It was DIVINE!

Divine Mercy Sunday was simply.......... Divine!

I so wish I could take pictures during Mass because this was the first Sunday that James and Geoff were altar servers!!

It was so heartwarming to see my men up on the altar during Mass.

However, it was a bit lonely for me in the pew. Derek has finally been able to go to the childcare. Not that I want him to or make him, but the option is there. 4 year olds are very distracting during Mass sometimes.
I would choose distracting child on my lap any day!

But he and Katherine both went into child care and I sat through Mass all alone watching the boys on the altar.

One of Geoff's favorite Gospels is the story of Thomas. So that was exciting too.

He didn't comment on it though. We were too busy talking about the incense.
Geoff's LEAST favorite thing about a solemn Mass is the incense - the smell & smoke.

Well the altar servers were all seated in a row and Geoff was one man away from the censer!

Puffing away and billowing incense right at the altar servers. I knew he was tortured up there.

Usually when it is used he steps outside for fresh air. We always sit behind the altar for Mass, and that smoke drifts right around us.
The Immaculata is cruciform, and there are sitting areas all around, with the altar in the middle of the cross. The left arm of pews is full of families and we sit there sometimes We all call it the "Cheerio Section". Even Fr. Matt does. However, one family fills the short pews in that section and it fills up fast. We usually come in the back door anyway and just sit in the back.

He was tough and made it through. James did very well too. They didn't have any altar duties since this was their first time. But they processed in and out and watched to learn how to do it in the future.

Divine Mercy Day 9 - Final day of Novena

Ninth Day
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Have Become Lukewarm and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy."

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, likecorpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen

Divine Mercy Day 8

For my Father, Bill, who died 2/8/06 after suffering with Parkinson's Disease for over 5 years
and pneumonia at the very end.

Eighth Day
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Are Detained in Purgatory and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only know the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice."

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.

Eternal Father, turn Your most merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

Sisterchicks in Gondolas - Book I'm reading

sorry I'm behind on posting because I'm reading


check back later - I'll fill you in on the other happenings around the house!

Update: This is now my favorite Sisterchicks book. I liked "Down Under" a lot with the teahouse, but I really liked how they described all of the sights in Venice and eating out and having gelato. The women seemed more "real" in this story with their shopping, cooking, taking care of the guests and sight seeing.

Divine Mercy Day 7

Seventh Day
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Especially Venerate and Glorify My Mercy and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your Mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident in Your Mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.

Divine Mercy Day 6

Pray for my 3 beautiful Children, my nephews, god-daughters & the children of my friends.

Sixth Day
"Today bring to Me The Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My grace I favor humble souls with My confidence."

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls and upon little children, who are enfolded in the abode of the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight you take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Divine Mercy Day 5 & online audio

check out the Divine Mercy Chaplet audio

Today pray for my Mother and Brother and his family who no longer follow the Catholic Faith.

Fifth Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion."
Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your Own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Chore Charts

Thank you so much Phat Mommy for the link to DLTK's Custom Chore Charts.
I have been looking for something like this for months!!
I like how you customize them with character pictures and custom chore lists.

Katie picked a puppy, and Derek ( I started with spongebob) but he wanted Raphael of the TMNTs.

Divine Mercy Day 4

Fourth Day
"Today bring to Me Those Who Do Not Believe In God and Those Who Do Not Yet Know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy."

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Tooth Fairy........

UH OH, Katherine just told me the Tooth Fairy forgot to leave her money last night.

I was so tired last night. I thought I would be able to get up and remember to do it before she woke up. But I forgot this morning.

She put the tooth in an altoids container --It fell out as we left her YMCA gymnastics camp on Friday afternoon and that was the best container I had in the car---- so SHE reasoned that the Tooth Fairy didn't recognize the box (she has misplaced her toothfairy box) and didn't come to get the tooth and leave money.

We'll go with that, instead of >> the Tooth Fairy was exhausted from Easter and slept well last night.

Happy Easter!

God Bless you on this Resurrection Day!

We have so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to with God and Heaven.

The weather is cold and cloudy. It drizzled all the way to Mass. We arrived late and had to stand. Well, Geoff & the kids sat on the choir steps in the back of the vestibule. The church was packed. Even with all the extra added chairs, there were so many people left standing.

Easter around our family is big gift giving time. Just like Christmas.

I thought I took a lot of pictures, but I guess not.

