Back to Reality...

Can it be??  Is summer really over??  Say it ain't so!  I have to admit... I did NOT have high hopes for this summer!  Yep, I'm not exactly the optimist in this bunch.  I dreaded summer with a passion this year.  I hate the heat, the humidity and I started counting down the days until fall way back in May!  Now... it's officially over in our house and I am going to miss it!!  I never thought I would feel this way! 

DH went back to teaching this week.  He worked up at school getting his awesome classroom ready all last week.  Sigh... this is why I miss summer already.

He had been home all summer and I loved every (well, almost) minute of it.  At the start of the summer, I was pretty resentful at the fact that he would be able to sleep in, do everything at his leisure, watch tv, read blogs, etc., etc.  That's what I want to do after all!  I was insanely jealous that he had the summer off. 

But... turns out having him home was FABULOUS!  It was like I had a wife!  And a good one!  Way better than the wife I am!  Sure... I got up early and headed off to work while he was snuggling with the cat in bed.  That wasn't my favorite time of day.  I just wanted to stay home too!  But man, while I was at work... household magic would happen!  I would come home and dinner would be hot and on the table! Fruit would be cut.  Dishes were done.  Laundry was put away.  Grocery shopping was complete.  Clean sheets on the bed.  My lunch was even made for the next day.  Ahhhh.... it was fabulous! FAB.U.LOUS!!  

We seemed to have so much more 'balance' this summer -- this was the best part of him
being home.  Our time together was not spent running around town running errands and such.  Everything was done.  In the evenings, we could talk about our day, connect, watch a little tv and/or work on the computer.  It was so nice!  I loved it!!  Nothing felt rushed.  It was calm.  When we are both in knee high with work during the week, it's so different.  It seems like everything is rushed.  It's a rush to cook dinner when we both get home; a rush to eat the dinner; a rush to do the laundry and dishes and run errands and get to bed in good time so we can get up early and start it all again.  

This weekend, I went to the grocery store (with DH).  I did the dishes.  I did the laundry.  I vacuumed.  I want summer back!  I know... insert eye roll right here!  Hahaha!!!  I still haven't cooked much... I'm holding onto summer for just a tiny bit longer.  DH is way better at meal preparation than me... so I think that even with teaching, he will still be doing a good share of that!  He did so much of it right after we got married too!  I think after a few meals... he figured he was better off if he was the chef in the family!   I admit... I can be a little lazy when it comes to domestic duties... but I'm working on it!!  

Right now we are getting back to reality and into a new school year routine. I'm going to try to stay ahead of things this fall.  I love coming home to a clean house.  It's been ssparking clean ever since certain bloggers came to visit!  It's nice to have everything done and in order.  I know the craziness of life won't always allow me to do this... but it's worth a try! "I like housework... I like housework... I like housework."  Maybe if I say that enough times it will come true!  Ha! 

What a trip!

It's been almost a week since my blogger-vacation... and I am now just getting to a post on going to the Nest!!  Like Ann and Sew said... it was a total fluke how we all ended up together at the Nest.  And I'm so glad we did!  It was so much fun!  Ann and R are perfect hosts!  We felt totally at home... Sew even brought groceries with her! We literally talked and talked and talked and talked until we feel sound asleep every night.  No subject was off limits.  I'm sure R heard more about his house guests cervical mucus and ovulation patterns in one weekend than he ever really wanted to know.  Ha!  He was a trooper!

We talked... we laughed... shed a few tears... shopped... got our nails and toes done... had real southern BBQ... went to a shrine... went to confession... went to mass... talked and laughed some more... and then eventually, after 4 great days, went home.  It all adds up to one great blogger-vacation!  I can't wait to do it again!

Some of highlights:

1. The Shrine.  Sew and I got busted for taking pictures.  Yep, busted!  We just happened to miss the HUGE sign in front of the church that said "NO PICTURES"!  Yep... we had no clue!  We had gone in a side door due to some rain... so we hadn't even seen the sign! ACK!  The second we raised our cameras a very nice and respectful worker came and told us to put those camera's away.  We were mortified!  But in the end... it was all good.  The shrine was SO BEAUTIFUL!  I had never really seen anything like it.  It was quiet and peaceful and you could just feel God's presence there.  Awesome.

