(one)
Cleaning the house...
We did it last weekend. For two straight days. My bedroom is probably cleaner than it's ever been. The boys are all in one room (not gonna lie though, John Paul only lasted one night in the 'big boy bed' with his brothers). Malia's Nursery is done except for the bassinet and glider which will be assembled this weekend. The playroom/basement is cleansed and re-cleaned as of this a.m. and the kitchen, family room and bathroom have all gotten a proper sprucing. Here's the deal- I am discovering when my house is clean I am a better wife, mother, and human being in general. The peace that comes from not living in chaos really does a number (in a good way) on my soul.
We did it last weekend. For two straight days. My bedroom is probably cleaner than it's ever been. The boys are all in one room (not gonna lie though, John Paul only lasted one night in the 'big boy bed' with his brothers). Malia's Nursery is done except for the bassinet and glider which will be assembled this weekend. The playroom/basement is cleansed and re-cleaned as of this a.m. and the kitchen, family room and bathroom have all gotten a proper sprucing. Here's the deal- I am discovering when my house is clean I am a better wife, mother, and human being in general. The peace that comes from not living in chaos really does a number (in a good way) on my soul.
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| Malia Paul's Room |
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| The boys room thanks to Papa and Big A |
(two)
Speaking of cleaning house...
This week I got myself a babysitter and drove to the Solanus Casey Center (shout out) which has the Sacrament of Reconciliation pretty much every hour on the hour during the day. I got my soul cleansed, had some time for quiet prayer, and drove home. Lemme just tell you somethin' my friends (Catholic and non- Catholics alike) if there's anything better than driving down the ol' highway, praise music blasting, knowing that if I crashed I might not go to heaven, but I am sure as heck not goin' to hell.... I just don't know what that is.
Speaking of cleaning house...
This week I got myself a babysitter and drove to the Solanus Casey Center (shout out) which has the Sacrament of Reconciliation pretty much every hour on the hour during the day. I got my soul cleansed, had some time for quiet prayer, and drove home. Lemme just tell you somethin' my friends (Catholic and non- Catholics alike) if there's anything better than driving down the ol' highway, praise music blasting, knowing that if I crashed I might not go to heaven, but I am sure as heck not goin' to hell.... I just don't know what that is.
(three)
Speaking of clean house and clean soul...
I am starting to make peace with something. I am ALWAYS going to be cleaning, organizing, washing, cleaning more, organizing, washing, cleaning, etc... for the next couple of years. I know as the boys get older, they will be helping more (they are already helping a bunch), and it will get easier. But, I also think it's essential for my attitude on the regular, that I realize a huge part of my vocation is house-care and people-care. It's not gonna change, so it is time to accept it.
I am starting to make peace with something. I am ALWAYS going to be cleaning, organizing, washing, cleaning more, organizing, washing, cleaning, etc... for the next couple of years. I know as the boys get older, they will be helping more (they are already helping a bunch), and it will get easier. But, I also think it's essential for my attitude on the regular, that I realize a huge part of my vocation is house-care and people-care. It's not gonna change, so it is time to accept it.
(four)
So, I mean, you knew I was going to throw in my opinion of Joshua Duggar right?
I remember, years ago, sitting at Saint John Neumann, where I worked during Mass. And Saint John Neumann has these huge modern screens (part of the reason my dad considers it penance to attend Mass there)---I was looking at those screens and wondered the level of scandal that would occur if some of my sins (the way I talked, the way I drank, the way I smoked, etc...) were to all of a sudden be displayed on those big screens. I remember thinking people at the Parish would be shocked by the amount of sinfulness I possessed in my heart. I was horrified. Then I prayed with why people's opinions of me would bother me more than God's knowledge of my sinfulness. Because, to be honest, it would.
I'm not excusing anything he did. I pray for his family. What I'm thinking though is that life is really REALLY intense when one decides to make themselves a public witness for the faith (whether through ministry or through celebrity). And we all need to be aware of what that means, even those of us in the blogging world. We need to pray to avoid temptation whenever possible. Because the devil delights in sin, but I think in a particular way, he delights in a public hypocrite. That millstone around the necks of those who lead people astray is an intense image of just how damaging it can be. That's all Imma say about that.
I remember, years ago, sitting at Saint John Neumann, where I worked during Mass. And Saint John Neumann has these huge modern screens (part of the reason my dad considers it penance to attend Mass there)---I was looking at those screens and wondered the level of scandal that would occur if some of my sins (the way I talked, the way I drank, the way I smoked, etc...) were to all of a sudden be displayed on those big screens. I remember thinking people at the Parish would be shocked by the amount of sinfulness I possessed in my heart. I was horrified. Then I prayed with why people's opinions of me would bother me more than God's knowledge of my sinfulness. Because, to be honest, it would.
I'm not excusing anything he did. I pray for his family. What I'm thinking though is that life is really REALLY intense when one decides to make themselves a public witness for the faith (whether through ministry or through celebrity). And we all need to be aware of what that means, even those of us in the blogging world. We need to pray to avoid temptation whenever possible. Because the devil delights in sin, but I think in a particular way, he delights in a public hypocrite. That millstone around the necks of those who lead people astray is an intense image of just how damaging it can be. That's all Imma say about that.
(five)
Lil A is starting school in three weeks! I am so excited for him, he will LOVE it. I am so nervous for me, having to be somewhere twice a day is going to be insane in the fall with this house full of little ones. Having to WALK INTO THE SCHOOL to pick him up with a 3 year old, 2 year old and newborn is going to be impossible (but I am problem solving that- fear not)...but I am SO excited for him.
(six)
Um so fall is around the corner for me. That means a baby (what, what), The Walking Dead, Michigan Football (and season tickets because I'm fancy like that), cooler weather, sweaters, overalls, oh my!!! I love Fall so much... bring it.
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| Michigan Football Tickets |
(seven)
The ol' fourth c-section is four weeks away. I know I have a few friends who do the multiple c-section thing. I would really like recovery to go as easy as possible this time. Though I think I have a better handle than I did four years ago- I'm into hearing your advice...What are something you do to make your recovery as smooth as baby's behind?
I read this article about handling postpartum like a boss, and I plan on following almost all of her advice...
But I am all ear for more advice, maybe even particularly from those of you who have had multiple c-sections (what have you learned that works well) OR that bring a newborn home to a house full of little people....
So, give me some.
That's it for me. Check out more Quick Takes at http://thisaintthelyceum.org/
Peace!
I've had 2 c-sections and I think rest is the biggest key. I'm going to milk the paternity leave and hire help beyond that if necessary. I really think it's absolutely necessary with c-section recoveries. Also, I don't know how you do nighttime feedings and sleeping, but next time I plan on purchasing this: http://www.amazon.com/Bassinest-Swivel-Sleeper-Bassinet-Premiere/dp/B00JXN54DI/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1440179684&sr=1-1&keywords=halo+bassinest+swivel+sleeper
ReplyDeleteFour sections! Wow, one was more than enough for me, thank you very much, and thank God for a wonderful OB who did VBACs even after VBACs weren't cool any more
ReplyDeleteI read Blythe's article about mastering the postpartum time...definitely a lot for me to learn from it for the next baby (disclaimer: not pregnant currently)! I have no suggestions since I only have one and no experience in the c-section department, but I will be sure to keep you and the bebe in my prayers!
ReplyDelete