Next Sunday starts the Advent season for 2008.  As we wait in anticipation for the birth of our Lord we will spend these next few weeks in prayerful thanksgiving.  And do we have so much to be thankful for this year!

When I was pregnant I started thinking of all these traditions I wanted to start for our new family.  I didn’t want Christmas to be just about gifts but I wanted our baby to really understand what the meaning of Christmas really was.  I plan on buying a tiny crib and everyday during Advent adding a little hay.  Each day when we add hay we will say a special little prayer and say something we are thankful for that day.  On Christmas, we will add the baby Jesus to the crib and sing Happy Birthday.  I want Mary Rene to understand that everyday during the Advent season we are preparing our hearts for the Lord.  Hence the hay. 

I just need to buy the crib.  And I guess some hay too.  Oh and the baby Jesus as well.

Here is a picture of my pathetic Advent wreath.  Last year I bought the wreath and candle holder but never got around to buying the candles.  I told myself that I had plenty of time to purchase the candles before the 2008 season.  Well, it is here and there are no candles.  I got the prayers all typed out and we are ready to pray; we just don’t have a candle to light.

What are your traditions for the Advent season?

Today Mary Rene is 2 months young.  We will never forget this day because she received the Sacrament of Baptism today.  Mary Rene is now a child of God.  She was the 64th baby to be baptized at our parish this year.  The baptism went amazingly perfect and Father Stanger did a tremendous job.  Frank and I were both in tears as the holy water was poured over her little head.  And the best part, Mary Rene didn’t cry!  She opened her eyes when he poured the water on her head but then she smiled, frowned a bit and then closed her eyes again.  She was a good little angel.

I’ve been smelling her precious little head all day because it still smells like the oil Father blessed her with at the beginning of Mass.  It is a nice reminder of how important today is in her life.  Today her life begins!  And now it is up to Frank and me to keep this day going for the rest of her life. 

This picture was taken right after she was baptized when we were bringing up the gifts.  It almost looks like she is saying, “yeah,  you know it.  I’m a child of God ya all.”  I love the look on her face.

Oh, and her dress.  WOW!  Tena Hartung, owner of Creatively Yours, did such an amazing job.  If you are in the St. Louis area and need a custom made dress give her a call.

This is a picture of the baptism bonnet and dress I wore 29 years ago.

This beading is the base of my wedding dress.

And here is the gorgeous result.  Tena took the train from my wedding dress and made Mary Rene’s entire dress out of the fabric from the train and then added my beaded base to Mary Rene’s dress.  The top of Mary Rene’s dress is from the top of my baptismal gown (it is hard to tell from the picture but they are little crosses.)  And Mary Rene is wearing my bonnet. 

Welcome to the Catholic Church my precious little angel.  May all your days be filled with God’s love and mercy.  May you never feel alone and always feel God’s presence in your life.  We pray that you will find comfort in the Lord and always, always, have faith in Him and His church.  We thank God daily for your life and we are so blessed to be your parents.

I originally said that I wouldn’t talk about politics again on this website, at least until the next election.  Well, unfortunately I was wrong.  Last week I was getting ready for Bible Study and one of the questions I had to answer was, “How does God want to use you to advance His Kingdom?”  I instantly realized God is using my blog to promote His message.  It seems to be my only outlet and apparently people listen.  And the more I sat and thought about it the more I realized I couldn’t, and shouldn’t, remain silent for four years. 

I think that is the big problem with the pro-life movement.  We only seem to come out with our arms swinging during election time.  If we have a successful election then we go back in hiding until the next election.  If the election is not successful then we sit and wait until something happens that affects the pro-life movement.  By doing this the movement gets lost and slowly fades away.  And eventually abortion won’t be an issue anymore.

With that said, I’ve decided that I need to devote more time to the cause.  Occasionally I need to write on my blog about important issues in the movement.  And even outside the blog I need to be more proactive in my daily life.  I guess that is how God is using me to advance His Kingdom.

