Sharing a note I received...

Some may know that one of my best friends since I was like 16 is Br. Maximilian Mary, CFR. He lives in the Bronx, in a really really rough area. His primary job, through his vocation is to serve the poor. Given he has a vow of poverty, he only sends us notes to treasure for Christmas. This year the Brs. got email, this is from him....(side note..if you are looking for something to do with any old Gilbert's you may have, he's happily take them!)

Merry Christmas! I thought a Christmas poem from G.K. Chesterton would be a gift that would be both deeper than most greeting cards, and in my price range :

The House of Christmas by G.K. Chesterton

“There fared a mother driven forth
Out of an inn to roam;
In the place where she was homeless
All men are at home.
The crazy stable close at hand,
With shaking timber and shifting sand,
Grew a stronger thing to abide and stand
Than the square stones of Rome.

For men are homesick in their homes,
And strangers under the sun,
And they lay their heads in a foreign land
Whenever the day is done.
Here we have battle and blazing eyes,
And chance and honour and high surprise,
But our homes are under miraculous skies
Where the yule tale was begun.

A Child in a foul stable,
Where the beasts feed and foam;
Only where He was homeless
Are you and I at home;
We have hands that fashion and heads that know,
But our hearts we lost---how long ago!
In a place no chart nor ship can show
Under the sky’s dome.

This world is wild as an old wives’ tale,
And strange the plain things are,
The earth is enough and the air is enough
For our wonder and our war;
But our rest is as far as the fire-drake swings
And our peace is put in impossible things
Where clashed and thundered unthinkable wings
Round an incredible star.

To an open house in the evening
Home shall men come,
To an older place than Eden
And a taller town than Rome.
To the end of the way of the wandering star,
To the things that cannot be and that are,
To the place where God was homeless
And all men are at home.”

Good news for NFP

Dec. 12, 2007

Making NFP relevant: CCL enlists revitalized presentation and JPII in new program
CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Couple to Couple League, a leading provider of training in Natural Family Planning, was facing a problem: stale materials and a skeptical audience. Its leaders responded boldly, deciding to overhaul all of their outreach materials and methods. After three years of work, CCL is now unveiling brand-new materials animated by modern technology and a more personal approach based on the timeless theology of Pope John Paul II.
At the heart of the change, said Executive Director Andy Alderson, is the realization that young Catholics are harder than ever to reach. "'Because the church says so' is not good enough anymore," he said. "They need to be reached in a new manner and engaged on multiple levels."
To do that, CCL teachers will now use an instructional DVD embedded with video clips of experts, including a priest and a medical doctor. It also features computer animation of ovulation and implantation. CCL's thick, monochrome reference manual has been replaced by a full-color, graphics-rich workbook that couples can write in throughout class. Classroom instruction will be much more interactive. Couples will roll up their sleeves and fill out charts within 45 minutes of the start of the first class; before, that didn't occur until well into the second class.
Because the new materials simplify the science of the Sympto-Thermal Method, they make room for greater emphasis on another important element: NFP's rich marital benefits. That altered emphasis is reflected in the line added to CCL's slogan: "NFP: safe, healthy and effective...and it can change your hearts in surprising ways." "It's a little teaser," explained Publications Director Ann Gundlach. "We want couples to know that if they start living this way, they're likely to see a change. And the teachers emphasize this by sharing parts of their own experience in each class."
All the training materials are wrapped in the wisdom of Pope John Paul II, incorporating principles and language from his seminal masterpiece "Theology of the Body." The level of incorporation is
what most impresses Father Richard Hogan, a key editor of CCL's new program. "It's refreshing to see how CCL has adopted the ideas of John Paul II, the Great, and sprinkled them throughout all of their programs," he said, "from teacher training, to printed materials, to the public instructional program." When Board Chair Linda Kracht participated in the program pilot, she witnessed the lasting power of the late pontiff. "The teachings of John Paul II ring true with couples," she said. "This makes it easier to teach the moral reasons behind NFP to our students."
Embracing the Internet will also add ease, Alderson said. For example, couples will be able to meet in an online forum to find support for their counter-cultural practice. They can also optionally track their fertility signs in a new electronic charting program, and easily send data to their teachers for any needed follow-up. This brings NFP to the students' computers, right where they send their e-mails and grab their news and pay their bills.
Meanwhile, the web access will enable CCL trainers, who used to rely on a cumbersome paper process to train NFP teachers, to support, evaluate and certify candidates much more swiftly. The polished new materials will persuade many couples to become CCL teachers, Alderson said, while the online format will make training much easier, allowing them to start and stop whenever they want. As a result, CCL is aiming for a 20 percent increase in teaching couples each year.
Early observers are equally optimistic. "NFP has generally resided on the periphery of most Catholic parishes and dioceses. It's still a small percentage of engaged couples who even take an NFP class," said John Gagliardi, chair of the Twin Cities chapter. "CCL is committed to truly mainstreaming NFP. Because of this, we're confident that many more parishes and dioceses will make the new CCL course a normal part of marriage preparation."
Archbishop Harry Flynn of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis echoed that enthusiasm. "The Couple to Couple League is paying a double homage to Pope John Paul II: answering his call for a New Evangelization and incorporating his theology. I anticipate a profound impact."
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, as declared by Pope John Paul II, makes an apt occasion for CCL to unveil its new approach to NFP training. The pontiff placed under Our Lady's motherly care the innocent lives of children and the unborn.
For an online video explaining the new CCL teaching program and other related information, visit http://ccli.org/news.
About CCL
The Couple to Couple League teaches more than 7,000 couples in the United States every year. Since its founding in 1971, the organization has instructed more than 185,000 couples. CCL is made up of a network of more than 850 teaching couples who offer classes in natural family planning throughout the United States and in other parts of the world.

Feast days and Feasting

With Advent, comes many, many of our favorite feast days. And with feast days in our home, comes special food. It seems that my kids have come up with a special meal for every saint on the calendar. This month we've had, St. Francis Xavier (a patron of one child), and Chinese food, St. Nick and Mediterranean food, St. Juan Diego, Mexican. Later this week we will have St. Lucy, sweet rolls, Our Lady of Guadalupe, more Mexican food. The saints are cause for great celebrations, or mini-celebrations as often as we can have them.

The food really adds to the celebration. First of all, it heps the kids remember the feast days of a good number of saints, simply because they like the food they think of with that saint. Second, they are able to learn a little geography. Third, knowing about where the saint is from has helped them to think of the people still there. It leads to conversations and remembering of forgotten history lessons. We had a great talk about Turkey and the Byzantine Empire on the feast of St. Nick. We remember to pray for the Mexican people on the feast of Juan Diego, and are more thankful for the many abundances we have in the US.

I've used the book, A Continual Feast for some of the recipes, but usually make up a few recipes. We try to come up with cultural recipes, like for St. Mary of Egypt, Kusherie, a lentil dish from Egypt; or for St. Josemaria (and the many feast days we celebrate for him) Paella or tapas. It becomes a challenge for me, but worth every minute. I hope the memories made with the meals will help my kids remember the saints in their lives as they grow. The simple act of cooking is feeding them in soul as well as body.

