7 Quick Takes (29)

Well well well what do we have here?! A non-NAS post?! WOAH. Yep, that's right...I'm making a come-back people! Brace yourselves! :) Linking up with Jen in an attempt to ease myself back into the land of the blogging. :)

[1] This past weekend I had the absolutely WORST bout of allergies EVER. Perhaps it was mixed with a sinus infection, but regardless...Happy Mother's Day, Mom...now can you take my temperature?

Yes I am a 24 year old adult and still want my mommy to take care of me when I'm sick.

The good news is that with all of the rain we've had this week, pollen counts are plummeting!
Hello breathing easy!

The bad news is that with all of the rain we've had this week....it's been raining all week.
Hello humidity and crazy curls!

Furrr realzz.

[2] I've ready for some warm weather...heck, I'd settle for sunny and 55°. But thanks to Audrey's post on cute spring shoes, I'm back in my optimistic, "the sun will come out tomorrow let's hope maybe if the rain doesn't ruin it" mood :)

I'm pining for these babies.

[3] I cannot believe that I've yet to mention this in a blog post. If you've been around for any length of time (before I went all AWOL), you'll know that I have a severe attachment to the Patton clan.
Some would call me a stalker, I prefer affectionately attentive. I think they're cool with it.

But aaanyway, can we just pause for a moment and acknowledge:

a) how freaking cute/adorable/perfect little Miss Phoebe is?
b) how freaking cute/adorable/perfect the name "Phoebe Patton" is?
c) how much I love the 4 kid grams? LOVE.
d) how much I want Simace to adopt me. Please? I do diapers.

Lemme know, Grace. I'm (affectionately) yours :)

[4] Also, don't ask me how many times I've watched this video of the Patton kids meet their newest sib.
No, really...don't. If I answer I just might have to admit I have a problem.

[5] Move on, Morgan....

Ok, so have y'all heard 6' 2'' by Marie Miller? I know I've seen it shared by others before, but I stumbled upon it again and AH...love.



Plus, turns out she's Catholic. I loved this article about how true and natural this desire/longing/etc for your spouse is. Solidarity, people!

[6] While I'm talking about music, I've been real sentimental lately thinking about how my baby sister is graduating from high school in a couple weeks. ahhhh when did she grow up?! ...and Compass by Lady Antebellum reminds me of her and this place in life.



My favorite line:

"So let your heart, sweetheart be your compass when you're lost and you should follow it wherever it may go"

This should be true for everyone, but especially as a soon-to-be HS grad...it's important :) I'm real pumped though that she'd decided to attend my alma mater and will only be 45 mins from me! Yay!

[7] I'm so excited for the next few weeks! I found out a little while ago that I was accepted into the 2014 Vita Institute at Notre Dame! I'll be staying on campus for a little more than a week at the beginning of June and studying various subjects in relation to the pro-life movement including philosophy, politics, law, social science, biology, etc. I cannot wait!

Well, that wasn't so hard! Maybe I'll be able to crank out another post in 3 months ;)
Have a lovely weekend! Check out the other Quick Takers over at Jen's!

the quickity quicks

Linking up with Jen for the first time in forrrrevvverrrr.....

[1] Happy All Saints Day! Cassie Pease Designs asked on Facebook what our favorite saints were...without hesitation, my favorite saint is St. Gianna. I mean, I love allll of them, but if I had to choose, and we're assuming that Mama Mary is a given, then I'd say St. Gianna. She's seriously just one of the greatest role models of perfect love and sacrifice.

Ok, and I really love St. Joseph, but again, I feel like that's a given ;)

[2] I've been sick off-and-on this whole week and yesterday I completely forgot that it was Halloween....multiple times. Like, I would remember...and then forget.....and then remember again. This was the first year in my entire life that I haven't dressed up. Though I honestly didn't miss it.

[3] I just have to share some of my current favorite songs. I can't not.

That 70s Song - The Cab



[4] Come to Me - Goo Goo Dolls



[5] Have you stumbled upon Chris's blog yet? He's a former UIUC student and current FOCUS missionary. He always has thought provoking posts, but his most recent guest post on Same Sex Attraction is a winner for sure. Seriously. Go read it.

[6] Anyone keeping up with the Not Alone Series? Jen and I are completely overwhelmed with how many people we've reached. Who would have thought that a little wondering, wishing, hoping would have turned into all of this?What blessings. What grace. TYF.
And this week's posts blew me away! Check em out!

[7] Ok, I can't end this post without sharing this meme. It kills me.

Have a great weekend and head over to Jen's for more QTs!

