My Morning Cup

When the Goin' Gets Tough....

2011-11-17T14:31:00.001-08:00

In my youth (not so very many years ago) I would have finished that line with:

....the tough go shopping!!

Well, the Mall not holding near the allure for me that it once did, I'll modify the old saying just a bit to.... the tough meditate a little on St. Francis deSales. Printed in this space before, but worthy of repetition:

"The everlasting God has in His wisdom forseen from eternity the cross that He now presents to you as a gift from His all-knowing eyes, understood with His Divine mind, tested with His wise justice, warmed with His loving arms and weighed with His own hands to see that it be not one inch too large and not one ounce too heavy for you. He has blessed it with His Holy Name, annointed it with His Grace, perfumed it with His Consolation, taken one last glance at you and your courage, and then sent it to you from Heaven, a special greeting from God to you, an alms of the all-merciful love of God."

* * *

St. Francis de Sales, ora pro nobis!

The Little Things

2011-11-06T17:57:00.000-08:00

Most readers will know that for several years now my husband and I and our boys have assisted almost exclusively at the Mass in the Extraordinary Form, also known as the Traditional Latin Mass. We have learned a great deal about our faith over the years and we continue to grow in our love for this Mass handed down to us through the centuries by Holy Mother Church. But it is so much more than 'just' the Mass. It is so much more than the Latin. It is so many things, in fact, that I'm sure a blog post won't adequately cover them all.

Therefore, I'm not going to get into detail about the prayers of the traditional Mass, or following the 'old' Liturgical Calendar, or the reverence and beauty inherent in all of the traditional Sacraments with the priestly vestments, the incense, the bells and sacred music that go along with them. Instead I will mention just one of the 'little' things that happened today.

At St. Francis deSales Oratory, after Mass there was a very nice display of items for sale, crucifixes, nativity scenes and other statuary made by Christians in the Holy Land. My husband and I decided to purchase a crucifix and after doing so, hastened to find one of the canons to bless it before we left.

We found Canon Wiener and he was very pleased to do this for us, but he would have to do it in the Sacristy, and could he keep the crucifix and return it to us on Wednesday at homeschool co-op? We said of course, that would be fine.

After talking with Canon Wiener my husband and I looked at each other, both thinking the same thing: that's never happened before! Any time in the past that we've asked a priest to bless a sacramental, he has done so on the spot, regardless of where we were. But not this time. We learned today that there is a right and proper place to bless Sacramentals, and I would bet a proper vestment as well.

This is just another of so many little things that enrich our faith. Nothing is trivial, nothing is just by-the-way. Not that blessing Sacramentals in a crowded vestibule after church as we've experienced before makes it necessarily trivial. But certainly the extra care of time and place taken to fulfill our desire for a blessed crucifix today, for us at least, carries with it a level of importance, of reverence, that will translate into our own care for how and where we place the blessed crucifix in our home and further venerate it.

This is what I mean by the little things. Our faith is so much bigger than we are, so much richer than we even know. And we are just overwhelmed with thanksgiving to Our Lord for His leading us to the Traditional Latin Mass community where the small things matter enough that a bigger deal is made of them than anywhere else that we've been.

Truly we are blessed. But at the same time we grieve for that which has been lost over the past nearly 50 years since Vatican II, and for all the Catholics who have no idea what they're missing out on. These 'little' things should never have been lost. It is our Faith, that which has been handed down over the centuries. And Lord-willing and with the help of the Holy Angels and Saints, we will continue to learn and grow in this faith, through the big and little things.

God bless you!

Leave the Game Alone!

2011-10-23T12:17:00.001-07:00

Anyone who has been a baseball fan for very long has been on both the up-side and the down-side of a terrible call by an umpire. Not just a a strike being called a ball, but a 'big' one, like what happened last night in Game 3 of the World Series when Cardinal Matt Holliday was called safe after being tagged on the shoulder before making it to first.

It was a bad call. A real bad one that led to a 4-run 4th inning for the Cardinals in what would go on to be a 16-7 victory over the Rangers in Texas. And in the aftermath there will no doubt be a great deal of talk about the value of the 'instant replay' to assist in making those close or controversial calls. Well, I am not one to call in to the local sports-line to air my view, nor will I write an email or even 'tweet' about it. But I do have a blog! So hey, for what it's worth, here is my opinion on expanding the use of video replay in Major League Baseball.

I'm against it, plain and simple. I know, I know, it could have changed the outcome of the '85 Series between the Cardinals and the Kansas City Royals. I wasn't in St. Louis back then, nor was I following baseball close enough that I remember the Don Denkinger blown call. But I've heard a lot about it, and as gut-wrenching as I'm sure it was, I maintain my position that baseball should not be sullied by expanding technology.

Baseball is a game that is very much determined by human heroism and human error. The manager makes a great move to the bullpen and he's the hero of the game. The manager puts in a pinch hitter and he strikes out in a critical at-bat; the manager needs to be fired! The players themselves make spectacular plays, or they throw the ball away and cost the team the game. But, you may say, that's the team manager and coaching staff, those are the players. The umpires though, they are a third party that shouldn't be able to determine the game by their errors.

Well, as much as I hate to see a bad call, and as much as I commiserate with the 'patrons of the game' that looked on as mighty Casey took strike one....

"...Kill him! Kill the umpire!" shouted someone from the stand;
And it's likely they'd a-killed him had not Casey raised his hand..."
--Casey at the Bat, by Ernest Thayer

.... I still don't think the 'answer' is to bring instant video replay to the game. In fact, I think the problem does not need an answer. Why not? Firstly, because if left to the human beings who play, manage and call the game, there is an element of charm to it, admittedly sometimes an agonizing one, but an element none-the-less that would be lost if the calls were given to the perfections of instant replay. Secondly, I think it all balances out. I think every team gets their equal share of tough breaks. I think a team destined to win the series or any given game for that matter, can't ultimately be beat by the umpires. The umps are part of the game of baseball. They make bad calls now and then. Period. Leave the game alone!

And really, think of the ramifications of expanding instant replay. Where is the line drawn with it? Just at controversial plays out in the field? Why? A missed ball or strike on a key pitch in the game can just as easily change the game's outcome. And if we're going to look at tape after every challenged play, really, why even have human umpires? Aren't we technologically advanced enough to have balls and strike called electronically, to let a computer yell a monotone "Safe" or "You are out of there," after a slide into home-plate? Thrilling, huh?

No, leave the game alone. Let the umpires do their job with or without their perfection and our satisfaction, and leave the video instant replays to taunt those of us watching at home. My dad (RIP) was a Little League manager for many years and a diehard Red Sox fan all his life. He always said the umpires can't beat you and I think he was right. Ultimately--with perhaps the rare exception-- the team who plays the best baseball is going to win the game. I'm willing to put up with that rare exception, be it on my side or not, to keep the game as it is, with all the perfections and imperfections of those involved, players, managers, coaching staff and umpires.

Play ball!

.... and Go Cardinals!

What a Sunday!

2011-08-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

Solemn High Mass at St. Francis deSales Oratory... coffee/donut hour following Mass, kids playing, Mom and Dad being ever-so warmly welcomed back ... home to change into comfies before heading out to an afternoon at the home of good friends... visiting with many friends over delicious wine and snacks... kneeling together for Canon's prayer of blessing... back home to watch the boys' cherished "Sunday night movie".....

What a lovely Sunday.

Happy Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary!

Farewell to Father Lockwood

2011-06-22T05:48:00.000-07:00

For the past 15 months, Father Gregory Lockwood has been pastoring the flock (under the title of Parochial Administrator) at our parish, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Unfortunately for us he is leaving the St. Louis Archdiocese and will take new positions as Vocations Director for the Diocese of Kansas City/St. Joseph as well as Parochial Administrator of Christ the King parish there, effective July 1, 2011.

When Father came to St. Elizabeth's, we had not been regulars there for many years, though it was the parish in which we lived. Over the years since we were married there in 1999 and then began our family, my husband and I became better acquainted with, and grew to love, the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM). Our desire to grow as Catholics and raise our children in the 'old' rite drew us away from St. Elizabeth's and to churches where it was, or still is, regularly celebrated.

We were familiar with Fr. Lockwood, having assisted at Masses he had celebrated on Sunday afternoons at another parish, and so when we learned of his assignment to St. E's, just a mile from our home, we were delighted. It was not long before we were attending the regularly-celebrated TLM at 1:30 on Sunday afternoons. It was perfect for our family on many levels.

Our two boys learned to serve the TLM literally at the feet of Fr. Lockwood. As they learned their Latin responses, when to (and when not to!) ring the bells, how and when to reverently assist in getting the sacred items Father needs, etc., Father was always patient and encouraging to them. And though 'Hekyll and Jekyll' as Father sometimes fondly referred to them, still have a way to go in perfecting their service at the Altar, I know they will never forget where and with whom they first began as then-8 and 10 year old boys.

Father has been helpful in our spiritual growth, always guiding us in his wise but down-to-earth manner. If there were one recurring, but ever-appropriate theme imparted to us by Father it would be that in all of life's situations, 'someone needs to be the adult'.

Thank you, Father, for all you have done for us at St. Elizabeth of Hungary church. Your steadfastness, your humor, your compassion, your guidance and direction will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. You were our faithful shepherd, and we love you! We pray that God will bless you abundantly in your new parish and position in the Diocese of Kansas City/St. Joseph.