New Post at L2L Movies

One of my favorite Childhood Books turned movies, now at Love2Learn Movies.

Simple Joy of the First Snow

There is just something majestic about the first real snow. We got our first snow last night. I didn't have to drive in it, so it still held beauty today, when the roads were clear, and we got to go for a short hike. This is our favorite spot to "hang out", where we hike. It is secluded, and we watch the carp, sunfish and turtles for hours some hot days. I think we love it so much because it is always beautiful, no matter the season. the two images are what we see facing East and West, there are woods to the North and South.We only saw deer prints today, but we got to stand and wonder how the fish are, if that really big one will be back next year, and reminisce about how much fun the cicadas were this year.

Over the winter we will visit it many times, and look for fish, knowing that the first warm sunny day we have, they will appear, like magic. We will throw rocks, and listen to the "plink" of the rock hitting thin ice, we will have contests to see who can break the ice; Dad always wins. We will see many deer, all of which will be named by the 3 year old, who names everything we see. We might see a fox, if we sit still. There is so much beauty around us in our little "secret spot". It is as if this spot were created by God, just for us, to create memories.

Want to help the Enviroment? Stay married

Sure seems a lot easier (and more fun) than many other way of helping the enviroment

These Homeschoolers Rock!

Okay, seldom, but they are very musically enjoyable. West Suburban Homeschool Band is one of two homeschool bands that I know of in the country,and last Saturday, they marched in 30 degree cold in the dark to bring Santa to his Wheaton, IL home. The band boasts between 150 and 185 members between all of its groups. My daughter is in her second year and is a member of the junior band (ie, can carry a tune this year).

The coolest thing about this band is it is open to any Christian homeschooler. We have had a chance to share our Catholic faith with many of our non-Catholic Brethren who may have been raised to be weary of Catholics. Many priests and brothers come to our concerts, as do some local pastors of other churches. They see our holy lives and genuine love, we see their enthusiasm for evangelizing and great knowledge of scripture. Everyone is kind and loves one another. It is a great experience for the kids.

I'll post band performances here regularly, if you live near by, it is a great chance to see the band. I am always impressed at the caliber of their performances. This week they, like Tiffany before them, played the mall. Yorktown to be precise.

The Simple Joy of Playsilks

I mentioned a few weeks ago I was getting my kids playsilks for Christmas. They arrived yesterday, and because I had run a co-op for them, my kids saw all of them. They know they are for Christmas, from Mom and Dad, but being kids, they could not wait. I was as excited as they were to play with them, so they each got one, as an early Christmas gift.

For the past 24 hours, my kids have been in one fantasy after another, all involving the silks. They have been pirates, knights, super kids, mountain climbers, the Nativity scene, and ghosts. The silks have also been pools of water for toy boats, lava, parachutes, and canopies. Basically, you can do anything with a silk.

What is a silk? Well, a 36x 36 inch of colored silk. It is soft, and the colors are beautiful. The lady who I bought these from hand-dyes hers, so there are variations of the color in each silk, the blues look like flowing water. The silk is from China, but dyed by hand in the US. I just regret I did not buy these 8 years ago when my oldest was little, but even at 9, she has been having a blast. The boys are having more fun than I thought they would. My husband thought the silks might be too girly, but he has decided not, once the boys tied him up in the silks so they could shoot him better with imaginary guns.

We also got these cool things called "ribbon wands". They have become the new wand of choice in the Harry Potter plays that occur daily (they are too young for most of Harry, but can make up hours of his adventures). The combination of the silks and the wands should bring hours and hours of fun this winter.

The lady who made the ones I bought is a small home based business, and she really did a great job. Just another way to support small business, encourage creativity, and live a life of beauty.

RIP Henry Hyde

I was sad to hear the news this morning that Henry Hyde had passed away. I am not one for politics, frankly, I hate politics, but I really admired Henry Hyde. I was privileged to meet him a few times over the years at Pro-life functions, and have many friends who live in his district. Henry Hyde was a man of class.

No politician is perfect, but I really felt like Henry Hyde tried to be a man of honor and dignity, which is rare in this age (and especially this state). He was elected to the House the year I was born and I remember hearing my parents speak of him growing up, as a good man, who cared about life. As a young adult, I remember telling my friends who lived in his district to vote for him. My opinion then of politicians and the whole political system was very typical for a 19 year old in the mid 90's, jaded, and lazy. There was just something about this grandfatherly man that made me like him.

Listening to the news, I think I must have been correct in my feeling, fellow politicians are giving story after story of his kindness and integrity. They are speaking of his ability to forgive and his genuine desire to do good through his work. We can only hope for more leaders like Mr. Hyde in the future.

The Catholic Priest Today

I just had the privilege of viewing a new DVD from the Midwest Theological Forum called The Catholic Priest Today. This little DVD was designed to compliment the USCCB's Fishers of Men. I am sad to say, I have not seen Fishers of Men, but his DVD can stand on its own as well.

It is hard to believe so much can be packed into a mere 30 minutes, but The Catholic Priest Today speaks with several Bishops, seminarians and active priests about their vocations and daily life as a priest. It also has a brief appearance by Scott Hahn. All of those spoken with come back to the same thing, the desire to restore the sacred and to serve the church. How they each serve the church is varied, but all of these holy men rely on prayer.

This film would be a great gift for young men considering the priesthood or for parents, looking for ways to fuel their son's vocation. My boys are young, but I personally enjoyed watching this; it makes me very excited to see so many great young men becoming priests. Teenage and college young men would benefit most from viewing this, but younger boys may enjoy seeing and hearing some of the priests speak about their vocation.

The DVD can be ordered or viewed on the internet for free, but if you are able, please consider making a donation to the project, MTF produces very high quality material, and I'm sure would appreciate any donations. Also, when visiting the site, take time to read the letter from Cardinal George, he gives a much better review and suggestions for use of this film than I ever could.

Fasting and Advent

After a day of excessive eating, I am thinking about Advent and particularly fasting. This is the first year in many I am not nursing or pregnant, and can really give thought to it. In my early days as an adult Catholic (ie high school), I fasted often, and grew in faith greatly, but old age (ie 30), has made me lazy. Sure, I can fast from coffee, and sweets, but I know there is more to be gained from a greater sacrifice.

Fasting is not for everyone, but if you are able, there was a great story on NPR (yes, I listen to NPR!) on All Things Considered about fasting and the health benefits. Sometimes, just hearing that it is not just good for your soul, but your body is that extra motivation to do it. Advent is a great time to make lots of little sacrifices, fasting is just one way to do this.

More on Advent is the days to come.....

