I'm back home and glad to be here. Ten days is a long time to be gone from your husband, especially when he tends to have medical issues only when you're gone. Last time it was back surgery, this time these. And he even did a news story on them, if you're interested (be warned - he shows his own bites!).
I'd update my cycle but I'm not sure what's going on just yet. I'm either on peak +12 (had my peak +11 blood draw today, a day late), or cycle day two. I had some spotting last night and again tonight. It was red, along with 10KL both times. If it is cycle day two, then that means this last cycle had a mere ten-day luteal phase, which would be a huge step backwards in my humble opinion. Oh well. I'm not freaking out, surprisingly. I'm going to trust in God and look towards the future. Something that seems bad could end up being good, such as revealing a new symptom that needs treating. The Lord knows I've been praying for whatever else is wrong to come to light.
So my mom and I made it to the Blessed Kateri shrine on Friday and it was awesome. A man who worked there went and got her relic for us to pray with, even though normally it's only brought out for large groups (they had one stolen, reliquary and all, so they are very guarded with it now). Then, when I entered the chapel where her shrine is located, the very first thing I saw was a shrine, not to Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, but to St. Maximilian Kolbe. He is one of our very favorite saints, and Ryan took his name when he was confirmed. I couldn't believe it was there! Apparently, the order that runs the shrine is the same that St. Maximilian belonged to.
Here are some pictures from our visit, as well as some from my sister's bridal shower:
At the shower, from left to right: My mom, me, the bride, and our youngest sister:
This is my first attempt at a fondant cake. It was, well, messy, to say the least. If you've done this before, don't look at it too closely. The judges on the Food Network challenges would throw me out of the kitchen:
Well I'm off to relax now. It was a busy week!
great pictures! maximilian kolbe is a favourite around our house as well (my hubby is half polish!).
ReplyDeleteyour cake looks awesome! i can't believe that it was your first try! i bet it tasted great too!
Beautiful cake! And I remember visiting that shrine as a kid. Loved seeing the pictures of it -- brought back memories.
ReplyDeleteI love the super-formal fondant - and, is that rainbow candy cake??
ReplyDeleteGirl picture - beautiful. Glad you got to see Kateri's shrine - I don't know if I even knew St. Max was there! (A perfect saint for you both, right - patron of media professionals, or something like that?)
I loved the cake! You did a great job. I love reading your blog for so many reasons. Your faith is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
Your trip sounds wonderful and I love the picture of your cake. I love the colors! Hope you had a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, thank you so much for your prayers of support.