Seven Quick Takes Friday

Seven Quick Takes, hosted by Conversion Diary

#1

Don't you like nice people. People who bring home made stationary as a gift for hosting a party. People who come early to help set up. People who are happy for you because you're happy and that's just great. People who give of their time, talent or treasure because they're kind - and that's the only reason.

I like nice people.

#2

Water Under the Bridge by Jars of Clay is a beautiful song.

"And the years roll by, and you hold my hand while the shadows stretch over the land crumble and fall in my arms and we'll struggle to hold on..."

It's a song about a marriage preserving and persevering until the end. My marriage has not hit any major bumps, but I'm sure something will come up eventually. I want to be hopeful like this song is, definite that Travis and I will stay "til the last drop of water flows under the bridge."

#3

Playlist for the Girls' Night I just hosted:

Fidelity-Regina Spektor I'm the Man Who Loves You-Wilco Hurt-Johnny Cash Out Loud-Dispatch Brandy Alexander-Fiest When Doves Cry-The Be Good Tanyas Can't Help Falling in Love-Ingrid Michelson Fly-Sara Groves Corrina, Corrina-Bob Dylan Sweet Rose-Matt Costa  Come on Get Higher-Matt Nathanson New Soul-Yael Naim When the Saints-Sara Groves Samson-Regina Spektor Undeniable-Mat Kearney You Are the Best Thing-Ray LaMontagne

#4

Lydia, ready to help Daddy shovel the snow. Too cute.

#5

For the aforementioned Girls' Night I cleaned the house and moved the swing and play mat from the living room to the nursery.  The living room looks very nice, but not as homey.  I guess that's what having kids does to one's home - it becomes more full (of clutter, toys, books, rainforest themed play things) but instead of feeling too small it feels it like a fuller life.

#6

I'm helping plan a conference for youngish Catholic moms here in Central IL. 

We're calling it the Behold Conference. 

In Scripture "behold" is often used when we are about to be told something deeply significant - God wants our attention.  Think of the angels to the shepherds, "Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy..." or Jesus, "Behold, I am with you always..." 

 It is also used when the motherhood of Mary is revealed to us.  "Behold, you will concieve in your womb and bear a son..."  "Behold, I am a handmaid of the Lord..."  "Woman, behold your son."

Lastly, we feel that every woman, in the core of her heart, wants to be something worth beholding.  We want to know that the things we do - curling our hair, cleaning the house, encouraging our children - are appreciated and seen as beautiful. 

Our hope is that the conference will allow moms (and all women) the chance to spend precious time with Christ, at Mass, adoration and confession, while speaking to them about motherhood, womanhood, and God's love.  We hope to affirm women in their dignity and their vocation.

(Mother Assumpta Long from the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist and Teresa Tomeo from EWTN and Relevent Radio are our two speakers!)

#7

An anonymous donor told us that they're tired of our pathetic couch and so they are buying us a new one.  Last night I picked out the sofa of my dreams and we get it on Monday.  It'll look a little like this.  So excited!!!!