I posted before about the kids getting Heelys. Derek got a skateboard instead (but I'm keeping the Heelys for another holiday, since I got them on sale)

We got a few videos: Barbie-Magic of the Rainbow, Eragon, Iron Man

Some books on DVD: Harry the Dirty Dog, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Miss Nelson....

Hanna Montana CD, playdough in domes, and Derek got Hot Wheels cars, track & monster truck.

Mom was here with her dachshund, Moxie. Here's Moxie & Coco poking their noses under the gate to see the Egg Hunt:

Our street does an egg hunt in our yard for young kids and the older kids in the neighbor's yard every year. So mom loves to come to that and see all the kids - -they grow up so fast. We had 4 year olds & Up and only one 1 year old. So it was fun the kids all knew what to do.

We made it through the egg hunt and hurried to take the annual picture of all the kids of the street on the neighbors wall. Just as everyone headed home, it started to drizzle rain again; and did so for about an hour.

We did a very casual dinner since now it is only us and mom. Prime Rib, Ham, Spaghetti for the kids, broccoli, baked potatoes, I had a baked sweet potato.
My brother, Brian called in the afternoon and said they had their egghunt in the snow in the morning. He now lives in New York state. But by 6:30 p.m. it was melted, even though it was still snowing, in the evening.

Katherine skated around all afternoon getting the hang of Heelys. Derek was riding his bike and the kids played tag well into the darkness.

Thank goodness we homeschool. It is so nice that the kids can play as late as they want and go to bed when they want and BEST of all, we get up whenever we want.

Divine Mercy Day 3

Third Day
"Today bring to Me All Devout and Faithful Souls and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in the great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.

Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Divine Mercy Day 2

I fly to Your Mercy, Compassionate God, Who alone are good. Although my misery is great and my offenses are many, I trust in Your Mercy because You are the God of Mercy, and it has never been heard of in all ages, nor do Heaven or Earth remember, that a soul trusting in Your Mercy has been disappointed.

(State your intentions)

__ Jesus, Friend of a lonely heart, You are my haven.
You are my peace.
You are my salvation.
You are my serenity in moments of struggle and amidst an ocean of doubts.
Amen

Second Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind."Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard - upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena - DAY 1

Today starts the Novena for the Divine Mercy. If you would like to listen to the chaplet go here to EWTN and you can pray along with the audio.

First Day
"Today bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.


1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).

4. Conclude with (three times):
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Divine Mercy Novena Starts today

Jesus asked that the Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. He gave St. Faustina an intention to pray for on each day of the Novena, saving for the last day the most difficult intention of all, the lukewarm and indifferent of whom He said:
"These souls cause Me more suffering than any others; it was from such souls that My soul felt the most revulsion in the Garden of Olives. It was on their account that I said: 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass Me by.' The last hope of salvation for them is to flee to My Mercy."

In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her:

"On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy ... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls."

Support Parkinson's Disease Reasearch "Step by Step"

Marcy, Jean & I are organizing the 5K Walk for all of the moms on Sallisaw Court - - AND our Friends & Family

Marcy, Jean & I have made personal commitments to raise funds to help ease the burden and find a cure for Parkinson's, and we would really appreciate your support.

My Father, Bill, had Parkinson's Disease and suffered for over 5 years. He died from complications of Parkinson's Disease in February 2006.

Marcy's wonderful friend has entered the beginning stages of Parkinson's Disease. Please help support Marcy and her friends.

Jean's Great Aunt died with Parkinson's complications also.

On Saturday, April 21st, I'll be walking at Liberty Station in Point Loma to raise funds to help fight Parkinson's Disease.

Will you help me and this great cause by making a donation?
Team page for Sallisaw Moms for Bill. Follow this link to visit Laurie Marr's page.

Divine Mercy Novena Starts on Good Friday!!

The Divine Mercy Novena
"On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy ... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls."
The different souls prayed for on each day of the novena are:

DAY 1 (Good Friday) - All mankind, especially sinners

DAY 2 (Holy Saturday) - The souls of priests and religious

DAY 3 (Easter Sunday) - All devout and faithful souls

DAY 4 (Easter Monday) - Those who do not believe in Jesus and those who do not yet know Him

DAY 5 (Easter Tuesday) - The souls of separated brethren

DAY 6 (Easter Wednesday) - The meek and humble souls and the souls of children

DAY 7 (Easter Thursday) - The souls who especially venerate and glorify Jesus' mercy

DAY 8 (Easter Friday) - The souls who are detained in purgatory;

DAY 9 (Easter Saturday) - The souls who have become lukewarm.