A Short Prayer Request

So many reasons to be Thankful! I had a very nice Thanksgiving. The best part of the day was when my Sister-in-Law, who has struggled with infertility for many years, told be she is on a waiting list to adopt! I am SO happy! But, I need your help, please pray for Beth, that by the grace of God, the process be short. Ask St. Nicholas, as his feast is just around the corner, to pray for her, to bring her the gift of a child. Ask Our Lady, our Mother, to help Beth become a mother quickly. Ask any saint in Heaven you have a devotion to, please, for me? Children are a great gift, we all know that, and not a privilege. There are so many babies that need good mommies, and, I know Beth will be an excellent mommy. I'm just so excited for her and her husband, I love babies, and my husband's family needs more!

Just in Time for Advent, Chesterton!

I'm getting this tomorrow as a gift, it is supposed to be a surprise, but I saw it at my In-Laws a few weeks ago. Yes, I know it is for me, because I saw my mother-in-law wrapping 7 copies today (for her 7 kids and their spouses).

I'm very excited, I get more Chesterton and my agnostic sister in law has to endure Chesterton because my daughter has a big mouth. I overheard a conversation between the two of them a few weeks ago. Daughter was going on and on about Nancy Brown's Father Brown to my mother-in-law, my MIL told her she liked Father Brown Stories, but had not read much else by Chesterton, daughter responded, "Well, MY mom is a member of the Chesterton Society" Honestly, does she look through my mail? The kid does not miss a beat.

I skimmed through the book elsewhere. It is very nice. There are quotes, Scriptures and Meditations for all the days of Advent and the 12 Days of Christmas. Day one is the Gift of Hope. It will be a great introduction to Chesterton for my in-laws, and great fuel for Christmas discussion, until we get Chesterton added to the "list" of banned conversations! He'd be in familiar company, at least, religion, politics, the enviroment, social issues, music, movies, education, Nestle, immigration, games, each year, Harry Potter, Michael O'Brien, parental rights, the list grows each holiday.

There is one thing about this book I find moderately humorous, it is compiled by the Center for Study of CS Lewis. Poor Gilbert, doesn't even get his own Center for Study!

What are you getting your kids for Christmas?

'Cause I need suggestions for a 6 1/2 year old boy. Seriously, I'm stumped. He is not really into anything I want to encourage (ie he likes video games). He likes nature, but I got him a boat load to exploring type toys last year. This year we are only giving 3 gifts per kid, 1 big 2 small ( Jesus only got three gifts, why do we need more?) The only thing he has asked for is a violin, which is probably not in the budget this year. I asked my brothers, and they replied "Guns?", that's not happening, either. AND to top it off, we are trying to avoid Chinese made toys, I have spent more money sending back toys this year than on new ones!

My kids are getting several "group" toys from Santa, like playsilks, a nice chess set and a new copy of Monsters, inc. to replace the one destroyed accidentally. I usually throw a few books into their stockings, we try not to go overboard, but usually end up doing so. It seems this year they already have everything worth having! We are getting rid of a bunch of toys before Christmas (FREE DUPLOS, anyone?). I want to give them nice, budget friendly items, that are useful, and moderately educational, do these toys exist?

Please Pray for the Respose His Soul

I only know this family from an email list for Chicago area Catholic Homeschoolers, but I have witnessed the journey of Patti and her son Christopher. Below is an Email she posted today.

It is with a bittersweet tone that I write to you today. Christopher passed away in his sleep this morning. We believe it was related to his airway issues. We have the autopsy results in a couple of hours.Please pray for our family as we need lots of grace from God to weather this storm. Amanda reminded me this morning that God never makes a mistake. We know that Christopher is in the company of the angels and saints and has seen God face-to-face this morning. He is in a better place without pain or breathing difficulties or feeling hungry.We are all surprised by his death. He had been doing so well. In fact, yesterday I took him to drum-making workshop and he had a wonderful time. He slept with his drum last night.As you can imagine the kids are pretty broken up, so please pray that they may find peace and acceptance. We haven't made any arrangements yet. I will try to pass along another email when we know. At the earliest, I think, the funeral will be Monday late afternoon or early evening.Thanks in advance for your prayers!

Today we honor our Veterans

November 11, Veterans day. A day that seems to be slowly fading from view, at a time when we need to honor those who serve our country more than ever. My local school district does not take Veteran's day off, and many others are following suit. This year even our president could not give honor to them by attending the traditional ceremonies.

Honestly, this is the first year in my adult life that I have taken great the notice due to this day. My dad is a Vet, and so is my younger brother, my sister's husband will very likely be heading off to Afghanistan next spring. They deserve more than a Sale at Sears! I've taken more notice this year because I've seem both my dad and brother suffer the long term effects of having fought in a war. My dad still has nightmares, he cannot go in a MRI machine, he is losing his hearing, and he has diabetes due to agent orange. But, I'm sure he would do it all again, if he were able. My brother is a changed person, most of his unit was lost in , yet he just reenlisted for another 3 years. I cannot pretend I understand, I lack the patriotism then have.

There are so many dads, brothers and friends around us that have been willing to die in duty to their country. Once a year, we honor them?! They deserve our thanks and appreciation every day. This has nothing to do with how we feel about any given war, but with the honor that is deserved by those who are faithful to duty and are willing to give their lives for our country, even with its flaws. Again, I cannot pretend to understand, but I can say thanks, and listen to them, even when it is hard. We can let our elected officials know more needs to be done to support these people, both now, after they are done serving. Our country has always had valued in its Armed forces, and the honor they bring us, but has not always appreciated them. Today we can do that. Our kids can do that. Just take a minute to say thanks today, and say a prayer for them, that God protect them, not and always.

Funny dinner conversation

My three year old has an answer for everything.

3 year old: Yippie Skippy (in response to yes, you can have bread)
Mom: Where DID you learn that?
3 year old:God.
Mom: God?
3 year old: Yep, He put it in my soul.

End of Subject.

Happy (Belated) Birthday, USMC!

I forgot to post this yesterday, even though it was ready to go....

My dad was a Marine, and we were required to know the Marine Corp birthday very early in Life. He is working on making sure the grand kids know, so Maddie, who is 5, reminded me of the birthday this year. Most years it is easy to remember, it is the day before Veteran's Day, and other holiday my dad faithfully celebrates and two day's before my sister's birthday. Dad was very disappointed she did not decide to be born 2 days earlier!



My dad joined the Marines in the early 60's and spent a decade as one. He joined before the Vietnam draft, so he could be a "Real Soldier" and not get stuck in the Army. He saw the horrors of war abroad and at home (he was at the Watts riots). The Marines made him who he is, faithful and loyal.



This year we are lumping a few holidays together, my dad's birthday, my sister's birthday and the Marine Corp birthday. My 9 year old has been working on learning the Marine Hymn on Saxophone as a special gift for my dad. We fully expect teary eyes. As they say, once a Marine, always a Marine.

Chicago Most Caffeinated

Duh. I'd comment further, but the black tea I am drinking is getting cold, time for another pot.

Everything Old is New again.

