Saturday, February 28, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JT!!!

Our sweet boy on his First Holy Communion

JT sporting the necklace his big bro gave him


On the way to an ALL SAINTS PARTY


JT with Elizabeth on Baby E's baptism



A PROUD BIG BROTHER!!!


My sweet and gentle Joe is 11!!! When he was born we joked with others about him being our middle child!!! Well, 11 years later...here he is our middle child!!! Oh how sweet is our Joe!!! He just loves to read and play with Lego's...throw in an occasional star wars movie and he his as happy as can be!!!

Thank you dear Joe for being a great big brother and son!!! We love you and can't wait to see what God has in store for your amazing life!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

more movies...

The lists for 2008 FROM USCCB.

Top Films for 2008: (listed alphabetically)

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”: Director David Fincher’s expansion of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s tale of a man born old who ages backward, has fine acting by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, and presents an often profound view on the transience of human life. (A-III, PG-13)

“The Express”: An inspiring fact-based sports drama amidst the civil rights movement as a hard-driving coach (Dennis Quaid) hones the skills of a gifted African-American football player. Director Gary Fleder shows how faith shapes a player’s values. (A-III, PG)

“Flash of Genius”: Greg Kinnear plays the real-life inventor of the intermittent windshield wiper who sued Ford Motor Co. over infringement of his patent. The story of a man standing up for his rights is irresistible and the film beautifully underscores family and human dignity. (A-II, PG-13)

“Happy-Go-Lucky”: A likable, nearly plotless comedy from Mike Leigh, about a persistently good-natured grade schoolteacher (Sally Hawkins) with unshakable optimism and deep compassion for others. (A-III, R)

“Henry Poole Is Here”: A moving fable of a depressed loner (Luke Wilson) whose life changes when his kind neighbors discern an image of Christ’s face on his stucco wall. Director Mark Pellington sustains a delicate mood, and Wilson’s path to redemption is believable. (A-II, PG)

“The Secret Life of Bees”: A beautiful adaptation of the novel about a spiritual beekeeper (Queen Latifah) who takes in a young runaway (Dakota Fanning). Writer-director Gina Prince-Bythewood elicits fine acting in the tale of forgiveness and reconciliation. (A-III, PG-13)

“Slumdog Millionaire”: A vibrant drama wherein a Mumbai street kid (Dev Patel), accused of cheating on a quiz show, tells police his incredible life story. Director Danny Boyle’s panorama is harrowing yet stresses the dignity of the poor and primacy of spiritual values. (A-III, R)

“Son of Rambow”: A touching chronicle about the unlikely friendship between a reserved schoolboy and a rambunctious fellow student collaborating on a home-made sequel to “Rambo.” Writer-director Garth Jennings’ warm, humor film affirms faith and friendship. (A-III, PG-13)

“The Visitor”: A sensitive drama in which a repressed professor (Richard Jenkins) discovers two undocumented aliens unwittingly squatting in his vacant apartment. Writer-director Tom McCarthy’s film makes a political point with insight, humor and compassion. (A-III, PG-13)

“Wall-E”: A deeply touching animated futuristic fable about a soulful-eyed robot. Director Andrew Stanton mixes sharp humor, honest sentiment and potent romance with a timely environmental warning. (A-I, G)

Top Ten Family Films (also in alphabetical order):

“Bolt”: Disney’s cute animated tale about the canine star of a TV show (voice of John Travolta) who learns to cope with the real world. Directors Chris Williams and Byron Howard’s adventure sees its hero learn to trust himself and discover the value of friendship and teamwork. (A-I, PG)

“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”: The second film in C.S. Lewis’s series has the children returning to Narnia to help the title character (Ben Barnes) stage a revolt. Director and co-writer Andrew Adamson’s faithful adaptation makes robust entertainment. (A-II, PG)

“City of Ember”: A futuristic tale about an underground city and a brave girl finding the secret way out. With a clever production design, and a cast that includes Bill Murray, director Gil Kenan’s film imparts values and makes entertainment for all but the youngest viewers. (A-I, PG)

“Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who”: An enchanting animated adaptation of the classic book about a warmhearted elephant - voice of Jim Carrey—who finds that a speck of dust is home to the microscopic town of Who-ville. The film, co-directed by Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino, promotes excellent values. (A-I, G)

“High School Musical 3: Senior Year”: A breezy musical romance in which a basketball star (Zac Efron) and his brainy girlfriend rehearse a show based on their own lives. Director Kenny Ortega’s big screen sequel to the made-for-TV films urges viewers to resist stereotypes. (A-I, G)

“Kit Kittredge: An American Girl”: The charming chronicle of a 10-year-old aspiring reporter (Abigail Breslin) and her life during the Depression. Director Patricia Rozema’s adaptation of the titular children’s stories fosters persistence and condemns wrongful preconceptions. (A-I, G)