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy may also be offered each day for the day's intention, but is not strictly necessary to the Novena.

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy (on ordinary rosary beads)

Begin with:
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with Thee. Blessed art Thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified,died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of the sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen.

On the large bead before each decade:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

On the 10 small beads of each decade:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Conclude with (after five decades):
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (3 times)

Win A Dyson....

5 Minutes for Mom is giving away a Dyson Slim Vacuum! And I know you want one!!!
I've had my Dyson DC07 since MARCH 2004 and it is still running strong. Since I use it almost everyday!
The buzz about the Dyson vacuum cleaner is more like a roar, with housewives all over the world already loving their own Dysons.
Dyson's newest release, the Dyson Slim, I am filled with excitement.
I really need a smaller version for the laminate floor. Picking up all the crumbs around the kitchen. Now that the dog is gone and doesn't do it for me!

James' 10th Birthday @ Legoland

3/29/97 HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY JAMES ! !

This is a picture from my new camera phone. I can't believe I forgot to charge the battery on my camera! Thank goodness for camera phones! And it is so fun to send pics from the phone to blogger! :)

Happy 10th Birthday JAMES!

Very Happy Birthday to my first baby boy James. He turns 10 today. He was born on Holy Saturday 1997!

He chose to go to Legoland for his birthday.
It was more crowded that we had hoped. We waited an hour just for the first ride on the Dinosaur rollercoaster - "Coasterasaurus".

I finally figured out that it was the Opening Day of the Las Vegas section of Miniland.
Which was cool. We've been to Las Vegas a couple times and the kids are familiar with the hotels so we had fun looking at the amazing reproductions in Legos.

They went on the "Kid Power Towers" which we had not tried before. So it became a day of things we haven't done before. Except for driving the cars which they do every time!
We went on the "Coast Cruise" boat ride, saw the 4-D movie, ate ice cream cones with the swirl flavoring - except James had a frozen root beer float. And played in the bionicle building room with Lego video games.
He chose a Star Wars lego for his birthday money from Grandma.

His dinner restaurant of choice ::::::: Red Lobster ::::
This was a big shock. We've only eaten there 2-3 times. But somehow he remembers the chicken strips and french fries. Dad & Grandma met us there when they got off work and we had a fun dinner with a hot fudge, ice cream, brownie for dessert!


Last Saturday James & I went shopping after his basketball practice and he went on a shopping spree at Target for his birthday.

Reading - Amazing Grace For Mothers

Amazing Grace for mothers is a book being passed around the ladies in our MOMS group.

My turn!

James' prayer & cross

James wrote a prayer today.

Holy God Creator of Heaven and Earth, I am a sinner, please forgive my sinful actions, have mercy on me.

Shower me in your forgiveness.

Hosanna in the highest!

I know not what I do, forgive me and all sinners. Shower us in your forgiveness.

I'm not sure where this came from. I was cleaning upstairs and he came to show it to me.

I helped with punctuation and choosing the words "sinful actions" because he orignally had the word "forgivness" again.

This reminds me of the cross he and the neighbor boy carved a couple weeks ago.

We went to Knott's Berry Farm and he brought the soap home from the hotel.

He and neighbor carved the cross in the soap.

Setting up

today:
moving tables, moving boxes, lots of vacuuming & dusting.
moving chairs, finding photos, digging out scrapbooking supplies and carry upstairs.

I've been moving pictures from PC to laptop and am only able to go back to 2003 and a very few photos from 2002.
Derek was born in Oct - 2002 and none of his birth, baptism or newborn photos are on the computer...? Maybe the digital pictures were not "invented" yet?

I'll have to spend time scanning them. I better research the best way to do that for hundreds of pictures.

FHC Notebook preparation / research

I'm researching other Catholic Blogging moms websites for information on
First Holy Communion notebook ideas.

