need a little hope...

Wonderful post today from Holly@(in)courage. Hit me spot on in the middle of my unraveling. WOW is God talking to me today!

Then I read this meditation in The Word Among Us:

"What about today? We may have been walking with the Lord for many years now and learned much from his teaching. Perhaps we have become very familiar with him as we have been diligent at daily prayer and Scripture study. We may feel that we know him well enough to even predict how he will react in any number of situations. But the key question is: Can I expect Jesus to do something out of the ordinary in my life today or this week? Isn’t it possible that he can still catch me off guard, just as he caught the people of Nazareth by surprise?

Given the right circumstances and the right amount of time, any one of us might end up closed off to the immense possibilities that are ours in Christ. It’s not always easy to remember that he is able to do exceedingly more than we can ask or imagine. Are you in that position today? Call on the Lord right now and ask him to help you break free. Tell Jesus that you want to see his power and his love in a new way today. Perhaps there is even a way that you can step out in faith today and give him the opportunity to work in new ways. Healings, conversions, and new directions for our lives—God is more than able to do all of these. Who knows? Today may be your day!"

Prayer:“Jesus, I surrender to you in trust and confidence. Help me to break through the barriers of mistrust and blindness to your mighty power working in us who believe.”

Hmmm...do you think He has something to say to me today??? Just a gentle reminder that He can do anything, anytime, anyhow over and above any of my expectations.

How about you? What's God whispering in your heart today??

Blessings and Grace, 

Mary

unraveling...

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb."
Psalm 139:13

This morning on our way to church I looked down and noticed that the string on my sweater was unraveling. I almost lost it. I know a silly reaction but my reaction nonetheless.

I thought "Great. Just what I need. If I pull it, it's over. The whole string will unravel. If I don't, then it will just hang there and look ugly."

I huffed and puffed and was generally unhappy with the situation. I know your sitting there reading this going Really Mary. It's a string. Leave it be and snip it with scissors when you get home. No big deal. But I knew it wasn't just a string. It's how I feel about my life right now. There is too much swirling around me. I feel pulled in too many directions. I can' handle it all. I am slowly but surely unraveling.

I wrapped it up as best I could and went into Mass. I said hello and smiled pleasantly but that smile was not penetrating my heart. I was unsettled and irritated. I sat down with my family and Mass began. I kept looking down at the string. Then during the homily Courtney had a seizure and I had to get her out of the sanctuary quickly. It was a bad one where she yells and cries out. Her arms were stiff and at odd angles, pulsating with her seizure. I pushed her chair as fast as I could without taking anyone out at the knees. All eyes were on us as we went through the vestry ending up in a corner where I could cradle her and calm her. Jerry suddenly appeared beside me and we both just held her and wiped the tears from her eyes.

I felt something catch on her chair and looked down. It was the string to my sweater, unraveling further. I was barely holding it together at that point. Courtney came out of her seizure and we stayed and watched the consecration from afar. I felt Jesus was very far away from me at that point. I was unraveling further. I thought "Why can't she come to Mass and be at peace Lord? Why do you allow this affliction even here in this place? Can't you just protect her from them for an hour? One lousy hour?"

It was time for me to go forward as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Me and my unraveling sweater. Me and my unsettled heart. As I held Our Lord in my hands, I tried desperately to be calm and focused. It was difficult but I did it. 

I experienced a moment of clarity that does not come often in my day to day life. Who am I to be ungrateful? Who am I to be judgemental? Who am I to be unraveling instead of trusting completely in the Lord God Jesus Christ, My Savior, My Redeemer for everything in my life. For inner peace and calm in the storms, for my daughter, my son, my marriage, my wants and the true desires of my heart. He IS. He WAS. He will ALWAYS be.

There is no need to unravel for He made me as I am. He knows my heart. He speaks to me through my weaknesses and loves me still. I will breath deeply once again and rededicate my path to Him. I will TRUST that He knows what is best and rely on His Word. I will walk, one step, one day at a time unraveling the Mystery of who my God is.

