Challenge Day 11

This picture is bittersweet for me. While I couldn't be a prouder mom, I wonder where in the heck the time has gone. You see, my sweet boy turns ten this week. How is that happening??? It seems like just yesterday that I was walking the mall, eating Mexican food, and other things trying to coax him out of my body. Just like he does today, he came in his own time--thirteen days late! He ate ALL THE TIME and never really liked sleeping, but he and I made quite a pair in those days. He opened my heart to a kind of love I never knew was possible. He has grown into a sweet, kind, and loving young man. He truly enjoys spending time with his little sister and his sometimes uncool parents. And he is so funny and talented. The boy can draw anything! I'm having a hard time getting used to the fact that he's hitting the double digits and doesn't want toys for his birthday anymore. So while I did break down and buy the music CD and video game he wanted, I did so with a heavy heart. My little baby boy is all grown up and I'm not sure I'm ready for that! ;) Happy birthday, RP! I love you more than you will ever know!

Challenge Day 10

Here is a picture that makes me smile...



Em was in love with Holly Hobby leading up to her fifth birthday, which I loved since I'm a Holly Hobby girl myself. So she asked for all of the character dolls that year. I figured she'd be happy when she opened her Carrie Baker doll, but I never dreamed she'd have such an overwhelming reaction! This picture, for me, is an honest depiction of pure joy. It reminds me that it doesn't take thousands of dollars or lots of bells and whistles to make someone happy. In this case, it only took a mom and dad listening to the wishes of a hopeful child dreaming of a collection of dolls. And for that one moment, I felt like the world's best mom simply because Em was so absolutely appreciative of a small token of our love for her. What a precious, precious angel! ;)

Challenge Day 9

This is my dream home. For the record, it is Southern Living's "An Acadian Classic" designed by Ben Patterson. Being from the south, I grew up loving a great porch. I know, in Kansas, everyone has a patio. That's fine, but there's just nothing like a big 'ol porch. Of course, this house would have to be sitting on the edge of a lake, any lake. And a three-car garage is a must since we have the boat, unless there's a dock out back. ;) I would love a big kitchen with a huge breakfast bar and an open floor plan. And my master bath must include a huge soaking tub with a separate shower.

So I certainly have a picture of what my dream house would look like, but there are things that I just couldn't live without. For instance, the remnants of Kelly's morning shave in the bathroom sink. Being without those would mean being without my best friend and lover. And I definitely couldn't live without the pile of shoes at the front door because if those were missing, then the three reasons I get up in the morning would also be missing. What would I do without all the headbands and bows found in the kitchen, living room, bathroom, my purse, etc.? The absence of the million hair things would sadly mean the absence of the angel in my life. And I would certainly miss the light of my life if his Bakugan figures and aliens were missing from the house.

So you see, we all have a wonderful picture of what the perfect home would be for us. But the more I think about it, the more my picture evolves from a structure to keep me dry in a rainstorm to a warm, inviting oasis full of those who will unconditionally love me and truly shelter me from the storms of life. So if I have to fold a zillion loads of laundry or wash dishes night and day, so be it. Because I will be surrounded by those I love and that love me back. Thank God!

Challenge Day 8

"There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.
A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away.
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Today is my favorite quote. This book was written to to explore the value and purpose of human life. And when I read this short excerpt from the third chapter, which I do a lot, I am always left with an overwhelming sense of awe--awe in the fact that our almighty God has his fingerprint on every single act on this earth. A time to be born? That's easy. Holding my babies was one of the most holy moments of my life. Who else but God could produce such magnificent creatures? A time to die? One of my fondest memories as a child is also one of my saddest. The summer we lost my Mama Breaux, my mom and dad and I moved into my grandparents' house and spend every moment together, taking care of her as the cancer slowly took her from us. But what a beautiful testament to the love of family and the grace of God that we were able to spend that time together and watch as she showed us the dignity of a faith-filled death!

A time to weep? Who of us hasn't had one of those moments when we can do nothing but cry out to God for help or comfort? When I was struggling with post-partum depression, nothing could comfort me like my prayers. There's just something soothing and calming and uplifting about calling for Jesus when no one else can help. A time to laugh? Hopefully, you all have one special friend who is always there for you when you need to laugh. If you don't--run out right now and find one! For me, that friend is my sister, Katie. We can talk and laugh about anything. When we're messaging on Facebook, I literally LOL all the time. And when we're together, there's no lull in the conversation. It's always a fun, funny trip down memory lane or a sharing of hilarious life stories.