Here's a website for an example of the 1st communion notebook I want to make with the kids.
http://happyheartsmom.typepad.com/photos/matthiass_1st_holy_commun/index.html


Here's one that's getting started, I really like the pages with the altar items and showing baptism.
http://sweatpea6797.typepad.com/photos/workers_first_communion_a/altar_items.html


Here is an Old Testament / 10 commandments one
http://www.homeschoolinthewoods.com/HTTA/TimelineHelps/LapbookPage.htm

I printed out the list of items/pages that Elizabeth gave everyone in 4RealLearning Forums http://4real.thenetsmith.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1900&KW=notebook
2nd post of all the pages they included.

wow Beautiful picture of Jesus giving First Holy Communion:
http://www.catholicstationery.com/79/512.htm?501

Stickers: http://www.crafterstoybox.com/store/page617.html

Rubber Stamps: http://www.catholicrubberstamps.com/

Tomorrow I'm setting up the room for "scrapbook, lapbook, notebooking" so all 4 of us can work on putting books together.
James' was 2 years ago and he could use the experience, education and re-fresher. He is the most crafty of the kids so he will love doing it.
He needs - - WE ALL need to go to confession for the Easter season.
I have to dig up photos of all 3 Baptisms and get ready for the first pages about their
namesakes, patron saints, and Baptisms.

Since I"m doing Katherine's FHC preparating at home, I will feel proud of being able to show the parish DRE and anyone else that we have taken time to prepare.

I love the idea of setting it out at the post-party too for comments from our family & friends.

Invite : Going to the Theatre

I want to take the kids to see this Theatre Production If you Give a Mouse a Cookie and Other Stories THEATREWORKSUSA

EL CAJON, CA
EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER THEATRE

MARCH 28th at 12:00

Individual tickets are $10

If we get a group of 15 then the tickets are $7 (4 of us..... 11 to go)

Please Email me ASAP if you would like to go


Appropriate for Grades K - 4
Curriculum Connections: Literature Based Communication & Language Arts Music Multi-Cultural
TheatreworksUSA presents a sparkling musical revue based on popular children's books, including:
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (by Laura Joffe Numeroff) When a boy shares his snack with a hungry, demanding mouse, he learns a hilarious lesson about cause-and-effect.
Amazing Grace (by Mary Hoffman) Follow young Grace as she attempts to break stereotypes in an effort to play the title character in her school's production of Peter Pan.
Borreguita and the Coyote (by Verna Aardema) The classic Mexican tale of a little lamb, or borreguita, who uses her wits to escape a hungry coyote.
Imogene's Antlers (by David Small) Young Imogene is delighted to wake up with "cool" antlers, but soon discovers that her parents and school principals do not share her enthusiasm.
Martha Speaks (by Susan Meddaugh) The adventurous tale of a family dog who literally becomes outspoken after dining on alphabet soup.
Master Man (by Aaron Shepard) A man whose muscles are as big as his ego earns his comeuppance when he claims to be the world's strongest man in this Nigerian tall tale.
Math Curse (by Jon Scieszka) This story playfully addresses the phobia some kids have when tackling seemingly impossible math problems.
Owen (by Kevin Henkes) Owen just can't bear to part with his beloved blanket, Fuzzy - a problem, since he is about to start kindergarten. Owen's understanding mother provides a clever solution.

Suffering - Daily Prayer of Offering

The Act of Offering your Suffering to God by Kimberly Morey
NIHIL OBSTAT & IMPRIMATUR by San Diego Bishop +Robert H. Brom

"Eternal Father, I offer You all of my sufferings, (STATE WHAT IS MAKING YOU SUFFER - i.e.: my fatigue, my weakness, the loss of a loved one, the dryness in my spiritual life, etc.), along with any and all other physical, mental, emotional and spiritual sufferings, together with all of my prayers, works, sacrifices, penances and fastings, I unite them with Christ Crucified and His Sufferings, in union with all the Masses said throughout the world today, and I offer these to You bathed in the Precious Blood of Jesus, united to His Holy Wounds, with great love, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary for:
(STATE WHERE YOU WANT YOUR SUFFERING TO GO)
Grant me the grace to suffer as Jesus suffered with love, submission to Your Holy Will, patience and humility. Thank you Lord for accepting my suffering and for all you have permitted during my life. I am truly grateful. Amen."


Kimberly came to MOMS group back in January 25th and spoke about suffering and her journey to create this prayer that has been approved by the San Diego Diocese.

It has been a while since Jan and I've wanted to write about it. I just wanted to make sure I spread the prayer and remind everyone to offer up any little suffering of the day, any large suffering of the day to Jesus.

Teach our children to do the same. Even little "boo boos", disappointments, little fights with siblings. Everything can be offered up.