Blessings and Grace,

Mary

top 100 recipes...

I can't wait to check these out. Should make for some yummy eats!

Bon Appetite!

Mary

ps. thanks Jennifer@Jennifer's Favorite Links

Top 100 Recipe's of 2008

i miss him...

HT: Thanks Faith and Family LIVE!

writing upon my heart...

"So faithful, So constant

So loving and so true

So powerful in all you do

You fill me, You see me

You know my every move

You love for me to sing to you

I know that you are for me

I know that you are for me

I know that you will never forsake me in my weakness

I know that you have come down

Even if to write upon my heart

To remind me who you are"

"You are for Me" written and sung by Kari Jobe

These past few days have been emotionally, spiritually and physically challenging for me. Preparing Jonathan for his sophomore year at Franciscan University was a "minor" undertaking from sorting clothes, shopping for supplies, ordering books, etc., etc., etc. On top of this, we had all the prep work to do for Courtney's surgery which was this morning. I spent last week in the van going from doctor to doctor doing blood work and diagnostics on her VNS to be ready for today.

Then there was the five hour drive up on Sunday with a young man who was about to burst he was so filled with excitement for this new year. The energy this guy was firing off was overwhelming at times. He couldn't wait to set up his room (Sorry. I have no pictures. My bad!) and catch up with other students he had met last year. There were no tears from Mom this time. We prayed together, we hugged him, he kissed his sister good bye and then we were gone. I placed him in the loving arms of Our Lady and asked St. Paul to light a fire in his heart for Our Lord. The trip home was longer due to traffic and much quieter because J was no longer with us. I was missing him already.

Monday dawned and it was time for Courtney to be anointed for surgery as well as my monthly spiritual direction. I went to mass with Courtney and I lit candles by the statues of Mary and Joseph for both my children. I asked them to wrap their arms around my children because mine weren't long enough to reach Ohio. My heart was heavy, my body was tired and my spirit dragging. I looked up at Our Lady and a tear slid down my face. How did this woman do it? How did she walk each and every day with joy in her heart knowing her Son was going to give His life for us? I have wondered this before. How was I supposed to be like her, my namesake? I felt unprepared for the task and unwilling to stretch myself in such a way.

During my time with Father I shared my heart and worked my way through some difficulties I have been having in my prayer life. The deeper I go, the more I learn about my Savior and what He needs from me, the more I wish to run away- far, far away! This is hard stuff, this daily living out of my vocation trying to be who He needs me to be. "More of You and less of me" is my new daily mantra.

This morning the alarm went off at 4:30 am and Jerry and I prepared Courtney for her surgery. It was dark and quiet. My movements were purposeful and deliberate. I prayed for my girl through the whole process from dressing her, driving her and waiting in the OR prep area. I hugged and kissed until my lips hurt and Courtney was getting annoyed with me. My friend Christine, who accompanied me to the hospital, rubbed Courtney's legs and back. Court was content and happy until the anesthesia showed up.

She was brave my daughter. Two sticks later and no IV, I was about ready to unleash on someone but my daughter was nonplussed. They decided to wait until they had her in the OR before putting in another IV. I stood and watched my girl, so peaceful and calm even knowing what was going to happen. No tears, no drama just serene peace. How does she do it, this young lady of mine? How does she walk her path with such grace and determination? As I leaned in for my final kisses, I realized that she has let go and let God take it all. Every pain, ache, seizure, breath, every terrifying and scary moment, she has given it to God, for His glory to be revealed through her life. She holds nothing for herself, she loves Him that much.

I am humbled once again in this young ladies presence. I desire to find that peace and balance she has chosen. I know that God is for me and with me even in my weaknesses. I am not perfect by any means. I am a seeker who longs to feel his love and grace fall upon me on a daily basis. He is still writing my story upon my heart as He has continued writing my daughters upon hers. He is still writing my sons story upon his heart and my husbands as well. He is faithful, constant and unwavering in His love and devotion. He just wants us to open the door and ask Him in. He is waiting pen in hand to write a love story...

