The De Lucia Dance

All Saints Day Party

2010-11-01T22:37:00.000-04:00

Mother Mary

Juan Diego

Halloween

2010-11-01T09:12:00.000-04:00

Dorothy! Maybe I am biased but isn't she just the perfect Dorothy?

The Old Northeast did an amazing job. This house and the house next door had a long table separated by a fence that mimiced a tea party. Everyone had a part to play from Alice in Wonderland.

Again, biased but seriously.... Cutest monkey EVERY!

Cousins!

Nana and Dorothy!~

Candyland house

Mega trick or treating craziness!

2010-06-05T23:39:00.001-04:00

De Lucia palooza was a hit. This is only a fraction of the pictures taken during our week of family fun. I will continue to post as the days go on. We are very tired but very happy that the week was so awesome. Still not sure how 13 people slept in this house but it worked!

We went to an Asian Fest, the bunny park (water fountains), COSI, a movie and so much more. Such a happy time! Now I am busy making a photo book of the trip. Darn you photo books! Now I can motivate to scrapbook anymore! lol

Has it been a month?

2010-05-11T22:53:00.000-04:00

Has it really been a month since I have updated? I would like to write that it's because I have been so busy but that's not the case.

Right now I am in Steubenville with my daughter, two sisters and my mom. The good news is my sister graduated, turned 22 and got engaged to an amazing man. The bad news is that my mom got diverticulitis and has been in the hospital since we got here. Now the doctor is worried about pneumonia. It has been crazy. My one sister and I are living out of a hotel room. We had to leave our other hotel because Olivia got bed bugs. (Confirmed by the local peds doctor). Sick sick sick.

My mom is pretty down being stuck in the hospital and my sisters and I are trying to keep her spirits up. We need prayers all around. Olivia and Joey, my nephew, have been amazing but the lack of structure and routine is wearing down both my sister and I. We take joy in Glee, ready made cosmopolitans/ mojitos and Tim Hortons coffee.

I'll be back to C-bus soon.... just not sure when. Thanks for the prayers and love. - T

De Lucia happenings

2010-04-08T22:17:00.002-04:00

This is my favorite picture. No matter how hard I try to get a nice picture, something like nose picking happens. What are you going to do.

Easter Sunday Brunch!

Enjoying the Zoo!

The Sting Ray.

Easter dinner at a friends house! My child did have a cute Easter outfit on by the way. She decided to play dress up in a leopard dress.

Is that an egg? No just an ant. Egg Hunt #2

These are my party favors for Livs bday. So excited! Have I mentioned how much I love my Cricut? And my mom for sending me all her cartridges!!!!!! Thanks mom!

Olivia's Aunt and Uncle sent her some birthday money. We went to Target and go exactly what Liv wanted!

Target Easter Clearance Finds

2010-04-08T14:09:00.000-04:00

Target Easter Clearance Finds

75% off

Starburst jelly beans $ 1.24

Milky Way X 2 $.74 each

Butterfinger $.87

Table Runner $3.24 originally $12.99

Table Cloth $ 1.24 originally $4.99

Carafe $1.24 originally $4.99 (Cute pink top that I accidently cut out of the picture)

Tissue paper $.49 originally $1.99

6ct pencils $.50 originally $1.00

Going to use the candy and pencils for my daughters birthday gift bags. The Table runner is great for spring, as is the carafe. And the table cloth is ready to go for next Easter!

KMART deals

2010-04-06T20:08:00.000-04:00

Dove Deodarent

TOTAL: FREE

Pantene, Dove and Loreal Shampoo

Total: $2.00

This is my first transaction.

John Frieda ended up being about $2.

Soft Scrub FREE

Dentastix FREE

So overall I am happy with my purchases. I especially love the deodorant. It WAS worth the effort. (Only 5 doubled coupons per day, per customer) With that being said I can freely write about how I will NEVER go back to KMART again. As Liv and I walked out of KMART today I told her that mommy would never bring her back to KMART. Of course, in true Liv fashion she asked 'why'. I had no words for her at the time. But oh do I have words now.

Top 5 Reasons why I will never go back to KMART:

5. The store aisles are super small. Maybe Target has spoiled me but man, there was no room to walk within the aisles. It was claustrophobic in there.

4. Their prices suck. Seriously, KMART prices are NOT that good! I have had to go back three times to really verify that KMART is not a discounted store. For some reason I always thought that it was a lower priced store but alas, it is not.

3. No one knows what is going on unless it has to do with something that you really WANT to do. For example, no one knew about the the DOUBLE coupon event until the day of. Hmmm. No one is really sure about prices, sales, etc. And you almost feel like you are burdening them to get help. But when I tried to make two separate purchases with two different rewards cards I felt sirens go off. 'Oh no, we can't do that!'. 'But I have two rewards cards'. "No, no cannot do that.' 'Got it'.

2. It is aesthetically yuck in there. Again Target has really done wonders in the beauty department. KMART is not very pretty. Of course I know that life isnt based on 'pretty' but maybe in retail it is. If I am going to be in your store I want to feel comfortable there. If I am going to be dragging my almost four year old up this aisle and down the other, you can at least make sure the aisles are spacious, bright and have a nice 'red' feel to the place (Target reference).

1. I guess the number one reason why I will never go back to KMART is because I am a Target lover. That's right. I said it. I love Target. I would live in there if I could but I cannot. So I will settle for great prices, a pretty store, friendly employees who all speak English and Starbucks! How can you beat a Starbucks in the store?

Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T21:12:00.002-04:00

Have a happy and blessed Easter Season!!!

De Lucia Visuals

2010-03-28T21:40:00.000-04:00

Snow. Out of nowhere.

Snow on my couch. Just kidding. This is the wool from giving my pet sheep a haircut. Kidding again. This is just part of Bentley's hair. Part.

This is the finished product. Look how happy he is.

I walked over to see what Liv was doing and apparently Mary had become lonely. So Ariel decided to keep her company. Then Olivia added Baby Jesus. See next pic.

Little Tykes Baby Jesus.

Crazy Triple Coupon weekend at Kroger.

I spent a little over $9 and saved $35.54. What up!

Stock piling. Love it.

Updating, sorta

2010-03-27T00:10:00.000-04:00

I keep wanting to write an update that has nothing to do with sales or couponing.... But there just isn't much going on! On the other hand, it is kind of nice not having anything too big happening in our lives. We are getting ready for Holy Week and trying to get in the mindset to prepare for Easter. This Lent has seemingly flown by this year. I can't believe this Sunday is already Palm Sunday.

We are getting ready for Olivia's 4th birthday. I cannot believe I have an almost 4 year old. Everyday is a new blessing with my Liv around. She is really one of the funniest kids I know and for the most part she keeps me laughing all day. We have implemented John Rosemonds ticket system for discipline and it has really been successful. Liv gets three tickets a day and when she does something that is naughty I dont react, I simply reprimand her and take a ticket. When all three tickets are gone she goes to her room (which is void of toys) and stays there. This only happened once, the first time and has not happened since. Time outs were fruitless and yelling was probably entertaining for her to watch but also ineffective. So for now I am using tickets and love it. Rosemonds style of parenting is very old school and it works for us.

We have been busy with our friends, play dates galore. It has been such a blessed time for me to be able to really visit with friends and relax a little. Our days are filled with 'school' (homeschooling) and Liv is learning to write her letters. I haven't been pushing the letter writing, just letting her work at her leisure. She is starting Zoo Kids next month at the Columbus Zoo and I know that I am way more excited than she is! It is a class for preschoolers that is once a week for three hours. I know there are animals and walking and crafts. I think she is going to LOVE it! Thank you Nana for making that birthday wish come true!

Anthony is working hard at Children's Nationwide Hospital and has surprisingly really enjoyed it. He is about to start on a long succession of nights which stinks. But he is happy and that is what matters. I have been busy organizing and trying to get rid of our excess. Apparently getting rid of excess takes a lot longer than I had guessed. I cannot wait for it to be warm enough to do a garage sale. I love garage sales (I know some of you are raising an eyebrow to that statement). We have been doing garage sales since I was young and almost have it down to a science. I am looking for a job and have sent out oh about 20 applications. Not much has come of those applications. Actually nothing at all. But I am hopeful. I know God has a plan that I haven't been let in on and really I am okay with that. I would love to stay home and just be a mommy but if He is calling me elsewhere I will go. For now my prayer is that God opens the door that He wants me to go through and that I am wise enough to walk through it.

Mostly I cannot wait for the warm weather to stick around. It seems like we get a day of warm, sunny weather and then in a blink of an eye it is gone and we are left with rain and cold. Or like last night, 2 inches of snow. I mean, come on. 2 inches of snow? Ugh!

So for now I will turn the heat on, continue to organize, make sure Liv learns her letters and relish the very uninteresting life I am leading!

Target

2010-03-15T22:48:00.002-04:00

Starting from left to right

Old Spice Deodorant

Old Spice Body Wash

These were interesting... I had one coupon that read

Buy 1 Deodorant get 1 body wash free

and another coupon that said

Buy 1 body wash get 1 Deodorant free

Free!

Degree Deodorant $1.50- Coupon for 1.50 off

Had two coupons

Same with the Suave

Air Wick system

$5 coupon from paper

$1 Target printable coupon

On sale at Target for $6

I had two sets of these coupons

Two Dial Soaps $1ish at Target:

2 $1 off coupons

Kotex $1.50 at Target

$1.50 coupon

Oral B toothbrushes $3.59

Coupon for B1G1

Biore face wash: Free

When I bought the strips $6.59

Johnson and Johnson Buddy Soap $.97

Coupon for $1 off

I think I spent around $7 for the Biore Strips and $2 for the toothbrushes

Yay savings!!!!

Free Pantene- by mail

Free Axe- by mail

Free book from Random house

Three $2 coupons from Pantene

LOVE IT!

Spring Cleaning

2010-03-11T22:46:00.003-05:00

I am feeling the urge to clean!!! And get rid of our excess!!!!

Any suggestions of what works best for you? I need all the help I can get..... All suggestions are welcome!

It doesnt get any cuter than this

2010-03-05T18:20:00.001-05:00

How to save money :)

2010-03-02T21:51:00.003-05:00

Below are the fabulous sites I use. I use Google homepage to hold all these sites so that when I open google I get little bullets of what each website has to say. That way I don't have to click on every website to get the information; only the websites I want to look into. Some of the information is redundant but I don't mind because it is saving me MONEY! It's a lot of work at first but the payoff (pun intended) is awesome. I'm not going to reinvent the wheel with how to make it all work because these ladies rock the coupon world. Of course if anyone had ANY questions I now LOVE to talk money saving with coupons!!!

www.thriftyandchicmom.com

www.frugalcouponliving.com

www.freesamplefreak.com

www.30dollarweeklygrocerychallenge.com

www.totallytarget.com

www.mommysnacks.net

www.thethriftymama.com

www.coupongeek.net

www.moneysavingmom.com

www.mommieswithcents.com

www.bargainbrianna.com

Kroger, Walgreens and Target

2010-03-02T21:28:00.003-05:00

I know. Crazy right? Basically this was all almost free. Let me break it down.

Soft soap on the left: @ Kroger for $1.00 sale

I had a coupon for .50 off from Sunday's paper. Doubled to a dollar= Free

Colgate: @Kroger for $1.67 sale

I had 2 coupons from paper (maybe last weeks?) for .75. Doubled to $1.50= .17 each

Lady Speed Stick: @ Walgreens on sale for $1

I had two $1 off from paper. = Free

Then after I paid the Walgreens machine spat out another coupon for $2 off. So I went back and bought to more for free. (Gave one to a friend).

Right Guard: @ Kroger on sale for $1.26 a piece

I had coupon for $2 off any 2 Right Guard Products. = .26 each

Johnson and Johnson Buddy Soaps: @ Target for .97

I had two coupons from coupons.com for $1 off one J&J product= Free

Gillette Body Wash: @ Kroger on sale for buy 3 for $10 or 3.33 a piece.

I had two coupons for $4 off two and one coupon for $1 off one. = $4 and some change for all four

Unbelievable, right?

More almost free

2010-03-02T10:05:00.003-05:00

I think this was total about $2.

I know. I know.

So, at quiet time today I will post the blogs that I utilize for this deal info. There is a whole world of savings out there... filled with blogs and Drug stores. Who knew?!!!!!!!!

-I went to a few different stores for this collection

-I utilized my CVS/Walgreens 'Bucks' that print out at the end of orders to help make it free (I only had about $3 though)

-I am a newbie coupon-er so I am just learning.

-The information has all been taken from these amazing women who have blogs.

P.S. Do you see.... FOUR laundry detergents for FREEEEEEEEEE?????!!!!!

Free

2010-02-27T20:42:00.002-05:00

This is all the stuff I got for free last shopping trip. I may have paid $2 but technically CVS gave me $2 in rewards back so..... I am on this 'free' kick. Couponing is just too much fun. It's kind of a lot at first but once you get the hang of it you never want to spend money again! Why would you when you can get it for free. :)

Winter Fest Pictures

2010-02-25T15:40:00.004-05:00

This is Liv dreaming of palm trees and sun.

Snow and cold

2010-02-17T19:19:00.003-05:00

So much snow! Olivia, Anthony and I have enjoyed the abundant amount of snow we have received in the past few weeks. It's made for some interesting driving. :)

I don't leave the house much when it's snowing... too afraid to try!
And I have rules:

If it below 15 degrees I do not leave the house.

If there is snow that is even semi heavy, no driving.

If it is windy AND cold, forget it.

Olivia and I are going a little stir crazy. We just want to get outside and run! Sunshine, warmth....

One last note... the other day we finally got Olivia outside in the snow.... we played for about 20 minutes and then Liv decided she couldn't take it anymore. No problem. So Anthony and I came in a few minutes after her and she had already put her BATHING SUIT on! That's right. 15 degrees out and my Liv just wants to run around in her bathing suit. Hmmm I wonder where we are from.....

This is how I role

2010-02-09T20:52:00.004-05:00

I kind of look like a homeless person.

Daddy and Liv.

My fave pic.

Our sledding ramp.