And in this case, it's a wonderful thing! This week it was announced that my Parish's annual 40 hours of devotion would end in our FIRST EVER Latin Mass. Cool, says I, I'm taking Latin, and now I need to cram an entire mass into my brain. Do-able. Today I head off to the church I go to for daily mass, and they are doing the Mozart Coronation Mass for The Feast of Christ the King. I've never heard a Mozart Mass in it's proper setting. I've sung them, by in academic settings, never in the context intended. Super Cool.

All of this is very exciting to me, I was born more than a decade after Vatican II. I've never been to a Latin Mass. I enjoy the Novus Ordo, because in recent years, I've been very fortunate to attend Mass at a church that is very intolerant of liturgical abuse, all of our Masses are beautiful and done well. The Latin Mass intrigues me, though, it is the mass of my Grandparents, and my grandmother has influenced my faith more than anyone. I hope soon, more people will be able to experience the Latin Mass, so we can better see the richness of the faith.

My idol weighs in on the latest at Hogwarts

No big secret, I'd start an Elizabeth Lev Fan club if I could. Her article about Dumbledore's sexuality is one of the best I've read. She at one point compares Dante to Rowling. Brilliant! If you do not subscribe to Zenit, it is worth it just for Her writing.

Eternal Rest Grant unto Them O, Lord...

..And let perpetual light shine upon them.

It is the eve of All Souls day, which has become one of my favorite feasts recently. This year, my husband lost his grandma. I loved Sophie, she made me laugh, she had a quick wit,even if she forgot my kids names. She was 93, and lived a hard, but good life. When she was dying, her daughter, my mother in law, decided it was silly to call a priest for final sacraments, after all, she was a good person, and God is merciful. Both are true, but it broke my heart and made me quite mad that she did not receive the final sacraments. This month especially we are praying for her, hoping she can receive all the graces of our prayers.

Many people presume that heaven is a sure thing, as soon as you die. I was not raised knowing about purgatory, I was even told it did not exist. Woe to all those who have not learned otherwise. It is vital to pray for the dead. Why? Well, they can pray for us in return, and Lord knows, I need all the prayers I can get. A priest reminded me to ask the souls in Purgatory that had the same defects I have to pray for me, and I will pray for them. Someday, I hope to see those souls and thank them. But there are greater reasons, like getting the souls of those we love. The more the merrier, right? What joy there will be the day I see all of my relatives and friends who have gone before me. Our purpose in life is to get people to heaven, and praying for the Holy Souls is part of that. In fact, it is easier than praying for the souls still on earth. The Souls in purgatory are going to go to heaven, after their time of purification, souls on earth, still can end up not making it.

In this month of the Holy Souls, remember them, have your children pray for them, visit a cemetery between November 1-8, for an indulgence. There are only benefits to praying for them, they are helpless on their own, they need us. I also recommend the book Father Philip tells a Ghost Story to help teach children about the souls in purgatory. I wish I had learned more sooner, but it is never too late.

The Candy Tally...

21 Pounds. That's right, my 3 kids collected 21 pounds of candy. Up 8 pounds from last year, but only up 6 from the previous year. We trick or treated for 1.5 hours, and if we were not dragging a 3 year old Hungarian Horntail with us, we would have been done much sooner, but his little wings are slow. My kids will not ever see about 20 of the pounds of candy, but they really have fun collecting the goods. We send the rest to work with my husband, and to soldiers in Iraq, its good to have family in the Army to eat the sugar for us. How did your family do?

More things that get me in trouble with my Homeschool group

I love Halloween. There, I've said it. It's true. Its a big deal in my home. I love decorating, I love reading scary stories in the dark, I love baking the cookies, and let's not forget the best part, taking 50% of the good candy from my kids! I'm a pagan in some people's books because of this.

It does get me banned from some family's homes, and plenty of rude comments made, but, I'm half Irish, this is like the second biggest holiday we have. I do not attend the "alternative" All-Saints party, my kids like to play saints year round, St. George is always battling the dragon in our home. I've never thought it was evil to celebrate Halloween. I know where my heart was, and my kids are not confused. I respect my many friends who are protecting their children, that is their job as parents. I appreciate that they have concerns about the evil in the world. I just see it differently. I'm not the only one, either, Lint Hatcher has set up an appreciation of Halloween website for Christians, specifically Catholics. Take a look, I'm off to make my kids listen to me read Poe, again while we listen to Night on Bald Mountain.

Check out my 1st Post at Love2Learn Movies

It should look a bit familiar. I hope to post many more reviews in the near future.

Ebert reviews Bella

Good review, and funny, too. 3 Stars, to boot! Have you seen Bella? See it again if you have, some movies are worth a second watch.

People and their dogs

I'm just disturbed. Maybe its because I'm not a huge fan of dogs, maybe its because I think people should have children instead of treating their dogs like them, you can decide.

5 days until Bella

Just a reminder, Bella comes out Friday. It is playing in many cities, please make an effort to see it at the theatre the weekend it comes out. Opening weekend numbers are very important to the success of this film. It's PG-13, so leave the little ones at home, but bring the tissue, I needed a bunch when I saw it. If you've seen it, bring a friend who has not. Make it a date. Just see Bella, I promise it is not time wasted.

My Favorite Movie

Love2learn has started a movie Blog! This makes me very happy. In my very early days of homeschooling I discovered Love2learn, and it is my absolute favorite resource for all things Catholic, family and Homeschooling. The new addition of the movie site is very timely, we started doing Netflix a couple months ago and have been trying to find great films for the family, and sometimes just for the grown-ups.

I noticed that they have not yet reviewed my favorite film, though. This time of year, Hitchcock film air frequently on the movie channels, but one is almost always over looked, I Confess. This 1953 film is one of the most Catholic movies Hitchcock ever made. Hitchcock was a devote Catholic, and this movie makes it no secret. I was given I Confess as a gift a few years ago, and have made just about every person I know watch it. So far, every one has loved it. Why? Because it is classic Hitchcock, full of suspense, mystery and drama. It is also a quick favorite among my friends because of the role the sacrament of Confession plays and the implications the seal of it holds.

Shot in Montreal, I, Confess is stunningly beautiful. The acting is not the best in a Hitchcock film, but the roles are convincing enough. The plot is simple, a man commits murder, confesses and frames the priest he confessed to. Simple, but all of the situations that surround the murder, the murder and the priest are what make it so good. I often wonder if Hitchcock was reading Father Brown stories while making this film, there are a few subtle resemblances. This is a great movie for teens, there are a few mature situations, but due to it being 1953, they are alluded to rather than explicit. I love this movie on cold fall nights with a nice hot cup of cider. Cuddle up next to your husband or wife and enjoy the plot twists and turns, and the simple joy of a really good movie.

More on Catholic Drinking

Of I've read many different articles about wine and beer. Truth be told, I really enjoy both. For many years, I swore off both, out of a misconceived notion of piety, but that changed as I matured. I really enjoy finding budget friendly wines and beers that have unique tastes. I frequently give wine as a gift, usually paired with a fine chocolate, another food favorite. A friend sent me info on a Catholic wine company today, BOGO wines. They support Priests for life and Adult Stem cell research, and it looks like they are budget friendly. With Christmas not that far off, I will be giving more wine, and feel good about doing it, not only can we celebrate and relax, but support pro-life groups as well. I hope everyone will enjoy!

