Simple joys

Why we need Saints.

2011-12-19T15:23:00.001-06:00

It has been an exceptionally crappy fall for me. My last post highlighted the death of my friend, a few weeks after that, my husband lost his job and at the end of October, my mother very suddenly died. Crappy is the only word for it. It has been hard emotionally and in all honestly, financially.All of this has made family life, especially my marriage very trying. It has led me to really question more than I have in years every aspect of my personal faith.

I have not run and turned heathen, but, my prayer is dry, my soul is even drier, and my sense of hope is long lost in a desert. Today seems especially dark and dreary to me. So many things are not as I would have them, our home is not prepared for the birth of our Lord, I am overwhelmed with my jobs that help us get by and I am lonely. It feels like so many of my friends has left or simply are too busy, which I get.

But, in this darkness, there is a beam of light. It was announced Bl. Kateri will be St. Kateri very soon. Why does this matter to the whiny suburban mom? Simply because she has been my “go to” girl for years. Her family didn’t understand her, neither does mine, she was not beautiful, I hate the way I look, she was often alone, see above. But, instead of sitting in the dark with a cup of coffee, she glorified God and offered him her pain. Yep, I need to stop whining and crying, okay, that may be harder, but I need to Glorify God, no matter what. No matter how much it hurts to have not said “Goodbye” or “I’m sorry” or “I love you” to my mom. No matter how much I hate leaving my kids, neglecting our homeschooling to go to jobs that are disgusting. No matter how frustrating it is that my husband is not my provider or protector right now. I need to Glorify God, I need to give him these things, and let him keep them. I need to ask Kateri to help me, to show me how she did it, and then, I need to give thanks.

Simple Joys and Immense Sorrows

2011-09-27T11:19:00.001-05:00

This weekend I lost a friend in the most horrific way, suicide. I had known her since I was 16, I met her the day I met my husband and Br. Maximilan, one of our best friends. We were on a retreat, and she, Br. Max, and my husband were the only 3 people to talk to me. I was shy, had just gotten over the Chicken Pox, and in the past year had suffered a great tragedy. I was depressed, and they gave me hope. That is why it is breaking my heart to think that no one could give her that hope to continue on the journey.

We had many good times, she left to join a cultish religious group when we were on college and we were not allowed to communicate. When she came home, I picked her up at the airport, but she was not the same. Life moves quickly, she married and moved to the other side of the country. We lost touch. I regret this so much right now, more than so many regrets that I have in life.

Thanks to the internet, and facebook, we connected. It was like old times, virtually. We communicated privately online, but that is a terrible way to be a friend. I could not read her sorrow in email, I could not see her tears in chat, and I could not give her any hope.

Last month, we met in person, I think now that she loved my husband and I enough to say good-bye to us in person. That makes things so much worse, to tell the truth, why didn’t we hold her forever, why didn’t we tell her to move back to Chicago, why didn’t we give her hope. I told her things that she didn’t know, painful things. When she got back to California, she attempted suicide for the first time. Did we push her over the edge?

Her husband is a good man, he tried to protect her, but she left one Sunday morning and never returned. She was found in the bottom of a canyon a week later. How can someone leave their 3 little children? How can you lose hope to the point that even your babies are meaningless? I will never understand. I have been at the point she was in the past, about every 6 years I fight a battle with depression, but my children, my husband and my God are enough to give me the glimmer I need. How can there be no glimmer?

I’ve been praying the Psalms a lot, and one thing strikes me again and again, Praise for rescue. I Praise Him for saving me, rescuing me, but I also ask, why not her? What makes her plight different? I know her sorrows were worse, her past was darker, but why didn’t he rescue her, why did she slip into decay? There are just so many things I do not understand, but I trust in the goodness and mercy of He who rescues me.

I Have Confidence in, Oh, Wait, No I Don’t

2011-07-23T14:52:00.001-05:00

I can admit to having absolutely no faith in my ability to do anything. Truly, it is a nothing short of a miracle that I accomplish anything. Take this moment for example, I’m supposed to be writing an essay that will complete my doula training. And, what am I doing, drinking coffee, listening to sappy music and writing on my mostly ignored blog. Why? because I cannot articulate the 1000 words that I need to to get the darned thing done.

I’ve been working on this for months, all I need to do is put 1000 words down on paper, 1000 words that meet pretty strict guidelines, that are supposed to sound like I know what I am talking about. But, as usual, I know in my head what is true, but I cannot express it, because I’m not sure I provide the services that I am describing.

It doesn’t matter how many people tell me I am doing fine, or that they think I am good at what I am doing, I don’t think that, and therefore I cannot attempt to promote myself. I lack confidence.

My daughter on the other hand is a big ball of self-belief. How it is even possible for me to have offspring with so much confidence is beyond me. She is faced with some pretty serious auditions in the next few days, and is handling it all with amazing grace, believing that she is the best. She may not be the best, but her ability to believe that she is often makes up for her lack of a small skill. How did I raise this child? How did she get to be so self assured? I think it may have something to do with my belief in her, her father’s belief in her. We think and know she is great at the things she does and are honest with her, in loving ways, when she is not. I never had that.

We all just want to be loved.

2011-05-29T21:51:00.001-05:00

It is just human nature to be desire to be liked. I’m totally guilty of this, I want people to like me. I want them to want to be around me, I want them to want to do things with me. Essentially though, I am still the sixth grade girl hiding in the corner of the gym at a dance because she knows there are people who do not like her.

I’ve run into a few people in life lately who for whatever reason, have made it clear, they do not care for me. Most of them I do not know well. Not nearly well enough I feel for this judgment to have been made. It has caused me to have to soul search, do I have such a strong personality that I send people running the other direction as soon as they meet me? Or worse, have I offended these people in the few moments I have been around them?

Okay, here comes the grown-up, why do I care? Seriously, I left the 6th grade any my Jr. High ways a loooong time ago, like when I left Jr. High long time ago. But still, I care. These people are not the kind that will be my close friends, not matter what they think about me, or time together is so limited. But as our circles intertwine, I want them to have a positive view of me. Again, why do I care. I care because I carry the light of Christ. It is a burden and a blessing.

I have to project it in a beautiful way, if I am not, that is when it becomes a burden. In my life right now, it is a heavy, large light, something not always easy to carry. My faith is not as strong as it used to be, or needs to be, and I know I’m not reflecting the light well. I worry that my portrayal of the light is distorted and not clear. That could easily put people off. My love is not glowing, my heart is not light, and that, my dear readers, is off putting to me, I can only imagine how it is to others.

All right, I’m back.

2011-02-22T13:24:00.001-06:00

The voices in my little red head are getting too loud, so it is time to blog again. Nothing special is going on, the kiddies did a play. I agree to these things to enrich their lives, and forget they kill mine.

I am now officially a doula in training, with a pending certification, anyone wanna give birth with me there, that is seriously all I need. I’m begging the hubby for new floors, and in the process doing all I can to make the currently floor look bad ie vacuuming as little as possible. But being that Chicago weather is as logical as its politics, we had a freeze/ warm up/ freeze pattern, so now we have ants. Good times. So instead of dealing with the little critters, I’m here and the kids are making cookies. That’s how we roll. Dang, there is one on my foot, now where is that vacuum?

See, this is what I am talking about

2010-12-09T11:10:00.001-06:00

The small details of the Catholic world, like forgiveness of even the most horrible sins, gives me great hope. Take that creepy goth kids!

Pilgrimage anyone?

2010-12-08T12:45:00.001-06:00

Now there is notneed to go to Mexico, Europe, but you do have to suffer through potentially getting stuck behind a deer carcass this time of year. The first approved U.S. Marian Apparition is in Green Bay!

Mom ate her Wheaties, you kids better watch out!

2010-12-07T15:28:00.001-06:00

My kids knew there would be trouble today. They had clues when I decided that amidst their complaints about history, I was reading it aloud, dramatically. When they complained, I did my best Ben Stein in Ferris Bueller reading of it, and then, when they couldn’t take that, Professor Umbridge.

That’s right wee ones, complain as much as you can, I had copious amounts of coffee and you can’t beat me down today. As if the middle kingdom of Egypt ala Dolores Umbridge wasn’t enough, I had a video, about the subject. Oh, the torture, mom using their entertainment device for school. How dare I!?!

Then, I went on to make honey cake, for the Feast of St. Ambrose, and read them works of St. Ambrose, they didn’t think his tongue was honey after 20 minutes of his writing, brought down to kiddie level.

Once mom is in the kitchen, she might as well make peanut butter balls, and chimichurri and chocolate syrup, right? That is normal for a Tuesday. But poor little lambs, mom made them do the math for the triple recipe. Again, something they like almost ruined by school. For shame!

I can’t promise this will ever happen again, but with a lack of sleep and a programmable coffee maker, it is entirely possible.

And the Heavens Shall Proclaim His Glory…

2010-12-02T20:45:00.001-06:00

For your advent pleasure and devotion, an Advent calendar using images from the Hubble Telescope. And just think, He made the heavens and the earth, and we are still, millions of years later, only now discovering their majesty.

This is Why I Love Being Catholic!

2010-11-30T12:27:00.001-06:00

I’m spending my day cramming as much about different methods of childbirth into my little brain as possible, and I have a moral question. it is regarding hypnosis. I email a few people and then hit Google. Lo and behold, Pope Pius XII has an answer! I would not have expected a brilliant answer on pain in childbirth from the Pope, yet, I am not surprised. I love being Catholic, my life is so much easier and my brain is so much happier!

Is it wrong?

2010-11-21T17:32:00.001-06:00

It has been a busy weekend, good, but busy. I got to chaperone a Youth 2000, pick up a quarter of grass-fed beef, chaperone again, and see the new Harry Potter movie with two of my kids. This week will be busy, too, but still good.

