![Week In Review]()
by Catherine | Mar 5, 2012 | Family
Monday
Walt started army crawling this morning!
After his afternoon nap, Walt stood next to the ottoman with both hands for five minutes before buckling over. A new record!
Tuesday
We were out and about running errands this morning. While we were in the car, Jane looked out the window and said, “Mama! Look! Firefighters!” I said, “Really? You see a firefighter?” She responded (in between giggles), “No, Mama. That’s silly.” Jane’s first joke is on the books.
Jane, during every turn in the car: “Woah, Mama! Big turn!”
Jane’s favorite question today: “Mama, what you doing there?”
Wednesday
(Scene from the changing table.)
Jane: Mama, what’s a clock say?
Me: Tick, tock. Tick, tock
Jane: That’s right, Mom!
Walt’s been doing a combination army crawl/roll all day. At one point, he went across the family room to get his stuffed monkey. I give us another week before we have to put the baby gate back at the top of the stairs.
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| Talking on “the office” phone |
We had a playdate with Jane and Walt’s buddies. They had a ball playing and running around. The highlight for me was watching Janie give her little buddies big hugs before we left. What’s cuter than watching toddlers in their big, puffy winter coats and hats giving each other a big squeeze?
Jane has a musical set with mini-cymbals that are about three inches in diameter. Dr. Jane took one of the cymbals and went around, putting it on the chests of all of her stuffed animals, saying, “Check up, Ernie. Check up, Elmo. Check up, Baby Stella.” Apparently she learned a new phrase last week at her doctor visit (“check up”), and we didn’t know it!
Thursday
Jane developed an addiction to dry cereal in the last week. It’s her new favorite snack. I think I must say, “That’s all” a lot when I pour the last bit for her because while I was giving her her morning snack, she said, “That’s all, Mama.”
Jane held her sippy cup to her favorite stuffed dog, T-Bone’s mouth. As she pretended to have him drink, she said, “Slow down, Doggy!”
The weather was so gorgeous today that we were able to go for a family walk before dinner. Jane walked ahead of me down the stairs on our way out. She turned back and said, “Come on, Mama. Hold my hand?”
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| Look at that baby sitting up in the stroller and his big sis on the back! |
When I dropped Jane off in the childcare room for our evening event, she gave my leg a squeeze and said, “See ya later, Mama!” I love that she’s simultaneously loving and secure when I leave.
As Philip got Jane ready for bed tonight, she said to him from the changing table, “Dada, you so cute!”
Friday
The kids had a last-minute playdate this morning, and it was a ball! Jane is especially fond of her little buddy, Connor. Instead of playing alongside her friends, Jane is starting to develop an interest in playing
with them. It was so fun to watch those two be silly together and share toys.
We went shopping for the kids’ spring and summer clothes at a second-hand shop. We got both of their spring and summer wardrobes for a whopping $140! I don’t know about you, but getting the kids quality clothes at a low price is my idea of a good time. Probably a quarter of the clothes still had the tags on them!
Saturday
It was a quiet day at home. This was the first weekend in a long time that we had Philip all to ourselves for the entire weekend, so we did a few projects around the house. Philip cleaned out the garage, I organized a few things in the storage room, and we got my new office space in the front living room set up. (More on that another time.)
My awesome husband told me to have some me-time. I went shopping with a girlfriend after lunch. It was so nice to shop for a few clothes with the helpful expertise of a gal pal. Getting out on my own with a friend was good for my soul. Thank goodness for a husband who encourages me to have that time.
We had a fun night out on the town with some friends. We had a yummy dinner out and followed it with some bowling and a stop to the attached arcade area. Putting a little bet on the game brought out the best in our bowling skills. I’ve never seen so many strikes and spares in one game! Unfortunately for Philip, more of the strikes and spares came from our friends than his sidekick wife. Janie and Walt played with two of their favorite sitters, and Jane even got to do a craft with them. They put a bunch of glitter and pom-poms on a wooden “J.” So cute! As always, it was fun to go on a date with my hubby, and the kids enjoyed having fun sitters to play with.
Sunday
While I ate my breakfast this morning, I read an article on the Holy Father’s upcoming trip to Cuba and the big news that
Fidel Castro might re-convert back to Catholicism. Philip asked a question about Fidel’s regime, and I responded with an, “Oh, yeah!”
for emphasis. Jane decided this is her new favorite phrase. She said “Oh, yeah!” in response to just about everything this morning.
Walt is a crawling machine! He does an army crawl/roll combo all over the place, and he’s getting so fast! Walt’s no longer our potted plant bambino. I think we’re putting the baby gate back up tomorrow.
