July 2011 Archives

I am always looking for cute fonts to put on my computer. I found some I really like from brownpaper--packages.com. I think this is my favorite. :-)

Here is a pic we took when we went on a hike at Point Lobos State Reserve (CA), which is just outside Carmel before you get to Big Sur. If you are ever in the area, you really have to visit. It is gorgeous!

My little Matthew is 3 ½ months now. (!) He's a happy baby, always smiling. The wiggle worm can roll from stomach to back and is getting close to going from back to stomach. egads!

Yesterday Bella had two of her friends over and Andrew wanted to come into the room. He got on the floor and yelled "Helloooooo" under her door until she let him in. Poor guy doesn't understand the concept of girl-time yet.

Bella is attending a summer baking class and this day she learned how to make cupcake owls and penguins. Cute and yummy! (Oops, there goes the diet.)

This is my first post in participation with Elizabeth Floss' online book discussion of The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers - Reclaiming Our Passion, Purpose, and Sanity by Meg Meeker, MD.

I bought this book a couple months ago and started reading it but frankly, I don't think I was in the right state of mind because when Dr. Meeker gave examples of moms who were formerly in the corporate world or who were doing outside ministries along with raising their families, it turned me off. I didn't have a lot of degrees. I wasn't working outside the home. I didn't miss public speaking. I didn't think the book was for me since I am "just a mom" with little kids trying to make it through the day with the dishes washed, some laundry done and my sanity intact.

However, when I saw that Elizabeth Floss was gong to do an online book study of this book, I thought I'd give it another try. I'm so glad I did because now it is clicking and making sense to me. This book is just as beneficial to a mom "like me." I have been reading along, but at a slower pace, and I've found myself rereading sections and thinking over the material so I can better apply them to my life. I have a number of thoughts and notes scribbled down so I'll try to capture some of those thoughts and hopefully make coherent posts as I work my way through the book.

Feeling Inferior

Dr. Meeker discusses our ability to see and name the many talents that our friends posses but our inability to see the talents that we posses. This hit home the other day when I was talking to my mom about my brother Rob's recent stay in the hospital. His nurse was named Bobbi and my mom and my brother both laughed because she reminded them of me - that we had the same personality. Right away I started thinking of poor Nurse Bobbi and all the things that must be wrong with her. I asked my mom, "Well, what was she like?" I wanted to know how other people saw me. My mom described some positive traits and I thought, wow, is that really how I am?

It reminded me of an earlier post I made about when I read the blogs of moms that can cook, bake, sew, craft, garden and blog while raising ten kids, I felt woefully lacking since I wasn't able to do even a quarter of what they did. I felt inferior to them! So it made sense when Dr. Meeker said:

"We are supercritical of ourselves because we heap unreasonable expectations on ourselves...No matter how well we do in one area, we always feel that we're falling short in another. Second, we continually look to the wrong places to feel valuable. We look at how well we perform at various functions rather than accepting that we are valuable simply because we are our kids' moms and we are loves and needed because of that."

It brought to mind what a priest once told me. I was talking about my desire to make our home a pleasant place for my husband and children...a sort of haven from the world. Father told me that one of the noblest tasks a wife and mother has is to make her home "a piece of heaven on earth". (He said a bit more but I'll save that for another post.)

It has been years since he said that to me but it stuck with me. Sometimes it is in the back of my head and sometimes it is in front of my face in big, neon lights - as it is now. There are many things I want to improve in as a mother but for now, in my own way, I've made our home a little haven (A messy haven perhaps, but I'm working on it.) Brian has told me that when he gets off work he wants nothing more but to come home and be with me and our family. My children want nothing more than for me to hug and cuddle and play with them because right now I am their world.

So in the end, it doesn't really matter whether I baked my own bread or picked up a loaf at the store. It doesn't matter that I'm better at pinning a photo of a beautiful garden at Pinterest than growing one myself. What matters is that I love my kids and they love me. The smiles on their faces must mean that I am doing something right!

