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!