Picture Review

There has been a lot going on here in the last couple of months that I have forgotten to write about.  I've redone a few rooms, scraped a large ceiling, spent some time with my favorite electrical twins: the table and the chop saw, Callie started first grade, and became a master soccer star, the boys started preschool, Harry feels like he won the lottery every Mon, Wed, and Friday when he gets every toy to himself; I discovered paying for blond highlights is completely worth every penny, we took a last minute Chicago trip with my parents,  and now we are high into birthday season.  Really, I'm impressed by that paragraph. 
Here are some photo highlights:

Chicago

The Shedd

Architecture River Cruise

The Bean

Sacrificial Love

 

First day of First Grade

First day of the last year of Preschool

Discussing their plan of attack for the class.  Stick together and wear similar clothes.  Its easy to remember, and to launder.

 

Harry was first with a low key neighborhood with bonus Grandparents party.  He screamed until he realized the icing on the cupcake was also, pure sugar, his current core food group, and he went wild for play trucks, Thomas Trains, and some much needed bath toys.  Apparently, it's considered gross to still use your sisters bath toys from when she was a baby; seven years ago.  The toys must have been cool, because for a few good weeks, his older siblings were reverting to toddler brains and fighting the smallest one in the bunch for a chance to push Thomas down the track.   Ahh sibling love. 

You didn't tell me this was SUGAR!

This IS my life, People.  One picture can explain so, so much

Ever exciting Grandma and Grandpa

 

Three families that stick together no matter what. 

Faithful Neighbors: Fran and Ed

The, "I will fight you for this" face

The "Dude, Who took my Toy?" look

We went all out for the boys, who were next.  It was their first official party where we handed out invitations to the entire preschool class, rented a bounce house, and had a Grandpa Bob turned Incredible Hulk as a pie throwing victim.  I even allowed my Mom to bring her darts for a game.  Safety was not, actually first, at this party!

Harry just spotted sugar. 

Our Bat Cave.  Complete with optional capes, masks, and glow sticks.  To fight bad guys; obviously

I require this picture Every Year.  I do not care how big and ridiculous this will be.  It is my crowning achievement.

Beautiful Grandma and Callie... but check Jack in the back

The depth of his love for these boys...

Due to the boys incredible amounts of toys and fun that were had last Saturday, I now find myself having to continually promise Callie that a really cool party for her will follow.  We have booked Sky Zone, as I have promised Kevin I will not make the party about me and my love for trampolines.  We are currently on a secret mission to find out the selected friend's parents first and last names so that invitations can be sent to their home addresses.  It's against school policy to hand out at school.. so this operation is going to be long, and broad.  And I laugh when I keep having to remind Callie that a "guess" at the spelling of the last name in no way helps me in my whitepages.com search.  

I will update later from Callie's party.. if I can resist the trampolines long enough to act like an adult.  Good thing responsible Kevin will also be helping.  A room full of trampolines is equal to walking into Banana Republic with a boat load of reward points and a 50% off sale.  What normal person could resist that, anyway? 

So that has been our review in pictures.  This house is full of exciting and crazy all day, every day.  But the crazy is my normal, and my happy, and I am learning to be grateful for it everyday. 

Fr. John Riccardo

I had a thought a while ago that I would like to meet at least some of the people who have made an impact on my life, this side of heaven, rather than only thank them once we are all united under Christ, in Glory.  Obviously friends, my husband, and my family are making daily contributions to who I am and who I am becoming, and I can thank them face to face, whenever I please.  But there are always those, who, from afar, and with whom I have no personal relationship, by their dedication to the Lord, through their teachings, writings, and devotion, have reached all the way to my living room couch, and into my heart. 

Fr. John Riccardo, of Our Lady of Good Council, in Plymouth, Michigan, is one of those people.  I was first recommended to view his conferences he has held with a local Evangelical Church near his parish.  They have been published online, and for a convert, the very fact that he has been to, and calls himself friends with, his Evangelical neighbors, is a breath of fresh air.  Like many Protestants who know very little, if at all any Truth about what happens within the walls of a Catholic Parish, many Catholics know nothing of the wonderful happenings within an Evangelical Church, either. The two are sadly divided by a deep canyon that, if ever crossed, is very unlikely to contain a bridge of open communication between the converting members.  This is a huge reason why converts express deep sorrow and even depression during such a conversion process.  It is lonely.  And neither side seems to understand you. 

