Walk and Roll!

A big week here indeed!   Our oldest son Gabriel is officially a Boy Scout.   Five years of Cub Scouts, awards, camping trips, Soapbox Derby's and service projects culminated in this rite of passage as he "crossed over" to the rank of Boy Scout.   Here is the proud boy (in the middle):

We are so proud of our growing-up-way-too-fast young man.  Here is a snapshot of some of his awards:

   Speaking of growing up WAY too fast, take a look at this big roller!

Go Gussy!   He's actually been rolling over since February but he's now getting stronger.  He rolls over and/or tries to sit up every chance he gets.   Hard to believe Gus is five months old already!    Here's a cute moment this morning of Garrett reading to Gus before school:

Meanwhile, miss Karolina is moving right along too.   The braces on her feet took some getting used to, but she is stronger and faster than ever now.   They have really served her well.

As I posted this picture I just realized the braces are actually on the wrong feet!   The therapist wrote "L" and "R" on them but it wore off.  I better go fix it.:)   We also had a very big/important meeting with her team of therapists this week.   It will be a long road, but we continue to see wonderful, steady progress.   

Have a great weekend and a blessed Palm Sunday!   We are brewing some fun stuff for Holy Week, check back for some fun (free) printables and recipes, and thanks for the comments on the last post!  

Gearing Up for Easter

Two weeks from today we will celebrate Easter (already)!   I'm always amazed by how the time gets away from me, so Jim and I actually had a date night to do some Easter basket shopping to try and avoid our usual,  last-minute scramble.   We purchased a few small items, and ordered some books online, but I am waiting to get the chocolate and candy.   I am actually, (surprisingly) doing really well with my Lenten goal of giving up chocolate and I don't want to blow it now by tempting myself with bags of Reese's!   Speaking of fasting, Crosswalk.com has some excellent ways to fast that are really unique and creative.   Things like "Fast from Driving" (I'm liking that more and more with gas prices!)  "Fast from Multitasking" and 15 total ways to fast as we observe the last few weeks of Lent.  Click here for the article.


Back to the baskets, here are a few of the items we have so far:


Sticker book for Garrett.  We also bought little matching cross necklaces for the boys.  Less than $3 at our local Catholic bookstore.  Good deal!

 We had to get this for Karolina. :)   Even though she doesn't sit through a book yet, this is a keeper (for obvious reasons). :)   We also bought bookmarks for the kids too.

I've also heard great things about this book, especially good for Easter (but on backorder due to demand):

"The Boy Who Met Jesus" is also currently on it's way from Amazon.   After reading "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom with Gabriel, it's been a challenge to find a fitting follow-up.  I think/hope this one will be great to read with Gabe.

Do you have any special books or significant items you place in Easter baskets?  Would love to hear your tips and special suggestions.   

A Surprising Spring

As I write this, we are on our second week of temperatures above 60-degrees here in Ohio (almost 80 today in fact)!   Trees are budding, birds are singing, and life. is. good. 


 The usual after-school snack (grabbing a handful of chips) was replaced by this springy, fruity number:

Karolina has been sporting a beautiful sun dress,

and it was nice enough for our first fishing expedition of the season

 I don't know how long it will last, but everyone is sure making the most of the amazing, unusual warmth.  It's a beautiful sight!   Enjoy every minute!


Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.  Acts 14:17

Friday Notes

First off, Happy Birthday to my dad!   What a year.   Last year on his birthday he was in the hospital and diagnosed with lung cancer (on his birthday).   A lot has transpired since then.   It has not been an easy 12 months, but we celebrate how far he's come and the fact that on this day, he is cancer free.  Some birthdays are about so much more than cake and goodies.  Life is the real gift!!  Happy Birthday Dad.

I also had to share this quick photo I snapped at Garrett's school.  It's from a cute bulletin board his teacher posted in the hallway listing the kindergarten class.  I spotted this handsome guy:

Finally, Happy St. Patrick's Day! On the show this morning,  we talked about a little printable craft the kids and I did this week.  It's so easy (I love those kinds of crafts)!:) Just print, cut and paste.

Click here to print yours from an awesome blog.


And, what would a St. Patrick's Day celebration be without a food tie-in? :)   This Shamrock Toastie hit the spot.

How is it that in my 33 years I never realized that a green bell pepper was shaped like a three-leaf-clover?!:)   N-e-a-t!   You can get the recipe here, along with several other wonderful, creative St. Patrick's Day food ideas.


Have a blessed, beautiful weekend!

