It is in giving that we receive....

Some years back, we started a tradition with our children.  We take them to a store like "Five and Below" and allow them to pick out gifts for each other, us and their grandparents.  It is awesome to see how much thought and effort goes into the selecting of each item.  Their excitement today was contagious as we got home and started to wrap.  Instead of hearing "gimmes," I heard, "I can't wait to give my brother his present" or "I can't wait to see Dad's face when he sees this!"  Wow.  Isn't that what it's all about?

Confirmation Portraits

I took kiddo #1 to have his Confirmation portraits taken today.  He makes the Sacrament on the 30th.  :-) 

The photographer took a lot of really good shots, a few of which I have included here.

It truly boggles my mind looking at my son.  It seems like just yesterday that our firstborn decided to come into the world 5 1/2 weeks early.  The time in the NICU was agonizing, but also strengthening, as my husband and I grew closer to each other, the Lord, and the other families whose children were premature.  Kiddo #1 stood out a little, being over 7 pounds.  :-)  (Yes, he was a preemie. Most of you know that my full-termers were all close to 11 pounds) He was incredibly spoiled from the beginning.  As soon as he came off of the ventilator, the nurses were delighted that they could hold a baby and actually give him his bottle.  Needless to say, between the nurses and ourselves, his little bottom very rarely went back into his crib. :-)

To look at this mature young man and realize that he is only 12 years old is mind boggling, as well.  God is so good.  Kiddo #1 has truly grown in strength and enormously in size. (he's taller than me and weighs more than I did when I got married!)  He has grown in wisdom, as well, and is a good, kind soul who can also light up a room with laughter or with his silliness and pranks with his siblings.

We pray that as he receives the Holy Spirit, he will continue to grow in all ways, and become even more on fire for his faith.   May God bless him always!

Flashback: Howell Living History Farm

A couple of weeks back, the kiddos and I embarked on a trip to a local farm.  This was not your run of the mill farm, you see.  It is a living history farm, one in which operates exactly as it did over a century ago, complete with costumed interpreters.

Our group was to harvest corn.  Every step of the harvesting process was done by the kids, by hand, just as it was back in the late 1800's.  They even got to eat the fruits of their labor!  Some of their ground corn meal was made into corn bread (which was delicious, btw) and other kernels were popped into popcorn.  All of this done over a wood burning stove.  :-)

First, they had to pick and husk the corn.  Secondly, all of the kernels had to be removed from the cob. Thirdly, the kernels were ground; some very fine for making into bread, others coarse to be fed to the animals (which the kids did, as well).  The photographs below show each of those steps, including kiddo #3 operating an authentic butter churn.  Their butter was added to the top of the cornbread when it was done. 

It was not only an awesome learning experience(the kiddos said it was the best trip we had taken so far), but a lot of fun, too.   Can't get much better than that!  :-)

Remembering our Veterans

Today is not just another day.  Looking around, it seems like it, however.  Many schools are open; people going about their regular routines.  Do they realize that it is due to the sacrifices of those who have worn our nation's uniform that they can go about their daily lives freely and without fear?  Do they realize that the principles upon which this nation was founded have been defended and fought for over the last 224 years? 

If you are lucky enough to know a veteran, thank him or her not just today, but everyday.

I received the poem below in an email newsletter today from Fr. John Corapi.  It spoke volumes to me, not only as a soldier's wife, but as a patriot and as an American.  I am proud beyond words of the veterans in my life. Their example has inspired me to be a better person, a better American. May God bless them always and the great nation they protect!





THE FINAL INSPECTION - AUTHOR UNKNOWN




The Soldier stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass..



Step forward now, Soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

No, Lord, I guess I ain't.

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.



I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.



But, I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills got just too steep.



And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear..

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.



I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears



If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.



There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the Soldier waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.



Step forward now, you Soldier,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell.'



Author Unknown~

Below is a picture of my husband when he was serving in Iraq 7 years ago.

Happy All Hallow's Eve (Halloween)

It is quite difficult these days to find a costume for even young children that is not demonic or right from the pages of an illicit magazine.  But, they are certainly out there.  In the case of our one son who wanted to be a pumpkin (wow, imagine that!  An 11 year old kid who wants to be a pumpkin and not a vampire or ghoul!), I made the costume myself.  Not to be overly prideful, I think it came out pretty darn good.  :-)  It didn't take much in the way of materials and just took a couple of hours in sewing time.  It was something I gladly did and would do a hundred times, as it is our deepest of convictions that our children will be dressed modestly and never in something demonic or that would open their minds to the occult.

So, we had the airline pilot, the pumpkin, the elephant and the Zsu Zsu pet.  :-)  And much to their delight (and my pride.  I know, there goes that pride again!  lol), they got compliments at almost every single house we visited. 

It so often comes back to the Gandhi quote I read about a year and a half ago that had a profound impact on me: "Be the change you wish to see." 

I hope everyone had a fun Halloween and a joyous All Saints' Day.  I will post pics later of our All Saints' Day gathering with some friends.  God bless!

Flashback: May 8th, Kiddo #3's 1st Holy Communion

I can't believe that it has been almost 6 months since Kiddo #3 made his 1st Holy Communion.  I diligently posted dozens of pictures on Facebook, but realized that there are family/friends who choose not to be part of that social network, so I thought I should post a few on here, as well.  :-)

It was a special day for so many reasons.  First and foremost, of course, was the reception of the Sacrament for our sweet 3rd child.  Secondly, was the involvement of our family in the Mass.  Not many children are lucky enough to have their grandfather assist at the Mass, read the Gospel and actually give you your 1st Holy Communion.  Kiddo #3 was blessed with these very things.  In addition, our oldest son, who had just become an altar server a week before, was altar server at his brother's Mass and was awesome at every task.  (It is funny, though, to look at these photos because kiddo #1 has already grown several inches since then.  He is now taller and weighs more than I did on my wedding day!  lol)  My husband and I were chosen to carry up some of the banners the children made with their names on them.  And, last but not least, kiddo #3 himself was chosen to bring up some of the gifts.  What a special day for him all around!

We are truly blessed to have the reception of 3 Sacraments in our home this year.  Kiddo #3 made his First Penance and First Communion and Kiddo #1 will be receiving his Confirmation next month.  Next year will be the same, but with kiddos #2 and #4.  Wow.  :-)  I continually pray that I, through my support, prayers, teaching and example, have helped prepare my children to the best of my ability and that we, as a family, grow ever closer to the Lord.

Flashback: Columbus Day

"I am a most noteworthy sinner, but I have cried out to the Lord for grace and mercy, and they have covered me completely.  I have made it my whole purpose to enjoy His marvelous Presence." -- Christopher Columbus

For Columbus day, the kiddos and I mapped the journey, spoke of the hardships the crews endured and the great discovery that lead to a new world and many new nations, including our own.

After we studied replicas of the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria, we endeavored to make our own.