“Kung Fu Panda”: A delightful fable about an out-of-shape bear (voice of Jack Black) who must transform himself to combat a villain. Co-directors John Stevenson and Mark Osborne’s film, both amusing and spectacular, promotes determination and self-confidence. (A-I, PG)

“Marley & Me”: The true story of a couple (Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston) who adopt an unruly Labrador. Director David Frankel’s adaptation of John Grogan’s best-seller affirms marriage and parenthood, but a bittersweet ending makes it best for teens and older. (A-II, PG)

“Nim’s Island”: A winning yarn set on an island where a young girl (Abigail Breslin) e-mails an adventurer for help when her dad doesn’t return from an expedition. Directors Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett deftly combine humorous, sentimental, fantastical aspects. (A-I, PG)

“The Tale of Despereaux”: A charming tale of a chivalrous mouse (voice of Matthew Broderick) banished to a rat-filled tunnel. Co-directors Sam Fell and Rob Stevenhagen’s adaptation of the novel is innocent and idealistic and reveals its hero’s sense of honor and forgiveness. (A-I, G)

Today's gospel reading

Luke 5:27-32
Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus said to them in reply, "Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners."


Dear Lord, please keep me on the right track this Lent. Help me not to judge those I see and help my family Follow You all the days of our life.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Small Successes Thursday...


It is Thursday and I can finally say I had a small success!!!

It is amazing what I can do for Lent that I can't do at any other time.

My small success is I have been doing great at my Lenten sacrifices!!! I know, it is just one day...but this is small successes---right!!! I am trying to only go on line before 7am and after 7pm, so to spend more time with my kids and my homemaking skills!!! It was amazing how much I got accomplished!!! I cleaned, played cards with my five year old, went for a walk,got dinner ready, and did laundry...I also learned a good lesson from a friend who said, "I am not that important" when she decided not to answer the phone during a busy family time. It really made me think...I constantly think, "I need to check email, just in case...something or someone needs my attention!!! Then I thought, "I am working on Humility this year." So I really am not that important, and there is nothing so important about me that I must check my email!!!
Go see more successes from Faith and Family!!!

It is going to be a great Lent!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Monday, February 23, 2009

"Divine Intimacy" on the priesthood...

"Divine Intimacy" - page 198
"Without the priesthood we would be deprived of the Holy Eucharist; we would never have the consolation of hearing the name of God, "Thy sins are forgiven thee," (Mt 9,2). If there were no priests, the churches would be deserted, schools would become secularized, there would be no nuptial blessings, the dying would be deprived of final consolation, children would be abandoned to evil; all men would become totally immersed in misery, with no one to raise them up and lead them to God, with no one to pray to Him in their name and for their welfare. But Jesus, the sole Mediator between God and man, willed to institute the priesthood to perpetuate among us, in a visible manner, His work of mediation, salvation, and sanctification. The priest accompanies us at every step of our life. Soon after our birth, he welcomes us at the baptismal font; he administers the Sacraments to us, He helps us to understand divine truths, he shows us how to lead a good life, blesses our efforts, sustains our footsteps, and strengthens us in our last agony. He often works unseen and unknown, misunderstood, never sufficiently appreciated; yet his apostolic work is priceless, indispensable. Every Christian ought to be grateful for the gift of the priesthood; in the first place, we should be grateful to Jesus who instituted it, and then to those who perform its sublime duties. We must express this gratitude, not only by showing reverent respect and filial docility to God's ministers, but also by assiduously offering our prayers and good works for priestly vocations. "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He send forth laborers into His harvest." (ibid 9.38) "What prayer," comments Pius XI, " can be more pleasing to the Sacred Heart of the Redeemer?... Ask, and it shall be given to you: ask for good, holy priests, and the Lord will not refuse to send them to His Church" (ad Catholici Sacerdotii). To our prayers, we must add good works "to awaken, foster and help vocations to the priesthood" (ibid).

Blessed are the families that have had the honor of giving a priest to God; blessed are all those who by their prayers, sacrifices, and good works help in the formation of holy priests!

I am so grateful for being raised to never speak poorly of priest!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Sunday, February 22, 2009

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Forty-Third Chapter
Beware Vain and Worldly Knowledge (part two)

The Voice of Christ


I am He Who in one moment so enlightens the humble mind that it comprehends more of eternal truth than could be learned by ten years in the schools. I teach without noise of words or clash of opinions, without ambition for honor or confusion of argument.

I am He Who teaches man to despise earthly possessions and to loathe present things, to ask after the eternal, to hunger for heaven, to fly honors and to bear with scandals, to place all hope in Me, to desire nothing apart from Me, and to love Me ardently above all things. For a certain man by loving Me intimately learned divine truths and spoke wonders. He profited more by leaving all things than by studying subtle questions.

