12-12-12.

On December 12, we celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, patroness of the unborn, patroness of the Archdiocese of Seattle...and our special patroness, as we chose her feast day on which to be married. I love how we celebrate the feast of her appearance as a woman with child during the season of Advent; very fitting. Her words to Blessed Juan Diego are so very comforting to us as we struggle through our walk in life.

"Hear and let it penetrate into your heart, my dear little son; let nothing discourage you, nothing depress you. Let nothing alter your heart or your countenance. Also, do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else that you need?"

Remembering the big day 4 years ago...

Marriage is indeed the vocation in which I find myself continuously recalling our Lady's fiat...Be it done to me according to Thy will.

Today was a little busy, as I was asked to cantor at Mass this morning, and realized just before leaving that Wednesday is also Andrew's day to lector...Michael was very well behaved in the stroller and was only alone (in a sense) during the general intercessions, but had a clear view of Andrew at the ambo about 15 feet away. Many thanks to his guardian angel! I relish seeing his comfort level increase in our new parish building. Being close to the sanctuary today, he watched the alter servers' movements and enjoyed looking at the statue of our Lady. We found it fitting that we were both asked to serve during Mass today; serving God first and foremost should always be the priority in our lives and our marriage. After Mass, we stayed for the final installment of our Advent mission, which was one 12 character traits of our Lord - a good reminder of those we especially need to implement in our marriage! Andrew then had work as usual and RCIA class tonight, but upon his return, we celebrated with homemade cards, sparkling wine, and a Paleo chocolate cake (delicious; mostly eggs, butter and 14 oz. of good dark chocolate, but I will probably leave out the "kick" of cayenne pepper next time). 

As I spent the day cooking and baking, I gave thanks for this great sacrament that draws me closer to God each day and especially for the little miracle boy that He gifted me through it. We are blessed.

3 years.

3 years...this past year has been one of much growth for us as we continue to learn, pray, communicate and forgive in this vocation of marriage, while also enjoying so much fun and laughter. We celebrated last night with dinner out, and then shared dessert and coffee under the moon and stars at the beach. We realized that this would be our last anniversary as merely a couple, as we approach the date when we will be a family. We talked about the changes that will take place to ourselves as individuals and as a couple, resolving to make time to nourish and listen to each other amidst the expected distractions of a little one. Although I am a million x a million times excited for, and ready for this baby, this anniversary was slightly bittersweet for me. We have had so many wonderful, uninhibited, carefree, wrapped-up-in-each other times these past 3 years with just the two of us, times that we will not have in quite the same way in the future. More than anything, I am so grateful for the time we did have alone; God in His wisdom knew it was needed to provide a strong, trusting, loving foundation for us both to lean on during the upcoming years. Now, bring on the baby(ies)!

Love you, hubby.

2 years.

Marking another milestone.  Thanks be to God for an even better year, full of much joy and laughter and changes for our good.  Praise Him, He truly is merciful - we offer Him ourselves and our lives.

"I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine."  Song of Songs 2:16

"With this ring I thee wed...in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."

"It takes three to make love in hearts~the Lover, the Beloved, and Love. What binds lover and beloved together on earth is an ideal outside both. As it is impossible to have rain without clouds, so it is impossible to understand love without God."
Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Remembering...

My body apparently still surges with emotions this time of the month...it's hard, but amazing to see how my body still remembers, even when I attempt to stay pre-occupied. Mama loves and misses you unbelievably, little one, and Daddy too.



Remembering the first and last glimpse of you...
which is forever imprinted on my mind and heart.


Laura recently told me about a friend's friend, who had a still-born birth after 9 months. I cannot imagine...it would be wonderful to see your child's face, but then have to say goodbye? My case does not touch this pain, and I am thankful. Then too, I dwell on the image of the sorrowful Mother witnessing her adult Son's death: "Come, all you who pass by the way, look and see whether there is any suffering like my suffering, which has been dealt me." (Lamentations 1:12) I have not suffered to the extent she has. She obediently accepted the Father's will for her, as must I. How sweet the resurrection must have been for her, and how good of God to give us that to anticipate. And, not everyone is fortunate to have a personal prayer warrior in heaven. :)

A very blessed and merry Christmas to all!

Just a few photos from our Christmas days...we are up in Gainsville, FL with Laura and Gabe for Christmas break, enjoying the cooler weather and family. Yesterday and today were spent baking, playing games, Mass, watching Christmas movies, enjoying stockings and presents, a jigsaw puzzle, and as usual, lots of stories and laughter shared among the adults, and hugs and kisses bestowed upon the boys. Missing our dear family members in WA though...Merry Christmas to you all! Give thanks, for He is born.

"A light will shine on us this day, the Lord is born for us: he shall be called Wonderful God, Prince of peace, Father of the world to come; and his kingship will never end." Is. 9:2, 6; Lk. 1:33

Christmas Eve morning with my cute nephews!
Laura and Gabe's tree

A special ornament...sleep in heavenly peace, little one. (Today marks the 1 month anniversary of his/her birth into eternal life.)

I made Swedish meatballs for our Christmas Eve dinner...

while Aidan snacked...

and Uncle Andrew and Elias watched a Christmas movie.

After Christmas Eve Mass

With my precious nephew and godson, Elias

Poor Uncle Ben had just had foot surgery so was laid up on the couch for most of the festivities

Christmas morning stockings

1 year ago today...

...I met my love at the altar. What a wonderful year it has been as each other's companions. We are so humbled at God's plan and goodness. Happy 1st Anniversary, hubby, I love you so much and am thankful to have you forever. (We actually spent the day/evening at our good friends' wedding, then came home for our own champagne toast and bite of wedding cake, which tasted just as good as it did last year.)