Ok ok. So everyone keeps asking what’s happened to me these last 2 years. And a lot of ya’ll have been a part of my life for a long time… going on… 9 years now? Wow. That’s almost a decade. So, I’m going to fill you in.
I guess I’ll just start by saying it outright. I’m divorced now. The last several years have been really hard here for both me and the kids, and my attention needed to be at home. So this blog took a back seat for awhile.
I believe very strongly in marriage and in family. Unfortunately in my case, this was necessary. In order to protect my family, I’m not going to discuss any details or answer any questions about it. It’s a personal matter, and it’s unrelated to the topic of this site. But I wanted you to all understand why I have been gone. I have always run this site authentically as me, and so I wanted you to know the truth of our situation here. So I can continue being… me.
Catholic Icing’s focus will stay the same as it always has been, upholding all the same morals and values it always has. I sincerely hope you will continue being a part of my life. I appreciate all of you so much.
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A quick overview of what’s going on with us now:
- The kids are still in public school. This is their second year! For the most part they have adjusted beautifully, especially the girls. Julian’s transition took a little more time.
- I was very blessed that me and the children were able to keep living in our same home, so we didn’t have to move.
- I am not finishing art school for now. I had posted about that here but I changed my mind again. For now I’m working full time here… at Catholic Icing. 🙂
- We are living in South Carolina where I’m from and are surrounded by lots of great friends and family.
- I have become obsessed (yes.. that’s probably the best word for it… lol) with Zumba in the last year. I’m actually a licensed instructor now. And I’ve lost about 65 pounds.
- I’m doing more personal art than I have in a long time, and I love it!
- My whole house is much more colorful and covered in art now.
- When I was younger, I used to do a lot of music, and I’m getting back into that as well. I have played the guitar since I was 13, but this past year I also picked up the ukulele, and I love it!
- My kids are older. They kept growing. Can you believe the audacity? lol.
What’s coming up on Catholic Icing:
- All the same Catholic crafts and printables that you’ve always loved here.
- Some posts about our transition from homeschool to public school and what I consider the pros and cons of each to be.
- Completion of my projects that got left hanging out in the wind half finished. lol. Such as the TMACF notebooking pages.
- “Throwback Thursdays”… I’ve been compiling pictures of tons of things we’ve done now for years without ever having the time or energy to blog post about them, so each week I’m going to be sharing something old where my kids will look far too young in the pictures 😀
- New books and projects that I’m REALLY excited to be coming out with!!!
- Real Art lessons for kids.
- Possibly some posts about all the new decorating I’ve done in my home. Like this CD mosaic table I’ve been working on with the kids…
So… I hope you haven’t forgotten me these past few years and that you still have room in your hearts and your home for Catholic Icing. Your prayers are appreciated. Love you all!!! <3
I’m so sorry to hear about what you have been through. But I’m happy to hear that you are all doing better, and congratulations on the weight loss.
Thank you for sharing with grace and honesty where you’ve been! That must’ve been so difficult to endure, but you are as strong as ever. What beautiful heart you have to continue to bring such beauty to the world in your art and music and through your family. I love that you have a plan for things you want to do and share and continue–what hope! Blessings to you in this journey. The Lord is yours and you are His, and that’s never changed nor will it.
Wow! Had no idea! No idea whatsoever! I am glad you are resurfacing for us. Always love to see your creative projects and your joy! I am so sorry you’ve also had so much pain. May God continue to bless you!
Real Art for Kids sounds exciting. My kids (and I to be honest) have loved a particular you tube art channel for children, and I was just thinking today, I wish there was an art channel specifically for kids to draw things like the stations of the cross (it’s Lent as I was thinking about this), or other Catholic art drawing. Good luck!! Pax!!
Lacy, you have been an inspiration and “go to” for me for several years now. I lost count long ago of how many times I’ve used your activities and recommended them to others. Though we’ve never spoken or met, you’ve felt like a dear friend. This post cannot have been easy for you. God bless you! You are close to my heart in prayer. I love seeing what you’ve been working and I look forward to your future posts and activities!
Awww…congrats in all catagories and especially doing what’s the best for your family. Keep up the working out! That’s awesome! You look wonderful!
Oh my goodness! I received this post today by email and was both saddened and gladdened. We will keep your family in our prayers. May God provide abundant spiritual consolations during your family’s time of trial. Thank you for your wonderful website! We regularly use your ideas and crafts in our Catholic homeschool – they really enrich our lives. God bless!