2. Confession.  Having just been reprimanded at the Shrine... We headed to confession.  I love going to confession at a parish where the priest has no idea who I am, so I was all for it!  Ann and R assured Sew and myself that it would be a quick line... in and out.  Ummm.... not so much.  We had ample time to prepare for our confessions... because we were in line forever.  As soon as I headed into the confessional... I discovered why.  I said one little sin... and the priest started talking and talking and talking.  It was all great stuff... but in the back of my mind I kept thinking, "Man, Sew and R are totally thinking I killed someone, I've been in here so long!" He stopped talking after about 10 minutes... I said another little sin... and he was off again.  Oh man!  Again, all great stuff... but I still had a few sins on my mental list and I didn't think he'd let me get them in.  Eventually... I went down my 'sin list' real quick and it was all good.  Sew was up next.  After she came out... she indeed said that my dear friends had given each other a little look during my confession, since I had been in there so long!  Ha!!

3. Mass.  I had never heard the term "Y'all" at mass!  It was a first for me!  I didn't laugh... but I sure wanted to get my phone out and do a voice recording!  But I didn't!

4. Cooking.  Man... there was some great low-carb/gluten-free food in the nest!  Sew has pictures of everything we ate to prove it.  Ann and R can cook a meal!  De-li-cious!

5. Scrapbooks.  Ann and R do one fabulous job at capturing their years together.  Ann puts together several scrapbooks/memory books and some videos that highlight any given year.  I looked through them all and am determined to do the same!  The video recaps were so good -- I loved watching them!!  Looking through all the pages gave me such a wonderful glimpse into the pair that is Ann and R.  They are amazing together and it is so obvious to see that just by looking at them.

6. Speaking of  scrapbooks... I totally made Sew and Ann show me their wedding pictures!  I begged... I pleaded... and I loved them!  And... I only made Ann watch my wedding video and the nuptial mass highlights!  Hahahaha!  Sew had gone to bed... plus, Sew has already seen the the video when she was up here visiting Beautiful Day!  Hahahaha!

7. Pictures.  For a girl who is always taking pictures... I was shocked when I got home and hardly had any.  Sew had such a crazy wonderful camera... I just let her take them!  I'm sure she will post some soon!  :)  She got some really good ones too... we had a little fun with the famous soap from Leila and a few other things while Ann left us alone in the house!  He he!

8. Friends.  Man, it is so wonderful to be part of such a wonderful community of friends.  I NEVER imagined that I would become so close to so many wonderful people through the blogs... let alone go on a girls weekend to hang out with them!  Y'all are the best and I love y'all!  I'm trying to talk a little Southern... he he!

So... here is why I have no photos to post! 

Yep... It clearly says no pictures.

Prayer Buddy Reveal!

This prayer buddy round, I had the honor of praying for This Cross I Embrace.  TCIE is well known to all of us.  I am a regular reader of her blog and am often inspired and in awe of her writing.  She was already so often in my thoughts and prayers.  I was so humbled when I received her name.  I honestly did not feel 'holy' enough to pray for her.  I thought she was so worthy of a better prayer warrior.  Someone who could REALLY pray.  I quickly got over those thoughts and was determined to prayer as hard as I ever have for TCIE and her husband.

Praying for TCIE gave my prayer life some much needed direction.  She was in my constant thoughts and prayers.  When I say constant, I mean constant (but not in a weird stalker way!).  She was one of my first thoughts in the morning.  Whenever I opened my phone to read the blogs (which is often!  Ha!), I said a prayer for her.  I would be sitting at work and she would come to mind and I'd stop and say a quick prayer.  And of course, she was in my nightly prayers.

I joined TCIE in her novenas to St. Raphael and St. Anne.  I had already planned on praying a novena for her and her husband to the Archangel Raphael, with a focus on healing.  So when TCIE mentioned doing a novena to the Archangel on her blog, I decided to do it at the same time!!  It was perfect! St. Raphael is one of my FAVORITE SAINTS - EVER!!  I think I have said more novena's to St. Raphael (especially in my single days) than any other saint!  I hope St. Raphael was a powerful intercessor for her.

There were times in the prayer buddy season that I knew TCIE was down, sad, frustrated, hurt, etc.  I pleaded for God to be with her during these times.  I have such a hard time understanding why someone so wonderful has to endure so much suffering.  I honestly do not understand it.  I know there is the redemptive value of suffering... but still... WHY??  Why TCIE?  Why can't I carry her cross for her and let her receive bountiful blessings??  I asked a priest about this without giving any specific details.  He reminded me that Christ was a wonderful person as well.  Yet, he had to suffer on the cross.  It was an answer I expected and left me still struggling with the 'why' of it all for weeks.  He encouraged me to pray with all my might for my friend, to offer any suffering on my part for her.  That I did.  The priest reassured me that my prayers are heard... even when I feel they are not.  I'm not sure if any of my prayers were answered for TCIE, but I know I tried my very best.

