Weekends with Chesterton: Monotony

Sarah, we must be on the same wavelength! These words from Chesterton make my heart and soul happy!

His words are so jam-packed with so much goodness and so much challenge it's hard to decide on what to touch on. Strength. Us not being strong enough. The vitality of little ones. God's strength. The morning, evenings, daisies, beauty and a Father who is younger than we. 

Love, love, love!

What I mainly bring away from it all at this moment is hope. There is hope in the child's fierce spirit. There is hope in that my God is strong enough to not only partake in monotony, but to exult in it. Lord knows I try Him! There's a sweet and joyful hope that God our Father is younger than we and has the eternal appetite of infancy. This hope is so very encouraging. This hope makes me feel held, even at my worst.

Praying that I be able to joyfully embrace the blessed monotony that is mine.

Visit Sarah's for more Weekends with Chesterton.

9, 10, 11...

Sweetest little Linus, time is flying past us and you can bet that Dada, brother, and myself are desperately trying to soak you up as much as possible. You are precious. You are silly. You are so many things! The last months up to your birthday are the months that always seem to get away from me. So, forgive me for being so delayed with your monthly updates!!!

Without further ado, onto months 9, 10, and 11!

Month 9 - October

• You crawl. You are a master crawler. You are a fast crawler. You are skilled crawler. You are owning the crawling mode of transportation.
• Not only are you owning the crawl but you have falling down safely down-pat! You are pretty graceful for your age (or at least I think so.) Some babies don't look before they throw their little selves to the ground. But you, my dear, do. And, I could not be more grateful to you for it!
• And, guess what? You're pulling up and cruising! You little, tiny, man! 
• And, seeing how you like to impress, you decided you would pull up and walk with a push walker! So very impressed with you!\
• Playdates galore my sweet! We've been able to spend lots of time with our friends and your Godparents this month. The weather has been so kind and schedules have just been lining up. It's been FUN!
• Bible Study has been going strong this month too. This is great because the next three months we met only a handful of times rather than weekly. The winter weather and cold season kept us indoors and away from playdates way too long!
• You continue to eat very well. You've tried a variety of new veggies and are apparently a fan of meat!
• We started house-hunting this month. A very exciting time for our little family!
• We danced on the Feast of St. Cecilia. 

Month 10 - November

• You and your brother are interacting a bit more and it's so sweet.
• Speaking of your brother, you love him. And, he loves you. A. Lot.
• You are growing into quite the snuggler. I didn't think this would be you, but you are proving to be full of surprises.
• You are playing catch! You are "tossing" balls. You also ask for others to catch ("Ca. Ca. Ca." for "Catch" and "Th, Th. Th." for "Throw"). Works for me and it's kind of amazing. 
• It's obvious you look up to your big brother and try to do as he does. Some days this makes me so happy and others a bit worrisome. Your brother has a tendency for running into things, throwing himself on the floor for fun, tackling, and all things boy.
• We spent Thanksgiving at home this year. Papa Ram and Nana were here for some fun and snuggles. Uncle Myke and Erin too.
• You still aren't the best sleeper. We've taken to co-sleeping, but my dear we need to do something about your pain threshold. It is very loowwwww. 
• Nursing continues to go very well.
• Your allergies (seasonal) were acting up. You had a runny nose for a little while that lead to some congestion. At the end of it all you caught a quick virus (few days of fever, that lead to a fun rash all over your body). Thankfully the rash was short lived and you handled the fever like a champ (mostly, but who could blame you).
• You are sporting size 12 month and growing well. 
• We went to cousin B's basketball game. Your first! Even though you weren't feeling well, I'm pretty sure you enjoyed it.
• You're saying Ma..Ma..Ma... and Da...da...da..
• We went on our Bible Study Weekend Vacation and it was great.

