Friday, May 29, 2009

Something About Mary!

For most of the people who know me, they know that I love to pray the rosary. I love praying it anytime. While waiting in a waiting room, while driving, while walking, while falling asleep, in the Adoration chapel, before Mass, (if possible with my littles)on my front porch, while watching the kiddos at a park, or outside, listening to it while I'm cooking or cleaning, even during surgery (I use a plastic one then) anytime. It's so easy and it brings your mind right to Jesus and things of God. It calms me when I'm anxious or worried. The rosary gives me peace in my heart. I wrote about my favorite rosary here last year (click on "here) but the truth is, I cannot give the rosary the justice it needs, it is that important! I've waited all month long to write about it and just can't give it the honor and justice it needs, except to tell you that if you do not pray it, have never prayed it, or just don't know how to, start with 1 decade. (one Our Father and 10 Hail Mary's) Mary will lead you to Jesus. The rosary is about meditating on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, and if it is about Mary, it is about Jesus too, because she is His mother. God will take care of the rest. God will put that love in your heart. God will give you the peace you need.
"You never think of Mary without Mary thinking of God on your behalf.

Neither do you ever praise and honor God without Mary praising and honoring God in union with you."

--St Louis Grignion De Montfort




I still have beautiful holy cards I'd like to show and the month of May is almost done!!

I'll have to go into June!




***For free CD's of the Rosary and other great CD's about Confession, Marriage and so much more go to the Mary Foundation! (Yes, I said FREE)

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Summer Toes!

Now that it is warm out, we are here at the sink washing feet at least 3 to 4 times per day! Look at Babycakes' sweaty, dirty little toesies, aren't they cute? She may be all pink and purple, but she is not afraid to get dirty or pick up worms or bugs at all!
Yes, the hands are just as dirty as the toesies!
Her world is wonderful, isn't it?



Wednesday, May 27, 2009

VBS Planning!










Our Catholic homeschool VBS starts Monday! I am so excited!! The kids have a great time every year and I get to plan preschool!! I can't find my kitchen counter, but it's coming together!


Play-doh, gluing, stamping, painting, hat making, necklace making, songs, games, follow the leader and ring around the rosie...just a few things in the planning. I have 3 helpers and 12 preschoolers, 7 are age 3, and 5 are age4. My own Babycakes will be turning 3 on the first day of VBS!



The 3 pictures at the top are the crafts planned for the first day. Photo frames, homemade, of course, boy hats and girl hats. The Saint is St Joan of Arc, and the virtue is patience. We will learn patience by waiting in line to play a game of toss the flower into the hoop! Snacks are simple, as some kids have special diets and I don't want to leave any kids out.



We are so blessed to have fellow homeschoolers that have a hobby farm and open it up to 60 kids every year, and 60 helpers!

Crash and Disappointment!

What is up with Mel Gibson? Wow! I was saddened when he fell off the wagon, was that a couple years ago now, and was seeking treatment, but now this? It's official, his new girlfriend is pregnant with his child. What happened? (he's not even legally divorced yet) How can someone fall so far? What is so hard for me is he knows. He knows the Truth. He knows. Do you think he would sit down and talk with me? I'd really like to talk with him. Just, you know, to pick his mind, to see what is really going on with him.

Pray. Pray. Pray.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Jon and Kate Plus 8

Does anyone out there watch this show on TLC? I don't watch it regularly, but TLC is one of those channels I always check at night when I'm flipping through, looking for something, and this show is quite often on. So over the past few years, I've gotten to know this family. I caught it last night, part of it anyway. If you do watch this show, you've heard, I'm sure, that Jon, the father was caught with another woman.


Last night, while watching, I kept tearing up, it was just so sad. When they were together, you could feel the tension. You could feel what she was feeling, you could feel what he was feeling.
When they were apart, you could feel the pain and the lonliness. You could see where things probably went wrong, starting with their lives being on national television. Among many other things. Sad things. Controversial things. Things about God. Kate mentioned during the show, the high rate of divorce among parents of multiples. What about the high rate of divorce among parents who contracept or have their tubes tied or have a vasectomy done? Add those things to the equation. How could the marriage survive?


