First Eucharist Day for Katherine

Katherine preparing to receive her First Eucharist. Waiting in the vestibule for Mass to begin.



Our Parish: The Immaculata, University of San Diego campus.

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Oh what a beautiful day. The weather was gorgeous, Katherine was gorgeous, Mass was beautiful and the party was great!

If you want to see Lots of pictures (68) follow this link to access shared pictures:
share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AZOWrRy5cuXqw

The day before...... last minute details

Over at Camp Homeschool she is as busy as we are.

Geoff's been outside planting flowers and mowing the lawn, it looks beautiful.

I ran errands and kept the kids OUT of the clean house.

We're having ham (I have it) & chicken - We have to pick up 10 at costco along with picking up the Ice Cream Cake on the way home.

I still need to set out tables and chairs. I stopped at party city today and picked up some cute "Hawaiian" tablecloths.

Now on to vacuum one last time!

Pray for First Communicants this weekend

Over on the 4Real Learning Forum there is a wonderful list of children receiving their First Holy Eucharist this weekend.

As you know, Katherine is one of them. And her best friend TAS.

Some moms, with have put together a chart of the USA and starred the states where children are located.

We are praying for all those making their First Holy Communion this weekend. I think we have included everyone in our rosary this morning: - Sarah in Michigan - Blaise in Michigan - Laura in VA - Timmy in VA - Nicholas in VA - Kolbe James in VA - Mary Elizabeth in NC - Katherine in San Diego - Isaac in Saskatchewan - Aaron in Pennsylvania - Nicole in Ohio - Lily Ann in Vermont

organizing our books with Library Thing.

Thanks to the Catholic Mothers Blog List I found The Thinking Mother, and found how she is cataloging her books using Library Thing.

This is just what I need. I have so many books, and so many children's books, and now that I have the books from my father's collection, I have some duplicates and need some sorting help!

Plus I already have a Cue Cat so this should make it easier.

IF anyone needs a Cue cat, I have an extra one. It plugs into a keyboard port (purple) also has an extra plug so that you can attach it to your keyboard cord. I'll post a picture tomorrow.

UPDATE:
In less than an hour I've entered 37 books and tagged them .
SO this is pretty great. I'm using the Cue Cat so it goes VERY easy.
The only drawback so far is that some of my books are old and do not have an ISBN number.
You can enter them with the title, so I'll make a separate pile of those books.

The list is public. But I haven't found a way to post the website on my blog yet.

This may be a great way for us to share books. Among the Catholic, homeschool and friends that read the blogs we can see what books be can borrow from each other.

Moms who Blog - a new info blog

OK all who blog and anyone who want to be bloggers.

A new Blog called, "Moms Who Blog" has been set up to teach us all new tips & tricks.
There are mulitple contributors and they all have excellent blogs and will teach us a lot. How to set up a blog, how to make it look nice.

Good I have a few questions............

There is also a Cafe Mom site with a Forum and they take and answer questions.

What book(s) I am reading?

I was tagged by Esther at A Catholic Mom in Hawaii to list the books I'm reading.
I did lots of reading last month, so I was in a bit of a lull. Plus getting ready for the party this weekend is taking lots of time for shopping for food and cleaning the house.

I just picked up these two books at Costco on Monday:
I love the picture on this one and it references one of my favorite books The Red Tent on the cover. So I'm hoping it is good too. So far I'm in the first few pages of being introduced to Joann, wife to Herod's chief steward. She went to Jesus for healing and met Mary, and later found out they were cousins (I haven't read the family tree info yet, just that they are cousins)
This one is just for fun. I've been wanting to read it for a long time and now it is going to be a movie, so I thought I would read it before the movie comes out.
I was a nanny in college so I was seeing if anything I can relate to happens to her.
So far it is so-so. She is not that interesting and the child is a brat, who does warm up to her but the mother and father are disinterested parents, living selfishly, in their own worlds - - what did they even have a child for???
I got this out during lent, but was reading lots of other things. It was in my hand to put it away on Monday and I flipped to the pages for last week. I was struck and had to sit down to read the chapters on the Real Presence, and the gifts we receive in the Holy Eucharist. Since Katherine & I are studying this, I read some out loud to her. How the Holy Eucharist helps us to fight off Mortal and Venial sins. How the Eucharist is food for our souls, and helps us to grow in holiness ( like food helps our bodies to grow). Very timely. So onto the bedstand it stays.
Good news, bad news. The good news is that our family room is DONE!
and my new bookshelves are ready to be filled! Good news is that I can empty those boxes of books that are in the closet! sad news is that 2 of those boxes are books that belonged to my father who passed away a year ago Feb. Good news, we shared a similar taste in Catholic Books.
This was one of his books. I picked up Blessed Faustina's Diary during Lent, but just couldn't tackle that thick book. This book is easier for me. It is broken down by daily doses and each month has a theme. So her rabbit trails are condensed into topics and given together.
This has been on my nightstand for a long time. I can only read it when I'm in the mood. I tried harder and read a lot of it during lent. But it has been a few weeks since I've picked it up. I just can't imagine being able to remember the words of Jesus paragraphs at a time and being able to write them down later. Maybe that's why I'm not a writer (can't you tell?) But she and HE have interesting conversations and you can find nuggets of gold in there. Sometimes finding just what you need to hear from Jesus.