 *** *** ***

I was surfing the net this morning and saw that Obama is planning on overturning at least 200 of the Bush administration actions and executive orders.  Does every president come in office and do this?  Just wondering because if that is the case then each election we would be taking steps backwards and then again forward when the next president comes.  I’m sure that doesn’t make sense when you read it but I know what I meant in my head.

Jill Stanek blogged today about the actions & orders that have to do with the pro-life movement.  If you read her post you will get an idea of Obama’s priorities before he is sworn into office.  He complains about all the money we as taxpayers are investing into the war yet he is okay with our tax money paying for abortions in the US and in other countries?  Even though I am against the war I still would rather see my money go there then to funding abortions.  What about you.  Of the two, would you rather fund the war or abortions in the US and other countries?

One day until the election.  After today I will go back to talking about the amazingly beautiful Mary Rene (who is having exploding poop today-might be because I ate Mexican last night!)  I’m going to take this opportunity to address a few issues that have come up in the comment section on some of my last post.

1. I never voted for Bush.  He definitely isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.  And frankly I will be glad when he is out of office.  But honestly, can we blame Bush for all of our problems?  Is it really his fault that the banks are collapsing?  Is it really his fault that the housing market has dropped?  That the price of gas is high?  Do you honestly believe as Americans we have given enough power to one man to bring our country down?  I’m not saying he is perfect but by no means did he create all the messes that we are in today.  I think a lot of it has to do with greed.  Greed on the banks who want more money.  Greed on the Americans who want more and more and more.  Sure Bush hasn’t done much to fix the problem but we haven’t either.  My dad works for Chrysler and they just closed another shift at his plant.  Eventually he might be forced into early retirement.  Because of my dad working there, I have never and will never buy a foreign car.  (One of the guys I dated in high school drove a Honda and he was not allowed to park in front of my parents’ house!)  I refuse to shop at Wal-Mart.  I only buy groceries from the local food chains.  I wish I could say I only buy American when it comes to clothes but that is just plain hard.  But I am trying to do my part.
2. I can only think of two good things that Bush has done while in office:  passed the Born Alive Infant Act and banned partial birth abortion.  To me, those are amazing accomplishments.  Unfortunately partial birth abortion might be overturned.
3. I hate war.  I was angry when we went to war with Iraq years ago.  The war is the biggest reason I don’t support Bush.  I still don’t get the war and why we are there.  But we are there and we can’t leave now.  We have to finish what we started.  We can’t just pick up and leave.  Many people don’t realize that we still have troops in Germany from World War II.  We still have troops in Korea from the Korean War.  Our American troops are stationed voluntarily around the world-protecting our freedom.  My uncle, who is one of my closest friends, is stationed in Afghanistan right now.  He volunteered and trust me his wife is pissed!  He volunteered two years ago to be stationed in Iraq.  He volunteered years ago to be stationed in Kuwait.  He willingly knows he is risking his life but he does this because he loves his country.  He does more then I can say I have ever done for this country.  I applaud him and all the troops for their bravery.  And I thank them with all my heart for what they are doing for us.  But they did volunteer.  They were not drafted.  Which to me is more honorable that they did volunteer.
4. I am not republican.  In fact, tomorrow I will be voting for both democrats and republicans.  I am actually pretty liberal in my thoughts and a lot of my views upset my husband (just like you Lerin!)  Frank and I have fought over some of my liberal views!  Obama would be the perfect candidate for me if he was pro-life.  But that one issue pushes me away from him.
5. Education is important.  That is why I am voting for McCain.  Right now, everyone pays for the public school system in the community they live.  If you decide to send your child to a charter or private school, you still pay for the public school through taxes yet you don’t get any assistance with private education.  McCain wants to make it possible that everyone gets vouchers so they can send their children to any school they want-public, private or charter.  We plan on sending our children to a Catholic private school and if someday I have the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom, the voucher will help.  I don’t think it is fair to be restricted to the local public school because you can’t afford the luxuries of a charter or private school
6. Fixing the economy is important.  Winning the war is important.  But none of this matters without life.  I can’t put the life issue to the side on the account of another issue.  It is innocent life we are talking about.  These babies are not volunteering to be killed.  They have no choice.  They can’t speak for themselves.  That is our job as Christians. 
7. I remember months before Mary Rene was born and I couldn’t sleep because she was moving around so much.  This could easily have been at six months, seven, eight or nine.  She still is a little fireball and I love her with every ounce of my body.  If FOCA is passed, a baby could be aborted up to the ninth month.  That sickens me. 
8. If FOCA is passed partial birth abortion will be legal again.  Can anyone out there give justification for this extreme form of abortion?  Seriously?  Give me one reason that this type of abortion is necessary. 
9. In 16 years, Mary Rene can legally drive.  In 18 years she can legally vote.  In 21 years she can legally drink.  But if FOCA is passed she will be able to legally kill a baby at any age without my parental consent.  That just doesn’t make sense.
10. As a practicing Catholic it is my duty to put life first.  I cannot receive the amazing gift of the Eucharist on Sunday and vote pro-choice.  That would make me a hypocrite to God.  I would much rather be a hypocrite in the eyes of the public then to my Lord and Savior.  When the minister says, “The Body of Christ” I couldn’t be honest and say “Amen” if I voted against Christ.  If I voted pro-choice I couldn’t receive Communion this Sunday and there is no way I am doing that.  Receiving the Eucharist is the most important thing I do during the week and I will not deny myself that amazing gift.