Prayer. That is how it can survive.


I dreamt about them all night and prayed for them the many times I awoke. I couldn't get them off my mind. This TV show has become their income, their business. But I do hope they work things out and realize another way to make it, without putting their lives on television.


I really think prayer is the only way this marriage can survive.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day 2009

Today, I pause and pray for all the men and women who have given their dedication and their lives for our Country, for our freedom, for all we have and are able to do today. God bless the USA!

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Something About Mary!

I'm posting this image of Our Lady, for my good friend and fellow blogger, Margaret, who is due right now and hoping to have her sweet little baby tomorrow, May 24th the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians. I say a prayer for you along with this post!
I also share with you this great book! My good friend Sarah, sent this book to me when I broke my leg, in hopes that I'd be sitting on the couch resting and reading! Well, that didn't happen. ( I've told you, I'm not the sit down kind of person) I finally did start reading it the other night in the chapel and what a treasure!! I love it. I love praying the rosary and this book kind of unites me with 101 people from all over who also have a love of the rosary. God's graces and blessings are amazing and so abundant.
My husband just shared with me that his partner, before they conceived their baby (she's due right after me) that he prayed the rosary the whole month before. Blessings and graces. Abundant!
There is so much information, from the history of the rosary, rosary resources and so much more. What a treasure. Thank you so much Sarah!


Soap!

2 weeks ago, my hubby did our bi-weekly trip to Sam's Club with us, (since I still was not driving yet) and he could not figure out why I was not buying Irish Spring soap, it was so much cheaper than my usual Dove or Oil of Olay soap. He thinks my soap leaves a film on his body and he thought I just bought it because it was cheaper....
Funny, for the past 12 years he's been using my soap, thinking, I guess that I've been getting the best deal. I think the opposite, that his kind of soap leaves the icky film. SO, now we get separate soaps! I do have to admit, he does smell mighty nice after his shower!


Thursday, May 21, 2009

Ascension Thursday

I'm actually kind of posting early, as we will make these pancakes Sunday the day the Church now celebrates this feast day. I grew up calling it "Ascension Thursday" though, so I must post today! Maybe we will make the Cloud dessert for supper dessert Sunday like last year, I have the recipe also in my Kraft Foods Magazine from last year. We also plan to do bubbles and drink some kind of bubbly drink and make a craft using blue paper and white paint. All symbolizing Jesus Ascending into Heaven. We might try this recipe for today to celebrate a little today.
Blessings to you all, I'm off to find some garage sales today!

Something About Mary!

"No Mary, no Jesus--No Mother, no Son"
-Blessed Mother Teresa
So simple and so true.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Congratulations My Love


Today marks the anniversary of my husbands sobriety, his 20 year Anniversary! It's quite an accomplishment, especially looking back at all the blessings because of it. He opened a 24 unit half-way home for men 2 years ago and has counseled and helped literally hundreds of men struggling with sobriety and life. Drugs and Alcohol effect all walks of life, young and old, rich and poor, male and female. Not only that life, but the lives of all who know the person struggling from the addiction. I am proud beyond words. I am proud to be called his wife. He is helping the poorest of the poor. He is doing God's work every day, while I put myself in a bubble and surround myself with people like me. Then, he comes home and is the best husband and father I could ask for. He's an amazing man.



Congratulations my love!

Something About Mary

" Loving trust and total surrender made Our Lady say "yes" to the message of the angel. And cheerfulness made her run in haste to serve her cousin Elizabeth. That is so much our life: saying "yes" to Jesus and running in haste to serve him in the poorest of the poor. Let us keep very close to Our Lady and she will make that same spirit grow in each one of us."
--From Mother Teresa's final letter written on the day of her death.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Children!