Ant and I built a sledding ramp for Liv. She loved it! We weren't feeling the snowman. Both Anthony and I have tried to make snowman after snowman and it just isn't coming together. But crazy sledding ramp? Done!

This is how I role. These are not my feet in princess shoes. Oh, no. Liv. I put her to work. She loves it!

Housekeeping becomes completely entertaining when your three year old says, 'Hey mom, the vaccum has only one eye!'

Notice she is in a full dress, princess heels and she is going at it. So funny.

It's snow thirty.

2010-02-06T11:42:00.003-05:00

Third times a charm. I love my snow shoveling workout.

Up to my knees!

Liv lasted about 10 minutes. Then she couldn't take the cold! My little Florida baby :)

Snow angel.

I forgot how much of a workout shoveling is. Since we can't get to the gym the three times I have had to shovel has been great. I am always amazed how someone can be so cold and be so hot at the same time!

My neighbor came out with a snow machine. I'm not sure I have ever seen one until today but I do know I want one. He was shooting snow everywhere. And he finished in half the time it was taking me to shovel the snow. Amazing. We'll put that on the 'want' list.

So we are at home. Anthony has been working nights so he is sleeping. We have played princesses, shoveled the driveway, made Valentine's cards, had a smoothie, and now Mary Poppins is singing about the medicine going down. And it's only 11:52a.

It's going to be a long day.

My card creations in FL

2010-02-05T22:34:00.005-05:00

Made this at Stampin Up! (In Ohio)

Christmas presents

This is a picture frame (minus the pic), candle and a little jewelery box.

One of my favorites

My cards. I am so proud of them :) I wish I could just make cards all day and night.

What did we do in Florida?

2010-02-05T22:19:00.001-05:00

We Went to the Park.....

We made a lot of cards

Brittany was very happy.

We did puzzles... all by herself!

Aunt
Aunt Brittany took Olivia to the Hands on Museum.

Where have you been?

2010-01-03T22:49:00.003-05:00

So here I am in sunny Florida. Wait, did I mention it is about 40 degrees out? I know that may not mean much to those experiencing weather in the single digits but truly there is something unnatural about being in St. Petersburg and being COLD. But I am grateful for the double digits.

Olivia and I have been in Florida for a few weeks now. We have spent a great amount of time with family and enjoying the slow paced life. Although, if you know me you know that I haven't been sitting around too much. There is always a great amount of things to do at the Freeman house. I have spent majority of the time here going through my ancestors things. Is ancestor a dramatic word in this context? I think not. I have come across pictures from 1890. Lamps from the early 1940's. And my baby teeth. That's right, 25 year old teeth. I have been helping my mom go through old boxes of things from all our deceased relatives. Naturally this job is a lot more emotional for my mother since she knew a lot of those people who have gone on to a better place.

I have really tried to be thorough and not throw away things that may have value, whether it be emotional value or monetary value. But now I can definitely see how people throw away antique necklaces, pictures or books. Sometimes you just don't know and momentarily you just don't care. Regardless, I discovered a great allergy to dust mites, who knew? That I still sweat, I though old age might cure that. And that I will not be saving Olivia's first teeth. I mean, come on. Who wants to find their old teeth rolling around in a box?

We are planning on heading back to Ohio sometime this month. So I have given myself a to-do list before I leave.

1. Visit beach. Not for swimming of course but just for the peaceful sound of the waves.
2. Visit downtown a few more times. Maybe just get some tea by myself (what?! by myself??)
3. Visit the zoo. We love the zoo down here. They have giraffes and hippos. (No giraffes or hippos in Ohio!)
4. Finish going through my moms boxes.
5. Large garage sale.
6. Sleep in as much as possible.

All Saints Day

2009-11-01T17:52:00.002-05:00

I am so in love with fall colors.

This is the playground across the street from us.

Immaculate Mary.... So cute....

So many cute pics, so little time

2009-10-31T18:31:00.002-04:00

Pumpkin carving time
Baby Joey! My sisters first born Love!

Liv talking to Aunt Bri in her infant carseat

Trick or treating

My little Snow White

So much to tell... so many more pics to post.... I will blog more later!

U2 Concert

2009-10-04T21:51:00.006-04:00

This is how close I really was.
But it would have been so great to have been THIS close!

Love this picture

Birthday party time!

I looked over when Liv called me and this is what I found.

Listening patiently.... Had to capture THAT on camera.

We had a great time at U2. Anthony and I drove to Steubenville to drop Olivia off with her Auntie Bri. Then we were off to Virginia from there. The ride wasn't as bad as we thought it might be because we listened to Ceasar Milan (Dog Whisperer) on CD the entire way. It was pretty interesting. Overall we spent about nine hours getting to Steub and then Charlottesville, VA. Excessive you might say? Completely. But I would do it again. The show was AMAZING. Beyond the fact that U2 is just untouchable the actual show was unbelievable. The lighting and energy that they put off is awesome. We were exhausted all weekend and basically slept on and off all day yesterday and for some reason today too.

Olivia has a little cold which is keeping us down and out but other than that we are ready for the week. So much to do, so little time to do it!

Vacation Time

2009-08-25T21:48:00.004-04:00

WE WENT TO BLENDON WOODS TODAY TO SEE SOME BUTTERFLIES. THE KIDS LOVED IT.
MOMMMM, NOT NOW, NOT HERE!

WE WERE AT OUR FAVE KIDS MUSEUM IN FLORIDA AND LIV WAS REALLY INTENSE ABOUT BEING A VET. TOTALLY CUTE.

RIDING HER BIKE! SHE'S A BIG GIRL NOW

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SIMPLE 20 MINUTE STORM COMES BUSTING THRU THE BERG. WHAT I DIDN'T CAPTURE ON TAPE IS THE LARGE RED TRUCK THAT IS TOTALED UNDER THE TREE. TOTALED.

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE DELAYED BY TWO HOURS IN TENNESSEE. OLIVIA SINGS AND DANCES FOR TWO HOURS ON A STAGE.

I ALMOST ORDERED A DRINK ONCE WE GOT ON THE PLANE.

OLIVIA IS SITTING AT THE BAR DRINKING A STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI. COME ON, SHE'S IN FLORIDA!
(JK :-) )

THIS IS WHERE WE STAYED FOR THE FIRST WEEK
HEAVEN

THIS IS THE SUNRISE WE SAW ON THE WAY TO THE AIRPORT. BEAUTIFUL

NANA AND LIV IN THE POOL

All my pictures were captured via camera phone... my real camera was broken. So sad! But I got some memories... and my mom sent back a few disc's worth of pics that I have yet to go through. Totally loved Florida but really loved the weather when we returned to Ohio.... The weather in Columbus has been so amazingly beautiful. The weather in Florida, not so much.

We definitely missed Anthony on our vacation and I am pretty sure he missed us. The good news is that Bentley (our dog) and Anthony really love one another now. And we hae confirmed yet again that Florida is a great place for after residency...... :-)

Coupon Savings

2009-07-29T23:59:00.002-04:00

I am in love with this website. It appears to have some great coupons and discounts. Two things that everyone can use! Check it out!

Also includes store coupons:

Target
CVS
Walgreens
Walmart
Kroger
Meijer
And many more!

http://www.afullcup.com/

Toddler Napping Issues

2009-07-29T18:22:00.002-04:00

So yesterday I went to spin again. Basically with the exception of Sunday I had been to spin everyday since Wednesday. Needless to say, today I did not go. I was spinning and realized that my body was TIRED! Apparently you aren't supposed to spin EVERYDAY. Who knew? So now I need to motivate myself to do some other form of exercise every other day. Fortunately (or unfortunately) I am headed to Florida.... so the gym thing will temporarily end. But my sister Bri will be working out everyday on the beach and I know that having her there will help with my motivation. So will the whole bathing suit thing. Ha!

Does anyone else have a toddler who wont nap during the early afternoon but almost always falls asleep at 4 or 5? I am not sure what to do with her. We put her in her bedroom around one and designate that nap time. She wont fall asleep until 4ish which creates a problem. I would like to put her down at 6:30 for the nite but it seems that if she makes it past 4 without sleeping she is ready to go! And she doesn't settle again until 8 or even 9 ish. Any thoughts?

Reading books to Mary

2009-07-27T22:28:00.004-04:00

Today I walked upstairs and found Liv's door closed. Uh oh. So I peeked inside expecting to find marker on the wall or complete destruction. Instead I saw Liv with a statue of Mary on her chair. I asked Liv what she was doing with Mary and to please put it back on her shelf. She looked at me with such a look of conviction and said 'But mom, I am reading Mary a book!'

It just made me think about how much Mary must enjoy having a three year old read a book on sea life to her!

T-minus 6 days

2009-07-26T18:51:00.004-04:00

Well I have made it back to spin four times... I am really proud of myself. I am even more excited about the fact that there are no spin classes on Sunday. Ha! We just sent off my mother-in-law and one of our good friends from the Berg. We had a really great week... there was a lot of food shopping and a lot of eating but fortunately my MIL is an incredible cook and the food was so good. Plus she is so helpful around the house and with Liv. It was a nice week.

The only downside to my week was learning that I am not pregnant. There was a glimmer of hope but blood work confirmed that I am not there yet. Unfortunately I think the next step is surgery and I just don't know if I am ready for that yet. I will definitely have to pray about that one. I definitely want to do whatever is necessary but on the other hand I need to make sure that this is a viable option for me. The recovery time can take up to three weeks and time is not a luxury I have while watching Liv and my other little babysitting boy.

I guess the hardest part about this whole infertility process is knowing that my body is not performing as it should. Deep down we are all called to motherhood in one way or another. Sometimes it is physical motherhood, as in having a child and sometimes it is spiritual motherhood, as in providing a mothers heart to a friend. I guess I always thought that I would be blessed with many little ones running around... a huge family that would love one another and wrestle. Now I am the one wrestling with the fact that this may not be in God's plan. I get mad and sad and then accepting but overall I just have to accept that it is what it is. I may never understand why God works the way He does but I do trust that it is for the best. I just lose sight of that every once and awhile.

The good news is I am going home for two weeks. One week will be spent on the beach with the family (minus Ant) and one week will be spent at Jessie's hanging with the family. I cannot wait. I am ready for a break and sunshine. I am ready for the pool and the ocean. I am ready for my sisters and my mom. I need a little sister/mother love. Everyone knows how good that can be!

So my new obsession is Stampin Up. I love it. I think I could sit at my table and make cards all day long. I imagine this amazing scrapbooking room that is lit by tons of daylight. It has warm walls that help relax and tons of space for storage. There is a huge desk to lay everything out on and the room connects to a playroom where I can watch kiddos. All my paper and materials are organized and out for use. Can't you just see it? Maybe someday!!!

My old love

2009-07-22T22:16:00.001-04:00

Today I went back to spin class. It was like an old love coming back into my life. I was a little nervous because I am so out of shape but there is no other exercise that makes me work harder than spin. The spin at the YMCA is way different than the spin at Lifestyles. Lifestyles has a huge room that is lit by black lights and has this great music system that pumps the music out. The room is one big window that overlooks the street and the rest of the gym. It is open and airy and awesome.

This was not so much the case at the Y. The room looks like an old boiler room converted into a 'spin' room. It issmall, grey and ugly. There is a boom box that shouts out old school 90's music. It was very, very uncool. Plus most of the women spinning spend the entire time shouting to one another about their lives. I couldn't believe it! I was just trying to not pass out and they were so distracting. I need to concentrate people! But.... I LOVED IT!

I love having to push myself to limits that I did not know that I could get to. When everyone else is pushing themselves it just pumps you up to do the same. I cannot make myself work that hard on the treadmill or the eliptical. It is just not in me. But there is something about spinning.

And oh the possibilities of how it could change my body. My hopes are so high!

Now I just have to get back tomorrow.

No More Pull- Ups!

2009-07-14T17:47:00.003-04:00

No more pull-ups! Gone are the urine saturated pull-ups used for the overnight. Gone are those costly pull ups from our budget. Farewell you Dora pull-up. You will not be missed!
My little girl is growing up! (happy face AND sad face)

Guest bathroom

2009-07-13T16:24:00.006-04:00

BEFORE PIC

AFTER PIC

I love this bathroom! I keep walking by it and just opening the door to take a peak at my handy work. Painting really is a lot of fun. Especially when it is a small bathroom and not a huge room.

I am not sure what to do with all my left over paint. I now have lavender and Cancun blue paint siting around.

I haven't decorated in the bathroom yet.... it may take me a long time to commit because I have spent my budget on paint! Ha!

Liv's Room Take Two

2009-07-02T22:40:00.003-04:00

Here is my freshly painted lavender wall and our new princess-head board-crown- thing. Liv was so surprised when she saw it. Our good friends got their little one a really amazing slide bed and it has been all Liv has talked about. I was trying to think of ways to 'make' a slide bed considering our financial situation and the only thing I could think that might substitute would be a canopy. We always had them as little girls and I loved it! Now we just need to find a twin bed.....

I'm trying to figure out what to put on either side of the crown. I don't want to overwhelm the wall but I do think it is missing a little something. Any suggestions?

Princess Room

2009-07-01T12:23:00.003-04:00

I am trying to make Liv's room into a princess room. So far I have painted one wall a really pretty color of lavender. Then I stenciled this picture to the wall and painted accordingly. I found a princess crown canopy for her bed on craigslist that I am picking up tomorrow. I will post the additions as they come and hopefully have a really cute room to show at the end of all this!

I've never had the freedom to paint before and now I feel like I can't stop! I am painting the upstairs bathroom this weekend and hopefully my choice in colors will work out.... I went with a really pretty blue.... Then I am going to get the kitchen going. I am thinking about a taupe for the walls but we shall see. I don't want to go to dark in fear that it will close in the space but it definitely needs some color. Who would have thought that painting would be so fun??!

Pics

2009-06-23T22:33:00.005-04:00

On Swiper Ride

Kings Island Water park

Kings Island

Kings Island

Fearless Liv

Friends

Liv is already a softball pro

Circus time

Family time

Hello all. I'm back.....