Lacy,
We love you! I should of written this 7 years ago when I started with CI. You have brought so much joy and instilled love of our Faith in my home and for the preschoolers I teach. You have positively influenced so many families via your free activities that celebrate our Catholicism. You have educated and inspired us to be crafty, faithful and thankful for our loving Lord and traditions.
Your personal life is none of our business, so much respect for your integrity in sharing the past 2 yrs. You don’t owe us anything, we owe you gratitude, at least I do. Prayers for you and all of us that love Catholic Icing. Go Zumba– I Zumba and totally get it! God bless!
I hope everything goes well for you; I have been divorced too (again, necessary) and found a new man when I least expected it and been married 15 years!
Glad you are back and glad you are happy!!! Love your “one woman show!” 🙂
Praying for you and your family.
What courage it must take to open up in a public way. Prayers for you and your family for healing and the Grace of the Holy Spirit. Looking forward to what is to come! Blessings on you all!
Lacy, you and your family are in my prayers. You believe in family because you ARE a family (still)- not everything works out the way we think it will, but you know this.
Very happy to have you back and I look forward to your new posts. I use so many of your ideas with my three boys! You are such a gift.
Hi Lacy,
I came across your blog and admittedly don’t know any of the facts surrounding your situation.
That being said, I would like to let you know about a book that I have found that may help your children one day. It’s called, “Primal Loss: The Now Adult Children of Divorce Speak,” by Leila Miller.
It’s been very healing and validating to me as an Adult Child of Divorce. To hear other’s stories that were completely different than mine but our reactions were similar.
Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/Primal-Loss-Now-Adult-Children-Divorce/dp/0997989319
I wish you all well. I say this with love – I know that you say that your children are flourishing – they may appear to be – because they don’t want to hurt you and realize that this has probably been more than hard on you, but watch them closely. This book, if you read it, will help you understand why I say this.
God bless you.
You are not the first to recommend this book. Thank you for your concern.
I always think that folks who recommend “Primal Loss” should also be encouraged to read Lundy Bancroft.
Your in my prayers. I’ve really enjoy Catholic icing and I look forward to more to come☺️
I was worried when you said you painted your living room purple…
I went through a divorce 20 years ago and although I am deeply sorry for it and all the pain it caused, I still feel it was the right thing to do. Nobody should mess with a mama bear.
Glad you have Zumba–mine was kick boxing.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Jill
Hahahaha! I know you probably didn’t mean this funny, but I can’t stop laughing! Kick boxing as your zumba and worrying when my living room was purple. Lol! Thanks so much. God bless! 🙂
It’s true, the first thing I thought when you said you painted your living room purple was “uh oh”…
My purple was painting clouds on the kitchen ceiling. I thought it looked awesome but it must not have looked too good because every time I go to repaint a room my now-adult daughters say “just no clouds ok?” Makes me laugh.
Nowadays I want to learn how to paint icons. I’m signed up for a workshop in September here in Spokane and I’m super excited. I love the lines, the rhythm, the geometry; how everything flows and points to Christ. I cant wait!
Keep laughing, it’s great therapy. Good for the abs too.
(ps: I’m 53 and can still do a mean side-kick : ))
I thought the same thing about the purple living room!
I remembered that in an earlier post you said your husband banned purple from the living room, so…
I’m sorry to hear about your divorce. It’s pretty amazing that you are still positive and life-giving to this blog, your subscribers, your beautiful children! Thanks be to God! Thank you for you.
Lacy,
I know we are strangers in the real world and hope that one Day we may meet (Catholic conference maybe? ;)) but I wanted to let you know I do pray for you and your family. That you may flourish as a Catholic blogger and speaker and continue to touch the lives of many families. I am a devoted reader and will continue to support you and your blog! Thank you for all the wonderful ideas you have given my friends and I! You are wonderful!
I am so thankful to you for your honesty and I love your courage. Whatever the reason, I admire you and your strength to stand up for what’s best for your family. I am excited to see what the future brings for Catholic icing. Many blessings to you and your family.
Good to see you back. Sorry about the situation.
Looking forward to seeing that table finished!
Hi Lacy
It is so great to hear from you again. I’ve truly missed you and your blog! You have enriched our family’s prayer life tremendously with all the ideas and materials you’ve shared.
