The Musings of a Mom

I am stressed, and I am tired...As I approach the two months left mark, I am starting to feel a tad overwhelmed. I know I can and will get everything done, but wow, sometimes I feel like I don't know where to start.

I commented to Andy yesterday that every year I feel like the 4th of July is the halfway mark for summer (it's not-the boys don't start until September 1). My brain, though, starts going into back to school mode, and I begin to make lists of the things that I need to get done-uniforms, school supplies, soccer stuff.

This year, though, I feel this extra sense of get it done-NOW. I think part of it is the fact that Andy is forecasting bed rest and an early induction. I am so swollen by the end of the day, but I know it is from the summer heat. I just feel like there is so much to do and not enough time or energy to do it!

Does anyone have any suggestions for time management? My hours have been cut to about nil at work. Not good, but it will pick up in the fall. So right now, I need to focus on getting my to-do list shorter. I also have about 3 books I am trying to read and a baby gift for a friend who is due in August besides the back to school/getting ready for baby stuff. I just sit down to do some of it and, well, I start to doze off...ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! See I did it again! ;)

There have been some thoughts weighing on me for a while. I am hoping in writing about this, I can gain some clarity.

Some of you know that when I was 10 years old, my Dad was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church. Unlike the rest of my siblings who were adults or nearly adults, I lived many years being called the Deacon's daughter. Friends would often claim that I wouldn't do this or that because of my Dad being a deacon. There were many things I chose not to participate in as a tween or teen, but it was mainly because if it was wrong in the eyes of the Church, well then, it was just wrong. I was far from perfect, but my slightly OCD self just liked to play by the rules (I still do).

Anyway, there were times growing up and even now when I have been asked why the Church teaches a certain issue a certain way. Birth control is the one that comes to mind. I think that I had friends who felt that with my Dad being a Deacon, I must know the answer. Sometimes I did, sometimes I didn't. If I did, I was always careful to say that the Church teaches such and such, and as I got older, I found the need to add, "Look, I practice what the Church teaches, you asked for the teaching, HOWEVER, there is no value judgement in this statement." I am far from perfect, and I would never judge someone for their life choices. I might be saddened, but I am not the judge. I leave that up to God.

Earlier this year, I had a blow out with a friend. The exact circumstances don't matter. She left the Church a long time ago. She also made some life choices that sadden me, but all I could do was pray for her. Long story short, she cut me out of her life, because she said I was too judgemental. Truly, I am OK about this. I had a priest tell me in Confession that I needed to cut ties with her. I still pray that one day she will rejoin the Church, but I also know that I am a much more peaceful person now than I was when she was in my life.

This wasn't the first time I have heard this. I have also been called too Catholic. I don't feel that is the case. I feel like I could do and be so much more. I have changed a lot over the past few years. Having children, real life practicing Catholic friends and quite honestly, meeting such wonderful Catholic women in the blogging community have made me desire to be closer to Jesus. I am just trying to figure out how to handle these situations. I never want to come off as judgemental. I just love the Church and all of her teachings, and I want to follow those teachings without being criticized for my beliefs.

For our family, this is also known as Drew's birthday weekend. He was born on the 6th, and will be 6 on Monday.

Because of my mother-in-law's recuperation, we have a variety of activities this weekend. We are going out to their house for lunch today so that Drew can see his grandparents for his birthday. My MIL just isn't quite up to the trip yet.

Tomorrow, my sister and her family will come over here to celebrate. Mary and John are Drew's Godparents, and he loves every moment he can spend with them. I have a lot to do between now and then, including getting the house ready and picking up food for my in-laws and for here tomorrow. Wish me luck!

The 4th is an odd holiday for me because I start to feel like summer is half over (really it's not). This year in particular, I am feeling kind of stressed about getting things together for the boys to go back to school. Not knowing whether the baby is coming before or after they are in school makes me feel like I need to have everything ready early. Also, there is this little problem with Michael, who will be 4 in September, refusing to potty train. He totally gets it, and is really refusing to do it. I need to pray for the best way to get this done.

Anyway, everyone have a great 4th!

Here she is! This is one of the pictures from the ultrasound on Monday. I love looking at her nose an mouth in this one-I think it is pretty clear. I am giggling as I look at the sidebar where it says she has hit the 2 pound mark. She actually is almost 3 pounds! We are getting quite excited for her arrival in mid-September.

Thanks so much for the prayers for Peter this morning. He did really well. He was very nervous-kind of had that deer caught between the headlights look on his face for most of Mass, but he was paired with an older server who led him through what he needed to do. He only missed one of the times he was supposed to ring the bells at Consecration (there are 3), but Father went through it with him after Mass. The look on his face when he walked out of Church after Mass was one of happiness that he had done it. He is looking forward to his next time (which is next week!).

Tomorrow, my Peter will serve for the first time at Mass. Please say a prayer that all goes well. He was a bit nervous about it today. Thanks!