And So They Begin...

Our family traditions, that is!!

Christmas is nearing. This year is different from any other Christmas. Not only am I a Mama now, but with being a Mama comes him who will eventually call me Mama, my little Bigfoot.

Because of our little sweetness, there’s a new whimsical feel to this year’s Advent. There’s a feeling of anticipation and wanting to do more to make everything special for our little guy - special and meaningful. Wanting to make the reality of Advent as present as possible in our home, from the Christmas decor to the celebrations of all the special Feast days that surround this time.

We started with St. Nicholas’s Feast day. Below is the wonderful story of today’s Santa.

Nicholas’ parents died when he was just a teenager. His parents left him a lot of money which made him a rich young man. He went to live with his uncle who was a priest.

Nicholas heard about a man who had lost all his money. He had three daughters who were old enough to get married. But in those days young women had to have money in order to get married. This money was a “dowry” and it was used to help the new family get started. If you didn’t have dowry money, you didn’t get married.

This family was so poor they had nothing left to eat. The daughters were going to be sold as slaves because they couldn’t live at home any longer. They were very sad. They wouldn’t be able to have families of their own. And they would have to be slaves—no longer able to decide where they would live or what they would do.

The night before the oldest daughter was to be sold, she washed her stockings and put them in front of the fire to dry. Then all of them went to sleep—the father and the three daughters.

In the morning the daughter saw a lump in her stocking. Reaching in, she found a small, heavy bag. It had gold inside! Enough to provide food for the family and money for her dowry. Oh, how happy they were!

The next morning, another bag with gold was found. Imagine! Two of the daughters would now be saved. Such joy!

And the next night, the father planned to stay awake to find out who was helping his daughters. He dozed off, but heard a small “clink” as another bag landed in the room. Quickly he jumped up and ran out the door. Who did he catch ducking around the corner?

Nicholas, the young man who lived with his uncle. “Nicholas, it is you! Thank you for helping us—I hardly know what to say!” Nicholas said, “Please, do not thank me—thank God that your prayers have been answered. Do not tell others about me.”

Nicholas continued helping people. He always tried to help secretly. He didn’t want any attention or thanks. Years passed and he was chosen to be a bishop. Bishopslook after their people as shepherds look after their sheep. And that is what Nicholas did. When there wasn’t any food, he found wheat; so no one went hungry. He always helped people in trouble. All his life Nicholas showed people how to love God and care for each other.

Everyone loved Nicholas. After he died, they told stories of the good and kind things Nicholas had done. Sailors took these stories about Nicholas everywhere they went. Some of the stories were about his special care for children—helping and protecting them when danger threatened. And so more and more people learned about good, kind Nicholas. They wanted to be like him. He is an example of how we should live. And that is why he became a saint.

This is the story of the real Santa Claus, St. Nicholas. To this day people say that St. Nicholas, or Santa, is the special friend of children.

—Carol Myers

http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/real-santa/

St. Nicholas shared his wealth with all around him, and we hope by celebrating his life, that our little guy will learn that it is in giving that we receive.

Also, in that we had yet to buy our stockings that would be filled with gold chocolate coins (representing the money St. Nicholas shared) and candy canes (Bishop’s crook), I searched online to find a way to make some of our own (something Amanda friendly). GeekMan thought that they’d be a smidge more special if I made them and after some thought, I agreed. Through my search on Pinterest I found this lovely blog post and got excited! They were easy enough to make and they could be personalized.

Not anything too creative since that doesn’t seem to be my forte at this point in life. haha. Although, at one time, I did think of myself as one to have somewhat of a creative ability. Maybe I just need to spend some more time nourishing that part of me?


Tadaaa! I have to say, after dabbling in some DIY projects during the holidays, I am definitely feeling an itch to create more, which is exciting. So, behold, the stockings we now have to fill with gold coins, candy canes, and whatever else our little hearts desire! So, thank you, Laura, for sharing your amazing creative talents and encouraging the little creative spark in me.

Now on to other Holiday treats and family traditions.

We celebrated Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. And I made cookies on the Feast of St. Lucy (since I didn’t have any yeast to make cinnamon rolls or another sweet bread).

We have our Christmas tree! This year we decided to go with an Advent theme to encourage our Advent journey. A pretty pink and purple it is, along with sparkling white lights, some St. Nick ornaments, our little Nativity under our tree is ready with sweet Child Jesus awaiting His place in the manger, and an ornament that represents GeekMan and I, and one for our sweet Bigfoot. The tree will continue to morph, I’m sure, over the years, but for now, this is our dear Christmas tree.




