When I Gave Downton Abbey a Second Chance

One day, during Christmas break in my freshman year of college, I watched the first episode of Downton Abbey. Many people had recommended it, the costumes and setting looked amazing, and we were in the mood for a sweet love story. However, towards the end of the episode, there was a scene with two men that I had not been expecting, and I was concerned as to where this show might be headed. So, I backed away from it for the next several years.

Several months ago during pregnancy, I realized that postpartum would be a wonderful time to do some Netflixing.  Since many friends have continued to talk about Downton Abbey over the recent months, I figured, "Well, when I'm sitting around with a newborn, maybe I should give it another try."

So I gave Downton another chance...and I'm glad I did. Because, to my surprise, this show did not just consist of gorgeous dresses, incredible settings, and beautiful music. In addition to all of these things, Downton Abbey showed me examples of love, friendship, and forgiveness.

No More Heathen Baby!

Yesterday may have been the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, but it was far from ordinary. 

Peter was so cozy and fast asleep during Mass, so when I pulled
him out of the carrier after Mass, he woke up and opened his big blue eyes.  

Shortly after a beautiful celebration of Mass, family and friends gathered 'round us as Jacob and I took our son to receive the Sacrament of Baptism. 

Let's Talk About Wedding Gifts!

Happy Monday, friends! 
Summer wedding season is in full swing, so I think it's appropriate to discuss wedding presents. I don't know about y'all, but I am so bad at figuring out what to give people. I've been trying to get better at the gift-giving love language, and weddings are a great way to put my resolve into practice! Going with this theme, I am extremely honored to be a guest at Shannon's blog with the post "Gifts for Newlyweds Who Don't Need Much." 
Feel free to hop on over there and join the conversation! 

Six of My Non-Boring Postpartum Essentials

There are many blog posts and articles out there which detail "essential" items for women to use in the postpartum time frame. While all of those suggestions are worthwhile, sometimes they tend to be a bit...boring to me. Don't get me wrong; I'm sure nursing tank tops and Colase pills have certain thrills to them, but I think it's important to have genuinely exciting things as well! So, for any of you curious about what I've liked in these post-pregnancy newborn days, here are some of the awesome things that I've been enjoying.

Praying for Peace in Our World

Earlier this week, I wrote about the importance of peace, over at Ignitum Today.  A few moments ago, I read that there was a horrific attack in Nice, France. I cannot comprehend the trauma of that experience for those who were killed, for those who were injured, for those who survived, for those who witnessed it from nearby, and for any people who live in France. Please join me in praying for the people in France, and for an outpouring of peace in our world. 

On the Bookshelf: Fiction & Memoirs to enjoy in the newborn days!

In this blur of life recently, I've spent a lot of time sitting around. After all, when I frequently have a tiny baby literally attached to me (either eating or sleeping in such a way that he'll wake up and be super fussy if I put him down), it's hard to be my typical "bounce around all the time" self. And being stuck sitting down is a perfect excuse to read. I have been swallowing up books voraciously in the past month of newborn life, so let's chat literature!

Looking into Adolf's Mirror

On Friday, I had a few free hours on the northeast side of Oklahoma City, so I took Peter to a museum that I have long been wanting to visit: The 45th Infantry Division  Museum. Although my time in the museum was short-my little baby spent a good portion of our visit crying and refusing to be consoled, so I eventually took him outside (although everyone was being extremely nice and wasn't saying anything)-I enjoyed it immensely. Not only were the exhibits interesting, the volunteers kind, and the grounds beautiful to walk through, but one of the museum pieces made a particular impact on me. After all, when you look into a mirror that formerly belonged to Adolf Hitler, how can you not be affected?