Lots of great things have happened.

Liv turned 3.

My mom was with us for three fun months!

I am officially 30. (gag)

We have officially moved. (so happy)

Anthony got intern of the year. (awesome)

And it is SUMMER! (YAY!)

I hope to blog a little more frequently now that I will have a lot of time on my hands.

And I will post pics of the new house soon!

Jon and Kate plus Eight

2009-05-25T20:24:00.003-04:00

We are officially in 'move' week. The good news is Anthony is off from today on. I am so happy to have some help! I am proud to say that I single handily packed almost the entire house. I will have like a burst of energy and go nuts for awhile. Then I will take a nice nap.

But let's get to the heart of the issues..... Jon and Kate Plus Eight. It's breaking me heart. I can't believe that their marriage is falling apart. It just makes me so sad. We have been watching their show since it first came on... and even though it isn't a 'favorite' it is always a 'go to' show. If it's on and we flip by it we will pretty much watch it. Anyway, I am so disturbed by all the gossip about their marriage and hearing that Kate has fired over 40 nannies. I mean really. It's reality, its a show, and at the end of the day it involved eight really beautiful kids. That's what makes me sad. Jon and Kate have worked so hard to raise these children right and now that the hard part is over (raising babies and toddlers) they are falling apart.

We are waiting anxiously for the season premier where they are hopefully going to address all their issues. I know it seems pretty sad that we are so into this but really I have watched them grow up. I hope it all works out. Jon and Kate have to work. If nothing else, for their eight little ones. We shall see.

Steubenville

2009-05-09T22:18:00.005-04:00

Well we are back in Steubenville again for Britt's 21st birthday. There is always an feeling of instant peace when I come here. Unfortunately I am currently trying to get Liv to go to sleep and it is so hard. It is now 10:20 and I have been trying since around 8p. I just don't even know what to do anymore. My eye is itching and red, Anthony passed out awhile ago and I am just about at the end of my rope.

We are very blessed to have Anthony with us this weekend. Today is his first day off since April 18th. Everyday he has had to go into work for some amount of time if not the whole day. It has been challenging. We are officially moving at the end of the month which has required a lot of thought about packing. I have packed about, um, ten boxes but other than that I am at a loss. I just can't seem to find the time to get it all done. I scheduled a garage sale for the 22nd and 23rd and come to find out Anthony is on 24 hour call that Saturday.... Do you think he planned that?? Ha!

My mom is going to head back to Florida at the end of the month as well. That will be so sad for me as I have loved having her around! She is taking a girls trip to an all inclusive resort so how can I fault her for leaving? Brittany is officially turning 21 tonight. She is excited but for some reason I vaguely remember being at a birthday party last year for her that was like a 21st birthday! So I am off to bang my head against the wall as Olivia continues to ask me questions like 'Mom, what does Annie sing about tomorrow?' 'What does Ariel sing about?' 'Why is it dark?'

Seriously. Head. Against. Wall.

Haircut

2009-05-04T22:20:00.003-04:00

Definitely tried to post these in a different order.... This is Liv's new haircut. So cute!

Modern Technology

2009-05-01T08:34:00.002-04:00

Last night I was laying on the couch with the computer in my lap. I was:

On Twitter

IM'ing my best friend in Thailand

Watching Grey's on t.v.

Texting my best friend in North Carolina about Grey's

On facebook

ALL AT THE SAME TIME! WHO DOES THAT?

When I realized what I was doing it just made me laugh.

Trauma Rotation

2009-04-30T15:09:00.006-04:00

Anthony has been on trauma this past month at Grant Hospital. First it is of importance to comment that he has been virtually gone for a month. When he is actually home he has a good hour before he passes out. He has been working extremely hard and I think his hard work has paid off.

I was thinking about Anthony last night and all that he has to go through in regard to death and dying. How does a physician process death? How do they cope with the emotional distress they see in the remaining family members? How does anyone deal with death on a daily basis? Sometimes I don't give Anthony they benefit he deserves. How selfish I can be! I forget that he is experiencing terribly difficult things at the hospital which contributes to his energy level, his sleepiness, his mood. Just because he isn't depressed and crying doesn't mean he hasn't been effected.

The time consuming aspect of this job often hides the fact that my husband is experiencing difficult situations. I have a soon to be cousin in law who's future spouse is going to be starting medical school soon. She wrote me and asked for advice from the spouse's point of view. At first I felt almost hypocritical giving her advice because for a lot of medical school I made it about me. Granted we had a LOT of hard times that were independent of medical school stressors but at the end of the day Anthony was still going through some of the most difficult times of his life. We have made it through five years and I feel like I have a lot about how to be a supportive wife.

So, upon writing her back I realized yet again that being the wife of a physician is a calling in itself. It takes a special person to be able to to deal with the 'mistress' hospital and know that even though your time in limited with your spouse he still loves you. Or that all the child rearing and household maintenance will fall to you. It takes a lot to recognize that although you aren't the one saving lives, in some small way, you are the one taking care of the physician who does save lives. I think that the wife of a physician should know that she will be the backbone of the family unit for a good portion of her life. Supporting your spouse through these difficult times will be the catalyst that makes a good physician a great physician.

I am happy trauma is over, but if you ask Anthony, he might say he can't wait to do it again. I will never get how he can deal with the grueling hours, the pressures of patient care, and the overall 100% commitment to medicine. But that is why HE is the doctor and I am the wife of. Peace and love-

Time to move again

2009-04-25T22:18:00.004-04:00

Well it is official... we are moving to Hilliard... I am so excited to move from Grove-tucky (no offense my Kentucky friends!) A.k.a. Grove City. The neighborhood we are moving to is so nice... the house is perfect for our family.... not too much bigger than the house we are in now but the amenities are better. There is a flat yard and a soon-to-be fence. And it is located across from a beautiful little park.

So, since 2004 I have moved:

From St. Pete, FL to Kirksville, MO 2004-2006

From Kirksville, MO to Pasadena, FL 2006 (June-December)

From Pasadena, FL to St. Pete, FL 2006-2007

From St. Pete, FL to Grove City, OH 2008-2009

From Grove City, OH to Hilliard, OH 2009- 2011 (hopefully)..... Did I just write 2011? Ah!

Five moves in five years. Who does that? Maybe someone in the military or ..... a physician's wife! Ha!

I'm totally cool with this move though. Unlike the other moves I know exactly where I am going and what awaits me on the otherside. The only problem I am having is lack of motivation towards packing. I just cant bring myself to do it. I have not started packing one thing. It is like I am on strike or something. A subconscious strike. So now I pray for motivation! To move yet again!

Finally I have downloaded my pictures!

2009-04-14T21:31:00.004-04:00

Liv and her best friend Kami

Liv and my best friend Chris

My three year old SWIMMING in the ocean! Looking at this picture now I cant believe I let her go in so far!

Liv at St. Pete Beach

Nana and Liv

At Rainbow Rec place

At St. Patty's parade

St. Pete Beach

More pictures to come....

Southland

2009-04-11T00:46:00.003-04:00

I almost don't know how to write a blog that flows anymore. So in light of complete randomness, my latest post.

I watched two new shows this week.

Southland

and

The Unusuals

Southland: Very raw, graphic and intense. I love the main character (can you say hot?) but the show was seriously intense. (I just cant find a better word for it). Not sure if I will watch it again but pure fascination with craziness may draw me back. I wonder how realistic the show is to what really goes on in South Los Angelas? I hope not very realistic at all....

The Unusuals: I thought this show was pretty funny. I am still feeling the main character out. She has a few facial expressions that she uses over and over.... But at the end of the day I think I will watch it next week with no reservations. One more chance for you, Unusuals.

On another note I am completely obsessed with getting tickets to see U2 in Chicago. Just thinking about it makes my heart beat fast. Did I mention obsessed? I am watching them on Letterman right now so that's not helping at all....

And lastly, I just can't believe my Olivia is turning three today. It is just amazing to think that three years ago today (actually almost right now) I was bringing her into this world. Its funny to think about life pre Liv because it seems like an entirely different world. Granted there was a lot more late nights and sleeping in late but all things have changed for the better. My world has changed tremendously because of her and I will be forever grateful to God.

Off to Steubeville for Easter and Liv's birthday!

May your Easter be blessed and your candy abundant. He lives! Thank you Lord!

Bentley

2009-04-11T00:41:00.002-04:00

Meet our newest member:

Bentley. Minature poodle. No allergies! Sweetest dog ever. Found him on craigslist (like we found our home). We love craigslist. He is a year and a half and really patient when Liv tries to ride him like a horse or tries to pick him up.

Lately

2009-04-04T23:51:00.003-04:00

I cannot wait for Southland to start. I hope its good.

I walked into Liv's room tonight and she was playing with her two angel statues. She said, 'Mom, they are getting married! They see Jesus!' I wasn't sure what to make of it but overall I thought it was pretty funny.

Anthony is doing a month at Grant Trauma Center. So far he has been pretty darn busy. I am so happy my mom is here.

Did I mention I love my mom being here!!! She is here for about six weeks and I couldn't be happier. She has been helping me out with Liv so much. Just the opportunity to be able to run to the grocery store alone has been marvelous!

I signed Liv up for gymnastics and I am so excited to see what comes of it. Maybe now I can get her to stop jumping on the furniture! She is also starting a little play school for six weeks. She will go Tues and Thurs for two hours or so and I am so excited to see how that goes.

We are heading up to Steubenville for Easter.... Steubenville Easter is like the mecca of easter experiences. Their vigil Mass is super long but really amazing. Hopefully Ant will be able to make it as well. He will be coming off a 24 hour call again so we shall see. We are going to celebrate Liv's third birthday in Steubie as well. I cant believe I have a three year old. It kills me.

I really am going to put up some pictures soon.......

Fast times at De Lucia High

2009-03-25T22:11:00.003-04:00

I have been so busy over at http://moderncatholicmoms.blogspot.com/ that I have been neglecting my personal blog! The De Lucia's have been busy....

First I will say that I am so happy that spring is here! Although the weather has been a little rainy I am not complaining in light of the fact that it gets dark around eight and I don't have to wear nine layers to go out! I am excited about gardening and getting some fresh air!

I have big plans for a garden this year.... lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, spices, zucchini and maybe a pumpkin. And flowers, I really want to plant some flowers.... Last year we arrived in Columbus in June so my garden remained tiny yet fruitful. I loved eating my veggies!!

In other news I have traveled back and forth to Florida twice now in the past few weeks. It has been glorious! I miss it so much. Every time I come back I feel a deeper longing to return... especially with the warm beach weather calling my name. I don't necessarily consider myself a 'beach' girl but seriously I can't get enough of the ocean. I just love it out there... so peaceful and calming... and there is something about the feeling of sun, salt water and sand on your skin... yes even sand pumps me up. It was so great to see Olivia enjoy it as well. When she was little (I know she is only three!) she did not like the sand or the water and I was constantly worried she would burn. This last time she went in the water with a friend even though it was freezing. She loved it! It makes me sad that the 'cute' years of her life will be spent in Ohio with no beach to speak of while the beautiful sandy beaches of Florida are so far away.....

Olivia is actually not three yet but will be in April. Oh the craziness of planning a birthday! I don't want to make it grand or anything considering she in only three! But I do need to find a space big enough.... (the house won't cut it). The last two birthdays we always ended up at a park to accommodate the size of our families but this year I am unsure of how the Ohio weather will treat us. And all that business about a theme, cakes, etc.... Come on! I don't even know if she will remember her third birthday. For a second I thought about getting a pony to come. I know it sounds weird but I saw a sign on the side of the highway (even funnier) and called. Wouldn't you know they charge something like $180 for an hour! I mean I think I could just buy a pony for that much, right?

In other, other news our fish Flounder died. Don't tell Olivia, we told her he returned the his family in the big ocean. I really didn't know how to handle that one. When I told her you could tell she was processing that the fish was gone. They had a very special relationship. She said, 'Mom, I am sad'. My heart just about melted and I immediately went to comfort her. But before I could even get my arms around her she said,' Mom, I want a dog'.

I guess that solves that.

Pictures to come..... (don't worry. they're not of the dead fish).

Twilight movie

2009-03-20T18:33:00.001-04:00

Cannot wait for Twilight! Cannot wait for Twilight! (movie!)
So excited!

Cannot wait!

Top 10 things not to say in an Irish bar on St. Patty's

2009-03-16T21:03:00.003-04:00

Top Ten Things Not To Say In An Irish Bar On St. Patrick's Day

10. I'm betting on Notre Dame

9. Got any wine coolers?

8. Let's have a religious debate.

7. U2 Sucks

6. Ya know, I don't find Lucky Charms all the delicious

5. Kiss me, I'm part Slovenian, part Polish, and a little but Italian.... Oh, and I think my great grandmother on my dad's side was Cherokee Indian

4. Green isn't your color

3. Whew! Someone reeks of cabbage.

2. When did this place become a gay bar?

And the number 1 thing not to say in an Irish bar on St. Patrick's day

HEY EVERYONE, DRINKS ARE ON ME!

Dishes

2009-03-12T08:09:00.007-04:00

Oh how simple the dishes can be. Yesterday I went to my women's Bible study and there was no time to do the dishes. Alas, Anthony did the dishes! Yay! The past week has been filled with Anthony's attempts to really 'try'. He is coming back to the land of the living... or at least the land of dishes. He is making the effort to be an active member of the family. As an intern many of you know that 'active member' are two words not commonly associated. But I have come to the realization that there have been the same excuses, ahem I mean issues, that have prevented Anthony from 'helping' since we started medical school.

Shall I provide them in case you have forgotten?

' I have to study'. REALLY? REALLY?! For a long time I would shudder when I heard these words.

'I am so tired'. This one is actually more of a snore. Literally. Like this: 'Anthony can you help....' Anthony: SNORE SNORE SNORE

'I am working from 3p until 3p next Friday.' Exaggerated? Possibly. But truthfully I feel BAD asking Anthony to do anything when he has been working for like 14 hours straight. I feel that there is definitely a cut off point where a human being MUST REST!

