finding balance

"'Woman with a Balance' provides us not with a warning but with comfort and reassurance; it makes us feel not vanity of life but its preciousness. Against the violent baroque agitation of the painting behind her, the woman asserts a quite, imperturbable calm, the quintessence of Vermeer's vision."Edward A. Snow, A Study of Vermeer, 1979

The training of children

Sirach Chapter 30

1
He who loves his son chastises him often, that he may be his joy when he grows up. see kids I am doing this for your own good...
2
He who disciplines his son will benefit from him, and boast of him among his intimates. I love to brag on my kids...
3
He who educates his son makes his enemy jealous, and shows his delight in him among his friends. I knew the bible was pro home schooling...
4
At the father's death, he will seem not dead, since he leaves after him one like himself, hmm...lots of little sardonic people...I guess that's a good thing...
5
Whom he looks upon through life with joy, and even in death, without regret: wouldn't it be wonderful to look back on life without any regrets...
6
The avenger he leaves against his foes, and the one to repay his friends with kindness. be kind and charitable to all...
7
He who spoils his son will have wounds to bandage, and will quake inwardly at every outcry. one of the worse things you can do to your child is to spoil them!!!
8
A colt untamed turns out stubborn; a son left to himself grows up unruly. be consistent in your discipline even thou it is so much easier to ignore bad behavior...
9
Pamper your child and he will be a terror for you, indulge him and he will bring you grief. just think about what kind of person/employee/citizen/spouse... they would be if they got everything they wanted...
10
Share not in his frivolity lest you share in his sorrow, when finally your teeth are clenched in remorse. keep them on the straight and narrow and stay on your knees in prayer...
11
Give him not his own way in his youth, and close not your eyes to his follies. try to keep high standards...
12
Bend him to the yoke when he is young, thrash his sides while he is still small, Lest he become stubborn, disobey you, and leave you disconsolate. oh, for the times when you could just grab that certain area and give them a squeeze...
13
Discipline your son, make heavy his yoke, lest his folly humiliate you. giving responsibility early is character building...

Getting oil out of clothing!!!

I am so excited!!! I finally got a remedy for getting oil out of clothes!!!
http://www.ehow.com/how_13515_remove-oil-grease.html
My son left a tube of neosporine in his pocket and it exploded!!! I tried everything-to no evail!!! This trick worked great!!!

Fruit Dip

yummy with all fruit...really fating!!! Great for showers.


1 – 8 oz jar Marshmallow Cream

1/3 cup powdered sugar

1 – 8 oz cream cheese

2 tablespoon lemon juice.

Prince Vince Shoes!!!

Check out these really cool shoes!!!


http://christinamolin.wordpress.com/2008/04/16/contest-time/#comment-6446

Needs of a Man and Woman

This is from a very holy priest Father Michael Sliney:
The #1 need for both men and women is God’s grace through the Sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist, and lots of prayers from their loved ones!

7 Needs of a Man

1. A holy wife who brings calm and peace to the household.
2. Physical intimacy
3. Cave time…a need to be left alone
4. Give advice when offered but do not offer advice when not asked (nagging)
5. Time with the boys (golf, basketball, outings with his friends)
6. Realistic expectations…the wife should not expect too much, too fast in terms of generosity and self-giving. He will change if he sees this change in his wife first.
7. Service- to “get done” the things that he asks of you, especially the details of managing the house.


7 Needs of a Woman
1. Quality Time with her husband- one on one, without blackberry’s or interruptions
2. Appreciation- to recognize the objective sacrifices that she makes every day for the whole family.
3. Allow them into your world- patiently answer ALL of their questions and keep them fully up to date with all the details
4. Kindness- the tone, the sincerity in the words you use, this really matters!
5. Time with the gals (allow them to take a few week-ends off to be with their friends, etc…husbands should offer to occasionally take the kids)
6. Listen, REALLY listen to them, show sincere empathy and do not try to solve their problems…
7. Give them a hug!

BAD MOM AWARD...

My 12 year old made an amazing dinner tonight. Seafood Lasagna...although we all enjoyed it, it was a little spicy with a little red pepper. My dear Eric (#11) who is 8 months old isn't really eating "real food" yet. After dinner I ran into his room to do some more cleaning...my job this weekend...and I heard him scream...than my husband yell for me...I went to the kitchen and heard my husband say, who was the brain who dipped the babies bread into the spicy sauce?!?!Oops, it was me. So I felt terrible...the babies face and eyes were red. Then I brought him to the sink to wash him up before nursing him to calm him. Well, I grabbed (what I thought was clean)a towel from under our sink where I put clean dish rags...and ran cold water on it, than wiped off his face...he cried again, than I checked the towel and smelled that one of my little darlings had put a dirty rag back under, and I was wiping my precious babe's face with the rag with cleaner on it...I got a clean one and gave him a good rinsing with it...boy did I learn my lesson. Sorry, sweet baby E. I love you. +JMJ+

Ragina Coeli

Regina Coeli

Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.