To some I speak of common things, to others of special matters. To some I appear with sweetness in signs and figures, and to others I appear in great light and reveal mysteries. The voice of books is but a single voice, yet it does not teach all men alike, because I within them am the Teacher and the Truth, the Examiner of hearts, the Understander of thoughts, the Promoter of acts, distributing to each as I see fit.

Lord, teach me to seek truth, examine my heart, and help me to understand Your holy will for my life. Keep me on track this Lent.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Thursday, February 19, 2009

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Forty-Third Chapter
Beware Vain and Worldly Knowledge


The Voice of Christ

MY CHILD, do not let the fine-sounding and subtle words of men deceive you. For the kingdom of heaven consists not in talk but in virtue. Attend, rather, to My words which enkindle the heart and enlighten the mind, which excite contrition and abound in manifold consolations. Never read them for the purpose of appearing more learned or more wise. Apply yourself to mortifying your vices, for this will benefit you more than your understanding of many difficult questions.

Though you shall have read and learned many things, it will always be necessary for you to return to this one principle: I am He who teaches man knowledge, and to the little ones I give a clearer understanding than can be taught by man. He to whom I speak will soon be wise and his soul will profit. But woe to those who inquire of men about many curious things, and care very little about the way they serve Me.

The time will come when Christ, the Teacher of teachers, the Lord of angels, will appear to hear the lessons of all—that is, to examine the conscience of everyone. Then He will search Jerusalem with lamps and the hidden things of darkness will be brought to light and the arguings of men’s tongues be silenced.

Mortifying your vices: LENT IS A COMING!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Let us pray...

For this couple.

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Forty-Second Chapter
Peace is Not to Be Placed in Men

The Voice of Christ

MY CHILD, if you place your peace in any creature because of your own feeling or for the sake of his company, you will be unsettled and entangled. But if you have recourse to the ever-living and abiding Truth, you will not grieve if a friend should die or forsake you. Your love for your friend should be grounded in Me, and for My sake you should love whoever seems to be good and is very dear to you in this life. Without Me, friendship has no strength and cannot endure. Love, which I do not bind, is neither true nor pure.

You ought, therefore, to be so dead to such human affections as to wish as far as lies within you to be without the fellowship of men. Man draws nearer to God in proportion as he withdraws farther from all earthly comfort. And he ascends higher to God as he descends lower into himself and grows more vile in his own eyes. He who attributes any good to himself hinders God’s grace from coming into his heart, for the grace of the Holy Spirit seeks always the humble heart.

If you knew how to annihilate yourself completely and empty yourself of all created love, then I should overflow in you with great grace. When you look to creatures, the sight of the Creator is taken from you. Learn, therefore, to conquer yourself in all things for the sake of your Maker. Then will you be able to attain to divine knowledge. But anything, no matter how small, that is loved and regarded inordinately keeps you back from the highest good and corrupts the soul.

Dear Lord, I wish I knew these words of wisdom when I was young...oh to look only to You Lord for consolation and love. Please help my children only turn to you...all the days of their lives. Help me to conquer my passions that keep me from fully loving and serving you!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Forty-First Chapter
Contempt for All Earthly Honor

The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, do not take it to heart if you see others honored and advanced, while you yourself are despised and humbled. Lift up your heart to Me in heaven and the contempt of men on earth will not grieve you.

The Disciple
Lord, we are blinded and quickly misled by vanity. If I examine myself rightly, no injury has ever been done me by any creature; hence I have nothing for which to make just complaint to You. But I have sinned often and gravely against You; therefore is every creature in arms against me. Confusion and contempt should in justice come upon me, but to You due praise, honor, and glory. And unless I prepare myself to be willingly despised and forsaken by every creature, to be considered absolutely nothing, I cannot have interior peace and strength, nor can I be enlightened spiritually or completely united with You.

Lord help me to be enlightened spiritually and work on be united with You!!! Keep me on track, taking care of myself and my family. Help us not to compare ourselves with others and keep our eyes on You Holy Will for each of us!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Monday, February 16, 2009

MY BABY TURNS 19 TODAY...

Wow...where does the time go??? 19 years ago when I was a young 21 year old, my husband and I welcomed into this world our first child. We were blessed to conceive on our honeymoon and the rest is history...
Alex has always been a typical first child-first girl...sweet as can be, loves the Lord, smart as a whip, and kind to most everyone...
We have enjoyed her from the second we saw her precious face and even thou she is "normal" we think she is pretty perfect!!!
Happy birthday oldest child may you continue to seek the Lord in all you do!!! We love you!!!



The birthday girl with our second son and their Godson and baby brother E...

My Girl and her boots...

Alex and her sweet boyfriend who we just love...


Alex being her "little" brother's sponsor for Confirmation...

