Learning Together

This post is so relevant to my life right now that I just had to share.  So much of my day is spent learning with Andrew how to do this thing called parenthood.  :)

What I Wish I'd Known with Baby #1

by Rachel from My Baby Sleep Guide

The first few months after my first child, Joshua, was born were rough. OK, I'm under-exaggerating that. He cried endlessly, didn't sleep and I was a basket case. Maybe you've been there. It's not a pretty sight. 

The second time around went much smoother. I knew what to expect, I thought a lot about how I wanted to do things, and I learned piles of stuff through experiences, my own and others. Maybe this is your first child and maybe this is your fifth. Either way, sometimes we all need a moment to take a look at the bigger picture, remember what to expect and maybe even get a few pointers. 


Here's my list of what I wish I'd known with Joshua, or baby #1. Much is related to sleep, but not all.

• Remember, life with a baby is a journey, not a destination. Keep the end goal of great sleep etc. in mind, but don't get so distracted trying to reach it that you forget to live and enjoy the journey.
• Make sure to let baby fall asleep on you every once in a while. It is one of those precious moments that will stay with you forever.
• We all have our bad days, babies included. So don't freak out and jump to every possible conclusion when they happen! You will stress yourself out for no reason at all. If things last for more than a day or two, then it is time to start the investigation.
• Consistency pays off. It really does. 
• An overtired child, particularly a baby, is your worst nightmare. Mess up all over the place, but do not even go there! See waketimes and sleep cues for some pointers.
• It's OK to not be supermom every second of every day. Everyone needs to ask for help sometimes. Consider it practice at being humble.
• Someone, somewhere out there will always be critical about how you raise your child, especially how you sleep train and discipline him. Forget about it. As long as you are keeping your child safe, happy, healthy and loved, then you are doing the right thing.
• Children are hard. They take a lot of work. They stress you out. At the same time, raising them will likely the best thing you ever do.
• Babies have different personalities. Some are easier than others. It is a fact of life (albeit an unfair one!). Some sleep great no matter what. Some have quite a few sleep problems even if things are done perfectly. That is how it goes. If you fall into the doesn't sleep great party, that's OK. It doesn't mean you are a bad parent, and it doesn't mean there is something wrong with your child. Sleep just isn't one of his strengths. I'm sure he has many others.
• Motherhood is full of small, but great moments. Focus on those. 
• Be patient with sleep. It takes some babies a while to get it. If it takes them a month longer than their older sister or cousin it doesn't matter. They have their own time table. Their uniqueness makes them special.
• Tomorrow is a new day. It doesn't matter what happened yesterday or the day before. Time to start afresh. 
• If you think your baby has colic, rule out overtiredness first. Because that is very possibly the problem.
• Everyone needs support sometimes. Someone to talk to. Someone to give you a hug. Knowing you are not the only one going through something does wonders.
• Comparing your child's sleep to others is only sometimes useful as a reference point, not a copy point. Your child is not their child. Your child has his own needs and his own strengths and weaknesses.
• Sometimes there is no reason for what is going on. No reason at all. Sorry, but it's true.
• Babies have different personalities and will respond to your routine in different ways. Work with your baby, not againsthim when making your routine.
• Be flexible. Don't be so ruled by your routine you are unable to enjoy life, unable to enjoy your baby and unable to follow your mommy instinct. Adjust your routine to fit you and baby.
• Life with a young baby is full of phases. Much of what happens is just a phase. That's it. Some have names and causes (teething, learning a new skill) and some appear nameless and causeless. But guess what. Each of these phases do pass! Keep that in mind when you feel at your wit's end.
• Relax. Enjoy life. Enjoy your baby. He will not be little forever. You won't do everything perfectly and that is OK! If you're perfect, how will your child learn what he doesn't want to do as a parent when he grows up :)
• A sleep association is not the end of the world. In fact, it is much preferable to a mom pulling out all her hair, going half insane and a baby getting no sleep at all. Yes, start as you mean to go on, but only if the end result will be a pleasing one. There are many things worse than a prop dependent baby.
• Your baby is not a machine. The same thing goes for you. Do not expect perfection on either front. Do not expect things to go exactly by the book. They won't. Thinking so will result in piles of stress and, sometimes, a feeling of failure.
• You are doing better than you think you are. You are really are!
• Remember to take time out for yourself sometimes. You need it and most importantly, you deserve it!

