7 Quick takes Friday

1. Lent has begun & I've finally had a great reason to get back to going to daily Mass with Miss Ava... that being that our parish, (Our Lady of Perpetual Help in New Bedford) switched it's Mass time during Lent to 5:30pm!!!  This is SO much easier for me to make as:

#1. I'm not a morning person
#2. The usual Mass time falls anywhere between Ava's feeding and/or naptime (and she's now become too nosey to nap well in public)
#3. ...repeat #1

The other great thing is that there are confessions before every daily Mass (except Fridays when there are Stations of the Cross beforehand and confessions offered afterwards).  I'm LOVING it! 

2. I'm having this great desire lately to learn how to SEW!!!

I tend to be crafty and creative in other ways, but SO want to learn how to SEW!  I keep getting all these ideas and thinking, "Darn!  (no pun intended) I wish I had a sewing machine... but I don't"

3.  Spring is in the air.  When springtime nears, I get this great desire to start GROWING things!  So today I went into CVS to get Ibuprofen and came out with these:

...and a movie.  I hope it's good!

Anyway, I have all these beautiful Amarylis bulbs downstairs in the basement which I bought and planted for our Wedding (If you recall they came up to early). 

I thought they I'd plant a few in each container and bring them back to life.  I know this is typically done around Christmas, but this year has been so confusing season/weather wise... they probably won't know the difference.

4.  I put some finishing touches on Ava's nursery.  I have had these cute little green frames and hadn't had a use for them, so I put a bunch of pictures to tell her birth story and placed them up in the nursery with Command hooks (the little clear ones.  ...I told you I'm SO into these things!) and they look great hanging from the trees over her crib.

5. I FINALLY found a teether that works for Ava.  She has HATED every single one I've offered to her during this whole teething process.  Until NOW!  I found these at Marshalls of all places:  Nuby Softees teethers...

...as you can tell.  She approves.

6.  THIS is one of my favorite things in my house.  It's a beautiful Holy water font that's hung right outside our bedroom door.  Our friends Pam & John Martin gave it to us for our Wedding.  I love that it's right there and so easy to dip into for a quick blessing and reminder.  I love watching Shaun bless little Ava.

7.  ...I've started working out again.  Ok... so I worked out ONCE technically.  I hope this holds me accountable.  I SOooo need to.  I have this big fear that I'll get pregnant again (that's actually NOT the fear part) before I lose the weight from this past pregnancy (THAT's the fear part).  So, I've turned my living room into a workout area.  Before I actually started, I watched the workout videos I had purchased over a period of 3 days to see which one most motivated me.... that's right, I said video(s)... plural.  "You just watched them you say?  Don't you mean to say, you worked out to them?"  Nope.  Just watched them... I think one of them I watched while I was snacking on Jax. 

That must have been Fat Tuesday. 

I'm SO uncoordinated I thought I might injure myself if I just jumped in.  I actually did sprain my ankle once doing Tae Bo!  So, I decided to skip the Tae Bo.  Sorry Billy.  I also decided to skip the "Post-Pregnacy Boot camp".  The lady was just too sweet and I thought when she said, "If you need to take a break, just take a short break" ...I would.  So for now I'm going with Jillian Michaels' "Ripped in 30". 

I'm hoping she can guilt trip me just enough to workout 3-4 times a week.  The tough part is that I'm not really that swayed by peer pressure.  I sort of have always "done my own thing" and if someone tells me to do something, I have a hard time doing it just because someone tells me to. 

I'm not like my dear friend Colleen of Martin Family Moments who seems to really enjoy excersize and has written many posts in defense of it.  (Her whole family is actually like this, so I think it's sort of a genetic thing) Or my friend Ellie from Me and my House who really likes to run and after 10 kids looks better than me after my first.  I don't enjoy it.  I hurt afterwards.  I have stairs in my house and the shortage of estrogen due to breastfeeding really makes my joints hurt more.  You know what I DO enjoy?  I really enjoy... EATING!  My tastebuds are in better shape than my legs.  And it doesn't help that I have a husband who thinks I'm absolutely beautiful ALL the time and seems unable to notice stretch marks... or weight gain ...this is actually not a complaint at all, but doesn't exactly motivate one to excersize.  *sigh*

But I want to be able to chase my children around without thinking, "Please Lord, When will they stop running???" so I'll give it a try.  Say a prayer.  Day one done, check!