The car we bought her for her sweet 16 birthday...if you believe that than you obviously don't know us!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Fortieth Chapter
Man Has No Good in Himself and Can Glory in Nothing (part two)


The Disciple


Thanks be to You from Whom all things come, whenever it is well with me. In Your sight I am vanity and nothingness, a weak, unstable man. In what, therefore, can I glory, and how can I wish to be highly regarded? Is it because I am nothing? This, too, is utterly vain. Indeed, the greatest vanity is the evil plague of empty self-glory, because it draws one away from true glory and robs one of heavenly grace. For when a man is pleased with himself he displeases You, when he pants after human praise he is deprived of true virtue. But it is true glory and holy exultation to glory in You and not in self, to rejoice in Your name rather than in one’s own virtue, and not to delight in any creature except for Your sake.

Let Your name, not mine, be praised. Let Your work, not mine, be magnified. Let Your holy name be blessed, but let no human praise be given to me. You are my glory. You are the joy of my heart. In You I will glory and rejoice all the day, and for myself I will glory in nothing but my infirmities.

Let the Jews seek the glory that comes from another. I will seek that which comes from God alone. All human glory, all temporal honor, all worldly position is truly vanity and foolishness compared to Your everlasting glory. O my Truth, my Mercy, my God, O Blessed Trinity, to You alone be praise and honor, power and glory, throughout all the endless ages of ages.

Dear Lord, let my heart be true to Your holy will. Give me a sincere heart only looking to glorify you. Give me purity of intention in all things. Help me work on getting a well formed conscience so I can better understand what You want of me.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Saturday, February 14, 2009

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Fortieth Chapter
Man Has No Good in Himself and Can Glory in Nothing
(part one)

The Disciple
LORD, what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You visit him? What has man deserved that You should give him Your grace? What cause have I, Lord, to complain if You desert me, or what objection can I have if You do not do what I ask? This I may think and say in all truth: “Lord, I am nothing, of myself I have nothing that is good; I am lacking in all things, and I am ever tending toward nothing. And unless I have Your help and am inwardly strengthened by You, I become quite lukewarm and lax.”

But You, Lord, are always the same. You remain forever, always good, just, and holy; doing all things rightly, justly, and holily, disposing them wisely. I, however, who am more ready to go backward than forward, do not remain always in one state, for I change with the seasons. Yet my condition quickly improves when it pleases You and when You reach forth Your helping hand. For You alone, without human aid, can help me and strengthen me so greatly that my heart shall no more change but be converted and rest solely in You. Hence, if I knew well how to cast aside all earthly consolation, either to attain devotion or because of the necessity which, in the absence of human solace, compels me to seek You alone, then I could deservedly hope for Your grace and rejoice in the gift of new consolation.


I love you Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Keep me close to you and help me to grow in wisdom and grace with purity of intention!!!

Friday, February 13, 2009

RENT A KID...

No matter how much my husband and I dream of living in the country or up in the mountains away from much of what drives us crazy...traffic-malls-crowded neighborhoods-people... (have you noticed my husband isn't a big people person???)

I love my neighbors!!! They are the best!!! I don't know what I would do without them...God knows most my meals wouldn't be complete without "their" salsa, cream of mush soup, eggs, and ranch dressing...They are the kind of neighbor I can call in any pinch...like at 6:30am when your husband's car won't start cuz you left the interior light on...the kind you can call on Friday night when the kids are in bed early and you need a good movie to watch, that doesn't involve cartoons...the kind of neighbors who would drop everything to come and watch your sleeping baby because your teens dare to have a social life...need I say more???

Well, about once a week my dear friends and neighbors call (probably because they feel sorry that my kids don't get out much and hardly ever get fast food) saying, "I am running to the park and Chic Flia can I have a kid to play with ..." "Take your pick" I say, name your age and sex and I will be happy to supply the fun!!! My kids love it..."who was that mom, and who gets to go???" usually it depends on the "other child's age and sex" or who has done school and not annoyed me too much that day...either way we both luck out. The only bad thing is that we out grow most of my friends cars..."I would take more...if I had room..." Of course, I offer my 15 passenger van so they can take all of my darlings...can you believe I have actually had some takers...sure I will take your van...how many can I have...Ohhh, sweet music to my ears!!!


Needless to say, I LOVE my friends, neighbors, and family!!! I don't know what I would do without them!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Thursday, February 12, 2009

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Thirty-Ninth Chapter
A Man Should Not Be Unduly Solicitous About His Affairs

The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, always commit your cause to Me. I will dispose of it rightly in good time. Await My ordering of it and it will be to your advantage.

The Disciple
Lord, I willingly commit all things to You, for my anxiety can profit me little. But I would that I were not so concerned about the future, and instead offered myself without hesitation to Your good pleasure.

The Voice of Christ
My child, it often happens that a man seeks ardently after something he desires and then when he has attained it he begins to think that it is not at all desirable; for affections do not remain fixed on the same thing, but rather flit from one to another. It is no very small matter, therefore, for a man to forsake himself even in things that are very small.

A man’s true progress consists in denying himself, and the man who has denied himself is truly free and secure. The old enemy, however, setting himself against all good, never ceases to tempt them, but day and night plots dangerous snares to cast the unwary into the net of deceit. “Watch ye and pray,” says the Lord, “that ye enter not into temptation.” Matt. 16:41.

Dear Lord, take my anxiety and fears. Take all the bad I have done and will do and make good from it. Heal us from our sinfulness and get us back on the track towards You and Your holy will!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Thirty-Eighth Chapter
The Right Ordering of External Affairs; Recourse to God in Dangers


The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, you must strive diligently to be inwardly free, to have mastery over yourself everywhere, in every external act and occupation, that all things be subject to you and not you to them, that you be the master and director of your actions, not a slave or a mere hired servant. You should be rather a free man and a true Hebrew, arising to the status and freedom of the children of God who stand above present things to contemplate those which are eternal; who look upon passing affairs with the left eye and upon those of heaven with the right; whom temporal things do not so attract that they cling to them, but who rather put these things to such proper service as is ordained and instituted by God, the great Workmaster, Who leaves nothing unordered in His creation.

If, likewise, in every happening you are not content simply with outward appearances, if you do not regard with carnal eyes things which you see and hear, but whatever be the affair, enter with Moses into the tabernacle to ask advice of the Lord, you will sometimes hear the divine answer and return instructed in many things present and to come. For Moses always had recourse to the tabernacle for the solution of doubts and questions, and fled to prayer for support in dangers and the evil deeds of men. So you also should take refuge in the secret chamber of your heart, begging earnestly for divine aid.

For this reason, as we read, Joshua and the children of Israel were deceived by the Gibeonites because they did not first seek counsel of the Lord, but trusted too much in fair words and hence were deceived by false piety.

Dear Lord, Help me to find balance in my life. To spend time in front of the blessed sacrament and seek your wisdom in prayer. Chip away at my pride and give me a humble contrite spirit. Help me to be in this world but not of this world serving my family and neighbor in true Charity. Help me master my passions and grow closer to you each day.

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Thoughts on Today's meditation...

To those who struggle with today's meditation:

I would say start small...LENT is coming...need I say more? What is it that you wouldn't give to Christ? From what I have seen of many of your families...do this. Keep it up, we give Christ "things" physically, what about mentally and completely detach from what we "could just never give up?" By no means have I mastered this!!! I would be happy if I could just keep my mouth shut for a change...then there is the simple task of embracing my cross of being a housewife and doing cleaning, cooking, and mothering all for Christ!!!

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Thirty-Seventh Chapter
Pure and Entire Resignation of Self to Obtain Freedom of Heart

The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, renounce self and you shall find Me. Give up your own self-will, your possessions, and you shall always gain. For once you resign yourself irrevocably, greater grace will be given you.

The Disciple
How often, Lord, shall I resign myself? And in what shall I forsake myself?

The Voice of Christ
Always, at every hour, in small matters as well as great—I except nothing. In all things I wish you to be stripped of self. How otherwise can you be mine or I yours unless you be despoiled of your own will both inwardly and outwardly? The sooner you do this the better it will be for you, and the more fully and sincerely you do it the more you will please Me and the greater gain you will merit.

Some there are who resign themselves, but with certain reservation; they do not trust fully in God and therefore they try to provide for themselves. Others, again, at first offer all, but afterward are assailed by temptation and return to what they have renounced, thereby making no progress in virtue. These will not reach the true liberty of a pure heart nor the grace of happy friendship with Me unless they first make a full resignation and a daily sacrifice of themselves. Without this no fruitful union lasts nor will last.

I have said to you very often, and now I say again: forsake yourself, renounce yourself and you shall enjoy great inward peace. Give all for all. Ask nothing, demand nothing in return. Trust purely and without hesitation in Me, and you shall possess Me. You will be free of heart and darkness will not overwhelm you.

Strive for this, pray for this, desire this—to be stripped of all selfishness and naked to follow the naked Jesus, to die to self and live forever for Me. Then all vain imaginations, all wicked disturbances and superfluous cares will vanish. Then also immoderate fear will leave you and inordinate love will die.

Dear Lord, help me give up everything for you!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Monday, February 9, 2009

To all parents who have a vocation in their family:

I leave you with this thought by my dear friend Rachel. I will post more on this later. It is an amazing gift and struggle all in the same breath!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

LARGE FAMILIES ROCK!!!

I don't know what I would do without each and every one of my precious kids...I was so happy to read this article this morning!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Sunday, February 8, 2009

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Thirty-Sixth Chapter
The Vain Judgments of Men

The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, trust firmly in the Lord, and do not fear the judgment of men when conscience tells you that you are upright and innocent. For it is good and blessed to suffer such things, and they will not weigh heavily on the humble heart that trusts in God rather than in itself. Many men say many things, and therefore little faith is to be put in them.

