Sunday Drive

Today is Sunday.  A day of relaxation, for the most part. We like to attend Mass on Saturday evenings to give ourselves a day to sleep in.  And it. is. glorious.  Late breakfast of burritos and homemade hot sauce (salsa for those of you from not around here..) and freshly ground coffee all while listening to the coos of our sweet baby girl.

Husband is still spinning with excitement from his first CD being out and he got his first internet sale last night!  Our house has been invaded with piano meditation paraphernalia and thoughts on marketing and really, the house has exploded with excitement of dreams being fulfilled and future dreams are being conceived.  It's inspiring to see someone's dream cone to fruition and actually see so much positive response from others.

So, I have decided that I should do the same.  Maybe that's why I've been back into the blogging world.  To start unleashing the artist within.  To let myself create.  To color world with vibrant thoughts and big  dreams.

I've been reading other blogs and sites and trying to connect with other bloggers around the globe, and one thing that really gets the passion to flow is knowing that there are other people with the same types of dreams.  Many of those dreams become reality, and all because we take the time to connect and support and throw our dreams into a big pot so that somehow they become a melded giant ball of dreams and goodness.  And with the combined dream, we can all partake, have a piece of the confetti cake with rainbow chip icing.  Man, is it delicious and soul-healing.


So, for today, feed your inner-self:  Take a Sunday Drive.
Not necessarily an actual drive, but take 10 minutes to relax.  Spend time enjoying the family.  Eat something amazingly delicious.  Take a walk.  Do something that feeds your soul.

And, check out pianomeditation.com.  Share a piece of the dream.

Methodical Madness

So, here I am, up bright and early for a change.  And, can I tell a secret?  I kind of like it.  It's peaceful, tranquil, and it makes me think that I may actually have a productive day!  I laid in bed for an hour before I finally got up. All I could think about was all the projects I want to get accomplished today.  Starting with breakfast for Husband.  Of course, it's still too early to start that, and I had an itch to write.  Just simply write.  And seeing as I can't (or maybe don't want to) hunt down my journal, here is where I turn.

I just caught up on the blogs that I have neglected to read due to my absence from the blogging world...  and one of my favorites was my brother's.  I don't know why, but it really gave me a chuckle.  Well, if you knew my brother you would understand!  And, from it sprang a fun phrase for me to meditate on....  Methodical Madness.

Methodical Madness....  I think that is the order in which God lives by.  Everything on our end seems like madness, but for Him, oh there is definitely method behind it.  Like 9 + months of pregnancy, or meeting the man you're going to marry and then not dating for 4 years, or giving someone like me the responsibility of an entire youth program at a parish, or free will.....

The list could go on and on and on.  And as I look back on what I just wrote, a lot of them are ways in which I think God is teaching me patience.  I really wish Husband would stop praying for that.  ;)  The point (if there is one) is that what is on the outside, the nuttshell, if you will, is only harvesting something much much bigger and better, the fruit or the nutt of life...
All the things we see that we can't find a reason to, well, it's there, we just may never know what it is.


Hmmm  I wonder if that analogy will make any sense when I come back and read that tomorrow....

Here's to a day filled with blessings and love.  And productivity.

SNOW DAY #2

It's been snowing for two days straight.  It's really pretty outside, but I'm totally over being stuck in the house.  Which is crazy, really, because on normal days I like being in the house, but I feel like I'm in a really energetic stage right now, and I want to get things done, and being stuck at home is not working out for me.  So, yesterday, I figured out how to get the free trial of photoshop elements to function, I played Wii Fit for an hour (it was actually nice to me yesterday, my Wii Fit age was my normal age for once), I made dinner, I read up on photography stuff....  I watched snow fall....   And then I was totally over it.  Totally.  


