Running the Race to the Finish Line
But I am on CHRIST’S TEAM.
My family started an exercise program as part of our Lenten program. We have continued our commitment for the remaining year but we continue to take it one day at a time.
Rose and I completed our first 5K together. We both had time goals but our real focus was on finishing. Rose and I have meditated on Paul’s words, “Run so as to win.” 1Cor9:24
We both have committed to run our hardest and push ourselves like never before. We ultimately desire to have perseverance at times of trial and pray that we will make it to the finish line, heaven. Our newest endeavor, training for 5k is one way we are attempting to grow in physical perseverance and glorify Our Lord.
It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ (Jesus). Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus. Let us, then, who are “perfectly mature” adopt this attitude. And if you have a different attitude, this too God will reveal to you. Only, with regard to what we have attained, continue on the same course. Phil 3:12-16
She turned 6….
We have prayerfully decided to forgo large birthday parties. I love to coordinate parties and crafting. However, I have a tendency to go overboard. The parties were great fun but both my husband and I would always walk away feeling cheated. We were never completely present to share the special day with the birthday girl. We have slowly been downsizing and simplifying our lives. We’ve prayerfully decided to start a new family traditions for birthdays.
(Sparkles favorite present, a charm of Jesus on a cord.)
She was then able to open a couple of presents before we had to leave for the Science Farm.
I scheduled a field trip on her birthday. We arrived early and invited the other families to join us for a play date and picnic.
(Dirt with worms. AKA homemade marble cake with chocolate frosting, crushed Oreos, sour apple sprinkles, and sour gummy worms.)
Sparkles invited all kids to join her for some more fun in the dirt…..sweet dirt…..
After the festivities we went home for a short break. “Sparkles can watch a movie since it’s her birthday, ” announced Sweetie. I couldn’t argue with that. She chose her new Hermie video.
Sparkles went to her first swim practice of the season then we took her out for the long awaited date night. She chose Chili’s for her dinner. She had been talking about it all day. She was thrilled when we arrived and couldn’t stop talking. We were seated and began to look over a menu. I asked what she would like to eat and she replied, “pancakes.” Pancakes???? “Sparkles, we’re at Chili’s, they don’t serve pancakes. If you want pancakes we’ll have to go elsewhere,” I said. She agreed and decided to go elsewhere. We normally wouldn’t do such a thing but since it was her birthday, it was her choice. As we got in the car she changed her mind 2 more times. Finally she settled on Mexican food. It was so cute to see her face light up when we were willing to accommodate her and say YES to all her (reasonable) requests.
(Sparkles “famous burrito”)
After dinner we strolled downtown and window shopped. Then we went back home for cake and ice cream. She sang her story of the day to us on the ride home, while sitting in her big sister’s seat.
We found out so many things about our dear Sparkles. She is definitely our talker but what is more special is that she is an even better listener. She constantly asked questions of us and didn’t focus on herself.
We thank God for her. We pray that she grow to love Him and that He use her for His Glory. Sparkles was my first GFG that I consecrated in the womb to Our Blessed Mother. Her devotion and trust in Mary is so great. May she continue to walk under Mary’s Mantle, closer to Our Lord.
(Our attempt at the self timer.)
PRAISE BE TO GOD for a JOYous day!!!!
The Mother of All Mothers…………
Happy (early) Mother’s Day
I took my mother to a viewing of Dr. Laura at our local theatre. Dr. Laura was performing live in So. Cal and it was showing at theatres. Her topic was In Praise of Stay at Moms. [They number in the millions and they are incredibly important to families and to our society, yet they are underappreciated, little respected, and even controversial. Who are they? They are the stay-at-home moms.]
Although I don’t agree with all of Dr. Laura’s views, you can’t deny her firm stance of valuing children, mothers and families. My mother introduced me to Dr. Laura about thirteen years ago. (Oh my, I’m getting up there in age!) At that time I was not practicing my faith and was on the road of a feminista. Needless, to say I didn’t take to Dr. Laura’s views and denounced much of her advice. In time, the Holy Spirit continued to work on me and God showered me with His grace.
I’m most thankful for my mother who encourages me and supports me in my efforts to be a CATHOLIC MOM on fire for CHRIST.