First Ash Wednesday!

Ava recieved her ashes for the first time today...

(amazingly she kept them on throughout the Mass and until she got home.

She was exhausted from all that singing and praying!)

We began our Lent by bringing a blessed candle to Shaun's grandparent's grave and praying a rosary there.  Shaun hurt his back over a month and a half ago and due to intense sciatic pain, he has a hard time sitting for long.  So as we prayed we walked the cemetery. 

I kept thinking about Ava who is at the beginning of her life and all those who I was at that moment surrounded by, now at the end of their lives (whether young or old) and also of Shaun & I, beginning our marriage, but well into the middle of our lives.

I was thinking of how FAST life goes by and our responsibility that when Ava makes it to this place that hopefully she'll be prepared and we may have helped her prepare.  (I was also thinking the same for myself and that it's my responsibility to help Shaun get to heaven too!)

We discussed our resolutions for Lent (which I won't list here) and our desire to get back on track and strive to become a holier family during these next 40 days and beyond.  It was a good day.

I'm hoping that as Ava begins her 1st Lent we might help her to begin this pilgrimage of life well.

(P.S.  Ava turned exactly 5 months old today at 6:40pm!  Where did the time go!?)

A Nursery is a special place...

Recently I decided to label the bins under the changing table in Ava's nursery and wanted to do something a little different. I picked up some leaves from the craft store and cut off a few...

Then I wrote out the labels on silver rimmed tags...

Cut a notch in each leaf...

Threaded the ring of the tag through...

And hooked each link through the basket weave...

Now everything is labeled so everyone (even the hubby) can find where things go with ease! *wink*

Honestly, Miss Ava's nursery is the most "calming" room in the house.  We find ourselves sitting there and taking in the peaceful atmosphere.  The child that sleeps there seems to cast a magical spell over the room and brings laughter, joy and serenity just by her presence.

This room began as a spare room in Shaun's home before we were married and was adorned with a simple lightcolored Queensized bed and an exquisite handmade quilt, crafted by his Mom. 

When we married I took a lovely Afgan (which was made by the thoughtful hands of one of the grandparents of two sweet children I'd taught over the years and given as our wedding gift) and placed it at the end of the bed.  ...my favorite color is green and it matched perfectly!

Then we found out very shortly after we were married that we were already expecting.  As I began to decorate the nursery, I decided I wanted something that would be appropriate for either a girl OR a boy (or both) and that would also compliment Shaun's mother's quilt.  

Since I grew up in the country on 13 acres of land surrounded by woods and trees and had a special love of nature, I decided to surround my little babe with ...trees ...and whimsy!

 I wanted her to be inspired to reach for her dreams!

 To feel loving arms above her as she slept!

In our expectation for this baby we were blessed with SO many things!  One such thing was a soothing glider given by Shaun's sister, Mary (Ava's godmother) who had years before spent hours rocking her girls to sleep in this chair. 

I have also spent hours rocking and staring at this angel that has somehow found her way into my arms and falls asleep at my breast.  A lot of motherly love rests in this place.

I draped it with a gorgeous pink and green blanket also nimbly crocheted by my cousin, who ironically had learned how to crochet years before I was born on our front yard surrounded by trees and listening to the loving voice of my "Nana" instruct her. 

Years later I also was taught by that same loving voice on that same yard surrounded by trees... I wish now that I could remember every word she said to me. 

My cousin told me when she gave me the quilt "I hadn't crocheted in years but when I began ...it was as if my hands remembered how".  I felt like it was a gift partly from my "Nana" herself and keep it close to Ava and I.  ...they would have loved each other.

This talk of trees is making me think as I write, that I hope as Ava grows that she will learn the lessons taught in one of my favorite stories.  I read it each year to the children I taught.  It's called  The Tale of the Three Trees. 

In this story, three young trees discuss the hopes and dreams each has of becoming something "great".

As the story progresses, the trees grow older and consequently they each go through times of difficulty and heartbreak where it seems as if their once great dreams will never be realized and they are tempted to despair.  Each becomes discouraged to think that their great dreams are now reduced to becoming something far more "ordinary" than they had originally desired for themselves. 

Finally each in turn realizes that they were seeing their fates through blind eyes.  Suddenly they realize that somehow they had actually become exactly what they were supposed to become and that God's plan for them had been far greater than the plans they had originally had for themselves...  isn't that the truth!