Abortion is my issue and more so now with FOCA coming back into the picture.  The other issues don’t matter to me.  I know many people out there do not agree that I, and many practicing Catholics and Christians, vote on one issue.  But we believe it is our duty to Christ.  He gave me the ultimate sacrifice of His life and I owe Him for that.  He is not asking me to better my country by voting for the candidate who will get us out of the war.  He is not asking me to better my country by voting for the candidate who will improve the economy.  He is not asking me to better my country by improving our schools.  Jesus Christ, the Living Son of God, is asking me to protect His children.  And that is what I intend to do.  As long as I breath the air that God gave me, I will vote pro-life.  I made too many wrong votes in the past because I wasn’t one with my church and someday I will have to answer to God.  I can only hope that God will forgive me for my past mistakes and recognize the changes I have made.

Today after we left Mass we got a flyer on our window about where the candidates stand.  I was reading through it and I completely forgot about three important issues about the Freedom of Choice Act.

1. FOCA would make partial-birth abortion legal again.  In 2003 President Bush was able to get partial-birth abortion ban.  I’m not sure how many years it was legal or how often it was practiced but it is a very disgusting form of abortion.  You can read about it yourself at this link.  But if FOCA is passed (which Obama said he would get passed if he becomes president) will make it legal again.  I don’t understand why they want this form of abortion legal, does anybody understand this? 
2. We, you and me, will have to pay for abortions through our taxes.  You think the number of abortions is high now, surely the number will increase once we are paying for it. 
3. If FOCA is passed, there is a chance that my wonderful, amazing, pro-life doctor can lose his job.  From what I understand, the act would make it illegal for him to refuse an abortion if he is requested to do so.  Dr. Gosseris so pro-life that he doesn’t even give out birth control.  He believes, as the Catholic Church believes, that any form of birth control is a barrier to the creation of life.  Frank and I practice Natural Family Planning and Dr. Gosser is an incredible teacher of this technique.  He is an amazing witness to life and it would be a real shame to see him pushed out of the medical field because he stands up for what he believes in. 

I really hope FOCA does not get passed.  If Obama becomes president, I pray that FOCA will get vetoed and die.

I’m not a big fan of McCain either but he ranks higher on my list then Obama.  Merely for the fact that he is for life. 

Christ was for life.  Christ died for our lives.  And it is my duty as a practicing Christian to continue His fight on earth.  Without life, what is there?

