share our JOY

JOY{filled}family

striving to radiate Him always

She turned 6….

by Filed Under: Girls, Happy Birthday

Where has the time gone! It seems like just yesterday when Rose was crying with JOY for her answered prayers, a sister. Sparkles was an answer to many prayers.

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.

We will now plan a date night for the birthday kid with dad and mom only!!!! The date night can include dinner and an activity of the birthday kid’s choice. We will have cake and/or ice cream when we return home to all the siblings. Presents as usual, are kept to a minimum.

Today was our start to this new tradition. Sparkles was thrilled as were her siblings.

(Dad & Sparkles after her birthday blessing from Father M.)

Technically her birthday started on Sunday with a special birthday blessing from Father M. He also gave her the gift of informing her that she will be ready to receive Communion this coming year. Sparkles has been glowing since and has been on fire to know more about the fullness of our faith. Praise be to GOD!
The day started with an early rise and a treat from dad. He brought home french toast sticks and sprinkled them with powder sugar. Yummy!!!
We did have to reign Sparkles in this morning after informing us that this was her birthday and that meant she could do whatever she wanted. Woooooowhoooooo…..want a minute miss birthday girl! Not to worry it was a misunderstanding. What she really meant was that she would be thankful for the day, no matter what! : ) Good thing we cleared that up first thing in the morning.

(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.

(Sparkles waiting for friends.)
(Sparkles favorite activity of the day, making gak.)
(A new bunny/kitten born in May)
(Sparkles favorite animal, “because Jesus is the Lamb.”)

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”)

Sparkles decided that she would be in charge of ordering. This is something new for her. She usually relies on her older sis. She told us that she is big enough to tell them her order and ask for something. She made a burrito with all the fixings and was so pleased with it that she asked her dad to write the recipe down for her. She ate great, the best I’ve seen. She even vowed to eat all her left overs for dinner tomorrow.

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…………

by Filed Under: Mother's Day, Praise and Thanksgiving, Spiritual Reflections

The Kind Of Mother All Mothers Should Aspire To Be
“Our Heavenly Father wants us to imitate the way Mary lowered Herself before Him, especially the way that She continually maintained the posture of servant and slave. Mary assumes this posture because She knows that Her humility and childlike manner lead Her to abandon Herself to God’s love – a love that is constantly knocking on the door of the human heart.”
(Behold I Stand at the Door and Knock, pg. 90)

 

As my family honored me yesterday on Mother’s Day, I began to ponder my role as a mother. Yes, I had plenty of time to ponder…..my DH and GFG gave me the gift of a nap, a very looong nap. The last time I remember taking such a nap is when we brought Papi home from the NICU, 20 months ago. It was some gift/nap. Ok, enough about my nap (that I will remember for who knows how long), let me continue with my role as mother. I’ve been feeling some what inadequate lately due to many circumstances that we have been facing. My loving husband has been more than supportive and continues to lead me spiritually towards God’s call for us but I can’t help but to hold myself back with so many ideas of what I should be doing and NOT doing as a mother. Many of which are worldly pulls.

 

I found peace in the words, “Our Heavenly Father wants us to imitate how Mary lowered herself before Him.” I mediated on these words and gave thanks to Our Lord for reminding me of the simplicity of His call — complete surrender. I am to serve Christ always; in everything I do, say and pray! I must remember that the He does not call me to perfect an academic lesson or maintain a pristine home or even cook a meal that will have a line out the door (edible will do). However, He does call me to:
serve my family as though they were Christ – Mt 25:40
be faithful always – Rm 4:16
glorify Him with all that I have been given, no matter what – Jn 15:8
remain humble – 2 Chronicles 7:14
radiate His love and share His JOY – Gal 5:22

 

“Keep the JOY of loving God in your heart and share this JOY with all you meet especially your family. Be holy – let us pray.” – Bl. Mother Teresa

Happy (early) Mother’s Day

by Filed Under: God's Grace, Mom, Mother's Day, Motherhood

Mother: a full time provider of love ~ Dr. Laura

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.

———————

 

Here are 2 (abbreviated) lists that were presented in Dr. Laura’s session.
Dr. Laura’s Top 5 things for a Mom/Wife
1. Work with your husband to create a team spirit and joint effort that doesn’t pit you both against each other complaints, etc., but instead makes you both feel lovingly interdependent.
2. Make sure you spend time and get support from women who share your values.
3. Don’t allow yourself to get into a rut, too focused on making sure all things done and done perfectly. Allow fluidity in your day so that you and your children enjoy each other and life in general.
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.

 

Dr. Laura’s Top 5 things for a Dad/Husband

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.

 

God Bless all moms.
Praise and thanksgiving for Our Blessed Mother!