My daughter Asked me to post this....

So eldest child was looking over my shoulder while I was reading The Blue Boar today, and really thinks everyone needs to see this....PS she HATES praise music and especially if it has hand motions, nice quite chants for her.

Learning for the sake of Learning

I'll admit very quickly that I am one of those people who love to learn new things. I taught myself to knit, I've taught myself to cook (my mom never cooked from scratch), I've taken many books out on subjects I "just wanted to know more about". This month I started a new learning endeavor, Latin. Not just Latin but Ecclesiastical Latin. I've been trying to take a class for years, and finally am able to do it. I like to think I know stuff about things (my husband uses this phrase to describe me!), but I did not grow up with Latin in church. Most of the Latin I learned was in music lessons in public school, so I can tell you all about the many loves described in Catuli Carmina by Orff, well, this is a clean crowd, so I probably shouldn't. In Church growing up, we never sang, let alone prayed, a single word in Latin, we pretty much relied on those wacky guys, the St. Louis Jesuits.

Do I need Latin now? Maybe, I really have no great desire to start attending Latin Mass, but I do sing in Latin weekly, and often our priest does Benediction in Latin. My favorite prayer book is in both English and Latin, so it will be nice to have the ability to read the original Latin. My nephew is on his way to becoming a Latin Scholar, I can try to impress him, but 16 year old geniuses are not easily impressed my their "old" aunts(I'm the 5th oldest for the record). My desire to learn Latin is simply because I can. I love to learn, I am excited by homework, and the thought that I can abandon dishes one morning a week to do it. My kids (and husband) think I'm a bit silly, I've taken all the Latin CD's we've amassed as Homeschoolers and put them on my husband's I-pod (mine is being fixed).

I used to be embarrassed my this love of learning, until I met Opus Dei. I am constantly being encouraged to learn new things, not just of the faith, but for my vocation, as a homemaker. Last year After a talk about learning new recipes, I tried making tarts, and my family loved them, I am so glad I tried, anything can be put into a tart. "An hour of study, for a modern apostle, is an hour of prayer." -The Way, Point 335. I love this quote by St. Josemaria, I remind myself of it very often, as I am about to let a question go unanswered, or as I do not do something due to lack of knowledge on the subject. My Latin skills may not help my primary vocation, but I'm sure somewhere along the way it will be useful. Until then, I will tuck that knowledge in my brain and maybe get $.10 off my coffee for the trivia question of the day. Odds seems to be against a question regrading which case you use sine with, but you never know.

X-man Turns 3

That's my youngest child,Xavier, of course! Today the "baby" turned three, thus making him an old man according to the 6 year old of the house. He spent the day being spoiled by his family and best friend and future( the sisters arranged the marriage at birth) wife,Elizabeth. Life is good for him, he is a happy, fun, bright child, and a gift from God.

If you think of it, say a little prayer for him. He has so much in store for the world,and the world has so much in store for him. Here he is at the "bean" sculpture, trying to move it. Its that kind of determination that I hope he brings to his while life, the desire to attempt the impossible.

My I-Pod, its, its...

DEAD!!! *sob* I know it is not a big deal to most, and I could use this as a chance to learn detachment, but I NEED my little nano. It is not just for music, it is for lazy homeschooling. I keep our entire history book on my little i-pod. I keep the Rosary on it, so I can drive and not have to try to juggle beads while praying, I keep a book or two to entertain the wee little beasties while waiting for whomever we are picking up. I also keep two little playlists called "Loud Mama" and "Quiet Mama", to fit my mood, of which I only have room for two. And last but not least, I keep Mark Shea's Rock Solid Catholic Exchange podcast.

I've had it for two years, and It has worked like a charm, making me very happy and has been a useful tool for faith formation. I cannot run out and buy another, because we simply do not do that in this house, I mean, I got this one for free, actually my husband earned at as a bonus from his former employer. His current employer is not music related, so no new I-pods in my future. I'm sure life will go on, and maybe I'll run over to the Apple store and beg them to look at it, but just for a moment, mourn my little black nano, now I'm stuck listening to the radio.

40 Reasons to have a baby...

Karen Edmisten is awesome! This made me so happy to read. The baby question has been on the minds in our home very much lately. The only thing I can add to what Karen has said, it can add a lot of romance to a marriage, and not just the making the baby! There is nothing sweeter than a baby and its dad. Don't tell my husband I used his photo, but I love the big linebacker and his little one month old. I have picture of each of my kids asleep on daddy. Men need babies. I never took my husband to be the "papa bear" type, but do not, I repeat, DO NOT mess with his little babies. He is in best form when he has a little baby in his arms. I get so happy-weepy when I look at him, babies are what marriage is for.

Respect Life Sunday and my journey back to the faith

October 7th is Respect Life Sunday this year. Every year the clergy are supposed to address life issues from the pulpit. Do they always? No, matter of fact it was the issues NOT being addressed that marked my full return to the church of my baptism.

Long story short, I fell away from the Church at the end of High school, many do. I was going to other churches, I frequently was dragged to mass by my boyfriend, who went faithfully (that is why I married him!). In college, being the lazy gen-x college student I was going to the Newman Center at my college, because it was the closest church to my dorm. I got involved with the choir, after all, I was a music major. Respect Life Sunday rolled around, and the Pastor, gets up and informs us all he will not be speaking on respecting life issues, because he does not want to offend anyone, after all we are all different people with different values and opinions. EXCUSE ME? This was the one thing I thought I was certain I agreed with in the Catholic Church, and HE was not going to address it to the group that needed it the most.

My poor boyfriend had to hear me rant for hours, How bad that priest was, how terrible, how the Church is pretty clear on this issue, and on and on (he still married me). Then I got to thinking, If I knew that this priest's actions were wrong, maybe I wasn't as bad of a Catholic as I had thought. If the Church was right about this, maybe I was wrong about other things, not the church.Hmm, I do not like being wrong. It really made me think, for months, but as I said, lazy college student, I did not really do much more about it, besides argue about issues I disagreed with with my boyfriend.

There were a few BIG issues I had, and being an eighteen year old "educated" female, I could not reconcile. Praise be to God, The Catechism was published while I was in college, and my boyfriend bought it for me so I would stop arguing with him (he is still waiting!). I was overwhelmed by the pure logic of the Faith, it simply "made sense". All of my questions were answered, and clearly, I read that puppy from front to back and dog-eared the heck out of it.

In my work I have seen many Pro-life people come into the Catholic Church based on her strong stand on truth. That is why this is such an important Sunday to pray for conversion of hearts, not just of those who are anti-life, but of those who are pro-life, but not part of the Church established by Christ Himself.