As this prayer buddy round comes to an end, TCIE, please know that I (and all the bloggers) promise to stand by you, pray for you and support you.  Thank you for inspiring me by your willingness to take this journey, not just today, but tomorrow and the next day.  I pray that in the worst and best of times, that God too, will be with you, bestowing his grace and love upon you always.

************************************************************************

Thank you so much, Some how, Some way, Some day, for praying for me!!!  Those prayers mean the world to me!!  I cannot thank you enough!

Look who I've been hanging out with...

Fabulous girls weekend!!

Prayer buddy reveal coming soon!

Surprise Blogger Meeting!

Another reason why you should always have your house clean??  You might just have a blogger show up on your doorstep!  I had a surprise blogger visit tonight and it was SO MUCH FUN!!  I was just chilling at home working on a few things for work and got an email from Thankful from Always Giving Thanks saying that she was in town for work!  Crazy!  So we exchanged a few messages and within an hour she was at our house!  Crazy!!

We chatted it up like old friends!  I kept her up way to late... but I couldn't stop gabbing!  I still couldn't believe she was at my house!  She was so nice and it really did seem like we had known each other for a long time!  It was great!!  And FYI... she has one cute baby bump!  Thank you so much, Thankful, for coming over!!  Doug and I loved having you here!

It is definitely a blogger week!  I have a feeling I might just bump into a few more bloggers before the week is up!  I can't wait!

I love meeting bloggers!

She brought these beautiful flowers with her!  So nice!

Side note:  Big meeting at work today at 9:30am ... If you could, send a few prayers my way, that would be great!  Thanks!  And... Doug's back is feeling MUCH better today!  Thanks for all those prayers!

Good Deal and Great Friends

Wow.  Our house is clean.  It's NEVER this clean.  It's never this tidy.  Everything is in order and in the proper place.  Well... most things, just don't open the bedroom closet.  :)  Actually, even that is pretty clean! DH and I spent the majority of last week cleaning our house top to bottom!  It had needed it for a long time and it now feels wonderful to relax in a clean and tidy home!  We even trimmed trees and pulled weeds!  We were on a roll!  I love a clean house!  Love it!  I just hate to clean! So... why were two people who hate to clean on such a cleaning spree?  Well... we had more company this past weekend, than we have had our entire time we've lived here!!  It was the perfect motivation we needed to get this place in order!  The house looked great and having company was even better!

Friday night we hosted Doug's aunt who was in town.  She had only been here once, around wedding time, so the house has changed a lot.  It was great to see her and show her how we have made this house our home.  On Sunday, we had Doug's mom, dad and sister over for a few hours.  They have also not been here much, so it was great to host them.  

But the real motivation for the trimmed trees and deep cleaning... Ann and her husband R from Building a Nest were in town!!!!!! Whoo hooo!!!  How exciting to met some blogger friends!!  We all met at a little restaurant for lunch with Beth and crew.  It was so fun! Then, we all headed back to our house for some delicious cupcakes.  Delicious because I did not make them.  :)  It was so wonderful to meet Ann and R in person.  Ann and I have spent hours and hours on the phone, so it was great to talk to her in person!  R was so easy going and anyone can tell he is a great DH.  Ann was just like I imagined... a genuinely warm person who is funny, caring and a blast to be around.  Man, I wish I could spend more time with her.  I might just have to go visit her someday! ;)  

It was great to show Ann and R around my hometown and have them see where Doug and I live as well.  They even got to spend some quality time with Doug's beloved cat Smokey.  I'm sure that was the highlight (not!) of their entire trip.  I was going to give him them as a souvenir, but it didn't work.  Ann and R were a hit with Beth and crew as well.  Madeleine and John Paul loved playing with both of them (and Smokey, too).  It was crazy cute! Now... if Ann could only come back and help me decorate and hang up some pictures, we'd be set!  Don't you all remember this?  Yep, she is good!  

Here is a preview... more pics to come on Ann's photo blog, I'm sure.  :)

So, right when Ann and R were taking off, we were chatting about our house.  I told them the only thing I really wanted to change (about the living room) was our ugly tv stand.  I hate it.  It's old and too small, but it's all we have for now.  It's not a huge priority to replace and really no big deal.  