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| Our not-so-little guy |
My religious education students received the sacrament of Confirmation this afternoon. What an honor to be a part of their big day!
We decided to end the era of binkies for Janie tonight, and we went cold turkey. We’ve been telling her for a few weeks that she’s a “big girl,” and we’ve ushered in a few changes like a bigger, forward-facing carseat. We emphasize that we make the changes because she’s a “big girl.” At meals, instead of having yogurt bites like Walt, she has “big girl yogurt” (regular yogurt out of a container). So, tonight, when it came time for Jane to go to bed, we said “binkies are all gone. Janie’s a big girl. Binkies are for babies.” She got on board right away and said, “Binkies all gone.” It’s 10:00, and she’s still asleep in bed. Could it be too good to be true? Perhaps tomorrow during naptime will be the biggest test. Stay tuned!
![Week in Review]()
by Catherine | Feb 27, 2012 | Family
I’ve done it a bit before, but I decided to start writing down the little things the kids do each week as they happen and consolidate them into a weekly post. This way, I have a weekly summary of where the kids are developmentally and a record of the things I never want to forget. There are so many little moments throughout each day that leave me with that “my cup runneth over” feeling. I know I’ll be glad to have these memories recorded–especially on those “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad” days when I need a little lift!
So, with that said, here’s what happened this week:
Monday
The Swiffer Sweeper is Jane’s favorite toy lately. She loved to pretend to sweep the floors with it, and today she found a new use for the sweeper. She saw an episode of Barney with the song, “Rock ‘n Roll Star.” Ever since seeing it, the Swiffer Sweeper has been transformed into a rock and roll guitar. Jane stands on the fireplace brick, strums her “guitar,” and sings, “I’m gonna be a rock ‘n roll star! A rock ‘n roll staaaaaaaar! Gonna be a, a rock ‘n roll star!” Walt loves nothing more than giggling at his sister in concert.
Tuesday
Janie and Walt had their two-year and nine-month well-visits respectively. It sounds so cliché to say so, but time goes too fast! I love watching them learn and grow, but I can’t help but feel sad as I have to pack away their cute little clothes to make room for bigger clothes every few months. The doctor says everyone is healthy and happy! It didn’t hurt that no shots were involved at this visit. Janie did have to get a finger prick for a lead test, but she didn’t even flinch. She was more concerned with watching the blood fill the vial than what was happening to her finger. Hooray for fantastic nurses that love to work with kids! The only hiccup was Walt’s height. Either we have a Curious Case of Benjamin Button on our hands or the number was wrong from last time, because the chart says that Walt is shrinking! We’ll be sure to keep an eye on that… 🙂 I’m inclined to think it’s just a mistake because his size 12-month overalls pop open every time he bends over!
Wednesday
Philip worked nights this week so we got to go to noon Mass as a family for Ash Wednesday. Janie thought I was dirty and tried smudging the cross off of my forehead all day. She’d say, “Mama! Help you!” and then lean over to wipe off my ashes. Inspired by her doctor’s visit, Jane decided to be a doctor today. She declared that every stuffed animal or doll she came into contact with was “sick” and gave them a full exam on the living room ottoman.
Thursday
Jane greeted me first thing in the morning with a, “Good morning, Mama!” She was grinning ear to ear in her footie pajamas and holding four favorite stuffed animals.
Janie has a fascination lately with any and all things school. She can’t wait to be a big girl and go learn like the big kids! I hope this enthusiasm remains. When the day finally comes, I think she’ll love it since she’s such a social butterfly. Starting today, she’s been jumping up and down and saying, “School! Go to school, Mama!” She’s even enlisted Baby Stella to join her. “Mama, Baby Stella go to school. Learn.”
Walt learned a new trick! From the seated position, he leaned forward onto his arms and pushed his legs behind him so that he was on all fours. Unfortunately, he got stuck in the splits. I couldn’t help but snap a picture before he figured out how to move his leg behind him.
We added legs to Walt’s activity table and showed him how to stand next to it. It’s his new favorite activity! He stands next to the table and pushes the buttons until his chunky legs buckle and he collapses into the pillows we position around it.
Jane saw Philip and I hugging in the kitchen. She squeezed between us, wrapped her arms around both of our legs, and said, “BIG HUG! Awwwww!”
While I was doing some dishes this morning, Jane ran off to grab something in her room. She came back holding her doll, Baby Stella, and the magnetic bottle that attaches to her mouth. She climbed up onto the couch, positioned a pillow under her arm, and starte
d “feeding” Baby Stella. “Mama, Stella hungry.” She’s such a little mother!
