7QT (Vol.25)

Can you believe I have not posted a 7QT since February!

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So why has this blog been a bit on the quiet side?  Blame the NCLEX. Yes ladies and gentlemen I am taking the NCLEX on July 16th so have been feriously studying.  Any and all prayers are greatly appreciated because I really really want to pass it on the first time and as a bonus answer 100 questions or less (you can have to answer anywhere from 75 to over 200 questions).

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I did yesterday finally take the time to write a second essential oils post and already got some questions for a third post so go check the Let's Talk Oils II post out.

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Since this is Jen's 7QT I would be completely remiss if I didn't mention the little book club the Not Alone Series ladies have been doing.  The book voted on was Jen's Something Other Than God*.  I think everyone in the Catholic blogging world has pretty much already read it but seriously if you haven't yet, go read it.  The way the Lord has worked in her life is incredible. In addition, Jen seamlessly tones the book from monochromatic to joyful hope as she finds Truth.  I just finished it yesterday and I think her last paragraph, though really the whole book, causes you to want to shout with thankfulness for Christ's sacrifice, His Love, His Church, and the Sacraments.

"The moment the priest baptized me, I was sealed with the sign of belonging to Christ, an indelible mark on my soul that not even a life as an avowed atheist and unrepentant sinner could wipe away.  God and his Church were set as my home base, and something deep within me would never truly be at peace until I returned to it, even as I traveled the whole world trying to find an alternate destination.  My entire conversion was less of a journey to a foreign place, and more of a discovery of my long-lost home."

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I have to fit in a picture at least somewhere in this quick takes.  On Wednesday I babysat the three little kiddos that are more like my niece and nephews than just friends.  We decided to go for a walk brought the jogging stroller and the oldest rode his bike. He kindof knows how to ride the bike, aka he is fine on flat even surfaces only but needs some help on any incline or uneven surface.  His little brother without being asked was constantly pushing him and running behind him offering encouragement like "dude your doing awesome."  It was precious.

Everything was great until it wasn't.  We were going and stopping pretty much wherever they wanted and everyone was having a great time.  I should have known.  When we were pretty much as far away from their house as we could be they were suddenly tired and starving.  We could have walked back in probably 10 minutes but of course trying to get three tired kids, a stroller and a bike back is like a chihauhau herding cattle, laughable. You just can't rationalize with a 5 and 3 year old that we have to keep moving no matter how hungry we are in order to get back and eat lunch.  I had to beg them to just keep moving and that someone had to either walk or ride the bike back.  Meanwhile the 1 year old has her feet up in the stroller, we don't call her princess for no reason.  When we were crossing the street and almost back I had the three year old on my back, the stroller, and the five year old was walking the bike at near snail pace. If someone would have been watching us they might have lost some bladder control.  Like I said, it really was a great time until it was comical.

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Have you seen this list of Dirty 100: Meet the Companies and Institutions You Should Avoid after Hobby Lobby?  As an alumni I don't think I have ever been more proud of having Franciscan University of Steubenville on a Top List.  Keep fighting the good fight of faith!

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So this is random but I have a numb thumb (say that 5 times fast) and have actually had it since Wednesday. Apparently it isn't a big deal unless you are having other stroke symptoms (of which I am not) and it probably a pinched nerve in my carpel tunnel.  Either way, still super weird feeling.

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The other book end to studying is job searching.  Very frustrating.  I feel like I am getting no where with a nurse manager and a nurse recruiter not returning my call and no interest in my online applications.  I will keep pressing on and trusting in His providence but man this job searching is tough.

*Affiliate link!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Holy Thursday and Easter

I know this blog has been pretty quiet around her lately and honestly not much is going to change until May 16th, after I graduate and take my Kaplan class down here in Steubenville.  Until then I am just breathing in and experiencing every last ounce college life has to offer.  On Wednesday I finished everything but one class' one final.  That is all that stands between me and a diploma, that one final.  To say I am riding the nostalgia train is an understatement.  I am already grieving the loss of all the random things you only do in college but I also know that the next season of life comes with its own unique joys.  I am in this weird place, about to walk over a bridge and transition into this new phase of life.  So don't expect much out of this here bloggity and I am not apologizing.  