Sweet Child Jesus awaiting His birthday.


Our nativity under the tree awaiting the most precious gift of all to be placed there Christmas day.


Another little DIY I found on Pinterest is this little idea from this site. It’s basically a little kid-friendly tree for our Bigfoot to decorate, once he’s old enough. I went ahead and made the tree this year and will add other decor in the year to come (i.e. more colored ornaments, , garland, and presents). I’m thinking a Jesse Advent Tree, but for now we have some Marian blue going on. It’s a work in progress, but I’m excited for when Bigfoot will be at the age where he’ll be interested.


And, of course, we have our Advent wreath.


I suppose that’s all for now. We have a few other little things here and there and other thoughts and to-do’s we’d like to implement during this beautiful season (i.e. 12 days of Christmas, the journey of the Three Kings and the Epiphany), but I will save that either for another post or another year when we are actually implementing.

I tell you what, our little one has really kicked us into gear in regards to starting our family traditions and joyful celebrations throughout the season, and we are both so thankful for that.
What sort of traditions are going on in your home? Would love to hear them!

Santa meet Bigfoot. Bigfoot meet Santa. haha.

We’ve got a classic first-timer on our hands.

Traveling Bigfoot

The holidays are upon us! Pumpkin spices, fall weather, cream cheese frosting, turkey, apples, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family, family, family!!! :)

Sweet Bigfoot has made a trip to GeekMan’s home town to visit great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Big foot has also been to San Antonio to visit grandparents and his sweet auntie. He has done absolutely wonderful in both locations, and we’re so glad that we were afforded both of these amazing trips to visit and spend some quality time with family.

CC trips


Trip to meet great-grandma G. Such a special gift that God gave us as a family before bringing great-grandma G home with Him.



Nonna and sleepy grandson.

SA trip - Auntie Red helping.

Empty plastic bottles - his new favorite toy.

Saying buh-bye.

Bigfoot also recently experienced his first family vacation. We went to Hot Springs, AR with a great group of friends we have in Bible Study. Imagine, 12 adults and 13 little ones later, we had such a great weekend of wonderful fellowship and fun!

Seph and Mama.

Friends.

Family fun.



Mini-golfing with Bigfoot nice and cozy in his Ergo.

And now, *finally*, we will be making the über long trip to my hometown!! I am so excited to be bringing our little one to my home to meet more great-grandparents, all his great aunts, uncles, second cousins, and dear friends that have been waiting so very long to meet him and shower him with kisses, cuddles, and love!

In all, Lord, we are so grateful for all the safe traveling you have blessed us with and look forward to another trip with our traveling Bigfoot. But, most importantly, we are so very thankful for the gift of time spent with family and friends that we don’t get to see as often as we like.

Get ready Valley family and friends, this little cutie will be seeing you *soon*!


St. Christopher, pray for us.

ohhhh, the laughter!

Last night, Bigfoot was soo full of laughter! We hosted bible study at our home last night. Typically, our little man is just mesmerized by all the kids running around having fun while us adults get our bible study discussions on. But last night was different.

He did maintain his mesmerized and intrigued gaze throughout the study portion, but once families started leaving the kids were asking to see our pup, Lily. Of course, we obliged and brought our pup out and started showing the kids all the fun tricks she knows (always a fun hit with the younger crowd :)). All the kids were laughing and enjoying what Lily was able to do, which I anticipated, but what I did not anticipate was that Bigfoot joined in the laughing crowd and began laughing at Lily also!

This is a very different kind of laughter for this little home. Bigfoot has noticed Lily around - obviously! He sees her walking, he has heard her barking a number of times, etc etc. In terms of his laughter, normally, we get some fun laughs by showing silly faces, endless games of pick-a-boo, some fun parachuting/superman action, and tickling; but this time he identified something that he found was funny without any sort of prompt from the ever encouraging parental units! Bigfoot was looking at Lily and would laugh the cutest baby laugh ever every time Lily barked on command. Then we, of course had to encourage this amazingly fun time. Next thing you know, this mom and dad were prompting our Lily to “talk” aka bark and laughing hysterically alongside our laughing Bigfoot.


Haven’t laughed that hard in awhile. Thank you, sweet little one, for a great laugh.

"He's baptized" - behind the scenes

Leading up to the day, I was pretty anxious. For anyone who knows me, I am not a planner of events by any means. I am not a natural host, but through attending girl’s nights and bible study, I’ve been able to have some practice. Sending out invites; definitely terrible about that. By the grace of God did I get those cards made, addressed, stamped, and in the mail. I mean really, anything and everything that happened was by His Grace. haha In fact, it’s these very times, that I can see His ever *abundant* grace at work. The need for to-do lists (which I never do btw), and for everything to go just right continue below - just keep reading.

