I Knew you Could

Given all the trials and tribulations of my life as of late, I had an inspiration for my blog today. Tonight I read a train book to Meganne. It's been one of my favorites for some time. It used to belong to Andrew, but since he's reading chapter books now, I gave it to Meganne. It's a book called I Knew You Could written by Craig Dorfman. I hope this book inspires someone today as it did me...

I knew you could! And you knew it too-
That you'd come out on top after all you've been through.
And from here you'll go farther and see brand-new sights.
You'll face brand-new hills that rise to new heights.

I wish I could show you the stops that you'll visit,
But that isn't my choice to make for you now, is it?
Instead, I can tell you some lessons and tales
That I've learned an drelearned in my time on the rails.

First of all, you must find your own track,
So you can start right away and not be held back.
But which track is yours? Well, that all depends
On which way it's going and where it might end.

And then it goes on to talk about the journey you make as a train and all the people you see, that you might want to be a car or a plane instead of a train, but in the end you are happy with who you are and you need to enjoy the track you have chosen. It's an awesome book. I suggest it to everyone who has kids and even if you don't, sneak  into the kids section of the bookstore or library and read it yourself. It's awesomely inspiring. 



 

Easter Memories and a new week

Our Easter was wonderful. I, again, got to bring 12 people into the Catholic Faith. They were all so greatful for their journey and they truly enjoyed themselves during the ceremony. Now I continue to pray that they follow their faith journey and continue to be happy in our Church.

Sunday I crashed. Stephen let me sleep in till 9:30! Go me! I was still so tired that day, but I was able to spend my afternoon and evening with my wonderful friends for Easter Feast. It was great. The kids had a great time, they were wonderfully behaved and they ate really well. Thank God! I appreciated being able to spend my time with people I love and care about for Easter.We even got to watch Jesus Christ Superstar together! That made me happy. :)

And now, we are on to the new task. Prepping for Andrew's first Holy Communion, continuing Stephen's job hunt, and enjoying the last month of school. I hope for great things in the next few weeks and I know something good will happen with Stephen's job hunt. I just ask that you all continue to keep us in your prayers.

My babies

Today I am on vacation. Vacation from my babies. They are having a splendid time in CA with their cousins. I miss them a lot, but it's nice to be able to sleep in and get some things done around the house without the littles in the way. They really make me laugh though because there was DRAMA last night when we called them. Apparently the phone drama was just that, an ACT! They were perfectly happy to do what their Aunt said, they were excited to sleep where they chose, and they were in the process of putting on jammies and brushing their teeth when we called. But as soon as they spoke to us on the phone, it was a different story. They whined, they cried, and made it seem like they didn't get to do ANYTHING they wanted to do. Why do they have to "act" on the phone like things aren't going their way? Is it because they want to make us feel guilty? Well, we don't. We know they are having fun and we know they love being there, so why do they act like it's the worst thing in the world to be there? I don't get it. It must be a kid thing.

Spring Break

This week is spring break. There is a lot going on for me. Today Stephen drove the kids to Barstow and met Uncle Dan there so he could take them to Stephen's siser's house. They are going to spend a few days with the cousins in CA. This is good for them. They get to see their cousins, their Aunt and Uncle, and Their Grandma-ma. They also get to escape the stress at home for a few days. Although they don't show it, I know they know things are going on with us and they feel the stress of a "job free" home from Stephen and me. We try hard to keep things as normal as we can for them, but the subtleties are obviously there. It's hard to hide it all.

This week, being Holy Week, is also busy for me. Since I run the RCIA program, this week is the BIG WEEK for my Elect. It's full of Mass, preparation, rehearsal, and faith enrichment for them and for me. On Saturday the Catholic community will welcome 12 new Catholics into the faith. I'm so excited, but at the same time, it feels very unreal. The year went so fast and so many things happened, that this next week feels a little like it's in a fog. I'm hoping they enjoy the week and they get everything out of it that they expect, at least, and maybe even more. As for me, I look forward to the spiritual retreat. I definitely need it. It will be nice to reflect on the Lord and his sacrifice for us and to use this week to maybe get some answers as to what our future holds. 

