Pretty in Pink

So Sweet! Valentine Birthday

2011-02-14T12:31:00.000-08:00

I made this for a friend whose birthday is today! I used the Storybook cartridge. The phrase "Birthday Girl" is on page 72. I used Bazil cardstock in pink and shadowed the letters in white. Then I added some bling with glitter, sticker glitter hearts and one gem for the "I". I glued the phrase onto a doily and attached it to the card. I thought it made the card look very fancy!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Cricut Valentine's Project-- Love Banner

2011-02-08T08:13:00.000-08:00

I made this for a friend to hang on her mantle for Valentine's day. I used the Birthday Bash cartridge for the banner, and the Storybook cart for the letters. It went together very easily and turned out very nice for my first banner!

Monday Musings

2011-02-07T10:48:00.000-08:00

This year we will have a number of 11's in the date. 1/1/11; 1/11/11; 11/1/11; 11/11/11. Try this out and amaze your friends. Take the age you will be this year and add that number to the last two digits of the year you were born. The number will be 111!

Shopping for a First Communion Dress

2011-01-31T11:37:00.000-08:00

This is something I've looked forward to ever since our little Princess was born! I can't believe we are beginning the process of catechesis for her First Communion Day which will be coming up this May.

More importantly than the dress is the reason for this occasion, which is the children receiving Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for the very first time. I think it is easy to get caught up in the excitement and lose focus on the reason. That being said, I admit that I am loving getting the chance to pick out a First Communion dress for her. I want it to be something really special for a REALLY special day. It is almost like picking out a wedding dress.

Besides our local Catholic book store, which I will most definitely check out-- I really love supporting that business because it is so nice to have a Catholic store nearby-- I have found some online sources to be very helpful in comparing what the dress looks like. Nordstroms carries some nice dresses. I have picked two that I really like:

This one:

And this one:

We have plenty of time before making any choices, but this is such an exciting milestone for any Catholic as the next step in the faith journey and the second step to full initiation with the Church.

On Wednesday we have a meeting which will discuss all the details as far as what is required. The children need to attend classes specifically for learning all about the Eucharist and the importance of the Catholic belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. I like how our children come fully into the Faith in stages, just how they grow into full understanding in stages.

The usual way a child is initiated into the Catholic Church is through Baptism, preferably shortly after birth but it can be anytime before age 7; the next step is receiving First Holy Communion at around second grade or age 8; and finally Confirmation which is conferred during the teens. The age of Confirmation varies depending on the rules of the Diocese in which they belong. For example, in our Diocese, Confirmation takes place in the Junior or Senior year of High School after two years of preparation.

So, it seems, my little princess is growing up. She will be able to receive Communion with us at Mass starting after her First Communion in May. I remember when she was a toddler, one time my husband was carrying her in his arms up to Communion. She was perplexed at why she didn't receive the Host when my husband did and I think maybe felt a little left out. She held her hands out but instead of receiving a Host, she was given the usual blessing, as would anyone Catholic or non-Catholic who isn't able to receive. The next Sunday, I think she must have thought to try a new tactic. When she got to the front of the line, she looked up sweetly, held out her hands and asked, "Please?" Which was very cute but still she received a blessing. Soon, very soon, she will receive Jesus in the Eucharist and all the graces that come along with that. We are very excited!

Kicking off another Catholic Schools Week!

2011-01-30T07:59:00.000-08:00

Catholic schools week is always celebrated the last week of January. This year's theme is A+ for America. Our school is commemorating this week by having lots of fun and enriching activities for the kids. Today, the kids will receive a free dress pass for wearing their school uniform to Mass. Most of the kids love free dress days as they are few and far between!

Catholic school for us means quite a commitment and financial sacrifice as it does for most of the other families who choose this as a way to educate their children. It means paying a steep tuition and other fees. It means commuting each day to and from. It means investing our time with share hours that each family is required to meet. We have done a mix of public school and private school and their are pros and cons to each. By sending our children to a primary Catholic school, we believe that they are getting a good foundation both spiritually and academically. Going to our parish school also connects us more closely to the faith community in which we belong.

One of the best things about Catholic school is the structure and discipline it provides but you won't see any nuns with rulers at our school. The teachers our children have had through the years have all been dedicated professionals who see their teaching as not just a job but a calling. They realize that they are helping to shape minds and souls, that teaching the whole child means addressing their spiritual needs as well as their academic needs. It is the reason we have chosen this road, because we know that both are important. Our children will always have a firm foundation because of their years spent at a Catholic school!

Auction Project 2011

2011-01-28T11:32:00.000-08:00

This is my third year working on our class auction project. The first two years we made a firepit which was purchased at Target.com and personalized by the students. I'm sure I posted the pictures here on my blog at the time. It was a big hit, both years. This year we wanted to try something different. We are going to create a window seat chest that will have on the top, embedded in epoxy, digital word "clouds" created by the students. These word clouds will describe all their favorite things, hence, our calling this project "My Favorite Things". My husband is getting ready to purchase the supplies, as he is making the wooden portion of the project. My assistant and I will be figuring out the sizing and placement of the word art for the top. We have a budget of about $350.00, so if we go over it is out of our pockets.

I will keep you updated on this project and post last year's auction entries in a separate post. I know that I like to go to websites for ideas, so hopefully you will get some ideas from mine as well.

Time flies when you're Having Fun

2010-08-20T08:20:00.001-07:00

I wish I could say I have a good excuse for being away for so long! I don't. I know that I really hate when I find a blog that hasn't been updated in forever, so I don't blame you if you haven't stuck around. I have been thinking about a direction for my blog and so far I haven't decided what I want to write about now. I stopped writing last summer due to a death in the family and I just felt like other things were more important. Weeks turned into months, and then gradually, so much time had passed that I actually forgot about this little piece of cyber real estate. If you have checked in from time to time to see what I was up to, God bless you. Especially you, Tammy. I love your blog! And you too Moody! I still read your blog all the time too!

So, have a little patience (ha!) and we will try to get this thing up and running again. I think it's about time, don't you?

Still Here

2009-11-06T22:01:00.000-08:00

I haven't updated in a while, but I am still here.

Lessons from the Garden

2009-07-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

May 17th:

July 7th:

Gardening has been teaching me valuable lessons.

The first thing I've learned is PATIENCE. The first photo was taken around the time I planted them, the second photo taken just this morning. While there has been quite a spectacular change in size, there is just the tiniest evidence that one day we will be enjoying the fruits of the harvest. This relates to my spiritual life in many ways. It really is no wonder that many of the parables of Jesus referred to gardening.

Patience. It is a virtue, and nothing teaches patience more than waiting for 60-72 days for vegetables and fruit to grow and ripen. Each day when I go out to water, I check to see the progress of growth and each day I notice a small difference. Looking at the photos I can see a huge difference, it is a perspective that I think about with my spiritual life. Day by day I am growing in small ways and over time, I can look back and see how far I have come. Some days it seems that I have stopped growing or even gone backwards only to find that I have made progress, even if it is slow.

Another thing I've learned is how much we take for granted. In our society, we are in such a hurry to go places, if we get hungry we can always pull in to the nearest fast food place and order a hamburger. We can always stop at WalMart and get x,y,z that we need. But this process has caused me to wonder how society was when they didn't have McDonald's or WalMart. There was a time when people grew their own food and lived on only what they could produce. I would be in serious trouble if I had to rely on my little garden patch for sustenance. Growing my own vegetables gives me such an appreciation for the food that we are blessed to have on our table each day. It gives me an awareness of slowing down and enjoying life, at the pace of nature rather than the pace of society.

Because when you care for a plant every day and it takes two months for it to give you food, you really appreciate that. You see the process that goes into what it takes for a tomato to go from a small plant to yielding fruit, which is quite different than going to the store and buying it from the shelf. Many times those tomatoes have sat on my counter and ended up rotting. It is because I didn't appreciate it as much as I do now. You can bet that these are not going to waste!

There is so much that can be learned from gardening. Patience. Thankfulness. An awareness of the amazing way that our world is created, seeing nature up close and being a part of it. It is a rewarding and very insightful venture.

Don't Touch that Novena!

2009-07-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

I asked my son, soon to be in sixth grade at our Catholic parish school, if he knew what a Novena was. Sometimes I just randomly ask my kids questions to see if they know the answer and sometimes I do it strictly for amusement because if they don't know the answer, they are sure to make something up. This child is my most creative one and he has a very unique way of looking at the world. His answer? "A Novena is something that burns easily." Little did I know that he was on the right track. I just needed to fill in the blanks.

The word Novena is a derivative of the number nine, a novena is a prayer lasting for nine days. This is a model of the first Christians, who after the Ascension of Our Lord, gathered in prayer in the upper room for nine days and on the tenth day, the Holy Spirit descended. A great wind filled the room and tongues of fire rested on their heads. This happened on the ancient Jewish festival called the "feast of weeks" or Pentecost. This event also marks the very first Novena!

Ok, so now I'm seeing a connection between fire and prayer. My son is brilliant!

Novenas can be divided into categories. There are novenas to Our Lord, our Lady, the saints and angels. It is also customary for the titular saint of the parish to be honored with nine nights of prayer.

Novenas can also be perpetual. Instead of nine consecutive nights, they can be prayed every week. The Miraculous Medal Novena is often prayed in Catholic parishes every Monday.

It is customary for Filipino churches to have a Perpetual Novena for Our Lady of Perpetual Help, whose feast day is June 27th, which also happens to be my wedding anniversary!

Novenas are a wonderful way to enrich your prayer life. I don't know if they can burn easily but I do know that anything is possible!

It is Love at First Sight

2009-06-27T15:36:00.000-07:00

I've noticed that there is such a difference between the way a little girl sees the world (or the United States, in this case) versus the way a boy sees it.

Case in point:

My boys would find the states that most resemble guns and start to shoot each other. Just in case you were wondering, Florida, Idaho and Oklahoma make great guns. They would pick up these pieces and make shooting noises using a complex combination of spit and percussion from their mouths. I don't know but I think that boys are genetically wired to be able to produce that noise.

In contrast, my sweet little girl sits down at the table. She starts to look at the puzzle and first notices all the pretty colors. Then, she dumps the pieces out and painstakingly puts them all back in the right spots. She even knows what some of the states are, which I think is very impressive for a six year old. Well, considering that her 11 year old brother just got done learning his states and capitals makes me think that she might have been listening just a little bit through the study sessions.

Anyway. On to the story. While putting together the puzzle, she happens to discover that Nebraska and Utah are in love. Did you know that? See here, they are kissing:She had a very detailed fairy tale story to tell of the happenstance way that these two states ended up meeting and falling in love. She told me how Colorado and Wyoming stood in the way of Nebraska and Utah ever getting to meet. But by fate, one day they were the last two to be placed in the puzzle and that is how they met and fell in love. Well, actually, she says, Nebraska loved Utah but Utah did not love Nebraska back. Somehow, though, because every story she tells has a happy ending, Nebraska finally won over that stubborn Utah and they lived happily ever after.

Meanwhile, Florida and Oklahoma are in a duel to the death.

Boys and girls and their unique perspectives. Men really are from Mars, aren't they?

Bouncy House

2009-06-27T15:10:00.000-07:00

The kids were begging Busy Woodshop Hubby to get out the bouncy house and set it up the other day. We saw it a few years ago at our local warehouse store and decided we needed it. It has provided LOTS and LOTS of fun over the past five years, I can honestly say we have gotten our money's worth. We get it out for birthdays, when friends come over, or just for the heck of it. Even the adults like it. Here is our most recent bouncy fun day:

Summer Bees

2009-06-18T22:36:00.000-07:00

The bees are buzzing around here. Literally! The other morning I was getting ready in my bathroom and I heard a buzzing sound in my room. On further inspection, I noticed a little honey bee frantically beating him(her?)self up on my window trying to get out. I figured that when I went back downstairs I would get a paper cup and capture it to let it outside, when I was finished in the bathroom. Well, by the time I came out there were 7 bees in three of the windows, making a very loud combined humming sound. It was a little scary to say the least. I wondered how they all got in (the windows were open but the screens are on) and to have that many at once I wondered if I might have a problem. I went around capturing them all to let them out since I knew that hubby would get out the spray and zap them if I didn't help them outside.

They were all let out safe and sound, but I never did find out how they got inside in the first place. We checked the attic and it was alright and there have been no more bees in the house since then. Maybe they were on a mission to free that first one since it took me so long to get it!

I was outside checking around and didn't find any evidence of a beehive nearby. I guess for now the problem is solved.

Sister Chemistry

2009-06-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

Oh the funniest thing happened last night. My sister just recently signed on to one of those dating match sites, and gave me a call to go over all her "potential" matches based on her personality profile and the type of person she is looking for. You know, basically the perfect man. I think she might have to settle for something slightly less but I'll be positive for her sake that there might be one more out there. However, I do believe that there is someone for everyone so let's hope that he is also registered at chemistry.com (and perfect for my sister!)

So anyway, she wanted me to look at her profile and help her jazz it up a bit, and while I was in there to take a look at her potential guys to help her figure out which ones to write to.

Well, we quickly discovered that we could both be signed on to her account at the same time (we live in different states). What fun! We started going down the list. "G" seemed nice and had quite a bit in common with her as far as his interests. She's been emailing with him to find out more information. I really like "G". Then another "G" also has shown some interest in her and she thinks he might also be a good possibility to meet in real life. He could be a good second choice. Can I tell you she's loving shopping for a date this way? I found my husband the old fashioned way but I guess you can find romance through the internet. It seems easy enough, and could save a lot of time by separating them out before she even has to meet them. Because after all at some point she will have to step out from behind the computer and actually meet one of these guys.

I gave her my opinions on all the guys based on what they had written about themselves and what they were looking for, what I know about her and also just what my instincts told me. My sister has no common sense when it comes to men, and she will be the first to admit that. That's why our little devious plan just might work!

Right away I told her to ditch "M" because he wants someone 'above and beyond' which indicated to me that he might just be a bit too picky. Besides he looked too pretty. He probably has some issues. Just sayin.

Then there was "R" who is an engineer and I'm betting really smart. He seems nice enough but can he loosen the tie a little? Unless he has a huge sense of humor, he wouldn't be too happy with my sister because she's pretty off the wall. Think Ellen Degeneres crossed with Roseanne Barr and a little Carol Burnette and that's my sister. She can't be around someone who's too uptight. But maybe "R" has a wild side. You never know.

There were a couple others and they all seemed nice and most of them weren't too bad looking. So we even have a plan C,D and E if we need it.

She and I were both laughing at the idea that I was helping her compose the letters to these gentlemen and also rewriting her profile and just thinking that we were totally getting away with something.

I was laughing that she totally trusted me with her log in information and thought just how tempting it could be for me to go in and change some of her answers. She is very trusting, isn't she? I wouldn't though. Probably.

So far so good on the chemistry homefront. I'll keep you posted!

It's About Time!

2009-06-07T21:55:00.000-07:00

That's what I'm telling myself today. It's about time for a new post. I find myself making the rounds of my favorite blogs, checking once, twice sometimes three times a day (yeah, I know I could just put them in my reader. I like to check myself, though!) And sometimes, I am rewarded with new content even two, three times a day. Some bloggers are great like that. I guess I'm not one of those. If I even have a 'readership' who checks my content I can be assured that I am checked on weekly these days. Not daily, or hourly like those crazy great bloggers out there that we are all wanting to know every detail of their lives. Oh, you know who they are. Don't you?

Well, anyway if you don't, I'm not telling. Anytime soon anyway. I have to have some reason for you to come back, after all. It obviously isn't for my timely updates.

Sunday Landscape 101

2009-05-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

This is the reason I don't blog as much this time of year. Our yard is very high maintenance right now. The moles have started moving, the grass is growing, and the weeds grow like, well WEEDS. We spent the day outside today working on the overall appearance. The only mishap was when Shadow stepped on a sticky mouse trap (that dog does it every time!) Let's just say it's not pretty, I didn't get a picture of that. But here is what I did take pictures of:

I didn't bother raking up the petals. With the camilla petals all around it, the fountain looks very romantic:

The lawn near the front porch:

The back patio, the umbrella was my Mother's Day present:

Another view (look closely, Wild thing is setting the table for dinner):

Our "garden" so far (tomatos, red pepper, strawberries):

The upper lawn (Mt. Hood in the background):

My lavender "field" (about seven plants, this is year two):

From the street:

From the front:

My snowball plant, 3 years old:

My little flower garden (not much is up yet):

The lawn from another angle:

The view from the garage (I love all the different trees: weeping cedar, maple, blue spruce, magnolia, all lined with a row of junipers):

Well, I hope you can see why I haven't been so prolific on the blog. I have been busy working outside. I love gardening, so I thought today I could combine the two. Happy Sunday to you!

Conversations in the Car

2009-05-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

If you were a 'fly on the wall' in my car, this is what you would have heard today:

(Princess, 6 years old) "MOM! MOOOOMMm! Brother won't let me talk. Why does he get to talk and I don't? How come you listen to him but not me? When will it be my turn?"

(Mom) "Just a minute. You interrupted, Brother was talking first and when he's finished then you can talk, ok?"

(Princess) "OK. But I just want to say one thing."

(Mom to Brother) "Do you mind if princess has a turn? You have been talking for the last three miles. Let's give her a turn now, ok?"