So I told Husband that I needed out of the house, let's go drive around.  Yes, we can be that stupid.  But seriously, the dog and I were both about to start chewing through the furniture.  So, we both grabbed our cameras, bundled up, and headed out.  The drive was pretty, and of course really slow.  But it was enjoyable.  I think Godiva and I both just looked out the window the whole driveenjoying a change of scene.  We finally got to where we were going.  There is a pond that geese migrate to for the winter (didn't do them much good this year) and it is really pretty, especially covered in snow.  So, of course right away, I go to get out of the truck, not thinking about the weather and fell on my butt.  Yep, right in the middle of the street.  And I think it's really funny, but Husband was kind of worried, but really it was not that bad of a fall, except I slammed both knees into the door of the truck.....  So that was fun.  Then we got the dog out of the car and she almost got run over because Wade and I were both taking pics, not paying attention, and she was just being a dog.  But no worries, she's fine.  We played in the snow for like 2 seconds, in that short amount of time, I couldn't feel my fingers or my nose, so Godiva and I got back in the truck and watched Husband take pics.  I really got maybe 2 pics taken....  But, Godiva and I were both happy because we got out of the house.  Well worth the trip in the snow.  =)


So today I was hoping for a little of the snow and ice to be gone, instead it came down more.  So, I got up early because for some reason I couldn't sleep. I actually got dressed to help my productivity....  I did clean the kitchen, I am working on laundry, and I have a craft project in mind.  Sweet dealio!  So, here's to snow day #2 and trying to use it to my advantage...

Here is the latest pic we have of Baby Nutt, posted on request. =)  

This is like 2 months old, though.  But check out the muscles!!!

Prego Progress

I was told I should blog more about my pregnancy.  Mostly because I have all these ridiculous things that continue to happen that I love to blow way out of proportion to create a good story.  Actually, that's a lie.  I blow them out of proportion because I can tend to be a tad bit dramatic.  Stop laughing, I already know it's true....


So here is a story that I think most will enjoy.  


Husband and I got a Wii for Christmas.  Way fun, and definitely a nice surprise from the in-laws!  So, we got the Wii home and realized that we should get a new TV.  Mind you, we don't really splurge on things like that, not to mention the fact that I was absolutely adamant about not having a TV in the house.  Mostly because I can get really addicted to the crappy TV shows that everyone loves but no one will admit to loving.  But, all that aside, we made a trip to Wal-Mart with all of our Christmas money and leftover gift cards.  We bought a new TV, a new TV stand (our living room actually looks kind of updated now, well, aside from the mismatched garage sale furniture.)  And the best purchase of all, Wii Fit Plus to go with our new Wii!!!


Mind you, this was the one thing that convinced Wade to keep the Wii (when it was given to us, it was given with the reciept so we could take it back if we wanted in exchange for the cash.)  So, we have the Wii Fit, and really, it totally rocks.  I swear, Wade is getting way buff because he really uses it to work out and stretch his back and such.  Not to mention all the really fun games that allows you to be penguins and chickens and get hit in the face with metal cleats without bleeding.  It's quite the experience.  If you ever come visit, we will for sure make you play.  ;)


Anyway, in order to partake in the exciting festivities on the Wii Fit, you must create a Mii character (really fun, actually, our's creepily resemble us).  And then with your Mii character you get weighed and measured and have to do all these balance tests.  Really great when your not 7 months prego!!!  The Wii continually tells me I'm overweight, in which I like to yell back at it that I'M NOT FAT, I'M PREGNANT!!!!  Seriously, why is there not a pregnant mode so that when you gain a pound since last time it will celebrate instead of reprimanding you and asking you why you think you gained weight...  And then when it doesn't give you the right answer, and you say, "I don't know" it says, "really, you don't know?"  I'm not kidding this is my actual conversation with our video game.  