What is he writing upon your heart this day?

"fine"

My friend Therese sent this too me today and I couldn't resist passing it one. Too funny!
Enjoy,
Mary

saying goodbye again...

This blog will be quiet for a few days. That time has arrived once again. Jonathan will be heading back to school on Sunday and we will miss him so much. Courtney has enjoyed many a story hour with her big brother this summer. I have had a great partner in the kitchen and enjoyed hours of Scrabble and Dominoes. There have been lively political discussions between father and son at the dinner table and family rosaries prayed on the way to Mass. It was wonderful to be a "whole" family for three months.

Jonathan ~

We love you so very much. We will miss you and your laughter. Work was tough but you hung in there and persevered. You are growing into the faithful young man God is calling you to be. We pray that you stay safe and have a great year filled with faith, friends and fruitful study habits. We are so very proud of you son!

God Bless!

Love,

Mom, Dad, and Courtney

barefoot bloggers ~ white pizzas with arugula

This weeks Barefoot Bloggers recipe was chosen by Andrea@NummyKitchen. It's White Pizzas with Arugula from Food Network Magazine.

Time is really tight this week with Jonathan preparing to return to college, so I have not made this recipe yet. It looks absolutely yummy though. I am looking forward to it this weekend.

Bon Appetite!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

White Pizzas with Arugula

Recipe by Ina Garten for Food Network Magazine

Ingredients

For the dough:

1 1/4 cups warm (100 to 110) water

2 packages dry yeast

1 tablespoon honey

Good olive oil

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading

Kosher salt

4 cloves garlic, sliced

5 sprigs fresh thyme

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For the topping:

3 cups grated Italian fontina cheese (8 ounces)

1 1/2 cups grated fresh mozzarella cheese (7 ounces)

11 ounces creamy goat cheese, such as montrachet, crumbled

For the vinaigrette:

1/2 cup good olive oil

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Freshly ground black pepper

8 ounces baby arugula

1 lemon, sliced

Directions

Mix the dough.

Combine the water, yeast, honey and 3 tablespoons of olive oil in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. When the yeast is dissolved, add 3 cups of flour, then 2 teaspoons salt, and mix on medium-low speed. While mixing, add up to 1 more cup of flour, or just enough to make a soft dough. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth, sprinkling it with the flour as necessary to keep it from sticking to the bowl.

Knead by hand.

When the dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured board and knead it by hand a dozen times. It should be smooth and elastic.

Let it rise.

Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl and turn it to cover it lightly with oil. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Make garlic oil.

Place 1/2 cup of olive oil, the garlic, thyme and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat. Cook for 10 minutes, making sure the garlic doesn't burn. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. (Be sure your oven is clean!)

Portion the dough.

Dump the dough onto a board and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Place the doughs on sheet pans lined with parchment paper and cover them with a damp towel. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes. Use immediately, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

Stretch the dough.

Press and stretch each ball into an 8-inch circle and place 2 circles on each sheet pan lined with parchment paper. (If you've chilled the dough, take it out of the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes ahead to let it come to room temperature.)

Top the dough.

Brush the pizzas with the garlic oil, and sprinkle each one liberally with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the pizzas evenly with fontina, mozzarella and goat cheese. Drizzle each pizza with 1 tablespoon more of the garlic oil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the crusts are crisp and the cheeses begin to brown.

Make the vinaigrette.

Meanwhile, whisk together 1/2 cup of olive oil, the lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

Add the greens.

When the pizzas are done, place the arugula in a large bowl and toss with just enough lemon vinaigrette to moisten. Place a large bunch of arugula on each pizza and a slice of lemon and serve immediately.

TIP Make sure the bowl is warm before you put the water and yeast in; the water must be warm for the yeast to develop.

TIP Salt inhibits the growth of yeast; add half the flour, then the salt, and then the rest of the flour.