For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia.

Has risen, as he said, alleluia.

Pray for us to God, alleluia.

Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.

For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.

Let us pray.
O God, who gave joy to the world through the resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.

He wonders why...

I love Tuesday's and Thursday's because my sweetie pie works from home. He makes fun of us when we are schooling and sometimes questions what exactly what we are learning...well today as my son was writing and reciting the seven continents my husband shouts from the other room..."Huey, Louie, and Dewey...oh, never mind, it's Sleepy , grumpy, wait those are dwarfs...how about sloth, envy..." He wonders where they get it from...+oxox+love ya honey!!!

My Joshy turns 17...

Picture of Joshua with his baby brother and Godson Eric... PRAYER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA (ONE OF JOSHUA'S FAVORITE PRAYERS)

Lord Jesus Christ, Take all my freedom. My memory, my understanding and my will. All that I have and cherish You have given me. I surrender it all to be guided by your will. Your grace and your love are wealth enough for me. Give me these, Lord Jesus, and I ask for nothing more.

My oldest son Joshua turns 17 today...it seems like yesterday when I was 15 days late and drinking Castor oil...I do not suggest this...especially when you try to dilute it with orange juice. If you do take it, contact your midwife, doctor, or a plumber before digesting. Follow it with a strong drink, not vodka, but strong juice or soda, do not try to mix them, it make for a larger amount of consumption.

I became pregnant when my oldest was six months old who was just nursing and I was 22. (oh to be young again)

I was really excited about this delivery, my first home birth!!! I contacted my midwife to say things were starting and my husband and I were off to mass and we would meet her at our home in an hour or so. I also contacted my nurse, my sister, and a friend who would be watching our (at the time) Christian Bookstore for us. As we got dressed...it happened. The Castor oil kicked, punched, and knocked me out...my legs started to shake uncontrollable and I was having contractions as well as my bowels emptying. My husband contacted everyone to say come here and quick. When they got here things went fast and all I remember is my sister, husband, and a friend holding my up so the midwife could pull out my son who I had just delivered his head...not the body yet. Well with much help, he came out. Since I didn't see the delivery, you will have to check out my funnier, and handsome husband's post for the gory details.

Joshua was the first of many home deliveries, none as fast or shaky. He was our fussiest baby and I am sure he had some type of food allergy that we never found. When I got pregnant with the next baby people were shocked that we must have been serious with this pro life stuff because Joshua was one of the fussiest babies they had seen. Joshua grew to be one of the easiest going, pleasant, crowd pleaser we have.

He is planning on attending the seminary in the fall and we are very proud of this decision and will miss him very much.

God Bless you Joshua, we love you sweetie. +JMJ+

Hard Brown Sugar solutions...

found this on line http://tipnut.com/10-ways-to-soften-hard-brown-sugar/10 Ways To Soften

Hard Brown Sugar
It happens to the best of us: rock hard brown sugar. How to soften it? Ten easy tips below:
Place the brown sugar in an airtight container with a slice of fresh bread placed on top. Seal and leave overnight. It should be soft and fresh again in the morning, if not just let it sit another day or two. This is the one I tried...it worked great...in two days my rock hard brown sugar was soft.
Sprinkle a few drops of water over the chunk of hardened sugar, place in a plastic bag, seal, and let sit for a couple days.Place brown sugar in an open container, then top with a moistened cloth (paper towel works too). Let sit overnight.
Place the hardened sugar in an airtight container with a few apple slices. This should soften the sugar within the next day or two. Remove apple slices once sugar is soft again.
Use foil or plastic wrap to cover the top of the sugar. Then set a dampened sheet of paper towel (not dripping wet) on top of the foil.
Place in an airtight container and seal. Let sit overnight or a few days as needed. Remove foil and paper towel once the towel is dry and sugar is fresh again.
Buy a clay disc or if you have a pottery piece on hand (from a broken clay pot, etc.), set it in water for about 30 minutes. Dry the piece so it isn’t dripping wet. Put the clay piece in a container with the sugar and seal. Check after a few days. Keep the piece in with your sugar for months if you’d like–will keep it soft.
Quick Tip #1: Need the sugar soft now? Put the brown sugar in a container and place in the microwave with a small bowl full of water beside it. Microwave for about 1 minute–check. If it’s still hard, try for another 30 seconds. You can keep doing this until the sugar is soft, but watch that you don’t melt the sugar.
Quick Tip #2: Place the hardened sugar in a baking pan and set in oven (temperature at about 250° F). Check after 5 minutes. If still not soft, continue checking every few minutes until it’s soft and ready to use.
Quick Tip #3: Place the brown sugar chunk in a microwave safe plastic bag. Take a square of paper towel and moisten with water (not dripping wet–wring out excess). Place the wet paper towel in the bag with the sugar and seal. Place in the microwave for approximately 20 seconds. If still not soft, microwave for a few seconds more, repeating until the sugar is ready to use. Be careful not to melt the sugar.
Quick Tip #4: Stick chunks of the brown sugar in a food processor or blender and chop/pulse until usable.For best results, make sure to store brown sugar in a sealed, airtight container. A clay disc kept in the container can keep it soft for months (see tip above for clay disc).Brown sugar can also be stored in the freezer and thawed a few hours before using.