Often lately I've seen the quote - "Why worry - When you can pray"

Ever since this talk in January I've been offering this prayer of suffering for many things throughout the day. Often I have to Offer up a situation with a person and when all I can do is PRAY. Pray for that person to feel the love of God in their life and fill their emptiness that I believe makes them hurtful towards others.

Praying takes us and our own problem solving OUT of the situation and let's GOD IN.

Jana Alayra - NEW Album

Received an email that Jana has a new children's album.

We love all 3 albums of hers and are looking forward to getting this one.

I think we'll get the DVD with the motions so we can watch it in the car. Multi-sensory learning about God while we are driving!!

PARK DAY - - St. Joseph's Day

ST. Joseph's Feast Day


Let’s go to the park!!
Monday - - March 19th 9:30 a.m. Princess Del Cerro Park



I organized a Homeschool & Preschooler's PARK Day for today. Everyone had a lot of fun.


The bigger kids played a lot of soccer and everyone enjoyed the equipment.


See you next month!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Look back to my St. Patrick's BreastPlate post.

Have a wonderful Day!

Check out the LOVELINESS of ST PATRICK'S Day FAIR at Tales from the Bonny Blue House.


We are so busy today painting the family room. Yesterday I was doing the primer trim painting until I ran out. Geoff brought home a new can and finished up.

Today he's doing the painting and I'm helping a little with the trim.
I'm mostly doing laundry - 5 Loads!

YUMMY - - Dinner from OutBack Steakhouse!!

Mother & Daughter Bracelets

2 bracelets I made last night.

Michele - Mom, January, Garnets & pearls

& Dorothy = child, December, Blue Topaz & pearls

errands - Lunch & Legoland

Busy day - but no schoolwork! The kids are happy. OK I'm happy too..... It's is so wonderful to be able to decide not to do any school and run errands and go have Lunch with Grandma today.

We picked her up at her office and took her to Trophy's. YUMMY.
The kids love eating there, me too.

Stopped in Verizon to look at the phones. I want to get the new "Chocolate" phone but I had to look at it first. I'll order it online so I can get the pink "strawberry" one. Grandma had them look at the battery on her phone.


Later today she ordered a new phone - She thought she was getting the pink chocolate one like me but actually ordered the PINK Razor phone. She's happy with it's slimness.

I wanted a phone that you don't have to FLIP open. It is so "Star Trek" to flip open a phone...........................



Anyway, then we were on our way to Legoland. NO they were not OPEN today :(
but we had to go all the way up there (about 35 miles) to exchange our membership cards for new ones and get pictures taken again.

It was worth it -{ well maybe, maybe not - since we were there an hour and a half 2 - 330
waiting in line } BECAUSE they gave each of us a FREE admission ticket.

SO we have 4 free tickets. Geoff doesn't have a memebership - so now we don't have to get him one. My mom wants to go once so that will use them up.


Next we were on to Mervyn's for new shoes. James needed new shoes and new basketball shoes. Katie & Derek sort of needed new shoes and found some they liked.

Derek's are so cute and he picked them out all alone, while I was helping Katie choose a color, I just had to get them.

The deal of the day - I hope -was that I had 20% off everything and they were on sale. And best of all they had Heelys on sale. So marked $65, on sale for $49.99 and after 20% off only $40 each. Even the Cashier was shocked that they were $50 and she didn't have to buy 3 pair!

Luckily we all agreed at dinner the other night that they would get Heelys for Easter.

So they are hidden away in the garage. James knows about the bunny and Katie is on the fence but they are not allowed to spoil it for Derek - he's only 4!

But they will be from us and since I got a good deal, they can still get a toy from "The Bunny"!

*- 37 !*

#37 - NO that is not how old I am! It is how many things we checked out from the library today. 5 videos and 5 books on CD

I'm embarrased to say that we have only discovered the library system in the past year and happy that we are going even more in the past few months.

I'm proud to say that is because I have a whole library of books here in our home - so I never felt the need to borrow more.
I bought so many books while I was in college and getting my teaching credential = for my potential, future classrooms.
Then as an Usborne Consultant, I have hundreds of books from Usborne. So there are plenty of books around the house. But I only have James that can read - but he is not interested. Katherine is just starting to read - and she is very interested. She checks out the most books.
We've been going to the library about every 3 weeks now, when books are due obviously, and I let the kids checkout as many as they want.

This was quite the jackpot though. I've read of moms taking laundry baskets to the library to carry home their books..... hum.... maybe next time.