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the unborn, Pray for us. This image is associated with the unborn, especially those in danger of abortion. I thought fitting for this post about children and being open to life always. This is my "Something About Mary" for today.


A friend asked me a few weeks ago how I could be excited for another baby. At first, I was kind of taken aback and shocked she was asking this, but then, she explained she meant nothing negative, she was just trying to understand. Her two children are grown now, and she wishes now that she'd had more children, but at the time, she had her hands full and could not imagine having more.


She asked me if I was worried about being able to handle all of them, as my time is filled now. She has babysat for us a few times and knows how constant it is. I thought maybe there are some readers who think the same thing, so thought I'd address it here too. Yes, I am almost 40 (just a week or so after this baby's birth) and I have type 1 diabetes, and yes, they are long, hard pregnancies.


I explained, first, trust. Trust in God. He is the One who gave us this life (of another child) and He knows what we can handle. I'm not saying it is going to be easy. I know it will be hard and challenging at times, but I'm not afraid of that. Babies and children go through different stages every 3 months, so whatever is hard will only be hard for so long and then life will move onto the next stage, whatever that will be.


I have to admit, that after having the 4th baby, the hardest thing for me was that any time I had with 3 children, like exercising time, walking, gardening, etc...was now gone. That time was filled with the 4th baby. That was hard to get used to. (she was born June 1, so that summer was a wash!) But by the next summer, things had changed and those things could be a part of my life again.


Now, I probably make things harder on myself, as I don't pump, I feed on demand and so that baby is glued to me until I wean them around 1 1/2 years. I love my babies (we all do) and cherish that time when they are young, as it goes sooo fast, before you know it, it's gone. I actually loved getting up in the night, especially with my last baby, I am happy I nurse and my hubby cannot do anything, as I am kind of selfish that way, I love that time with my little one, that one on one time, quiet time, between her and I. It's weird, I feel very close to God at that time.


I'm not saying I don't get tired, because I do, and if that baby gets up an extra time, like say 4 times, well, that kind of breaks the "perfect" amount of sleep to be able to exist the next day without being crabby.


I also so look forward to the brand new personality. I catch myself wondering while at the hospital with my newest baby, what the next one will look like. Being so amazed at how different they all are. I love their different personalities. It amazes me. I fall in love with my husband all over again seeing him with our new little one. And seeing him with the older ones.


So, basically my answer to her was:


I don't worry. I trust. How I'm going to handle it is not even a thought until it has to be. I think people today are afraid to trust. Afraid to let go. I think when people see mothers of larger families, they are in awe. They are deep down jealous or maybe disappointed that they could not do it. At least they think they couldn't. People are afraid of letting go of their bodies, giving complete control to God, the maker of that body. Some people don't like the "baby" years. They are hard years. I would just say that time goes so fast and is so worth it.


I personally, after struggling with infertility the first few years of our marriage, believe each baby is a gift from God and cannot say "NO" to God. He knows best.


A doctor, while I was in the hospital with my broken leg, asked me, with her nose wrinkled up in disgust, as she was leaving my room, "Uh, are you planning on having any more children?" As if it were any of her business anyway, as if because I have a broken leg, that is a reason to not have anymore. I said "I hope so, we leave it up to God" knowing she has one adopted child and was unable to conceive, I went on to say, that "many people struggle with infertility and who am I to say "no thank you God" to His gifts." Her last words to me were "Well, we each have our own opinions."


Yes, doctor, we do, and I will pray for you.

Locks of Love Girls!

Ballerina Rosie (6) and Mary (4) right before leaving to get their haircuts!
They have been waiting for mama to be able to drive, so I could take them to get summer haircuts!
Personally, I think long hair is easier in the summer, because of being able to put it up, but...

They look pretty darn cute!
**I do have permission from daddy to post pictures!

