Well my dear readers...I have done it again. I have jumped off the edge of a cliff and am now praying for the Holy Spirit to put it all together before I drown in my inner critic's constant barrage of perfectionist psycho babble.
Beginning today, I will be writing a weekly blog post called "The Joy Journey" on the fabulous blog Fine Linen and Purple. Emily and Kendra are just the finest examples of beautiful catholic womanhood and I am so honored to join them weekly, even if I'm the only one with grey hair. I will be writing about all the phases of catholic womanhood and trying to find the joy between the diapers and the dishes.
I admit to you now that I am terrified that I will run out of things to say. I can hear my husband laughing right now, but seriously I want to encourage and lift you up wherever you are on the journey toward heaven. I hate dissappointing people and failing in a public venue is beyond the pale.
So I need some friends to join me in this journey. Come on...you know you want to meet a few new people and maybe share your wisdom or even learn something new.
It’s a big day on the blog! Today Emily and I are so excited to welcome Mary, of Passionate Perseverance, as a new permanent contributing writer on the blog! I’d blab some more, but it’s probably better for Mary to introduce herself…
I am so honored and excited to be a new contributing writer to this fabulous site. Thanks to Kendra and Emily for their confidence in my ability to encourage and support you on your journey of Catholic Womanhood. I pray that my words uplift and never offend.
As we get to know each other, I hope to share some of the wisdom I have learned in the last twenty-five years of married life and twenty-three years of parenthood. If you are single or currently praying for a sweet little soul to join you and your husband, have no fear, there will be something for everyone. That’s what’s so great about the Holy Spirit: His words are all-inclusive.
When deciding whether or not to accept this opportunity, I pondered everything in the world attacking our faith, femininity, and families. As daughters of a King seeking joy in the mundane of daily living, can we find that “sweet spot” between meeting our family responsibilities and lifting our hearts to the One who we truly serve? While we fulfill our individual callings, do we recognize the good work we’ve done each day, regardless if the laundry is folded or dishes put away? Can we gently, yet firmly, respond to the attacks on our faith from the secular world with words backed by sacred scripture? Even if these attacks come from within our own families?
This has been a long week filled with lots of house purging and reorganization. I am always amazed at how much stuff one can acquire in twenty-five years of marriage. Last week I got the pantry squared away...again...this week I needed to make my way through the piles of cooking magazines that have been piling up for quite some time, plow through the ironing basket as well as get the laundry folded and finally put away. Add to that Miss Courtney's daily needs, a major plumbing issue mucking up the works and Jerry's 60 hour plus work week and I admit that I am flippin exhausted and overwhelmed with all that still needs to be done.
In an effort to distract myself for a moment or two let's take a little peak around Chez Lenaburg this week as I celebrate the little moments of sweet laughter and personal accomplishment that contribute to making each day bearable.
{pretty}
You're probably tired of seeing this smiling face but I never tire of her wonderful countenance. Miss Courtney continues to defy the odds and make a new path for herself in this world. She is only suffering one seizure a day at the moment which is just such a HUGE miracle. She laughs everyday and finds great joy in her Papa's voice and her brothers laugh. Next week the mole on her face goes bye bye. No more infections. Yay!
{happy}
Today Miss Tori was here for her weekly visit. She and Miss Courtney really enjoy each others company. I love how Court always leans into Tori or her big sister Hannah when they are close by. It's like she wants to make sure that they know how much she loves them. So...she leans in. It's her way of hugging her friends. It's awesome.
{funny}
This morning when my friend Christine was dropping of the girls, she stayed for a moment to help me with a picture hanging project. While we were doing this I asked my son to sweep off the front porch and brush off the cushions from the porch furniture. This is what I found about ten minutes later.
I didn't realize cleaning off the front porch would involve a battle of epic pillow proportions. Boys. One is 23, one is 18 and one is 8. Boys. They will always be boys no matter what. At least my porch is clean now.
{real}
This is what I piled through today with the help of my two sweet helpers. Baskets of cooking magazines each enticing me with their scrumptious recipes and beautiful photography. So many choices to make.
I am so proud of us! We did it. I have a file folder filled with lovely inspiration and my recycling bin is full. Now to get to work cooking and baking. Yum!!
~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~
Summer is on the way...I think...I mean eventually it will be here. I mean Spring seems to be quite a fickle season this year. She comes and goes and then she comes and goes again. It's frustrating to try and figure out when to actually plant the tomato plants for the summer garden. Thank goodness they are plentiful at the grocery store.
I am always looking for side dishes that go with any protein I might have on hand. I happen to have some tomatoes that needed to be used before they went bad one evening and presto chango, I found this recipe in my binder of love where I keep recipes from old magazines.
