10 in 2014 {looking back}

It may be January 22, but it's still January...which means it's not too late to do a recap of 2014, right?

2014 was quite a year for our little family. We certainly had our share of highs and lows. Here are ten pictures to help remember the year:

{1}

In January 2014 I chose the word quiet as my word for the year. I wrote about my desire to be still and listen more. Looking back over the year as a whole, there were times I succeeded, and many more times I failed with this. But the times of greatest peace in my heart were - surprise, surprise - the times when I was spending the most time in the quiet with the Lord. Let's hope I can carry that lesson with me into this new year and always.

{2}

Also in January was my sweet husband's birthday. I love this picture of the two of us. It was taken before we entered into some crazy seasons of our marriage, all of which we got through together. As a team. I don't know how I would have made it without this man.

{3}

On Valentine's Day 2014 we found out we were expecting our first baby. Our joy was overwhelming. After our first ultrasound in March we found out our sweet baby had a weak heartbeat, and on St. Patrick's Day 2014 we found out our Thomas Gianna had been born into eternal life. The physical, emotional and spiritual cross of miscarriage sent me into the darkest season of my life thus far. But, praise God, you all prayed for us. Oh, the power of prayer! With the love and support of our dearest family and friends, we found hope.

{4}

In April many of you joined me in praying a novena to Saint Gianna. These were some of my most popular posts of 2014. St. Gianna is a saint I grew to know and love well after our miscarriage, as she suffered two miscarriages herself. She is a great saint for life - the gift we celebrate and honor in a special way today on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. St. Gianna, pray for us! 

{5}

Summer was spent in the heat and humidity of Houston, Texas. We celebrated our two-year anniversary with a little getaway to Austin, which is where this picture was taken. I also wrote my second most-viewed post of the year over the summer: Father's Day with a Child in Heaven.

{6}

In the fall we raised over $2,000 for the National Gianna Center for Women in honor of our Thomas Gianna. I have never done anything like this before, and it was such a special way to remember our baby and to give back to those who gave so much to Michael and I when we were going through our miscarriage. We couldn't have done this without your help, generosity and prayerful support. 

{7}

In September we shared our joy with you that we are expecting our second child. What a gift and blessing to be just over 32 weeks pregnant with our son today! We are so grateful for the gift his life already is to us.

{8}

Y'all loved seeing pictures from our gender reveal party {it's a boy!} - and I loved sharing with you!

{9}

One of the greatest blessings of 2014 was getting to be a part of the beautiful Blessed is She ministry. I love writing a reflection each month, and reading the other devotionals has been an inspiration to my prayer life. {Side note - have you seen the new Lent journals yet? So exciting.}

I also expanded my etsy shop to include some inspirational prints, which is something I had wanted to do for some time. The "Blessed is She who believed" print above is one of my favorites.

{10}

The last picture in my collection of ten sums up my year perfectly: gift.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father..."

{James 1:17}

While our year had ups and downs, laughter and tears, trials and triumphs, each and every day was a gift and a blessing. And I am so very grateful.

*   *   *

Thanks for reflecting back on the year with me. If you haven't already, be sure to click on over to see more 10 12 in 2014 posts! Thanks so much for hosting us, Dwija! And thanks for leaving your linkup live for slowpokes like me. :)

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And on another note - somehow, even with my lack of blogging as of late, at least three of you dear readers nominated me for a Sheenazing Award! Thank you so much. That was so sweet of you!

I'm nominated in the Best Under-Appreciated Blog category, along with some other wonderful women. If you'd like to cast a vote all you have to do is click over to visit our gracious & sheenazing host, Bonnie. :) Voting ends Friday (tomorrow!), so don't delay!

Wishing you a beautiful day, friends...and here's to a blessed 2015!

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Answer Me This

Happy Sunday! 

I'm linking up with Kendra for this week's edition of Answer Me This. (side note: Kendra is a fellow writer for Blessed is She, which I shared about on Monday!)

1. How did you get your name?

You know me as Elise, as does pretty much everyone else I know. But! My full name is Elisebeth, which was my mother's confirmation name.

2. Do you have a set time for prayer in your day?
At the moment, I do not really. I would love to get back into the habit of setting aside a special time; I think it helps to have a routine. So often my day-to-day schedule is not routine, so I struggle to keep the prayer routine going. I do try to pray the Morning Prayer from my Magnificat each morning or pray with the daily devotional in Jesus Calling. 

{an interesting thought on prayer from Mark Hart on twitter}

3. Did your mom work or stay home (or both)?
A little of both, I'd say. For the majority of my life my mom worked from home. She is a self-employed cross stitch designer, so she was able to work from home and spend special time with my sister and me. It probably had pros and cons for her, but I am thankful for the time we had to share!

While we are on the topic, please allow me to share that my mom creates beautiful art.
One example:

{via}

Proud daughter here!

4. Do you vote?
Yes - mainly for the presidential elections. I think I should vote more regularly, but it seems I never know enough about the candidates (yes, I know, I would just need to do my research!). I would not want to vote uninformed.

5. What's your favorite drink?
My favorite drink totally depends on my mood. On a daily basis I like water with lemon. I am drinking some right now, in fact. In the summertime it's a treat to have a fresh lemonade or an Arnold Palmer. In the winter I like to drink hot herbal teas. Regardless of the season, I like coffee. 