So when we came across Father Riccardo, and his understanding of this dilemma, we soon found ourselves soaking in anything and everything he had preached.  Thank goodness for iTunes and the internet.  It seems some things online can still be sacred.  This priest has allowed me to grasp concepts of Catholicism that were hard to accept, he explains the deeper reason (there always is one) to why they do what they do, and he simply reveals Jesus to the listener.  If any non Catholic ever questioned if Catholics can have a personal love for Jesus like we Evangelicals do... this man will quench that worry. 

So I emailed him.  A long time ago, just to say thanks.  And didn't think I would get a response.  He's sort of big time around here, on the radio a lot, seems to be good pals with huge influencers in the Catholic world, and frankly, just busy with his own Parish.  When I received an email back, along with a direct contact number, I was excited.  And that was when my dream of meeting at least a few people this side of heaven took place.  

A few months passed, and we continued on with our journey.  We continued to listen, pray, and process many books, podcasts, and Catholic thought.  And then our anniversary approached, and we were planning how to celebrate.  Last year, we celebrated with a trip, a fight, and a diamond ring.  Ten years was rough, because we were selfish.  Year 11 brought in the most difficult life change we've ever known, yet it was the best year of our married life.  So the only appropriate thing to do, in my opinion, was to celebrate an anniversary dinner, with a priest; my favorite priest. But it was a dream, so I began to pray for divine intervention, and Kevin left a message with Fr. Riccardo's office.

A day I will always remember was my answer to prayer.  It was an ordinary Wednesday, I was listening to a anti-Catholic talk recommended to me.  If I want to be able to speak on why I am becoming Catholic, I have to listen to others views on why I shouldn't.  So as I listened, becoming more frustrated with every attack, I finally paused it to ready myself for preschool pick up. 

There are events in my life when I look back, and I know without a doubt that the hand of God was moving something in that exact moment.  A specific answered prayer, a turn of events, or something that was not possible without his direct intervention.  I believe he is always with me, but many times it is a walk of faithful obedience rather than a direct voice in the cloud like the Israelites experienced.  Yet those moments where He speaks so clearly are etched in my mind as a remembrance of his vast love and care for my life.  Such was this Wednesday morning. 

In my depressed state, I walked upstairs, unaware of how to deal with my Catholic leanings in view of the recent talk.  In an instant, in a way I cannot explain, everything changed.  I felt encouraged, happy, joyful, and a steadfast peace that I did not have moments before.  I didn't know what it meant, but I knew I would be Catholic.  And I knew it was the Lord when Kevin called me minutes later.  He had been on the phone with Father Riccardo.  That very moment I had become joyful.  We were one, we were connected, and I am sure the Holy Spirit was breathing on us both in that moment.  Father John had suggested to Kevin we meet him for dinner. He had suggested it.  We were meeting Father John this side of heaven.  For our anniversary.  For the year that has meant and been, it all.  I was crying, the Lord was moving, and for a moment, I was sure Heaven was singing, just for me. 

I met Father John last night.  Kevin and I attended Mass at his parish and then shard a bottle of wine with him at his favorite Italian restaurant in Plymouth, Michigan.  We talked about a lot of things, from conversion to contraception and sterilization.  He prayed for us, and encouraged us.  I'm sure I will remember it far longer than he will.  I'm sure he deals with converts like us all of the time.  I am still processing much of what he told us, too much now to write about it.  But a lot to think about in terms of my role should I enter the Church, and what he longs for among the Catholic faithful. 

Meeting father Riccardo was a gift from the Lord.  For me, it was the Lord telling me that He has been watching, He is moving before us, behind us, and with us, even when we are lonely.  And He has placed His voice within obedient leaders to help form His body of believers.  Father Riccardo is inspirational to all... but only if he points me to Jesus.  If I stop at him, I have lost it all, and gained nothing.   As I stared at the crucifix last night during Mass, at my Lord hanging there, all for me, I remembered.  It's not about Fr. John, and it's not about me.  We all have stories, and words of wisdom.  But they are only effective if they point me to HIM.  Because He, is the most exciting one to meet, both here on earth, and in his Heavenly Home. 

A lot of pictures instead of a thousand words...