Happy Feast of Saint Francis

I have had a life long love of Saint Francis, not because of my bad hippie upbringing, not because I was an animal loving vegetarian, but mostly because of the fact that I was raised at St. Francis church. My adult life has been surrounded by many Franciscans. My 2 of my children are named after Franciscan Saints, Clare and Maximilian. My best friend is a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal. The Art Institute of Chicago is filled with images of Saint Francis, which I am so blessed to marvel at.

I admire many of the ideals of the Franciscans, simplicity, poverty, and service of the poor, these are not the ideals of a weak or Godless man. Francis has been adopted by so many non-Catholics, and even non-Christians as the patron or peace and love, not to mention animals. On the surface, he may seem just that, but, to see only that, is to only see a slight glimpse of the true Francis. This is the man to stripped naked in front of a bishop as a sign of his denial of all the world, especially the cloth of his father. He slept in the elements, on the rocks, he begged for his daily bread. This is not a life led by a man without the deepest love and faith in God.Francis was so truly united with God and his will, he experienced ecstasy, he had visions, and was blessed with the Stigmata.

So much could be said, volumes and volumes have been written on Francis, including two of my favorites, The Flowers of Saint Francis and St. Francis of Assisi, by Chesterton. So today, on this wonderful feast day, read Chesterton's book(I really live the double volume with St. Thomas), or at least start it, with Nancy Brown's Study guide, remember the poor, and pray for the church to be rebuilt, as God told Francis, there is always room for a little repair.

Sad Day..

After two weeks of legal battles, the Aurora Planned Parenthood clinic opened. This is a defeat, but not the end of the battle. Now prayers are needed more than ever, for the babies who will not come out of the clinic, and the women who will not come out the same. May their angels be with them.

Just today I heard another story of a woman who is being forced to have an abortion by her family and doctor, Why? Because she has severe depression. Please pray for her, she wants the baby, but is not being given a choice by those who care for her. Proving even further that abortion being a choice is a myth in many many cases.

Week of the Heavy Hitters

One of the joys of being Catholic is that we celebrate so much! This week in particular has is full of some of the best feast days around. Saturday was the Feast of the Archangels, Sunday, in addition to being a feast itself was the Feast of St. Jerome, Yesterday was the Feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Today, the Guardian Angels and the founding of Opus Dei, Thursday St. Francis of Assisi and Friday St. Helena Maria Faustina.

For the most part, these are VERY popular devotions. St. Therese and St. Francis are popular in the non-Catholic world. The perception of these saints is often that of happy, soft, peaceful people. Nothing could be further from the truth. I admit, I did not have much devotion to St. Therese until fairly recently. I saw her as too sheltered to relate to, too good to have anything in common with, and honestly, I thought a woman who died at 24 after living in a convent for nearly 10 years could not teach me much. Then I read The Story of a Soul and I realized how wrong I had been.

The Guardian Angels are not the cute little cherubs that we see in Classical Art, they are our protectors and guides. They will plead before God at our judgement. Devotion to them is not merely for our children, but for all, with the reminder that we are to be like children. The good elderly priest at mass today reminded us that to doubtand ignore the Angels is to doubt and ignore the Holy Spirit, of whom they lead us to.

I'll have more on the the feasts this week, as they arrive. Today Let us be little children and say that prayer learned at our mothers' knees.

Angel of God, my Guardian dear, to who God's love, commits me near, Ever this
day be at my Side, to light, to guard, to rule and guide, Amen.

Brothers on Bikes

I take full blame for this picture, this is my dear friend, Br, Maximilian, CFR. The Godfather to my middle child. He is riding the "vow of celibacy bike" as he calls it, one seater, no room for anyone but God to ride along. For the mothers in the crowd, he put his helmet on before he actually started riding away, he was just posing here.

We use technology for good, not evil.

I found this particularly interesting, Families Against PP has been really savvy with its use of the Internet.

I guess I will keep my cruddy Verizon Phone contract another year, and will write them a note to tell them how I support their policy.

h/t: Sheila Liaugminas

UPDATE: So much for the note I was going to send...

According to the Internet Broadcasting Systems/Associated Press, also this morning:
Verizon Wireless has reversed course and will allow NARAL Pro-Choice America to use its mobile network for a sign-up text messaging program.
Company spokesman Jeffrey Nelson said the decision not to allow text messaging was incorrect.
Nelson had said Wednesday that abortion was among topics barred from mass distribution based on the company's code of content.
However, the code was developed before text-messaging became a mass-market phenomenon.
NARAL lets people sign up to receive its text messages by keying in a message to a five-digit number.

Where HAVE you been?

I hear Mrs. Weasley's voice in my head as I said that! How is it possible to homeschool when you are never home? Well, that is the beauty of homeschooling. We have been so busy, living and enjoying life, ignoring the laundry a bit, and skipping the workbooks. Life is for learning. Beauty surrounds us and teaches lessons that Saxon never could (I'm having Saxon issues this week).

We've been to the beach, to see the marvels of Lake Michigan. I've been beaten up the biggest dune by a nearly three year old, mom needs to get in better shape, clearly! Fun was had by all. Nothing refreshes the soul like a day of relaxation to appreciate the beauty God places all around us.

We've been to the Art Institute of Chicago, with Brother Maximilian Mary, CFR. We had a great time. Note to parents, if you are friends with a religious who likes kids, and frequently acts like one, do NOT, under any circumstances let him convince you he can be trusted to sit with them on the train, during rush hour, with 3 kids under 10. They will squeal, he will make them shriek, they will draw looks from every adult on board, and you will find the nearest newspaper to hide under as the conductor asks if those children can Possibly behave on the train. He will then laugh at you and then, as you are ready to strangle them all, he will have them do evening prayer with him, and you will get teary at how lovely it is.

We've also begun all the usual back to school activities, Russian Style Ballet, Master Gardner Classes, and Homeschool Band. I never wanted to be one of those families that spent more time in the car driving than at home, but it is happening. Overall it is not bad, we listen to audio books, and take walks while waiting for the child who is in lessons.

So, that is what life is like in our small corner of the world. I had a deadline Monday, I sent it in today. My husband had to stay out half the night selling copies of Halo 3, such is the life of retail. But we got to have a picnic on a water fall yesterday, so life is very good, and full of many simple joys.

We won in Court, for now.

I know it is not the end of this battle, but for now, the death center will not open. I have Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow stuck in my head. I think I will take that as a cue, to give Him the praise due today.

Looking for more Books

I desperately need a history book that will look at European and early American history from a Catholic point of view. The new history books arrived for my children, and this year we get to sing the Guy Fawkes song. Yippee. I bet it makes the French Revolution a great thing, too. Those bad Catholics oppressing people again. I wish that the books were not this way, because they are good in most regards, but I do have to "supplement" anytime they mention the Catholic Church, popular ignorance prevails.

I did not learn, in my bad public education, anything that was from a Catholic point of view, and if I did I was not listening. I call my late high school and early college years my "bad Catholic" phase. Short, thankfully, but I am still trying to make up for it in my education. In particular I would appreciate recommendations that pertain to the French Revolution, British history after Elizabeth I, and the founding of the United States. If I can get it from the library, even better, because the book budget (and shelf space) has been exhausted for the time being.

