the office more often but in this case, I don’t mind. So far we haven’t had any problems or side effects and today Andrew whimpered a little when he got his shot but he was smiling again within minutes.
Another factor to consider is that regular schools require vaccines but if you’re homeschooling, it’s not as big an issue.