Rachel blogs at My Baby Sleep Guide.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Days 8-15

So I've been really good about recognizing something to be thankful for every day; but not so good at posting them here.  I've had remarkably less free time on my hands these last 2 months.  So here is a whole week's worth at once.

Day 8 - I am thankful for my husband.  He is my best friend, and has been such a good Daddy to Andrew.  He has especially made a point of taking care of me and A. for the past 7 weeks.  He made breakfast for me and brought it to me for the first 3 weeks we were home from the hospital.  He cleans up the kitchen and the living room before he heads off to work in the morning.  He gets up and holds my hand when I'm up feeding A. in the middle of the night.  He is there for us when we need him.  I love you!

Day 9 - I am thankful for my sister-in-law.  All of my in-laws are fabulous, and I am so fortunate to have them in my life.  Seriously, I couldn't have married into a better family.  But today, I'm especially thankful for Karri.  She is so kind and giving, and is constantly doing things for others.  Today, she gave me a ton of baby clothes-enough to fully clothe A. for the next year.  Such a blessing to us!

Day 10 - I am thankful for my parents.  They have showed me how to love God, have a lasting marriage (32 years!), be a parent, have good work ethics and how to be a good person and citizen of our country.  Not to say that they are perfect, but they have been wonderful role models for me.

Day 11 - I am thankful for all of our Veteran's.  I come from a long line of family members who have served our country both during times of peace and times of war.  And, then I married into a family who also believes in serving our country.  So today I am especially thankful for my grandpa, dad, brother, father-in-law, 2 brother-in-laws, cousins, uncles, the best man at our wedding, and all the others who serve our country so that I may have the liberties in my life that we so often take for granted.

My little younger brother

Day 12 - I am thankful for household chores and laundry that got done!  It has been quite a while since I have been able to accomplish much housework, so I am grateful for the time and energy I had today to get some things done around the house.

Day 13 - Today was a special day as Beckett Dane Hicks was born.  He is the long-awaited and much loved son of my dear friend  Heidi.  She had a pretty rough pregnancy.  She'd never say so, or complain, but in my opinion it was tougher than most.  She is an example to me-it would have been so easy for her to focus on the many difficulties she faced.  Instead, she consistently praised God and focused on her journey to becoming a mother.  Welcome to the world Beckett!

Day 14 - I am very fortunate.  I have a career that I love.  Working as a school counselor in both elementary schools and high schools has been such a blessing in my life.  Sure, like any job, there are some things that aren't perfect or that I don't enjoy.  But for the most part, I love everything about my job and have a passion for helping kids of all ages.  And, I feel blessed that I am able to work part-time this year while I focus on and figure out how to be a mom.

Day 15 - I am thankful for developmental milestone charts-they ease my anxious mind.  Obsessive I know, but it is a hazard of my occupation.  It's just that I know what a difference early intervention can make if there is a developmental delay, and how important it is to get support right away if your child needs it.  Most people tell me not to worry, just check with my doctor.  But the truth is, I don't trust that completely.  I've seen too many situations where the first time a parent heard their child had autism or was mildly mentally retarded was after testing in Kindergarten, and not from their doctor.  It was devastating to see that.  Not only for the family, but also for the child since they just missed out on intervention during the most critical years.  So yes, I obsess a little.  And check developmental milestone charts all the time frequently.  Of course Andrew is perfect to me, but the milestone charts tell me not to worry about his development-we are right on track.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 7

I am thankful for a lazy morning.

It has been hectic the last few months days.  I love busy, but this has been a whole new ball game, and the learning curve has been quite steep.  Today, the weather was cold (for us at least - 60 degrees), and kind of cloudy.  It was the perfect morning to take a deep breath, relax, and snuggle with A.  We spent the morning napping, cuddling, and my favorite, reading.  I have always loved reading, and now that I work in education, I understand how important early literacy and developing a love of books at a young age is.  Fortunately, A. seems to love books already too!

These are his current favorites.

And yes, that is a pile of dirty laundry on the floor in the right hand corner.  But what is a lazy morning for if not to play hooky and ignore all of the things that you "should be doing".