There was the woman at church. The wonderful woman at our church helped me so much! All the things the Church needed in order for Bigfoot to be baptized; she made a list of and handed it to me. She helped me schedule it in a way that all the grandparents could attend; which I’m grateful for. The list she gave me reminded me of all the things I needed to get done or bring to her. She helped me figure out the best steps for Uncle Godfather to be a Godfather for our little one. She was always flexible and trying to make things work. And so much more. So, again, His Grace and Goodness through His lovely instrument at our church.

Party plans. Yup. I got nothing in this area too. Estimating how many people. How much food to buy? What food for adults, food for kids? Will we have enough for all to be filled?? How did this all happen you may ask? For starters, a wonderful friend lent her talent by creating another list (lol maybe I should force myself into list-making). She made a food list. Offered to help set up everything right after Mass. Her and her husband rushed over to the place where everyone would gather after the big event and helped set up. Along with her, some of my other sweet friends went over and also lent a helping hand. Prior to Mass, my in-laws picked up all the food once it was ready and dropped it off at the celebration location and made it to Mass on time. They also helped set up and clean up afterwards. My brother-in-law and girlfriend picked up the cake, helped set up, and clean up. Again, not me, but God’s grace working through the amazing people He has placed in my life. Do you see all the things I could not have done on my own!?!


Our little family :)

Are you seeing the pattern I’m laying out here?! Loved ones, strangers being His instrument, friends joyfully lending a hand, and then there’s me, GeekMan, and sweet Bigfoot. The three of us were able to soak up all the beautiful moments of love that took place throughout this special day. We were able to do so because of God and how he was working through all our loved ones and persons in the church in some ways that we could see and others we could not.

At the end of the day on Sunday, GeekMan and I were sitting in the living room after Bigfoot was night night and just talked about how wonderful our day had been. We were talking about how incredibly blessed we felt. And about how that day could not have been any better. We were filled with gratitude at the gift that was given us in our Bigfoot and in our vocation of marriage.

All I have to say is this little bundle has been filled with nothing but some really good stuff and we are enjoying every bit of it! :D

Below is a pic of Bigfoot’s sweet and large baptism shoes. So cute!

"He's baptized."

“Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

GeekMan looked over at me and simply whispered, “He’s baptized.”, with Joy in his eyes. The moment he turned to me, holding our precious Bigfoot in such a pure and holy state, all that I had been excited about all day and week hit me and I got teary eyed. My tears were that of Joy and happiness. The reality of what had just happened hit me like a ton of bricks. It hit my heart, my soul, and every part of me and I was filled with excitement and such happiness.

13 And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child ² will not enter it.” 16 Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them. -Mark 10:13-16

People brought their children for Jesus to lay His hands on them. Jesus asked us to bring them to him so that He could bless them. GeekMan and I did just that. We brought our sweet Bigfoot to our Lord so He could bless him in the sacrament of baptism. Bigfoot left Mass on October 16, the Feast day of St. Gerard Majella, a baby cleansed of original sin by His Lord - He left there baptized and so very blessed.


GeekMan, myself, and Bigfoot were just soaking up the moment. Bigfoot did SO good throughout Mass. This being the first time we actually sat up front during Mass, we were a bit nervous. Lately, we’ve been those newbie parents sitting towards the back with an exit route in mind at all times in case Bigfoot decides to start letting out his ever so sweet and attention grabbing squeals. But not that day. Baptism day we were in the first pew where all the beautifulness (may not be a word but today I feel like it should be :)) happens. Bigfoot just watched and appeared mesmerized from the comfort of Daddy’s arms. It was so great!


Look at that baptized baby below! So precious! Bigfoot was so calm all up until it came time to get baptized (which was right around the time he normally would be taking a nap). You could tell he knew something was about to happen so he was trying so hard to fight his nap in a calm way up until this point. He held off as long as he could. Right before Fr. Jack was going to baptize him in water he got a smidge fussy, but nothing terrible. What was absolutely wonderful to see though was the moment the water was poured over his precious baby head he became still and calm; again mesmerized. And then once the wonderful Chrism oil was on his precious head, our sweet boy drifted off to sleep. Yay, Holy Spirit for being such a presence in that moment and throughout our lives. Bigfoot slowly but surely fell into his nap and remained napping the rest of Mass and he awoke so pleasantly for some pictures once Mass was finished.