My binder came through. This recipe is a home run. Really, it's tasty, healthy and cheap when you get the tomatoes in season. It can be served with chicken, fish. beef or pork. It is that versatile. If you don't have fresh basil, use parsley and add a a sprinkle of dried basil. Let your imagination run free with the filling. It is quite adaptable.
If your looking for more cooking inspiration, check out my Recipe Catalog. There's a lot to choose from.
1. Sprinkle inside of each tomato with salt and place upside down on several layers of paper toweling; let stand to remove excess moisture, about 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, toss bread crumbs with 1 tablespoon olive oil, Parmesan, basil, garlic, and pepper to taste in small bowl; set aside. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees, line bottom of 9 by 13-inch baking dish with foil.
3. Roll up several sheets of paper towels and pat inside of each tomato dry. Arrange tomatoes in single layer in baking dish. Brush top cut edges of tomatoes with 1 teaspoon oil. Mound stuffing into tomatoes (about 1/4 cup per tomato); drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Bake until tops are golden brown and crisp, about 20 minutes. Serve immediately.
This weeks edition of Five Favorites is fashion centered. I am a huge fan of color.
I know, shocked you are.
Since I am home most days with Miss Courtney, I tend to do most of my clothing shopping on-line. Less exposure to unwanted germs that way. I usually browse my favorite sites while the princess is having tummy time or taking a nap. This way my mother's guilt is less than .4 on the Richter Scale.
One of my favorite stores is Anthropologie. Not to worry my budget conscious friends, I rarely but anything there. It needs to be a wicked sale for me to even consider it. I do however get a lot of color, pattern and styling inspiration form their site.
I decided to share my current favorite tops in no particular order of impressiveness. Let me know what you think...
This Ruffled Lycra Top is intriguing to me. I love the combination of fabrics at the neckline. I am always a fan of mixing and matching different farics. If I were to wear this piece it would have to have sleeves and be a smidge longer though the torso. I have a very long waist so the longer the better.
This Embroidered A-Line Tank makes me smile. It combines two of my favorite colors right now, orange and hot pink. It is also embroidered at the color which is another detail I love on my tops. If I were to wear this piece I would make sure it was cut close at the side seems but still lose. Too much fabric could be a fitting disaster for me. Of course I would add sleeves as well, maybe a soft butterfly sleeve to keep with the "flow" of the garment.
This Slantwise Peplum Top intrigues me. I love the structure and the play with the direction of the stripes. Red is one of my favorite colors but I can't wear it close to my face since I have such bad Rocasea. This is one way I could wear because of the white background. I really like that the peplum is controlled and not too full. This could be worn by many different shaped women because of that structure. If I were to wear this There isn't much I would change but the length and adding in a nice short sleeve. I would even add a belt to give it a different look.
This Ruled and Knotted Tank is a full figured woman's dream. First of all the stripes are going the right way...up and down. This is such a rare thing to find. The fashion world seems obsessed with stripes going across form left to right. Well let me tell you what a nightmare that is for anyone who has any kind of tummy issue. It adds ten pounds instantly. The knot is placed perfectly to make a waist even if you don't have one. This top makes me smile. Simple, yet elegant. If I were to wear it I would simply add a sleeve...maybe a 3/4 sleeve would really work well.
This Piped Peplum Blouse is my favorite of these five I think.Even thought it's black and white its a powerhouse of a patterned fabric that would look fabulous with any color on the bottom. The brighter the better. It's very similar to the red striped piece above with the controlled peplum and yet stands on it's own quite well. If I were going to wear this top the only change I would make would be to...you guessed it...add sleeves.
So there you have it, this weeks Five Favorites. If you have a few of your own to share head on over to Moxie Wife to join in the fun.
I woke up this morning with a heavy heart. I knew that I needed to go to confession. It had been a few weeks and I had made a few mistakes these past few days that needed rectifying. So off to church I went, while Jonathan took care of feeding Miss Courtney.
I went and unloaded my heart filled with pride and a lack of humility, filled with the sin of gossip and judgment of others, filled with envy and gluttony. There was a torrent that came spilling forward as I emptied myself before God. The priest kindly took it all in, gave brief counsel and gave me absolution.
Ahhh...absolution is a beautiful thing isn't it?? That moment when you know you are forgiven and God has already forgotten what you did wrong. He poured out His love for me on the cross so that this moment might happen. that I might know His forgiveness and mercy. My heart was bursting with love for my God and my step was lighter as I left.
I got into the car and turned on my Pandora App on my phone. The song "The Only Thing" by Ronnie Freeman came on and I just started to cry. I know, you think I am nuts don't you. But read these words for just one moment:
I heard someone say the other day
They'd seen in me true love displayed
Blessed by something I had done for them
No sooner had they said these words
I found myself somehow disturbed
Uneasy as I took their compliment
Cause I know the heart inside this man
I know the truth of who I am...