About 20 minutes after they left, my MOH Mary stopped by.  See, tons of company!  She said she had seen a great looking tv armoire on a porch in our neighborhood.  I jumped in her car and we went to take a look.  I loved it!  I told the lady I would bring Doug by after we had measured our tv to take a look!  We headed back deal and bought a beautiful piece of furniture!  For $25!!!!  Whoo hoo!  What a deal!  They even delivered it right to our living room!  We spent the next few hours cleaning it up and polishing the wood.  It looks brand new!  I LOVE IT... just as much as I hated the ugly old stand!!  It makes the room look so more finished!  Whoo hoo!!!  All in all... a great weekend!!!!!!

Ugly old thing.

Beautiful new look! For only $25!!

Side note: Prayer buddy... Can you say some extra prayers for DH?  He has hurt his back something fierce and is in a lot of pain!  Thanks in advance!!

Anyone??

My good friend Mary.... has a question.... here it is.... Anyone know the answer??  Do tell! Either here or on her blog!

Here is goes...

"who said: "Adoption is not "plan B," it was always God's "plan A"

I saw that quote (or something similar) on another blog and I responded to it...and now I can't remember who wrote the blog/where that was?!?! Can anyone help me out here? :)"

Thanks everyone!!  Mary's sister and brother-in-law just adopted the cutest little baby boy Michael!!!  He is beyond adorable!

A good day

I like the date July 27th.  It's one of my favorite days of the year.

Two years ago, I met Doug.  No picture (I know... so unlike me!), but here's the story!

One year ago, we found our house and made an offer.

This year.... Beth had us and another great friend (bridesmaid Donna!) over for a delicious dinner.

Yep, this is a good good day!

Friday Quick Takes - DH Style!

I felt inspired to guest write a Friday quick takes about my wife. I hope you enjoy it!

All Things Jenny – From a DH perspective

1

I love my wife because she is my best friend. My heart lifts when I see her and hugging her makes me feel better no matter what. She makes me laugh and she is always there for me.

2

Her rivalry with my cat cracks me up. She seems to often compete with the cat for my attention. She makes “rules” about how close he can be to me, where he can sit, and what he can do. He doesn’t pay much attention because he is a CAT. The funniest is when we are in bed and she puts her arm on top of me so that the cat can’t lay there. :)

3

Jenny has gotten me hooked on blogs. I think part of it is because the stories are compelling and the writing is wonderful. I especially enjoy reading about the “Bubble” and Ann’s nest building. I have even commented on occasion.

4

Jenny has great friends from the blogs. While I still find it a little strange to share so much information with people you have never met in real life, the support they have provided and the value of their friendship is quite real – and priceless. Thank you for looking out for Jenny.

5

It is part as of my job as Jenny's DH to say no. I love Jenny and she gets her way quite a bit, but there are times that I have to say no to provide some balance. Whether it is turning down names for our imaginary future children (she comes up with some doozies) or refusing to bring her water when she doesn’t ask me for it, but instead talks about how she is dying of thirst – there have to be a few limits and I provide them, whether I like it or not. For example, after she reads this... she will ask, "What do you think about a boy named Doozie?" I must say no.

6

I am grateful for Jenny’s attempts to be in nature. She and nature don’t really get along, but she came to one of my programs on wildflowers last year and we went hiking in Brown County. I appreciate her efforts, even if they don’t always end well.

7

I value her faith. I am not Catholic by upbringing, but I respect Jenny’s beliefs and support her in that pursuit. I attend mass with her every week and I value her beliefs, even it I don’t always fully understand them. They are part of who she is and part of why I love her.

Thank you for reading my thoughts. If it goes well, maybe Jenny will let me guest write again. ;)

Doug

Poor DH... Poor Nature.

I've had many a friends say to me (jokingly, I'm sure), "Poor Doug... poor, poor Doug."  My DH puts up with A LOT from me!  He cooks, he cleans, he brings me blankets when I'm cold, he sits in the same room when my soap opera is on (I secretly think he wants to know what's happening with the good people in Salem!) and he does not ask for anything in return.  I definitely married a good one.

So a few weeks ago, we went on a little weekend getaway.  We went to a small little town, nestled among lots of trees, hills and fresh clean air.  It's a great place to spend a weekend -- little shops around every corner, local dives to eat at... and a room with a private hot tub.  What else could you ask for?  Well... if you are my DH, a former park ranger, you ask for nature... and lots of it.  It's one of the thing I don't do well with.

In this same small town (with the perfectly air conditioned room we rented) is also a huge state park.  We went there last year.  We drove around, even got outside!  We looked at the spectacular views and that was it.  Seemed like the perfect balance to me.  But this year, DH wanted to do a little more in the state park -- I suggested a long hike!  Yep, it was my brilliant idea.  Since DH does SO MUCH for me all the time... I was going to do this for him!  I was actually excited about the idea.  I thought this would be a great way to get my exercise in for the day and make DH a very happy man!

