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December 31, 2004
12/24/04 - Score One for the Wiggles
This morning Bella and I were watching Playhouse Disney and the new Wiggles Christmas show called Santa's Rockin came on. I was happily surprised that it is even more "religious" than past Christmas shows. There were numerous songs about the Christ child and character dressed as Blessed Mother, St. Joseph and Baby Jesus. There was even a song about Our Lady of Guadalupe and various religious images of Jesus, Our Lady and nuns praying in a church! I couldn't believe Disney had a show so blatantly Christian, if not Catholic. In fact one of the reviewers at Amazon gave the DVD a low rating precisely because it was "too Catholic". That's a definite plus for us! Check it out. (It'll be airing on Disney again Christmas morning.)
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12/16/08 - Handling Priest Bashing
I received this email the other day and since the question has been asked more than once we decided to post the answer at RoL.
Question: I have a question for you...have you both ever encountered a situation where people start talking about the Priests, Mass, Church etc in a negative way? I have and don't know what to say or do in the situation. Truthfully, I(WE) are not that knowledgeable about the rubrics of the Mass/Church. A friend had told me that you are still receiving Jesus and to focus on that. Also, in the Pieta prayer book it does say that Jesus alone will judge the Priests and we need to sacrifice and pray for them and the persons that are complaining; we should say 3 Hail Mary's. Any help on this would be appreciated. -Jane Doe
Answer: Hi Jane, Thanks for writing. In regards to your question, it's a really tough situation. We have faced situations like that and have met people who were known for constantly priest bashing and church complaining. It may be easy to fall into that, particularly when some of the complaints are legitimate. However, we want to make sure we do not fall into that trap. Our lack of charity for the priests is a serious offense in itself. First, we have to remember that a priest, and especially a bishop, has an incredibly difficult job both in the logistics sense and the spiritual sense. (Not to mention Satan attacks priests and religious doubly hard for he knows the good they can do!) There are some priests who just don't care but I think the vast majority of questionable practices are done either due to lack of formation or a desire to "bend the rules" in the hopes of reaching out to someone.
We have to be very prudent with how we deal with a situation. For example, there are some matters of error that are very serious (ie. the priest tries to consecrate saltine crackers and apple juice or preaches that there's nothing wrong with abortion, etc.) Other matters may be wrong but not "morally threatening". For example, Brian and I were asked to be godparents to our friends' new baby. The baptism was done during the Mass and although the ceremony was beautiful I was taken aback when were asked to stay up at the altar during Eucharistic Prayer which followed. I knew that the Vatican recently put out a new document explaining the rubrics of the Mass and that aspect (standing at the altar with the priest) is not permitted. So what did we do? Well, in this case since we were visitors and didn't want to embarrass those involved we complied.
In general, I understand where the priest is coming from - he is trying to make the Mass more accessible to the laity. For example, at our parish during the children's Mass (which we don't normally attend) the priest allows the kids to come up to the altar during the Eucharistic Prayer but he tells them they cannot touch the altar at all and must have their hands folded. Unfortunately, having good intentions doesn't necessarily make it "right".
If I were to do anything, I'd approach the priest - if I knew him personally - and give him the chance to explain. Saying something such as, "Father, I enjoy the way you try to make the Mass more meaningful to us and although the kids love coming up to the altar with you, I'm wondering how we're allowed to do it if it's actually not permitted in the rubrics of the Mass." That way it would give him a chance to explain himself, hopefully without him being defensive (depending on the tone of the question.) And if he says something like, "Well, I do it because it brings the people closer to God and that's what matters in the end," there's not much more you can say. You'd have to pray for wisdom and use prudence as to whether you'd be able to discuss the case further with him. Since it's not a "major" issue I'd probably not push it. It really depends on the problem you're concerned about. There are some things that are too serious to let go and others that only prayer and sacrifice for a change of heart will work.
In regards to talking with other friends, complaining about Fr. So-and-So is never the right thing to do. What will it accomplish? Nothing but gossip and animosity towards the priest. When someone is complaining I try to say something positive about the priest (or church) then change the subject. For example, a person says, "That Fr. John Doe is so liberal. He's trying to change church teaching to be�" You could respond by, "Well, perhaps we don't know the whole story. Fr. John Doe is a good man and talking against him won't help any. Why don't we offer up our next Mass/rosary/holy hour for him?" Of course, there's no pat answer and every situation is different but I think you get the general idea. If a situation needs to be corrected it should be brought to the attention of someone who can actually do something about it - not just gossiping with the church choir in the parking lot.
Lastly, yes, our focus should be on Jesus in the Eucharist. And prayer is monumental. The priests are attacked on all sides, for our sake. They are the ministers of God's graces in the Sacraments. We have a huge responsibility to our priests, as he does to us. It is vital that we pray for our priests, especially before the tabernacle. And the "worse" a priest is, the more we should be praying. In the end, it is only the grace of God that will change his heart.
I hope this helps you out a bit. You may also find this webpage helpful in regards to the rubrics of the Mass and Liturgical Abuses: Catholic Answers' Special Report on Liturgical Abuses.
God bless you,
Bobbi
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12/14/08 - Holiday Survey
I came across a new blog today called A Call to Adventure. There was a holiday survey so I thought it would be a fun diversion from the serious posts so here it goes -
1. Egg nog - yum or yuck? Yuck
2. Stay up until midnight on New Years? Yes
3. Prefer white or colored lights? Colored
4. Favorite holiday song? Hmmm...that's a hard one. O Come All Ye Faithful and Carol of the Bells.
5. What is your tackiest holiday decoration? Some cheap ceramic things I bought at a 99 cent store when I was a kid. They remind me of all the great Christmas' we had at home when I was growing up.
6. Do your kids have too much and you wonder just WHY you are getting more?? lol Unfortunately, yes. Especially stuffed animals. I love them as a kid and can't resist getting Bella another one when she looks at me with those pleading big, brown eyes!
7. If you celebrate Christmas, when does your tree go up and come down? Up -This year it came up early - the second Sunday of Advent. It's our first "real" tree! Down - After the Epiphany.
8. Christmas again - open presents on Christmas eve, morning, or other? We open gifts with Brian's family on Christmas Eve at their place. Christmas morn we celebrate just the three of us here (keeping the focus on Jesus b-day and our gifts to Him) but we open our gifts to each other at my parent's house on Epiphany.