I went with a list of 15 books. 2 for me [ Icon Painting and Saints of the California Missions] and the rest for Derek to do the activities at KizClub.com
I have a lot of the books but needed 3 Eric Carle books, It Looked Like Spilt Milk (which we couldn't find the book so the Librarian let me borrow her BIG book.)

The books on CD are: Junie B. Jones Aloha-ha-ha! and Jingle Bells, Batman Smells.
Cam Jansen and the Ghostly Mystery and The Magic Treehouse Books 9-15

Now if we only don't lose any ..... and get them back on time!!

Carnival of Homeschooling #63

YEAH my first entry into a CARNIVAL!!! tears of joy!!

Please go check it out!! Read about what homeschooling bloggers are writing about.

http://whyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2007/03/carnival-of-homeschooling-63.html

With the recent switch to day light savings time, it is a good occasion to reflect on the concept of time. In this, the 63rd Carnival of Homeschooling, we will present some of the different ways homeschoolers use this valuable resource. We've also included some fun quotes on the topic of time.


Thanks for including us!!

?Winter??

Sunday it was 87 degrees on the way home from Mass.

Monday - - - it was 92............HOT HOT. I was talking to the contractor about putting in a pool.

TODAY it is supposed to get to 88........ so far, very nice at about 77.

It is amusing to read all the blogs with pictures of kids sledding and all the snow, while we are in shorts and tank tops here in San Diego.

St. Joseph Novena

Novena to St. Joseph - Begins Today
Feast of St. JosephNovena Dates March 10-18, Feast Day March 19

O good father Joseph! I beg you, by all your sufferings, sorrows and joys, to obtain for me what I ask.

(Here name your petition).

Obtain for all those who have asked my prayers, everything that is useful to them in the plan of God. Be near to me in my last moments, that I may eternally sing the praises of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Amen.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be)

THANK YOU to A Catholic Mom in Hawaii for the reminder.

Her Source: EWTN

Day 12 Prep for Total Consecration

Just a sentence from Day 12 - - applicable to this Lenten time when we have chosen to fast and sometimes find it so difficult to break a habit(s) we want to be rid of or desire the thing(s) you are to be fasting from.

.....It is harder toil to resist vices and passions, than to sweat in bodily labors. He that avoideth not small faults, by little and little falleth into greater. Thou wilt always rejoice in the evening, if thou spend the day profitably.....

fisheaters readings & prayers

Tallest Buildings in the world

James was learning about measuring feet, yards, miles today. We had to find the height of the Empire State Building.
This site links to from building to building around the world. We were looking for the tallest.
Sears Tower, Taipei 101 Amazing.

Day 11 Prep for Total Consecration

from Fisheaters.com
Day 11
Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 1, Chapter 25
On the Fervent Amendment of our Whole Life

When a certain anxious person, who often times wavered between hope and fear, once overcome with sadness, threw himself upon the ground in prayer, before one of the altars in the Church and thinking these things in his mind, said "Oh, if I only knew how to persevere," that very instant he heard within him, this heavenly answer: "And if thou didst know this, what would thou do? Do now what you would do, and thou shall be perfectly secure." And immediately being consoled, and comforted, he committed himself to the Divine Will, and his anxious thoughts ceased. He no longer wished for curious things; searching to find out what would happen to him, but studied rather to learn what was the acceptable and perfect will of God for the beginning and the perfection of every good work. "Hope in the Lord," said the Prophet, "And do all good, and inhabit the land, and thou shall be fed of the riches thereof."

There is one thing that keeps many back from spiritual progress, and from fervor in amendment namely: the labor that is necessary for the struggle. And assuredly they especially advance beyond others in virtues, who strive the most manfully to overcome the very things which are the hardest and most contrary to them. For there a man does profit more and merit more abundant grace, when he does most to overcome himself and mortify his spirit. All have not, indeed, equal difficulties to overcome and mortify, but a diligent and zealous person will make a greater progress though he have more passions than another, who is well regulated but less fervent in the pursuit of virtues.

Prayers for the 12-Day Preparatory Period

rubber bracelets - a second life

I know you have tons of those rubber bracelets around the house, in drawers, toyboxes, etc.

I've given them a second life by giving everyone a different color bracelet, writing their name with sharpie and

then putting them around the tops of water bottles.

Now the formally half-empty water bottles mixed up on the counter can find their rightful owner!