Locks of Love
We went to Great Clips and they took care of the hair for us and the haircuts were free!
This is the 2nd time for Ballerina Rosie, she did it a year and a half ago, with me. The stylist let her cut my pony tail! Her hair grows really fast and is very thick!


Monday, May 18, 2009

Pope John Paul II



"Pope John Paul II was born on this day in 1920. During his pontificate, he often invited cardinals in Rome who were over 80 years of age to lunch on his birthday. There, they discussed Church issues. Even though their age prevented them from participating in any papal conclave, Pope John Paul still wanted to show them he appreciated their wisdom and insights."

(taken from my Little White Book 6 minute daily reflections)

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Love One Another



"This I command you, to love one another." John 15:17

This is from today's Gospel reading. It is so powerful. We discussed it during our last book club meeting Thursday night and I have been thinking about it ever since. We resolved to try to think of everyone in this way. God's greatest Commandment.

For me these words of Jesus are so deep and can mean so much, yet they can also be so very simple. Love everyone. Sounds simple right? But loving everyone means loving even those who bug us. It means loving everyone who comes in contact with us. It means loving even people who don't come in contact with us, like Oprah, Tom Hanks or President Obama. It means loving the murderers and the child molesters. How can we love people like that? We can do it. God loves them. We can love them by not hating them. We can love them by praying for them.

The opposite of hate is love.

The opposite of pride is humility.

When I think of loving everyone with the love of God, I always think of Blessed Mother Teresa. She makes it more real for me, more tangible. When she was alive and I guess I still do this, I often think "what would Mother Teresa do? What would she think, what would she say?" This often helps me to do the right thing, not always. I still struggle with certain people in my life and am not perfect in all my relationships. Today is a reminder to work on especially those relationships, even if only to pray for them. Lord, help me to humble myself and to love everyone the way You want me to.

"Spread love everywhere you go:

First of all in your own house.

Give love to your children, To your wife or husband,

to a next door neighbor....

Let no one come to you without leaving better or happier.

Be a living expression of God's kindness;

Kindness in your face,

Kindness in your eyes,

Kindness in your smile

And kindness in your warm greeting."

Mother Teresa

Something About Mary

This picture is called "The Gaze". Isn't it beautiful, just knowing the name makes it even more beautiful.


O, Mary,
You remained humble
depsite the great grace bestowed on you as Mother of God.
Help me to remain humble in all situations for it is
God Who does all the good in us.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Prayers Please

I am asking for special prayers for men in recovery or men suffering from addictions. Please join me. My husband works with these men and they all need prayers. Thank you.

No More School!!

Final post today, promise! Today was our official last day of school!! (except math, we still have some math, I'll spread it out over the next few weeks) We decided to have a picnic in our backyard, but it was soooo windy that we ended up back inside for our desserts and right after coming in, it started to thunder and rain! (we need the rain)


Here's my big belly. This baby is not coming until August 27th, so, see, I AM big as a house! Oh, don't worry, I can get much bigger! (and will) (notice my long scar, that is the side where the rod and screws are, nice ankle Jamie!)
Wind, wind, wind!

Springtime in MN, we can still see the top of our hill, but soon, once the leaves are full grown, we will not be able to see up there anymore.
Have a great weekend everyone!


Change!

This is my husband's change jar. This jar has never been this full. I know why and he better cash it in soon, because I will be driving soon and slowly it will disappear. With me home and not able to go anywhere without anyone taking me, I have not stolen his change or needed it, so over 8 weeks, it had a chance to fill up!

Hello Shoes!

You can't really tell in the picture, but there is no muscle in the right leg, at all. But hey! I get to wear shoes now!! Bye bye big boot!
Bye bye wheelchair, bye bye crutches!

And bye bye big tub bench!!
I will not miss you at all!
Today is the first day with shoes on in 8 weeks! I am limping, but it feels good, just to see my leg and the kiddos were so excited to see me in shoes today!!
Now, to get this leg strong enough to drive!!