* * *

A farewell gathering for Fr. Lockwood will be held following the 10:30 a.m. Mass (and prior to the 1:30 p.m. TLM) on this Sunday, June 26, in the cafeteria (lower level) at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. All are invited!

Prayer Against Storms

2011-05-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

So many tornadoes, so much devastation. It is incredible to watch the TV and computer reports of the areas which have been hit so hard. Lord, have mercy on all those affected!

It's looking like the St. Louis area is in for another severe weather day tomorrow. We keep this prayer posted in the basement area where we go when the sirens blow. It, along with our Rosary, offers much comfort to us all, but especially to the boys, who are particularly bothered when we are under tornado warnings. We've used it more often this year than we'd like, but thanks be to God, we have been kept safe and unharmed, even when one twister hit less than a half-mile from our home (the 12/31/10 tornado). And so I share it, again, with you:

The Prayer or Blessing Against Storms
(found on page 28 Pieta Prayer Book)

At each '†', make the Sign of The Cross

Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace.† God became man,† and the Word was made flesh.† Christ was born of a Virgin.† Christ suffered.† Christ was crucified.† Christ died.† Christ rose from the dead.† Christ ascended into Heaven.† Christ conquers.† Christ reigns.† Christ orders.† May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning† Christ went through their midst in Peace,† and the word was made flesh.† Christ is with us with Mary.† Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the Generation of Juda, the Root David, has won.† Holy God!† Holy Powerful God!† Holy Immortal God!† Have mercy on us. Amen!

God bless you and keep you safe!

First Friday Mass

2011-03-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

First Friday Mass of the Sacred Heart (Traditional Latin) will be celebrated by Father Gregory Lockwood at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church this Friday morning, April 1, at 6:30 a.m.

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church
1420 S. Sappington Road
Crestwood, MO

Do come join us!

Lenten Reading

2011-03-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

With Lent just around the corner I am considering once again what I might read during the 40 days leading up to Easter. I have a few ideas, but haven't taken anything off the shelf or ordered anything new yet.

My dear sister-in-law gave me Dante's Divine Comedy for my last birthday and I'm thinking this would be a great time to delve in. Also, I've thought of trying to make a practice of reading at least some Sacred Scripture daily. And we have many good books on our shelves here at home, just waiting to be read and studied.

But with so many good Catholic book choices out there, I'm wondering, what are your reading plans this Lent?

God bless you with a holy and fruitful Lent!

First Friday and Ash Wednesday

2011-03-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

Father Gregory Lockwood will offer upcoming Masses in the Extraordinary Form at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 1420 Sappington Road in Crestwood, on the following dates/times:

First Friday
Mass of the Sacred Heart will be offered tomorrow morning, March 4, at 6:30 a.m.

Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday Mass with distribution of ashes next Wednesday, March 9, at 12:00 noon.

Do come join us!

In the Bleak Midwinter

2011-02-05T09:26:00.000-08:00

The following poem by Christina Rossetti (1872) is perhaps best known to us as a beautiful carol sung at Christmastime. And with the Christmas season officially past, my posting of it is late, liturgically speaking.

But when I awake as I did this morning, to an unexpected 4-5 inch fresh blanket of snow, atop a 2-3 inch layer of ice and snow from recent days, and flakes are still gently falling, the line "snow on snow" immediately comes to my mind.

I looked up the poem and read it, with the familiar tune singing in my head. The first stanza paints the scene we awoke to today; those following how Our Lord the Infant King came to this earth in just such a scene, His own Dear Mother, shepherds and kings adoring him, and how I might as well.

Certainly we are beyond this scene on the liturgical calendar, but on the calendar of our hearts it is always time to consider our own love and adoration of Him who came to us one bleak midwinter; today's lovely snowfall brings it to my mind again.

In the Bleak Midwinter
By Christina Rossetti

In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.

Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air,
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.

* * *

God bless you!

Too Much Pink

2011-02-04T16:15:00.000-08:00

My husband was right. It was a quite a bit of pink. And I discovered the answer to my question back at him: Yes, you can have too much pink!

So I've gone from strawberry sundae to plain vanilla for the time being, and we'll see where it goes from there.

Stay tuned!

In the Pink

2011-02-03T13:23:00.000-08:00

My Morning Cup takes on a bit of a new look today! While it's not a huge change, I think it's nice and it is little more readable, especially with the text on white.

I love my old header, so I asked my husband to modify its color to match this new background. He did, and then he asked me, "Um... do you think that might be a quite a bit of pink??"

What??!

I answered him with another question. "Can you have TOO much pink??!"

You see, dear readers, I love pink. Indeed, what is not to love about pink?

Strawberry Ice Cream
Cotton Candy
Pink Lemonade
A "Peace Rose" -- my all-time favorite variety of rose, yellow down in the center, blooming out into a lovely pink at its pedals' edges.
The sky behind Mount Hood as the sun sets on a chilly fall day in Portland.
My bridesmaids' gowns on my wedding day, and dare I admit it?? I made our groomsmen wear pink ties and cummerbunds (what WAS I thinking?!)

I've enjoyed wearing pink since I was a girl. In high school, way back in the late 70s, early 80s, when bib overalls in every color were popular, I had pink ones. Beyond cute! And to this day I have to watch myself when looking for sweaters or other pieces of clothing because I will prefer the pink one every time, and as pretty as any one garment may be, no one needs a closet full of one color!

To me the color pink is everything sweet, feminine, soft, lovely. It's the essence of a girly-girl, and in a house full of boys, I think I can indulge myself with it just a bit, if only on my blog!

And so, it might need a tweak here and there before arriving at the final version, but I'm pleased with My Morning Cup's new look thus far. And perhaps I'll enjoy looking at it enough that I'll actually start posting a tad more again, as time permits. We'll see.....

God bless you, dear readers!

First Friday Mass

2011-02-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

A First Friday Mass (Traditional Latin) will be celebrated by Father Gregory Lockwood at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church tomorrow morning, February 4, at 6:30 a.m.

Brave the chill temps and join us!

Merry Christmas, Dear Readers!

2010-12-25T10:52:00.001-08:00

Ero Cras

2010-12-24T07:35:00.000-08:00

And so we have completed the O Antiphons and it is Christmas Eve. But the Antiphons leave us with yet one more message for today....

But first, we must make an acrostic of the first letter of each Latin word in the order in which the Antiphons are given, as follows:

Sapientia

Adonai

Radix Jesse

Clavis David

Oriens

Rex Gentium

Emmanuel

And then, we spell that word backwards: Erocras, or

Ero Cras.

And then we translate...

"I will be (here) tomorrow."

And He will!

* * *

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel!

O Emmanuel

2010-12-23T06:42:00.000-08:00

O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, exspectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos Domine Deus noster.

O Emmanuel, our King and our Law-giver, Longing of the Gentiles, yea, and salvation thereof, come to save us, O Lord our God!

Schedule of Christmas Masses

2010-12-22T11:27:00.000-08:00

The Traditional Latin Mass will be celebrated by Father Gregory Lockwood at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church on the following days during the upcoming Christmas season:

Friday, December 24
"Midnight" Mass - 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 26
Sunday in the Octave of Christmas - 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 1, 2011
Circumcision of Our Lord - 12:00 noon

Sunday, January 2, 2011
Holy Name of Jesus - 1:30 p.m.

All Masses held at:

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church
1420 Sappington Road
Crestwood, MO 63126

**Please note: There will be no Traditional Latin Mass for Epiphany, Thursday, January 6, nor will there be the usual First Friday Latin Mass on January 7 at St. Elizabeth's as Father Lockwood will be away on retreat.

* * *

Merry Christmas one and all!

O King of the Gentiles

2010-12-22T05:50:00.000-08:00

O Rex Gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salva hominem, quem de limo formasti.

O King of the Gentiles, yea, and desire thereof! O Corner-stone, that makest of two one, come to save man, whom Thou hast made out of the dust of the earth!

O Dayspring

2010-12-21T06:55:00.000-08:00

O Oriens, splendor lucis æternæ, et sol justitiæ: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris, et umbra mortis.

O Dayspring, Brightness of the everlasting light, Son of justice, come to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death!

O Key of David

2010-12-20T06:23:00.000-08:00

O Clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel; qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis, et nemo aperit: veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris, sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis.

O Key of David, and Sceptre of the house of Israel, that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth, come to liberate the prisoner from the prison, and them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death.

O Root of Jesse

2010-12-19T08:18:00.000-08:00

O Radix Jesse, qui stas in signum populorum, super quem continebunt reges os suum, quem Gentes deprecabuntur: veni ad liberandum nos, jam noli tardare.

O Root of Jesse, which standest for an ensign of the people, at Whom the kings shall shut their mouths, Whom the Gentiles shall seek, come to deliver us, do not tarry.

O Lord of Israel

2010-12-18T06:39:00.000-08:00

O Adonai, et Dux domus Israel, qui Moysi in igne flammæ rubi apparuisti, et ei in Sina legem dedisti: veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.

O Lord of Israel, and Ruler of the house of Israel, Who didst appear unto Moses in the burning bush, and gavest him the law in Sinai, come to redeem us with an outstretched arm!

O Wisdom

2010-12-17T08:58:00.000-08:00

O Sapientia, quæ ex ore Altissimi prodiisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviterque disponens omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiæ.

O Wisdom that comest out of the mouth of the Most High, that reachest from one end to another, and orderest all things mightily and sweetly, come to teach us the way of prudence!