I'm quizzing Katherine to get her ready for her First Communion this Sunday! So much to know for a 7 year old. I'm so excited for her to be receiving Jesus and to grow in holiness and faith!

Well, if you read this YOU are tagged! Let us know what you are reading......
I'll have to think of some friends to tag.

St. Joseph the Worker Feast Day

My favorite saints are Mary & Joseph, Holy Parents of Christ.

St Joseph pray for us.

Pray for our working husbands.

"O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, we place in you all our interests and desires. O Saint Joseph do assist us by your powerful intercession and obtain for us from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power we may offer our Thanksgiving and Homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O Saint Joseph, we never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. We dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in our name and kiss His fine Head for us, and ask Him to return the Kiss when we draw our dying breaths. Saint Joseph, Patron of Departing Souls, pray for us. Amen."

First Eucharist Season

Cottage Blessings has beautiful pictures of her daughter's First Eucharist dress.
I love the razor scooter shot!


Katherine is getting ready for her First Eucharist this Sunday!!

I think I'm more nervous than she is.

Plus I'm planning a huge bash at the house, that is getting up to about 50 people!

I made a first trip to Costco today and will go Friday for fresh chips & veggies.

What's Blogging and why do I want to get stuck in traffic?

I've been blogging for a couple years but I still feel brand new.
It's one of those computer things that have new ways to do it better & faster everyday - so you have to keep up with the latest.

The best thing about Blogger, is that you can go create a post and under "Post Options" can give the post any date that you choose.

This has saved me. I know I can remember something I want to share and put the date it happened. I can find pictures I want to share and same thing.... back date them.

Just today I had my aunt send the awsome picture of my son recieving the flag at my father's funeral last June and was able to post it back in June.

I use my Blog more as a diary for myself & family. But I hope someone finds my life a little interesting or can gleen an experience from it somewhere in the world.

I really hope my love for God, Family, Children, the Catholic Faith & Homeschool show through my blog.

OK the assignment from Jennefer is to tell how we get YOU - readers - to get to our blog, and more importantly - how to get you back!
She gives us her way at HOW to drive traffic to your blog
Read her post, and everyone else's she lists for TONS of information.

#1 My best advice is Google Reader.

I can visit blogs and then subscribe to them and Google REader lets me know everyday who has new posts and how many.
TODAY I learned, and put a "Button" on my blog for readers to SUBSCRIBE to my blog - as easy as clicking the button from "Add to Any"

#2 Have an interesting Titles to your a) Blog, b) posts

#3 Write about funny, interesting stuff. Or have cute pictures of your kids?

OK so I'm not the best writer, and don't express myself very humorously, but it takes all kinds!!

So, I'm clicking publish now and this is my contribution to the CARNIVAL !
i'm going for my pasta & garlic bread dinner now.

food & books what more do ya need? (& God too)

Katherine asked several times today for Ham .... since Easter she has decided that she likes ham & bacon. We didn't want it tonight, so she asked for it at her First Eucharist party on Sunday.
We've been working on the menu for the party all day.
So I'll pick up a spiral ham at costco. Geoff suggested sandwiches and I quickly shot him down.... and went on to explain our lengthy menu, planning and the work we already have to do on the 10 costco chickens we plan to get. I'm not making sandwiches too. But I think it will be easy to set out a ham and people have slices. some rolls and mustard to go with it.

(Derek was cute, he contributed that we can make the sandwiches with saltine crakers and the ham in the middle)

My mom said we should get the costco nacho sauce and she will bring her crockpot. we'll have nacho dip to go with chips & salsa.

I found this book closeout site
and searched for the lloyd alexandar books and found a few http://www.bookcloseouts.com/default.asp?N=0&Nty=1&D=Lloyd+Alexander&Ntk=Default&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&Dx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&Ntt=Lloyd+Alexander

and that Usborne england is publishing them too: http://www.usborne.com/catalogue/browse.asp
I wonder when we'll have them to sell in USA. Usually takes a season for them to "come across the pond" watch my website www.usbornebookbasket.com

Have you read any of Melissa Wiley's books about Laura Ingalls Wilder's grandmother & great grandmother? I'm going to order this set of 4. We borrowed them from the library but they are a bit thick and K is not ready for them yet. http://www.bookcloseouts.com/default.asp?N=-37743 Her blog says they are going to be condensed and re-published. SO I want to get the original versions before they are gone.