Um, what about the 5th Commandment

I guess I'm just too simple, but I cannot comprehend how anyone who calls themselves a Christian, and a minister at that, could be pro-Planned Parenthood.This quote just gets me.

The Rev. Greenfield was even more blunt.
"To deny somebody choice," he said, "is contrary to what I believe to be the teachings of Jesus as a Christian."

Bella The Movie, My Review

To be fair I have to preface with a few bits of information, the first being that I saw this movie in January, and being that I have been suffering from motherhood inflicted brain loss, I have forgotten some details. But the movie left an great impression on me, so I still remember quite a bit. The second has more to do with my movie related background. I really like art films and foreign films. I think in my high school and college days (it wasn't THAT long ago), I saw pretty much everything that I could. I still would pick an art film over a big budget film any day. Why is this important? Well, Bella has all the qualities of a really good art film. It has won awards(Hello, SXSW? HUGE indie fest!), it was made quickly on a small budget, and word of mouth is what will make this film.

From the very beginning of the film, I knew I was in for a treat. It had that rough quality I enjoy, pure beauty, used as a way to draw the watcher in. The colors were perfect, like a painting, so appealing to the eye, so much attention is given to the look of this film, but not in an over-done way. The visual beauty of the film only enhances the beauty if the story. The Film looked real.

The story is one that all can relate to. A man seemingly has everything, loses it all, only to gain all that he really needs. I really do not want to divulge too much of the actual story, because it is so worth seeing, without any preconceived notions. The story follows two main characters, who I'm sorry to say, names escape me. The male is a scruffy looking cook in a Hispanic restaurant, the female is a waitress in the same restaurant. The female has just discovered she is pregnant. They spend the day, away from their jobs, together discussion life, and her pregnancy.

Bella has been hyped in Pro-life circles, for good reason, but it should not be limited by this label. It is so much more than a "pro-life" film. It is a film about hope, sorrow, regret and promise for the future. Is it a Catholic movie? Yes, in the true sense. It is not overt, but pure. The family of the man exemplifies a Catholic family. They are not perfect, but welcome the stranger (the young woman)with open arms. They really are a great example of the beauty that is many Hispanic families, joy, love and familial devotion.

The movie is not complicated, even though it deals with a very complicated matter, the story moves quickly, but not so quickly that one will get lost. I mentioned color before, which seems so trivial, but the fact that the colors are bright, helps keep the movie from being like so many films today, bright colors show hope. While the film was being made the crew stayed with the CFR's, and the CFR's are featured on the subway. Br. Maximilian, CFR, my very dear friend, was able to spend a little time with them. He reported that they live and breathe their faith, and want it all of their work to reflect that. Beauty is an exceptional way to reflect the Catholic faith.

What really sets Bella apart from other "faith based films" is that it is not one. Sure, faith motivated the team making it, and it is based on Catholic truths, but, through an artistic eye, it avoids the many pitfalls "faith based films" have. For one, the film does not preach, but shows the glory of personal freedom to choose good or evil. Secondly, many recent faith based films have had the tendency to be very slick, forgoing quality of the story for a very glossy look. As previously stated, Bella is not glossy, but exhibits true beauty.

Bella is a great little film, and I truly pray that is does well, many hearts will be touched, mine was. It is a great film for older teens and adults, the subject is a bit beyond younger people. My husband thought my initial description points to a "chic flick" but I tend to think he is wrong, even if he is not, many men get dragged to chic flicks. In meeting with the director and actors, I was even more convinced that this film has such great value, they are potentially sacrificing their careers for this movie. If Bella does well, they will make more films like it. Please see Bella, it will make you cry, and laugh, but you will leave the film with a sense of hope.

Planned Parenthood Clinic Update

All I can say is keep praying, fasting and making little sacrifices. Ask Our Lady to intercede for the many women and babies that this clinic will hurt if it ever opens, ask Her that it NEVER open.

Harry Potter, and A Bad Homeschool Mom

I guess I have to finally say something on this subject, because after some of what I've read this week, I'm embarrassed to be a Catholic Homeschool mother. Let me just preface all I say with many in my HS group consider me a heathen, Harry Potter is one of many reasons. It used to bother me, but I'm pretty sure that my confessor would disagree with them, so who cares.

I'm what many call a "Bad Catholic Homeschooler". I wear jeans, I run errands while listening to my Ipod, I watch TV, and enjoy some of it, I stay up some nights drinking a beer with my husband while playing our Wii, but none of that is as bad as some find Harry Potter. I too, used to be Anti-Harry, before I read the books. I had been lulled into the Michael O'Brien Way of thinking, after all he had some good things to say, and I, a former punk music loving young mother had been raised out of the church, what did I know. So I blindly followed, shame on me! I banned Dragon Tales, can't confuse the kiddies, I talked badly about Harry Potter, I just wanted to fit in with my homeschooling peers.

Then one day, I happened to be the day that the Sixth Book came out, something happened. Our town turned into Hogsmead. I had no idea what that was honestly, but we had some friends who walked through over, and they brought up the alleged comments by then Cardinal Ratzinger. These friends are Catholics, but "Sunday" Catholics. They were not interested in Harry Potter, frankly, but thought it was concerning that the Pope would speak on such a trivial thing. I tried to soften the blow a bit, but without having read the books, I pretty much looked dumb.I then decided to borrow the books from my niece and read them. At least I could tell everyone how bad they were.

I read them all in a matter of three weeks. They were great, nothing in there even hinted of "join the occult" . Wait, then, maybe I missed something. I had my husband listen to the audio books with me. Again, nothing illicit, certainly nothing as offensive as some Catholic children's books we have been given over the years.

For years I had tried to be a "Good Catholic Homeschool Mom", no pants, only good Catholic music and film, shun culture basically. I failed and was not happy. Thank goodness I have a few good priests to turn to for direction! We as Catholics are given FREEDOM. We can choose good. We can learn, through formation what is good. I am not to live a cloistered life, I am to live in the world, but not be of it. I have chosen to read the Harry Potter books, I have chosen to not let my children read some of the books, based upon age and maturity. I respect my many friends who do not allow many of the things I allow.

I guess the thing that has bugged me the most about the way Harry Potter, and many other issues related to culture are handled is the meanness with which those who have chosen to keep them out of their family act. There are teenagers in our HS group who are not allowed to talk to me, I am clearly a bad influence. My kids have been taught to be respectful, and if we are with friends who do not allow certain things, they go out of their way to not mention them. We have to ask ourselves if the energy being used to slander the name of many good people, like Nancy Brown, could be used to bring more people to heaven with us? Is the behavior causing other to be lead away from God or the Church? If it is, that is truly sinful. Oh, and By the way, I still ban Dragon tales, because it is just plain dumb, and that has nothing to do with Dragons.