I did want to share a little bit of a day in the life of Holy Thursday and a bit about Easter.  

I know some interest of my blog comes from people who want to know what it is like to go to a passionately Catholic college.  On a whim, I wanted to share with you Holy Thursday, day in the life style.  However, I must confess the pictures decreased as the day continued.

7:15---Household Breakfast.  Typically we have Mass before breakfast but the only Mass of the day for Holy Thuraday was in the evening.  

A verse I started crushing on. (Psalm 90:14)

We have this thing here in town called Minsitry to Moms.  I may have talked about it before but basically we go over mom's house and give them an extra set of hands with dishes, laundry, child care, housework and anything else moms need.  I have been with the same family since my first semester here and they have completely invited me into their family.  In fact, it ended up that I joined her household so we are in fact sisters! I have watched their family go from 4, to 6 (twins!), to 7 and celebrated numerous birthdays, holidays and sacraments with them.  They have become such a blessing in my life.  Anyway on Holy Thursday, I went over their house to babysit and do some laundry and dishes.

First some twin snuggles.

Some Frozen watching (my first time seeing it!) 

I quickly went back and changed for Seder Dinner and Holy Thursday Mass.  The family I went to Florida with hosted Seder Dinner and I went over early to help get ready. 

More dishes.

Through a series of unfortunate events, I along with two friends ended up at the kids table.  It was a comedy of events and only three glasses of sparking grape juice were spilled. If I use the hashtag #lyfeatthekidstable2014, you now know why.  

Finally, Holy Thursday Mass which is the beginning of the Tridium services.  Tridium is a big deal here at Franciscan with many families coming in rather than students going home and an abundance of alumni in town.  Holy Thursday Mass is big and sets the tone for rest of the Tridium. I had to work day turn on Good Friday so after Mass off to bed I was.

It feels weird to jump from Holy Thursday to Easter but bear with me.  I just wanted to take a moment to relish in the absolute majesty of Easter.  Alleluia! Christ is Risen!! Christ is Risen indeed!! Jesus Christ defeated death.  He fulfilled all that he had promised.  Christ was victorious over the grave.  Our faith is so great and we should be shouting.  We are an Easter people and hallelujah is our song! It's just so easy to burst with life and amazement at Jesus' glory.  I hope you all are having a great Easter octave and will be on here again when I am. 

Regina Angelorum: 20 years of Sisterhood

This past weekend my household, Regina Angelroum, celebrated 20 years of sisterhood.  If you didn't go to Franciscan University, you just can't understand housholds.  I don't mean to be exclusive but you just can't completely understand them unless you have lived with them.  They aren't really a sorority/fraternity, an accountability group, or a prayer group.  They are so much more.

We are bounded by a covenant that calls us on to greater holiness.  We are sisters for life, long after we have left the hill.  We wear matching sweatshirts like a toddler carries around their blankie.  We have crazy stories of shenanigans that should never be repeated....or we should tell them everyday just so that we can achieve those six pack abs.  Our prayer is powerful.  Our devotion is strong.  Our fasting changes lives.

Celebrating 20 years of this was incredible.  We were reminded that we started in order to give a group of broken woman a home.  We were rebels without a cause.  We may not have been what people expect of the image of holiness, but we were and are holy.  We aren't Mary but we do need to be like Mary.  We have fought for sisterhood and need to continue to fight for sisterhood.  Each line of our covenant is there for a reason and we need to dive deeper into our covenant each and every day.

I am so thankful that I had this weekend to reflect on my sisterhood.  It was an incredible blessing to meet so many sisters who I call my sister but I have never even meet.  I cannot wait for the 25th Reunion. Until then, Regina Angelorum, ora pro nobis....past, present, and future. 