7 Quick Takes (28)

Linking up with Jen, et al.

oh hey there....I just realized that I haven't pounded one of these bad boys out since May.

MAY, people. I've gotta get this shiz together.

hopefully I remember how to do one of these things...

[1] Last weekend, my dear cousin Ryan was married and oh man, what a party. He and I were the ringbearer and flowergirl, respectively, in his parents' wedding....20 YEARS AGO.
And now he's married. 

So crazy.

I couldn't be happier for Ry....expect that now I'm "next in line" to be wed as the second oldest grandchild. Wahhhhh

[2] This article. A must read for EVERYONE. I don't care if you aren't single....read it. And if you ARE single, you better read it right now. Do it.

[3] My little baby cousin Mason Oliver was born on Wednesday! SOSOSO excited that the next round of baby-bearing years on this side of my family has begun! 

[4] Do you pray novenas? Do you want to pray novenas? Click here to discover an awesome tool to help you pray more novenas. The next one starts on Sunday to St. Therese!

[5] This:

[6] I love this interview with Fr. Rocky of Relevant Radio in Chicago and hope to write about my thoughts on Pope Francis's interview next week.

[7] Tonight I get to hangout with my very best friend doing one of my very favorite things.  Fo free.
I CANNOT WAIT.

Check out other 7QTs over at Jen's and have a splendid weekend!

xo, mo

Quick Takes (27)

link link linking up with Jen again this week....

[1] I've been on a Staff Retreat all week and it's been really great to spend time with our newest coworker as well and bond as a team. Since we all live and work in different cities, it's a rare treat that we spend so much time together. It's be awesome, aaaaand exhausting. But mostly awesome.

[2] I am SO EXCITED to FINALLY announce the debut of the "Not Alone Series" link-up we've been talking about for so long! Jen and I have been working on the formation of this for quite some time and are really excited to get started!

We are starting this weekly series this Tuesday, June 4!

There will be a new topic each week and will discuss everything from single life to discernment to dating!

It's important to note that Jen and I (and anyone else linking up) are not necessarily providing a "how-to" to finding perfect contentment in single life....that heavy stuff should be left up to prayer and the Lord, no?
And believe me, we are seeking answers too!
We hope for this series to be about our own experiences, what has (or hasn't!) worked for us (or YOU!)  , as well as a community of people to offer encouragement and support for us all to know that we are not alone on this journey!

So please link-up with us here on June 4th! This first week just tell everyone a little bit about yourself, where you are on the singleness road (dating, single, religious life, whatever!) and what you hope to get through this series!

And if there are any topics on your heart that you would like to be discussed at some point, please do not hesitate to email me, email Jen, or comment below! (hopefully your email is linked to your name!) We are so excited and really do want this to be interactive....this is for YOU too!!!

[3] I'm pretty much brain-dead right now, so the following takes will be pictures and videos of what my week has looked like. Enjoy :)

coffee. LOTS of coffee.

[4]

HIKING!!!

[5] Catchphrasing!

[6]

gangsta-ing (my bosses)

[7] And last but not least, your prayers would be very much appreciated right now....we're headed back into fundraising mode for the next two months. Very stressful, VERY necessary and time-sensitive. I trust that the Lord will provide, and I ask that you pray for the generosity of people I am approaching! We cannot build a Culture of Life without the support of others! Thank you!

Please head over to Jen's to read more QTs!

Quick Takes (26): awkward edition

linking up with the fab Jen Fulwiler...

[1] Fridays are more likely than not non-shower days. I just like sleep (and moscato...) way too much and leave little to no time to do much more than pour some delay-timer coffee and brush my teeth.
Hey, Fridays are causal at the office. Whatevs.

[2] So then I had to make the run of all runs to Office Depot to buy hundreds of dollars worth of envelopes and cardstock smelling like I hadn't showered in more than 18 hrs (true) or washed my hair in 2 days (also true...I'm on a wash every other day sched. I know you were dyyying to know.) And who should be the Depoter to wait on my hand and foot but tall, cute, lovely bearded new guy. Jen's post from last night came to mind and in my head I was all "yeah! you can do this! be confident!" ...so I flirted in my coy fashion:

me: *carrying a Staples box full of brochures to be folded* I wasn't just at Staples, I printed them myself, I swear *wink*
tall, cute, lovely bearded new guy: *long pause to get the joke* oh haha.....

ps I didn't actually wink

[3] so maaaaybe I'm a little rusty. or a lot. again, whatevs. I went about my business, picked up my folded brochures, paid, and left (but only after leaving and then coming back INTO the store to return a cart because apparently they don't know what a cart corral is)
Welllll I get back to the office to tell my boss about the cute guy I kinda sorta flirted with and he asks if I usually use our non-profit card to be tax-exempt aka pay A LOT less when you buy hundreds of dollars worth of envelopes and cardstock. To which I must reply
"gahhh I ALWAYS do. I NEVER forget! but but but.....I was distracted! His beard! It was so marvelous!"
cue awkward silence followed by uncontrollable laughter not. from. me.

