Hey, just a note to let you know I am back in town. I spent last week with my family in So Cal and I must say that each time it gets harder and harder to say goodbye. But at least they are relatively close (only 7 hrs away) so going for a drive there is not that bad.
Anyway, if you've emailed us in the last month (or 2) we will get back to you. It just takes a little time. Thanks for your patience though! love, b.
Hmmm, that's a lot of posts in one day for me. It's nice luxury when I actually have a full 30 minutes to myself to read the news and check out a few blogs. I was running late this morning (that's a shocker) and debated whether I should skip 7AM Mass and go to 12PM instead. I decided to hussle it to 7AM so I could start off this beautiful Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima with Mass. Now, for another reason, I'm glad I did. Sitting in front of me was an old friend I haven't seen in nine years! She still lives in So Cal but was in Carmel visiting a friend and stopped at the Mission for Mass. It's strange, too, since I was just thinking about her the other day and wondering how she was doing. Funny how those things work!
A friend was sharing with me her experience of miscarrying her child. She was troubled that even Catholic friends couldn't understand her desire to see her unborn child as part of the family, but residing with Our Lord in Heaven. I assured her that she was not wrong in loving and grieving over her little one, no matter how short his/her life was.
Keeping that in mind I went ahead and added my latest baby journal to the list of Baby Stories at RoL. We weren't able to celebrate a birth but we were able to celebrate a new life. Blessed Be God. -- Good bye, My Little One: The Story of a Miscarriage.
Thanks for the prayers and well wishes for Brian. His sprained back is doing better and he is off all the heavy drugs. Now it will just take time. Unfortunately that means at least another week off work, especially since he still can’t sit, but he is able to get out of bed and walk around to stretch his muscles. Thank God it’s nothing more serious. Although – I am worn out by the end of the day. I never realized how much Brian did around here until he was no longer able to do it! Although, in bed, I’m just happy to have him around. :)
The Lord has really been testing us this Lent! Just as Brian and I felt pretty much recovered from the miscarriage another cross arrived. On Friday, Brian hurt his back at work. He couldn't move and had to be taken to the emergency by ambulance. He took some tests and although his spine seems okay, he still has acute lower back pain. The doctor said it will be about six weeks (!) until he is back to normal. He was heavily medicated and able to come home for now but has to return for more tests. Currently he is stuck in bed and relatively okay unless he tries to move - otherwise the pain overtakes him. So your prayers would be very much appreciated - for Brian’s recovery and my patience. Thank you!
Well we returned from our trip to So. Calif in the nick of time. The weather has been crazy and the drive out of CA left my nerves frazzled. We left early in the morning before the strongest part of the storm was to hit, taking it slow on the freeway. (As slow as possible in So Cal.)
I knew we were in for it when not ten minutes had passed and I saw a car spin out, hit a semi in the next lane and jump up in the air. (I was driving and Brian was in the back seat with Bella.) Brian noticed that I slowed down and he looked up to see flashing lights. He thought it was thunder and lightening. Actually it was the headlights of the flying car. My mind raced as I worried about the driver and our own safety if we became a part of the accident. Then the car twisted in the air a few times until it landed upright at the side of the road. I was going to stop but a number or truckers and other cars stopped to help the driver. We passed the car and saw inside a woman. She was looking down but I couldn't tell if she was knocked out or reaching for something.
We pulled out the rosary and prayed for her and the safety of all the other drivers on the road. Later the radio announced that it was an injury accident and we were just thankful that she had on her seatbelt and hadn't died. We continued our route listening to the traffic news hearing of numerous accidents that took place just after we passed the cities. Thank God for getting us home safely!
I only have a few minutes before I have to go but I wanted to make a quick post. There was a comment from Shy One regarding my last Mama Diaries post. It reads:
I feel very badly for your loss, but another part of me sees it quite differently. Perhaps these babies that were never destined to walk the earth are in fact destined to become intercessors for their families from heaven. We won't know this until we reach heaven ourselves and all is revealed, but in God's economy of grace, there may be more than meets the eye. I shall remember you and your family in my prayers, and wish you His peace in your heart.
I think Shy One hit the nail on the head. When I wrote that last post I was blowing off steam because I was upset. But as as the smoke settled and I got it off my chest one thing still remained the same - my heart still believes in God's goodness and that all things happen for a reason. We can only see one small moment in time but God sees the grand scheme of things. He knows precisely why things happen the way they do. When our trust and love is placed in God, we will find that all our sufferings can be transformed into blessings. There will still be moments when we are down but God’s peace is ready to comfort us and give us strength.
I must also say that Lent is the perfect time to truly ponder the mystery of the passion and our union with Christ on the cross. It is such a comfort to know that there is no suffering or pain we go through that Christ has not already endured for us. We are never alone. Christ dries our tears and lifts us up; his love and mercy washes over us and renews our hearts so we can carry on and live out our vocation to the fullest.
With that thought, I’ve got to go! Have a blessed weekend.
Yesterday was a difficult day for me. People at the market or post office would smile at me and say, “Good Morning.” I’d smile back but inside I’d be remarking, “What the hell do you know.” I was feeling particularly down since yesterday I was supposed to have my first prenatal and my first glimpse of our little baby. It was the day we were to share the news with our family and friends. Instead I had to take tests to see if our baby has completely left my body. I had a blood test a few days ago but my pregnancy levels were still too high and there was fear of an ectopic pregnancy. However, it seems that everything’s been clearing out the last few days and my new results came in today showing that everything looks fine. Thank God for one less worry.