This week is what I commonly refer to as hell week. My husband is a retail manager, and after today, I will not see much of him, except Christmas day, until Mid-January. I’m used to it, but it stinks. I look so forward to a peaceful Christmas, but we rarely get one, and this year looks worse than normal.

I love our families, but for Holidays, they make me insane. Despite the fact that I have sung 11:30 Mass every week, and feast day for 6+ years, they seem to forget this fact and plan Christmas ( and Easter!) for 10am. Fun times. We get there after the food is gone, very hungry, tired (we leave our house for Mass at 10am, and begin our fast at 9) and desiring to relax. Keep in mind, my husband has worked 30 days of insanity by Christmas.

I’m considering ditching them. yep, skipping the big family celebration in lieu of just the 5 of us. Last year, it was the same scenario, and everyone in our house was upset. Before the kids could eat, they had to have pictures, and then open presents, which they got yelled at for doing the “wrong way”. We got home and had to scrounge to find food to eat on Christmas day, it as not dreamy or relaxing, it was stressful and upsetting. As a family we made a pact to not do the same thing again.

Fast forward to this year, where it is looking like it will be even worse. The family is ending the festivities at 3. Meaning we will only have 1 hour, if even. That brings me to the question above, is it wring to ditch the larger family for a day of peace and joy with the smaller one. Talk amongst yourselves….

Adventures in Worm Herding

2010-11-15T23:05:00.001-06:00

Yes, Worm herding. I, being the tree hugging eco geek I am, have a worm bin for compost. We’ve had it for almost 4 months, and until tonight, it was a happy worming experience.

Tonight, worms escaped. And, all of this happened of course, while my eldest was babysitting. There are casualties, which someday, I will scrape off the bottom of the kitchen cabinet, bit right now, it is 11pm, and I have a glass of wine in hand, so dead wormies can wait until tomorrow.

Why worms? Well, being a homeschooling family, we cannot do anything like normal people, almost rotten pears cannot simply go in a trash bag. banish the thought! They need to be fed to 800+ red wigglers to become fertilizer for my plants.

Our “first family” of worms was happy, they never got into trouble, they were just picky. We cared for them and even upgraded their ugly plastic tub to a different larger plastic tub. But they seemed lonely in there, so we bought them friends. These friends were a bit bigger and clearly liked to party. There is a good chance the “first family” is no longer, but I haven’t dug through the worm poop to see. The new worms decided they wanted to venture out, out from the yellow tub, and explore under the sink. Not so nice there, was it guys, several of you keeled over!

There is a lesson in all of this for the kids, of course. No, not that worms cannot be trusted, but that you need to be careful when you venture out that you have a plan to get back. Without a plan, you may never find your way, just like slimy and his buddies.

Planning for the Future

2010-11-04T10:42:00.001-05:00

I was raised by a working mom, she always worked and was never home. It was hard for us, but it did instill in my the idea that women cannot sit and be still. I have a different take, My kids need me, but I have a little job, 8-12 hours per week, when my husband is home. Honestly, it is very fulfilling.

I can’t see myself at this job forever, though. I’m getting old(er). In ten years, I’ll be in my mid-forties, and my youngest will be in his late teens. As of now, there are no babies to need me. So, I’m trying to think of what I will do with the second half of my life. I gave my twenties and thirties to babies and raising children, but, they will leave me and I don’t handle idleness well.

What to do? I’m looking at what I can do in the near future, that will can become a career in ten years. I can’t fall back on what I did pre-kids. I was 23 when I left a computer company, they have since folded, and all I learned is out of date. I’m thinking of doing something that I can tie into my pro-life work. Anything I can do to help the moms at the pregnancy center will make my work even more enjoyable.

Pray for me, I know what I want to do, but I’m scared, I don’t handle change well, and the way things are unfolding, I know God’s hand is on all of this.

Belloc on November

2010-11-01T20:24:00.001-05:00

[Month of] November

November is that historied Emperor,
Conquered in age, but foot to foot with fate,
Who from his refuge high has heard the roar
Of squadrons in pursuit, and now, too late,
Stirrups the storm and calls the winds to war,
And arms the garrison of his last heirloom,
And shakes the sky to its extremest shore
With battle against irrevocable doom.
Till, driven and hurled from his strong citadels,
He flies in hurrying cloud and spurs him on,
Empty of lingerings, empty of farewells
And final benedictions, and is gone.
But in my garden all the trees have shed
Their legacies of the light, and all the flowers are dead.

Hilaire Belloc

The Prayer Whisperer

2010-11-01T20:21:00.001-05:00

I will admit to never having read or seen the Horse Whisperer, the Dog Whisperer or the Baby Whisperer, but I have seen and encountered the Prayer Whisperer. You know the prayer whisperer, she’s the older woman who whispers her Rosary REALLY loudly in adoration, at 5 am.

I really don’t care how one prays, whatever draws you nearer to God is perfect, unless of course, you decide to to do it during MY holy hour. Yep, mine, and normally mine alone. I treasure my 60 minutes on Saturday morning at an hour I’ve been told is not officially recognized by the Vatican. I do not get out of bed at 4:00 am for anything else, even sick kids might have to tend themselves that hour.

Since our Chapel opened two years ago, I’ve been sitting in a cold, dark chapel almost every Saturday, sometimes with my partner, sometimes by myself. He and I have an agreement, to not make a sound, but to stay awake. I adore this time (ooohh, bad pun, sorry). So when someone comes in and makes sound, it ruffles my cold feathers.

Why? I am a very jealous woman. I do NOT want to share my love. When I am alone, sitting and gazing at Him, there is nothing else I can think of, I can talk to Him about all of my woes, but more importantly, I can just sit there, with Him. I’m sure that the loud whisper lady needed Him that morning, why else would she be there at 5:00 am. But to sit and be alone with Him, gives me a taste of heaven.

More on Halloween

2010-10-29T14:28:00.003-05:00

Did I mention I love Halloween? It is not just that I used to wear black lipstick, and have a really pale face, but that it is a celebration of all things Catholic. More here

I love Halloween, there I said it.

2010-10-27T19:28:00.002-05:00

For some reason every year well meaning people try to tell me Halloween is so pagan that Good Catholics cannot celebrate it. I'm not a good Catholic, I'm a faithful one. BUT, I'm not alone, for your enjoyment...

InsideCatholic.com, My High Holy Day

Feel free to email me to tell me how evil I am, I can take it.

Belloc has something to say about today

2010-09-11T16:43:00.001-05:00

Belloc on September 11

Via Fr. Schall.

The Perfect Homeschool Day

2010-09-01T14:14:00.001-05:00

We have had one of those rare homeschooling dream days. Everyone got up, got ready and did school. Sure, at least this much happens daily, but today, they did so happily, and more importantly well. Even the little feisty one did both of his subjects, and again, well.

The day finished early, so we got to do fun things, like baking, and knitting. The child who does not enjoy reading, sat and listened to an audio book and followed along in the actual book. It was picture perfect. I only wish every day could be like this, maybe it can, maybe after 8 years, we finally have gotten the hang of school!

Why I need my husband

2010-08-30T13:35:00.001-05:00

It may seem obvious, but given the number of single mothers I know, I wonder if husbands are out of vogue. Mine is gone for the week, and I feel like my right arm is missing. He only travels once a year, maybe twice, thankfully.

Why do I need him? First of all, he is there to help me find, oh, I don’t know, everything. I’ve sent him probably 12 text messages looking for stuff today alone. Not even half the time does he know where the item is or even what the item is, but just having him to ask is helpful. Another reason is the kids. This is a big one. They have too much energy for me, I’m more the “let’s sit and read quietly” kind of mom. They are more the “let’s run around screaming and kicking like a bunch of lunatics” kind of kids. My husband must have been that kind of kid, and he can deal with them around 5 pm much better than I can. Another kid related thing, I cannot fix playmobils, legos or Star Wars figures. If they break this week, look out garbage bag! he has the ability to fix toys, I have the ability to throw away toys. The kids things can go on forever, but lastly, he can tell a 12 year old girl that she cannot wear high heels and a short skirt with authority, I just turn a funny color and freak out. He freaks out in a different, powerful over my dead body sort of way that makes the 12 year old sulk off and never wear said heels again.

Just another thing I need him for, he listens. The little boarders here need to be told 900 times just about everything. he listens to me even when I am talking to the television, and he warns the kids to not join in those conversations. He never complains about the way I look, which honestly, he could. If I look like a bum, which I always do on days I work, he doesn’t notice, if I look nice, he doesn’t ask why I’m dressed up, like a certain 12 year old. I could look like death, and he would still think I’m beautiful. God Love him.

I could go on forever, and ever, and ever ( he puts up with that, too!). I love my husband, and cannot imagine life without him, especially after the 18 years we have been together. I hope someday my kids find a spouse as faithful and loving as mine.

Rejoicing with others

2010-08-24T17:53:00.001-05:00

This is one of the little life lessons I’ve actually managed to learn and then live. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. Sometimes, it is almost painful to rejoice with others, they are happy, and should be, but I would give anything to be in their shoes. But still, I’ve learned to at the very least smile and be silent.

This aspect was easy to learn, at least for me. When I was newly married, 4 whole months, we announced that my husband and I were expecting our first child. I was expecting a cool reception, but I wasn’t excepting downright icy responses. I knew that my husband’s sister longed for a baby, that she had been trying to conceive, I didn’t know that my getting pregnant would hurt her so much. One sister outright told me it wasn’t my turn, how could I? Ouch. To this day, there is a part of me that though I understand and forgive, is still hurt by this.

So many times, we see what others have, or are doing and are envious. It is human nature, our fallen nature. When we put ourselves aside, even when that longing is almost painful, God blesses us. He gives us the grace to rejoice and support, if necessary, our friends.

Party Pooper

2010-08-20T18:58:00.001-05:00

I am officially a party pooper. A party I helped plan, I decided not to attend. The reality is I am freaking tired.

