What do you say??

I took a class once on how to logically Defend Life.  They taught us practical and very logical arguments that would stump even the most vocal pro-choicers.  It was great.  I used that class so much.  I pulled out arguments in situations that I would have otherwise remained silent or just stumbled over my words.

I feel like I need a class in defending the Church's teaching on birth control, ART, IVF, etc. these days.  With all the activity around Sew's post, it makes me want to declare and defend this teaching to no end.  But what do you say?  How do you express this teaching logically, quickly and in a way that someone might actually 'get it'??

I feel constantly attacked whenever this subject comes up.  My non-Catholic, non-religious friends all know my stance on these issues.  But do they know why I feel as I do?  Do they get it?  No.  I've tried to explain it... but my words get jumbled and I'm sure I just sound like a conservative idiot to them... going on and on about the evils of birth control and the beauty of giving yourself completely to your spouse.  I'm just not hip and in touch with the modern world.  I'm perfectly ok with that and wouldn't have it any other way.

I often find myself just remaining quiet when all my girlfriends are talking about how great their birth control is, what they are on and what 'works best' for them... how much they love it... how they are having a little party once their husbands get snipped... whatever they need to get the ultimate goal... NO baby!  Or how IVF and ART are just no big deal and a way to get the ultimate goal... a baby (when and how they want it).  I need to speak up, but I cannot find the words, or maybe the courage, to stand up and fight!!

In that situation, what are simple, quick and logical explanations to use?  I don't have time to go in-depth about the beauty of Theology of the Body.  I'll leave that to the follow-up conversations.  Religious arguments won't convince them, especially my totally non-believing friends.  They just tune me out the moment before I even begin.  I have less then a minute before they think I've completely lost it in my little conservative bubble.  How do you explain this to someone that quick who just doesn't get it??  What do I say when counter my argument and say that NFP is just Catholic birth control and the same thing as what they are doing?  I know it is not... but they always fire back with that one!

So.... suggestions?? Fabulous ideas?? Resources??

P.S. This might be a great topic for a certain blog... say one that has the word Catholic bubble in the title.  Hint, Hint.  :)

That Kind of Love

I hardly made it through mass on Father's Day.  I was crazy emotional and felt I was going to lose it at any moment.  

Doug and I sat behind this adorable elderly couple.  We often see them at mass.  They sit in the same place each week.  It is obvious to anyone who sees them that they have been together for their entire lives... I imagine they were high school sweethearts.  They love each other unconditionally and are incredibly cute.  They seem very devout.  They both pray so hard before mass and participate fully.  Their faith is not a spectator sport.  The husband has always seemed so in love with his wife... gently leading her into the pew, holding her hand during mass, his hand on her shoulder on the way up to communion and holding hands on the way out of mass.  The wife is always very quiet, with a gentle smile on her face at all times.  

Right before mass began, the husband leaned back to say something to Doug and I.  He whispered that his wife has early Alzheimer's and he was needed as an Eucharistic Minister.  He was asking if we would make sure she got back to the pew after communion.  He said she would know to go to communion and would be fine, but wanted to make sure she made it through all the people and back to 'their spot'.  We agreed and I started crying.... and pretty much didn't stop until we were out of the church.  

The readings got to me... the music got to me... the father's day blessing got to me... and this couple really touched me.  I cried during the whole mass... with no tissues in sight!

She made it back to the pew fine after communion and knelt down to pray.  He came back to the pew, knelt down by her and held her hand.  Ahhhh... more tears.  What an amazing love!!  You can tell that he will be taking care of her someday and he wouldn't want to do anything else.  They are a true example of the vows we take when we get married.  I'm sure they have been through a lot in their life... the wrinkles on their faces speak volumes.  Their faith was so clear.  Here they are, praising God and loving each other.  In a world where people get married and divorced like it is no big deal, this was amazing to see.  I bet they could give everyone a few lessons on how it is done.  Wow.  I'm still in awe... and still tearing up when I think about it.  I hope we sit by them again.  I'll bring some tissues next time.

My Dad

Simply said... my dad is the best. 

He was one cute baby.

He was raised with nothing.  He did not have a bed to sleep in or food every night.  When he was young, he vowed to give his kids everything someday.  He's the middle one in the front row.  

He always had a smile on his face.

He feel in love with my mom in high school.  Their lockers were next to each other. 

He instantly became her hero.  He is mine too.  These pictures are from her old high school scrapbook. Too cute!

After high school, he joined the Navy.  He traveled the world while my mom was in college. 

They planned their wedding through love letters he wrote from Vietnam.  I cherish those.  They are filled with so much excitement for their big day and their life together! 

They lived and traveled all around the country... 

He was a teacher and then became an engineer.

Then he became a dad... his favorite job. Yep, that's me!

He was and still is always doing for others.  

Here he is with my older brother at the K of C tootsie roll drive. 

I use to 'help' shave his beard.  I loved it! Ha!

He has a great smile.  He's one of the best.  He can always cheer me up.  He left me all those notes in high school.  We went to every high school football game together.  Every. Single. Game.  It was our dad/daughter date each week.  I'm so glad we did this... it was my favorite time of the week. He has the most sincere heart.  He cries at hall.mark commercials... saves all the cards I send him.  He loves his family and he would do anything for anyone.  

He is as good of a grandpa, as he is a dad.  The kids ADORE him.

My niece Maricel and my nephews Jeffrey and Peter.  Jeffrey has my dad's smile.  Too cute.

My dad always told me not to 'settle'.  He said that my guy was out there.  He was right.  He was thrilled when I married Doug.  

I love him so much!

I always wanted to find a guy like my dad... I think I did. They even dress alike (and match the curtains! Ha!).

They are both pretty good sports!

Happy Father's Day Day!  I love you!

And someday... I can't wait to see Doug be a dad.

Doug is holding John Paul.  He will make a great father!

A great time had by all...

We went to a great wedding reception this weekend!  It was crazy fun!  I had a 'reception' blog post in my drafts... but never posted it!  I thought it was about time I do that!  Ha!  Here is is!

Shots of tomato soup and mini grilled cheese sandwiches... YUM!

Your mouth should be watering... these cuppies are to die for!  We had one made named after us, a cinnamon cake with almond icing called "The Jenny and Doug."  It is now sold at the cupcakery! Sew and Life Hopes can verify the yumminess... they've both had these when in Indiana! 

The "Groom Cupcakes" Purdue is for Doug.

The Ohio State is for his family.

I'm a Hawkeye!!

The entrance... to the Star Wars theme.  Super fun!

Best Man during the toast.

MOH during her toast.

Cheers!

Yum!  Yum!  Yum!  

First Dance.  Doug sang the old Kenny Rogers song, "You decorated my life" to me while we danced.

I love this picture!

Father/Daughter dance.  I totally lost it!  Dancing to "Your Song" by Garth.

Doug and his mom... and the kiddos!

Cutest couple at the party!

Our reception activity!  These were SO much fun to read! 

We had some fun dancing it up! 

We have video of us dancing... it's hysterical!

One of my favorite pictures of the whole wedding.

Dancing with Donna and Dominic!  Fun times!

We had so much fun TOGETHER!  We tried to be with each other as much as possible!! Sounds funny, but several people gave us that advice... to celebrate the reception together, instead of worrying about all the guests!  It totally worked!

Ahh... Beth and the Bud... aka John Paul. 

More dancing... 

MOH + three glasses of wine at one time = Fun Times!

One of the best friends a gal can have!

Last dance of the evening.

So crazy in love!  It was such a fun day!

The exit.