(Brother) "O.K. But she didn't say "Excuse me."

(Mom to Princess) "Can you say excuse me, please? Brother is right, that is the polite way to show you have something to say."

(Princess) "O.K. Excuse me?"

(Mom) "Yes?"

(Princess) "I forgot what it was I wanted to say."

Experience + Knowledge = Wisdom

2009-05-13T06:52:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

It's a Dog's Life

2009-05-10T15:37:00.001-07:00

In this picture, Shadow is multi-tasking as a pillow. He laid here still like this for a long time-- Princess was really asleep:

He has perfected the sad puppy dog eyes (which explains why he's so fat!):

Shadow looking for dropped food:

Daisy thinks she is a person. She even sits like a person sometimes.
She also thinks she can read (or maybe it's the candy laying on the book she's after!)

Always an excuse for a nap. The dogs like to cuddle with anyone who stays still longer than 30 seconds (Ariel and Shadow):

ZZZZZZZZ

The wide angle shot:

Mother's Day Baking

2009-05-10T15:24:00.001-07:00

I love to bake, and since I saw these Hershey's Cinnamon Chips in the store the other day I thought I would try them.
Oatmeal Cinnamon Chips Cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1-2/3 cups (10-oz. pkg.) HERSHEY'S Cinnamon Chips
3/4 cup raisins
Directions:1. Heat oven to 350°F. 2. Beat butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in bowl until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Combine flour and baking soda; add to butter mixture, beating well. Stir in oats, cinnamon chips and raisins (batter will be stiff). Drop by heaping teaspoons unto ungreased cookie sheet. 3. Bake 10 to 12 minutes on until lightly browned. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. About 4 dozen.BAR VARIATION: Spread batter into lightly greased 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F. for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool; cut into bars. About 3 dozen bars.

They taste great! For more great recipes, visit Hershey's website.

Happy Mother's Day from Fr. Corapi

2009-05-09T18:01:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we once again have the joy of celebrating Mothers Day. It is certainly fitting enough that this falls in the month of May, the month the Church dedicates to the Mother of Jesus and our Spiritual Mother. It s a beautiful month dedicated to what is perhaps the most beautiful reality I can imagine mothers.

In the often misguided and morally confused society we live in, the vocation and blessing of being a mother isn t esteemed highly enough by many individuals that are so preoccupied with making a living and accumulating material things. Sometimes motherhood isn t respected enough by men. Even more baffling sometimes women don t themselves value this calling and honor as they ought. As far as I m concerned, it would be hard to imagine a more noble, more necessary, and more beautiful calling in life.

Moms, only in Heaven will you realize just how pleasing you are to God. You have collaborated with God our Father in bringing new life into the world. You have given our heavenly Father children, and these children He treasures more than you could ever imagine.

Mother Perhaps the most beautiful word in all of language. It expresses life. It expresses love. It expresses cooperation with God. It speaks of something that will never end.

One day, moms, you ll be honored by God himself for your many sacrifices. For now, accept our thanks, our love, and our tribute. We salute you, Moms, this day and for all eternity.
God bless you for all you ve done for us.

In Jesus Love through Mary our Mother,
Fr. John Corapi

Beautiful Music

2009-05-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

Last night, we attended my middle school son's Jazz band concert. He has only been playing the saxophone since September, but already he has made great strides in catching up with the other band students. He began in Band as an elective, and quickly was invited to join the Jazz band, which is a more 'elite' group of kids, both middle school and high schoolers who get up really early in the morning four days a week and practice with the wonderful band teacher who, I am sure, does not get paid nearly what she is worth.

She has done marvelous things with this group of kids. I hope she reveled in the appreciative applause last night. Those kids sounded just amazing.

I was so proud of my son, watching him play-- knowing how far he has come in such a short while.

Then, I thought of something else. I thought about how for months I have been hearing only his portion of the music, all by itself. We love hearing him practice (except not when I'm on the phone!) every day and many of the songs he has practiced get stuck in our head and we find ourselves humming them out of the blue.

But somehow it was by listening to the entire ensemble play these same pieces altogether and hearing them for the first time in that context that it seemed to me that is how the Body of Christ is also. We each have our own unique talent, given to us for a higher purpose. When we combine our gifts we can make such beautiful music.

My name is Rose, and I am a bloucher......

2009-04-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

That would be ME. A blogging sloucher, or "bloucher". I think I made up the term but I read so many blogs I wouldn't necessarily trust my memory that I've never seen that word before.

This is the time of year that my blog goes right down the tubes. It coincides with the sun coming back out, the plants starting to grow, and my need to get moving and start shedding the winter weight that seemed to pile on so easily.

Spring is springing here and it makes it tough to sit and type all the wonderful blog posts that I have running around in my head. It's true-- I think of such witty and original posts that for some strange reason, never make it to the written form. By the time I sit down, all the words have somehow sat too long in the unrefrigerated part of my brain and have turned into a big soggy mess of brain goo. But I amuse myself while I'm out there pulling weeds. I guess it's not all for nothing.

So, I went to the doctor this week for some good old-fashioned poking and prodding. I'm trying to figure out this perimenopausal body I find myself in these days. Nothing works the way it should and I can't tell the difference between what is 'normal' and what is a red flag for going to the doctor. I'm sure they think I'm a classic hypochondriac.

Ok, so I call the advice nurse and this is how stupid I sounded. "Hello-- I'm calling about a few symptoms I've been having lately. I'm gaining weight right in the abdominal area. A lot. And, I haven't had a period in three months."

silent pause.

"NO, I know what it sounds like, but I am not pregnant! Also, I have been feeling light-headed, having headaches, mood-swings and shaky after eating."

Basically, a train wreck.

Or normal.

I gave about two pints of blood for testing and a urine sample, and will see my doctor again next week to find out which.

I told my husband that going through perimenopause is like having to play a game you used to know but all the rules changed and nobody told you what they were.

I keep telling myself this is a natural process. It does help a little.

Wanted: Experienced Juggler

2009-04-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

I need some help in the multi-tasking department. Instead, something had to take a back seat and it was the blog. If you notice, the last time I posted it was a week ago.

In the beginning of the week, I had quite a bit of busy work to do. First, I had to plan the menu and shopping for our Easter dinner, which we held on Saturday since my sister couldn't come on Sunday. We opted for a traditional and simple Easter feast, which included a spiral sliced ham, cheesy mashed potatoes, asparagus, a tossed salad and a cute bunny cake decorated by our five year old.

In order for us to have a place to eat the Easter dinner, it was necessary for me to clean off the dining room table. Trust me when I say that this is not an easy job. Because we only use this room for special occasions, the rest of the time the table gets used for junk piling. Whenever I come into the house with extra papers, bags, boxes, you name it-- it goes on the dining room table and is promptly forgotten about. I am always amazed at how quickly the clutter piles up and becomes out of control. I can clutter up the entire 102" long table. A talent of which I should not be so proud.

Then, I went to the salon for a much-needed hair appointment. It has been almost a year since I last had it cut. My new stylist is fabulous! She made my hair do things that is scientifically impossible. The layers made it look much thicker than it really is, and the curls stayed put all day long! I just wish I could style it the way she did.

The doggies also had their spa day. They needed to have their coats trimmed since they have begun shedding and I don't like to vacuum every single day.

Then we had some outdoor sprucing and gardening to do. The weeds have started to grow with a vengeance, and since we had a couple of nice sunny days, we took advantage of the weather and got busy. We mowed, weeded, fertilized, and had the roof sprayed for moss. Then, we went to the store and bought some containers for planting. So far we have planted strawberries and tomatoes.

I sent our Easter Mass cards out to the grandparents. I always get them from the Missionary Oblates. I love their cards! For a small donation, I usually get a rosary as well. I have quite a collection of Oblate rosaries. They are great for giving or keeping.

I shopped around and found a cute little Easter outfit for the princess, a pink gingham dress with a cute little sweater to match. I forgot how much I love gingham. My mom used to dress us in it when we were little. It is just adorable.

While I was shopping, I picked up the Easter basket goodies. My children understand the meaning of Easter but it is fun having a basket to come home to after the Easter morning Mass.

So there was the first half of my week. Busy, busy, until Holy Thursday, when we tried to slow things down a bit.

On Friday, we ended the school week with shadow Stations which the 7th graders did an awesome job on. I ended up staying for both performances. In between I happened to remember that Friday was the first day of the Divine Mercy Novena, so I said the chaplet while I waited. In the spirit of Good Friday, we kept our electronics and tv off, to spend time in quiet reflection.

On Saturday, we had a birthday party to go to and then home to cook and serve our Easter dinner. The day went by really fast. Early Sunday morning we all went to Mass, then out for breakfast and the book store, where I stocked up on gardening magazines and a new cookbook. That was my Easter treat!

We spent the rest of Sunday relaxing and watching the rain fall. We had our Easter egg hunt inside the house!

Hoping that your Holy week and Easter were wonderful!

Palm Sunday

2009-04-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Today we celebrate Palm Sunday, a day in which Christians celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, the week before His death and resurrection. It marks the beginning of Holy week. We begin Mass at the back of the church where we each receive a blessed palm. We process in together and then we will listen to the Gospel account of the Passion of Christ.

Because this Mass is very long and very crowded, we arrived early for a seat and to spend some time in prayer. Since the weather was beautiful, and we had some extra time, I decided to take the younger two out to pray the Stations of the Cross.

We used the resource, Stations of the Cross for Children, which is a wonderful book of devotions on the way of the Cross. My 11 year old led us in the prayers for each station. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to share the devotions of the Stations of the Cross with their children.

From the Catholic Encyclopedia, on the custom of palm branches from a liturgical standpoint, it says this:

"The bishop or priest asks God to bless the branches of palm or olive, that they may be a protection to all places into which they may be brought, that the right hand of God may expell all adversity, bless and protect all who dwell in them, who have been redeemed by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Palm branches have been used by all nations as an emblem of joy and victory over enemies; in Christianity as a sign of victory over the flesh and the world according to Psalm 91:13; hence especially associated with the memory of the martyrs. The palms blessed on Palm Sunday were used in the procession of the day, then taken home by the faithful and used as a sacramental. They were preserved in prominent places in the house. On the Lower Rhine the custom exists of decorating the grave with blessed palms. From the blessed palms the ashes are procured for Ash Wednesday. "

Here is a web resource which has links and other information about Palm Sunday.

Doctors are our Friends

2009-04-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

Today I'm bringing in my little Princess for her 6 year check up. The last time we went, I promised there would be no shots, but I was wrong. So when I tell her that I promise there are no shots today, I hope that I am right. She is very afraid of doctors. Despite the fact that her dad works in the health care field, she has no faith in doctors. She says that doctors only hurt her. Which isn't true but I can see why she would think that. When she was 3, we brought her to an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor to check her vocal cords. She had a very raspy, hoarse voice which sounded cute but didn't seem normal. They needed to visualize the vocal cords to make sure there weren't any polys or growths causing the hoarseness. The doctor explained that they could do it under sedation but because of her age it would require her to go to a different facility and it would be more involved of an exam, or he could do it right there in the office, which would be slightly uncomfortable for her but it would be quick and without the worries of complications from anesthesia. I decided to go for the quick peek. It took three nurses to hold her down and keep her still while the doctor inserted a scope in her throat. She didn't like it one bit. Thinking back now, I think it might have been better to have her sedated, it would have been less traumatic but slightly riskier. It's a tough call. It turned out she had no growths which was wonderful news, but now she had no trust and a strong dislike for all doctors.

Which included dentists, and any other person wearing a white coat. Then the next time we visited the dentist was a disaster. First of all, she remembered the throat doctor torture chamber and was very reluctant to let anyone with a white coat near her. Incidentally they wanted to take full x-rays. She wouldn't open her mouth for anything. They ended up not taking the x-ray but were irritated that she wouldn't cooperate. There was really nothing anyone could have said to convince her to put those x-ray cards in her mouth. I tried to explain to the hygienist why my daughter was not cooperating but they seemed to feel that it was my apprehension that caused my daughter to be afraid. The hygienist needed to understand that a first time dental visit after a bad experience should be low key for a child who is so sensitive. Prior to this visit, I tried to be as upbeat and positive as I could and prepare my daughter ahead of time for what would happen at the dentist visit. It would have been nice for them to be a little more understanding, and to want to make the experience a positive one. I think that doctors and dentists should know that children have a long memory where pain is concerned.

Then, we had to go in the next year for an ear infection, and the doctor (who didn't really seem like she knew what she was doing) perforated the ear drum when she inserted the otoscope. She said it was only "scratched" but there was blood coming out of my daughter's ear. The doctor said it was because she moved while the scope was in there.

So now each time we go to the doctor where anything needs to be inserted in her ear or mouth, she just stiffens up and you can see that there is no trust. At her last check up, she was sitting on the table just trying not to cry. I could tell she was genuinely afraid, but trying to be brave. It breaks my heart that a few bad experiences have made such a lasting impression on her.

We do have a great pediatrician, she has a great bedside manner and she understands that my daughter is an extremely sensitive child. Hopefully, in time my princess will learn to trust doctors again. Wish me luck!

It's Beginning to look a lot like Spring time!

2009-03-31T11:16:00.000-07:00

Everywhere you go....

Turbo Tax

2009-03-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

I used Turbo Tax for the first time ever. The last few years we have been paying a CPA to do our taxes. He retired and sold his business so I thought that this year I could try Turbo Tax. I have the last few years of taxes as an example, so it made it even easier to do them. Last year was pretty much the same as the year before financially speaking, except for the hideous losses in our mutual funds, that is.

I loaded Turbo Tax on my computer and looked for updates (you should do this first thing! There were a couple of updates for both Federal and State). It asks you for your personal information (date of birth, occupation, dependents, etc). Once that is filled out you move on to the interview portion. It is divided into three categories: Wages, Deductions & Credits, and Other Tax Situations. In this section you can choose to 1) select specific topics, if you already know the income information that is to be entered; or 2) guide me through, which takes you step by step through each item.

In this section, there is a place that you can enter in your log in and pin for a participating employer to automatically download your W-2 information. If it worked, it would be really convenient, but it didn't work for me so I entered in all the information by hand. The categories in this section are: 1) Wages and Salaries; 2) Import your Tax Info; 3)Dividends and Interest; 4)Other common Income (1099); and 5) Investment income.

Then it takes you through an interview process where you answer questions and click in information. Fairly straightforward. All the information should be right on your W-2, and the questions also alert the program to other scenarios which may need special handling.

Each of those categories takes you through your W-2 and tells you which box to find the information. The program guides you through each step, and if you need help there is a help function. I was able to see other people's questions in a box to the right but was unable to see the answers. This may be a glitch in the program but you can also just open another window and go straight to the Turbo Tax webpage for help as well. Lucky for me that I have a relative who does taxes so I just called and asked my questions.

After the Wages section is complete, you move on to the next section which is Deductions and Credits. Here again it guides you through each item. This section has 10 categories which are: 1) Home; 2) Family; 3) Donations; 4)Cars and Other things you Own; 5)Education; 6) Medical Expenses; 7)Estimates and Other Taxes Paid; 8)Retirement Investments 9)Employment Expenses and 10) Other Deductions and Credits. Each category has a list of credits and deductions.

After this section is complete, the next section is Other Tax Situations which covers things like the Alternative Minimum Tax and a few other things.

The program will take you through a 4 step review, and a download for Audit support, should you get audited. That download was free with Turbo Tax Premier, which is the version I purchased. For an additional fee of $39.95, you may choose an option for a professional tax preparer to go over your return. I didn't choose that but it could be a good option for someone who had any questions or concerns. Now the Federal return is finished.

The Premier program also allows you to download one State filing for free as well. You choose your state and it will download the necessary forms. This time, the program puts in the information that you already entered from your w-2. It takes you through the screens just like in the Federal portion.

Once the State is finished, you have the option to e-file and print. The Federal e-file is included with the program, but to e-file the State, the cost was $19.95. I chose to pay the additional for the convenience, but you can print and mail it if you prefer. After you enter in the information for e-filing, the program will file your taxes and send you a confirmation email. Your refund (if you have one coming) will be direct deposited in your bank account in as little as 8 days.

I printed a hard copy for my records, and then I was finished!

Pretty easy, and I saved over $200 in tax preparation fees. The total cost for the program was $72.00 plus the $20.00 to e-file my state return.

If you haven't done your taxes yet, then you may want to consider Turbo Tax as an option--- I did see some negative comments about the program on the Consumer review site, but I have to say that my experience using this program was fine.

Once Bitten, Twice Inspired

2009-03-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

Now that I have this fancy Cricut machine, I don't quite know what to do with it. I needed some inspiration and some ideas. Well, I found them at the Bitten by the Bug blog. There is a team of designers who can do fabulous things with their imagination and a little help from the Cricut. Prepare to be amazed!

Praying for Stellan

2009-03-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

MckMama is the author of one of my favorite blogs, My Charming Kids. I found her blog many months ago and have watched the story of her youngest child, Stellan unfold.

Stellan is a miracle baby, or what MckMama calls, a

You see, Stellan was diagnosed with heart problems while still in utero, and many people began praying for him. The doctors had a dismal prognosis then, saying he wouldn't make it to birth, or if he did, then not much after.