We went to the park and saw that trail #8 was 'moderate' and about 4 miles long.  I thought, "Perfect!"  I had wanted a more rugged trail... but moderate would do!  It was the LONGEST hike in the whole park... that should have been a clue!  But, clueless, off on the hike we went.  We were smiling, talking and having a great time.  I was making suggestions of coming to the park more often... hiking all the time, etc.  I think DH thought I had gone mad!  I think I had too!  This jovial attitude continued for about the first 1.5 miles.  After that, it was all downhill...

I'm not sure who decides what is a "moderate trail", but I'm pretty sure they need to be fired!  We were up and down steep hills, climbing over rocks, stomping through mud and water, getting bitten by every insect known to man... all in the 95 degree heat and humidity.  It felt like we were hiking around in circles and we would never escape!  I had visions that I would die in the woods.  I didn't really realize that 4 miles hiking was a little different than out nightly 4 mile walk on the local trails.  Oh, I was so wrong!!

DH had no visions of us dying in the woods.  While he felt the 'moderate' trail was one of the hardest ever, he found it completely rejuvenating!  He didn't even flinch when I yelled, "I strongly dislike nature and it obviously hates me!"  OK, I might have used a few harsher words than that.... but that was near the end of our several mile/several hour hike, when I was SO OVER IT and still convinced I was going to die.

Well, right after I almost started to cry because I could see no end in sight... I saw the car.  It was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen!  I practically ran to it and sat in front of the air conditioning.  I've never been so happy to be in a car - ever!

I think that is the end of our nature hiking for a while.  While I did feel a HUGE sense of accomplishment after the hike, I was limping around for a week.  Muscles I didn't even know existed hurt.  Thank goodness for the hot tub!  We will revisit this next year... or maybe when it is no longer 95 degrees outside.  Meanwhile, I'm perfectly content hiking around my air-conditioned house... or our local trails.  I think that is 'moderate' enough for me!

DH in his element. 

7 Quick Takes (2)

-1-

The last few days have been MUCH BETTER... not great, but better, which I will gladly take!  Cramps have been HORRIBLE!  They are never this bad.  My entire body hurts.  Ugh.  Not sure why it is so different this month.  But, on a good note... I have been super busy reading my great thyroid books that lunch at my desk has been great!  I think they know something is up, since I'm normally there every day.  Oh well.  I needed a little break and I think I'll be ready to give it another go next week! I also think talking to Ann for a good 3 1/2 hours the other day helped make this week not so bad as well!  Plus Leila's back... that makes my world better too!

-2-

My diocese has a new bishop!  Bishop Tim Doherty was ordained and installed yesterday!  I was able to watch the beautiful mass online!  It was amazing!  He was so humbled.  He was overcome with emotion during the consecration.  That was so awesome to see.  He also was overwhelmed by everyone who had come to the mass... including his parents and family, his priests from his previous diocese and even the nuns that taught him in grade school were there!  His mom was so sweet!  What an honor to have a son serve as a bishop!  Wow!  She did something right!!  I think Bishop Doherty will great for this diocese!  I'm very excited!  I have a quote of his on my desk at work and I love it!  I think it applies to about every situation in life:

"If you have a trust in God, things will happen that you would have never foreseen.  God does have a way of carrying you... " - Bishop Tim Doherty

-3- 

Hair color does a body good!  I finally have returned to the color I'm pretty sure that God intended me to be - blonde!  I had some major hair trauma a few months ago and it was not working!  I hated it!  Every time I looked in the mirror I cringed!  I went back to my good hair gal (not the one that messed it all up!) and we've been slowly working on it!  It's getting there and is so much lighter! Yay!  I came home with a smile on my face and I love it.  The hair cut is in a bit of a horrible 'in between' stage... but I will take it over what I had before!  Whoo hoo!

-4- 

Our floors are FINALLY getting replaced!  Everything has been ordered and they should be installed in the next few weeks!  It will be so nice once they are all done!  Our insurance ended up paying for the entire cost, which was wonderful and way more than I ever would have guessed the floors to cost.  We ended up getting the exact same floors from the company who put in the floors for the old owners a few years back.  We love them and didn't want to change a thing.  The main problem ended up being a leak from our ice maker!  They didn't have to tear up the floor or slab!  But really... the ice maker??  So frustrating!  We don't even need an ice maker! We are now buying ice and/or making it ourselves and I'm fine with that.  We don't want another leak!