Month 11 - December

• You sprouted two more teeth. This month was a very bad month for your teething. The end of your last month to this one has brought about three new little pearly bandits. You rocked my world of sleep like it's never been rocked. And, by the grace of God we are doing alright. I will not feel bad when those little teeth are no longer and your new permanent ones are here to stay. Just sayin'.
• We traveled for the holidays and came back with the flu. Even you, my sweet. It was miserable having it as a family. But, more miserable that you had to get it too. I guess there aren't too many things to do when you have to make a 10 hour drive.
• You traveled amazingly this time around. Best trips to date. We were so proud!
• When you're well, you are always ready for a smile or laugh.
• You're ticklish.
• I love our nursing relationship and am so grateful for the bond we have through it! It's so beautiful!
• Icepocalypse happened this month. This cold season has really thrown us off our tendency to get out and play with friends. Come spring, there's no holding back little one!
• You love Uncle Godfather. You are able to recognize him and go to him pretty quickly. He's able to make you laugh and play and it's so fun to see. 
• 12-18 months clothing for you my little growing one. I sometimes even put you in your brothers 2T shirts and roll up the sleeves. They work and you're comfy.
• You say "hey" to your dada when he gets home from work. You're always so excited to see him!
• You're so ticklish!
• You are a great cruiser!
• You look for your brother.
• You are talking/babbling so much more!
• You love Lily our pup.
• You give open mouth kisses. 
• You're starting to wave hello.
• You chase your brother and love to wrestle him.
• You are a meat-eater for sure! Then comes fruit. Next veggies. And, lastly carbs. 
• You are so good at entertaining yourself. You can play and crawl around so well.
• You give the sweetest snuggles.
• You love to charge and climb all over all of us. You smile and laugh and it's wonderful.
• You still are sporting your oh-so-adorable dimples.

My little Linus, you keep us on our toes. You are full of smiles and energy. You love our little family and make my heart smile. We are looking forward to celebrating your birthday this coming weekend! Thank you for your goodness. Thank you for your sweetness, snuggles, and silliness.

God bless you, Linus. And, Mother Mary hold you in her praying heart always. 

XOXOXO,

Mama

St. John Bosco, pray for us.
St. John the Beloved, pray for us.

Moments of Grace and Chesterton

Thanking God...

::for His Will.

::for His Grace and Patience.

::for His Love and Mercy.

::for our little family.

::for time with our family that are not near.

::for my vocation of mother and wife.

::for my husband - our rock.

::for new days.

Praying...

::for our little family.

::for family that aren't near us but are always near our hearts.

::for grace in my vocation.

::for a special intention.

::for Bobbi and her family.

::for a dear friend.

::for patience and love.

::for a thankful and joyful heart.

Pondering...

My boys see such joy so easily in our day to day. They see adventure in jumping from low stools and running into a pile of pillows and blankets. They see a cave to climb through when under the kitchen table and are so curious about whats behind every closed door. Around every corner is adventure. Praying that I be able to see more of the incalculable wonders that exist within our own little family. Praying that I take more moments to explore the pile of blankets and empty boxes. Praying that I don't steal their present and day-to-day fairy-tale with my own selfishness, unwillingness, and stubbornness. Praying I see more of the adventure we were all born into.

Loving this quote...

From the Kitchen...

::making spaghetti tonight. I make the sauce from scratch so it's always a little different every time. Depends on my mood. More basil? More garlic? Mushrooms? Onions? etc etc It helps that both boys chow down every time I make it.

Captured...

Not much. Not only did I take a blogging haitus but I also have not touched my camera since we got home from Christmas travels. The day after we got home we all tested positive for the flu with the toddler tacking on an ear infection of his own. Since then I've just been trying to find my groove again.  We passed on a house during that time (our second one) which was disheartening. I feel like January has been the month to try and get out of feeling in slump.

Hopefully, I'll be able to bust out my super mama cape and have a wonderful February. This North Texas January weather has not been fun either. At. All.

***

Head on over to Jenny's and Sarah's for more Moments and Chesterton :)

7QT: The skies above are blue...

I'm back from my blogging hiatus and it feels so good to be typing! I've honestly had so much to blog about just haven't had the time, energy, or brain power to focus. Not to mention, lots of places to start had me overwhelmed a bit. And there was the flu that knocked us all on our rear for a good two weeks. Oh, and the crazy-mad teether that felt the need to party hard all night every night for longer than my sleep-deprived brain would like to recall. Haha. Moving on now! Here I am and I'm excited!

At last, another beautiful day in a year to remember has come along. It's our anniversary! Four years ago yesterday, we said, I do. Our love was bound and we became one. We became one. I knew you. You knew me. We loved and loved and loved until our hearts burst that day. The joy I felt on the day that we said I do was so beautiful. I was radiating. I was glowing. All was beautiful and perfect, joyful and blessed.

