Lenten Rosary Giveaway! Contest Begins Tomorrow

Happy Fat Tuesday! Are you planning on stuffing yourself today like I am?! We will be having lavish meals all day long ;)

Okay, I gave away a rosary during the Advent season, and I'd like to give away another one during the Lenten season! This Easter will mark my one-year anniversary since joining the Church with my husband and our daughters! I plan on finishing up my conversion story and posting it sometime during Lent. For now, here are a few photos from last year, and at the bottom is the Rafflecopter thingy for the giveaway.

Before the Easter Vigil began

Chris and I were both Confirmed, and our girls were baptized

Hannah getting baptized

Nora getting baptized

(All photos courtesy of my dad.)

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!

I have designed this gorgeous amethyst opal and grey Czech glass rosary with a Sacred Heart of Jesus center and papal crucifix:

Tomorrow the contest will begin! This is my first time using Rafflecopter, so I hope I don't screw it up ;) The winner will be generated on Friday, April 11 (my birthday!) and hopefully that will give me enough time to get it in the mail to the winner in time for Easter! Good luck!

"Filled with the holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'" Then he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. The devil said to him, "I shall give you all this power and their glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me." Jesus said to him in reply, "It is written:
'You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.'"
Then he led him to Jerusalem, made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written:
'He wil command his angels concerning you, to guard you,'
and:
'With their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'"
Jesus said to him in reply, "It also says, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'" When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time."
--Luke 4:1-13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Joy Comes in the Morning? A Story About Poop

Yes, it does! Despite what I am about to tell you, there has been much joy this morning. It's not that I went to bed weeping or anything, just stressed out and tensed up.

Nora is known for crying when she wakes up. Hannah, as I remember, has always been happy in the morning, except when we wake her up to go to Mass on Sunday mornings. I took my time getting out of bed this morning to get to the crying Nora. When I got to her crib, I saw what I thought was more puke. *hangs head* "I thought this was over?" I said. Then I looked to Nora to grab her and noticed it wasn't puke. No, it was poop. All over her back. Her shirt. Her pants. Her blanket. Oh dear!

I scooped her up out of her crib and started to disrobe her and she wasn't happy. There ended up being poop all up her back and on her arms. She wanted to sit down, but thankfully I got her to remain standing until I could clean up her back with wipes. (Note: when a mom has to use more than 2 wipes, it's bad...I used about 10 wipes!) I drew up the bath and she splashed around for a little bit then I cleaned her up and got her dressed. Man was that gross!

As I was rinsing the clothes and blanket off in the tub, I realized that I forgot to remove the bath toys from the tub. Yeah...

(Bath toys, bathing in the kitchen sink)

The joyful part of this story? I wasn't once upset and I didn't lose my temper! All I could do was laugh, which is good, because I haven't been able to do a lot of that as of late. Even though I failed in my attempt at the Our Lady Undoer of Knots novena, AND have fallen behind yet again in my online Bible study, I am still feeling particularly close to Our Lord, through praying the rosary and reading random Scripture. I've also had fantastic friends praying for me during these trying times.

(My much needed coffee in my favorite mug: SBC Level 4 Medium-Dark Rich blend, Organic Fair Trade...because it was the same price as the other stuff. And my French press, because I still don't have coffee filters, but it's better anyway, so who cares!)

Hoping to continue the joyful trend today and maybe read a few Psalms, including my favorite:

Psalm 30
A psalm. A song for the dedication of the Temple. Of David.
I
"I praise you, Lord, for you raised me up
and did not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O Lord, my God,
I cried out to you for help and you healed me.
Lord, you brought my soul up from Sheol;
you let me live, from going down to the pit.
II
Sing praise to the Lord, you faithful,
give thanks to his holy memory.
For his anger lasts but a moment;
his favor a lifetime.
At dusk weeping comes for the night;
but at dawn there is rejoicing.
III
Complacent, I once said,
"I shall never be shaken."
Lord, you showed me favor,
established for me mountains of virtue.
But when you hid your face
I was struck with terror.
To you, Lord, I cried out;
with the Lord I pleaded for mercy:
"What gain is there from my lifeblood,
from my going down to the grave?
Does dust give you thanks
or declare your faithfulness?
Hear, O Lord, have mercy on me;
Lord, be my helper."
IV
You changed my mourning into dancing;
you took off my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness.
So that my glory may praise you
and not be silent.
O Lord, my God,
forever will I give you thanks."

