Changes

With every new year I try...attempt...and usually fail, to stick to my resolutions. But not this year! This year I'm going to take that resolution by the horns and run with it! 

I've decided it's time for a change! A new me! A new and improved super mommy! 

Well....maybe not all that but at least one that has her stuff together... at least most of the time.

I want to be more organized and I want to make a greater effort at making more mommy friends!

Ladies I know you agree and understand, making mommy friends is about as hard as finding a husband! Actually I think finding EM was easier!

It's like dating all over again...and I hated dating. That's why I'm so good at being married..HA!

Regardless, the goal is to be more organized, get more involved and revamp the blog.  Become a real, full fledged mommy blogger! 

And step one....switching to Wordpress!

I'll post the link to my new page when it's up and running...keep an eye on the horizon ladies and gents!

Christmas Eve - final day of the novena

I can't believe it's already Christmas Eve and the last day of our Christmas Novena! 

S is napping in preparations for mass this evening. Poor guy has been tuckered out by all the lovin' he's been getting from his Nonna, Grandpop and four crazy uncles! 

What a blessed little boy; to have so many people who love him!

Since this is his first Christmas, we have decided to start a new tradition for our family. We thought it would be fun to make a Christmas Eve box full of goodies. Every year on Christmas Eve, S and whomever else we have running around, will get a box with a new Christmas pj, movie, book, Santa mug, and hot cocoa. Granted S isn't getting the cocoa this year, but he will get his Santa mug :)

The box idea was something we thought of last minute, however we already thought of adding an ornament and one piece of a nativity set each year. That way when they are all grown they will have a full set. How special would that be?

Shout out and Thanks to Olivia from To the Heights (www.totheheights.com) for the nativity set idea. She mentioned in a recent post about that being a tradition in her family and it was too sweet to pass up! 

Though his box may be little this year, we are so excited to open it with him after mass tonight! We thought it would be a great way for us to always have our own tradition, no matter where we spent Christmas. 

In the white gift he has the Grinch cartoon on DVD (the original!...obviously!). EM and I both watched it yearly as kids!

What are some of your family favorite traditions? Is there something that just makes Christmas, Christmas? 

I know for my brothers and I if our Christmas noise isn't going then it just isn't the same!

Sounds weird but let me explain.

When we were little we had one specific ornament on our tree that made a buzzing sound. It has two trains that move inside. 

Every year we placed that ornament on the tree, though our mother couldn't stand it. 

As we grew older mom started changing the tree decor and making it more something she enjoyed rather than simply decorating it for us kids. 

We love the way she decorates it! Yet every year if that ornament isn't on the tree making its noise, it just ISN'T Christmas! So mom hides it from sight on the back of the tree every year just to make us happy! Isn't she the greatest! 

Traditions whether intentional or slowly adopted are really what make the holidays so special. I can't wait for Christmas number 2, with EM's side of the family and all their traditions. I'm so thankful they have shared them with me and now S! 

Day 9 (December 24th) - The Christmas Novena 

O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.

Your incarnation forever changed the world.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

O Lord, infant Jesus, bring us to live eternal with You! Jesus, your nativity was not without purpose. Your purpose was to bring us to You. We pray that you will bring us to Life Eternal with you this Christmas.

We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)

May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.

We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Christmas Novena - Day 8

Day 8 (December 23rd) - The Christmas Novena 

O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.

Your incarnation forever changed the world.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

O Lord, infant Jesus, inspire us to be repulsed by sin! You, Lord, are holy but we are not. We pray that you will make us holy and keep us from temptation this Christmas.

We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)

May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.

We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Christmas Novena - Day 7

I love car trips! We got to spend 3 rainy hours in the car today to visit my family for Christmas. 

Normally the trip feels like it never ends, yet today it just flew by!! EM and I have been reading Something Other Than God, by Jennifer Fulwiler, and it has been amazing! In between pieces of need her key and cheddar combos, I read aloud and EM drives. 

