Library:

Years ago, my oldest daughter had the opportunity to show off her Lady Bug display at the library in their display case. Not remembering how important she felt...I never thought about asking again to do a display. Well, my eight and five year old daughters rush to the display cases and love seeing what "topic" is being shared with each month. So all I did was ask and they said we could have the floor case in November and the corner case in Dec. The girls were so thrilled.




THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Slow and Steady...

My marathoner/Iron Man husband woke up this morning to wish me luck on my kinda first race. (He talked me into one when we were dating when I was 18) His advice: Be the TURTLE...slow and steady!!!

Then I sat to have my morning devotion to see what the Lord had to say. I opened my Small Steps for Catholic Moms book for Oct 30th...

This is what it said:

THINK:
"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose you inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset." St Francis De Sales

PRAY:
When I rush, I forget you, Lord. As many times as you need to today, push my "pause button." Slow my steps and turn my heart toward you.
ACT:
Any time a child seeks your attention today, stop what you are doing and give it. Turn off the computer, hang up the phone, put down the dish towel, and listen. Through that small voice, God is speaking to you.

Well, what can I say? Running the Marian Corps 10K for VOCATIONS was great. I finished in 59.38. I froze my toes off. i had some great praise and worship music on and didn't kill myself. I was happy I didn't need to walk. Over all I am happy I did it.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

RUN FOR VOCATIONS:

I am doing my first Run for Vocations 10k tomorrow morning...I ran a 10k about 24 years ago when I was young and dating my husband...I think I thought I was gonna die...well, now I am 43 and gave birth to 12 kids and for some reason I am gonna do it!!!

About 6 months ago someone asked me if I was gonna run it...I said, "No, I will hopefully be pregnant!" No luck...so I am running.

So nervous...this is not my safe little treadmill at the gym with controlled weather and my stuff right next to me...crazy weather...what to wear...what not to wear...Good Night...Pray for me!!!

UPDATE:
finished...very cold...59.38 min

THY WILL BE DONE!!!

scarf tutorial:

Thanks to Danielle Bean for linking this:



THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

PERFECT?

I was meditating on "the perfect life" this morning...

If I was perfect...
If my husband was perfect...
If my kids were perfect...
If my house was perfect...
If my neighborhood was perfect...
If my church was perfect...
If my friends were perfect...

There would be no desire for HEAVEN...

No striving for being a better person...
A better wife...
A better mom...
A better housekeeper...
A better neighbor...
A better Christian...
A better friend...

Suffering is a part of every ones life...it is what you do with it that makes you different...we must embrace the struggles to become a better person and change the world around us. It takes starting over each day with Christ on your side to help you through. May God grant me the strength and wisdom to be the best (not perfect) person I can be!!! With me, it especially means keeping my mouth shut and my ears open to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

College Debt Free:

"I am a college senior about to graduate completely debt free.I pay for all of my living expenses by working 30+ hours a week making barely above minimum wage.I chose a moderately priced in-state public university.I started saving $ for school at age 17.I got decent grades in high school & received 2 scholarships which cover 90% of my tuition.I currently have a 3.8 GPA.I live comfortably in a cheap apartment knowing I can’t have everything I want. I don’t eat our every day or even once a month. I have no credit card, new car, iPad, or smart phone — and I’m perfectly OK with that.If I did have debt I would not blame Wall Street or the Government for my own bad decisions.I live beneath my means to continue saving for the future.I expect nothing to be handed to me, and will continue to work my @$$ off for everything I have.That’s how it’s supposed to work."

I am not sure of the story behind this photo, someone sent it to me...and it made me think of my oldest child...

I am a big believer in Community Colleges and State Schools for a number of reasons. I know many people who have postponed having more children due to college dept. It is also a hinder to anyone interested in becoming a priest or religious, for you must be dept free to enter. I went to a Community College then got a scholarship to a State College. I worked part and full time since I was 13. I bought my own car and I lived simply. I don't think I ever missed a college class, except for the March For Life. My husband on the other hand, went to an expensive college and was paid an allowance each month from his parents...he missed class all the time and didn't appreciate his academics. Not that all students do that...just a typical example.

I would love my kids to go to a Private School or Catholic College...but it is not worth going into dept to get there. It is hard to live in our means but in the long run our family benefits from it and learn a valuable lesson.

So far my four oldest have gone to community college and the oldest one just graduated with her masters and did a special program that they paid for her schooling. The second two are at state colleges. One commutes and the other is working hard to pay for his school and living on campus for the time being. The fourth is commuting to a community college. They all work some type of job.

So far...so good...

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

ONE IN CHRIST:

Ephesians 4:1-6

Unity of the Spirit
1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

+AMEN+

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

St Teresa of Avila

St. Teresa of Avila
(1515-1582)

Let nothing trouble you,
let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who possesses God lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.

Twice baked potatoes:

Our Aldi's had 10 lb bags of potatoes for $2.49 this week...I bought about 5 of them...we have been trying all sorts of potato recipes!!! Have any to share?

One of my favorite things my mom used to make were twice baked potatoes...they seemed so difficult, but I found this easy recipe here:

•4 large baking potatoes, scrubbed and micro-waved for 10 minutes or until tender

•1 cup plain yogurt/sour cream

•1 cup shredded Colby jack cheese

•½ cup Parmesan cheese

•4 slices turkey bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

•1 teaspoon garlic salt

•1 teaspoon onion powder

•1 teaspoon dried parsley

•¼ teaspoon black pepper

•1 teaspoon dried chives

1. Cut potatoes in half and scoop out the insides, leaving the skins intact.

2. Mix potato fluff, and rest of ingredients in an electric mixer with the cookie paddle.

3. Fill the potato skins with the cheese mixture and place right side up on cookie sheet till tops are brown.

4.For darker color on the tops you can place them under the broiler for a few minutes just before serving.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Wanting a Baby...

THIS IS ME PREGNANT WITH MY 11 POUNDER!!! WOW, I WAS HUGE...



"THY WILL BE DONE"...everyone keeps reminding me..."You have 12 wonderful, healthy children"...everyone keeps reminding me..."Be grateful for what you have"...everyone keeps reminding me..."You are 43"...everyone keeps reminding me..."You might be a grandma soon"...everyone keeps reminding me...."You just lost all that weight"...everyone keeps reminding me..."Twelve is a great number"...everyone keeps reminding me..."Your other kids need you"...everyone keeps reminding me..."Appreciate what you have"...everyone keeps reminding me...and the comments go on and on...

Well, I agree with every single comment...but, deep down inside, I am aching for another baby.

I am trying to figure out if I just let the Will of God be...or if I should continue to beg God to bless us with another...Well, I do...with the understanding that I accept His will and know He has great plans for our family.

I give you thanks Dear Lord, for my husband and my family. Thank you for always doing what is best for us. Help me accept and embrace Your Holy Will in our lives and be the best wife and mother I can be.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+