Realizing/Rediscovering Our Talents

"Tremendous amounts of energy leave us daily because we exhaust it in trying what not to be rather than embracing what we want to do."

It's funny that once I stopped comparing myself to my perceived super moms (after all, I am seeing a tiny, sanitized glimpse of their lives,) I started seeing that I possessed some of those same talents that I admired in them. It is as if my creative side woke up. I started posting on my blog again because I love having an outlet to write. I've tried new recipes and found cooking fun again. I've started organizing small sections of the house and realized I, too, could be organized (relatively speaking. ;-) Instead of complaining about the baby pounds (and then some) I still need to lose, I got a hair cut and bought a new top that flatters. I know these are just little things and it may seem insignificant to someone else but right now, with my busy life, they are positive things that I can handle...which brings me to another topic that hit home.

Open to the Holy Spirit

Dr. Meeker tells the story of a woman who started a ministry for teen girls. Although I am not in a position to do anything like that, she says, "Our calling comes through a series of providential occurrences." I love that! It shows that it doesn't matter what anyone else is doing, what matters is that I am doing my job to the best of my ability and right now I am taking care of kids 24/7. I'm not called to do a ministry outside the home right now because my ministry is here in my home.

However, when we turn our day and our lives over to the Holy Spirit each morning, He works through us in ways that fit into our state in life. The "providential occurrences" happen and we are given an opportunity to serve. For me, it could be making a meal for a new mom or being a listening ear to a friend struggling with a heavy cross. As time goes by and I am out of the demanding newborn/toddler/preschooler years, then I'll be able to serve God in other ways that require more time and energy than I can give right now. I simply need to focus on my own tasks at hand and keep in mind that I am a daughter of God with immeasurable value. The joy and contentment that brings, even when things get chaotic, helps me to realize Habit #1.

(This post was originally a 7 Quick Takes but has been modified for easier reading.)

I've updated our main website Revolution of Love.com with ideas for a Catholic Baby Shower. I thought I'd post it on the blog as well. I hope you enjoy the ideas and if you have some of your own, post it in the comment box or email me at rol@revolutionoflove.com. Also, if you want to print out any of these prayers or ideas, go to the link on the main site, then press print. It will print out just the content.

Here is a rosary you can say during the baby shower or print up and give as a gift to the mom-to-be.

The First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph. The angel said to Mary, "Hail full of grace! The Lord is with you. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." (Luke 1:26-29, 38)

Blessed Mother, through your humility and obedience God's plan of salvation was put into motion by a simple "yes." May (NAME) be given the grace to say yes to God in the small and big things of her life, so that she, too, may participate in God's plan of salvation through her vocation as a wife and mother.

The Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation

Mary entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! (Luke 1:40-42)

Blessed Mother, when Elizabeth heard your greeting, the baby leapt in her womb and she rejoiced that the mother of her Savior would come to her. May (NAME) be continuously blessed with your presence in her life, as you rejoice in her joys and comfort her during her struggles.

The Third Joyful Mystery: The Birth of Jesus

They were in Bethlehem when the time came for Mary to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger. (Luke 2:6-7)

Blessed Mother, on the day your son Jesus was born, the heavens were filled with songs of praise. May you protect and strengthen (NAME) as she prepares for the birth of her (SON/DAUGHTER/CHILD) and may she be blessed with a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery.

The Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation

When the day came for the purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, "He shall stand as a sign of contradiction, while a sword will pierce your own soul." (Luke 2:22, 34, 35)

Blessed Mother, in the temple you presented the Child Jesus and trusted that God would guide you in caring for Him and raising Him to live out God's will. May (NAME) be granted the grace to raise her (SON/DAUGHTER/CHILD) in God's love so that (HE/SHE) may also love God and desire His will above all else.

The Fifth Joyful Mystery: The Finding in the Temple

When Jesus was twelve years old, he went up to Jerusalem with his parents, according to the custom for the feast. After the festival was over, Mary and Joseph returned, but the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem and his parents did not know it. On the third day, they found him in the Temple sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. (Luke 2:42-43, 46)

Blessed Mother, after finding Jesus in the Temple, you and Joseph returned to your home in Nazareth and lived your lives as a family united in God's love. May (MOM'S NAME) and (Dad's NAME) be strengthened in their love for you and each other, so that together they may raise a holy family seeking to live each day with heroic charity.