We are back, we had a great time.  We relaxed, ate a lot, laughed a lot, missed the kids a lot, and saw gorgeous islands that some day if I win the lottery I would consider purchasing.  Other than that, I think it's just better to start the slide show, because that is what really tells the story of our vacation.
Oh yes, and a waiter asked if we were on our honeymoon.  Which, obviously, made my year.  If you think we are that young and you can't tell by looking that I have four kids somewhere across the ocean, even if you just want a massive tip... well yes, I am that shallow, and I would tip for a compliment.  Seven day Date: a Success!

Day 1: Crisis averted, I found my sunglasses

Kevin claimed he was just really excited about endless coffee. 

Interesting towel displays every night

View from back of ship during lunch.  I could get used to that

Oh yes we are that fun

Ahoy!  Land!

Waving to the Land.  After 2 sea days, it was exciting

San Juan Port

Really... land!

Old San Juan

Wall along Old San Juan Port

My, "hey there's a cat in there!" face

Cristo Chapel, San Juan

San Juan Cathedral: Second oldest Cathedral in America.  Of course, really cool for us.  You've read my other blogs, correct?

This place was filled with cats!

San Juan Cathedral and my new Coach purse.  Oh how I love Vacation Kevin

If the economy gets bad.....

After considering being a Barrista, we found the court house

Look, it was bankruptcy court! Kevin could move right in.  Then, we smiled our way into a tour of the court house.  Kevin said it was very "Jan Johnson" of me.  (That's a go getter attitude, mom.  It's a compliment!)

Entering St. Marteen Port

Where's the Ship?

Gorgeous Beach. 

St. Marteen

El Presidente es delish!

No beach is complete without a man selling fresh coconuts out of a wheelbarrow.  And his machete

Trying my first sip of real coconut water.  Not super impressed.  But totally worth the $5 to try

We continued our Catholic Tour of the St. Islands, at St Martin 

Statue of St. Martin of Tours, Bishop, 371 - 397 (who Island was thought to be named after by Christopher Columbus)

Dinner on the Ship

Interesting "world tour" restaurant

St. Kitts... On the Left, Atlantic Ocean.  On the Right, Carribbean

This place was unbelievable

Because when you are on a boat, why wouldn't you think about buying a 1,000 watch that comes with it's own bullet proof case? Then again, who tries to shoot a watch? 

Oh yes he did

Safety first

For my Dad.  Always open Dad, Always available

When a chair looks like this, it just makes you pose

In the "nest" .. a level on the ship for reading nooks

Night Lawyer. And of course we act like this in public.  It's only fitting when our kids are gone

Mid ship. 

Weird art all across ship makes for Mitchell's acting weird

 

The Triple B

Zumba.  The Latin inspired dance workout designed to melt off the pounds by shaking ones hips like Shakira in a music video.   I'm sure it works.  I would never do it because I wasn't born with the gyrating gene.  And before you tell the computer screen that I don't have to be a pro to attempt it, because heck, everyone looks foolish,..  Save it.  I'm not going to argue with Shakira. She did say her hips won't lie. But her's were Latin, mine are Irish.    

My beef is not with an honest workout class held in a gym on a cold Midwestern day, filled with middle aged women wearing socks and tennis shoes.  My write up is about Cruise Ship Zumba.  Or as Kevin and I nicknamed... the Triple B's.  Granted, this was all thought up as my face was planted into a lounge chair for 7 days, only looking up for a good laugh at the participants, or because my drink was empty.  But I was subjected it to it twice a day, for seven days, so now, my material feels never ending. 

The "Triple B's," consist of three items that if present while working out, may constitute a true calorie busting activity.  Have one, missing two, your workout still counts.  Include two, and skip the one, it still will trim that waist.  But, if you strapped on your sweat band expecting to relieve your booty of the chocolate brownie downed at breakfast, and you find yourself in a "Triple B" situation.... sorry my friend, this workout is not going to make those jeans any less, Skinny.

As amature cruisers, Kevin and I feel solid in our defining of each "B."  We couldn't tell you about the engine of the ship, or who the lead captain was, but we can definetly let you know if your workout is about to be a collosal failure.  So, if you find yourself with a:
Bikini, Beer, and Barefoot, you have entered into Triple B disaster.  