Isn’t this little baby the cutest?  This baby reminds me of my little Mary Rene.  When I first held her in my arms I instantly noticed her pudgy little nose, just like this little baby.  That little pudgy nose is thanks to Frank.  I wonder if it is this baby’s mommy or daddy that has the pudgy nose?  

I look at this baby, only 20 weeks in his/her mommy’s womb, and I think back to when I was pregnant with my little Mary Rene.  This is what my little Mary Rene looked like 26 weeks ago.  Absolutely breathtaking.  I remember going in for the ultrasound when Mary Rene was 21 weeks and 2 days and watching her move around.  It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen.  I showed the ultrasound picture to my friend Emily at RCIA and she said the ultrasound looked like a girl.  She was right.  My baby girl.

Did you know that 1.6 million little babies like the one above are legally killed a year?  That is so sad.  They never get to experience life like my little pumpkin Mary Rene.  They never cry and then are quickly whisked in their mother’s arms like my little angel Mary Rene.  They never get to coo and smile as their mother makes goofy faces like my precious darling Mary Rene.  Their mothers and fathers never get to experience the daily joys of seeing the miracle life each and everyday.  I pray for these parents.   

The Archbishop of New York, Edward Cardinal Egan, says it much better in The Holiness of Truth.  Please give it a read.  It is long, it uses big words, he might lose you at times but he makes his point.

Many people may say that abortion isn’t an important issue with the way our economy is today.  Or you might think the war in Iraq is more important then a candidate’s beliefs on life.  But if a candidate is to disregard an innocent life, like the beautiful baby above, then why do you think this candidate cares about your life?  Think about it.

In 2006, it was estimated that 85 percent of women who were pregnant with a Down Syndrome baby had an abortion.  I’m sure that number is higher now but I can’t find a more current stat.  I’m wondering how much higher that number will rise if Obama becomes the next president?  He scares me.

A Down Syndrome baby can be such a blessing.  This video, 99 Balloons, was apart of the Oprah show two days ago.  Please, please, take six minutes to watch this video.  This couple knew their baby was going to be born sick.  They actually were told the baby might not survive birth.  But they didn’t listen and continued with the pregnancy.  Their precious angel lived for 99 days.  Over one million people have watched this video on youtube.  This child is changing lives.  We are luck that his parents were in the minority, 15 percent, that chose life.

Make everyday count.

(quick note: Mary Rene slept for six hours straight last night!  World record!!!)

When I was pregnant with Mary Rene I shared my faith story and how I got to where I was today.  While I was writing the story I started to think about what Mary Rene’s faith story would be someday.  I pray that she always remains faithful and I pray harder that she doesn’t experience some of the nastiness that I did.  The more I thought about an older Mary Rene who could think for herself, the more I started to worry.  I know it is Frank and my responsibility as her first teachers to get her on the right path.  So instead of sitting back and waiting until she is older to start her religious education I decided to start it from day one.  Here is what we are doing so far:

• Every morning when Mary Rene wakes up I bless her and do the sign of the cross on her forehead.
• During her morning feeding (about 7 a.m.) we do the Rosary (I have three versions taped from EWTN.)
• Every time she sneezes I say “God Bless You” and I do the sign of the cross on her forehead.
• When she is fussy during the day I play and sing Christian music to her (mostly from the Bring The Rain web page)   
• When she is attentive (not fussy but just looking at me) I will rock her and talk to her.  Sometimes I talk to her about how much Jesus loves her or I will tell her stories from the Bible.
• Last night Frank and I started saying our nighttime prayers with her (we should have been doing this weeks ago!)  And I guess the prayers worked because she slept six hours straight!

It is not much yet but it is a start.  All the baby books say that you should talk to the baby and tell the baby what you are doing throughout the day.  By talking to the baby a lot you are helping develop their language skills.  So in the same regards, the more times Mary Rene hears the Lord’s name, the more she will know the Lord.  Right?  I just want to give her a good start before it is too late.