100 Reading Lessons #1

We started Lesson 1 today.
Derek was quite excited.
He already knew the sounds that
m & s made! I was surprised!!

He was most excited when we got to Task 6 - Sounds Writing.
But writing m & s were not enough!

He wanted - and did - flip through the book and write all kinds of letters!
Katherine helped him see his name and her name in "little" letters. She & I wrote in purple and all the blue is Derek's.

temperature today

So Far Today - - High: 83°F
sorry folks in snow!

Joseph & Moses

On the way up to L.A. the kids watched Prince of Egypt and then Joseph, King of Dreams.
Thinking they didn't have any more movies, they watched Joseph again on the way to the hotel, and again on the way home Saturday night - although they all fell asleep.

On Sunday, they were watching it again to and from Church.
As we arrived home my husband, who was driving and hearing the movie - for the first time - was not familiar with it. I said it was my 4th time hearing the movie in 3 days.
He asked if I was tired of it, and actually I said I would like to sit and watch it since I've listened to it 4 times and there are some scenes and facial expressions I would like to see. (I'm a visual person)

I HIGHLY recommend both movies!!!

Knott's Berry Farm

The next morning Snoopy came to visit everyone at the breakfast buffet.

He hugged and kissed James & Katherine, but Derek was hiding under the table.

"Snoopy looking for Derek"

Field Trip : Icons from St. Catherine's Monastery

Today we drove from San Diego to Los Angeles to the Getty Museum. We left at 10 a.m., stopped for lunch at 12 and then we were on the Getty's Tram at 2. The Tram takes you up the hillside from the parking lot to the gorgeous museum. The parking is $8 and the museum is FREE. There 4+ buildings of amazing art and sculpture, beautiful gardens to explore, fountains, an amazing view of LA and a couple places to get food.
We were there to see the Icons from St. Catherine's Monastery at the foot of Mt. Sinai.
It was quite crowded, but that was to be expected. The last day is Sunday for the exhibit. I thought of it as my pilgrimage. Driving 3 hours with 3 kids to a museum. We were barely there when they were asking to leave. I cheered them, taught, read, encouraged, scolded, demanded and everything else to make it through.

There is a Family (children's) room we went to next. There they colored masks and can touch and look and be kids.
While the kids colored, I looked over the maps and remembered the Van Gogh - Irises. I said we had to at least see that painting so that we could tell dad about it. Geoff and I went to the Getty before kids (and before it was in this location, It used to be only at the Malibu Villa). We purchased the poster of Irises and it hangs in our dining room.

So they moaned the whole way over to the west building. There were several other Impressionists in that area. Monet is my favorite. Then I coaxed them into the North building 2nd floor to see several galleries with pictures from the life of Christ.

Finally we were on the tram ride down and Derek says "can we come again?" Of course at first I was stunned, but then knew that there was another motive......... "Because next time we come I'm sitting in that front seat of the tram to look out the window!"
Well I don't know when we'll be coming back 3 hours to ride the tram??

Traffic was terrible! We were stuck in LA bumper to bumper - - but it was 5:00! We had a schedule to keep and the next stop was the American Girl Store. It was only 11 miles away, but it took an hour.

Katherine was excited to be back at the store. We went in November for an early birthday present with a girlfriend and grandma. She got her first Doll - Jess. Today she got Coconut and a dress that was on sale. We probably would have skipped the side trip, but we were picking up Nicki for her best friend so they didn't have to order it online and wait.

We would have had more time, but we left and hour later than I wanted and we actually stopped for lunch in a restaurant and that took an hour. So we were a couple hours behind schedule.

NEXT stop......... Knott's Berry farm. We were to be there by 8 p.m. for a special visitor........

Snoopy came to tuck the kids in.

We barely made it in time.

Derek liked seeing Snoopy in the hallway, but once he was inside our room, he was nervous.

He kept his distance and chose to be on the pull out bed. Snoopy was great about taking pictures. Dad was running the video camera. Snoopy gave the kids chocolate "bones". Derek dropped his and Snoopy tossed it to him and it hit him in the face. SO Snoopy felt bad and gave Derek some extra hugs, kisses and a tickling on his tummy. (When you go to the Knott's Resort Hotel, ask for the Snoopy rooms. They are all down a Peanuts decorated hallway, and the rooms have Peanuts artwork and bedspreads.)

And after he left we went to dinner at TGI Friday's.

The next morning Snoopy came to visit everyone at the breakfast buffet.