This little one is such a gift from Above - we look forward to giving him the gift which our Lord has given us - our Catholic faith. And we’re so excited to be sharing this gift of Bigfoot with Uncle Godfather. He’s already such an amazing Godfather. Bigfoot and him were able to spend awesome quality time while Uncle Godfather was living with us during his PT rotation nearby. And we know that Uncle Godfather will do an amazing job in sharing his faith with our sweet little one all the days of his life.



St. Gerard Majella, pray for us.

Weekinds with Chesterton: Free love

Linking up this old post to the new Weekends with Chesterton over at Amongst Lovely Things. Looking forward to diving more into his readings! Hope y'all enjoy this oldie but goodie! I promise there won't be another re-post next weekend! 

 

The revolt against vows has been carried in our day even to the extent of a revolt against the typical vow of marriage. It is most amusing to listen to the opponents of marriage on this subject. They appear to imagine that the ideal of constancy was a yoke mysteriously imposed on mankind by the devil, instead of being as it is, a yoke consistently imposed by all lovers on themselves. They have invented a phrase, a phrase that is a black and white contradiction in two words-‘free-love’-as if a lover ever had been, or ever could be, free. It is the nature of love to bind itself, and the institution of marriage merely paid the average man the compliment of taking him at his word. 

-G.K. Chesterton

Chesterton says it so clearly. Our society says it’s okay to divorce, encourages cohabitation, says you should sleep around till you find the “right” person, seek pleasure for self, find the quick fixes, seek immediate gratification, and more, all in the name of freedom. This makes me sad. I see the pain. The indifference. The maltreatment. The objectification. The numbing and all else that comes with the do what feels right for you right now. Honestly, my love for my husband has never felt so free until the day we said “I do”. And now being able to see how the vow continues to naturally further bind us through the gift of our little Bigfoot. Love binds and it is beautiful…if we let it be.

The thing is, people now adays trick themselves into thinking that they aren’t saying “I do” to anything, but in reality every time they are physically or emotionally intimate with another person there is a an automatic physical and emotional “I do” that takes place and penetrates the very soul; which is how God intended it to be - a beautiful and transcendent experience of His Love. Chesterton was right, it is a “contradiction” to try and live out love as society thinks it should be lived.

So, with that,  I’m grateful for the Church's teachings of what it means to make a vow and for the respect that His Church has and always will give to the act and meaning of a vow. I’m grateful for the respect that His Church gives to us in trusting us to be open to the grace that flows from such a high calling in all the various vocations. And, I’m grateful for His Church standing firm these past 2000+ years.

There is a revolt on vows. For this very reason I am grateful for all who strive to live out their vow. Yes, some days can be scary, difficult, and trying; but it is in those times that we are most called to pick up our cross, to be committed, and to stand by what we believe in rather than flee in the face of fear.

It is easy to love the people far away. It is not always easy to love those close to us. It is easier to give a cup of rice to relieve hunger than to relieve the loneliness and pain of someone unloved in our own home. Bring love into your home for this is where our love for each other must start. -Blessed Mother Teresa

“Do not be afraid” He tells us. He knew we would experience fear. He knew that we would be tried and challenged, and that it wouldn’t be easy. And so, He told us, “Do not be afraid”.

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Isaiah 43:5

And, during reflections like this, I’m thankful for the gift I have in GeekMan who understands the goodness of the vows we took. And thankful for my God who is always with us sharing His Grace in the good times and bad.

(updated in the beginning with an image and slight intro for link-up purposes.)

Thankful hearts...

When I was living in Houston I would meet with my spiritual director every week. And that continued up until our wedding. However, after our wedding we moved away and now I only talk to Sister K (or Special K as my roomie named her) once or twice a month over the phone.

I miss meeting with her. She truly is so special. She’s touched so many lives with her Christ-like presence. Just sitting and talking with her I could feel His warmth and for that I am forever grateful.

Since moving I carry our conversations with me in my heart because they taught me so much. One specifically has been running through my mind quite a bit lately and I wanted to share.

Gratitude

Special K always talked about having a grateful heart. A heart that is always thanking the Lord in all times. Times of joy, times of sorrow, times of confusion, times of blessing, times of anger, times of peace, times of certainty and uncertainty - and for all in intensive purposes, every possible time under the sun. She would always remind me to try and keep my heart thanking the Lord and through this my heart would leave room for God to work to occupy the space that is His in the first place. Through my heart being filled with gratitude in good times and in bad, my eyes, heart, and soul would be more open and ready to see God’s gracious Hand ever so gently leading the way. All because I would be thanking Him each step of the way. An act that ultimately helps me focus on His Perfect Will instead of my own ideas of what would be “perfect”. A thankful heart keeps me looking outward rather than getting stuck in my own head of what I think He should give me or do for me in my life.