St. Andrew Novena

2010-12-03T17:09:00.000-08:00

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment

in which the Son of God was born

of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem,

in piercing cold.

In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God!

to hear my prayer and grant my desires,

through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ,

and of His Blessed Mother.

Amen.

* * *

It is piously believed that whoever recites the above prayer fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew (30th November) until Christmas will obtain what is asked.

Imprimatur
+MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York
New York, February 6, 1897

Schedule of Traditional Latin Masses at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church

2010-12-01T19:21:00.001-08:00

Father Gregory Lockwood will celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass on the following days in the Advent and Christmas Seasons (in addition to the regularly scheduled Sunday TLM at 1:30 p.m.):

First Friday
Friday, December 3, 6:30 a.m.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Wednesday, December 8, 12:00 noon

"Midnight" Mass
Friday, December 24, 8:00 p.m.

Octave of Christmas, Circumcision of Our Lord
Saturday, January 1, 2011, 12:00 noon

All Masses held at:

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church
1420 Sappington Road
Crestwood, MO 63126

* * *

May all my dear readers have a blessed and holy Advent!

St. Elizabeth of Hungary

2010-11-19T11:01:00.000-08:00

Today is the day the Church remembers St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a saint who has been near and dear to my heart since I took her name at my Confirmation in 1995.

The recent words of Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI on St. Elizabeth of Hungary can be read here, and her biography can be read here.

* * *

Dear Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
Pray for Us!

America's Catholic History

2010-11-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

One of the many things I love about homeschooling is how much I learn as I prepare and teach the various subjects to the boys. I find it amazing that I graduated from high school with a high grade point average, but came away knowing so little in the subject of history. Now, I'm not placing any blame on the public school system; I think I just didn't apply myself to the courses. I memorized what information would be on the tests, usually scored well, then let the information flow right back out the other ear. History at that time didn't mean very much to me, unfortunately. Now, more than a couple of decades later, I'm teaching history to my boys and I'm finding myself curious and interested, perhaps for the first time in my life. I now have the interest that makes all the facts and information found on those dreaded Trivial Pursuit history questions, stick!

In the boys' studies we've covered various eras from the nomads in Mesopotamia to the Greeks, Roman History, Bible History, and now we've jumped forward to the early explorers, leading into our main focus this year in early American History. Our main text is From Sea to Shining Sea . It is an interesting read-aloud, and it is an excellent springboard from which to jump to more in-depth study, if desired, of the major historical figures as we encounter them. Another thing I like about this text is that it emphasizes the Catholic roots of our nation and, therefore, details the lives of people who in many cases I have never heard of, given my secular history education.

One such man we've studied in recent weeks is Father Juan de Padilla. Fr. Padilla accompanied Spanish Conquistador Francisco Vásquez de Coronado as he explored much of what is now the southwest United States in 1541-42. Fr. Padilla's love for the Indian tribes he encountered and evangelized caused him to stay behind when Coronado returned to Mexico. He journeyed into what is now Kansas, offered the first documented Mass within US boundaries near Ft. Dodge, KS, in 1541, and it was in Kansas that he was martyred, becoming the United States' Protomartyr.

Last night at dinner our boys were talking about what they had learned lately in history. They were able to tell their dad about Fr. Padilla's life, and that he was the first martyr in what is now the US. My husband had not heard of him either, but wondered about his martyrdom in Kansas. Is there a shrine somewhere to this Franciscan priest? We didn't know, and that was as far as the discussion went, until in today's mail we received the answer!

We are on the mailing list of a Catholic newsletter, Regina Coeli Report. As I opened the latest issue today, how very surprised was I to read the following title of one of the articles: Trek to the Padilla Cross: The Santa Fe Pilgrimage. The article was about a group of 53 Catholic men and boys who this past summer had gone on an annual pilgrimage to the Padilla Cross, just west of Lyons, KS. How convenient to have our questions about this holy priest and the shrine dedicated to him answered so quickly!

The history of our nation is rich, indeed, and it is sprinkled with the blood of many Catholic priests and religious as they gave their lives to convert the native Indian tribes that occupied this land 500 years ago. For my own information (not as part of my boys' studies) I am reading another book on this subject: Discovering A Lost Heritage: The Catholic Origins of America by Adam S. Miller. Mr. Miller provides an in-depth look at America's Catholic heritage and how, unfortunately, it has been left out of the history texts in our schools today. What an interesting read.

And so, having studied the Spanish Franciscan priests, we will be moving north and to the French explorers and the Jesuits and their efforts to spread the gospel in America. I am blessed, indeed, that through homeschooling I have a second opportunity to learn the history of our nation and world, with the appreciation and desire that I didn't have during my own school years. And it is my hope that I will be able to impart to my boys a hunger to know their roots in a way that will stick with them beyond their schoolroom days.

Trivial Pursuit anyone??

* * *

God bless you!

Pizza Hut

2010-11-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

Our family likes pizza. We have it 1-2 times per month I guess, and while St. Louis does boast some pretty good local pizza joints, one of our favorite pizzas is still the national chain, Pizza Hut.

This time of year, besides our preference for their pizza, we have another incentive to head there once a month: the boys are participating in the Pizza Hut Book-It program for homeschoolers. It's a simple program wherein the kids are motivated to read a specified number of pages or books in order to earn a certificate for a Personal Pan Pizza with the topping of their choice. One certificate can be earned per month from October '10 through March '11. The boys being pretty willing readers anyway, I'd bet we'll be heading out for pizza each month.

And since that is so, I just have to say the Pizza Hut in south county is one my husband and I particularly enjoy and even recommend. But you ask, isn't a Pizza Hut a Pizza Hut?? Yes and no. The food? Yes. This particular location? No. Here's what we like a lot about it:

No crayons for the kids. No coloring books. No video games. No music. No televisions. You read that right! There are no distractions whatever to a family coming in, sitting down and having pizza and talking together about their day. We did this tonight. We listened to our kids tell us about their day at homeschool co-op including the musical they're in ('Annie Jr.'). We talked of other things, including some of the pictures on the restaurant walls of St. Louis sports figures and venues of decades past. It was a very pleasant and relaxing time out, and the pizza was good, as it always is.

I don't know about you, but my idea of a nice family dinner out is decidely NOT in playing tic-tac-toe or box-in-my-initials (or whatever the silly game is called) with my son while we wait for our food. It is also not in adding a chunk o' change to the bill by allowing the boys to spend a few minutes in the video den. I don't care to have to scream at my husband across the table in order for him to hear me over the music (even if they're playing stuff we like), and I can't stand how my kids are positively glued to the nearest TV set as they eat, no matter the program content.

Since we do eat out occasionally, we will undoubtedly encounter and endure some or all of the above again; it just seems like it goes with restaurant territory anymore. I just don't happen to think kids need to be entertained while they sit with Mom and Dad and wait for their food, eat their food, or patiently wait for the bill to be taken care of. But then, I don't like Happy Meals either. As I tell my boys, "You oughta be happy you're getting a meal", and that's how I feel at sit-down restaurants too.

Suffice it to say, though, the south county Pizza Hut does things right, in our estimation, and I thought some of you out there might like to be let in on the secret. And hey, they've included homeschoolers in their reading-incentive program and I think that's pretty awesome!

All Saints/All Souls Masses

2010-11-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

And now, from the department of *better late than never*...

Fr. Gregory Lockwood will offer
the Traditional Latin Mass
at 12:00 noon on

November 1 for All Saints Day
and
November 2 for All Souls Day

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church
1420 South Sappington
Crestwood, MO

All you Holy Angels and Saints, pray for us!

The School Bell Rings Again!

2010-08-26T10:45:00.001-07:00

We started school this week here at St. Michael the Archangel Homeschool. All is going quite well with our new 4^th and 5^th grade boys; in fact, they have both shown a little more enthusiasm and willingness in their studies than their last couple of weeks of summer break might have predicted! We’re off to a good start!

I am one of those homeschooling moms that, at least thus far, can never find the ‘perfect’ packaged curriculum. So, I pick this subject from one provider, that course from another, always comparing what I pull together for my boys with several respected Catholic curricula providers.

One tool we use across many subjects in our school is that of Copybook. Copybook is just what it sounds like, a book in which the student copies any given material that they may read and find interesting, or that I may dictate to them for any of a number of purposes, whether to help commit a passage to memory, to practice their best handwriting, or simply to practice the skill of listening and precisely doing. At the end of the year the result is a very nice book of quotes, passages, poems, journal entries, all of which together tell the story of some of what they studied throughout that year. Our boys especially enjoy adding an illustration here and there.

So, today we prepared our Copybooks for this school year, complete with title page, name and date begun. We also added a quote at the bottom of the title page, one which I think is truly inspirational and which succinctly states the purpose for the simple practice of Copybook:

Sir, if you will be so good as to favor me with a blank book, I will transcribe the most remarkable occurrences I meet with in my reading, which will serve to fix them upon my mind.

~John Quincy Adams, age 10, taken from a letter to his father.

* * *

A blessed new school year to you all!

Summer Days

2010-07-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

It's a 90+ degree summer day. The clouds roll in and it appears that the cell over the house will burst any moment. And it does, with a vengeance.

You're an 8-10 year old boy. Is there any place you'd rather be than inside a pup-tent with your brother, your dog and your survival kit (snacks, various books, a favorite toy or two, some paper and pencils to draw with when you get bored, and a blanket in case of a sudden and unexpected drop in temperature) in the backyard?

