Yes! They are finally done!

I finished my CEU's for my SLP certification tonight, nothing like
waiting until the last minute! That is the ADD in me :)

Happy New Year!

Novena to St. Joseph

Hubby's job situation is becoming unbearable again. I love him very
much for staying in a thankless and demeaning job for us.

Today I will start this Novena, this job issue has to get better and I
know who can help us.

O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt
before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.

O Saint Joseph, assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for
me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ,
Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may
offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.

O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in
your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press
Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return
the Kiss when I draw my dying breath.

O Saint Joseph, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. O Saint
Joseph, pray for me. O St. Joseph, open a door for us so that our
family can sustain ourselves and have peace, good health, and respect.
Amen.

My Eyes

I can't wear my contacts during fall allergy season. I put them back
on this week only to discover that I can't read small print. I'm
feeling sorry for myself. I've always had anxiety about not being able
to see at all because of my severe nearsightedness. I've been extra
grumpy and the children have been extra mischevious, which is not a
good combination. I guess it is time to head to TSO to see what my
options are. St. Lucy, pray for us!

Novena Prayer to Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro, SJ

Today is the Feast Day of our friend in heaven, Blessed Miguel Agustin
Pro.
On Saturday, I went by the Sacred Heart Gift Shop on the San Jose Catholic Church campus. I recognized a picture of Bl. Pro and asked her of she had a prayer card. She gave me this photo and told me a story. A lady was visiting from Mexico, she had made her purchase, but came back inside. She asked the lady in the shop the name of the priest in the long cassock. None of the current priests wear a long cassock. She looked up at the picture of Bl. Pro and screamed, it was him! He had touched her and told her everything was going to be ok.

I am not finding out anything about his continued cause for Sainthood. He is a Martyr, but we continue to pray that he will be a Saint someday.

Blessed Martyr of Christ the King, Father Miguel Agustin Pro, you are a special patron of those who labor, those in illness, depression or despair.  You are also a friend of musicians, the captives, and all who work toward social justice.  Your beloved brothers, the Jesuits, revere you and count you among the ranks of their saints.  You love your people of Mexico and all those loyal to the Church.
I thank the Sacred Heart for loving you so dearly.
I pray to Our Lady of Guadalupe whom you love so dear, to intercede for the cause of your canonization.
I pray that you remember me in your eternal and well-deserved rejoicing, and also my needs: Please heal my children's food allergies.
Through your courageous life and martyrdom you have won the crown of life everlasting.
Remember me, Blessed Miguel, for I remember you.
Viva Cristo Rey!  Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!

IMPRIMATUR:
Most Reverend John F. Donoghue Archbishop of Atlanta
December 21, 2004

Please Continue to pray for Philip Johnson

http://philipgerardjohnson.blogspot.com/2010/11/bishop-requests-novena-for-seminarian.html

Number One Daughter asks about this young man on a regular basis.
We've been praying for his healing for a long time. Our prayers
continue...

St. Vitus Novena for Our Young Friend

We've just finished this Novena for a 7 year old friend with epilepsy.
Number One Son, this young man and his older brother prove that three
CAN be company. The past few months have been hard, more seizures
meant more medication which meant more side effects. Children can
verbalize that someone acts or behaves differently, but no matter what
we say, they are taking this change in behavior personally. In their
minds the only reason their friend isn't playing with them anymore is
because he doesn't want to. Number One Son is sad and so is this young man's brother. They are 18 months apart and best friends.

January brings hope and fear. Hope that planned surgery stops the
seizures and fear that this fiery little guy will have permanent
physical effects. Since I've worked with special needs children my
entire career, I know bad outcomes, I never see the good ones.

The Nonvena to St. Vitus helped give me peace of mind, I think I'll
keep saying it.

St. Vitus, glorious martyr of Christ; when you were young, you were
exposed to violent and dangerous temptations, but in the fear of God
and for the love of Jesus you victoriously overcame them.

St. Vitus, by the love of Jesus, assist me with your powerful
intercession to heal Your child of his epilipsey. Please give him
clear thinking, restored energy, full strength, restful sleep, calm
emotions, mindful communication and the grace of peace for his body.

O Jesus, Who hast said,
ask and you shall receive,
seek and you shall find,
knock and it shall be opened to you,
through the intercession of Mary,
Thy Most Holy Mother,
I knock, I seek,
I ask that my prayer be answered.

