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Love Envelope

by Filed Under: Marriage, St. Valentine's Day

date night questions for my love

I wanted to share a collection of Date Night Questions* that Dad & I have been using since our getaway.

I decided to refresh our collection of date night questions but I didn’t want to start from scratch.  I went searching online and found a blog that listed numerous questions.  There were approximately 100 questions, categorized into six categories.  I’ve listed the categories and a sample question.

    • General date questions
      • If money and time weren’t an issue, what would you most like to do?
    • Getting to know one another
      • What one thing have you learned about God (or yourself) this past year?
    • Honoring one another
      • Some qualities I see in you that I would like to cultivate in my own life are…
    • Sin
      • What is your greatest source of frustration right now? How have you achieved victory in your attitude?
    • Marriage and family life
      • As a demonstration of my love for you, I would like to improve in the area of . . .
    • Home schooling
      • How can I support you as you work so diligently as an educator of our children? Where are you defining education in a way that brings undue hardship on yourself?

I copied and pasted the questions into a Word document for easy access.  I even color coded the questions.  I printed and cut the questions into strips.  Then I placed them in an envelope with a cute cover.

I had planned to use the questions sporadically over the weekend.  Things didn’t turn out as planned, Dad couldn’t wait.  He initiated the dialogue within eight miles into the trip.  The file never got a rest.

I randomly selected a paper strip from the envelope.  I read the question.  Dad and I took turns answering the question for ourselves.  Then we took turns answering the question for each other.  We answered majority of the questions.  I kept a journal of our answers. This exchange was very edifying for us as a couple and as an individual.

The Love Envelope is what we now call the date night questions.  It was Dad’s favorite part of the trip.  He has requested that I bring the envelope along every time we get a chance to be alone (dinner for two in the kitchen while the kid’s occupy themselves, shopping trips, gas runs, Adoration, etc…).

The time we had away, to enter into dialogue and be fully attentive to each other, yielded a beautiful refreshment and intimacy. That intimacy has helped to sustain us through some recent trials.

ALL PRAISE AND GLORY TO GOD!

 

 

*the Date Night Questions we found on a non-Catholic website.  Some of the questions were altered.

Girls Only–a Response to Melody’s Post

by Filed Under: Mom

My friend, Melody had a great “Girls Only” post.  My comment ended up being so long that it exceeded the comment box’s word count.  I decided to post my response here, in it’s entirety.

Only proceed if you’re an “Estrogen American” and you have read Melody’s 7 Quick Takes – TMI /Girls Only Edition.

image 

it’s so nice to hear from a brave soul who is willing to put a voice to what many of us 30-something moms are experiencing.

i will openly share here because i believe that we could all benefit from the sharing.  i much rather read the views of a faithful Catholic mom than those from the secular world.

pelvic floor – i was convinced that kegals were not the answer after i experienced no improvement (from one preg. to the next) despite my rigorous routine.  i did some online research and was further convicted to avoid kegals, altogether.  it’s been a little over one year and i have experienced great results with squats, alone.  (there continue to be mixed reviews.  i’m just sharing what has worked for me.)

gray hair -  (note, what I’m about to say comes from a place of discernment not condemnation.  I’m still discerning this matter on a regular basis.  here is where i stand today….)

i’m in the same boat you are.  (i wrote a little about it on my blog post – Hair Detachment) it’s the transition period that i predict will be the most difficult.

i desire to let my husband be the head of my home and me.  this is one small area for me to practice such submission so that i can better follow him for the big stuff.  the way I see it,  if my husband does not find it necessary for me to dye my hair then i should follow suit.  it’s not something big but it is within my means.  i consider it a small act of reparation for Jesus.  i also hope that it will inspire my daughters to embrace their entire femininity – as He wills it to be.  after all, going gray His design. 

i’m sure,  if more 30-something year olds would not dye their hair, this would be a non issue for many.  we would not have the same pressure to "look our age."