It is the kind of book you want to just keep reading and not put down. Her quest to search for and grasp the Truth is one that I feel many people grapple with. What's so great is her honestly and way with words. She writes as if she were your best friend and she was simply telling you what happened and how she felt. 

It has been especially great since a lot of the things she felt, EM has said he too has felt. It has got him thinking, and Lord knows if one begins to search for the truth they always end up finding God. 

Well...A girl can hope, right? ;)

Now I'm off to spend time with my mamma! Oh it's so good to be home!!

Day 7 (December 22nd) - The Christmas Novena 

O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.

Your incarnation forever changed the world.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

O Lord, infant Jesus, move us to forgive others as you forgive us! Your Divine Mercy is unending! We pray for Your Divine Mercy on us and that we may participate in Your mercy by forgiving others this Christmas.

We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)

May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.

We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Christmas Novena - Day 6

It's days like today that make me incredibly thankful to be married to a saint. Yep I said it...EM is a saint. 

Now if you know him you may laugh and smirk a funny grin. Then if you know me, and know how I can be when stressed, you'd whole heartedly agree. I am so blessed to have this man love me the way he does. 

Love truly is selfless and he never hesitates to put himself last. 

With packing and gift wrapping stress, family drama, and a teething 8 month old, mama went a little loco. EM truly lived up to his vows with this one.

Let's all take a quick moment tonight to say thank you to the ones that keep us sane and love us through the ugly, crazy, mama is going to lose it times. Cause we all have those...right??

Day 6 (December 21st) - The Christmas Novena 

O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.

Your incarnation forever changed the world.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

O Lord, infant Jesus, give us Your peace! You are the Prince of Peace and the ultimate fulfillment of your incarnation brings us to you in heaven where peace will come to perfection. We pray for peace this Christmas.

We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)

May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.

We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Christmas Novena - Day 5

Oh goodness...today has been so busy. It's amazing how you can get so wrapped up when spending good quality time with your loved ones. Love our little family! So blessed!

So sorry for the late post yall! 

Day 5 (December 20th) - The Christmas Novena 

O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.

Your incarnation forever changed the world.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

O Lord, infant Jesus, inspire in us Your selfless love! You humbled yourself to become like us in all things but sin, and even humbled yourself to die on a cross. We pray that you will help us to love as You love this Christmas.

We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)

May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.

We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Christmas Novena - Day 4

As I post this, I am pacing across the living room floor. The tree lights are glowing and S is singing his sleepy song. EM is watching Home Alone, and it's simple times like this that remind me of just how blessed we are. 

Even now when S is teething and sleeping worse than ever, we have so much to be thankful for. 

At times I feel as though I'm undeserving of such wonderful blessings, as though I haven't done anything to merit them. However God has a bigger plan. Every blessing He gives us is for reasons far greater than we can comprehend at times. 

Today I was reminded, by a fellow mama, that the power of prayer is a wonderful gift to give. 

I love the idea praying for those who need it. I'm going to adopt a person/family in prayer each week. I'll make a prayer board and post that persons name up for the week. If prayers are what you need comment below and I would love to add you to the list! 

...now for day 4... 

Day 4 (December 19th) - The Christmas Novena 

O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.

Your incarnation forever changed the world.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

O Lord, infant Jesus, bring us the Hope that saves! Your birth to the Virgin Mary brought a Hope to the world that continues to sustain us. We pray for a saving Hope this Christmas.

We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)

May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.

We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Christmas Novena - Day 3

Day three, and only seven more days till Christmas! We are so excited to be heading back home for a few days. Four days to spend enjoying time with my family and our friends; all who which we haven't seen in what feels like an ETERNITY! 

Until then I get to snuggle with this handsome man and watch him explore his world around him. What greater joy is there? 

So here it is y'all. 

Day 3 (December 18th) - The Christmas Novena 

O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.

Your incarnation forever changed the world.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

O Lord, infant Jesus, give us the gift of Faith! You, Lord, deserve our complete faith. We pray for deeper and more perfect faith in you this Christmas.

We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)

May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.