Today's mass was Palm Sunday. The Gospel was the Passion of Christ. It brought me to tears a couple of times. But what was funny about it is that Father spoke about leaving everything in God's hands. I've heard this message for the past few weeks now and I'm certainly doing my best, however hard it may be at times. I know we will have a good future, I just hope it happens soon. I know the Lord suffered for us and sometimes we are required to carry our cross and do the same, but that doesn't mean I want the suffering to linger. Anyway, I was glad I could kick off the week with a good mass and get in touch with God and feel blessed that I was alive to experience it. So, to all my Catholic and Christian friends, Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy week everyone!

The life of the cat

Our family has 7 pets. Two dogs, two cats, and 3 fish. I have often wondered, growing up with animals, what it would be like to be one and I have even been envious, on occasion, of the lives they live. They have someone to feed them, bathe them, and even clean up their poop. Mostly the only thing they have to worry about is where they are going to spend their daily nap. This brings me to my thought of the day. I took a photo of our two cats sleeping on the bed. They looked soooo relaxed and I got a bit jealous that I wasn't curled up in a ball napping with them, but that's neither here nor there. Anyway, looking at them snoozing together brought me joy and happiness 1) because it was cute and 2) because it's nice that I have a loving home for them to live in. It just disgusts me that other animals in the world are being abused and neglected. How can you possibly look into the eyes of a cat or a loveable dog and think, "I know, I'll beat the crap out of them today because that will be fun!" I mean, seriously....

Anyway, here is a cool link for you. http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3 On the top of the page, if you click on the "click here to give" button, you will give a certain amount of food to rescued animals. Please help, it's free and in the meantime take a look at my cute kitties napping together today on my bed. Dusty is the gray one and Frodo, Alexander's cat, is the black and white one.

 Have a blessed day!

Craftsy lately

So, these days, when I'm the most busy with Easter just around the corner, I've been feeling craftsy. Yesterday I crocheted a purse for my mother. I also tried to sew a panel to a pair of old jeans to make a frilly skirt for Meganne, but I can't figure out how to do it. Luckily I know a wonderful lady who agreed to teach me how after Easter is over. I really want to make the boys some shorts for the summer, but alas I have no pattern. My question is why do I want to start all these projects when I'm super busy? Maybe it's my way of getting away from reality. Who knows. But I've been having fun thinking of all the projects I'm going to start. I love to crochet and sew, I just wish I were better at both. See photo below of the things I've made with crochet.

Oh yeah, and did I mention at these times I'm also very interested in drowning myself in a good book? Reading is such a fun activity, I just wish I could devote more time to doing it. Oh well, one day I can.

The Blue and Brown Purse is the one I made yesterday for my mom.

Future Unclear

These days are hard for us in our household as we wait in hope for what's to come with Job hunting for Stephen. I'm a planner and I hate not knowing what the rest of the year will bring for us. Stephen is doing wonderful in looking for jobs and sending out his resume and such. But not hearing back and not having interviews worries me. What will the future bring? Will we be able to stay in Vegas? Will I be able to keep the kids in their schools? Will we move to CA over the summer? Where will we live if we do move to CA? Will whatever job he gets pay enough and have benefits? UGH! The things to think about. I know he's stressing about all of this too. But I really have to stress to you that he's doing such a great job in sending out applications and resumes. When I think about the future I also have to think about all the things I will miss in Vegas if we end up having to move. My family lives here. I run the RCIA program at my church which I LOVE doing. I have friends here that I will miss greatly. The kids will have to change schools and I may have to go through a ton of work to find a good fit for Alexander again. Finding Dr's, Dentists, Retina Specialists, Churches...not to mention getting new Driver's Licenses, Car Registration, Insurance...Ugh! I try not to think about it.

If I had to go on a gut feeling, I would have to bet that Stephen will get a job out of state. If that's what it takes I'm there! I want him to find a good fit and I really think there is nothing more for him here in Vegas. He put in his 15 years and look at what it got him. Laid OFF! So, I'm really kind of bitter about it. Anyway, I pray to the Lord every day that something good will come along and QUICK so that we can prepare for the school year for the kids.

This Thursday Ivan, a visionary from Medjugorje, will be at our parish. I have left my Intentions at the Church for Mother Mary to intercede for us. I plan to bring all my worries to her and leave it up to the Lord. I'm really looking forward to it and seeing it as a spiritual retreat for myself. I can't wait. I hope I get some answers that night, and if I don't, I know they will be quick in coming. Anyway, Please continue to keep us in your prayers for now. I know we can get through this, it's just a matter of time. I just HATE waiting.