Last night I told Brian that we need to name our little child. We both felt strongly that our baby was a boy and I had already been calling him a junior – “Baby Brian” – in my mind. Brian, however, liked the name “Victor” which is his middle name (and a name with a history in his family.) So we compromised and named our little angel Victor Brian Marie. (Brian is old school with “Marie” in boys’ names too.)
I was thinking last night about my baby Brian and out of habit I was praying for him during my night prayers. Then it hit me that I do not need to pray for him anymore. Now I can ask him to pray for me. A rather strange idea to think of our baby watching over us and praying for his mama and daddy and sister. It’s still hard to get used to but it brings comfort to my heart. I never thought a miscarriage could take such a toll on my body and my heart but I’m slowly feeling back to normal. And I’m happy to say that today when someone wished me a good morning I was genuinely able to offer the greetings back.
Hey there. Thanks to all who've sent prayers and kind words. We're doing better although right now I just feel emotionally and physically exhausted but I guess that can be expected. It's been so nice having Brian home with me these last few days, I'm going to hate seeing him leave for work tomorrow. I will say that this has brought our little family closer together and our love of God stronger and that is a blessing in itself. Anyway, thanks again. Take care.
Your Kingdom Come!
Dear Friends,
As many of you know, we have been praying for a long time that God would bless us with another child. Our prayers were finally answered and a new life was granted to our family. For a number of weeks we were overjoyed with the prospect of a new baby.
However, this past week we suspected that God may be calling our baby to Himself. Yesterday, it was finalized. Our baby left my body and is now with God in heaven. It has been an unbelievably difficult time, particularly since Tuesday was to be our first prenatal appointment, followed by our plans to surprise the perspective grandparents with the news.
Although our hearts are heavy with grief, I must say that this burden has been incredibly lighter through your prayers and the grace of God. I would often read of saints or holy people speak of suffering as a great blessing but I could not understand how such a thing could be possible. I am far from holy but I think I have gotten a tiny taste of what that means.
The other night I could not sleep and I lay in bed thinking and praying. I pondered over my life and how many graces and blessing God has poured out on me. I thought of trials I have endured in the past and during those times I often thought of Jesus in the Garden asking, “Lord, if it be your will let this cup pass over me.” I, too, prayed that I would be spared. More often than not, I was. I felt like Abraham ready of sacrifice his Isaac but at the last minute it was revealed that the mere offering was enough. I need not actually make the sacrifice. Yesterday, however, God asked for the sacrifice of our child to become a reality.
Perhaps I should be angry with God, at least temporarily, but I am not. God has been so good to me. I have been granted tremendous mercy and numerous graces in my life. And now God has finally given me the chance to truly make an offering of love to Him. Placing our child back into God’s hands is my way of being able to show God that I appreciate all his blessings and I trust in his goodness in both the good and sorrowful times.
But before you even think of making any comments on my “strength” know that it is not me. Left to my own devices I’d be a wailing drama queen. (As those who really know me well could attest.) I know firmly within my heart that it is the grace of God, particularly those received through your prayers. And I must say that Brian has been a pillar of strength and trust in God, even through his own grief and pain. Even little Bella, not quite understanding what’s going on, will place her little arms around my neck, kissing me telling me, “It’s okay, Mama.” God is present and comforting me everywhere I turn.
I also can’t help but remember that in the end our children are not our own. They are given to us with the responsibility that we raise them as holy children as best we can so that one day they may be united with God in heaven. Now we know that we have at least one little saint in heaven who is praying and waiting for us to join him in heaven. That is a great blessing. There will always be an emptiness on our hearts that misses our little baby and we still have a great deal of sorrow but at the same time there is also a great deal of peace. Our Lady, on this beautiful feast day, has wrapped her mantle around us and has given us great comfort and strength.
We thank you once again for your prayers and love. Our prayers remain with you as well.
With love and trust in Our Lord and Lady,
Bobbi & Brian (& Bella)
“We know that in everything God works for good with those who love Him who are called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28
Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for Us!
Hey guys. We're going through a tough situation right now and although I can't get into at the moment, please keep us in your prayers. I appreciate it. -B.
Hey, just a quick note to let you know we are still around. I just came back from my yearly 3 day silent retreat/spiritual exercises and I really needed it. I hated being away from Bella and Brian but in the end they benefit since I come back a better wife and mama! There’s nothing like a spiritual recharge to get deepen your relationship with Christ and fine-tune a few of your weaker points.
And I must say that not only have I been exercising my soul but a few weeks ago I actually joined the women’s fitness program/gym called Curves. I always heard about them but never paid much attention since I’m not a gym person (which was part of the problem!) But my mother-in-law knew I wanted to start taking time to exercise so she offered to pay my registration at the local Curves. (It can be pricey.) I decided to check it out and I must admit that I am really enjoying it. It’s a 3x a week 30 minute workout with both aerobics and strength training. The fact that I have to go 3x a week has forced me to fit into my weekly schedule and it’s amazing what you can fit into a day with a little organization and creative thinking! (and some centers also provide day care for the young ones while you exercise.) I think sometimes we as busy mothers, forget that we need to take care of our own physical well-being just as much as our family’s!