You see, we thought about it, and any of those B's by themselves could be good for the body.  I've seen tri atheletes in competition, riding bikes or running, in a bikini.  In my days as a one time marathoner, I've been known to throw back a shot of beer offered at the fueling stations.  I've seen beach volleyball players in the Olympics competing in bare feet, and bikini's. 

However.  If you find yourself on a cruise ship, in a strapless bikini, bare footed, with a beer as your source of hydration, then we are sorry to disappoint, but you are not working out, however warm you might become in that Carribbean sun.  You may be giving the fat man in the lounge chair behind you the best thrill of his day; but you are not working out.  You might even be moderately good at imitating the world class (may I add professional) Zumba leader with your skinny pre-child bearing hips, and white girl moves; but still, you are not working out. And if, by some miracle, with all of your intense jumping your strapless bikini top is still hanging on, then you are lucky, but, still not working out.  You are doing something else, but it is not exercise, it is called, clubbing.   

But, the ladies on this boat continue to flock around the leader, and the buffet.  So there's a chance my findings could be incorrect.  All I know is that Zumba, on a cruise ship, or a gym, is just not for me.  There is something that screams high school horror story when I think about dancing in public.  And I would much rather be running in my basement than clubbing mid day.  But it's all the rage.  So maybe some day, if I find myself cruising again, I might just lift my face off of my chair long enough to see someone actually sweating from all of that hip action.  Then I will have to admit, Shakira and her hips, were right all along. 

morning Zumba class

Afternoon Zumba.. bad picture, but so many more bikinis, and beer

Bon Voyage

We are leaving for our first no kid vacation in a very long time in t minus 10 or so days.  To say I am beyond excited is an under-exaggeration.   I am beyond, beyond, excited.  Nothing like getting out of Dodge when Dodge is full of cold and wind and sporadic snow flurries.  Don't get me wrong, I am  sure at some point in my seven day- long date that I will have a crying fest because I miss the kids.  It's a dilemma that all mom's probably face.  You can't live with the noise, but then you can't live without it either.  I might need to find a random kid during vacation and offer to wipe the mouth, hands, and butt, just to feel normal. 

In preparation for the break, I have been gathering up what I call, "Sparkle, sparkle" dresses, perusing multiple websites on the best bathing suits, and even braved a spray tan.  Yes, I have stooped low.  We have also been working on getting the kids manners up to speed, since Grandma Jan is taking a heroic step and staying with the kids, all week long, by herself, at our house, just so Callie can got to school and I'm not put on the Bad Mom's list at school.    Emphasizing simple etiquette, like refraining from touching your brothers face while he eats, using the word Please for any request, and not mentioning poop at any time during dinner, are just the start of training.  

Since our trip consists of a cruise, I am really hoping that I have better luck than the recent cruisers upon the fire damaged Carnival line.  Nothing says, "Are you excited for your vacation?".. than a bunch of news media personalities asking why anyone in the WORLD would EVER consider a cruise in this day and age.  But since we all can't afford to fly ourselves to a private island like they apparently can, we will aim to get the most luxury for our buck, and just pray that an electrical fire doesn't make it all literally, blow up in smoke. 

I will try to take pictures, since my Grams requested them.  But I have a thing about making friends on vacation.  I don't.  So  I will see if I can get Kevin to be brave and ask a stranger to take a picture without having to meet them at the pool later that day.  Call me a vacation introvert, but if your not offering to bring me a towel or a drink, I'd rather not bother.  I prefer to save up my energy so that when I return home, I can once again be all things to every person under the age of 6, including a chef, a maid, a teacher, a doctor, a nurse, a night nurse, a butler, an encourager, and a huge shoulder.  Yep. It's high time for a bit of a break... and because my spray tan is starting to fade, it can't come soon enough. 

Open for Business

I closed the blog because I needed a break.  A break from people looking at my previous entry and making judgements, a break from thinking about what those judgments were, and a break from coming back to the blog with a witty post that would seem as if the previous entry was a blip in the life of an otherwise busy mom who cares about house decor and the latest Gap sale than she does religion.

Don't get me wrong, I really like the Gap. My Banana Luxe card is obvious proof of that.  Yet this change in our lives has been so huge, that it's hard to write about anything else.  With that said, and with full knowledge that anyone who reads this little blog of mine doesn't always approve of, or want to hear about all things "Catholic".. I have decided that I am going to give myself a break and make a compromise.  I wouldn't be the same writer if I had to hide a huge part of my life, but I don't want that huge part to overshadow all of the other great things that I think about, or participate in, with the family.