-5-

Better off Dead.  Have any of you seen this movie?  I had not.  My DH quotes it all the time.  We were flipping through channels last night and stopped on it.  DH was laughing so hard and had a great grin on his face! It was great to see him laugh and laugh and laugh!  I was really wanting to watch big brother... but I didn't say a word!  Aren't you proud??!

-6-

Speaking of... BIG BROTHER!!!  Aren't you bb fans loving it so far!?  The people are all driving me crazy and I can't stop watching.  I think my IQ goes down a little bit each time it is on and I don't mind at all!  Ha!

-7-

Our parish picture directory just came out!  I was so excited for this!  We got our picture taken before we were married... but registered everything under our new name, new address and such.  I was a little worried that it would be wrong ... because it was wrong in another directory months AFTER the wedding.  But it was all correct!  I know this isn't a big deal... but is was fun being in it as a couple!  I also love putting some names with faces we see at mass all the time!  It's the simple things in life, right?!

Happy Friday everyone!!  Have a great weekend!

Bad Day. Best of Friends.

Yesterday was just one of those days.  I might as well got up on the wrong side of the bed.  I went into work in a fairly good mood, but it steadily went down from there.

I just wanted to be at home. In bed. I didn't want to be around anyone at work.  I was tired. I was grumpy. It is CD 1 and I have horrible cramps.  CD 1 didn't bother me, but the cramps were harsh and my legs are sore, as they always are on CD 1.  My clothes were tight and I just wanted to scream.  Get the picture?  Not feeling it today.

Despite my sour mood, I was able to be extremely productive this morning.  But I felt that everything was a struggle.  Even lunch.  I sat there, cramps and all, with my 'lunch bunch' as I call them.  Some of these girls I've known over 15 years.  We go way back.  We've been through a lot together.  So... as most days go, they started talked about their kids.  I love all their kids... and this is common lunch discussion.  No big deal!  Their stories are so funny!  Then they started on how they were so glad they had their birth control (why does this keep coming up? Ugh!)... they were glad their husbands were snipped ... they were so glad most of them would never have to worry about strollers and babies again.  Really?  There is one prego among the group.  She is incredibly cute and pregnant... and they all said to her... "We don't want your kind of birth control... it obviously doesn't work!  Hahahahahaa!"  Everyone was laughing.  But me.  I was emailing Ann about how horrible this was for me.  How out of place I felt.  How I wanted to get up and walk out or scream or something.  One of them knows of my ovulation issues and thyroid problems... they all know of my blocked tubes.  They ALL know about how I feel about birth control.  But they still went on and on.  I've heard this same conversation from this group a zillion times before, but today, it just got to me like it never has before. Thank you Ann for getting me through that lunch!! 

I went back to my desk and cried.  Seriously?  Yep, I cried.  I don't think anyone noticed.  It wasn't that they were talking about their kids that got me.  That happens every day.  I don't mind.  It wasn't the fact that I'm pretty sure I haven't ovulated for months and I'm pretty sure there will be no baby for us for quite a while.  Ok... maybe that was it a little.  But I think what really got me was just how different and out of place I felt.  As I thought about it... I was able to see really WHY I felt so horrible during lunch.

The obvious... I feel behind.  I've always felt this way.  I was always the single one among my friends.  I have friends that have been married 10 plus years and I'm just now a newlywed.  Whatever stage of life I have been in, I always felt like I was playing catch up.  And no matter how fast I run... ok, walk... I can't get where they are.  I can't magically pop out a 9 year old and be all caught up.  Ouch.  Whatever I do... I won't be where they are. 

But what really got me... Is how I kept thinking... "I'm so ok NOT being where they are."  I don't ever want to talk about how wonderful it is that I don't have to worry about strollers and baby spit up.  I don't want to shout, "Yay, I'M DONE!" I don't EVER want to talk about what hormones I'm putting in my body to make sure that happens.  I felt so alone among some of my oldest friends.  All of their talk just emphasized how different we all are.  How different I feel about things.  How different I see the world.  How I can't relate to them, on so many levels.  How if feels as if they do not know me or get me at all.  Comments and topics that never bothered me before, now pierce right though my heart and sting.  The differences between us seem so clear now.  They have always been there and we've known about some of them for a long time.  It was just a little overwhelming, as most things are lately. 