A time to mourn? I've mourned many times in my life. Of course, I've mourned many special people--Mama and Papa Breaux, Papa Vincent, my precious friend, Jo, Sr. Marietta, and many more. But unfortunately, as a flawed human, I have also mourned things in my life. Yes, I've thought my life was over when my hard drive died. And I've cried foul with God when Kelly lost his job. But even in those moments, God sent gentle reminders that he is charge of the big picture and I shouldn't get flustered with the details.

A time to dance? Yes, please! This has to be my favorite part. Of course, we should all remember the famous scene in Footloose where Kevin Bacon uses this quote to try and sway the town council to have a high school dance. Brilliant! This also makes me think of our days as youth ministers, participating in Mass at conventions with the liturgical dancers preparing the altar for the Eucharistic sacrifice. And my mind can't help but replay all those dance classes and dance recitals and dance camps over the years. I love a lot of things in my life, but I truly love dancing! My first dance recital routine was to Mickey by Toni Basil. I still remember my costume--blue and gold stripes, leg warmers, and pom-poms. One of the best days of my life! ;) Then there was my senior year when I was captain of our high school dance team. I could stand in my living room right now and still do our routine to the fight song. And who could forget the Longhorn? A short trip over the border to Louisiana was my ticket to all-night dancing. Line dancing, hip-hop, and the ever popular two-step. It didn't matter which one as long as I was dancing. I spent many, many hours dancing the night away. I still find myself getting my groove on. Just today, I was dancing to Prince in the car and to Run DMC while I was making dinner. It's tricky...tricky, tricky, tricky, tricky. Can't take the dancer out of the girl!

Back to Ecclesiastes...through all the bumps in the road of life, I feel blessed to know that God is there at every turn. He has laid out the plan for my life, and it's my job to follow in Christ's footsteps and not worry about the small stuff because He has it all under control. Amen!

Challenge Day 7

Well, I took the weekend off since I spent the day on Saturday at the Jewish temple for my class and spent Sunday simply relaxing with the family. Today I am sharing a picture of myself and the person I've been the closest to for the longest time. So here she is:



My mom! For as long as I can remember, she is the one person who has always been there for me...no matter what. She has sacrificed so much for me, there is no way that I could possibly repay her. When I was afraid of the Wicked Witch of the West, she'd let me snuggle up on the couch with her and hold me until the witch melted. When I wanted to dance (A LOT!), she drove me from practice to practice and sewed costume after costume, without complaint. Okay, maybe she complained once or twice, but she still sewed sequins until her hands wanted to fall off! And when I came home with the man of my dreams, she filled his stomach with her delicious Cajun cooking and his life with her unconditional love.

There has never been a time when I didn't know that my mom loved me. From the beginning of my days until this very day, she always makes me feel like I'm her favorite, even though I know I have to share her with my three sisters. But that's the beauty of her...she makes everyone she encounters feel important, special, and loved. So Mom, this blog is for you, in honor of every bandaid you applied, every tear you wiped away, and every encouraging word you ever spoke. I love you!

Challenge Day 6

So today will probably be the most difficult day of the challenge for me since I'm supposed to share with you my favorite book. What? There is no way in the world that I can narrow it down to one, but I will share with you a genre that I enjoy. I love reading books that look to the future or a world where "big brother" is in charge of daily life, such as 1984 by George Orwell or Brave New World by Aldous Huxley or even Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. But the teacher in me leads me to choose The Giver by Lois Lowry. It is the story of twelve-year-old Jonas who is growing up in a world of no feelings, no choices, and no spontaneity. He is chosen to be the the Receiver of Memories for his community. During his training with the Giver, he learns the truth about his utopian existence. I won't give away the whole story, but I definitely recommend that you load it onto your Kindle and start reading ASAP. It is a wonderful exploration of what people may do to simply keep the peace and also a poignant look at whether such a sacrifice is worth it or not. Happy reading!

Challenge Day 5

I'm supposed to tell you about my favorite TV show today. So here I go....





Season one or eight, I don't care. Desserts or masters, it doesn't matter. I LOVE THIS SHOW! I will always be watching on Wednesday evenings at 9 p.m. Besides the fact that I live to eat, it seems like I come away from each episode with a new trick to try in the kitchen or an idea for a interesting dish. And if they can produce a gourmet, well-presented, and tasty dish in thirty-five minutes in some episodes, then there is certainly hope for me to produce a semi-gourmet, put-on-a-plate, and pretty tasty dish in an hour or so. I can't imagine the pressure they are under trying to come up with new and exciting recipes on the spot, but I thoroughly enjoy watching them do it. Popcorn ceviche in thirty minutes? No problem! Seared scallops while blindfolded? Absolutely! Shocking your noodles in the shower? You go, Hubert! Now if I could just figure out how to make dinner and have a sparkling clean kitchen when I'm done like they do on Bravo, I'd be set for life. ;)

Challenge Day 4

Watch out family, 'cause here comes a picture of me as a child...with all of you included!



