Why does “full term” have to feel so…full? I once read a lovely book (which I really ought to read again…and you should read as well) called Great With Child, in which the author (Debra Rienstra) refers to herself as “ripe” at the end of her pregnancy. I keep thinking about that. I feel ripe…teetering on the edge of sweetness and rottenness. I should be picked from the tree soon or else I’ll be one of those peaches I had to rake up every summer of my childhood, busted and … [Read more...]
On suffering and joy
February 23, 2011 By 5 Comments
As I write this, I’m resting after a good day of hard work and accomplishment. I love feeling like actual events happened in my day. I connected with dear people, loved my kid, accomplished tasks (groceries: more vinegar so my hubby can pickle more onions!), and rested. I also had some contractions. Of course, I’ve been having Braxton-Hicks for a few months now. I mean real contractions. These were small but they let their force be known: little reminders about what’s coming (and how much … [Read more...]
Preserve Me, O God
February 17, 2011 By 7 Comments
When I first began this blog, I was making a Benedictinian effort to spend my days meditating on the Psalms. When St. Benedict wrote his rule, he required that all living it out with him would chant/pray the entire book of Psalms every week. (In case you haven’t checked lately, communally praying through the book of Psalms in one week is a major undertaking). Modern Benedictines are content to pray through the book once every two weeks (which is still quite a feat, in my humble opinion). … [Read more...]
Preparing for T-Rexy
January 3, 2011 By 6 Comments
Happy New Year! I’ve missed you people. I have to say first that I’m a failure and had all along intended to keep the blog updated last week, but I was having way too much fun with friends and family in Philly and decided that I was not going to feel guilty. And I didn’t. So, here I am on the last leg of my four-week odyssey across the country from Boyetts to Hohorsts and back to the west coast. I’m writing this from my father in law’s house in Connecticut and have to tell you that … [Read more...]
What I’ve Learned About Motherhood in the Past 7 Days.
December 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Gingerbread + Christmas cookies + pumpkin pie + staying up till 10 for three days straight playing with cousins = a very grumpy two-year-old for Christmas. (Kids are supposed to be grumpy on Christmas, right?) As much as I may have talked to August about Christmas being about Jesus and Santa only giving gifts because he loves Jesus, I still was a failure when I reminded my son: “Christmas is about how Jesus was born,” and he said: “No! That’s not true. Christmas is about Santa!” Oh … [Read more...]
Theotokos of the Sign
December 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Note: I ran this post around three months ago, but am feeling like it's even more relevant for us in these weeks leading up to Christmas. Rereading it tonight has been an important reminder to me (now that I've moved from the nauseated and exhausted stage of pregnancy to the achey, complainy stage) of what it means to live in this season of my life with gratitude and joy, despite the sacrifices I've been asked to make. * * * When Pastor Beverly joined the clergy at our church in the … [Read more...]
The Waiting
November 29, 2010 By 5 Comments
Yesterday was the first day of Advent. The word comes from the Latin, “Adventus,” which means, “arrival, approach, coming.” Usually, we think of this entire season leading up to the big day of Christmas as “Christmastime,” but the church throughout history has not celebrated Christ’s arrival until the actual day. During the days of Advent, the days leading up to the 25th, we’re challenged to practice a solemn period of contemplation, almost a miniature Lent. It’s a time of … [Read more...]
O soothest Sleep!
October 21, 2010 By 2 Comments
I'm so frustrated with my pregnant self! I have so much I want and need to be doing. But it's 10:45 on a Wednesday night and I can't keep my eyes open. All my body wants to do is take naps and wear elastic. But, I've got work to do! So, as I have not come up with an idea for the blog post tonight and as I am sitting in my pjs on the bed and desperately want to close my eyes, I'm going to share with you some words from my man, John Keats. Because what can be better when you want to close your … [Read more...]
Follow Patheos
Family: