Thy Will Be Done...

Monday, March 4, 2013

Lenten Blessings:

One of the things we gave up for Lent was TV from Monday till Friday.

We lived without a TV for 10 years...

boy, those WERE the days!

But that horrible machine came into the house and took over...

WE started saying no TV on school nights...

but when you homeschool and have three college kids...

what exactly is a school night?

First it was a sport, than a cooking show, and oh the educational stuff...

well, it was on more and more!

The kids have loved doing puzzles.

They have loved them so much that I asked for some on FREECYCLE

and I got eight great ones in one day!!!

They also have been pulling out games we haven't played for years...

and reading!!!

Wow, I love to see my kids read!!!

Joseph, got this Smog Hobbit puzzle for his birthday...this started off the puzzle marathon!

Some other Lenten benefits:

My 16 year old gave up eating junk food for Lent so

she has been cooking up a storm of yummy healthy treats!

Each year we give up sweets and I actually love seeing them find alternative creative treats!

I know Lent isn't always about giving up stuff-

but in our desire for worldly things we grasp on to Our Lord for help!

I did stop our TV fast for this:

God Bless the Cardinals as they beg the HOLY SPIRIT for wisdom!

This ADOPT A CARDINAL site was a fun site for my kids!

Another Lenten commitment was to go to bed earlier for everyone...

so GOOD NIGHT I am off to bed!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+

Thursday, February 28, 2013

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSEPH!

Happy Birthday...everyone needs a Joseph...

you are such a great big brother and are one of the gang with the big kids.

One of the best lines I ever said was when you were born...

I was 30 years old and you were our 6th child...

when we introduced you to others we would say,

"This is Joseph, our middle child!"

WE were kinda joking but when we had baby 11 we all had a good laugh!

You have been a good son and we hope that you continue to grow closer to Christ each day!

KEEP THE FAITH!!!

YOUR BUDDY and oldest sister!!!

Eric your little shadow

Kolbe your pal

Barbara your big sister and partner in crime

Joshua and Eric your fellow Italians!!!

FIRST COMMUNION

Da Boyz!

The year it was your turn to pick out the "The Tree"

The Fam

Your kindred spirit!!!

Nice Hat...with your IRON MAN DADDY!!!

Have fun with your new phone!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

CELL PHONE RULES:

Cell Phone Rules (found them here and gave them a little tweak to meet my needs)

When our children turn 15 they get a phone. They pay for it and all services by themselves.

1. Phone Number: Do not give your phone number to anyone who is not a close family friend without Mom or Dad's permission first.

2. Caller ID: Do not answer any calls or reply to any texts unless you know who it is (Caller ID). Always answer when Mom or Dad call, unless you are driving.

3. Extras: No downloads ("Get It Now") or using the Internet ("Web") without permission ahead of time -- this costs extra.

4. At Night: Phone MUST be turned off by 10pm each evening and left in mom and dad’s room for charging. It stays off till the next morning after you're ready for school and/or chores are done.

5. Pictures: Sending pictures to anyone requires permission by Mom or Dad first, for now. If you receive any pictures from friends that make you uncomfortable, tell Mom or Dad about it. No taking inappropriate pictures of ANY KIND!

6. At School: Phone must be on "silent mode" during school hours and left in your backpack. The phone cannot be used at school during school hours unless you have your teacher's approval first.

7. Off Limits: No cell phone till your homework and jobs are done after and during family times (dinner, family night, etc).

8. Contact List: You can only call or text those who are on your contact list. Any additions to your contact list must be approved by Mom or Dad.

9. Inspection: Mom & Dad can request to inspect your phone at any time. (ANY PASSWORDS must be given to us)

10. Time Out: Remember this is our phone...If any of the above rules are broken, or you have a bad attitude, Mom or Dad may put the phone on "time-out" for as long as we feel it is necessary.

I am sure there will be more to add in the future.

Dear Lord, please protect my children. Help them see no evil, say no evil, and hear no evil, all the days of their lives...and if they do help them to have the courage to get to confession as soon as possible!!!

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Looking for a Good Catholic College Program???

Thinking about Stuebenville? Christendom? University of Dallas? You probably never thought University of Md would be a choice...

Two of my college kids attend daily and weekly activities at the CATHOLIC STUDENT CENTER at University of MD. They have about 40 to 60 kids at daily mass everyday. They have four FOCUS missionaries on Staff as well as a rocking holy Priest.

The students there find activities that are fun but holy or evangelistic...here is my son and a group of guys wearing suits to support the Catholic Basketball coach Mark Turgeon.

***on a side note...the kid doing the Harlem Shuffle showing his stomach-does not attend the Catholic Student Center ;)

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+