Thoughts from a writing mom

So....I don't know how to start this one.   It's hard because there are certain people in my life that are going to find out about our newest addition via social media, which is never the ideal way of finding out big news.   But I'm choosing this as my way. Those in our lives that see us regularly know already that we're having our sixth baby this summer. Some that don't see us regularly have no idea.   I received some negative reactions to my pregnancy with Barrett, and I just never had a moment when I felt ready to face hearing those again. So I've waited.   I prayed about it, gave it up to God, and here I am. Announcing this in a blog post. It's unfortunate that I feared other's reactions to a new baby, but I did.   It's my family. It isn't easy to hear comments about how I should've prevented some of my children. It hurts, it really does. So here is the story this time. It's different than the others. I had zero sympto...

Navy Boot Camp, 2003 Michael and I as brand new exhausted parents, 2009 It was a sunny, warm day at the DFW airport in Dallas when I left for the Navy.   Arriving at Great Lakes, Illinois that night and seeing ice on the ground was a bit of a shock. I still remember how nervous I was, but strangely excited at the same time to be joining the military.   It was something so much bigger than me and I knew even at the young age of 19 I was where I was supposed to be at the time. It felt scary, but right. Little did I know at the time how much that eight weeks of boot camp would prepare me for a journey I’d begin six years later…motherhood.   Oh yes.   Navy boot camp can actually be compared to parenting babies and toddlers.   Surprised?   I can explain.   This is a list of six of the ways Navy boot camp is like mothering small children. 1.          You have to eat really, really fast.  ...

One of these days I’ll have a better looking blog.   I’ll also add to it more frequently.   I’m quite sure of this, however I cannot say exactly how much more time will pass before these things happen.   Just letting anyone reading know that I am aware of the fact that I need to work on the said items, and then some. But, you know, busy. Five kids busy. Five kids under the age of six busy.   With school, pre-school, t-ball, soccer, religious education, husband is a cop that works all.the.time. busy.   ALL GOOD THINGS however.   I need to point out that despite the busy, we’re happy and grateful for these things that take up our time.   I’ll say it again and again, I’m blessed and I know it. Oh, but I do really want to finish my second book.   I also want to pursue getting it published.   Which in reality is silly, because I never market the first book I had published.   What is with that?   Makes no sense, but I have the toughes...

As I write it is 10:40 am.   I am standing, using my kitchen counter to scribble these words on a page of an old notebook.   My two boys are napping.   My three girls are crawling around pretending to be alligators.   Before that they were hiding “treasure” (a collection of rocks in an empty baby wipes box) and I had the job of drawing a map using a crayon to find the said treasure.   They’ve been watching a lot of Jake and the Pirates lately.   Now I am making time to write a blog post.   I haven’t written much lately and I miss it.   I’ve been praying that God will give me the time to do this, all the while thanking Him for these children that keep me too busy for much else.   I’ve heard of women explaining their child rearing years as a period of putting their dreams on hold.   I don’t exactly feel that way although my writing definitely sits on the back burner at all times.   The truth for me is that mothering is...

I’m finally sitting down to write something!   Oh I have been wanting to do this.   I’ve been slightly tied up lately, nursing a new baby every couple of hours.   Yep, we have a newborn in the house again!   Currently I am in zombie mode, surviving on very little sleep.   It is a happy sleepy time though…I’m enjoying getting to know the little one I’d been waiting to hold for nine months.   He is a sweet baby boy and I’m loving being his mommy.   Even in the middle of the night, honestly.   It’s a sweet time in those quiet hours, just the two of us.   I’m blessed and I know it.   J   Of course, writing has been on my mind.   I want to get back to work on book #2, and soon!   I set a goal for this one, to finish within a year.   I started writing it in November, so it’s still an attainable goal.   I hope all goes as planned and I’m able to pursue having my second book published.   I just have to rem...

As many of you are well aware, Absolved was officially released by ELectio Publishing this past Tuesday.   I had been anticipating that day for months and it came quickly.   I felt excited, of course, but had an even more overwhelming feeling of relief.   I know it might sound silly, but I spent a lot of time before the release just being nervous.   Don’t get me wrong…I wanted this.   It’s a dream come true to be published.   But the anticipation of the book I wrote being out there for anyone to read mostly just scared me.     And then the day came.   Like every other day, it began with feeding my kids breakfast.   Like every other day, I sat down with coffee, said a morning prayer, read the daily mass readings.   And then I posted some links to where the book is available on facebook and twitter.   My husband was sweet enough to take the day off, just because it was my release day.   We took our two old...

As I’m sure I have said enough lately…the book is out very soon.   I’ve been anticipating this release for months.   It’s been a surreal experience mostly.   An anxiety-inducing experience.   And an exciting experience, for sure.   And right now, I want to tell you why my book matters. Absolved is a story about forgiveness. And I want to share thoughts regarding forgiveness.   I’ll start with reminding you of how the word “forgive” is defined: Forgive verb :to stop feeling anger toward (someone who has done something wrong): to stop blaming (someone) :to stop feeling anger about (something): to forgive someone for (something wrong) :to stop requiring payment of (money that is owed) We’ve all had our share of experience with needing to forgive.   Even early in life, after fighting with childhood friends or siblings.   I still remember being forced to hug my sisters after a fight.   It was almost worse than the fight it...