[4] *side note: yes, I like beards. I like 'em a lot. Facial hair in general. Beards and a good, well-maintained scruff.
Think:

not:

or:

[5] aaaaanyway. Due to my slight oversight, I must go back to le Depot tomorrow to get some of our monies back. How embarrassing. But at least this time, I will be showered.

From all the ladies out there (or maybe men who accidentally stumbled here?), any flirting tips? The one I try to invoke most often is trying not to care so much. I find that trying too hard comes off as.....trying too hard... Flirting should be easy and fun, right?

[6] This upcoming week (after my THREE DAY WEEKEND!) we have a staff retreat featuring our BRAND NEW STAFF MEMBER! I'm just a lot excited. She's one of our former student leaders and is going to be awesome at this Campus Mentor stuff. I cannot wait!

[7] What do you have planned this weekend? I hope something fun. I'm going to be sleeping. And drinking beer. And hanging out a coffee shop all day just. because. I. can.

Cheers to you and your weekend!

xo, morgan

Quickest Takes (25)

I should be packing/leaving for home instead of writing this post and watching Sister Wives, so these are gonna be quick.

[1] I'm heading to Chicago tonight for the fourth time in two weeks....don't worry, I'll be recapping that torture experience soonish.

[2] I REALLY can't wait to go home because I get to see two of my best friends tonight...one of whom I haven't seen since NYE because she lives in Texas. Boo. Can't wait!

[3] I've been thinking about getting my hair cut for awhile now, but I'm hesitant because I reallyreallyreally love how long my hair is getting and I'm afraid of what a hairdresser will do because it seems like they get a little snipping-happy and I never know how many times I'm "allowed" to ask her if she knows what she's doing. BUT THEN I saw what a fab job Grace did on her hair (don't deny it, you look so.cute.) aaand so now maybe I'll cut my own hair? gahhh I don't know.

[4] Ok, I just have to echo Amanda's raving review of The Band Perry's new album Pioneer. I. Love. It. Can't get enough. I'm a Keeper is one of my favorites. Give it a listen:

[5] Summer is my favorite time of year. Not because of the sun and warmth (although I do love that), but because campus is EMPTY. And it is SO great to not risk hitting 20 different people on 20 separate occasions within a 2 block stretch. I grammed this photo yesterday, but here are a couple better, more campus-y photos to depict how dead campus is. I think the fact that I simply work on campus, rather than being a student, makes my tolerance for busy streets and idiot pedestrians significantly lower...ah well. One more virtue to work on...

[6] The big reason I'm heading home this weekend is for my cousin's Bachelorette Party, aaaand I'm the MOH. Wowza. I'm super excited to celebrate with her AND to bequeath to her these lovely coasters I made for them....DIY tutorial here.

aren't they the cutest?!?

[7] And a big Happy Birthday to sweet little Anne, who's now THREE! Cannot believe how fast that happened! Love you, little lady!

source

a great weekend to you and yours! Head over to Jen's for more! :)

xo, morgan

7 Quick Takes (24)

Linking up yet again with Jen (who's fiiiinally back!) for another week of takes!

[1] This week has been emotionally exhausting. I can't get into too much detail without breaking confidences, but I've had to have a couple of really tough conversations that have taken a lot out of me. TGIF, eh?

[2] Confession time: I have a Twitter, but I'm really bad at using it....probably because I've gotten out of that bad FB habit of updating your status every five minutes. So I only go onto the Twittersphere maybe once a week, but last night I spend probably two hours tweeting with some of my favorite blogging friends and finding new peeps to follow. So. much. fun.

[3] Sooooo tomorrow is my birthday, and yesterday I got this card from my Grandma...

I get my party side from her. I'm turning the big 2-3 and have a big day full of outlet mall shopping (hunting for the perfect baby boy gifts and work-approp. dresses), wine-drinking, and hopefully sunbathing.

[4] Jordan is here! Haven't seen her in for.ev.er. So excited to celebrate my #birthdayweekend with her :)

[5] Have you discovered Arleen Spenceley and her [Q&A] series? Go. NOW. She's awesome.