i desire to be the age i am, just as He has willed it to be.  i do make exceptions for my husband’s requests.  I figure he’ll have to answer for those choices.  Smile

i try hard not to worry about how others may view me.  if they see me as a "frumpy old" woman, so be it–one me thing for me to offer to Jesus.  i want to live a simple life (as natural as possible)and enjoy every stage of life to it’s fullest.  for me, that means accepting the gray hair as a crown of glory — one step closer to Our Heavenly Father & Home.

feminine products – i used a menstrual cup (MC) two kids – five pregnancies ago.  i’ve always preferred tampons since it was the practical way to go for my athletic regime.  as a mom of three (including a nursing baby) tampons were no longer working for my heavy blood flow.   i opted for an alternative to tampons. (this was right around the time i became a wannabe crunchy mom.) i didn’t find many options.  i used Instead Softcups.  they worked great once i got used to the whole process. 

note:  do NOT attempt your MC trail run on a day when you’ll be active and/or outside the home.  i’m speaking from experience.

i didn’t use a MC for long because I became pregnant shortly after and never really had much time to reacquaint myself. 

i would definitely use a menstrual cup again.  in fact, i’ve been shopping around to see which brand I will purchase next. 

custody of the eyes – my temperament is to be direct and make a correction regardless of the situation.  yes, i have issues with my tongue.  instead, i work on fighting the urge. 

on my good days, i say a quick ejaculation to the Blessed Virgin Mary and try to shower that individual with charity — the charity in which i desire to receive.  on my bad days, i abruptly end the conversation and walk away. 

i agree, a man should have eyes only for his wife.  i pray that i adequately train my boys so that this will never be an issue for them.

post-partum hair loss -  i  have you beat—dragonfly is twenty months and my hair has not completely returned.  the hair that has returned is gray. 

nursing bras – i think i’d opt for a quality nursing bra for the next preg (God-willing, there be a next time).  i usally wear a comfy sports bra when I’m at home and a regular bra when i need to be presentable.

i don’t care much for the latches on any nursing bra.  my fav nursing bra was a $6 find from target’s maternity line.  i found it eight years ago and it still does the best job for me (and the girls). 

valentines -  thanks for sharing the idea.  i look forward to checking it out.  dad and i usually don’t do anything extraordinary on st. valentine’s day.  i think this year may need to be different since st. valentine is my family’s patron saint for 2012.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!

St. Scholastica

by Filed Under: 02 February, 02 February Saints, St. Scholastica

imageSt. Scholastica

Virgin

St. Scholastica was the twin sister of St. Benedict, the Patriarch of Western monasticism. She was born in Umbria, Italy, about 480. Under Benedict’s direction, Scholastica founded a community of nuns near the great Benedictine monastery Monte Cassino. We are told that Scholastica "could be sated or wearied with the words of grace which flowed from St. Benedict’s lips." Inspired by Benedict’s teaching, his sister devoted her whole life to seeking and serving God. St. Scholastica died in the peace of Christ in the year 547. Tradition holds that at her death her soul ascended to heaven in the form of a dove.

Resources:

St. Scholastica Prayer

O God, to show us where innocence leads, you made the soul of your virgin Saint Scholastica soar to heaven like a dove in flight. Grant through her merits and her prayers that we may so live in innocence as to attain to joys everlasting. This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

by Filed Under: {phfr}, Candlemas, Picture Recap

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~
Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

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{pretty}

the beauty and richness of the Traditional Roman Rite – Candlemas blessing of the Candles, Procession and Solemn High Mass.

candlemas girls with candles

With the intention of obtaining from God by their pious use and the prayers of those who devoutly carry them, health of body and soul; that our hearts, through the doctrine of Jesus and the grace of the Holy Ghost, may be interiorly enlightened; and that the fire of the love of God may be kindled in our hearts, purify them from all remains of sin, and make us partakers in the joyous light of heaven, which will never be extinguished.

