7 Quick Takes in which I talk tattoos, sensitivity and workshops...

--- 1 ---

So...I did this.

In doing this I was SHOCKED to find the amount of people who think that getting tattoos is a 'sinful' action.  Weird.  It's not.  It can be a dumb decision. Mine wasn't dumb. I have wanted it for a long time.  Four years ago, I went on a life changing pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  After not being on a date in a half a decade,  I prayed fervently during that Holy Trip that the Lord would bring me a spouse or allow me to be content as a single person.  3 weeks later, Aaron asked me on our first date and the rest- well, you know!  This tattoo, I have seen on others who have taken the trip to the Holy Land and ever since then I have desperately wanted it.  Being with my crazy sisters gave me the courage. Et Voila!

--- 2 ---

Sisters weekend rocked.  A lot.  Starting with free drinks and a free breakfast by the kindest hotel staff ever, followed by bonding and tattoos, a delicious dinner, meeting 'Drake' the singer twice and engaging in just enough shenanigans to make it memorable.  OH!  And no fights, and no drama.  A few moments of sass, but nothing our tough skins couldn't handle.

--- 3 ---

Speaking of tough skins.  So, this is weird but it has been on my mind.  Often times, I allow myself to be made fun of and I use self deprecating humor as almost a tool to bring people together/make people comfortable.  I dig it.  It's kind of what I do.  However, I am realizing that sometimes doing that allows people to go a bit too far and cross into areas of sensitivity/teasing that can be hurtful.  It reminds me of racial things. I'll never forget when Aaron and I got engaged, him saying, 'you have to be careful how much joking you allow about race, because then you give people permission and some people don't know the line'.  I didn't understand what he was saying until people crossed that line a few times.  Anyway, stuff to ponder.  No one wants to be a stick in the mud, but no one wants to be constantly laid into either.  thoughts?

--- 4 ---

I like our new gym AND...AND...I discovered I can watch netflix shows whilst working out. Jackpot.  Consider me happy. Oh, and we had to buy swim diapers...why?  Because it has a fun little toddler pool to take our munchkins in.  Oh, and it has a cafe, with real food. And two hours of babysitting per kid per day. So, date nights at the gym I'm thinking.

--- 5 ---

I cannot wait for Tuesday, December 24th.  Both because we get to celebrate baby Jesus' birthday (with a blue cake) at night AND because Big A is going to be home for a week.  We need this week.  It's been a bit crazy around these parts.  I am very purposefully making not a single plan until Jan. 6th. I don't want to do anything but hang out with my little family.

--- 6 ---

Hey! Are you a Church professional, catechist, volunteer, etc...in the AoD or beyond?   Check it out.  The ol' ministry partner, Mike Chamberland and I are leading a workshop for Office for Evangelization and Catechesis on a pastoral approach to discussing the 'hot topic' of homosexuality.  We are super pumped about the day and it'd be great to have some familiar faces.  PLUS, after years of prayer/etc...I feel good about an approach that 'works'.  Wanna hear more about it?  Sign up!

--- 7 ---

Lemme leave you with a little 'Yo Gabba Gabba' awesome for those of you who are not my facebook friends.

Despite this kid's face, he was super psyched to be DJ Lance

Love me some kids!

Joey is wondering what's on his head and Aaron is wondering why the hell I am taking pictures (clearly)

Joey is looking to his big brother as to an explanation of why they are dressed in bright orange suits!

Happy (almost) Friday!

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