TIP To make sure yeast is still "alive," or active, put it in water and allow it to sit for a few minutes. If it becomes creamy or foamy, it's active.

show us your life ~ baby showers

It has been quite some time since I have thrown a baby shower...but if your looking for some ideas...check out Kelly's post @KellysKorner. The links are a gold mine!

Happy Planning!

Mary

small successes (vol.4)...

Time to take a look back and see where I was successful this week. It's hard this week because I feel a bit unfocused with all the upheaval of packing Jonathan for school and preparing for Courtney's surgery on Monday. So these are what I came up with...

#1. I finally made a schedule for the new school year that will incorporate time for my writing. It's tough to put myself on the list...there is so much to be done and I am the only one to do it. But with my honey's encouragement my dream is now on the schedule. You can check out the fruit of my labor... my latest blog for Phases of Womanhood.

#2. I made the BEST chocolate pound cake for Courtney's birthday. It was dense and moist and ohh so chocolatey. It's the first baking I have done in almost a month. It felt so wonderful to get back in the kitchen again. Check it out here.

#3. I committed to Youth Ministry for one more year. I keep thinking since J is in college and Courtney doesn't participate in the small group activities...maybe I should be home now. I prayed. Honey prayed and we both felt I was supposed to be there another year. So serve I shall. 

Head over to Faith and Family LIVE! for more encouragement. 

Blessings, 

Mary

update on stellan...

Many of you who visit me here have asked about the sweet little boy whose picture is on the right side of my blog. Stellan is an amazing sweet little one from Minnesota who has SVT. I am amazed by his strength of will and by his mother's openness and honesty. I can empathise with much of what she has gone through and there is much we agree on. The most important thing??? GOD IS GOD. He gives and He takes away. Blessed be His Holy Name!

So here is a little more on Stellan. His smile is contagious. His laughter is joyous and his mother is faithful. I see in him the same peace and wisdom that I see in my own daughter. They are special ones who know God and trust Him with all they have.

Blessings,

Mary

"I wonder" @ Phases

My new post is up @ Phases of Womanhood. Take a moment to read and leave a comment on the site. I would love to know your thoughts...

"I wonder..." @ Phases of Womanhood

Blessings,

Mary

a celebration...

This weekend we had a birthday celebration for Courtney. It was a fabulous meal with wonderful friends. Here are a few pictures with the recipe links underneath them.

Bon Appetite!

Mary

The YUMMIEST Birthday Cake! Chocolate, Chocolate and more chocolate! The recipe is from the Neely's.

Gina's Chocolate Pound Cake

I set the picnic table on the back porch with linen's bringing a "picnic" atmosphere up a notch. I sprayed the linen's with bug spray before I set it with dishes to help combat the little critters.

The Grillmiester! Corn, mushrooms and peaches.

This salad was FABULOUS! the balance of sweet and tangy was delightful. It also had bacon, which made Daddy very happy. Another winner from the Neely's.

Grilled Peach Salad with Balsamic Bacon Vinaigrette

The grilled portobello mushrooms stuffed with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil were just divine. They are a meal in themselves. Miss Giada does not disappoint.

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Tomatoes and Basil

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COURTNEY!!!

my daughter...my heart...

Dearest Sunshine,

I cannot believe that 17 years has gone by so quickly. I remember holding your sweet little self for the first time in complete awe of this beautiful creature God created and I got to call "daughter". We have been through a lot over the years. Many scary nights spent pacing the hospital corridors wondering if you would be able to come home with us. Doctors visits where they told us you would not survive the seizures. Therapy session after therapy session where we tried to help you as much as we could maximize every gift God blessed you with.

I have watched you touch the hearts of so many people year after year. Whenever they meet you they are in awe of your strength of will and purpose. They see Jesus in your face. They know that you carry your cross willingly and with great dignity and grace.

