Sunday, February 28, 2010

Movie Review Monday:


I watched My Sister's Keeper this weekend with my 13 and 15 year old daughters.


Hmmm...Not sure it was the best choice. I loved Plugged in reviews. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's gave it this review.


The movie had sad, inappropriate scenes, and bad language. The topic of In vitro fertilisation was pretty much the theme. It did provide for a good discussion with my girls.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Happy Birthday Joseph!!!






To my sweet Joseph!!! You are my sixth child. When you were born we jokingly introduced you as our middle child...little did we know!!! You have a sweet sensitive soul and we love you.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Free Handwriting Sheets:


I could spend all day...I mean night (since I am awake) making these free writing sheets for my little guys learning to write. I made one with what I wanted to say. Actually you can find ton online.

I think I will make one that says, "My mom is totally awesome!!!"

I found out about it at Showers of Roses blog. Now please tell me this...don't you just wish you were one of her kids? This lady is amazing...good thing my husband and kids don't read her blog...they would think I am totally lame!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Friday, February 26, 2010

SPRING CLEANING:


LENT=GOD'S SPRING CLEANING

Here are some "real" spring cleaning tips.

But I really need these:

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE


1. I am the Lord your God. You shall not have strange gods before me.
-Do I give God time every day in prayer? ***
-Do I seek to love Him with my whole heart?
-Have I been involved with superstitious practices or have I been involved with the occult?
-Do I seek to surrender myself to God´s word as taught by the Church?
-Have I ever received communion in the state of mortal sin?
-Have I ever deliberately told a lie in Confession or have I withheld a mortal sin from the priest in Confession?
-Are there other "gods" in my life? Money, Security, Power, People, etc.?

2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
-Have I used God´s name in vain: lightly or carelessly?
-Have I been angry with God?
-Have I wished evil upon any other person?
-Have I insulted a sacred person or abused a sacred object?

3. Remember to keep holy the Lord´s Day.
-Have I deliberately missed Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation?
-Have I tried to observe Sunday as a family day and a day of rest? ***
-Do I do needless work on Sunday?

4. Honor your father and your mother.
-Do I honor and obey my parents?
-Have I neglected my duties to my spouse and children?
-Have I given my family good religious example?
-Do I try to bring peace into my home life?
-Do I care for my aged and infirm relatives? ***

5. You shall not kill.
-Have I had an abortion or encouraged or helped anyone to have an abortion?
-Have I physically harmed anyone?
-Have I abused alcohol or drugs?
-Did I give scandal to anyone, thereby leading him or her into sin?
-Have I been angry or resentful?
-Have I harbored hatred in my heart?
-Have I mutilated myself through any form of sterilization?
-Have I encouraged or condoned sterilization?
-Have I engaged, in any way, in sins against human life such as artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization?
-Have I participated in or approved of euthanasia?

6. You shall not commit adultery.
-Have I been faithful to my marriage vows in thought and action?
-Have I engaged in any sexual activity outside of marriage?
-Have I used any method of contraception or artificial birth control in my marriage?
-Has each sexual act in my marriage been open to the transmission of new life?
-Have I been guilty of masturbation?
-Do I seek to control my thoughts and imaginations?
-Have I respected all members of the opposite sex, or have I thought of other people as mere objects?
-Have I been guilty of any homosexual activity?
-Do I seek to be chaste in my thoughts, words,actions?
-Am I careful to dress modestly?

7. You shall not steal.
-Have I stolen what is not mine?
-Have I returned or made restitution for what I have stolen?
-Do I waste time at work, school, and home? ***
-Do I gamble excessively, thereby denying my family of their needs?
-Do I pay my debts promptly?
-Do I seek to share what I have with the poor?
-Have I cheated anyone out of what is justly theirs, for example creditors, insurance companies, big corporations?