Saturday
Philip returned Saturday morning from his last night of working nights for the week. Hooray! We went to a furniture store to look for a desk for my new office space (more on that later!). You should have seen Jane’s excitement when she saw an assembled set of bunk beds with a slide! Another 2-year-old was playing on the set, and Janie happily joined him. They had a ball going up and down the slide and bouncing on the top bunk.
Jane had her first cheeseburger last night for dinner. She loved it! “Ooooooo! Cheesy burger! Yum!”
Janie seemed beside herself with happiness when Philip was able to tuck her into bed and read “Goodnight Moon.”
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| Walt was thrilled to have Philip home, too. Here they are cuddling after Walt’s last bottle. |
Sunday
Jane decided she wanted to go “au naturel” this morning. While I was distracted eating breakfast, she put together this ensemble. I like the light-up princess boots.
As Monty came inside and ran past Janie, she said, “Aw! Monty so cute!” Speaking of Monty, Jane’s favorite game in the car is to have us ask her what kind of an animal Monty is. “Jane, is Monty a horse? Is Monty a kitty? Is Monty a monkey?” Her response is always, “No! That’s silly!”
We finally bought Walt a convertible carseat. Since his feet were dangling over the edge of his infant carrier, we thought it was time! Now that Janie’s 2, Dr. Phil says he agrees with the AAP that her carseat can be turned to face forward. Having her facing forward combined with Walt in his big carseat is a lot of change in one week. As predicted, Walt doesn’t seem to notice that anything’s different. Maybe he’ll be more excited when we put up a mirror for him. Jane, on the other hand, loves the change! She talks almost non-stop about what she sees through the windows. I think it’s because she has more time to process what’s coming into her field of vision and attach the right words to them. “Look, Mama! Tree! Biiiiiiiiiig truck! What color that? Big house! Aw, doggy!”
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| The kiddos in their new carseats |
Jane has a tendency to stuff her face at mealtime. Every meal becomes a scary game of Chubby Bunny. We’ve repeatedly been telling Jane, “Sloooooooooow down. Small bites!” At dinner tonight, Jane had a very stern face and told Philip as he took a bite, “Sloooooooow down, Daddy!”
![Weekend Update and Lenten Facebook Fast]()
by Catherine | Feb 22, 2012 | Family
We had my family over for the February birthdays on Sunday. It’s always such a joy to see our family all together–especially the little cousins. It’s pretty incredible watching your children play with your siblings’ kids. My favorite part is seeing how different they are and the personality traits they might have picked up from their parents. Jane, unfortunately, picked up her mother’s trait of struggling to wake up gracefully from naptime. She had a marathon nap before everyone came over, and she wasn’t thrilled to have her picture taken…
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| Jane’s trying to escape. Sorry she used you for leverage, Lucy! |
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| Calm cousins without Jane |
Once she had some food in her and a chance to play with her cousins, she was a happy camper again.
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| Kiddie Table |
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| Birthday Cake |
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| I made it low-fat, of course |
For part of my Lenten promises, I’m giving up Facebook. The fact that I had to consider whether or not I could do it coupled with the thoughts of the things that would make it difficult for me solidified that a Facebook Fast was necessary! I’ll be anxious to see what kind of withdrawal symptoms come about. Stay tuned. I know you’re supposed to do your Lenten promises in private, but I’m cluing you all in so you don’t think I’m a complete jerk for not responding to any posts or messages.
I know many of you reach my blog via Facebook. If that’s the case, consider subscribing through the RSS Feed so that you’ll continue getting blog updates while I’m away from Facebook during Lent. If my readership goes down, I’ll just take that as an exercise in humility and get the hint that you needed a break from me, too! 🙂
Off to upload some last pics on Facebook before Lent begins, and then it’s off to work on a craft item. More on the craft later.
Have a blessed start to your Lent!