Something About Mary

Lovely Lady
Lovely Lady dressed in blue--
Teach me how to pray!
God was just your little Boy,
Tell me what to say!
Did you lift Him up, sometimes,
Gently, on your knee?
Did you sing to Him the way
Mother does to me?
Did you hold His hand at night?
Did you every try
Telling stories of the world?
O! And did He cry?
Do you really think He cares
If I tell Him things--
Little things that happen? And
Do the Angels' wings
Make a noise? And can He hear
Me if I speak low?
Does He understand me now?
Tell me--for you know.
Lovely Lady dressed in blue
Teach me how to pray!
God was just your little boy,
And you know the way.
I don't know who wrote this, but I always picture Fulton J Sheen saying this. I love that man!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Stage VS Altar

OK, now this post might be a little controversial for me. I usually try to keep my posts light and fun (I hope). This is the type of church we pick, my husband and I. We like the more traditional type Catholic churches. How can someone look at this and not think of God, the Angels and the Saints? The images lift your eyes upward towards Heaven and keep your thoughts there, thinking about heavenly things. We are not worshiping the images, at all. We are just reminded of things heavenly. I know even protestants have nativity sets out at Christmas, same thing, it reminds people of Christ's birth. Heavenly things to think about at Christmas time.
This is a picture of a Community church somewhere. We went to our 2 oldest's piano recital last night, held at a local Community church. Now this local church was just newly remodeled, and it pretty much looked like this, only the stage was much more grand and it was a little bigger than this. It did have the sound and light room, (that little rectangular thing in the upper right of the picture), it did have the large screens. It also had, in their entry way, 9, yes 9 large flat screen tv's, a coffee shop, and lots and lots of room.
It seems to me the main focus is the stage and the entertainment. Why would someone leave something like the picture on the top and go to something like this for worship? Where do these community churches get the money to do this with nothing held back? I know every Catholic church that is built or remodeled, it is like pulling teeth to get the money to do what they do and it is the bare minimum, no fancy screens or tv's or coffee shops.
When we pick our church (there are lots of Catholic churches in our city), we picked the most traditional of them, they had to have a good priest (we got two great ones), and then, the people I guess are last, but we do like that welcome feeling, although, not necessary, and I don't mean, shaking hands with everyone when you get in. I mean, seeing the same people, sharing donuts with them after Mass, praying together, loving together.
It really made me even more thankful for our rich Catholic faith. Even more thankful for Jesus, front and center in the Tabernacle, waiting for us. There in every Catholic church. Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
Jesus, front and center.
I did space for paragraphs...sometimes it does it and sometimes it does not!! It drives me crazy and just so you know, it's buggin' me that there's no paragraphs and it won't let me do them!


Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Our Lady of Fatima

Our Catholic faith is so full of Truth and miracles!
Go here and read about Fatima!
When I was a kid, I never learned about Fatima, let alone even heard of it. As an adult, I couldn't believe that everyone in the whole world didn't know about this and many other apparations. Approved apparations. The messages are the same today as they were then,
Pray
Fast
Mass
Confession

Something About Mary!

" Human beings will never comprehend sufficiently the anguish and immensity of Mary's sorrows. Very few Christians partake of those sufferings and even fewer offer any consolation to her."
-St Bridget
Bridget, Mary and Susanna are names we are contemplating right now....I keep telling the children (who are very opinionated on this subject) that God knows her name and He will tell us somehow!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Spoiled By More Delivery Services!

I'm going to call it Kissteen's Delivery Service! Or, just that I have a great friend! She also delivered some Diet Cherry Coke for me!!

Babycakes did have another success today!! 2 times more than any other day...I'll take it and not talk about the unsuccesses! (messes) She does love to go to the potty after she has already gone in her panties, hasn't figured that one out yet....Thank you Christine, you are super!


**Now, how does this work...M&M for Babycakes and M&M for Mama, right?

Finally!!