I’m tired because I work, and I plan and I drive my kids all over the earth. Up till this point, I’ve attempted to make time for everyone and everything, however, that is not working very well any more. Tonight, I said no. I need to stay in, and I might do so again tomorrow, even though friends are trying to guilt me to go out. I can’t. Heck, I’m not sure it is even safe for me to drive, my eyes are heavy, my reflexes are slow.

School begins in a few days, this year we have decided as a family to say no, to not over commit. The summer was insane, and honestly, we do not want to live like this. I hope we can. Pressure from out side of the house is tremendous. I long for a simpler life, with more focus, but know people will be hurt along the way to that. How is it possible in thsi age to say no, and not to offend? That, I will have to figure out.

Why Our Family Celebrates Feast Days

2010-08-14T12:59:00.001-05:00

Recently the woman I work for asked me what we were doing, and I without thinking responded,”Today is the Feast of St. Thomas so we are having a party.” About a week later, again, same questions, and I responded with a similar answer. She made a face, and told me I was too religious. I disagree.

I do take our faith seriously, but only in that it is a serious matter, but it is a cause for jollity, too! I love that every week, I can find an excuse for a party. We Catholics know how to party, it’s true, we take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. Each day is a cause for celebration, and each soul that is in heaven as a saint gives us cause to party. Why? Because it gives us hope, something to look forward to and a reason to rejoice, the race has been run and completed.

I have a great deal of fun coming up with a creative way to celebrate. This week was St. Lawrence, grilled food, for the feast of St. Maximilian, two crown cake, and for St. Francis Xavier, curry. So far, it all involves food, but that is what I do. I also do it so my kids will have memories. I want them to be out of my house thinking of an excuse for a party and turn to the Saints. Or better, remember that their name day, or that of a friend is coming up. These little things help keep us connected to the faith in moments we might normally forget. I always remembered to put my shoes out for St. Nick, even when my family left the church, and St. Nick very well may have helped me come back.

Celebrate! Cook! And spend time as a family with our family who have finished the race.

Economy and Birth Rates

2010-08-13T14:43:00.001-05:00

Here is a very interesting article!

Feast of St. Clare of Assisi

2010-08-11T09:34:00.001-05:00

Today is my eldest's name day. As any name day, it is the cause for celebration and reflection. Here is a really good Homily for the feast of St. Clare

Enjoy!

A Moral Test in the Darkest Times

2010-07-30T16:15:00.001-05:00

Another article for NFP week, as it closes.

A Moral Test in the Darkest Times

TOP 10 Reasons to Use NFP | Theology of the Body Channel

2010-07-23T14:26:00.001-05:00

It's NFP awareness week!

TOP 10 Reasons to Use NFP | Theology of the Body Channel

Reconciling who I am.

2010-07-17T20:16:00.001-05:00

When I was a 22 year old newly married woman, my husband bought me a book on Dorothy Day. I loved it! She embodied so much of who I was and who I wanted to be. I met people from the Catholic Worker Movement in my time working at The Port, on the Westside of Chicago, run by a few dedicated Franciscans. At the Port, we fed the poor, but didn't stop there, we taught classes on computers and tended their children while they learned. It wasn't so much a hand out as a hand holding. Flash forward a few years, as a young mother trying to find my place in the world of Catholic motherhood, I was told by a friend that Dorothy day was a Communist, and good Catholics shouldn't read her. I listened. I was having an identity crisis, I was 25 mother of 1 with another on the way, I was trying very hard to be "good" and fit in. It wasn't working, I was miserable. I wasn't true to myself or to my somewhat wild self. Reading many great books helped me resolve who I was, so did giving up on impressing others and making them happy. Now, Dorothy Day is back in my life, with a better understanding of her and her ideas, which are without a doubt Catholic.

The Distributist Review » Blog Archive » Where Are the Poor?

Hope and Disappointment

2010-07-13T21:10:00.002-05:00

I like to think I'm pretty hopeful in general. I've evolved from a dark pessimistic teen and young adult to what I am today, cynical at times, but in general hopeful. At times it is hard, like right now.

I've been really hoping for something, I can't give details, but that don't matter that much anyway, it is a good think, at least I think it is, and I keep getting no for an answer. It is one of those things that other people are telling me I should do, and I agree, and yet, no. No hurts, it is painful, it is frustrating, it is maddening, yet, I have no choice in the matter but to accept, hopefully with joy, the no God is giving me.

My kids hate me saying no, and I am just about as thrilled as they are to hear it, but I know as a parent, I say it for their good, and God, my loving Father is doing the same for me. I can stomp my feet, like my 5 year old would, but that won't really help. I can cry and complain, but again, what good is that? Or, I can say "Thank you for knowing what is good for me right now" and accept His will. Option 3 sounds the best, even if it hurts. Or better still, I can take option 3, and offer that hurt for a soul in purgatory, who had the same hurt in life, and in return beg their prayers for me.

Finding Help: You Care About Me, Right?

2010-07-09T16:00:00.000-05:00

All I can say is Wow.

Does NFP Really Work? | Fathers for Good

2010-07-09T09:11:00.000-05:00

Does NFP Really Work? | Fathers for Good

Another really good article from the Knights of Columbus. God Bless them and their consistent pro-life efforts.

Litany for America

2010-07-04T11:05:00.006-05:00

LITANY FOR THE CONVERSION OF AMERICA
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the World, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Our Lady of America, pray for us.
Immaculate Conception, pray for us, sinners.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, deliver us from all infanticide.
Our Lady of Fatima, deliver us from the errors of Russia.
Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs, deliver us from spiritual sloth, undue curiosity and unease of mind.
Our Lady, Help of Christians, deliver us from apostasy.
Our Lady of Refuge, deliver us from Sodom.
Our Lady, Comfortress of the Afflicted, deliver us from moral complacency.
Our Lady, Refuge of Sinners, deliver us from a lack of shamefulness.
Our Lady, Health of the Weak, deliver us from vain perceptions.
Our Lady, Morning Star, deliver us from envy and avarice.
Our Lady, Gate of Heaven, deliver us from impenitence.
Our Lady, Ark of the Covenant, deliver us from constitutional manipulation.
Our Lady, House of Gold, deliver us from unjust taxation.
Our Lady, Tower of Ivory, deliver us from incompetent and corrupt leaders.
Our Lady, Tower of David, deliver us from political scandals and malice.
Our Lady, Mystical Rose, deliver us from all scandal and gossip.
Our Lady, Vessel of Singular Devotion, deliver us from mindless entertainment.
Our Lady, Cause of Our Joy, deliver us from needless self-pity and sadness.
Our Lady, Virgin Most Faithful, deliver us from national dissolution and a loss of sovereignty.
Our Lady, Virgin Most Merciful, deliver us from our own worst inclinations in compromise.
Our Lady, Virgin Most Renowned, deliver us from the culture of celebrity.
Our Lady, Virgin Most Venerable, deliver us from cultural depravity and perversion.
Our Lady, Mother of Our Redeemer, deliver us from heresy and persecution.
Our Lady, Most Amiable, deliver us from rudeness and incivility.
Our Lady, Mother Undefiled, deliver us from the all social turpitude.
Our Lady, Mother Most Pure, deliver us from immodesty in daily life.
Our Lady, Mother of Divine Grace, deliver us from contraception, sterilization and experimentation.
Our Lady, Holy Mother of God, deliver us from the rejection of fathers as just heads of families.
Our Lady, O Holy Mary, deliver us from all blasphemy.
Our Lady of Prosperity, deliver us from unjust wages and money speculation.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor, deliver us from socialist tendencies.
Our Lady of Consolation, deliver us from fear and a lack of courage.
Our Lady of Good Counsel, deliver us from the deceit of pride.
Our Lady of Good Succor, deliver us from a lack of due vigilance.
Our Lady of the Dove, deliver us from the schemes of rash and perilous dreamers.
Our Lady of Lourdes, deliver us from medically induced suicide.
Our Lady of the Thorn, deliver us from petty quarrels.
Our Lady of Victory, deliver us from all lying and dissimulation.
Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Graces, deliver us from lip service.
Our Lady of Tears, deliver us from the removal of Christ the King in society.
Our Lady of Divine Providence, deliver us from ego and false optimism.
Our Lady of Consolation, deliver us from despair.
Our Lady of Good Remedy, deliver us from the tyranny of the self-anointed and their ambitious.
Our Lady of Deliverance, deliver us from broken families.
Our Lady of Confidence, deliver us from imperial courts of sanctimony.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, deliver us from perjurious leaders.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, deliver us from the rejection of the natural law.
Our Lady of the Poor, deliver us from perduring usury and national debt.
Our Lady of Fire, deliver us from God's chastisement, although thoroughly merited.
Our Lady of the Bells, deliver us from silence in the face of evil.
Our Lady of Good Tidings, deliver us from deception in and disinformation by the media.
Our Lady of Great Power, deliver us from foreign entanglements.
Our Lady, Star of the Sea, deliver us from unexpected storms and disasters.
Our Lady of Safety, deliver us from onerous bureaucracies.
Our Lady, Queen of the Clergy, deliver us from faithless priests and prelates.
Our Lady of Ransom, deliver us from legal inequity.
Our Lady, Immaculate Heart, us from unclean hearts and lassitude of mind.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, deliver us from a reliance on sentimentality.
Our Lady of the Assumption, deliver us from the culture of the body.
Our Lady of the Holy Cross, deliver us from the love of ease and luxury.
Our Lady of Sorrows, deliver us from deadness of soul.
Our Lady of Miracles, deliver us from the conceit of technology.
Our Lady of the Star, deliver us from infidels.
Our Lady of Good Help, deliver us from dependence on false saviors.
Our Lady of Angels, deliver us from paganism, witchcraft and superstition.
Our Lady of Light, deliver us from our self-induced blindness.
Our Lady of the Rosary, deliver us from the neglect of piety.
Our Lady of Life, deliver us from the culture of death.
Our Lady of Peace, deliver us from unjust and meddlesome wars.
Our Lady, Queen of Heaven and Earth, deliver us from the four sins that cry out to Heaven for vengeance.
Our Lady of America, deliver us from all enemies.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
R. And obtain for us our own conversion and that of our country.

