I'm not gonna lie, I've had a rough couple of weeks. Lots of massive life changes and crises all at once (maybe six?), and thus I experienced my first real (and for a time, unrelenting) anxiety/panic attacks. Peri-menopause/menopause hormonal changes can help to fuel such things in a perfect storm of stressors, as I understand.
I know that many of you can relate.
At the moment, I'm feeling much better (thank you Jesus and Mary!), but to combat any future attacks, I'm still working on all fronts: Physical, mental, emotional, and definitely spiritual -- anyone else sense the growing spiritual warfare lately? And thank goodness for holy priests who make house calls for deliverance prayers!
Meantime, my eldest daughter and my grandbaby flew off to join husband/daddy in Nebraska, and that makes both daughters gone within just a few weeks' time. I am missing the feminine around this place more than I thought I would (I cannot understand how some folks believe there is no difference between male and female!!!). I've also begun homeschooling my 3rd and 4th grade boys this year, and it's going well, praise God. And in just a few short days, I will become a student again after 25 years, as I begin my graduate studies at Holy Apostles College and Seminary.
All that to say... forgive me if my blog posts lag while I adjust to the many new normals around here.
In the meantime, those who were asking can check out some of my younger daughter's recent wedding photos at this link:
Here are some of my favorites that are not included on the site above (there were over 600 pictures we received; so many favorites, but I can't post them all):
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| Mother and daughter. |
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| Daddy's little girl (and best of friends). |
I love the following two photos. Three branches of military represented. My husband's Great Uncle Alan is 97 years old, a WWII veteran who still fits into his Air Force uniform! God bless him, and God bless all those who serve.
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| The groom's brother-in-law (Army), the bride's great-great uncle (Air Force), the groom (Navy) |
How I love who's in the background of this one! St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle!
Oh, and grandbaby pictures, you say? Here you go:
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| Such a look! Cracks me up. |
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Thanks for your prayers as I adjust to all of my new circumstances. I know I'm not the only one in a blogging funk, but I hope to be back before long!
Looks like a lovely wedding. Love your daughter's dress, and love to see her laughing with her dad. Your grandbaby is sooo adorable, too. (Nebraska is actually a good place to live..worry not.)
ReplyDeleteEvery time I see you in these wedding photos, I just cannot believe that you are "old" "enough" to have daughters who are married! Must be that proud mom glow :)
ReplyDeleteHang in there. I was soooo depressed when both sisters moved away. In fact, sometimes I still wake up in the middle of the night and start thinking too hard about it and get anxious and sad all over again. Family is a funny thing.. you create a home that, if all goes well, doesn't stay the same! It seems like that must be part of the Fall o something... not that anyone has sinned, just that we can't have the comforts of childhood/home life AND all the adventurous leaving/cleaving that we are called to simultaneously.
ReplyDeleteSorry for typos...keyboard is wacky.
DeleteTake care of yourself, Leila! We're all with you and praying for you. And thanks, as always, for sharing so much with us.
ReplyDeleteYou??? Menopause??? You look like you're 25, at most! ;-) No seriously, you do! Both in your profile picture and also in your daughter's wedding picture, you look really really good!!! Missed ya and will pray for you about the anxiety attacks.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. Your daughter looks so joyful.
ReplyDeleteMenopause sucks! Keep your head up Leila, will join everyone who's praying for you. I had three kids leave home in one year. Felt like I'd been hit by a bus. It does end, that awful out of control sense, just takes time. Just keep moving ....
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness, Leila. Going back to school at the same time as homeschooling? No wonder you're feeling stressed! Are you sure it is the right timing for that? Continued prayers for peace.
ReplyDeleteAs for missing the feminine in your household, tell me about it. I am (and have always been) the only female among five males. I love them all dearly. But I do sometimes wish I had a daughter to share girl things with. Not part of God's plan and He knows best. Through my boys I have grown to appreciate a different side of life, and we may have a budding priestly vocation...
I love the black and white hug-from-behind picture- it has the best vintage charm!
ReplyDeleteAnd that smiling baby!!! Oh my goodness!!! If she doesn't mind dating a younger man, I now have a second son who is verrrry handsome and available for dating in about 16 years!
This post is FULL of LIFE! REAL LIFE! The ups and downs and adjusting and anxiety and that BABY and that BRIDE and it is every bit wild and hard and painful and wonderful and just SO BEAUTIFUL!
ReplyDeleteSO glad I decided to check on you today...truth be told...I am a bad blogger and an even worse blog reader....but now I can PRAY for you dear friend! That makes me happy!
I can not help but think God is working something amazing through you right now...
love you!
and if you need a female to hang around...I can send you my often moody and angst filled pre teen and teen age girl!!!!!! EVERY. BIT. FEMALE (if you know what I mean)
Praying for you always. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Leila, when you get a chance can you comment on "The 10 top things for happiness" from Pope Francis? It's got me all worried...
ReplyDeleteMe too...I am hoping his list was sort of a "for the secular world too" type of thing. It doesn't mention Jesus at all!
DeleteI'm so glad you posted because I was starting to think you were kidnapped by anti-Catholic forces.
ReplyDeleteYay for all the wonderful photos!
Impressed by 97 year-old veteran still fitting in uniform and that fact that he looks ready to march off to a battle if need be. Take any pictures of the oldest and newest wedding guest together??
When Monica's son is ready for dating, he'll probably be speaking French, which will sound extra romantic.
Love your pink dress, Leila.
Love the wedding colors - that blue/periwinkle dressed with red shoes! Awesome!
Of course the bride looks great.
Peri-menopause is not fun.
What did you decide to major in for your master's program??
Panic attacks are horrible too.
correction: dresses
ReplyDeleteYou all are so kind! Thank you, thank you! I really love you all to pieces. God bless you and keep you in His protection! :)
ReplyDeleteLeila,
ReplyDeleteBig hugs! You are all in my thoughts and prayers! Can I ask you a quick question? I'd love to start reading the Bible. Where in the Bible do you recommend I start? Thank you!
Maria In Mass (Maria T. Newcomer on Facebook)
Your daughter looks so beautiful and classy. And the granddaughter is adorable!
ReplyDeleteI just love your daughter's gown! So classy, as Becky^ said, and so elegant. She was just stunning. You looked fabulous, too. What a lovely photo of you and her.
ReplyDeleteLena beat me to it about Great Uncle Alan. He looks dashing, and as ready for the fight as do the two young men!
I am glad you are doing better and hope you are back to yourself soon!
"anyone else sense the growing spiritual warfare lately? "
ReplyDeleteSpeaking life to the death and darkness of anxiety/fear, for you and for whomever else might need to hear this today. God gives His promises from ages to ages:
“... I am your shield, your very great reward.” Gen 15:1
"do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." - Is 41:10
"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deut 31:8
"The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing" - Zep 3:17
"Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." - Heb 4:12
"Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Eph 6:17 (read all of Eph 6:10-17)
"so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it." Is 55:11
"And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Rev 21:5
Just a question: have you asked for (or maybe you already received) the gift of tongues? This is a gift that can edify and build you up at this time, just as a private prayer language.
Great photos, btw.
Off-topic: Nubby, has anyone ever told you that you look like Faith Hill (or that she looks like you)? :-) (A compliment in either direction!)
ReplyDeleteAw, ty. Yes, people have told me that.
DeleteLeila, hope it's not too weird as a mostly lurker, but just wanted to drop a note that you're in my thoughts and prayers. Hope your grand adventures are starting as smoothly as possible! I look forward to more of your rabble-rousing when you have the time. :-)
ReplyDelete