Babycakes finally went potty!!! (in the pot) Last week, we tried every day. I found out she can hold it a long time. She only wet like 5-6 times per day. Then, she would want to go sit on the potty. I just wanted her to have one small success. By Friday, I thought, OK, after countless stickers (she'd get a sticker each time she sat on the potty), and jelly beans (I cannot drive yet, so no M&M's), I thought I'm going to put her on the pot and sit in the bathroom and play games, sing songs, read books, have snack and well, just wait until she just goes! Literally 1 1/2 hours later, she still hadn't gone, so we took the potty to the living room to watch a cartoon (Clifford), a half hour later, still no potty. SO, I gave up, put on her undies and went to make lunch. Within ONE minute, she wet her undies!!! AAAAAAAhhhhhhh!! I didn't even try over the weekend.


We did buy a bath time baby for her and put it on the fridge for when she does go all day, every time.

Today, she finally went!!!!! Yahoo!!!! It's just the beginning, but hey, it's a beginning! It's a small success for her! (and me!) I have to say, there is nothing like that feeling of training a toddler, doing the almost impossible!

I am woman, hear me roar!!!!! (click on the words and hear a classic!)

I Can Easily Be Spoiled!

I had my groceries delivered today. I have never done this. I still am wearing my big old boot and cannot drive. I didn't want my husband to have to take me and drop me off to grocery shop or anyone else for that matter, so I tried it! I went on line yesterday and it took a long time. Like about an hour! At the time, I thought, no way, this takes too long. I don't get to see all the fun stuff, I don't get out of the house!


But today, When the groceries were delivered (for the small fee of $7.95), wow! It was so easy. I felt so spoiled! My 4 year old "Mary" jumped up and down and couldn't believe "they" would give us all this food, "why would they do this?" she kept saying!! I tried to explain that I ordered it and we paid for them, but you know how little kids just think everything that comes in the mail is from the mailman? Well, she thinks all this food is from the nice elderly gentleman that delivered it!

I just don't think I can justify spending the 8 bucks to do this every time, but it sure came in handy this time! I actually think I spent less, no extra things, no last minute cookbooks or magazines at the checkout, no Diet Coke or juices or Chocolate milks for the kids. Really nothing fun....Shhhh!! Don't tell my husband! :)

Something About Mary!

When we who are devoted to Mary
call her Mother, we are not using empty words
or speaking at random.
She is our Mother--not by flesh, of course, but spiritually;
the Mother of our souls, of our salvation.
-St Alphonsus Liguori

Monday, May 11, 2009

2 Great Movies!

We rented this one through Netflix, Last Chance Harvey. (last week) I kept expecting it to just be one of those movies where nothing happens and it disappoints you in the end, but this one doesn't do that at all. It's about 2 lonely people who find eachother and bring out the good in eachother. I really liked it, and if I say I liked it, that means it had a good ending! (sorry if that spoils it for you)
Wolverine X-Men Origins! Yes, I know, what a contrast between the two movies! I love the X-men movies! (who doesn't like to watch Hugh Jackman?) My husband and I went on a "date" Saturday night and saw this one in the theatre! It was great! Now, we are going to have to rent the last 3 X-Men movies to refresh our memories!
**We saw Benjamen Button Mother's day evening, and I was not impressed with that one at all, all the main character does is sleep with everyone, oh, and grow younger and cuter.


Saturday, May 9, 2009

God Is In Our Cities!

Taken from my "Little White Book" (6 minute reflection book)this morning:


"The city of St Paul, Minnesota, derives it's name from a tiny Catholic chapel built by a French missionary priest.
Fr Lucien Galtier had come to the United States in 1838 and was ordained in Dubuque, Iowa. In the spring of 1840, the young priest was sent to his first mission (a trading center known as Pig's Eye, Minnesota) to minister to the French-Canadians living there.
In October 1841, the priest began work on a chapel. On November 1st that same year, the chapel was dedicated to St Paul. Fr Galtier chose the name, hoping that one day the area would become known as "St Paul", rather than Pig's Eye."


