Maya Brenner necklaces

I don't know if you have seen them of not.... but a designer named Maya Brenner has created these amazing necklaces in the shape of each of the 50 Unites States. Including of course, the beautiful Great Lakes state of Michigan!!!

I have given several of these away as gifts and now I can win a 14kt gold version of this beautiful necklace! A site called http://www.firstclassfashionista.com/ is giving one away.

So even if I don't win (would be very sad) I think you should check out these amazing necklaces from http://www.mayabrenner.com/

Lent

LENT.... A time for preparing ..... through prayer, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial. A time for reflection.

Preparing. Preparing for the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Prayer. Quiet time spent with your GOD, whoever he or she may be.
Repentance. Turning away from sin, asking for forgiveness.
Almsgiving. Giving materially. Usually to those less fortunate.
Self-denial. Abstinence. Not allowing yourself to embark in those things of pleasure.
Reflection. Looking back at choices and actions.

I'm sure you are wondering why I am taking such an intense look at Lent. Its about the end result right? Easter, the resurrection. But what is the path to resurrection? How do we get there?

I really wanted to look at Lent for many reasons.

• First, my children are at an age where they ask many, many questions. I want to be able to explain to them, even in simple terms, what exactly Lent is. Why do we have Lent?


• Second, my oldest will be able to attend CCD next year. Catechism, for those of you who are non-Catholics. Sunday school to the Protestants.

• Third, I am questioning my faith on many levels.

Some of the questions are really quite simple. Others would blow your mind. Is this the same Baby Jesus that was born at Christmas? Easy enough, Yes. Why did he die? Definitely harder.

For me, two and three mesh a little. Why formal Catholic instruction does not start til first grade is beyond me! I want all three of my children to have a good solid religious instruction. So they can make informed choices as they get older. Also I am just questioning if the Catholic Faith is what I truly believe and want to continue following myself.

More to ponder....

Cancer sucks

I really don't think I can say much more than the title. As of yesterday my favorite uncle was given the news that his prognosis is not good. The end is closer than the beginning.

How do you deal with the news? How do you move forward? How do you not hate? What do you hate? How to explain to my children? What do I explain?

CANCER.... more questions than answers.

That's all I can say for now. I have a throbbing headache and my eyes burn from the tears.

Shopping moms

So, there you are shopping at... (insert fave store)... Old Navy. Trying to figure out what size to buy. Should you buy the size 5 that he is currently wearing or go to the 6 so he has a little room to grow and maybe a second season? So while I am standing there having my internal debate a nearby mom says... I always go bigger. I thank her, chat for a moment and then move on to my next piece of clothing and another size debate. Meanwhile another mom asks, how old is my child and she too recommends go with the bigger size.

First, I must have had a very confused look on my face while shopping. Second, I appreciated the advice and last, I really love the camaraderie of being a mom. I can always count on another mom to give advice (wanted or otherwise), give me the knowing look of "been there done that" and "I understand your pain" and someone to lend a hand when I have dropped my purse and the entire contents while looking for my car keys (that were actually in my coat pocket).

Motherhood and its trials.... maybe I should rename my blog!

Bad day

Why is it that when you are having one of your worst days you can't find a friend in the world who is there to listen?

Another Friday

Well yesterday was definitely a LONG day! It started out with getting everyone dressed and fed and out the door at 10am. Gabby had dance class and it was observation week, so I didn't want to miss it. It is very difficult to attend each week with the twins since at two years old they are very busy and not interested in just "sitting and watching". Class was okay, but not great. The twins were running around and I had to keep them out of the class while watching from the window. The other moms were inside the studio watching. At the end of class Gabby kicks off her tap shoe and it flies through the air hitting her bff in the mouth! She refuses to say sorry right away so I end up being "mommie dearest" screaming at her and them while the other parents look on. It was so frustrating and exhausting! Some days just make you want to crawl in a hole...

Frustration

Being the mother of multiples is an exhausting adventure. My four year old is a constant mental challenge because she is too smart for her own good most days! Plus it doesn't help that we are both very strong and very similar personalities. My two year old twins are going to be the death of me! Right now I am physically exhausted from them. They are in constant motion and the stage of non-stop talking too. My son (the twin) is all boy! He is running, jumping and climbing everything in site, including me!!! I need some sort of outlet for him that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. His twin, Maggie, is also very energetic, but not to the extent that he is. Instead she is a complete chatter box. I feel like by 4pm I could just completely check out. The bad news is that it is only 9am and I am already there today. The good news is that I leave tomorrow at noon for the whole weekend by myself (with friends though) to Atlantic City!