Category Archives: Marriage

Triathlon: An insane “fun”

Great things take great effort

Yesterday was our 19th wedding anniversary. Can I get a whoop, whoop?!?!? It was also the last day of school….oh, GLORY HALLELUJAH, BRING ON SUMMER!!! Anyhoo, I decided to re-post a piece from my prior blog (now private). It is still very much applicable, almost 2 years later.

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2011

I’ve been reflecting on marriage a lot lately. It seems there are marriages falling apart all around me. I shouldn’t be surprised, really….what with roughly 50% of marriages ending in divorce, however, it makes me sad everytime I hear it.

I was talking to my hubby about it, because, quite honestly I was just feeling so down about it and the fact that, as a friend, I truly wasn’t encouraging any of my friends (who are currently separated and heading in the D direction) to stay in their marriages. I suppose it would seem easy for me to stand up and say “Seriously??? come on. If I can do it, so can you.” The reality is that every situation is different. And that’s why I don’t say that. People might say it to me, but I can’t say it to them. We are all different people. In our situation, we’ve been fortunate enough to receive the graces of forgiveness, humility and courage to start over. We learned to communicate….and continue to practice, because we both still can’t quite get it “just right”….the bottom line is that we were both willing to work on the things that needed to change. To recognize that it’s a lifelong process. Much like faith. Our walk is one that needs daily tending, pruning, communication and open-ness. Marriage is the perfect opportunity to practice our Faith-walk.

These current separations and divorces among friends have reminded me that we all struggle. Behind closed doors with our family we become ridiculously unfair, unkind, impatient and rude. It’s easy to do and we rarely hear about it because it’s not shared until it’s all laid bare, naked and ugly for all the world to see. Why don’t we share more often? Are we that proud? Stubborn? Self-righteous? Blaming the other?

Marriage is hard. Communication and compromise are hard. It’s a full on marathon. Requiring endurance, focus and determination. If we don’t approach each task in love, our marriages will not survive. And then what legacy do we leave to our children? In this “Year of Marriage”, let us encourage one another in our marriages. Encourage and honestly guide those engaged couples. Newlyweds. Friends. Family. That we can receive strength and guidance from those who are long married. Let us re-prioritize our marriages and continually renew the love that got us here in the first place!

Carry on friends. Anything worth having is worth fighting for. Marriage takes effort. It takes TWO. And it’s worth it.

Blessings!

Mother’s Day Wrap-up

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Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, and all moms out there. We’re having a nice day here so far….I woke up with a headache/migraine-starter, 50% chance of rain expected for the afternoon BUUUUUUUUT……I have Excedrin on board, with coffee, Hubby is making breakfast, our youngest couldn’t wait to give me her present (which promptly made me cry) and she promised to smile this year for our picture. Here’s hoping for the best!

Today though, I realize that it hasn’t always been such a super day for me and it isn’t such a super day for everyone else. In fact, today can be a painful reminder for many women. Today I’ll remember my cousins who buried their mom a few weeks ago and other friends whose moms have passed away over the years. I’ll remember friends who are estranged from their mothers and struggle and doubt their own motherhood and parenting (which, BTW is phenomenal!!) . I’ll remember friends who’ve never had a chance to be a mother due to infertility. I’ll remember friends who have lost children. I’ll remember friends who care for special needs children. I’ll remember friends who are single mothers. I’ll remember friends who are struggling with prodigal children. I’ll remember friends who might be let down by the commercialism and in-your-face-ness of the perfect Mother’s Day.

This morning and this day I cried a few times, tears of joy and love, from a heart filled with gratitude toward my husband who is setting a beautiful example for our children through our marriage and his parenting, for children who test me, teach me, love me, forgive me, make me laugh and make each day better just by being part of our family.

Blast from the past!

Me, my Mom and my sister

Last year. Just keepin’ it real. Truly a favorite picture!!

Mom’s photo after Mass, my awesome necklace, cake and card.

And so the kid photo is a little blurry…Hubby is no fan of the iPhone camera and gave me full permission (demanded) I get my real camera fixed….beautiful necklace of which you can design your own HERE, the Publix cake and sweet girl’s card/letter to me. And just think, my birthday is only 4 days away and we can do this AGAIN!!!!

And the last shall be first….