Sounds like summer fun to me. It sure is a lot of fun to watch from the dining room window, anyway.

* * *

I've been scarce in these parts since school ended the last part of May. One would think I'd have more time to blog during the summer months than while teaching school, but it has not been so. Between taking an online class of my own (and its homework!) in preparation to teach a course called Classical Writing--Homer to my boys, planning the other subjects for next school year, and just trying to enjoy time off with the kids, I've found little time to attend to My Morning Cup.

And it's not likely to get better, as my mom is coming in for a visit tomorrow! She'll be with us for a few weeks, which will fill our days up with chatting, baking, chatting, playing with the boys, chatting, going on little outings, chatting, canning/freezing garden veggies, chatting... well, you get the idea. We are all very excited to welcome her here again!

So, dear readers, I will pick this up again as time allows. In the meantime, I hope you are all having and enjoying a blessed summer break from the usual school routine, with some precious moments to observe your own kids doing what they do best: being kids.

* * *

Now the rain has stopped and the sun is shining again; think I'll go help the boys set up that lemonade stand....

God bless you!

Prayer Against Storms

2010-05-13T05:27:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season, here in the midwest, for nasty storms which may include heavy rain, hail, high winds, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes. They can be pretty unnerving to watch and listen to. This year, more than in years past, our boys get particularly worried when the skies darken and the storm moves in. A trip to the basement, 'just in case', signals a level of danger that they dread.

The other day, in the wake of losing power for 24 hours after a severe storm, I was talking to a very good friend of mine about this. She suggested the following prayer, noting that she and her family pray it faithfully as storms approach. We have since used it and, besides that storm turning out not nearly as severe as anticipated, it gave us all the confidence that comes in knowing God is in control of these tempests. The boys are greatly comforted in praying this prayer.

* * *

The Prayer or Blessing Against Storms
(found on page 28 Pieta Prayer Book)

Ascension Thursday Mass at St. Elizabeth of Hungary

2010-05-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

For all who wish to attend Mass for Ascension Thursday on, well, Thursday:

Father Gregory Lockwood, assisted by seminarians from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, will offer a Solemn High (Traditional Latin) Mass at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Crestwood, this Thursday, May 13 at 7:00 pm.

God bless you!

My Name is 'Mom'

2010-05-08T10:29:00.000-07:00

My name is ‘Mom’ to my two little boys,
In all of my life I’ve known no greater joys.

By Our Dear Lord I have surely been blest,
Of all of my ‘jobs’, this one's no doubt the best!

My hours are long, my breaks are few,
My paycheck is non-existent, it’s true.

But oh, the rewards, they come everyday,
In every form, in every way.

The kiss from my son with spaghetti-stained lips,
The constant boy-chatter on family trips.

The nondescript rock: ‘Mom, look at my treasure!’
Their gleaming blue eyes, a reward beyond measure.

The hugs, the I-love-you’s, the ‘Mom, don’t go’ plea,
The sleepy-time sweetness, oh how they love me.

My eyes fill with tears and my heart overflows,
How thankful I am, Our Loving Lord knows.

Indeed, I am blest, for God to me came,
He gave me these boys and He made ‘Mom’ my name.

* * *

A lovely Mother's Day to all Moms!

Favorite Music

2010-04-19T08:24:00.000-07:00

Our boys have a penmanship book in which they practice their cursive handwriting. In their book each day they are asked to copy a verse from Scripture, or answer a question about their favorite this or that. Today the topic was music.

As I've mentioned here before, we listen to classical music each day during school. Naturally the boys have their favorites, and they both listed them in their best cursive handwriting. On both lists were Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. Though I try to save this one mainly for play during the Christmas season, they would both listen to it year-round.

Another piece that they both like is Beethoven's 7th Symphony. I have to admit to this being a current favorite of mine, too, especially the second movement. I was unfamiliar with it until a couple of months ago when my husband and I watched the Nicholas Cage movie, Knowing. At the end of the movie when the world is about to be destroyed, strangely enough, the most beautiful music begins. I took note of it as we watched, and purposely watched all the end credits to find out the name and composer of the piece. When I saw it was Beethoven's 7th, I knew I needed to add it to our music collection. I did, and the boys soon picked up on it too, to the point that my oldest can be heard humming it frequently. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy classical music!

The final favorite on my youngest son's list would make any mother proud. What was it that he placed in the company of such masters as Tchaikovsky, Beethoven and Handel?? Are you ready?

The Chipmunks.

What can I say, the boy has taste.

God bless you!

Novenas for Pope Benedict XVI

2010-04-11T08:43:00.001-07:00

In light of the present tribulation facing Our Holy Father, the faithful are encouraged to join in prayer for His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI.

The Knights of Columbus are asking us to join in this novena which begins today, April 11, and ends on April 19, the 5th anniversary of the Holy Father’s election in 2005:

PRAYER FOR POPE BENEDICT XVI

Lord, source of eternal life and truth,
give to your shepherd, Benedict, a spirit
of courage and right judgment, a spirit
of knowledge and love. By governing
with fidelity those entrusted to his care,
may he, as successor to the Apostle
Peter and Vicar of Christ, build your
Church into a sacrament of unity, love
and peace for all the world. Amen.

V/ Let us pray for Benedict, the pope.

R/ May the Lord preserve him,
give him a long life,
make him blessed upon the earth,
and not hand him over
to the power of his enemies.

V/ May your hand
be upon your holy servant.

R/ And upon your son,
whom you have anointed.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

Prayer Card (Single Copy)

* * *

The Institute of Christ the King will be offering a spiritual bouquet to Our Holy Father, and a Novena, with the same intention. From their website:

"Desiring to show our filial support and gratitude to our Holy Father, the Institute of Christ the King wishes to offer an abundant spiritual bouquet to His Holiness. Your prayers are needed! To participate in this spiritual bouquet, please use our online form below. Simply indicate the number and types of prayers you wish to offer. This spiritual bouquet will then be presented directly to His Holiness." A link to the form to add your prayers to the bouquet is here.

In honor of Pope Benedict XVI's 5th anniversary, the Institute also invites the faithful to join in this Novena which begins on Saturday, April 24, and ends on Sunday, May 2:

O Lord, we are the millions of believers, humbly kneeling at Thy feet and begging Thee to preserve, defend and save the Sovereign Pontiff for many years. He is the Father of the great fellowship of souls and our Father as well. On this day, as on every other day, he is praying for us also, and is offering unto Thee with holy fervor the sacred Victim of love and peace.

Wherefore, O Lord, turn Thyself toward us with eyes of pity; for we are now, as it were, forgetful of ourselves, and are praying above all for him. Do Thou unite our prayers with his and receive them into the bosom of Thine infinite mercy, as a sweet savor of active and fruitful charity, whereby the children are united in the Church to their Father. All that he asks of Thee this day, we too ask it of Thee in union with him.

Whether he weeps or rejoices, whether he hopes or offers himself as a victim of charity for his people, we desire to be united with him; nay more, we desire that the cry of our hearts should be made one with his. Of Thy great mercy grant, O Lord, that not one of us may be far from his mind and his heart in the hour that he prays and offers unto Thee the Sacrifice of Thy blessed Son. At the moment when our venerable High Priest, holding in His hands the very Body of Jesus Christ, shall say to the people over the Chalice of benediction these words: "The peace of the Lord be with you always," grant, O Lord, that Thy sweet peace may come down upon our hearts and upon all the nations with new and manifest power. Amen. (Raccolta, N. 653)

* * *

Our Holy Father needs the Church Militant right now. What can we do? We can pray. Let us join together and support Pope Benedict XVI. May God strengthen and bless the Vicar of Christ!

Easter Sunday at St. Elizabeth of Hungary

2010-04-04T19:51:00.001-07:00

Easter Mass at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Crestwood, Missouri - the first celebration of Holy Mass in Latin on Easter Sunday in over 40 years. The Traditional Latin Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 1:30 pm. Deo Gratias!

2010-04-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

Happy and Blessed Easter,
one and all!

Good Friday

2010-04-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

Lesson Eighth, Question 80, Baltimore Catechism No. 2 ~

Q: Why do you call that day "good" on which Christ died so sorrowful a death?

A: We call that day "good" on which Christ died because by His death He showed His great love for man, and purchased for him every blessing.

A blessed Good Friday to all.

Quotable

2010-04-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

I read the following quote on my sister-in-law's Facebook status today and thought it worth repeating here:

"Our Lord always reigns; when it is not by the benefit of His presence, it is by the chaos brought by His absence."

--Louis-Edouard Cardinal Pie.

Those Smoked Gouda Potatoes

2010-03-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

I've read about 'em more than once over on Delena's blog, the recipe for 'em comes from Mrs. Thetimman... enough already, I'm gonna make 'em! As a side dish to our Easter dinner, the main dish of which will be a spiral-sliced honey-glazed ham, I will serve the now-famous Smoked Gouda Potatoes:

Smoked Gouda Scalloped Potatoes

2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/4 or 1/8-inch thin
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 lb smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
7 oz can diced green chiles
salt
white pepper (I'll use black)
1 cup heavy cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 13x9-inch pan, layer half the potatoes, parmesan, gouda and chiles. Salt and pepper to taste. Then add remaining potatoes, chiles, parmesan, and gouda. (Be sure to cover chiles with cheese to "hide" them.) Add additional salt and pepper, to taste. Pour cream around sides of the pan.