I have shed many tears as I have held your violently shaking body,limbs rigid and pulsing, fighting for breath, struggling not to choke during a seizure. I pray earnestly each and every time, for you to take just one more breath. I am not ready to let you go to God just yet. I don't think I ever will be.

I do know that that day will come and I pray with all my heart you are in my arms. I held you as you took your first breath, I ask God for the grace to be holding you when you take your last one. I hope that's a very long time from now. You have defied all the odds, my child. You are a fighter like your Grandpa Green. He would be so proud of you. I know that he is looking down upon you today cheering you on. Can't you him? I know I can.

I thought I would be sad that you could never marry or carry a child. What God has revealed to me over time is that you have done these things. You stood in Lourdes, France, wearing a white dress and veil, before hundreds of pilgrims in May of 2000, and received Your Beloved for the very first time. You have chosen Christ as your spouse. You have said "yes" to Him everyday of your life by walking the path He chose for you.

I watch you hold so many peoples hands in prayer. They come to you for comfort and peace. They whisper their needs into your ear because they trust you, like a mother, you will love them through whatever struggle they face and lift them up to our Heavenly Father through your suffering and prayers. These are your spiritual children. You have many more than you could have ever born of your body. God is using your life to speak to the hearts of so many broken and discouraged people.

You shine like the sun before us all my lovely Courtney. You are an example of what LOVE really looks like for it is all you know. LOVE CONQUERS ALL! I promise to never leave your side. I promise that no matter what comes your way, you will never be alone. I promise to walk with you until God calls you forth to be free with Him. I can see you now running across that field of blue bonnets straight into His outstretched hands. Until that day comes, thank you for letting your Daddy, Jonathan and I love you in our imperfect way. Thank you for showing us how to live life with dignity and grace, to embrace each breath as the gift that it is. You are a wonder and miracle.

You are my daughter...my heart...and I will be forever grateful to Our Lord and Saviour for choosing me for this high honor. Happy Birthday Courtney!! May it be your best year yet!!

Love,

Your Mom

happy birthday courtney!!!

My Precious Daughter,

In two days we celebrate your 17th birthday. I am in awe of you and your perseverance and strength. The said you would not live past the age of three. They had no idea who they were talking about did they? Love conquers ALL!! You are my hero, my heart. I cannot imagine my life without your beautiful smile or contagious laughter. I am so grateful to God that He chose me for you and you for me! I promise to be by your side through thick and thin, through pain and joy, until the end my love when God will bring you home to Him. I love you so much there are not enough words to express it. Always remember:

"Jesus, I trust in You"

with all my love and blessings,

Your Mom

no longer on the sidelines...

There has been so much said in the media about President Obama's health care plan. I have done so much reading on this topic, I really don't want to read anymore. However, that would not be prudent. So, I have gathered some of the best pieces I have seen in the blogosphere below. I find each of them to be compelling and thought provoking.

Chuck Norris

Mary Ellen Barrett

Lee Siegal.

John Mackey

Brian Saint Paul

As the mother of a profoundly disabled child, this issue is very near and dear to my heart. There are many things broken in our our current medical system. However, I do not believe we need a complete re-haul and I certainly do not agree with more government oversight. They are the ones who messed it up in the first place. Anyone who believes they will not have to wait for services under the new plan, has never been in a military hospital. Not pretty people. Not at all.

I am already familiar with the "panels" the President is suggesting. We have to submit to one each year with medicaid, to renew Courtney's benefits. Nothing is overlooked, nothing taken for granted. It is not pretty and the argument has been around for a LONG time. Check out Ronald Reagan in 1961:

So take a moment to read/listen to them and leave a comment letting me know what you think.

Blessings,

Mary

feast of the assumption...

The Feast of the Assumption

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, when Our Blessed Mother was taken to Heaven body and soul. Can you imagine what that day was like? Surrounded by the angels and the saints, the great cloud of witnesses, to be presented to God and to sit at the right hand of her son Jesus for all eternity. What a reunion that must have been for Mary to be united with her Son and God the Father, who chose her to be Jesus mother.