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
I know me well enough to know
No matter what this life may show
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
WOW! That just pierced my heart straight through and I realized how prideful I am on a daily basis thinking that I have done anything without My God who walks beside me granting me strength and grace to take on each task required of me and helping me see each to its completion. He has sent the Holy Spirit to inspire me so many times when a friend or family member needed wisdom, support or encouragement. Those healing words they thanked me for didn't come from me but from the Father above. I am just not that good or that smart or that strong.
But HE is always and in everything. When we weep or when we laugh, He is there making all things new and good. There are many things in this life I don not understand bit one thing I do with all of me...God id GOOD ALL the time and provided EVERYTHING we may need now or in the future.
Who am I but the one who HE has asked to do His work here.
It is not me who serves Courtney by feeding, changing and caring for each and every need. It is Jesus through me.
It is not me who irons the church linens, cleans and folds the laundry for my family, prepares the meals or scrubs the floors. It is Jesus who works through me.
The only thing that is good in me is Jesus. I am eternally grateful for HIS love, HIS mercy, HIS grace to meet the challenges of each and every day. Wether I do them perfectly or not, He is still here cheering me on to serve with love and joy. Always...
So serve Him I shall, with imperfection and too much pride and not enough fortitude or piety. I will still take on the challenge of trying to do my best for this day. It is all I have to offer back to Him.
One diaper change at a time. One sneeze filled with spinach at a time. I shall glorify Him who gave me these beautiful souls to serve.
Join me this day will you? In whatever He has asked of you this day, join me in offering it back to Him as an imperfect "perfect" gift.
I think Jesus would like that...don't you??
What I am grateful for...my blessings: #1295 ~ #1326 * the women in my life who have inspired me, loved me and corrected me with love all my life * my husband who gives of himself completely day in and day out * the prayers of so many who offer them freely in a daily basis for my Courtney * soft blankets and snuggle time with my daughter * indoor plumbing * indoor plumbing that works * plumbers that come on a Sunday and don't charge a mortgage payment * mother's helpers who love to serve with such joy * hair long enough to braid * medical insurance * naps on a Monday * fabrics filled with color and pattern * the ability to sew * time to create new accessories to beautify my home * an iron filled with steam * serving the church through my labor * my brothers and sisters who circle the wagons when one is in need * my mother who loves no matter what * books filled with wonderful characters that take me back in time * cookbooks that inspire new adventures in the kitchen * the Mass * the Saints that surround the throne of God and pray for me and you every single day * a spring breeze that rustles through the trees * the sun beating down on my face as I walk each morning * yoga pants and stretchy sweatshirts that engulf me with love * friends who email encouragement in the midst of a mini-crisis * cut flowers given in love * chocolate cake baked by my son * dinner served by my two guys * the love of my children * the love of my husband * the love of my God
This young man made me a mother 23 years ago. Oh how I love you Jonathan. More than you will ever know.
SO our day began with the toilet and then the tub backing up leading to the conclusion that the main line coming into the house needs to be snaked out. Nothing like a little plumbing drama to make my Mother's Day 2013 more than memorable. Yay team!
So, by the time we gave Courtney a sponge bath, washed her hair over a big bowl which she just loved...NOT...got the boys through combat showers as well as my self...I was ready for a nap. Thank goodness for hair styling products and makeup!
My miracle girl...you inspire me to be a better person every single day of my life Miss Courtney.
We headed off to Mass and then stopped in at a friends house on the way home to say hello and enjoy a cup of cheer and use their facilities just in case we could not get ours working properly. By the time we got home the tub had fully drained and Jerry added some drain cleaner, said a prayer that it would be enough until the plumber arrives tomorrow. Of course this is the payday we pay the mortgage so there is less than nothing in the checkbook to take care of such a repair. All I can say is that I am learning a whole new level of financial trust at the moment. God is ever present with every choice I make. I tell you, this part of my relationship with Him has always been difficult. Needs vs wants baby...do I really need it?? I am finding that there is not much that I truly need the older I get. However, working plumbing is on the need list. SO say a prayer to the saint of plumbers would you. We could use a break here.
Two of the children God chose for me. The other two reside in heavem. My blessing cup overflows...
OK...on to the fashion...today will be fast and furious. All the photo's (above and below) were taken with my phone so please forgive the quality. It's all I can do today. Let's make this as easy as possible...deets are under the photo.
I wish you all a Happy Mother's Day and for those of you still waiting and praying for that privilege, know that I will be joining my prayers with yours. God bless you all and enjoy this beautiful day!!
We are heartbroken and yet relieved in the same breath. Nancy came through well physically but I know the emotional journey toward healing will take time.