And as I finish this post, Nora has puked twice. Have a good day, everyone!

Sick Toddler Day and a New Novena

Yesterday was SO good to be back at our home parish! We had been at other parishes for a few weeks but we were finally able to attend Mass at our parish...seriously felt so good!

Hannah, my three-year-old, started vomiting in the afternoon, and it didn't let up. It's one of the grossest things to clean up, in my opinion. She went through several outfits and we've done a few loads of laundry, including the coveted electric blanket (which is now not working!!!) and are still trying to catch up. She puked a few times in her bed, warranting more laundry of the sheet variety. I think the final load is in the dryer. Our poor girl. It's painful when you can't really do anything for them. She seems better today (Mom and Dad are dragging from lack of sleep) but still hasn't eaten much. If you could offer up some prayers for her so she will fully recover, that'd be so wonderful! <3

A few of my friends (Tiffany, Cristina, and Emmy) are doing a novena to Our Lady Undoer of Knots starting today, and ending on Fat Tuesday! It's been a while (December!) since I've done a novena, so I decided I needed to join them. I will be focusing my intentions on those climbing platelets, and for emotional healing from my miscarriage. How can I pray for you? Leave me a comment if you'd like me to pray for you for something specific. I'll be praying on my favorite 'Autumn Rosary' that I made after my hospitalization last year. :) I know Tiffany also has one of these ;) as does my friend Teresa! Such beautiful colors for Autumn!

I've got a similar one (in gold) for sale here in my Etsy shop!

Well, since Hannah is feeling better, she would like me to paint her toenails! Such a girly girl ;)

Until next time...

"This then is the commandment, the statutes and the ordinances, which the Lord, your God, has commanded that you be taught to observe in the land you are about to cross into to possess, so that you, that is, you, your child, and your grandchild, may fear the Lord, your God, by keeping, as long as you live, all his statutes and commandments which I enjoin on you, and thus have long life. Hear then, Israel, and be careful to observe them, that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly; for the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you a land flowing with milk and honey. Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore you shall love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength. Take to heart these words which I command you today. Keep repeating them to your children. Recite them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them on your arm as a sign and let them be as a pendant on your forehead. Write them on your doorposts of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:1-9

A Platelet Rise and More Fr. Deo Gratias

Last night I received an email back from my hematologist's office, only to find out she is out for the week. I emailed the doctor back asking if another doctor could release my lab results to me instead, but for some reason he couldn't get it to work. He did, however, let me know that they were at 58K. 58K! That is a 20K jump in two weeks! The Anointing of the Sick worked! Thank you to all who have prayed and have been praying for me since August of last year. I am praying that they continue to rise back into normal range. That would be spectacular!

This morning was my regular Bible study day. I hadn't prepared for the lesson but still felt like going so I could listen to what others thought, and I will eventually get to fill out all the questions, just for me. As we were in our circle to begin our opening prayer, Fr. Deo Gratias walked in the door! I had to do a double-take. I heard he was in Seattle yesterday and now he was back in Tacoma today. He opened us in prayer with Our Father, then prayed for us in his native Swahili! He joined us at our table and had a lot of good things to say about our study, and sort of gave us a homily, which was so great to hear! We discussed a lot about forgiveness even when it's hard to do. (More of Hebrews 4:14-16) After the study was over, he wanted to get a photo of all of us together with him, so he could take it back to Tanzania and show everyone the new friends he made. A lot of us gave our cell phones to one person and she snapped a photo with all of them. I'm not sure, but it sounded like he might be back next week. If that's the case, maybe I'll bring my camera and a tripod so we can get a better photo.