My Lord and my God! I offer up to You these prayers in union with the
bitter passion and death of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, together with
Mary, ever virgin, and of all the angels and saints, particularly with
prayers of St. Vitus, in whose honor I make this novena.

Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant this precious child of yours
peace, hope, grace and love and graciously hear my prayer. Amen

Costumes

I made costumes for the kids until a few years ago. I heard, "I'll
wear the Pope costume, but I really want to be Spiderman," from Number
One Son a few years ago. I was sad, but he endulged me for several
years. He was a monkey, St. Francis, St. Michael and then John Paul
II, the Great before choosing Speed Racer, Spiderman, Batman and Darth
Vader this year. Number One Daughter was an Angel, St. Elizabeth Ann
Seton, Cinderella, St. Philomena, Batman and Toothless this year.
Number Two Son missed his first Halloween because he was sick. He has
been St. Francis, Batman and Iron Man this year.
I did get to sew All Saints Costumes for all three of them this year.
Number One Son will be Divine Mercy Jesus, Number One Daughter will be
Our Lady and Number Two Son will be St. Padre Pio. With two white
robes and one brown one, I hope to recycle/repurpose the costumes for
a couple more years. They all have such strong opinions, our children.
I wonder where they get that?
I find it strange that our children seek out the same costumes as most
other children their age even though their exposure to "characters"
is limited. I guess they will get to a point when they want unique
costumes and I will be useful again.

Happy Birthday Number Two Daughter

Hubby has a yucky URI, so he stayed home from work today and was able to go to the cemetary with us. I made allergy-free cupcakes, he planted a lily from our yard (but originally from his old house), we sang "Happy Birthday" walked around the beautiful grounds of Our Lady of the Rosary and said a Divine Mercy Chaplet before we drove home.
Before we left home, there was quite a heated discussion between Number One Son and Number One Daughter about what to call today. He insisted that it was Number Two Daughter's feast day, it was the celebration of the day she went to Heaven, he explained to his sister. Number One Daughter insisted it was her birthday. We compromised and agreed that it was both!
Number One Daughter saw little toys at the graves of other babies during our last visit. She wanted to buy her sister a toy. I was sceptical if she would actually leave a really cute cat and dog Littlest Pet Shop set dressed as an angel and devil. When it comes to her baby sister, Number One Daughter always suprises me. She is thoughtful, selfless and brave.
Number One Son was sad. We talked about how, after praying about it for several days, we decided to tell them about their sibling being born to Heaven. He agreed that it was better that we told him. He is still shocked that I wasn't told about my siblings born to Heaven until I was almost grown.
It is my sincerest prayer that our children will use this life experience to witness to others about respect for life from conception to natural death. They participated in a funeral for their sister who was the same age when most abortions take place. So much has happened in the past year, I have been grateful for all the extra prayers, today was so much more about gratitude than sadness.

Nana's and Poppie's Dog had puppies!

Poppie found a very scared, hungry Jack Russell Terrier at his camp
ground last year. She is a very shy and hides most of the time. Nana's
long tongued Pomeranian loves her. She never really warmed up to
anyone but Nana's other dog. They found a home for her, with a little
girl to love her, but then she had puppies and never could house
train, so Nana and Poppie got her back. The little girl kept a puppy.
Well, she had four more puppies this week. Number One Daughter is so
excited! She loves snuggling puppies, kittens, dolls, stuffed animals,
Beanie Babies, etc... Hubby is threatening to sneak one home in his
shirt. He misses the personality of Little Dog. We will not be getting
a puppy, but maybe one of our friends will want one and we can visit it.

Christopher Columbus and Our Lady

On August 3, 1492 Christopher Columbus left Spain on the Santa Maria.
The wind began to blow on September 8, the Nativity of Our Lady. He
sighted land on October 11, the Solemnity of the Mother of God and
landed on Hispaniola on October 12, the Feast of Our Lady of the
Pilar, Patroness of Aragon, the sponsor of his voyage. The names of
the ships "Santa Maria pinta nina" means "St. Mary paints a girl."
Thirty-nine years later, on December 9, 1531, Our Lady appeared to
San Juan Diego and gave the world the miraclous image of Our Lady of
Guadalupe. Millions of conversions are attributed to this single event.
I have to thank Fr. Rocky from Relevent Radio for enlightening me to
this story written by God's hand.

We love Girl Scouts!

I just returned from my first Girl Scout Camp-out. Number One Daughter
and I had such a nice time together. She didn't push boundaries, I
didn't lose my temper. She was focused, patient and brave. We spent
time with Girl Scouts and parents from our Church troops, it was a
lovely weekend.
Before going through the process to start a troop, I prayed,
researched, prayed and listened. I really felt called to Girl Scouts
USA. I loved my time as a Brownie, Junior and Cadette. I really don't
know why GSUSA has gotten so much bad press, but here is some
information about what has been in the news over the past year:

Not all the information on the Internet is accurate, and that our
organizational integrity is at stake when we fail to properly
investigate allegations--The National Federation for Catholic Youth
Ministry

Here is the official GSUSA statement regarding Planned Parenthood:

" GSUSA does not provide any financial support to Planned Parenthood,
nor do we have any national collaboration or relationship with that
organization. We believe issues related to health and sexuality are
private matters for girls and their families"

3/12/10
We have been alerted about negative article that is circulating in a
national religious publication in which allegations were made about a
United Nations meeting involving the World Association of Girl Scouts
and Girl Guides.

GSUSA is aware of this situation and has assured us that this article
is a complete misrepresentation of the facts. See below for GSUSA
response.

"We are very disturbed and disappointed about the article. We have
been assured by our national organization that this article is a gross
misrepresentation of the facts. Girl Scouts of the USA is actively
investigating the situation and will be preparing a Girl Scout
position statement.

The mission of the Girl Scout program is to build girls of courage,
confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. It is
not the role of Girl Scouting to take a position on issues such as
abortion, birth control, sex education, etc. Our membership is a cross-
section of America's diversity with regard to religious opinions and
practices. We believe these matters are best decided by girls and
their families.

In some areas of the country, depending on community norms and in
response to requests, Girl Scout troops or groups may hold discussions
about human sexuality. In all instances, the topic is discussed from
an informative rather than advocacy point of view. Participation in
these discussions is totally optional, and each girl who participates
must provide written consent from her parent or guardian.

3/15/10
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA)

This week, an online publication by the Catholic Family and Human
Rights Institute alleged that Girl Scouts, by participating in an
event at the United Nations earlier this month, helped to distribute
Planned Parenthood information as a part of the experience. We had
adults and GSUSA media staff on the ground at the event and know this
information to be false. We took steps to ensure that our fact-finding
was comprehensive and complete, and we are communicating with you so
that you have up-to-date information in the event you receive
inquiries surrounding this issue.

Here are some top-line facts of the event in question:

On Wednesday, March 3, GSUSA, UNICEF's Working Group on Girls, Girls
Learn International, and The Grail jointly hosted a Young Women's
Caucus at the 54th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at
the United Nations. The Caucus was a group conversation conducted to
formulate the Girls' Statement—a document that seeks to draw the
attention of world leaders to key issues affecting girls around the
world.

The Girls Only Workshop that Girl Scouts of the USA co-sponsored at
the event was supervised by adults and included no distribution of any
brochure or collateral of any kind. The only participants were adults
from GSUSA, Girls Learn International and The Grail, as well as 30-35
teenage girls. The event involved groups of girls, sitting in circles
with adult supervision, developing language for the document. No
materials were handed out. From the perspective of the GSUSA media
staff member who attended the Caucus, there was no involvement
whatsoever by Planned Parenthood.

The Girl Scout organization does not take a position on family
planning. Our membership is a cross-section of America with regard to
opinions on religious and social issues and practices. We believe
these matters are best decided by girls and their families.

The Girl Scout organization has no affiliation with any political
organization.

3/16/10
Update on Girl Scouts and the United Nations from GSUSA

Earlier this month, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) was honored to
attend and participate in the 54th Commission on the Status of Women
at the United Nations, where girls were encouraged to take action on
global issues concerning women and girls. Our participation in that
conference was recently the subject of numerous internet stories and
blogs that are factually inaccurate and troubling. Here are the facts
of that meeting:

The Girls Only Workshop was jointly hosted by Girl Scouts of the USA,
UNICEF's Working Group on Girls, Girls Learn International and The
Grail. The meeting was only open to the girls and participating
sponsors.

Only seven adults were in the room at the time of the meeting, each
representing one of the sponsors of the event. No one from Catholic
Family & Human Rights Institute was in the room to report on the event.

30 – 35 girls from across the world participated in this event. All
teenagers.

The girls received a copy of the only document they were working on
titled "The Girls' Statement". No other documents were given to
the girls as part of this event.

The room in question was also used to host other events over the
course of the multi-day conference. Prior to our girls entering the
room, we did not "sanitize' the room to ensure that no trash or
other items were left behind. We did request that those not associated
with the sponsors leave the room prior to our session.

The Girl Scouts of the USA was not contacted by Catholic Family &
Human Rights Institute (C-FAM) regarding its initial story to discuss
the facts of this event. Had they applied these basic journalistic
standards, perhaps the true details of this event would have been
reported.

Our Mission in Girl Scouting is to build girls of courage, confidence
and character, who make the world a better place. We continue to be
proud of our girls and look forward to showing the world what our
girls can do. We thank everyone for their support of Girl Scouting.

3/18/10
The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry has issued the
following in support of Girl Scouts:
In the last several days NFCYM has received inquiries about a meeting
at the United Nations with Girl Scouts of the USA and whether or not
Girl Scouts of the USA distributed offensive material to girls. Our
practice, as an organization, is to investigate such matters by going
directly to the source involved. Therefore we contacted GSUSA and they
have officially offered the statement below [statement is above as
3/16/10 update.] Please share this with those in your diocese who have
voiced any concerns with you. This is a good reminder that at times we
can be quick to render judgment without fact, that not all information
offered on the Internet is accurate, and that our organizational
integrity is at stake when we fail to properly investigate allegations.

"Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry!"
--St. Padre Pio

Asking for help

And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks,
receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the
door will be opened. (Luke 11:9-10)

I really hate asking for help, it is a HUGE struggle of mine. I'm not
sure why it is so hard. I was reading the Gospel for today, the
celebration of Our Lady of The Rosary, and these verses spoke to me.
The exact verses in the Novena to the Infant of Prague that I love so
much. Jesus is telling me to step outside my comfort zone. I
constantly remind my children that children are to be obdient, Momma
needs to be obedient too!

Bullies Using Food to Harass Allergic Kids

A new study authored by Christopher Weiss, PhD, from FAAN, and Scott
Sicherer, MD, Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at Mt. Sinai in New York,
gives new insights on the scope and prevalence of bullying children
due to their food allergies:

- Almost one-quarter of children in all age groups were reported to
have been bullied, teased or harassed because of their food allergy;
- 82 % of the occurrences were at school;
- 80 % of the occurrences were by classmates;
- 21 % of the occurrences were by teachers or other school staff.

Before we thought about homeschooling, I believe we got a clear
message that that is exactly what God wanted us to do. We struggle to
have family events that do not result in days and days of fussy, sick
children. Food is the center of our culture. It seems like every
celebration has at the center of it, a tempting not-allowed food. It
is so hard to go to a movie and not have popcorn, nachos at a ball
game or pizza and cake at a birthday party.

I am still in shock that adults accounted for 21% of bullying.
Children need to be educated and redirected, but adults should know
better.

St. Joseph, pray for us.

Novena to the Infant of Prague

I heard about this specific prayer on Relevant Radio (KIXL 970). It is
so beautiful, simple and powerful!

O Jesus, Who hast said,
ask and you shall receive,
seek and you shall find,
knock and it shall be opened to you,
through the intercession of Mary,
Thy Most Holy Mother,
I knock, I seek,
I ask that my prayer be granted.

(request)

O Jesus, Who hast said,
all that you ask of the Father in My Name,
He will grant you.
Through the intercession of Mary,
Thy most Holy Mother,
I humbly and urgently ask Thy Father
in Thy Name that my prayer be granted.

(request)

O Jesus, Who hast said,
"Heaven and earth shall pass away
but My word shall not pass",
through the intercession of Mary,
Thy Most Holy Mother,
I feel confident that my prayer will be granted.

(request)

Creatures of Habit?

Our pets go through phases about where they sleep. Smart Puppy always sleeps with Hubby, but I think he'd sleep in my bed if I let him. Red dog sleeps in her crate, but would probably sleep with Hubby if he let her. The cats are an entirely different story. Calico kitty prefers to sleep on Number Two Son's chest or face, but some days she is in the window, behind the computer with Hubby, in the baby bed or under the bed. Hubby's cat almost always sleeps with Hubby unless Smart Puppy gives him a hard time or the door gets closed before he gets in the room. This week, I found him on my feet and he slept next to the kids, which he hasn't done since they were babies. He's back with Hubby now, I think it has something to do with a bottle of coriander oil getting poured out in my room. It smells nice, but STRONG! Kids' cat goes between sleeping with Number One Son (a big no-no) to my room, to Hubby's room. Yesterday, all of the pets (except Red Dog) were in bed with Hubby. No one would have stayed asleep if I had let her join the slumber party, she hates cats, especially Calico kitty, Hubby says it is a girl-thing.

Getting Started Again

I am having the hardest time getting started this school year. Even though I've generally planned to start "school" the day after labor Day. We usually start when Hubby goes back to work, three weeks before our planned date. Not this year. We started our wonderful co-op yesterday, so we have started something and I finally got a replacement copy of Hooked-on-Phonics for Number One Daughter, so things are happening, but not like they have in the past. I usually spend time in the summer getting prepared. This summer, I worked more than I have since I left full-time employment 8 years ago when Number One Son was born. Also, we finally got the computer up and going and it has been monopolized by everyone but me. That just has to stop! Number One Son can do his auditory training program, but just tooling around when I need to do CEUs, plan meetings or activities, etc... Can't happen anymore. I guess I'll have to put up a sign up sheet next to the computer since 5 of us are using it now! The house is such a wreck. Hubby usually helps out in that department, but it was all he could do to keep track of our very busy, destructive kids when I was away for 6-8 hours a day for a month. We have so much to do, but we have a few more days to get some dishes done, floors cleaned, books shelved, walls scrubbed, laundry sorted... Number One Daughter and I sorted boy clothes yesterday. She was crazy-happy to help. She loves for others to hand down clothes, but has a drop-down-red-face-convulsive-FIT if I put her clothes in a bag to give away. I'll have to do it when she is sleeping or on a date with Hubby ;). We have been so blessed to have generous family and friends pass clothes to us, but I've been horrible about sorting and passing on clothes to others. I've been praying the Novena to the Infant of Prague to help us get our house organized, maybe I'm asking for the wrong thing?

Happy Feast Day St.Philomena!

Today is one of our very special saint’s feast day. I first heard about her from another home school mom that signed her email with, “St. Philomena, pray for us.” I was walking through our neighborhood Catholic book store and “It’s Time to Meet St. Philomena” by Dr. Mark Miravalle was right in front of me. My goddaughter had been struggling with learning and emotional issues and I was struck by how much the artwork on Dr. Miravalle’s book looked like my goddaughter. St. Philomena was the perfect Saint to help us. Number One Son has his St. Philomena story to tell, he wears her medal and cord, Number Two Daughter wears her cord. They know that St. Philomena prays for them.
We said this chaplet at bedtime for over two months. I guess I’ll never memorize it, if after 60 days I still had to read it. My mom-brain is not what it used to be.

St. Philomena Chaplet
The Chaplet is usually made up of red and white beads. The red beads stand for the martyrdom of the Saint, and the white beads indicate her Virginity and Purity of Heart.
The Apostles Creed is recited on the Crucifix, asking for the gift of Faith. Three Our Fathers are said on the first 3 white beads in honor of the Most Holy Trinity giving thanks for the gifts given to the Holy Virgin. Then there are 13 red beads, each one represents a year in the life of St. Philomena. On the red beads the following prayer may be said, or substituted by the Hail Mary, followed by: “Saint Philomena, pray for us.”
Hail, O Holy Saint Philomena, my dear Patroness,
as my Advocate with thy Divine Spouse,
intercede for me now, and at the hour of my death.
Saint Philomena, beloved daughter of Jesus and Mary,
pray for us who have recourse to Thee.
On the chaplet's medal you say: “Hail, O, illustrious Saint Philomena, who so courageously shed your blood for Christ. I bless the Lord for all the graces, He has bestowed upon thee, during thy life, and especially at thy death; I praise and glorify Him for the honor and power with which He has crowned thee, and I beg thee to obtain for me from God the graces I ask through thy intercession. Amen.”

Quick (Mild) Vegetable Curry

I've been working on this one for a while. Everyone, even the meat-eater Hubby, likes it. The kids don't like black pepper, so Hubby and I add it at the table.

