7 quick takes of my 7-- the memories edition

I won't lie. I shed a few tears putting this together. I look at these pictures and see the whole story behind each one. Each background reminds me of the places we lived and the dynamics of the family at that time. Sometimes. some difficult memories. But the kids' personalities show through, and I am so proud of the people they are. We love our children imperfectly, and we love them as much as our hearts can possibly hold; how do we imagine God's perfect and all-encompassing love for us?

1. 1981 - Meghann

 

2. 1987-  Daniel

                                                                                                      

                                                                                                         with Mom-mom, RIP

                                                                               

3. 1990- Corrie

                                                                         Corrie had special talents

4. 1991 - Melissa

                                                                                                         with Daniel

 

                                                                                                           

                     1992:  Corrie and Melissa, with our kitty,  when we lived on a dairy farm.

5. 1993 - Rachael

she was brand new in this pic

She was fond of the "flying arms" pose

6. 1995 - Benjamin

                               Ben weighed more than 10 pounds. We were both worn out.

 7. 1999 - Malaika

 Malaika's birth pics were not for prime time.

 here she is turning 4

                                               

                    

 

                 

  






my mother and me: 1961

a very tired me with Corrie, Daniel and Melissa

                                                Meghann, Daniel, and Corrie: 1990

                                                    

       

Melissa, Corrie and Daniel. Playing...Bible characters? I think Dan is wearing a toga? 


















                                                       A tea party. Non- political.                                                                                         

Melissa. Rachael (tiara in place), Daniel, Corrie and Ben

 Just for perspective, here they are now.

7 Quick Takes, the guilt edition

1. Happy Easter to all! Looking forward to Divine Mercy Sunday. This family needs all the mercy it can get right now! We have several serious issues all going at once--prayer needed! Two of our daughters are having crises that seriously jeopardize their college standings, my Mother-in-law broke her hip and is in a rehab,  and my brother is very ill--and Lord help us--pray for Bob and I just to make it through it all.

2. I haven't been able to post much because of those things, and school! Who can forget that? I am just about to finish my third term, finals are less than two weeks away. Grades are good, but the work continues to get tougher and tougher. I always feel as though I am hanging on by a thread. I am beginning to think God wanted this to keep my head into something other than my children's dilemmas! Mostly it does work like that, but then there are times like right now, when it is really a challenge to think about steno and grammar at all. Really, thinking about grammar is never on my short list anyway, but now! whoa. But even that can be so much tidier than reality. Mine is not tidy at all.

Here is a sample from steno theory-

TKO/KWROU/SR-T/PHAPB/KWRAOUL/TP-R/TH-/PER/PET/KWRAOUL/PHOEGS/PHA/SHAOEPB/STPH

It says, "Do you have the manual for this perpetual motion machine?"


3. Speaking of reality and perpetual motion machines, (which for me are synonymous), back to the theme of this blog. Does all this reflect directly upon me? Is it all the reaping of consequences for sin? Does it all indicate that I have failed in some way, especially in regards to my children?

There was a time I would have accepted that without question. It was taught and taught well in some of the churches I attended. That I am even questioning about it is a big step. Now, as my readers know,  I acknowledge my failures as a Christian and a mother in years past.  But at what point do the actions of my offspring become their own? I know I still struggle with certain issues whose seed was from a bad relationship, whose seed was rooted in my upbringing. But is everything that branches out from there the fault of my parents?  I know from my experience that I made my own choices, some ill informed,  others not so much. Several of my own   are becoming young adults, and I'm afraid that beyond my love and prayers, they will have to begin carrying life's responsibilities themselves. You may be reading that thinking, "ya think? duh..." but for someone like me, it's a lot tougher. It is going to involve watching them suffer, and not jump in to take that away.

4. The other part of that equation is, having a life outside of those realities that reflects the fruits of the Spirit and contains a modicam of peace.  Not feeling as though my family is somehow more messed up than the average family and it is all my fault. Not allowing my husband and I to sleep well at night if all the plates aren't spinning perfectly. I have to remember how it was growing up and figuring out my own way, yes, even with Christ. Even Christians, even Catholics have messy, pain filled, care-laden lives. It doesn't mean we have "missed" God's will for us if everything doesn't flow along seamlessly while whistling a happy tune and having tea and crumpets. In fact, and I say this in the most grudging manner, because I am not a happy sufferer, all the suffering makes us...(shhh)... better. We know that, but more in a Lives of the Saints way.

5. But! I think I am learning that even in the midst of suffering there can be peace. (I know!--another obvious-ism)

Philippians 4:6-7  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.




Okay! I get it! However! Living it is another ball of wax entirely.

Just in case, you were wondering about that, as I was.

http://www.cosmetology-video-store.com/the-whole-ball-wax.aspx

6.  So I am continuing to live and work. Do things like go get a haircut and planning a visit to my eldest and fam in Michigan. Which, as you know, includes my grandson. 

7. So, even though my seven quick takes were really one long take about the same thing, and they weren't all that quick, at least I get points for trying to stick to the format, right?

God Bless you, I hope we all have a peaceful weekend, with or without wrestling any alligators that happen across our paths.