Likewise, it is impossible to satisfy all men. Although Paul tried to please all in the Lord, and became all things to all men, yet he made little of their opinions. He labored abundantly for the edification and salvation of others, as much as lay in him and as much as he could, but he could not escape being sometimes judged and despised by others. Therefore, he committed all to God Who knows all things, and defended himself by his patience and humility against the tongues of those who spoke unjustly or thought foolish things and lies, or made accusations against him. Sometimes, indeed, he did answer them, but only lest his silence scandalize the weak.

Who are you, then, that you should be afraid of mortal man? Today he is here, tomorrow he is not seen. Fear God and you will not be afraid of the terrors of men. What can anyone do to you by word or injury? He hurts himself rather than you, and no matter who he may be he cannot escape the judgment of God. Keep God before your eyes, therefore, and do not quarrel with peevish words.

If it seems, then, that you are worsted and that you suffer undeserved shame, do not repine over it and do not lessen your crown by impatience. Look instead to heaven, to Me, Who have power to deliver you from all disgrace and injury, and to render to everyone according to his works.


Dear Lord, Help me only think of you and what you think. Help me to get away from my vain thoughts of what others and the world will think of me. To You be the glory both now and forever!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Saturday, February 7, 2009

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Thirty-Fifth Chapter
There is No Security from Temptation in This Life (part two)

The Voice of Christ


If you look for rest in this life, how will you attain to everlasting rest? Dispose yourself, then, not for much rest but for great patience. Seek true peace, not on earth but in heaven; not in men or in other creatures but in God alone. For love of God you should undergo all things cheerfully, all labors and sorrows, temptations and trials, anxieties, weaknesses, necessities, injuries, slanders, rebukes, humiliations, confusions, corrections, and contempt. For these are helps to virtue. These are the trials of Christ’s recruit. These form the heavenly crown. For a little brief labor I will give an everlasting crown, and for passing confusion, glory that is eternal.

Do you think that you will always have spiritual consolations as you desire? My saints did not always have them. Instead, they had many afflictions, temptations of various kinds, and great desolation. Yet they bore them all patiently. They placed their confidence in God rather than in themselves, knowing that the sufferings of this life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to come. And you—do you wish to have at once that which others have scarcely obtained after many tears and great labors?

Wait for the Lord, act bravely, and have courage. Do not lose trust. Do not turn back but devote your body and soul constantly to God’s glory. I will reward you most plentifully. I will be with you in every tribulation.

Dear Lord, keep me in Your presence. Help me keep you at the center of all my decisions and words. Help me to think before I speak and keep charity in mind at all times!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Friday, February 6, 2009

my three year old can tell time now!!!

"Mom, the clock says it is candy time!!!"

Nice try!!!
Thy will be done!!! +JMJ+

INTERNET SAFETY

Here is a quick six minute video for parents. Some material not appropriate for young children.

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Lifting up prayers for a mom in labor...

Look over here...even one more person is better than none...+JMJ+

Need Fertility help...

Look Here...sounds too good to be true!!!

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Thirty-Fifth Chapter
There is No Security from Temptation in This Life (part one)

The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, in this life you are never safe, and as long as you live the weapons of the spirit will ever be necessary to you. You dwell among enemies. You are subject to attack from the right and the left. If, therefore, you do not guard yourself from every quarter with the shield of patience, you will not remain long unscathed.

Moreover, if you do not steadily set your heart on Me, with a firm will to suffer everything for My sake, you will not be able to bear the heat of this battle or to win the crown of the blessed. You ought, therefore, to pass through all these things bravely and to oppose a strong hand to whatever stands in your way. For to him who triumphs heavenly bread is given, while for him who is too lazy to fight there remains much misery.


Lord please guide me in my daily battles and struggles. Help me to grow stronger and closer to You!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Blogging for Rob...American Idol night...

So sorry...I just can't be that sardonic, but for those of you who missed it and counted on my dear husband...I will give it a shot!!!

My hubby is sick; and asleep... so I am blogging for him

IDOL:

Group night and lots of tears and emotions!!! There are 107 left and lots of desperation!!! Meltdown mania…

Lots of opinions and lots of fake personalities

Exhaustion and fighting


COMMERCIALS:

Skin commercial

Movie

Kay jewelery so cute every kiss began with k


Scrubbing bubbles;


Reese’s commercial-hungry

Verizon-why doesn’t he say Uncle Rickie , doesn’t owe me money…

Car commercial old lady beating-that will be me when I am old-nation wide

Antibiotics-giant

Fructis shampoo-my girls like it cause it smells good and like the Smoothing milk stuff

Acela Amtrak

Fox TV com-lie to me

IDOL:
Hell week

Laughing girl kinda whiny

Bikinis girl is back…should be interesting…clothes are scary…Nice purse…makeup case…teach me what I missed...Total Makeup…looks like she spent two hours just on her makeup

In or out…


COMMERCIALS:
Dry contacts

ATNT mobile; married 38 years…I love you, and this time I mean it ( boy if rob was here you would of got an entire paragraph on this...I don't know if he told you...but, his comment to me often is, "I told you once I love you, and if I change my mind, I'll let you know...) yes-that's the sardonic guy I married!!!

