What I Wore Wednesday: A Selection

I hate having my this space languish with no new posts. But sometimes I can't find time or the right words or whatever. Today is one of those days. I'm sharing some outfits, and linking up with The Pleated Poppy, because I do love clothes and seeing what others are wearing inspires me to try new things.

Awkwardly cropped picture to keep unwitting husband out of the shot. Dirty mirror courtesy of little hands. Cropped pants from Target, as is the white camisole, cardigan from Old Navy, shoes from DSW. I have never worn cropped pants and heels together but I loved this outfit for church. Expect to see variations all summer long.

Hot anniversary date! We went to Simply Fondue and then a movie with friends. I was a bit overdressed, but I wanted to wear this dress somewhere. Dress from Express, shoes same as above. Jewelry from Charming Charlie.

Church again. Skirt from Target, last year. Camisole and cardigan from Old Navy. Wedges from Target. Clearly I am ready for it to be spring.

Today, to run errands. It is cold again. Boooooo. I am tired of my winter clothes, so I've been trying to mix things up. Striped tee from H&M, cardigan and jeans from Old Navy, scarf from Target.

And because I have no other occasion to say this, I'll put it here. Turns out I love really pretty underthings. But I can't show you those, obviously. So consider this my tip of the week--get some pretty necessities and you'll feel better about how you look, even when you're rocking yoga pants and a hoodie.

Check out The Pleated Poppy for more outfits.

I Believe in Love

Yesterday was Valentine's Day and tomorrow is our 12th anniversary, so here I am with 12 things I love about my husband. Sappy? Totally. I promise this will be the sappiest post of the year. It hurts my inner snark too much.

1. He washes the egg pan. I make eggs a few times a week for breakfast, and then get busy making lunches for school kids. Travis always washes the egg pan. This is nice because it really grosses me out to do it if I don't get it washed right away, and I don't really have time for that in the mornings.

2. He makes the coffee. Also part of our morning routine. While I'm doing the kid stuff he's got the coffee started, so I can sit down with a cup as soon as the kids are out the door. Now that we're juicing I drink my juice first and look forward to my coffee even more.

3. I believe I've said this before, but he usually puts gas in my car when it needs it. This is especially appreciated in the winter. I hate standing in the cold. I hate static electricity. I love feeling cared for when I get in my car and the tank is full. He also takes it for oil changes.

4. He's really funny. Who doesn't like to laugh? Not a day goes by that he doesn't do something that makes me laugh out loud. Laughter is good for your marriage, friends.

5. He has never asked me to cut back on my haircuts. I get my hair cut every six weeks, and colored every other appointment. Now, I do get a great deal, but it is still a luxury expense. And he never complains  and never suggests I go longer between appointments.

6. He handles all the dental care for the kids. First, we were negligent in getting started with regular dental care. When we finally did, I realized I was going to need him home with the little kids while I was at the dentist with other kids, so I asked if he would just handle the scheduling and such. So he does. With 5 kids going for regular cleanings, and then a couple with orthodontic care starting, he spends a lot of time at the dentist. And doesn't complain.

7. Travis loves baseball as much as I do. This is no small thing. I am truly a happier person knowing that baseball season is underway and he shares my enthusiasm. I feel so blessed that neither one of us has to fake an interest in the other's passion. We actually share a love for many sports, especially UNT teams. It makes our marriage fun.

8. He is committed to our shared faith. Naturally we both go through dry spells in our spiritual life, but knowing that we are both secure in our shared Catholicism is huge. When one of us is struggling, we know we can turn to each other and speak of our struggles with a shared knowledge and belief. When you have 6 kids in 8 years this is no small thing.

9. He loves my family. I am especially grateful for the friendship he has with my brother. I am so glad that we both get along with our families and that it is not a source of tension in our marriage. We're very blessed.

10. He's a great dad. When I go out of town he does all kinds of fun things with the kids. I never have to feel like he can't handle being on his own with the kids. He is silly and funny and loving. None of us are perfect parents, but I could learn so much from his selflessness with our kids.

11. He shows up. He goes to work, even though it is not his passion, and he succeeds. He puts taking care of his family ahead of his desires. He goes to practices and games and performances. He helps with homework. He encourages me to pursue my hobbies and friendships. He does what a husband and father should do.

12. He still loves me, despite my princess ways.  In 12 years I think I have actually grown more high maintenance, somehow. But he rolls with the punches and makes sure I know I'm loved and treasured. He walks with me through each new phase of life, keeping me balanced and steady. I'm so blessed.

Just Write: Respite

I've been composing this post in my head since Sunday. And then yesterday we learned the Pope is resigning at the end of the month. A pope hasn't abdicated the seat of Peter in 600 years. But the feelings I share don't change just because my church's leader will change. And that's part of the beauty, for me.

We go to Mass every Sunday. And Mass is largely the same, week in and week out. Sometimes that can dull my senses and I am distracted and not present. It is easy to respond by rote, to tune out the things we say every time. And many times, I feel like I leave Mass without having heard a word. There are Sundays when Lily is miserable and whining and I need all the grace there is to stay calm and semi-patient. I know that regardless of the attention I can give, that grace is present and there for me. Thank goodness I don't have to be perfect to get what I need!

This Sunday, though, was a gift. We settled into our seats. Lily was calm and cooperative. I was able to sing the opening song and the opening Mass parts. I felt more present than usual. The sun was shining in. I was with my family. I got to hear every word of the readings.

I held Lily and did the mom rock. We all know the one. Where you are holding a child and you can't help but sway, even when you're sitting down. And she squirmed and fidgeted to find just the right position, and then she gave way to sleep. She hasn't fallen asleep on me at church in ages. And so I held her and continued rocking. I couldn't stand and kneel with the congregation, but that was okay. I was holding my little girl. And for that day, all the grace was right there in my lap. A gentle reminder that it is not all struggle and push and pull.

There was nothing particularly special about that Mass. The responses were the same as always. We sang songs that we knew. But it was just what I needed. And now, as my church awaits the news of our new leader, I take comfort in knowing Mass on Sunday will be the same, and that grace is there for me, however ready I am to experience it.

Just Write with Heather of the Eo

Hitting Reset

I got away for the weekend. I joined 10 of my college girlfriends in Oklahoma to spend time eating and drinking and catching up with each other, away from the many distractions of home. We rented a cabin and took turns making meals and some of the time we were all together and some of the time we did our own thing.

I needed this weekend. More than I realized as we were planning it. I've been in a funk lately. Nothing too serious, but I certainly have not been my usual cheerful self. I see myself as an optimistic person, able to see my blessings easily and gratefully. I usually don't dwell on the negative. My life is not perfect, it never has been. But it is filled with more good than one girl deserves, for sure. And I had somehow lost sight of that. All I could see was my frustrations and the things I wish were better or different.

We should always look at our lives and see where we could grow and change in a positive way. We shouldn't excuse vice and apathy. But we shouldn't wallow in negativity either. I don't think I was at that point, but it felt like it was getting close.

So I stole away with my girlfriends. And my soul was restored and my heart filled. We shared our struggles and our triumphs. We acknowledged the good and the not great. And I have come away feeling more like myself. And even more grateful for this charmed life I live.

 (Wine is The Middle Sister, Wild One, a delicious Malbec. Book is called Live by Night and is fantastic. Cabin was called Hidden Acres, managed by Hidden Hills Cabins in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. I can't say enough about how gorgeous the cabin was and how happy we were with the whole weekend.)