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 6

Today, I am thankful for God.  Growing up, I was fortunate enough to begin my walk with God at an early age that has continued into adulthood.  Those early years really set the foundation for the faith that I have now, and I was reminded of that as I watched my nephew being baptized today.  We couldn't be prouder of him.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 5

I am thankful for our friends and family who have showered their love, help, advice and gifts on us for A. We have been truly blessed.  When A. arrived, there wasn't anything we lacked or that wasn't provided for us.  As I finished writing thank you cards to our loved ones for the many visits & packages that have arrived since A. was born, I realized how many people are already a special part of his life, and how truly blessed we are to have such great friends and family.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 4

I am thankful for my crockpot.

I have never been a good cook, and I don't really like to cook.  To be honest, it always seemed like way too much work, and I don't eat a lot.  But, once I got married, not cooking for 2 of us wasn't really an option.  Since I get home from work anywhere from 2-4 hours before G., it makes sense that I'm the one to prepare dinner for us most nights.

So I started off with easy - and that's where my crockpot came in.  I have a beautiful, stoneware, 6 quart crockpot that I got as a Christmas present from my brother.  I began to look us easy recipes that I could prepare the night before and then let cook in the crockpot all day.

Since then, I have become a much better cook, and do venture outside of the crockpot for dinner.  However, I still love finding great new recipes that I can cook in the crockpot.  And on busy days like I have had for the last few weeks, a crockpot meal is a life saver!  Tonight's dinner = Green Chili Carnitas
And yes, I've been told that green chili's are not considered a pantry "staple ingredient" in other parts of the country, but here in the southwest it is!

Green Chili Carnitas
Ingredients
2 cups of chicken broth
Pork shoulder roast
1 onion, diced
1 14 oz can of green chili
Corn or flour tortillas
Salt and Pepper
Olive Oil

Toppings (optional)
Salsa
Cheese
Sour cream
Chopped green onions

Directions
Season pork roast with salt and pepper and place in crockpot.  Pour 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth into the crockpot and cook on low for 10-12 hours (on high 5-6 hours), or until pork roast is cooked and shreds easily.  Remove roast from crockpot and shred meat, removing any fat. Place shredded pork into a casserole dish or large cookware. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

While oven is heating, pour a tablespoon of olive oil into a saucepan over medium-high heat.  Saute diced yellow onion in olive oil until it turns golden.  Add in green chili and remaining 1/2 a cup of chicken broth and cook until mixture is heated through.  Add mixture to the shredded pork and mix thoroughly.  Place dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Serve on flour or corn tortilla's, and top with desired toppings.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 3

I am thankful for our beautiful "Fall" weather.  I am so thankful that A. and I can get out of the house and take walks during the day.  Our highs have been in the low 80's/high 70's the last few days with blue, clear, & sunny skies.  It isn't traditional "fall" weather, but right now, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 2

Yesterday I wrote about how much our lives have changed since A. was born. One way that I knew was going to be tough for me would be the amount of sleep I would get for quite a while. I need like a lot of sleep. I’ve always been one of those people who would sleep 9 hours a night to be fully functional. Needless to say, I haven’t been getting 9 hours of sleep a night for the past few weeks. At first it wasn’t so bad. I was hyped up on adrenaline and A. slept for hours on end and I could take naps. And G. was getting up with me every time that A. woke up and helped put him back to bed so I could go right back to sleep after A. ate. But as time went on, G. couldn’t keep up with being up all night and being at work all day as well. And since I could nap during the day, I told him he needed to stop getting up all the time with us and that I would wake him up if I needed him. Then, A. stopped sleeping as well during the day, became quite a bit fussier, and my naps disappeared. (I’m told that the first few weeks of a newborn’s life is truly a honeymoon period and that this is completely normal) After 6 weeks of only getting 3 hours of sleep in a row at most, I was running on empty.

 And then, A. went 7 hours between feedings, and I got 6 hours of sleep. I feel like a new woman-my tank is full again. I so am thankful for God’s perfect timing.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 1

A couple of years ago, my dear friend Heidi did a Blessings Calendar. I was inspired by the idea, but not nearly as creative or as crafty as she is! So this year, I'm committing to recognizing the blessings in my life by doing 30 days of thankfulness. Today is Day 1. I am so very blessed and thankful for my family. A few weeks ago, our beautiful baby boy was born, and our lives have been forever changed. G. is a wonderful husband and father, and A. is everything we could have hoped for. I am blessed indeed!