So I finished crying and got on with my day.  Then my fertility nurse calls.  I was anxiously awaiting my labs from last week... I wanted to know how my thyroid was doing.  I knew it was not going great.  All my temps were crazy low this month.  I know I didn't ovulate.  I'm still freezing, tired all the time and my weight hasn't budged at all.  But still... I'm on meds... my thyroid has to be getting somewhat better, right? WRONG! It has gone backwards!  It's worse!!!  Way worse!  I thought I heard the nurse wrong.  She was baffled too.  She had no idea why this would happen.  Everything was worse!  Not one single lab improved on the medication!  Ugh!  I have an appointment with Dr. G Monday and hopefully, we can get some things working in the right direction.

So, as I'm receiving the news... I was emailing Ann and Sew.  I think we were emailing about how Judas was the first to leave mass or something... Hmmm.... Anyway... we start emailing about my thyroid and Dr. Sew kicks in!  She and Ann were telling me what I need to order, what needs to be done, what tests to run, etc. etc.  They demand that I talk to Barbie (get ready! email is heading your way!) and get as much information as I possibly can before my appointment on Monday.  They are right.  I'm not wasting another appointment.  I'm not going to keep feeling like this.  It's horrible.  My body is not working and I hate it.  Sew tells me what thyroid books I need to read.  Check!  I called the library and started driving that way.  She then emails me the name of a doctor who specializes in adrenals and thyroid in my area.  Check!  I called and made an appointment.  I can't get in until the end of September, but it's a start.  I started reading my books tonight and I'm getting ready for Monday.  Talk about some best friends.  I have friends I have known for years that wouldn't go to all that trouble!  They lifted me up when I was down... what amazing sisters in Christ!!!

When I got home... DH was there to offer a big bear hug.  He knew exactly what I needed.  He's the best too.  He always knows just what I need... he loves me, even my non-functioning thyroid. I'm so glad I ended up where I did.  If I wasn't so "behind" I wouldn't be here with Doug.  I wouldn't have all these amazing friends here on the blogs.  I would not trade that for anything.  Well... maybe some armour!  Ha ha!  Just kidding!!

And today... I think I'll be eating lunch at my desk.  :)


Side note: I saw Beth last night and her baby bump is looking oh so cute! 

Pet Peeves

Don't we all miss Leila??  It seems like she has been gone FOREVER!  So... in honor of her absence and because I don't have any good material for a full post... I'm stealing her idea! Here it goes!

-1-

Getting out of bed.  Yep, I hate it.  I am a night person and I dread getting out of bed in the morning.  It takes me forever to get to sleep and I love love love to sleep in.  I'm up by 5am every morning and one of my first thoughts (after a few prayers)... is ugh... 'I can't wait to go to bed tonight!'  Yep, I think that at 5am!  Pathetic, huh? 

-2-

Leaving mass early.  I can't stand it when people receive the Eucharist and then run out of the church.  Ugh.  Seriously??  You can't stay a whole 5 - 10 extra minutes after communion to receive the final blessing?  I think this is so disrespectful.  I once heard Fr. Larry Rich.ards say that leaving mass early is like spitting on the cross.  I wish everyone could have heard Fr. Larry talk about it that way.  They would NEVER leave mass early again.  I realize that there are situations that call for leaving mass early... emergencies and such.   I totally understand that.  I just don't get leaving early because you don't feel like staying or need to get someplace better. 

-3-

Since we are talking about 'pet' peeves... I better mention: Cat hair.  Cat smell.  Cat food. Uck. Uck. Uck.  I don't mind Doug's cat too much, just all that goes with him!  He can be pretty cute sometimes and all he does is sleep.  At least we both like to do that.  I could just do without the hair, smell and food and darn litter box too.

Leila being gone so long could really be a pet peeve... but I respect her spending time with family and all that stuff... ha!! :)

My first Quick Takes!!

-1-

It's my first quick takes! I love reading them and while mine probably won't be nearly as entertaining and interesting as others, I thought it would give it a go!  I have a zillion ideas swirling around in my head at a given time... hardly any make it to a blog post (unless it involves a wedding picture!) Ha!  I thought this would be a good way to get some things down.  Plus, I'm always one to jump on a good band wagon!

-2-

My #1 summer obsession??  Bi.g Bro.ther!  I admit it... I LOVE to watch it.  I'm not the biggest reality TV fan, but I cannot not keep my eyes off this show!  I have watched it for the last several years and love it!  It really takes some commitment to watch this show... it's on THREE times a week!  Three!  It's crazy!  But I am totally willing to make that commitment!  I can do it!  Some friends and I often have 'big broth.er' parties when it gets down to the very end... it's very fun!  I DO NOT, however, subscribe to the live feed that is available!  I only did that one year... several years ago.  I must say, it did come in very handy!  And I wonder why I was single so long... Hmmmm....