The celebration, the feasting, the utter joy! I want to be there one day. In heaven with Our Lady, with her glorious son Jesus and with His merciful Father. I want to feast with my King. I pray that the gates will open and Jesus with welcoming arms will cry out "Well done good and faithful servant. Well done."

The Magnificat

Luke 1:46-55

And Mary said:

"My soul exalts the Lord,

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

"For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;

For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.

"For the Mighty One has done great things for me;

And holy is His name.

"AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION

TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.

"He has done mighty deeds with His arm;

He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.

"He has brought down rulers from their thrones,

And has exalted those who were humble.

"HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;

And sent away the rich empty-handed.

"He has given help to Israel His servant,

In remembrance of His mercy,

As He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and his descendants forever."

Sarah has written a great article here about this feast. Bethany also has some wonderful thoughts to share. She has some wonderful suggestions on how to spend the day as well. Thank you ladies for such beautifully written pieces.

Have a Blessed Feast Day!

Mary

heaven is crowded tonight...

So much sadness this evening. Please keep the Rowe and Barrett families in your prayers tonight. God has called two more of his precious children home.

Mother Mary rock these beautiful souls gently and hold their mommies tight tonight.

Reese Catherine Rowe August 11, 2009 - August 13, 2009

Ryan Barrett

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And may perpetual light shine upon them. May the soul of these two children and all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace.

personal style + modesty = peace be still!

Please take a moment and stop in at Peace Be Still. Courtney has written a new post on personal style over at Seventeen Magazine. Leave a comment in support!  She writes with such panache and class. Go, Courtney Go! Her message rocks!

Blessings, 

Mary

7 quick takes friday (vol. 4)

TGIF!!! Whew, we made it another week! Yea God!! It is so hot here that my brain is in slow motion and I really had to stretch to come up with "7 Quick Takes". Check out more of the madness with Jennifer@Conversion Diary. Enjoy!

#1 

Courtney passed her swallow test! Yeah God!! There are no words to express my gratitude to everyone for all the prayers for our girl!! All the glory to God!!

#2

Meal planning has payed off in a HUGE way this week with two major doctors appointments for Courtney as well as other social engagements (see#2). I am so thankful that I have a deep freezer full of goodies all set to go. It has made dinner prep stress free. Yea!

#3

I got to spend my ENTIRE Wednesday with some of my favorite little people. I spent the day with H, E, J and L (who happens to be my goddaughter) while Mom got to go the the doctor all be herself. She was almost giddy! I remember when going anywhere by myself was almost a mini vacation. Then she took a well deserved break and  pampered herself with a mani/pedi. Her hubby will be home late tonight after nine months in Afghanistan. A girl needs to look good for her honey! It was a privilege to be able to help out in some small way. Thank you V for your service to this great nation! 

#4

I have written everyday. This is a huge shift in my work habits and long overdue! It's amazing how much you can get done when you actually schedule the time to do it. Who knew!! Yeah I know. Everyone but me!

#5

I have been asked a few times this week for book recommendations for teens, especially girls. I am taking my time with this one. I will post it separately in a few days. If you can recommend some favorites and why you like them, leave a comment and I will include them in my post. Thanks.

#6

We will be having company for dinner on Saturday night. The menu is steak (walked by the grill), grilled corn and grilled portobello mushrooms stuffed with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil and garlic. We will finish with homemade Chocolate Pound Cake. Oh YUMMM! I promise pictures and recipes by Monday.

#7

It took a day, but I did recover from the trouncing I took at Sorry on Thursday (see #3) . No worries, I"ll come back strong for the next round!

show us your life ~ favorite vacation spot

This week on Show Us Your Life hosted by the lovely Kelly @ Kelly's Korner it's all about your favorite vacation spot. This one was tough for us because we really don't go on vacations. No pity necessary, it just hasn't been possible in the last several years. Between Courtney's health, our very, very tight budget and hubby's travel schedule, it has not been possible. We like to take day trips when we can but we haven't been away in a long while.