9. Favorite holiday tradition? We just started a new one this year - attending the parish Las Posadas (it was so beautiful!) At home it would have to be (for Advent) singing carols and decorating the house with a blazing fire and hot chocolate. (And don't laugh - I love sending out our Christmas cards!) For Christmas day it would be the Jesus birthday party.
10. What do YOU want for Christmas? That's easy, the same thing we've been praying for - A BABY!
Thanks for the fun survery, Zellie!
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12/14/08 - Is Death Justice?
Bella and I have been sick with a cold and as she napped yesterday I rested on the couch. I flipped on the news just in time to watch the Scott Peterson verdict. I haven't been obsessed with the situation like other people have but it is hard to get away from it, particularly if you live in California. I must admit that from the beginning I thought he was guilty. I told Brian that this story is straight out one of the those real-life forensic shows where the husband lands out being the guilty one. But I prayed it was someone else � some sick stranger that didn�t know Laci. I hoped I would be wrong and that Scott would not be capable of such an unspeakable evil.
I never reached a point of feeling sorry for Scott or trying to see his point of view. I couldn�t get passed his smug attitude that seemed to have no touch with reality. During the penalty phase I was tired of hearing all the endless witnesses with the same line..."He was such a good boy..." Perhaps that just shows you how evil and deceptive he was - he fooled all of them. Those are the scariest guys - the ones who seem so "normal".
However, when the death verdict was read, I couldn't help but shed a tear. Not because I�m against the death penalty and not because I feel sorry for Scott � I have no feelings for him and he'll probably be safer in solitary confinement than he would have been with the other guys in jail. But I did feel sorrow for his soul. I wanted to shake him and say snap out of it! I wondered if he grasped what he had done. I wondered if he�d beg for God�s mercy when no one was looking and mean it. Killing Scott isn�t going to bring Laci or Connor back but I pray that this sentence will help Scott realize and repent for what he has done.
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12/13/04 - Incredible Love & Strength
Every once in awhile you hear a story that just touches your heart and moves you to tears. This is one of then. A young couple was blessed with the birth of a new baby girl but they were also given a heavy cross to bear since their daughter was born without a face. Their love for their daughter and their faith is God is an incredible witness to the beauty of life, regardless of outward appearances. For the full story watch the video here.
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12/10/04 - More Advent Ideas
I received another idea of how a family incororates Advent into their family life. Check out these great ideas from AM in CA. (We posted these ideas on RoL - Keeping Christ in Advent and Christmas 2004.)
As for Advent, we are doing things quite different this year. Every year we have always gotten out all the Christmas decorations and the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. This year we got out some decorations for the fireplace and the stockings for St Nick Day. (Dec. 6) Everything else, will be put out the 3rd week of Advent (pink week) as we show signs of Joy! Our tree will go up the third week also or we might wait for Christmas Eve.We have several Advent calendars and our Advent wreath, which we gather around every evening as a family to light the candles and say our Advent prayers. We emptied our basket of reading books in the living room and filled it with religious, advent and Christmas books.
We have been celebrating the special feast and Holy days as a family. We celebrated St Nick with stockings in the morning filled with several religious gifts and a few small treats, then read books about him. We celebrated The Feast of the Immaculate Conception with Mass, prayers, and a SPECIAL new book called Angel in the Waters. We will also try to celebrate other special days this month.
We have been talking everyday about the presents we are going to give Jesus, and have been trying to teach the kids that these are gifts we can give him all year long( being nice to brothers & sisters, helping Mom or Dad without being asked, saying extra prayers, playing a game with sibling, doing a chore for someone else, etc.) We are trying to steer them away from talking about what they want to get, and lead them toward talking about what they want to give (this is very challenging at times!)In years past, I have been so overwhelmed during December that I never got to enjoy Advent, or teach the kids about it, just spend it as a time of prayerful waiting. I have always been so busy with activities, Christmas shopping, and general business, that I missed the whole season, and always said, "I'll do it different next year." This year, I'm actually trying to do it different. We streamlined our Christmas shopping and did it all in one day before December arrived. We got out our advent materials early, and had them ready, when the first Sunday rolled around. We are just simplifying, and really enjoying it so much more. I feel peaceful, and happy, and have time for spontaneous book reading and prayers with the kids.
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12/9/04 - Bringing Advent Home
Some of the local Catholic families were talking about how they are incorporating the Advent season into their home. One of our friends had an excellent idea so I thought I�d share it with you. She says:
In previous years I've waited until the last minute to decorate, cook, etc, but that puts a huge strain on the season in those final days of Advent. This year I wanted to keep Advent as a waiting period and a time of penance, but also try to avoid the last minute rush. This is what we're doing this year.Once "Pink week" comes this Sunday (the third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday) we will slowly begin to decorate (dragging it out for the next 2 weeks) since "pink week" invites us to recognize the hope and joy to come. But our biggest change is we have our tree up and decorated with wonderful PURPLE balls, silver garland, and PURPLE and PINK lights. I saw all these things at Target and now we have an "Advent tree!" This way our tree is up and ready to go and is getting the water it needs. Closer to Christmas we'll take down the purple and put up the Christmas decorations.
We also have Advent calendars, Advent wreath, candles in the window as a sign of waiting, etc.
I love that idea and will keep it in mind next year. (This year we were so excited to have a real tree and house to decorate that we put up our Christmas decorations now along with our advent things.) For a refresher you can also read last year's article Keeping Christ in Advent and Christmas. If you have an advent idea you'd like to share, let us know!
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12/9/04 - Holiday Hints
Wow, it�s been a long time since I had a full 1/2 hour just to browse the internet and catch up on some reading and posting! I�m sure many of you are running around trying to finish your Christmas shopping (except for the slackers who wait until Dec 24 to start worrying. ;-) If you�re stuck for an idea here are some DVD�s we recommend �
CHOICE 1: How can you go wrong with the upcoming Return of the King? On second thought, with over 50 minutes of extra film footage and numerous hours of bonus features, fans won't possibly wait until Christmas to get it! Well, if you don't already own every version out so far, you can treat yourself to Foyle's War Set 1 or Foyle's War Set 2. (Or try just a single episode such as The White Feather or A Lesson in Murder.)
