Busy Busy Busy

Did I mention I am not addicted to Instagram (I know I am WAYYYY behind on this)

I have been so behind on blogging, since the last week has been crazy.


1. Hubby car in shop last week
2. Put on and spoke at a youth conference here at the church last weekend.
3. Sick baby who ended up with a ruptured ear drum -- while youth conference was going on
:)
Advent has been crazy, even though loving our nightly prayer around the wreath.  As both kids seem to be sick with a cough or something at night, I am beginning to feel a little bit like I have a newborn (even though I dont)
Christmas shopping has barely been started, and Christmas cards, well, havent even been thought about.  So sorry if you were checking your mailbox for a pic of our lovely clan, you will be waiting.....probably till next year, if I can get it together by then.  But on a positive note kids are on the upswing with their health, and I am beginning to get into the Christmas spirit.
PS I got an I phone, and I like it so much I feel guilty. I am loving taking pictures of my kids!
Heres an Advent Prayer, because I def need today!!

Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a wonder at the wisdom and power of Your Father and ours. Receive my prayer as part of my service of the Lord who enlists me in God's own work for justice. 

Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. 

Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a joy responsive to the Father's joy. I seek His will so I can serve with gladness, singing and love. 

Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me the joy and love and peace it is right to bring to the manger of my Lord. Raise in me, too, sober reverence for the God who acted there, hearty gratitude for the lifebegun there, and spirited resolution to serve the Father and Son. 

I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, whose advent I hail. Amen.


FEAST OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION TOMORROW!! 

5 minute sweep

Before I figured this little trick out, I used to have a messy house constantly, and now, it might not be spotless-no dirt-toilet fresh clean, everyday, it is getting better!  Every night, after the kids go to bed, I do a 5 minute sweep through the house, literally on the nights I am SOSOSO tired, I time myself.  Pick up toys, load or unload dishwasher, wipe down bathroom and counters.  Whew, but my house is no longer messy!  If I have a minute left I even put out clothes for the morning This makes for a much more restful night, and waking up in the morning to a mostly straight home.  I also sometimes do it during commericals, even though I dont watch much TV.
I read a book called "Power of a Praying Wife."  You should get it its AWESOME!  And one thing it says is that I am responsible for making a house a home.  Being a wife, whether working or not, that is our vocation, or one of them.  Giving our family clean laundry, cooking dinner, making our home a safe and restful place to come home too, instead of complete chaos.
Also helps putting laundry baskets in the bedrooms, bathroom, and laundry room.  Ok, I empty more but when the hubby accidently forgets (every single time he takes even a sock off) to put his stuff in the laundry basket, it is a quick throw to the nearest home.
When I accepted it to be my job, things got alot more peaceful.
I felt better about myself and my home, the hubby and kids were happier, and I didnt walk around with a chip on my shoulder that I was the only one cleaning.
Does my hubby ask me to mow the lawn?  change the oil in the cars? fix things? take my son fishing? or get a second job because he makes SO much more than me?
Absolutely not, so I need to do my part too......and I know for a fact, our Blessed Mother wants us to do all we can for our families.  Even though its a cross sometimes, we are called to take up our cross?? even when the last thing I need is something else to carry.