Cheap thrills????

 So we were building towers the other night, I swear sometimes we do the silliest things around here. Anyhow, Dad was the winner but Evelyn was the close second and the first one to even come close. Woo Hoo!

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Tony Dancing at OneTrueMedia.com

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Happy Birthday dear Mother Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace the Lord is with Thee, Blessed art thou amongst woman and Blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. 

Walk joyously through life. If at times you cannot, at least walk with faith and courage. ~St. Francis de Sales


This quote really stuck with me today.  Its amazing how sometimes someone will send you a quote or a story and you can relay it directly into your life at that exact moment.  We feel we were hit with a heavy cross today, but think we have handled it with as much faith and courage as possible.  A almost perfect job passed by us, and we made a tough choice, we chose God.  We chose the right example to our children, we chose the right way to live, but it still stings.  We were faced with a choice of a good paying job or Steve to attend Mass on Sundays, we chose the Holy Sacrament of the Mass. 
 
I could imagine the worry on Evelyn's face, at the thought of her Daddy not going to Mass, the example to Joseph who one day may be a father who has to do what's best for the whole family, the teen age daughters that we pray will always stay strong in their faith and what that example could mean, the little ones that may not one day remember the last time Daddy went to church with them, and the hardship that would cause for a man who has devoted his life to making the moral and right choices for his family.  And to me, the stregnth we have together as one, not part of one.  
 
So I'm in one way pleased that we seem to weather this latest storm, on to the next one.  We both ended the day with a chuckle, as we thought about Evelyn when I said, "Well one day we'll get this all figured out, and if we don't....we'll be dead"  hahahaha!  I could so see Eveie saying something like that.  
 
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in Thee. 

Week-end News

We had a wonderful week-end.  Steve's sister and husband came to visit and completely spoiled the kids with new coats and sweaters ready for winter, they are from North Dakota so they understand cold!  haha.  It was a nice visit and way overdue and I loved hearing about our neice and nephews! 

Anyhow, it was a nice week-end.  We went shopping on Saturday which by the way is something I always wanted to do with his sister (too bad I didnt' have any money. haha) and then Sunday a nice day going to the park and the kids got two rounds of swimming at the hotel swimming pool.  Uncle Jeri was quite the hit as he was throwing and dunking them in the pool.  I think Steve and Jeri had way too much fun, torturing those kids. haha.  And Aunt  Debby is always a hit with her yummy treats she has ready for the kids. 

Anyway, I will download pic's tomorrow.  It really was a nice time. 

Power of 3!

About a year ago we did  a project on my Catholic List, and all the members contributed.  The goal was to find as many things to do with 3 in referance to the Catholic Faith.  This is quite an impressive list! 

1. God made man in His image and likeness as a triune being: 1. body (shell) 2. soul(emotions, intellect, will) 3. spirit (life)

2. The fingerprints of God are found throughout human anatomy as seen in the many groups of

of three within its design. For example, skin is the largest organ

of the body and consists of

three layers: 1. epidermis 2. dermis 3. hypodermis

3. The Bible states that "God is light"( 1 John 1:5). There are three

properties of light: 1. actinic 2. calorific 3. luminiforous

4. There are three phases of matter: 1. solids 2. liquids 3. gases

5. Water, the greatest quantity of the phases of matter on earth, has

three molecules.

6. There are three basic dimensions: 1. length 2. width 3. depth

7. There are three primary colors: 1. yellow 2. red 3. blue

8. The divisions of time are in groups of three: 1. years 2. months 3.

days 1. hours 2. minutes 3. seconds

9. There are three realms in nature: 1. mineral 2. vegetable 3. animal

10. The smallest particle of matter, the atom, has three basic

components: 1. electrons 2. protons 3. neutrons

11. The earth is composed of three concentric layers: 1. crust 2. mantle 3. core

12. The earth has a big number 3 stamped on it, as it were, since it is

the third planet from the

sun. That a big bang in the distant past placed the earth in this

perfect position from the

sun where it can sustain life is ludicrous and absurd to the

highest degree.

13. In deep space, in the Eagle Nebula, there are three immense pillars six trillion miles long

consisting of interstellar hydrogen gas and dust. Etc.



The facts concerning God's numerical signature not only demonstrate

His existence but also

hammers the final coffin nail into the theory of evolution. "The fool

hath said...there is no God"

(Psalm 14:1). Almighty God, the architect of the universe, is the

controller of time, matter and space. Unfortunately, the only things He doesn't control are the lives of men who refuse to repent and believe the

gospel.







3 Divine Persons in the Blessed Trinity

3 people in the Holy Family

3 days in the sepulcher (before the Resurrection)

3 days the Child Jesus was missing

3 tabernacles/tents for Jesus, Moses, Elias

3 days Jonah was in the whale

3 nails

3 falls on His way to Calvary

3 times Peter denied Jesus

3 times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him

3 men died at Mt. Golgotha (Jesus and 2 thieves)

3 crosses on the hill

3x4=12 apostles

3 Mary's

3 bells during the consecration

33 years Jesus lived on earth

3 years of public life teaching

3 mysteries of the Rosary

3 beads on the Rosary for Divine virtues

3 Divine virtues---faith, hope, charity

3 Kings

3 gifts of the Magi

3 hours on the cross

3 times He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Not My will, but Thine be done"

3 times we repeat certain prayers

3x10=30 pieces of silver for Judas to betray Christ

3 hours of darkness on Good Friday

3 days of darkness

3 hour fast

3 masses said on All Soul's Day

3 attributes of the Church---authority, infallibility, indefectibility

3 commandments that refer to God

3 forms of Baptism---water, blood, desire

3 attributes of God---omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotent

3 -- know, love, serve God

3 terms in Old Testament--God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob

3 stages of spiritual life--purgative, illuminative, contemplative

3 days of darkness in Egypt when Pharaoh would not let the Israelites go

3 parts to the mass: Offertory, Consecration, Communion

3 years old when Mary went to the temple

3 parts of the church: church triumphant (heaven), church militant (earth), church suffering (purgatory)

3 Evangelical councils: chastity poverty, obedience

3 major places of Jesus: Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem

3 appeared to Melchisedech-Jesus, and 2 angels

3 Saints appeared to St. Joan of Arc

3 states of life-Religious, Married, Single

3 instructions in Mass-Epistle, Gospel, Sermon

3 crown tiara the pope wears means teacher, lawgiver, judge

3 part symbols of the candle: wick stands for Jesus' soul, wax is Jesus' body, flame is Jesus is the light of the world

3 apostles sleeping in the Garden

3 apostles at the Transfiguration

3 ember days

3 sons of Noah: Sem, Cham & Japheth

3 wives of these sons

3 angels appeared to Abraham

3 months Moses was hidden by his mother before being placed in the reed basket

3 times Samson lied to Delilah before revealing the secret of his strength

3 linens on the altar

3 feasts each year all males from the Old Testament were to present themselves to the Lord: The feast of unleavened bread, feast of weeks, and the feast of tabernacles

3 men in the furnace who survived the flames

3 times each day the Angelus is prayed

3 times the "Agnus Dei" is repeated at Mass

3 times "Domine nom sum dignus" is repeated at Mass

3 times strike your breast at "mea culpa" during the Confiteor

3 times Kyrie eleison or Christe eleison is said for each person of the Blessed Trinity

3 times the Sanctus is said

3 materials an altar may be made from: stone, marble, or wood

3 vestments can be substituted by gold vestments: green, white or red

3 ways baptism can be validly administered: immersion, infusion(pouring), or aspersion(sprinkling)

3 Sundays before Lent: Septuagesmia, Sexagesima, Quinquagesima

3x3=9 weeks before Easter that the Septuagesmia season begins

3 masses on Christmas Day

3 principal rites: double rite, semi-double rite, simple rite

3 Sundays: first class, second class, ordinary

3 Privileged Octaves: first order (Easter, Pentecost), second order (Epiphany, Corpus Christi), third order (Christmas, Ascension, Sacred Heart)

3 Christmas sections: Preparation--Season of Advent (First Sunday of Advent to Dec. 24), Celebration--Christmastide (Dec. 24 to Jan. 13), Prolongation--Time after Epiphany (Jan. 14 to Saturday before Septuagesmia)

3 Examinations of Conscience: in relation to God, in relation to our neighbor, in relation to oneself

3 priests at a solemn high mass

3 people on the altar at low/high mass: 1 priest, 2 servers

3 times Christ was tempted by Satan in the desert

3 temptations: the world, the flesh, the devil

3 Sacraments which can only be received once: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders

3 effects of Baptism: washes away Original Sin; imparts Sanctifying Grace into our souls; makes us Christians, children of God with a right to the Kingdom of Heaven

A whole bunch of birthday. hehe at OneTrueMedia.com

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Tony's First Steps

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Happy Birthday Mr. Mikey!

Happy Birthday to my Mikey.  He turned 5 today and he had a really good day.  I had gotten him this huge button at the dollar store that says "Its my birthday" so we pinned it to his backpack.  Sister gave him a sticker for his shirt and a card that all his classmates signed (baby book worthy) and he took cupcakes to school.  He said they sang him Happy  Birthday at recess and had their cupcakes. hehe. 

Tonight we got him some army guys, tanks, fighter planes, etc.  Now he can be like his big brother.  He's very excited to have his very own tub of army men.   

Happy 20th Birthday, my sweet boy

Happy Sweet Sixteen my sweet Katelyn!

Well, sixteen years ago...its amazing, the precious little baby that I still cherish to the day. The kids tease, when I try to tell them the story of their birthday, of course they know the story by heart, I do it mostly to tease them. But it was a wonderful day in my life. She brought joy into my life, filled my arms, and my heart.

Sundat-Party day

We had a really great party!  I was worried but boy, it turned out great.  Everyone we invited came, and we really had a nice time.  All the kids had their friends, We did a party for Katelyn's Sweet 16 and Mikey's 5th birthday.  I made cupcakes and a big cup cake for Kate and for Mikey.  We had ham, pasta salad, chips, etc.  I had found a big coffee pot for 3 dollars that makes 40 cups.  My friend DeDe let me borrow the 4 gallon jug for lemonade.  We put up decorations and the house looked really nice.  A lot of the Mom's sat in the living room, a few of us in the kitchen, kids were outside and the playroom, the men hung out outside.  And the teen agers had an ongoing circle of chatting and giggling.  The little kids ran and roamed, playing games.  So it turned out really well.  I'm very pleased. 

Some more air show pic's

Saturday Events

Well on Saturday we went to the airshow, this time we went in the mid morning hours and it was nice because we were able to tour a few more of the planes/fighter jets than we were able to the last time, we walked around for a few hours, found a shady place to sit, Tony was just as content as could be to sit in the stroller and play with a small fighter jet toy.  hehe.  Mikey was very impressed.  I think Steve was super excited. haha.  Joe was in his element and we brought our friend Luke Sabella with us and all the kids liked that.  Jaclyn and Carolyn was amazingly very interested in it, and me and Katelyn enjoyed it. 

I have a funny....

So we have a garden and our pumpkin plants are really doing great.  We have a zuchinni plant that has quite a few zuchinni's growing and that's going to be great. We have a few tomato plants with tomato's all over it, still green, but before long we are going to have tomato's and then we have another plant, and I wasn't sure what it was but it has big beautiful leaves similar to the zuchinni plant, and its looking so good and we have been anxiously awaiting to figure out what in the world we planted there.  I know I planted something but couldn't remember what.  So we have been gingerly taking care of this beautiful plant, its about 5 feet tall.   So today when we had visitors we asked him to come look at our garden and he see's it and explains, that's the biggest button weed I've ever seen!  The look on my face must of been classic, I've been gingerly caring for a weed?  A huge five foot tall weed?  Serious?  hahaha!  So we chopped down our amazing weed tonight!  haha! 

Words to live by!

"In correcting the faults we find in our heart, we do better by having compassion than by eliciting digust."


"Do not despair over your shortcomings. Start over each day. You make spiritual progress by continually beginning again and again."

"A good vocation is simply a firm and constant will to serve Almighty God in the way and in the places to which He has called us."

"God does not measure our perfection by the many things we do for Him, but by HOW we do them."

-St. Francis de Sales

Good Ol' Fashioned Housecleaning!

Well, our new schedule has been kind of weird for me to get used to.  I'm used to being in such a hurry, not to miss naptime, not to miss, playtime, not to miss so much because of the long drive back and forth to school that now that I have a 5-10 minute trip, it is allowing me much more time. 

Our past ritual has always been, deep cleaning on Saturday.  Tidy cleaning during the week, this week, I've been doing one deep cleaning job a day, and hoping it will free up Saturdays for more fun and relaxation with the kids.  But I did notice, I want a bit more time with the little ones in the morning too, so I have to perfect my schedule a bit more. 

We went on a long walk this morning, this neighborhood is nothing but hills, now that was a major workout!  The afternoons, I'm helping someone with homework and making dinner, but we are having some fun time in the evening. 

So as I keep working at it, I hope to perfect my schedule a bit.  Right now Mondays I'm dusting and moving furniture, cleaning under the cushions, etc in the living room, and Tuesday I cleaned the bathroom and cleaned the kids bedroom floors, tomorrow, I'm going to clean the kitchen counters real well and outside surfaces like the cabinet doors, Thursday I'm planning on  my bathroom and room.  Weekends we will still steam the ceramic floors, but I'm hoping I can work out a decent time frame of cleaning and playing with the little ones.  Anyway, one more advantage to Omaha life.  But the kids being in such a big school is making my head spin.  So much to get used to, so many kids, and so many stories at the end of the day.  Its exhausting just hearing about everyone's day! 

Had a nice weekend

Things are crusing right along, a little pat on my back, I had the school uniforms washed by Saturday noon, and my sweet Jackie Annie, ironed for me.  Anyway, kids worked on homework and we kind of just was mellow over the weekend.  Next weekend will be busy so this one we kind of relaxed. 

8 more days until my Katie-did will be sweet 16!  We are having a get together for Katelyn and Michael on Sunday.  And well just normal life, day to day, no big plans for a while.  I'm looking forward to fall, which is my favorite time of the year.  Can't wait for the fall activities to start. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary

 Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary




Composed by Pope Pius XII in 1942 for his consecration of the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to be recited annually on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, August 22nd.



Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Help of Christians, Refuge of the human race, conqueror in all God’s battles, we humbly prostrate ourselves before thy throne. We are confident of obtaining mercy, grace, and help in the present calamities, not for our own merits to which we make no claim but only because of the great goodness of thy Maternal Heart.



In this tragic hour of human history we confide, entrust, and consecrate to thy Immaculate Heart the Holy Church, Mystical Body of thy son, Jesus, which bleeds now from so many wounds and is so sorely tried. We

consecrate likewise to thy Immaculate Heart the whole world torn as it is by deadly strife, afire with hatred and paying the penalty of its own wickedness.



Be moved to pity by the sight of so much destruction and ruin of souls, by the grief and agony of fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, brothers, sisters, and innocent children. Look with compassion on the lives cut off in the flower of youth, on the bodies mangled in horrible slaughter, on the many torn with anguish, and on all those in danger of being lost forever.