And to make matters worse, the balance test results in a 'Wii Age'.  A couple years ago I was a couple of years younger than my actual age.  Now, because I'm a little top heavy and ginormous in the front, it says I'm like 35.  WHAT!?!  And then my little Mii character gets this defeated look and shakes her head.  All this while I'm standing on the balance board yelling, 'I'M PREGNANT, YOU STUPID THING!!!'  And Wade is trying to reassure me that it's really okay and I'm not fat, and that I'm cute and blah blah blah....


Anyway, just one of my many pregnant adventures.  =)  Really, I love it.  And I really am getting huge.  I have added this picture to show you.  =)

Not to mention, this pic was taken in our nursery, now painted.  Check out the process here!!!

Family

It's Wishcasting Wednesday!  Today's question:  What do you wish for your family?

First, I have to say that my definition of family has changed drastically in the last 7 months.  In a good way.  In fact, Husband and I were just talking about this the other day.  We both grew up with really amazing families, supportive, faith-driven, and consumed with love.  But the other day I looked at my new husband, and I couldn't believe that we are now family.  He and I and this little ninja kid inside of me.  Not that we aren't part of our 'families of origin' as I've heard it referred to, but we are building our own web of love and protection and support.  And this will be the only family that our children know of.  It's such a crazy, amazing blessing to be given this responsibility.

So my wish for my new little family is that we continue to grow in love for each other, in love for our God, and that we are able to overcome the obstacles that society throws at us.  Such a simple wish, but in reality, growing in love is a hard thing to remain focused on.

Busy December, In a Good Way

There has been so much that has happened in the past two weeks, which explains my absence from the blogging world.  All the way from actually completing my stockings to a visit to the convent to hanging out for a week in Indiana.  All of them have been fantastic, all of them include fantastic pictures, and all of them will have to be a seperate blog on their own....  Next week.  When the holidays are simmered down.  And life returns to 'normal'. 

But right now I am immensely enjoying being around my family, eating way too much, staying up way too late, and having way too much fun!  There is nothing like a great Christmas with a great family and a fantastic husband.  =)  The best part is, we get to see the other side of the family this coming weekend.  I'm beginning to forget what my house looks like....

Random Ramblings...

I survived the weekend!  Not only did I survive, but I'm very excited for my kids that got to come.  And I will continually pray for the ones that couldn't.  Watching kids encounter Christ is such an amazing experience.  I love seeing the light bulb come on for some of them, watching them realize that there is more to life than video games, sports, gossip, sex, drugs, all the stuff that hinders them from a healthy spiritual life.  Maybe the seeds are getting planted and one day they will take root.

A big thanks to the Texas Tech students who came out to put on the retreat.  It kind of made me want to go back to college.  Sort of.  =)  And then I look down at my growing belly and realize that this stage in life has it's own blessings and good times.  Almost more so.  Baby has been very active the past few days.  I guess it's a foreshadow of things to come.

And, my big brother took his firefighter certification test today!!!  Go Bradley!  We are proud of you!  Now move back to Texas!!!

Spreading Love Blog by Blog

Three days ago I was given a blogger award. Seeing as I am new to the blogging world, I am quite flattered and the pressure is building on me to keep writing. Which is a very good thing. My best friend from high school has given me this award because we are both on the same journey to unleash our inner childhood dream of writing. Of course, she is scores ahead of me, but maybe some day I will catch up to her. Alisha and I have been through many life-altering events together. Things like senior prom and the high school basketball team all the way to college and marriages and now she is one of my biggest advisors through pregnancy. Thanks, soul twin, for this award and for the encouragement to follow this crazy dream.

So now that this wonderful award has been bestowed on me, I must pass it on to five other bloggers and tell you 6 things you may not know about me. Bare with me because neither one of those will be an easy task for me to fulfill. But that is why it has taken me so many days to finish this assignment. ;)

1. I have a deaf dog. My husband and I love to take advantage of this fact. Hide and seek is fun with the dog, so is walking in the house and getting so many things done without her knowing we're home. And, we love to scare her. It may sound mean, but she just wags her butt at us every time we get her.