Coupons

I am not an extreme coupon-er. I do however, put effort into saving money for my family. And that means using coupons. I'm always surprised to hear people's responses when I tell them I do coupons. They range from....."I don't have time for that" to "Oh, I eat healthy. Coupons are only for processed foods" to "In the end, they don't really save you money. You end up buying more or buying things you don't need." Really? I don't have more time than others; I work, I volunteer, and spend time with friends and family. We also eat healthy, don't buy junk food, and don't have closets full of useless items. And we save about two thousand dollars a year using coupons and sales. That's right folks, thousands.

Here's how I do coupons. It does take me about 1-2 hours more per week. Since I usually save over $100 per week, I think that is time well spent. And let's face it- most of us watch at least that much TV each week that we could cut out if needed.

I use a website that helps me make my lists of what to buy. GroceryGame and CouponSense are a few websites out there, however there are others as well. You pay a small fee, usually $10-$15 a month for the website service. The website matches items on sale in a store, with store promotions, and then with manufacturer coupons as well. That way you are saving the most money on items because you are receiving discounts from all of possible sources. And, I don't have to figure it out. The websites show you exactly what coupon to cut out, and what the final price will be of the item after using the coupon. They even usually tell you whether it is a great buy, or if you might want to wait and buy it at a different time because the price is just "okay". The key is to buy in multiples when an item is on sale and you have a coupon. That way you are stocking up when it is super cheap, and won't run out and have to buy it later when it is more expensive. The websites also track fresh produce, meats, and other items that are a great deal to buy that week, but don't necessarily have a coupon to go with it.

Another benefit of using the websites is that you don't have to cut all the coupons out or worry about organizing your coupons. I simply pull the coupon inserts out of the Sunday newspaper, and file the inserts in an accordion file by week. The websites tell you which week the coupon you are wanting to use is in, and then I simply pull that coupon insert out and only cut out the coupon I need. This is a huge time-saver. I also limit myself to a few stores each week, even though some of the websites will give you lists from 5-10 stores, depending on the area you live.

Since the key is to try to buy in multiples when you can, you will want to have multiples of the same coupon. I order 2 Sunday papers to be delivered to my home. That way when an item is free, or very cheap I can get at least 2 of them and stock up. The websites usually recommend 3 papers each week. Often you can receive a discount on ordering the paper through the websites or when you order multiple Sunday papers, so it is much cheaper to do home delivery instead of buying the paper at the store.

Here's an example of a shopping trip I had at one store this week......

CVS Shopping Trip:

3 Jumbo Packages of Huggies Diapers - Regularly priced $11.50, on sale for $8.99. I had 2 $3 and 1 $1.50 manufacturers coupons from today's paper. Then, I had two CVS store coupons for $1 off Huggies, $3 CVS ExtraCare Bucks, and a CVS store coupon for $3 off a baby purchase of $15 or more. So far, my savings are $7.50 in store sales, $8 in store coupons, and $7.50 in manufacturing coupons.

Then, there was a store promotion to receive a $10 gas gift card when you purchased $30 of eligible items. These promotions are usually for a total price before you apply your coupons. So, 3 Jumbo packs of diapers brought my total to $26.97. I added an Airwick Freshmatic starter kit that I had a $4 off manufacturer coupon, bringing me above the $30 I needed to be able to receive the $10 gas gift card.

Although it sounds complicated to read it, the website I use told me exactly what to do and what coupons to use. Plus, I already knew what CVS store coupons I had.

At the end, this is what my savings looked like:

$15 in store discount savings

$8 in store coupons

$11.50 in manufacturer coupons

$34.50 in total savings

Subtotal - $14.46

That included a $10 free gas card. So you could also look at it like I got all of the items for $4.46 after paying for $10 worth of gas. Pretty good for about 100 diapers and an automatic air freshener.

I only purchased things I would use, none of the items involved processed foods, and it only took me about 45 minutes make my list, cut my coupons, go to the store, and come home. Happy shopping!

Habits

It's been a while since I've posted anything. The beginning of a semester is always a hectic time for people who work in schools. And it is amazing to me how quickly I always fall into bad habits when I am on a break from school. For example, going to sleep on time. I have to wake up by 5:30, at the latest to get to work in the morning. And I need a lot of sleep, so that means an early bed time for me. But during school breaks, I quickly fall into the "staying up late, sleeping in late" routine. And I rationalize it. It's not that big of a deal. I'll just go to bed on time a night or two before school starts. I deserve to have fun once in a while. Rationalization aside, every year I find myself back at work after a break, exhausted cause I couldn't fall asleep early because I'd gotten into the bad habit of staying up late.