There are so many things I could say about this picture, like what exactly is wrong with my hair? I'm pretty sure it was officially called the Dorothy Hamill cut, but it looked much better on Dorothy! Or I could say how stinkin' cute Katie and Sarah are in this picture. Maybe I could talk about how much hair my dad has. I know what you're thinking...he hardly has any. But you should see him now! ;) I could write for days about our clothing choices, but I'm pretty certain that either my mom or my grandma made most of our outfits, so I can't complain.

Although when I look at this picture, I do see all the things I've mentioned, I mostly see my wonderful, loving, sometimes crazy, but always faithful family. No matter where life has taken us, we always seem to find our way back to each other. And if we ever wonder if we have a stable, secure place to fall, all we have to do is look back at this photo and remember the love that keeps us together!

Challenge Day 3

Day three of my blogging challenge is my favorite movie. This should come as no surprise for those who know me. Drum roll please...



That's right. Dirty Dancing! Did you really think I'd pick anything else? While I do adore Back to the Future and Urban Cowboy, my heart will always choose Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. Where was I, you ask, the first time I watched this movie? In the living room of my second home, Amy Boullion's house. We must have been in the ninth or tenth grade and all sat down to enjoy a movie. Never in a million years would I have imagined that the movie would become my favorite, go to when I just want to get lost in myself movie of all time!!!

Here are the things I know because I love this movie:

1. Old music rocks! Of course, I grew up in a household that was full of music, so most of the movie's soundtrack wasn't new to me. Thanks, Mom! But I am so thankful the producers exposed another generation to its awesomeness.
2. A man that knows how to dance will always get the ladies! Anyone who's been to the Longhorn knows this, right? ;) Bud knew it in Urban Cowboy and Johnny knew it in Dirty Dancing. Being proficient in the art of the dance and knowing how to lead your lady around the dance floor scores points...period.
3. We all make mistakes in life, some large, some small. No matter what, there are consequences, some large, some small. But in the end, there is a chance for forgiveness--forgiveness from others and sometimes forgiveness from yourself. But always, we must remember that God is there...waiting to embrace us and grant us the eternal forgiveness we desire.

So on that note, go grab a cold drink, maybe a snack, and head to Netflix and watch my favorite movie. And Diane, I know you'll enjoy the show from Heaven!

Challenge Day 2

Today is supposed to be my favorite song. That's a tad difficult since I have so many! But hands down, one of my very favorite songs is this...



This song brings me back to so many moments in my childhood, starting in fourth grade. Chris and I were chosen to be Bud and Sissy (from Urban Cowboy for those of you who have been living under a rock!) in the Christmas program and spent countless hours learning to waltz. Now that Chris is gone, I still think of him every time I hear this and remember the excitement of my first true love.

My grandpa also comes to mind when this song plays on the radio. He loved Anne Murray and watched her on CMT all the time. Mama and Papa even took me to the Houston Rodeo to see her in concert! And when our family decided to travel the 24 hours to New Jersey to visit my aunt, we listened to our Anne Murray cassette the whole way. I still know the words to every one of those songs!

Music is such a gift to the soul....

I'm baaaack.... I'm going to try really hard to get back into blogging mode. And to that end, I thought I'd try a 30-day challenge. So join me for the ride...here we go!

Day one is a recent picture of myself.



This is a picture of me after my recent college graduation. That's right, I graduated, again, this time with my Master in Theological Studies. Standing next to me is Fr. Joe Gile, the director of our program and a wonderful mentor. This picture represents a lot for me. First, it was probably the most proud I've ever been of myself. It took countless hours of reading, writing, and sacrificing (on my part, but also on the part of my loving husband and beautiful children!) to earn my degree. Second, I love this picture because it shows the "after" of my weight loss challenge. We started in the Fall of 2010 with a small group of girls who would meet weekly to discuss menus, weigh in, and walk the mall in support of each other. I have lost about 20 pounds and I couldn't be happier. I have more energy, my clothes feel better, and my pictures certainly look better! Last, but absolutely not least, when I look at this picture, I feel the overwhelming love of God. I would have never imagined myself in this position--married to my best friend with two precious children, doing a job in the Church I love, and graduating after an exhilarating two years of intense study. Only by the grace of God am I able to be right here in this very spot. Praise the Lord!