Bulldogs named Steve? -rob would of loved this part of the commercial too...

Color your world eye make up

Coralline

Turbo tax-refund? Have kids

Cartoons for coke-strange-whet happen to good old coke commercials? (ok-I am old)

Madagascar two -haven't seen it yet...we are way too cheap to take 11 kids to the movies when we can get it free at the library or for $1 at RED BOX...

White stripes? Do they work? I would love to use them...I just figure if your pregnant or nursing you can't...just like everything else in the world, and I have been pretty much pregnant and nursing for the past 20 years...

Weird TV commercial about dollhouse show...looks bad-hmmm, no guilt???

BACK TO IDOL...

Kodak theater pressure is on…if you forget the words you are out!!! pretty simple...

100 left…judges say toughest day – they are a little grouchy too...

First group so good!!! I like them, happy and peppy

Others through and more out

Evil eye Paula… Again...rob would of had a hay day with this...I wonder what Paula thinks of them doing that to her eyes...come on she has to say no to someone every once in a while...

Train wreck is coming...

commercials:

I want a quarter pounder!!! Now!!!-why aren’t my driving teenagers here? Pregnant momma wants some food...

pink panther movie-please don't mess with the Pope...

Bubble bath- dove

Eddie with one eye, weird my little kids would freak about this H and R block
Cant believe my eye-OK, kinda funny

Lie to me TV show...not bad, I should pick up on some hints to catch my teenagers...

Fox news morning show

Local news…

Hd tv Comcast

Reveal me face invisible hair removal

Back to Idol:

Simon is cranky!!!

Nice harmony and performance-scary with Danny and their friends

Team diva is up…Bikini girl says she has scoliosis, in her heals...Simon has no sympathy...she is all about me...nice big model smile, with pose and all...I wonder if she was one of those 3 year old girls whose mom dragged around to beauty pageants when she was little??? Again...wish rob saw this...and he thinks he has drama with five daughters and a pregnant wife!!!

Speaking about Drama—that is what Hollywood is all about guys...so I guess this is part of the IDOL plot...to weed out those who can't work well with others and can't handle drama...

COMMERCIALS:

Orange juice-we need it for our colds around here...tho, when we buy the good stuff, my kids can't figure out why it tastes so strong and is so yellow...around here, I water it down so much...hey, every little bit helps!?

Love the bars commercial and the dad with the monkey, it just took me about a year to get it and find all the bars symbolism in the commercial...OK, did you see it?

Movie he is just not that into you...hmmm? we shall see how it rates on Plugged in on Friday...

Kay jewelry you will remember this place-cute, did I ever tell you about Rob proposing to me on a cliff? I will another time...

Football with chunky soup…just can’t get that excited about soup in a can...

Permission to have more…what...kids? No; a car Mazda 3i sport -darn-i was hoping someone would just give us permission about this kid stuff...

Local news…

Hells kitchen…does this guy like anyone? I would like to see him cook for Simon

Lie to me…fox , quote of the night...More popular the kid, the better the liar...hey, I was popular=and I am a horrible liar...My hubby is a great liar, hmmmm, not a quality I really want my husband to have...

IDOL:
Only the strong survive…annoying…laughing girl makes it...I am not sure about her tactics and stress level...hasn't anyone told her to get rid of that horrible laugh?

Hide the belly Nancy… girl needs mercy. She got cut.

I like he goat tee guy( Osmond guy)…too bad


75 made it

Sorry I am not that exciting...pray my sweety gets better soon!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

First Reading from Daily Mass today...

This just really touched me this morning!!!

Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1: Heb 12:4-7, 11-15

Brothers and sisters: In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood. You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children: My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges. Endure your trials as "discipline"; God treats you as his sons. For what "son" is there whom his father does not discipline? At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.

So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God, that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble, through which many may become defiled.


THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Thirty-Fourth Chapter
God is Sweet Above All Things and in All Things to Those Who Love Him (part two)


The wise men of the world, the men who lust for the flesh, are wanting in Your wisdom, because in the world is found the utmost vanity, and in the flesh is death. But they who follow You by disdaining worldly things and mortifying the flesh are known to be truly wise, for they are transported from vanity to truth, from flesh to spirit. By such as these God is relished, and whatever good is found in creatures they turn to praise of the Creator. But great—yes, very great, indeed—is the difference between delight in the Creator and in the creature, in eternity and in time, in Light uncreated and in the light that is reflected.