CHOICE 3: For a complete change of pace, chick-flick lovers should check out this updated version of Pride and Prejudice. I know that nothing replaces the �95 version and Austin purists will most likely balk at this quirky film but I loved it. It's an independent, lower-budget film put out by the Church of the Latter-Day Saints but quite frankly it is refreshing to see a modern movie where the girls don't have breast, belly and behind hanging out and living with your boyfriend is not seen as the norm. In this version the girls are roommates rather than sisters. (Who would have imagined Jane as an Argentinean beauty?) There is the usual tension and sparks from Elizabeth Bennett, an aspiring writer, and her future book editor Darcy. (Not to mention, Collins is exactly as I would picture him today!) It's a great girl movie, with a cool soundtrack, worth buying or at least renting!
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12/9/04 - Trying to Save Her Marriage
Marie MacFerlane is in the news again as she continues her fight to save her marriage with Bud. Ohio Catholic wife takes marriage case to Vatican tribunal to prevent �no fault� divorce.
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11/22/04 - Wanted: Cozy Fire & Good Book
Brian and I went book shopping last week (as if we didn't have enough already) and there are some great titles out! So here's our current reading list -
Bobbi
A Mother's Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul by Holly Pierlot
We Met Online: Stories of Married Catholics Who Met Their Spouses on the Internet Edited by Anthony J. Buono
Young and Catholic: The Face of Tomorrow's Church by Tim Drake
The Legion of Christ: A History by Angeles Conde
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austin (Jane is always there when I need somehting a bit "lighter".)
Brian
With God in Russia by Walter J. Ciszek
Progress in Divine Union by Raoul Plus
The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ to Your Life by Michael Dubruiel
A Closer Walk With Christ: A Personal Ignation Retreat by Raymond Gawronski
Confidential Agent: An Entertainment by Graham Greene
I just remembered I also wanted to check out Pete Vere's new book Surprised By Canon Law: 150 Questions Laypeople Ask About Canon Law. I'll have to check that out next time. Happy Reading!
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11/19/04 - Porn Poison
I was reading the article Addiction to porn destroying lives, Senate told. It was interesting that it said "studies show prolonged use of pornography leads to 'sexual callousness, the erosion of family values and diminished sexual satisfaction.'
It�s ironic that there would be diminished sexual satisfaction. That�s exactly how sin works. It pulls you in and may give temporary pleasure but it slowly eats you alive making you feel emptier than when you started. This is particularly true with pornography (and similar to drugs abuse and other addictive sins) the �level of entry� is never constant. As time goes by you need a greater quantity and a heavier dose. What starts off �innocent� can quickly become life-consuming. And I think nothing is quite as tenacious as sexual sin. Once it sucks you in it�s hard to get out � hard, but not impossible with the grace of God.
If you can relate, there�s some helpful articles at Dads.org under Help for Those Struggling with Pornography.
And if you want to read more about the struggle to live chastely refer to what I wrote in What If the Spirit Is Willing But The Flesh Is Weak? God be with you and strengthen you.
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11/11/04 - Angel in the Waters
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There's a great new children's book out called Angel in the Waters. It is published by Sophia Press and it's about the experience of a baby and his guardian angel from the moment of conception until his birth. You can read the whole book online at angelinthewaters.com. It�s truly a beautiful story! (Not just for kids, it would be a great gift for a pregnant or new mom or dad too.)
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11/19/04 - My Morning Prayer
I first read this prayer years ago but it has since become a favorite. :)
Dear God,So far today, I've done all right! I haven't gossiped, I haven't lost my temper,
I haven't cheated, I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or
overindulgent. I am thankful for that. But, in a few minutes Lord, I'm going to
get out of bed...and from then on, I'm probably going to need a lot more help!Amen.
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11/10/04 - Online Catechism Class
In his latest e-letter, Karl Keating of Catholic Answers featured the site CatechismClass.com. It is based on the Catechism and is listed as "authentic, orthodox Catholic." There are lessons for K-12 including sample lessons for you to review before signing on. Take a look.
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11/6/04 - It's Meant to Be Mom & Pop
Here are some interesting reads regarding same-sex marriages:
Not Letting Facts Get in the Way of Same-Sex Marriage - Hype Overshadows Scientific Data
Dangers of Same-Sex Couples Adopting Children (Part 1)
Dangers of Same-Sex Couples Adopting Children (Part 2)
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10/20/04 - Child-like Faith
Okay, okay, just one more quick post since I've got to get packing. (I'm leaving early tomorrow morning to visit my family in So Calif while Brian is away on a men's retreat for 3 days. Please keep us both in prayer!) Here's a little story from a homeschooling mom about the simple wisdom of children. She wrote:
My son and I were finishing up our religion time, just the 2 of us, by discussing the Catechism questions. The topic was Sanctifying Grace. I was telling him that although Baptism gives us the Mark of Christ, after removing original sin, and allows us to go to heaven, it's no "free ticket". We have to work on knowing, loving and serving God every day.He looked real serious for a moment. Then he said, "Mom, it's kinda like playing Chutes and Ladders, isn't it?" I sat there like one electrified.
"Yes, CJ, it is. Most days we move forward a space or two. Sometimes we even get caught on that spot were you have to roll double to get to move again. BUT, eventually the day will come... when you will slide down a chute or ascend the ladder. And, if you're REALLY lucky, you'll get to go up one of the BIG ones and your life will never be the same again."
Next time you wanna illustrate "getting to heaven" for your little ones, pull out your Chutes and Ladders game. Come to think of it, I CAN'T think of a better analogy. Outta the mouths of babes.
Yeah, the kids will really teach us. I've been working with Bella on making the sign of the cross and saying her simple prayers throughout the day. The other day I was in a hurry and gave her her lunch and walked back into the kitchen. She then said to me, "Wait Mama, you forgot da pwayers" (the prayers). I apologized to her and we said our grace. After she made the sign of the cross she smiled and said, "Now Jesus happy." Yes, I'm sure He is.
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9/6/04 - Our New Home
Hello! It's been a long time! Thanks for being so patient with us and for the emails of well wishes! We are finally in our new home and getting settled. I forgot just how much work it is to move! Packing is not so bad compared to unpacking and finding a place for everything! All I know is that we have a huge pile of things going to the local charity center. It's amazing how much stuff one can accumulate in a few short years! Anyway, we hope to soon be back online posting and updating the website. (And I have weeks of unread st. blogs to peruse!) Thanks for being so patient! Love, b.
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8/5/04 - How to Defend Marriage
Here's an excellent editorial from the The National Catholic Register.
How to Defend Marriage
July 25-31, 2004
Here is an updated version of our resource list of arguments and actions for readers.
Why homosexual marriage is wrong.
World cultural and legal history has never thought of marriage as anything but one thing: the union of a man and a woman.
But just as most abortion proponents want to skip the debate about when life begins and argue about "choice" instead, most homosexual activists want to skip the argument about what marriage is.
Instead, they argue about rights or about discrimination. But the fact is, the law already severely restricts who can and can�t marry. Marriage is restricted by age, by previous marriage status and by kinship, for starters. And marriage necessarily has to be "discriminatory." Its definition has to exclude other pairings (roommates, brothers and sisters, etc.) from claiming the benefits given to married couples.
Why does society have to restrict marriage so severely? Because marriage performs a crucial function for society. Its purpose is the propagation and protection of children, and to conform sexual relationships to morality. Homosexual "marriage" would do none of these things.
If either of your parents chose a homosexual marriage, you wouldn�t be here. And the uncomfortable truth that few are acknowledging is that homosexual lifestyles are not healthy � physically, emotionally or morally.
Proctologists advertise heavily in homosexual publications, because homosexual sex injures its participants. Even in countries where homosexuality is accepted, homosexuals suffer higher rates of depression and suicide than the general public.
And children are bound to suffer if their parents are part of the homosexual scene. From the Village People song "YMCA" to the Showtime television show "Queer as Folk," homosexual culture has long celebrated sex with teens. One of the most-often searched for pornography terms on the Internet is "twink," which is homosexual slang for underage teen-age boys. In The Gay Report, by homosexual researchers Karla Jay and Allen Young, the authors report data showing that 73% of homosexuals surveyed had at some time had sex with boys 16 to 19 years of age or younger.
What will follow homosexual marriage?
It�s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that legalized homosexual marriage will mean simply keeping things the way they are, only offering health benefits to homosexual couples.
In fact the changes will be dramatic: Public schools will include texts and materials treating the two types of marriages identically. If you die, your children could be adopted by either a homosexual couple or a heterosexual couple � to prefer one over the other would be illegal prejudice. Homosexual couples would be spotlighted whenever romance is spotlighted: On Valentine�s Day at the public library, in Christmas specials on television, and in billboards on the Interstates.
Why a marriage amendment is needed.
Now that homosexual marriage is legal in Massachusetts, it will effectively be legal in your state, too. Federal precedent protects the status of people who move from state to state. Some 80% of the people who entered into civil unions in Vermont left the state after that. It will be the same in Massachusetts.
Many argue that marriage laws ought to be a state matter. But a national situation requires a federal response � and it�s easier to have one fight at the federal level rather than to wage 50 battles when losing any one would mean a total loss.
What you can do.
Write to your representatives in state and federal government. Find their names and addresses by typing in your ZIP code at www.vote-smart.org. Use the arguments above or your own arguments. Tell them you back the Federal Marriage Amendment and are appalled that the U.S. Senate killed it. Ask what they plan to do to stop this assault on marriage.
Pray. In his apostolic letter on the rosary, Pope John Paul II called for daily rosaries for peace in the world, and for defense of the family. He said attacks on the family were "menacing � so as to make us fear for the future of this fundamental and indispensable institution and, with it, for the future of society as a whole."
Evangelize. The only long-term solution to this crisis will be the re-Christianization of society. Take up the Holy Father�s straightforward and simple challenge to promote Sunday Mass, confession, prayer and community service. Print out and distribute the "How to Be Catholic" guides at www.ncregister.com.
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8/4/04 - House Update
This whole house ordeal has been pretty stressful the last few weeks but things are finally falling into place! As you may know, we are moving into the home of Brian�s grandma (who passed away a few years ago.) Currently his aunt (�AL�) lives there but she has been trying to move into a local senior citizen community. However, the waiting list is incredibly long and the wait takes years. Last month we finally thought there was an opening but it fell through at the last minute. Things didn�t look good and AL was really bummed.
Two weeks ago Brian and I made a novena to Saints Ann and Joachim to end on their feast day (July 26). We had two intentions in mind � namely that we�d be blessed with another child and as a secondary prayer, that everything with the house would work out as God wills. The last day of the novena we received the call that there was a surprise vacancy and AL was next on the list but she had to move in immediately. Thank you, Ann & Joachim! (Now we�re just waiting for our bambino!)
This week I�ve been packing/reducing 30+ years worth of AL�s stuff and we�ll have her moved incompletely by Saturday. I must say that I checked out her new place the other day and it is so beautiful. And there are so many activities for them on the site there�s no chance of AL being bored or lonely! She is really happy � something I was worried about. I wouldn�t have felt comfortable in our new place unless I knew AL was happy in her new home. So hopefully we will have her settled in by the end of this week then we can work on making repairs on the house before we move in. Needless to say, this will keep us very busy so I may be more absent than usual! I�ll pop in when I get tired of boxes and cleaning and need a quick break! Take care and have a blessed week. b.
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7/29/04 - An American Padre Pio?
Here are two interesting articles about the mystic Fr. Magin Catala who arrived here in Monterey 210 years ago. He is now up for beatification and his story may interest those in CA (particularly San Jose) and pregnant women, as he was known to interceed for them. You can read more here - California "Holy Man" up for Sainthood and here - Did Father Magin see the future of California?
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7/20/04 - Saint Coloring Books
A few weeks ago I purchased the saint coloring books mentioned in the article below. The books are bilingual in English and Spanish and cost $5 each. (Proceeds help the excellent apostolate Catholic World Missions.) The titles available are:
Fresh Flowers in Winter: Story of St. Juan Diego (The one that started it all.)
Let the Children Come to Me: Blessed Imelda's First Communion Miracle (Also available in a special First Communion Packet.)
Viva Cristo Rey! The Courageous Saints of the Knights of Columbus (as mentioned in the article below.)
The Story of St. Faustina, Missionary of Divine Mercy (This one is tri-lingual in English, Spanish and Polish.)
God's Little Flower: The True Story of Saint Therese of Lisieux (This is a Co-promotion with Luke Films to aid the release of the motion picture THERESE.)
From an Angel in a Dream: The Story of St. Joseph, Mary's Husband (This one was illustrated by John Webber, formerly an animator at Walt Disney Feature Animation.)
And Coming Soon � Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
You can order the books individually here or get one of the package deals to save on S&H.
Also check out the Glory Stories Radio Dramas on CD/tape. (kids can read along with their coloring book.) We bought the grand-slam packet with all the books and CD's and we think they're great. Check it out!