8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
-Have I lied? Have I gossiped?
-Do I speak badly of others behind their back?
-Am I sincere in my dealings with others?
-Am I critical, negative or uncharitable in my thoughts of others? ***
-Do I keep secret what should be kept confidential?
-Have I injured the reputation of others by slanders?

9. You shall not desire your neighbor´s wife.
-Have I consented to impure thoughts?
-Have I caused them by impure reading, movies, television, conversation or curiosity?
-Do I pray at once to banish impure thoughts and temptations?
-Have I behaved in an inappropriate way with members of the opposite sex: flirting, being superficial, etc.?

10. You shall not desire your neighbor´s goods.
-Am I jealous of what other people have?
-Do I envy the families or possessions of others?
-Am I greedy or selfish?
-Are material possessions the purpose of my life?

Wow...Isn't Lent amazing...If I could get my soul and my house in order...All would be well!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Thursday, February 25, 2010

NOTE TO SELF:


Put Christmas stuff all away before Easter.



Thanks to my friend "Mary Poppins" for reminding me 10 months from today is Christmas...
are you sure I just can't keep the Christmas boxes out?



THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

From one mom to another...



This hits a couple of heart strings for me...one being that my first born just turned 20 years old and is graduating from college. The other being a sigh of thankfulness that God has blessed me with lots of other little guys to enjoy!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

WIFE AND MOTHER:


This quote from Pope Pius XII captures the beauty of what a wife and mom can do in the home: "Yes, the wife and mother is the radiant sun of the family. She is the sun by her generosity and gift of self, by her unfailing readiness, by her watchful and prudent delicacy in all matters which can add joy to the lives of her husband and children. She spreads around her light and warmth."

Thanks Father Michael Sliney LC for reminding me!!!



THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

TOY REVIEW TUESDAY:



MAGNA DOODLE : You just can't go wrong with one of these toys!!! Any size will do. The only suggestion I have is the simpler the better. Make sure the "pen" is connected and the less "bling" the better. All the extra stuff is just a pain. Ages: 1-8years.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Monday, February 22, 2010

MOVIE REVIEW MONDAY:


THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
We watched this during the weekend...sometimes parts of it three times!!! All the kids loved it and those who had seen it years ago loved it again!!! Worth the watch!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Sunday, February 21, 2010

GOD SAID MULTIPLY, AND DID SHE EVER:

Check out this article.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

What does your bed look like in the morning???


I was laughing this morning around 7am when my 6 and 4 year old were trying to cuddle with me around the 5month old who was sleeping next to me. Then the 2 year old came bounding in to get in on the fun. My wonderful husband was trying to cover his head and go back to sleep. I laughed at him and said, "what did you do in the morning when you were a kid? Didn't you jump in bed with your parents?" He looked at me with a strange look and said, "I don't remember!" "How can you not remember that?" I asked. Then he looked at me and said with a smirk, "Cause, I didn't JUMP IN BED WITH MY PARENTS till I got married, like you did!!!"

I will leave it at that...cause that's another story. I will leave this post stating that I am the YOUNGEST of nine and I love my parents!!!

Thy will be done!!! +JMJ+

Thursday, February 18, 2010

SMALL SUCCESS THURSDAY:

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that.



1.MADE 5 BATCHES OF this BANANA BREAD.

mine looked like this:

15 c. all-purpose flour
7 1/2 tsp. salt
20 large bananas (the riper the bananas, the better the flavor)
20 eggs
7 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3 3/4 c. Butter flavored Crisco (don't use real butter)
7 1/2 c. sugar
7 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two loaf pans (I used larger loaf pans because that's what I have).

Cream Crisco and sugar together with an electric mixer. Beat in eggs, one at a time.

Mash bananas, then add baking soda to bananas and stir to combine. Add this mixture to the Crisco mixture and mix to combine. Add vanilla and mix to combine.