Hey, just want to let you know that we are back in town and back to reality after a stay in So Cal with family. We got out of there just in time -before the weather got too dangerous to travel.
Now that Epiphany is over and the final festivities are finished we're taking down the tree and all the decor. Poor Bella is shocked and disappointed to realize that her favorite time of the year must come to an end. Although she was asking today when she can go to the beach, so I think she'll cope fine.
I know it's a day early but we're almost out the door to visit my family in So Calif and I won't have time to be on the computer tomorrow. Have a blessed holiday!! And make sure to take time out from your cooking & football watching to give thanks to God! Love and prayers out to you, b.
I first read this prayer years ago but it has since become a favorite. :)
Dear God,So far today, I've done all right! I haven't gossiped, I haven't lost my temper,
I haven't cheated, I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or
overindulgent. I am thankful for that. But, in a few minutes Lord, I'm going to
get out of bed...and from then on, I'm probably going to need a lot more help!Amen.
We didn't do much vacationing or traveling this summer but we're making up for it this month. We just returned from Lake Tahoe yesterday - we go for a week each year with Brian's family. And in two weeks we'll be visiting my family in So. Calif. I love traveling during autumn. The air is a bit more chilly, the wind is rustling through the trees, falling leaves are everywhere and the holidays are not far off. Actually I just love autumn!
Consecrated Women Threaten Property Value. I saw this news piece thanks to the Curt Jester. And I must say, knowing some of these consecrated women personally, you'd be darn blessed to have such neighbors!
Hi All. I was just checking my email and thought I'd make a quick post. Thanks to those of you who were praying for the women's retreat I was helping put together. It was a 3-day Silent Retreat/Spiritual Exercises and I think it went well. God's grace was truly present and we all came back spiritually recharged and re-energized to continue building Christ's kingdom. And I prayed for you all while I was there - especially those of you who are so kind to keep in touch even when I do not as often as I'd like! God bless you.
Hey, remember us? Yes, we're still here. Busy as ever but back online. New posts coming to the RoL site soon.
Hello! It's been a long time! Thanks for being so patient with us and for the emails of well wishes! We are finally in our new home and getting settled. I forgot just how much work it is to move! Packing is not so bad compared to unpacking and finding a place for everything! All I know is that we have a huge pile of things going to the local charity center. It's amazing how much stuff one can accumulate in a few short years! Anyway, we hope to soon be back online posting and updating the website. (And I have weeks of unread st. blogs to peruse!) Thanks for being so patient! Love, b.
Hey, guys. It's been awhile since we've posted anything or even been on the computer for that matter. We finally have Brian's aunt moved and settled and after a few hairy days she seems to have settled into her new place nicely and is making new friends - what she needs!
We've been consumed with cleaning, painting and all the usual work that goes into an "AS IS" home. It is tiring but exciting. The only downfall of this is that we had to cancel our reservations for The Catholic Family Conference. This is the first time in years that I've not attended and I'm going to miss the "reunion" of seeing all my old friends (especially you, Gwen!) but it's a small price to pay for our little casa. Well, you can stop by the Regnum Christi booth and say hi to my sister Bridgette who'll be working!
The following week she'll be driving up here to help us complete the move. Keep us in prayer! And we hope to be back soon! love, b.
This whole house ordeal has been pretty stressful the last few weeks but things are finally falling into place! As you may know, we are moving into the home of Brian’s grandma (who passed away a few years ago.) Currently his aunt (“AL”) lives there but she has been trying to move into a local senior citizen community. However, the waiting list is incredibly long and the wait takes years. Last month we finally thought there was an opening but it fell through at the last minute. Things didn’t look good and AL was really bummed.
Two weeks ago Brian and I made a novena to Saints Ann and Joachim to end on their feast day (July 26). We had two intentions in mind – namely that we’d be blessed with another child and as a secondary prayer, that everything with the house would work out as God wills. The last day of the novena we received the call that there was a surprise vacancy and AL was next on the list but she had to move in immediately. Thank you, Ann & Joachim! (Now we’re just waiting for our bambino!)
This week I’ve been packing/reducing 30+ years worth of AL’s stuff and we’ll have her moved incompletely by Saturday. I must say that I checked out her new place the other day and it is so beautiful. And there are so many activities for them on the site there’s no chance of AL being bored or lonely! She is really happy – something I was worried about. I wouldn’t have felt comfortable in our new place unless I knew AL was happy in her new home. So hopefully we will have her settled in by the end of this week then we can work on making repairs on the house before we move in. Needless to say, this will keep us very busy so I may be more absent than usual! I’ll pop in when I get tired of boxes and cleaning and need a quick break! Take care and have a blessed week. b.
Recently I have been reading more about the Catholic persecution in Mexico during the 1920's. Last night I finished a short book on Blessed Miguel Pro and am now reading "Mexican Martyrdom" from Tan. I also found this article interesting - Mexican Martyrs.
It's funny because although I am Mexican I never really gave much thought to my heritage, other than cooking a few Mexican meals and saying a few Spanish phrases. We grew up very Americanized in a typical white suburban neighborhood. But now that I am older I am more and more interested in my heritage and really wish I had learned Spanish.
Granted I can understand some and know a few words I could not actually hold a conversation. Although you don't see any Mexicans in Carmel (unless they are busing your table or making your bed) there's a lot more ethnicity in the next door neighborhoods of Monterey and Salinas. It pains me when I'm at the store and a Spanish speaking person comes up to me for help assuming that I can help them in their language. When I was younger I had no problem distancing myself from Mexicans but now I feel the need to embrace them.