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7/8/04 - Anti-Catholic American Girls
Many of us remember the American Girl Dolls when we were growing up and some of us have now bought them for our own daughters. However I received an email from a friend/ home schooling mom that surprised me. You can read it for yourself �
�My daughter's b-day is coming up and she's wild about American Girls. She's read just about all of the books. They have a new series for older girls called Dolls of Many Lands. One of them is an Irish doll that comes with a book called Kathleen: The Celtic Knot. I "preread" it before wrapping it and giving it to her and boy am I glad I did!This book is positively horrible! Within just the first few pages it starts up with the old stereotypes of the mean Catholic nuns teaching school. It then goes on to develop the hero of the story - Kathleen's 20 year old aunt "Polly" who likes to wear bright red lipstick, smoke, and hates anything to do with Christianity or the Church. The truth is that "Polly's" real name is "Mary", but she cannot bear the idea of that name so she demands that everyone call her "Polly" instead.
In one scene Polly lectures her brother-in-law, Kathleen's father, on the dangers of going to mass, praying, and devotions. This book isn't good enough for bird cage paper, as one of my dearest friends would say. I wrote American Girl and told them exactly how offended I am - as a Catholic Christian and as an Irish citizen - by their negative portrayal of the Irish of the 1930's and of Christianity in general. Hopefully this heads up will save some of you the same experience. God Bless, K.
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7/8/04 - The Ordinariness of the Saints
Steven at Flos Carmeli always has some great posts, I just never have time to get over there. Although today I visited and I love this piece! It reminds me of when my spiritual director told me that God is able to use our faults and weaknesses as means to reaching greater virtue and sanctity. For example, St. Francis de Sales had a fiery temper yet he became known as the "gentle saint".
Steven also makes an excellent point in reminding us that we need to stop trying to be someone else and be the saint that God has called us to be. It is one thing to admire and receive encouragement through the example of historical saints but it is important to draw from it a lesson that we can use in our own life. Not to duplicate their life but to draw inspiration on how to strive for holiness in our own unique life and circumstances. But Steven says it better than I could so read on.
...Too often, it seems, we may do the same with Saint's lives. We look upon their extraordinary accomplishments and then embellish them so that they become not so much role models as distant figures of impossible faith and piety. We neglect their ordinariness. We admire them, but we can come up with an extraordinary plexus of reasons why we couldn't possible emulate them in any way. How often have I heard, "Oh, I couldn't be like St. Th�r�se, she was so holy from such a young age." So who is asking you to be like St. Th�r�se? We already have one of those, and there are those in the world who would maintain that one is more than enough. (I used to be among them--no longer). Continued...
God gives us Saints not so much for slavish imitation as for encouragement. No one is called to be another St. Francis, St. Benedict, St. Anything. Each person is called to be a unique Saint, just as they are a unique person. The canonized Saints give us a glimpse of how others have achieved this. How they have achieved heroic sanctity despite a less than heroic start; how they have come to love God when they started by despising Him; how their own persons and personalities are used by God to erect new Saints and new heroes, new examples that tell us--"You can do it."After all, what is remarkable about St. Th�r�se? She grew up a bourgeoise French lady, a potential snob, in a jansenist French society, overwhelmed with the exceeding wrath of God. She was treacly sweet and had a hellish temper at the same time and was stubborn as an ox. Nothing here particularly remarkable. And in that very fact lies our best hope. Just as there is nothing particularly remarkable about any of us, so too God can use that milquetoast or wanness and convert it into heroic virtue.
When I reflect on St. Th�r�se this is what I most often think about--her humble beginnings did not stand in the way of her storming heaven, asking for, and receiving the gift of holiness, the gift of love. So what stops me? And when I think like this I realize that there is very, very little in the way--only myself. And if Jesus is willing, I can be healed.
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6/4/04 - Life with Two Dads Is Not So Gay
I saw this article posted at Being! entitled War Over Boy Raised By Gays. Remember a few years back when a New York court awarded custody of a baby to a gay couple over a woman they claimed to be a surrogate?
Well, the little boy with two daddies is now six and
He punches and kicks his teachers, hits and bites himself, curses and says he wants to kill himself as often as twice a month, according to the new report, completed in January by NYU's Child Study Center.It also says he repeatedly kisses and touches classmates inappropriately and once ran around naked.
Hello? Doesn't this raise a red flag to anyone? If his parents were conservative, religious homeschoolers everyone would be up in arms to remove him from his home. Yet, when the boy's mother challenged the custody ruling in light of the boy's disturbed behavior, the judge refused to listen.
Ugh, I can't even discuss it without getting angry so I better shut up and get on my knees for these people.
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6/2/04 - What's your favorite Catholic movie?
The National Catholic Register and Faith & Family Magazine (two of my favorite Catholic publications) are putting together a poll for people's favorite Catholic movies. To nominate your top three movies visit the NCR Movie Poll.
In the meantime, feel free to tell us your TOP THREE Catholic movies in the comment box! I'll let you know my favorite tomorrow when I think about it for a bit, since my computer time is up! take care, b.
UPDATE: Here are our picks-
Bobbi (How can I narrow it down? Here�s are five I love � I know there will be more as I think about it.)
The Passion of the Christ (Coming on DVD in Aug.)
Lord of the Rings (Does that count as �Catholic�?)
The Keys of the Kingdom
The Sound of Music
Brian:
The Reluctant Saint (St. Joseph Cupertino)
The Song of Bernadette
Bella
Francesco's Friendly World: The Last Stone
Francesco's Friendly World - The Broken Cross
Day the Sun Danced:Story of Fatima (CCC)
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6/2/04 - Challenging the system
Finally, some good news today! Remember the story of Ella Gunderson and her letter to Nordstrom about the lack of decent clothes for teens? Here's the video of her on the Today Show. I'm so proud of her! She can teach all of us a lesson.
And if you want to know more about the Challenge girls groups, visit Challenge Clubs.org.
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5/27/04 - Rosary Pamphlet
The other day a friend asked me where we purchased the "How to Pray the Rosary" pamphlets we give away with our rosary packets. We especially like this pamphet b/c it includes all of the mysteries (including the luminous) and each mystery has a photo, a scripture reading, and a fruit to pray for. On the other side of the pamphlet there are papal reflections of the mysteries, all the prayers of the rosary, and a "how to" diagram. It is an excellent version!