This is a game that tests your knowledge about the guest of honor.

Directions: Each person fills out the questionnaire about their guest of honor. The one with the most correct answers wins.

1. When is her baby due?

2. What is her middle name?

3. Where was she born?

4. What is her favorite dessert?

5. Is she a morning, afternoon or night person?

6. Where does she go to church?

7. Which image of Our Lady is most special to her?

8. Is she a cradle Catholic or a convert?

9. What year did she get married?

10. If she could do anything for 3 hours (with NO children), what would it be?

(Thanks to Katie S. for the idea!)

I always did well on this game because my purse/diaper bag is always packed with way too much stuff. LOL.

Needed: Pencil/pen and paper for each player.

Directions: Call off the items. If the player has that item in her purse then she adds the points to her total. The one with the most points wins.

Note: Here are some ideas of items someone may have in their purse. You can cater the items to the crowd. If there are more ladies without kids then have less mom-orientated items etc.

5 Point Items

Rosary
Photo of your kids
Key chain with a religious theme
Receipt for baby supplies (diapers, clothes, etc)
Prayer card
Tissue pack

10 Point Items

Photo of your husband
Church Missal
Calendar/Planner (paper or electric) with the baby shower date scheduled
Something with a bible scripture on it.
Binky/pacifier
Brush or comb
Kiddie snack (ie. cheerios, fishy crackers)

15 Point Items

Appointment card or receipt for a mani/pedi
Church bulletin
Mini screwdriver, scissors or pocket knife
Five or more keys on your key chain

(Thanks to Katie S. for the idea!)

Personal Notes for the Mom-to-Be

At one shower for a friend (who had a miracle pregnancy after years of infertility), the guests wanted to thank her for all the ways she touched their lives. There was this frame on a table with blank note cards for the guests.

The words in the frame reads: Over the years, (Name) has blessed us with her tremendous gift of "spiritual motherhood." We want to honor her for the countless times she has nurtured us. If you recall an instance when you felt especially blessed by (Names)'s friendship (be it through her prayers, her listening ear or her encouragement), please use these cards to write down a quick note for (Name). We'll present her with everyone's cards and she'll have these as a beautiful keepsake for years to come!

If notes of thanks aren't really suitable, you could also do notes to a new mom having guests write down their top suggestion or word of encouragement to a new mom. It'll be a nice reminder to her on those early frazzled days.

Pre-Addressed Thank You Cards

At one shower, the host had a great idea of purchasing a box of blank thank you cards for the mom. Each guest addressed the envelopes with her own address. Then when the new mom was ready to send her thank you notes they were already addressed for her. As an added treat you could also put stamps on them for her.

Meal Sign-Up Sheet

Have a sign up sheet for guests who would like to bring a meal to the mom-to-be after she has the baby. You can decorate your own sheet on the computer or buy a sheet of baby theme cardstock at the craft store. The guests can sign their name and info (phone number or email address if you don't already have them.) After the baby is born the meal coordinator can contact the volunteer chefs. There are great online services such as FoodTidings.com and CareCalendar.org that allows you to organize everything online and sends out all the necessary family info (ie. dietary restrictions, best times to call, what nights and meals other people are cooking etc). It helps this group act of kindness run a lot smoother!

As an added suggestion, when a friend brought me a meal after I had John Paul, she included her delicious soup/stew in a number of small disposable containers that I could put in the freezer. They were perfect individual servings for those days when I was too busy to make a hot lunch. I loved it!

Prayerfully Expecting: A Nine-Month Novena for Mothers to Be
by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

This book is a beautiful compilation of prayers with the pregnant mom in mind. Each month begins with a summary of how your baby is growing and then various prayers and novenas that can be said for you, your baby and your family. At the end of each chapter there is a space for you write your own reflections. I have really enjoyed this book during my last two pregnancies.