When I was eight months pregnant, Frank and I attended the required Baptism class at our church.  Frank and I wanted to get Mary Rene baptized as soon as possible so we wanted to make sure to get the class done before our lives were turned upside down.  Well, Mary Rene was born and our lives sure were turned upside down to the point that I didn’t have time to call the church to schedule her baptism.  We originally were hoping to have her baptized in October but I didn’t get the call done in time.  So now Mary Rene is scheduled to meet the Lord on November 16th.  Her two month birthday.

Mary’s Godmother will be Frank’s younger sister Elizabeth.  Elizabeth is 20 years old and a practicing Catholic.  Most women her age don’t talk about their relationship with the Lord.  But Elizabeth doesn’t hold back.  She believes in God and isn’t afraid to admit it.  She follows the church teachings and is proud of who she is.  She will be a great support system to Frank and I when it comes to teaching Mary Rene our faith.  We are so honored to have her as a Godmother.

Mary’s Godfather will be my younger brother Joe.  Joe is 26 and although he is not a practicing Catholic he is getting married in the Catholic Church next year.  He is going to church now and we pray that he will continue to go to church after his wedding.  Over the years Joe has grown into a responsible man.  We know that he will be a good role model for Mary someday.  We are so excited that he agreed to be her Godfather.

I found a local lady that will make Mary Rene’s baptismal gown out of my wedding dress (thanks for the suggestion Nicole!)  As much as I love my wedding dress, I honestly haven’t looked at it since the wedding.  And I love the idea of my sacramental gown being used for Mary Rene’s first sacrament.  Plus, Mary Rene wouldn’t exist unless a wedding, uniting Frank and me, took place.  I have an appointment with the lady on Saturday to help design the dress.  I also will be using parts of my baptismal gown in Mary Rene’s gown.  And if Frank’s mom is able to find his baptismal outfit then we will incorporate that as well.  I am so excited about her dress.  It will cost more then the ones at the store but it will be completely worth it for the sentimental aspect.

I finished the invitations today!  Now I just need to mail them.  Everything seems to be falling into place.

Yesterday was the Oktoberfest celebration at our parish, Sacred Heart, and it began with 10:30 Mass outside in the grass area next to the church.  It was Mary’s first Mass so it was a very special occasion.  We had a nice place in the shade and there was a cool breeze during the Mass.  From now on we will be taking Mary to Mass with us.  The Mass was more powerful and meaningful with Mary in our arms.  Not that we need Mary to make Mass great but having her with us, our family, really made the Mass special.

Right after Communion Mary started rootin’, which means she was hungry.  We didn’t want to wait until the end of Mass because we knew everyone would want to stop and see her and hold her.  Then she would get even hungrier which would lead to crying, blah blah blah.  So I went inside the church and started nursing Mary.  I could still hear the Mass and was able to continue participating in the prayers.  As soon as Mass let out Frank came in church to keep me company.  It was really peaceful nursing in church, until…the guy came to tell us he was locking up the church.  Mary was nearly done nursing but I didn’t want to unlatch her so I walked out of the church as I nursed (I’m getting good!)  So we were standing outside of church, baby on boob, trying to figure out where I could finish nursing her and still be discreet.  I went to the school steps which was next to the church.  Right when I sat down my friend’s husband, John, walked up and started talking to us.  At that moment, Mary unlatched.  So here is where I am not good yet.  I still haven’t figured out how to discreetly put my top back on.  So while John was talking I pulled my outer shirt over my breast and picked Mary up.  I looked down and noticed my nipple was poking in my shirt.  So embarrassing.  I’m sure he didn’t notice because he wasn’t standing that close but boy did I feel weird.  Then his wife walked up so he walked away.  I took the opportunity to put myself together.  So needless to say, my first time nursing in public was a success?

But the good news, by the end of the day I was nursing in the cafeteria filled with parishioners.  So I guess it does get easier with time.