1 pound frozen cauliflower
2-3 T. Oil (canola or olive)
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
1 can chickpeas/garbanzo beans
1 can sliced, unsalted carrots
1 cup frozen peas
1 can coconut milk
1 t. Salt
1 T. Cumin powder
1 t. Ginger powder
1/2 t. Garlic powder
1/2 t. Onion powder
1 t. Turmeric
dash of Allspice
dash of Nutmeg

Cook/steam the cauliflower in the microwave. I cook mine for 6 minutes on high and then let it steam for 5 more minutes.
Saute the onion in the oil until it starts to soften. Drain the chickpeas and add them to the pan with the onions. Stir until the onions are done and the chickpeas start to brown. Add the cooked cauliflower, frozen peas, drained canned carrots, spices and coconut milk. Stir well, turn down the heat to simmer and cover for 5 minutes. Uncover and reduce the liquid, if desired.
I serve this with a dollop of sour cream. I'm sure it would be tasty with rice, but I'm the only one that can eat it, so we just eat it plain or over shredded lettuce.

I Need You

Dear Lord Jesus,
I am a sinner and I need you. I know you are in charge and I surrender everything to you. I fail each time I scream at my beautiful children, if I am impatient with the people I work with, when I am not charatable and when I let sloth get the best of me. You have given me so many gifts and I am truely thankful. I know your love through suffering. You spared my husband's life, you fed us, provided for us, clothed us, gave us friends as your presence on Earth. You continue to protect the children. You gave Number One Son his creativity, Number One Daughter her intuition, Number Two Son his joy and Number Two Daughter was spared pain ans suffering on Earth and given the greatest gift of all, to be born into heaven.
I will always need you trust you. Please continue to help me. Amen.

The Perfect Chocolate Milk

1 1/2 cups Original Soy Milk
1 T. Cocoa powder
3 T. Sugar

Put everything in a Magic Bullet (or blender) and whip for 10 seconds.

Number Two Son is obsessed with chocolate milk. I rarely buy chocolate soy milk because he refuses to eat or drink anything else :)We all really like chocolate soy milk, but this tastes better than the premixed kind.

St. Padre Pio

After Number Two Son told us we needed P-I-O, I looked up devotions to Padre Pio. We've been saying this prayer nightly for over a week. This weekend, I got a email from the group that organizes monthly prayer vigils at abortion facilities, asking for this prayer!
I had to ask about the Roman Numerals, sometimes prayers don't come with instructions. I was told to say one each night and repeat them once I've been through the sequence. Three times each for the Novena, but we are trying to make this a nightly prayer.

Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus


I. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you." Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of...... (here name your request)
Our Father....Hail Mary....Glory Be to the Father....Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. 


II. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you." Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of.......(here name your request) Our Father...Hail Mary....Glory Be To the Father....Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. 

III. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away." Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of.....(here name your request) Our Father....Hail Mary....Glory Be to the Father...Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. 

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours.

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! Our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve, to thee do we send
up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley, of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus; O clement, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.  St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us. 
-- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
 

Eucharistic Miracle

Number One Son made his First Holy Communion on Sunday. He is a changed little boy. Our family was wounded and we've been praying for healing. Hubby's family is not Catholic, so they do not fully understand the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. I believe that the true prescence of Jesus opened eyes and mended hearts. Jesus healed our family and I humbly thank him for the great witness he gave me.

My Number One Son will never be the same

After tomorrow, Number One Son will have the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ physically present in him forever. A dear friend suggested that we ask for the grace of him recieving Communion without an allergic reaction. Tonight when we said prayers, even Number One Daughter asked that for her brother. She always has a hard time when attention is focused on anyone but her, but tonight, she was sincere in her prayer. It was a long day, I spent more than 8 hours cooking and baking for our celebration tomorrow. I sometimes wonder what I would do with my time if I could just order a cake from a bakery and serve up hamburgers and hotdogs at family gatherings? My kitchen will always be messy, dishes, pots, pans and bowls always "just used" and if I were a betting woman, Id bet that is what my children will remember about me. I love our small house with a big kitchen!

Forgiveness

I've been thinking often about forgiveness. I'm in a situation with no easy solution. I can move on like nothing ever happened, but live in fear that it will happen again. I can forgive without an apology and worry about the sin of not asking for forgiveness on my offender's soul. I was told to pick a point and move on and to focus on my immediate family. I try so hard to put it out of my mind, but it creeps in several times throughout the day. I know the matter is out of my hands. "All to Jesus, I surrender, All to him I freely give..."