Pregnancy Calendar by Russ

When I pregnant with Bella, a friend gave me the Pregnancy Calendar by Russ. I loved using it and had bought another one for each child since. You fill in the calendar with your own dates and each week tells you something about your baby's development and each month has helpful hints for your pregnancy. There are also plenty of stickers to record things such as when you told your family or when you felt the first kick or when you had your baby shower. I hung the calendar in the kitchen and the kids loved to see what day we were on and what was happening to the baby that week. We've had a lot of fun using it.

Journal

When I was first pregnant with Bella, I started a tradition of keeping a pregnancy journal addressed to "my little one." It was nice to have "conversations" with each child and share what I was going through with their pregnancy and what I hoped for their future. After their births, I try to update their journals on their birthdays so they can get a glimpse of how they are progressing and how our family is growing. I am not sure when I will give the journal to each child but I am hoping that one day they will really enjoy reading it.

(Above is a pic of my journals: Bella's, Andrew's, John-Paul's and the latest - Matthew's. You can also read my journal to Bella here. Excerpts of Andrew's will be posted soon.)

Basket of Goodies for the Mom-to-Be

Baby showers are filled with beautiful gifts for the precious little one but Mama needs a little pampering too! You can fill a basket (or a pretty organizer bin like this that can be reused later) with items such as Mama Bee products, lotions, bath soap, a book, chocolate (or other favorite treat), gift certificate to a maternity store, to the movies or for a pedicure or whatever else she would enjoy.

Gift Item for the Guests - Votive Candle with Birth Prayer

When my sister-in-law and brother were expecting their first child I wrote a short prayer for them and printed it on blue cardstock (since they were having a boy.) I purchased a pack of blue votive candles and glass holders and wrapped them in tulle. The prayer was attached to the candle with yellow ribbon and a cute diaper pin. (You can also use tea candles if you want to cut the cost.)

The candles can be given to the guests as a parting gift. When the mom-to-be goes into labor have someone call, email, or text the others to light their votive candle and say a prayer.

You can use the following prayer (fill in your own names) or another prayer, a poem, scripture verse, etc instead.

Prayer for the Votive Candles

Heavenly Father, We place (MOM'S NAME) & (DAD'S NAME) into your hands as they prepare for the birth of their child (BABY'S NAME IF KNOWN). Give (MOM) strength of body, mind and spirit. Calm her fears and bring peace to her heart. Protect her and (BABY) from all harm and may they have a safe and healthy delivery. St. Joseph, protector of the family, give (DAD) strength, courage and compassion as he helps (MOM) during labor. Mother Mary, watch over (DAD), (MOM) & little (BABY) today & always. May they grow in their love for God & forever be a shining light of Christ in the world. Amen

Other Catholic Baby Shower Ideas

Catholic Baby Shower Idea - A Shower of Roses. It is fabulous!

My camera battery has been dead all week and I couldn't find my charger so this week I am posting photos from the last few years. I had so many to choose from that I picked two for each category.

Here is Bella when she was the flower girl for my brother and sister-in-law's wedding. She is holding the flowers to be given to Our Lady.

This is such a pretty cake! My mother-in-law bought this for my birthday a year or two ago. I think I was turning 35 (again...and again...and again...)

Here is Bella and Andrew enjoying a lollipop after a walk in downtown Carmel.

Here is one of the three kids playing on the floor. :-)

I was looking at old Halloween pictures and found these two favorite ones. Here is Andrew dressed as St. Francis for an All Saint's Day party.

Here is John-Paul as a mustached fireman. LOL!

Here is a photo of Andrew when he was playing with his Walle toy. He dumped out the remaining animal crackers and crushed them up to make a desert landscape. What a mess.

Here is John-Paul playing IN the dishwasher. And I just noticed that JP is wearing Andrew's old pajamas from the photo above. Maybe it's the pajamas that have a mischievous effect. :-)

The feast day of St. Ann and St. Joachim is coming up on July 26. If you'd like to make a novena to them, today is the day to start!

