He is Risen

He is Risen, Risen Indeed!

May the Victory of Easter be with you all!

Family Picture!

Our Resurrection Garden we made-empty tomb!

This guy is my Easter Joy!

Holy Week

Today is Palm Sunday. And just like that the weight I carry of a would be almost 4 year old feels incredibly heavy. Its distracting and I've found myself fighting back tears all day. Four years ago today we were meeting with our pastor to pick out funeral readings. Two days later we buried him in the cold rain. Then we just walked away and tried to pick up our lives. Good Friday felt like a real life nightmare, not just another liturgical ceremony. Sunday was Easter, his due date, and I spent the day packing away my maternity clothes and sobbing. All of these memories came rushing in today as we held our palm branches. 

I listened to a sermon this afternoon online where the pastor asked "what does holy week mean to you?" I thought that was a good question. To me, Holy Week means sorrow-always will. The sorrow I carry from losing my own son and the sorrow I carry as I walk with Mary through this week. She is my constant companion, always willing to carry this load of grief with me.

This picture sums up how I feel this week. It's after the funeral when Nate and I were waiting for the Church to clear out before we headed to the cemetery. I love how big the crucifix looks in comparison to us. I love how empty everything around us looks because that is how it felt. I also love seeing that big Easter Candle. It gave me such hope that the light could overcome the darkness.

Praying for all those suffering this week. All those whose suffering will not end at the Easter Vigil Saturday night. Praying for all those on the cross that they can meet Jesus there and cling to him. 

Meals Galore

I feel like I need to say thank you over and over again to everyone who brought us a meal. Since Judah was born we have received 23 meals! 23 meals! That is incredible! We also received countless treats from others. I had no idea before having Judah how helpful meals were. When we lost Caleb people brought us meals which was so nice, but often it was awkward and sad and no one knew what to say. Then when Abigail was born we declined a lot of meals because we felt like people had already done so much for us that year. Now with Judah the meals came rolling in and it was so wonderful. Not only did they help feed us but they also helped keep our weekly budget way low leaving room for other things like diapers and baby things, not to mention all the medical bills.  

We still have a solid 5 meals in our freezer too! And so thank you to anyone who brought us a meal or who has ever brought someone a meal. I will forever be first to sign up from now on to bring meals. Last but not least, here were some the meals in case you need ideas next time you bring someone a meal:

-Rotisserie Chicken with sides (mac n cheese, corn bread, potato salad)

-Stuffed shells-not sure all that was in it, but it was great with a side of garlic bread

-Ribs! They were delicious and came with a side of green bean casserole and sweet potatoes

-pizza-always a win

-Chicken Pot Pie-yum

-Beef stew

-anything Italian was great

-cake, cookies, snacks, wine, ice cream, all the extras that go along way! 

Thank you everyone!

New Post

Here is the latest post by my husband on our ministry website. Please read and pass along to anyone in need.

The Prison of Grief

7 Quick Takes-The Birthday Edition

Last week we celebrated Abigail turning 3. Because we had just had a baby I knew that this year there would be no party so instead I said yes to a  bunch of small things. In the end I think I might have said yes to too many small things but it turned out to be a fun week.

-1-

On her actually birthday she awoke to balloons, cake, McDonalds and a few small presents on the front porch. All compliments of my parents. So cake for breakfast it was!

-2-

Then it was time for lunch with mommy only while a friend came to watch little brother.Her pick-Chick Fil-A! It was so nice to get away with just her and give her some one on one time. She wore her new rain boots and tutu!

-3-

Friday (the day after her actual birthday) found us at Jumping Jax (a bounce house) with her play group. One of the other girls in the group has a birthday just a week after Abigail. So we combine celebrations and the girls love it-and its super easy/fun for us!

-4-

Saturday morning I took her to the grocery store and this is how we shopped. She was a little tired from the excitement...

-5- 

No rest for the weary though. Saturday afternoon my mom took Abigail swimming indoors at her gym. Then Abigail got to sleep over at her house. So we were left with just this guy for the night:)

-6- 

Sunday we scheduled bowling. She had been asking to go bowling for a while so we made arrangements to have Judah watched while the three of us hit the lanes. She loved it and we all had more fun than I expected. And I won, just saying!

-7-

Happy 3rd Birthday Abigail Therese! We love you!

Linking up here for 7 Quick Takes!

Judah's Baptism

On Feb.8th we had Judah baptized into the Catholic Church. It was a simple ceremony with our family and friends gathered. Lots of joy, lots of cake, and lots of grace! 

He was so tired, this is him after everything..couldn't get him to wake up!

 His Baptism Candle

Here is Judah's baptism letter. We have written letters for all our kids explaining their names and our overall prayer for them. To read the other letters click here.

Judah's Baptism Letter

Seven Quick Takes

Seven Quick Takes....

About the first month home with two kids!

I love being home with these two kids! After Caleb died I felt so empty. Then Abigail came and things got fuller, but still there was an emptiness. With Judah here things feel full for the first time. Like I'm doing what I was always meant to do. Having two live kids feels like an incredible job promotion-its hard, obviously, but it pushes you in the right ways and stretches you. Here are few things that have been going on this first month.

-1-

Getting out of the house is rare. Here is their picture when we had to leave for Judah's two week Dr. appointment. Other than Dr. appointments we really have not left, which leads me into # 2...

-2-

The bathtub is our new best friend. Having a baby in the middle of winter means we never leave the house. That can make long days considering Abigail is up by 6-6:30 most days and Daddy doesn't get home until 5. So we've changed our routine up and bath time now happens somewhere in the middle of the day. She can spend upwards of an hour in the tub just playing-its great.

-3-

This girl started dance class the week after Judah was born. Call us crazy but I wanted her to have something to get her out of the house at least once a week. It's at night so dad or grandma can take her. She is loving it! 

Come on-that tutu is just too much!!

-4-

Lots of lounging. Nursing, not sleeping, nursing again all means one thing-lounging, all day, every day. Everyone is in their pjs most days!

Except Daddy who has to leave the house!

 -5-

Thank goodness for family! Nate's mom came to stay for a week and helped a ton. My mom is just three streets away. I can only imagine how hard it would be to raise kids with no family around-those of you doing it, you have my prayers.

Out to dinner with Grandma Gwen. Abigail was proud of herself for coloring in the lines.
We were shocked she could do it!

 -6-

Staying home means no spending money. I was amazed today when I checked my wallet to see that our normal two week cash budget was barley touched. Also having people bring meals means less on groceries. Feeling very thankful for everyone's generosity with meals, and diapers and clothes and gifts.

-7-

Overall its been a great month. Feeling sleep deprived but full of gratitude. Trying to "lean into" each day because I know they will go by so quick. This season of staying in pajamas all day and watching movies will soon pass. Trying to enjoy each moment. 

Joining up with 7Quick Takes! Join them http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sqt-thanks-betters/