It has been forever!

2010-07-02T16:57:00.002-05:00

I took a hiatus to devote my time to Facebook. Joking of course, but life has been very, very busy. I had been thinking of abandoning this endeavor, but I still have more to say than 240 characters allow.

I've always been someone who puts her thoughts down, sometimes in a notebook, or in a file on my computer, or in this case a self-indulgent blog. Sometimes, I just need to write out my thoughts so that I can get them out of my head.

I spend all day thinking, sometimes I have great thoughts, often, just random nonsense. Paper is great, and I love the stuff, but it is a challenge with kids to sit and write on paper, after all, finding a pen can take hours any given day! So here I am, until I get bored again, if you'll have me.

Vatican will finance adult stem cell research - Yahoo! News

2010-04-23T09:48:00.000-05:00

And people think the Church is anti-science!

Vatican will finance adult stem cell research - Yahoo! News

Novena for Pope Benedict XVI

2010-04-07T22:00:00.001-05:00

Novena for Pope Benedict XVI

Posted using ShareThis

You might be a crazy Home schooling mother if...

2010-03-30T15:12:00.005-05:00

The day your new science Curricula comes, you are giddy to the point of not being able to speak. Or you decide even though just last night you were talking about burn out, you decide to school through summer for the sheer joy of using said books.
Did I mention these science book are set to music. I have died and gone to former choir director heaven! Finally all of those years of Music theory, private (expensive) voice lessons and late nights in practice rooms pay off! I can now sing about the Scientific Method! But I still might giggle singing about the Reproductive system. So what I teach NFP to adults, I don't sing it, but now that that tune is in my mind, I can only imagine, what will my husband will think!

Farming it out

2010-03-29T13:15:00.001-05:00

I seriously love the Onion!

Last in this World, First in the next.

2010-03-22T17:03:00.001-05:00

I heard about this from a Facebook friend, and was moved to tears by the beauty of it.

Two Scenarios

2010-03-18T15:16:00.001-05:00

Two Scenarios

Posted using ShareThis

My goal is to get them to Heaven, not Harvard

2010-03-16T15:01:00.002-05:00

This should be my mantra. I need to constantly remind myself that just because I home school and overall my kids are smart, they can be average, and there is nothing wrong with that. I've been stressing myself out that I am not teaching them a thing. This has been a rough year, we haven't been as diligent in getting all of our school done. I've been beating myself up, my kids will be failures because in third grade I spent too much time teaching the 20th century, and not enough on handwriting.

My oldest is in Jr. High, which is more stressful. People expect her to go to school in 2 years. She is not going. She wants to stay home. I'm happy to oblige. I'm feeling pressure to make sure she can get into the best High School, even if she will not attend. She, like me, stinks at math. Obviously, I taught her her wrong, right?

It is so easy as mom to blame myself, but the reality is God will work in spite of me.

Could it be?

2010-03-13T17:29:00.003-06:00

Snowdrops! It's almost spring!! Amid the dead and decay new life gives hints that the darkness has almost ended.

Today's Feast Day Quote

2010-03-09T16:27:00.005-06:00

Today is the feast of St. Frances of Rome.

"A married woman must often leave God at the altar to find Him in her household care."

In other words, it's nice to go to adoration, but the dishes won't wash themselves, He is there, amid the yucky milk cup, too.

We need to pray for them

2010-03-09T15:55:00.004-06:00

It has been a rather depressing week in my diocese for young, excited priests. First, my dear friend, a seminarian was asked to take leave. He has done nothing wrong, other than to love as Christ loves, and not had a healthy enough distain for children. He doesn't run the other way when he sees them, and actually will talk to them, must be up to no good. We seem to have forgotten the words from the Gospel of Mark (chapter 10):

"And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.
: When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
: Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them."

Embracing them is forbidden in this day and age, and I suspect very soon, Blessing them will be too. Please don't think I do not understand recent scandals. I was raised in a Parish that was front and center of them in my diocese, the priest who first gave me Our Lord in communion was a pedophile and is rotting in jail. My family left the church, and part of the reason was him. I get it, but I also think we cannot knee jerk respond to the point that innocent men are being pushed out of their vocation.

Later this week, a recently ordained announced he is leaving the priesthood. I've heard mutterings, don't know what is true, but he leaves in good standing, pressure from self-righteous holier than the Pope types have made him leave. It is sickening. I really really liked this guy. He was fun, and very wise and holy. My kids loved him, he laughed at their bad jokes. He made the priesthood look cool. That's just what little boys need, not getting yelled at for making a mistake as a server, or being ignored when they ask Father a silly question, that seems important to them. That does not make them want to be a priest.

A third young priest is on sabbatical to see if he is staying. Nice. I don't know him, but at present we have lost 75% of the priests ordained in the last 3 years. This has to stop. We as people of faith need to pray and support our priests, even the ones that yell at kids, but even more the ones who don't, because according to the world, there is something wrong with them.

Sorry for my rant. I'm just hoping that before my sons are old enough to be serious about a vocation, they would find a mentor, a priest to not only bring them Jesus, but be Jesus to them.

St. John Vianney, Patron of Priests, Pray for them!

Torture

2010-03-07T08:31:00.004-06:00

There has been a growing movement in the Catholic Blog-o-sphere concerning torture. I've always known it was wrong, but I usually blamed my liberal tenancies, especially since I never win the argument when I'm surrounded by other Catholics. Thankfully, as I usually do, I can rely on the Church to set me straight.

Torture is happening far more than we, as a country, would like to acknowledge. How do I know? After all, suburban mom, home-schooler, and otherwise boring person does not qualify me to speak on much. I know because I have heard first hand stories from my family, my brother serves in Kuwait and Iraq, my brother-in-law recently returned from Afghanistan and my dad, a veteran of the Marines were sharing stories at our late Christmas dinner. I was shocked, appalled and left speechless. I love these guys, especially my brother-in-law, he is well read, and a smart guy, yet, he tortured. Everyone did from what he was saying. It wasn't as extreme as water-boarding, but there were many little things that were unnecessary for the questioning of other human beings. Honestly, they treated the dog that wandered in from the desert better than the locals. I was sickened.

The simple lesson, just because we can, and everyone else does, doesn't mean we should. This week I'm teaching the kids about the Holocaust. How can I tell them all that happened to rob people of their dignity and eventually their lives is wrong if I think it is okay to do the same today? I'm not the best spokeswoman for this cause, admittedly, I'm not the best at expressing the truth with clarity, but hopefully, I can convince my family, and friends.

Know your farmer, Know your food

2010-03-06T15:48:00.005-06:00

I know my farmer, his name is Jamie, and Karen, his mom, delivers my eggs, cheese and veggies in the summer. I've known Eric, and Paul, the people at Plow Creek and Donna, they are my farmers, or have been in the past 7 years. The USDA is launching a program so that more of you can know your farmer too. Nothing compares to being able to ask how to get rid of squirrels from the guy who battles them all week, or to ask if beets ever go out of season, after the 12th week of them straight from the person who is mulling tilling them over.

Eating Local is not just about food, it's about people. My farmer needs to farm to pay the bills, and has decided not to take the "easy way" by planting cash crops (corn, soy). By buying local, I am helping a family keep a farm out of debt that has been in the family for generations. Corn looks like quick cash, but costs them the farm. Buying local helps my farmer live here, where I live, though it is mostly urban. Knowing my farmer means knowing a person, and their joys and struggles to provide food, it means asking how they are doing, it means rejoicing with them that it has been a good season. You cannot eat the food without offering a prayer for the person, whose face you know, that grew it. I know my food is truly the work of a person hands, because I shake those worn hands each week.

So that's why it's PG

2010-03-04T12:38:00.003-06:00

I'm all about the new Alice and Wonderland movie. I've secretly had a crush on Johnny Depp ever since his first Tim Burton Film. He does nothing for me in his other films, though. As I was looking up the midnight showings, I noticed the rating PG, but the kicker is why.

(PG), for fantasy action/violence involving scary images and situations, and for a smoking caterpillar?

A smoking caterpillar?! Who knew?

I knew it wasn't in my head!

2010-03-02T12:11:00.003-06:00

Lately, I have felt like my days are not long enough. I do not accomplish nearly enough in one day. I thought I was was wasting time somewhere, but it turns out Since the earthquake in Chile, the days may be shorter. Well, at least it's not me.

Cardinal Ennio Antonelli is my Hero!

2010-03-01T21:40:00.001-06:00

From Zenit today..

Cardinal: Stay-at-Home Moms Need to Be Paid

Pontifical Council President Urges Family-Friendly Economics

ROME, MARCH 1, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The president of the Pontifical Council for the Family is stressing the importance of work done by those in the home and suggesting economic compensation for it.

Cardinal Ennio Antonelli called for financial and professional perks to encourage families when he spoke on "Family and Business, Vital Cells of Society," at a meeting of the Catholic Union of Businessmen and Executives (UCID) in Rome.

His proposals were reported last Friday in the Italian edition of L'Osservatore Romano.

During his address the Italian cardinal stressed that "domestic work deserves economic recognition."

He also said that "numerous families deserve special reductions and financial facilities," pointing to the examples of France and Germany where "families with three children pay €2,000 [$2,720] or €3,000 [$4,080] less."

The Vatican official noted that raising a family and seeking a career outside the home are compatible for women, but he urged support services: day care centers in businesses and neighborhoods, and for the elderly and handicapped, other social services.