"Bad habits are like a comfortable bed, easy to get into, but hard to get out of." Not getting enough sleep is a fairly innocent example, but there are many bad habits we fall into quickly that are not so innocent. Ultimately, our habits define us. Stephen Covey says, "Our character is basically a composite of our habits. Because they are consistent, often unconscious patterns, they constantly, daily, express our character". Whoa. My habits express my character. I don't like many of my habits. They are ugly. They are lazy. They are self-centered. They are not things that glorify Him, or actions that would allow others to see Him in my life.

So, as Horace Mann says, "Habit is a cable; we weave a thread each day, and at last we cannot break it." One thread at a time. One day at a time. One prayer at a time.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Mathew 5:16

Talk To Me Tuesday - a little late....

Hickstionary's TTMT topic this week is:

What's a verse you are leaning on right now? (Could be an all time favorite but doesn't have to be.)

A verse that I am leaning on right now is Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

This has always been a hard one for me. I seem to need to understand why things happen the way they do; why people behave the way they do. That is probably why I studied psychology in college. I want to understand....and in my own life I have a need to plan, and control. So I lean on this verse reminding myself to place my trust in Him.

To the Rescue....

G. and I tend to be fairly last minute people. It usually works for us. I like to think that I plan further in advance than he does, but let's be honest....I'm a procrastinator. The one thing that doesn't work for me is when we decide....spontaneously....to attend a social gathering where I'm supposed to "bring something to share". Ughhh. I'm not a good cook.....I try-and sometimes succeed-but overall, cooking is not a strength of mine. And, there is enough of the perfectionist in me to want to bring something fabulous that other people will enjoy. So yesterday, when we decided to attend a New Year's Day BBQ, I scrambled around and found this deliciously simple recipe.

Ingredients:

1 box Jiffy cornbread mix

1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (drained)

1 cup shredded cheddar/monterey jack or colby-jack cheese

Directions:

Prepare cornbread mix according to directions. Fold in green chilies and cheese. Cook according to mix directions.

*You can also use any cornbread recipe you usually use and just add in the green chilies and cheese.

Not only were they absolutely delicious, they took no time at all to make and didn't require a trip to the store. Perfect for anyone who makes spontaneous decisions...or procrastinates on deciding what to bring to a social gathering.

We had a wonderful time at our friend's BBQ. They actually buried an oven in the ground with all the BBQ meat in it and then dug it up! It was delicious. Party was complete with hayrides, a huge bonfire of Christmas trees, and firecrackers.

We finished up the evening at our house playing board games with some friends of ours. Perfect way to start the new year- good food, fun, and friends.

New Beginnings

Anyone who knows me knows that I. Hate. The. Rain. There aren't many things that I feel strongly enough to use the word "Hate", but rain is one of them. I'm always grateful that I live in Arizona where we have 296 days of sunshine each year, but sometimes I think that makes it even worse. I'm so used to the good days, that when it does rain, it's worse. It's not the rain so much as the gloomy, dark, damp, cold, and worst of all, the gray. I find myself feeling sad, lethargic, despondent, tired..............hopeless. I dread rain and everything that comes with it.

Today I'm reminded of the miracle that comes with the rain. Although it might seem to go on forever, eventually a light spears through the dark clouds, brilliant and beautiful.

Water falls, nourishing all of its surroundings and provides soothing song.

A soft, peaceful glow encompasses the land, breathtaking in it's beauty.

And every living thing is washed clean, fresh, nourished. Renewed.

Our lives follow this same pattern. We find ourselves in a dark place. Maybe something tragic has happened, or we have lost something or someone dear to us. Maybe we are struggling with something, or feel our prayers have been unanswered. Maybe we feel lost or like no one cares. Regardless of the reason, eventually the dark will end. His light can cut through the darkness, filling our lives with brilliance. His voice will surround us, nourish us, if we listen to Him. He will bring beauty and peace out of the pain, and provides us with joy..... with hope. He washes us clean, leaving us refreshed, and renewed................

If we let Him. If we seek Him instead of turning away from Him. If we embrace the dark times and depend on Him to lead us through it, instead of stumbling our way through on our own.

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him." - James 1:12

God has a plan for us, for me. One that is perfect, even if I don't understand it. He will give me what I need to get through each day. I don't have to know how to get to next week, or next month, or next year. It is enough to get through today.

