In the fall of 2013, Sr. Raphael asked me if I would consider chairing our school's annual auction. I knew this was something I would eventually do but I was not expecting to do it YET. Well long story short, I agreed, along with my friend Michelle and we chaired it not only that year but the next as well. It truly was a lot of fun and very gratifying but needless to say, it absorbed me a bit. I also tried out a part time job during the 2014-2015 school year which was another great experience but when they asked me to go full time I realized that not only would that be stressful on the family but it would keep me from being home, where I have my true vocation and peace.
This school year was an absolute whirlwind. Ava started kindergarten so I had an empty house during the day which was new for me. I enjoyed the freedom and calm and felt more prepared for the kids when they came home than I ever have. Things will change though as we await the arrival of baby #6! We are having a baby girl this summer and while I am a little anxious about making the adjustment back to being the mom of a "little", I can't help but feel excited and so in love already.
Another thing made this year a bit different is that Mark's mom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. She was very sick and we almost thought we were going to lose her, but she pulled through and has begun treatment. She will have a stem cell transplant next month and we are all praying that this can be a distant memory. Her illness has helped put a lot of things in focus though. At 42 I feel so blessed. I am part of TWO amazing families, I have a wonderful, devoted, fun, loving, successful husband (chief now!!), I have 5 beautiful children with one on the way. I am still able to do what I love and feel called to - motherhood. I have great friends from so many different parts of my life. And I have faith - my Catholic faith which can be difficult at times but drives me to love more, be better, and help others. Life is GOOD!