RIP Jo McGovern!!!

I lost a dear friend to cancer last night. She had been in remission from breast cancer until last summer when it returned in her spine and brain. There is absolutely no rhyme or reason to her passing. It's just plain wrong. My heart is weeping for her husband, children, grandchildren, friends, and family. There are no words to express the deep sense of loss I feel.

Jo was the life of any party! Her smile would light up the room. And her sense of humor--let's just say that there is a celebration going on right now in Heaven. She and I could talk, laugh, gossip and she would always leave me in stitches. I have so many great memories to hold on to.

I will never forget one year at the Blessing of the Bikes in Derby when she decided at the VERY LAST SECOND that she wanted to ride in the poker run. So she hopped onto the back of a bike with a total stranger and took off. That was her spirit!

Then there was the time Kelly took me and her out to dinner during parent/teacher conferences one year. We went to a Chinese restaurant and were enjoying dinner when the shouting started. Apparently the cooks in the kitchen were fighting with each other AND in Chinese so we didn't really know if we were in any danger or not. I almost peed my pants, but she just kept on eating like nothing was going on. One tough lady!

I'm feeling pretty lost today and couldn't think of any other way to pay tribute to a precious friend. So here's to you, Jo. May you enjoy every second in your new glorious home and tell Sr. Margaret Ann hi from me! ;)

I love being Catholic!

Last night, I had the pleasure of participating in Eucharistic Adoration and confession with a group of about 20 high school kids. I am always amazed at the reverence shown by that age group. From the outside, they seem aloof, maybe even unconnected. But put them in front of the monstrance and they change before your eyes. Fr. Roger began the Exposition and out came the incense. Now I have a love-hate relationship with incense. I really love incense, but my allergies don't like it a bit. But as I prayed in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I noticed that the incense "fog" was lingering in the air. It wasn't moving. At first, I thought, "Wow! Just another visible sign that Christ is present here with us." Then it hit me.

We were all gathered to pray and adore our Lord, but also to cleanse ourselves in the confessional. As each one of us made our way to Fr. Roger to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the fog seemed to lift just a little more. After about an hour and a half, most of the kids had gone to confession, so I headed for my place in line. I was the last person to go in, and when I came out, there was no fog left. We had each shed our ugly, sinful selves and been clothed in the light of Christ once again. Satan's fog had been prayed away and all that was left was the sweet smell of forgiveness.

When was the last time you met our Lord in Adoration? Confession? Maybe it's time to mosey on back. Christ is waiting!

What's in your purse?

I've been holding on to some money I was given at Christmas, just waiting for the perfect "something" to buy JUST FOR ME. All you moms out there know how hard that is. There were so many things I could have used it for around the house--new bikes for the kids, a mini-vacation for the weekend--the list goes on and on. But my wonderful husband talked me into using it on something that I wanted, not needed. So I finally splurged on my dream purse, the one I would never walk into the store and purchase, the one that costs more than my electric bill. I found it new but much more reasonably priced on ebay (who doesn't LOVE ebay???) and just bought it. Some may say I'm crazy, maybe wasteful, but it was quite exhilarating to open the box today and unpack the gift I gave myself. My hubby's first reaction? "That's a beach bag!" My reply? "No, honey, it's a mom bag!"

So what's in your purse? I carry the obvious wallet, cell phone, checkbook, etc. But I also find miscellaneous items from time to time. I seem to have an unending supply of ponytail holders, loose change, and straw wrappers. And my wallet is ALWAYS overflowing with receipts--grocery store receipts, post office receipts, restaurant receipts.... I usually have my digital camera for those candid moments and my rosary is always in the front pocket, ready for action. I could write pages about stuff I carry, just in case I need it (hand sanitizer, nail clippers, female products, lip balm, dental floss....).

As I prepare to "move into" my new purse, I realize just how much I carry with me day in and day out. No wonder my shoulder always hurts! So believe me when I say that I will be purging so my beautiful new purse won't be stuffed to the gills. Which leads me to wonder about other things in my life that need to be purged. My dear husband would say Facebook would be a good start, but he knows that will never happen. But I do see where the laptop robs me of time. And as much as I love my DVR, it allows me to record too much too easily, thus also stealing my time. Will there ever be a day when I won't be connected to the internet or stop watching TV? Ummm, no. But I can strive to find a little balance. I can use a little self-control. I can edit those things into less of a priority. God help me as I try to purge the straw wrappers out of my life! ;)

Happy Father's Day!