Little Bro, Big Sis

Just wanted to share a few updated pictures of our littlest two.   I feel bad that the older boys have been getting significantly less camera time these days but I know it will balance out come baseball and camping season. :)    Here is Gus wearing his new shirt (just in case we forget what order he is in the family). :)

What a big boy!   He's almost four and a half months old already.

Here is Karolina with her new braces.   I tried to get her to smile, but she was not amused by my goofy efforts. :)     She's actually doing great with them and has a firmer foundation when she stands.   Her left foot was significantly turned out and affecting her gait and balance.  Her occupational therapist was concerned about future hip and knee problems due to the severity of it.   She recommended these small braces to correct the issue and improve muscle tone.  After getting a second opinion we decided to go ahead.    She is a trooper!  She's really made some big progress in the last few months and I love watching her grow.  Although raising babies is not new for us, every child is different and Karolina has offered us new areas of adventure.   As I have mentioned before, no small accomplishment is taken for granted.   She is now clapping (a very big deal), she can give kisses and knows where her nose is. :)  She's not saying any words yet, but I'm not worried.  Her speech therapist was only at our home once so far, but I learned several things even in that short visit.  It's also been nice to be outside in the warm weather this week and see her WALK and play!    Bring on the ice cream and tulips, we are ready for spring!:)  

 

Goodies (for a Good Cause!)

Have you ever heard of Punjammies?  This is the neatest thing!    I just found them last week and already have a few pair on my wish list.  I thought they were cute, but when I read about the cause behind them I was truly moved by the work and story behind the company.  Here is the description: "PUNJAMMIES™ are made by women in India rescued from forced prostitution seeking to rebuild their lives. Proceeds from the sales of PUNJAMMIES™ provide fair-trade wages, savings accounts, and holistic recovery care. Please support International Princess™ Project as we bring hope and a voice to those who have none."
 Since I could definitely use some help in the p.j. department (mine are pretty ragged) I can't wait to order a pair and support the women who make them!   Love it.  

The other item in the goodie category is an article from Bon Appetit entitled "10 Ways to Make Better Brownies."   Since I am still on a chocolate hiatus for Lent (tear) I can only dream for now.   Come Easter though, I will be joyfully employing these ingenious ideas.   Tips like:  


Stick them in the freezer
Once they're baked and cooled to room temperature, put your brownies in the freezer. The cold gives them a toothsome texture similar to a firm nougat. (Note: Depending on the recipe, the brownie might need a minute or two to thaw to its chewiest best.)

Doctor them with condiments
Raspberry jam, marshmallow fluff, peanut butter, cream cheese... the swirl-in possibilities are endless. Warm the condiment first so it's more workable, then dollop spoonfuls of it on top of the prepared batter, which should already have been poured into your baking sheet. Lightly swirl the condiment using a toothpick or skewer--you want to see the shape at the surface of the batter.

 Chill them before baking
After spreading the batter in a pan, refrigerate it for at least an hour or up to overnight. The end result will be brownies with extra-crisp edges and a moist, fudge-y center. 

Torture!:)   Click here for the full article.  Enjoy!

The Contraception Misconception Pt. 1

Much has been made in recent weeks of the Catholic Church's teaching on contraception.  Lost in the midst of the rhetoric, political posturing, Sandra Fluke fiasco and HHS mandate, lies the reason behind why Church teaching remains consistent (and correct) on this topic.  You can disagree, my only hope is people will take a listen to those who actually adhere to the teaching and allow us a moment on the soapbox too.   Admittedly, it's been hard to find the truth because of misinformation, and downright disobedience of those who fancy themselves "Catholic" (in name alone only, evidently).  It has been confusing and convoluted.  This is an issue particularly close to my heart because it is an attack on the faith tradition I love, and a threat to all religious liberty. For our own journey, it was a natural progression.  As Fr. Larry Richards has pointed out:  If I truly trust God as my Lord and Savior, how can I say "God, be Lord over my life, Lord over my finances, Lord over my marriage, but when it comes to our family size and future..stay out of it?"  If that were the case, there would be two miracles in our life that wouldn't be here today.  While I could opine on the topic, I wanted to ask someone who has inspired Jim and me in our own NFP journey to share her experience.
I was honored when a dear friend Jennifer Willits, wife and mom of five, radio-host, speaker (and freshly minted author!) agreed to write a guest post concerning contraception.  