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THIS week, Jen has flipped the order and the procrastinators (AKA, MOI) are at the TOP of the list…so ~~Friday~~ Saturday QTs it is….b/c I can’t seem to get it together in time for Friday….but y’all pray for her and her health and her upcoming birth of her bambino…..she really needs ’em!! Annnnnd, BTW…congrats to MoxieWife, Hallie on the birth of her tardy chubs, Charlie!!! Now onto the QTs….

— 1 —

This was week 6 of my Groupon for Impact Fitness and it was AWESOME!! So awesome in fact, I ~~conned~~ encouraged a friend to join (which scored me 1/2 off the NEXT 6 weeks). We are both doing the next challenge which promises a $2000 prize to the person with the highest % weight loss. I’M. IN. GAME. ON.

— 2 —

I’m also apparently in the lead for a word-of-mouth contest the gym had for referrals and maybe, just maaaaaaaybe if I win….Mama will be reading these blogs on her new iPad. The anticipation is KILLING ME!!!

— 3 —

And so, with the upcoming challenge and my aspirations on bringing home the multiple Benjamins I am planning my menu…except I’m not. I’m on the computer. Earlier this week I already sorta mapped it out. Now to put it to paper. And head to the grocery store. And cook. HOWEVER…my family is on board. Might have something to do with the dinner out I promised with my winnings…….

— 4 —

Switching gears….Hubs and I are almost done with this season of Downton Abbey. ONE. MORE. EPISODE. I’m preparing for withdrawals. And bracing myself for a shocking last episode. Or so my friend has said, without spoiling it. GAH!!!

— 5 —

Hubs and I have a date night tonight. Gotta love Groupon…..Steak!!!!! And date night! Double W!!!!

— 6 —

On a camera/photography note….I need to send off my beloved Nikon for repair. Sad face. Any suggestions? So far, I’m planning on sending it to Nikon…they diagnose online and price it before you even send it.

— 7 —

For the final QT…I’m sharing this video of a hilarious “prank” by Jeff Gordon at a car dealership…real or no….flippin’ funny. My friend showed me at work and then I watched with the Hubs last night and laughed even harder. Happy Weekend!! I’m off to PLAN for my WIN!!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Friday. Parenting. Blogging. Procrastination.

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My morning prayer with the kids on Fridays as we drive to school ALWAYS includes a prayer of thanksgiving for “Friday, mama’s favorite day of the week“. True story.

Today I’m joining in with Jen and friends with 7 Quick Takes….today, mine are super quick, because a) I have to wake up kiddos and b) I’m trying a timed experiment on myself…let’s see how it goes, K? K.

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about parenting this week….and blogging…..and continuing Ed points (or my procrastination in obtaining them EVERY year and I thought I’d share a few points with you.
Blogging. I’ve been feeling my blog is about to go in a different direction. I also feel I might have to take some time off to figure out WHAT direction that is. So….just get ready. It’s coming.
My state license is up for renewal at the end of April. I have ZERO CEUs. ZERO. I have all my periodicals out and have been reading and taking tests. Why do I have to perform so well under pressure? It’s a curse I tell you.
Parenting advice I’ve received and taken to heart over the years. (This might not work for YOUR family, but these are things that have worked for OURS). On the birth of our first child….oldest son….still in shock from labor, resting in the hospital a friend said, “Quickly, hurry up and have 3 more.” I told her she was crazy. And then I did. Best. Advice. Ever. Big families are crazy and loud and so very worth it.
One of my dearest friends always sends her children away with “Angels watch over you”….I loved the blessing, but didn’t want to copy her COMPLETELY, so I incorporated a “Sign of the cross” on their foreheads. If we are in a hurry, often the kids will say, “Moooooom, my blessing???” Send your kids out with a blessing.
One year we had a project due and I needed a poster board STAT, my girlfriend said, “Oh, come out to my car, I have some in my trunk.” From that day forward, we have had a STOCKED school supply area. Be prepared. You never know when you’ll need that poster board—for us it’s usually Sunday night.
Put your marriage first. It takes constant effort, tweaking and pruning. The fruit of your efforts is a strong, communicative, partnership, friendship and example for your children. Children that will pick your nursing home one day.
Lastly, and having FAILED at my time experiment and counting as this is now 8 Quick Takes…….PRAY, PRAY, PRAY always over and for your children and take EVERY bit of parenting advice with a grain of salt. Some things you can use. Some you won’t.

Blessings and enjoy the weekend and my favorite day of the week!!!

making the trek

Trekking through life: Faith, family, friends and a whole lot of coffee!