What a day we've had! The kids jumped in bed with us this morning to give hubby his gift--an Eat-Sleep-PS3 t-shirt, a new Wii game (that they really wanted!), and some candy. And of course, there was the card with the required fart joke. LOL He made such a fuss over everything. They were so proud of themselves. Then we headed to Mass, got takeout from Abuelo's, and put together our new TV stand for upstairs. The kids absolutely love "helping" him do a project around the house. I could not have asked for a better father for my children! I love you, sweetie!

Now we're just relaxing, giving me an opportunity to think of my own dad. He is one of the funniest people I know. He would hang a lantern from the ceiling fan in the living room so we could play Monopoly when the electricity would go out in the middle of a hurricane. He once took a nap during an IMAX movie on a field trip with my class. And he was always the one getting in trouble during Mass! ;) But more importantly, he was always there when I needed him and still is. When I needed someone to talk to late at night, he was there. When I was devastated by a break-up in high school, he was there. And when I wanted to gush over the incredible man I met that I knew would be my future husband, he was there, too. I cherish every memory I have and look forward to many more!

Daddy, I will never forget the way you took my face into your hands at the altar and gently kissed me before giving me away at our wedding. You made me feel so precious--just the way I feel about you! I love you, Daddy and Happy Father's Day!

Yes, Dorothy, we are in Kansas!

Summer has officially arrived. It's steamin' hot outside and we're spending four nights a week at the baseball park. One child is in summer school and the other is in swimming lessons. And worst of all, I had to shop for a swimsuit this morning. The kids are begging to swim, so it had to be done. And it wasn't fun!

I arrived at Kohl's with a suit in mind. You know, a cute tankini that would at least tame the tummy. Umm, apparently there is no such thing! After trying on numerous suits, all the while enduring the opinion of a five-year-old girl, I finally decided on a one-piece that was somewhat flattering. Is it just me or does it seem that only men design those darn things?

Lesson learned? Even though in my mind I'm still 21, my body is not! It has lovingly produced two beautiful children and bears the stretch marks to prove it. While I wouldn't trade those stretch marks and the reasons they appeared for anything in the world, I do look forward to the day when Jesus will restore my body to its former glory! ;)

Thank you, God, for Walmart!

Today was spring picture day at school for my little ones. My beautiful daughter had her dress picked out two days in advance, along with shoes and headband. Girls are so good at that! My wonderful son, of course, wanted to wear blue jeans and a t-shirt. Since our weather only recently turned spring-like, we headed to Kohl's for a new shirt. After MUCH discussion about which t-shirt to purchase (they all came with an attached "toy"), we agreed on a bright blue one with an FM radio as the prize. Okay, so we didn't really agree--I gave in. But he really wanted the radio! ;)

Fast forward to bedtime. The kids are tucked in and listening to their bedtime CD (right now it's the soundtrack from Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel). I went to lay out everyone's clothes for the morning and what did I find? Every pair of blue jeans in the house have holes in the knees--EVERY ONE! My kids go to Catholic school and wear uniforms. So in my mind, I thought he had a "good" pair in his closet. So I immediately became angry that he didn't tell me that his last "good" pair had holes in the knees. Yes, I know what you're thinking--he's an eight-year old boy. But in the moment, I was just plain mad. It was almost 10 o'clock and I had to get out of my comfy pajamas, get dressed, and go to Walmart. I cussed under my breath all the way there and the whole time I was searching through the almost bare shelves for just the right size. Still frazzled, I got in the car to go home.

First song I heard on the radio? Temporary Home by Carrie Underwood. First of all, what a beautiful song! Secondly, it is a wonderful reminder that we are only here on this earth for such a short amount of time. And I'm pretty sure that when my end is near, I won't be worried much about knee holes in blue jeans. So should I really let them get me all flustered today? I felt horrible, because I left my son in bed thinking that he was responsible for my anger, when in fact, I was mad at myself. I should have checked the blue jeans before bedtime last night. Then we could have picked up a new pair when we were out earlier in the evening. So of course I headed straight to his bed to apologize when I got home. He was asleep so I gently kissed him and apologized this morning.

What did I learn? First and foremost, my reaction to a situation of my own making should never place blame on my children. Second, I need to be a tad more organized so that I'm not always throwing things together at the last minute. And lastly, that God knows exactly where I am on my faith and parenting journey and has provided me with all the tools necessary to be successful on that journey. It is up to me to utilize them so that I can not only survive, but thrive in my roles as wife, mother, DRE, and student.

On a side note--one of my younger sisters is in labor as I write this. Please keep her in your prayers as she welcomes the newest boy into our family. Blessings to you!