He also pointed out the importance of offering women a "variety of opportunities in professional work: part-time work, telework, flexibility of hours and vacations."

Cardinal Antonelli cautioned against the price paid by marriage and family when women see careers and social success as the path to self-fulfillment. And he pointed out the negative effects when dads are absent from families.

For my two readers

2010-02-26T09:01:00.001-06:00

Did you ever have an evening, in which you received bad news, went to bed thinking about it, woke up, again, it was the first thought in your head, but were sure it must have been a bad dream, then realized it wasn't. That was my night. I'm fine, before you ask, but a friend received bad news, and I feel terribly for him.

I can't go into details, but please pray for my friend, and that he may be submissive and patient with God's will for him. When we are in the midst of trial, it is so difficult to see what God could possibly be preparing us for, or teaching us. It takes tremendous amounts of faith and obedience to see the potential good. I know this friend has both, but that does not make it any less difficult to understand why.

I love it when they get it!

2010-02-25T11:32:00.002-06:00

It seems like a rare occasion that my children make a connection between historical events, but when they do, Ahh! I'm sure they get it more than they let me know, after all, mom might get a big ego or get prideful if she knew she was a decent teacher.

Today we studied Hitler's rise to power. I asked the question, "Who did Hitler Blame?" and got a good response, " The Jews, just like in the Story of Ester". We studied Ester yesterday. They saw the connection, they got it.

My greatest hope in spending far too much time dwelling on history has been that my children will see how it does repeat itself. My greater hope, is that they will become active citizens to prevent some of that repetition in their lifetime. One connection down, a million more to go.

I love homeschooling!

In defense of Teletubbies

2010-02-22T13:56:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure how the subject came up, but yesterday I ended up arguing in defense of Teletubbies. Let me start by saying I hate children's programming. It is dribble and visual twaddle at best. That said, I have realized in the 11 years that I have been at times forced to watch PBS kids, it has gotten drastically worse.

I was raised on a healthy diet of Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street, both my Parents worked, and while my dad, who worked nights, napped, I got to watch TV. It was not much, but the poor guy needed an hour in the morning to rest while my mom was at work. I was not watching endless hours a day, and he felt like he could trust Mr. Rogers to keep me out of trouble.

Fast Forward 30 years. I try to monitor TV, PBS is generally allowed when there is TV viewing allowed. However, the quality is awful. Back to Teletubbies, sure it was bad, but at least they didn't try to indoctrinate, to promote a certain agenda. It was like a bad fairy tale. Cute, distracting, showing kids playing nicely and at best teaching a few good character traits.

The "new" shows all have something to push. Take for example a newer show, Sid the Science Kid( my eldest calls it Sid the stupid kid, but that is not polite!). Hmm, Science is good, right? Sure, if that is what the show was about. Science is the package for a few other views. The school class is full of racial stereotypes, and one big cliche. The show has promoted the H1N1 vaccinate, CFL light-bulbs and hybrid cars. Okay, why does my 5 year old need to know about these other than to yell at me that our Honda is not a hybrid?!

I'll take silly colored aliens over preachy issue-laden science any day!

Another Unlikely Good Word on Religious Life

2010-02-19T09:47:00.003-06:00

By this point, most people are aware that Oprah had the Sister of Mary Mother of the Eucharist on her show. All reviews I have heard are that it was good and made the life of the sister look wonderful. This week, on Chicago Public radio's Eight Forty Eight show, writer Judy Valente talked about life in the Benedictine Monastery. She ended her story with

"With a dwindling number of men and women willing to enter monastic life, it’s easy to dismiss monasteries as hopeless throwbacks to the past. But for me, monasteries offer a window to the future …a future our world so desperately needs. One that stresses community over competition, service over self-aggrandizement, quietude over chatter, and simplicity over constant consumption. It’s what keeps me coming back again and again to these incredible Benedictine women, and to this monastery tucked away on a hill."

Not a bad way to say it, "a future our world so desperately needs"

I'm back!

2010-02-15T13:55:00.001-06:00

I finally got a new computer with a letter "t", thus making it easier to write. I hope to make Lent a good time to do this, how are you preparing for Lent, I'd love to hear ideas.

More on Change

2010-01-08T14:48:00.003-06:00

I, like many Americans, am a New Year resolution failure most years. Not this one, I swear. I vowed I would get fit. I know, and so do millions of other Americans, but for some reason this year it is different, at least for me.

I'm going to be 35 in a month, so my time to get serious about weight and exercise is running out, 35 seems to be the age doctors start lecturing more, and health heads south. I think that is motivating me, or may be it is the fact that I have an 11 year old daughter. I was thin until about her age, and it worries me to think she will not always be thin. I want her to see my better example.

So far, in the week we've been in this year, I've been able to lose 5 lbs and exercise 5/7 days. I know most people give up by the end of January, but I'm hoping that by posting here, I'll not be one of them. My goal is irrelevant, I'm rather hoping for a lifestyle change, to actually like sweat, to not be embarrassed to have my kids seem me workout and not find it easy. I've already seen a bit of an attitude change, I want to work out, even though I'll still admit to hating it, with a passion.

I'll keep posting, and please pray for me, I'm never going to run a marathon, I have not an ounce of desire to do so, but I'd love to know I could if I wanted to.

Begin Again.

2009-12-29T13:02:00.003-06:00

I'm glad it is Christmas, this was quite possibly the most trying Advent for me in my adult life. Trying does not mean bad, just draining emotionally. I was challenged to change, lost a loved one, and had to deal with a few pedestals I'd put people on.

Change sucks. I'm bad at it, and prefer my old ways, however, once in a while it becomes necessary to examine one's actions. Sometimes in doing so, we realize, we have already changed. Then the difficulty comes in knowing although you are content with the change, others preferred the "old you". What to do, what to do? If I had my way, which I never do, I would force change upon others, but this is not practical. How can the blow be softened to others. First prayer seems to work wonders, secondly, patience. Thirdly, wine. Yep, a little vino goes a long way, for both parties.

Every day is a new chance to begin again, not just projects that go unfinished, but relationships, resolutions, and life. Every day is a clean slate, full of opportunities to do good, have fun and love. Christmas is the greatest ever reminder of this. For generations the people of God turned away from him, but in one moment, because of one child, they ( and we) could begin again.

Merry Christmas!

Paving the Road to Hell

2009-12-08T14:04:00.004-06:00

Good intentions run rampant here. Whether it be my desire to write a worthwhile blog, or my volunteering or most importantly raising my kids right. My desire and intentions are good, I promise, but the results, maybe not.

Life has a funny way of sidetracking me. I really wanted to make Advent special here, on the blog, but my 8 hour a week part-time job turned into a 20 hour a week job without me noticing. I have begun to sacrifice things I enjoy, like writing and baking for running around taking kids to lessons. I have given up daily mass, because I have to be at work at the same time. I used to read, now I cram things into my brain as quickly as possible. There is no joy in that.

How do we find peace and solace in the busy-ness and chaos? I truly do not have a solution. My one hour of adoration a week is not cutting it anymore, may prayer the rest of the week is stale, and I know I need life in it, but right now, I do now have it in me to figure out how.

Advent Pages and Traditions

2009-11-24T15:56:00.003-06:00

I hope to be able to post as many great sights as I can this year. We have many Advent traditions in our home, and I hope to share a few you.

Here is your first taste. The USCCB has come up with a lovely series of Advent pages, including my first Tradition, the Advent Calendar. Every year my husband painstakingly puts together the Playmobil Advent Calendar. 25 tiny boxes are assembled and filled with items such as microscopic baby hedgehogs, mice and birds. Eventually, these will fill the scene of the year. However, usually, at least one child gets eager, and rips into 20 or so days well before St. Nick's day. I then get the joy of fishing out the microscopic mammals from my vacuum canister. Thank you USCCB for making a Virtual Calendar, one without any clean up required!

The Advent Calendar provides a way for us to count the days, and in tradition, are filled with scripture. Often as the O Antiphon days arrive, the window has the Antiphon of the day in it. No Hedgehogs involved.

Getting Ready for Advent

2009-11-24T15:40:00.002-06:00

It does make me laugh a bit to think about preparing for a time of preparing, but such is my nature. Advent with kids does take a few days of preparation. Not only do I have to find all my "Advent Accessories" but the remaining remnants of Halloween (ie that pumpkin on the porch) need to be dealt with. But, it is not just about the "stuff", it is about the mental preparation for the season. It takes me a week of reminding everyone that Advent, like Lent, is a season of prayer and fasting.

When the world around us is throwing Christmas at us before Halloween, we need to step back, and prepare to prepare. Our home is in the world, but not of it. Our preparations for Christmas are not limited to buying gifts, decorating and baking, but preparing our hearts. Sure, baking is part of that, in every cookie we give away, we are giving a bit of us, and for some kids in the house, giving away cookies is a sacrifice.

What are you doing to get ready to prepare the Way of the Lord?

From this priest I know

2009-10-27T16:14:00.001-05:00

An Old Friend, Fr. Dennis Paul of St. Isadore's in Bloomingdale, IL.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-10-26T16:02:00.003-05:00

FOR TODAY ...October 26, 2009

Outside my window... Wet, soggy leaves, and too many dead plants

I am thinking... I need a day of sunshine!

I am thankful for... A roof over my head, a good husband and 3 beautiful kids.

From the learning rooms... Lots of Young Indiana Jones notes from the WWI study

From the kitchen... A nice steaming hot mug of loose leaf tea

I am wearing... Chesterton Conference T-shirt, even though I didn't make it to the conference

I am creating... A scarf for hubby to scooter in.

I am going... to take dd to ballet, then to buy pants for the ever growing boys.