7QT (Vol. 24)

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So all the time I jot down 7 quick take takes in a post and then every few weeks actually post a seven quick takes post.  Not sure where I was going with this but this is what I stuck in.  "You know you go to a Catholic school when your punishment for being too loud during quiet hours is doing a holy hour for the girls of the dorm. Boy do I love my school!"  I think this was a status of a friend.  And it is true, I have heard about this happening all the time.  

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Here is another one.  What Catholic Girls are Like in the Chapel.  Bahaha, so much is true.

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I am also dusting off posts that have been sitting in my drafts.  Like this one about being lovely for your husband. Also a book review on Hiking the Camino.

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I am about to jump into reading Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover  (affiliate link).  As I mentioned in my 2014 Goals (Goals update coming soon) I want to start out right when it comes to money.  I have heard so many good things about his program and I want to give it a shot.  Have any of you used his ideas.  How did it go?

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I know everyone is singing the same tune but I am finally now getting to that point where I am so over this cold winter thing.  Yesterday I stopped wearing my to the knees warm winter coat.  Partially because it is dirty, thinned out, and has a hole in the pocket but also because I am just so over it.  It shall be my North Face for at least a few days despite the fact that the North Face isn't as warm .

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Laura @ My Drop in the Ocean  asked me to guest post about pretty much any topic.  About a little discussion back and forth I ended up writing advice to ladies at a passionately Catholic College.  Go check the post out.

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Veiling for Mass.  Sometime I have to do a whole post about how much I go back and forth with wearing a Chapel veil.  I currently don't veil but I defiantly have and continue to think about doing it.  Especially with graduating and starting fresh somewhere would be a perfect time to begin.  Jessica @ Shower of Roses wrote a post about how veiling as a Lenten Sacrifice turned into beloved devotion.  It has gotten me thinking all over again.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

I am not at the March for Life

source: reginamag.com

But I really, really wish I was.  Here at Franciscan, the University doesn't have classes so as to encourage their students to March for Life in Washington D.C.   However I am one of those unlucky students who has a night class that I don't have the option not to go to.  I really want to be in D.C. being reinvigorated to fight the culture of death and marching for the sanctity of life.  But because it is out of my control for me to not be there, I am here attending Mass, fasting, and praying for an end to abortion and for a universal recognition of the sanctity of all life.  If you are reading this from the March stay warm and thank you for taking the time to show our country that we believe life begins at conception.  I can't wait to hear your glory stories, see your pictures and know that with God's grace Roe v. Wade will be overturned.

"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that we may live as we wish." -Mother Theresa 

2014 Goals: Blogging

So at the beginning of this new year I made a list of Goals for 2014 including some goals for my blog.  I said "I want to have more purposeful blogging.  What would I want to read, let me create that here.  I want to make sure what I post here on this bloggity is really reflecting the image that I am and want to be."

So where the heck do I begin?  Obviously (or not so obviously) I began by looking at what I liked about the blogs that as soon as they come on my Bloglovin' feed, I read.  Six blogs came to mind.  So what are my favorite things about my favorite blogs and can I achieve that?

1. Funny.  Hilarious.  Makes you literally laugh out loud (LLOL).  Ok there is only so much I can do  about this.  I try to be funny and sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn't.  
2. Stunning Pictures.  I have a nice DSLR camera and learning how to use it better is totally something I can do and something that I do try to do.  Make this more of a priority.
3. Honest about real life issues. This I can do and do do.  However, I am always aware of making sure that I don't confuse blog and journal.  Can I do anymore?
4. "Relationship"  I really like having a relationship with a fellow blogger.  I can't force people to be my friend but I can always respond to comments in a personal non-generic way.
5. Life.  Some bloggers just have a really interesting life.  God is the author of my life and there is nothing I can do about that.  Besides I don't think I live an uninteresting life.  
6. Franciscan Grad.   As a current Franciscan student I really enjoy reading Franciscan students who have graduated and made a life for themselves after Franciscan.  Being at Franciscan can be a marathon pushing you to grow in ways that as a freshman you feel are impossible.  It is enjoying to read about grads who have run the race and still live life for His kingdom.  