I am very sorry for what you’ve been going through and I wish you all the strength you need and God’s greatest blessing on you and your family.
Greetings from Switzerland
Simone
Thank you for the update. Love your beautiful family and what you’ve done with your home!!! I am so sorry this is where your journey has lead you, but grateful that you are picking up the blog again! We’ve been following you for so long… love your stuff! You are a gift to the Church!! Praying for you and your kiddos. 🙂
You look beautiful and happy in all the pictures. I look forward to more posts from you. I would especially like some tips for how to keep celebrating the liturgical calendar now that the kids are older.May God keep blessing you, your family and your blog.
Wow! I’m so sorry you all went through all that. :/ But I’m glad you are back! You look amazing, and the house is just adorable.
Happy to hear from you and that you and the children are doing fine. The children are beautiful. Congratulations on your loss of weight.. Looking forward to your future posts. God Bless you and yours.
Marilyn
First, I am sooo happy that you have returned and will be writing new posts! What I love about your blog posts is how many of the activities can help those of us who were not born “crafty” and how many of the posts feature affordable options. I look forward to seeing your choices on new books and activities since you have great taste and reading about the decision between homeschooling versus public schools.
Both of my daughters, (Ages 9 and 12) have attended public school mainly because of special needs and are in a supportive school system, but I always contemplate the homeschool option especially when and if they start to struggle in their present situation. It will be interesting to hear your insight.
Finally, I appreciate how open and honest you were about your reason for the absence. I know my family has had their share of challenges, (some which would be surprising to other Catholic families). While my life is not what I envisioned in college, God has put me on this road for a reason and has already turned around many awful situations. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and may your journey be full of blessings ahead!
Thanks Laci! Melissa
I am praying for you and your family! My very faithful Catholic friend is going through a divorce that she never wanted but even the monks said it wasn’t working. Thank you for your site! You help more people than you know! God bless you!
Dearest Lacy…I’m sorry to hear about your divorce. I’m sure you had good reasons to take that step for your children and yourself. Continue to lean on Our Lord, your family and friends for strength and courage. As a child of divorce, I saw how my mom gave her fears and concerns to the Lord…her faith carried her through the trials and triumphs of raising three children. I’ll keep you and your kiddos in my prayers!
Keeping you and your kids in my prayers tonight. Thank you for being so candid.
I appreciate your sincerity, it takes a lot of courage to be “real”. I keep thinking back to that post of your mini-van and what it really looks like before cleaning! I don’t think I could post something like that either. I’m glad you will be posting again, I will definitely be reading! You and your family are in my prayers. God Bless.
Dear Lacy, I’m glad you’ve come out on the other side. May Mary graciously keep you and your kids safely under her mantle. Much Love!
Hang in there. You’re amazing!
I am sorry to hear what you have gone through but only the Best is yet to come I am sure! God has a plan for everyone and this does not make me less of a fan of Catholic Icing at all. It actually makes me very excited to see anything I have not seen yet. God Bless.
Hi Lacy… we have been an avid follower of your blog and will continue to be… lots of support and prayers going out to you and your beautiful kiddos. Hang in there!
Wishing you the best! Loving some of the art around the house. Glad things are adjusting and you are finding happiness. We have also transitioned to public school interested to hear your thoughts. I didn’t homeschool nearly as long as you.
I am so glad you are back! Prayers for you as you continue on here and your family!
Lacy, you are a gift from God! There are so many ways you have helped so many people. The children in our First Holy Communion love your “Art Lessons from Heaven.” We have sent several of them home in packets to do with their families – the rosary book, the Bible tabs, advent calendar to name a few. Children don’t have a lot of hands-on crafts or use their imagination much any more. They love it and it engages them in a personal way. Children are hungry for engagement with others and that is what your art does for them and us.
You will continue to grow, Lacy. What has happened to you will make you an even better person and stronger in you love for God, your children, life here on earth and the life to come.
God bless you, Lacy! Our prayers are with you and your beautiful family.
You are so blessed, Lacy.
God Bless you and your family Lacy! It takes a lot of courage to air such a private matter in a public forum. I joined this blog as a newbie to religious ed teaching, and it’s been a constant resource for me these past three years. Thank you for supporting all your subscribers even during your struggles. I pray you find peace, love and happiness as you embark on this new portion of your journey in life! XO
Wow. You are so talented.