Sift flour with salt, then mix nuts into the flour. Add this to the banana mixture, again mixing to combine all. Pour an equal amount of batter into each prepared pan and then bake for 60 to 70 minutes. To test by inserting a knife close to the center of the bread. It should come out clean.

2. Got two feet off the top of the van that has been sitting in the driveway...finally.

3.I am making creative snacks with pantry stuff during Lent.

4. I have 10 of my 40 bags out of the house, my kids are getting worried that their next!

Go here for more mom successes.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

+MEDIEVAL TIMES JAN 10,2010+


A very generous friend from our church gave us 8 tickets to Medieval Times for Christmas. We had never been before and were unsure what to expect. It was a real enjoyable time. I would recommend it for families with elementary age kids. They suggest to go early, but I think it is just a ploy to get you to spend unnecessary money before the show. There really isn't a bad seat in the house so it doesn't really matter if you aren't first in line.


My eight and six year old had an amazing magical time


The older ones acted like they didn't...but, they did!!!

The food was great too!!!

MY KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR:


MY KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR:

My five month old has been grabbing my top while nursing.
My two year old thought he was protecting me and pulled his hand away and told him to stop.
It is a good thing I have all these knights in shining armor to protect me!!!



THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

FUNNY LENT VIDEO:


For more funny "safe" videos look here.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

HE LOVES ME...HE LOVES ME NOT...


10 YEAR OLD SON:
"Mom, I am going to write a book. Guess who I am going to dedicate it to. You, mom. And it is going to say, 'To the worlds Greatest Mom!'"

TEENAGE SON:
"I hate living in this house!!!"

HMM...He loves me...he loves me not?

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

MY BABY IS 20!!!

KOLBE'S BAPTISM
SWEET COUPLE

WHO'S THE OLDEST???MY FIVE GIRLS!!!
MY LITTLE HOME MAKER

GREAT BUDDIES
SHOES GALORE
WOW, do I feel old. I mean I was just 20 like last year!!!

To my dear oldest child we are so proud of you and all your amazing accomplishments!!!

Graduating from highschool at 16...Graduating from College at 20...Having a 4.0...dating a terrific guy...Getting into accelerated Grad school...being a great big sister...and super daughter!!!

We love you sweetie...happy 20th birthday!!!

May God shower you with many graces and blessings!!!

The good thing is I only have four teenagers for now.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+





Monday, February 15, 2010

Movie Review Monday:

The 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2009 from Christianity Today

1. Up-loved it!!! For all ages.

directed by Pete Docter
It's got talking dogs piloting fighter planes and a house that floats to South America on the strength of a thousand balloons, but the most outrageous thing about Up? It's a summer blockbuster that's head-over-heels for the joys of marriage. Here lifelong commitment isn't a burden; it's an adventure.—Josh Hurst

2. The Blind Side-haven't seen it yet, heard it is amazing!!!

directed by John Lee Hancock
The Touhys, a well-to-do white family, can't ignore the needs of a homeless African-American boy. Instead of just lending a hand, they make him family. This real-life story of NFL player Michael Oher shows a great example of Christian compassion. We can't save the world, but we can love the ones God puts in our path.—Camerin Courtney

3. Invictus-never heard of it+

directed by Clint Eastwood
This is much more than just another sports movie or "another Clint Eastwood awards season movie." It's a beautiful portrait of forgiveness and a model for how reconciliation can happen in reality, and how politics can employ things like sports and poetry in the service of national renewal.—Brett McCracken

4. The Road-never heard of it+

directed John Hillcoat
Despite the bleak and sometimes terrifying post-apocalyptic milieu, this film—based on the book by Cormac McCarthy—stands out from other recent end-times flicks in its tenacious, audacious insistence on hope in the midst of darkness. Plus it's one of the most loving father-son relationships ever depicted on the big screen.—Mark Moring

