Good GRIEF!!!

I have been really having a hard time getting over the loss of our baby...it isn't like me to be so sullen all the time. I try to shake it off. I have so very much to be thankful for and I have a wonderful husband and children who really need me to take care of them.

I went to the gym everyday last week and I started eating so much healthier. By Friday morning when I was at the gym I just about lost it. I was having a slow workout and I just couldn't stop thinking, "Why am I here? What am I doing? Just last month I couldn't stop smiling, I was so excited that my pregnancy was going so great! I ate everything all the time, I slept in, I took naps everyday, I went to bed early...now I get up at 4:45am to workout and am only eating healthy food...and I can't even make myself smile!"

Then came a busy weekend as I took my daughter and her friends away...now it is Monday again...this time I started my morning off with going to Adoration. I just sat in the chapel and cried. I am so glad that during this grief I can turn to my Lord and my husband...both who have been very patient with me! I got in the car to go home and thought...let me put on the christian radio station...that usually encourages me and makes me smile...so when I did, one of my favorite songs came on that really fit my situation perfect!

.

Newsboys Blessed Be Your Name Lyrics

Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
But my heart will choose to say
You give and take away
You give and take away
But my heart will choose to say

Blessed it be your of the lord
Blessed it be your name
Bless it be your name of the lord
Bless it be your glorious name

Blessed it be your name of the lord
Blessed it be your name
Blessed it be your name of the lord
Blessed it be your glorious name

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

It is TIME for change:

I got a new job...I get to write for a local PATCH news online. My latest was about advice for parents with little ones.

Let me know what you think...and feel free to link it if you want.

Giving advice is like running for public office: People can always dig up dirt about how you don't practice what you preach. Let me share some advice that has worked for me most of the time. I have to confess that I am far from a perfect wife and mother, so take this advice with a large grain of salt.

I am constantly asked how I accomplish anything with 12 kids. One of the main questions centers on bed time and getting a bit of time alone or as a couple. First of all, I had to come to grips with the fact that even though my kids seem needier, my first priority is my husband. I know it seems strange when the children are little and so needy, but the best thing you can do for your kids is to love your spouse. One thing that has helped my marriage and my parenting is to put the kids to bed early when they are young. read more here:

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

WIFE AND MOTHER:

This quote from Pope Pius XII captures the beauty of what a wife and mom can do in the home: "Yes, the wife and mother is the radiant sun of the family. She is the sun by her generosity and gift of self, by her unfailing readiness, by her watchful and prudent delicacy in all matters which can add joy to the lives of her husband and children. She spreads around her light and warmth."

Thanks Father Michael Sliney LC for reminding me!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

10 steps to Being a Better Wife:

10 Steps to Being a Better Wife


Before we try to change you, here are a few changes we'll try to make ourselves. Deal?By Sharon O’Brien

From my husband's post: (Ok wives it's your turn. Here is what you are supposed to do):

1) Take care of yourself

My honey is beautiful, nuff said. Grade A+++
I always can improve on this...I work on this harder each year.
Grade B

2) Say thank you, often

I usually feel appreciated. Grade B
I never could thank him enough...11 kids, great home, get to homeschool our kids, my every desire!!! Even a washer and dryer upstairs when we have the money {hint-hint-honey}. Grade B

3) Keep the romance alive

Um, 11 kids. Some would call that a deterrent, not for us. Grade A+
It is easy with my honey...always working to be better...need to work on making our room a haven by cleaning and organizing...not hiding my junk there.
Grade B

4) Let him have "guy time"

I workout at least once a day, sometimes with friends. Grade A+
LET HIM...ummm I guess I don't complain too much.
Grade A-

5) Make your husband a priority

Sam always wants to know how my day was, what I’m thinking etc…so I guess the grade is an A. Assuming you like that kinda stuff.
Of course, you like that kinda stuff...you are very patient with me with the kids coming between us at times...especially when the babies come and gets lots of my time...AND ENERGY!!!

6) Don't try to change him

For the most part, this is no longer a problem. I think Sam has realized that trying to change me has the opposite effect. Grade B+
OPPOSITE EFFECT-right!!! I gave up on trying to change you years ago!!!
Grade B

7) Don’t make him guess—tell him what you want

I think I always know what she wants and what’s on her mind. Sweetie’s no shrinking wallflower. Grade A
I have NO problem telling what I want...my skill needs to be to keep my mouth shut...you do not take my advice easily...I am learning to keep my pie hole shut!!!
Grade B

8) Cultivate friends and interests outside your marriage

Sam has more friends than a swimsuit model asking to have sunblock rubbed on her on a crowded spring-break beach. When we have a party the house, yard, street, neighbors yards are overflowing with people. I’ve banned her from making new friends. Grade A+
I have too many friends...Rob doesn't let me make any more...so I have to sneak them in!!!My skill needs to be to enjoy my family and the friends I already have!!!
Grade B

9) Let free time be free

I do get free time to pursue activities but I also get booked with lots of other activities. Grade B
OPPS...Rob, you balance me...I totally overbook...sanguine temperament.
Grade C

10) Believe in your husband, and let him know it

Sam’s got this one down. Grade A
I think I am OK...but always room for improvement!!!
Grade B