The Introit of the Mass is: We have received Thy mercy, O God, in the midst of Thy temple: according to Thy name, O God, so also is Thy praise, unto the ends of the earth: Thy right hand is full of justice. Great is the Lord, and exceedingly to be praised: in the city of our God, in His holy mountain. (Ps. XLVII.) Glory etc. ~ The Church Year

candlemas procession v2

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{happy}

papi crashed my time of rest, relaxation and recharging. he found an extra headset and joined in the REFRESH! homeschool conference.  he did a sound check several times and tried to coordinate a landing.  good thing he wasn’t plugged-in.

papi and mom attened REFRESH

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{funny}

my boys have a fascination with head gear. 

dragonfly’s head gear became a hazard so I made him some look-out holes.

papi made his own head gear Man, Woman, Wild head-cam. he used a cupcake holder lid for the helmet; a coffee canister for the camera; a drum stick for the speaker; and he connected it all with the girl’s rubber headband.

mr bagheadpapi's head cam

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{real}

this is what piano lessons look like for the private homeschooler on a budget.

piano lessons

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+++Ad Jesum per Mariam+++

His Lessons, in His Time

by Filed Under: Girls, Humility, Quotes

The Good Lord has taken me on an undesired path – a lesson in humility for my dear little girls. I do not hesitate to teach my children of His radical call for us but I gravely dislike when the lesson must come from outside the home, before I believe they are ready. Yes, I realize that this is a lack of humility on my behalf. In fact, I think my girls were more of the teacher than I was this past weekend.  Their readiness for such a lesson exceeded my expectations.

I give thanks to the Good Lord for this opportunity for my girls (and I) to grow in humility. May He deliver them from the desire of being preferred to others and from the fear of being forgotten. May He give them the grace to desire that others may be loved more than them.

~~~

Prayer of Humility for Children

Author unkown

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, hear me.
Help me to look for what is good in others and forget what is bad in them.
Help me to put others first and not worry if I’m not picked or am ignored.
Help me not to seek approval and not worry about being the center of attention.
Help me not to be afraid to be afraid of not being liked or worry about being hurt or not believed.
Help me to look beyond myself, even if it’s not my turn, and to help others.
Deliver me, Jesus, from all of these and make me as holy as I should be.
Amen

~~~

Humility Prayers

(fill in the blank with your child’s name)

· May __________ humble himself before the Lord, and be exalted. (James 4:10)

Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you. ~James 4:10

· May __________ humble himself, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt him. (1 Peter 5:6)

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you. ~1 Peter 5:6

· May God give grace to __________ as he humbles himself. (James 4:6)

But he gives more grace; therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." ~James 4:6

· Lord, lead the humble in what is right, and teach __________ Your way. (Psalm 25:9)

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. ~ Psalm 25:9

· May __________ have unity of spirit, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (1 Peter 3:8)

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind. ~1 Peter 3:8

· May __________ take God’s yoke upon him, and learn from Him, for He is gentle and lowly in heart, and __________ will find rest for his soul. (Matthew 11:29)

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

· May the LORD take pleasure in ___________, and adorn the humble with victory. (Psalm 149:4)

For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with victory. ~Psalm 149:4

· May __________ have all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with others in love. (Ephesians 4:2)

With all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love. ~Ephisians 4:2

· May __________ be subject to the elders. May __________ clothe himself with humility toward others, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. ” (1 Peter 5:5)

Likewise you that are younger be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." ~1 Peter 5:5

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Prayer for Humility

by St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Fortify me with the grace of your Holy Spirit and give your peace to my soul that I may be free from all needless anxiety, solicitude and worry. Help me to desire always that which is pleasing and acceptable to you so that your Will may be my will.

Grant that I may rid myself of all unholy desires and that, for your love, I may remain obscure and unknown in this world, to be known only to you.