I am reading... Theology and Sanity, by Frank Sheed

I am hoping... This is a great week

I am hearing... Rain on the windows

Around the house... children are singing

One of my favorite things... Big orange pumpkins on the table, fresh picked by our farmer

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

We pray for their return

2009-10-15T10:55:00.000-05:00

I sincerely hope that before the 500th anniversary of the split, the two can be reunited. G. K. Chesterton, we pray for your intercession.

My favorite Doctor

2009-10-15T10:29:00.003-05:00

Let nothing disturb you; Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing. God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Nothing is wanting to him who possesses God. God alone suffices. -Teresa of Avila

For her Feast Day I am making triple Chocolate Cake, because she is the only saint I can find on record singing the praises of chocolate, and that is enough of an excuse to make a cake.

In all seriousness, I have come to love her for her strength. She gives me hope, when you read her, you see her flaws, she was not always a perky happy women, even in her life of faith, but she was honest and pious. I can only hope to be both.

Thursdays are for Thankfulness

2009-10-15T09:23:00.002-05:00

Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses. -Alphonse Karr

I've been thinking, as dangerous as that may be, about the state of the world. In that line of thought I've noticed far too many, myself included, are not thankful. From now until Thanksgiving, I hope to spend Thursdays expressing my thankfulness for everything I can think of. I encourage you to join in via the comments box.

I am thankful to have eyes that can see the trees changing colors, to have ears that hear the birds as they move south for the winter and mouth to praise God for both.

I am thankful to have 3 beautiful children who can drive me nuts, it is a gift to be able to have 3 people enough like me to help me see my flaws.

I am thankful for my husband, who loves me, and has been my best friend for 17 years now, I savor the early days and look forward to the future.

That's just a start, I could go on literally forever. Feel free to jump in!

Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-10-12T17:07:00.003-05:00

FOR TODAY October 12, 2009, from Deb's Daybook

Outside my window... Sad looking Purple Brussel Sprout plants that never bloomed.

I am thinking... It is dark far too early

I am thankful for... a quiet day

From the kitchen... Slow roasted pulled pork , leftover from a family park, and much better the second day.

I am wearing...Dark wash jeans, a batik print shirt, pumpkin colored vegan shoes

I am creating... a bag from a shrunken sweater

I am going...to ballet with a child

I am reading...My planner, trying to fit everything in

I am hoping...that it was a good idea

I am hearing... the tv, much to my dismay

Around the house... are remnants of yesterdays birthday bash

One of my favorite things... the grey skies, filled with red blowing leaves

A few plans for the rest of the week: WWI study, and hopefully a few cool fall hikes

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Putting it in perspective

2009-10-09T20:17:00.003-05:00

This is why I love being Catholic. I do not necessarily agree with him winning, but, the wisdom that comes from the Holy Father makes me at the very least think.

Good Women like Manly Men

2009-10-09T13:26:00.005-05:00

So I'll happily take what I've got, a guy who seldom likes to talk, share feeling or read poerty, simply because I know I got him for being natural. Poor hormone drugged up girls, don't even know what they are missing. I'd never trade my guy who can change a tire, chop down a tree and break a sweat for one who is sensitive. Not that mine is insensitive, but he is manly, and that makes me more womanly.

Taking steps backwards, Since 1998

2009-09-30T13:39:00.003-05:00

I came across this article via Mark Shea's blog. While I find it respectful of Fr. McBrien to defend the honor of a reporter, he should consider ways to do it without losing his own, not that he had much to begin with.

I spend my pre-dawn Saturday mornings here. Why? Certainly not because I love getting up at 4am! I do it because, in my great selfishness, I need to. I need to grow in love. I need to find a time to forget myself, my desire for sleep, or a shower before work, time to sit in in the glow of my Lord. I do not do it to "bring back the old days" because I wasn't born then! Fr. McBrien's theory that adoration is to bring back the old is silly, in my opinion. I know more young modern people that go to adoration than those his age.

I think we do it because we have to. Not just for ourselves, but for our church that he and his generation, my parents, spent the last 40 years trying "renew", only to throw out everything old without regard for its value. I'm not anti-Vatican II, quite the contrary to be honest, but we cannot disregard the 2000 years of beauty and devotions for a few passing fancies.

I go to adoration every week, happily, proudly and willingly. I do not know how I'd get through the week without it, so for now, I guess I'm walking backwards.

Interesting observation

2009-09-29T13:22:00.002-05:00

Today while we were driving home, my daughter made an observation. She noticed the car next to us had a dream catcher, her comment "Hmm, not really the best place for that, is it?" Good point. To all those of you who have dream catchers hanging from your rear-view mirrors, please, refrain from using it while driving!

I already know I am, but thanks for letting me know.

2009-09-15T16:00:00.004-05:00

Busy, that is. I really hate people telling me I am. I hate it almost as much as people who say things like "you do everything don't you" or " is there anything you are not involved with?" To answer that, yes, quite a few things, like sports for example.

I am busy, but I am happy and I can almost always make time for friends in need, it is quite rare that I'm unable to. I certainly do not expect anyone to be me, honestly, I could not figure out why they would want to. Therefore, I do not expect other moms to do anymore than they want/feel is necessary. Necessary is a key word here, it sums up my motivation for most things.

Most of what I do I did not decide to do, frankly. I was not forced either, but it became necessary. I teach NFP because there was no one else doing it in my area at the time, and though there are others who might be better at it, I had the knowledge and willingness. I also felt like God was asking me to share what I knew with others to help them get to heaven. The same can be said for 99% of the activities in my life.

I do not know why God has asked me to keep myself so busy, but I do function better that way, and knowing that sacrificing the sheer joy of sitting on my behind helps others sometimes, makes it worth it. So please, if you know me, I'll say I'm busy, just to vent and because it is infinitely easier than explaining everything going on, but do not throw it back at me. I'm easily hurt, and feel guilty that I do many things outside my home that I wouldn't be able to do if I had more kids, or a bigger home or a type B personality, I envy those of you who are able to look around your homes happily and not feel draw to escape, but that is not me, sorry.

Pining

2009-08-31T15:15:00.002-05:00

My husband is out of town, no biggie, I know, husbands travel all the time. Mine doesn't though. We have been together for 17 years this fall, if you count our first "date", senior year homecoming. During that time, we haven't been apart for more than 48 hours, even during the 3 months I was in the hospital on pregnancy induced bedrest. I'm pretty much lost without him.

For years, I was a proud feminist, who needs a man, right? Then I met Chris, who I needed more than anything in my life, next to God. He made me realize what being a woman really is, and it didn't involve man hating. He made me stronger, wiser and showed me who I really could be. He brought me back to the faith of my baptism.

I need him to tell my silly ideas, he still seems interested in my rants about well, everything, he is the only one here who ever says they like my cooking. I miss telling him about all the kids antics, due to time differences and busy schedules, we have only been able to share a few short texts. When he is here, I do not need an alarm clock, he wakes me every morning, just before the alarm disturbs my dreams.

I'm sure I sound silly, but the truth is I really love my husband, and miss him so much it hurts. It is only 6 days, but it seems like forever.

Letting them make mistakes

2009-08-22T16:14:00.002-05:00

How does a parent let a child make mistakes so they can learn? I'm not talking about the wee ones, but the ones on the precipice of teen years, the ones who need to learn lessons for life. These lessons hurt, and as a parent, it is hard to watch, especially as you are at the point of just realizing that your child is growing up.

Take for example the child who plays an instrument and does not practice. Upon auditioning, they are not given the chair they hoped for, and got a rather critical email from the director. Now part of me wants to say, well, are you surprised? Another part wants to say you tried you're best,even if it seems like a lie, just to make said child feel better. This was a mistake the child made, they were reminded to practice, and didn't, and in turn suffered the consequences. It still hurts to watch.

These are the little life lessons, that as a parent, I hope are taken to heart. It seems like all the tears and chair kicking would be in vain otherwise.

More tales from the X-Files

2009-08-18T18:54:00.005-05:00

It's been a while since I've mentioned my youngest Xavier, but he needs mentioning again. My nearly 5 year old started school yesterday. Home school, of course, but it's still school. This has given more fodder for the blog than months of thinking ever could.

Case in point, before the day even began, he was whining, "Why did you make me join this school, now I have to wear pants?" We have a school rule regarding coming to the table with clothes on, he hates this rule. Xai hates pants, he has a rule against them I was informed.

We began phonics, covering the /f/ sound. I asked him if he could think of a few /f/ sound words. Here's how that turned out "um, fffish, um, fffootball, fffork, fffan, and ffffpuppy" "Um, Xai, Puppy doesn't begin with /f/" "Well, (with hands on his hips and eyes rolling) I SAID FFFFPUPPY!! THAT BEGINS WITH FFFFF!!!"

Today was just as entertaining, I was administering placement tests to the older kids, and was asked for a sentence to go with the word after. Xai chimed in, "I've got one, After you drink too much, you pass out" Great, which college kid taught him that, because it certainly wasn't his parents, I must talk to his best friend's 22 year old sister!

His sister tried to teach him math, but after calling her "queen bossy boots" she gave the job up.

I can only imagine how quickly his little behind would be in the principal's office if he wasn't homeschooled. As it is the principal gets 3-4 text messages a day with the antics of an insane 4 year old.

Puppies Prisions and Wounded Soldiers

2009-08-18T18:26:00.001-05:00

It's a strange combo, but I heard this story last week and thought it one of the most brilliant ideas I've ever heard.

Faith in Action

2009-08-17T20:40:00.003-05:00

This was posted on the American Chesterton Society Blog and is SO worth sharing.

We helped with a project for a missionary in Angola last year, I think this year, the kids and I will be scrounging our pennies to support this project. The actions of a few can bring hope to many.

The simple joy of Soup

2009-08-17T19:13:00.004-05:00

Soup, a hot liquid, a plain and simple food that warms the heart and soul. I love soup, I make it far too often, but, there is something about the making and eating of it that makes me so happy. I have a reputation among some for my soups, its pretty much a given that if you give birth ,I'll give you soup. Every mama needs homemade soup.