You can order copies online at Marians of the Immaculate Conception: Online Catalogue. Just scroll down to the bottom to "Pray the Rosary Daily - Revised.
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5/14/04 - RIP
The Friday Five is no more.
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4/24/04 - "God Alone Suffices"
Speaking of books, we received a book to review from the In the Arms of Mary Foundation. It is called God Alone Suffices by Slawomir Biela. Brian read it and really enjoyed it. Here's his review:
If there is one book specifically designed to help lay people develop an authentic spiritual life, God Alone Suffices is that book. After reading it twice I could not help but compare it to the spiritual classic Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de Caussade.Author Slawomir Biela bases his book on the question: "Who or what do you rely on?" Placing this question within the context of family life, work and friendship he challenges the reader to confront their world of "reliances and illusions". With great clarity and simplicity the author unmasks those things that we normally rely on, to show that a life of holiness ultimately calls us to rely on God alone.
God Alone Suffices is thoroughly practical and inspiring. It is grounded in the spirituality of the great doctors of the interior life: John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila and Therese of Lisieux. This book will challenge you to re-evaluate your spiritual life and help you grow closer to God. I highly recommend it. It is available through the website In the Arms of Mary.org.
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4/16/04 - Friday Five
I haven't done this in awhile so here's the friday five.
1. What do you do for a living?Full time mama and part time webmaster of RoL.
2. What do you like most about your job?Yesterday afternoon Bella and I were leaving the house to go somewhere and Bella waited for me to lock the door then she took my hand and said, "Mama's my friend." My heart completely melted. (I'll remind her of that when she's a teen!)
3. What do you like least about your job?Not enough hours in the day to get everything I want done.
4. When you have a bad day at work it's usually because _____...I'm acting like an idiot - cranky and impatient with everything - usually the result of not preparing spiritually for my day.
5. What other career(s) are you interested in?Unless God tells me otherwise, this is it.
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4/14/04 - For Wiggles Fans Only!
Okay, you either love 'em or hate 'em. If you hate 'em, don't waste your time and skip this post!
Personally we dig the dancing aussies, although we weren't able to see them in concert this week in CA. But we do send our congratulations to the recent (last month) wedding of Paul Paddick (Captain Feathersword - also known as "Paddy") to Charmaine, who was "Pirate Charlie" in the older Wiggle shows.
Anthony Wiggles (a new husband and papa himself) reports:
Gday all, just got back from Queensland, with Miki and Lucia, attended Paddy and Charmaines wedding! The wedding was beautiful, [Paddy cried] on seeing his future wife coming down the aisle, his brother was best man, all the Wiggles and the Wiggly dancers were there! If I knew how to post a photo from the wedding I would. Paddy wore pin stripes brown suit, Charmaine looked like a Really Beautiful Princepessa! All in all, a deservedly beautiful wedding for two lovely people! Good luck and God bless both of them! Well everyone, looking forward to seeing you all in concert soon. Happy wiggling to everyone, Antonio"
Hey, dear Mary Joseph in Australia, you'll have to post some photos for us! haha!
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4/14/04 - Homeschooled Preschoolers
Do any of you Catholic Mamas (or Papas) have homeschooled Preschoolers? I'm interested to know what format you use. I just read the book "Natural Structure: A Montessori Approach to Classical Education at Home" from Catholic Heritage Curricula and found it fascinating. I never knew Dr. Montessori was Catholic. Now that Bella is 2 1/2 I want to start her in a little preschool "program" at home, so I'd appreciate any books, website etc that you'd recommend. Thanks!
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3/26/04 - Words of Wisdom
It seems like the topic of marriage is on many minds. After my little discussion of marriage this morning I found this excellent post from Gregory Popcak at HMS. He wrote THE MACFARLANE DIVORCE IS HITTING THE BLOGS. PEOPLE ARE ASKING, "WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO US?" HERE ARE 7 LESSONS.
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3/26/04 - "What chance do we have?"
Brian and I were talking about marriage and divorce in general the other night. We have been hearing a number of Catholic couples (on blogs and in person) say, �If divorce can happen to prominent Catholics, what chance do we have?� I say we have the best chance in the world because we have the grace of the Sacrament of Matrimony! However, grace is not a magical fairy dust. We need to cooperate with that grace and work tooth-and-nail to live it throughout our lives. That means a heck of a lot of praying and a heck of a lot of dying to self. (You can�t have one without the other.) Satan is on the prowl and we must be vigilant, particularly in the area of our marriage and family.
It is not something I am stressed about with Brian and me. Yes, concerned to continue working on our marriage but not stressed. Some laugh that I�m just naive because I come from solid Catholic parents, so how would I know? Yes, my parents are solid but they are far from perfect and they have traveled a rocky road. You only see the outward appearance of my family now. I know the struggles my parents went through when I was young. I remember crying myself to sleep when my parents came close to divorcing, back when they were not practicing their faith. But I�ve also seen the power of marital grace in action when humbly lived before God. I�ve seen lives change because of that grace and the iron resolution that �divorce is not an option; we�re gonna work this out if it kills us!� (36 years and 9 kids later, they are still alive and together.)
I praise God for that experience because it has shown me that marriage is not all romance and pleasure. Sure, that is there to an extent, but entwined with it are trials and toils. However, it seems that problems in marriage don�t �suddenly� pop up out of nowhere. They start to fester long before and need to be nipped in the bud ASAP. By working at having a strong prayer life/relationship with Christ as well as by conquering the small daily trials and weeding out your own faults (rather than pointing out your spouses,) it is easier to face the inevitable major trials that will come along. Each day Brian and I have to learn to die to self as individuals, as a couple, and as a family. Personally, I am selfish and stubborn and it is a daily struggle but I have hope in my Savior, who gives me the grace and strength I need to live out my life as a Catholic wife and mama. Brian feels the same way in his own vocation as a husband and father. We�re not arrogantly claiming �it will never happen to us,� rather, we are humbly relying on God grace and diligently working to stop marital destruction before it starts.
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3/24/04 - More prayers for Bud & Bai
Sparki at Fonticulus Fides posted this at her site:
I've been in contact with Bai and she asked me to post this letter, written by her sister. Bai believes that more prayer will help, so please, please pray for her, her husband and their marriage.Dear friends,
Please pray for the grace inherent in the Sacrament of Matrimony to be unleashed for the purpose of healing the marriage of my sister Bai and her husband Bud Macfarlane.