I still check your site periodically, and I am amazed by how the time passes as well! I’d stopped homeschooling four years ago, and have had many transitions to navigate with my children as well. It has been a journey! I am so glad to hear that you and the kids are doing well. I love the CD mosaic table, and that interior door art you shared! Thanks for sharing. My prayers are with you. I look forward to seeing all of your new projects! God bless you.
God bless you, Lacy. You and your beautiful kids are in my prayers.
My heart filled with joy when I saw your email in my inbox. I am so happy that Catholic Icing is back!!!! You look amazing and I will pray that things go well for you and your children in this new chapter of your life ! Look forward to your posts and more songs…that was spectacular!!!!!
God bless!
I’m so sorry for everything you must have been through these last few years, divorce is so painful and sometimes how God works necessary grace in our lives. I’m thankful that you and your children are in a happy, healthy place. What a wonderful example you are setting for your children of strength and dignity! May you continue to feel blessed and to use all of the gifts God has given you to teach the Word and Sacraments, and to nurture faith in future generations.
Thank you so much for sharing your personal struggles and triumphs with us! I have always loved your website and use your craft ideas all the time at home and in my faith formation class at church. You have the best activity ideas for kids. Thanks for keeping the blog alive. God Blesss
I’m glad you’re back. My prayers are with you, that you always have the love and support necessary to push through the hard times! God bless you for your courage.
Wonderful to see you back and so glad to see that you are doing what you love and not hiding from the Catholic crowd. Thank you for sharing your story.
I am also Catholic and a divorcee. You still have a home in the Catholic Church regardless of whatever circumstances or whose fault or which mistakes led your family down this difficult path.
It is especially difficult to be THAT visible Catholic individual or family whom everyone admires.
You are beautiful and wonderful and loved. I am looking forward to your new posts.
Welcome back! I appreciate all you have done for the Catholic community with your great projects. So sorry to hear about the rough time for you and your family. I look forward to more great projects!
Just wanted to say – I love what you do on this site and your projects have made my Faith Formation class so much more fun! Looking forward to seeing your new projects. Prayers for you and your family. Life takes turns we cannot control or plan. Best wishes
God bless you and your beautiful family abundantly. We are so glad you are back and doing well.
I thought I had left a comment, and I’m subscribed to the comments, so I’m not sure why I don’t see my comment here. It was not anything offensive; just expressing my empathy for your situation and congratulations on the weight loss, if I remember correctly. I came back to this thread to get the name of a book that another commenter had recommended, which is how I discovered that my comment isn’t here. Anyway, I’ll give it another try. I’m glad to see you back to blogging, and best wishes in the future.
The comments have to be approved. Although usually not if you’ve commented before. But I’ve been having some technical difficulties…
Oh, okay. I can’t imagine there was anything in my comment that wouldn’t be approvable. So maybe it was just a technical thing. Anyway, again I’m glad to see you back blogging again!
Wow!! What a transformative and difficult year you’ve had!! I’m so exited for all the things coming and I’m so happy to see you all smiling together. You are a strong and wonderful woman and I know your children will/do call you blessed.
And if you EVER feel like coming to the Nashville area I’ll let you paint all over my living room! hehe (no really…. I’m serious… do you want to come paint some pretty things in my living room?)
You are my online bff and when you “disappeared” it was so sad for me. I knew something must be up and included your family in my prayers many times. SO glad you are back. Your plans for the future sound exciting and inspirational!
Awwwww! I was talking with Angie (from Real Life At Home) and she manages Catholic Icing. We were discussing telling my readers and ultimately, she said that my readers were feeling abandoned and she thought they would feel better to just hear the truth. And I love you guys. You weren’t abandoned. <3 Thank you for this comment. God bless!
Thank you for sharing your life’s journey of the past few years with us. Prayers being lifted for you and your blessed family! Stay strong! Your spirit is so generous. My family appreciates your wonderful ideas so much. I am always happy to see a new email from Catholic Icing in my inbox. My daughter asks me to be able to use your printable Lenten Calendar every year! Blessings to you and your beautiful children! Peace be with you!
Can you stand to read one more comment on this post? I loved it. I must have signed up ages ago (at the advice of my daughter) and didn’t get that involved with it because of time constraints. However…
This post was SO refreshing and I’m looking forward to more. As a 65 year old Nani, I’m always looking for things to do with my little ducks.