But what is it about it? I've been thinking about it. What other substance can please a picky eater? What else can turn a whole lot of nothing into a great meal? What else says I hope you feel better like soup?!Soup is love in a bowl. Even a "quick" soup says I love you.

I've probably written about this before, but with old age setting in, the memory goes!

Can't make heads or tails of the Health Care Plan?

2009-08-08T11:37:00.002-05:00

Neither can I, but Sean over at the Blue Boar took the time to break down a few things. It is very worth reading. It is good there are people to read through it and explain it to my dumb sea cucumber self.

I guess any future babies will not be born there!

2009-08-08T07:45:00.004-05:00

I had my last at this hospital. I worry about stuff like this. Not just because women are vulnerable during birth, but because having more than 2 kids is becoming less and less popular. I hope the woman wins this suit and gets enough out of it to adopt 10 kids!

***Note***
After I posted, the article was pulled form my local paper's website. The jist of the story is that a local woman went in for the C-section birth of her third child and without her permission the Dr. did a tubal ligation. The Hospital was Rush-Copley, in Aurora, IL

Cock-eyed Optimist?

2009-08-07T18:55:00.003-05:00

I never pegged myself as an optimist, matter of fact, my oldest and dearest friends would probably laugh out loud to hear me say it, but I am. Sure I think that the world is going to hell in a hand basket, I mean, seriously, look around! But I'm pretty sure there is a hole somewhere in that mass produced basket that is a way out, there is always hope.

Hope is a funny thing, it is one of those virtues that you have to pray for, to ask God for, and cannot "earn". I cannot give a great lesson one hope, Salvi et Spes puts into words my hearts deepest beliefs, and my dumb sea cucumber self can only put into feeble mutterings how important hope is. Hope has become my driving force. As bad as it seems, as bad as the government, or schools or economy are, I still believe that it has a purpose, we cannot give up, or simply whine about how bad it is. Hope puts faith into action.

I dunno what else to say, it has been a crummy day that makes me miss a lot of old friends, and really wish I could hide in a beer slushy (don't ask), but for some stupid reason, I still see the goodness, I still believe in hope. All the crap has a purpose.

After mulling things over

2009-07-30T15:08:00.002-05:00

I was going to start a series of posts on Eating green, healthy and on a budget this week, because many of my friends are asking how we manage to do it, then I saw this and it just seemed wrong. Maybe another time.

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

Wait, I don't rember voting for him...

2009-07-28T16:17:00.003-05:00

This week China has decided it's one child policy is an utter failure, at the same time one of the far too many Czars of the US government is being called out for this. I'm pretty sure this guy would consider a newborn whale an actual whale, and a do whatever it takes to protect it. It is sad that far too many do not see human babies in the same light.

Funniest Bumper Sticker I've seen in a while

2009-07-27T17:32:00.001-05:00

Actually, my husband saw it in a gas station lot...

"I'll keep my freedom, guns and money, you can keep the change"

The #1 reason Chesterton Should be a Saint

2009-07-21T19:47:00.002-05:00

Totally selfish reason, He died on my wedding anniversary. I remember crying when I looked a the Liturgical Calendar and it was blank on June 14 ( hey, I'm a good Catholic girl!). I tell people my wedding date and everyone says the same thing, "Flag Day? Are you patriotic?". Trust me, that had nothing to do with it. I need a feast day on June 14th that fits, and St. Gilbert would do!

For more on the Canonization mutterings read here.
or here or here, for they are all far more brilliant and less selfish.

Be careful what you ask for, you might get it

2009-07-21T19:38:00.003-05:00

One of life's little lessons.
I live in a very nice community, my husband likes to (half) joke that we are the slums of this particular town in our little cramped condo. I often go to the park or library and get the feeling that I do not belong there with my kids, in their hand-me-down clothes. A friend once told me she felt like she needed to be dusted off in similar situations, entering the giant houses of my town, but coming from a bungalow on the South side. I thought she was silly, but I run that conversation over in my head daily lately. I know how she felt.

But just as I start feeling bad for myself, I remember a book that I read. It was a biography of Dorothy Day, upon reading it, I begged God to give me poverty so I could be as simple as Mary, and because I knew how petty and wasteful I could be. He has given me so much, I am not even close to poverty, but simplicity, yes. I asked to always remember those who had less, yet I whine and feel bad for myself. God did not give me true poverty, but he gave me what was good for me.

What's next?

2009-07-15T17:15:00.003-05:00

One of the previews before Harry Potter is Sherlock Holmes, starring, Robert Downey, Jr. with lots of Explosions. Really? Ugh. Next year can I expect Father Brown Mysteries, starring Christian Bale? Or Miss Marple with Gwenyth Paltrow?

Counting the hours

2009-07-15T17:05:00.004-05:00

My sister's husband leaves Afghanistan in 24 hours, God willing. I'm not especially close with him, but I cannot bear to see my sister agonize while the news reports come on, or dread every knock at the door. 24 hours and he will be on a plane to somewhere in Europe, by the end of July he'll be on U.S. soil.

The Last Acceptable Prejudice?

2009-07-06T17:01:00.003-05:00

Today I was listening to NPR's The Talk of the Nation. I usually enjoy this show, but today, ugh, they were talking about people's objections to Sonia Sotomayor. Great, I thought, I really want to hear this, I think more needs to be said about her. After a few minutes of intelligent discussion, they took calls. The first caller that they allowed on the air, as I'm sure these things are screened, gave her reason for not wanting Sotomayor, she's Catholic. The caller, a older woman went on to complain about how there are already 5 Catholics, and how 6 would make a majority. The commentator reminder her that Sotomayor is not known for her orthodoxy. The caller reminded him that she was raised in a Catholic home and schooled by the Church, and couldn't be trusted. She kept going, Catholic believe in having too many kids, and are causing population problems, Nice, huh.

There are plenty of reasons to have concerns about Sotomayor, but her faith as a reason should not be one of them. So what she is Catholic! If anyone said she cannot be trusted because she is a woman, Hispanic, went to Yale, etc. it would be completely unacceptable, as it should be. However, being a baptized Catholic makes one open to bigotry. Why is it okay?

My Grandfather was raised Southern Baptist, his family disowned him when he married my Irish Catholic grandmother and converted. His family was taught to not trust Catholics, they kept guns in their churches waiting for a signal from the pope to take over the U.S. They sent their kids to Special schools to get them ready for this. Okay, this may have been slightly less bad in the 1940's, but now, we are far beyond this, right?

I guess that not much has changed in nearly 2000 years.

4th of July Memories

2009-07-04T18:25:00.003-05:00

I think I'm getting old, this 4th I spent the whole day thinking about being a kid and what we did on the 4th. Really, it was nothing special, but something about it was to me. The 4th is one of my dad's 3 "high holidays", the former Marine is patriotic to the core, and loved being able to show it.

The day usually began with everyone sleeping in, a family tradition in my parent's house, and ended with mosquito bites and smoking monkeys. But,what fell in between, simple though it was, holds magic in my memories. Dad always mowed the lawn on the 4th. I vividly remember swinging while he mowed the lawn around me, all the while blaring his Marine Corp Band records. Sousa serenaded us as the grass flew around us. I remember the pride that swelled in him as he loudly, and not very well, sang along. To this day I can remember most of the words to Stars and Stripes Forever, and rarely lapse into verses about ducks.

Once the lawn was done, he'd smoke a cigar, usually my mother was in the house, so he made use he wasn't caught. Then, the real fun could begin, snakes. I'm still not sure why they are so fun, but we could watch him light snakes with his cigar for hours and still not get enough. Like all the men in my life, my dad liked to play with fire, so he would spend hours getting the charcoal grill "just right". Of course, this usually meant throwing in a few firecrackers, just to test it out.

Most of the fun we had is now illegal, small fireworks and the like, but back then, we would beg and plead for him to light bottle rockets. Dad is in publishing, and his proofs and film came in long tubes, which happen to be perfect for launching bottle rockets. After a while, my mother, the nurse, would come out and give us the "someone's going to get hurt" speech. Once she was back in the house, though, Dad went back to it!

The rest of the day was pretty similar to most people's BBQ, and fireworks. We always left at 7:30, in jeans that we had out grown since last required to wear them a month prior. Like I said, really, it was nothing special, but looking back, my eyes tear and I smile from the simple beauty of it all. This year is rainy and cold, but you never know what memories will be made.

Raising Adults

2009-07-02T14:12:00.005-05:00

I had a revelation this week, and honestly, I'm not sure why it took me so long. These little (or not so little in the cast of the 11 yr. old female!) are going to grow up someday and not have me to butter their toast. They need to learn to do this on their own.

Sure, my kids do chores , and plenty of other independent things, they have responsibilities, but I still baby them as much as I can. The youngest is almost 5, and I still baby him far too much. I had a vision of him, 30, in my home, with me doing all the things I do now for him, that he could do on his own. Frightening. There is a time for babying and a time for training up children to be independent adults. The time has come for more lessons in the later.

Sure, I will still cook for them, but why can't I expect them to help with the cooking? They all need to learn to sort and wash clothes eventually, why not at least give them a taste of it now? It seems like common sense, which is why I'm so embarrassed I forgot. But what seems so logical has become a lost mentality.

My husband manages a store, and several of his staff still live at home, well into their 20's, and depend upon their parents for a car, home and food. I was married at 22, and had a child at 23. It is completely ridiculous that this is becoming common place. We are becoming a nation of children in adult bodies. China has been struggling with this same problem for a few years now, because of the doting that one child receives.

The 4th of July is a reminder of our Nation's Independence, let's try to be patriotic, and raise our children to be independent adults.

