My Dear Cousin

I would like to ask for prayers for my dear sweet cousin, Craig, who died unexpectedly Tuesday night. He was only 35. It's been quite a shock to all of us especially his Mother, Father and brother, Brian.


Craig M. Dunlop, 35, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, February 5, 2013, following a short illness. Craig was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, but spent most of his childhood in Kansas living in both Wichita and Topeka. He was a 1999 Business Administration graduate of Kansas University. He enjoyed a successful career in the financial services industry in the greater Kansas City area. Craig grew up an avid sports fan and was forever excited about KU Basketball. A major past-time was listening to music and talk radio. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Craig enjoyed attending family reunions to reconnect with his adult cousins and always brought smiles to his Grandmas. He was a private and thoughtful man, always searching for the truth. A Rosary will be prayed at 9:15 a.m., preceding the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., both Saturday, February 9, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Survivors: parents, William and Carol Dunlop; brother, Brian Dunlop, all of Wichita, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorials established with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 645 N. 119th St. W., Wichita, KS 67235 and The Lord’s Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
Rosary will be Saturday,

Saturday February 9, 2013, 9:15 A.M. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday,

Saturday February 9, 2013, 10:00 A.M. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Don on Blog Radio

In case you missed it;) Skip ahead to 45:05 to hear the short segment.
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I'm Not That Great

He stares with admiring, flirtatious eyes.
Doesn't he know?
I'm not that great?
I have a frumpy dumpy mommy bod,
Greasy hair.. I haven't showered for days,
(It hasn't even been styled since 2011.)
The laugh lines that used to only appear momentarily now linger indefinitely.

He shyly tosses glances watching my every move and is seemingly impressed by what he sees.
Doesn't he know?
I'm not that great!
Most of the time I am distracted and snappy with the kids,
I have way too many negative thoughts,
I didn't get all the dishes done...again
Dinner...what...already...Oh crud!  I forgot to thaw the meat!!!

He reaches out his arms to bring me close to him as if his life depended on it.
Doesn't he know?
I'm not that great.
I smell like spit up.
I'm in a bad mood.

But, he doesn't care, he just wants to be with me and sees nothing but the best. Maybe, I will try harder...
to be what he sees.

Born To Deliver

This is one of the best books I've read. It's the true life story of Kathy Brace, a mid-wife in Wichita, Kansas.

I was shocked that it wasn't a story all about births and midwifery...not even close.

It's sad, hopeful, beautiful....a real world example of redemption. The most inspiring thing to me is Kathy's dependence on God's providence....it's amazing and miraculous what happens when she puts her trust in God!!! WOW!!! I couldn't put it down.

I had talked to Kathy on the phone about my challenging pregnancy with Gregory, and the advice she gave me helped both my and Gregory's health tremendously. I highly recommend her services and her book.

P.S. I get nothing for my opinion...just wanted to share. Thanks for lending me the book, Danielle!!

http://www.amazon.com/Born-Deliver-Kathy-Brace/dp/0982182821

Journal 1-31-2013

 Out My Window: Grey and Cold

What's Happening Right Now: Older kids are doing Math, Gregory is sleeping, Benny and Charlie are in the bathroom...I should probably check on that...be right back!

From the Kitchen: Don ate the mystery meat that's been in the freezer for months, and survived. I have been baking "thank you" and "I love you" treats for people...ie...banana muffins, snicker-doodle cookies, oatmeal and coconut cookies and bierocks.

Crafting: Remember our DIY Disaster? Andy Hermann, who produces  The Down and Dirty radio/video hybrid show(www.blogtalkradio.com/diy)-- hosted by Frank Fontana formerly of HGTV's Design on a Dime, emailed after seeing my post, and wants to interview Don about it next Wednesday 2/6 at 11:40 AM....should be interesting;) Sorry, no other craft is happening.

Little Chicks: Benny wrote the word, MOM, showed it to me and told me it was his favorite word....Melt.
Charlie has had a thing for tape lately, he carries it around and tries to "fix" things.

Gregory has been drooling up a storm, using his hands more and hasn't pooped for days...I lay awake worrying about this at night. Hannah is Gregory's second mother, if ever I need anything, she is more than willing to take over...she even changes diapers! Jonah received a video camera for his 14th birthday and has been making movies with the neighbors and siblings, his latest film is called, "The Great Baseball Robbery", I'm still trying to figure out why it contains scenes with light sabers and swords. Elijah has a cross gallery above his bed of the extra crosses and crucifixes that hadn't yet been used around the house.  Noah is preparing to receive Confirmation in May and loves his classes at St. Pat's.

In the Garden: I have been preparing seedlings in the kitchen for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd presentation coming up, I hope they take root.

What Brought Me Joy: Receiving a cold care kit in the mail, Gregory's starting chuckles, Playing Bible Trivia at dinnertime, doing the Rohr Spew together...an anabolic exercise routine, connecting with a new friend, eating Pumpkin Treat, and hugs at bedtime from little(and BIG) blessings.

Thanks for the journal inspiration, Blog friends....you are so awesome!

Frustrated!

Am I the only one seeing  pop-ups on my blog and others? Is there a way to get rid of them?

Don's Big Day

Don was having a normal day at work carrying mail, when all of a sudden, the google maps car drove by snapping pics, he hoped he would be captured and immortalized forever...or at least until the next series, on google maps.....and he was!!! I don't think I've seen him so excited after a hard day at work.
You just never know when you marry someone, that they may become famous!