We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Christmas Novena - Day 2

God is so good! So many wonderful things are already happening after starting this novena. Keep the faith my friends! God's blessings are endless!

Day 2 (December 17th) - The Christmas Novena 

O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.

Your incarnation forever changed the world.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

O Lord, infant Jesus, grant us great humility! You gave us the model of perfect humility in your incarnation, life and death. We pray for a greater Humility this Christmas.

We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)

May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.

We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Christmas Novena - Day 1

Alright y'all it's that time again...novena time!!!

I really find it so important to keep up with ones prayer life; especially when things can be so hectic in our lives as wives, mothers and working women. Novenas are such a great form of prayer and one that forces you to take that time out each day and focus on Our Lord. 

EM isn't catholic nor do we share the same religious beliefs. He is an atheist.  One would assume how could an atheist possibly be ok with praying a novena, or praying at all. 

Well God is good! What we do is that we say it as a couple for an intention we decide upon together. It's one way we can grow closer, something else we can share in. He may simply sit there in silence but that silence speaks volumes.  

Now during the advent season that silence is so important. The silence of reflection and waiting for the birth of the New Born King. 

.....

Day 1 (December 16th) - The Christmas Novena 

O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.

Your incarnation forever changed the world.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

O Lord, infant Jesus, fill us with Joy! The birth of any child is a cause for joy and so much more is the birth of You our Savior. We pray in union with Mary, Your mother, for a greater joy this Christmas.

We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)

May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.

We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

So Big

I can't believe how long it's been since I last posted. I must admit, I never thought keeping up would be so difficult but woah baby, no pun intended, it's been hard!

All you blogger mama extraordinaires...I bow down! 

I have so much to catch up on. S is now 8 almost 9 months old, with two teeth and standing on his own. 

We went to Italy to visit family back in October and it was the best, yet most trying 3 weeks in a really long time. Unfortunately EM wasn't able to go due to work. 

I think the best way to update you all would be to just show you some fun pictures :) enjoy!

This picture was taken at our family's beach town just an hour outside of Firenze. 

We were so incredibly blessed to have been able to spend such wonderful times with family. 

S's First Halloween! He was Sebastian the crab, daddy was a zoo keeper, and mama was a cat burgler. 

 

And lastly one from S's First Thanksgiving.

We have so much to be thankful for! 

Now here's my new goal ladies and gentlemen...1 post a week. Might be tricky since our computer crashed. Desperate times call for desperate measures! So let the iPhone posts commence! 

Day 9 - St Anne Novena (final day)

Most holy mother of the Virgin Mary, glorious Saint Anne, I, a miserable sinner, confiding in your kindness, choose you today as my special advocate. I offer all my interests to your care and maternal solicitude. O my very good mother and advocate, deign to accept me and to adopt me as your child.

O glorious Saint Anne, I beg you, by the passion of my most loving Jesus, the Son of Mary, your most holy daughter, to assist me in all the necessities both of my body and my soul. Venerable Mother, I beg you to obtain for me the favor I seek in this novena…

(State your intention here.)

…and the grace of leading a life perfectly conformable in all things to the Divine Will. I place my soul in your hands and in those of your kind daughter. I ask for your favor in order that, appearing under your patronage before the Supreme Judge, He may find me worthy of enjoying His Divine Presence in your holy companionship in Heaven.

Amen.

Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Day 8 - Saint Anne Novena

Remember, O Saint Anne, you whose name signifies grace and mercy, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, and sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto you, good, and kind mother; I take refuge at your feet, burdened with the weight of my sins. O holy mother of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, despise not my petition…

(State your intention here.)

…but hear me and grant my prayer.

Amen.

Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Day 7 - Saint Anne Novena

O Good Saint Anne, so justly called the mother of the infirm, the cure for those who suffer from disease, look kindly upon the sick for whom I pray.

Alleviate their sufferings; cause them to sanctify their sufferings by patience and complete submission to the Divine Will; finally deign to obtain health for them and with it the firm resolution to honor Jesus, Mary, and yourself by the faithful performance of duties.

