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!