I ask for your prayers this day for my brother, his wife and their four other children as they all process this loss in the coming days and weeks. This precious baby girl was conceived in love and never for one moment knew anything but love. She was perfect and whole in God's eyes as well as her parents. Trisomy 18 be damned.
Annabelle Grace Green, you were a miracle. Even though we never got to see your smiling face here on earth, I look forward to the day when I get to see you in heaven.
Here is the man of the hour...my hubby just sent it by phone...
Good Morning Dear Ones.
Happy Saturday to you! Miss Courtney and I are hanging at home this morning while she is dealing with a few "female issues". Yes, even special needs young ladies have to deal with PMS and cramps. We do indeed live in a fallen world after all. It's all Eve's fault.
Anyway, my hubby is down south representing the fam at my nephew AJ's First Communion. We had all planned to go together but then as we all know, Miss Courtney rules this home with whatever is happening in her world. So we made the decision yesterday that I would stay back and Jerry would go. he is AJ's Godfather and this is a pretty important sacrament, so he got to go.
Nancy showed me these gems in the latest issue of the Taste of Home magazine. I knew they had to be made for this weekend. Oh are they tasty little wonders with pretzels, m&m's and coconut. Loaded - Up Pretzel Cookies = WINNER!!
Since AJ's Mama and Papa are dealing with the difficult pregnancy of Miss Annabelle Grace, my Mom and sisters-in-law's decided that the best thing we could do for them was to provide the party to celebrate this special day, from the decorations to the food.
AJ chose to have grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for the main dish and my Mother and sister-in-laws are filling in the table. My job was to take care of the sweets and veggies. I spent the latter part of this week happily baking away. I shard many of my photos on Instagram and Facebook and my email was flooded with requests for the recipes. Since I can't be there, I thought I would share them with you today.
AJ asked for mint chocolate chip "flavors" when it came to his baked goodies. So I found this recipe from My Baking Addiction and it was a home run. These cupcakes are rich and moist. The key is to make sure they completely cool in the cupcake pan before you remove them or they will fall apart. they need to set up a little. They taste like you are eating a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream.
I made the two different frostings but decided against doing the "double frosting" technique on the website. I just topped them with either mini chocolate chips or chopped up Andes Candies. I know he is going to love them!!
Of course every special occasion requires a show stopper. AJ's is a cross cake that my BFF Christine decorated for me. I am incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so many woman with so many varying talents. I am always amazed at how God connects us through the years and allows the beauty of each individual in the friendship to shine through. She did a phenomenal job and it will be quite the hit today. I have no doubt.
I purchased the pan at the local bake shop as well as the cake board. I used a Duncan Hines Butter Yellow Cake mix the frosting is the Wilton Buttercream recipe.
Finally, here is a photo of the happy family that Jerry sent me by phone this morning. Please keep Mama and Papa in your prayers as they await Miss Annabelle's passing into God's hands. She is already such a part of our family. Also say prayer for AJ on this his very special day.
To all you Mama's out there... Happy Mother's Day!!
This week's edition of pretty, happy, funny, real will be quick since I am on a baking binge today prepping for the second First Communion in our family to take place this spring. It is a busy sacramental season this year leaving me little time to ponder. there are cupcakes and cookies to be made. So let's get to it shall we...
{pretty}
This past weekend my sweet niece Harleen made her First Communion. She looked so beautiful in her simple dress and pearl headband.
Harleen and her Grandma (my Mom) on her special day...
Not only did we get to share time together as an extended family but we had some fabulous food while we were visiting. My brother and sister-in-law really know how to put on a spread.
Tomatoes, english cucumbers, bocconcini and fresh herbs are a fabulous compliment for the spicy shrimp.
It was a tradition growing up that every special occasion there would be spicy old bay shrimp on the table. This weekend did not disappoint. Sweet Molly there were delish!
{happy}
We believe in passing down the traditions in our family. You know...only the important ones like how to prepare the Sangria. Not to worry, only the adults drank this happy elixir.
Nothing makes a room full of adults happier than a special little drink. This time it was a lovely sangria with fresh oranges and Cointreau liquor. We were all so very happy.
{funny}
There were many pictures taken this weekend. It made me think of when I was younger. The picture below is of myself and my seven siblings along with my Grandmother Stuecken (my Mom's mother). Just look at those knuckleheads...
oh yeah...photogenic as all get out...
Now look at some their offspring with my mom, their Grandmother...
I know, I know...the apple does not fall far from the tree does it.
{real}
Today I am in the kitchen baking up a storm for this weekend's family event. My nephew AJ will be receiving his First Communion on Saturday. He has requested mint chocolate chip cupcakes. Aunt Mary is here to oblige him on his special day.
I will post pictures form this weekend next week. Until then, the kitchen calls! Have a wonderful Mother's Day!!
~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~