FAAN Walk for Food Allergy ... Moving Toward a Cure

This year, our home town has a Food Allergy Walk, I'm not committed to anything else, the kids are old enough to walk 2 miles and Hubby is game!! Yeah!

San Jacinto Day

When I was in 7th grade at Berta Dean Jr. High, we did a mock trial about the people involved in the fight for Texas Independence. I was Santa Anna, things didn't quite go well for my character. I hope through our homeschooling that our kids will be proud Texans too!
from Wikipedia:
The Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, 1836, in present-day Harris County, Texas, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution. Led by General Sam Houston, the Texas Army engaged and defeated General Antonio López de Santa Anna's Mexican forces in a fight that lasted just eighteen minutes. About 700 of the Mexican soldiers were killed and 730 captured, while only nine Texans died.
Texas Rules!

The Face of Jesus

The past few weeks have been the most trying of my life. As each horrible thing happened, I truely believed that things couldn't get worse. I'm not exaggerating to any extent when I say, there were days when things piled on my already wounded and hurting soul. As each day passed, and I was faced with more pain and obstacles, Jesus showed himself to me in concerned phone calls from friends and family, supportive words from strangers and aquantances, hugs from friends, groceries, money, childcare, plumbing repairs, housecleaning, work, etc... I continue to believe that prayers of others are sustaining me and our family. I am focusing on looking forward, forgiving and starting new. We have lots of work to do, but we can make it happen. God, I humbly thank you for the gifts you have given me. Please continue to pray for us, we pray for all our benefactors, known and unknown, everyday.

...but they got worse...

...it can only get better from here...

As long as I can remember, my Mom has said that to me. She said it again today when we were discussing everything going on right now with Hubby and Big Sister. I've loaned my, "healing Your Family Tree" book to Nana. I plan on getting it back at Easter and then set to work right away. I have to believe that God's plan is in action, I can't question it, I'll just continue to pray, offer up my suffering and get to work doing whatever I have to do to help make things better. All holy men and women, pray for us. Amen.

When it rains, it pours...

clogged toilet, check
leaky roof, check
overdrawn bank account, check
sick husband, check
broken sink, check
clogged sink, check
leaking waterbed, check
sad poodle, check
sad kitty, check
fussy relatives, check
disappointed children, check
bills overdue, check
bleeding diaper rash, check
stressed-out, worried, anxious self, check

BUT
I have the best support system in the entire universe, prayers, guidance, assistance, childcare, groceries, etc...all taken care of thanks to Our Leader, Jesus Christ and His mother, Mary.

Destination-- My Town for Spring Break

I'm just blowing off a little steam here. We live in a beautiful city. It is Spring Break and traffic has been horrible! Any quick trip doubles in time. Any other University/School holiday week, there is no traffic, but not Spribg Break. I'm guessing that the major culpret is SXSW. I've been working most of the week and I just want to get home to my family. Hubby is home playing with the kids. Thanks for visting, have a safe trip home.

P-I-O

Number Two Son is really interested in letters right now. He says letters, we write them down, he is happy. His favorite letters and the first ones he always says are, "P, I, O." Tonight when I was outside with him during Mass, a lightbulb went off in my head! P-I-O spells Pio, as in the beloved Padre Pio? If we can get help from Padre Pio, we will certainly ask for his prayers and intercession. I showed Number Two Son of Padre Pio and he smiled very big, he is a happy, content almost three year old.
Padre Pio, pray for us. Amen.

Yes, I know you are listening

So, after my rant about almost everyone overlooking the positive of my first born something special happened. Last week was the Scout Mass at Church. Numer One Son and Number One Daughter did a great job during the entrance procession. The Wolf Den sat together with their Akela in the middle, the Wolves were packed in one row like little blue sardines. Number One Son did so well. I was in awe of how he did everything he was supposed to do. Sleepy, hungry children do a good job in Mass as long as it is in the morning. After Mass, a lady came up to me and asked if I remembered her? She was one of Number One Son's CCD teacher from last year. She and the other co-teacher were always complementary to him. I remember her saying how special he was. We found Number One Son after Mass, he remembered her and immediately told her that he had made his First Confession. I was so happy to run into her; although, I know it wasn't an accident. Thank you my Lord and Savior!

and another thing...