And we have so much in common! Love of music and art. And I constantly struggle with weight. So…moving forward, it will be fun!
Judy
Haha! Of course! I Love the comments. Everyone’s love and support means a lot to me. Thank you so much! <3
Lacy,
It is obvious you do things with great love and I will pray for your family and may God continue to use you to inspire those around you as you have for so long! I wanna take your Zumba class! You look wonderful!
I’m so glad you’re back! Prayers for your family!!
So glad you are back and stronger than ever. Hugs & Prayers for you and your family❤️
Thank you for your website. I have been using it for years. I just came on to find something printable for St Pattys day. I am sorry to read your update. Divorce is so awful for all involved, I am sure you wouldn’t wish the last year on anyone. God Bless you for your faith and staying YOU for your daughters. Your just beautiful and radiant and may God continue to bless you with Grace. Hang in there and thank you for all your work here, I take it for granted that there is always something great on here, so thank you.
Yes, please DO share more pictures of the home art you have so tantalizingly shown glimpses of here! I would love to try to emulate that – if only in the spirit of whimsy and not the technical skill 😉
My mother raised me alone she is my best friend in all the world. God is bigger than all the brokeness this world throws at us!
I’m sorry to hear about your divorce, Lacy. Sending prayers your way! Your blog has been a tremendous blessing to so many Catholic children. It’s nice to have you back blogging again!
I am happy to see you are back to the blog and sharing your creative ideas to teach our children the Catholic faith. I am sorry you have had a rough two years.
My oldest who is 10 just got out the preschool program book I bought from you at a homeschool conference in Kansas City five years ago. It is truly one of the best, most used books I have every purchased to enrich our faith. We will be using it tomorrow for a craft for Holy Week.
I look forward to your upcoming posts. Take care!!
Thank you for being such a good example of a truly authentic Catholic. You are an inspiration! Divorce could have happened to any one of us homeschooling moms… and it is so sad that you and your children went through that horrible experience. What a cross!!! Thank you for being a good witness to still hold onto your Faith through it all. Thank you for being you!!! I’m so looking forward to the future of your blog and love and totally appreciate you sharing yourself with us in true humility and charity. May God bless you and your beautiful family. Thank you for all of your inspiring ideas and plans and projects and materials- I’ve followed you since the beginning. I’m attached to you! lol! I will pray for you and your family for continued peace and healing. Have a blessed Easter!!!
May I recommend a book I have loved that may encourage you in the spiritual life if you haven’t read it already and reread it lately? “He and I” May God bless you, Lacy. Thanks again.
Thanks for coming back. I’m not Catholic, but I have used many of your faith resources with my children, and I’m looking forward to more great ideas. I’m not crafty or artistic, so I need someone like you to give me the inspiration and directions. May God continue to bless you with these creative ideas.
I just wanted you to know how much I enjoy your crafts. You have helped me help my family grow in faith. Thank you so much! I am incredibly sorry that you’ve had a rough couple of years. You and the kids look like you are thriving now. I’m happy for you.
I will keepyour family in my prayers. Thank you for all you do!
Instead of “Welcome back, WELCOME HOME!”. Prayers for you and your family. And you look darn good, girl!
Lacey, I just want to tell you, you are such a blessing. And I have learned that the sacrifices and hard times we go through will only make us stronger. I will be praying for you and your family but mainly you because I know it can be hard at times and we need to be strong for our kids. I know you will get through this because he carried you this far. I see a beautiful woman who I know will get far. You have touched so many people by your love. And in return he will bring you someone who loves you for who you are. I don’t know your story but know you have us all. God always puts someone in your path to get you through the difficult times. Stay strong and God bless.
Having gone through a similar experience myself, I congratulate you on doing what is best for your children and yourself! God has a clear plan for you, and it appears that this new journey will be full of happiness and accomplishment! I am so excited that you are back, and I look forward to all the wonderful lessons and ideas that you kindly share!
Oh my goodness. Divorce feels like death. Getting through it is literally is like rising from an emotional death. I have not looked at that divorce book that has been recommended over and over and over again to me, but my kids sat in a battered women’s shelter with me and told me they were happier there than home and thanked me for my courage. That was the moment I stopped feeling like a failure and moved forward as a survivor. I don’t know your story girl, but my now selfies look like a whole different woman too! lol I am “me.” Looks like you are too.
Keep moving forward, keep being creative, keep loving yourself. xo