Things I'm thankful for, and a good link

http://blushingbrideguide.blogspot.com/2010/10/top-ten.html "The Top 10 Things I Learned in My First Year of Marriage"

It was a good list. Check it out!!

Also, I see many people doing a thankful for list daily.I don't post daily, but let's see how I can do!

I'm thankful for the ability to vote, and the ability to look for candidates who support the things I support. We are lucky to live in the USA where we can vote!

Fireproof

T and I rented this movie because I had heard it was a movie all Christian couples should see. It wasn't quite what I expected, but it was good. It was more about a man coming to his faith and fixing his relationship with his wife when divorce was imminent. I thought it would be more about a man finding faith and him leading his wife- not so dire I suppose. Anyways, I am rewatching as I do laundry and blog!

"John Holt: Caleb, if I had to ask you why you're so frustrated with Catherine, what would you say?
Caleb Holt: She's stubborn. She makes everything difficult for me. She's ungrateful. She's constantly griping about something.
John Holt: Has she thanked you for anything you've done in the last 20 days?
Caleb Holt: No! And you'd think after I washed the car, changed the oil, do the dishes, washed the house, that she would try to show me a little bit of gratitude, but she doesn't. In fact, when I come home, she makes me feel like I'm an enemy! I'm not even welcome in my own home, dad! That is what really ticks me off! Dad, for the last three weeks I have bent over backwards for her! I have tried to demonstrate that I still care about this relationship. I bought her flowers, which she threw away. I have taken her insults and her sarcasm, but last night was it. I made dinner for her. I did everything I could to demonstrate that I care about her, to show value for her, and she spat in my face! She does not deserve this, dad! I am not doing it anymore! How am I supposed to show love to somebody over and over and over, who constantly rejects me?
John Holt: [John Holt strokes the wooden cross, and turns to Caleb] That's a good question.
Caleb Holt: Dad, that is not what I'm doing.
John Holt: Is it?
Caleb Holt: No. Dad, that is not what this is about.
John Holt: Son, you just asked me: how can someone show love over and over again when they're constantly rejected? Caleb, the answer is: you can't love her, because you can't give her what you don't have. I couldn't truly love your mother until I understood what love truly was. It's not because I get some reward out of it. I've now made a decision to love your mother whether she deserves it or not. Son, God loves you, even though you don't deserve it. Even though you've rejected Him. Spat in His face. God sent Jesus to die on the cross for your sin, because He loves you. The cross was offensive to me, until I came to it. But when I did, Jesus Christ changed my life. That's when I truly began to love your mom. Son, I can't settle this for you. This is between you and the Lord. But I love you too much not to tell you the truth. Can't you see that you need Him? Can't you see that you need His forgiveness?
Caleb Holt: Yes.
John Holt: Will you trust Him with your life?
[Caleb nods; yes]"

Aug 27th, I'm subbing

I have this period off so I'm writing for a few.

That girl I was having problems with- that was a friend of T's.... we ended that for the most part. He finally wrote with her on FB and they are on an ok note. I never talked to her again. It's easier for me to not have friends like that. I need friends who can respect my believes- even if they totally disagree with them.

On that note, I was going to write a bit about me and Catholicism. I've gotten a lot more conservative in my expectations within the church. I bet that has a lot to do with the church I go to now- it's fairly conservative, especially the priest. A lot of women in the choir wear the veil (which I love!) But on conservative thoughts--- For example, went I went to a church in Biloxi, 5pm mass, the Eucharistic ministers were wearing jeans! I understand that the 5pm is usually a college/youth mass, but I feel that if you are involved, such as an EM, you need to be dressed nice. It's the body and blood! You are touching it! You need to be clean, dressed nice, and in a holy mindset! T's mom actually gave me a hard time about being bothered by that. I also don't get it when people are in short skirts, tank tops, low neck shirts, etc.... It's gotta be a distraction to guys- it is to me- a married female! I mean, come on! Dress appropriate to the occasion!!


I also really like the veils. Several women in my church wear them and I love it! It's so pretty. I know it's more historical church (pre-Vatican II) I asked Fr. about it and he said "In the early church wearing a veil gave a woman an authority she would not have normally been accorded. In terms of society at that time, this was a big deal and a step forward. Wearing a veil today can refer to one's chastity or virginity and thus is appropriate for those who have made the vow of chastity or live chaste lives in marriage (fidelity). But many women find it demeaning. I'm not sure why completely." So yeah- I always thought it had to do with "purity" but chastity makes more sense. Chastity is such an important and new thought- especially as married- but it's something I'm studying on some and I find interesting. Chastity within marriage- hadn't known there was such thing.

Anyways, I'm rambling so I'll log and write later!

August 26,

I keep meaning to write, but there feels to be so much, yet so little to write about!!!

Like I said before, our wedding was amazing. The church was gorgeous, my dress amazing, my bridesmaids beautiful, and the family priest was funny and reverent. It was such a beautiful ceremony! We had a full mass (the 3 readings, priest speak/homily, communion, flowers for Mary). It all went so smoothly!! I felt gorgeous. My dad loved it which made me really happy- I was worried about how he would feel.
Even our exit was perfect- usually it seems no one knows what's going on, but everyone blew bubbles! It was great!

Waiting the 9 months was worth it. We were exhausted that night, but it's nice knowing that we are full married and renewing our vows every time. It's so exciting and special! I feel like it's 100% worth it and I recommend others to do so also. Doing NFP is working well--> it ends up with us having times where we chose to not to, but it ends up making us closer. We make that decision every time.
I guess it all goes along with my becoming more conservative. Crazy. It's funny to see how I have changed/am changing. I'm scared the people in my life won't like me, but I can't help it. I want to be a little more feminine, conservative, Catholic.... this is another post that I'll write later. heh.

T's school year has started and is going well. We ended up fighting some- I shouldn't really go into it, but he is doing his marching band without my help and he is doing fine. I wanted to be involved with marching band, but I think he needs time to establish himself first. It's taken a long time to figure out- especially for me. I want to be there and help, but as a man he needs to do it himself for a while. I don't know if this makes sense, but.... I know it to be right, for now. I guess that's what matters.

I've been subbing and it's fun. I love subbing- the joys of teaching without lesson planning :D I do need a job though, as money is extremely tight. I was hoping after the wedding we could start catching up, but then I had more car problems and other (expensive) issues keep coming up and they needed to be attended to.

Overall I'm happy. I hope I get more comfortable with myself as I am growing and coming up with a new identity- a wife! I've been working on making our home more of a home- I'm beginning to love the small things that make it feel like a home. I know we won't  be here forever, or even very long, but I want it to make it ours! I don't want to look like a college dorm. I love having my tablecloth out, my place mats down, my cloth napkins... I love the homemade pancakes I make him in the morning before work. I love being married, being home, being me.