So why am I sharing this? No particular reason. I just had a spare 10 minutes and I haven't posted lately so I thought I'd share what was on my mind at this moment. (A change from figuring how to remove ugly wallpaper.) Also, I've actually decided to do something about my Spanish (or lack there of) and got a simple book to start learning.
However, now that I think about it, if any of you who have homeschooled kids learning Spanish, let me know if there is a particular book or lesson plan you'd recommend. I don't have much spare time but I can set aside a little bit each week to work on it. I'll let you know how it goes! Adios! ;-)
Hey guys, I'm back again. My sis flew back to DC yesterday and I miss her; it was great having her around! But now back to work. Also, say a prayer that all works out with our new home. There are some details we're trying to get worked out but it looks like we'll be in our first real home (ie. not a renting) by the end of Aug. I'm excited (and nervous!)
And if any of you know of any good sites with info for home improvement, let me know. The house is older (think 60's decor and color) and we'll need to recarpet, paint, and remove some ugly wallpaper. So any tips or words of wisdom will be appreciated! Thanks!
...for a few days. We'll be leaving the 65 degree beach and entering the 100 degree desert but it'll be worth it to see mi familia again. How I miss them! Have a great weekend yourself. And say a prayer for our safety (and that we don't get heat stroke, haha!) -b.
Happy birthday to you, my love. Thank you for not only being a man of God but my best friend. May you be blessed with many more years. I love you, b.
And Bella says (in her own tongue) "Hoppy Booday. I wub Daddy."
Hey all, sorry I haven't been around much. My computer has been pretty cold lately since I've hardly been on it. I've been extra busy this week helping out with the local Challenge Girls Group summer camp. Bella and I just returned (she was the "mascot" :) and I had to take a moment to stop here and tell those who have emailed me, I have not fogotten you! I'm taking a few days off and I promise to get to you over the next week or so. Thanks for your patience. I also look forward to reading through a few of my own fav blogs! I'll be back soon. :)
That pretty much expresses the past few days. The cold that Brian and Bella had finally made it's way to me. Bella (who's still sick) and I haven't stepped out of the house in three days! I'm finally feeling better although the head is still pretty stuffy.
Our new computer came in so I set it up last week and the last day or two I worked on transfering files and emails etc. Hey, is there a way to transfer favorite links to a new computer? If so, let me know how.
I also caught up on a few music reviews I wanted to do. The CD's aren't exactly new but recent enough to still be used, especially for those unfamiliar with the bands already. So if you like christian alternative/modern rock check out the latest alternative reviews at RoL. One of my sisters (EMC) is coming on board at RoL and will handle some apologetics stuff and a few reviews and things so we can keep posts more frequent. It's just grown too big for only me and Brian. Anyway, thanks for the support & emails. And if I haven't responded yet, don't worry, I will soon! love, b.
Hey guys. I feel like I haven’t been home in awhile! We returned from our trip to SoCal, but the following weekend I was gone again for a Mom’s (silent) retreat/spiritual exercises. It was a spiritual workout but I needed it. Unfortunately, both Brian and Bella were sick while I was gone. Bella was already coming down with a cold and Brian insists that the stress of me being gone wasn’t a factor to his illness. Although he sheepishly smiled when I reminded him that he got sick the last time I was away for the weekend!
Well, I finally unpacked the suitcases that have been busy this month and don’t plan to take them out again until Aug when we make a trip to SoCal for the 14th Annual National Catholic Family Conference in Anaheim, put together by St. Joseph’s Communications. If you live nearby or would like to take a trip to sunny Cal, I encourage you to attend! The conference is always edifying and so much fun!
And if you do plan to go, I recommend that you book your hotel reservations now, since the rooms have filled up quickly in the past. We made our reservations for the adjoining hotel - Hilton Anaheim. When you book online or over the phone, make sure to use the conference code CRC for the $99 room special. (I believe the cost is otherwise $140.) All the details can be found at the Catholic Resource Center.org.
Hello! I hope you're all doing well. I'm back from our trip to SoCal and we had a great time. The weather wasn't too hot (between 75 - 95 degrees) and it was invigorating to be with my family again. I'm finally done packing and getting groceries for the empty cupboards but our place is a mess with piled up mail, laundry, and all that great stuff that awaits you while you're gone.
However, it'll have to keep waiting until tomorrow since tonight we and a couple other Catholic families are having a May Crowning and potluck. I need to go start cooking now but I had to take a minute to check out a few blogs and make a quick post. I also had to do a little price checking for a new computer. Our old HP is driving us crazy freezing up so much and working so slow. Brian and I decided to use our tax refund to get a new computer. The check just came in the mail yesterday so it's time to get to business. I'll let you know how it goes.
Okay, my time is up. I better start cooking for tonight. Thanks again for all your prayers for a safe trip! (And for the emails saying hi. It always brightens my day!) love, b.
Hey guys. Sorry I haven’t been around for awhile. Things have been a lot busier than usual this past week. Along with family life, RoL has needed a lot of maintenance, and I’ve been busy preparing Bella for her homeschool preschool. I’ve looked at a few programs and I’ve really been taken by the whole Montessori approach. The Catholic book “Natural Structure” has been invaluable. However, it is a little frustrating reading secular books on the subject because they completely remove any aspect of Dr. Montessori’s Catholic faith. Rather than saying the word “God” they use ambiguous phrases such as being one with “Creation” or one’s “Spirit”. Replace these words with the proper form of praising “Almighty God and Creator” and the action of the “Holy Spirit” and then it makes sense! Anyway, I’ll comment more on this a bit later.