This is something that I have not brought to most of your attention since it was a personal matter. However, it has now become public because of a front page article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer last Saturday and a related e-mail to ARCHE members.
I figured there is no further reason to delay in making a plea for your prayers. During their courtship and earlier years of their marriage Bud and Bai have appeared to all to be a devout Catholic couple. But now, Bud is filing for divorce with no apparent interest in working for reconciliation, while Bai is leaving no stone unturned in her efforts to keep her family intact. (The letter continues...)
Please pray for Bud that his heart will be softened and open to reconciliation, for Bai that she would know what is the most wise and loving course of action, and for their four young boys who are caught in the middle of this sad situation.Many of you may be particularly concerned about this unfortunate situation because of your positive experiences with the Bud and Bai's ministry through the Mary Foundation, CatholiCity, and Bud's novels such as Pierced by a Sword. Many people who have benefited from the work of the ministry are confused and concerned. Another prayer intention would be for the good work of these ministries to be able to survive and perhaps even be refined by this family crisis.
Surely there is only one "person" who will benefit from the dissolution of this marriage. I invite you to pray that he will be defeated decisively.
Thank you for your support,
[SIGNED]****************
Here is more from Bai's Sister:
****************
Dear FriendThank you for your prayers and your concern. Below you will find some items that Bai sent me that she would like to share with interested people and those who are supporting their ministry and marriage in prayer. I know this is rather lengthy, so feel of course, do not feel obliged to read it all, but to use it as you think best.
Something that is kind of remarkably evolving from this suffering is my sister's being swept up into the "marriage movement", a force in the legal and Church circles working to see that reference is given to keeping marriages intact rather than making divorce and annulment so easy. Bai's whole purpose in doing an interview with the Plain Dealer was to heighten awareness of the weaknesses of the system. (She never intended that Bud's name be in the article, nor that people would be able to figure out who they were. She really wanted to remain
anonymous, but she was not allowed that option. That's why she used her given name "Marie", a name by which she has never be known.)Bai has never been intimidated about fighting for what she believes is right, just one example of which was her being thrown in jail years ago for protesting abortion. There is a hope which I hold onto that some greater good may come out of all this pain. Many lives could be touched if the Macfarlanes' marriage is healed because so many people know them and have looked up to them.
In addition, with Bai's fighting spirit the system itself in whatever small or large way could be impacted for good, or at the very least other abandoned spouses may be encouraged and made aware of options that they didn't know were available to them.
I keep praying that Bud will have a St. Paul conversion experience and that Bai's suffering will not be in vain just as Joseph' s (son of Jacob - colored coat) unjust treatment by his brothers ended up bringing about a greater good than if he had never suffered at all.
I have been truly amazed as people respond to me, with a new awareness of the tremendous amount of good that has come from Bud and Bai's work, and the fact that those who have been touched by that good are not inclined to respond in anger, but rather in prayer. It's actually quite beautiful to see the mystical body of Christ in action.
Thank you again on behalf of Bai and our extended family,
*************
LETTER FROM BAI TO FRIENDS OF MARY FOUNDATION
*************Dear friends of the Mary Foundation
I do not know the true reason for Bud's recent behavior. Of course I want an intact family for my children and myself and I pray and that Bud will eventually be inspired to discover the reasons he was unhappily married and work to solve our problems.
I also pray that his mysterious behavior will cause the minimum damage to those I love. As co-founder of the Mary Foundation, I always have loved the Mary Foundation because I love what it does. It disseminates high quality evangelical information to countless souls through the work of evangelizers who want to spread the good news, through audio recordings, cd's, books, and the internet. Besides asking for prayers for our marital situation, I ask that evangelizers continue using good Mary Foundation information as they had in the past.
Some people have suggested that the Mary Foundation shouldn't survive because of Bud's behavior.
But I wonder, who REALLY runs the Mary Foundation. Bud and I used to say it is MARY'S foundation; we are just instruments. If it is the devil's plan to destroy the good work of the Mary Foundation by somehow inspiring Bud to act so "contradictorily", then let the devil be tested. If God allows the Mary Foundation to 'go down' under these circumstances, He can raise up other works, but I hope all of your prayers will melt Bud's heart, and the Mary Foundation can continue to do good work.
Holding on to Hope, while fighting fear,
Bai Macfarlane
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3/23/04 - A Comment about the MacFarlane Post
I just want to mention that I did not post the news about Bud and Bai Macfarlane on 3/22 to gossip or bash Bud M. Rather, I am hoping we can join in prayer not only for Bud, Bai, their kids, and the apostolates but for all Catholic couples and marriage in general.
It goes to show that we are all prone to sin and Satan will work overtime to knock down Catholics who are an example to others. In this way he damages not only the individual but all those around them. All our sin damages the body of Christ but some sin is a lot more visible and a lot more damaging. Whether our lives are public or private we have to pray and work dilligently to stay united to Christ and do do all we can to help other do the same.
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3/23/04 - Parenting Quote
I was visiting a commenter's blog - John Holmstrom and I read this quote on his baby daughter's page.
A baby is an adorable little creature sent by God to show you and your wife exactly how selfish you are. --Bob Geigerhahaha How true is that?!
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3/23/04 - Attn: NFP Users
Are you a NFP user and a Palm user? Well, check out the new free "NFP Software Program" designed for Palm OS that allows a woman to track her fertility throughout a menstrual cycle using a set of simple daily measurements. There are a number of nifty features as welll as reviews for other NFP software suitable for Palm and Windows. The site is not "Christian" oriented but simply for any user of NFP, also known as known as the Sympto-thermal Method, Fertility Awareness Method, or Ovulation Method. Get more info here: NFP for Palm OS - program for A Palm OS program for tracking fertility.
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3/22/04 - Say It Ain't So!
Oh, come on. What's going on? I have loved the work of Catholicity for a long time and was thankful to Bud and Bai Macfarlane for all they do for the church and the promotion of the Christian family but from a number of blogs I found out that now Bud is filing for divorce!?...and Bai ("Maria") is fighting it.
Here are related articles: Divorce, American style: What if one mate says no? (3/13/04) and Letter to the Editor: Far Too Many Spouses Are Coerced to Divorce (3/21/04) (Scroll to the bottom letter from Maria McFarland.)
