Monday, April 30, 2007
Guess what they're playing today?
My kids always play whatever is happening in real life. Since we attended a 1st Communion this past weekend ....
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Tree Trimming
Tomorrow is BIG Trash Pickup Day (is that the official name?) and Craig has been hacking away at our trees. Belle noted he was engaging in "servile work" on the Sabbath. That's the bad thing about Belle's study of the Ten Commandments this year ... she's been pointing out to EVERYONE when they're in violation!
It's amazing that we still have any trees left!! But we do!
The girls helped him haul the limbs to the front curve. So Craig is taking them swimming. No, I didn't get them the ugly swimsuits. Or even the not-so-ugly swimsuits. I just couldn't!! Anna and Sophia are wearing hand me downs and I got Belle's at Target. I'm still thinking about getting these for our Sea World visits but I'm not sure.
And while they've been working hard, I've been blogging. Because I got all my work done BEFORE we left! And because I probably won't have time during the week! So I figure a few posts done today should count for a week's worth. Is that cheating?
It's amazing that we still have any trees left!! But we do!
The girls helped him haul the limbs to the front curve. So Craig is taking them swimming. No, I didn't get them the ugly swimsuits. Or even the not-so-ugly swimsuits. I just couldn't!! Anna and Sophia are wearing hand me downs and I got Belle's at Target. I'm still thinking about getting these for our Sea World visits but I'm not sure.
And while they've been working hard, I've been blogging. Because I got all my work done BEFORE we left! And because I probably won't have time during the week! So I figure a few posts done today should count for a week's worth. Is that cheating?
My Collection
I've been going to McDonald's once a week for several weeks now because I'm trying to get the complete set!! The kids even refer to the doll's as "Mom's Collection." The sad part is all the children have to share one happy meal. I did splurge a few weeks ago and let them each get one. I ended up with 4 Tin Men that week. I still need the scarecrow!!
There's No Place Like Home
We took a quick trip back home to "the woods." We visited friends and favorite parks and went swimming at the hotel pool. We also attended a dear friend's 1st Communion.
It felt like we never left. Everything was so familiar, too familiar!! And although all the kids were happy to be there, something was missing .... our family! We almost came back without one child who was more than willing to be left behind! She wanted to stay and was in tears when we were leaving. But Craig stopped and bought her a notebook and pen and she was fine. And this morning she remarked that she liked our church.
I think it will be a while before we feel completely at home. But I'm glad we survived our first trip back without any regrets. I think subsequent trips will be easier (as long as dd doesn't visit our old home and sits in her old room!!).
And this morning Grandma called to see if she could bring dinner over. I wonder if she's grateful we returned and didn't just stay!!!
I think I TRULY have Gypsy blood. Because I just can't resist going somewhere on the spur of the moment and driving for hours even if for a short excursion or visit. We told the kids Thursday at 3pm we were leaving in an hour. I love being spontaneous and I'm so glad Craig is too. That's the hard part about being a homeowner!! And although a part of me will always want to go back to "the woods" or "Aggieland" or even "Boston," I know we're home!!
Hmmm, when should we visit again??
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Random Thoughts on Homeschooling and Life
Well, I've had TONS of thoughts running through my mind but no time to blog about them. And seeing how I can't do justice to all of them, I'll just mention some of them and hopefully make some connections.
This year has been eye opening for me! Its been my first year where I've been consistent. In years past I would have good weeks and bad weeks. I could never understand how some moms seemed to be able to do their schoolwork everyday! Of course mine were little (and still are) and so it didn't matter as much. Except that Belle didn't seem to be mastering reading.
So last year and even the beginning of this school year I went through MAJOR MOMMY GUILT!!! I had thoughts like, "If only we hadn't gone to the zoo as much!! If only I hadn't let her play as much! If only I had read to her more! If only I hadn't been so sick when I was pregnant!! If only I had been more patient and stuck with one curriculum and not switched and not gotten upset with her and detected this earlier!! If only I had been a purist Montessori home schooler!" I could go on and on!!
RANDOM THOUGHT #2
And my reasons for homeschooling have changed drastically from when we first began! I was sooo, soooo, soooooo prideful. I really thought that my kids would have an advantage and would be little geniuses and reading novels early on, taking college credit courses at age 15 and acing the SAT. And they would also be saintly children who would know and remember how to apply the catechism to their daily lives!!
Now my reasons for homeschooling are less about my dreams and more about them. And that was very hard for me to come to terms with. But there's so much peace now. I don't know if I've ever mentioned my pregnancy story about Belle. I was VERY sick the whole 9 months and was on an I.V. for over 3 months. My prayer for healthy baby switched to a prayer of a "special baby." I just didn't want to lose her and I knew that if God would just give me the chance I could really love a special baby. Craig is always reminding me that God answered my prayers. (Actually all my kids are "special" to me!!)
RANDOM THOUGHT#3
At the conference Andrew Pudewa shared that he had a dyslexic child and said he didn't think there was any magic curriculum pill. Whichever program was chosen, it just takes alot of hard work! But he did mention that he preferred one that used all the senses. But then he said something that was just what I needed to hear. This was in his talk entitled, "Motivating Boys and Other Children Who Would Rather be Building Forts." How did he know about Isabelle's fort??
His talk was 90 minutes long and I couldn't begin to do it justice. But what stuck with me were these points:
Three Truths of Motivation
1. Children like to do what they CAN do.
2. Children want to do what they THINK they can do.
3. Children HATE to do and refuse to do anything they THINK they can't do.
His formula:
Start with what they can do first.
Spend 80% of your time on what they CAN do.
Spend 20% of your time on what they THINK they can do.
Spend 0% of your time on what they THINK they can't do.
He then said that we should help them too much!! As parents he sees that many want them to become independent in their schoolwork and so they don't help enough which actually prolongs the dependency. He says that if you offer to help them they will only let you if they need the help. Otherwise they will push you away and say they can do it on their own. You stop helping when they push you away.
He said alot more, but being the pushy teacher that I am, I took these words to heart!!!
RANDOM THOUGHT #4
So I've started reading some books recommended by Pudewa (Gift of Dyslexia, The Thomas Jefferson Education, etc.) I still can paralyze myself with too much thinking. Should I switch to all Montessori? Is Singapore Math too hard? How did I let so many workbooks get into my house? Am I really going to let my girls grow up without taking ballet? How many saints should I celebrate? And why are the kids growing so fast!!!
Because despite all my guilt and second guessing, I'm having a great time and I think they are too!! Recently they've taken an interest in ball room dancing and they think they can!! And all of a sudden the little brother has become the biggest commodity on the market!! ALL THREE SISTERS ARE FIGHTING OVER HIM! After all he's a "real boy" and the perfect dancing partner (never mind he's shorter than all of them). And Kolbe is enjoying this new fame. He now dresses the part every morning with boots and hats and descends the stairs announcing that he's ready to dance. And the girls run towards him begging him to choose one of them as his partner.
And that's when I realize life is just as it should be. And I should stop worrying and just enjoy their dancing. And leave the worrying to my consultant and husband (and neither of whom is worried BTW) and most importantly spend time in prayer and confession. Because I need to learn to take myself out of the equation. Its not about me!
RANDOM THOUGHT #5
Its that time to start buying for next school year. And I think I'm going to email my consultant before ordering and anytime I feel the urge to buy something additional. I need to stay grounded and that's what I'm paying her for!! She's worth her weight in gold! And so nothing changes because there is no magic pill. Just hard work and consistency. And I think we'll go to the zoo next week. Because you can never see an elephant too many times!!!
RANDOM THOUGHT #6
I just remembered this one! I had to take Belle to the Doctor today. While we were there he asked about the baby and I mentioned that she wasn't eating well. She only likes to drink her milk and will only eat if she's allowed to hold the spoon. Can you believe that after 5 kids I can't get this baby to let me feed her?
He asked me why I had to be the one to feed her. I replied that I didn't want a mess. He just looked at me and said to put a big mat on the floor and a bib on the baby and to expect a mess. She doesn't have an eating problem if she's willing to eat food she can serve herself. She has a "perfectionist mom" problem. He didn't say that last part but he might as well have added it. And I realize that alot of my problems are just me getting in the way and trying to control things rather than standing back and relaxing.
Before I left his office he said, "Little ones don't make messes you know. They have no concept of what a mess is." I thought about it on the way home. BTW, Belle has asthma. Or at least diagnosed asthma. I knew it all along. Its just that now she's surrounded by Live Oaks (one of her major allergens) and Cedar and lives in the allergy capitol of the world!!
I HAVE ABOUT A HUNDRED MORE RANDOM THOUGHTS but I think this post has probably exceeded the legal length of a blog entry. Right now I am dying to go out to a coffee shop and just talk to a mom about all my random thoughts! Or just hear hers!! This Monday will be my first outing with other moms. Its like dating!!
Have a great day!!
This year has been eye opening for me! Its been my first year where I've been consistent. In years past I would have good weeks and bad weeks. I could never understand how some moms seemed to be able to do their schoolwork everyday! Of course mine were little (and still are) and so it didn't matter as much. Except that Belle didn't seem to be mastering reading.
So last year and even the beginning of this school year I went through MAJOR MOMMY GUILT!!! I had thoughts like, "If only we hadn't gone to the zoo as much!! If only I hadn't let her play as much! If only I had read to her more! If only I hadn't been so sick when I was pregnant!! If only I had been more patient and stuck with one curriculum and not switched and not gotten upset with her and detected this earlier!! If only I had been a purist Montessori home schooler!" I could go on and on!!
RANDOM THOUGHT #2
And my reasons for homeschooling have changed drastically from when we first began! I was sooo, soooo, soooooo prideful. I really thought that my kids would have an advantage and would be little geniuses and reading novels early on, taking college credit courses at age 15 and acing the SAT. And they would also be saintly children who would know and remember how to apply the catechism to their daily lives!!
Now my reasons for homeschooling are less about my dreams and more about them. And that was very hard for me to come to terms with. But there's so much peace now. I don't know if I've ever mentioned my pregnancy story about Belle. I was VERY sick the whole 9 months and was on an I.V. for over 3 months. My prayer for healthy baby switched to a prayer of a "special baby." I just didn't want to lose her and I knew that if God would just give me the chance I could really love a special baby. Craig is always reminding me that God answered my prayers. (Actually all my kids are "special" to me!!)
RANDOM THOUGHT#3
At the conference Andrew Pudewa shared that he had a dyslexic child and said he didn't think there was any magic curriculum pill. Whichever program was chosen, it just takes alot of hard work! But he did mention that he preferred one that used all the senses. But then he said something that was just what I needed to hear. This was in his talk entitled, "Motivating Boys and Other Children Who Would Rather be Building Forts." How did he know about Isabelle's fort??
His talk was 90 minutes long and I couldn't begin to do it justice. But what stuck with me were these points:
Three Truths of Motivation
1. Children like to do what they CAN do.
2. Children want to do what they THINK they can do.
3. Children HATE to do and refuse to do anything they THINK they can't do.
His formula:
Start with what they can do first.
Spend 80% of your time on what they CAN do.
Spend 20% of your time on what they THINK they can do.
Spend 0% of your time on what they THINK they can't do.
He then said that we should help them too much!! As parents he sees that many want them to become independent in their schoolwork and so they don't help enough which actually prolongs the dependency. He says that if you offer to help them they will only let you if they need the help. Otherwise they will push you away and say they can do it on their own. You stop helping when they push you away.
He said alot more, but being the pushy teacher that I am, I took these words to heart!!!
RANDOM THOUGHT #4
So I've started reading some books recommended by Pudewa (Gift of Dyslexia, The Thomas Jefferson Education, etc.) I still can paralyze myself with too much thinking. Should I switch to all Montessori? Is Singapore Math too hard? How did I let so many workbooks get into my house? Am I really going to let my girls grow up without taking ballet? How many saints should I celebrate? And why are the kids growing so fast!!!
Because despite all my guilt and second guessing, I'm having a great time and I think they are too!! Recently they've taken an interest in ball room dancing and they think they can!! And all of a sudden the little brother has become the biggest commodity on the market!! ALL THREE SISTERS ARE FIGHTING OVER HIM! After all he's a "real boy" and the perfect dancing partner (never mind he's shorter than all of them). And Kolbe is enjoying this new fame. He now dresses the part every morning with boots and hats and descends the stairs announcing that he's ready to dance. And the girls run towards him begging him to choose one of them as his partner.
And that's when I realize life is just as it should be. And I should stop worrying and just enjoy their dancing. And leave the worrying to my consultant and husband (and neither of whom is worried BTW) and most importantly spend time in prayer and confession. Because I need to learn to take myself out of the equation. Its not about me!
RANDOM THOUGHT #5
Its that time to start buying for next school year. And I think I'm going to email my consultant before ordering and anytime I feel the urge to buy something additional. I need to stay grounded and that's what I'm paying her for!! She's worth her weight in gold! And so nothing changes because there is no magic pill. Just hard work and consistency. And I think we'll go to the zoo next week. Because you can never see an elephant too many times!!!
RANDOM THOUGHT #6
I just remembered this one! I had to take Belle to the Doctor today. While we were there he asked about the baby and I mentioned that she wasn't eating well. She only likes to drink her milk and will only eat if she's allowed to hold the spoon. Can you believe that after 5 kids I can't get this baby to let me feed her?
He asked me why I had to be the one to feed her. I replied that I didn't want a mess. He just looked at me and said to put a big mat on the floor and a bib on the baby and to expect a mess. She doesn't have an eating problem if she's willing to eat food she can serve herself. She has a "perfectionist mom" problem. He didn't say that last part but he might as well have added it. And I realize that alot of my problems are just me getting in the way and trying to control things rather than standing back and relaxing.
Before I left his office he said, "Little ones don't make messes you know. They have no concept of what a mess is." I thought about it on the way home. BTW, Belle has asthma. Or at least diagnosed asthma. I knew it all along. Its just that now she's surrounded by Live Oaks (one of her major allergens) and Cedar and lives in the allergy capitol of the world!!
I HAVE ABOUT A HUNDRED MORE RANDOM THOUGHTS but I think this post has probably exceeded the legal length of a blog entry. Right now I am dying to go out to a coffee shop and just talk to a mom about all my random thoughts! Or just hear hers!! This Monday will be my first outing with other moms. Its like dating!!
Have a great day!!
Homeschool Portraits
I've finally stopped agonizing about school pictures!! I just can't believe that I didn't figure this out sooner. I've always wanted the kids to have annual school pictures but never seemed to make it to the portrait studio. So, I've decided that since we homeschool, I will take their annual "school pictures" at home in our backyard! If I can teach them, I can photograph them too!! And this is so much easier than dressing them up and taking them to a studio.
So, here are their end of the year school pictures!! I promptly went to Walgreens and developed them into 8X10's and hung them on my wall!! Not bad!!
*Warning: Sunglasses are advisable!
So, here are their end of the year school pictures!! I promptly went to Walgreens and developed them into 8X10's and hung them on my wall!! Not bad!!
*Warning: Sunglasses are advisable!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Feast Day of St. George
Well, once again I've been caught unprepared. However, I was able to quickly find some resources in my home. Just thought I'd share them in case you're caught in a bind, too.
For our reading we're reading "St. George and The Dragon" from William Bennett's Book of Virtues.
I found some coloring sheets here. We're also going to locate England on a map and color its flag at the above link. As usual, after the kids are done coloring they will paint them with glitter glue. Kolbe is sooo excited and is even dressed up as a knight!! Pics coming later.
I really need to prepare earlier!! Here's a helpful link to Cay Gibson's Catholic Mosaic Booklist for the liturgical year. I've printed it up and its now in my planner. I hope to get the book this summer.
For our reading we're reading "St. George and The Dragon" from William Bennett's Book of Virtues.
I found some coloring sheets here. We're also going to locate England on a map and color its flag at the above link. As usual, after the kids are done coloring they will paint them with glitter glue. Kolbe is sooo excited and is even dressed up as a knight!! Pics coming later.
I really need to prepare earlier!! Here's a helpful link to Cay Gibson's Catholic Mosaic Booklist for the liturgical year. I've printed it up and its now in my planner. I hope to get the book this summer.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
SPRING FEVER!!
I've not had time for blogging due to the beautiful weather and my relunctant scholars. They'd much rather be outside playing and who can blame them. So school work has been taking us longer due to the long "recesses" and park visits lately.
I just got back from a local (well, 3 hours away!) homeschooling conference and all I can say is ... WOW!! It was smaller than usual but Andrew Pudewa was funny and awesome!! He spoke both Friday night and Saturday afternoon. I'm also getting to see him Monday night because he's going to be here in town.
The kids (minus baby) stayed in town with grandparents while we were at the conference. Mini vacation of sorts. I can't wait for this week! Pudewa's talk was on changing our educational paradigm and I can say his talk worked! We are now his new biggest (in affection, not size) fans!
I just got back from a local (well, 3 hours away!) homeschooling conference and all I can say is ... WOW!! It was smaller than usual but Andrew Pudewa was funny and awesome!! He spoke both Friday night and Saturday afternoon. I'm also getting to see him Monday night because he's going to be here in town.
The kids (minus baby) stayed in town with grandparents while we were at the conference. Mini vacation of sorts. I can't wait for this week! Pudewa's talk was on changing our educational paradigm and I can say his talk worked! We are now his new biggest (in affection, not size) fans!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Easter 2007 Slideshow
Can you believe I forgot to take pictures of all the yummy food as well as pics of family members who visited? We did bake the pies BTW and they were scrumptious!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Divine Mercy Sunday
I LOVE Divine Mercy Sunday!!
I've never celebrated it with as much fervor as this year! Our new Polish priest had alot to do with it!! He brought in a wonderful priest for our parish retreat. He led the parish in praying the Divine Mercy chaplet and novena before every daily mass. And he led a beautiful service on Divine Mercy Sunday. Confession was available at 2pm followed by an 1 1/2 prayer service which included the rosary, chaplet of Divine Mercy, Benediction and songs and prayers. His rosary meditations were mini homilies!!
We thought it would be too long for the little ones so I took only Isabelle. I don't think she realized how long it would be!! I didn't! But she was a real trooper and we both went and got Iced Teas afterwards. We came home to have a wonderful dinner with Craig's parents. Next year I'll take Anna too (since she'll be making her 1st Communion).
God has really blessed us with a wonderful parish and a holy priest. Its much smaller than our previous one. And I love the traditional music!! Lots of Gregorian chants and Latin hymns mixed in with traditional favorites. No guitars or drums or bands. Just organ and piano and a choir that sounds like angels!! And our priest LOVES children and has made us feel so welcomed!! He supports homeschooling too!! What a nice change for us!
I've never celebrated it with as much fervor as this year! Our new Polish priest had alot to do with it!! He brought in a wonderful priest for our parish retreat. He led the parish in praying the Divine Mercy chaplet and novena before every daily mass. And he led a beautiful service on Divine Mercy Sunday. Confession was available at 2pm followed by an 1 1/2 prayer service which included the rosary, chaplet of Divine Mercy, Benediction and songs and prayers. His rosary meditations were mini homilies!!
We thought it would be too long for the little ones so I took only Isabelle. I don't think she realized how long it would be!! I didn't! But she was a real trooper and we both went and got Iced Teas afterwards. We came home to have a wonderful dinner with Craig's parents. Next year I'll take Anna too (since she'll be making her 1st Communion).
God has really blessed us with a wonderful parish and a holy priest. Its much smaller than our previous one. And I love the traditional music!! Lots of Gregorian chants and Latin hymns mixed in with traditional favorites. No guitars or drums or bands. Just organ and piano and a choir that sounds like angels!! And our priest LOVES children and has made us feel so welcomed!! He supports homeschooling too!! What a nice change for us!
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Divine Mercy Novena
Ninth Day
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Have Become Lukewarm and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy."
Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like
corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Have Become Lukewarm and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy."
Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like
corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen
Friday, April 13, 2007
Kolbeisms
I've always enjoyed K's Fishisms. And now I'm proud to announce that my ds will be entertaining me with his antics too! Getting stung while Bee Catching was the first installment. Here's what happened yesterday.After dropping the girls off at co-op, I took the three little ones with me to the mall ((gasp)) to return a dress I had bought for Belle. I hardly ever go to the mall. If it can't be found at Marshall's, then it can be ordered off the internet. But I sometimes have to make exceptions.
While I was returning the dress, Kolbe was nearby hiding in a clothes rack. I saw him and figured he was safe. I remember playing in the clothes racks with my sister. We would each find our own and just sit in the middle and pretend it was our house. My mother didn't mind and so I didn't mind Kolbe doing that either. UNTIL.....
.....he knocked over the clothes rack (by mistake) which knocked over the clothes rack next to it, which knocked over ANOTHER clothes rack!!! THREE CLOTHES RACKS down in the middle of the store!! I felt like the lights had been turned off and the spotlight was on me! I was so embarrassed (as was Kolbe). Turns out little boys don't hide in clothes racks to pretend its their house. They try to swing from the bars instead.
He was alright and the store manager was polite about the whole thing (considering there were tons of dresses and clothes and three racks on the floor). I didn't know whether to cry or laugh. So I just apologised several times and ran out of the store with the kids. And we headed for the playground.
I think I've just entered a new season in my life. One that involves a little boy and his antics. And the thing is, he's actually very sweet and loving!!! He's not mean spirited ......just a boy! My dh tried to prepare me for when he would get older. Turns out Kolbe is EXACTLY like Craig when he was young. So while my hair is turning more grey, Craig is chuckling and laughing and reminding me that this is normal.
Divine Mercy Novena
** I just realized that I forgot to post Day 7 of the novena. I prayed it at mass yesterday and completely forgot to come home and post it. SORRY!!
Eighth Day
Today bring to Me The Souls Who Are Detained in Purgatory and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only know the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice.
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.
Eternal Father, turn Your most merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.