Mother of Mercy, obtain for us peace from God and the grace that is able in an instant to change the heart of man, the grace that brings and fosters peace, and makes it lasting. Queen of Peace, pray for us and give to the warring world that peace for which the nations long, a peace in the truth, in the righteousness, and in the love of Jesus Christ.



Turn their weapons aside and let peace possess their souls so that God’s kingdom may be set up in quiet order. Stretch out a helping hand to the unbeliever and to all who live in the shadow of death. Give them peace and grant that enlightened by the truth they may repeat with us before the one Saviour of the world, ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will.’



Give peace also to the peoples separated from us by error or strife and in particular to those who have professed a special devotion to thee and in whose homes thine ikon was always an object of veneration. It is hidden away now maybe to await the dawn of better days. Bring them back to the one fold of Christ under the one true shepherd. Grant perfect peace and freedom to the holy Church of God. Stem the flood of modern paganism. Let the love of purity increase among the children of God. Make us live as true followers of Christ, as zealous apostles, so that God’s servants may grow in merit and increase in number. And as the whole human race was consecrated to the heart of thy Jesus that through hope in Him He might become for all the sign and pledge of victory and salvation, so we in like manner consecrate ourselves forever to thee and to thy Immaculate Heart, O Mother and Queen of the world. This we do so that thy love and protection may hasten the triumph of God’s kingdom. Thus may all nations at peace with one another and with God proclaim thee blessed, and sing with thee from pole to pole the unending Magnificat of glory, love, and thanksgiving to the Heart of Jesus in which alone they can find truth, life, and peace. Amen.









--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First day of school story

So I have been nervous. How would Mikey do? Was he as ready as I thought he was? So anyway he woke up so excited, got dressed quick. He looked adorable, grabbed his back pack and lunch and so excited! So we get there, school starts with the Rosary. Tues, Thrus and Friday we will go to Mass before school but today being Wednesday, no Mass until later in the day. So I took Mikey to his class in the chapel and he had to go past a little boy that was already in the pew, and he did not want to. And I was so nervous, so I took him out to the hall and told him this is how school starts and even though he doesn't know the little boy next to him, later today that will be his new friend. So I told him I would kneel behind him for one minute before I go to the cry room. Anyhow, I left and he was perfectly fine the whole Rosary. He came out, I helped him get in line. we walked to his room, and I showed him where his desk was, his cubby hole and he started making his name. I left and he was happily at his desk. So after school as his class came in line, I see him and he yells out, "yeah, Mama!" and came and gave me a huge hug. He was so excited told me how much he loves school, got an A+ today, wants to go back right away. haha.



Anyway, Evelyn really liked her class and actually had homework. Madelyn loved her class and has spelling words for homework. Joe is very excited to be in the 7th grade and loves Sr. M. Gertrude. (she is fabulous!)   Eveie is excited for her first book report and Madelyn was seriously excited about everything.  Joey has one class that Brother Xaviar teaches and he really likes that too.


So Jaclyn started highschool today! She likes her classes. Algebra, Latin, Theology, Physical Science, American History, English Grammar, and P.E.



Katelyn and Carolyn are in Geometry, Chemistry, Economics, Theology, P.E., and American History. Katelyn has English Grammar and Carolyn American Lit. I was worried about credtis and such since they started in Michigan, but thier credits were perfect. And they are right on. There is a chance they may change Carolyn out of Geometry because she did part of the book as an elective in 9th grade. So all is good with that.

Oh, and Rosie, wanted to know where her backpack was because she was going to school. yeah, whatever...you are two child! haha.



So we'll see how the year goes. But I'm less nervous now.

First day of school Pictures!

Whew, Breathe Terrie Breathe!