I must also say that I’m so looking forward to our trip to So California next week. I am going through family-withdrawal! We usually visit every 6-8 weeks and I haven’t seen my family since Christmas! They have been in the middle of a move and things have finally settled down and both our schedules opened up for a needed respite. I miss mi familia!!
Brian has stocked up on some new books to read during the drive down. (It’s about 7 hrs.) I am envious because if I even think of reading in the car I get car sick. I just can’t do it! So instead I’ll bring the two new CD’s I bought Carried Me: The Worship Project by Jeremy Camp and Sea of Faces by Kutless. I was listening to the Camp CD last night. I’m not too into “praise” albums (although I do like Third Day’s work) but I am addicted to Jeremy’s first CD Stay so I planned to buy it regardless. I’m actually very pleased to it but need to listen to it a few more times before I review it for RoL. This weekend I’ll check out the Kutless.
Tomorrow we’re heading to Carmel Valley for a BBQ with some other local Catholic families. God has truly answered my prayers in that respect. Moving to the Carmel/Monterey area was wonderful b/c that’s were my Sweetie was living (and the place is gorgeous!) but I was used to being near many young Catholic families, many who homeschooled. Not many young (orthodox) Catholic families were here in Carmel. It has been a fervent prayer of mine that God please help me find some like minded people who were more than online buddies. There are some awesome Catholic bloggers/readers out there but an email is not the same as face-to-face contact, you know. Well, after a few years God has truly answered my prayers! It has been such a blessing to witness these other couples and their children live out their vocation as Catholic families. Praise God!
Well, that’s enough chit chat for now. I better get going. I usually don’t post on Saturdays but Bella is quietly playing and Brian’s at his monthly mini-retreat so I had a few minutes to catch up here! Have a blessed weekend and talk to you next week! –b.
Throughout the year we have special feast days that are dear to us. Today is one of them - the feast of St. Casimir. It was five years ago today that Brian and I talked on the phone for the first time. As you may remember, Brian and I met on AveMaria SCOL and emailed for five months before setting a date to really "talk". (Brian was a lot more patient and careful in moving forward than I was! And he always did things on saint's feast days, which is part of the reason I love him so much. :) Anyway, I woke up this morning to find a single rose and a "love letter" on the table. (Now how sweet is that?) Thanks be to God for allowing such a man into my life! (I love you, Sweetie!)
It's been fun but time to get back to business. I have been having so much fun these last few days with my sisters. It's been great having them around and going out like old times. Although I don't think I have the same energy I did as I was single to go, go, go. I find myself at the end of the day eager to come back home to see my hubby and baby again! Well, at least I was able to have the best of both worlds this weekend! BC & JC also took care of Bella so Brian and I could also enjoy Valentine's Day together. It's been great but the "fun" is over and now back to work, particularly with Lent coming up. (At least until their next visit - and maybe this time you can be there too, EC! I missed you.)
Man, I was having a bad day yesterday. It’s funny because there were a couple emails I received telling me how much they loved RoL and what a great mom I am etc etc…and although I truly appreciate words of encouragement I also have to say thanks BUT don’t forget that you only see one side of the coin. I post and comment when I have extra time and things are pretty much in order with the rest of my life (which is probably why I don’t post very often! Ha!) but you do not see me when I am having a bad day, as I was yesterday. I was ready to smack anyone who tried to talk to me!
I’m usually a quiet and even tempered person (I can hear my sisters busting out in laughter) okay, okay, so I’m far from it. I think things have just been building up lately. We came home from a great trip but the house was full of unpacked suitcases, the Christmas décor still had to be shelved, bills paid, mail sorted, emails answered, groceries bought etc. And I always have the habit of spending LESS time on my prayer and my spiritual life when I am busy or stressed...even though it is the time I need it most! And I always get the same results – a soul full of static and stress. (You’d think I’d learn my lesson by now.)
When Brian came home from work he could see that I was about to have a melt down so he took care of Bella and told me to go make a Holy Hour before attending evening Mass. So I did and I feel much better now. It even gave me the energy I needed today to clean and organize the mess everywhere! I can’t function unless I have a somewhat organized nest! (Mind you there are still a few “piles” here and there but at least now I know what’s in them!) And I'm getting back on track with my prayer life too. I believe a good confession and renewal of my spiritual commitments is in order!
Sigh. I can hear Jesus now, “Ah, Martha, Martha….” (Yes, Lord, I know. Well, now that I can actually see the carpet I’ll kneel down and spend some quiet time with You. At least until Bella wakes up, then we can work together!) And for the rest of you – keep praying! b.
We just returned home from our trip and there's lots to unpack and put away but I wanted to take a moment to wish you a blessed new year! Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season! love, b.
As I mentioned in the last post, yesterday (Dec. 28) was Brian and my wedding anniversary. We received an unexpected present from Brian’s work. If you don’t already know, Brian works at Pebble Beach Golf Resort (owned by Clint Eastwood and others) where they have the famous AT&T Pro-Am Tournaments with guys like Tiger Woods. Now I’m not into golf at all and although I admit that PB is breathtakingly gorgeous, we could never afford to stay there. (The “cheap” rooms are over $550 and that doesn’t even include the $395 for a round of PB golf!)