'Hmmph, what did you say?' This one is easily my favorite. This is Anthony acting like he didn't know what I was saying. The delay in his response typically causes me to retreat. I don't know what it is but Anthony has gotten away with so much just acting like he didn't know what I was talking about. Go figure.

Now don't mistake me, there was agony regarding the dishes. 'I am tired. I have to study. Can't you just do them before you go?' But instead of going crazy (yell yell scream scream) I calmly asked if he could just spend a few minutes cleaning up and he did!

Do you have any idea how nice it is to come home to a clean sink!?! Please! It is seriously awesome. (At this point you are questioning my simplicity and that's okay. It doesn't take much to really make me happy!)

My biggest issue is that I tend to think in terms of black and white. I would like to think that now that the dishes have been done anything can happen! But as I write this I see Anthony's dirty sock spot. Dirty sock spot is the place where he puts his nasty work socks EVERYDAY. Right in the living room next to the couch. Apparently the magic sock fairy comes everyday and whisks them away to the magical washing machine... I digress....

I know that everything cannot change at once. I must learn to celebrate the little things and as my sister Jessie would ask, 'And did you praise him? Tell him you are so happy about ________?' I need to concentrate on building up the small things. They will in turn grow into a pattern or lifestyle. A good doctor is not made overnight. Nor is a good husband.

For now let us celebrate.

As the words from 'Adventures in Babysitting' say, 'The dishes are done man. The dishes are done'.

Stella Mariae Reunion

2009-03-10T15:26:00.003-04:00

Laura (sister in my heart), Brittany (sister), Jessie (sister)
Just a few of the 180 memebers

My two best friends Sarah and Denean

Jessie (sister), her husband Matt, Ant and I

Betsy, Katie, Sarah, Maria and Rachel

Household sisters

Stella Mariae Reunion

2009-03-09T13:44:00.003-04:00

This weekend I attended my household, Stella Mariae, which is Latin for Star of Mary (Christian Sorority's) ten year reunion. It has been ten years since we prayed and formed this household. It was amazing to be back at my college and see the fruit of our labor as over 180 women are now members.

I laughed when I realized that at our five year reunion (we had just graduated in two years earlier) there were about 7 children but five years later we have over 80 beautiful little children with the oldest being nine! God is good!

So being there was inspiring and motivating. The women who attended continue to be shining lights in the world and the women who are still on campus are faith filled and their joy is contagious! One of my sisters sent me this message today. It filled me with even more hope as we have looked to Mary, Star of the Sea to bring us to her son since 1999!

From Pope Benedict's World Youth Day Message 2009:

I would like to conclude this message, my dear young friends, with a beautiful and well-known prayer by Saint Bernard that was inspired by one of Mary's titles, Stella Maris, Star of the Sea:

"You who amid the constant upheavals of this life find yourself more often tossed about by storms than standing on firm ground, do not turn your eyes from the brightness of this Star, if you would not be overwhelmed by boisterous waves. If the winds of temptations rise, if you fall among the rocks of tribulations, look up at the Star, call on Mary ... In dangers, in distress, in perplexities, think on Mary, call on Mary ...

Following her, you will never go astray; when you implore her aid, you will never yield to despair; thinking on her, you will not err; under her patronage you will never wander; beneath her protection you will not fear; she being your guide, you will not weary; with her assistance, you will arrive safely in the port" (Homilies in Praise of the Virgin Mother, 2:17).

Mary, Star of the Sea, we ask you to guide the young people of the whole world to an encounter with your Divine Son Jesus. Be the celestial guardian of their fidelity to the Gospel and of their hope.

Florida trip

2009-03-02T10:02:00.005-05:00

My mom and Liv at Fort DeSoto
Beautiful Ft. DeSoto

View from Anthony's Grandparents backyard

On the Dock

Valentine's Day Party

Aunt Jess and Liv

Beautiful!

This is the view from outside my moms house in FL.

Uncle Matty and Liv

Aunt Jess and Liv

The Lukewarm Dentist....

2009-03-01T09:18:00.005-05:00

Well, we had Anthony all of last night.... We had a great time at one our friends house for dinner and the Office game. I am so happy to have Anthony back to the land of the living but I am a little frustrated with the fact that he was up all last night. I was hoping today might be our first full family day in a long time but alas I believe he will sleep through most of it. The only problem is if he continues to sleep he will be up all night again! Bad cycle.

I am getting ridiculously anxious for the warm weather to come back. I just want to be outside for more than two minutes. It is freezing out today but for the moment the sun is shining so I will take the illusion of warmth over freezing and grey.

We are a few days into Lent and already I am wondering why I look toward the 'desert'. This book I am reading talks about how Lent is the time to truly look at your sinful nature and identify those things which keep us from Christ. Ouch. Looking at those awful vices is painful at times. The separation is puts between God and I becomes more evident as I continue to read this book. It's funny how ordinary time can go on and I can just ignore this buildup.... kind of like plaque on our teeth, well, I guess it's like that. You don't really know how bad it gets until you get to the dentist and HE tells you, 'Look what you have done!' For me it feels like sometimes I just ignore sin and chalk it up to 'just the way it is'. It's that whole lukewarm business that is spoken about in the Bible I guess. And what was it about the lukewarm?

Revelation 3:16 (New International Version)
16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Again, ouch. There is no way I want to get to those pearly gates and that word, lukewarm, be associated with my life. It is a matter of figuring out how to really recognize sin in my life and truly try to pray myself out of it. I have such a short temper and lack of patience sometimes it doesn't help my cause.... especially when I have had Liv for 4 weeks straight and I am TIRED TOO. (See there is that temper....and my words reflect a tenth of how I really feel!)

I think being a doctor's wife requires a different level of patience and understanding. (Which in turn minimizes the anger/ lack of patience). There needs to be a point where the spouse is comfortable enough in the marriage to know that although the doctor's immediate attention is solely focused on his work, ultimately his love far succeeds this and always rest with his spouse. Maybe that is the difference between a well seasoned spouse and someone like myself. There is a confidence in the love that will always trump the seeming affair with the hospital! This is something I need to really concentrate on praying for- confidence in the marriage and the love one's spouse-doctor may have for the wife. Spouse first, doctor second. (Albeit, this is a challenging feat in residency! But don't you think they should establish this relationship now so it doesn't overlap into their professional career? It seems that the longer I let the hospital take precedence the harder it will be to turn the tides back to the family in the long run. I get so confused about how much to let Anthony just 'be' versus asking him to be a functioning part of the family. Chores? Family time? Wife time? Kid time? His time?)

If you are reading this and have some advice please let me know how you think! My rambling is officially over.... almost

So, I plug forward in the desert time, somewhat reluctantly, somewhat intentionally...... I know it is His plan so alas I move forward.

Block nights is almost over

2009-02-27T17:15:00.003-05:00

Block nights is almost over!
Yay!
I am so happy!

40 Days for Life

2009-02-25T15:07:00.002-05:00

40 days for life begins today, Feb. 25.

40 Days for Life is a nationally coordinated life campaign that draws attention to the evil of abortion through the use of a three-point program:

Prayer and fasting
Constant vigil
Community outreach

It started 4 years ago in one city and has now spread to over 130 cities in the US and 3 other countries. It is held 2 times a year. During the last 40 days for life (fall of 2008), more than 1,100 babies were saved from abortion, 5 abortion workers quit their jobs and walked away from this evil industry, and 3 abortion clinics completely shut down...among many many other blessings.

1. Prayer and fasting: are the foundation of this campaign. Wherever you are and whatever you're doing, you can pray to end abortion.

Christ told us that some demons can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. The two go hand in hand. Prayer keeps us rooted in the fact that it is our desire to carry out God's will. Fasting is a sacrifice that helps us reach beyond our own limitations with God's help.
Fasting is not a Christian diet; it is a form of physical prayer. You can fast from food, TV, alcohol ... anything that separates you from God.

2. Constant vigil:

The most visible component of 40 Days for Life is a constant prayer vigil outside a place where children are aborted. It is the hope that the vigil can be maintained 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It is a prayerful witness to the clinic's patients and employees, and to the entire community, that evil is in our midst and that with God's help, it will be defeated.

3. Community outreach:

During 40 Days for Life, the pro-life message is proactively taken to the community through focused, grassroots educational efforts. People are given the opportunity to visibly show their support for 40 Days for Life.

A door-to-door petition and education drive reaches out. Informational flyers raise awareness about abortion. This outreach can include church involvement, media contact and campus outreach.

Please see the website: 40daysforlife.com

You can sign up to get daily email updates about the progress of this campaign.
PLEASE participate at least by praying for this important cause. You can also pray for God's guidance for those involved in the prayer vigils and pro-life action around the country. And please consider fasting.Fasting simply involves renouncing an activity that can put a barrier between you and God. It could be television, the internet, chocolate, coffee, etc. You really can do without it. Take the time you usually spend in those activities and give it back to God for the sake of these little souls.

Lent

2009-02-24T22:59:00.005-05:00

Lent really snuck up on me this year. For some reason I just didn't realize it was tomorrow until I started reading some facebook comments about people giving up facebook for lent.

Since I have had the evening to myself I have had some time to really think about what I want out of this Lenten season. Mostly I don't want these 40 days to go by without a true effort on my part to prepare my heart for Easter.

I think the most meaningful Lenten seasons I have experienced were in college. Granted things were a little more intense there than in the 'real' world, overall the feeling of Lent was evident throughout those 40 days. Every Friday was a real reminder of what we are called to do as most students fasted and remained prayerful throughout the day. There was a somber feeling that allowed one to reflect on the sorrowful passion of Christ instead of normal day to day activities.

So, I am sitting here trying to figure out how a stay at home mom with two little ones running around during the day, truly enters into Lent and makes these days meaningful.

I did buy this book: (bought it full price and should have bought it off Amazon... I don't know what I was thinking!- Oh I wasn't thinking)

It looks like it is going to be a good resource for bringing Lent back to the basics and really looking at my daily choices. I'm excited to really delve into this time of reflection and really try and prepare my heart for Christ's Resurrection!

Back to Dodge

2009-02-21T19:55:00.005-05:00

Sad face.

We are back.

We were welcomed back to Ohio by the coldddddd.......

Anthony had to work so we slowly made our way to the airport garage and clicked our remote until our car made some noise. (Anthony had left it for us earlier in the day).

Alone and cold. Sounds like I am a teen runaway.

***********************************************************************************

In other news I attended the Columbus Catholic Women's Conference and it was just awesome. I was privileged to hear Immaculée Ilibagiza speak. She is the Rwanda Holocaust survivor I talked about here.

Can I just say AMAZING!!! Seriously this woman's faith in Christ is just so beautiful. Her talk was so inspiring and motivational.... we were truly in the presence of someone holy. You can buy her talk here.

Sister Rosalind Moss spoke today as well. It was amazing. She is a convert to Catholicism from Judaism and boy does she have a fantastic witness. More importantly her talk was inspiring and truly challenged me to pray more and trust more.

Yay for good conferences!! And inspiration! And hope!!!

Getting out of dodge

2009-02-16T00:11:00.005-05:00

Liv and I got out of dodge. We landed in a sunny, warm and happy place. We left poor Anthony working ridiculous hours and braving the cold weather in Ohio. We are prancing around in flip flops and t-shirts while Anthony pours on his many layers. Liv announced proudly today, 'No coat mommy!'. Indeed Liv, no coat.

The week is promising the following:

Walking outside with no shoes and no coat.

The park. Daily.

Vitamin D.

Eating outside at all the places we may eat.

Sitting by the water.

Sunshine, sunshine.

Peace and tranquility.

Joy.

Valentine's party

2009-02-11T18:14:00.005-05:00

Love the Valentine bows! They are seriously adorable. I wasn't sure how they were going to do in Liv's hair (due to her lack of hair!) but they were perfect! They are from DARLING DAUGHTER! Beautiful bows and bracelets!

Had such a nice time this morning at our Advocates Valentine Party. The kids all colored their Valentine bags and then filled the bags with their Valentine's. I love being a part of such an active group!

Tonight we are preparing for an wind storm. Wouldn't think much about it except last time there was a wind story warning people ended up being out of power for weeks! And it was like hurricane force winds! So, tonight I am on alert as Ant is working and it is just Liv and I.

Tomorrow I am going to see Dr. Parker and check in with him about ALL the medicines I am on. I just need clarification of what every med is actually doing. Hopefully he will be able to clear it all up for me.

Friday we are having a little Rosary/ play group Valentine's party over here and I am so excited. I am going to try and make cup cakes from scratch. For most people I am sure this is no great feat but for me it is the first time! We shall see how they turn out.

Lastly, I love that we celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Lourds a day early! One day I will get life right....

Lots of time= Creativity

2009-02-10T17:06:00.004-05:00

Our Valentine's Party is tomorrow with the Advocates group. These are the cards I made!

Today we celebrated the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes by coloring a picture we found here
Shower of Roses
and
Waltzing Matilda

Keeping busy

2009-02-08T16:44:00.003-05:00

With Anthony being so busy this month I have been able to really look at what keeps me motivated and energized. I have to admit (only very quietly) that I kind of enjoy my evenings alone. I guess I need to include my days too because they are alone as well!

I have brought scrap booking back into my life..... almost finished Liv's first album. (Only like 100 more to go it would seem).

I have big plans to clean out my closet and the spare room.

Big plans to minimize what we own. I am ready to have a more simplistic life with less material things. (Optimal word: ready. Whether it happens or not it to be decided).

Working hard on http://www.moderncatholicmoms.blogspot.com/. Shameless plug, but I am really enjoying it. I seriously have a blog issue. I can read other peoples blogs forever!

Reading. Always have time for reading but I can lay in bed with the light on and not worry about keeping Anthony up.

Exercising. Pre ankle problems I was really starting to get moving again. Jillian Michael's 'Shred It' was really pumping me up. And the gym was becoming a routine. Imagine that! Now I am going to have to work hard at motivating again. (I can do it. I can do it).

So, now I feel better. I have stuff to do. I am not alone.... my paper cutter is actually a fun companion. It never complains and is very functional.