“Honor your father and your mother, that you may have a long life in the land which the Lord, your God, is giving you.” —Exodus 20:12
We honor our parents whether or not they are honorable. We honor them because God Who is the Source of all parenting is honorable (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2214). We can honor our parents even under the worst of circumstances.
2. Make sure you spend time and get support from women who share your values.
4. Focus on the JOYS and pleasures of that day… yes, in spite of the nonsense and annoyances that have also occurred. Make sure that when your husband comes home, you have only the former to tell him. That will make him excited about coming home to his family.
5. Make sure that each and every day you tell your husband how much it means to you that he works to support you all, and that he is your hero.
1. Make sure that you work diligently to provide for the family without fishing for compliments by complaining or bragging. It would be wonderful for you to tell your wife how good it makes you feel as a man to take care of her and the children.
2. Every night that you come home, find something to compliment about the home, children, or your wife—even if you are totally beat from your day. You will find that the act of complimenting seems to take the feeling of exhaustion out of your mind. Never nitpick about a little mess or an unironed shirt. None of that is more important than the love you have for her efforts to raise your children and take care of you and your nest.
3. Make sure that you find some time almost every day (early morning or late at night) to talk to your wife as “your woman” or “your girlfriend” so that she always feels her femininity and sense of sensuality. Sex is part of this, but rubbing her feet, neck or back also helps melt away the day’s cares and reconnects her to you.
4. Take every public opportunity you can find to brag about your wife and kids in her presence. Show her how proud you are of her, and how appreciative you are for her creation of a home out of a house.
5. Make sure that you provide break or girl time for your wife, so she can recharge her emotional and physical batteries.
A New Day
SANCTA MARIA ORA PRO NOBIS!!!
Shower of Photos
Scottish Highland Cattle raised by Benedictine Sisters.
This kid was born an hour prior to this picture. The mother was rejecting him.
WARNING!!!! The next picture is graphic.
Yes, this is a cow’s head/skull. What can I say, it was science farm. The kids were able to inspect a cow’s heart, liver and head. They were thrilled almost as much as they were disgusted.
Look at the birds…(Mt 6:26)
Today my DH took the kids to a field trip to see raptors.
Papa tagged along. The children were so thrilled to be outdoors despite the 95 degree weather. They were captivated by God’s awesome creation and could not stop talking about their talons. I enjoyed hearing of their greatness. Birds always help me to remember God’s loving providence and to seek Him first. Matt 6:26-34. Sparkles and Rose even told me in detail how to rescue a raptor in need of help. I assured them that they will NEVER have to rescue a raptor!
My husband is such a blessing to me and my children. He went on the field trip with NO sleep for the past 10 hours, was pooped on by Papi, took the kids to the park for lunch after the field trip, came home to tell about it, and played basketball in the evening. He is my inspiration! He can do all things through the One who strengthens him. Phil 4:13.
When everyone arrived home I was ready to greet them with cold watermelon. It’s their favorite. My husband was ready to crash but decided to eat his watermelon first. The kids cooled off with the watermelon but it didn’t last long. I decided to put together Papi’s gift from his last birthday, a water activity table.
It was long overdue. Rose was the foreman and directed me on what went where.
The little ones had a great time and I only had to hose them twice for getting too rambunctious.
Shower of Photos
Holy Week & Easter Reflections
We started the Holy week with Mass as a family, assisting the elderly, removal of all outside activity (aside from Church) and limiting socialization. My DH and I were called to this practice of elimination and reflection a few years back. It was not an easy call to answer as we had to detach from those activities that were of interest to us but ultimately in the way of us honoring Christ. We continue to pray about this call every year before and during the Lenten season. At times, when we have begun to waiver but remain patient in prayer, His blessings are bestowed upon us. This Lenten season was no different. Our family has been brought closer to Our Lord as we attempt to put him first in all things no matter how inconvenient or radical. We want to live as though we’re in the 11th hour and be ready for Him at any moment.
You too must stand ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect. – Lk 12:24
Sparkles reminded us of our Resurrection Eggs we created years ago. I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to find them in all the boxes (from our last move). Rose came to the rescue and knew exactly where to find them. She is such a help to us all. At Sparkles request, we mediated on the resurrection eggs and scripture every day. Sweetie can now tell the story of Christ from heart and Papi knows where all the items go, in order.