Both saints have always been very close to my heart. St. Ann is my patron saint and when I was single I would especially pray to her and St. Joachim to find a good man & holy spouse. After I was married I especially prayed to them when Brian and I were dealing with infertility and miscarriage.

Yesterday I found an old box of holy cards and prayer pamphlets and inside was the small prayer booklet I had used all those years. It is called "Good Saint Anne" by Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D. Here is the particular prayer I said.

Prayer to St. Anne and St. Joachim

Great and glorious patriarch, St Joachim, and good St Anne, what joy is mine when I consider that you were chosen among all God's holy ones to assist in the fulfillment of the mysteries of God, and to enrich our earth with the great Mother of God, Mary most holy. By this singular privilege, you have become most powerful with both the Mother and her Son, so as to be able to obtain for us the graces that are needful to us.

With great confidence I have recourse to your mighty protection, and I commend to you all my needs, both spiritual and temporal, and those of my family. Especially do I entrust to your keeping the particular favor that I desire and look for from your intercession. (Mention your petition.)

And since you were a perfect pattern of the interior life, obtain for me the grace to pray earnestly, and never to set m heart on the passing goods of this life. Give me a lively and enduring love for Jesus and Mary. Obtain for me also a sincere devotion and obedience to Holy church and the sovereign pontiff who rules over her, in order that I may live an die in faith and hope and perfect charity. Let me ever invoke the holy Names of Jesus and Mary. And may I thus be saved. Amen.

There is also a great Nine Day Novena to St. Anne at EWTN.com.

St. Anne and St. Joachim, pray for us!

(Note: The image of St. Anne and St. Joachim is from Not of This World Icons.com.)

Columnist Matthew Archbold asks Any Good Fiction for Christians?

I'm a reader. I read anything and everything. I'm always on the lookout for new authors and while I enjoy non-fiction my first love is good fiction. I went to the bookstore tonight and browsed the Christian fiction section and didn't see anything that jumped out at me. So I browsed the Literature/Fiction section and perused a number of books that had New York Times recommendations and other awards but I put them down because, so often, I find these books are well written but ultimately devoid of any hope or meaning.

I've read at least half a dozen books this year that I had hopes for that about halfway through just got slogged down in despair and meaningless where the denouement consisted of the main character essentially shrugging their shoulders and just accepting the meaninglessness of an accidental life on a rock hurtling aimlessly through space. Blech!

So I'm truly asking for your recommendations for well written modern fiction that has a bit of hope and faith. And I'm not talking just about "beat you over the head" Christian fiction where you overlook the awful writing in exchange for a good message.

Whether it's good literature like the beautifully written "Gilead" by Marilynne Robinson or in a different way Dean Koontz novels because he has a hope filled view of life in his stories as well as suspenseful story telling.

So I'm asking for your help in finding decent hope filled fiction with good writing and good stories. Please give your recommendations in the combox because I'm sure I'm not the only one looking for something good and worthwhile to read.

He's not the only one! While Brian reads five books to my one book, we both love good fiction. I'll be browsing the comment box and filling my Amazon wish list. :-)

Hosted by Jen at Conversion Diary.

I've got a 15 minute window of free time so let's see if I can get this done.

It's weird. This week I woke up on Tuesday thinking it was Friday. I woke up on Wednesday thinking it was Friday. I woke up on Thursday thinking it was Friday. Then this morning I woke up and thought, "Is it Friday already?" I think something is seriously wrong with me.

I've still been really concerned about my brother. He is doing better than when he first got to the ER. (We later came to realize he was at death's door. Scaaaaary.) However, he's not out of the woods yet. He had a little set back and will be in the hospital for another few days but at least he is out of ICU. Please keep him in your prayers. (And thanks to those who have been praying already. Mwuaah!)