[6] Amanda nominated me for a Leibster Award this week! I am BEYOND flattered and now all I have to do is figure out how to accept it.... :)

[7] My boss took me out for lunch today to celebrate my birth and we had Margs. At noon. Word of the wise: don't drink in the early afternoon unless if you're going to keep drinking.
You just might be unable to work for the rest of the day and end up with a slight headache/hangover before 5PM. And what's the best cure for a hangover? See the above picture.

Check out what Jen and the other takers have to say this week! Have a beauteous weekend!

xo, Morgan

7 Quick Takes (23)

Linking up with one of my very favorite bloggers eva, Grace, who is hosting 7QT again because Jen and fam got to bring baby boy home yesterday! Oh happy day!

[1] Most people who know me know that I. love. my. coffee. So you can imagine my distress when I come home after a long trip to and from Chicago to realize that my roommates had taken the coffee maker with them on a retreat they were leading. oh em gee. Luckily, I worked at a Jamba Juice in college and we had to make coffee in a really hippie-esque way, therefore, I knew what to do:

Coffee filter in powdered sugar sifter in coffee mug.
Insert coffee ground and hot water. Wait forever.
So Sunday night when their team director, Travis, dropped off our coffee maker, I complained about the travesty I had to endure and Travis says, "oh, well, here...let me make it up to you..." and hands me a Starbucks gift card! Huzzah! He was all "I'll never use it anyway" and also didn't know how much was on it....
luckily, I have a Starbucks account (because heck yes I want a free drink on my birthday thank you very much!) and so I checked the balance on this bad boy...
$2.87
sweet
But seriously, how nice was that?


[2] In other news, I'm officially a parishioner! Gahh that makes me feel like such a real adult! It's taken me more than 10 months, but I finally realized that the parish I felt most at home in happened to be the one that I had the worst attitude about. Go figure...God works in mysterious ways!
It's so funny how something as simple as deciding to belong to a particular parish makes me feel so much more settled. I like how that feels. I also had a lovely chat with some ladies in the parish office when I registered and have some hope for my involvement in ministry there....stay tuned :)


[3] Cindy and Jen have featured my post from this week in their 7 Quick Takes! Wow! Thank you ladies!
After all of the positive feedback, I'm in the process of figuring out some kind of single-ladies link-up or club...details to come soon...if that's something you or someone you know would be interested in, please let me know!

[4] I've always loved country music, but it seems lately that that's ALL I listen to. I went through a huge Mumford/Lumineers/Passion Pit stage a few months ago, but I'm back to my down-home country roots. And though I'm sick and tired of TaySwift, I can't get enough of this song, probably because she's just "featured"

[5] Have y'all been keeping up with the Gosnell trial? I'd love to hear what people think about how (until recently) little the media had been reporting on it. Absolutely everything about it completely sickens me. My kids are really upset about it, especially after reading this article. Since most of the perspectives I see are from a college student or those who work in the pro-life movement, I'd love to hear what people "on the outside" are thinking.

[6] Speaking of tragedy, please join me in praying for Boston and West Texas. I don't have any words to share that haven't already been said by others more eloquent than I.
Lord, have mercy.

[7] In the attempt of ending on a high note, I want to say a big CONGRATULATIONS to my mom who was offered her dream job today! I'm so happy and proud of you! Love love love you, Momma!

Have a splendid weekend! Head over to see Grace if you haven't already!

xo, Mo

7QT (22)

My life is so interesting that I just can't help but share it with the interwebs! But really...some (kinda) good stuff in here....

[1] Our dear B16 is now "Pope Emeritus". I've had to consciously stop myself from reading hateful articles, tweets, comments, etc. regarding our sweet, humble Papa Benny. That being said, I am so proud of some of my very favorite Catholic artists and they're unabashed support and love for the Church, no matter what it does to their fanbase.

Thank God for honest-to-goodness-Catholic and talented musicians who have broken into the "mainstream Christian" music scene. They're making such a difference. Additionally, I have every confidence that the Cardinals will proceed with due diligence and pray that the Lord's will be done. 

[1.5] oh em gee. have you seen his twitter?