But, merciful Saint Anne, I ask you above all for the salvation of my soul, rather than bodily health, for I am convinced that this fleeting life is given us solely to assure us a better one. I cannot obtain that better life without the help of God’s graces. I earnestly beg them of you for the sick and for myself, especially the petition for which I am making in this novena…

(State your intention here.)

…through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercession of His Immaculate Mother, and through your efficacious and powerful mediation, I pray.

Amen.

Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Day 6 - Saint Anne Novena

Glorious Saint Anne, mother of the Mother of God, I beg your powerful intercession for the freedom from my sins and the assistance I need in my troubles…

(State your intention here.)

What can I not hope for if you deign to take me under your protection? The Most High has been pleased to grant the prayers of sinners, whenever you have been charitable enough to be their advocate.

Therefore, I beg you to help me in all spiritual and temporal dangers; to guide me in the true path of Christian perfection, and finally to obtain for me the grace of a happy death, so that I may contemplate your beloved Jesus and daughter Mary in your loving companionship throughout all eternity.

Amen.

Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Day 5 - St Anne Novena

Great Saint Anne, how far I am from resembling you. I so easily give way to impatience and discouragement; and so easily give up praying when God does not at once answer my request. Prayer is the key to all heavenly treasures and I cannot pray, because my weak faith and lack of confidence fail me at the slightest delay. O my powerful protectress, come to my aid, listen to my petition…

(State your intention here.)

Make my confidence and fervor, supported by the promise of Jesus Christ, increase as the trial to which God in His goodness subjects me is prolonged, that I may obtain like you more than I can venture to ask for. In the future I will remember that I am made for heaven and not for earth; for eternity and not for time; that consequently I must ask, above all, the salvation of my soul which is assured to all who pray properly and who persevere in prayer.

Amen.

Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Day 4 St Anne Novena

Glorious Saint Anne, I kneel in confidence at your feet, for you also have tasted the bitterness and sorrow of life. My need, the cause of my request, is…

(State your intention here.)

Good Saint Anne, you who did suffer much during the twenty years that preceded your glorious maternity, I beseech you, by all your sufferings and humiliations, to grant my prayer.

I pray to you, through your love for your glorious spouse Saint Joachim, through your love for your immaculate child, through the joy you did feel at the moment of her happy birth, not to refuse me. Bless me, bless my family and all who are dear to me, so that some day we may all be with you in the glory of heaven, for all eternity.

Amen.

Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Day 3

Beloved of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, mother of the Queen of Heaven, take us and all who are dear to us under your special care. Obtain for us the virtues you instilled in the heart of her who was destined to become Mother of God, and the graces with which you were endowed. O model of Christian womanhood, pray that we may imitate your example in our homes and families, listen to our petitions,

(State your intention here.)

Guardian of the infancy and childhood of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, obtain the graces necessary for all who enter the marriage state, that imitating your virtues they may sanctify their homes and lead the souls entrusted to their care to eternal glory.

Amen.

Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Day at the Museum and Saint Anne Novena - Day 2

Today is Day 2 of the Saint Anne novena and it has been a wonderful day! Aside the fact that I just found out that I have to have a colonoscopy, woo! (can you feel my excitement!) EM, S and I spent the afternoon at the Chrysler Museum. It was so much fun, I absolutely love museums. Though I am not a big fan of central american sculpture and pottery, I am a huge fan of european classics! You always see the "usual" paintings of the Virgin Mary, or the many different depictions of Christ...All which I love. However today we stumbled upon St. Sebastian! I was so excited I had a total Catholic nerd moment! #youknowyourecatholicwhen ... you pose your stroller in front of paintings with your son's patron saint. #noshame

Earlier on however we saw this gorgeous statue...of St. Anne. I was pretty surprised, St. Sebastian and St. Anne are two which are not seen very often. It was fitting that during the novena in her honor, asking for her intercession, we see of sign of her presence in our lives.

With that here is Day 2!