I'm typing this with one hand as Matthew is falling asleep in my arms. I'm looking at his hair and it's growing in half brown and half blond. I'm looking again...blond? Huh. I always pictured my babies as cute little Hispanic looking kids with darker skin and dark eyes and dark hair and instead I got little cuties with light skin and lighter hair (than mine). But they all have my dark eyes and my chubby cheeks. (Not sure if that last one is a compliment or insult. Oh well.)

Speaking of hair, I've entered that lovely postpartum stage when your pregnancy-thick hair starts to fall out. Poor Brian, the other day he was taking a shower and couldn't figure out why the water was going down the drain so slow. Um, sorry sweetie.

Okay, I need to pause for a break because Matthew is fussing and won't settle. I think he's gotten tired of hearing the keyboard clicking away and me ignoring him while he is trying to get cozy with me. Once I stand up and hold him closer and talk quietly to him he's out in minutes. So let me go take care of that...

Okay, that wasn't too bad. He is out and sound asleep in his crib. As an added mommy bonus, after getting the baby to sleep there was a toxic toddler diaper to be changed. Once when Brian was blessing the house with holy water I told him he should just stick a couple of the kid's dirty diapers at the front door. They were surely rank enough to scare away the demons.

Okay, what time is it. Oh man, it's been half an hour since I first tried to sit down for my "free" time. Well, I should get minutes back on the clock for taking care of duties...um, duties I should have been doing in the first place. Hmm. Okay, enough of this nonsense. I have to at least offer one intelligent take so you don't shake your fist at me for completely wasting your time - after all you've got your own smelly diapers to deal with.

My last take is to remind you that Elizabeth over at In the Heart of My Home blog has started her book study series on The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers: Reclaiming our Passion, Purpose, and Sanity. I bought this book after hearing Dr. Meeker speak on EWTN but it got lost in the never ending pile of books I hope to finish. I dusted it off and started reading again. Hopefully reading with online buddies will help me to finish it before I start something else. I'll try to post more about chapter one next week. (After I get that Catholic baby shower post up.) ;-)

(Oh, and Matthew is already crying. What kind of nap was that??)

Oh well, have a great weekend!

I haven't been motivated to post these past couple of days because my mind has been preoccupied. My younger brother Rob had been sick with what was thought to be a bad flu. However it wasn't the flu and he took a turn for the worse and was admitted into the ICU on Sunday. He's doing better now and will have surgery later today. Hopefully he will soon be back into the arms of his wife and newborn baby boy.

It's so hard not being closer (we're 400 miles apart) but I can probably do more good for him right here in my house as I pray for him and offer up my little crosses for him. I have to admit that this situation has been a good lesson for me. God's been reminding me of a few things. First, to never take life (or our health) for granted. Life is fragile and can change in a heartbeat. Forget the petty and focus on the blessings.

Second, life may be fragile but the heart united to God is unbelievably strong and resilient. How many times have we seen people endure unspeakable pain yet they haven't lost hope because of their faith in God. It's amazing. And in the end God always seems to reveal good that came out of the tragedy.

Lastly, with my brother on my mind so much I have been constantly turning my heart to God to pray for him or to just talk to God about what happens to be on my mind. It is a reminder of how I should always be - going about my work but aware of God's presence with me. I noticed that when I had to stop what I was doing to tend to another toddler crisis, instead of complaining or having a fit of impatience, I just sighed and thought, "I do this for love of you, my Lord."

These lessons aren't profound or anything I didn't already know, but it was a good reminder for my short attention span....and as I'm sitting here thinking how to close this little post, a text just came from my brother in the hospital. It's the first time I've been able to "talk" to him in awhile. I'm elated that he's well enough to text and
I'm touched that he took a moment to tell me that he loved me. Wow. It's funny that I'm one to tear up easily but I haven't allowed myself to cry over this situation. I'm afraid I'll start sobbing uncontrollably and freak out the kids. So right now I'm going to go change some smelly diapers and get the dishes done and keep myself occupied. But I think late tonight my pillow is getting a good, long bathing. Until then, please keep my brother in your prayers. Thanks so much.

Hosted by Jen at Conversion Diary.