[2] Have y'all heard of "Unofficial"? This is a tradition at the U of I which is celebrated by the student body with what is essentially a non-stop 3-day binge drinking fest. The bars all get into it and students from all over the country (seriously.) come in to "celebrate". Campus wasn't too rough this morning, but I did see a couple of scenes like this

...at 9am. Ahh to be young again. jkjk

I almost hit approximately 3 girls, used my horn once, and waited 3.7 minutes for ~14 green-clad party-goers to cross at a stop sign. *sigh*

[4.5] holy crap when did it become March?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

[3] NO SPOILERS ALERT! After getting called out by THE Grace Patton, I will be extraextraextra cautious when typing anything. But seriously, that slap on the wrist was rewarded with more than 300 extra visits to my corner of the blogosphere.....soooo perhaps I'll misbehave more often?? ;)

[4] But getting back to the point, The Bachelor this week was a nail-biter.  Of course I read both Ashley's and Shay's recaps before watching it myself, so I knew what was coming, but it was still came as a shock to me that Sean sent AshLee home. Granted, she has them crazy eyes

and perhaps amnesia exhibited by her constant calling him "that man".....
But overall, I thought she was sweet and genuine and maybe they could have made a good match. I give her credit for not pulling a Des on him, but dang I would NOT want to make her mad. Girl be scary!

[5] In other news, I am headed to Portland this week! The NFP I work for is starting a new fundraising plan and we're all headed out there for a training conference. I'm really excited to absorb a bunch of new and helpful information as well as not only visit both Oregon AND Washington, but since I was dubbed Social Coordinator of the trip, we'll be headed to Cannon Beach for our free day on Saturday! I've never been to the Pacific Ocean, but where we're visiting looks like this.

aaaaand today it was 64 degrees. huzzah.

[6] Speaking of heading to Portland, I'm told that it's one of the top cities for hipsters. I really love hipsters.
Also, since we're going to the beach, I'm real excited to hunt around Sat for some fishermen-type sweaters.
Any excuse for a shopping spree at Goodwill!

[7] I'm making Chili for 20 college students tomorrow night. Perhaps I'll start posting my fav fab recipes here...? hmmm

That's all. Riveting, I know. Head on over to Jen's for more QTs!
Have a blessed weekend...hopefully it starts looking like spring soon!!!

xo, mo

quick takes (21)

same song and dance....linking up with Jen for another rendition of quick takes!

[1] This past weekend I traveled on over to my alma mater to spend some quality time with my bffs. garsh I miss them.

[2] Whilst (I've really been digging that word lately. whilstwhilstwhilst) in BloNo I got to visit thee cutest family with thee cutest little newborn boy. After three bee-you-tee-ful little girls, they finally got their boy :) of course, I'm the worst and didn't take any pictures of baby boy, but did snap a couple of the girls doing their musical number.

gahhh I love them.

[3] Also, one of my BFFs is preggers and we went baby clothes shopping. ohemgee. so freaking cute.
but I have one issue. ya see, they're having a boy and well, there just aren't nearly as many cute baby boy clothes as there are adorable baby girl clothes! what is up with that?! I mean, ok. There are some cute baby clothes. The little polo onesies and mini gingham shirts kill me. But they just don't compare to the little girl selection. ugh.

[4] Dudes. I can't get enough.

THRIFT SHOP (PG Radio Edit Clean version) - MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS FEAT. WANZ from Garrett Wesley Gibbons on Vimeo.

[5] Alright, let's get real. What with the Harlem Shake craze? ISU did it. LSFL did it. UIUC did it. The Clan did it. Who the freak is next? I vote for the Pattons, but hey, that's only 'cause I'm their #1stalkerfan

[6] Might as well keep the crazy train going....I'm sucked back into The Bachelor. Although, for the first time I waited until Miss Conductor of the Crazy Train herself was booted off. And yes, OF COURSE I'm talking about Ti-scare-a.
What.a.nightmare. oiy vey.

**SPOILER ALERT**

I hate myself for doing it but I've read all of the spoiler articles that say Catherine is "the one" but I'm not-so-secretly hoping that it's Lindsay. AshLee isn't horrible but the combo of her crazy eyes and how she refers to Sean as "that man" freaks me out juuuuust a leedle.

[6.5] and while I'm allowing people to judge me, I found Sean and Chris Harrison on Instagram this week. #bestweekever they definitely have some kind of #bromance going on there. too many hashtags? #never

[7] Am I a weirdo or does this show look hilarious? I miiiiight just add that to my must-watch list. Also, does anyone else watch The Following? ahhhh so disturbing but TOTALLY addicting. love me some Kevin Bacon.

head on over to Jen's for more riveting quick takes! happy weekend!

xo, mo

Quick Takes (20)

Rising from the blogging dead in order to tap out another round of takes....enjoy.

[1] Clearly, I'm still recuperating from the March for Life trip....which was two weeks ago. I'm pretty sure this is a sign that I'm getting old. I can only imagine what it will be like when I have children. Does anyone ever feel well rested after having children?