5. The Soloist-never heard of it+

directed by Joe Wright
This true tale of the unlikely relationship between a newspaper columnist and a musically gifted, mentally ill homeless man is a testament to the power of friendship. There are no easy answers here and the homeless problem among the mentally ill is clearly epidemic, but for both of these men, care and companionship are transformative.—Lisa Cockrel

6. Where the Wild Things Are-heard it was lame...

directed by Spike Jonze
Jonze reimagines Maurice Sendak's tale of high-spirited rebellion as a meditation on childhood insecurity in a messy world in which nothing—families, forests, even the Sun—lasts forever. Wild Things knows both a child's drowning sense of trying to hold together a broken family and the comfort of a mother's embrace, a calm center in a storm of uncertainty.—Steven D. Greydanus

7. District 9-never heard of it+

directed by Neil Blomkamp
Using aliens and spaceships, District 9 actually gives new perspective on humans—their ugliness, racism, and greedy self-preservation. Perhaps because it shows a realistically dark world, we can see what shines. And because the main character is a complex mash-up of good and evil, his ultimate redemptive choice is powerful.—Todd Hertz

8. The Hurt Locker-never heard of it+

directed by Kathryn Bigelow
A group of soldiers spend their days in combat and their nights shooting it out in video games; they see violence as macho and cool, but we see it as a deadly addiction. A lot of war movies turn our hearts to anger, but this one fills us with compassion for the people whose lives are caught in the crossfire.—Josh Hurst

9. Julie & Julia-loved it, older audiences

directed by Nora Ephron
It's rare to see happy marriages portrayed in Hollywood—after all, no tension is boring. In contrast, Julie & Julia presents us with not one, but two marriages in which the husbands and wives genuinely love one another and stand ready to support, encourage, and laugh together. A feast, indeed.—Alissa Wilkinson

10. Up in the Air-never heard of it+

directed by Jason Reitman
The core characters may not always behave honorably, but that's the point of this cautionary parable about investing more in selfish pursuits than in relationships. How sadly ironic that Ryan Bingham so skillfully helps others find hope and meaning in unemployment, yet can't find any in his own cocoon—though there's hope even for him.—Russ Breimeier

The Ones That Got Away

Avatar (Russ Breimeier)-supposed to be good, but not for real young children
Sin Nombre (Lisa Cockrel)-never heard of it+
Crazy Heart (Camerin Courtney)-never heard of it+
Coraline (Brandon Fibbs)-never heard of it+
The 13th Day (Steven D. Greydanus)-never heard of it+
Precious (Todd Hertz)-never heard of it+
A Serious Man (Josh Hurst)-never heard of it+
Bright Star (Brett McCracken)-never heard of it+
Earth (Mark Moring)-never heard of it+
The Young Victoria (Alissa Wilkinson)-never heard of it+

Send me your favorite movie ideas+

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Sunday, February 14, 2010

TO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE:

My 20th High School Reunion
TO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE:

My high school sweetheart and the man of my dreams. What can I say? When I was 16 I prayed to God for Him to send you to me and then you came. You complete me and are helping me be the woman God created me for. When you asked me to marry you and said ,"who else would give you 10 kids and a dog ?" I joked and said, "kill the dog and make it 11 kids!!!" We were married that year, got pregnant on our honeymoon and just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary with twelve kids!!!

I am so blessed that you provide for our family letting me stay home with our children and homeschool them. Your love and support with keeping the house together, grocery shopping, cooking, and finding time to read to the kids is so meaningful to me. You especially inspired me over the years like when you opened a Christian Bookstore because you felt like God was calling you to totally trust in Him. Then you quit your job when I was expecting, to run it full time knowing that God would provide for your growing family. The faith you show daily amazes those around you .

Your wit and love of your family is contageous. When you made the goal to run a marathon and then an ironman you made us all so proud. I embrace and thank God for each day we grow old together and help each other grow closer to what God has called us to.

Thank you for being my soul mate and best friend.