Well that is when literally thousands of people began praying for him and, to show just how much they all loved this little boy, Stellan's name gallery was created. The pictures of Stellan's name in very creative ways are from people all over the world, a stunning example of how much he was loved and prayed for even before he was born.

He was born perfectly healthy. No sign of the heart troubles that had plagued him before birth. He truly is a miracle! In the last few months, we have watched him grow, and fallen in love with him.

But last week, things took a sudden turn for the worse. Stellan is currently in the hospital with severe abnormal heart rhythms that seemed to come out of the blue.

Could you just take a moment to pray for him?

While we are praying for him, Lauren, over at Knowing Norrah has organized Stellan's name gallery Part II so that we can once again show the McFamily just how much this little boy is loved and being held up in prayer. Please follow the links and add your own contribution to Stellan's gallery. Spread the word!

My daughter put her My Little Pony collection to good use! Here is our contribution to the Stellan Name Gallery, part 2:

Stellan's Prayer Blog

Why a Crucifix instead of an empty Cross?

2009-03-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Catholic authors, Patrick Madrid, explains.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen summarized the reason for using a crucifix instead of an empty cross when he said, “Keep your eyes on the crucifix, for Jesus without the cross is a man without a mission, and the cross without Jesus is a burden without a reliever.”

Read the rest of the article here.

Lent is a Journey

2009-03-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

Lent has a way of showing me that I have a long way to go. Sometimes I vascillate between being encouraged by the progress I have made spiritually and feeling discouraged that I have a difficult time sticking to my Lenten discipline.

It shouldn't be surprising that it is difficult, as we are Christians living in a world which opposes us daily. We are in the world yet living in ways that are contrary to what the world says should make us happy.

This world tries to pull us away at every turn. It is like taking one step forward and two steps back.

We live in a world which tells us the end justifies the means, even when the means is destroying human life. It tells us that stem cell research using embryos slated for destruction is a good moral thing to do. Never mind the fact that they should have never been unnaturally created and left in a state of suspension in the first place. Now that we have immorally created them, the world would have us believe that the best possible use for this situation is to do some good with them, thus giving the illusion of redemption. The world confuses the message and tells us that a life created and destroyed for a cure is justified.

The world tries to tell us that we can solve our problems with abortion. That women have a right which supercedes the right of their unborn child. The world confuses the message and tells us it is for the best.

We live in a world that tells us a love story about a vampire and a human is a good thing because the story supposedly has a few moral messages. That it is ok to follow your heart even when it takes you somewhere that you should never be. The world wants us to believe that.

The world tells us that it is ok to have a family with two moms or two dads. That marriage can be defined more broadly than just a man and a woman. The world wants us to believe that there is nothing wrong with this scenario.

This world would love for us to believe that an intrinsic evil can be redeemed if there is some good in it.

I tell my children that sin dipped in chocolate is still sin. It doesn't change it one bit, just makes it easier to swallow.

This is where I find myself in this time of Lent. There really is no middle ground to stand on. Christ says that "whoever is not for Him, is against Him." He tells us that this present world is "passing away." We cannot put our trust into something that is not stable.

The truth is that this world cannot redeem yet Christ can.

He can take tremendous suffering and even death on a Cross and turn it into our salvation.

That is why Catholics have a Crucifix in every church, visible to all. We can't lose sight of the message that it is through Christ and His sacrifice that we can live. The message of the Gospel is directly opposite of the message of the modern world.

In this time of Lent, we can be reminded that our sufferings, even the most difficult, can have meaning if we look to Christ and His example.

We have an advantage that Christ's original disciples didn't. We know that Easter is coming. As Father Corapi would say, we know how the story ends. The best thing about it is, that the ending of that story isn't an ending but another beginning!

So, even as I am reminded daily that I fail many times, I am encouraged to once again pick up my cross, journey toward Easter and the promise of new life, both here on earth and one day in Heaven.

Pony World

2009-03-23T09:38:00.001-07:00

We made the gift bags with the Cricut! I cut out the images from the Paper Doll Dress Up cartridge (horse and horse shoes), the grass and the tags from Plantin School Book cartridge. Then Princess wrote each guest's name and glued the cutouts on the bags.

Here is the result:

The gift bags had yellow shred in the bottom to look like hay. We tried to keep to a horse/barnyard theme, and here is what they contained:

When filling the gift bags, I tried to stay away from too much candy. I couldn't resist the Nerd's Rope or the Cow Tails, though!

The kids get to meet the ponies, this one is Rosie!

On to the riding ring. We had half the group go out and half stay in the barn for games. We played Pin the Cutie Mark on Rainbow Dash, Bean Bag toss, played on the rope swing and blew bubbles. Everyone was busy so they didn't mind waiting for their pony ride!

Being the Birthday Girl, Princess was one of the first to ride:

I know you can't tell from her expression, but she was having so much fun!

Cake, ice cream and present time!
Princess wanted a carrot cake, how appropriate for a pony party!

Group shot:

Everyone had a great time!

Counting to Six.

2009-03-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

One.

Two..

Three...

Four....

Five.....

SIX!

Spring has Sprung!

2009-03-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

I love the Google image today!

Here it is another rainy day. My daffodils have come up and the magnolia tree is starting to open, hinting that Spring really is starting to spring! I even spiffed up the background on my blog! I love Spring time and all the beautiful flowers and watching the bare trees fill in with leaves. On our doggie walk this morning (at 6:30 am no less!) I heard lots of birds chirping and even a few frogs croaking. The winter is coming to an end and the busy-ness (or business!) of nature is beginning!

Class Auction Project

2009-03-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

This year I was on the 5th grade auction project committee (can you call it a committee when there's only 2 people, I wonder?) Each year, every class comes up with a hand made project done by the kids, which hopefully ends up going for lots of money at the auction. There is a lot of pressure to come up with something that is unique and appealing to a lot of different people. Our committee decided to do a project that had been done in the past, since it was popular the last time around we hoped it might be again.

We ordered a fire pit from Target.com and took out the granite around the edges. We added a layer of hardiplank, which is fireproof, for a base where the tiles would go. The space is just perfect for 20 4x4 tiles, and then the four corners for a total of 24 tiles. Then, we had each student paint a Northwest theme on their tile. The tiles were taken back to the ceramic studio where they were fired. The next step was creating a layout, numbering the tiles and placing them in permanently with thin set and grout.

Here is the result:

Auction project 2009

The top to the firepit is resting to the side. All in all, this project went together very easily! We are happy with the result and hope that our project brings in lots of money for the school.

Here are some of the other projects:

Kindergarten Picnic Table

See the next picture to find out what the letters are made of......

A close up... The words are created by the kids! Isn't that cute?

A tile table top

Advent Plate

And a herd of colorful cows:

Update on the RSVP Post

2009-03-20T07:37:00.000-07:00

The RSVP deadline was Wednesday. By Tuesday night, I had only two responses: one who couldn't make it and one who could. I was thinking that I might need to change the plans from a party to a private lesson. I called the pony lady to see what she could do. As luck would have it, she wasn't there at the time, so I left a message. Immediately after that I got another RSVP, this one a yes. I was up to three now but it got better. This lady has twins, the other daughter is in the other kindergarten class. I told her to bring them both. So, I was up to 5 kids (including my daughter) I went from thinking we might have to cancel to thinking it would work out. That afternoon, I called all the remaining parents and left messages. I heard back from most of them and, including siblings, we have a full house with 12 kids coming. The best part is that there is only a 40% chance of rain tomorrow. It's been a really rainy and wet week so I don't know what to expect. But I'm so happy that we have enough kids to have a party! Let's hope for some sunshine tomorrow, at least from 1-2:30.

R.S.V.P.

2009-03-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

Does anyone RSVP anymore? I'm curious, because I sent out invitations to my daughter's sixth birthday party which will be held next weekend at a local farm. What we decided to do is invite all the girls in her class, since the party venue can accomodate about 8-10 children. We thought to invite the whole class might end up with too many children. However, now I'm worried that we won't have enough. Or any.

Ok, so it is spring break starting on Friday. I get that.

However, I did say on the invite to RSVP either way.

I am stressing a little today because we haven't gotten one response yet. Well, we got one but they're not coming. So, we haven't gotten any positive responses yet.

This is what I'm thinking.

If I don't hear from anyone by the RSVP date, should I assume that they are not coming? Should I call each person and ask?

Most people understand that even if they aren't coming, they should still call and let the host know. It is difficult to plan a party and figure out gift bags, games, prizes, etc. if you have no idea how many are coming.

This whole party planning thing is just way too stressful. If I invited the whole class, then they would all come. I invited just the girls, and it looks like we may not have any. I have to wait two more days until the RSVP date.

Here's a thought.

Next time you get an invitation, please just call right away and let the host know one way or the other. Don't wait until the very last minute, or worse, after the RSVP date has gone by. What if I cancel the party thinking no one is coming and then they all call on Thursday?

Six Years Ago Today

2009-03-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

I was in the hospital L&D, being induced. I remember watching CNN, the big news story that night was the return of Elizabeth Smart, who had been missing for months. I remember praying for her safe return through most of my pregnancy. It was nice to watch good news for a change! The doctor started the pitocin at around 8:30 p.m., and my Princess was born a little after midnight. It was my first and only delivery with an epidural.

I had waited all day for a bed to open up so I could have my induction, meanwhile, across town, unbeknownst to me, another mom was also waiting. I paced all day. My bag was packed, the house was clean. There was nothing to do but sit and wait. It almost seemed like the clock was ticking backward, there never has been a longer day than that day. Each time the phone rang, I jumped out of my chair, hoping it was the hospital. The morning turned to afternoon. At one point I was near tears as I thought I might never get that call. But it happened. The phone rang and I wasted no time dropping the boys off at the babysitter's and heading to the hospital. It was about twenty minutes total. Imagine my dismay when I saw a very pregnant lady checking in. I thought she was taking the bed that was reserved for me! How dare she go into labor? She, meanwhile, was thinking the same about me. It turns out she was also scheduled for an induction and also waited all day for a phone call!

After we both were checked in, we were sent upstairs to wait for a room. That is when we started telling each other about our day in waiting, and that we had the same doctor, and another odd coincidence. She was having a boy after two girls, while I was having a girl after two boys. We chatted for a while, and then got settled in our own rooms, which were adjacent to one another.

I was started on the pit first, and then she got her IV. It was funny how the doctor was literally bouncing from her room to mine, relaying messages from one to the other. "How is she doing?" one of us would ask. It went on like that for a couple hours. Sometime after midnight, the doctor told me to rest up for some serious pushing. What she didn't know? At that moment, my baby was already crowning and almost out on her own! Because of my epidural, I couldn't feel any of that going on! It was soon discovered, and in one quick push, she was born. It was a pain-free birth from beginning to end.

My new friend in the next room began pushing shortly after that, and her little boy was born about an hour or so later.

The next morning, we each visited the other to admire the new arrivals. We exchanged detailed birth stories and addresses.

Because we moved across the country before my daughter's first birthday, I haven't seen my friend since the day we were discharged, but each year on the kids' birthday, we each send the other a card with a picture and a note. I always thought it would be funny if when our kids grew up, somehow they ended up getting married! What a story that would be!

In the meantime, we enjoy the yearly picture and update. I really look forward to that!

Memo to the Birthday Industry

2009-03-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm planning my daughter's 6th birthday. I go to the store to get printable invitations, and I need about 13 or 14. They come 10 in the box. So I guess I'll have a few left over. Then, I go to get the paper goods. 8 napkins come in a pack, but the plates come in 12. Can you tell me why? The party favors are the same way. Some are 4, 6 or 8 in the pack. The gift bags come in 12, so I had to buy two packs of those. The bubbles came in a 24 pack. I'm going to end up with all sorts of extras from buying different quantities. This is really driving me crazy!

The Tale of Two Spiders

2009-03-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

I am in the throes of cleaning out the junk in our basement, which means piles and piles of clothes and toys are right now in various stages of sorting before we pack them all up and take them to the appropriate place.

That is when I came across this:

This toy kept the boys very busy when they were younger. How it works is: you pour different colors of goop into the molds, put them in the 'bug oven' and wait for it to set. It's the boy version of the Easy Bake, only instead of cupcakes, you get creepy little bugs and spiders. Did I say they loved it? We had a whole bag full of their creations, as you can see:

Don't they look realistic? When I came across this little bag of bugs from the past, it reminded me of an incident that happened around the time all these were made.

One night, we returned home from dinner, and as I was walking down the hallway, I saw what I thought was one of these:

It was sitting right in the middle of the hallway! Those boys, they never pick up after themselves, I remember thinking.

As I reached down to pick it up,

however,

it SCURRIED into the hall closet! It was real and I was totally freaked out!

It was actually one of these:

A huge wolf spider.

Now, I wasn't expecting what I thought to be a plastic spider to go running, but once I realized it was real and it was IN MY CLOSET, well, I didn't sleep very well that evening! We never did find it and now just thinking about it makes my skin crawl! These spiders are so big that you truly can't step on them to kill them. They are as scary in the real life as they are in that picture, just trust me on that.

I like the plastic ones so much better. But still, I think it's time for them to move on.

Catholics Mobilize to Fight Proposed Bill

2009-03-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

Catholics across the State of Connecticut mobilize to fight the irrational, unlawful, and bigoted Proposed Bill #1098/2009

http://www.bridgeportdiocese.com/Fight_1098.shtml

This past Thursday, March 5, the Judiciary Committee of the Connecticut State Legislature, which is chaired by Sen. Andrew McDonald of Stamford and Rep. Michael Lawlor of East Haven, introduced a bill that directly attacks the Roman Catholic Church and our Faith.
This bill violates the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. It forces a radical reorganization of the legal, financial, and administrative structure of our parishes. This is contrary to the Apostolic nature of the Catholic Church because it disconnects parishes from their Pastors and their Bishop. Parishes would be run by boards from which Pastors and the Bishop would be effectively excluded.

This bill, moreover, is a thinly-veiled attempt to silence the Catholic Church on the important issues of the day, such as same-sex marriage.

The State has no right to interfere in the internal affairs and structure of the Catholic Church. This bill is directed only at the Catholic Church but could someday be forced on other denominations. The State has no business controlling religion.
The Pastors of our Diocese are doing an exemplary job of sound stewardship and financial accountability, in full cooperation with their parishioners.

For the State Legislature — which has not reversed a $1 billion deficit in this fiscal year — to try to manage the Catholic Church makes no sense. The Catholic Church not only lives within her means but stretches her resources to provide more social, charitable, and educational services than any other private institution in the State. This bill threatens those services at a time when the State is cutting services. The Catholic Church is needed now more than ever.
We reject this irrational, unlawful, and bigoted bill that jeopardizes the religious liberty of our Church.

We urge you to call and e-mail Sen. McDonald and Rep. Lawlor:
Senator Andrew McDonald: Capitol phone: (800) 842-1420; Home phone: (203) 348-7439E-mail: McDonald@senatedems.ct.gov
Representative Michael Lawlor: Capitol phone: (800) 842-8267; Home phone: (203) 469-9725 E-mail: MLawlor99@juno.com

Searching

2009-03-07T12:26:00.000-08:00

I've noticed a really odd thing. My little blog, of whom I have officially six followers (and thank you! Because without you I would wonder if anyone read my blog!) but otherwise it gets a good deal of surfers looking for information on PNEUMONIA.

It makes me feel kinda bad, because my post on pneumonia isn't all that helpful, unfortunately. I wonder if they are searching 'pneumonia' because they actually need medical information. I also wonder how many people get kidney stones and pneumonia in their household all at once, like we did. I thought it was a unique situation, actually.

This past December, every member of our household (excluding myself) came down with pneumonia. I don't know what the odds of that are, but because of the fact that at around the same time, I noticed the google searches that led people here, I remembered that this previous event happened-- the triple combo of Kidney Stones, Pneumonia, and Allergies, which caused me to write this post.

It certainly wasn't fun the first time around and it wasn't fun the second time around either.

However, because of the timing of my finding my blog entry, I remembered the fact that the kidney stones happened at the same exact time as the pneumonia-- and guess what? It happened again. The same symptoms my husband had before. Only this time, the doctor diagnosed it as a kidney infection. I wouldn't have remembered the fact that this happened the same way before, except for those googlers who came here.

But then I began to think there might be a connection between the two, because does lightning strike twice? I don't know but it seemed to me, who maybe watches too much Grey's Anatomy, to be something I could go on.

And so, I started a Google search of my own. And I found out that there IS a connection. Surprise, surprise. I found out that the bacteria which causes the upper respiratory infection that ended up turning into pneumonia, is also responsible for causing other infections, including kidney infection.
This is what I found:
"Acute glomerulonephritis usually follows a streptococcal infection of the respiratory tract" and

"There are many different kinds of infections that lead to glomerulonephritis, including pneumonia"
(and in going back I did notice that prior to that we had Strep A in the house, which had a contributing factor to the pneumonia, I am sure)

And this: "Pyelonephritis is a serious bacterial infection of the kidney that can be acute or chronic. One of the most common renal diseases, acute pyelonephritis is a sudden inflammation caused by bacteria. It primarily affects the interstitial area and the renal pelvis or, less often, the renal tubules.

"Causes and Risk Factors of Pyelonephritis: Doctors believe that the bacterial infection causing pyelonephritis may sometimes develop elsewhere in the body and travel through the bloodstream to the kidney."