Final countdown to the end of school...

I finished the end of the year school schedule for two of my kids this weekend. It is a very stressful and thought provoking time. Everyone needs to give me space as I make them. I can't believe I only have about seven weeks left...have I even touched on what my kids should have accomplished? Dear Lord, I am sorry if I haven't. I do know we learn constantly, but sometimes the enormity of the task I have sometimes brings me to my knees, and I hope I am not missing teachable moments with my precious kids. THY WILL BE DONE...

Well I need to get off the computer and...JUST DO IT!!! +JMJ+

OUCH!!!

After reading Elizabeth Foss's blog about homemaking, I felt as if she had just been at my home...I have ll children, I find it important to do apostolate that fits my state in life...I also try to keep the "social" parts of my home tidy...people think my house is together and sometimes wonder how I do it. My family doesn't get the "treatment" our guests do...our upstairs is scary...my room is usually the last to clean, and I have LOTS of hiding places for my junk.

My mom was an amazing cleaner and was a wonderful example of homemaking to me...I guess I just wasn't interested in learning those traits. Being the youngest of nine and the fifth daughter I wasn't expected to do as much as I should of.

I agree with all Elizabeth says and I am slowly spending time trying to rid my house of my clutter...room by room. I have tried organizational tools over and over again...but, in a day everything is back to its crazy messy self. So, I decided to start over. I will spend this spring and summer gutting the entire upstairs, so to start over. This way I can start from scratch. I will post along the way...it is good to be accountable.

People are VERY generous to us!!! They give us everything. Clothes, toys, furniture, shoes, toys, and some more toys...I plan on monitoring EVERYTHING that comes in. I need to watch my own weakness and be prudent on what we keep. I have talked with the kids about Christmas...we will just get new bedroom furniture, bed spreads, the necessities...we also celebrate seven winter birthdays...so toys and stuff are usually everywhere!!!I have always wanted to do a post on the perfect toy...guess what...there isn't...I have decided the perfect toy is a sibling!!!

I pray that someday I too will be able to give my family "Guest Treatment"!!!
+JMJ+

Happy Birthday Barbara Philomena...

My sweet girl. You are 12...I am so proud of the young lady you are turning into. You were named for my mom and what a special lady you share birthdays with!!!Who would of thought you would take so long to get here? We are grateful to St.Philomena for interceding for us during our pregnancy and know she will be there to be an example of purity for you always. You get better every day. Even thou you are my fifth child and were 19 days late...17 hour labor (started on Good Friday)...I still remember the joy you brought to us all!!! You always make us laugh and you are so much help with the little guys, cooking, and doing projects for me. This Christmas wouldn't of been as magical if it wasn't for you sweetie. Thanks for being such a special part of our crazy family!!! We love you BABS...+JMJ+

Whose Shoes will they follow in???

Whose shoes will they follow in? As I look at my little ones and wonder who they will follow…I am so blessed to have them still believe and trust me. It worries me more when my teens give me the look when the little kids are loud, running through the house in their undies, or I am screaming at someone about doing their jobs or school work. Will they want lots of kids? Will they want to homeschool? Will they stay close to the Catholic Church? All I can do is pray and beg God to stay close to them in good times and in bad. Pouring His precious blood over them to protect and guide them. Asking our blessed Mother to pray and guide them along with St. Joseph the quiet one who listened to the Holy Spirit for wisdom on raising the Son of God.
Thy will be done…+JMJ+

GREAT FOR KIDS...

http://www.ewtn.org/ewtnkids/index.asp

Great games for kids, light a candle, send a prayer intention...
No membership required.
Have fun being Catholic!!!
+JMJ+

GOING TO SEE MY PAPA...

We got tickets see the Pope!!!
2 from the raffle at Church,2 for the teenagers in Youth Group,2 from my Father in love's work...(box seats!!!)
We are so excited!!! It reminds me of the joy I felt 12 years ago when we saw JPII in Baltimore!!!

Can't wait to post more with photo's...

+JMJ+Thy will be done...

Dwelling in the House of the Lord...

Responsorial Psalm27:1, 4, 13-14: One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.

This morning started off great!!! I got to spend an hour with our precious Lord. Sometimes I get tons of inspiration, other times I just sit and bask in HIS PRESENCE.

After having some time in the Chapel with HIM, I came home to find everyone still sleeping...so I got to go to church and receive HIM in the HOLY Eucharist. What a treat, hopefully all these graces will rub off on my family and we will have a great day!!!

Thank you Lord!!!

white chocolate snack mix...

...if you don't have some of these ingredients, change them...I did.
Snack Mix

10 oz mini pretzels
5 cups Cheerios
5 cups corn chex
2 cups cocktail peanuts
1 lb. M&M's
2 bags white chocolate chips
3 tbsp vegetable oil

Mix together in LARGE bowl (or two large bowls to make more manageable) cereals, pretzels, peanuts and M&M's.

Combine 2 bags of chips with 3 tbsp vegetable oil. Heat in microwave on medium heat until thoroughly melted...30-45 seconds at a time so it doesn't burn!

Pour white chocolate mixture over cereal mix and stir until evenly coated. Spread out onto foil and let cool/dry for approximately 15 minutes. Bag for gifts or serve in bowls.

Driving makes me fat...

Driving makes me fat...
I do not like to drive. I do not like to try to lose weight. So, I should never do both at the same time. Not being a big carpool fan I grumbled at the thought of picking up two of my kids yesterday from their Tutor School which meets 2 days a week. Knowing my limitations to driving, especially in the afternoon, I knew I needed to prepare for the drive. Since I get tired instantly when I am in the car, I usually bring provisions to keep me awake. This time I grabbed a large water bottle, piece of gum, 2 small bags of popcorn (100 cal. each) and was off on my voyage. I didn't even get out of the driveway when the gum was popped into my mouth. The flavor was gone by the time I left my town...well; let me keep chewing for awhile before I down the other stuff...the other stuff...where did it go? I was driving my 15 passenger van by myself so I had no help in finding the water bottle and bags of popcorn. I knew I packed it, but wouldn't be surprised if I forgot it somewhere on the way. So I kept busy so not to get sleepy...listened to a funny tape, stretched, chewed...When I finally got to my destination I asked the kids if they had any candy, food, anything. The other 3 kids in my car were wondering why I was begging for food, my kids know I need to consume to stay alert. No candy no treats...than my son said he had a 1/2 of sandwich in his bag...I'll take it!!! I pretty much swallowed it whole. About 3 minutes when by and I needed more...Can anyone find my water bottle and bags of popcorn??? Look under the seats, it probably rolled back there. The cute little girl in back said she found one, but it was covered in chocolate...That's fine, I'll take it!!! My poor teenagers were probably humiliated that the van was at its normal disaster look with left over Easter stuff in the car. Shoes, skirts, candy, Easter grass, water bottles...who knows what else. Then my daughter spotted one of the bags of popcorn, so I gobbled it up. Then, I drank the water trying not to touch the chocolate. At this point we were almost home and I could fast for the next 5 minutes!!! So the lesson learned is not to try to lose weight or drive carpool. +JMJ+

A FAMILY SCRAPBOOK...

My husband and I had the opportunity to go out to eat with some of our family this weekend. It came up about how we have time and why we do blogs. I shared that it was my opportunity to make a family scrapbook (with out the mess) for my kids to see when I am gone. A chance for me to remind them of what I think is important with out nagging...

Or as another family we know whose children are growing, moving, having babies,etc...it is their way of keeping in touch, sharing photo's, finding recipes, reminding of birthdays, family traditions,etc...

Of course they will just read their dad's blog because as usual...he is much cooler and funnier than I will ever be....and cuter!!! And my least favorite-skinner!!! You IRON MAN you!!!+JMJ+

THINGS I DON'T LIKE...

1. EXCERCISE
2. WHEN MY KIDS ARE DISOBEDIENT
3. WHINING
4. NOT SLEEPING WELL
5. DRIVING CARPOOL
6. WAISTING FOOD
7. LABOR

These are a few of my favorite things...

1. DAILY MASS
2. SNUGGLING WITH MY HUSBAND
3. WELL BEHAVED CHILDREN
4. HAVING A NICE DINNER WITH ALL OF MY CHILDREN AROUND ME
5. SITTING AROUND THE WOOD STOVE WITH ALL MY CHILDREN ENJOYING A GOOD BOOK
6. A QUIET FAMILY ROSARY
7. GAME NIGHT
8. A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP
9. NURSING MY BABY
10. BEING PREGNANT