Pump It Up

2009-02-04T15:51:00.003-05:00

I took Liv and Brayden to 'Pump It Up' today. They had a BLAST! It was so good to let them run around. Their cheeks were all flushed and they were using muscles they haven't used in months!

Tips- Doctor's Wives Club

2009-02-03T19:38:00.004-05:00

Here are some tips for starting an Advocates Group:

1. Contact the medical education department at the hospital.

The medical education department has the names, addresses and emails of all residents and their spouses. Draft a letter inviting all spouses to a first meeting and have the medical education department send the letters out.

2. The planning of a meeting is the fun part.

- The first meeting of my group began in someones home. They moved to the hospital after the involved the medical education department.

- Dinner is provided by Physician services.

- Different topics and events are planned.

- Sometimes we go out to a movie or for coffee.

- We are involved in different activities throughout the year that help benefit the hospital. (e.g. painting the new children's room in the ER, making cards for the nursers, etc.)

3. The following websites are the national affiliations for the 'Doctor's Wives Club' (my unofficial name). There is a local, state and national level associated with both groups.

-Advocates for the American Osteopathic Association: http://www.advocates4dos.org/

-The Advocates for the American Osteopathic Association is a charitable organization whose mission is to promote and support osteopathic medicine by:
-Educating the community about public health and educational programs surrounding osteopathic medicine.
-Encouraging young physicians by providing grants, scholarships, and project collaboration.
Assisting Student Advocate Organizations at schools of osteopathic medicine across the country.

If you are the significant other of a M.D. here is your website:

-American Medical Association Alliance: http://www.amaalliance.org/site/epage/40220_625.htm

-The mission of the AMA Alliance is to partner with physicians to promote the good health of America and support the family of medicine.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. I am available to talk via email or phone. Good luck!

Left To Tell

2009-02-02T21:04:00.003-05:00

LEFT TO TELL

by
Immaculee Ilibagize
Discovering God amidst the Rwandan Holocaust

'Immaculée shares her miraculous story of how she survived during the Rwanda genocide in 1994 when she and seven other women huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor’s house for 91 days! In this captivating and inspiring book, Immaculée shows us how to embrace the power of prayer, forge a profound and lasting relationship with God, and discover the importance of forgiveness and the meaning of truly unconditional love and understanding—through our darkest hours.'
taken from http://www.lefttotell.com/index.php

Reading Left to Tell is a life changing decision. Immaculee is a future saint walking among us.... and I felt privileged to have read her story......

Througout the entire three months Immaculee gave witness to the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God.

AND THE BEST PART IS
Immaculee is speaking at the Columbus Women's Conference
February 21st, 2009
at the Ohio State Expo Center
Join us! There are still spots available!
http://www.columbuscatholicwomen.com/

Blessings

2009-01-30T23:31:00.004-05:00

All I can say is that I feel so blessed to be surrounded by the community that I have.

Thursday night I spent time with the "Doctor's wives club" for lack of a better name. I think it might be something about the Advocates... I should probably know by now.....

Anyway, it was game night and about 12 women showed up to play. I loved being able to sit around and truly identify with other women who can totally relate to the insanity of being a doctor's wife. Sometimes I just listen to their conversations so I can hear the comments about their husbands not being home or having to take care of x y and z all by themselves. Once you know that there are other women out there making it.... and making it with more kids than you, it just gives you the strength you need to get up and do all over the next day. For anyone who is a physician's spouse or significant other, find a support group or make one.... It really makes all the difference in the world.

Tonight (aren't I a busy little bee this week) I met up with a few girlfriends from my Bible study group to celebrate a birthday. I had so much fun! I love being able to sit around with a group of women who really get me. I love listening to their stories about their children, their marriages and what motivates them. I think it is so amazing to be having a beer, enjoying some food and discussing ways to become more active in the pro-life movement even though we have toddlers. I love being able to discuss the behavior issues that someones toddler is having because mine is usually having the same problem! I love knowing that some of us have been married for ten years with five children and some for six months. I love this group of women because I always know that their main goal in their marriage and family is to help get everyone to Heaven. How beautiful is that?

There was a time after college that was so lonely for me. No real community to speak of left me alone and depressed. I can't believe the difference a community makes for my mental health. Knowing there are women out there striving to raise little saints just pumps me up.

The support of women is like no other. When you can find that community that really makes you want to be a better person, that is when you know you are truly blessed. And I am blessed.

Daddy time and Mommy time

2009-01-29T08:31:00.005-05:00

Liv and her best friend Kami

We went sledding.... so much fun.... Liv went twice with me and loved it. Overall she hates the cold though and never wants to leave the house... true Florida baby (even though she was born in Missouri!)

Liv and daddy made cookies in her new easy bake oven..... very cute memories...very bad cookies.

Make it end

2009-01-27T20:38:00.002-05:00

What you ask?

The snow? The sleet? The cold?

NO! BOARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow is the big day and I just cannot wait. We are so excited to move on from the silent dread of a pending test. I have tried to ignore the stress, look past the stress, remove the stress but seriously, it cannot be disguised. It is what it is.... STRESSFUL!

Anthony takes the test tomorrow and then we are free!!!

No, wait.

We are not. Anthony has some tests or something that he has to prepare for on Thursday morning. So no tomorrow night... but then....

No, wait.

Ant starts nights Thursday. It is the curse of BLOCK Nights!!!

Somebody help me! An entire month of just me and Liv 24:7.

I have never really looked at the role of the 'Physician's-wife/mom. It is actually very challenging. The responsibility of raising your children seemingly alone is overwhelming at times. (And I only have 1! God bless you ladies with two, three, four, and on!) For example, this month Liv and I will spend every minute together. I will be responsible for every aspect of her living (more so than usual) and I really wonder if I have it in me. Disciplining alone can break the strongest mom......So I will turn to God and seriously pray for the strength to keep it together and be enough for Liv. I will pray that I can take the appropriate alone time I might need. I will pray that I will ask for help if I need it and not feel bad about it. I will pray that I can remain supportive of my non existent spouse and not become bitter. Yes, I have a lot of praying to do.....

Holy Baby Giveaway!

2009-01-25T23:47:00.003-05:00

Modern Catholic Moms is giving away 5 sets of Holy Baby DVD's! Go check it out here!

www.moderncatholicmom.blogspot.com

"When I was pregnant with my first daughter my mother bought me the Holy Baby DVD set. This is a great set of DVD's based on the same principles as Baby Einstein yet centered around the Catholic faith. Volume 1 Seven Prayers in Seven Languages introduces your child to the Sign of the Cross, the Apostle's Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory Be, O My Jesus and Hail Holy Queen in seven different languages including English, French, Spanish, Latin, Vietnamese, German and Portuguese. It is also full of vivid religious imagery and songs including Jesus Loves The Little Children, The Seven Joys of Mary, A Child's Morning Hymn and the Holy Baby theme song. Volume 2 Jesus Loves Me , He Is The Bread Of Life is full of upbeat faith filled songs, prayers of the mass and scripture passages.

My girls love their Holy Baby DVD's. They enjoy singing and dancing along with Volume 2 and find Volume 1 relaxing and peaceful as it teaches them prayers that are central to our Catholic faith. I highly recommend these videos to any catholic parent of children form birth to 7 years old. Holy Baby DVD's are available at many Catholic and Christian Book stores or at The Rosary Project online. I have 5 sets of the Holy Baby DVD collection to giveaway.

To enter visit The Rosary Project and take a look at all of their great products. Come back here and in comment tell me what other product they make that caught your eye."- Ellen

Another Sunday

2009-01-25T19:17:00.003-05:00

Anthony just walked in from studying. He has 'taken' a few days off to prepare for his boards on Wednesday. And won't we all be happy when boards are over! It is difficult because he worked nonstop for the past three weeks in order to be able to take these few days off. So now, we haven't seen Anthony for about a month and these few days he actually has off are spent studying at the local Starbucks. Lucky barista's. As soon as boards are over Block nights begin.

Dreading it..... Block nights is a month full of 4p until 7a Monday through Friday night. That leaves Sunday to see Anthony.... at which time he will be recovering from working nights...

I have been so short with Liv lately. She is being two and normal (as far as I know) but I just don't have the patience for it. Sometimes I just want to run away.... to Fork, WA! Or maybe to the beach, where there is sun and happiness.

Question for moms: All of a sudden Liv has really learned the word 'no' in a really teenager sorta way. What do I do? I get really stern and tell her she cannot talk to me that way.... which is followed with 'But why mom?' And you know, sometimes all I can come up with is, ' Because I said so!'. I time her out to make a point but really we might be in time out all day sometimes. My mom says to nip this in the bud quick less I have a defiant child for the next fifteen years.... NO WAY! So any suggestions would be great. Or at least a confirmation that Olivia and I are normal.
Aren't I just a ball of joy this evening?

Anthony just said he is going to start a blog about me blogging all the time.... :-)

P.s. He is getting Liv out of the bath and getting her ready for bed.... love love love the break.

How sad

2009-01-23T21:31:00.002-05:00

Anthony fell asleep at 8:15pm. So I started scrapbooking. Its been a lonnnggg time since I have actually sat down and done that.... But now its 9:30p and I am bored. We don't have cable.... and I can only watch so much Nanny 911. B-o-r-e-d.

I can remember fun filled Friday nights... oh, (sigh) those were the days..... What happened to us? We got old. 29 almost 30 old. Is this what I am destined for?

Anniversary of Roe v.Wade

2009-01-22T15:39:00.006-05:00

43,000,000 children have been killed since Roe v. Wade took place in 1973.

Source: Finer LB and Henshaw SK, Estimates of U.S. Abortion Incidence in 2001 and 2002, Alan Guttmacher Institute, 2005 [PDF], accessed May 17, 2005.

1,300,000 children are aborted each year in the United States.

Source: Finer LB and Henshaw SK, Estimates of U.S. Abortion Incidence in 2001 and 2002, Alan Guttmacher Institute, 2005 [PDF], accessed May 17, 2005.

Roe and Wade are both pro-life now.

Neither of the two women whose cases were originally brought to the Supreme Court had abortions. Norma McCorvey (Roe) had claimed she was gang raped in order to gain sympathy for her attempt to have an abortion in Texas. Her lawyer, Sarah Weddington, knew the rape story was a lie when she argued the case before the Supreme Court, but she chose to keep that information from the court and the public. The truth did not surface until 1988, when Norma McCorvey herself confessed to the lie. In 1995, McCorvey joined the pro-life movement.
Sandra Cano (Doe) had appealed to a lawyer for help in reclaiming her children, who had been taken from her at a time that she was unable to provide for them. Attorney Margie Pitts Hames siezed the opportunity to use the unwitting Cano, who was pregnant at the time, in the effort to legalize abortion in Georgia, even though Cano had never wanted an abortion.

The lawyers did not come through on their promise to help Cano, and when the Supreme Court decision came down, both the lawyers and Cano's family tried to force her to have a late term abortion. She had to leave the state to avoid the abortion they scheduled for her. Cano tried to publicize her opposition to abortion shortly after the 1973 decision, but the media paid no attention to her.

Both McCorvey and Cano testified to their opposition to abortion at a Pro-Life Action League conference in Chicago on April 20, 1996.

Who gets abortions? How does abortion break down demographically?

Statistics are available on the percentage of abortions sought by women in various demographical categories, including age, marital status, race, religion, and prior pregnancies.

Age of Mother
Percentage
Less than 15 0.7%
15-19 18.6%
20-24 33%
25-29 23.1%
30-34 13.5%
35-39 8.1%
40-44 3.1%

Marital Status
Married 17%
Separate/Divorced/Widowed 15.6%
Never Married 67.3%

Race of Mother

White 40.9%
Black 31.7%
Hispanic 20.1%
Asian/Pacific Islander 6.4%
Native American 0.9%

Religion of Mother

Protestant 42.8%
Catholic 27.4%
None 22.2%
Other 7.6%

Prior Pregnancies
Previous Abortion and Birth 36%
None 27%
Previous Birth 25%
Previous Abortion 12%

Source: Jones RK, Darroch JE and Henshaw SK, "Patterns in the socioeconomic characteristics of women obtaining abortions in 2000-2001," Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2002, 34(5):226-235.

Inauguration

2009-01-20T13:14:00.004-05:00

My feelings are so mixed up on this monumental day. I have caught bits and pieces of the Inauguration address as President Obama was sworn in. Our nation is rejoicing at the prospect of 'change' and yet I sit here fearful of what is going to happen to the lives of the unborn. This is one of the first times I have felt torn as a citizen of the United States and a Catholic. Never before have I felt this tug at my heart. I watch our nation rejoicing and truly coming together as a community yet I cannot join in. Or, will not.

I do celebrate the fact that we now have a black president. How far has our country come! It is exciting and hopeful. It is what I always knew our country is capable of. Breaking down the doors of discrimination is monumental. But at what cost!? We have elected a president who has made known his feelings about the sanctity of life and it is horrifying. I can find no other word to describe it. Our society has elected a president taking into regard the fact that he is in support of Stem Cell Research, Abortion and China's one child policy. I am just overwhelmed at the thought of what our future (or ironically, lack there of) holds in the hands of President Obama.

I am convinced that as pro-life supporters, we must delve into prayer like never before. Our society will now be given even more opportunity to move toward a world that continues to disregard the beauty and preciousness of life. It is our job, as Christians, to truly promote the sanctity of life in all areas. Beginning in our homes and moving into the community, we cannot sit back idly.

Today is monumental on so many levels. Today is a call to all those who know that life begins at conception. It is time to make a statement. To be the voice for those who cannot speak. We are the voice of those who are in utero. We are the only ones who can actively protest the horrors of abortion, stem cell research, and such policies as China's one child rule. (My mind cannot even wrap itself around the idea of the government FORCING people to have abortions to ensure population control. It sounds so barbaric that I have a hard time believing it is an issue that is being dealt with in the year 2009).

So for now we pray. And we remain vocal that all life is precious and all children have the right to be born.