Well, anyway, Brian works in the reservation department booking for all the property hotels and golf courses – I think there’s 3 each.) And since none of the lowly agents such as Brian could actually tell a potential customer about their own stay at the resort the management decided to give each agent a free night at the hotel of his choice, a complimentary dinner at one of their restaurants, and breakfast “in bed” the following morning. (Although it was requested that we not order the $400 caviar!) So we chose to visit the infamous PB Lodge on the weekend of our anniversary. I was excited but didn’t know what to expect!
Now we’re not exactly hillbillies but we’re not the ritzy type either. We’d pass up an elegant cocktail party for a backyard BBQ any day. But what the heck, we’ll certainly take a free night of luxury! The hotel knew it was our anniversary so they treated us to a beautiful room with a fire place overlooking the ocean. And I laughed when I saw that the bathroom was bigger than our small kitchen at home! As Brian drove Bella over to his parents house I had a full hour to myself to get ready and shower without worrying about Bella trying to open the shower door to throw her stuffed animal in with me. I put on my nicest clothes and a little makeup for the occasion – I used cherry flavored chapstick instead of plain – and I was set.
Brian picked me up at the hotel and we walked over to the elegant Club 19 where we tried not to feel like fish out of water. We actually were really enjoying ourselves and the superb meal until a table of four sat next to us. Brian and I got the giggles as the women walked in with their long fur coats and botox smiles and the men tasted bottles and bottles of wine until they found the right year. Luckily Brian and I just finished our vintage colas and were ready to call it a night. We laughed gaily as the waiter handed us the $175 check for what we thought was a “simple” meal with no alcoholic beverages. Brian signed the bill to our room as I contemplated how many groceries I could buy with $175 and Brian wondered how many times we could eat out at Jack in the Box for the same price. We politely excused ourselves and went for a short walk before picking up Bella.
I was a little worried about Bella being too wild at the hotel but she behaved herself considerably well. We turned the carpeted bathroom area into her playroom and set up Brian’s laptop with her favorite Winnie the Pooh DVD. She had fun sitting on her plush chair drinking milk out of her tea cup while Brian started a cozy fire in the fireplace. We had planned to put Bella to sleep them enjoy a little alone time but we were all so cozy cuddled up in the big bed that we all fell asleep for the night. The next morning we drove to the Mission for Mass and returned to enjoy breakfast brought to our room. Bella looked like a little queen sitting before the table in her red velvet dress. She daintily bit into her pancake looking like a model in a Baby Gap ad. Granted, a few minutes later she once again looked like my kid with crumbs on her lap and strawberry jelly all over her mouth!
We ended our stay with a walk on the little path along the ocean. I felt very grateful to have spent such a wonderful weekend there. And it certainly was a treat to enjoy ourselves without worrying about the cost of money but I would never trade in our happy little family and our simple little home for all the money around us. I may not have the same riches, furs, or plastic surgeons but I have something far greater than what I saw. This weekend really emphasized just how blessed I am.
Today is one of my favorite feast days of the year - it is a great blessing to have our wedding anniversary fall on this day (usually it is the feast of the Holy Innocence.) It was just four years ago today that my father walked me down the aisle at the Carmel Mission and placed my hand into the hand of his future son-in-law. I remember kissing my dad on the cheek and telling him that I loved him. It was a bittersweet moment in his life. He once was the most important man in my life and now he was being replaced by Brian. That moment was the beginning of a new chapter in my life. And I must admit that so far these have been the four happiest years of my life. Thank you, my dear Lord and Lady for bringing our lives together. (And if your reading this, Sweetie - I love you...more and more each day!)
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas day yesterday and that you truly experienced the presence of the Christ Child in your heart! We had a blessed Christmas here and we're slowly teaching Bella that this is just the beginning of the Christmas season, not the end! One way we do this in our family is that we do not exchange gifts with each other until the Epiphany (the Sunday after New Years). This helps us to keep focus on Christ's birthday and the gifts we are offering to Him. Bella was allowed to open the present that her Oma and Opa gave her (since we spend Christmas here in Carmel) but all the rest of her (and our) gifts will be opened on Epiphany, where we celebrate with my side of the family in So Cal. It may seem a little odd to other people but we think it serves its purpose!
The majority of the parents I've talked to about this allow their kids to believe in Santa (with north pole, elves, reindeer etc) or they modify it and say that St. Nicholas delivers them the gifts. Personally, I have a problem with teaching Bella a fanciful story as truth then later let her realize I was basically lying to her. (Even if we use the St. Nick version, yes, St. Nicholas was real but he does not deliver gifts Christmas Eve.)
If we go this route and tell her the stories Bella will have a few years of childhood delight in believing something so "magical" but how will that effect her thought processing as she considers other stories I tell her about Jesus and his miraculous life and other elements of the Catholic spiritual world (such as guardian angels)? Will she not also wonder if they are make believe stories such as santa, the easter bunny and the tooth fairy.