Our 20th Wedding Anniversary

+Love your bride+

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Saturday, February 13, 2010

OUR SNOW FEB 6-10TH 2010

THE DRIVEWAY
MY HUSBAND WHO WAS OUT RUNNING
MY SON SCOOPING SNOW OFF THE ROOF
MY DAUGHTER USING ICICLES TO HOLD UP HER HAIR
OUR DOOR LESS SCREENED IN PORCH
FRONT YARD
DIGGING OUT-NOW IF WE COULD JUST FIND MY FOUR YEAR OLDS BOOT!!!
UP ON TOP
HAD ENOUGH
ON THE THIRD STEP FEELIN' BRAVE!!!
We have had about 3feet of snow...and I am loving it. My husband on the other hand, well he is sick of it. I hear were going to get more-I say bring it on!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Thursday, February 11, 2010

VALENTINE'S DAY and true love:




Just found this really cool blog called Catholic Icing and this cute easy craft. Check out all the neat stuff she has going on over there!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+


Meditation of the Day: Imitation of Christ-

I left off here with my last Imitation of Christ meditation. I was starting book four AN INVITATION TO HOLY COMMUNION. Which is perfect timing since we are going to try and get back to daily mass this Lent. For those of you who want to learn more about the Eucharist I suggest this book THE SEVEN SECRETS OF THE EUCHARIST. It is a small book filled with tons of great insights on the "new awareness that the Eucharist is not just about receiving Communion; it's about transforming your daily life."

The First Chapter
The Great Reverence With Which We Should Receive Christ
(part one)
The Disciple

THESE are all Your words, O Christ, eternal Truth, though they were not all spoken at one time nor written together in one place. And because they are Yours and true, I must accept them all with faith and gratitude. They are Yours and You have spoken them; they are mine also because You have spoken them for my salvation. Gladly I accept them from Your lips that they may be the more deeply impressed in my heart.

Words of such tenderness, so full of sweetness and love, encourage me; but my sins frighten me and an unclean conscience thunders at me when approaching such great mysteries as these. The sweetness of Your words invites me, but the multitude of my vices oppresses me.

You command me to approach You confidently if I wish to have part with You, and to receive the food of immortality if I desire to obtain life and glory everlasting.

Come to me,” You say, “all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you.” Matt. 11:28.

Oh, how sweet and kind to the ear of the sinner is the word by which You, my Lord God, invite the poor and needy to receive Your most holy Body! Who am I, Lord, that I should presume to approach You? Behold, the heaven of heavens cannot contain You, and yet You say: “Come, all of you, to Me.”

I have never felt closer to Christ than when I am in union with Him in the Eucharist on a daily basis. Due to different states in life (hmmm, having 12 kids comes to mind), I can't always be at daily mass. I see a huge change in our family and kids when we make the sacrifice to get to daily mass. When we don't get there I try to do a small spiritual communion during the day as much as possible. Usually it goes like this, "LORD, I AM NOT WORTHY TO RECEIVE YOU, BUT ONLY SAY THE WORD AND I WILL BE HEALED." Here is a nice one:

Spiritual Communion Prayer

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

God bless the parents who drugged us:

A different drug problem...
By Randy and Melanie Bordelon

The following letter has appeared on the internet and was viewed by many readers. Many felt it would be appropriate for the readers of Avoyelles Parish.
The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in a old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, "Why didn’t we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?"
I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn’t put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me. I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s garden and flower beds and cockle burs out of dad’s fields. I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to now the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood, and if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today’s children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place.

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

TRUE LOVE...


TRUE LOVE is what brings us here today!!!

I just love this photo from my 20th high school reunion.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Have you ever heard of WhitSunday?



We were doing our school work today...yes my homeschoolers have to do school even tho the entire town is closed due to the 3 feet of snow outside.

So for handwriting today it talked about WhitSunday so we looked here and found out a new fact. This site always has lots of info too. It is also the name of some islands.


We love homeschooling!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Movie Review Monday-on Tuesday:

We just watched
Land Before Time it is an oldie but a goody, if your kids like sad dinosaur movies. I haven't watched them in years and forgot how sad they are. My kids wanted to know how many series their were we guessed seven...then looked it up. Wow!!!

* 1 The Land Before Time (1988)
* 2 The Land Before Time II: The Great Valley Adventure (1994)
* 3 The Land Before Time III: Time of the Great Giving (1995)
* 4 The Land Before Time IV: Journey through the Mists (1996)
* 5 The Land Before Time V: The Mysterious Island (1997)
* 6 The Land Before Time VI: The Secret of Saurus Rock (1998)
* 7 The Land Before Time VII: The Stone of Cold Fire (2000)
* 8 The Land Before Time VIII: The Big Freeze (2001)
* 9 The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water (2002)
* 10 The Land Before Time X: The Great Longneck Migration (2003)
* 11 The Land Before Time XI: Invasion of the Tinysauruses (2004)
* 12 The Land Before Time XII: The Great Day of the Flyers (2007)
* 13 The Land Before Time XIII: The Wisdom of Friends (2007)

The Land Before Time (1988
In the film that started it all, the original five main characters are born. Later in the movie, an earthquake separates them from their families, and they set off to reunite with them in the fabled Great Valley, though dangers such as famine, competition, Sharptooth and other predators, as well as their own differences get in the way.

The Land Before Time II: The Great Valley Adventure (1994)
In the second movie, the characters have made it to the Great Valley, and are living a peaceful life together, until two egg nappers (Struthiomimuses) named Ozzy & Strut come and try to steal an egg from Ducky's nest. When the gang try to rescue the egg, they succeed, but also end up with a surprise from the Mysterious Beyond and then they find the wrong egg and its a sharp tooth egg.

The Land Before Time III: Time of the Great Giving
The gang has trouble with some bullies. Also one day the water in the Great Valley stops flowing. Which means shortage for everyone. The gang sets out to try to find some water or the reason why it stopped flowing.

The Land Before Time IV: Journey through the Mists (1996)
A herd of farwalker longnecks visits the valley. Littlefoot meets a girl longneck of about his age named Ali. So Littlefoot's grandfather gets sick and Littlefoot must set out with Ali to get the Nightflower, the only thing that can save his grandfather.

The Land Before Time V: The Mysterious Island (1997)
Leaf gobblers appear and eat all of the green food in the Great Valley. The gang set out to find green food so their herds will not break up. While doing this they wind up on an island and meet a friend they have not seen in a while.

The Land Before Time VI: The Secret of Saurus Rock (1998)
A large longneck appears in the valley. Littlefoot and his friends accidentally break off one of the stone teeth of Saurus Rock. Bad luck seems to descend upon the valley. Littlefoot sets out to set things right, with help from his friends.

The Land Before Time VII: The Stone of Cold Fire (2000)
Littlefoot sees a stone of cold fire one night, but no one else did. They valley has some visitors, among them Petrie's uncle and some rainbowfaces that seem to talk in riddles. Ducky is taken captive and the gang set out to save her from her captors who have set out to capture the stone of cold fire for themselves.

The Land Before Time VIII: The Big Freeze (2001)
Some spiketail farwalkers visit the valley. During their visit snow falls upon the valley, called ground sparkles by the lbt folks. Spike decides to go with the spiketails. Ducky sets out to bring Spike back and the gang set out to save Ducky.

The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water (2002)
During the time when it rains a lot more water then usual falls upon the Great Valley. So much that it brings to the Great Valley a new friend who they meet. But also a danger as well. The new friend does not know the way back to the big water and so the gang set out to take him back home to the big water.

The Land Before Time X: The Great Longneck Migration (2003)
Littlefoot has odd dreams. He finds out his grandparents have also and it means they must set out and travel to a destination they have not seen. His friends set out after he has left to catch up. But a surprise is in store for Littlefoot once he reaches their destination.

The Land Before Time XI: Invasion of the Tinysauruses (2004)
It is almost time for the Great Valley herd to have some of the tree sweets. Something knocks them down and it is discovered some tiny dinos have moved into the Great Valley. Littlefoot makes some new friends, and must make a difficult decision.

The Land Before Time XII: The Great Day of the Flyers (2007)
It is an important time for Petrie, showing he can fly with his family. Also Cera learns some news concerning her family. While this occurs they also meet a new friend, but what is he, no one knows, not even him.

The Land Before Time XIII: The Wisdom of Friends (2007)
Some Yellow Bellies appear in the Great Valley. They are trying to find their way to Berry Valley. The gang sets out to help them find their way there.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Friday, February 5, 2010

Our Family Lenten Ideas:

I had an amazing group of women at my house for a mom's night out and we had a great lady give a pep talk for LENT. After her talk we all started talking about our "best" Lenten resolutions. That night I went to bed thinking OK, how am I going to pick one, they are all so great!

So the HOLY SPIRIT gave me the idea to write down all the ideas and make them family friendly so I could put them in a jar so my family could pick one a day and try to accomplish the task, then when completed we would put the piece of paper on a paper cross on the wall.

So this is what we will try this Lent: (please send me your ideas so I can add them and take away what won't work for you and your family)

Decorate for Lent
Make a special Lenten Prayer for dinner and use it during Lent
Put out a jar for donations to your favorite charity
Try to play some Lenten music today
Read a book to yourself or someone else for 10 min
Have quiet time for 5 min
Don’t eat between meals today
Limit computer to only absolute necessities today
Spend 10 min with someone who needs a friend today
Help someone clean their room today
Read the daily readings for today
Go to daily mass once this week
Play a game with someone today
Go for a quick walk today
Light a candle for someone in need today
Light a candle for the unborn today
Say a quick prayer for someone you know who is sick
Make someone a treat today
Write a letter to someone today
Invite someone over to dinner this week
Make someone a snack today (corporal work of mercy)
Make someone a drink today (corporal work of mercy)
Help someone get dressed today (corporal work of mercy)
Donate a blanket to a shelter or charity that helps the homeless (corporal work of mercy)
Visit a hospital, a sick friend, or a nursing home this week (corporal work of mercy)
Send a card to a prison ministry or to a police officer in thanks for keeping the community safe (c.w.m.)
Visit a cemetery or send a note of sympathy to someone who just lost a loved one (corp. work of mercy)
Gently council someone to be holy today (spiritual works of mercy)

Help someone calmly to do school work this week (spiritual works of mercy)
Answer kindly someone who ask you questions today (spiritual works of mercy)
Comfort a friend, neighbor, or relative today (spiritual works of mercy)
Be patient today with someone who is bothering you (spiritual works of mercy)
Say you’re sorry, ask for forgiveness, or forgive someone today (spiritual works of mercy)
Pray for the dead or those who will die today (spiritual works of mercy)
Pray for someone who feels discouraged today
Help someone who is learning a new skill (reading, tying shoes) or teach a new skill
Tell a story about when you were little at dinner today
Help tuck in and sing someone a song tonight
Give someone hugs and kisses to someone today
Sit and talk with someone one to one with no distractions and keep eye contact
Take someone out this week for a special time
Eat a healthy snack today
Plan a special activity for Sunday
At dinner have everyone say one nice thing that happened today
Spend five minutes tonight talking to someone
Play outside for 10 minutes today
Cuddle under a blanket and watch a favorite show or movie with someone this week
Leave special messages in someone’s lunch bag or special spot
When you correct someone today do it quietly, gently, and lovingly
Tonight write down five things you are thankful for
Give up TV or a special activity one day this week
Say something nice about everyone at dinner tonight
Make someone else’s bed today
Do the Stations of the Cross today
Wake up early tomorrow and have some quiet time with Jesus
Go to bed early tonight
Make a nice dinner
Make a nice lunch
Make a special breakfast this week
Get out of bed right away one morning this week
Exercise fifteen minutes today
Drink five glasses of water today
Say a decade of the rosary today
Say a rosary with someone this week
Clean a closet out this week
Pray with someone today
Clean something for fifteen minutes today
Pray for your god parents today
Dress extra nice today
Fix your hair today
Smile as much as possible today