Bake for 20 minutes, uncovered. Cover with foil. Bake an additional 40 minutes, or until potatoes reach desired tenderness.

Yields up to 10 servings.

* * *

Don't they just look delicious?? I can't wait. My mouth is watering for our Easter Sunday feast!

But we still have the most important last days of Lent to go through first. I'm just getting excited......

God bless you all!

Easter TLM at St. Elizabeth of Hungary

2010-03-29T05:52:00.000-07:00

For readers who may be interested, the Traditional Latin Mass will be celebrated as usual at 1:30 pm at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Church on Easter Sunday, April 4. This Mass was inadvertently left off the schedule of Masses for Easter in the Saint Elizabeth's Sunday bulletin.

Palm Sunday

2010-03-28T10:37:00.001-07:00

A blessed Palm Sunday to all as we enter Holy Week!

Spring Training

2010-03-10T07:49:00.000-08:00

I grew up in a baseball family. The youngest of four siblings and the only girl, my childhood/teen spring and summer days were spent at the ballpark watching my brothers play and my dad manage Little League ball. I was bound to either love or hate the sport.

My dad (RIP) was a great Little League manager. He won far more games and seasons in his lifetime than he lost, and even took his 1978 All-Star Team to a state championship. What a year that was. The memories are still so clear in my mind of the team's winning ways, rooting them on, enjoying the pizza parties afterward. I still keep in touch with a couple of the players; in fact, the catcher and the slugger from that team helped bear my dad to his final resting place last September.

My dad was undoubtedly the biggest Red Sox fan there ever was. He fell in love with the team as a 12-year old boy in 1946 when Ted Williams was in his prime, and he followed them the rest of his life, whether they had a winning or losing season. Dad was not a boisterous fan; no, when Dad watched a game he would sit way back in his chair, hands resting, folded almost up on his chest, taking in every pitch and play. He didn't cheer loudly, but if the manager made a decision he disagreed with, well, he'd voice his opinion on that!

In 2000, Dad had the great privilege of going to Fenway Park in Boston to see the Red Sox play, courtesy of a very good friend of his. It was certainly the trip of a lifetime for him. Then in 2004, Dad finally got to celebrate Boston winning the World Series. Unfortunately it was at the expense of St. Louis! But Cardinals fan that I am, I couldn't help being thrilled for Dad. And to this day, I am a Red Sox fan too, for Dad's sake.

One thing my dad wished he could do was go watch his team play in Spring Training. He never got to do that. But this Spring, my dear husband is taking me and the boys to Jupiter, FL, to watch the Cards in Spring Training. I think I'm almost as excited as my dad would have been! We'll see three games, all of them in seats close enough to catch a foul-ball or two. It should be a wonderful trip with yet more baseball memories to talk about in years to come. Dad would be so happy for us.

I was bound to love or hate baseball. Well, I love it. I love that I live in a baseball town and that I can listen to Mike Shannon call the Cardinals games on the radio almost everyday from April through (hopefully!) October. And I love my dad for giving me baseball. Thanks Dad, this Spring Training is for you!

International Society of Scholastics

2010-03-06T05:54:00.000-08:00

I very recently came across a website for the International Society of Scholastics, a group that offers online education courses, many of which look very interesting. In perusing their site I took particular note of the fact that Monsignor Michael Schmitz, Vicar General of the Institute of Christ the King, serves on their Board of Advisors.

Today I am going to check out their 'crash course' entitled "What is Education? A Guide for Homeschool Parents", a brief description of which follows:

"This Crash Course is intended for homeschooling families, but is valuable for anyone in the educational field. We’ll discuss the nature of teaching and education, paying close attention to how the human mind develops from sense knowledge to intellectual knowledge. We’ll talk about reasoning and natural discovery; the artistic cooperation of a parent in the child’s continuing perfection; the basic disciplines and the order for learning them based on the intellect’s natural development process; the trivium and quadrivium; ‘great books’ education; the metaphysical goal of natural knowledge and its ordering toward Theology; the moral effects of a sound education."

A schedule of upcoming Saturday Crash Course offerings is listed here.

Lenten Music

2010-02-26T07:32:00.000-08:00

One of the staples of our school at home is to have classical music playing throughout the school day. The boys enjoy having music in the school room, and they even have a couple of favorite composers and pieces.

With Lent upon us, I recently downloaded some works of Palestrina, specifically, Palestrina: Lamentations and Allegri: Miserere; Palestrina: Missa Papae Marcelli. Both collections are absolutely beautiful and befit the present season perfectly. On first hearing it my eldest son asked me if it was the choir at St. Francis deSales Oratory singing! Well, no, I told him, but the deSales choir does sound a lot like this recording. (How blessed we are at the Oratory to have such heavenly choral music, under the direction of Mr. Nick Botkins, accompanying the Liturgy!)

If you are looking for music to uplift you heart and accompany your Lenten days and meditations, Palestrina is an excellent choice.

God bless you!

An Extraordinary Sunday

2010-02-21T19:17:00.000-08:00

HSMom is taking a break, so HSDad gets permission to feature a post!

Sunday, 1:30pm. And so it was that on the first Sunday in Lent we found ourselves, along with another 120 or so faithful, assisting Father Lockwood at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the Extraordinary form at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish - the first time the ancient Liturgy has been celebrated there on a Sunday in more than forty years.

Forty. The number forty rings in our hearts, a number found in the Holy Bible denoting a time of transition, but especially this first Sunday in Lent. From today's Gospel of Matthew we read of Jesus fasting for forty days and nights in the desert: His temptation, His strengthening, His example for us to persevere.

How rich this Liturgy, rediscovered time and again in the hearts of the faithful where it is offered. How blessed we Catholics are to have this treasure, as we praise God in gratitude giving him thanks for working through shepherds of His Church to once again provide and allow this sacred Rite to be freely offered where it is requested.

Our two boys were among the four candle bearers and ten or so boys and young men assisting Father at the Altar. The young men instructing the boys of the seriousness of this duty, teaching them by example and instruction, the good practice of serving.

Thank you Father Lockwood and thank you, Your Excellency Archbishop Carlson, for providing Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Parish this eternal jewel.

Litany of Humility

2010-02-21T08:41:00.000-08:00

Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865-1930),
Secretary of State for Pope Saint Pius X

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being loved...
From the desire of being extolled ...
From the desire of being honored ...
From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others...
From the desire of being consulted ...
From the desire of being approved ...
From the fear of being humiliated ...
From the fear of being despised...
From the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From the fear of being calumniated ...
From the fear of being forgotten ...
From the fear of being ridiculed ...
From the fear of being wronged ...
From the fear of being suspected ...

That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I ...
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease ...
That others may be chosen and I set aside ...
That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...
That others may be preferred to me in everything...
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should…

Hearts, Mr. Collins!

2010-02-14T10:38:00.000-08:00

On this Saint Valentine's Day (and Quinquagesima) Sunday cards and flowers, chocolates, hugs and kisses have been shared in abundance. Our family has spent the morning playing, appropriately, Hearts. It's a fun card game, the basics of which are easily understood by the boys, while the adults can strategize to improve their scores. Still, my one gallant effort to 'shoot the moon' was foiled by my 8 year old, so we were all on a pretty level playing field! And more than once we quoted Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (in our best British accents, of course!) when the suit changed to hearts.

We have a fresh blanket of snow on the ground, but it has not been falling all day as was predicted. We will head out to the 3:00 pm Mass this afternoon and it would appear, at least right now, that we won't have any trouble on the roads.

Happy Saint Valentine's Day to all my dear readers!

Saint Valentine, Pray for Us!

Happy Birthday, Honey!!

2010-02-02T04:58:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's a big one.... today is my dear husband's 50th birthday!!

We began celebrating two days ago when we had his favorite dinner: a prime rib roast, cooked medium rare, mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts and salad, followed by his favorite dessert, Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake, pictured above (find the recipe here).

The boys made 'Happy 50th' signs and hung them about the house, and we have the usual birthday streamers, balloons and banner that we hang whenever it is someone's special day. It is festive, indeed! And this evening the boys and I will take Dad out for dinner.

Where does time go?! We've been married for almost 11 years. Ten years ago on his 40th birthday, my husband was too busy with his 8-day old firstborn to think about turning 40. It seems like we blink and 10 years pass by. But without a doubt it has been the best 10 years of our lives. God has blessed us richly and in too many ways to count in this space.

And so, as I raised my glass to my hubby at his birthday dinner on Sunday, I raise it again here: Happy Birthday, Honey... Here's to another 50 years!!

The Joys of Homeschooling

2010-01-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

Quote of the Day, courtesy of my 8 year old son, today during a drill of the states and capitals: "I put new batteries in my thinking cap, but it's still not working!"

I love it when I hear or see my kids say or do something of note during the day, be it funny, clever, surprising, or even annoying. It makes me realize how very blessed I am to have them here all day where the things they say and do, good and bad, fall on the ears of one that loves them more than the best, most well-meaning teacher ever could.

If they are funny or smart, cute or clever, it's a moment to write down on Facebook where Grandma, 2000+ miles away, can appreciate the moment like only Grandma can, or I can text it to my husband and brighten his workday a bit. At the same time, if it's an annoying or naughty moment, well, I'm here for that too. I can deal with it immediately and directly and it won't get swept under the rug and forgotten, or the behavior perpetuated by the lack of due consequence that only Mom or Dad should mete out. Oh the moments I would miss if we didn't homeschool!