So there you have it.  I really like having a blog and if I am investing time and energy into it I want it to be something that is beautiful and good.  I want it to inspire my readers.  I want it to be something I am proud of.  

(By the way, I am currently drinking a protein shake and struggling to move without winching thanks to Miss Jillian Michaels so nutrition and fitness goals are being worked on too. Yeah!)

That Harmonium Project Again.

From the indigogo page

Remember when I talked about the Harmonium Project and the Audrey Assad concert?  Guys I cannot say enough how great this project is and how much hope it is and can bring to the city of Steubenville.  Rather than saying anything I am going to direct you over to their fundraising page and tell you to watch their video. The video is so well done (I am sure one of my household brothers made it so I am a little biased but still) and just makes you want to go out a do something great.  So go watch the video.  Especially if you are a Franciscan U grad reading my page, see whats going on in your old home and view the vision for all the things it can become.  And don't just take my word for it but go over and read the Bad Catholic's Marc Barnes' post about the project that all started one late summer night on his front porch.

7QT (Vol.20)

 

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There is nothing like communicable diseases to get your Monday started.

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I extened the make-up link up for another week so that people have more time to participate.  Hop on over and link-up about the make up you wear on a daily basis.

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On Wednesday I wrote a post about The Harmonium Project and Audrey Assad playing here in Steubenville.  Ahh I cannot say enough good stuff about it!!

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Don't you hate when you write 7 Quick Takes in advance and do not remember what you were going to write here.

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On Monday a friend and I threw a surprise going away party for another friend who had to withdraw from school for medical reasons.  The theme- fall mixed with hipster.  Read as pumpkin flavored everything, leaves strewn about, hot apple cider, PBR and all of us girls dressing like hipsters.  She was completely humbled that so many people wanted to be there for her.  Now I want to do a fall party every year but hopefully not combined with a going away party ever again.  

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Thursday was the Inauguration of the new president of the Univeristy, Fr. Sean Sheridan.  Going to the ceremony was exciting when you think that this is only the 6 president in the Univeristy's history and only the third, including Fr. Mike Scanlen, since the school became passionately Catholic.  And being president of this school is special.  It isn't just any school.  It is a Univeristy on the world radar (seriously the pope knows exactly who Franciscan Univeristy is just ask the bishop of Steubenville about meeting the Pope when he became the bishop of Steubenville) for trailblazing what it means to be a passionately Catholic Univeristy in the 21st century.  This Univeristy doesn't just turn out educated men and women, individuals leave here on the path to sainthood.  Fr. Sean reminded us of the importance this university places on adherence to the teaching of the Magesterium with a variety of departments and boards, importantly the department of Theology,  all taking oaths that they will never teach anything contradictory to the teachings of the Church.  After Fr. Sean officially became the president with the seal being placed around his neck and the crowd applauding he turned and lifted his hands to the San Damiano cross.  Yes, Lord thank you for constantly blessing this University.

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I am running The Color Run here in Pittsburgh tomorrow.  I have been planning on doing this since July so I am just a bit excited. It has been a little stressful these last few days due to people adding and dropping from our team but it will all be good on Saturday when we are actually there and just enjoying the fun of it all.  I will be sure to post pictures here and to the 'gram (so if you aren't already instagram friends with me you should be!).  Now I have to go make the T-shirts for our race-Hebrews 12:1.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

The Harmonium Project and Audrey Assad

I am a little late in posting this but I can't let it pass by without writing about it.

So first a little background on Steubenville.  Steubenville used to be a booming town.  And then steel mills and other industries were shut down and the city has since slipped from vibrant and wealthy to a depressed area.  There is alot of poverty-spiritually and materially. The school is on top of a hill (literally) and is often criticized for not truly reaching out to those in so much need in the city.  There are ministries but are there enough? (Another discussion for another day.)

From the Harmonium Project facebook page.

Enter The Harmonium Project. From their facebook page:

"The Harmonium Project is an up-and-coming music center located in the heart of downtown Steubenville. 

Our Mission: To restore and revitalize the now impoverished area of downtown Steubenville.