If we're talking drink-drinks, then I like mojitos and margaritas the best. Or wine. :)

{This delicious and strong margarita, courtesy of my grandpa.}

6. How are your photography skills?
My photography skills are decent, I think, but I don't have serious training. I do remember my dad teaching my sister and me how to take a good picture when we were kids. We each had these special kid cameras that made it easier for us to look through the lens. The photos we took are pretty funny. My sister and I often posed as each other's photography material. Sometimes our stuffed animals or American Girl dolls would stand in as models, too.

I think you can learn some (basic) things about photography from looking at great photography. Michael and I purchased a new camera in the fall, so I've enjoyed reading online articles and watching YouTube tutorials to learn how to take a better picture since then. Photography is fun!

Thanks for hosting, Kendra! Have a beautiful Sunday, everyone!

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grandpa's 80th birthday surprise{wordless wednesday}

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7 Quick Takes of Traveling {no. 17}

{1}
You may (or may not) have noticed it's been a little quiet around here the past week or so, but for good reason! There's nothing like 7 Quick Takes on Friday to catch up on everything that's been going on in life. If you follow me on instagram, you might have noticed we went on a trip to the Midwest, which included visiting three states. Here are some more details on what we've been up to:

{2}

The first stop on our trip was Michigan. We had some great quality time with Michael's family. We also took a super-quick trip to our dear college town, Ann Arbor, which has to be one of my favorite places. Ever. Have you been there?

I also got to see one of my very dearest friends from when I was working on my Masters at Michigan, which was such a gift.

{3}
Michael's parents have a cottage on a lake in Michigan, which is oh-so-beautiful. Though it was pretty chilly the weekend we were there, we still enjoyed the peace and quiet of the lake.

Happiness.

{4}
One of the main events last Saturday was my brother-in-law's graduation from college! It was so great to be there for his big day. Congratulations, Matthew!

{5}
The second big event of the day was my soon-to-be sister-in-law's bridal shower! We had such a blast putting together a Paris themed party for her. (She and my brother-in-law fell for each other in the "city of love" while studying abroad.)

Lucky for me, I just love this gal, Jean. So blessed to be gaining her as a sister! I can hardly wait for their wedding in August.

{6}
After a wonderful time in Michigan, we headed down to Ohio for a couple days to visit my parents. We always love spending time with them.

And, of course, since we were in Cincinnati, we had to get our Graeter's ice cream fix. It's necessary!

Strawberry Chocolate Chip...yum!

{7}
On Tuesday, my dad, Michael & I headed down to Kentucky with my dad's parents. The trip meant a great deal to each of us. What a special opportunity to have my grandparents show us around the place where they were born and raised. I especially loved hearing my grandpa talk about all the different "hollers" and direct us "down the road apiece." Yes, please.

We stayed at the beautiful Buckhorn Lake State Park.

We all rode in one car, which meant my grandparents and I shared the backseat. Now if you will please excuse my double chin, how stinkin' cute are my grandparents in their first selfie??

Love them.

After a wonderful trip, we are safely home in NYC as I type this post. It was a very busy, very blessed trip to the Midwest that we will not soon forget. 

Also, a special reminder: Don't forget that this Monday, May 26, begins my Marian linkup. The linkup will be open through May 31, the Feast of the Visitation and the Queenship of Mary. All your posts on our Blessed Mother are welcomed. I really hope you will join me!

Linking up with the wonderful Mrs. Fulwiler & more at Conversion Diary.

Wishing you and yours a blessed and beautiful Memorial Day weekend...

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7 quick takes {no. 13}

It's been a few weeks since I've been here for seven quick takes...glad to be back and linking up with the lovely Jen and many more. (And linking up with Grace in take no. 5.)

{1}

First of all, thank you so, so much to each of you who took the time to leave a comment, write an e-mail or say a prayer for my husband and I in response to yesterday's post. One of the top reasons I decided to start blogging was to participate more in the community of Catholic women I witnessed as a blogreader. I am so grateful for your time and prayers during what is a challenging time for us. Know that I am praying for each of you and your intentions, too.

{2}

We were very blessed to receive some beautiful flowers and plants from dear family & friends after the loss of our sweet baby. Could I share a few pictures with you?

{3}

Cheerful Gerber daisies from a dear friend...

{4} 

A succulent garden from my parents...

I'll share more pictures in coming posts. Something about the freshness and life of plants & flowers just brings me so much joy. I'm grateful.

{5}

Grace asked to hear what song people danced to as their first dance at their wedding, so I thought I'd join in the fun.

Michael & I danced to "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" - the original Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons version. We saw the musical Jersey Boys not too far into our dating relationship (a musical about Frankie & the Four Seasons - super fun show if you ever have a chance to see it!). Since then, it has been our song - which made it a simple choice for our wedding dance.

Former choreographer that I am, I couldn't help but suggest a couple dance moves at key musical moments. :)

{All Wedding Photography by A Thousand Words Photography}

Such sweet memories. I do love my man.

{6}
Did you hear the wonderful news that author & blogger & 7-quick-takes-er extraordinaire Mrs. Jennifer Fulwiler is coming to NYC?? I am so excited about the release of her book. And that she's coming to my current hometown. Yes please. Can't wait. 

{7}
I am really hoping I get to attend Mass this weekend for Palm Sunday after not being able to leave the house the last couple weeks. I am planning a small outing tomorrow as a test run for Sunday. Regardless, I am looking forward to Holy Week and the resurrection of our Lord on Easter! Something to celebrate!

May your weekend be beautiful and blessed...

Light

"The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world was made through him,

yet the world knew him not."

{John 1:9-10}

"The night is far gone, the day is at hand. 

Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light."

{Romans 13:12}

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep darkness--on them light has shined."

{Isaiah 9:2}

{Linking up with Cari for Theme Thursday: Light}