Bored

2009-06-22T14:25:00.002-05:00

I thought of writing a poem, but figured I'd spare any readers I have left the agony.Last week I hurt my back. No biggie, well, actually it is pretty serious, but I do not dwell on hings much. Since then, I've been told to "take it extra easy". Okay, I though that meant no lifting the 4 year old, but according to the Doctors, it means no anything.

I do not handle inactivity well, especially when I can see all the stuff I need to do. But, this is a reminder to slow down, take it easy. Sometimes God forces us to do this if we will not do it on our own.

Fresh

2009-06-04T11:55:00.003-05:00

I love late spring for a few reasons, but the biggest is that the farmer's markets open. In the past I used to complain about how expensive they are and not go, but for various reasons, that has changed. The first is that, food in general is more expensive than it has been in the recent past, so if I can get it so fresh that it smells like the earth, it is worth the money.

Why shop the farmer's market? Take for example my jaunt today. I wanted eggs. yes, they are $4/dozen, which is a heck of a lot more than Jewel plain old eggs, but I got them from the person who raised the chickens. The farmer I got them from today was there with his home schooled daughter and made sure we got green eggs in our dozen. He told me all about the varieties of chickens he has and what they eat. Can you get that from Jewel? No, you cannot. You also cannot be sure how old the eggs are, I know mine were gathered yesterday.

Maybe it is the books I've been reading, maybe it is that fact that I have far too much Chesterton on my i-pod, but buying local and independent is one very real way we can help our economy.

Under Pressure

2009-05-23T17:17:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is my middle son's First communion. Big day, but I live for big days. However, this time, there are many convergences that are causing me a bit of stress. No not the food, or the weather, or even will he stand still, but will the people coming be moved. Yes, moved.

Two people are coming that are fallen away Catholics. One happens to be my little sister, whom I love very much, and frankly, pity, she really did not get a fair upbringing or exposure to the faith. She called today to let me know she is church shopping. This is better than her current state of nothingness, but I want her to be Catholic again. The faith of her baptism. I want her three kids to be Catholic, too. All this is happening because her husband's base in Afghanistan was attacked last week, and he decided they need a church. He is not Catholic, but again, I'd give my right arm, and my left for that matter for him to cross the Tiber.

Why does this cause me stress? I feel like I need to impress them at Mass. Yes, me, the dumb sea cucumber (if Aquinas was a Dumb ox, I must be a dumb sea cucumber). But then, I remember, wait, is it my job to impress? Not at all. Sure I can sing my little heart out tomorrow, but that would only bring attention to me. No, the Mass is about Love, pure, undying selfless love. But how I share that in the Mass? I don't, again, not me.

But what can I do? My best guess is pray for them, show my genuine love of being there. I know it's tomorrow, but I'd appreciate any suggestions!

Crawling out from under a rock

2009-05-12T14:25:00.003-05:00

It's been a month since I blogged. No particular reason for the length of absence, life is just very busy this time of year. What with recitals, and communions and school projects, I nearly missed the flowers of spring.

I vowed 11 years ago to NEVER miss the beauty and majesty of spring. You see, I was stuck in the hospital pregnant with my eldest child. I went in March 13, when there was a foot of snow on the ground, and came home in Mid-May, but to total bed rest in my home. Dear daughter arrived June 5, after recovering from the traumas of surgery and lack of sleep, I saw the outdoors after spring had passed.

This year, I lamented that I missed the blooming of the trout lilies, the beautiful wildflower that carpets the woodland floor, due to my own busy life, however, I did manage to see one, as I realized my loss. Life is to beautiful to miss due to busy-ness. How often I spend time on things that lack beauty! Even the most mundane tasks of life can be filled with beauty, when done with great love, or with a little effort to see the hidden.

Rejoice!

2009-04-12T09:37:00.003-05:00

Regina Caeli, Laetare, Alleluia.

Quia quem meruisti portare, Alleluia,

Resurrexit, sicut dixit, Alleluia,

Ora pro nobis Deum, Alleluia!

O, Queen of Heaven, Be joyful, Alleluia,

For He, whom you humbly borne for us, Alleluia,

Has arisen, has he promised, Alleluia,

Offer now our prayer to God, Alleluia!

Making the most of the time that is left

2009-04-06T20:37:00.003-05:00

It's Holy Week, the final few days of Lent. The last days to pray, sacrifice and give alms, in other words, IT'S NOT TOO LATE! Holy Week is Cram week on a huge scale. Sure, there is not good excuse for doing absolutely nothing all of Lent, and suddenly becoming devote in Holy week, but for those of us who tried, really tried, and failed, this is a call to action.

Why? Because this week of all weeks there will be more naysayers on TV, more anti-Christian news articles (Newsweek still is showing up in my mail box, this week, the Death of Christian America), and general malaise from much of the general population. But, we are not them, we are God's beloved Sons and Daughters, who return His love with devotion. That is what Holy Week is all about, love and devotion. The Father's devotion to a promise of old, the Son's Love for us, and the call for us to return that Love and Devotion. We are not required to do much this week, fast and pray. Everything else is done out of our love, even the things that may seem like they should be required, are not.

Just think, what could you (or I) be doing to help those around us who think our devotions are silly. There is always room for a little more prayer when those people aggravate us, or belittle our efforts. What about making another small sacrifice for that friend, or another who we want to help. Something as simple as drinking only water, or passing up the seconds, offered in prayer is a great gift. Or, when we are too tired, and crabby, smiling at our children, even though they may be the cause of our exhaustion and crankiness, just to say I love you. The list of ideas could go on forever!

Have a blessed Holy week, and make the most of the time before we celebrate the resurrection!

Somethings in Life are Just Fun!

2009-04-05T15:04:00.004-05:00

Living in Chicago, I cannot help but picture this in Union Station! Thanks to My friend Julie, the Internet Queen!

My Sides are splitting!

2009-03-28T16:55:00.001-05:00

Another case of you might cry if you do not laugh!

H/t: too many to mention!

Double speak?

2009-03-20T18:37:00.004-05:00

I think I'm preaching to the Choir a bit, we all know kids are gifts, right? But I am getting tired of being told my MY CHURCH kids are not welcome. You know, the looks when they make noise, the "oh, sorry, adults only" message at devotions, I can tolerate these, but today, I am mad. I was told that I could not bring my kids with me to a meeting. Now I know that kids do not belong everywhere, trust me, I leave them home ALL THE TIME. This was different, it was a 45 minute meeting and my boys brought entertainment, they actually behaved, too. I had not choice either. Well, that was two weeks ago, today my boys, were accused of defacing the church. They were the only kids who coudl have possible doen it, no other children are ever in the room. Normally, to quote Bill Crosby, there would be beatings. This time, though, I really doubt they were to blame. I was with them, watching them, and they were not being trouble, I find it hard to believe they scuffed the walls. Now before you say, sure lady, not YOUR kids, hear me out. I am the first to blame them for any mess within 100 feet. But this time, I cannot see who they could have, they just didn't have the time or opportunity.

The bigger problem is one I've felt for years, you have to chose to be a parent or to be involved in church. From my early teens I wondered why young adults were not involved in parishes. Now I know, once you have kids, the welcome sign disappears. The irony is that this ministry is to help women in crisis pregnancies, a Pro-life ministry, yet the double message, no children welcome. Being a good faithful law abiding Catholic woman means that sometimes, YOU HAVE KIDS. When will our culture wake up and realize that? There has to be a way to be both involved in a church and a parent. Thanks for listening to my rant. Next week, Cry rooms and the Culture of Death!

Stations of the Cross and Kids

2009-03-19T15:13:00.003-05:00

As much as I love the devotion of the Stations of The Cross, it can be hard to get away to do them by myself. Not to mention the fact that kids like doing the stations. It can be hard, though to take a 4 year old and a 7 year old that cannot stop talking to pray the stations. They both feel the need to talk about what they think happened. This is not bad, but disruptive to the elderly lady who is there by herself. A few years back I came up with a solution. Pray them at home.

Of course this seems obvious, it is. We however, have added a few little things to keep the the ADD at bay. First of all, we make the preparation last a few days. One day we color the pictures that I have copied from Lent and Easter in the Domestic Church. The next day, we walk around the house and decide out path for the stations. We then tape up the pictures, and hope hyper 4 year old does not rip them down. The last day of the project, we pray the stations, walking from room to room and through the halls that have the pictures. We sing Stabat Mater, and do short meditations, all the while the kids are talking, usually about what they think was happening on the road to Calvary. We only spend about 30 minutes doing the stations, longer than that and we lose someone. For us, it has been the perfect solution. We pray the stations, the kids get to experience them, and the elderly lady at church gets the silence that after years of kids, she deserves.

Getting old stinks

2009-03-13T19:12:00.003-05:00

The primary reason is you have to witness even older friends suffer the things that come with age. Yesterday, a woman I credit more than any other person with helping me become who I am, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I know this woman well enough to know she will embrace her cross with great joy, seeing God in her pain. That does not take away the worry I will have or the fear of losing her. Again my selfishness shows. It's all about me, my need for her.

I was 13 when I met her, and threw up on her shoes. Nice intro, but she tenderly cared for me and drove me home from church. For some reason, God has let us keep in touch though my rough teen years, rebellious college days and the chaos of my life as a wife and mother. I have so many moments of joy and learning from her. She is who I would like to be as I age, Please pray for my friend, I still have so much to learn from her.

Favorite Quotes from Favorite Saints

2009-03-09T15:54:00.004-05:00

Today two of my favorite saints to quote have their Feast Day. Enjoy!

Nothing seems tiresome or painful when you are working for a Master who pays well; who rewards even a cup of cold water given in love of Him - St. Dominic Savio

It is Most Laudable for a woman to be devout, but she must remember she is a housewife and sometimes she must leave God in the altar to find him in her housekeeping- St. Frances of Rome