It's sad to see how far Bud has come in his conversion only to have this happen. Satan must be working overtime on this situation because the tragic thing is that not only will their family (see photo) be suffering but it will most likely damage the credibility of their apostolates at Catholicity and the Mary Foundation. Please keep them all in your prayers that as tragic as it is, God can bring good from it.
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3/19/04 - Blessed Feast of St. Joseph
A blessed Feast Day to you! St. Joseph is very dear to our family, particularly to Brian. Here is a beautiful Prayer for Fathers from Pope John XXIII.
St. Joseph, guardian of Jesus and chaste husband of Mary, you passed your life in loving fulfillment of duty. You supported the holy family of Nazareth with the work of your hands. Kindly protect those who trustingly come to you. You know their aspirations, their hardships, their hopes. They look to you because they know you will understand and protect them. You, too, knew trial, labor and weariness. But amid the worries of material life your soul was full of deep peace and sang out in true joy through intimacy with God's Son entrusted to you and with Mary, his tender Mother. Assure those you protect that they do not labor alone. Teach them to find Jesus near them and to watch over him faithfully as you have done.
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3/19/04 - The Friday Five
I only come around here 2 or 3 times a week but it seems like Fridays are always one of those days so here are today's friday five: If you...
1. ...owned a restaurant, what kind of food would you serve? Mexican, hombre.
2. ...owned a small store, what kind of merchandise would you sell? That's easy since it's been Brian's pet dream - a Catholic bookstore/ coffee shop.
3. ...wrote a book, what genre would it be? A non-fiction book relating all the funny stories of growing up in a household of 11. Although some book stores may mistake it for science fiction.
4. ...ran a school, what would you teach? It's a tie. One would be for Preschoolers. They are so great at this age and (usually) still have their innocence and take in all you have to teach like a sponge. The second would be a School of Parenting, teaching Catholic parents the incredible responsibility of their job. Lessons could include everything from how to change a diaper for the first time to how to make your home a domestic church or how to grow in holiness as a parent and spouse.
5. ...recorded an album, what kind of music would be on it? Okay, supposing I actually had a voice worthy of a place other than the shower or the car I'd record an album with soul searching lyrics and "alternative" feel. Not a fluffy pop hit nor screaming angst and anger, just the right blend of "edge" and beauty.
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3/19/04 - Bella Stands Her Ground
Hey guys. Hope you are all doing well. I should have slept in this morning because I got to bed late and am tired, but I woke at 6:30 am and was wide awake so I figured I'd let Bella sleep in and I'd get some work done. It's been a busy week although yesterday was fun since I went to the beach with some other moms and their kids. We had a great time although my face is a little burnt - I don't think I put enough sun screen. ugh.
Bella had fun too and it was a nice little lesson for her to learn to share her sand toys with the other kids and get along with others. Being an only child at the moment she is still learning the finer points of "the world doesn't revolve around me." She's not mean about it but just needs gentle coaxing and reminding that she has 2 shovels and can certainly share one of them or that baby Joe can sit in her beach chair for awhile.
Although there was one moment when one of the sweet 7 yr old boys "John" was playing around with Bella and sort of tickling her. She thought it was funny at first but after a minute or two wanted him to stop and pushed his hands away. He kept on, but before I could say something to him, she bit his finger as he poked her. I had her say "sorry" and asked John not to tickle her anymore. There was no harm done and they were soon laughing and playing again.
However, I have to confess that later I was inwardly proud of my baby girl for defending herself against unwanted "attention" and hoped she'd remember that 10 - 15 years from now. Not saying she should bite a guy, mind you, but have her limits and know how to defend them. I, in the meantime, will be on closer watch!
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3/17/04 - Virtue of Innocence
There's a great article at Catholic Exchange.com called Virtue of Innocence. Here is the first paragraph:
"How many of you are 'pro-choice'?" she asked her grade school pupils. Immediately, all hands shot up, except one. "Why are you not 'pro-choice'?" the teacher queried her lone dissenter. "Because I am 'pro-life'," she said, with a confidence that seemed to belie her tender age of seven years. "And why are you 'pro-life'?" the teacher continued. "Because my Mommy and Daddy are 'pro-life'," was the youngster's firm reply. But her stern examiner had not yet completed her line of inquiry. "Suppose your parents were morons?" "Then," said the little girl, and quite emphatically, "I'd be 'pro-choice.' "/blockquote>
Read the rest here.Posted by bobbi at 12:00 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
3/12/04 - Friday Five
Man, it has been such a hective day. I just finished my online banking and I need five minutes of drivel to clear my mind so how 'bout a quick friday five!
1. What was the last song you heard? "Treason" by Kutless was the last I heard on purpose. The last I heard by force (have you seen the power of a begging 2 year old??) was VeggieTales "The Song of the Cebu."
2. What were the last two movies you saw? The Mayor of Casterbridge (the full CD edition not the cut TV version - and I still cried at the end) and Suspicion with Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine.
3. What were the last three things you purchased? Groceries, beach toys for Bella (the sun has arrived!) and the soundtrack for the Passion.
4. What four things do you need to do this weekend?Attend my monthly women's "mini-retreat" in San Jose, wash my car, go on a (promised) picnic with Brian and Bella, and try to ignore the FULL inbox until Monday.
5. Who are the last five people you talked to? Bella, Brian, new friends Allison & Cindy (who will join me to San Jose) and the checker at Costco, where a milk run turned into a $50 receipt.
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3/5/04 - Friday Five
Time for the friday five. What was...
1. ...your first grade teacher's name? That took awhile to remember but I think it was Ms. Hunt.
2. ...your favorite Saturday morning cartoon? Scooby Doo on Saturdays and Popeye on Sundays (with Super Chicken, Tom Slick and George of the Jungle.)
3. ...the name of your very first best friend? Man, I'm drawing a blank. I can't think of a first friend although I loved playing with my neighbors Kevey & Elizabeth and I was going to marry John Schmidt in kindergarden so I guess they'll have to do.
4. ...your favorite breakfast cereal? The "special day" sugary kind like Trix or Coco Puffs. I also liked when my mom got the REAL Cheerios, not those cheap store brands. I don't care what she said, they did not taste the same.
5. ...your favorite thing to do after school? Rollerskate and bike outside or if I was inside play "store" or "bank". Ahh, the memories of innocent bliss. (Now I enjoy the days when I can avoid the grocery store and the bank.)
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2/27/04 - For Better or for Worse?
I had the privilege of hearing Mary Ann Glendon speak a few years back. She's an intelligent and faithful woman. She recently wrote a