Welcome to my little memory lane of a post about that very fine day that brought a joy in me that I had never known before.

--- 1 ---

I loved our details. They were sweet. Simple. And filled with love.

The detail in the cake matched the lace on my dress. Made me smile.

My GeekMan doing what he does best and me doing what I love to do but don't do enough of - read.

These were just a few of the little things that made the day just a little sweeter.

--- 2 ---

I loved that I got to wear my mother's wedding dress. The same dress that my grandma made for her. And love even more that this same grandma did the alterations for it to fit me. A gift that I will always treasure more than I can say.

Love that we took pictures down at the grove. The only thing I love more than avocados are grapefruit! We went to where grapefruits abound. And it was beautiful.

--- 3 ---

I loved getting married in the parish I grew up in. So many fruits happened in this holy place for me. Being able to marry before God, family, and friends is more than this woman could ask for.

--- 4 ---

I loved being with him. He made everything perfect. He made everything beautiful. He who God decided to share with me in a very beautiful, mysterious, and glorious way.

--- 5 ---

The moments. I loved the moments.

Right after we walked down the aisle into the dressing room. We hugged it all in. I didn't want to let go of him. I was so happy.

Our first dance as husband and wife. On the bridge. Away from it all. Just us. Dancing. Enjoying. Loving.

My grandpa had passed away the year prior to our wedding. You can imagine why having his brother there meant more to my heart than any will ever know. I was heartbroken knowing my grandpa wouldn't be there on my wedding day. It was sweet how God had them be the couple who had been married the longest. We had special moments of wisdom with him and his wife. Such a gift.

--- 6 ---

Outdoor January wedding in South Texas. It was perfect. A sweet day with a light breeze. It wasn't too hot and it wasn't too cold. It was perfect. Just how I had prayed it would be.

Oh and the Dancing!!! Dancing is fun. But, dancing outside - so much fun! We had a blast! And, I loved having all my Ags there! The Aggie War Hymn was incredibly special that night.

Ha! This awkward moment brought to you by us. It took him FOREVER to get that thing off! Awkward... Haha. As awkward as it was, I was laughing and dancing the whole time.

Did I mention I love dancing?

Well I do.

Especially with this man!

--- 7 ---

The celebration!!!

And, the fact that the celebration didn't end that night. It's been going strong for four years. We've even managed to add two little ones that can party harder than any college student I've ever known. These boys take "party all night long" to a whole new level, for sure!

But, I love them for it. I love that they joined our party. I love that they are a beautiful result of the very same party that started four years ago. And, I most especially love the love and our God that keep the celebration of our life always beautiful.

Thanks for stopping by!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

TT: Bare Bigfoot

Linking up with Cari for Theme Thursday. The theme is bare or bear.

We've had some pretty crummy weather over here. It's cold, it's not cold, it's cold and rainy, rainy and cool, fog, blah, blah, blah...yuck, yuck, yuck... Give me snow and freezing or give me warm and breezy, but this yuck is no bueno! I haven't seen much of any sun lately, which hurts my soul. Being sick last week with the flu for all hasn't helped either.

All this to say, I have not been great about capturing memories with my mama toy. Therefore, I present to you an old picture of Bigfoot's bare footsies. The boy is almost always bare. It's how he rolls. Most especially because if he is wearing socks you can almost guarantee the boy will take a spill that will open some major flood gates. It just isn't pretty. (Yes, we're that coordinated family.).

Hopefully in the next few weeks I'll get back to taking pictures and practice so I can get better at capturing our moments. I also have so many pictures to blog after making our rounds for the holidays. Not to mention, the three updates for sweet Linus I have yet to post! Oye! I am behind on our little online space of life, but determined to get back to it.

Get over to Cari's to check out some more fun bare/bear photos from other much more talented photo-taking lovelies!

2013 in 13: Thankful

We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28

January: Waiting on our Sweet Pea, date night for our 3 year anniversary, Texas winter, time outside, a boy, and his sticks.

February: Our little Lovebug/Sweet P/Linus was born.

March: The boy has personality

April: My baby isn't a baby anymore.

June: Lots of traveling, toddler turns two, and lots of lovely family time.

July: Lots more family time, traveling, and our youngest was baptized.

August: Brothers, time at the beach, lots of family love, lots of traveling, and growing.

