Last summer, when Father Tom announced a new nursing room during Mass, I thought, “That’s nice. For someone else.”

I was old. I already had 6 kids. They were loud. Deafeningly so. Basically I was comfortable. As comfortable as you can get with ear plugs in your ears.

Then I did something dumb. I prayed for a break. I thought a little rest would be nice. I own a company and work over 40 hours per week. I homeschool the kids. I try not to scream much. That last one takes a lot of energy. So, I thought a little break would be nice.

We don’t take vacations and work/live on a very tight schedule. Yes, God, a break would be nice.

Then Father Tom announced the nursing room. And I gave away my maternity clothes and baby stuff.

Basically, Father Tom jinxed me. And I had a big mouth, by asking God for a break. He gave me one alright. Maternity leave. And I couldn’t be happier.

God does hear us when we ask for things. He likes to know that we depend on Him. His answers are rarely what we expect, but always what we need. I’m taking this time with what may be my last child and loving every minute.

Then again, I have 6 older kids who have been praying to God to make me like Sarah and Elizabeth so we can get to 10 kids. I have my doubts, but God tends to laugh at me. It was never about a number. It has always been about being open to His will and being madly, deeply in love with my husband. The kind of love that is only possible when you both try to help each other get to Heaven. The kind of love I wish for every person I meet. The kind of love that agrees that you will both be open to His will for blessings in your life.

Now, about that nursing room. There must have been something in the air, because at my baby’s baptism, she had 5 other babies with her. And the vestibule was packed this past Sunday with families of young ones; chasing their toddling toes while simultaneously listening to the homily.

Gotta love that nursing room!