[2] Speaking of the M4L, the trip was a really great time...I have some really quality students that I work with and I'd have to say that my favorite part of the trip was attending Students for Life of America National Conference....which every year is the largest pro-life conference for students in the world. BAM!

It was a great day of world-renouned speakers and crazy happenings such as this video:

the kid in the bowtie with the megaphone is one of our kids. #soproud

[3] In other news, I'm currently house-hunting and while it was intimidating at first, there are a TON of rental properties available! We were planning on staying in the house that some missionaries and I rent together but have had a few issues as of late with management and think it's about time to start searching...my personal favorites are as follows: adorable brick, THERE'S A BAR IN THE BASEMENT!, and what the heck how is a house with that deck going for such a cheap rate?!. So we'll see. We have a couple of weeks before we know how many women will be on staff next year and so until then I'm having to hold my horses but they realllllllly don't like to be held.

[4] Any expert pasta makers out there? I'm making some homemade raviolis on Monday night and will take any advice that you have to give....hoping I don't mess it up too bad....

[5] My friend, Hannah, has discerned into religious life! Please watch this video and help her along her journey as you are able! Blessed Mother, pray for us!

[6] Do you love a good birth story as much as I do? Regardless of your answer, check out Grace's latest installment of baby Theo's arrival. And holy moly can you say "I'm never having babies because there's no way I'll ever look as good as her while in labor"? Cause I certainly can.

[7] I'm done. That was exhausting. See you in another 7 months.

Head on over to Jen's for more riveting takes.

Quick Takes: Why I'm Pro-Life

At the time that this post publishes, I will be en-route to Washington, D.C. for the annual March for Life. In honor of this event, I give you "7 Quick Takes: Why I'm Pro-Life"

[1] "A person's a person no matter how small."
Dr. Seuss was very wise. And like he/Horton said, no matter the size of a human, they're still a human. Stage in development does not negate personhood.

[2] Abortion is the purposeful killing of another human being.
We have laws against murder. When asked, people will tell you that the reason is because it is not right for you to willfully kill someone else. Since we've established that an unborn child is indeed human, and the ending of a human's life is immoral, then why is it deemed acceptable?

[3] Abortion is bad for women.
Women who have abortions are seven times more likely to commit suicide, are four times more likely to have repeat abortions, and have a significantly increased risk of breast and cervical cancer. And women are still dying from having abortions...in fact, one young woman died a few months ago at an abortion clinic in Chicago. So much for a simple, safe procedure.

[4] I believe in the sanctity of life.
Similar to [1], but biologists agree that life begins at conception...that's a FACT. We all talk in terms of "beliefs" and it is true that you must believe in something in order to be passionate about it; just knowing the facts isn't enough. I know that life begins at conception and I believe that we should respect life from beginning to end.

[5] There's no such thing as an "unwanted child".
Just because the mother of a child might not desire to parent doesn't mean that there aren't people out there who wouldn't love to call that child their own. I don't have a statistic handy, but I believe that it is still true that there are more couples seeking adoption than there are babies to go around.

[6] Everyone deserves the chance at life.
No matter what predetermined conditions or disabilities a child might be born into/with, they still should have a chance at life. Let's face it, life is tough. It's really hard and it's really sucky sometimes. But it's also full of beauty and joy and pleasure. There's no doubt that it would be difficult growing up homeless or fatherless or with a disability. But I would venture to say that even people born into the aforementioned situations have still been happy at some point in their life. Every life is worth living, no matter what others might think.

[7] Babies are beautiful!
To quote one of my good friends and new daddy to a beautiful baby girl,

"I don't know how anyone could say that they don't want kids. I have friends who say that they hate kids. They have no idea what they're missing."

Sure, maybe not everyone is cut out to be a parent, but that doesn't give those who don't desire parenthood to kill their unborn child.

In summation (I feel like I'm back in college...), I'm pro-life and darn proud of it. Sometimes it's hard to see progress in the movement, but being that this is a movement like the civil-rights movement, I am confident that abortion will end. It may not be as soon as we hope, but someday it will be but a sad, distant memory.

I mean really, how can you resist that face?!

Have a great weekend and head on over to Jen's more more takes!

Quick Takes (18)

Back for another week of takes with Jen and crew...

[1] This season of the Bachelor is probably going to be the most confusing one I've ever watched. Every other season has at least a few "contestants" who stand out...but with this group....I don't know...they all seem to run together. Except for the girl with one arm and I'm-a-two-faced-bword Tierra. Veeeery interesting.

[2] Ok, ok, I know I promised to start a new series of DIY projects this week...I'm sorry. I totally underestimated how taxing this first week back to school with the kiddos would be. BUT I have a couple of projects on reserve...here's a preview pic...

