Threads of Grace {PHFR}

~ Capturing the context of everyday life ~

Every Thursday, along with Like Mother, Like Daughter!


{ pretty }

This lovely blanket was made for Max by Tom's grandmother and I just love the feel of the yarn that she used. Plus, the open design is just lovely, isn't it? So pretty on Max's rocker.

{ happy }

This lovely afghan was knit for me by MY grandma. It has taken many travels and wrapped me with love many times. Right now, it's snuggled up with "mama bear" in Max's room. (Sometimes, though, I have found it on Joe's bed, so I know that he gets comfort from it as well.)

{ funny }

Oh dear. At least I'm honest.... I have picked up knitting again and went to a lovely yarn cottage with my friend Beth and her mom, Mary Anne. Wonderful together time. On the left is the first dishcloth I made on fat needles to try and get the tension right. Ahem. On the the right, is the current project that looks like it will end up being more useful. The book has actually been quite a help although I MUCH prefer human contact and interaction. Another reason I so miss my grandma....

{ real }

 Can you see that it is Han Solo? He is sitting on the "Saints for Boys" sticker book.

And this is what the coffee table looked like this morning. I asked Joe what was up, and he said that the characters wanted to learn about the Saints. "You know mom, the force of God." Sometimes, that kid is more real than my heart can stand. There's real grace, there.

Sharing here:

Comfort. Food.

     As the cold mid-winter wraps around my bones, it is no wonder that I look to satisfying food to help me break the chill. It is why soups, stews, and chowders have been filling up my pots and soothing all of our bellies around here. (Ahem. and WHY we also need to be more diligent about exercise. Oh dear.)
     

Chicken Vegetable soup

     However, there is another warmth that I have clung to recently.... that of friends and family. My dear friend Whitney, who had sweet baby Molly on December 20th, knows just how to comfort. 


     On Tuesday, after I dropped Joe at school (and said a prayer that he would have a wonderful day) Max and I headed to Whitney's for the day. To spend time in her company is healing and feels like home.  As we sipped coffee and ate cinnamon muffins, I talked her ear off about my hopes and fears and concerns about my Joe. Oh, he's doing o.k. at school, but there is still that nagging pull at this mama's heart that says... something isn't connecting. Whitney has know Joe while in the womb, so I trust her vision and perception. And doesn't it help to talk through things with others who know us... especially ones who will be honest? The ones who say, "well, i DO remember when..." or "hmm. i see why you are scared". 


     It was then that it hit my heart like a sword. I know that no one else has the answers, but dear GOD how good it feels when someone is willing to LISTEN. To offer comfort in the form of a hug or words, or a simple, "but you know that we love him, right?"


     Isn't that what God is whispering too? "You know that I love him, right?" Despite the quirkiness? Despite the quietness? Despite the confusing array of symptoms that "aren't quite right"? I need to listen harder to that whispering. My worry has caused me to feel so paralyzed at times. Paralyzed and scared. I look in the mirror and don't recognize who that person is looking back at me... This person who whispered quiet prayers and not-so-quiet prayers to God BEGGING for a child. SO. This child. This one that is my first, my gift, my world.. needs me to continue to look to God for guidance. To look to God for comfort. To never give up. To possibly find an answer to this puzzle of social awkwardness and yet moments of incredible insight and care and concern for others. These days of being uncertain are all part of the journey. I know that. But oh. How rocky this journey sometimes is!


     And that is why I am grateful for the gifts that I see around me. Snuggling with a new baby, laughing like crazy at Max's silliness, talks with a genuine friend, and yes, the food that is from His bounty.


     I also wanted to feed Whitney and her family, so while she took the baby to the doctor and while Max played at my feet, I made them a steaming pot of potato bacon chowder. I tweaked this recipe a little, since I didn't add the cheese. I did, however, blend about half of the soup to make it creamier, since there was no milk or cream... So delicious.


     (After all, I had to feed Whitney after she helped to feed my heart.... It was the very least I could do.)  


    And here is a picture of sweet Molly.... God's gracious gift indeed....

Sharing here today:

Christmas Rose {Wordful Wednesday}

It's been a rough week. 


I ADORE spending time with my husband, and he has not made it home before 8pm any night this week and it feels as if I am spinning in circles. I have truly missed him, and our talks. Looking at each other over the oatmeal this morning, and as I was helping Joe with his backpack and as the baby clung to him...we had to laugh. We have ever so much to be thankful for, yes, but oh, time, how it sometimes rushes past. Life is so very precious.


As I helped everyone to the car, and pulled the crying baby away from his daddy (the baby who was reaching for him and blowing kisses at the same time).... I turned and saw this:

My eyes and heart filled as I looked to the heavens and just... breathed. I took a deep breath for the first time in DAYS, and it felt so good. Here, indeed is that "Shower of Roses" that St. Therese talks about. 

Here is the promise made to Juan Diego (Feast day December 9th) all those years ago in Mexico, and the reason that we celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12th.

Do you see the bud above the one in bloom? Amazing.

And oh. 

Yes.

Today is the Vigil of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and tomorrow, we will gather at Mass in remembrance of her. Mary. The mother of Jesus.

So often, Mary is presented as a queen, a royal. But I must say that my favorite image of her is that of a mother. She, too, knew what it was like to have a laboring husband, and a child to care for. Cleaning, praying, cooking, loving.... Life.

As I go about my day today, I will remember this beautiful gift of a rose in early December. The one that reminds me that when work gets crazy, the house messiness never seems to disappear, babies cry, and time seems to drift away... beauty happens. Love happens. Miracles happen.

Blessed Vigil to you.....

Sharing here today:

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

And also here:

Wordless Wednesday ~ {Three Cheese Spinach Tortellini Bake}