Peace, 

Kelly

ball and chain photo source:http://www.redferret.net/?p=1649

discomfort and delayed gratification

Here we go! We are embarking on repainting our first floor. Our landlord doesn't have the time, nor the inclination to paint while tenants are residing here, but he did provide most of the paint and materials. I was able to prevail upon him for a hint of color (pale trim) for our all stark white walls. We have been here six years and it just was getting dirty and beat up looking. We will also be refinishing the wood floors. So--pray for us! It is fun, mostly, except when it isn't. And it is hard having everything out of place and moving things around. Especially when there are many people--but yes, I am putting them to work whenever possible! Our living and dining rooms are old fashioned plaster, which means spackling and sanding, which also means having to wait a day for all that to dry...sigh.

                     
  Here is the before. 

     
  

  yes, that is a child sleeping on the couch.








 I finally admitted to myself that we will not be able to go anywhere this summer. It was hard because I really feel we should try to get to my brother's in North Carolina as much as we can. We had a wonderful time last year! Ah well, but it doesn't seem to be within our power this year. We'll see if God decides differently, but for now I am trying to accept it. Maybe in the Spring.


Here are a few random family shots I like. No special reason.

Rachael. Turning 18 in a few days. Where did the time go?

                     my grandson--growing up....sigh. :)

Well, I just trust God that any difficulties, large or small, in time, untangle and get worked out, our life being right now much like the Drawer of Cords.  Like you, our family is in need of prayer for many individual and woven together needs. 


All the many cares of life that seem a bit insurmountable--I cast them on the Lord, because He cares for us. With the help of the saints and angels, and the special care of the Holy Spirit, we go forward!





I have been praying this prayer each morning--since reading the wonderful book, In The School of the Holy Spirit, by none other than, Jacques Phillipe.

Cardinal Mercier's
Prayer To The Holy Spirit

I am going to reveal to you a secret of sanctity and happiness. For five minutes every day quiet your imagination, close your eyes to everything visible and your ears to all external sounds and withdraw into the sanctuary of your baptized soul which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. There, speak to the Holy Spirit and say:

"O Holy Spirit
soul of my soul
I adore you.
Enlighten
guide,
strengthen and console me.
Tell me what I ought to do
and command me to do it.
I promise to submit to everything
that you ask of me
and to accept all
that you allow to happen to me.
Just show me what is your will."

If you do this, your life will be happy and serene. Even in the midst of troubles you will experience great consolation, for grace will be given to strengthen and help you to cope with every difficulty. 

 

 

I'll let you know what the results are! I fully trust there will be some.

Now I have to get to my exercising and painting.

Peace, 

 Kelly

+JMJ+

The perspective from a different angle

I am posting from my daughters house in Michigan. I do enjoy being here. A very nice break from city life, and of course, wonderful to be with her, her husband and my grandson. I will not be able to post pictures yet, as I am taking them all with my phone and have not gotten a complete handle on all the workings on it.

She and I bought flowers and started planting her yard today. fun! I was also introduced to a beer called Leinenkugel. It has four flavors, one for each season. The summer one is called Summer Shandy, and has a lemony flavor. Kind of Corona-y. The fall one is Sunset Wheat. Jeff says it has a Skittle-y taste. Don't knock Skittles and beer until you try it.
So yes, days here are a bit different than my usual.

I am still linked in to daily life back home. Bob and the kids are pitching in, and stepping up to do everything that needs to be done. So that Mom can hang out in Michigan and bond with the biggest kids-and the smallest one.
Thanks guys.

one week ago...in Washington DC

 Here are just a few of the kids that stayed overnight on the floor, in the lower level of the national shrine.

  One of the many altars, Mother of Good Counsel
---a personal favorite. :)

 a champion of the pro life movement

 Here are a few shots from around the rest of the shrine~




                                                  a beautiful wall of glass in the crypt

The main church













                                   

The Grand Exterior and famous dome



















now-we had to get to where the march was being held, which required riding the Metro--which promptly broke. We got off a stop or so early and walked/trotted the rest of the way. It was one way to keep warm!




          When we got there, here is where we waited till the March itself began~behind the rally stage. 

                                                Father Pavone -on the left.




                                                     

                                                

  For being such a recognized figure throughout the world, he is a very accessible, approachable guy.






                                            









         Hey,  Brother Leo!













Here a  few shots of the march, not taken by us, but to give you an idea of what was next~

We were there in the sea of black signs, toward the left.  This was at the head of the march and it continued at this volume for *hours.* The estimates were in the 350,000 range. Plus,it was in the 20's that day. Anybody see it on the evening news? No, I thought not. Oh, yes, NPR did a little coverage. They showed a close up angle shot, blocking out the masses in the background, of all seven counter protesters. hmm. I won't post it here, but it's all over if you want to see it. hrmph.

                         Here's our group, Silent no More Awareness. We're there somewhere :)

Then we reached the steps of the Supreme Court, and about 100 women and men, one by one got up and gave their post abortion testimonies. I was allowed to go fourth, as our bus was leaving in about 30 minutes...

everyone in that huge group listened so attentively and was so supportive~ it was a grace filled event.

Many thanks to Bob for getting what pictures he could. Between the crowd, holding a sign, having either gloves or cold fingers, he did pretty well!





Also, I still ask if you would please keep our daughter and family in your prayers. I may not be able to blog and interact with you all as much, but I do appreciate my blog-friends and your prayers mean a lot to us.


~thanks, God Bless you!~

          Kelly