Glorious Saint Anne, how can you be otherwise than overflowing with tenderness toward sinners like myself, since you are the grandmother of Him who shed His blood for us, and the mother of her whom the saints call advocate of sinners? To you, therefore, I address my prayers with confidence.

Vouchsafe to commend me to Jesus and Mary so that, at your request, I may be granted remission of my sins, perseverance, the love of God, charity for all mankind, and the special grace of…

(State your intention here.)

…for which I stand in need at the present time. O most powerful protectress, let me not lose my soul, but pray for me that through the merits of Jesus Christ and the intercession of Mary, I may have the great happiness of seeing them, of loving and praising them with you through all eternity.

Amen.

Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

XOMB

Novena to Saint Anne

Today marks Day 1 of the Novena to Saint Anne. (the mama of the Blessed Mother!) I am beyond excited to be saying this novena. Novenas are my favorite way of strengthening my prayer life while also learning about all the great saints and devotions that are available to us. God is so great in His infinite mercy and we are truly fortunate to have been given these saints to help us by their example. People are known to pray to Saint Anne for a holy spouse, however you can ask her for any intention. I will be praying for my future daughter and son-in-laws, the strengthening of my own marriage, and for a special intention.

Day 1

Great Saint Anne, engrave indelibly on my heart and in my mind the words that have reclaimed and sanctified so many sinners:

“What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world if he lose his own soul?” May this be the principle fruit of these prayers by which I will strive to honor you during this novena.

At your feet renew my resolution to invoke you daily, not only for the success of my temporal affairs and to be preserved from sickness and suffering, but above all, that I may be preserved from all sin, that I may gain eternal salvation and that I will receive the special grace of…

(State your intention here.)

O most powerful Saint Anne, do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of heaven, there with you, your blessed spouse, and your glorious daughter, to sing the praise of the Most Holy and Adorable Trinity forever and ever.

Amen.

Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

XOMB

Pulled Pork

10:30 pm a few night ago my sweet mama texts me asking if I'm awake. Knowing she is usually in bed by this point it had me a little concerned. I quickly responded with an "of course, what's wrong"...typical Italian assuming the worse! Nothing...no response then after many texts on my part freaking out, she finally asks if she can call me. At this point I'm really freaked and am running through every possible horrible scenario in my head. I answer with a quick "are you ok?! what's going on?!" and she proceeds to tell him how her phone is possessed and wont send text messages and that she simply wanted to tell me about the super simple pulled pork crock pot recipe that she made that night.

Yes...I had a mild heart attack because my dear sweet mama wanted to share a recipe! Gotta love her! After we both cracked up at how scared I had been thinking of the first doom and gloom situation I could possibly come up with she proceeded to tell me of the yumminess she had made that night.

As every true self respecting southerner knows coleslaw is a must on top of any bbq sandwich. 

Crock Pot Pulled Pork 

* Pork, any fairly priced cut will do

* 1 can of Rootbeer

* Bottle of favorite BBQ sauce

All you do is place the pork piece into a crock pot and pour in the rootbeer. Then allow it to cook on high for 4-6 hours (depends on size of meat). After the meat is fully cooked pull apart with two forks. Allow it to sit in the turned off crock pot absorbing as much of the juices as possible. When you are ready to serve strain the cooking liquid and place the meat back into the crock pot and add the bbq sauce...again quantities are based on how much meat you have...can you have too much bbq sauce?!

The coleslaw was super easy and you could definitely just buy some already made from any grocery store. I made my own and used pre-made coleslaw mix and then added mayo, apple cider vinegar, dry mustard, celery seed, salt and pepper...all to taste. Of course there are plenty of very yummy coleslaw recipes on the internet so just make your favorite. Let me know what you think! I just love easy crock pot meals that taste as though you have slaved away in a kitchen! What are your favorites?

XOMB

First Meal Plan

                                                 

So I used my Home Base Binder (more info in my previous post) for meal planning, something that it is definitely not my forte but it sure was fun! Anytime I can color code things I'm a happy girl!! What do you think? I love how structured it all is! 