SYMPTOMS of Pyelonephritis

No matter what the underlying cause, the symptoms of acute bacterial pyelonephritis are often the same. The first indications are usually shaking chills, accompanied by a high fever and pain in the joints and muscles including flank pain. Attention may not be drawn to the kidneys at all.

In acute infections, the symptoms develop rapidly, the fever noted first, followed by possible changes in the color of the urine, and then tenderness in the flank. As the kidney becomes more inflamed, pain, loss of appetite, headache, and all the general effects of infection develop. This type of kidney pain differs from renal colic pain of kidney stones in that it is continuous and does not come in waves, stays in one spot, and may be worse by moving around."
If that sounds like what you have, and or you googled and came here for information, then you might want to google both Pneumonia and Pyelonephritis.

To sum up: my husband probably never actually had kidney stones. Both times he had pneumonia followed by an acute kidney infection. A course of antibiotics cleared it right up. I hope that helps.

Lent Links

2009-03-07T07:58:00.000-08:00

How's Your Lent Going? Take a minute and read this article. Lent is only as effective as you let it be! Spiritual growth takes some work!

Readings and Meditations for Lent and Holy Week Great resource. I am still busy checking it out.

Forty Days and Forty Nights Biblical references for forty days of Lent

Lectionary Readings for Lent, Years A,B,C --A handy table

Open Wednesday-- A wonderful resource! I've been going to this site for years. Love it! Features printable Scripture pages for each Sunday, activities and more.

You Might be Catholic If.....

2009-03-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

Many years ago, I had come across a list with this title and while most of it was true, it was also funny! I searched but couldn't find the original list. So I decided to make my own little list:

You Might be Catholic If....

When cleaning out your car, you find an assortment of items such as: holy cards, a Rosary, saints medals, a purple candle from Advent, or a collection of Mass bulletins.

You make the Sign of the Cross while passing a church.

You say prayers for the souls in Purgatory when driving past a cemetary.

You have a Holy Water font by your front door.

You practice natural family planning.

You have all of Scott Hahn's books.

You have a name for your Guardian Angel.

You pray the Rosary every day.

When you hear an ambulance siren, you pray a Hail Mary for the person inside.

You have a bottle of Holy Water in your purse.

You have read St. Therese's Story of a Soul many times.

The bookmarks in your computer have more than 50 Catholic sites.

You ask St. Anthony to help you find things. Daily.

You know that a vocation is more than just a job, it is also a calling.

You can quote Mother Teresa extensively.

Your TV is tuned to EWTN most of the time.

You celebrate your Confirmation Saint's feast day.

You are a Godparent to at least two children.

Your idea of current events is reading Catholic World News.

You have a drawer full of dried palms from prior Palm Sundays.

You regularly go to Confession.

You can name the seven Sacraments without blinking.

You know at least two nuns that still dress in religious Habits.

When you stub your toe, you "offer it up" for the souls in Purgatory.

You have a statue of Mary in your house.

You have a statue of Mary in your garden.

You coordinate your Sunday dress in liturgical colors.

You have a favorite pew.

You have a pro-life bumper sticker or two.

Your refrigerator is covered in prayer cards and Holy cards.

You have a Divine Mercy picture on your wall.

You have a Crucifix in each bedroom.

You know the patron saint of your profession.

Your car radio is tuned to the Catholic station.

You would never dream of missing Sunday Mass or a Holy Day of Obligation.

You know which days ARE Holy Days of Obligation.

You wear a crucifix, holy medal, or scapular. Or all three.

You are known on a first-name basis at your local Catholic bookstore.

You understand Latin.

Your favorite priest is Father Corapi.

You create lists titled, "You Might be Catholic If"

Stations of the Cross

2009-02-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Sister Mary Martha and Lent

2009-02-26T11:17:00.000-08:00

Ask Sister Mary Martha: Have a Great Time

Thoughts From Ash Wednesday

2009-02-26T09:59:00.000-08:00

The liturgy of the Mass is designed to raise our hearts and minds to God, and on Ash Wednesday, we are also reminded through the liturgy of our own mortality, that one day at an appointed time known only to God, each one of us will die and leave our earthly existence. Since we don't know when that will be, it only makes sense to try and be ready at all times, which is another theme of Lent. This is why we renew our spiritual practices and take up our mat once more and begin to walk more closely with God. He is so merciful in continually calling us throughout our lives, never demanding but gently inviting us to join Him.

It started out a gray, drizzly, cold morning as we made our way to the Church and found our seats near the back. We settled in to our seats, kneeled for a few minutes in prayer and then the Mass began. I had a good vantage point from there to observe and wanted to share my insights from Mass.

It was a school Mass, so the entire student body, as well as teachers were all present. Besides the school children, there were younger children, parents and grandparents. There was every age on the spectrum all in one gathering. Because the Ash Wednesday liturgy reminds us of our mortality, the variety of people in different stages of life symbolized to me our life journey. More than that, I also thought about our spiritual journey. There are people very new in the faith that are spiritually like newborns, and then some that have matured a little in their faith and are 'older'. Spiritual age has nothing to do with actual age. There are some who mature in faith very young while others come to faith later in life.

As each person before me received their ashen cross and returned to their pew, I noticed that some people had dark crosses, some lighter, some were big and some were small. Some looked like a smudge while others were clearly cross-like. It made me think of how each of us bears crosses in our lives. Some people have heavier crosses to bear than others. Some accept their cross while others despise them and fail to recognize them as the path to their own holiness. But each of us, whether we want to recognize it or not, receives some type of a cross as we go through our lives.

Then, once each and every person had been marked, from the youngest babe in arms to the most elderly in attendance, it was then that the Liturgy of the Eucharist began. It was during this part of the Mass that I was thinking that while we are on this side of the fence, we always have our free will to choose Jesus. Our free will ends upon our death, however, and then we will go to our Judgment. Lent calls to mind that we currently possess the gift of time, but we need to recognize it is a gift and to use it wisely.

It was at this point of the Mass that outside, the rain ceased and the sun broke through the clouds, filling the entire Church with light. It was as if Heaven itself was opening. As the priest lifted the Host and said, "This is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world", literally the clouds outside parted and the sun shone through the windows. The stained glass illuminated in a burst of color, reflecting on the wall nearby, while the sunlight continued on and spilled into the sanctuary. It was symbolic to me of the moment when we are allowed to enter Heaven and how joyous and wonderful that will be.

Which is really what Lent is all about. Recognizing that we are on a journey and we that DO have a destination. Lent is like a map helping us stay on the right path to make sure we get there.

Monthly Medjugorje Message, February 2009

2009-02-25T12:50:00.000-08:00

MESSAGE of FEBRUARY 25, 2009
“Dear children! In this time of renunciation, prayer and penance, I call you anew: go and confess your sins so that grace may open your hearts, and permit it to change you. Convert little children, open yourselves to God and to His plan for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

Some Lenten Reading

2009-02-25T12:35:00.000-08:00

I paid a visit to our local Catholic bookstore and picked up a few things....

Resources for Ash Wednesday for Children

2009-02-25T06:36:00.000-08:00

Some Ash Wednesday and Lenten links:

Proclaiming Faith

Word Sunday

Family Lenten Activity: Lenten Calendar

Don't forget your Rice Bowl! A Lenten tradition in our house.

The Lenten Workshop

2009-02-24T18:30:00.000-08:00

Go to Catholic Culture to get some Lenten inspiration and information!

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI FOR LENT 2009

2009-02-24T11:11:00.000-08:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

At the beginning of Lent, which constitutes an itinerary of more intense spiritual training, the Liturgy sets before us again three penitential practices that are very dear to the biblical and Christian tradition – prayer, almsgiving, fasting – to prepare us to better celebrate Easter and thus experience God’s power that, as we shall hear in the Paschal Vigil, “dispels all evil, washes guilt away, restores lost innocence, brings mourners joy, casts out hatred, brings us peace and humbles earthly pride” (Paschal Præconium). For this year’s Lenten Message, I wish to focus my reflections especially on the value and meaning of fasting. Indeed, Lent recalls the forty days of our Lord’s fasting in the desert, which He undertook before entering into His public ministry. We read in the Gospel: “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry” (Mt 4,1-2). Like Moses, who fasted before receiving the tablets of the Law (cf. Ex 34,28) and Elijah’s fast before meeting the Lord on Mount Horeb (cf. 1 Kings 19,8), Jesus, too, through prayer and fasting, prepared Himself for the mission that lay before Him, marked at the start by a serious battle with the tempter.

We might wonder what value and meaning there is for us Christians in depriving ourselves of something that in itself is good and useful for our bodily sustenance. The Sacred Scriptures and the entire Christian tradition teach that fasting is a great help to avoid sin and all that leads to it. For this reason, the history of salvation is replete with occasions that invite fasting. In the very first pages of Sacred Scripture, the Lord commands man to abstain from partaking of the prohibited fruit: “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die” (Gn 2, 16-17). Commenting on the divine injunction, Saint Basil observes that “fasting was ordained in Paradise,” and “the first commandment in this sense was delivered to Adam.” He thus concludes: “ ‘You shall not eat’ is a law of fasting and abstinence” (cf. Sermo de jejunio: PG 31, 163, 98). Since all of us are weighed down by sin and its consequences, fasting is proposed to us as an instrument to restore friendship with God. Such was the case with Ezra, who, in preparation for the journey from exile back to the Promised Land, calls upon the assembled people to fast so that “we might humble ourselves before our God” (8,21). The Almighty heard their prayer and assured them of His favor and protection. In the same way, the people of Nineveh, responding to Jonah’s call to repentance, proclaimed a fast, as a sign of their sincerity, saying: “Who knows, God may yet repent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we perish not?” (3,9). In this instance, too, God saw their works and spared them.

In the New Testament, Jesus brings to light the profound motive for fasting, condemning the attitude of the Pharisees, who scrupulously observed the prescriptions of the law, but whose hearts were far from God. True fasting, as the divine Master repeats elsewhere, is rather to do the will of the Heavenly Father, who “sees in secret, and will reward you” (Mt 6,18). He Himself sets the example, answering Satan, at the end of the forty days spent in the desert that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Mt 4,4). The true fast is thus directed to eating the “true food,” which is to do the Father’s will (cf. Jn 4,34). If, therefore, Adam disobeyed the Lord’s command “of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat,” the believer, through fasting, intends to submit himself humbly to God, trusting in His goodness and mercy.

The practice of fasting is very present in the first Christian community (cf. Acts 13,3; 14,22; 27,21; 2 Cor 6,5). The Church Fathers, too, speak of the force of fasting to bridle sin, especially the lusts of the “old Adam,” and open in the heart of the believer a path to God. Moreover, fasting is a practice that is encountered frequently and recommended by the saints of every age. Saint Peter Chrysologus writes: “Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. So if you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy; if you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. If you do not close your ear to others, you open God’s ear to yourself” (Sermo 43: PL 52, 320. 322).

In our own day, fasting seems to have lost something of its spiritual meaning, and has taken on, in a culture characterized by the search for material well-being, a therapeutic value for the care of one’s body. Fasting certainly bring benefits to physical well-being, but for believers, it is, in the first place, a “therapy” to heal all that prevents them from conformity to the will of God. In the Apostolic Constitution Pænitemini of 1966, the Servant of God Paul VI saw the need to present fasting within the call of every Christian to “no longer live for himself, but for Him who loves him and gave himself for him … he will also have to live for his brethren“ (cf. Ch. I). Lent could be a propitious time to present again the norms contained in the Apostolic Constitution, so that the authentic and perennial significance of this long held practice may be rediscovered, and thus assist us to mortify our egoism and open our heart to love of God and neighbor, the first and greatest Commandment of the new Law and compendium of the entire Gospel (cf. Mt 22, 34-40).

The faithful practice of fasting contributes, moreover, to conferring unity to the whole person, body and soul, helping to avoid sin and grow in intimacy with the Lord. Saint Augustine, who knew all too well his own negative impulses, defining them as “twisted and tangled knottiness” (Confessions, II, 10.18), writes: “I will certainly impose privation, but it is so that he will forgive me, to be pleasing in his eyes, that I may enjoy his delightfulness” (Sermo 400, 3, 3: PL 40, 708). Denying material food, which nourishes our body, nurtures an interior disposition to listen to Christ and be fed by His saving word. Through fasting and praying, we allow Him to come and satisfy the deepest hunger that we experience in the depths of our being: the hunger and thirst for God.

At the same time, fasting is an aid to open our eyes to the situation in which so many of our brothers and sisters live. In his First Letter, Saint John admonishes: “If anyone has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, yet shuts up his bowels of compassion from him – how does the love of God abide in him?” (3,17). Voluntary fasting enables us to grow in the spirit of the Good Samaritan, who bends low and goes to the help of his suffering brother (cf. Encyclical Deus caritas est, 15). By freely embracing an act of self-denial for the sake of another, we make a statement that our brother or sister in need is not a stranger. It is precisely to keep alive this welcoming and attentive attitude towards our brothers and sisters that I encourage the parishes and every other community to intensify in Lent the custom of private and communal fasts, joined to the reading of the Word of God, prayer and almsgiving. From the beginning, this has been the hallmark of the Christian community, in which special collections were taken up (cf. 2 Cor 8-9; Rm 15, 25-27), the faithful being invited to give to the poor what had been set aside from their fast (Didascalia Ap., V, 20,18). This practice needs to be rediscovered and encouraged again in our day, especially during the liturgical season of Lent.

From what I have said thus far, it seems abundantly clear that fasting represents an important ascetical practice, a spiritual arm to do battle against every possible disordered attachment to ourselves. Freely chosen detachment from the pleasure of food and other material goods helps the disciple of Christ to control the appetites of nature, weakened by original sin, whose negative effects impact the entire human person. Quite opportunely, an ancient hymn of the Lenten liturgy exhorts: “Utamur ergo parcius, / verbis cibis et potibus, / somno, iocis et arctius / perstemus in custodia – Let us use sparingly words, food and drink, sleep and amusements. May we be more alert in the custody of our senses.”

Dear brothers and sisters, it is good to see how the ultimate goal of fasting is to help each one of us, as the Servant of God Pope John Paul II wrote, to make the complete gift of self to God (cf. Encyclical Veritatis splendor, 21). May every family and Christian community use well this time of Lent, therefore, in order to cast aside all that distracts the spirit and grow in whatever nourishes the soul, moving it to love of God and neighbor. I am thinking especially of a greater commitment to prayer, lectio divina, recourse to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and active participation in the Eucharist, especially the Holy Sunday Mass. With this interior disposition, let us enter the penitential spirit of Lent. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Causa nostrae laetitiae, accompany and support us in the effort to free our heart from slavery to sin, making it evermore a “living tabernacle of God.” With these wishes, while assuring every believer and ecclesial community of my prayer for a fruitful Lenten journey, I cordially impart to all of you my Apostolic Blessing.
From the Vatican, 11 December 2008.BENEDICTUS PP. XVI© Copyright 2008 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

Catholic Hospitals Will Not Close

2009-02-24T11:06:00.000-08:00

Bishop Lynch of St. Petersburg, FL at a meeting of the Catholic Health Association Board of Trustees was quoted today. CHA will join with the church and all other pro-life parties to vigorously oppose any and all attempts by this Congress or administration to broaden abortion access, he said.

“Catholic hospitals will not allow abortions to be performed in their facilities and will not comply with any laws mandating abortion or other procedures that violate the ethical and religious directives, even if our actions constitute civil disobedience,” he added.

“No Catholic institution or employee of an institution can or will be made to violate the dictates of their conscience resulting from federal or state legislative action,” Bishop Lynch said.

Bishop Lynch also said that Catholic hospitals would not close.

He said Catholic hospitals won't comply with laws that violate conscience but we will not close.

Among the reasons he cited were that:

_Catholic hospitals are sometimes the sole provider of health care in a large geographical area, especially in rural areas.

_The hospitals have an obligation to their physicians, nurses and other employees; to their bondholders; and to the poor, unprotected and to our communities which benefit from our presence.

The Beginning of Lent-- Ash Wednesday

2009-02-23T10:42:00.000-08:00

This coming Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. I know, I can't believe it either. It seems like we just put away our Christmas decorations and now we are already heading into Lent.

Last night I explained to my daughter about what was going to happen in Mass that day. She will be attending Mass with her kindergarten class and the rest of the school to receive ashes on her forehead. I bet if you were to ask any Catholic why we receive ashes on our foreheads, they may be hard pressed to give an answer to that, at least not all would know. It's just something we do, they might say. Sometimes we do things out of habit and don't really reflect on the reason WHY we do it, which is why I dedicated this post to that topic.

We will receive the Sign of the Cross on our forehead as a visible reminder that we are marked for Christ, that we came from dust and to dust we shall return. It is both a sign of our mortality and a sign of our sinfulness, thus our need for a Saviour. This day is not a Holy Day of Obligation, however, for those who do get ashes, it is considered an act of humility to wear them all day. It is through true humility that we begin to learn true repentance.

Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence. Fasting and abstinence are a form of penance. All Catholics of good health between the ages of 18 and 60 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which means we are allowed only one complete meal and two smaller meals, with no food in between. Catholics over the age of 14 are required to abstain from eating meat on this day and all Fridays during Lent.