Thiiiiiiis is going to be embarrassing.

[3] Two of my very best friends who got married in September and by some chance of fate, literally live 3 blocks from me are expecting a baby in June......AND IT'S A BOY!!!
I'm so super excited because I KNEW IT and to Auntie Morgan he will be "Beardsley".
Don't ask...it's a long story.

[4] One week, people. One week.

[5] While I really tried not to make any hardcore resolutions (because I tend to set unrealistic goals), I have been trying to eat healthier...it's a really big shock for me to open the fridge and find more green things than processed things on my shelf. And I've really be loving making omelettes and eating grapefruit and yogurt and all sorts of other yummy (AND HEALTHY) foods :)

[6] A big shout out of thanks to Dwija who inspired and subsequestly aided me in starting my compost pile! It's pretty meager at the moment, but I'm super excited and hope to find time someday soon to post about it. But seriously, I'm excited. I've pretty much been talking about it alllll week long.

[7] This has been circling around Facebook and just gives me more of a desire to possibly someday adopt. If nothing else, it reminds me of how precious love and LIFE are.

That's all I've got...I'm tired and starting to feel sick (although I fiiiinally got my flu shot last week) and need to rest up for our biiiiig trip to D.C. on Thurs! Have a splendid Saturday!

Quick Takes (17)

linking up with Jen again for another round of attempting-to-be-quick takes

[1] Even though I came back into town post-Christmas later than I'd expected, my roommates are all still gone. It was nice at first because my stuff was everywhere but now I'm getting back into the mode of thinking-someone's-hiding-in-the-bedrooms-upstairs-that-I-never-going-into-because-my-room-is-on-the-first-level. Totally rational, I know.

[2] After taking a gander at my bedside table, I realized that although I always have a book that I'm reading, mayyyybe I should try to finish one of these said books.....

to my credit, I'm completely done with How to Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul and I'm only about 110 pages from finishing The Lucky One. But to uncredit myself, I'm only on Day 9 of The Dating Fast after starting it 3 weeks ago... (this is my second time trying to finish...last time I got to Day 7)

[3] Parenthood was back this week and I was so.excited. And then Drew and his girlfriend got pregnant and she had an abortion. I was really very very upset. I plan on writing at least one post next week about it because I noticed things that I probably wouldn't if I didn't work in the Pro-Life movement.

[4] I've made more than a few resolutions for this new year, though I've decided to call them goals because resolution doesn't feel positive enough. One of these said goals is to blog more, because I figure if Grace can post every day after just having a baby, I sure as heck can post at least a few times a week.

[5] Another one of my New Years Goals is to do more DIY/crafty things. I have so many Pinterest projects pinned that I've been wanting to try so now's as good a time as any to start trying some of them out! I'm going to try to do one per week starting Monday so check back here to see what works and what bombs...I expect the failures to be the most entertaining :)

[6] After getting annoyed with myself about lamenting to the interwebs over and over about being single and lonely and blah blah blah, I feel like I've finally gained some sanity. Not sure exactly how it happened, but last night as I was making theee most delicious stir-fry  I realized that I was content. And even more than that, I started thinking of all of the things that I want to do and become good at before Mr. Right comes along and we live happily ever after. Cooking, for example. I'm pretty good at it, but I want to be a gourmet chef whipping up 4-coursers every night. Or at least someone who has more recipes up her sleeve than just a signature squash medley (which is faaaabuous, btdubs)

[7] In two weeks I'll be headed to D.C. with 110 college students for the March for Life. Just doin' my job #likeaboss

Head over to Conversion Diary for more!

Quick Takes (16)

if this is the end of the world, you should probably be doing something more important than reading this post...but if those dumbo Mayans were incorrect, read on....

[1] the world's ending! the world's ending! yeah yeah yeah...I've been hearing so much about this it makes me sick. My biggest issue with it is that aren't we supposed to be living each day like it's our last? Didn't Jesus say that we wouldn't know the day nor the hour? so...yeah. I'm not too concerned. The way I see it, if the world doesn't end, I have a great life ahead of me, but if it DOES end, I have a shot at heaven. win-win.

[2] all of my roommates have been gone this week and while I liked it for awhile, now at every creak and moan of the house, I jump. I was talking to my bff Carolyn last night and I'm pretty sure I popped her eardrum when the dishes on my drying rack shifted slightly and scared the begeegees out of me. Sorry Carol.

[3] WE HAVE SNOW! IT FINALLY FEELS LIKE CHRISTMAS!