A New Day

by Filed Under: Faith, Homeschooling, Prayers

Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2
It’s that time of year again….to plan for the next school year. This has been an anxious time for me most recently with a new high schooler. All the self doubt started to creep in; Am I doing enough, should I attend another conference, will she be better off elsewhere, must I enroll in a program, is public school (AKA charter school) our financial reprieve….. I trust that I’m following our Lord’s call to disciple our children at home but darn it, where’s my blue print? Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest. DT 6:7
My initial tendencies were to pile on the academics and extracurricular. However, I was called to surrender these things and detach from desires and worldly ties. At one time it was for self denial. More recently, it has been out of financial necessity. This, I believe, has been one of the biggest test: will I trust in Him for everything, including schooling? If my family does not have the financial means to sign up for all the extracurricular activities, enroll in the best program, or buy the litany of prescribed texts, should we accept it as a gift from God or should we seek reprieve from mammon to fulfill our desires? I trust it is a gift and He has made our path clearer to choose Him. “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Mt 6:24
Now if I only I could completely TRUST and SUBMIT EVERYTHING to Him!!!! Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not. Proverbs 3:5
This includes school, our own intelligence, finances….EVERYTHING!!!! Why has this been so difficult for me? I’ve cheated our Lord. I’ve given just enough, right where it’s comfortable and trusted in myself for the rest. My goal of homeschooling is to take my children to a place of refuge where they can fall in love with Jesus, with training and instruction befitting the Lord. Eph 6:4
How is this possible, if I’m not under complete instruction from Our Lord? I trust He will provide the grace but I know He calls me to more and I desire to answer His call, immediately.
I’m making a commitment to give Him everything and I’m choosing now!!!! I’m not going to wait till our next school year to implement what has been placed on my heart. I will make my move, one step closer to Our Heavenly Father and I will take my family and we will not look back. …”No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.” Lk 9:62
This is a new day. PRAY FOR US!

SANCTA MARIA ORA PRO NOBIS!!!

Shower of Photos

by Filed Under: Field Trip, Shower of Photos

We started our school week with a field trip to the science farm. It was geared to the older kids but it was enjoyed by all ages. It was our first visit to this educational farm and we have nothing but praise for it. Here are a few pictures from our visit. WARNING….there is a graphic picture that is not for the squeamish.
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)

by Filed Under: Field Trip, Shower of Photos

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.


Praise be to God for our JOYous day!

Holy Week & Easter Reflections

by Filed Under: Easter, Holy Week, Lent, Shower of Photos, Triduum

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.

The TV (with video connection only for Holy movies) was unplugged for the week by our HOF. This always proves to be a powerful witness to the children. In the past, I must admit our family had been somewhat wrong ordered in the fact that I was attempting to lead. Yes, the children listened but their hearts were not convicted until recently when dad has taken his place as the head of our family (HOF) in all areas of our life. Many blessings have flowed from this act of surrender and trust in Our Lord.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

By the end of Holy Wednesday we had completed any preparing for the Triduum Sacrum and Easter. Well, not entirely. We didn’t complete our Lenten cleaning but had to offer that up. We do not leave the house during the Triduum Sacrum unless absolutely necessary and we don’t attend to any servile work. We try to emphasize to the children that we must keep our hearts on Him during this time of suffering. Their already limited schedules are brought to an end and all days are devoted to mourning Our Savior and preparing for His resurrection. In the past this meant resigning from any sports activities or social invitations such as birthdays or coffee dates. It hasn’t always been easy but we trust it is pleasing to Our Lord. We choose Him and hope to share Him with others. It has always amazed us just how many people, faithful and otherwise who have downplayed Easter and the significance of Good Friday. I don’t think nearly half of the people would carry on as normal on Good Friday if their immediate loved one had just died, let alone a death of true agony. He showed his love for us, could we not sacrifice on these days to show our love for Him and be a witness to others?

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.

On Holy Saturday we anticipated Christ’s resurrection. The children were anxious for His rising and….to see if all their sacrifices (which were being represented by beans in a jar) would turn into the promised jelly beans. I led Sparkles and Sweetie in making Resurrection Rolls. Making goodies has become their way of serving the family. They love to see everyone enjoy their yummy creations. The test tasting isn’t bad either. The rolls were a hit and proved to be a great foretelling of the Joy to come!


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.

Easter JOY to you!

by Filed Under: Easter, Prayer

I wish you:
The JOY of the Risen Jesus
The JOY of Jesus is
the sunshine of His Father’s love
The JOY of Jesus is
the hope of eternal happiness
The JOY of Jesus is
the flame of burning love
Easter is this JOY and
I wish you, His JOY.
You cannot have JOY without
sacrifice – that is why Good Friday
comes before Easter.
Love for one another –is this JOY – they will know you are Mine – by the love you have for one another (Jn 13:35)
~Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

(More Lenten & Easter reflections to come!)

Shower of Photos 2009

by Filed Under: Shower of Photos

It will be raining pictures this month!

I was pondering what my theme should be as I scrolled through my picture gallery but I couldn’t come up with anything. Then I came across some pictures that my girls had taken. They have most recently showed an interest in photography. Actually, Sparkles has always had an interest. I think it’s time that I foster their interest and surrender the camera. They are going to be filled with JOY when I share the news with them. Here’s a sprinkle!

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