It is a new year, a new beginning. A time to be refreshed, to start over, to be renewed. A time to reflect, and take action.

"How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you?" - Joshua 18:3

I'm not waiting.......I will take possession of what the Lord has given me. I will embrace the rain.

Trust

Trust. Such a small word to define such a huge thing. Synonyms for the word trust include: faith, belief, hope, conviction, confidence, expectation, dependence, and reliance.

Do you really trust God? Are you convicted in your belief that God will provide the benefits that he has promised? Do you expect, and depend on his promises?

“As it is written in the Scriptures: “No one has ever seen this, and no one has ever heard about it. No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. Are you experiencing those benefits and depending on them, or do the Bible scriptures and stories you read seem irrelevant in the face of your reality?

I recently started a Bible study by Beth Moore, called “Breaking Free: Making Liberty in Christ a Reality in Life”.These are some of the hard questions I am asking myself as I read this week’s lessons.

God wants to do in our life what our eyes have never seen, our ears have never heard, and what our mind has never conceived. But am I letting Him? Do I believe that this will happen, do I expect it to take place, am Iconvicted that this is possible?

Beth Moore explains, “areas of captivity can keep us from living out the reality of 1 Corinthians 2:9. A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God has planned for us.”

God desires for us to know Him, to believe in Him, to trust Him. He waits for us to have faith in Him, to be confident that He will deliver benefits in our lives that will be what no one has seen, heard, or imagined.

The level of faith we have in God and His plan for us is an issue in most of our lives. Many things in our lives affect the trust that we have in God. What is affecting the trust you have in God? Is it a painful loss? Has someone you loved betrayed or hurt you? Are you heartbroken or filled with despair over circumstances in your life? If you feel blocked in your ability to completely trust God, and His plan for your life, something is holding you back. What in your life is holding you captive? What is hindering the abundant and Spirit-filled life God has planned for you? Whatever it is, seek out God and pray for healing. He is not satisfied with anything less for your life than the benefits He has planned for you, benefits that you cannot even imagine.

“God will do for those who love him what no eyes have seen, no ears have heard, and no mind has conceived.”

Faith. Belief. Hope. Conviction. Confidence. Expectation. Dependence. Reliance. Trust.

Bible references: Isaiah 64:4, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Isaiah 43:10

Talk To Me Tuesday

Heidi's TTMT post was:

1. What's something you are hopeful for in 2011?

I'll ditto what Heidi said.

I'm hopeful for financial peace. We are going to live like no one else, so we can live like no one else.

I'm also hopeful for Mussi Vitae. I'm hoping it will be a creative outlet and a way for me to grow and share with others, both life's lessons and His Glory.

Our Journey

People often say life is a journey. And when I married my husband, my journey changed and followed a different path. This path was a bigger path, a better path, but at times a more complicated journey.

When I was about 14, my family took a road trip from Arizona to South Dakota. I remembering planning for months with my dad. We got out our atlas, and mapped out our travels. We planned each leg of the journey....where we would stay, how long we would drive each day, what sights we would stop to see on the way to my grandfather's house in South Dakota. I had every aspect planned down to perfection. However, as many know, life doesn't always work out as we plan, and neither did our road trip. Museums were closed, when we thought they would be open. A day was not nearly long enough to spend with some dear friends. My mom and brother were not quite as excited about waking up early in the morning and getting on the road as my dad was. There were some fabulous waterfalls in Idaho we didn't know about when we planned our trip, that were just too amazing to pass up. Old Faithful in Yellowstone Park took a longggggg time to erupt. I'm sure there were more interruptions to our plan that I do not recall, but I learned one important life lesson from that trip. Life, although it doesn't always go as you plan, is well worth the journey. That vacation turned out to be my favorite vacation, and in the end was made even better by the changes. I just didn’t couldn’t foresee everything when we made the plan.

My life is like that. Plans are good, and help us to be prepared, but life is unexpected. It is not possible to plan for everything, and sometimes I don’t know what I really need until after the fact. You don’t always see the benefit of going through difficult situations until afterwards, when you can see how you have grown. So although marrying G. changed my life’s course and at times is more complicated, I wouldn’t change a thing, and want to remember every aspect of our journey together. The word vitae means “life’s course” or “of life” in latin. Mussi Vitae is a way for me to document our thoughts, our experiences, our faith, our family-our journey together. You are welcome to be a part of our journey and see where life takes us.