Lent is a time for evaluating how we are living out our lives as Christians. This is why at the beginning of Lent, we are encouraged to set specific spiritual goals and ways to achieve them. For instance, it is a common practice for many Catholics to attend daily Mass during Lent. There are many ways to increase our spiritual life, and most Catholics, in striving for greater spiritual growth together in a penitential spirit will give up some of their leisure time in favor of doing one or more of the following: Stations of the Cross; daily meditations; frequent reception of the Eucharist; going to Reconciliation; praying the Rosary; Bible study; attending the parish Mission; giving alms; and performing works of corporal and spiritual mercy, among others.

Many people give something up as a penance. It can be something that they enjoy or feel too attached to, or something that will be missed so that each time they think of it, it can serve as a way to redirect their thoughts to the reason for the abstinence, and to help break our dependence on things that may lead us astray.

In the past, I have given up things like eating out, chocolate, soda, favorite television shows, computer time and the like. It had to be something that I would really miss and therefore would be reminded repeatedly each day. Many times, I found that by the end of Lent, my attachment was completely broken and some things I never went back to. I gave up my soap opera many years ago and have never watched it since. Sometimes this is a lesson in what we think we need vs. that which we truly can go without, and believe me, there are a lot of things we all think we need that we can go without. Sometimes it is a lesson in how much we take things for granted and how blessed we are. It also makes me think of those less fortunate than myself, which is why I also give alms in addition to my sacrifice.

There is so much to say about Lent, but I will leave it here for today. Here is an article to get you started thinking about Lent.

Warning. Falling Confetti. 200th Post!

2009-02-21T10:32:00.000-08:00

Well, it's really like any other day, but I feel like I reached a personal milestone. I started this blog mainly for fun but shortly after I started, I wavered between thinking it foolish to share things about my life with an unknown audience to thinking that it was something that wasn't foolish. At first, it was a struggle to strike that balance of what to write and just how much to share. Then, when I started getting the hang of it, I quickly got to a point that I felt horribly inferior to so many of the bloggers that I love and read every day. But I have since come to realize that it didn't matter to me whether I had a million people logging on to read my posts (and I'm glad, too because that would be so much pressure!) Blogging is still fun. It is an outlet and it has become a way for me to challenge myself by trying to figure out my little niche in blogland.

Since I began blogging, I have found so much inspiration through the Catholic Moms Blog network where there are so many wonderful Catholic mom blogs. Click on the side bar and visit any one of the many blogs listed there. While many of them are much better than my blog, I realized that we all have our own style and way of expressing things. The nice thing about the Body of Christ is that we all have our unique talents and contributions to make. I began to place more of a focus on my Catholic faith in my posts. I found writing about things pertaining to my faith to be very rewarding and in the process I have learned things and also have been reminded of things I knew but needed a little refresher.

If you come here to read I would love to hear your thoughts on my blog. Hopefully I can stay around for the next 200 posts! In the meantime, it is my hope that in visiting my blog you have found it to be informative, entertaining and fun. That is what I strive to create. I thank you for coming and supporting my venture into blogging. For all of us who do this, you know it is not always easy!

The Real Presence

2009-02-18T11:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I posted 12 reasons for going to Adoration. The list came from the site, The Real Presence.org which has a nice section on printable materials for Eucharistic Adoration. I especially liked the Children's section on Eucharistic Miracles, because my children really love hearing these stories that so literally illustrate the reality that the Consecrated Host is the Body of Christ.

You can read about the Eucharistic Miracle of Trani, which is one of my son's favorites, here as a PDF file. The Eucharistic Miracle of Trani.

I know that the subject of Eucharistic miracles has always fascinated me, and as well, my children. One of the more exhaustive and interesting of the books written about these is Joan Carroll Cruz's book, Eucharistic Miracles. I have this book and have read it and reread it. It never ceases to amaze me how God has made this truth of our faith, the Eucharist and the Real Presence known through such miracles.

Bringing children in for Adoration is something all Catholic parents should do, even if for only a few moments. It is so important that children learn that Jesus is Real, He is with us ("I will be with you always, until the end of the age") and He dwells in a special way in the Eucharist. Jesus tells us, "Let the children come to Me."

There is a section at The Real Presence for Adoration for the Young, which has many great resources, ideas, printables, meditations and other information. An invaluable resource!

Powerful Words from a 12 Year Old

2009-02-17T11:35:00.000-08:00

12 Reasons for Adoration

2009-02-17T10:52:00.000-08:00

Why Adoration?

The following 12 Biblical reasons help us understand the value, the importance and the need of spending one hour each week with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

1. He is really there! "I Myself am the Living Bread come down from heaven." (Jn. 6:35) Day and night Jesus dwells in the Blessed Sacrament because of His infinite love for you!

2. "Behold I will be with you always even to the end of the world," because "I have loved you with an everlasting love, and constant is my affection for you." (Mt 8:20; Jer. 31:3)

3. The specific way that Jesus asks you to love Him in return is to spend one quiet hour with Him each week in the Blessed Sacrament. "Where your treasure is, there is your heart..." "Could you not watch one hour with Me?" (Mt 6:21; 26:40)

4. When you look upon the Sacred Host, you look upon Jesus, the Son of God. "Indeed, this is the will of My Father, that everyone who looks upon the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life. Him I will raise up on the last day." (Jn. 6:40)

5. Each moment that you spend in His Eucharistic Presence will increase His Divine life within you and deepen your personal relationship and friendship with Him. "I have come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly." "I am the Vine and you are the branches. Whoever remains in union with Me shall bear much fruit for without Me, you can do nothing." (Jn. 10:10;15:5)

6. Each hour you spend with Jesus will deepen His Divine peace within your heart. "Come to Me all of you who are weary and find life burdensome and I will refresh you..." "Cast all of your anxieties upon the Lord, who cares for you." "My Peace is My Gift to you." (Mt 11:28; 1 Pt 5:7; Jn. 14:17)

7. Jesus will give you all the graces you need to be happy in life. "The Lamb on the Throne will shepherd them. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water." (Rev 7:17) Jesus is infinitely deserving of our unceasing thanksgiving and adoration for all He has done for our salvation. "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive honor, glory and praise." (Rev 5:12)

8. For peace in our country! "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land. " (2 Ch. 7:14)

9. Each hour you spend with Jesus on earth will leave your soul everlastingly more beautiful and glorious in heaven. "They who humble themselves shall be exalted..." "All of us, gazing on the Lord's glory with unveiled faces, are being transformed from glory to glory into His very image." (Lk. 18:14; 2 Cor. 3:18)

10. Jesus will bless you, your family and the whole world for this hour of faith you spend with Him in the Blessed Sacrament. "Blessed are they who do not see and yet believe..." "Faith can move mountains..." "What is needed is trust..." "Behold I come to make all things new." (Jn. 20:29: Mk 11:23; Mk 5:36; Rev. 21:5)

11. Each moment you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament brings joy, pleasure and delight to His Sacred Heart! "My joy, My pleasure, My delight is to be with you." (Prov. 8:31)

12. Jesus will spend all eternity thanking you and loving you in heaven for your faithful commitment on earth of spending one hour each week with Him in the Blessed Sacrament.

Mother Teresa had the following to say:
I make a Holy hour each day in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. All my sisters of the Missionaries of Charity make a daily holy hour, as well, because we find that through our daily holy hour our love for Jesus becomes more intimate, our love for each other more understanding, and our love for the poor more compassionate. Our holy hour is our daily family prayer where we get together and pray the Rosary before the exposed Blessed Sacrament the first half hour, and the second half hour we pray in silence. Our adoration has doubled the number of our vocations. In 1963 we were making a weekly holy hour together, but it was not until 1973, when we began our daily holy hour that our community started to grow and blossom.

Wherever I travel and wherever I go, I carry this prayer and meditation book with me because it is a constant source of light and inspiration for me. It has become my daily companion. Loving Jesus with the Heart of Mary is my daily prayer and meditation book. It is a most beautiful book because each page helps us to see ever more clearly how much Jesus loves us in the Blessed Sacrament. I recommend Loving Jesus with the Heart of Mary and Come to Me in the Blessed Sacrament to everyone I meet. I would like the whole world to read these books to help everyone realize that Jesus wants all of us to come to Him in the Blessed Sacrament. He is really there in Person waiting just for you. I have already given an individual copy of Loving Jesus with the Heart of Mary to all my sisters, and I am sending a copy of Come to Me in the Blessed Sacrament to each of our houses throughout the world because I want my sisters to absorb the deeply rich, and yet, simple to understand Eucharistic spirituality that these books contain. It is all there; everything is in it. That is why I encourage you to use this book also, so that through Mary, the cause of our joy, you may discover that no where on earth are you more welcomed, no where on earth are you more loved, than by Jesus, living and truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time that you will spend on earth. Each moment that you spend with Jesus will deepen your union with Him and make your soul everlastingly more glorious and beautiful in Heaven, and will help bring about an everlasting peace on earth.

When you look at the crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you. When you look at the Sacred Host you understand how much Jesus loves you now. This is why you should ask your parish priest to have perpetual adoration in your parish. I beg the Blessed Mother to touch the hearts of all parish priests that they may have perpetual Eucharistic adoration in their parishes, and that it may spread throughout the entire world.

God Bless You, Mother Teresa

Fr. Euteneur Links Abortion Industry to the Devil

2009-02-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

[I am sharing this from my email list because I thought it was interesting]

By John P. Connolly, The BulletinPublished: Tuesday, February 03, 2009

An exorcist authorized to perform exorcisms in several dioceses spoke at a religious ministry luncheon on Sunday, explaining the basics of exorcism and its connection with abortion.
Fr. Thomas Euteneuer, president of Human Life International and an exorcist, spoke at a luncheon hosted by In His Sign Network (IHS). He is an exorcist authorized to perform exorcisms in several states, and highlighted the connection between the abortion industry and demonic influence.

Abortion is a demonic industry, he told The Bulletin. Abortion is blood sacrifice of innocent blood to the devil. The clinics are like temples, the doctors are like priests, the medical table is like their altar. It's a ritualized sacrifice. They have a dogma called choice, a hierarchy called Planned Parenthood, and guardian angels in the form of police guards that will arrest you if you try to stop them.

He said that there have been abortionists who have called abortion their sacrament. Fr. Euteneuer advocates prayer as a necessary step to successfully fighting abortion.
Abortion is a spiritual evil, he said. If we are to beat it, we can't just fight it in the political realm. It derives its power from below. To confront a force this strong, you need a massive amount of prayer. That's why I like the 40 Days For Life group, because they bring us what we need where we need it.

Fr. Euteneuer explained the basic exorcism procedure, and the tactics the devil uses to possess a person. The first tactic relies on seduction, trying to get the victim to invite him into their lives.
Most people with demonic problems have opened a door somewhere, said Fr. Euteneuer. He cited the popularity of the occult in bringing people closer to demonic interaction, primarily through the growth of the New Age movement and other paraphernalia. He said that even Hasbro markets Ouija boards to children.

I'm very set against Harry Potter, he said. It's pumping into our children's minds the language and imagery of the occult. It's extremely spiritually dangerous.

He also called attention to a growing fascination with the cult of the vampire, especially through the popularity of books and movies like Twilight, where the main character falls in love with a vampire.

I predict that in the next 10 years or so, we'll see an explosion of occult activity, said Fr. Euteneuer. The number of soft-core occultism in the form of things like Harry Potter, Wicca and the New Age is on the increase. These are the gateways to the hardcore stuff. Ask any inner-city police department if they're seeing evidence of Satanism. They're organizing whole task forces to deal with crimes having to do with these things. As society becomes more faithless, this wickedness comes and fills the vacuum.

Fr. Euteneuer said the other tactic a devil uses is victimization of a person. The person in question doesn't always need to invite demonic activity, but can have it placed on them by other groups or people.

Nevertheless, Fr. Euteneuer stressed that exorcism is not often the dramatic thing the movies make it out to be.

The devil doesn't have the power you see in the movies, he said. He cannot hold onto a state of possession for a given length of time. The movies glorify his power. They do a good job in showing the priest coming to care for these people, but the priest carefully binds that devil, and he is a prisoner in that person.

Exorcism requires prayer and fasting, and requires a long period of discernment to determine if the problem is not, in fact, psychological.

A report is made to the diocese, and then the bishop must authorize a solemn exorcism, explained Fr. Euteneuer.

The priest will then use a ritual in Latin where he binds whatever demonic entity is troubling a person and commands him. Fr. Euteneuer told the audience that the process is not unlike a trial, where the priest is the prosecuting attorney and the demon is trapped. The word exorcism itself means to put somebody on trial. The devil is required to answer any demands the priest makes to him in the name of Christ, because of the authority that the priest has from Christ.

Exorcism is a pastoral ministry of the Church, and it's an important ministry, said Fr. Euteneuer. But confession is a much more important ministry, because it pulls out the sins which are the conditions for a possession.

IHS Network Serves As Radio Ministry

The In His Sign Network (IHS) has been a listener-supported radio ministry for over 30 years.
IHS broadcasts a daily show on WTMR 800 AM, out of Trenton from 5 to 6 p.m.
We put on retreats or events that are topical to issues going on in the Catholic Church, said Kathleen McCarthy, president of IHS. I see our mission as bringing the fire of God's love to the world.

Ms. McCarthy's son, Brian, spoke about its mission at the luncheon on Sunday.
One way or the other, media will guide and shape society, he said. That society has a lot of weaknesses, fears and anxieties. [But] Christ has already won the victory. The IHS Network is proclaiming that victory.

For more information on IHS, readers may visit their Web site at http://www.catholicinternetradio.com/
John P. Connolly can be reached at jconnolly@thebulletin.us

Lord, may everything we do begin with Your inspiration and continue with Your help,so that all our prayers and works may begin in You and by You be happily ended.We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ "The fruit of abortion is nuclear war" - Bl. Mother Teresa +

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T19:37:00.001-08:00

My Valentine's Day

photo montage:

I call this one: "Stop! In the Main of Love!"

This one is entitled: "Why yes, I bring my camera in to Wal-Mart, doesn't everyone?" or "Shop tomorrow when everything's 50% off!

And this one: "The Cake Fountain I was afraid my kids would stick their fingers in"

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

The Red Envelope Project

2009-02-12T15:59:00.000-08:00

The Story...
Below is a letter that has been circulating with a great idea. The message began in silent prayer from a faithful follower who was spending quiet time with God.

Dear Friends and Intercessors:

This afternoon I was praying about a number of things, and my mind began to wander. I was deeply distressed at the symbolic actions that President Obama took as he began his presidency. Namely, that he signed executive orders releasing funds to pay for abortions, permission to fund human stem cell research, and federal funding for contraception. I have been involved in the pro-life movement for nearly 20 years, and it pained my heart to see a man and a political party committed to the shedding of innocent blood. This man, and this party lead our country, but they do not represent me or the 54% of Americans who believe that abortion is wrong and should no longer be legal.

As I was praying, I believe that God gave me an interesting idea. Out in the garage I have a box of red envelopes. Like the powerful image of the red LIFE tape, an empty red envelope will send a message to Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue. It will be quiet, but clear.

Here is what I would like you to do:
Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores.

On the front, address it to:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington , D.C. 20500

On the back, write the following message:

This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception.

Put it in the mail, and send it. Then send this website to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a a chance to live.
Maybe it will change the heart of the president.

Warmly, [Unknown]

Let's Send 50 Million red envelopes (and Counting) to the President!

For more information, go to Red Envelope Project website

Scholarship Scams

2009-02-09T08:43:00.001-08:00

I received a letter in the mail from my oldest son's middle school regarding his "nomination" to be included in the listing of the United States Achievement Academy, and then would be eligible for one of their scholarships. Of course we are very proud that he is a high achiever and has always done very well in school, and of course we want him to have the chance for winning scholarships,

HOWEVER

When I did a little online research, what I found was appalling. This organization is really just a way for the Student Marketing Group to gather information about students for marketing lists which are then sold to other groups for targeting and marketing purposes. The letter looks very official, and I'm sure the school had good intentions. I have to think that they didn't know that this is a scam.

The parent has to sign a waiver for the student to have their name included in a national yearbook, which they then sell to the parents and grandparents for $60.00 or more, after they have tried to upsell with adding your picture for an additional fee. Not only that but they have the student fill out a bio survey and that information is what goes into the marketing database. There is a membership fee, the amount of which is not listed on the website, but I assume you have to be a member (thus having to pay the fee) in order to be eligible for their scholarships. They have one $10,000 scholarship and then 400 different grants (the amount of which, I'm sure is nominal). There is a list of the 2007-2008 winners on their website. Only one student from our state is listed as having won (hmm, how many were nominated, and what is the selection process?) The United States Achievement Academy is a .com website, which means they are not a non-profit organization.

After finding all this information, I notified the school about my findings and while the counselor seemed shocked, had no idea she says, she also almost seemed irritated with me. Perhaps those fancy PhD holding administration types don't like a little housewife telling them something of this magnitude is going on and they have no idea. She says she checked their website. Obviously she didn't check anything else. All she told me was that we didn't have to sign the permission form and send it in, and possibly we were jeopardizing his chances for a future scholarship. Whatever.

I also found out that the National Honor Roll is a similar type scam. Who would have thought? It is just disgusting how this is allowed to go on. My child isn't in high school yet but I am sure we haven't seen the last of these groups. Please research before you sign or send in information to companies, even if they seem legitimate. It doesn't hurt to check. I always remember that my parents told me that you don't get something for nothing. In today's world that is more true than ever.