Did you know Melissa Wiley has blogz and lives in san diego? http://melissawiley.typepad.com/
& homeschooling one http://liltinghouse.clubmom.com/

St Catherine of Siena Feast Day

St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)

Katherine & I have been doing reasearch on the multiple St. Catherines & Katharine during religion study time, in honor of her name and upcoming celebration of First Eucharist.

Akiane, child prodigy painter of Heavenly, spiritual

Check this out.This CNN report tells an awesome story of a 12 year-old girl who is a self-taught painter. She paints pictures of things from heaven that she says that God has let her see.
The pictures are amazing.

Here is Akiane's website

Moxies' birthday party

Celebrating Moxie's birthday.
Doggie Ice Cream! Peanut butter flavor
Cake for the people! The kids have to have the frosting off the candles first.

Exceptional Photos of Pope Benedict XVI

Stefano Spaziani has beautiful photographs of the Pope doing Masses & celebrations.

There are hundreds, maybe thousands of pics.

Thanks for this information and link to Esther @ A Catholic Mom in Hawaii.

This is not one of his pictures.

I didn't want to "steal" one of his, so I googled and found this one, and "stole" it instead.

She's into.......... eating out!

So we are driving along and the kids are watching the end of Shrek on the DVD player.
The Ricky Martin song - Livin La Vida Loca - comes on and Derek (age 4) sings the line:

............ She's in to Souplantation....................

I start cracking up. He says, "What's so funny?" I say, "Oh, that Shrek movie is so funny, it makes me laugh."


(Souplantation is a restaurant that is like a cafeteria with salad bar, muffins, and soups, well that's what mom & dad go for, the kids go for the unlimited soft serve icecream bar)

"Swept Under the Rug"

I was posting this at first because I told the story to my brother - under cute things kids say - about how Katherine asked me what "Swept Under the Rug" meant (she's 7).

I had an awful migraine yesterday and we don't normally watch daytime TV, but I could barely move off the sofa so we were flipping around and stopped on Mia Farrow on "The View".
Her comment was about China's involvement in Darfur is "Being swept under the Rug" in light of their hosting the Olympics
Mia said nothing can be done about China's support of that region because they get their oil from there. Since China is hosting the Olympics, we should essentially boycott the Olympics and notify the Olympic committee that we object to China's support of the terror in Darfur region. We can also make a difference by notifying our state government of this injustice.

Katherine needed explanation of this - - - well is it a euphemism or colloquialism? or is it just a saying? It may be an Idiom.

Anyway, I'm not much of an activist. But in the tragedy of the people in Darfur just gets to me.

http://miafarrow.org/ there's more to this post at her website.

St Catherine of Siena

Katherine is working on a saint study and chose St Catherine of Siena.

We found some beautiful websites and "Super Saints" by Bob & Penny Lord was on EWTN about St. Catherine.

I've never heard of the 14 Holy Helpers. She is in the top 3.

Her Feast day is April 29th - This Sunday.

She was the youngest of 25 children.

I found her Dialogues online.

Once again I'm findng reference to "my neighbor" and how God is using my trials to learn about Him:
How virtues are accomplished by means of our neighbor, and how it is that virtues differ to such an extent in creatures.
"I have told you how all sins are accomplished by means of your neighbor, through the principles which I exposed to you, that is, because men are deprived of the affection of love, which gives light to every virtue. In the same way self-love, which destroys charity and affection towards the neighbor, is the principle and foundation of every evil. All scandals, hatred, cruelty, and every sort of trouble proceed from this perverse root of self-love, which has poisoned the entire world, and weakened the mystical body of the Holy Church, and the universal body of the believers in the Christian religion; and, therefore, I said to you, that it was in the neighbor, that is to say in the love of him, that all virtues were founded; and, truly indeed did I say to you, that charity gives life to all the virtues, because no virtue can be obtained without charity, which is the pure love of Me."

I found a new quote for my email signature:
Everything comes from love, all is ordained for the salvation of man, God does nothing without this goal in mind. -Saint Catherine of Siena

Lunapads and Divacups

I was researching Luna Bars, Luna tea cakes and the Luna Elixir and found out about Lunapads (totally different product and company) and their Divacups and Sea Pearls.
They are alternatives to that monthly visitor. Organic cotton pads that are reusable by washing and Sea sponges, used as a tampon, that are washable and silicone cups, inserted like a tampon that collect the fluid and are cleaned out a couple times a day.
Well you learn something new everyday, especially with the internet.
I don't know how soon I'll be trying any of these but they do get you thinking that there are alternatives.


BACK TO LUNA BARS:

I lived on Luna Bars during pregnancy and after having babies. They are tasty, satisfy that chocolate craving and are pretty good for you. Chocolate Pecan Pie is my favorite. It is the only one the kids will eat anymore. I keep trying new flavors, but nothing beats it.
For a while we would eat the Nuts over Chocolate, but it is a bit too peanut buttery.