Today's funny little quote gives me pause to realize that not the least of my reasons for loving to homeschool is simply being able to be here with and for them, daily. In the midst of the hard work that educating our boys at home is, I realize how blessed we are with the freedom and ability to do so.

New Blog Recommendation!

2010-01-18T05:28:00.000-08:00

Here's a brand-new blog I would like to recommend: Daily Chocolate Bar. Its author is a bright, enthusiastic young woman of 20 who, after graduating from homeschool, went on to Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon, where she graduated with honors. Oh, and she just happens to be my niece!

In her blog she'll give us a taste of what she's doing in her kitchen, whether at home or work, and she'll serve it up with engaging style. Check it out!

An Epiphany Gift!

2010-01-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

It was a dark and cold evening with the threat of snow in the air as we entered the church. We were expecting the Novus Ordo in Latin on this Feast of the Epiphany, but it was apparent as Mass began that this was a low Traditional Latin Mass. There were only a handful of faithful, perhaps 3-4 families, assisting at the Mass.

As Father Lockwood began the prayers at the Altar, his voice, alternating with two young altarboys, was barely audible. All was quiet and still, the lighting was dim but for the Altar; I can imagine it was not unlike the evening the three kings arrived at the stable to adore and present their gifts to the Newborn King.

It was a beautiful Mass, as the TLM always is. But what made it a special gift on this Feast of the Epiphany, was the fact that it was the first Traditional Latin Mass celebrated at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in over 40 years! How blessed we were to be there ... we pray it is only the first of many to come!

* * *

St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Pray for Us!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T12:22:00.000-08:00

My Mom and I have been busy in the kitchen today, preparing for this evening's meal and as we can for tomorrow's feast.

We have homemade Creamy Clam Chowder simmering for this evening. It is an unusual recipe, I think, but is absolutely delicious. Chowder lovers, here's a little gift for ya!

Clam Chowder
My favorite clam chowder.... Different and delicious! From Mom's files.

1 51 ounce can chopped clams (reserving liquid)
6 slices bacon
1 medium onion
1 cup carrots, diced
3 cups tater tots
2 cubes chicken bouillon
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon lemon and pepper
1 carrot, shredded
4 cups milk
2 cups half and half
5 tablespoons flour

In large pot cook cut-up bacon till crisp. Drain off fat. Add chopped onion. Add liquid from clams and bring to boil. Simmer 10 min. Add spices, onion, carrots, tater tots, milk and clams. Return to just a boil and let simmer for one hour. Serves 10.

Notes: I usually use all skim milk, for the milk and the half and half. (On Christmas Day however, we pull out the stops and use half and half for an extra special and very creamy consistency!) I use twice the bacon called for. Mix the flour with water and add at end to thicken soup, as needed.

I have Frozen Peppermint Delight freezing for tomorrow's dessert. This recipe is as easy as recipes get, it's yummy, and it's very pretty too. We like to have a standing rib roast for Christmas dinner, and I think the cool peppermint follows roast beef perfectly. Here 'tis!

Frozen Peppermint Delight
1 package (14 ounces) cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 gallon peppermint ice cream, slightly softened
1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 jar (11-3/4 ounces) hot fudge ice cream topping, warmed
Crushed peppermint candy

In a bowl, combine cookie crumbs and butter. Press into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. dish. Spread ice cream over crust; top with whipped topping. Cover and freeze until solid. May be frozen for up to 2 months. Just before serving, drizzle with hot fudge topping and sprinkle with peppermint candy. Yield: 12-15 servings.

This evening we are going to a traditional Latin Mass at 8pm. Oh how we'd love to go to Midnight Mass at the Oratory--click here to read at St. Louis Catholic about what you can expect tonight at midnight--but it won't work for us this year. We are thankful to Fr. Lockwood who will celebrate the TLM at Assumption parish at 8pm.

The boys are excited as only 8 and 9 year old boys can be. Although they will be in bed later than their usual 8:30 bedtime tonight, we anticipate they will wake us early on Christmas morning. We've already told them they can't get up before 6am!

And so, as Advent draws to a close, and we celebrate once again the Coming of the Christ Child, may you all be blessed with a happy and holy Christmas, and may your celebration endure for the whole Christmas season!

Mom's Coming to Town!

2009-12-03T18:22:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow evening we'll head up to the airport to pick up my mom, who is flying in from Washington (state) to be with us for the holidays! We are all so excited!

The boys love it when Grandma comes to town. First off, she brings one suitcase that is practically loaded with surprises, no matter what time of year it happens to be. But their excitement goes a bit deeper than the haul they will likely take on opening her luggage. There are many little traditions that have evolved over the years, all of which makes the boys very close to her, even though we are so far away most of the year.

One such tradition is the Baking of the Bread. My mom, herself the daughter of a baker, makes the best homemade bread. The recipe, given to her by her dad over 50 years ago, is not even written down. She has it in her head only, but it produces five beautiful white yeasty loaves every time. She keeps saying she's going to write it down, and she should. As much as my boys enjoy helping, kneading, tasting, they might just want it when they're old enough to bake themselves. We all know that within days of her arrival, our house will smell like it only does on bread-baking day. Mmmmmm.

The boys also know Grandma is pretty willing to do just about anything with them, whether it's playing a game, putting together a puzzle, reading, or playing outside (in warmer months, that is). And then there are the fun little songs that only Grandma sings to them... even if it began when they were babies, and at 8 and 9 they're getting a little 'old' for it, somehow it's still ok, because it's Grandma.

Of course my husband and I are looking forward to her arrival too! Mom and I have always been very close, so when she comes in we spend hours upon hours 'catching up', as if it would be possible to ever be caught up. She and I will enjoy decorating for Christmas, spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking sweet treats, watching our old favorite Christmas shows that we watched together in years gone by.

She'll be here for a month, a nice long visit that will fly by in a wink. It will be the first Christmas without Dad, so I think her time here with us over the holidays will be as good for her as it will be for us.

We'll cherish every moment. Truly, there is no one I'd rather share 'my morning cup' with!

St. Andrew-Christmas Anticipation Prayer

2009-11-30T18:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Feast Day of St. Andrew!

One of the Advent calendars our family is using this year includes the following beautiful prayer. Following the prayer is a suggested instruction for praying it.

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouch safe, oh my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His Blessed Mother. Amen.

It is piously believed that whoever recites the above prayer fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew (30th November) until Christmas will obtain what is asked.

Imprimatur
+MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York
New York, February 6, 1897

Happy Thanksgiving...

2009-11-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

... to all of my dear readers!

Just taking a quick break from preparing what I can today for tomorrow's feast. Well, I did take a break this afternoon to play Monopoly, of all things, with my 8 year-old. That was a couple of hours ago. My good hubby relieved me a bit ago so I could get back to my kitchen, and now they're battling it out. Our son, I think, would never tire of playing the game.

My cranberries are prepared and in the fridge. I love standing over a simmering pot of these red little beauties and listen to their pleasant popping as they are transformed into a delicious spiced sauce without which I just can't serve a turkey.

I have one pie half-made, just waiting for a crust to cool. I still need to mash my sweet potatoes for the sweet potato casserole which is good enough to call dessert, and chop celery and onions for stuffing, then I can relax this evening! In the morning we'll get busy again. I say we because that same good hubby will be at my side in the kitchen all Thanksgiving morning, helping me with all the rest of the preparations.

It will be just us and my father-in-law, as our Thanksgivings have been since marriage, except when my mother-in-law joined us too, may she rest in peace.

So very much to be thankful for: Faith, Family, Friends, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

God bless you all this Thanksgiving!

What We've Been Reading

2009-11-24T16:33:00.000-08:00

Early this year I began reading The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, to the boys. They loved the adventures of Bilbo Baggins as he, along with a band of dwarves, heroically fought and defeated the dragon Smaug on the Lonely Mountain. Having once taken my boys to the land of Middle-earth, our obvious next read-aloud would be Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings (LOTR) trilogy.

We spent all spring and summer journeying with Frodo and Sam, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, Gandalf and the rest, as their once intact fellowship, became broken and spread out, but nonetheless persevered as with one heart to defeat the evil Lord Sauron of the dark land of Mordor.

The boys enjoyed each book, but their enthusiasm to listen to the tale each evening was further bolstered by the fact that they knew they would be allowed to watch Peter Jackson's film version of LOTR only after we had finished reading it.

And so, having finished Return of the King about the time the new school year started a couple of months ago, they have watched the movies several times. Each Sunday they have their choice as to what they will watch for their 'Sunday Night Movie', something they look forward to all week. Perhaps needless to say, any of the three movies in the LOTR trilogy have received top billing for some weeks now. But that's okay; I don't mind knocking Star Wars out of first place for a while!

Just a few nights ago we started Heidi, by Johanna Spyri. The boys are familiar with the story, having watched the movie at their grandma's house, the version with Jason Robards playing Grandfather. It is a touching story, and I think we're all enjoying the book as much as, or more than, the movie. (Yes, the boys saw the movie first on this one!) Heidi is a very endearing character, and even the boys, who are going through an 'eeewww, girls!' stage right now, are pulling for this little heroine. They always beg for one more chapter, so we're speeding through it.