2. I am a Catholic youth minister and I love it. Most days. It can get difficult, but that's when I know I'm in the right job.

3. I am madly in love with my husband and I have been since the day I met him. It took us almost four years to get married due to the journeys we decided to take in life, but the wait was well worth it.

4. My whole life I've wanted to be married and have babies. And now that I'm about to have a baby, I'm scared to death. Which is a pretty common emotion to have, I hear, but still it's crazy to think that my whole identity is soon to change once again.

5. I'm such a nerd that a good day off of work to me means that I can finish a whole book from beginning to end without ever having to put it down.

6. I am newly obsessed with taking pictures. Maybe along with writing random stuff from time to time, photography can become a pseudo hobby and one day I can change the world through it.

As for other bloggers, I will get back to you at a later date. No worries, it won't be a way later date, next week. Mostly because I'm going to have to do some research to find some great blogs!!!!

Soul Expression

Upon reflection of life, I've realized that I have no solid way of expressing my soul. I have a soul, it grows and changes, and slowly is becoming what it's meant to be. But, how does a person express it to the world? Whether anyone else actually seizes the opportunity to see what your soul is all about, there is solace in expressing it.

My wonderful husband is a brilliant musician and quite often comes home with a new song he has written, usually

better than his last. I love it. It's a glimpse inside of him I wouldn't otherwise have. Most of the time his songs are inspired by his latest spiritual reflections and revelations

. And through his music, he is encouraging others to grow spiritually and become who they are supposed to be. In his music, he takes the rest of us to a different, almost better world.

In his music, he allows us to see the beauty in life. Something that can be a very difficult thing to see at times.

And then, there's this woman in my life, one that I have always cherished my time with. My grandmother. My Grannie is one of

the most amazing artists I've ever met. She can paint the most

wonderful, vivid watercolors. My favorite painting that she's

done is my great grandmother at one of my

birthday tea parties. Every year for my birthday, we would have a tea party, and every year my great grandma would show up in her big white hat and ginormous wooden beaded necklace. This painting Grannie did, well, she put on canvas my great grandma's soul. Her very essence. It's a profile shot and she's in her tea outfit. Laughing. Pure joy is actually radiating from the painting. There will be fights over that painting for sure. Within her paintings, my grannie shows the love she

has for family, the faith she has in God, and the beauty of her soul.

Don't let me forget to tell you about another special woman.

One that has just recently showed up in my life. One that shines without even trying. One that after one phone call, I wanted to be her best friend (and yes, I'm aware that everyone who talks to her for

5 seconds feels the same way.) My wedding photographer, Chriselda. She can capture in a lens the beauty of another

person's soul, the love between two souls, the innocence of a

child, and whatever else she's trying to capture. And in that, the woman expresses herself in ways that I wish I could. She loves each and every person she has ever had a camera in front of. She has a captivating personality, that even though I've met her only twice in person, I feel like she's one of my closest friends. Because, in her photo blogs (www.chriseldaphotography.com), her soul radiates and becomes a magnet for anyone who even takes a glimpse at the page.

There are so many more people in my life that are able to express their inner-most being without necessarily even realizing it. I've tried music. Let's just say, I'm praying our children get Wade's talent in that aspect. I've tried being artistic, and in some ways I can be, but I definitely cannot take a blank canvas and create magic.

Thus, my quest begins.

I've decided that I should at leasts begin writing something somewhere other than my journal. Somewhere where it takes a bit of a risk to put my thoughts down. Somewhere that my childhood dream of being a writer can slowly start to shape itself, even if it is only on a small website and the chances of people reading are slim to none. Even if it means people think I'm more crazy than they originally thought (if that's even possible). Even if what you and I find out about me is scary or weird or not worth finding out about at all.

It's worth it to try a new adventure. To see if this may be the avenue in which my soul will release itself. To maybe allow people to see what I've been to much of a wuss to show....