Obama on Stem Cell Research:

Stem cells hold promise to cure 70 major diseases Barack Obama believes we owe it to the American public to explore the potential of stem cells to treat the millions of people suffering from debilitating and life threatening diseases. Stem cells hold the promise of treatments and cures for more than 70 major diseases and conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and diabetes. As many as 100 million Americans may benefit from embryonic stem cell research. As president, Obama would:

Promote Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Support Medical Advancement and Innovation
Expand the Number of Stem Cell Lines Available for Research
Ensure Ethical Standards Obama introduced legislation in the Illinois Senate to ensure that only those embryos that would otherwise be discarded could be used and that donors would have to provide written consent for the use of the embryos.

Source: Campaign website, BarackObama.com, “Resource Flyers” Aug 26, 2007

Catholic Church on Stem Cell Research:

In his 1995 encyclical The Gospel of Life, Pope John Paul II wrote: "Human embryos obtained in vitro are human beings and are subjects with rights; their dignity and right to life must be respected from the first moment of their existence. It is immoral to produce human embryos destined to be exploited as disposable 'biological material'" (1,5).

Obama on abortion:
Extend presumption of good faith to abortion protesters

[An abortion protester at a campaign event] handed me a pamphlet. “Mr. Obama, I know you’re a Christian, with a family of your own. So how can you support murdering babies?”
I told him I understood his position but had to disagree with it. I explained my belief that few women made the decision to terminate a pregnancy casually; that any pregnant woman felt the full force of the moral issues involved when making that decision; that I feared a ban on abortion would force women to seek unsafe abortions, as they had once done in this country. I suggested that perhaps we could agree on ways to reduce the number of women who felt the need to have abortions in the first place.
“I will pray for you,” the protester said. “I pray that you have a change of heart.” Neither my mind nor my heart changed that day, nor did they in the days to come. But that night, before I went to bed, I said a prayer of my own-that I might extend the same presumption of good faith to others that had been extended to me.
Source: The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama, p.197-8 Oct 1, 2006

Catholic Church on abortion:

"All human beings, from their mother’s womb, belong to God who searches them and knows them, who forms them and knits them together with his own hands, who gazes on them when they are tiny shapeless embryos and already sees in them the adults of tomorrow..." (The Gospel of Life, #61).

President Obama on China's one child policy:

Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush all refused to fund the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) because the organization helps China execute its one-child policy (and because the UNFPA also funds the occasional unseemly eugenics program). But Barack Obama, like Bill Clinton before him, has pledged to reverse the course of his Republican predecessor and fund the UNFPA. It's somewhat ironic that feminist organizations are the interest groups pushing most strongly for UNFPA funding.

Catholic Church on abortion:

Thus, in 1995 Pope John Paul II declared that the Church’s teaching on abortion "is unchanged and unchangeable. Therefore, by the authority which Christ conferred upon Peter and his successors . . . I declare that direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, always constitutes a grave moral disorder, since it is the deliberate killing of an innocent human being. This doctrine is based upon the natural law and upon the written word of God, is transmitted by the Church’s tradition and taught by the ordinary and universal magisterium. No circumstance, no purpose, no law whatsoever can ever make licit an act which is intrinsically illicit, since it is contrary to the law of God which is written in every human heart, knowable by reason itself, and proclaimed by the Church" (Evangelium Vitae 62).

Denial to Acceptance

2009-01-17T00:32:00.005-05:00

Let me tell you how silent a house can be when your 2 1/2 year old is asleep and you are home alone... for the hundredth time. You can hear every creak that your house makes. You can hear the heat coming on and going off. You can hear all the disturbing noises the ice maker makes. The t.v. remains off and the silence is either welcomed or unwanted depending on my mood. I had no idea that getting married would render this much time alone.... Not my sad story but merely a state of life. Physician's wives have to scrapbook or blog because it is the 'filler'. It fills the time when your spouse is working nights for the month, or is on call 'again', or has to study for that next board, or is asleep because he has done all of the above.

I feel like as time goes on I am learning to embrace this way of life with much more grace. I can relate it to the five steps from denial to acceptance:

Denial: As medical school started I remember thinking there was no way that someone had to study 'that' much. We were three weeks freshly married and I was ready for married life to take off into a world of fairies and rainbows. Oh, those first two years were such a bust. I was in complete denial about the pressure and demands of a new medical student.

Anger/ Resentment: Oh, the anger and resentment. I desperately would like to write that this phase never happened upon me but puh-leaassee. I am such a baby sometimes. This anger phase crept up as we were leaving our second year in Missouri and starting our third year in Florida.... I definitely had to work through some issues regarding the amount of time this poor guy was required to be at work or studying... now he was passed studying all the time.... it was work, work, work... come home.... study, study, and sleep. There was a lot of 'woe is me' here. I'm not proud, but ridiculously human.

Bargaining: The bargaining.... All you have to do is take out the trash. Can you just take out the trash? I will do everything else but you have to be an active member of the family.... If Anthony could just take out the trash than it would negate all the time spent in the hospital and at Starbucks.... You take out the trash and I will stop compaining all the time... You take our the trash and that means you really do want to help around the house. Guess who ended up being the trash lady?

Depression: Coupled with life events that would make anyone sad, depression came a swinging.... Florida was a rough patch. I had my family, which was awesome but I was dealing with being home for the first time with my dad recently deceased from cancer, learning how to manage with a brand new baby, and living as a single parent. Sad. But I regained my stamina.... and now look at me. Pocket full of joy!

Acceptance: This is where I sit today. Semi-quasi-questionable acceptance. I saw a friend I hadn't seen in awhile and she commented on how much more hopeful and happy I seemed. All kidding aside it really made me appreciate how far I have come. Once again we have moved to a far away land and I am alone. But this time I am okay with it. The nights get long. The house remains quiet. But I have a little more compassion and empathy for the rigorous lifestyle which my husband maintains.

2009-01-14T21:33:00.003-05:00

The kids were fascinated with these x-rays. Especially Brayden. Liv's first bowling experience. Every time Liv rolled the ball down the lane it took about an hour to get to the pins. It was pretty funny. Liv would roll the ball and actually take a seat on the ground waiting for the ball to hit the pins.
Hi, welcome to Ohio.

Daddy and Liv on their sled.... Liv was flying down our little hill and loved it.

So Liv didnt really know what to do with the sled when I first showed it to her. Typical Florida kid.

Things have been good here in De Lucia Land... Liv has been pretty busy between bowling and the snow. I just can't get over the snow... it is so much better then just bitter cold. Liv really had a blast in it. I thought she was going to complain about the cold but she kept asking us to stay outside! Anthony and I were starting to freeze! It made me think of my college days and all the fun we had in the snow. Or maybe it was just the Florida girl really enjoying the snow and everyone else laughing at, I mean with me....

Modern Catholic Mom Blog

2009-01-13T22:08:00.003-05:00

I have been invited to help create a new blog! An amazing Catholic mom and friend has put together the makings of a fabulous blog. It called Modern Catholic Mom and it a blog devoted to:

1. Share and educate with other Catholics about all things Catholic going on in our communities and our country.

2. Find and bring to you Catholic products that are exceptional and will be beneficial in aiding to teach the faith as well as keep the flame burning bright.

3. Meet other great Catholic moms and provide as well as receive support and encouragement.

As you can see we need your help to make this blog a success. So please tell your friends and come back often. We want to know what great Catholic products you know about and what is going on in your community so we can all actively participate as part of this wonderful community of believers!

http://moderncatholicmoms.blogspot.com/

United in prayer to end abortion

2009-01-07T22:40:00.003-05:00

This was sent to me by an amazing woman who is promoting prayer as the main tool to fight the horror of abortion. Although the email is sent to those of the Catholic faith we invite all religions and faiths to join in praying on this date for the conversion of hearts, especially our president elect and the end to abortion.
-Tara

If you are like me, you are somewhat concerned about the results of the election and the future of our country in terms of the protection of the most vulnerable and innocent life among us. Here is one little thing we can all do to have a positive impact. I hope you will join this grassroots effort. It has been exciting to see the Mass list grow and encouraging to read the enthusiastic responses from people throughout the country. We currently have secured nearly 150 Masses in 36 States and 7 countries for this intention.

WHO: A few faithful Catholics. (Anyone can do this: stay-at-home moms, singles, retired people, students--anyone.)

WHAT: Have a Mass said on Inauguration Day for our new president that he will have a conversion of heart and work to protect the dignity of all human life.”Consider that St. Leonard of Port Mauricesaid that one Mass offered before death may be more profitable than many after it, and St. Anslem affirmed this.

WHEN: Tuesday January 20, 2009 Inauguration Day

WHERE: Throughout our country in as many Catholic churches aspossible. WHY: Because offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for an intention is very powerful. (Please see my story below.)

HOW: Simply call your local parish and ask to reserve January 20th for your intention. The usual stipend is $10. (Many priests will be glad to offer the Mass for this intention without the usual stipend--just ask.) Time is of the essence. It is getting more difficult to secure Mass Intentions for the specific date: 1/20/09. But there are still options. You can either ask for the closest date available or if you know your pastor to be zealously pro-life, you can talk to him directly and he may be willing to change the intention schedule, if at all possible. Also, consider that the following places are not booked as early:convents, abbeys, monasteries, retirement homes for priests and nuns, hospitals, nursing homes, and college campuses. (The main campus churches are probably already booked, but the dorm Mass intentions are generally more available and flexible.). But many parishes are still making room for our intention in their schedules, so don’t hesitate to ask. I have had good success sending out e-mails to specific priests that I know to be ardently pro-life. I also have had wonderful responses from convents this past week. Then post the Mass location, date, and time to the blog. Next week,we will send out an e-mail inviting Catholics around the country to attend a Mass in their local area. So, it would be great to secure more Masses in all states so that more people would have the opportunity to attend a Mass locally.

But now, let me share the inspiration behind this idea. A young friend of ours owns a shop. One day a gentleman came in and said that, as a Jew, he was offended by the crucifix that she had hanging there. They got into a long discussion/debate and when they parted she said, "You pray for me and I will pray for you." Later she shared this story with her family and her younger, teen-age sister decided to have a Mass offered for the intention of this man's conversion. Six months later the shop-owner was entering the cathedral and this man was leaving the church. He said, "Do you remember me? I am becoming a Catholic." This story of one simple act inspired me and helped me to realize the profound impact of a Mass offered for the conversion of heart.

ONGOING ROSTER
146 Masses in 36 States,
Washington DC; Rome, Italy; Fatima,Portugal; the Dominican Republic; Haiti, India; and Calgary, AB,Canada.