Eighth Day
Today bring to Me The Souls Who Are Detained in Purgatory and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only know the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice.
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.
Eternal Father, turn Your most merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Qualified Mom??
Well, today did not start off the way I had intended. After spending time with Craig in prayer and scripture, he left for work and I started breakfast in my quiet house. All the kids were asleep and I was relishing the quietness. I was so happy that I was up well before they would get up. And I planned to have everything ready. I was also getting last minute things ready for our Little Flowers group today. That's how everything got off kilter ... thinking I could finish something at the last minute!!!
After getting them breakfast there were a few meltdowns about what to wear. Some of my dd's sometimes get caught up in their appearance. Lots of improvement has been made. Its usually not an issue anymore. But every once in a while there's a flare up. Today was one of those days.
In the end they put on what I said but neither they nor I were "cheerful."
I wish I could say I stayed patient But I didn't.
Then, I went to photocopy some coloring sheets. That was the only thing I hadn't done the week before. Turns out I'm out of ink!!! This meant I had to pack up the kids and make a mad dash to the ink store.
After getting home Sophia lost her earring which sent her into a panic. Belle found it. Belle then volunteered to make lunch (PB&J). I was just thinking, How sweet! This day is going to get better and turn out great!! Except that Kolbe was outside screaming (not really unusual) so Belle opened the back door for him. TURNS OUT HE WAS COVERED IN BEES!!!!
He had them on his shirt, shorts, shoes, hair and even one in his hand!!! And I couldn't get him to stay still to get them off!! After they were off and I had stepped on them and Belle had removed the baby from the vicinity and Anna had run off crying ...... I called my MIL. Because I don't know what to do about bee stings .... and he had 5 of them! Two on his face, two in his scalp, and one on his leg. She told me to call my doctor. Doctor told me to give him Benadryl and put ice and lotion on the stings, unless he puffed up and couldn't breathe, then I should take him to the ER. So I called my MIL to tell her what he said and that I didn't have anything but the icepack!! So she ran to the store to get the medicine.
Meanwhile, he's screaming because he's thinking since I called the doctor I'm taking him in for shots! And I'm watching him to see if he's still breathing, and Anna's crying because it was her idea to go bee catching.
I finally decided we couldn't go to Little Flowers (even if I had planned the lesson) and called the coordinator. She said not to worry.
And so here we are. At home. And things have calmed down. Enough that I'm blogging about it. And the girls are coloring and doing the projects planned for Little Flowers. And Kolbe, well, he's just fine. Just a bit itchy. But I'm still checking him every 5 minutes to see if he's okay.
But all this has me thinking 2 thoughts:
#1. I do not handle stressful situations well. And isn't that a requirement if I'm going to have a big family?? Not only do I panic, I hurt the kids' feelings with my screaming and hurtful comments.
2. Why don't my kids have some common sense?? Why were they trying to catch bees!? I mean, he was holding onto one and I didn't discover it until 2-3 minutes into the fiasco. And later I heard one of the girls comment, "Next time, Kolbe, just try to catch Yellow Jackets, stay away from the bees."
WHAT!?!?!?
So I feel compelled to sit them all done and try to teach them some common sense rules, like no catching bees and yellow jackets and snakes and black widows and no jumping from trees and stairways and etc.,etc.,etc. Except that's what common sense is. Knowing what to do without having to be taught. And there's no way I can cover all the bases. And I'm not calm (see #1). So, what now??
I'm mapping out the fastest route to the ER and stocking up my FIRST AID KIT. I should have had Benadryl!! What else should I do? Other than blog that is?
*BTW, this is one of the reasons we moved back to our hometown. In the past I would have been calling Craig except he would have been in Boston or San Francisco or somewhere far away. And everything ALWAYS happens when he's gone. It was great being able to call on my MIL who is close enough to help me. I didn't have to bother Craig in the middle of a presentation or important sale. Because I have done that before!
After getting them breakfast there were a few meltdowns about what to wear. Some of my dd's sometimes get caught up in their appearance. Lots of improvement has been made. Its usually not an issue anymore. But every once in a while there's a flare up. Today was one of those days.
In the end they put on what I said but neither they nor I were "cheerful."
I wish I could say I stayed patient But I didn't.
Then, I went to photocopy some coloring sheets. That was the only thing I hadn't done the week before. Turns out I'm out of ink!!! This meant I had to pack up the kids and make a mad dash to the ink store.