Say a good Act of Contrition
Give away something
Make a secret sacrifice
Clean someones room for 10 min
Bring a neighbor a treat
Send a note or draw a picture for someone
Pray for someone who annoys you
Drink only water today
Turn the heat down today
Write down a bible verse from the "Passion" gospel
Cook a special Lenten food (pretzels, hot cross buns, look here, or here)
Or these ideas I posted last year.

Make a Spiritual Communion today:
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

There are tons of ideas here!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Super Easy Dips:

I only cook easy things especially things with less than five ingredients:

Go to Faith and Family for more Super Bowl recipes!!!


Well, since we are snowed in and I have 3 extra teenage boys here till the snow is gone...we will be eating everything in the house. But, we always have the ingredients for the worlds easiest Dips:

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) cream cheese
1 can no-bean chili (or bean if you like)
10 ounces shredded cheese (any kind)

Directions
*Grease a 9" square pan.
*Spread softened cream cheese in pan.
*Spread chili on top.
*Sprinkle cheese on top.
*Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until hot or do in microwave in glass square pan for about 7 minutes.

This is one of our favorites too (of course I use left over cooked chicken or turkey)
Blue Cheese Chicken Wing Dip
Ingredients:
*2 cups cooked shredded chicken
*1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle hot chicken wing sauce
*6 tablespoons butter
*1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese,softened
*1 (16 ounce) bottle blue cheese dressing

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Mix chicken and wing sauce and butter
3. Spread cream cheese over the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking dish. Pour chicken mixture over cream cheese. Top with dressing.
4. Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until hot and bubbly.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Thursday, February 4, 2010

WHAT WAS I THINKING???

I went to the grocery store tonight with a snow warning of approx two feet coming tomorrow!!! Why, you ask? Well, partly because my husband said I was crazy and there was going to be no more food and partly because that's what people do when the snow is coming!

Well he was pretty accurate...My 13 year old and I went with our list, big van, and a mission on hand. We went to the first store...no parking, people in lines around the store, and only 8 gallons of milk left. Never in my shopping career have I seen a store so busy!!! Way crazier than the day before Thanksgiving. I only shop very early or very late so I never see anyone anyway.

So I said no way let's go across the road to the other store. We got to the other store...no parking, no carts, people down the isles waiting in line...but, they had milk and I got the last 4 cartons of eggs. We got 10 gal of milk and everything else on our list and went to get in line.

Waited in line for about 20 minutes and met really nice people. Finally one guy asked..."why do you have 10 gal of milk?" I said, "I have 12 kids." "That's great!" Then the other lady said, "that's wonderful and great for the economy!" Wow, little did I know I would have my own cheering section at the grocery store!!!


Well I made it out of there unharmed and a van full of food. And yes, as usual my husband was right!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Did you know?

Feb 2 is the day the Catholic Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord. When Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem and offered the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

Did you know that all the consecrated persons throughout the world renew their vows today.

I guess in honor of Simeon and Anna at the temple.

Pretty Cool!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Toy Review Tuesday:

Crayola Digital Camcorder



My two sons (ages 8 & 10) used their paper route Christmas bonus to buy these.

The indoor pictures are kinda dark and not real clear, but the outside ones are good and they have had a ton of fun using them.

Worth the $40 they paid for them, but I wouldn't pay more or get anything too fancy.
Picture he took inside

A picture of himself in the mirror

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+