So my compromise is that once a month I will do a specific post dedicated to what we have been learning spiritually, whether it be about the Catholic faith or personally what God is teaching us at the moment, even if it isn't specifically "Catholic."  If someone doesn't want to read those posts, great.  No harm done.  I will be sure to label the title so that it is clear what the post is about.

As I have said before, I'm not an apologist, so curb your judgements accordingly.  But I have been moved and am being changed to the core by what I have learned.  And because I have been instructed to "always give a reason for the hope that is within me".... I am going to do, just that.

So I am re-opening the blog, for that small dedicated handful of readers.  And I must say, it feels nice to write publicly, again.  Even if eyes are rolling and "there they go again" comments are being said.  But before you can say, "you're an idiot," I will have better posts up about our upcoming cruise and ice skating adventures.  Family time doesn't stop just because I started going to Mass.  And that, is something that I can definitely, continue to write home about.

The Fullness

In my case, neglect of the blog has been purposeful.  We have not been void of fun family time, wonderful extended family Christmases, or daily craziness of snowmen building, sledding, ice skating, cookie making, Lego building, or American Girl hair brushing.  We have been doing it all, I assure you.  Our kids are wonderful, happy kids that although at times need to be "redirected" in some of their actions, they are our greatest joy, hands down.

In my case, the long hiatus from writing has been a direct effect of an increase in my reading.  I have been devouring books of a certain subject matter with a vengeance.  Listening to podcasts, searching the internet, and holding onto my Nook like it is a piece of priceless treasure.  So frankly, I haven't had time. But even more frankly, Kevin and I have been in the midst of a life changing season that we have felt was not appropriate to talk about until we knew what our path would be.

Even now, our decision is not entirely official.  It can't be, for practical reasons, for another year or so.  But I have come to a place where I am confident enough in what I have read and learned, barring a "Saul of Tarsus moment,"  that I feel compelled to write about it here, on a personal blog. 

So here it is.  Kevin and I have looked into, searched, attended, and finally, fallen in love with the Catholic Church and the Catholic Faith.  Over the course of the last several years, we believe that the Lord, through many avenues, has gently led us to the doors of the Church.  And once we braved up and went in, (which took a while), we were confronted and encouraged that the Truth the Catholic Church calls the "Fullness of the Faith," not only existed in the books we were studying, but was alive and powerful within the Church, as well. Basically, in layman's terms, we have read our way into the Catholic church.  Pure and simple.

I won't go through all of the reasons of why we have decided to become Catholic.  If people are truly interested, I would like nothing more than to have a conversation.  But I am not an apologist, and don't pretend to be one.  In fact, it has been such a process that although I am confident, it would be difficult for me to pinpoint exactly what was the final trigger.  It was built upon by many authors, many questions, and many different reasons.  It started with books, and has landed in the beauty of Sunday morning Mass.

To those, like family and close friends who may at the least be surprised, and at worst, angered, I felt like we needed to to address it now rather than later when we enter into full communion, officially.   So I will say this to those that we love, and we care so much for.  We thank you with all that we have for introducing us to Jesus, to the Bible, and a love for Him.  Our childhoods were filled with nothing but the greatest examples of parents, Grandparents, and siblings of the Love of Christ and his Gospel.  And we are not rejecting that.  Our lives have been enriched by what we have found, our marriage has been strengthened, our prayer lives have deepened, and our love for Christianity has multiplied, profoundly.

If not for the peace that I have in Catholicism, I wouldn't wish a conversion on my worst enemy.  Conversions are difficult, incredibly lonely at times, and faith shaking to the core.  Becoming Catholic was definitely not one of my life goals.  In fact, not even on the "maybe, possibility" list.  It just wasn't an option.  Or a thought.   Which is why I am as shocked as anyone else that I am even writing this post.  But then, I believe that if we let Him, God will lead us where He wants, not where we intended to go.

I'm not going to turn my blog into a Catholic apologetics site.  I will quickly get back to the business of kid pictures, fun adventures, and hopefully a vacation sooner, rather than later.  But before that, I wanted to share the greatest joy that I have found in my life of faith.

We love you all, and hope that this can in some way be encouraging.