I tried to stick to main things I already had in the house. ie...chicken breast, LOTS of burger meat, pork, quinoa, rice and pasta (but what self respecting Italian doesn't always have a few boxes on hand) then I googled. I found this great blog called Damn Delicious and I found lots of goodies! She too tries to meal plan in a similar manner! I'm going to be trying her quinoa stuffed bell peppers and tonkatsu pork cutlets! The 19th will be EM's 25th birthday ...HURRAY...he requested homemade pizza and I am going to surprise him with a cake (already had the mix!). Now the next step is to see if I can manage to get all this within our budget...guess I shall have to learn to coupon! Any coupon queens out there?

XOMB

Meal Planning

I must admit I have been very bad at staying accountable and posting regularly! Sorry ya'll! S is truly amazing yet has been incredibly clingy recently and getting used to juggling all my mommy duties has not been the easiest. I hope to have finally mastered it...ha! Well at least I got the gist down so I can manage to do more than one thing at a time. Mothers should all be renamed...we are all officially master jugglers!

Recently S has discovered his insane strength (though he has always possessed it) and has refused to sit in his swing for more than just a nap...do any moms have some advice on keeping the babe occupied while trying to clean? Suggestions welcome! I cannot seem to get anything done...the few minutes he remains in his swing I take advantage and eat...you know survival and all. As I type this he has decided it is a good idea to steal my right hand and suck/chomp on my thumb...never his own. How convenient for him!

So something I have wanted to start and have mentioned in the past is simplifying our lives. I have been known to be far less than organized and it is time for a change! Well due to a very generous friend (M) I am now the new owner of the Emily Ley Home Base Binder ! I am so excited for this! Not to mention the Simplified Journal which was also a gift! This has it all! Sections like...Family, Contacts (to simply paste business cards in! how GENIUS!) projects, MEAL PLANNING, Finances and Heart. It really has everything a mama would need to help her family stay organized! With Gorgeous colors and tabs! Head on over to Emily's site...linked above and check it out!

Thanks to this little beauty I am attempting to meal plan. Something I have never been very good at. EM really would love for me to a little more structured, and honestly I completely agree! It's is a skill I have always wanted yet have never attained. So here we go...meal planning!

Any words of advice before I dive in?

XOMB

Sunday Picnic

This past week I injured my back trying to work out and trying to get back into pre-pregnancy shape. Down 34lbs already...woo hoo!

I decided to take this weekend off and simply relax and enjoy some family time. Sunday EM and I planned for a picnic at this great state park that is not far from where we live. So we headed to whole foods to pick up some yummies...every picnic needs tiramisu! 

I had never been to this park before, though EM was CONVINCED that he had brought me once before...I would love to know which past girlfriend he is really thinking of...hmm...

Well I didnt really know what to except and it really blew me away. We discovered this cute little beach that I think we will start taking S to this summer. The water is calmer than at the ocean front and it seems like a quaint little spot for our family to enjoy the sun.

I am slowly starting to look forward to this summer and living at the beach, something that hasnt happened since we moved her after getting married. I guess every location has its ups and downs...I'm just now seeing the ups. :)

XOMB

Keilbasa Dinner

A few weeks ago, I was in need of a recipe and a mom in the moms Facebook group I'm in suggested one that was super easy and super yummy! It has very few ingredients.

1. Butter

2. Hillshire farm smoked kielbasa 

3. Green cabbage (the waxy kind)

4. Canned tomatoes. 

Salt and pepper

I cut up the kielbasa into coin sized rounds then place them into a heated skillet. No oil no butter. Just let them brown. Move them around occasionally so they don't burn. 

In another (bigger) pan, I melt 2-3 tbs of butter. The butter amount all depends on how much cabbage you use, you can always add more butter. Use as much cabbage as you see fit. Enough to feed your family, cut it into thin (not too thin) strips. I let it sweat until it is translucentish. 

Once the kielbasa is ready I simply poor it all ontop of the cabbage, grease and all. 

Then open a can of diced tomatoes and poor it all into the pan and mix it all together. 