The Glass is Half Full?

2009-02-05T10:29:00.000-08:00

When I asked the boys to come out and help pick up the dog poo off the lawn, I was met with groaning and complaining. One of them says, "I don't like picking it up, it's really gross." "And it stinks." "And it's squishy." (we use gloves, in case you were wondering about the last comment) I started explaining that this is all part and parcel of owning a dog, and along with the fun comes the work part. A lecture that went completely over his head.

The other one, trying to be positive and help me to get his brother on board with us, says, "Don't think of it as dog poo. Think of it as recycled dog food."

The Paper Trail

2009-02-04T10:29:00.000-08:00

As I'm wading through all the stuff in the craft room, I'm starting to realize that this job is a lot bigger than I originally thought. You know that saying, "It's gonna get worse before it gets better?" That's what I was thinking yesterday as I was sorting through trying to figure out exactly what to do with everything. I found a box full of papers from when my oldest son was in 2nd grade (he's in 7th grade now.)

I sat cross-legged on the floor and went through the box. His printing was so neat, he got 100% on this test, look here--his teacher thinks he's a genius. Seriously. What was I thinking? Do I really need to keep every spelling test, art paper, science experiment or math timing? At the time I must have thought so.

Yesterday, not so much.

That's another thing I'm discovering about why I procrastinate. Decision making. Do I keep it, toss it, frame it or recycle it? There's just too many decisions to make about too many things. After a while I was starting to feel really stressed out. I worked for about 2 1/2 hours and I did make a lot of progress. I do feel good about that. I just wish I knew why I didn't throw those papers away when he brought them home from school five years ago.

The guilt, for one thing. Our generation seems to want to hang on to every moment. We video tape every event and even non-events. I have yards of video tape of every birthday, Christmas, Easter and vacations we took. When I wasn't video taping, I was snapping pictures. I have so many pictures on my hard drive that the owners of Snapfish could send all their children to private college if I ever decided to have them all printed.

It seems that we spend so much time recording the event that we have no actual memory of it.

My baby book has about six pictures in it. There are a couple pictures taken the day of my Baptism, turn the page and there are a couple pictures taken on my first birthday. That's pretty much it. There's no box filled with papers from every grade, every outfit I ever wore, my favorite stuffed animals, fingernail clippings or teeth I lost.

And you know what? I really don't feel all that deprived.

Something tells me that my kids will be alright if I toss some of this stuff out.

A Procrastinator's Work is Never Done

2009-02-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel that everyone else just has more time than I do. It's some cruel conspiracy.

It couldn't just be that I'm not efficient at time management, could it?

Previously, I have written about what makes procrastinators tick.

I have come to the realization that procrastination seems to be consistent with a Type B personality (which I apparently am.) My husband is a Type A through and through. Not so surprising is the fact that many of his co-workers are also Type A. I suppose some careers dictate certain types of personalities. It's not scientific, just my opinion. However, it seems that many of his co-workers are married to Type B's. It is true that opposites attract, after all can you imagine what it would be like for two Type A's to be married? It would be a constant battle of the wills. Or two Type B's? Nothing would ever get done.

Which brings me back to my topic. Procrastination. (see how good I am at it?)

When I have a big job that is overwhelming and don't even know where to start, I tend to put it off for another day. That is the main reason I put things off, because I don't know where to start. I decided to take this gigantic job and just break it into small stages and that has seemed to help.

What in the world am I even talking about, you probably are wondering. I'm (finally) cleaning out my craft room in the basement which has become a storage room where things go to die. There's stuff in there I haven't seen in a couple years. However, whenever I'm at the craft store I buy more junk and then throw the bag in the room for when I actually do the project. Needless to say, I never get around to the project. But maybe I would if the room looked like this:

I really like the idea of being able to move the shelving around.

Or how about this?

These pictures came from the HGTV site under organization. Aren't they inspiring?

I really think that magazines are created for people like me, to show us what we could do if we would just start it. How many times have I bought a magazine because of pictures like the ones above? I couldn't even count. But this time, I have finally been inspired enough to actually do it and stop thinking about doing it.

The first step is just believing that you can.

Blessing the Grave

2009-02-03T06:48:00.001-08:00

Blessing the Grave

Posted using ShareThis

Murphy's Law Applies in Church, Too

2009-02-02T06:40:00.001-08:00

I don't know who Murphy is, but he must be one of the unluckiest guys on this planet!

Did you know that it is Murphy's Law that says:

"If you run out the door to go to church on Sunday without making sure your two pre-teen boys have combed their hair and put on decent, non-stained, matching clothing; and your five year old daughter has a front tooth dangling ready to fall out at any minute; and your husband is wearing his "comfortable" clothes; then it is guaranteed that your family will be asked upon your arrival at Mass to bring up the Gifts of bread and wine, so that your family's dishevelment may be visible to the entire congregation."

I didn't know about that obscure little law until yesterday.

You've been duly warned.

Something about January

2009-01-30T17:53:00.000-08:00

Well, there is only one day left of January now, but after Christmas is over and the kids are back in a routine, for some reason I always want to go to the craft store and buy yarn. I love the fluffy soft yarn in just about any color! Right now I'm knitting three scarves because that's all I know how to make. I use the big needles so it goes really fast. Knitting is like therapy, it makes you feel useful while you're watching TV.

Which is another favorite January pastime. What else is there to do except listen to the kids bicker at each other? Hubby and I found a *new to us* show we really like on USA. Burn Notice. It's really rare that we both like the same show. I watch Grey's Anatomy and he doesn't like that show. But when he does watch it with me, he always points out the medical inconsistencies. I guess he sees the real deal every day so a show about it isn't that interesting to him. He likes to watch UFC, which I just don't understand. A bunch of guys getting paid to beat each other up. I will never understand that sport. I love Nancy Grace, she is one tough lady. He can't stand her show and refuses to watch it so I watch it while I make dinner (it comes on in my time zone at 5:00) He likes action (read: violence) while I like real life or drama. But at least we found something that appeals to us both.

Another winter activity I always want to do is make bread. The smell of fresh baked bread with soup is one of my favorite winter things. I get out my breadmaker and do it the easy way, but I really have been wanting to try baking bread from scratch. Lent is coming up and that's a great time for soup and bread dinners.
Another thing I love about January. Summer is still so far off that I feel like I have all the time in the world to lose a few pounds. My clothes aren't fitting quite as well as I want and I bought a new scale which has been brutally honest with me. It's not pretty. But the good thing is that I can hide all that extra weight with sweaters WHILE I'm working it off in leisure. There's a reason that gym memberships always increase this time of year....

January is a clean slate and I like that too. The thought of a whole year ahead to do whatever I want. The possibilities. That is the best thing about January.

Catholic Schools Week 2009 Comes to a Close

2009-01-30T12:38:00.001-08:00

Well, we had a lot of fun this week. On Monday, the kids wore their PJ's to school and the kindergarteners had a read-in with their eighth grade buddies. Little princess thought it was so fun to wear pajamas to school! After all those mornings that I've threatened to take her in her pajamas to nudge her into getting ready faster, this morning she got right out of bed already dressed for school! We were actually a few minutes early. It sure would be nice if they could wear pj's to school more often! Not to mention that if you've never seen a bunch of teachers in their pj's at 3:00 in the afternoon, you really don't know what you're missing!

Tuesday was Western Day. Princess had some really cute little pink cowgirl boots that fit her last year, but unfortunately she outgrew those. So, we did without the boots and instead she wore a cute little red felt cowgirl hat and a red bandana around her neck. She looked adorable! Her brother decided on a blue bandana and wore jeans. That doesn't sound like a lot, but consider that this kid never wears pants (except on Christmas and Easter at Mass, because I insist!) He has worn shorts all through the winter since second grade. Even on really cold days. The teachers and other kids are so unaccustomed to seeing him in pants that he got a standing ovation!

Wednesday was crazy sock day. And let me tell you, there were some crazy socks running around school that day. I wish I had brought my camera and taken some pictures. Wednesday if you remember, is also the day we come early to school to go to Mass. I wish I could describe the dichotomy of kids wearing crazy socks while going up to receive our Lord in Communion.

Thursday was 70's day. Daddy and I got a kit at the craft store and tie-dyed two shirts for the kids to wear. Princess even wore her hair down and parted in the middle, which is a pretty easy hairstyle to pull off. Then, Brother had made his own peace sign necklace and wore that with the blue bandana, this time as a headband. They really looked great. Again, I should have pulled out the camera, I suppose. Maybe they will re-enact all this just for the blog!

Then, today was Grandparent Day. Princess was upset that her grandparents couldn't come (they live a couple states away and are not in good health). I walked her to class, where all the kids were mingling with their grandparents and she looked at me sadly, I knew what she was thinking. I told her that they would be here if they could. I offered to come in and visit so she wouldn't feel so left out and then I met one of her little friends she is always talking about. I asked her friend if her grandparents were coming and she said they would be there a little later and when she found out that Princess didn't have any grandparents coming, she said to her, "I'll share mine with you!" And they hugged, that sweet uninhibited kind of hug only five year olds know how to do.

Another highlight of the week was the Penny Drive. The school decided to donate this year's collection to help kids with leukemia and lymphoma. Princess was asking us each day for money to help sick children. It is so nice to see her learning compassion and helping others in their time of need. One penny isn't much by itself, but when a whole school collects them together, it sure can make a difference. What a wonderful lesson.

And so ends Catholic Schools Week 2009. Next year I promise to bring my camera!

I Hear Dogs Talking

2009-01-29T06:36:00.000-08:00

I arrived home from dropping the kids off to school, and as I usually do, I started talking to the dogs. I asked Shadow if Daddy was in the woodshop, which is a redundant question because Daddy is ALWAYS in the woodshop. Well, Shadow replies, "No." I looked at him and thought, gosh, that sounded a lot like he said no. So, I went down to the woodshop and sure enough, Daddy wasn't in there.

When I did find Daddy, I told him that the dogs were talking to me, and he looked at me like I was a crazy person. Really, Shadow answered my question. He DID. Daddy got a good laugh out of it but he thought maybe I should get out a little more.

Just so you don't also think I'm crazy, here is some video proof that dogs CAN talk!

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week!

2009-01-26T08:33:00.000-08:00

“Catholic Schools Celebrate Service” January 24 – 30, 2009

Catholic Schools Week is a national event held annually to celebrate Catholic Schools. The 2009 national theme is “Catholic Schools Celebrate Service” and the slogan says it all. Catholic Schools are successful, our students are excelling, and every day we’re making a difference in our communities and in the world.

For our family, this is a week to reflect on why we send our children to Catholic schools. For us and for many families, it is a huge sacrifice. Tuition, fees, uniforms, activities, and even transportation costs all add up and are very expensive.

So the question is, why do we send our children to Catholic school?

It is because we value our Catholic heritage and want to pass that down to them. It is because they are surrounded by teachers, students and families who belong to our parish and live out their faith in a tangible way. Attending our parish school is like being with your family in a broader sense. I always feel that my children are safe and receiving the same love and care that they would at home. It is because they can pray in school. They start every day with prayer and end the day in prayer. They go to Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. They pray the Rosary and learn about Jesus, Mary and the Saints. They are involved in many service projects throughout the year where they learn how to reach out and help others. At Catholic school, they develop a sense of community with a common belief system where they learn about all the different ways we can use our time, talent and treasure to help further the kingdom of God here on earth.

We want our children to grow up in a learning environment which reinforces our values and traditions we teach at home. By sending them to Catholic school we are fostering opportunities for them to see the Church in action, not just on Sunday but every day.

Most of the teachers in our school hold Master's degrees. Our children receive the very best education academically as well as spiritually.

When we think of the sacrifice we make now in the cost of their education,

we know that we are giving them the best opportunity

in building a firm foundation

in faith and knowledge,

and someday they will go out into the world and make it a better place.

Catholic School.

It is worth it.

National Nurse Anesthetist Week, Jan 25-31

2009-01-25T17:02:00.000-08:00

My husband works as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. The question he gets asked the most is, "What is the difference between a CRNA and an Anesthesiologist?"

Wayne Johnston, CRNA, says it best:

In a convergence unique in all of Medicine, both doctors and nurses practice anesthesia, providing the same service side by side -- with, of course, differences. Such as cost -- eleven CRNAs can be trained for the price of one anesthesiologist. (Average cost: $635,000 for a doc [largely tax-subsidized], versus $59,000 for a CRNA [mostly self-pay]) CRNAs earn one quarter to one third the income of their physician counterparts.

Yet, in anesthesia training, both groups receive education that is essentially equivalent, often attending class and clinical side by side. Both types bring their respective backgrounds to the specialty and both end up full-fledged independent anesthesia providers. They may work together, or they may choose to work solo. In the operating room environment, CRNAs and anesthesiologists are functional equivalents.
CRNAs provide anesthetics to patients in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, podiatrists, and other qualified healthcare professionals. When anesthesia is provided by a nurse anesthetist, it is recognized as the practice of nursing; when administered by an anesthesiologist, it is recognized as the practice of medicine.

Both practice anesthesia so as to meet the same high standard of care.

All kinds of patients, one high standard of care."

My husband became a CRNA in 2002, after completing a 27 month graduate program in Nurse Anesthesia. He won the Agatha Hodgins award for Outstanding Student Anesthetist, graduating at the top of his class.

Currently, he works for a physician group, doing mostly general surgery and OB cases.

He treats each patient as if they were his WIFE, or MOTHER or DAUGHTER, FATHER, SON. He goes out of his way to spend time with his patients and their family when they are facing surgery or getting ready to have a baby. Many times they have questions or concerns that haven't been addressed. If they have a question, he will make sure it is thoroughly answered. He often will use his medical texts to show the patient exactly what will be happening. Because of his outstanding care, he often gets notes and cards and even gifts from patients who recognize and appreciate his above and beyond approach to anesthesia. It isn't surprising that he is requested by repeat OB patients. He is requested often by his own colleagues when they need surgery and specifically ask for him to be on their case. He will go in on his day off if he is requested by a fellow nurse who is having surgery or a scheduled c-section. He has even been known to bring them a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and although he writes "from the Anesthesia Department" on the card, he is the one who selects, orders, pays for and delivers them. He is known for his compassionate care. He also helps future CRNA's by teaching at a local weekend academy for high-schoolers interested in medical careers. He enjoys working in medicine and he loves his job, which is more than a job, it is a ministry!

I remember one time, when the boys were little, we would come to the hospital and meet him for lunch. One time, we had just sat down and started to eat when his pager went off. He had to go to a case, without even having a chance to eat. As he got up and left the room, his scrub coat was sort of puffing up with air and it looked almost like a cape. Being that the boys at the time were big into super heros, one of them remarked as they watched their daddy exit the cafeteria, "He looks just like Superman!" Yes, he really does.

For more information about a career in Nurse Anesthesia, go to Gaspasser.com

Monthly Medjugorje Message, January 2009

2009-01-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

"Dear Children! Also today I call you to prayer. May prayer be for you like the seed that you will put in the heart, which I will give over to my Son Jesus for you, for the salvation of your souls. I desire, little children, for each of you to fall in love with eternal life which is your future, and for all worldly things to be a help for you to draw you closer to God the Creator. I am with you for this long because you are on the wrong path. Only with my help, little children, you will open your eyes. There are many of those who, by living my messages, comprehend that they are on the way of holiness toward eternity. Thank you for having responded to my call."

From the Inbox: Pro-Life Do's and Dont's

2009-01-24T15:38:00.000-08:00

Pro-Life Dos and Don'ts for 2009

Dear Friends of Life,

The pro-life movement is going through a great deal of self-examination at this time. I am not a pessimist, but my sense of realism tells me that the election of extreme abortion advocate, Barack Obama, and the nearly 7,000 political appointments of his administration will usher in a new decade of war on decency and the sanctity of life. Despite the ferocious optimism of his inauguration, the dark clouds of the culture of death are gathering over Washington as we speak, ready to cast their darkness everywhere.

In this time of preparation for the upcoming total war on life, I offer this modest list of Dos and Don'ts for the generous and valiant pro-lifers who gather for the March for Life in Washington, DC on January 22nd. May all men and women of good will take these recommendations to heart for a fruitful pro-life 2009!

DON'TS
1. Above all, do not grow despondent: there is much to fear for the situation of life around the world, but we are not permitted by our Christian faith to give up our efforts or zeal for life. In fact, we need to redouble it!

2. Do not become absorbed in the quest for a political solution to abortion: after 36 years of working for a political solution to abortion, we may soon see the wiping out of most, if not all, of the pro-life movement's gains with the stroke of a pen. Politics has failed. Or rather, we have failed at politics. Either way, politics now offers us little chance of anything other than just trying to slow the massive momentum of the culture of death.

3. Do not waste any more energy on overturning Roe: two Supreme Court seats are assured during an Obama administration, and they will undoubtedly be filled with extreme pro-abortion activist judges. A third appointment will leave us with no hope of overturning Roe in anyone's lifetime reading this. For that matter, the chance that a good pro-life President will succeed Obama in four years and nullify the leftward lurch of the high court is, shall we say, unlikely. Let's get hopes of undoing Roe out of our system and focus on more productive things.