Alabama (AL)Gulf Shores, AL: retired priest (private Mass)
Alaska (AK)
Arizona (AZ)Coolidge, AZ: St. James’
Arkansas (AR)Cherokee Village, AR: St. Michael's Church
California (CA)El Cajon, CA: St. Ephrem’s Newport, CA: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Rancho Santa Margarita, CA: San Francisco Solano’s San Bernadino, CA: Our Lady of the AssumptionSanta Paula, CA: TAC (St. Thomas Aquinas College) Vina, CA: Abbey of New Clairvaux
Colorado (CO)Littleton, CO: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
Connecticut (CT)West Hartford, CT: St. Thomas the Apostle’s (6 AM and Noon)
Delaware (DE)
Florida (FL)Deltona, FL: Our Lady of the Lakes St Petersburg, FL: St. Raphael’sSebastian, FL: St. Sebastian’s (Jan. 23)
Georgia (GA)Canton, GA: Our Lady of Lasalette’s
Hawaii (HI)Honolulu, HI: Father Damien’s on Aliamanu Military Reservation
Idaho (ID)
Illinois (IL)Alton, IL: St Mary's of the Immaculate Conception (6:30 AM)DeKalb, IL: Christ the Teacher Parish, Northern Illinois UniversityWestmont, IL: Holy Trinity
Indiana (IN)Montgomery, IN: St. Peter’s Notre Dame, IN: Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Date TBA)Iowa (IA)Iowa City, IA: St. Mary’sSioux City, IA: Carmelite Monastery
Kansas (KS)Concordia, KS: Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Jan. 22 at 7:15 AM)Dodge City, KS: Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe Garden City, KS: St. Dominic’s
Kentucky (KY)Morganfield, KY: St. Ann’sRussellville, KY: Sacred Heart
Louisiana (LA)
Maine (ME)
Maryland (MD)Rockville, MD: St. Mary’s (7 AM)
Massachusetts (MA)
Michigan (MI)Ann Arbor, MI: Sisters of Mary, Mother of the EucharistLivonia, MI: St. Michael'sMichigan City, MI: St. Stanislaus Kostka’a (7 AM)St. Clair, MI: St. Mary's Troy MI Elizabeth Ann Seton
Minnesota (MN)Alexandria, MN: St. Mary’sCrookston, MN: Diocese of Crookston ChanceryCrookston, MN: Cathedral of the Immaculate ConceptionCrookston, MN: Villa St. VincentGreenbush, MN: Blessed SacramentJordon, MN: St. Patrick’s (Friday Jan. 16)Rochester, MN: Pax ChristiSt. Paul, MN: St. Agnes’ (Date TBA)
Mississippi (MS)
Missouri (MO)Kansas City, MO: Our Lady of Good Counsel
Montana (MT)Great Falls, MT - Our Lady of LourdesGreat Falls, MT - Blessed Sacrament Belt, MT- St. MarksColumbus, MT - St. Mary's
Nebraska (NE)McCook, NE: St. Patrick Church (8:00 A.M. Elementary School Mass)Omaha, NE: St. Margaret Mary’s Schuyler NE: Benedictine Mission House
Nevada (NV)
New Hampshire (NH)
New Jersey (NJ)Buena Borough, NJ: Queen of Angels Parish
New Mexico (NM)Roy, Mosquero, and Wagon Mound, NM:
New York (NY) NYC, NY: Church of Notre Dame (Jan. 19)
North Carolina (NC)
North Dakota (ND) Beach, ND: St. John’s Belfield/South Heart, ND: St. Mary’s/St. BernardsBismarck, ND: Fr. RichterBismarck, ND: Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (both 6:45 and 8 AM) and (8 AM on Jan. 22) Bowman, ND: St. Charles’ (Jan. 20) and several more (which will be offered close to 1/20)Carrington, ND: Sacred HeartDickinson, ND: St. Patrick'sFargo, ND: Sts. Anne and Joachim (12:10 PM)Fargo, ND: Fargo, ND: St. Mary’s CathedralGlenburn, ND: St. Philomena’sGrand Forks, ND: UND Newman CenterGrand Forks, ND: St. Mary’s (2 Masses)Hankinson, ND: St. Francis ConventHebron, ND: St. Ann’sKarlsruhe, ND: Sts. Peter & PaulLamoure, ND: Holy Rosary Church (830 AM) Lidgerwood, ND: St. Boniface’sLinton, ND: St. Anthony’sMandan, ND: Christ the King (8:00 AM)Mandan, ND: (Jan. 19-private Mass)Mantador, ND: Sts. Peter and PaulMinot, ND: St. Leo’sMinot, ND: (Jan. 19-private Mass)New England, ND: St. Mary’s New Rockford, ND: St. John’sPark River, ND: St. Mary’sRichardton, ND: Assumption Abbey (2)Richardton, ND: St. Mary’sRugby, ND: Little Flower’sValley City, ND: Maryvale-Sisters of the Presentation ConventValley City, ND: St. Catherine’sWarsaw, ND: St. Gianna Maternity HomeWilliston, ND: St. Joseph’s
Ohio (OH)Dayton, OH: listed as Special IntentionColumbus, OH: Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Oklahoma (OK)
Oregon (OR) Beaverton, OR: St. John Vianney Retirement CenterHillsboro, OR: St. Matthew’sJoseph, OR: St. Katherine's La Grande, OR: Our Lady of the ValleyPortland, OR: (private Mass)Portland, OR: Holy RosarySherwood, OR: St. Francis’
Pennsylvania (PA) Mars, PA: St. Kilian’s (Jan. 18)Pittsburg, PA: Seraphic Mass Association
Rhode Island (RI)North Kingstown, RI: St. Frances de Sales’
South Carolina (SC)Rock Hill, SC: St. Anne's
South Dakota (SD) Aberdeen, SD (2 Masses) Redfield, SN: Sacred Heart Sioux Falls, SD: Holy Spirit Parish
Tennessee (TN)
Texas (TX)Houston, TX: nine Masses at various parishesRio Grande City: The Benedictine Monastery of the Good Shepherd
Utah (UT)Salt Lake City, UT: The Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Vermont (VT)Westfield, VT: Immaculate Heart of Mary, Benedictine Monastery
Virginia (VA)
Washington (WA)Bremerton, WA: Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Fr. Lappe Camas, WA: St. Thomas Aquinas’Federal Way, WA: Pasisades Retreat HouseSeattle, WA: Sacred Heart, Fr. Konen (2)Vancouver, WA: Holy RedeemerVancouver, WA: St. James’
West Virginia (WV)
Wisconsin (WI)Appleton, WI: St. Pius X’s (1/8/09)Mt. Horeb, WI: St. Ignatius’ (5:30 PM)
Seymour, WI: St. John the Baptist’sWyoming
(WY)Cody, WY: St. Anthony of PaduaEvanston, WY: St. Mary Magdalen’sKemmerer, WY: St. Patrick’sThermopolis, WY: St. Francis’Washington D.C. Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Date TBA) (Private Mass) Fr. Jim Steffes, STL, Secretariat of Clergy,Consecrated Life and Vocations @ USCCB
Dominican Republic Calgary, AB,
Canada; St. James’ (7 PM)Haiti; Missionaries of CharityIndia (3) and several more from Bangalore, IndiaRome, ItalyFatima, Portugal: Parish Church of the Seers of Fatima This grassroots Inauguration Day Mass Intention project is beingpromoted . . . on AM 1370 in Grand Forks. in Fargo Diocese paper, New Earth, December issue by the Sisters of the Monastery of the Good Shepherd in Rio GrandeCity by Human Life PAC of WA State by USCCB Respect Life Committee by Lighthouse Catholic Media by History Links—Integrated Learning for Catholic Families by Crookston Diocese’s Office of Christian Service by Fr. John Hampsch & the Claretian Teaching Ministry by Mary’s Touch radio show

Liv update

2009-01-06T21:13:00.008-05:00

So I looked over while cooking dinner and realized

that Liv was having an entire tea party with her ponies.

So cute! She was asking them if they wanted more

milk or tea and they all had these funny little names... like meela

and foona.

Liv really wanted a picture of the ponies all
together.

Before the tea party there was a photo shoot.
So naturally I had to get a picture of Liv
taking pictures of her ponies. The best was
when she told them all to smile....

Today we went to a story time at a friends
house.... yep this is actually at someones
home even though it looks like there are
enough kids to be at the library! We had so
much fun!

You can tell Anthony has been gone a lot.... I am turning into the crazy blog lady! But honestly these were just too funny....

My mom got Liv a toddler Bible for Christmas and every night we try to read a few passages from it. For some reason Liv loves the story of Adam and Eve. Every night she asks for the story about the lady and the fruit. So I read a new passage and always the Genesis story.

The first night after I read the story I asked her follow up questions that the Bible provides. I asked, 'What did the woman do wrong?' And Liv answered 'she ate the fruit'. I asked her how she disobeyed and she answered 'She didn't listen to God'. But then she got a really concerned look on her face. I asked her what was wrong and she said, ' Oh mom, but I really love fruit!' So the rest of the time was spent explaining she was allowed to eat fruit but.... um.... well you get the picture.

Tonight one of our questions following the passage was 'How can we love God better?' And Liv, without missing a beat, answered 'Mom, I love DORA!' I laughed and tried to explain that we can love God too but it didn't work out they way I planned!

Liv's first professional haircut. She just hasn't had

enough hair to justify a real cut until now!

Finding Calcutta

2009-01-05T21:46:00.006-05:00

Mother Teresa has been one of the most influential women in my life since I first 'discovered' her work in college. I was staying at someones home and on they had a coffee table book on her life. I picked it up before bed and could not put it down. I read straight into the night with tears flowing as I read about a women who did the unimaginable.

I have tried to read almost anything and everything written about her or by her and now there is one more book to add to this collection. 'Finding Calcutta' by Mary Poplin is a book about the work of Mother Teresa by a women who volunteered by her side. Going to Calcutta has always been a desire deep in the recesses of my heart. I loved reading this woman's account and description of Calcutta. Her views and opinions of Mother and the Sisters of Charity are beautifully scripted. I seriously enjoyed this book as a prayer companion. It is all marked up inside from all the things I found interesting, relevant, or eye opening.

The beauty of the book is recognizing the Calcutta in our own lives. This is a principle that Mother Teresa coined somewhere when she said that true evangelizing begins in our own homes. Some are called to work in far away places, most are called to work first in their home. I personally think sometimes it would be easier to go somewhere else! But alas, I am here and I understand a little more everyday about the desperate need to evangelize in our homes, in our communities, amongst our families.

Maybe one day I will get to Calcutta. Until then, Poplin really does an excellent job of bringing Calcutta home.

2009-01-05T21:16:00.006-05:00

Lately I have been less the inspired on so many levels. Until now. Rock Band 2 came out recently and it is on. I am not entirely sure why I love it so much. Maybe the challenge, maybe the lure of a video game, or maybe, just maybe I really want to be a rock star. (Nickelback stole that from me).

I love the drums and I love to sing (of course not very well). Regardless I just cant get enough of it. And thank goodness we don't actually own a Wii or Rock Band which limits our access or I would ignore all my major duties as wife and mother.

In other news, Anthony has started his rotation at the children's hospital in Columbus and it is not looking good. He is also taking boards at the end of the month so basically the stress level is a little high right now. And from what I hear, Children's can be very demanding. So lots of work + studying for boards + lack of sleep= questionable January. And to top it all off he begins night shifts in February which is really hard. Monday through Friday night from like 6p to 6a or something will be his new schedule. So looks like I am back to being a single mom for a few months. I can do this. I can do this. I mean some of the girls I know have like three and four kids and are pseudo single moms.... I can so this.

So I am trying to lady up (in lieu of man-up) and put on my happy face as we enter into two difficult months. I hear March is a better month which is promising.

Liv has been doing really well lately. She just gets funnier and funnier. Maybe that's just because I am her mom but she really gets Anthony and I going. We have a new addition to our family. I really want a dog and Anthony does not so to help alleviate the pet desire he went out and bought a fish. So now we have 'Flounder' the Beta fish and no dog. :-( Seriously? What am I going to do with a fish? I mean I am trying to be loving toward it but how do you properly love a fish? I protect its life daily from the grimy grasp of toddler hands. I discourage the shaking of the little bowl from Liv. But I want to hold it in my lap and put a leash on it! Come on.

So now we are looking forward to getting back into routine with our playgroups and such. I am trying to decide whether I should try and find another little one to watch during the day. With Anthony gone so much I am worried that I might be seriously taking too much on but what's a girl to do when her student loans are busting down the door?

I am hopeful though that 2009 holds a lot of good things. I am remaining realistic about the ups and downs of life, looking towards a healthier year, tyring to simplify our belongings and remaining thankful for my family and loved ones.

New Years Eve 2008

2009-01-01T14:41:00.003-05:00

Had such a great time on the eve of 2009!

Weather Lovers

2008-12-29T21:31:00.002-05:00

If you love weather as much as I do you will love this guy's blog... So amazing.

http://bigstormpicture.blogspot.com/

The Freeman/ Cillian/ De Lucia Christmas

2008-12-29T15:18:00.004-05:00

My mom and sisters were SO generous this year. My mom got
Olivia the play house and it has been the best thing ever. Liv loves it!

Such a great Christmas!

The Manger

2008-12-09T23:22:00.006-05:00

I am officially in Florida and loving the warm weather. I missed it so!

One thing I have been dealing with lately is the fact that my dad won't be here to walk my sister down the aisle. I know that it has been almost three years since he died from cancer but there are still some days when I can hardly believe he is gone. We went to Mass on Sunday and as I sat in the pew with my mom and Liv I was just overcome with sadness. I was looking at some of the men and women in the church and realizing that everyone looked older. Of course this should be obvious but for the first time I really looked at the fact that I am getting older too. So much has changed in my life and some of it really has been so hard. We are a small family to begin with but living without my dad is too much sometimes. It really drives home that our time here on earth is so precious and so temporary.

The beauty of life lies in the growth of my family. Of course Anthony was the first addition and then Olivia and now Matt, my future brother-in-law. I am sure little Cillian children will follow from there and hopefully God will gift us with more as well. I am figuring out that this is the cycle of life. I am realizing that the miracle of birth holds a delicate thread to the mystery of death.

Which brings me to the miracle of Christmas. This Advent Olivia was given a beautiful Advent calendar which she adores. Everyday we open a door to place a magnet piece of the manger on a magnetic manger scene. Liv wakes up begging to open a new piece everyday. It is truly inspirational to see the excitement and anticipation Liv has to see what part of the scene she will open next. And when she looks at our manger scene on the counter she asks me, 'Mom, where is Jesus?' and I tell her we are waiting for Him to be born.

I keep thinking about how I need that child-like innocence in my life this Advent. I am waiting for the birth of Jesus. I am waiting for our Savior to be born so that we may enter into His suffering and death on the Cross, so that we can rejoice in the Resurrection that brings us new life. I mean the whole cycle is mind blowing.... To even think that His life would give way to the most self sacrificing moment in all history, His death on a cross, so that we might have eternal life is overwhelming.

This Christmas I want to focus on the birth of our Savior. It took a two year old to bring me to this realization but for that I am grateful. The miracle of Christmas truly surpasses my ability to comprehend but I will look forward to opening those boxes everyday with Olivia in anticipation of our Lord in the manger.

Endow

2008-12-05T13:36:00.004-05:00

Definitely need to be cleaning.... and packing....

But of course the computer calls to me. Last night I attended a Doctor's wives club meeting. I haven't been in awhile so it was nice to reconnect. We made ornaments for the children on the cancer ward of our local children's hospital. How cool is it that these women would all come together, on their 'time off' from the kids, and sit around making gifts? Very cool.

Later that night I attended the Endow Study. What an AMAZING study! It goes through the letter Pope John Paul II wrote to all women thanking them for being women. He addresses all woman of every faith and highlights the woman's vital role in the world. Last night we read a part of the letter where JP II specifically thanks woman who are mothers, wives, consecrated, working, and every woman. He recognizes the beauty of being a woman and the various attributes that make up femininity. In a world where femininity is so confused it is nice to have a documented letter recognizing the many beautiful roles we have.

JP II stresses the importance of human dignity. As stated in the study, 'dignity' is inherent, inalienable, inviolable that exists because of our very being. Society has no right to minimize dignity as it was not the one to create it. Dignity is perfectly coupled with the notion that we are created in the image and likeness of God. And consequently, human rights are directly connected to dignity. This can make one question what right any government may have in determining the worth of a human being (e.g. China, etc.).

The study went on to identify Mary, the Mother of God, as an active participant in the saving work of God through Christ's Incarnation. Because she had free will and intellect she essentially had the right to say no to the angel Gabriel's news of her becoming the Christ Bearer. But she said YES and did so with free will. Who better a role model for all women than Mary? I love that her 'fiat' (her yes) was so passionate and humble. And her example shows us a way to open our hearts and minds to Christ in all His glory and proclaim our fiat.

Femininity has really been destroyed by society. Now when I look at Olivia I am reminded that my job to educate will go far beyond the alphabet and numbers. Somewhere along the line I will have to teach her, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that her self worth is not based solely on her sexuality or her titles. Her dignity is rooted in the 'Image and Likeness of God'! I mean I can hardly understand that myself! I want her to know that her femininity is a gift and an opportunity to really change the world for the better.