Scripture was read daily as a family. This is always a goal of ours but we often allow life’s calls to pull us away. I’m renewed do my part to make our daily scripture reading as a family a top priory, after hearing Sparkles recite the Passion of Christ according to John, verbatim. We not only desire them to know scripture but to be nourished in His word as well as the bread of eternal life.
Therefore, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock. – Mt 7:24
We attended Mass on Holy Thursday. The girls presented their Lenten collection for the Bishop’s Pregnancy Resource Center. Rose presented the family’s flower offering for the Altar of Repose. It was a long evening for the children. Mass started at 6pm and ended at 9:30. Unfortunately, we were unable to stay for Adoration.
On Good Friday we attended Church and restricted our eating to one meal. The children removed snacks, treats, juice and other extras from their menu. Sweetie and I prepared our Good Friday soup that friends have made for us for the past 5 years, tomato bisque. As we made the soup Sweetie asked, “is this Jesus’ blood?!?!?” Although we never correlated the two, the soup and Christ’s blood he shed for us, it was a great connection. The soup was delicious and may be questionable for a sacrifice as we all anticipated it and savored every spoonful. We were sure to offer up its yumminess for His sufferings. We then watched our annual Good Friday film, Mel Gibson’s Passion of Christ. Papi slept and Sparkles & Sweetie watched other Holy movies and colored Easter pictures.
Holy Spirit, take me in prayer to the foot of Jesus’ cross. Reveal to me how I shared in crucifying Jesus through my sins. Crucify me to the ways of the world and the world to me (Gal 6:14). Crucify my flesh with its passions and desires (Gal 5:24). (- OBOB, This prayer is based on Pope John Paul II’s encyclical on the Holy Spirit.)
Lastly, on Easter Sunday Sparkles did her rounds. She is always the first to rise and is so pleasant. This morning, was no different. She greeted everyone with a Happy Easter. By now the children know that all treats must wait till after Mass. They know that they must first give to the Lord before they receive. It also helps them grow in the virtue of patience. The children chose their breakfast, cereal. Yes, this is a treat and their favorite, “smarshmellow “cereal. We don’t mind, it’s a time saver to our already busy morning. The children rise at 7am, Mass starts at 10:30, Rose need to be there 45 min early to sing and the drive takes us an hour (or more). Don’t forget, they still have to put on their Easter attire, brush teeth, style hair, pack snacks, and find the missing shoes. Rose helped me prepare the night before so everything ran smoothly. Praise be to God!
We arrived home after 1:30pm and were ready to eat! First the children reminded us of their Easter baskets. Sweetie even JOYously went to her timeout from a previous indiscretion. Shortly after, they went to town with their baskets.
Sweetie and Sparkles received Irish dance lessons and dance shoes. Rose also received dance lessons but her shoes are on order. I decided to make her a special personalized treat, a clipboard. I even included her motto: Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam (AMDG). Papi was happy with his bubbles and two new sippie cups for his yogurt juice.
I started cooking while they rummaged through the rest of their goodies.
Our Easter was planned to be a simple dinner for us only. My parents were out of town and my sister’s family took the opportunity to have their Easter dinner at their new home. We looked forward to a simple day with family. We decided to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for Easter. We though it fitting since we give thanksgiving for His dying and rising, and it’s the children’s favorite. Papi definitely broke his Lenten fast and had three servings. The rest of the children had a trouble slowing down. For desert we had a simple chocolate cake and jelly beans, at the children’s request. Rose’s pumpkin pie had to wait for Monday since we didn’t plan for its two hour set time. It was a Holy day celebrated with simplicity and the children’s requests.
Later we went outside for some fresh air. We had an exciting water gun demo for all the neighbors. My DH, as usual was the instigator. The children had such a JOYous time and reluctantly went in to warm up in the bath. Meanwhile, Rose locked her dad out of the side door where he went to ambush us from behind the
fence with the water hose. I left him there for a while. I thought it was a punishment fit for his crime, soaking his wife. I managed to get one picture of him in between Rose taunting him with the dessert he was missing out on. He then heckled back, “take a picture of you putting the kids to bed by yourself.” Yes, that’s my DH always a wise guy. I let him in shortly after and gave him the privilege of bathing the little ones. Praise be to God for our delicious food, family time, beautiful day, DH’s sense of humor, children’s smiles and Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ!!
We will continue to JOYously celebrate Eater for 50 days until Pentecost.