I want to preface her beautiful piece by sharing some basic set-up points.   First,  you should know that until 1930, all religious denominations condemned contraception as sinful.   It was because of mounting social pressure that the Anglican church announced that contraception would be allowed in some circumstances (see the Lambeth Conference).  After that, other Protestant denominations soon followed suit.  The Catholic Church however, has remained steadfast in her original teaching.  Second, what is happening today is precisely what was predicted by Pope Paul VI in 1968 in his landmark encyclical Humanae Vitae.  He predicted grave consequences that would arise from the widespread and unrestrained use of contraception.  He warned, "Consider, first of all, how wide and easy a road would thus be opened up toward conjugal infidelity and the general lowering of morality.  Not much experience is needed in order to know human weakness, and to understand that men-especially the young, who are so vulnerable on this point-have need of encouragement to be faithful to the moral law, so that they must not be offered some easy means of eluding it's observance.  It's also to be feared that the man, growing used to the employment of anti-conceptive practices, may finally lose respect for the woman, and no longer caring for her physical and psychological equilibrium, may come to the point of considering her as a mere instrument of selfish enjoyment, and no longer have the same respect as a beloved companion. "(HV17)
No one can doubt those prophetic words. Experience, natural law, Scripture, Tradition the magisterium all testify to the evil of contraception.    

Third, persecution brings refinement. The experience of having beliefs under attack can cause people to explore what they believe and why (sometimes for the first time).   It is in that spirit we recently announced a landmark event for all people seeking to reclaim the beauty and truth of the human body and intimacy, and arming ourselves to defend what we believe.  This is an especially awesome opportunity for Ohioans!   Christopher West will give a free talk on this topic.  In addition, you will have an opportunity to ask questions to a panel, including a Christian OBGYN specializing in infertility issues, etc. and a canon lawyer/priest.   Click here to register for this free event!   Click here to listen to our interview with Christopher.

Now,  I am honored to introduce you to Jennifer Willits and her special guest post...

The Contraception Misconception Pt. 2

By Jennifer Willits

According to an August 2010 national study conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics regarding the use of birth control in the United States between 1982 and 2008, the leading form of contraception used by women was the oral contraceptive pill. While the NCHS report focused on what tens of millions of Americans did to address their contraceptive desires, it failed to detail what led them to use contraceptives in the first place.

It is my firm belief that if women only knew the truth of how their reproductive systems truly worked, the billion dollar industry of contraceptives wouldn’t even be necessary.

When presented with the following options, which would you choose?

Synthetic or Natural?

Side effects or no side effects?

Costing money or free?

Group 1 carcinogen or zero risk of cancer?

Harmful to marriage or marriage affirming?

Immoral or moral?

Notice a trend in those questions? The second option in each question provides a safe, ecologically friendly, positive option while the first options in each question are directly linked to the number one method of contraception today: birth control pills.

With options like these, why would any person willingly choose the harmful ones? Yet, when it comes to women handling their reproductive health, millions are being duped into doing just that: harming their bodies, harming their relationships, and harming their souls.

But the list of problems doesn’t end there. They just get worse. Chief among them being the abortificiant nature of the pill. Most woman are completely unaware that an additional potential outcome of the pill are abortive miscarriages that occur without the woman even noticing because it will just look like a normal menstrual cycle.

Rather than women receiving full disclosure about the harmful truths about the pill from their trusted medical professionals, they instead get deceptive statements that prey upon their ignorance and from a misunderstanding of their own female reproductive system.

Women often hear statements like: it’s safe and effective, convenient, grants sexual freedom, cost effective while also protecting from undesirable risks, etc.

Women should be outraged that the harmful nature of the pill is, in a majority of cases, being willfully kept from them. But the truth is documented and proven for anyone who takes the time for basic research on the topic.

The Positive Alternative for Your Health and Marriage

Considering the detrimental aspects of the pill and other artificial contraceptives, what moral methods are available to help women and their marriages?

The answer is Natural Family Planning, commonly referred to as NFP.

Setting religious and pro-life positions aside, let’s look at NFP from a basic biological lens:

Let’s start with a healthy married woman under the age of 44 who has a normal menstrual cycle. Her reproductive system naturally has periods of infertility and fertility with each cycle. Simply put, her fertility only lasts for approximately one-third of her cycle, while the remaining two-thirds of her cycle are infertile.

That means that for two-thirds of each cycle, a woman cannot conceive a child. All women are naturally infertile for the majority of their cycles!

Additionally, after the age of 44, a woman’s fertility drops significantly, therefore becoming more infertile as she approaches menopause.