After getting home Sophia lost her earring which sent her into a panic. Belle found it. Belle then volunteered to make lunch (PB&J). I was just thinking, How sweet! This day is going to get better and turn out great!! Except that Kolbe was outside screaming (not really unusual) so Belle opened the back door for him. TURNS OUT HE WAS COVERED IN BEES!!!!
He had them on his shirt, shorts, shoes, hair and even one in his hand!!! And I couldn't get him to stay still to get them off!! After they were off and I had stepped on them and Belle had removed the baby from the vicinity and Anna had run off crying ...... I called my MIL. Because I don't know what to do about bee stings .... and he had 5 of them! Two on his face, two in his scalp, and one on his leg. She told me to call my doctor. Doctor told me to give him Benadryl and put ice and lotion on the stings, unless he puffed up and couldn't breathe, then I should take him to the ER. So I called my MIL to tell her what he said and that I didn't have anything but the icepack!! So she ran to the store to get the medicine.
Meanwhile, he's screaming because he's thinking since I called the doctor I'm taking him in for shots! And I'm watching him to see if he's still breathing, and Anna's crying because it was her idea to go bee catching.
I finally decided we couldn't go to Little Flowers (even if I had planned the lesson) and called the coordinator. She said not to worry.
And so here we are. At home. And things have calmed down. Enough that I'm blogging about it. And the girls are coloring and doing the projects planned for Little Flowers. And Kolbe, well, he's just fine. Just a bit itchy. But I'm still checking him every 5 minutes to see if he's okay.
But all this has me thinking 2 thoughts:
#1. I do not handle stressful situations well. And isn't that a requirement if I'm going to have a big family?? Not only do I panic, I hurt the kids' feelings with my screaming and hurtful comments.
2. Why don't my kids have some common sense?? Why were they trying to catch bees!? I mean, he was holding onto one and I didn't discover it until 2-3 minutes into the fiasco. And later I heard one of the girls comment, "Next time, Kolbe, just try to catch Yellow Jackets, stay away from the bees."
WHAT!?!?!?
So I feel compelled to sit them all done and try to teach them some common sense rules, like no catching bees and yellow jackets and snakes and black widows and no jumping from trees and stairways and etc.,etc.,etc. Except that's what common sense is. Knowing what to do without having to be taught. And there's no way I can cover all the bases. And I'm not calm (see #1). So, what now??
I'm mapping out the fastest route to the ER and stocking up my FIRST AID KIT. I should have had Benadryl!! What else should I do? Other than blog that is?
*BTW, this is one of the reasons we moved back to our hometown. In the past I would have been calling Craig except he would have been in Boston or San Francisco or somewhere far away. And everything ALWAYS happens when he's gone. It was great being able to call on my MIL who is close enough to help me. I didn't have to bother Craig in the middle of a presentation or important sale. Because I have done that before!
Divine Mercy Novena
Sixth Day
Today bring to Me The Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My grace I favor humble souls with My confidence.
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls and upon little children, who are enfolded in the abode of the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight you take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Today bring to Me The Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My grace I favor humble souls with My confidence.
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls and upon little children, who are enfolded in the abode of the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight you take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Today's To Do List
I HAVE to get this done today!! I need to find a Taekwondo school for the girls (I've visited several) and find a piano teacher. I have phone numbers and locations, I just need to take the time to finish interviewing/visiting and get classes started.Also, I want to unpack ONE box today in the laundry room. I need to clear the space for my sewing machine.
These are today's goals!
* UPDATE: Piano teachers were called. One is moving away. I'm waiting for a call back from the other. Girls took free class at TKO and they and I loved the school. They have another free class on Thursday, but I'm sure we're signing up.
NO BOXES were unpacked today! ;-) 2 out of 3 isn't bad!
Divine Mercy Novena
Fifth Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion."
Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your Own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Divine Mercy Novena
Fourth Day
"Today bring to Me Those Who Do Not Believe In God and Those Who Do Not Yet Know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy."
Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
"Today bring to Me Those Who Do Not Believe In God and Those Who Do Not Yet Know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy."
Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Divine Mercy Novena
Third Day
"Today bring to Me All Devout and Faithful Souls and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."
Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in the great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.
Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.
"Today bring to Me All Devout and Faithful Souls and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."
Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in the great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.
Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Divine Mercy Novena
Second Day
Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind."
Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard - upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Divine Mercy Novena Begins on Good Friday
The Divine Mercy Novena
"On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy ... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls."
First Day
"Today bring to Me All Mankind, especially all sinners and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me."
Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy may also be offered each day for the day's intention, but is not strictly necessary to the Novena.