On their own, the boys have recently discovered Henry Huggins books, by Beverly Cleary. They are loving reading them! Henry's sign on his clubhouse door which reads 'No Girls Allowed' immediately struck a chord with them! They were also surprised and pleased to read about landmarks with which they are very familiar from visiting my home in Washington (state). The other day my youngest was quietly reading when he called out to me and said, 'Hey, Mom, listen to this!' He proceeded to read to me about their huckleberry picking on Mt. Hood. Ms. Cleary, the author, grew up just outside of Portland, Oregon, and she incorporates local names and places into her books. As a friend of mine said, next time we're out that way, we'll have to go find Klickitat Street in Portland and show the boys where the stories 'took place'.

As for me, I haven't picked anything up since I finished Dracula a couple of months ago. As much as I want to, being back at it with homeschooling, keeping up with every other daily task about the house, family life in general, on top of spending time reading with the boys, it seems my own reading time is swallowed up.

No complaints though. All too soon the years of homeschooling and evening read-alouds will be but a memory, and I'll have all the time in the world to pull my books off the shelf. I know too that by then I'll look back fondly on these days and years and wish them back. With that thought, I will cherish every turn of every page I read with them today.

November - The Month of the Holy Souls

2009-11-03T10:58:00.000-08:00

There are so many beautiful posts out there in Blogdom about the Holy Souls. Check out St. Louis Catholic for one very nice piece on Suffering Souls. It gave me pause to think again of loved ones and friends who have gone on before me.

The Month of the Holy Souls has very personal meaning for me this year, having just lost my dad. There is much that I can do for him and indeed for all the Holy Souls, by way of prayers, and penances on their behalf.

We all bear crosses, some are visible, some are unapparent to others, but they all have eternal value if only we will offer them up. If we imagine our loved one being released into the light of Eternal Beatitude in the presence of Our Lord and Our Blessed Mother, in part due to our own offerings and prayers, does it not make the cross-bearing here on earth more meaningful, more tolerable?

Offering our sufferings is but one way to help the faithful departed though. CatholicTradition.org has a very nice list of many charitable acts we can do for them. Click here and scroll down.

Remember the Holy Souls in Purgatory especially this month!

* * *

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.

Trying Something New

2009-10-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to say my appointment with our Family doctor went well. He has prescribed for me a drug called Naltrexone, with the hope that it will indeed halt the progression of my MS.

Naltrexone is a drug that’s been around for years, but it was not originally intended to treat auto-immune diseases like MS. However, a couple of physicians in the U.S. have found this drug, in a low dose form, to be effective in patients with MS and other disorders.

After years of being on interferon injections three times per week, and watching my MS continue to progress all the while, I am thrilled that my doctor will prescribe it for me (not all docs, including my own neurologist, are willing to prescribe it). This is an oral med to be taken nightly before bed…. Hooray! No more needles!

While the research done on Naltrexone for MS is, at this time, limited, the anecdotal evidence is abundant, and much of it is glowing. MSers are finding not only is it slowing down and even halting disease progression, many are experiencing symptom relief as well.

I am hopeful; at the same time, I am guarded. I know this medicine is not a cure for MS. I also know what it is to be disappointed when a promising therapy does little to help me. Will I be one writing a glowing testimony of my improvement on Naltrexone? Only God knows, and the outcome is truly in His hands. Still, I can’t help but be enthusiastic to begin.

I am so thankful for this doctor we have. Without him I don’t know if I would have had the opportunity to try Naltrexone. But what makes it even better, is that he is a faithful Catholic who cares for our family body and soul.

As he gave me the prescription and sent me on my way, the last thing he said to me was, ‘You will be in my prayers.’

Now that’s good medicine!

* * *

St. Jude, Pray for Us!

Prayer Request

2009-10-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I will be seeing my doctor to discuss a new approach drug-wise to treating my MS, in yet another effort to find something that will stop the train.

I, with my husband, go into this appointment with hope and prayers, and ask you, dear readers, to join us with your prayers.

May God's holy will be done!

Thank you... and may Our Blessed Lord reward you for your charity!

Pachelbel's Canon

2009-10-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite pieces of classical music is Pachelbel's Canon in D. Whether played on piano, organ or strings, I think it is simply beautiful. It was this piece played on organ to which I walked down the aisle at our wedding 10 years ago.

Well, now the boys are playing Pachelbel's Canon on the piano. Their somewhat simpler version is in the key of C rather than D, probably because they are just learning to play 16th notes, and why throw the black keys in on top of their first 16th-note runs?

It is a delight for me to listen to them, even when they're trying to master such repetitive tunes as "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?", but when a piece like the Canon comes along, I feel like they are really playing the piano!

Last week the boys' teacher assigned the first 12 measures of the piece. One of my boys is the more reluctant pianist, practicing only as he must. He accomplished the assignment well enough, his teacher was pleased, and this week he has the next 12 measures to work on. My other boy sees every piece as a challenge to master well, and quickly if he can. He practices more of his own accord, especially if it's a piece requiring more study, as this one does. With his extra effort, he was able to play the entire piece for his teacher this week! His next assignment is to polish it, working on the dynamics throughout the piece.

As I have said before in this space, we are very blessed to have piano music in our home. As the boys progress, they will have the opportunity to play a world of beautiful music, like Pachelbel's Canon. And as we pray before each piano lesson, may it all be to the glory of God!

St. Cecelia, Patroness of Musicians, Pray for Us!

Question of the Day

2009-10-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

I know I've been scarce in these parts of late; just trying to juggle life and homeschooling and, well, life.

But today I am returning to blogdom to ask a quick question, and that is:

Where in the world do all the pencils go???

We started our school year with three large boxes of No. 2s, and an equally large supply of extra pencil-tip erasers, and today we are out of all them!

Somewhere in this house we must have a pile of pencils and erasers, but I haven't seen it if there is. You would think it would be noticeable.

Am I the only homeschooling mom with this problem??

(Annoyed sigh).... Target, here we come. Again.

Home Again

2009-09-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

We returned to St. Louis Saturday evening after a little more than a week in Washington (state). Though it was a trip that one month ago we had no idea we would be making, to be with family to mourn and bury my dad, it was a good trip. As all visits with my family go, it was way too short.

My head is teeming with bloggables, from the passing of my dad and the funeral, to visiting with friends and extended family not seen for 20+ years, from the ever-breathtaking views of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River gorge to our youngest son turning 8 on the trip and losing a tooth in the Portland airport, from Mom's flat-out gorgeous flower garden to the book I began reading on the airplane trip out and can hardly put down (Dracula, by Bram Stoker)... and what stress and hot weather can do to a body with MS.

But on arriving home I realize regular life must resume, and so I quickly type this from my school computer while the boys take a brief play-break outside with Lucy, their buff-colored cocker spaniel that they missed for 8 days. I don't know that I'll find the time to blog about any of the above items. Regular life, homeschooling and all that goes with it, keeps my blogging to a minimum it seems, so we'll see.

But, to sum up our visit, I am more grateful for dear family and friends today than I ever have been before. Our family is truly blessed. Our Lord has taken my dad into eternity and, I think, left the rest of us closer.

I'm glad to be home, but the lump I always get when saying good-bye hasn't quite gone yet. Love you, Mom!

Dear Dad - 1934 - 2009

2009-09-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

My Dad passed away Tuesday night. Our Lord, in His infinite mercy, took him swiftly and peacefully.

Your prayers have been, and are, deeply appreciated.

HSMom and Family

Update on Dad

2009-09-01T05:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers: At a meeting between my family and my dad's neurosurgeon last night, the doctor indicated that he does not expect Dad to live through the end of this week. He is in God's hands; we ask that you pray for his peaceful passing, and for our family, especially Mom, as we go through these last days with him.

Thank you and may God bless you for your generous prayers.

HSMom and Family

Attention MO Homeschoolers!

2009-08-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) announces a webinar on 8/25/09 (tomorrow!) at 2pm CDT to discuss Missouri Homeschool Law Change.

From the event registration page:

"Can home educated students stop counting their 1000 credit hours at age 14? 15? 16? 17? Under a new Missouri law, compulsory attendance goes to age 17 unless a child has earned 16 high school credits. Scott Woodruff will explain what a "credit" really is for homeschoolers and how they can earn one. Learn ways to adapt your record-keeping and college preparation to this new development. Don't get behind the curve on this important change in the law! Woodruff will allow time to take your specific questions regarding this law change. Time permitting, Woodruff will also walk through other aspects of homeschool law for those who are relatively new to homeschooling in Missouri." (This is a members-only e-vent.)

Sign up to attend this important event here.

School ... and Life

2009-08-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of our school year. It is beginning with much less fanfare than in previous years. Usually I begin revving up the boys days beforehand, and we're all kind of excited to get going by the time the day comes. I can't say that this year.

We are (I am) distracted by all that is transpiring with my dad. His condition has not changed as of last night. My mom, with the support of my brothers and me, will be faced with difficult decisions this week, barring a miracle. It is very hard on Mom.

We are comforted, though, knowing Dad received Last Rites last evening, as well as being enrolled in the brown scapular.

My dad (along with Mom) was received into the Catholic Church just three years ago, Deo gratias! We entrust him to Our Lord and Lady. May God's will be done.

Your continued prayers are most appreciated.

....... Now I must go ring that school bell.

Prayers for My Dad

2009-08-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

Friends, my dad, age 75, is in the ICU after suffering a subdural hematoma on Tuesday morning. The surgery to relieve the condition went well, but he has not awakened yet, and has been on a ventilator since Tuesday.

Your prayers for him, and for my mom too, are most appreciated.

God bless you!