O Light eternal, surpassing all created brightness, flash forth the lightning from above and enlighten the inmost recesses of my heart. Cleanse, cheer, enlighten, and vivify my spirit with all its powers, that it may cleave to You in ecstasies of joy. Oh, when will that happy and wished-for hour come, that You may fill me with Your presence and become all in all to me? So long as this is not given me, my joy will not be complete.

The old man, alas, yet lives within me. He has not yet been entirely crucified; he is not yet entirely dead. He still lusts strongly against the spirit, and he will not leave the kingdom of my soul in peace. But You, Who can command the power of the sea and calm the tumult of its waves, arise and help me. Scatter the nations that delight in war; crush them in Your sight. Show forth I beg, Your wonderful works and let Your right hand be glorified, because for me there is no other hope or refuge except in You, O Lord, my God.

Dear Lord please hear my plea to enlighten the inmost recesses of my heart!!! Help me to be strong against temptations and my many weaknesses. Give me the words and the wisdom to do YOUR Holy Will!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

TWINS ARE HERE...

Mom is great...two perfect girls...One 5'8 and the other 5'6!!! One cervical and the other c section. Keep one baby in your prayers for a quick NICU visit.

PRAISE GOD!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

On line educational videos...

School vidoes by INGNITE LEARNING on youtube...They have lots of different ones...so far I like them. Of course watch out for a secular view...brings good discussion!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Thirty-Fourth Chapter
God is Sweet Above All Things and in All Things to Those Who Love Him
(part one)

The Disciple
BEHOLD, my God and my all! What more do I wish for; what greater happiness can I desire? O sweet and delicious word! But sweet only to him who loves it, and not to the world or the things that are in the world.

My God and my all! These words are enough for him who understands, and for him who loves it is a joy to repeat them often. For when You are present, all things are delightful; when You are absent, all things become loathsome. It is You Who give a heart tranquillity, great peace and festive joy. It is You Who make us think well of all things, and praise You in all things. Without You nothing can give pleasure for very long, for if it is to be pleasing and tasteful, Your grace and the seasoning of Your wisdom must be in it. What is there that can displease him whose happiness is in You? And, on the contrary, what can satisfy him whose delight is not in You?

O dearest Lord, I am not ashamed to praise You. My God and my all!!! We all want to be all things to all people; but we can't without YOU!!! Please help me to rise to be the person you want me to be!!!

This is part one...to read more click here...or come back tomorrow for the rest!!! +++

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Monday, February 2, 2009

Pray hard...the twins are coming!!!

Please pray with me!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Sponsoring a child...

Sponsor a child today!!! We did this years ago and the kids really enjoyed knowing they were helping a child and hearing how they were doing...time to do it again!!!

Prayers for a sweet pregnant momma...

See here for details...

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

It's a good day when...

In case you haven't heard...I hate Mondays!!! They are even worse when I am pregnant and have had kids with colds all weekend!!! So by the grace of God...I actually cleaned up the foyer, kitchen, and playroom this morning!!! and...won't you know...I got a call from a neighbor (the cleanest one in the neighborhood) who wanted to bring two designers over to see our addition...in FIVE minutes!!!

After I dragged myself off the couch...I was thrilled that it wasn't too bad...(for us!!!)

I also appreciate a day when I can look around my house and see children reading in every corner and three little guys sleeping!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...

The Thirty-Third Chapter
Restlessness of Soul—Directing Our Final Intention Toward God


The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, do not trust in your present feeling, for it will soon give way to another. As long as you live you will be subject to changeableness in spite of yourself. You will become merry at one time and sad at another, now peaceful but again disturbed, at one moment devout and the next indevout, sometimes diligent while at other times lazy, now grave and again flippant.

But the man who is wise and whose spirit is well instructed stands superior to these changes. He pays no attention to what he feels in himself or from what quarter the wind of fickleness blows, so long as the whole intention of his mind is conducive to his proper and desired end. For thus he can stand undivided, unchanged, and unshaken, with the singleness of his intention directed unwaveringly toward Me, even in the midst of so many changing events. And the purer this singleness of intention is, with so much the more constancy does he pass through many storms.

But in many ways the eye of pure intention grows dim, because it is attracted to any delightful thing that it meets. Indeed, it is rare to find one who is entirely free from all taint of self-seeking. The Jews of old, for example, came to Bethany to Martha and Mary, not for Jesus’ sake alone, but in order to see Lazarus.

The eye of your intention, therefore, must be cleansed so that it is single and right. It must be directed toward Me, despite all the objects which may interfere.

As usual...I need to work on my purity of intention!!! Of course my typical nature and pregnancy have caused my house to start to slip away...so, here I go again...start with the basics and clean away!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+