1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Pampering Mom
Sometimes a gal just needs to stop and take care of herself. Maybe get a massage, hair washed and styled, along with some coffee and chocolates ... all before heading off to work. Here's what the girls surprised me with this morning!!! They LOVE playing beauty shop. This time it was my turn! And boy was it a treat and affordable! I suspect they were also stalling the beginning of schoolwork. But that's okay! ;-)
(Check out the Grand Opening last year)
HAIR WASHING
HAIR STYLING
They really had wonderful service. They even brought up my unfinished coffee along with some chocolates!! Here I am munching on a chocolate while drinking my coffee. NOT a flattering picture of me but I was enjoying myself!
After blow drying my hair, I was sent to the styling room (CLOSET) where my hair stylist, Sophia, had everything ready on her shelf. She even had some body spray, although she was too liberal with it. I now smell like potpourri!! However, she did outfit me with her favorite headband.
Finally, I was treated to a painful massage complete with Karate chops!! OUCH! I tried to explain I wanted a softer massage but Kolbe insisted he had to "use all his muscles." I don't think I can recommend him.
This upscale salon had prices that were unbeatable!! The only caveat was that I had to pay in quarters. They needed to be able to split up the profits! They tried to book me an appointment for tomorrow but I said I needed to consult my day planner!
Next time, I'll dress better! I had NO IDEA the girls were going to take pictures. I think they're addicted to blogging too!! ;-)
WHAT FUN!!
(Check out the Grand Opening last year)
HAIR WASHING
HAIR STYLING
They really had wonderful service. They even brought up my unfinished coffee along with some chocolates!! Here I am munching on a chocolate while drinking my coffee. NOT a flattering picture of me but I was enjoying myself!
After blow drying my hair, I was sent to the styling room (CLOSET) where my hair stylist, Sophia, had everything ready on her shelf. She even had some body spray, although she was too liberal with it. I now smell like potpourri!! However, she did outfit me with her favorite headband.
Finally, I was treated to a painful massage complete with Karate chops!! OUCH! I tried to explain I wanted a softer massage but Kolbe insisted he had to "use all his muscles." I don't think I can recommend him.
This upscale salon had prices that were unbeatable!! The only caveat was that I had to pay in quarters. They needed to be able to split up the profits! They tried to book me an appointment for tomorrow but I said I needed to consult my day planner!
Next time, I'll dress better! I had NO IDEA the girls were going to take pictures. I think they're addicted to blogging too!! ;-)
WHAT FUN!!
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Palm Sunday
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
I love my Lord and love the liturgical seasons of our church. However, I've noticed that with each child we have, Holy Week has become that much harder to enjoy! I keep having the expectation of being able to worship the way I used to when I was single. I'm sure I wasn't the only mother frazzled today. I'm sure other 4 yo were hitting their sisters with palm branches. I'm sure other 4 yo boys were exclaiming how "long and boring" mass was to them. I'm sure other 4 yo were amusing themselves by bothering their baby sister (and thrilled when she would scream). I love that our priest took the high road and used the longer rather than shortened version of the Gospel.
But secretly, I wouldn't have minded so much. Which is why he doesn't ask the opinion of young mothers with little children. And although I had to leave twice with the screaming baby, I still enjoyed mass. And I praise God for giving me many "blank checks to heaven."
Our parish had a retreat last week and brought in a dynamic Opus Dei priest. On Monday he did the reflection for women and he said two things that have been on my mind all week:
1. Don't have expectations.
2. Everytime someone does something to cause you to suffer, thank them for handing you a blank check to heaven.
And so going into Mass today I tried not to have expectatons (that doesn't mean having no standards) and I praise God that my 4 yo son is so concerned about my eternal destiny. I "expect" for him to be just as concerned this Thursday and Friday!! Have a blessed Holy Week!!!
But secretly, I wouldn't have minded so much. Which is why he doesn't ask the opinion of young mothers with little children. And although I had to leave twice with the screaming baby, I still enjoyed mass. And I praise God for giving me many "blank checks to heaven."
Our parish had a retreat last week and brought in a dynamic Opus Dei priest. On Monday he did the reflection for women and he said two things that have been on my mind all week:
1. Don't have expectations.
2. Everytime someone does something to cause you to suffer, thank them for handing you a blank check to heaven.
And so going into Mass today I tried not to have expectatons (that doesn't mean having no standards) and I praise God that my 4 yo son is so concerned about my eternal destiny. I "expect" for him to be just as concerned this Thursday and Friday!! Have a blessed Holy Week!!!
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