How? : By integrating the student body of Franciscan University with downtown Steubenville in the following ways:

1. By hosting weekly concerts, we aim to bring hundreds of students into the downtown area to have fun, hear great music, buy food (and otherwise spend money to stimulate local economy), and build relationships with their brothers and sisters in downtown Steubenville. In short, we aim to inspire the student body to treat the city of Steubenville as their home.

How will this help? By introducing this new “market” of students into the downtown area, we will inspire local business leaders to “open up shop,” to serve and profit from that same student body. This increased business activity will lead to the restoration and opening of closed buildings, increased job opportunities for local workers, and a thriving downtown culture.

2. By establishing an after-school music program to provide a safe, creative environment for children oppressed by poverty and the surrounding evils of crime, drug use, and violence.

How will this help? The Harmonium Project aims to elevate the culture of downtown Steubenville by giving her children free music lessons, instrument rentals, practice spaces, “jam sessions,” and performance times. This music program will be achieved by the volunteer efforts of Franciscan University students, who will provide children in need with affirming, virtuous relationships. The program will give children a means of creative expression and a place off the streets." 

It was started by 6 students, one of which is my household sister and two my household brothers.  Another man on the job is Marc Barnes, aka author of The Bad Catholic.  Audrey Assad reads his blog and found about this new ministry and wanted to help.

Excitement brewed in the air as the day of the concert came closer.  She performed music from her Fortunate Fall album at an outdoor venue, Fort Steuben, in the heart of downtown Steubenville. To say I was blown away is an understatement.  I liked Audrey Assad but she wasn't a favorite and I hadn't bought this new album yet.  That all changed after this concert.

First off, the fact that she did the concert because she wanted to help out this project and Steubenville is incredible.  Secondly, the album, the lyrics, the sound-blown away.  Like really you have to go check it out and really listen to the lyrics.  The title song, Fortunate Fall, the lyrics are from one of the prayers found in the Easter Vigil Mass. I Shall Not Want-based on the humility prayer.  Yeah good stuff.  The album is very Catholic and not afraid to be. She is an incredibly holy person and that was evident based on the feeling of the whole concert being a prayer.  She ended the concert with Matt Maher's Lord I Need You, with the students praising the Lord and her slipping away before she could receive any applause.  On top of all that the venue was stunning.  There she was playing this amazing album with the Steubenville lit up bridge in the background.

Photo by Matthew Seal from the Harmonium Project facebook

If you haven't bought her album yet-do it, you won't be disappointed.  And don't just take my word for, Marc is also quick to praise it in words more eloquent than mine. Still not convinced, check out Christina Mead's article on Life Teen (I am in nursing school with her sister!).  

I am going to go and continue to listen to one of my now favorite artist's stunning words of prayer.

Five Favorites: Back to School

I moved back to school a little over a week ago and it is no secret that I attend Franciscan University of Steubenville (you just can't keep something like that a secret!).  What better way to celebrate another Wednesday than sharing with the bloggity world five favorites about being back at school. 

One.

When Franciscan first became what we call today passionately Catholic all sports were cut (You can read more about this change in Fr. Mike's book).  Since, they have reintroduced sports back into the University but this time with the idea that we play for an audience of one and also evangelization.  One way that we accomplish this is that after every game, win or lose, the caption of our team goes over to the other team and asks them to pray.  From talking to captions, the look of shock on the other team is sometimes priceless.  The teams circle up, kneel and pray.  What a powerful witness to the fact that there still are young adults that live passionate faith.  This is just another example why I am so thankful that my money and time is invested in this University.

Two.

My roommate and I created a mega bed in our room.  You know, our two beds pushed together in the middle of the room. We love it.  I realized just how much I liked it when I was sitting on my bed one afternoon on my computer and gradually three of my sisters came in and before you knew it all four of us were side by side talking and growing in our sisterhood.  This is why I am so glad that I am back into the dorms, there is no replacement for sisterhood.

Three.

I love having people to go running with right down the hall from me.  Sometimes we even accidentally color coordinate.  While I love having the people to run with. the Steubenville hills are no so much my favorite. 