It seems to me that a parent could give their child a sense of wonder and "magic" about Christmas - emphasizing the joy of giving and celebrating Christ's birth without having to lie to them. How do you as a parent do this? How do you allow them to use their imagination and enjoy make-believe stories and still let them know the difference between what's real (God taking the form of a baby and angels announcing his birth to humans on earth) and what's not (elves making toys in the north pole)? I am curious to here from those who may agree or disagree with my concerns. Thanks for your input! And in the meantime, have a blessed Christmas Octave and new year!
Is it just me or does life get faster and faster as you get older? Remember as a kid time used to just drag on? Not these days! Even my younger siblings think the days are flying by. There just never seems to be enough hours in the day to get things done. That is part of the reason you hardly hear from me, especially this time of year. But do know that I think about you and pray for you and Brian and I truly appreciate the emails you've been sending us. Don't worry we will send responses to you - eventually!
Anyway, despite the hectic holiday schedules that creep up on us, I hope you are having a fruitful and prayerful Advent seaon. And if you're not, do not fret. There is still time to regroup and put more focus on Christ and his coming. (At least that's what my confessor told me yesterday! :) love, b.
Man, I love visiting my family for these week trips but I hate all the packing and unpacking. Brian can always manage to put all his stuff in one small suitcase and Bella and I have loads of bags of things we "need" to take with us! I tell you if God answers our prayers for another child soon we'd better add "and a mini-van" to the prayer because I don't know how I'm going to fit another human being in our car on these 400 miles long trips! But I guess that's another story.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving, really touching. (Except for the fact that my sister Elena was missing - sniff, sniff. But we'll ALL be together during our Christmas visit. :)
Oh, my gosh, then the day after thanksgiving we girls hit the malls for all those insane bargains you'll get if you arrive at 3am and stand on your head while reciting "Twas the Night before Christmas" in Spanish. I refused to stand on my head but I did manage to get $100 worth of savings before making morning Mass. But that's not the story I'm meaning to tell...
At the end of the day my two sisters and I were tired and hungry. We stopped at a fast food place to grab a quick bite for the drive home (which would take an hour). We're sitting in the parking lot passing out the food and straws when a cop circles around us. My sister jokingly says, hey that cop thinks we're suspicious; he's checking us out. I told my other sister to hold up her pepsi so he can see we're just eating. They laugh until the cop parks behind us and gets out of the car. He walks slowly over to us and shines his flashlight into the backseat where I was sitting (it was not yet dusk but the windows are tinted) and asks where we're headed. My sister tells him and he just looks suspiciously at us. He also looked a little nervous so I told him, "We're just eatting our dinner, officer." Obviously he has nothing to worry about unless we decide to attack him with the pair of pajamas and slippers we just got on sale.
Well in the meantime, we hadn't noticed that there was a whole gang of policemen driving up and surrounding our car. We were blocked in making it impossible for us to "escape". Finally the cop realized that we were not dangerous (I should have offered him one of our tacos). He apologized and explained that someone just called in that there was a silver truck (same as ours) with some guys and a girl (so now I look like a guy?) and they had a gun. (okay, no wonder he looked a little freaked.) My sister then let him know that we had just seen the truck and kids he was talking about. They took off when we entered the parking lot a few minutes ago. The cop thanked us and he and all his buddies removed their cars so we could leave in peace. (Thanks be to God. )
When we got home and told our family the story my mom just shook her head and half-jokingly said, "You see what happens when you take Bobbi with you. She always has a way of being invloved in some kind of shinanigan!"
Hmmm, I prefer to think of it as more like adding a little spice to life. haha!
I got a few emails asking if I was still around and yes, I am! I was hoping to post before we left on vacation last Friday but I never had time. I am now at my parents house and will be staying here for the rest of the week (so you still may not hear from me soon). In the meantime, I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving! Peace and blessings to you and your loved ones! Keep praying, b.
Please say a prayer for me this weekend since I'll be going on a silent women's retreat. Yeah - silent! It was a little weird the first time I tried one of these but now I love them. I've always been more "Martha" than "Mary" but I'm looking forward to this weekend to prepare myself for the season of Advent. I want to truly welcome Christ into my heart.
Oh, and perhaps you can say a prayer for Brian since he will be watching Bella Bambina this weekend. I gave him the rundown of what to do and laid out all her clothes for each day and even tutored him on a few hair combing techniques. Although after a few tries at using a rubber band on a squirming Bella I said, "You know, Sweetie, there's a lot to be said for a nice hat."
So we'll see how it goes. As you know, I've alway called Bella my little peanut but lately she's been given the nickname "Little Rascal." The other day she was up to her usual toddler hijinks (she dumped out the dirty clothes from her hamper-basket to use the basket as a step stool, to reach daddy's expresso machine, to turn it on and hear it whirl...etc.) I took her down and said, "You little rascal!" and she ran away gleefully exclaiming "rascoe...rascoe!" yeah, now that I think about it, it's definitely Brian who will be needing the prayers this weekend!
Hey guys, this is a quick post to let you know that I am still around! We attended the All Saint's Day party on Sat and it was FAR more elaborate than I anticipated. There were numerous saint "stations" with activities for the kids. Things like - St. Isadore's pumkin patch with pumkpin carving, St. Jospeh's workshop with St. Joseph making wooden holy water fonts with the kids, St. Peter's "Fisher's of Men" game (a wooden boat included) where you win small prizes, St. Elizabeth's castle where you decorate a princess crown, St. John Bosco's puppet corner where puppets are made, Bl. Kateri's (sp?) teepee with she inside telling the story of her life and so much more! It was so cool and to have the adult saints playing with the kids was great! Brian and I were so impressed and Bella had a ball! (I'll post a pic of her in her costume soon!)