I have great empathy for Big Sister who screamed that she was, "So tired of children not wanting to play with Number Three Nephew!" He has a speech disorder and ADHD. I am really tired of hearing things that are wrong with Number One Son! I took him to a NeuroSensory specialist yesterday. I heard from a friend that this clinic treats patients and their food allergies get better. The doctors are ENTs so I was familiar with the terminology and several of the tests. Number One Son's processing is so delayed that he didn't even score. I knew he was slow to respond, now I know why. He also has a mild low frequency hearing loss and high frequency hypersensitivity. The doctor seemed very positive. He had us go to the lab for bloodwork and he will start medication to help his immune system. After we get the bloodwork back, possibly more supplements and daily shots. I don't know how we are going to afford this and yet, we can't afford not to. If he gets better, the little ones are next. Ugh! The thought of having to give Number One Daughter a daily shot makes me want to run and hide. I was griping that rarely do I hear good things, other than how beautiful they are, from anyone. My friend reminded me how compassionate Number Obe Son is, yes he is, and for that I am very grateful. It is so hard for me when others don't see or recognize all the wonderful traits my little gifts from Heaven possess. Outside of the Dentist and Occupational Therapy, where he was constantly struggling to do anything right but, the therapist LOVED him, we pretty much hear only negative reports. I hate that! A little constructive criticism goes much better with praise too. Motherhood is so hard!

Cleaning Up

Number One Son made his First Confession last week. He felt si good afterwards that he said he wanted to go again this week. Hubby was at work, so 30 minutes before scheduled confessions, I had him come inside to clean up. He joyfully came inside and cleaned up, well everything except his hands. After sending him back to the bathroom three times, I helped him clean the dirt from the top of his hands, fingernails and wrists. He made sure to point out what was clean. We waited for an hour and a half and he sat with our Priest and finished up what he started last week. Reflecting on the day, maybe my lesson was about cleaning up our souls. Number One Son did the best he could do on his own, but then he needed me. Our cumulative confessions are like the repeated trips of Number One Son to wash his hands. Our Father in Heaven cleans our souls through the gift of reconciliation and by the grace of God, he accepts us, poor sinners, to be with him forever.

Kisses for Jesus

Yesterday before Church, Hubby and I gave verbal expectations about behavior. Number Two Son was feeling chatty, so I stepped outside with him (it was my turn). Number One Daughter was especially wiggly and after Mass, Hubby gave her a C-. She was livid, she wanted a B (her name starts with a B, she could care less about an A)! She cried all the way home. I told her I'd take her to the Adoration Chapel so she could apologize to Jesus. Well, she cried for another 45 minutes and then she was ready to go to Church. She told me she wanted to stay "10 minutes," her favorite number right now. She did a great job, the benches are a bit squeaky, and every time she heard a sound, she whispered how noisy the chairs were. She spent some time on her knees, laying down, posing like the Angel statues on either side of the monstrance holding the Blessed Sacrament. It was very sincere and quite adorable. After about 20 minutes, she got more chatty and more wiggly, so I told her time was up. She spontaneously blew kisses to Jesus, very sweet. Even though she deserved an A, I gave her a B and she was happy.

Smart Puppy!?!?!?!?

Yesterday it was 20 degrees at 11:00 AM. I took the dogs out to the backyard and while I was uncovering the chickens, Smart Puppy darted out the fence. He was fairly predicatable In his run away routine...church parking lot, apartment complex, neighbor's yard, but then after many, many "Smart Puppy!" and "Come here Pup-Pup!" He ran toward a four lane street that intersects our street. Smart Puppy ran on the sidewalk for about five feet before heading out to the busy street. Four lanes of traffic stopped, friendly folks opened their windows and car doors to try and help a frantic dog-mommy chasing a frisky poodle in powder blue flannel pajamas with chocolate cupcakes printed on them. After almost being nabbed by a heroic cowboy in a big silver pick-up, Smart Puppy headed back down our street. I ran home and told Number One Son to put on his shoes and coat, while o was yelling him, Smart Puppy ran in the door. That is not the end of the story. I've had a nasty upper respiratory virus for almost a week. Running around in freezing weather for who knows how long, resulted in an asthma attack. I don't have asthma, but Number One Son does. In between short honking breaths, I told Number One Son to get his rescue inhaler. Bless his heart, he brought me the right one (he uses two) quicker than I've ever seen him follow a direction. I would have called 9-1-1 if we didn't have a rescue inhaler, I could not breathe. When we picked Hubby up from work, Number One Son told him, "Momma's face was purple!" Today, asthma is a blessing.