So I thought I would dream a little . If I could go on vacation these are two places I would love to be. Just look at the scenery. It's breathtaking. 

Sawtooth Mountain Lake in Idaho. Image from visitidaho.org

Couldn't you just imagine a canoe ride on this lake or a lazy day spent fishing. I could see Courtney and I curled up on a hammock reading Anne of Green Gables while the breeze comes off the lake. I can see log cabins and screened in porches. Ahhh the bliss!!

Freeport, Bahamas. Image from destination360.com

Now if I was in the mood for a little fun in the sun, Bahama's here I come. That would be MY chair you see pictured above and I would be reading a lovely epic while sipping on my favorite fruity drink, paper umbrella included. The surf and sand...I can feel the waves lapping at my feet now. The only bad part of the trip would be the fact that I would have to wear a bathing suit. At this point that would feel like sausage casing...not pleasant at all. However...I would suffer through. 

So now it's time to wake up from my dream and get back to my daily duties. One day, one day soon I hope, my family and I will be whiling away the hours while listening to the soft sounds of nature. Whether in the mountains or by the sea, I don't care, as long as we are together.

Happy Summer!

Mary 

pudding anyone???

Today was Courtney's video swallow exam to determine if she could continue to eat by mouth. I got up an hour earlier than on Monday so we would NOT be late. We prayed the Rosary on the way. I was calm but could not get rid of the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Courtney coughs to protect her airway and she has been coughing a lot lately, a clear sign that she is aspirating fluid into her lungs.  

After we finished the Rosary, I put on Kari Jobe and we sang our way into DC. Her song "Healer" has become our theme song this summer. Every time Jerry and I  thought we could not take another step, you prayed for us, God nudged us and somehow we kept going. Truly by His grace alone. 

When we arrived at the hospital, everything went smoothly. After our experience on Monday, I was watching, listening and waiting for God to direct Courtney and I. He did not disappoint. We were surrounded by joy today. There was a little boy named D, who has downs syndrome. He was wearing the boldest, bluest little eyeglasses and he radiated utter jubilation. He giggled and squiggled while his Mommy just loved all over him. Then there was another little boy with Downs who loved cars. He was making all kinds of car noises, happily passing the time while waiting for the doctor. 

There were two other boys with physical disabilities, both 6, who chatted about their favorite things. Then one helped the other with a small task. I could not stop smiling. I was in a room filled with God's special little people. How can anyone look at precious children and see anything but God's perfection! What a wonderful way to spend our time waiting for the technician. Courtney and I prayed quietly for each and everyone in that waiting room. We prayed for their Mommies, their siblings, for a positive result for their tests. No one was crying or even grumpy. Every single child in that room had a smile on their face. What a difference two days makes. The power of prayer strikes again.

After a short wait, they called us back. The speech therapist, radiologist and nurse could not have been more helpful. It only took a few moments to get Courtney settled and we were off to the races. Five minutes later we had our answer. Pudding anyone? That's right...WOOT!WOOT! Courtney passed the test! She will continue to eat oatmeal consistency foods by mouth! OH YEAH!!! There were smiles all around and Mommy even shed a few tears. 

Once again, God has granted our Courtney another miracle. I am just speechless. I really thought she would fail it. Relieved doesn't begin to describe how I feel. I want to thank every single one of you would said a prayer, offered a Mass or took part in our Divine Mercy Novena. We are humbled and eternally grateful for all you have done for our girl. Without you, this journey would be unbearable. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Please take a moment today to send up a prayer of thanksgiving to Our Heavenly Father who has been so generous to us. My plan for the evening? I am off to make some chocolate pudding for my favorite blonde. That's right pudding for everyone tonight!!

Blessings, 

Mary

small successes (vol.3)...

The summer is quickly coming to an end. It's hot and tempers are a little short in my house. I am praying for patience and perseverance as my "to do" list grows. Today I will celebrate my very small successes for this week. Check out Faith and Family LIVE! for more success stories.