I couldn't sleep last night so I was up at 1:00 AM buying books from Jessica's Used Book Sale on my iphone. I scored the Christmas Shoes Collection. Good!

But since I stayed up so late I slept in this morn and lost my morning computer time. Not good.

Although, I have been faithful to my morning prayer time. It has helped dramatically with my patience during the day's chaos. Good!

I wanted to post a 7 Quick Takes: Catholic Baby Shower Edition today but I didn't get to finish it. Not good.

However, I'm almost done with it and will post it next week. Good!

Matthew just spit up all over my shirt and JP just spilled my jug of water all over the couch. Not good.

But I made it to #7. Good!

Have a great weekend!

One of the projects I am working on is sorting through all our photos and getting them organized and I came across this pic of Bella from a couple years back. I love this photo of my pretty, little girl. :-)

Here is a photo of Matthew on a "warm" summer day in Carmel. We actually don't get our warm weather until fall. Then we can go outside without a jacket. LOL!

John-Paul loves that he has graduated from the high chair to a booster chair at the big table. He is also proud of being able to eat his whole container of yogurt by himself and to get most of the yogurt in his mouth.

I went on a laundry washing spree yesterday. I got everything washed but I thnk it's time to fold and put it away!

Hosted by Jen at Conversion Diary.

Blessed Junipero Serra & the Carmel Mission: I can't believe that it is July 1st already! Time just goes too fast! On the plus side, today we celebrate two great feast days, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Blessed Junipero Serra. Living in California, on summer vacations we would often visit the various missions when we were younger. It's funny that years later my parish church is the Mission San Carlos (Carmel Mission.) Brian and I were married here and our children were baptized here. It really is a beautiful Mission and it has the distinction of being where Blessed Serra is buried. If you are ever in the area, you should make a visit. In fact...





Founder's Day: ...if you'll be in the Monterey Bay area tomorrow (Saturday, July 2) stop by the Mission for the Founders Day celebration. There is music and live demonstrations of how things were made during the early days of the mission (ie. food and crafts) and a special Mass at 5:30 PM. (There is a dinner afterwords but you need tickets for that.) It's always interesting and a lot of fun.





Cars 2 is too scary for little kids!: We are big Pixar fans in our house with the favorite movies of the kids being Cars, Toy Story and Walle. Bella used to be obsessed with Cars and had all the toys for it. Now Andrew loves Cars (and inherited the toys) and was so excited to see the new movie for his birthday. Since I am the one who usually takes them to the movies, Andrew was excited to have a daddy date with Brian as his movie buddy. Bella had a treat and was movie buddies with my visiting sister. From what Brian told me, the movie started out okay but it was really violent and should have been rated PG not G. By the last third of the movie Andrew (who just turned 4) got too scared with all the shooting, cars dying and the bad guys trying to kill Lightning. He started crying so Brian had to take him out to the lobby. Bella finished the movie with my sister and she enjoyed it but she is 9 years old. So if you are taking your younger kids to see it, beware.





Is there such a thing as low cal food that's yummy?: I've been trying to eat healthier so I can get off the rest of the baby weight (and then some) so I tried a Weight Watchers recipe for macaroni salad. I'm a little leery of "light" recipes but this was really good. I used bow tie pasta, substituted half the celery with red bell pepper and added a bit more fresh Italian parsley, which gave it a nice touch. It was really tasty. Check it out at Weight Watchers.com Recipies: Macaroni Salad





Summer Reading: Brian purchased the book Poor Banished Children and I hope to start reading it next week. There is an interesting interview with the author Fiorella De Maria over at Ignatius Insight. If I like this book, I'll check out her other novels.

He can't possibly be teething??: How soon can a baby start teething? Matthew is not yet three months but he is drooling and gnawing as if he's teething. It just seems too early for that.

"JFT": My "just for today" goals: First, when things get hectic I'll recall today's gospel reading "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" and I will turn my heart to Christ for strength. Second, I'll get that overflowing basket of clean laundry folded!

That's it for today. Have a wonderful 4th of July holiday! God bless America and watch over our troops.