Now I'm off to play Wii Sports while listening to rock music with my kids. and continue being an embarrassment to my homeschool group.

A Day of Prayer and fasting

September 7 has been declared by my Bishop as a day of prayer and fasting against abortion. It is only two weeks until Planned Parenthood is scheduled to open their new death and deception factory. Please join us in Prayer. I know that this might only seem to effect my "small" corner of the world, but it effects us all. Babies will die, women will be hurt, a communities will suffer. Those babies will not grow up to be YOUR doctor, teacher, Priest,where ever you live. Those women will suffer depression and regret, and be at greater risk for breast cancer. I've known many women who have had abortions, they suffer, in ways you would never think. Men suffer from abortion, too. The CFR's have done a good deal of work to bring this to people's attention. How many families suffer because of abortion? How many living siblings suffer from the joy of a sister or brother never known? Please join my family, friends and community in praying to end this suffering, pray to end abortion, even if it is just in my "small" corner of the world.

Off Babysittin'

One of my dear friends, a mother of nine, has gone to Seattle for a much needed, much deserved second/ didn't really get a first honeymoon. I am at her house enjoying the last days of summer in her pool, with 7 of 9 (I hate Star Trek, so don't ask) of her kids and my 3, making me the mother of 10 and a very old dog this week. I'll be back next week with our summer memories. It was a great summer, sad to see it fade away. Hopefully I'll *finally* finish The Man who was Thursday this week, I've had too many interruptions for such a good book.

Super Funny Ebay auction

I'll sum it up, mom took all six kids shopping with her, and needs to sell off the items the kids grabbed without her noticing. Too Funny, though.

My writing gig

I thought I got fired from my part time super low key high stress volunteer writing gig. (enough adjectives?) BUT, they asked me back, much to my dismay! AND the first deadline is TODAY. So anyone have suggestions for a children's book I can review that meets the following goals and objectives, that is not The Weight of a Mass? Did I mention this is for my Parish's award winning RE program?
Goal: To determine that God is worthy of our devotion and wants a relationship with us
Objectives:
1) To determine that God exists and has certain distinguishable traits
2) To establish the relationship that exists between the persons of the Blessed Trinity and the correlation to our relationship with God
3) To realize that through prayer, we come to know God and his will for us and learn that living according to God’s will brings happiness.
4) To learn the forms of prayer found in our Catholic toolbox (ACTS: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, Supplication (petition))

I better get reading and writing!

The Future of the Church

My Hubby and I teach NFP, and we have for 7 years. We sometimes run into difficulties when couples tell us that their Priest told them contraception was okay. This video is made by a group of seminarians, I'm so excited about our future priests!

New Blog!

Families against Planned Parenthood has launched a blog in order to keep people up to date on our efforts to prevent PP from opening on September. Please visit, and continue to pray.

Please Pray for my Friend

A friend of mine is having some emotional difficulties, enough so that she needs to be away from her family for a while. She has 5 kids, and recently stopped homeschooling. I've known her since I was 13, she supported me through my very emotional teen years. Ask St. Dymphna to intercede for her. Ask for God's grace to fill her. Her life has been rough, her dad died when she was very young, she's lost 6 babies, and has a child with severe heart defects, enough to cause anyone to have a hard time with life.

The Bishop Joins the Fight

Please read Bishop Sartain's letter on the day of prayer against abortion. We are so blessed to have him as our Shepherd.

Those Blogging Seminarians

I've come across a few young men from my diocese that blog. One I've known since before he was Christian, the other I do not know, but it makes it easier to pray for these men when we glimpse into their lives. The future of the priesthood is tech savvy!

I'm not sure how St. Josemaria would feel...

But it made me groan. I would hope that he would prefer Caffeinated! I love coffee, probably way to much, enough that I fast from it sometimes, and it is a big deal (thank God for tea on those days!). I really try to only buy Fair Trade Coffee. A few years back I got hooked on the brand that benefits Catholic Relief Services projects, and decided my vice should help someone. Starbucks is to expensive, and only benefits Starbucks share holders, But Brands like Equal Exchange, and Benevolent Blends, help the farmers, and their families. So drink up and Help the mission of the Church!

The Storm!

I love the rain, but this is getting ridiculous! We've had violent storms every day this week. I've even gotten jumpy at the sound of the thunder.

My husband has committed to the 40 day vigil at Planned Parenthood, Aurora at 10pm. It will STILL be storming then. It is his first time there, pray for him, please, this is not the kind of thing he usually does, his mom would discourage him, but despite the weather, he will be there. I usually do not speak like this, but the forces of darkness are really giving us all a challenge, So many people have been out there praying, so many visions, dreams, and other unusual occurrences have taken place, many think the "clinic" will not open. Let's hope and pray they are right.

Back to School!

Every year I think it will take us 6-7 hours to get school done, every year we are done by 1:30. I'm so glad we are back at school, it has been a really fun week so far.We're trying some new books, and this is the first year I legally have to school 2 kids. It is really nice to have a child BEG to do school at 6:30am, as he catches me running out the door to mass. It is almost sad to ask him to wait!

Today is also our School feast day, Mary Queen of Heaven. Our school is Queen of all Saints, so close enough. We are making cupcakes, Being Catholic is always a cause for celebration, and I can find a religious reason for baking almost every day!

I'm preparing a second child to receive our Lord in the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. Each child is so different. My first just "knew" everything, all the answers, this child is very natural, he never knows the "answers" but he knows how to live them. I love hearing him tell his little brother to do his work, because work well done pleases God. That is not something the older child would think of on her own.

We also have been enjoying some Father Brown stories as a family, it is nice, we can "edit" as needed for the kids. They really enjoy the mysteries. We also got a kid's version of Midsummer night's dream, for our Shakespeare unit in History. I love Homeschooling! I learned how to make water bombs from paper this week, very popular with the boys, and really fun to make.

Google Earth looks at the sky

We have 3 different way of looking at constellations on the computer now. It is nice, because we live to near too many city lights to view the stars well. My goal for this school year is to learn at least a dozen new constellations.

Perfect Fall day, in August

Right now, it is cloudy and 69 out, and I could not be in a better mood. I really do not enjoy warm Sunny days, I adore the clouds, the slightly cool air and the look of rain. Often I've been told to move to Seattle or London, but I'm stuck in Chicago.

Just to add to the perfection of the atmosphere, I've been listening to LOT of Sufjan Stevens, whom I really enjoy. I was raised on bad hippie music and the Marine corp band, Sufjan is like the best of both, but for indie rock kids (and moms). The quiet melodies and gentle harmonies make for a perfect Saturday. The lyrics are mostly kid friendly ie no swears, not to mention there is a mandolin on every album. I really like the Illinois album and Avalanche, the outtakes, but I know more than most about IL and it seems do does Sufjan.

The day is to short to spend at a computer, I'm off to light a candle and make Irish Breakfast Tea, loose leaf, of course. There are many books to read to the kiddies, and I best take advantage of the mysterious force that is a cloudy day.