Now, of course this caught my attention because we live in Minnesota, but look at all the cities across the whole United States. Look at how many thousands of cities are named after Saints. To take it even a step farther, look at how many cities are started with a history of our rich Catholic faith.


The government is trying to take God away. Take prayer away. There is no way they can do it. We have the Saint's intercession in so many cities. Just saying the name of each Saint city, that Saint is there.


My husband even remembered that one of his uncles lived on a street called "Galtier" growing up, down in St Paul, MN.


History. Rich history. Government, just keep trying to take God out of our cities, you can't do it.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Something About Mary


"The Mother of God, the most pure virgin, carried the True Light in her arms and brought Him to those who lay in darkness. We too, should carry a light for all to see and reflect the radiance of the True Light as we hasten to meet Him."
-St Sophonius
Happy and Blessed Mother's day to all out there!
***I loved this holy card of Mary, because we all have that awe when looking at our newborns, or any baby for that matter. You know, when you just stare at the baby sleeping and are amazed? Can you even imagine the awe that our Blessed Mother had when she looked at her Son? When she looked at God?

You are My All in All

Finally! I had to switch my new email in order for youtube to work!

This is for you friend and to anyone else having a bad day, sing along, sing it all day! Blessings!

Prayer

I tried posting a Youtube video here twice...so if 2 posts show up before I check, you'll know why!

In case the video did not work at all, I want to post something for a good friend and fellow blogger who might need this! I read this tonight in the chapel. Taken from "Holiness For Housewives" by Dom Hubert Van Zeller:


"Pray, and do not think of failure or success. You cannot measure either of them anyway, so why bother? Disappointment need not enter into your calculations at all. You have not the least idea what will be the outcome of your prayer--except that certainly it will be pleasing to God. None of the other effects matters."

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Something About Mary

"The Blessed Virgin never shall fail to protect me
when I call upon her
when I am troubled,
I quickly turn to her
And like the most
tender of mothers
she looks after me."
-St Theresa of Lisieux

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Clay Rosaries by Sarah

My good friend Bonnie's daughter, Sarah, makes these beautiful handmade rosaries! About 13 years ago, I was blessed enough to get one of these treasures. Each bead is made with love and has such symbolic meaning, it helps you meditate while praying the rosary.


She also makes handmade bracelets and chaplets. Please check her site out, you will not be disappointed! Clay Rosaries by Sarah (I hope she's ok with me taking her pictures and posting them here, they show the detail and I really want to promote them!)
Another favorite rosary site is Prayerful Beads, by our very own blogger Barbara! I was blessed this past year to win one of these beautiful rosaries, and the beauty and quality are superb!
May is the month of Mary, the mother of all mothers. We, as Catholics do not worship Mary, but give her honor and respect and love. As Jesus. What would Jesus do? I am sure He would honor His mother, he would love His mother, He would respect His mother. He would not downplay what she did in her saying "yes" to God's request of her. He would give her to us as our Heavenly Mother, just as He gave us His life.
Totus Tuus Family Homeschool Blog has started something big, Something About Mary for each day in May. Now, I'm not that good about posting every day, or even about keeping blogging promises! But, I will try to do some this month, some of my favorite things. My favorite prayer is the Rosary, so today's is about that!


Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Potty Training!

Please say a prayer for Babycakes! She's going to be potty trained!! Finally, she will be 3 on June 1st! Her potty training got delayed, oh, 8 weeks due to her mama breaking her leg!
She is so ready though, always wanting to go potty, she has never even accidentally gone though, so once I put on these cute panties, and she feels what it feels like to be wet, I really don't think it will take long. I usually do wait until summer to train, because it's so much warmer and easier with less clothes. Let's see, I have 10 pairs of undies...I wonder how many I will have left by 3pm this afternoon? Maybe you could say a prayer for the mama? :)