Four. 

Even though I don't take advantage of it near as often as I ought, how could it not be my favorite that each dorm has a chapel in it with the Blessed Sacrament always present. When I go to bed I often think of Jesus in this building just a couple of floors down.  Even more blessed, I can walk no more than 5 minutes and the Eucharist is exposed in Perpetual Adoration in the Portiuncula.  If we really truly really believed wouldn't we live our life so differently?

Five.

Another favorite-being back home.  This is my fifth year coming to Franciscan University.  This is my home and it feels so good to be back in a place where I love being.  And I know just how blessed I am to be here for another year.

I hope I took some Franciscan alumns down memory lane or at least made college graduates reminiscent of their college days.  Can't wait to check out some other favorites.

Let the Fire Fall

Another book done.  I just love not having to be constantly with my nose in a text book or two so that I can actually enjoy reading during these summer months.  This book is one that my mom bought a few years ago, loved, and I am just now getting around to it.  Let the Fire Fall is a book by and about Fr. Mike Scanlan the Franciscan friar who made Franciscan University of Steubenville what it is today. 

If you don't know- they very very basic story of Franciscan is that it was a huge party school on the cusp of closing its doors forever.  Because Fr. Mike listened to God's call and first became a friar and then years later said yes to becoming the president of Franciscan University the school has undergone radical changes.  Fr. Mike decided to make the Catholic faith the backbone and priority in every aspect of  Franciscan University and as they say the rest is history.  Franciscan University is now known around the world, and even by the Pope (just ask the Bishop of Steubenville who upon introducing himself to the Pope, Pope Benedict said "Oh the one with the school") as being passionately Catholic. 

This book however doesn't just talk about changing Franciscan into the school it is today.  It also inspires you to live you faith purposefully.  To live radically for Christ.  To put Him at the center of your life and nothing else interfere with that.

So you still need to be convinced to read this book.   Let me just leave you with a handful of quotes.

"I write with a sense of urgency.  There's a war going on, people are dying, and many of us are asleep."

Boom. 

"If the Lord does not shape our way of thinking, the world will"

Boom x2

"Our task is to renew the Church and equip it to do His work"

"Build an environment of faith.  Take care of your primary constituency.  Get good people to join you.  Expect opposition.  Seek the Lord.  When you hear Him, do whatever is necessary to obey Him."

"I have fallen in love with the Church"

Boom.  Boom. Boom.

WIWS (Vol. 18)

I haven't done this link up for a number of weeks, things like woman's retreat, Saturday Vigil Mass, household inductions, and brunch at my clinical instructor's house just get in the way.  Excited to join up with Mandi at Messy Wife, Blessed Life while Emily is off joining the Mrs. club.

Jumping right in with the outfit....

Skirt:  Goodwill, Merona brand

Tank: Modbod, the ones I have raved about multiple times

"Cardigan":  Target, the same one I wore the last time I did WIWS

Belt:  Goodwill, excited about this purchase 

Earrings:  Gabriel Brothers, I love these earrings and was so excited when I realized they would go perfectly with this skirt.  

Shoes:  Still undecided.

Now why haven't I decided on shoes, shouldn't I have already been to Mass this morning?  Actually I am going to a First Communion Mass at 2:30.  Whose you ask?  All you moms out their are going to love this (and I apologize for any jealousy that may occur).  We have this thing at Franciscan called Ministry to Mass organized by Kimberly Hahn.  Moms and students attend this afternoon tea and based on availability and needs they get matched up.  On a regular basis the student goes over a family's house and helps out with things like babysitting, cleaning, laundry, dishes, homework and whatever else might need to be done.  In exchange the student normally joins them for a meal-read escapes a meal from the caf, and can do their laundry there.  It really is a great win-win situation.  My first semester at Franciscan I attended this tea and got matched up with a wonderful family.  At the time they had four kids with the youngest still being a baby, since then twins (and a dog) have been added to the family and the then baby is headed to preschool in the fall.  Also, by coincidence I joined her household so in the "crazy Franny household world"  we are now sisters.  I have folded and put away many a piles of laundry(she loves the fact that I doing boat loads of laundry), scrubbed numerous dishes, and shared countless dinners with them.  I am going to the second oldest's First Communion this afternoon.  It has been such a blessing to become part of their family.  She is a great cook (huge bonus) and has taught me so much about what it means to be a wife and mother.  The kids have become so special to me and I love whenever I get to spend time with them.  It is such a blessing to get to watch "E" receive First Holy Communion for the first time.

