Why I need my husband

It may seem obvious, but given the number of single mothers I know, I wonder if husbands are out of vogue. Mine is gone for the week, and I feel like my right arm is missing. He only travels once a year, maybe twice, thankfully.

Why do I need him? First of all, he is there to help me find, oh, I don’t know, everything. I’ve sent him probably 12 text messages looking for stuff today alone. Not even half the time does he know where the item is or even what the item is, but just having him to ask is helpful. Another reason is the kids. This is a big one. They have too much energy for me, I’m more the “let’s sit and read quietly” kind of mom. They are more the “let’s run around screaming and kicking like a bunch of lunatics” kind of kids. My husband must have been that kind of kid, and he can deal with them around 5 pm much better than I can. Another kid related thing, I cannot fix playmobils, legos or Star Wars figures. If they break this week, look out garbage bag! he has the ability to fix toys, I have the ability to throw away toys. The kids things can go on forever, but lastly, he can tell a 12 year old girl that she cannot wear high heels and a short skirt with authority, I just turn a funny color and freak out. He freaks out in a different, powerful over my dead body sort of way that makes the 12 year old sulk off and never wear said heels again.

Just another thing I need him for, he listens. The little boarders here need to be told 900 times just about everything. he listens to me even when I am talking to the television, and he warns the kids to not join in those conversations. He never complains about the way I look, which honestly, he could. If I look like a bum, which I always do on days I work, he doesn’t notice, if I look nice, he doesn’t ask why I’m dressed up, like a certain 12 year old. I could look like death, and he would still think I’m beautiful. God Love him.

I could go on forever, and ever, and ever ( he puts up with that, too!). I love my husband, and cannot imagine life without him, especially after the 18 years we have been together. I hope someday my kids find a spouse as faithful and loving as mine.

Rejoicing with others

This is one of the little life lessons I’ve actually managed to learn and then live. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. Sometimes, it is almost painful to rejoice with others, they are happy, and should be, but I would give anything to be in their shoes. But still, I’ve learned to at the very least smile and be silent.

This aspect was easy to learn, at least for me. When I was newly married, 4 whole months, we announced that my husband and I were expecting our first child. I was expecting a cool reception, but I wasn’t excepting downright icy responses. I knew that my husband’s sister longed for a baby, that she had been trying to conceive, I didn’t know that my getting pregnant would hurt her so much. One sister outright told me it wasn’t my turn, how could I? Ouch. To this day, there is a part of me that though I understand and forgive, is still hurt by this.

So many times, we see what others have, or are doing and are envious. It is human nature, our fallen nature. When we put ourselves aside, even when that longing is almost painful, God blesses us. He gives us the grace to rejoice and support, if necessary, our friends.

Party Pooper

I am officially a party pooper. A party I helped plan, I decided not to attend. The reality is I am freaking tired.

I’m tired because I work, and I plan and I drive my kids all over the earth. Up till this point, I’ve attempted to make time for everyone and everything, however, that is not working very well any more. Tonight, I said no. I need to stay in, and I might do so again tomorrow, even though friends are trying to guilt me to go out. I can’t. Heck, I’m not sure it is even safe for me to drive, my eyes are heavy, my reflexes are slow.

School begins in a few days, this year we have decided as a family to say no, to not over commit. The summer was insane, and honestly, we do not want to live like this. I hope we can. Pressure from out side of the house is tremendous. I long for a simpler life, with more focus, but know people will be hurt along the way to that. How is it possible in thsi age to say no, and not to offend? That, I will have to figure out.

Why Our Family Celebrates Feast Days

Recently the woman I work for asked me what we were doing, and I without thinking responded,”Today is the Feast of St. Thomas so we are having a party.” About a week later, again, same questions, and I responded with a similar answer. She made a face, and told me I was too religious. I disagree.

I do take our faith seriously, but only in that it is a serious matter, but it is a cause for jollity, too! I love that every week, I can find an excuse for a party. We Catholics know how to party, it’s true, we take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. Each day is a cause for celebration, and each soul that is in heaven as a saint gives us cause to party. Why? Because it gives us hope, something to look forward to and a reason to rejoice, the race has been run and completed.

I have a great deal of fun coming up with a creative way to celebrate. This week was St. Lawrence, grilled food, for the feast of St. Maximilian, two crown cake, and for St. Francis Xavier, curry. So far, it all involves food, but that is what I do. I also do it so my kids will have memories. I want them to be out of my house thinking of an excuse for a party and turn to the Saints. Or better, remember that their name day, or that of a friend is coming up. These little things help keep us connected to the faith in moments we might normally forget. I always remembered to put my shoes out for St. Nick, even when my family left the church, and St. Nick very well may have helped me come back.

Celebrate! Cook! And spend time as a family with our family who have finished the race.

Economy and Birth Rates

Here is a very interesting article!

Feast of St. Clare of Assisi

Today is my eldest's name day. As any name day, it is the cause for celebration and reflection. Here is a really good Homily for the feast of St. Clare

Enjoy!