![Janie Turns 2!]()
by Catherine | Feb 13, 2012 | Family
Janie turned two on Saturday, and we had a Barney-themed birthday party to celebrate. Here are a few pictures of the preparations and festivities.  |
| Jane’s Happy Birthday Sign |
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| Invitations |
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| Dino cookies out of the oven |
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| Frosted dinosaur sugar cookies. (Great job decorating, Philip!) |
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| Slicing open the crayons (you’ll see why later) |
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| Chopping up the crayons |
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| Into the dinosaur molds |
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| Crayons out of the oven |
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| Ta da! Dino crayons! |
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| Dino PBJ |
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| Dino chicken nuggets |
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| Janie’s cake |
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| Make a wish… |
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| Do you think they’re related? |
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| Partying with Aunt Maddy |
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| Opening presents. She tried to hold everything all at once! |
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| Barney DVD! Yessss! |
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| Family Shot. The one picture we have of Janie in her full outfit (well, minus the bow. Close enough!) |
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| Walt loved the balloons |
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| Hours and hours of fun |
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| Another round of “Happy Birthday” that night as a family |
It was a fantastic day. In fact, I think Jane would say it was the best day so far in her two years of life! Janie is (and we are) so blessed to have such good buddies to help us celebrate. I didn’t get pictures of everything I wanted to that day because we were so busy having fun and visiting with our friends. That’s what matters, after all! Thank you to everyone who made it such a special day for Janie. We love you!
![Week In Review]()
by Catherine | Feb 5, 2012 | Family
Recent Milestones/Developments/Victories/Funny Things:
Our gaggy baby Walt is adjusting to textures! This week he tried yogurt bites, puffs, and moved on to 3rd stage foods. He must be going through a growth spurt because he suddenly has an insatiable appetite and he’s taking long naps.
We’re working on teaching Jane how to pray before meals. On Wednesday morning, Jane and I prayed before breakfast and started eating. A few minutes into her oatmeal, Jane put her spoon down and spontaneously attempted the prayer by herself. “Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Amen.” Hooray! Sure, she had a crazy combination of hand gestures, but it’s starting to look and sound like the real deal. Hearing her little voice pray so slowly and reverently reminds me to slow down.
When I got Walt up from his nap today there was a rosary in the crib with him. I don’t know how it got in there. My suspicion is that Jane thought Walt needed to work on his prayer life. Maybe it would help him to stop swiping her toys.
Favorite Quotes of the Week:
From the changing table this morning. Jane said, “Daddy work. Daddy loves me!”
Whenever I get the diaper bag down or put on a jacket, Jane says, “Mama shopping? Church?”
Every time we arrived in the parish parking lot this week for events, Jane said, “Church! Jesus!”
Looking at nightlight in nursery on rocking chair, Jane said, “Oh, woooooooooow!” She quickly followed with, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”
The pregnant squirrel came to visit everyday. At least we think the squirrel is pregnant. Maybe she’s just fat and I’m not helping her to make good choices with her diet. She loves NutriGrain bars.
Where did my baby go?! Walt’s size 12 month clothes are getting tight and his 12-24 month socks squeeze his chunky calves and ankles like sausages.
We had record high temperatures early in the week and went for a walk on Monday night. It was so nice to get out and about as a family in the fresh air.
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| The hummus was in the middle of the table. When I had my back turned, Jane pulled it closer to her, scooped a big heap out of the bowl, and put it on her tray. This girl loves her hummus! |
Walt loves his food and has to have it right away. He was starting to whimper, and Jane immediately ran out of the room. I thought she might have been trying to escape the noise. She came back a few seconds later with her ladybug nightlight. She pushed it up on Walt’s tray and said, “Here, Walt. Ladybug.”
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| The Girls |
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| Philip playing with the kids after dinner |
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| There’s no such thing as too many accessories, Mom. |
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| Sometimes Walt makes faces that are so eerily Philip. I love those footie jammies. |
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| I’ve started pushing Jane into the table without the tray that goes on her booster chair. That way she can eat from the table like a big girl. She was eating some Goldfish crackers Thursday morning, and I left her while I went to change Walt’s diaper. I was gone for less than a minute when I heard a huge crash. She had pushed herself back and the side strap on her booster seat came loose. The momentum must have sent the whole chair backward. Jane was shaken up, but she didn’t get hurt. As I was hugging her, she said through tears, “Mama, I scare you? Goldfish SCARY!” She decided that Goldfish crackers are now very scary things. |
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| SNOW! We received about 10″ of snow on Saturday. This is the view from our living room window. A burning bush usually blocks the view, but the weight from the snow bent the branches down to the ground! |
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| The deck. Check out the precariously leaning pine… |
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| Walt and Monty, hanging on the couch |
Philip had to work all day today. Fortunately, he made it there and back through the snow in his little Honda Civic. We’re looking forward to a quiet family day tomorrow at home.
On to preparations for Jane’s birthday next week! How is she already 2?!
![Encouragement On THOSE Days]()
by Catherine | Feb 1, 2012 | Faith, Family
No matter our age, our vocation, our sex, we are all called to sainthood.