-3-

My other obsession that extends into all four seasons??  My i.phone.  Yep, I admit it.  I'm an i.phone-aholic.  I need help and I know it.  My phone is with my All.The.Time.  I'm working on it... slowing, but working on it.  I first got one two years ago and we were instantly attached at the hip.  I just got a new one (yay) and I love it!  It was the official... "You don't ovulate, your thyroid is totally busted, I have diabetes, we had frozen pipes, your tubes are blocked, we had a water leak and need all new floors, etc., etc, phone" gift from my husband.  He pre-ordered it and it arrive promptly on launch day!  Yes, this makes me smile more than you know!  It will take the place of my next few Christmas, anniversary and birthday presents.  While I do admit that I have a little too much love for my phone, it is so handy... how else would I email Ann, Leila, Beth and Sew during the day??  :)

-4-

Speaking of phones... I HATE it when people text and drive.  It scares me silly!  I use to do this.  I do NOT anymore.  It might drive me crazy, but I put the phone down.  I had to honk at a car last week that was on its way to hit me.  I could see the driver looking down while we were coming to a stop.  I honked, they looked up and barely missed me!  I've been in 6 car accidents (NONE were my fault!) and I do not want to be in any more!  Statistics show that nearly 500,000 people are injured and 6,000 are killed every year because drivers are so distracted, either by talking, texting or e-mailing behind the wheel!  No text message or email is worth that.

-5-

I've got a great blog for everyone to check out!  My 'in real life' friend Megan has started a new blog, Heart of St. Monica! It's going to be a great blog!  Megan is unapologetically Catholic and knows how to defend her faith!  She has done so many times on the blogs already!  Megan has the cutest family... a great hubby Bill and two adorable little girls!  She has a blog about her girls too! It's been great getting to know Megan better through the blogs.  It's funny... because I haven't seen Megan since she discovered blogging... but yet, I feel like we've become such better friends!  One more reason I love this blogging community!

-6-

Wine.  I walked in the door tonight and my wonderful DH handed me a glass of wine.  I love him and the wine.  He had prepared the most delicious and wonderfully healthy meal too!  He is home for the summer and has been doing all the cooking and grocery shopping!  I LOVE IT!  He's been grilling up a storm and he is great!  It's so nice to come home with all the little stuff done... so we can spend the rest of the evening just being with each other!  It makes such a difference!

-7-

This has been on of the loooogest weeks!  I only had to work 3 days and yet it seemed to drag on and on and on!  We went on a little mini-vacation out in nature (blog post coming soon!) and returned home Tuesday night.  I don't think I've recovered yet!  I have managed to get so much more sleep than normal this week in an effort to recover from the nature filled getaway.  I usually get about 5 hours a night if I'm really lucky.  This week I've gotten at least 8 hours and it has made such a difference!  Wow!  I think this is almost how I'm suppose to feel.  I'm still tired (darn thyroid!), but it so much better!!  Now, I'm so excited it's the weekend I can hardly stand it! Woo Hoo!  Have a great weekend everyone!

Need a gift?

Here's a great one!  I ordered this for my wedding and love love love the pictures that followed!  My hanger is featured on the website and that is very fun!  I've ordered these hangers for other brides and for itty bitty babies!  Both are crazy sweet and they are ALWAYS a hit! Check them out!

Oh, Nature!

So... those of you who know me well will never believe this... but Doug and I were OUTSIDE for several hours TOGETHER both tonight and last night!  Doug loves loves loves the outdoors and everything nature.  Me... not so much.  The weather has been absolutely BEAUTIFUL here this week!  We have had sunshine and temps in the high 70's and low 80's!  The humidity was low as well!  Perfect!  We picked nasty weeds, trimmed some trees, Doug mowed and edged the lawn and we tore out a dead bush.  I even got some dirt on my hands.

Tonight we went on a long great walk and it was awesome.  We have some great walking trails around us and we put them to good use.  It was so nice to not be walking in the horrible humidity or at the gym!  Loved it!  And... we are planning on doing some hiking this weekend at a state park!  Don't worry... nothing has frozen over.  I actually like hiking and we cannot wait!  I'll have my phone with to get plenty of proof... I mean fun pictures!

Side note:  I didn't look at my phone at ALL during the walk.  It was over an hour.  Doug had it in his pocket.  I could hear the emails coming in... but I resisted.  Ann and gang... aren't you so proud??

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.