Everything works together for good for those who love the Lord. -Romans 8:28

Special K would then remind me of the scripture quoted above. Remind me that no matter what is going on in my life, He loves me and therefore all things would come together for good in my life in His Perfect Time (which is usually where I get into trouble because I have my time stuck in my head lol).

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad. -Psalm 118:24

My family has again been reminded of this special message today. God has perfectly orchestrated something so sweet and kind. We almost missed it because we had our hearts set on something else, but we felt Him tugging, telling us to wait and be patient. Thankfully we did - just not with a thankful heart because we got stuck on what we thought would be just great. But, now we see. We see what He had in mind. And while talking and reflecting on the last week or so, we kind of chuckle to ourselves. We laugh only because we are grateful. We laugh because we are in awe at how much He loves us and how patient He is with us (again!)! We laugh because we know we didn’t start off in perfect obedience to His Will but he nudged us ever so clearly when we most needed it. And I think we mostly laugh out of relief. Relief that He is our God. Our God who makes loving promises and keeps them. Our God who has infinite Mercy. Our God who is Perfect Love and shares that with us through such amazing grace.

So now, our hearts are filled with gratitude again. We are in that place where we feel so much peace. Peace that only He can share.

Thank you, Special K

I thank Sister for reminding me to try and keep a thankful heart at all times. Literally, almost every meeting we had, we would talk about what I could be thankful for. And that reality filled with gratitude would ultimately have me leaving her a much more peaceful and excited child of God. A child of God with a thankful heart that drives her to trust The God who He keeps His promises rather than forget that He ever made them in the first place (which I so easily do in my own self absorbed way of thinking).

Thank you, God

So, thank you God for loving this family. Thank you, dear Lord, for sharing the Grace that we needed to follow your Will. Thank you Lord, for your handmaid, Special K. And lastly, thank you for everything under the sun - always.

note: this isn’t the last you’ll be hearing about Special K ;)

40 weeks and 1 day...

At every occurrence we should say: Dominus est. It is the Lord; and in all circumstances we should find a gift from God: we should consider creatures as very feeble instruments in the hands of an Almighty Worker, and we should recognize without difficulty that nothing is lacking to us that God’s constant care leads Him to give us each instant what is suited to us.  -Fr. de Caussade

The due date of our little one has come and gone. And today we are 40 weeks and 1 day :) Yup, our little Junebug is cozy and comfy in my womb and is showing few signs (up to this point) of making a full exit. Naturally, I (and many beloved family members and friends) are sitting at the edge of our seat waiting on this child and on God. Admittedly, having had our first born on the due date would have been so exciting! So, part of me is a bit sad that the day has passed. But as His Will would have it, we are still being called to patiently wait on Him. 

I like this quote from Fr. de Caussade, because it reminded me to be grateful and to Trust that It is the Lord who is working in each moment that passes. And not only is He working but He is giving us a gift. Gifts that I have only been able to recognize with some evening time spent in prayer and reflection.

Our Gifts thus far:

Friday, our due date was spent at an enjoyable morning Doctor’s appointment where we heard that this Mama and our little one are as healthy as can be at this point. That is always a joy to hear and definitely a gift. GeekMan and I had lunch thereafter and then I was able to spend some wonderful quality time with my brother who is visiting. Not only did I get to spend the afternoon with him but GeekMan and I were given the opportunity to have an early dinner with my brother as well. Then later, GeekMan and I enjoyed a movie, relaxation, and needed conversation. Dominus est.

Saturday, our 40 weeks and one day, were spent catching up on some much needed to-dos in the morning followed with a brief but wonderful time with my brother - again! These gifts were followed by our good friends calling us up for a delicious dinner out and we suggested getting some raspas for dessert (snowcones, something I’ve been wanting since this past Monday;)). After receiving these evening gifts we are now home enjoying each other and relaxing. Dominus est.

So, thank you again Fr. de Caussade and Holy Spirit for opening my eyes to see the goodness in the time that we have had and pray that my eyes continue to stay open in the days that come. Who knows when God and this little one will decide to exit my womb? Am I excited? YES! Am I ready? As ready as I’ll ever be :) But, for now I’ll try my best to focus on all the little gifts that God is sharing in moments that have passed and are yet to come. Dominus est.

haha, just a side note:

My guess is that our little Junebug doesn’t want us to miss Mass tomorrow morning. Perhaps he or she already sees the great gift in that and we’ll go into labor after celebrating Mass :D Will keep ya’ll posted!!!