Do not permit me to attribute to myself the good that you perform in me and through me, but rather, referring all honor to your Majesty, may I glory only in my infirmities, so that renouncing sincerely all vainglory which comes from the world, I may aspire to that true and lasting glory which comes from you. Amen.

~~~

‘Lord, here I am, give me what You will.’  If He gives me something, I am very pleased and I thank Him. If He gives me nothing, I still thank Him because I do not deserve anything.  And then again, I tell Him all that passes through my mind; I recount my pains and my joys and … I listen.  If you listen to Him, He will speak to you also, because with the good God it is necessary to speak and to listen.  He will always speak to you if you go to Him simply and sincerely. ~ St. Catherine Laboure

~~~

Litany

(from Christmas to Epiphany)

….O Blessed parents of the Infant Jesus, Mary and Joseph,we humbly and earnestly implore you to beg for us, at the crib of your Infant Son, that like Him and as His true and faithful followers, we may love to live in true humility, disengagement from creatures, contempt of the world and it’s vanities, constant recollection of the holy presence of God, fervour and fidelity in all of our duties, and in the practice of the tenderest charity to all persons.  May we never blush at the humility of the crib, nor at the poverty  and simplicity of Bethlehem.  May we ever rejoice at our happy lot as children of the true Church; ever in tender charity look with a compassionate eye on those who live but for this world; and continually pray that all may come to bless, to praise and to love the Saviour, who comes to redeem them…Amen

~Excerpt from the Litany from Christmas to Epiphany, taken from the MC & LMC Prayer Book.

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Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, pray that we will make a commitment to seek the presence of God in prayer the way you did. Guide us to see the graces God gives us as gifts not rewards and to respond with gratitude and humility, not pride and selfishness. Amen

~~~

“My only ambition is to serve God in the most humble tasks.”  ~St. André Bessette

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"Little children follow and obey their father. They love their mother. They know nothing of covetousness, ill-will, bad temper, arrogance and lying. This state of mind opens the road to heaven. To imitate our Lord’s own humility, we must return to the simplicity of God’s little ones." ~ Saint Hilary of Poitiers

~~~

Preciousness of Silence

~MC & LMC Prayer Book

…The Silence is Humility.
When there is no competition;
When you consider the other person to be better than yourself;
When you let your brothers emerge, grow and mature;
When you joyfully abandon all to the Lord;
When your actions may be misinterpreted;
When you leave to others the glory of the enterprise;
The Silence is Humility.

~~~

“Everyday, Jesus humbles himself just as He did when He came from His heavenly throne into the Virgin’s womb; everyday He comes to us and lets us see Him in abjection, when He descends from the bosom of the Father into the hands of the priest at the altar.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi

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Prayer to the Holy Family

This prayer is taken from Prayer Book for Religious, compiled by Fr. F. X. Lasance, S.J. (Benziger Brothers, 1904)

O most loving Jesus, Who by Thy sublime and beautiful virtues of humility, obedience, poverty, modesty, charity, patience and gentleness, and by the example of Thy domestic life, didst bless with peace and happiness the family Thou didst choose on earth, in Thy clemency look down upon this household, humbly prostrate before Thee and imploring Thy mercy. Remember that this family belongs to Thee; for to Thee we have in a special way dedicated and devoted ourselves. Look upon us in Thy loving kindness; preserve us from danger; give us help in time of need, and grant us the grace to persevere to the end in the imitation of Thy Holy Family; that having revered Thee and loved Thee faithfully on earth, we may bless and praise Thee eternally in heaven.

O Mary, most sweet Mother, to thy intercession we have recourse, knowing that thy Divine Son will hear thy prayers.

And do thou, O glorious Patriarch, St. Joseph, assist us by thy powerful mediation, and offer, by the hands of Mary, our prayers to Jesus. Amen.

~~~

Resources:

 

**please share your humility prayers & quotes**

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