Salt, pepper, allow the tomato juice to simmer and reduce down a bit. 

Serve and enjoy!

Even EM who has a pickier pallet than I enjoys this dish. He actually buys the ingredients himself so I can make it. Heck he even gets seconds and thirds. Not to mention, this is a super quick dish to throw together...it's perfect for a quick fix!

So give it a try and let me know what you think!


XOMB

Baby Bits

Rain rain rain....so much rain! It has been pouring here for hours, so today has turned into a lazy day.

Laundry is done and the house is tidied up. S is currently napping in his swing, so I took advantage and took some pictures of me sweet little love. 

I love his little hands. My new goal is to get a picture of all his cute bits. His little hands and feet and his nose. So we never forget just how precious he was, not that we ever will. 

Well le petit prince just awoke from his slumber, and he is deciding to exercise his lungs...LOL sweet thing.

But I will be back later this afternoon with a really simple and yummy recipe that EM just loves! 

XOMB

Mary Undoer of Knots

For all you faith filled mamas: tomorrow starts the Novena to Mary Undoer of Knots. This is a great novena to pray for a special intention in your life. Join me in saying it, simply sign up for email updates at the link below and you will get daily reminders :) simple as that.

Pray More Novenas

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Simplify My Life

I am so beyond excited that Emily Ley has unveiled the NEW Simplified Planners!

How AMAZING are these?! I have been trying for years to better organize my life, and now that I'm not only a wife but a mama, I have to get things in order. I am blessed enough to be able to stay home with my little love, but that doesn't mean I get to sit around and eat bonbons... although a bonbon does sound really good right now! yum!
The only way a creative (doesn't that sound better than unorganized) person like myself can do it all without losing my mind is to simplify it all! Emily Ley's new planners, and soon to come, Home Base Binder will do JUST that!
I have already made my "I need this before Christmas, Christmas List" for EM to enjoy :) Luckily he is a bit type A when it comes to organization so I have that in my favor. Check out her blog (I linked it above) for the release date and for many more great finds!


On a not so wonderful note, today I am slammed with laundry to fold, as we just went to storage and brought out all the summer and pre-pregnancy clothes, which will be interesting to go through, as I probably don't fit into the majority of things.
EM and I have started going back to the gym, now that S can stay in the daycare they provide. I don't know why it is so hard for me to get back into the groove of working out though. I love the gym! I love getting into shape and feeling good about my body, yet when it has been a while, I am VERY good about making an excuse as to why we should go ... tomorrow. Why is procrastination so easy? Or is it more a sense of laziness...that is a horrible thing!

THINGS I NEED TO WORK ON

Organization

Procrastination/Laziness

Mastering the laundry monster

Maybe I should add, "completing the lists I make"...Well off to laundry land.

XOMB

My First Mother's Day

Before I dive into how great my little family is, and believe me I will; I want to start off by saying that I completely revamped the look of my blog. I am so excited to introduce this new layout. It has taken a lot of time and effort. Many, many an hour googling! Teaching yourself html is no easy feat! I also wanted to give a shout out to Natalie from The Busy Budgeting Mama.com, her post on how to make a killer blog was a huge help! Check her out ya'll! She is amazing!

Now to my wonderful first Mother's Day! I must admit, I wasn't really excited about Mother's Day. Growing up in an Italian household, where the holiday consists of a mere card and "happy mother's day", I didn't know what to expect.
The day started by waking up next to my little love snuggling between EM and I, he's partial to our memory foam mattress. That alone started the day off right! EM brought me my gift in bed before heading upstairs to make us brunch. Yumm :)

He gave me the most thoughtful gift, something I would have never thought of! He framed our son's feet print from the hospital.

Look how big they were! He might only be 6 weeks old now but he is one chunky monkey! After an amazing brunch and taking my time to get ready for the day...yes that doesn't seem like anything special, but when your showers turn into lightening speed hop in hop outs, taking your sweet time is HUGE!

We then headed to a late lunch; our life might revolve around food. LOL. 