So all that to tell you why I haven't decided on shoes yet.  Hope everyone has a blessed, relaxing and joyful Sunday.

7 Quick Takes (Vol.8)

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I think it is cliche to talk about weather, but really what is up with this weather.  Snow, rain, warm, cold, boots, flats.  You would think living in Ohio for 22 years would make me use to this but apparently not.

--- 2 ---

The sophmore nurses had their first clinical this week. Helping them with their care plans and seeing them dazed after having their first early morning clinical makes me remember how far I have come. Now I could probably do care plans with my eyes closed and 7am has become my sleeping in.

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Speaking of nursing, today my professor went around the room and asked everyone what kind of nurse they wanted to be.  It made me so excited.  Everyone was scoping out their place and I can't wait to see all that everyone does.  Alot of oncology, a few traveling nurses, a handful of nurse practiciners, a missionary nurse, and a pediatrics or two.

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There are a ton of visiting students today competing for a full ride scholarship for net year.  Noon Mass was packed and the Gospel (the beheading of John) led way for the priest to have part of his homily be about what extraordinary students come out of this university.  He said we can't focus on the darkness of society but on the light of Catholicism, the hope of Franciscan University, and the light that graduates of Franciscan are in the dark of the world.  This school almost didn't happen, it was nearly sold to become offices, but through the vision of Fr. Mike Scanlen it become a world known passionately Catholic university.  The priest noted, think of all the lives that would have never changed, the passionate youth ministers that would never be, the faithful nurses that wouldn't exist, the hearts that might never have come to know the Faith on a deeper level.  It made me excited all over again to be a part of this University.

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If you made it to #5 you deserve some pictures.

 I set out on Thursday to finish an assignment for my New Testament scripture class.  Five hours and many many reference books later I came out victorious.  As a nursing major, this last class to finish my theology  minor is blowing me away.  I look at the bible in a whole new way.

--- 6 ---

My roommate and I have gotten in the habit of watching half of a movie in bed at night.  I am going to miss this so much when she graduates in May.  I suppose I am going to miss her too.

--- 7 ---

Ok shameless plug.  If you haven't already check out my Marian Monday post on Mary crushing the head of Satan, my first clinical in the psych unit or my Gospel reflection on Wednesday's Gospel.  While I am at, a shameful plug--subscribe on the right to come back for more!! 

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Live joy.

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Ok, I couldn't pick just one picture in most of these categories.  I just had too many wonderful pictures to share.  It has been crazy being back at school but oh so very blessed!

{pretty}

One of my best friends and big in household, Emily, came into town for the weekend.  If I do say so myself, we are a pretty pair. 

{happy}

FOP this past weekend.  It makes my soul happy to see so many students and visitors praising the Lord. 

Shopping with some sisters, made even sweeter by finding some great items.

Chick-fil-a can always make you happy.  (Sad story-half that milkshake spilled in my car.)

{funny}

This picture isn't funny in it of itself.  After Mass on Sunday, I went with a ton of the people I transfered in with, many of whom had graduated but were visiting,  to a beloved breakfast spot in town.  This picture may not be funny but trust me that many laughs were had together. 

Breakfast at said beloved breakfast place.

{real}

Last Friday I had to sit in this classroom from 8-11 and again from 1-4:30, nothing more real than that.   During this time we learned lab values and their significance, for real we are becoming nurses. 

The power point for said class had 192 slides. Real life.

The Steubenville rape case, though not in any way associated with the University, is so sad.  Students gather to watch the Dr. Phil special about our beloved town. 

Live joy.