7 Quick Takes (the one where I somehow wound up with two #3's)

1) It's snowing here. Again. Every day it snows like 12 times for about a half hr each time. How much snow is that? I hate math. Right now it's gently falling to the ground but last night we had white outs. That's ok with me because I love snow.

2) We live across the street from a church , and while it's awesome having Jesus as our neighbor, you would not believe what kind of freak show the church parking lot attracts. In the summer, drunk people use it as their favorite shortcut, where they sing patriotic songs, and other songs, off key as loud as they possibly can. It is also frequented by arguing young couples and the occasional crowd of 70 teenagers watching a fight and recording it on their cell phones so they can upload it onto youtube later on. Such fun.
.In the winter months we have the pleasure of watching a parade of knuckleheads doing donuts in the snow. It doesn't matter if it's only 3 centimeters of snow, these fools come out in droves.

3) Need more proof? Here is an old facebook status of mine from this past July:

"At 6:20 am, I was awoken to the sound of someone blaring Kenny Rogers' "We've Got Tonight" from their car stereo across the street in the church parking lot. I opened my eyes and said "Oh hell no. Not on the Lord's day." I hastily put my contacts on. I had accidentally fallen asleep with my makeup on and mascara was smeared under my eyes. My hair was a squirrel's nest. I threw Dan's army - style jacket on over my pajamas and went out the door to confront what I assumed would be a middle aged woman. What I found instead was a KFC Colonel Sanders look alike who jumped, clutched his chest and gave a small scream when he saw me. I admit that I looked like a total crack addict. He probably thought I wanted money. He refused to roll down his window, but no need! He could hear me just fine;) Result: radio silence. Moral: do not mess with a mama's sleep."

  
3) Yesterday my boys were playing "swords" (alternatively called "knights" alternativley called "Narnia" alternatively called "Peter and Edmund") and Johnpaul rammed into a doorframe and hit his head so hard that a small clump of his hair fell out. It really freaked me out.
They resumed "swords" shortly thereafter.
I have 3 boys. I still don't understand.

4) I think Miabelle's nursing bender is coming to a close. She was nursing nonstop for days (and nights) and I was really in a fog for most of the week, but yesterday we had a pretty productive day and today is looking kinda good. And the babe? Is looking HUGE. I love it.

5)  I cannot believe that Easter Sunday is (nearly) a week away!! I swear this was the quickest and most unproductive lent I've ever had. Whatever. I'm in new baby survival mode right now. Anyway, you know who has awesome deals right now for kids Easter clothes?? Children's Place. I got some amazing deals the other day. Lucie's Easter dress was only 14 bucks!! Score.

6) JP, Lucie and Jude are running through the house right now "findin a MONSTER". They have swords.

7) Last Saturday I went to a women's retreat given by Mother Olga Yaqob. Here she is holding my little Miabella! It was like watching the Blessed Mother hold my daughter:)
This was the second time I've heard Mother speak and it was just awesome. The retreat was called "Faith Moves Mountains: In the Steps of Mary and Joseph" and it was very inspiring. Mother is originally from Iraq and has lived through 5 wars in her native country. Being half middle eastern myself, I feel so much admiration for her. She is such a witness to joy and hope and perseverance despite suffering, alot like Pope JP2.
Listening to her, I was reminded to take risks for God, especially in loving others. Joseph and Mary risked EVERYTHING for Him and look at what He did with them and through them. I think the Holy Spirit is speaking that to the church and to the world so powerfully right now, as we watch our own Pope Francis set that example by taking risks like Jesus did to reveal God's greatest attribute: His mercy. It's beautiful but convicting and uncomfortable and pretty scary. I mean, haven't you felt a little nervous watching Pope Frankie jump out of the Popemobile so he could hug the handicapped man in the crowd on Tuesday? That's daring of him, isn't it (security-wise)? But love involves risk.
I feel like God is waking us up again, getting our attention. It's a little like having water poured on you while you're sleeping. I guess we need that sometimes to get us out of our slumber. Makes me think of think of this scripture verse: "Awake O sleeper, rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you".
That's all I got! Joining Jen and the rest of the world for 7 Quick Takes. Later Skater:)