The last one I tried was S'mores and it was just OK. The Dulce de Leche wasn't too good either.
Oh well, we'll be devoted to the Chocolate pecan pie!

I do want to find those Tea Cakes and try the Elixir. The elixir has mixed reviews so we'll see.

Jesus Day! a mini-retreat for First Communicants

Katherine joined the CCD children of our parish for a mini-retreat called Jesus Day!

She is the blonde in the light blue jeans in the front row.

They had different stations where they played a beanbag toss game, colored a beach ball, made a necklace with colored beads for Jesus, Made a fun foam cross and practiced what they will do in Mass when receiving their First Eucharist!

Fr. Matt came for the Meal Blessing and a slice of pizza.

As we were leaving, Katherine stepped on a bee.

So we stopped at Target for some benadryl.

She was fine. I was mostly worried because I'm allergic to stinging insects! and the last thing I wanted was her to have an allergic reaction and spend the night in the hospital.

Then we were on our way home, after a quick stop at Michaels for some sticky letters, to work on the banner that will hang on the end of the pew our family sits in.

Parkinson's Walk to Fight Step by Step

We had beautiful weather for our Parkinson's Association of San Diego fundraiser Walk today.


After a stormy Friday weather we were happy to see blue skies.





10 of us walked. 5 in my family and 5 neighbors on our street: Marcy, Cori, Susan, Jean & Rhonda. The team raised $420.

Derek, Geoff, Katherine & James

Susan, Cori, Marcy, Laurie, Jean & Rhonda

After the walk we got a family picture with the bagpiper that played during the walk.

Susan's father passed away last year too.
She & I check in with each other on how we are doing.
She asked how I was feeling about my dad as the walk started and I was doing well.... didn't feel sad or anything until I heard that bagpiper about halfway through and he was playing the military taps.
That got to me and I welled up.
My dad was Retired Navy, the walk was being held on the former site of the Nval Training Center - where my newlywed father came at age 20, from Iowa, to do basic training. So the memory of my dad being on these grounds 20 years ago, I may be walking somewhere he did.
And the sound of Taps will probably get me for a while. The military representation at my father's funeral in Iowa played Taps as they folded the American Flag and handed it to my oldest son, James. That's a memory that will choke me up.

Where did Starbuck's Get it's name?

Geoff is watching "Moby Dick" and heard the name of the mate Starbuck. He asked where Starbuck's got it's name and this is what I googled:

Starbucks began in 1971 when three academics—English teacher Jerry Baldwin, history teacher Zev Siegel, and writer Gordon Bowker—opened a store called Starbucks Coffee, Tea, and Spice in the touristy Pikes Place Market in Seattle. The three partners shared a love of fine coffees and exotic teas and believed they could build a clientele in Seattle much like that which had already emerged in the San Francisco Bay area. Each invested $1,350 and borrowed another $5,000 from a bank to open the Pikes Place store. Baldwin, Siegel, and Bowker chose the name Starbucks in honor of Starbuck, the coffee-loving first mate in Herman Melville's Moby Dick(so company legend has it), and because they thought the name evoked the romance of the high seas and the seafaring tradition of the early coffee traders. The new company's logo, designed by an artist friend, was a two-tailed mermaid encircled by the store's name.

Birthday party for Nathan

Derek was asking when we were leaving for the birthday party since we got up, it was not until 4:00
Very fun place. Air Time Jump in Spring Valley

posing on a camel

Proud Member of Catholic Mothers Online

I am very happy and proud to be a new member of Catholic Mothers Online.

Check out the beautiful picture of Mary & Jesus and the Blog roll of other Catholic Moms Blogging.

I use Google Reader and have many of these blogs on my list so I can keep up with the loving, faithful mothers and their families.

We have so much to learn and teach each other so that we can all raise many saints for God!

Spread the Good News!!

Reading - Sacred Doorways

I'm busy reading Sacred Doorways.
I borrowed it from the library about 6 weeks ago, but it is involved reading about the history of Icons, the technique and mechanics of Icon making. From the Orthodox, Byzantine & Russian artists (Masters).

Busy Reading - Sisters, by Danielle Steele

Back to reading again. This book has to be back to the library within a week.

So I was up till 2 a.m. reading Sunday and 1 a.m. last night.

This book was just OK. The sisters bickered and were not that interesting.
It seemed more like she was just writing quickly and not thuroughly - to get the book done.
Especially the ending. All of a sudden the book was getting a little interesting - the girls were finding interesting men and boom! last chapter, the book ends.

I think since the last book of hers I read was ""Echoes"" I was hoping for something as awesome as that book was. Echoes was one of the best books I've read in a LONG time.

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!