I also met up with a woman who just moved to our area. It lands out that our families live in the same neighborhood, we attended the same church (when I lived in So Cal) and we know the same friends although we never met until now! Talk about a small world. I have been praying that God would bring into my life other catholic moms my own age (nothing against my cyber friends but we all need "real time" friends as well!) and I think she is an answer to prayer! Not to mention that her 3 yr old and Bella got along great! So I'm really thankful for the way this weekend turned out! Praise God for his goodness. :)
I'll be busy the next few days updating the website. RoL turned one year old this month and we'll be celebrating with by giving away prizes! I'll tell you more about it later! have a blessed day! keep praying, b.
I talked to my sister a little while ago and my friends that had to evacuate are staying at my family's house for now. It looks like the wind is now blowing the fire to the east of them so at the moment they haven't evacuated yet. Hopefully, they will not need to. It's a strange thing, though. I am happy the fire is moving away from them but now its endangering other families. May God have mercy and this fire be put out for good soon!
LATEST UPDATE: The wind has been merciless. It has shifted again and the fire is drawing nearer. It seems that the neighborhoods to the left of them have been evacuated now. Their bags are packed and they're just waiting and praying.
PLease, please pray for my family and friends in So Cal. I got a call early this morning from my mom. The huge fire in near San Bernadino has jumped the freeway and is now heading towards them. Our close friends (who live a mile away from my family) were just evacuated and my family is next on the list. They've packed their bags and my siblings that are still living at home (6 of 9) have stayed home from work/school so they can stick together if they must leave.
Being 400 miles away from them freaks me out because I'm not there to help them physically. Please keep them in your prayers and all those being effected by this, especially the fire fighters battling this (some of them have not slept or eaten in 3 days b/c there's not enough man power.) I'm really stressing here and knowing you're praying with me is a comfort. Thanks and I'll keep you posted. (For their local news, click here.)
Well, to be perfectly honest, I sort of never left! We made the first part of the trip...went to Oxnard, CA and attended the conference with Fr. Corapi, which was really a spiritual super charge! (Man, he can give you a swift kick in the rear just when you need it!) I've actually been listening to Fr. Corapi's tape set Immortal Combat on spiritual warfare and it has been a powerful reminder that we, particularly as faithful Catholics, have a vital role to play in the fight for Christ!
Well, after the conference we stopped off at home and were to then head for Lake Tahoe BUT we all got sick with the cold/flu bug that has been going around. We were wiped out! We're on the mend now but we'll have to postpone LT for another time! Oh well, everything happens for a reason. Have a great weekend! b.
Brian, Bella and I will be gone for a few days. We're heading south for Oxnard, CA for a Marian Eucharistic Conference with Fr. Corapi. Then we'll head back north to Lake Tahoe. We'll be joining Brian's parents who have a little vacation spot there. Pray we have a safe trip! Talk to you when we get back! love & prayers, b.
I have just 5 minutes left of computer time so I'd like to first say Happy birthday to my sis JC who turns 21 today! (I have 3 sisters & 5 brothers, in case you're wondering.) You are such a precious soul, always stay close to Our Lord & Our Lady. I love you!
Second, I finally poked around my blog template and moved the comments to come AFTER the posts like the other respectable blogs around here. That should eleminate confusion and keep the topics matched to the comments.
Okay times up. bella is trying to eat a banana...unpeeled. ugh. Have a blessed weekend! Slow down and spend some time with those you love! Keep praying, b.
Good morning! A special thanks to all of you that sent me birthday greetings yesterday! (Especially those who were "new" to me! I thought I could count the readers of this blog on one hand. Heck, I think I'm up to two hands now!) I had a really nice b-day. My inlaws had a dinner party for me Sunday night (and although I usually hate "dinner parties", being more of a backyard BBQ gal, I enjoyed myself very much!) But last night I just wanted to stay home and have our little family celebrate together.
After the day was over and I was in bed I couldn't help but wipe away a tear as I thought about how lucky I am. God has been so merciful and gracious to me. How I pray that my life is pleasing to Him! I do not want to waste it... in my own quiet way I want to thank God for all He's done for me, not just by saying it but by proving it. I so often fail but my heart truly desires to serve God each day. Pray for me that whether I am changing a dirty diaper or making dinner or wrting an article for RoL, that I always do it for love of Him. Thanks...and you're daily in my prayers too! love, b.
A blessed feast day to you! I hope your day is going well. Hopefully my east coast friends are able to read this! I couldn't believe what a huge area was affected with the blackout! Brian told me last night to imagine myself being stuck in a NY subway or elavator in both heat and darkness. Um...I couldn't imagine. When we were having the CA blackouts awhile back it simply meant leaving work early and heading to the beach! (Bella was still growing in me then.)
I better keep this short since I have some errands to run and we're having an early dinner so Brian can watch his beloved Packers game tonight. It's funny because Brian is totally religious - loves to pray and meditate, always reading spiritual books, listening to Catholic tapes, making his rosaries etc- and not interested in "worldly" things except for two things...he loves the Packers and the Clash. It cracks me up. It reminds me of seeing a nun in a full habit riding down the street in a motorcycle. Somehow it just doesn't match. haha! Not that I'm complaining... I couldn't love my Sweetie more!