“We are at Jesus’ disposal. If he wants you to be sick in bed, if he wants you to proclaim His work in the street, if he wants you to clean the toilets all day, that’s all right, everything is all right. We must say, ‘I belong to you. You can do whatever you like.’ And this is our strength. This is the joy of the Lord.” – Blessed Mother Teresa
When we respond to our station in life joyfully, especially in difficult times, it gives glory to God. Imagine the great joy Mother Teresa gave God by embracing her vocation to the religious life, serving the poor and rejected, and treating all those that she met as though they were Christ in a “distressing disguise.”
I don’t know about you, but I, uh, well, struggle a bit with that most days.
When the babies wake up at 5:30, they don’t take a nap, refuse to eat, have 8 timeouts in the pasta aisle at Walmart, Monty (our dog) has his fifth accident of the day by the door, someone hits the mailbox, a speeding driver nearly hits us and flips us off, or Philip has to work all weekend, I don’t always feel like offering it up.
Instead, I am really good at throwing myself a grand ol’ pity party. Population: 1 scary mama! Look out, world! I’m having a pity party, and you’re only invited if you tell me, “Wow! That does suck!”
Once I realize for the millionth time that doing that only makes me (and the people around me) feel worse, I end up turning skyward. When I pray for it, I’m able to will myself to stop the pity party and “offer it up.”
As a stay-at-home mom, it’s so easy and tempting to listen to the devil on the bad days. He usually tells me something along the lines of, “What you do doesn’t matter. You’re wasting your life here. All you accomplished today was changing some diapers, some cooking, and changing a few loads of laundry. Zip-a-dee-doo-dah-day! You didn’t even shower before 5! What kind of a life is that?!”
On the days when I haven’t spent time in prayer, I’m more likely to listen to that voice. What’s worse is that sometimes I even start to believe that voice. Sooner or later, I inevitably end up brought to my knees in frustration. I’m convinced it’s God’s way of saying, “Remember Me? You need Me. I’m always here, just waiting for you. Stop trying to shoulder it all on your own. Come to Me. I’ll give you rest.”
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| “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 |
So, here’s the good news: it turns out holier and wiser people than me (understatement of the century!) are human and experience their share of those days. Fortunately for me, some of them have written about their struggles, and their words are so encouraging.
I came across a beautiful prayer written by Mother Angelica called “A Prayer at Day’s End.” I think about this prayer on those days.
A Prayer at Day’s End by Mother Angelica
Good night, Lord. Thank You for Your Grace and Strength today. I didn’t do all the things I wanted to. I wasn’t like Jesus all the times I could have been and I didn’t think of You as much as my soul needed to. All in all, it wasn’t the day I planned when I saw the light this morning. I have acquired more self-knowledge and I do realize I need to put forth more effort. I am the recipient of Your Merciful Love for once again You put up with my many frailties. It seems the only thing I have left tonight is my desire to know You better and love You more. I end the day a little more humbled by the realization of my weakness but exulting in Your Holiness and Goodness. I shall find my joy in You and not in myself. If I have grown in seeking You alone then it has been a good day indeed. Good night, dear Lord; let Your Angels protect me and intercede for me while I sleep. Let Your Son’s Mother make ready many graces for tomorrow, that I may love You more and be more like Jesus. Amen.
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| Image from divinewordradio.com |
If a woman as holy as Mother Angelica has those days, I’m surely guaranteed them.
Now, I’m not saying the bad things go away when my prayer life is strong. Sometimes the opposite is true. I’m saying a strong prayer life makes it easier to “offer it up” and roll with the punches when the bad things come. When my prayer life is strong, the bad things become opportunities to unite my sufferings to Christ on the cross–even the little inconveniences. When my prayer life isn’t happening, the prayers turn into, “Lord, WHY ME?!” When my prayer life is strong, I’m able to will myself to say quick prayers like, “Lord, I offer up Jane’s temper tantrum in the grocery store to You. Thank You for this very public exercise in humility.” Yup, I’ve learned to pray even when I’m making this face–especially when I’m making this face!
Jane likes to run over and hug my leg throughout the day. Just like Jane needs those little moments to know that she’s loved, I need to have the same little “check-ins” with God. My
prayers, especially the little ones throughout the day, may not be as beautiful or eloquent as Mother Angelica’s, but I think God loves them just the same. I’m just His little girl, checking in to make sure that I’m still loved and that I’m not as wretched as the devil tries to tell me I am.
After my little check-in with God, He gives me a grace-filled pat on the head, and sends me along to “be a good girl” – to try my darnedest to become a saint.