DOS
1. Pray every day for God to end abortion with our help (in that order): abortion is such a great spiritual and social evil that only the divine power of God Himself can end it. "The Lord hears the cry of the poor," but God will not do it alone. He needs us to humbly recognize the basic fact that it is humanly impossible to end this evil. We need to get on our knees and beg His Mercy on the unborn and the conversion of all those who commit these evils.

2. Commit to fasting every week to end the evils of abortion and contraception: "Some demons can only be driven out by prayer and fasting," said the Lord, and we have to take that admonition seriously if we are to effect any change in the hearts of our people or of our society. Fasting makes us more spiritual and gives greater efficacy to all our works and prayers.

3. Take back the culture: Even if the anti-lifers hold the reins of political power, we must not sit back and allow moral anarchists to define all the terms of the cultural or social agenda. Whether it is through social activism for life (crisis pregnancy centers, pickets and prayer marches) or through touching hearts and minds one soul at a time (persuasion, formation, teaching, media), we cannot be neutral about the direction our American culture is heading. It is leading us to certain spiritual death, and no one can afford that. We need to fight for it and never give up the battle.

I promise you that Human Life International will be in the struggle for lives and souls continuously. It is our calling and mission. We will never give one inch to uphold the truth that the whole world needs to hear more than ever: namely, that human life is sacred from the first moment of natural fertilization to the moment of natural death - and we will defend it whether Obama likes it or not.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer,
President, Human Life International

Day of Prayer for the Unborn

2009-01-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Prayer for the Unborn
Lord,* Creator of Life,* You have blessed us* with the privilege of bringing new life into the world. Open our hearts and minds* to recognize Your special gift of children* and Your great love for each of us* created in Your image and likeness.* Through love* You sent your Son Jesus* to redeem us and through love* He entered our world as an unborn child in the womb of Mary,* His mother.* We now turn to Mary* for her prayers and intercession* as we struggle to protect* innocent unborn children from decisions that seek to destroy them.* Following Mary's example* as mother and disciple,* let us proclaim the truth of our faith,* assist those in crisis* and protect those most vulnerable, unwanted and unloved. Amen

Prayer for the Unborn Child
Almighty God, our Father,you who have given us lifeand intended us to have it forever, grant us your blessings. Enlighten our minds to an awareness and to a renewed conviction that all human life is sacred because it is created in your image and likeness. Help us to teach by word and the example of our lives that life occupies the first place, that human life is precious because it is the gift of God whose love is infinite. Give us the strength to defend human life against every influence or action that threatens or weakens it, as well as the strength to make every life more human in all its aspects. Give us the grace...When the sacredness of life before birth is attacked, to stand up and proclaim that no one ever has the authority to destroy unborn life.When a child is described as a burden or is looked upon only as a means to satisfy an emotional need, to stand up and insist that every child is a unique and unrepeatable gift of God,
a gift of God with a right to a loving and united family. When the institution of marriage is abandoned to human selfishness or reduced to a temporary conditional arrangement that can easily be terminated, to stand up and affirm the indissolubility of the marriage bond.When the value of the family is threatened because of social and economic pressure, to stand up and reaffirm that the family is necessary not only for the private good of every person, but also for the common good of every society, nation and state.When freedom is used to dominate the weak, to squander natural resources and energy, to deny basic necessities to people, to stand up and affirm the demands of justice and social love. Almighty Father, give us courage to proclaim the supreme dignity of all human life and to demand that society itself give its protection. We ask this in your name, through the redemptive act of your Son and in the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In February 2002, the Catholic Church established that throughout the United States, January 22nd would be observed as a day of prayer and penance against abortion:

“In all the dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life. The Mass 'For Peace and Justice' (no. 22 of the 'Masses for Various Needs') should be celebrated with violet vestments as an appropriate liturgical observance for this day.”
– General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 373

Why a Day of Prayer and Penance?
In the U.S., the date of January 22nd as the Day of Prayer and Penance is significant because this date marks the anniversary of the deplorable Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the U.S. throughout all nine months of pregnancy. The Roe v. Wade decision legally established in the U.S. that most laws against abortion in the United States were unconstitutional, for privacy rights reasons, under the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Because abortion is immoral and intrinsically evil, we as faithful Catholics are obligated to teach against this grave evil. This is to be worked towards certainly through social and political actions; however, as an issue of faith, the weapons of prayer and penance are of significance:
“Filled with this certainty, and moved by profound concern for the destiny of every man and woman, I repeat what I said to those families who carry out their challenging mission amid so many difficulties: a great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned plea rise to God, the Creator and lover of life, from every Christian community, from every group and association, from every family and from the heart of every believer.

Jesus himself has shown us by his own example that prayer and fasting are the first and most effective weapons against the forces of evil (cf. Mt 4:1-11). As he taught his disciples, some demons cannot be driven out except in this way (cf. Mk 9:29).

Let us therefore discover anew the humility and the courage to pray and fast so that power from on high will break down the walls of lies and deceit: the walls which conceal from the sight of so many of our brothers and sisters the evil of practices and laws which are hostile to life. May this same power turn their hearts to resolutions and goals inspired by the civilization of life and love.” - Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, no. 100.

Ideas for Observing the Day of Prayer and Penance
There are multiple ways of observing this national day of prayer and penance. Of course, as noted above, the Mass for Peace and Justice is to be celebrated on the day of prayer and penance. However, there are many actions in which individuals and groups can engage to observe the day:
· Peacefully praying outside of an abortion clinic
· Fasting
· Praying a rosary or chaplet for the unborn
· Praying for those who have been wounded by abortion
· Visiting and praying before the Blessed Sacrament
· Reading and reflecting on Pope John Paul II’s Evangelium Vitae in full
· Becoming involved with the pro-life group in your town or area

Where in the World?

2009-01-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

Overheard on the CNN news on my XM radio in the car this morning, a young gentleman, speaking of being present at the inauguration of President Obama, remarks something to the effect of: "Where else can you go and be in the same company as whites, blacks, asians and latinos?"

I know.

In my local Catholic church.

In my parish, there is just about every demographic.

We have a priest from Africa, and one from the Phillipines.

We have a diverse community of parishioners. It is one of the things I love best about our church, because there is a place for everyone.

On a broader scale, the Catholic Church is worldwide and encompasses every nationality.

Catholic means universal.

When you go to Mass in any Catholic church in the world, you will hear the same Scripture readings in Topeka, Kansas as you will in Rome, Italy (maybe not in the same language, however)

We are unified through the Scriptures.

We are unified through our celebration of the Eucharist.

We become one body in Christ.

We come from all over the world, from all walks of life, from all nationalites, and we come together through the Mass with one voice to worship the one True God.

We have done this for over 2,ooo years.

Diversity is nothing new to us.

Birthday Cake Parade

2009-01-20T16:50:00.000-08:00

In our house, as soon as the Christmas decorations are all taken down and stored away, we turn our thoughts to the kids' birthdays. All three of my children were born in the winter, which is great because it means that I didn't have to be 8 months pregnant in August! Two of the birthdays always fall during Lent, but that doesn't stop us from having a party!

Each year, for the past few years we have been creating their cakes based on what their requests and interests (and our abilities!) are. So, when Princess turned two, I went to the craft store and bought the Blue's Clues cake pan because that's what she was into at the time. I didn't think I could make it, but I wanted to try. I had done one Wilton cake many years ago for a friend when she turned 18, and I remember what a disaster it was (does it have anything to do with the fact that the cake was Ziggy? Remember how nothing ever went right for that poor guy?)

Well, anyway. I was motivated by the fact that this cake was for my little Princess and it just had to be perfect. It's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it! I not only made the Blue's Clues cake, but it turned out better than I could have imagined, and it wasn't quite as difficult as I thought either. I did have hand cramps from holding the decorator bag so tightly but that's minor. Here is the finished cake:

Isn't it just so cute? I was really proud of my first Wilton work of art! This cake took me 5 hours to decorate, and about less than one hour for everyone to eat!

This is the cake we made after the Blue's Clues cake, for a school auction. It won first place! The picture/idea came from a magazine (Ladies Home Journal?) It was so cute and a fun family project. Do you see the bikini on the teddy bear? My Busy Woodshop Detail Oriented OCD Hubby made that! The tiles are chiclets, the diving board is Fruit Stripe gum, the water is blue jello!

The next year my 8 year old son wanted a Spongebob cake. I was feeling ambitious, so I made this:

Doesn't that make you want to vacation at Bikini Bottom? The kids loved this cake! It took me only 3 1/2 hours, even though it had a lot more detail than the Blue's Clues cake.

I was feeling so confident that the next month when my princess turned 3, I made the Dora cake in honor of her love of everything Dora. Everything Dora. We had all the books, all the dolls, all the movies, you name it, our house for a time was a virtual Dora museum, so why not the cake too? (just forget the fact that the black frosting does weird things to the kids's poop, is that TMI?)

I was really proud of this cake. This one only took three hours, despite the fact there are about 8 different colors. And I expertly camoflauged the hole in the side made when aforementioned three year old wanted to help and accidently caved in the side of the cake. No problem! Anything can be fixed in cake land!

Then, the next year the boys wanted a guitar cake, and an ipod cake. We went out on a limb and improvised:

Ta da! A flying V! My hubby did all the decorations for this cake, and enjoyed every minute. Sorry for the poor picture staging! This is one of my son's all-time favorite cakes.

The ipod cake pictures seem to be hiding somewhere on my hard drive. It was as cool as the guitar cake, though you'll have to take my word for it.

This year, we will try our talents at cake decorating yet again. It's becoming something of a tradition.

Pope Benedict XVI Sends Telegram to President Obama

2009-01-20T14:06:00.001-08:00

Let's hope he takes it to heart.

THE HONORABLE BARACK OBAMA PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THE WHITE HOUSEWASHINGTON, DC

ON THE OCCASION OF YOUR INAUGURATION AS THE FORTY-FOURTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA I OFFER CORDIAL GOOD WISHES, TOGETHER WITH THE ASSURANCE OF MY PRAYERS THAT ALMIGHTY GOD WILL GRANT YOU UNFAILING WISDOM AND STRENGTH IN THE EXERCISE OF YOUR HIGH RESPONSIBILITIES. UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP MAY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE CONTINUE TO FIND IN THEIR IMPRESSIVE RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL HERITAGE THE SPIRITUAL VALUES AND ETHICAL PRINCIPLES NEEDED TO COOPERATE IN THE BUILDING OF A TRULY JUST AND FREE SOCIETY, MARKED BY RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS OF EACH OF ITS MEMBERS, ESPECIALLY THE POOR, THE OUTCAST AND THOSE WHO HAVE NO VOICE. AT A TIME WHEN SO MANY OF OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD YEARN FOR LIBERATION FROM THE SCOURGE OF POVERTY, HUNGER AND VIOLENCE, I PRAY THAT YOU WILL BE CONFIRMED IN YOUR RESOLVE TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING, COOPERATION AND PEACE AMONG THE NATIONS, SO THAT ALL MAY SHARE IN THE BANQUET OF LIFE WHICH GOD WILLS TO SET FOR THE WHOLE HUMAN FAMILY (cf. Isaiah 25:6-7).

UPON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, AND UPON ALL THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, I WILLINGLY INVOKE THE LORD’S BLESSINGS OF JOY AND PEACE

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI

Thoughts about the Inauguration

2009-01-20T13:48:00.001-08:00

Yes, definitely historic.

I didn't vote for him, but that doesn't mean that I can't appreciate the enormity of having seen the first African American elected and sworn in as President of the United States.

I wish, though that the emphasis would be less on the color of his skin and more on his politics.

I pray that Freedom of Choice Act does not pass.

I did notice a few things-- such as when he tripped over his lines during his swearing in. Of all words, faithfully, is the one that caused him a bit of trouble. I thought it was *interesting*

I also noticed the discrepancy when he referred to "the slaughtering of innocents" yet was not talking about unborn children.

There is still hope, but I'm not letting go of my rosary beads anytime soon.

The Person Formerly Known as Jane Roe

2009-01-20T13:27:00.000-08:00

Day 9 of Novena--Fight Foca

2009-01-19T11:38:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of the Novena, but of course you can always pray the Rosary daily!

January 19

Today's Rosary Mysteries:
Joyful

Click Here for Joyful mysteries (same as Day 2)

The Mysteries of the Rosary during Ordinary Time are typically:

Joyful mysteries on Mondays and Saturdays
Sorrowful mysteries on Tuesdays and Fridays
Glorious mysteries on Wednesdays and Sundays
Luminous mysteries on Thursday

Day 8 of Novena-- Fight FOCA!

2009-01-18T15:24:00.000-08:00

January 18th

Today's Rosary Mysteries:
Glorious

Click Here for Glorious Mysteries

Day 7 of Novena-- Fight FOCA

2009-01-17T07:39:00.001-08:00

January 17th

Today's Rosary Mysteries:

Joyful

Click Here for Joyful Mysteries

News Flash

2009-01-17T07:33:00.000-08:00

News Flash: WE WIN! by Fr. John Corapi
As we prepare to enter a new era in politics and perhaps society in general, keep something in mind: WE WIN! No matter what political party is in power at a given point in time, in the end those that remain faithful to Jesus Christ win the war. We may have to fight many battles outnumbered and even despised and looked upon as criminals and outcasts by a society that is unraveling and degenerating into something no one could have imagined.What matters is that we run the race to the finish line and fight the good fight. Don’t “go with the flow,” for as the great Archbishop Fulton Sheen reminds us, “Dead bodies float downstream.” More than ever we shall have to be strong in the faith. Regular and worthy reception of the sacraments, constant prayer, and rigorous study of the faith is now essential, not merely a luxury. The front line and primary battle is going to be the fight for life: the dignity of every human life from the moment of conception to the last moment of natural life. If we lose that one, every other battle space will be compromised. If the government succeeds in establishing abortion as an inalienable “right”, then the elderly and sick will be next. It will then be a short and slippery step to the government deciding who lives and dies regardless of their inherent human dignity.If you don’t already pray the Rosary every day, please start at once. The prayer of the holy Rosary is the prayer of the holy Gospel, and that means it is the prayer of the Good News Who is Jesus Christ, the LIFE of the world. Many saints will be forged in the crucible of the coming years. Make sure you are among them.

God bless you,

Fr. John Corapi

Day 6 of Novena--Fight FOCA!

2009-01-16T11:43:00.000-08:00

January 16th

Today's Rosary Mysteries:

Sorrowful (Tuesdays & Fridays)

Click Here for Sorrowful Mysteries

Catholic Bishops Urge Barack to Not Promote Abortion

Mommy Brain Strikes Again

2009-01-15T11:20:00.000-08:00

Please tell me I'm not the only one who does this. When I first meet someone and they tell me their name, and then I tell them my name, we shake hands and then I promptly start to think, "What was their name again?" Just as quick as they say it, I forget it. Sometimes it's because I already have a name in mind, since maybe they don't look like a Susan, in my mind she's a Debbie. And then inevitably I'll call her the wrong name. Did you know that some people don't correct you when you call them the wrong name? I once called the lady in the nursery at the gym Heidi for an entire year! A year, people. And she never once corrected me. It wasn't until I heard another mom address her as Patty that I realized I had been calling her the wrong name all that time.

Last Friday, I rushed around in the morning to have time to stop at Safeway because it was our turn to provide snacks in the kindergarten room. I rush through the store, grabbing juice, crackers, anything without peanuts. I end up getting to school JUST ON TIME, breathlessly handing the bag to the teacher and you know what she says? Thanks-- your snack day is NEXT FRIDAY!

The kicker. Yesterday, I got a call from the school that my kids were in after care because I FORGOT IT WAS WEDNESDAY! You see, on Wednesday, we bring them early because they go to Mass, and consequently we pick them up an hour earlier in the afternoon.

Anyhow. I really wish I could get it together and remember at least important things like picking my kids up from school. I felt so terrible because my little Princess started to cry when I wasn't there on time to pick her up. Talk about bad mom of the year. And the Guilt. It is not a good thing. So what did I do? Of course, after getting there (only 55 minutes late!) I profusely apologized and did what any mom would do. I took her out for cupcakes. It sure made her feel better, and that made me feel better.

Cupcakes have a way of doing that.

Day 5 of Novena-- Fight FOCA!

2009-01-15T10:56:00.001-08:00

January 15th

Today's Rosary Mysteries:

Luminous

First Luminous Mystery:

The Baptism of Jesus

Meditation: Jesus descends into the water of the Jordan River and is baptized by John. The Heavens open and the voice of the Father declares Him the beloved Son. The Spirit descends upon Jesus in the form of a dove and fills Him with God's mission to save humankind from sin. Matthew 3:17

The Second Luminous Mystery: The Wedding at Cana
Meditation: Jesus changes water into wine at the request of Mary, who was first among believers. The disciples witness this miracle, their hearts open to the faith, and they begin to believe in Him.John 2:1-12

The Third Luminous Mystery:
The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
Meditation: Jesus preaches the Gospel in Galilee. He proclaims that this is the time of fulfillment, for the Kingdom of God is at hand. He asks all to repent and forgives the sins of those who believe in Him. Mark 1:15

The Fourth Luminous Mystery:
The Transfiguration
Meditation: On Mount Tabor, the Apostles see the glory of God shining forth from the face of Jesus. The voice of the Father, coming from a cloud, says, "This is my chosen Son, listen to Him." Luke 9:35
The Fifth Luminous Mystery:
The Institution of the Eucharist
Meditation: At the Last Supper, Jesus offers His body and blood, under the signs of bread and wine, and washes the feet of the Apostles. He knows that Judas has betrayed Him and His hour has come. Jesus testifies to His everlasting love for each one of us by sharing the Sacrament of the Eucharist. John 13:1

Day 4 of Novena-- Fight FOCA!

