Letters from God

The last five months have been a true test in our lives. Test of faith, test of skill, test of our emotional and spiritual strength. Words cannot describe the highs and lows, and for those close family and friends...to say our life has been a rollercoaster? Maybe the understatement of the year.  It are times like these, I tend to rely on faith and the belief that absolutely everything happens for a reason. As much as I can sit here and type that statement, I know my human heart and mind can drastically disagree. It's as if I give it up to God, and my sub-conscience say, "Oh wait, just kidding....I'd like that back now."

After questioning the 'why' over and over again. It might as well jumped up and smacked me in the face recently. We might think we have control; we might think we have a timeline and ideas of what our lives should look like...but not even close.

It is times like today, I like to imagine the Big Man Upstairs sitting down and writing me a letter. In my mind it would go something like this:

Dear Maura,

I know you think you have a lot going on right now. Truth be told, to you, you do. A little one running all over tarnation, juggling the day-to-day in your life, Jeff's crazy-busy schedule...just to name a few. 

The last several months I've heard you. I've heard you your whole life. While I know I have placed a few obstacles in your path, have I ever failed to bring you out of them? The next time I choose to try and test you, or have something better in mind, please just trust Me. I promise, I will not disappoint you in the end.

I love you,
God

P.S. I hope we don't have to have this conversation again. 


Maybe that's some crazy piece of imagination. Something my mind wandered upon during my 55 minute commute to/from work? Possibly. Nonetheless, in this moment, I have nothing but gratitude and appreciation for where I am in my life. My Faith, Family, Friends...and yes, Football. I continue to be the biggest believer in everything happens for a reason, and in the timing it is to happen. Looking back on my life thus far, I have nothing that would argue differently.

Now, about that giving it up and trust issue... my human-hard-head often has a different response email that would follow. But in the end it would be wrong. Maybe I should just heed the advice of my beloved Aunt Jane... "In the end, it will all be OK. If it's not OK, don't worry...it's not the end."


Two of my favorite bible verses:

Removing the "Smart" From My Life

Distractions. Everyone has them. Whether it be at work, in the home, while driving....the list goes on and on. My biggest? My smartphone. I have battled myself in the past year with how much time I spend with my phone; either in my hand or at an arm's reach (unless it is charging). From the Droid to the iPhone--I love them both. Living thousands of miles away from my family and beloved friends, it's been fantastic for keeping in contact, especially for social media! Many days as a stay-at-home-Mom, it's my only adult interaction in the town that we live in. Needless to say, I think I have had an addiction to my iPhone. That is until last Saturday...

I was cleaning out my car after the LA Tech Spring Game. My sweet husband was relaxing on the couch, watching The Masters on TV and "watching" Maggie for a few minutes. Unfortunately when I walked back into our home, I found both husband and toddler in the half bathroom with dripping iPhone in hand. The iPhone had met its match--Mary Margaret Koonz. 

I will admit there have been plenty of times she leaves a room and I have to chase her down; or turned my back for a second and she's found trouble something interesting to investigate. I will take full responsibility for leaving my phone on the coffee table. I will accept the fact that I declined insurance not even two months ago when we purchased my phone. My mistakes... But you can only imagine the look on my face (and the feeling in my gut) when I saw Jeff, waterlogged phone in hand. Knowing that in that moment Adam Scott and Angel Cabrera, amongst other renowned golfers, held the attention of Mr. Jeffrey... Nearly four days later, I can honestly say I have forgiven almost forgiven him. ;) 

After 48hrs in rice, Jeff took it to the Verizon store. No help and no luck on his part. Being the SF (selectively frugal) person that I am, I absolutely REFUSED to spend hundreds of dollar to purchase a new, or even slightly used iPhone. We have a working phone that is in near-mint condition that I can use. It is not an iPhone. It is not a Droid. It is nothing like a Smartphone...but at least it's not a flip phone?! I have found a silver-lining in all of this mess. This will be GREAT for me (I think...)!

I'm unplugging and removing the "smart" phone from my life. Realizing I often post to keep in contact with my family and friends who live afar; I need to make more of an effort to stay directly in-touch with those who I love most to ensure that years down the line, we don't just have an "online" relationship. MOST importantly through all of this, I will be spending less time looking down at the phone and more time interacting with my daughter. I know the moments will become a fleeting memory all too soon.When I look back on this time, I want to know I did the best I could do with the time God has given me with our daughter. I'm hoping this will force me to take more pictures/videos with our cameras. I have set limits to only be on the computer or iPad if necessary when she's awake.

"Oops!"  The Partners in Crime...

Will I miss my phone? Most likely. Would I switch back if by chance my iPhone works tomorrow? Probably. Until then, I am going to continue to disconnect from the online world and reconnect more with the world around me, especially those who I love most. 

It's Been a Few Days...

So it has been a few (hundred) days since I last posted on my blog. A few (hundred) things have happened--including, but not limited to: getting married, buying a home, having a baby and job changes for our family. While I journal sporadically...yes, with old-school paper and pen... I've decided to come back to blogging. Surprised? Me too. It might last a few weeks or months, but I'm hoping years. It also helps connect those family and friends that are not on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram  thousands of miles away. Welcome back, and thank you for checking-in! 

Updates

Name: Maura KOONZ!  

Our FABULOUS wedding party! Outside the Grand Harbor Resort

Dad walking me down the aisle in Mom's dress.

Wedding Mass at SThe Cathedral of St. Raphael

    

Married Jeff, my best friend on July 8, 2011

We Bought a House....

We found a perfect home in Ruston, with a nice backyard, friendly neighbors and plenty of room for visitors!! :)  

We had A BABY!! 

We welcome Mary Margaret (Maggie) Koonz into our family on April 6, 2012! (For those of you wondering... Yes, we planned to have kids right after getting married). Call us crazy, but we absolutely love being parents! 

Mary Margaret's Baptism

1st Family photo of Maura, Jeff, Cujo & Maggie

Our family! It has been a crazy-busy 11 MONTHS since Mary Margaret's arrival, but such an amazing role of being her Momma!! I am so very blessed with a wonderful husband, sweet littler girl and fun-loving puppy! God only knows what He has in store for this family!! :)

Getting ready to drive to Iowa for Christmas 2012!