An abnormally small group today, but we were indeed blessed by the presence of Fr. Deo Gratias! God is good!

Also after the study, my friend and fellow convert Susan, gave me a St. Jude holy card. She let me know she has constantly prayed for me and that St. Jude (her Confirmation saint) has interceded on her behalf several times! Such a wonderful saint!

"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." --C.S. Lewis The Weight of Glory

"The Creed links "the forgiveness of sins" with its profession of faith in the Holy Spirit, for the risen Christ entrusted to the apostles the power to forgive sins when he gave them the Holy Spirit." --CCC 984

A Poem For My Baby Saint

Will I Know You In Heaven?

Will I recognize you, my sweet third child,

and will you recognize me?

Will you look like your sisters,

with light hair and dimples?

Or will you look completely different,

with dark features like me?

Do you miss me, as much as I miss you,

and is your heart breaking like mine is?

Even though I miss you my sweet baby,

know that I love you ever so much.

I can't wait to meet you when I leave this earth,

and embrace you as I do your sisters. 

Until then, please pray for me,

that I can hold it together for everyone else.

Love, Momma

I purchased this gorgeous Boy Angel painting mounted on wood from Flor Larios on Etsy. I also created this pocket rosary with garnet Preciosa Czech glass beads (for the month I lost the baby) and one sapphire Preciosa Czech glass bead (for the month I was due).

I also received this gorgeous sterling silver wing with birthstone charms in the mail today from my friend Bonnie at Birth Designs. I think it's necessary to carry a memento with me. This baby IS one of my children and should be recognized as so. This wing accompanies the names of my girls on their own tiny tags with their birthstones. God willing, if I should have more children, Bonnie will definitely be getting a call. Her work is beautiful,  meticulous, and thoughtful. Bonnie's website can be found here and her Etsy shop can be found here.

"My Lord, the baby is dead!

Why, my Lord--dare I ask why? It will not hear the whisper of the wind or see the beauty of its parents' face--it will not see the beauty of Your creation or the flame of a sunrise. Why, my Lord?

"Why, my child--do you ask 'why'? Well, I will tell you why.

You see, the child lives. Instead of the wind he hears the sound of angels singing before My throne. Instead of the beauty that passes he sees everlasting Beauty--he sees My face. He was created and lived a short time so the image of his parents imprinted on his face may stand before Me as their personal intercessor. He knows the secrets of heaven unknown to men on earth. He laughs with a special joy that only the innocent possess. My ways are not the ways of man. I create for My Kingdom and each creature fills a place in that Kingdom that could not be filled by another. He was created for My joy and his parents' merits. He has never seen pain or sin. He has never felt hunger or pain. I breathed a soul into a seed, made it grow and called it forth."

I am humbled before you, my Lord, for questioning Your wisdom, goodness, and love. I speak as a fool--forgive me. I acknowledge Your sovereign rights over life and death. I thank You for the live that began for so short a time to enjoy so long an Eternity."

--Mother M. Angelica from the EWTN website

This Week {Feb 17-21}

After the long weekend in Spokane, it's so good to be home! It took us 8+ hours to drive home, with a stop to chain-up the tires, and a stop to take the chains off. Anyway, good to be back into a routine of sorts!

Such an adventure, driving over Snoqualmie Pass!

I got my blood drawn this morning and will likely have the numbers tomorrow (if I'm hopeful, today) and I am praying the platelets jumped! After this trip, we jumped over to Vercillo's again. I bought some crucifixes and centers for some rosaries that I am designing, and also met a young Tanzanian priest named Fr. Deo Gratias. This priest is very traditional, as he was wearing a cassock! He was a very nice man and is on a mission to build a hospital in his hometown in Tanzania, because the closest one is very far away.

Currently reading:

As I mentioned this weekend, I started The Devil's Cup by Stewart Lee Allen

I'm also still reading After Miscarriage and An Irish Country Village.

Rosaries currently working on:

Reversible St. Francis/St. Anthony with bright neon green Czech glass beads and cobalt Czech glass beads.