While I was pregnant I was really put off by the thought of eating seafood. Well, when you live at the beach it makes eating out difficult. So we headed to Bubba's, our favorite seafood restaurant for some crab legs and mimosas! This place has the best view on the water! Sitting on the back deck and watching the boats go by.

Little love was such a great little boy, having slept the entire time we were at lunch. My mother-in-law is convinced he is not a real baby. Yes, he is wonderful, I know. :)

I am so blessed to have been able to spend a low-key day with EM and little love! EM was worried it wasn't enough, but just spending time with these two is all I could ever ask for. 

This little guy is the reason I get to celebrate this wonderful day. He has quickly made our lives so incredibly special and so full of meaning. Our hearts overflow daily with the love we have for him that sometimes I don't know how we can handle it!

OK, now no more procrastinating, time to straighten up the house while little love continues to nap. Fingers crossed I can get it all done before he wakes up.

XOMB

My apologies

Sorry for the state of things currently restructuring ye ole blog. Hope you like the coming changes :) 

Little Details

now S is 5 weeks old and he is finally taking longer naps. Praise the Lord!

well in that time today i have found time to catch up on the things i have needed to get done and have sadly procrastinated. thank you notes! very important and yet i have been a bit slow on writing to people. 

yesterday i popped by tjmaxx/homegoods and found the cutest cards. 

i absolutely LOVE paper goods and find that they can really just be a special touch that can make the recipient smile...who doesnt love getting a card in the mail?! i know i internally squeal with joy LOL

marshalls, tjmaxx and homegoods are really great places for finding cute and inexpensive stationary items. go take a look and let me know what goodies you come back with!

XOMB

Check It Out

derby day

check out -- FUN TIMES!

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God's Love

it is amazing how God works through each and every one of us and in truly mysterious ways.

recently I joined a facebook group for catholic mamas and it has been such a blessing. not being from this town and not having had any real opportunity to make friends, it has been hard for me this past year. having found this group of strong faith filled women, in whom I find so much in common, has helped me tremendously. having found sisters in Christ that I can talk to and ask for advice or simply vent my stresses to, has become the greatest gift. 

though they are scattered all over, this group of women has already helped me in such a great way. 

through prayer. 

prayer is such a great tool. one that will help you get through whatever difficulties and challenges your life throws at you. 

no it is not a magic wand, and often times your prayers are not answered, yet the peace you receive from the praying act can often times be enough to help. 

currently I have felt that peace to be ever so present. I have been praying for quite some time for a special intention. EM has been very stressed and through prayer, though the situation is not fully remedied, I have seen a positive change. God is good and never wants to see His children stumble. even if you have to learn to crawl before you can run. 

life truly is a roller coaster. whether a scary one with a lot of loops or a gradual one with many ups and downs, it is a ride to enjoy. the loops and downs are not always the greatest but they make us who we are. and though we are currently in a loop I'm loving the good times from within. 

.....

on a side note: we are still camping out in the living room. the workers should be coming back today, and hopefully EM will be able to be here when they arrive. a bunch of strange men walking around (though they seemed nice), while I try to take care of S makes me a bit anxious. 

like our set up? I think S was looking at angels. he always starts to smile when he looks up at the skylights. :) mama's sweet sweet boy.

XOMB

When It Rains It Pours

this is been quite the week! they say when it rains it pours, well it poured! friday I headed downstairs to go grab the ergobaby (try and calm little love down) and out of the corner of my eye I noticed a spot on the ceiling. it was soaked! I called EM and he poked, yes poked it was that wet!, a hole into the ceiling and 5 inches worth of water came flowing out.

look at that giant wet spot!

so now our current adventure is sleeping on the living room floor. a camping adventure for our little family. 

S has been truly wonderful! it's as though he knows mama is tired. the first night he slept 7 hours straight! such a proud mama! 

speaking of little love, we had his one month check up and we have one big boy on our hands! 

12 lb 6 oz of lovin'! this boy makes me so happy I can't believe I was blessed with such a wonderful baby! 

God is so good!

XOMB