September: Birthdays, Beach, Family, food for all, and lots of fun.

October: Home, time with friends, and memories.

November: Brewery fun, Bible Study Family Vacation, Christmas cards, Thanksgiving family fun, and so little time.

December: Colds and allergies that rocked any plans I had for December, Icepocalypse 2013, no Christmas tree this year due to the craziness, lots of traveling, lots of gifts, lots of smiles and hugs, and Flu for all four of us that completely wiped out the later end of our  December into the new year.

Bonus: 

Seeing Sister Kathleen this year was definitely one of my highlights. I've missed her terribly since we moved from College Station to Dallas and I could not be more happy that she was able to meet our boys! Praying that the good Lord bless us with another reunion in 2014. Either way I will look forward to our phone conversations in the new year. She will be in my prayers and I know our little family is always in hers.

So very thankful for another beautiful year filled with everything that it needed to be filled with. His Goodness, Mercy, and amazing Love abounding as always.

Thankful.

(Head on over to Dwija's to see more fun 2013 in 13 fun!)

7QT: One image sums it all up for me

--- 1 ---

via

This one image pretty much sums it up for me. I'll just add some quick takes that will hopefully remind me to eventually  jot down more about our present life journey.

--- 2 ---

Updates for month 9 and 10 for sweet little Linus are forever overdue. It lingers in my mind. It's there.  A little something reminding me to write it, but I just. can't. do. it. Perhaps it's denial. Perhaps it's the craziness that is our life right now. But, I'm betting it's a combo of both. Regardless, I fully intend on writing his updates! With pictures of his sweet face!

--- 3 ---

Speaking of the little man. Something has been going on. Something that has managed to turn our home upside down. The typically sweet face with the big smile has been clawing at his gums, arching his back, and shedding some mad tears to the point of going hoarse mostly at night and during naps. For the most part if he's awake and distracted he is fine and dandy + drool and chewing on his little chubby fingers. But come night time, it is a new level of heartache and horrible that I have ever encountered. 

At first we were thinking it was reflux. Went to the doctor, did some blood work and describing of the behaviors, and decided this is high on the list of BINGO. Start medicine and see no major difference in the craziness, leads me to think it still may be possible, just need the right med, but something else is going on.

My first son, for the most part, teethed pretty gracefully. But, seeing how Linus has been clawing at his gums, leads me to believe that I haven't seen teething yet! My poor baby feels this pain like none other and it. is. awful. I have had little to no sleep all week and am hanging on by a thread.

But there was some light today! Because of a tidbit of essential oil wisdom I found via a comment Efficient Momma made on Call Her Happy's blog, Linus took to his naptime beautifully. Just like old times! He snuggled, nursed, fell asleep, and went down. It was amazing because he has not done this for most of this week. Nap times and bed times have been twined with tears and struggle. So, a drop of lavender essential oil into a bit of his non-scented baby lotion, rubbed on his little toesies went a long way today! Thank you, Jenna and Rachel!!!

So, with all that, prayers appreciated for the little one and for our little family. That we may have the grace to endure our present with His Strength. Because, let's be honest, I'm a crazy person when it comes to not getting sleep.

--- 4 ---

Ah, sleep. Dear sleep. I miss you.

--- 5 ---

And, supposedly Christmas is next week. Ha. Remember that Christmas tree we were supposed to go out and get? Yup. This did not happen. Pretty sure this will be the first Christmas of my life that I will not have a Christmas tree in the place that I am residing. Sadness. But, life has been taking us for a loop that we are just barely holding on to. When you take a ton of sleep out of the equation (and I mean a ton), everything just seems to start spinning.

On the spinning note, we're supposed to start our Christmas travels tomorrow. Or rather, we were supposed to get our butt into travel gear this evening, but seeing how evenings are the absolute hardest on Linus we thought we'd wait and give tomorrow morning a go.

St. Christopher, Please pray for us.

--- 6 ---

Which means I need to pack. A weeks' worth of life. Oh packing, when will we ever get along?...

--- 7 ---

But, at least there's a light at the end of my sleepy tunnel filled with His Beautiful and Perfect Birth, spending time with family and loved ones, and potentially a new home (if it be His Will that we proceed on this current gem we found).

Prayers for a beautiful and merry Christmas!

&

For more uplifting and joy-filled Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!