I finished up this one-decade rosary with matte emerald Czech glass beads and a reversible Mary/Divine Mercy center. It can be purchased here in my Etsy shop!

This is a custom order, a variation on one I did before. It's the Swarovski 'Beachy' mix but with round beads instead of bicones, it has platinum Swarovski pearls, and an Our Lady of Grace center.

Verses that are speaking to me this week:

With the Lenten season quickly approaching, this verse is a good reminder for all of us to get to Confession so we are able to receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist at Easter!

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help."

--Hebrews 4:14-16

Speaking of the Lenten season quickly approaching, I have decided I am going to post the Sorrowful Mysteries on Ash Wednesday (I know a billion people have already done so) and write out the Rosary prayers for everyone, since the rosary is so near and dear to my heart! Look for that soon! Also, I will be posting 6 meatless meal options, ones my family will be using on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays during Lent. I've tried to come up with other meaningful things to do during Lent, but this is what I have decided to do.

Quotes that touch me this week:

"She longed greatly to go back to those dear merry days when life was seen through a rosy most of hope and illusion, and possessed an indefinable something that had passed away forever. Where was it now -- the glory and the dream?"

--L.M. Montgomery Anne of the Island

"Mother! Call her with a loud voice. She I listening to you; she sees you in danger, perhaps, and she -- your holy mother Mary -- offers you, along with the grace of her son, the refuge of her arms, the tenderness of her embrace...and you will find yourself with added strength for the new battle." --St. Josemaría Escrivá The Way

Now I need to get back to assembling all the new rosary orders, so have a blessed day!

This Week {Feb10-14}

Currently reading:

An Irish Country Village by Patrick Taylor

After Miscarriage by Karen Edmisten

Rosaries currently working on:

A lot of 15 rosary bracelets. The colors are ruby, alexandrite, milky pink, and amethyst. I've got a few other rosaries I finished up this week and shipped out, and have some other rosaries I'm planning on putting in the Etsy shop! (P.S. I'm having a sale through Friday for 10% off! Use coupon code STVALENTINE10 at checkout!)


This week's memory verse (I don't have the brain power to memorize!) for my online Bible study:

"The Lord God said: It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suited to him." -Genesis 2:18 (NAB)

Other verses that are speaking to me this week:

"My life is deprived of peace,
I have forgotten what happiness is;
My enduring hope, I said,
has perished before the Lord.
...
But this I will call to mind;
therefore I will hope:
The Lord's acts of mercy are not exhausted,
his compassion is not spent;
They are renewed each morning--
great is your faithfulness!
The Lord is my portion, I tell myself,
therefore I will hope in him."
-Lamentations 3:17-18,21-24

This verse was given to me by my best friend Jane, in a card I received from her after I miscarried my precious third baby. It is so true for what I am going through right now, and cannot thank her enough for her constant loving support and prayer. I will be posting a lot about what I'm feeling after the miscarriage, because I haven't really opened up to everyone about it, even family. I've given subtle hints and some people know, but I guess it's not something I just want to shout to the world. Eventually I will be able to talk about it with more people, but for now, online it is.

Quotes that touch me this week:

"I wish to have a place to honor my children I cannot hold. So sweet, so dear, so worthy of His love. They are now part of the Church Triumphant. And I sense that these vulnerable little beings, who could not sustain life here on earth, are just so radiant, wise, joyous, and holy beyond anything I could even hope to be here on earth." -from After Miscarriage (p 35) It was originally taken from a blog that has now gone private. Whoever the author is, she hit the head on the nail perfectly with this. This chapter is also what prompted me to start journaling online. So I thank you, Karen Edmisten!

"No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid. The same fluttering in the stomach, the same restlessness, the yawning. I keep on swallowing." -from A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis  Such true words.

Coffee currently consuming this week:

SBC's #4 blend. It's a medium-dark organic fair-trade roast. I've also had a few Nespresso Kazaar coconut mochas here at home!


Okay, the three-year-old needs some spaghetti for lunch! I'm not sure how often I will be posting, but for now, have a blessed day!