When I look down upon my child as I change her on that table or rock her in that chair or bend over her crib to gaze at her sleeping silently and trustingly ...I also realize that God's plan for me was much greater than that I had for myself and for many years he has cradled me also in his protecting arms, watched me with lovingly as I slept, cleaned up my messes and cared for me with the most unconditional love.

As Lent begins, I'm not certain where this journey will take me.  I'm more aware than I was in my days of youthful zeal, of my own weakness and inability to perfectly do everything I resolve.  I will still try to grow and sacrifice with generosity, but mostly I will strive to become even more thankful for the gifts he has given to me and hopefully learn to trust him more in his plan for me and my family.  After all... isn't that what Lent is all about?  Remembering once again that he is worthy of our trust and how much he loves us?  Let us all become like His children and remember again...

This past month (and a half)...

So, I apologize to any of you who have been checking for happenings in the Fullen home to find... NO POSTS for the past month!!!  What can I say... it's been a busy month.  I've thought often of posting, but honestly have found these 25 little delights that I teach everyday and the ONE inside me making me more and more tired....Zzzzzz 

After putting grades in all day (usually when I'm AT my computer & wish I could blog instead) and coming home exhausted to chores or if it's a lucky day, an early night with Shaun (YAY!)d, I don't even think of turning the computer on!  I'll try to be better, really!  So what's been happening?  I'll try to fill in the blanks:

LENT:
It was a prayerful Lent, but I realized toward the end (as I always do), how much I need to grow in holiness and how much Our Lord loves me... deeply.  Shaun & I made it through without breaking our TV fast (ok, we did on Sunday's but that was it) and praying practically every morning and night together, going to Mass more frequently at our new parish (which had a lovely evening mass and we were often actually able to go together) and trying our best to offer our days back to Him.  I realized once again the many ways I need to love Jesus more, but find this year that I have tremendous gratitude for His unconditional love for me and patience as I slowly grow.  I also find my motivation to grow spiritiually to be spurred more by love and less by "obligation", so that what I do is more ...heartfelt... even if I don't feel much.  Shaun is steadily growing and always an inspiration to me.  It's definitely a shift to realize that now I'm responsible for helping another person (not just myself) to get to heaven.  THAT is something I need to work on.  I feel like Shaun is the one waking me up to pray in the morning and happily pulling me along to Mass or say a rosary.  He LOVES Jesus and Mary SO much (and I hear him tell them often)... *sigh* thank God for him, but I just hope I can become the wife he deserves for he's such a good man.

EASTER:
We had a beautiful Easter this year!  Celebrated with Shaun's Mom and family at her home on the Saturday before and enjoyed watching all the little ones crawling into my lap and going a great Easter egg hunt prepared intricately by her (despite the rain). 

I think this was the day that we first fell in love with our child's name.  Someone must have said it when everyone was throwing out "name suggestions" and we looked at each other from across the room and both loved it!

On Easter morning it was so beautiful to come to the church all decorated with gorgeous lilies and hydrangeas with the cross covered in beautiful flowers. 

I welled up a few times meditating on the gift of new life... not only in the Risen Christ, "whose love endures forever" but also inside me... given to me by that same Lord. 

I held my husband's hand and prayed in gratitude for the gift of my family and this "springtime" in my life.

We returned to the house to a lovely Easter Brunch of Ham & Quiche, Baby Carrots with Cranberries and brown sugar, Sauteed Asparagus with garlic, Crepe Suzettes and Lemon Meringue Pie "mmmmm...." accompanied by Mimosas (I had cranberry-orange juice in a great big wine glass) and great company!!!  It was such a lovely day!

MAY:
This brings us into not only the Easter Season, but the Lovely month of "May"... ie: "Mary's Month".  I really enjoy this time of the year and teaching all my little ones about our "Queen of the May".  It was beautiful to see our parish May Crowning done in such a simple humble way that I'm sure made Our Lady smile.  Hopefully one day, our little one can participate in such an event

During the month of May we have also been able to see Shaun's nephew, Samuel recieve his First Holy Communion

(as you can see from this picture at the party, I'm getting Huge... but Happy... with the Hubby!)