As I read this 'Three Cups of Tea' book I am reminded that all over the world women are fighting for basic human rights. The right to be educated, to work, to walk around without a male escort, to speak their mind freely. I think our country does a number on femininity in a much more silent and underhanded way. Our society puts all this emphasis on sexiness and defines being a woman as something that only relates to the size and look of our body. I mean it is impossible to avoid the television, magazines and movies showing me that being a woman involves very few pieces of clothing or obtaining as many partners as desired. And then on the flip side it speaks of this warped feminism that demands 'equality'. I am all for equality as long as I can maintain my femininity. I don't necessarily want to be as physically strong and I like having doors opened for me. Where is the balance? How do we maintain the beautiful attributes that make up a woman and maintain our equality? Last night I heard an analogy that really blew my mind. Woman was taken from the rib of Adam which is on his side. She was not made from mans head or the bottom of his foot. We are created equal to man, created side by side. We are created with out own features and attributes that we should celebrate and promote.

And in our country we can tell our mothers and sisters, our girl friends and daughters that the gift of being a women allows us to be truly free in Christ. We are able to embrace our vocation as women who are mothers and daughters, women who work, women who are wives and actually grow closer to God because we recognize our worth and that we are created in His Image and Likeness.

Ya, did I mention I LOVE this study?

Three Cups of Tea

2008-12-04T08:55:00.007-05:00

So much to do before we leave for Florida. Anthony's 30th birthday is Saturday and Liv and I leave on Sunday. I cannot wait to be home in sunny Florida. The sun has not made its appearance in Ohio in like weeks. I can't take it. Not to mention we are going to Jessie's wedding. We are so pumped for that. Liv knows she is the flower girl and if she listens to mom on the wedding day that a special treat awaits her. Thank God for bribes.

The other day Liv was on her play phone and as I listened I heard this:
"Santa, it's me Liv. Will you please bring me some toys?"
How cute is that?

Lastly, I am reading "Three Cups of Tea". It is awesome. It's about this mountain climber (p.s. I will NEVER climb a mountain: Frostbite, pleurisy, etc. No way.) who end up tyring to scale K2 in Pakistan and stumbles upon a remote village 10,000 feet in the mountains called Korphe. He promises to raise enough money in America to build a school in their tiny village. The story goes on from there and basically this man, Morenson, goes on to build many schools in the most desolate places in the east. The story is AMAZING.

The story really got me thinking. I am painfully aware that we only have a limited amount of time on earth. With this being said I often find myself wondering what it is that prevents me from 'building schools'. I believe we are all called to something that is going to better our world. I just can't believe that we were put on this earth to merely co-exist and promote ourselves. Of course helping those less fortunate is all over the Bible. As I was laying in bed last night I was struck by how much time has slipped through my fingers. This single man has made a difference. And he is painfully ordinary. Recognizing my ordinariness I asked God to reveal to me what I could be doing to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, etc.. I also reminded him that I have a 2 1/2 year old and virtually no time support from my husband.

Ultimately, as Christians, we believe that when we care for the less fortunate we are really caring for Christ. Mother Teresa, who cared for some of the most disfigured and ill human beings, recognized the Christ in everyone of them, which helped her love the people she took care of. How beautiful. All I know is that I am not getting any younger. Maybe its because everyone I know and love is turning 30 and that is so scary! 30! Half way to 60! I feel like college was yesterday. Sometimes I just can't believe how much time has gone by. And I know 30 is the new 20, blah, blah. I just want desperately to make my life meaningful. I want to know that at the end I have made a positive difference in the world. Christ has completely changed my life, turned my world around, and made the most positive impact possible. With that being said I want to give back. I just need to figure out how.

For more information about the book or the Central Asia Institute (the organization that funds the building of schools overseas):

http://www.threecupsoftea.com/

http://www.ikat.org/

http://www.penniesforpeace.org/

Broken camera

2008-11-25T16:59:00.004-05:00

Due to a broken camera there hasn't been any picture taking around here. The camera breaking came at a good time as there is really nothing going on anyway! I am getting ready for the holidays and my sister's wedding. I cannot wait for all these events! Olivia and I are going home for over a week....

Anthony has been working like crazy. He just jumped on the exercise train which is nice. He is trying to eat healthier... also nice. I am trying to be supportive.

I watched a show on TLC last night that I loved! Something about a family having 17 kids...'17 Kids and Counting'. The Duggar family is great and they are funny! The family of 17 with one on the way invited their friends with 16 kids and one on the way to their home for a few weeks. Organized chaos. It was awesome. I tried to get Anthony to watch it but he ended up falling asleep (hmmm that's weird, not.) Anthony and I have an ongoing healthy debate about the pros and cons of homeschooling. I provide the pros and he provides the con's. Just kidding but considering he has never even remotely been exposed to anyone who has been home schooled he is pretty open to at least hearing me out. Before I went to bed last night I couldn't stop thinking about the Duggar's and how they have chosen to remove the television from the home, limit computer use, and other types of media. It made me think about what kind of things I want Olivia exposed to in her youth. Where is the line? How much protection is too much? Is there such a thing as too much protection? Sometimes I take a step back and I think that I need to stop being such an over analyst. But then I think what steps will I take to get Olivia to Heaven? Isn't that the question....

Twilight

2008-11-22T00:25:00.006-05:00

Just saw Twilight. (I actually went by myself. Who does that?)
I LOVED it. Maybe I am an easy audience. I just think they did such a fantastic job of capturing the chemistry between the characters. I know I am a sad hopeless romantic and the hopeless part is why I loved the film so much. The intensity of emotion was awesome. That aspect of the movie was crucial in regard to staying true to the books and the hit it pretty much right on.

Additionally, Stephanie Meyer (author) promotes abstinence before marriage and made sure her movie remained chaste. Think about it. This is an AMAZING phenomenon when you realize that a movie was created without an emphasis on sex, drugs and violence. The books/movie are loved by moms AND their kids. In a culture where the only thing that really sells IS sex and violence we should commend Meyers for giving the youth (and their moms) something worth reading. Okay off my soap box. Overall... I am just a hopeless vampire romantic I guess.

New Doctor's Wife Forum

2008-11-14T19:31:00.006-05:00

Hello ladies! If you have come across this blog while searching for: DOCTOR'S WIFE SUPPORT GROUP then you probably know there is NOTHING OUT THERE! I figured that the only thing we can do to gain that support would be to start a forum. I personally have never been a part of one but I guess there is a first for everything. So feel free to stop by and chat. Maybe this forum can be that support that we need!

It is at this site: http://forums.delphiforums.com/doctorswives/start

Feel free to vent about dirty scrubs on the floor, late nights with your favorite book, the many hats you wear and how great it is to be the wife of a physician! :-)

My New Art

2008-11-14T15:04:00.004-05:00

So, here is the art I have finally decided to place behind my couches on my enormous wall. The wall has been bare since we moved in this past June. I used an idea I found on another blog.

I made it!!! I took Styrofoam, glued scrapbooking paper on it, glued brown papers on all the sides and put them up. Kinda cool, huh?

Although not my original idea I am so excited that I did this!

THRIFTY & CHIC MOM: Baby Wearing Week Giveaway

2008-11-13T13:16:00.000-05:00

THRIFTY & CHIC MOM: Baby Wearing Week Giveaway # 2

Check out this great giveaway while you are at it! Excellent Baby Sling... or more appropriately, ROCKIN.

THRIFTY & CHIC MOM: Babywearing Week Giveaway

2008-11-13T13:13:00.001-05:00

THRIFTY & CHIC MOM: Babywearing Week Giveaway #1#comment-form#comment-form

National Babywearing week rocks on! GREAT giveaway. See above!

Fall Pictures

2008-11-11T09:23:00.009-05:00

My favorite fall foliage shot.

Liv's little trick or treating friends.

Anthony made this pie from s-c-r-a-t-c-h. What?

Ok, so maybe the day was semi cold. Maybe it was

necessary for a coat or something. But these two

Floridians were ridiculous. SO cold!

So cold couldn't even open eyes.

Went to Bakery with Doctor's Wives playgroup.
Made some bread.

I guess if I had to sum up Liv it would

be this picture. A baker's hat, a cookie

in hand, trying to get out of dodge.

Hmmm. I wonder who she takes after?

Family picture with Columbus skyline behind us.

Ant and Liv on the big slide. The next pic was of Ant

falling out of the jumpy slide as he exited but I spared

you and him that pic!

Liv has turned into such a little dare devil.

De Lucia's Love Fall!!! Not So Much Winter!

Guess What Honey- No Work This Weekend!

2008-11-08T12:14:00.005-05:00

Woo hoo! I naively thought. I started making plans for the weekend. Dreams of being helped with laundry, having adult conversation, maybe some alone time without Liv (what is alone time?).....

But just in case you didn't know.... 'I have off this weekend' is code for the following:

Anthony:

-I am going to fall asleep at 8p on Friday night because I am so exhausted from the week.

-I actually have to go in at 7a on Saturday and round on my patients. It shouldn't take too long. I should be home by 2 or 3p.

-At that point I may or may not take a nap because I am so exhausted from getting up at seven and working 8 hours on my day off.

-As for Saturday evening, can we just relax? I have been going nonstop for I don't know how long."

(Although this is the typical response this weekend we have plans! The good news is I think I am going to motivate him to go out to a Martin Sexton concert. He is this amazing folk artist that we have been following since we were dating. I am so excited!)

Tara:

-At this point I feel so guilty that he has basically worked his 80 hours this week that I just cant ask him to do chores.... that would just be mean! But the good news is I think Ant is going to take Liv to a movie tomorrow (Sunday). Two whole hours FOR ME!!!!!!!! I will take it!

All Saints Day

2008-11-04T22:11:00.003-05:00

My little Mother Teresa. Liv and I went to our first All Saints Day party this past Saturday. Liv asked me tonight if we could go back to the saints party tomorrow. So cute!

Seasons

2008-11-04T16:30:00.002-05:00

I love the changing of the seasons. It is so unbelievably beautiful. It is like God just took a paint brush and painted the most amazing picture of reds, oranges and yellows. Every time we go outside I am reminded of His faithfulness in our lives. It is also the beginning of a time when things will become barren. In Florida we don't get the change of seasons but here in Ohio the seasons pave the way for new chapters.

I was thinking last night about my faith journey and how I have become complacent, yet again. My fervor for Christ has been over shadowed by colds, cleaning and the budgeting. My revelation came in the form of books I have been reading by Francine Rivers. The series 'Mark of the Lion' is a three part set that really spoke to my role as a Christian. The books are set in an era about 40 years after the death of Christ and are about the evangelizing efforts of a few characters in Rome and Germania. Wow. What an amazing witness these books are. The characters face mockery and even death by announcing their love for Christ. It is a time when Christian persecution was rampant and the faithful had to worship behind closed doors in fear of being thrown to the lions. I was blown away by the faithfulness and commitment of the characters and their fervent witness to unbelievers. It made me think about what my role is regarding evangelizing. Our 'lions' are without a roar. Our fear of persecution is masked with the sly desire of acceptance in society. Without the imminent fear of death the Christian of today can hide away in her home and dismiss any need to evangelize for fear of 'offending' someone. Sometimes I feel like I am 'doing' enough by trying to raise my child in the faith. Is it enough? Is there more to evangelizing in 2008? Is the need to evangelize even more important now then 40 years post Christ's death on the Cross?

And if indeed it is more necessary and we do recognize a world filled with idols then how much more does Christ's name need to be made known to His people? Our idols are not gold statues, per-say, but the almighty dollar. I always used to pride myself on wanting to live outside of the 'societal box'. This is the box that limits Americans to the idea that their success lies in the size of their homes, the manufacturer of their cars, the clothes their children wear. This is the box that places emphasis on the best education, the best soccer lessons, the most well versed child. And I was anti for so long! And just as soon as my pride allows me to look at the box with disdain I find myself sucked up into the worst of it. I lose sight of what is really important: the salvation of my family.

Now every time I take notice of these beautiful red, orange and yellow trees, I am reminded that God is forever faithful and has the most important role in our lives. He is our salvation. He is our hope of everlasting life.

Thank you!

2008-11-02T18:17:00.005-05:00

For all those women coming forth and offering their encouragement and support, THANKS! You truly help me keep everything in perspective when I realize that I am NOT THE ONLY ONE OUT THERE! All of you are out there!

Hang in there girls..... You are doing a great job.

In other news I have been fighting the flu since last night. Oh, the flu, I had forgotten how terrible it is. And poor Anthony was on 24 hour call last night so he came home at 7am and has had to be on alert with Liv. Typically he would have got home at 7am and slept until around 6p this evening. It was all I could do to get out of bed today. So out of the three of us I am sure Liv got the short end of the stick as Ant kinda fell in an out of sleep on the couch, I slept in my room and Liv watched a lot of T.V.

Where's my medal?

2008-10-28T16:29:00.004-04:00

Olivia has been sick for a few days now. Typically not that big of a deal I suppose. Unfortunately, the little guy we sit for is sick as well. So, that means double the noses, the potty issues, the whining, etc. Liv has literally asked me 15 times for more crackers even though I have said no, um, 15 times. I am literally asking out loud for God to give me patience with my child! Kid sickness is funny because for the most part they fight the urge to rest and want to keep playing. My child incorporates incessant moaning and complaining into her illness. She will repeat the same request over and over even though I will tell her 'maybe later', etc.

I guess it doesn't help that Anthony hasn't really been around since Saturday morning. I find that I can really be a good mom when he is around to help out at least for an hour or so once every two days. But when he is out for the count I start to slowly lose my mind.

Its like, as the wife of an intern, you actually never really get a break. Of course I know they don't get much of a break either, but with that being said, what about the wives? I don't know how the other wives around here do it. They always seem so put together and able to take on anything. I, on the other hand, start to breakdown after the third day! I dream of going into stores without taking two kids out of a car seat and putting two kids back in a car seat. I dream of quiet car trips where no one is asking me for anything. I dream of cleaning a house and knowing it will remain clean for more than five minutes! Wait, if I am dreaming then there is no cleaning.....

I still think spouses of physicians should be rewarded medals at the end of this whole wild ride. Big 'ole medals that we hang in our living room that say, 'It was me! I helped with this whole medical thing! I wasn't in the hospital, or the operating room, or the practice but I made sure his clothes were ironed. I paid the bills and made the budget. I made sure he ate and drank! I am the one who is able to multi task by 100 and keep our little world running! And I am awesome.'