Seems like so much is going on so quickly.  Kids are getting ready for school on Wednesday.  Mikey is quite excited.  Anyway, busy weekend, many of the boarders are headed in and that means some of my friends from Michigan, Colorado are coming in bringing their kids.  It was really nice getting to see Carol Sabella from Michigan yesterday and today.  We had a great visit.  And got to see my friend Lisa Davis from Colordo today (its been 8 years!) and friends from Oklahoma are in, going to have breakfast with a few tomorrow.  Kind of exciting. 

The kids got to see Olivia Sabella and have reconnected with Monica who will go to school here as a senior this year.  Lots of excitement, I suppose. haha. 

We had a beautiful Mass tonight and dinner.  20 year anniversary here in Omaha.  Pretty neat hearing how the Bishop got all the property bit by bit.  Its very hard to imagine.  Our Lady really has taken care of this church.  Beautiful feast day.  Mary assumed to Heaven, please pray for us. 

My Video 8/11/11 at OneTrueMedia.com

reposting because I forgot the birthday song.

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family visit

Grandma/Granpa and Uncle Dennis' summer visit......

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such is life

Mikey pretending he's in a hammock. haha

Kid Conversations!

One of the joys of motherhood for me is being a fly on the wall, hearing the kids conversations, relating to one another and seeing how thier mind works. This morning was no exception as we stopped at the gas station which has the closest ATM Machine inside, because we need 20.00 cash on us. 

Michael: Daddy's going to rob the store.

Madelyn: no he is not Mikey.

Michael: I'm telling you, he said he had to go in and get some cash.

Madelyn: Well he's not robbing the store, that would be a mortal sin, its against one of the ten commandments.

Michael: Well he said he was going in to get cash, so that means he's robbing the store.

Madelyn:  Michael!  Daddy is a Cath - o- lic, and that means he is not going to rob no store and commit a mortal sin. 

At this point I had to intervene and explain to Mikey that they have ATM's and Daddy is going to use the machine and get our own money out. hahahaha!

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Been meaning to share this Act of Consecration since last month.  

~Wear your scapular~

Act of Consecration to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

O Mary, Queen and Mother of Carmel, I come today to consecrate myself to Thee, for my whole life is but a small return for the many graces and blessings that have come from God to me through Thy hands.  Since Thu regard est with an eye of special kindness those who wear Thy Scapular I implore Thee to strengthen

my weakness with Thy power, to enlighten the darkness of my mind with Thy wisdom, to increase in me faith, hope and charity that I may render, day by day, my debt of humble homage to Thee.  May Thy Scapular keep Thine eyes of mercy turned towards me ad bring me Thy special protection in the daily struggle to be faithful to Thy  Divine Son and to Thee.  May it separate me from all that is sinful in life and remind me constantly of my duty to henceforth I shall strive to live in the sweet companionship of Thy spirit, to offer all to Jesus through Thee and to make my life the mirror of Thy humility, charity,  patience, meekness and prayerfulness.  O dearest Mother, support m, by Thy never failing love that I, an unworthy sinner, may come one day to exchange Thy Scapular for the wedding garment of heaven and to dwell with Thee and the saints of Carmel in the kingdom of Thy Son. Amen.

300 days indulgence each time, plenary indulgence once a month for those who wear the scapular.

Tone-Tone

 Tony has many nicknames, we rarely call him Anthony.  He'll probably have to grow into that one.  He outgrew Lil' dude, Daddy calles him Bonz, and Mama calls him Tone-Tone quite a bit. 

He's an amazing baby.  Boy he was a fussy infant, and I almost felt bad about it, but once he was able to sit on his own, then he started crawling without even ever doing the belly scoot, he became so content with life.  He has always been a mellow good natured baby with a beautiful smile, but as an infant he wanted constant attention.  He loves playing with the kids and they play with him a lot.  He thinks everyone is so funny and bursts out in giggles quite regularly.  He pulls himself to stand and lifts his leg up real high like he's going to take a massive step.  I bet he'll be walking before we know it. 

We had angel food cake and strawberry's (his favorite) tonight. 

Anthony's Amazing Year! at OneTrueMedia.com

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