A few days after Sam's 1st Communion, we headed back to Worscester for his nephew Martin's confirmation (for which Shaun was the sponsor).  Here's a few photos:

FINANCES:
We've also been trying to take advantage of the low interest rates and refinance, so we've been busy with appointments, number crunching and appraisals.  I'm NOT a "number" person, but... must say that I've learned a LOT and it's amazing how God gives you the sacramental grace (even in your weak areas) to help your family.  Hopefully we'll be able to really pay our Mortgage down MUCH sooner without as much strain on us financially. 

I'm so happy to be staying home next year (and however many years following), but must admit a little secret.  I worry about being too much of a "financial burden" when I'm not working.  I know I shouldn't worry, because I totally trust God and Shaun, but being independant and on my own for so long, I'm just not used to depending on another to take care of my needs.  This is really humbling for me, so it's actually a good thing... just... different.  I remember what Shaun always says "God commands us to pray... but forbids us to worry" and it's then that I'm sure we'll do fine.  This has enabled us to communicate more about financial matters and make decisions together which in itself has brought us closer.

 

SCHOOL:
We're rounding up the year and coming to a close and with the last month rolling quickly by, I must say even with Spring Fever, I'm SO proud of where the kids I teach have come and feeling bittersweet about this being my last class.  Thank God they were a GREAT one!  25-3 year olds every day leave me pretty tired at the end of it all, but have taught me SO much about getting ready to be a Mom myself. 

THE HUBBY:
Working hard every day, taking time to go to basketball and softball games and practices, out for "father-daughter dinner dates" & help Cheyanne with homework he's out early and home late.  He's also healing up since his surgery & goes to physical therapy at least twice a week.  He seems to be getting better and better for sure (but slowly...)  Keep up the prayers and I'm sure he'll be ready to hold our little girl when the time comes.

AND... the NEWS you've all been waiting for... (drum roll please) IT's A...???
So... for those of you who haven't heard, Mother's Day weekend Shaun & I found out what we're having!!!

As you all know, I originally did not want to find out until the delivery, but Shaun was practically coming out of his skin. 
 

On Wednesday the 4th of May, we went for our 18 week Ultrasound. 

Our silly baby was sitting on her head with her legs "criss cross applesauce" in the air (memories of her mother hanging upside down on the couch with my head on the floor reading a book as a child came flooding back to me... the things our children inherit!) 

The Ultrasound tech wrote the results on a piece of paper and sealed the envelope.  I asked "how sure" she was and she replied, "Well... let me just say that I wouldn't be writing it down if I wasn't sure".  We walked out and stuck the envelope in the visor of my car and went out for dinner.

There the envelope stayed for the next few days.

I then dropped the envelope off to the baker who would be making Shaun's birthday cake & asked them to put pink frosting inside if it was a girl

and blue if the results said it was a boy. 

 

On Saturday evening we all gathered for a birthday gathering of family members and some of our closest friends.  It was a wonderful time with children everywhere and happy sounds flooding the house.  When it came time to sing "Happy Birthday" and cut the cake everything stopped and everyone leaned in close with cameras and phones poised and ready...


It's a....GIRL!!!!  We exclaimed as we saw the PINK frosting. 


Shouts of happiness filled the air and cameras started clicking!  My Mom had brought me Pink roses "from the baby" for Mother's Day and my mother-in-law had already bought a pink sleeper outfit (so cute) and brought it out right away. 


What a beautiful time to find out while both celebrating Shaun's birthday AND Mother's day.  We're SO excited.  Though we would have been happy with either a boy OR a girl (or both) ...Shaun has a soft spot for little girls and it's so nice to be able to use her name.  Shaun's daughter, Cheyanne seemed excited to know she's getting a little sister when we called her and immediately said, "Oh!  NOW I can help Marijanna go shopping!!!" 

YESTERDAY... I went for another Ultrasound (they couldn't get all the pictures and measurements they needed at the 18 week one) and got to see "Ava" putting on a show!  Here are some pictures of the Ultrasound pictures.

Please pray for us during this happy time and know how much we appreciate all the support we have been recieving from all of you.  You have made this time SO special.  I feel like I'm bringing her into on big family with LOTS of auntie's and uncles to shower her with love.  Can't wait to meet her!

A Baby Girl!!! 

In honor of our Blessed Mother, "Ava Marie Fullen" will be her name...

(although if we have some great desire to change it... we still can!)