[4] SPEAKING OF CHRISTMAS IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm going home tonight for my two weeks off and am.so.excited.

[5] Look at my precious goddaughter. ohemgee.

[6] I checked out more than just the DVD section of the public library today and after venturing outside of my usual fiction/fantasy/utopian-society comfort zone and found myself lost in the non-fiction area. I was so scared. Especially when I found this gem:

[7] in other news, I watched the entire first season of Friends this week. don't judge me for also renting these:

hopefully Jen's still hosting this week...now THAT would be the end of the world!

Quick Takes (15)

guess who's back, back again...let's just dive on into the craziness....

[1] hold up. it's Friday already?! where did this week go?! I seriously feel like the week JUST started. it probably went by quickly because all I've been doing this week is our Christmas mailing and frantically getting people to pay for the March for Life trip. #prolifeproblems

[2] I bought a new computer this week. ohhh yeah. it's cute and fast and I can use it while it's unplugged for 4+hours. it's pretty fantastic.

[3] my grandma is the cutest and she reads my blog, but doesn't know how to comment directly on the posts, so she emails me her comments...my favorite one from this week was:

"Confucius say: 'Having no husband, better than wrong husband!'"

hilarious. and veryvery true

[4] I LOVE CHRISTMASTIME.
it makes me sooooo happy to decorate and celebrate and bake cookies and watch Christmas movies and yeah. this time of the year is one of my absolute favorites. :)

[5] my boss tried to convince me to design his and his wife's very first Christmas card together...when he asked me what he would have to pay me to complete such a task, I replied "pay me in coffee...lots of coffee. or babies." because obviously lots of coffee and babies are equivalent.

[6] I'm tending the mocktail bar at the Newman Center's Winter Formal tonight....just a day in the life....

[7] I got nothing...check out Conversion Diary for manymanymany more exciting takes!

Quick Takes (14)

back once again for another round of Quick Takes....let's just jump right on in.

[1] After my mother and dear sister had aneurysms over the amount of sugar I put into my coffee over tgiving break, I've been trying to cut out my daily intake of sugar, which for some reason has resulted in me taking on a relatively vegetarian-looking diet. Don't ask me why. I get lunch for free at work, which is pretty quality dorm-food but at home I've been living on eggs, butternut squash, and cheese. I'm easy to please. Obvi.

[2] While I'm on the topic of food, lately, I've been the worst judge of ripe fruit.

After a run in with these apparent "dino eggs", a couple too many under-ripe peaches, and several not-ready pears, I became wary of fruit that wasn't squishy (because hard = not ripe, soft = ripe...am I right?). But this theory proved to be hazardous for a friend who had one of my peaches (that I conveniently leave on my desk because who doesn't store their ripening fruit at work?!) and upon biting into it, declared that it was, and I quote, "horrible".

Whoops.

BUT this week, I've struck fruit gold and have had 3 consecutive days of good pears and oranges! Success!

[3] Obviously my life is super exciting since the highlight of my week was ripe fruit. But just to keep the embarrassing train going, the other highlight of my week was my absolute favorite blogger and internet celebrity, Grace Marie Patton (is it creepy that I know her middle name? probably.), commented on one of my posts. 

Of course, now I'm convinced that we're BFF&E&E even though it was her link-up so she probably has to comment on all of the contributing posts by the laws of link-ups.

But I'll live in my fantasty, thank you very much :)

[4] Should I be worried that vampirestat.com is one of my referring URLs?

[5] I'm going to have to buy a new computer soon. Ugggggh. I've had my current one since HS graduation and to be honest, I haven't been super nice to it, I'm actually shocked it's lasted this long...

It's really frustrating that I'm having to replace things: first my car and now a new laptop. Urgh. If you have any suggestions on brands, please do share...but I'm probably going to go with either this one or this one.

[6] If you have any soup recipes, please pass them along? kthanks.

[7] Heading to Warren/Lena, IL this weekend for some parish talks! Please pray for me!!!

Head over to Jen's for más diversión (more fun for those who aren't as cultured as I ;)

quick takes: things I love

welcome back to the laziest blog in the world.
I'm your host...the topic today is "things I love"
let's get this show started.....

[1]

dressing Abe up.

[2]

Christmas-themed EVERYTHING.

coffee, music, decorations, cookies, etc.

EVERYTHING.

[3]

this video.

and this one.

[4]

leftovers that my roomie left behind.

[5]

PAPER SNOWFLAKES.

did I mention that I love Christmas?

[6]

The Office.

And Parks and Rec.

[7]

ice cream.

duh.

good luck finding better QTs over at Jen's