#1. My living room is becoming the staging area once again for all things Franciscan University. J returns to school next weekend and the packing has begun. We have been working successfully as a team to determine what really needs to go to school and what will stay here. His dorm room is small and he is not the most organized person on the planet. So we want to plan for success from the very beginning. Good choices now, less clutter in Ohio.

#2. I have washed and folded ALL the laundry for the week. I really did it. There are no clothes hanging on the backs of chairs in the living room and the laundry baskets are all empty. It truly is a miracle!

#3. On Monday, Courtney and I prayed for a sweet little one at Children's Hospital. By the time you read this we will be back at the hospital for Courtney's video swallow test. I will keep an open mind and hope God will chose to direct us in a meaningful manner. Wherever He leads me, I shall go. 

Thanks for stopping in and sharing my very small success's. Have a blessed week!

Peace, 

Mary

barefoot bloggers ~ mango banana daiquiris

This weeks Barefoot Bloggers recipe arrived in my email box just in time. Veronica @ Supermarket Serenade chose Mango Banana Daiquiris from Barefoot Contessa's Back to Basics Cookbook. It has been so hot here lately, that this tall tasty beverage hit the spot. Well done Veronica! Nice choice.

So take a moment, bring out the blender and take a trip to the Bahamas imagining white sand and blue water. Ahhh the life!! Check out Barefoot Bloggers for more recipes and helpful hints with the recipes selected.

Bon Appetite!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mango Banana Daiquiris

recipe from Ina Garten
serves 4
2 cups chopped ripe mango (1 to 2 mangos, peeled and seeded)
1 ripe banana, chopped
1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (4 limes)
1/4 cup sugar syrup*
1 1/4 cups dark rum, such as Mount Gay
Mango slices, for serving
Place the mango, banana, lime juice, sugar syrup, and rum in a blender and process until smooth. Add 2 cups of ice and process again until smooth and thick. Serve ice-cold in highball glasses with the mango slices.
*To make simple syrup, heat 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Chill.

J gives it a thumbs up!! Yuummm!!

passion in the kitchen...

This past weekend Jerry and I saw the movie Julie and Julia. What a delight! You can read my review here @ Phases of Womanhood . Please leave a comment on the Phases post and let me know what you thought of the movie. I absolutely loved it!

What struck me time and again throughout the movie, was the passion each of these women felt for what they were doing. Julia Child in mastering French cuisine as well as writing her cookbook and Julie Powell in writing about her cooking adventures with Ms. Child.  40 years after the publication of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Ms. Child inspires yet another generation of "serventless cooks" with her guile and grit. Both these women have the courage of their convictions. They follow their dreams no matter what obstacles are put in their path. 

My husband looked over at me many times during the movie and whispered into my ear "Who does that sound like?" I have to admit it's one of the reasons I LOVED the film. I completely identified with the struggle these women were facing. Their life was missing something. They had dreams but were unsure how to accomplish them. They both decided to take risks and those paid off in HUGE ways. They eventually found their path and succeeded in achieving their dreams. 

I find myself in that same position these days. I have dreams and am unclear at times of how to pursue them. I struggle to persevere and complete a project. I put up so many mental obstacles and sometimes even talk myself out of things. I have finally reached a place in this writing journey where I have to decide to either stop or to charge a head. What to do? What to do?

Well this past weekend I made a few decisions. I shall charge ahead. It will not be perfect or even pretty at times. I will fall. I will fail. Sometimes people might actually see me do both. Humility is usually a painful lesson. I should know, I have failed many, many times. I am encouraged by Julie and Julia to keep going. I am spurred on by Matthew Pinto, president of Ascension Press, who said "We must persevere with prudence!" So I shall.

Will you join me? How have you decided to charge forth in your life? Leave a comment and share where you are and where your going. I can't wait to encourage you in your walk as you have encouraged me. 

Blessings, 

Mary