2009-01-14T12:42:00.000-08:00

January 14th
Day 4

Today's Rosary Mysteries
Glorious (Wednesdays & Sundays)

Click here for Glorious Mysteries (same as Day 1 of Novena)

Today, visit National Right to Life and download the petition, read some informative articles and find other ways to help in this fight against the Freedom of Choice Act.

Last Vestiges of Christmas 2008

2009-01-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

This has to be one of my least favorite chores, the taking down of the Christmas decorations. I love having a twinkling garland of lights illuminating my staircase at night, the icicles dangling from the rooftop outside, and the soft glow of the tree in the corner, representing the expectations and hopes of the Advent season. I love looking at our Nativity scene, which brings to life the hopes and expectations of Christians as they wait for the birth of Christ. I find joy in the traditions we follow every year, and looking forward to all the new ones we add along the way. I enjoy receiving cards from all our family and friends, especially the pictures and noticing how much the kids have grown from the last time we saw them. This season is so full of love from beginning to end, and somehow the whole world seems better. When I look at the tree, I am reminded of the new memories we made this season and reminisce. The waiting seemed endless at times and yet, eventually Christmas came like it always does. And then, just as quickly, the joyous season of Our Lord's birth fades into what we liturgically and appropriately call Ordinary Time and we go about packing all the decorations away.

I half-jokingly told my husband I wanted to leave the tree up all year. What if I just didn't take it down? Who cares what the neighbors say. He laughed and then said it might save us the work of pulling it all out again next year. As much as I would like to keep it up all year, I realize that doing that would detract from what makes this time so special in the first place. So we begin the process of taking down and in doing so we restart the clock to wait all over again. That is the beauty of the Liturgy of the Church, with its own rhythm and order, many times reflecting the seasons as they change from one to the next and back again. The cycle that we see echoed in the calendar year and in nature is also present in the Liturgy. It is timeless and beautiful, even in Ordinary time.

Day 3 of Novena-- Fight FOCA!

2009-01-13T10:11:00.000-08:00

January 13, St. Hilary-- bishop and doctor of the Church

Today's Rosary Mysteries: (Tuesdays and Fridays)
Sorrowful

The first mystery:
The Agony in the Garden: Contrition
Meditation: Jesus went with them to a place called Gethesemani. He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer. "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by." Matthew 26:36 & 39

The second sorrowful mystery:
The Scourging at the Pillar: Purity
Meditation: The people said, "Let His blood be upon us and upon our children." At that, he released Barabbas to them. Jesus, however, he first had scourged. Matthew 27:25-26

The third sorrowful mystery:
The Crowning with Thorns: Courage
Meditation: The stripped off His clothes and wrapped Him in a scarlet cloak. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they fixed it on His head and began to mock Him. Matthew 27:28-29

The fourth sorrowful mystery:
The Carrying of the Cross: Patience
Meditation: Jesus was led away, and carrying the cross by Himself, went out to what is called the Place of the Skull. There they crucified Him. John 19:17-18

The fifth sorrowful mystery:
The Crucifixion: Self Denial
Meditation: The curtain in the sanctuary was torn in two. Jesus uttered a loud cry and said, "Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit." After this, He expired. Luke 23:45-46

Read an account written by a former abortionist, in his own words.

Day 2 of Novena--Fight FOCA!

2009-01-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

Today's Rosary Mysteries:
Joyful

First Mystery: The Annunciation: Humility
Meditation: The angel said to Mary, "You shall conceive and bear a son and give Him the name Jesus. And He will be called Son of the Most High."

Second Mystery: The Visitation: Charity
Meditation: Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Luke 1:39-42

Third Mystery: The Birth of Our Lord: Poverty
Meditation: While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger. Luke 2:6-7

Fourth Mystery: The Presentation: Obedience

Meditation: When the day came to purify them according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus up to Jerusalem so that He could be presented to the Lord. Luke 2:22

Fifth Mystery: Finding Jesus in the Temple: Piety

Meditation: They came upon Him in the temple sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. All who heard Him were amazed. Luke 2:46-47

Day 1 of Novena--Fight FOCA!

2009-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Help us fight the Freedom of Choice Act through prayer!

Day 1:

Sunday, January 11th,

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Today's mysteries:
Glorious

First Mystery: The Resurrection: Conversion of Heart
Meditation: The angel spoke, "Do not be frightened. I know you are looking for Jesus the crucified, but he is not here. He has been raised, exactly as he promised." Matthew 28:5-6

Second Mystery: The Ascension: Desire for Heaven
Meditation: Then he led them out near Bethany, and with hands upraised, blessed them. As he blessed, he left them, and was taken up to heaven. Luke 24:50-51

Third Mystery: Descent of the Holy Spirit: Gifts of the Spirit
Meditation: Tongues as of fire appeared which parted and came to rest on each of them. All were filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:3-4

Fourth Mystery: The Assumption of Mary: Devotion to Mary
Meditation: Blessed are you daughter, by the Most High Lord, above all the women on earth; and blessed be the Lord God, the Creator of heaven and earth. Judith 13:18

Fifth Mystery: The Coronation of Mary: Eternal Happiness
Meditation: A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and on her head a crown of twelve stars. Revelation 12:1

Also see other blogs praying the Novena to Fight FOCA:

Hannah's Tears

Catholic Kelly

A Catholic Mom in Hawaii

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Hold your Horses, I'm Having a Field Day!

2009-01-10T09:25:00.001-08:00

When you have a five year old, you start to realize just how many times you use sayings. Princess is always asking me what something I said means and I started to think about where these sayings that we commonly use originated. Thanks to google, my unscholarly research:

The saying "rule of thumb" comes from an old English law that states a man can't beat his wife with a stick any bigger than the diameter of his thumb! I use that saying all the time but I had no idea!

We sometimes say, "sleep tight!" (and my dad used to add, "don't let the bed bugs bite!") This saying came from Colonial America where the beds were not of the box spring variety that we enjoy today. The mattress laid on top of a web of ropes. There was a tool - an iron type of gadget that looked somewhat like an old clothes pin but larger - which was used to tighten the ropes when they became too slack. Thus, the expression "sleep tight."

I frequently tell my daughter that she got up on the "wrong side of the bed", which puzzles her because there is only one side to get out of, since the other is against the wall! This saying comes from an old superstition that claimed it was unlucky to put the left foot down on the floor first when getting out of bed.

If you are told you have a "frog in your throat", you may be grossed out to know that medieval doctors thought that the secretions of a frog would cure a cough, and they would place a frog in the mouth of the unfortunate patient. (ewwww!)

Other things I find myself saying are "it's raining cats and dogs!" or "for Pete's sake" (Is it St. Peter?) or also, "for Heaven's sake" which is more self-explanatory. "Heavens to Betsy" (again, who is Betsy?)

You can say that it's "straight from the horse's mouth" which comes from the fact that a horse's age is evidenced by their teeth, so it's no use lying about how old they are!

Sometimes "a little bird told me" something. This phrase comes from the Bible. In Ecclesiastes 10:20 the writer warns us not to curse the king or the rich even in private or a 'bird of the air' may report what you say.

When my kids have something fantastical to say, I kid them and say they're "pulling the wool over my eyes", which comes from the days of white wigs which resembled sheep's wool.

I have been known to say, "knock on wood", which is a Celtic superstition that believed spirits lived in trees. When in trouble, people knocked on the trees and asked for help.

Sometimes we "beat around the bush", which is not getting straight to the point. Hunters would beat a bush to flush out the birds which other people would then catch.

When we say, "the cat got your tongue" we don't even think about what this really means! This originated way back in history when it was common practice to cut out the tongue of criminal and feed it to the animals kept by the King. The cat would literally have your tongue if you were unable to speak! (ewwwww!)

"When pigs fly" obviously means never! Because, just when have you seen a pig fly lately?

One that I inherited from my dad is "it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick!" which he would use anytime we didn't like something. I think just about anything is better than that. Needless to say, whenever we complained it was his standard reply.

Speaking of eyes, this sure was an eye-opening exercise for me! Now that I know the origin of some of these sayings, it is quite likely that I will think twice before saying it!

Here's my "two cents". "Don't take any wooden nickels!"

From the Inbox, Pray for Life!

2009-01-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Please join us in praying the 9 days of prayers in the hope that FOCA will not pass. If you are opposed to abortion then there is bad news on the horizon.

For those of you who do not know, the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) is set to be signed if Congress passes it on January 21-22 of 2009. The FOCA is the next sick chapter in the book of abortion. If made a law then all limitations on abortion will be lifted which will result in the following:

1) All hospitals, including Catholic hospitals will be required to perform abortions upon request. If this happens Bishops vow to close down all Catholic hospitals, more then 30% of all hospitals in the United States.

2) Partial birth abortions would be legal and have no limitations.

3) All U.S. tax payers would be funding abortions.

4) Parental notification will no longer be required.

5) The number of abortions will increase by a minimum of 100,000 annually.

Perhaps most importantly the government will now have control in the issue of abortion. This could result in a future amendment that would force women by law to have abortions in certain situations (rape, down syndrome babies, etc) and could even regulate how many children women are allowed to have.

Needless to say this information is disturbing, but sadly true. As Catholics, as Christians, as anyone who is against the needless killing of innocent children, we must stand as one. We must stop this horrific act before it becomes a law.

The Plan :
To say a novena ( 9 days of prayer ) along with fasting starting on January 11th. For Catholics, the prayer of choice will be the rosary with intentions to stop the FOCA. For non Catholics I encourage you to pray your strongest prayers with the same intentions, also for nine consecutive days.

There is a beautiful prayer used during the elections that is still timely here: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/Election_mary.htm The hope is that this will branch and blossom as to become a global effort with maximum impact. We have very little time so we all must act fast. Just do three things:

1) Pass this letter to 5 or more people

2) Do it in three days or less

3) Start the novena on January 11th and pray for nine consecutive days.
(please also fast for at least two days during the novena)

Remember that with God all things are possible and the power of prayer is undeniable. If you are against the senseless killing of defenseless children then the time is now to do something about it!

May God bless you all!! Planned Parenthood is the number ONE abortion provider in our country and received over $300 million of our tax dollars to destroy 289,650 unborn children in 2006. They are probably "educating" your children in their school.

Visit http://jacksonforlife.org/planned_parenthood.sml to learn more!

Darkness into Light

2009-01-08T10:39:00.000-08:00

This morning, we woke up to a dark house. The power had gone off sometime during the night, and as it stays quite dark until about 7:30 am, we had to get ready for school by flashlight. Try putting your contacts in or your makeup on by flashlight and see how fun that is! I thought that surely someone who got up earlier than we did would have called the power company, but when I looked out the window, all my neighbors had their lights on. It seemed to be just our house which was affected.

I found a flashlight, headed to the basement and looked at the breakers. Not being an electrician, I didn't see anything wrong but flipped them all off and back on just in case. Nothing happened. Then I came back upstairs and found the number to the power company. Thank goodness for cell phones, because the land line doesn't work without the power! (just what did we do in this situation before wireless anyway?) They promised to come out and take a look, but in the meantime we had to get everyone off to school.

It's a funny thing when the power goes out. All of a sudden, you realize that everything you need to do is powered by electricity. Can't take a shower, the well pump could run dry. Can't use a blow dryer, although not having taken a shower, you don't need that anyway. The curling iron, forget it. Coffee? Nada. Check the newscast, email, fry an egg, make toast or open a can? Not gonna happen. It seems that we depend on electricity for a lot of things.

Rummaging around in the dark this morning, I thought about how important light is to us. Without light, it is difficult to function. We stumble around. We are basically helpless. Think about how important sunlight is to our survival. Without sunlight in the natural world, we wouldn't be able to survive very long at all. We depend on the light for guidance, warmth, sustenance. Our very existence depends on it.

It is no wonder that Jesus spoke these words written in John, chapter 8, we read in verse 12: "When Jesus spoke to the people again, he said: I am the light of the world; anyone who follows me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the light of life."

Talk about an illuminating passage!

Without Jesus, we will stumble around aimlessly in this world. Without the Light of the World, we are unable to see. If we think that we need electricity to function in this modern world, how much more so do we need the light of Christ? A light that never goes out. This light illuminates our hearts and our minds to the purpose for which we were created. We were not meant to wander without purpose in this life.

In the meanwhile, I struggled with the garage door, trying to get it open the old-fashioned way (not an easy task!) We had a cold breakfast, since all we could make was cereal. We ate in the chilly darkness of the kitchen and then headed out to school.

Sometimes God speaks to us in these little inconveniences of our day. I felt that this morning was one of those times for me. Even as I felt hindered by the lack of light, I was reminded how truly blessed we are when we can take such a routine thing as electricity for granted. How we take a lot of things in this life for granted. Thinking we are in control, thinking we have another day, not even thinking about the things that we think are so common. How often do we reflect on God's goodness each day. Sometimes, it is through experiencing the darkness that we can truly appreciate the Light.

The Feast of the Epiphany

2009-01-04T16:06:00.000-08:00

Today is the Feast of the Epiphany celebrating the Magi's following of the star which brought them to Jesus. This is one of my favorite Sundays of the year. There is so much symbolism and beauty in the readings and in the actual event of the Adoration of the Magi.

The Gospel reading is taken from Matthew:
Mt 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.

Like the three wise men, we are also called to adore Christ who is the Word made flesh. We can react to His coming in two ways: like the wise men did-- they consciously looked for Him and set out on the path which led them to Him. Or we can be like King Herod and seek to oppose Him, by seeking our own will instead.

The Magi came from afar, traveling in a caravan over days and weeks. It must have been a hardship from the kind of life they were used to leading as kings and rulers. They saw and followed the signs which brought them an epiphany, which means "manifestation". Usually an epiphany comes about when we least expect it. The Jewish people had been waiting for this Messiah for a long time, and yet-- when He does come, He is not recognized by His people because He didn't fit their expectations.

Today in our homily, our priest pointed out that many times our lives are like that. How often do we pray for something and feel like the prayer wasn't answered? Sometimes the answer is No and we just don't want to hear it. Our expectations are very short term, and not always focused on what is best for us Eternally.

The gifts the Magi brought were gold, frankincense and myrrh, which have symbolic meaning.

That they are all ordinary gifts for a king — myrrh being commonly used as an anointing oil, frankincense as a perfume, and gold as a valuable.
That they are prophetic — gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of priestship, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death. Sometimes this is described more generally as gold symbolizing virtue, frankincense symbolizing prayer, and myrrh symbolizing suffering.

To commemorate this day, you could bake star shaped cupcakes, and decorate foam crowns with the kids (that's what we did!)

Another tradition on this day is to mark over the doors of the home with the sign

20+C+B+M+09

The letters have two meanings. They are the initials of the traditional names of the Three Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. They also abbreviate the Latin words “Christus mansionem benedicat.” “May Christ bless the house.” The letters recall the day on which the inscription is made, as well as the purpose of blessing.

The crosses represent the protection of the Precious Blood of Christ, whom we invoke, and the holiness of the Three Magi sanctified by their adoration of the Infant Christ. The inscription is made above the front door, so that all who enter and depart this year may enjoy God’s blessing.

To bless your home this Epiphany, read the Prologue of Saint John’s Gospel, followed by the Our Father, and the Collect of the Epiphany; then write the inscription for this year above your front door with blessed chalk. (thanks to Fr. Mark's blog for that information!)

Confessions Compared

2009-01-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

Isn't this just a coincidence? I just wrote something the other day about the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), and then today, on Spirit Daily, there is an article linked which compares the way Confession is seen and practiced in the various faiths and Christian denominations. I had never read anything about how other faiths view this topic so this was very interesting.

All I have to say is that I'm very thankful that we can go to individual confession and not public confession which is how the early Christians practiced this Sacrament.

Today, I'm locking the dogs out so I can vacuum. They just started attacking the vacuum cleaner attachment one day when I vacuumed their bedding. They really went nuts and now every time I turn it on, they go after it. Before that happened, I could vacuum even right up next to them and they weren't freaking out like they do now. It was not easy to hold the camera and try to vacuum at the same time, but I thought it was so funny that I wanted to upload that yesterday!

Why I Can't Clean the House

2009-01-02T19:30:00.001-08:00

Lead us Not into Temptation....

2009-01-02T07:31:00.000-08:00

Our little five year old is starting to learn to read. Consequently, she is always picking up on words in our conversations and asking what they mean. The other night when we were saying the Our Father before bed, she started cracking up at the word, "temptation". For some reason, it just all of a sudden sounded funny. So I asked her if she knew what it meant, and went on to find an example that a five year old could relate to. I explained that if she wanted a cookie and I said no, but she went over to the cookie jar and thought about taking one anyway, that was temptation. So now she thinks that is the only definition of temptation. Wanting to take a cookie. If life were only that simple. Perhaps this is what Jesus was referring to when He said that unless we became like little children we would not enter the kingdom of Heaven. Do you suppose there are cookie jars there?