If a married couple takes the time to understand the signs of female fertility as easily taught in NFP, and they have discerned that having a new baby would not be prudent at that time, then they simply abstain from sexual intimacy during those fertile days. No worries, no cost, no mess, no risks, no harmful side effects and no innocent babies aborted in the process.

Now I can already hear some men and women groaning with some common complaints like: “What about my sexual needs and desires? Do you really mean to say that I can’t have sex with my spouse for seven to ten days depending upon the woman’s actual time of fertility? We should be able to have sex whenever we want since we’re married, right?”

These are all valid questions and concerns.

Married couples who desire sexual relations with each other have every right to enjoy that gift. Christ-centered religions (like the Catholic Church) who oppose contraception, are not interested in suppressing your marital rights. It’s actually quite the opposite. The Church wants you to love your spouses fully and completely!

The comparison between the love of Christ and His Church and that of husband and wife can be clearly seen through couples living chaste marriages where the marital act is experienced without chemical or physical barriers.

Take into consideration that Jesus loves us fully and completely by his sacrificial act on the cross. Jesus does not love us up to a point and then shuts a door on us. Yet that’s what contraception does in our relationship with God and with our spouses. It’s our way of shutting a door to the possibility of God’s life-infusing power happening inside the woman’s body. The world would call that outcome a risk to be protected from. God calls it fruitful multiplication.

It is WE that put up the boundaries and restrictions on love, not the Church.

It is WE, not the Church, that say, “I want to hold back and not fully give completely of myself to my spouses.”

It is WE who want instant gratification.

It is WE who think we are slaves to our own temptation of carnal desires.

By promoting practices like NFP, the Church is trying to show us a way that will actually free us from this type of sexual bondage by freely and completely giving of ourselves within marriages in the same way Christ freely and completely gives Himself to us.

As Servant of God Archbishop Sheen wisely noted in his book Life of Christ, “There are only two philosophies of life: one is first the feast, then the headache; the other is first the fast and then the feast. Deferred joys purchased by sacrifice are always sweetest and most enduring.” How right he is when applying this wisdom to the way humanity approaches sexuality. Whether we choose to acknowledge this or not, we know that waiting is always better.

True love does not depend on sex. Rather, true love merely includes it. You can still love your spouse just as powerfully while abstaining from sexual intimacy by embracing NFP in your marriage! In fact, periodic marital abstinence gives couples that opportunity to refocus on all the other ways they can express their love for each other outside of the sexual act.

If you think having sex is the only way to love your spouse, you’re wrong. For example, when my husband can demonstrate self-mastery during periods of abstinence, he is actually showing me the highest form of sacrificial love in our marriage, by showing me I’m worth waiting for. It’s out of love that we abstain, not out of oppression. Periodic abstinence as prescribed in NFP is simply another form of love.

Natural family planning is the natural choice, the safer choice and one worthy of investigating immediately. It’s free from side effects, free from costs and free from the risk of cancer! It affirms the marriage and is in alignment with the way God designed our sexuality. It doesn’t break a part within a woman that was never broken to begin with - a woman’s reproductive cycle!

For more information about the power and beauty of NFP, check out some trusted online resources at www.chastity.com, www.onemoresoul.com, www.nfp.marquette.edu

Find our more about Jennifer Willits and her husband Greg here.

Referral Anniversary

Today is a happy day!   It marks the one year anniversary of getting "the call" that we had been matched to Karolina!    Earlier that March 5 morning,  I had attended a health fair at church and caught up with a Polish friend.  I asked her "Do you like the name Karolina?"   Is it even Polish?  She confirmed it was, and I shared with her that Jim and I had begun leaning toward that name for our daughter.   At approx. 7:45pm that night night we got a call from our adoption agency saying they had indeed received our referral and would be sending some photos shortly.  And her name?   Karolina.   The rest is history.   These are some of the first pictures we saw of our daughter:

My mind is currently playing the song "The First Time, Ever I Saw Your Face" (The Celine Dion version).  What a moment!   Jim and I were so excited.  It was similar to birth (only longer)!:)     So much to celebrate.  I wish I could share exciting plans of a party or dinner tonight, but Karolinka and Gus are unfortunately under the weather.   Karolina has an ear infection, severe diaper rash, and we're trying to stave off dehydration.  Little Gus has a fever and cold.   Last week Gabriel had two teeth pulled and has had some road bumps in the recovery process.  You know what they say, when it rains, it pours!   

On a side note, please excuse my blog design lately and virtual "dust" as I experiment with some new things.  I actually have a new domain and have been working with a developer but it's been a slow go.  I hope to make some changes by the spring.