Mary Poppins

2009-08-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

Last night we took the family to the Broadway musical Mary Poppins, and what a treat it was! It is playing at the Fox Theater, which venue alone was a sight to see in all its ornate beauty. But the production was, in a word, amazing!

This Mary Poppins had many of the familiar Disney song and dance numbers including Chim-Chim-Cheree, Step in Time, A Spoonful of Sugar, and Supercalifragilisticexpialadocious, but it had many new songs written for this musical as well. All were wonderfully performed, as the cast sang and danced their way energetically through the play.

There were several characters that would be familiar only if you had read the book(s) by P.L. Travers, characters not seen in the Disney film. But having read the books to the boys, we were happy to see and know Miss Lark, Miss Andrew (the 'holy terror'), and Neleus the statue in the park. Still, for those who have not read the books, the theme of the musical was unchanged, and the added characters serve to bring out the wonders which occur wherever Mary Poppins is, much like the animated characters in the film version do.

The cast was wonderful, the story, songs and dance numbers were delightful, and there were even a couple of eye-popping 'special effects' that left the audience, adults and children alike in awe. My husband and I were still trying to figure out 'how'd they do that?!' this morning. I'll leave it at that, just in case a reader might get a chance to go. We all enjoyed it, and the boys, as if it were a dvd, want to see it again; unfortunately the live production is just a tad pricier than a dvd!

Mary Poppins continues at the Fox in St. Louis through August 30, and plays in other cities through September 2010.

Should you get to go, I'm pretty sure you'll agree that this Mary Poppins production is 'practically perfect in every way'!

Beloved Flower Pots

2009-08-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report that the boys did very well today as they assisted for the first time at the solemn high Mass at the Oratory! It was a proud moment indeed, seeing them in the procession, walking slowly, seriously, hands folded as in prayer.

During Mass, sitting opposite each other in the choir stalls, they both followed along, doing as they are supposed to do, but for the most part, being still as flower pots! On recessing out following Mass, I caught each boy's eye and they both gave a quick smile to Mom.

As we all readied ourselves to leave, one of the older altar boys told them, "Good job up there!" Both boys beamed. And their exuberance was evident on the way home as they were all a-chatter:

"I loved it!!"

"Oh Mom, it was fun!!"

"I want to serve every Sunday!"

And from one boy to the other: "Are you going to be a priest?" "If God calls me, I will."

Thus was the first day of, hopefully, a long-lasting service at the Altar for our boys. If ever a flower pot was beautiful to behold.....

Deo Gratias!

This Sunday!

2009-08-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

After several Sunday after-Mass practices, the boys are ready. They know where to go to get their cassock and surplice, they know how to process in and bow to their processional partner before taking their places in the choir stalls, they know the signals for standing, kneeling, sitting, they know to watch the big boys and do as they do.....

Tomorrow our boys will assist at Holy Mass for the first time as altar boys (though Abbe's more specific term for what they'll be doing their first few weeks in the choir is "flowerpot"!) They can't wait! Their dad and I are equally excited for them, if just a little nervous. Other moms have assured me they'll do just fine.

Yes, I'll have camera in hand!

* * *

To an Altar Boy

To be Christ's page at the altar,
To serve Him freely there.
Where even the Angels falter,
Bowed low in reverent prayer.

To touch the throne most holy,
To hand the gifts for the feast,
To see Him meekly, lowly,
Descend at the word of the priest.

To hear man's poor petition,
To sound the silver bell,
When He in sweet submission,
Comes down with us to dwell.

No grander mission surely
Could Saints or men enjoy;
No heart should love more purely,
Than yours my altar boy.

God bless you, lad, forever,
And keep you in His care,
And Guard you that you never
Belie the robes you wear.

For white bespeaks untainted
A heart both tried and true;
And red tolls love the sainted
The holy martyrs knew.

Throughout life, then, endeavor
God's graces to employ;
And be in heart forever
A holy altar boy.

------ by St. John Berchmans

* * *

St. John Berchmans, Patron of Altar Boys,
Pray for Us!

Soup in Summer

2009-08-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

My husband loves to bar-b-que and he would gladly do it year-round if the weather permitted. There has been many a chilly--no, cold--January or February Saturday that he has asked me if firing up the 'Q' sounded good. It always sounds delicious, as my husband is very good at the grill. Anyone who has had his bbq-grilled rib-eye steaks, medium-rare, knows they're better than any steak at any restaurant in town. (And that's not bias, it's a fact!) Still, the whole grilling thing for me is more than just the food; it's sitting outside, kids playing in the backyard, smelling that smoke, and watching him do what he loves to do. Kinda hard to do that mid-winter, but once in a while on a not so inclement day, he'll cook up a nice dinner on the grill.

Well, today, on this warm summer day, I'm turning that scenario around a bit and I'm making a hearty, wintry Lentil Soup for dinner. The meals that go so well with the chill winds of the winter months are the ones I love to prepare. Soups and stews, chili with warm cornbread and honey, just about anything in the crockpot. I love it when my husband hurries in the front door at the end of his workday, collar turned up, hat and gloves on, sleet sticking to his coat, and we all come to the table to steaming bowls of comforting soup that not only warms us from our fingers to our toes, but it warms our hearts too, as our little family is cozy inside while winter rages outside. Mmmm... there's nothing better that time of year.

Well, today I'm more than several months early as I watch the mercury rise outside. But Lentil soup just sounds good to me, and if hubby can 'Q' in January, I can make soup in August! And you can bet that even though we have no need to warm our fingers or toes on this summer day, a good heart-warming knows no season.

Of Your Charity

2009-07-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday one of my uncles, my dad's brother, suddenly passed on into eternity. He was 76 years old, and it is thought that he had a heart attack.

Though I grew up only a quarter mile from his house, and he and my dad (and their sister) were partners in our family dairy farm, I cannot say I knew Uncle Jim well. I knew his two kids, my cousins, well, but I simply had no closeness of any kind with my uncle.

To my knowledge he lived and died without any religion of any kind, and I am saddened by this. I am sorry too for my cousins' loss of their only remaining parent.

And so I would ask you, dear readers, of your charity, to say a prayer today for my Uncle Jim.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual
light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

My Piano

2009-07-24T13:24:00.000-07:00

I have always loved the piano. I didn't take lessons growing up as many of my friends did, mainly because we never had a piano in the house. But my desire never waned. When I was 18 we did get a piano. My parents got it for $100. It was old and small--didn't even have 88 keys. I think it had 85. But it was good enough to start lessons on.

When I got my first 'real' job at age 20, the first thing I wanted to buy was my very own piano. So I saved and I saved, until the day I went downtown to the piano store and was able to buy one on my own. It was a Kohler console piano, walnut, and I thought it lovely. It was delivered to my parents' house where I still lived at the time, and there it stayed through my 20s. And all through my 20s I continued to take lessons.

I never became an accomplished pianist, but I always loved to play. Circumstances led me to stop lessons at some point around age 30, but I kept my piano, moving it everywhere I moved (much to the chagrin of every brother and friend who ever helped me move!)

My piano has followed me everywhere, including the 2200 mile move to St. Louis some ten years ago. In the early years of our marriage I played a very little, but was too busy with my babies to play as I once did. Ensuing years silenced the piano even more as my ability to play with both hands became less and less possible, my left hand succumbing to the effects of MS.

But two years ago next month, piano music came back into our home when our boys began taking piano lessons, and what a blessing it has been. Each week a fine young piano teacher comes to our home to instruct the boys. And everyday I sit at the piano and go through the lessons with our sons. I never imagined two years could show so much progress in them, but it has. One son especially loves to play, but it is a delight to listen to either of them at the piano.

I didn't realize over 25 years ago when I bought this piano that one day it would be my sons' playing on it that I enjoyed so much. Very infrequently I will still sit down and play a few old favorites, albeit one-handed, and when I do, the boys will yell from whatever room they're in, "Mom, is that you??", surprised at my quasi-ability to make 'beautiful' music. But as much as I have always loved to play, it is now our boys' music that brings me such joy.... on my very own, old, piano.

St. Cecilia, Patroness of Musicians, pray for us!

A Beautiful Day at the Oratory

2009-07-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was an especially nice Sunday. Our boys were very excited to see the newest priest at St. Francis deSales Oratory, Canon Jason Apple. As a deacon, he was our oldest son's catechism teacher at the SFdS homeschool co-op and thus, our son was particularly anxious too see this former deacon recently ordained to the holy priesthood. (Click here for some nice pictures posted at St. Louis Catholic from Canon's ordination).

And see him we did. The boys followed his every move around church as we sat in our places waiting for Mass to begin. "Look," they both whispered to me, "there he is!"... "Is he going to say Mass, Mom?"... ""Look, Mom, he's going to hear confessions now!!"

It really impressed upon me how much our young boys look up to these deacons and priests. They were truly in awe of him. Such a high calling they have! And so we offer our congratulations and prayers for Canon Apple. And we are reminded to pray:

Lord, send us priests,
Lord, send us holy priests,
Lord, send us many holy priests and religious vocations!

After Mass the boys received their first instruction in serving from Abbe Alex, the Oratory Sacristan (and also our younger son's catechism teacher). Some of the concerns I posted in my last blog entry were relieved as my husband and I sat in the pew observing their practice. All of the boys--five in all--were very attentive and reverently followed Abbe's excellent direction. If our boys were excited about serving before, they are more-so now.

And so ended another blessed morning at the Oratory. God bless our good priests and religious!

As we got in the car to go home, my 7-year old son and I had the following exchange:

"Mom, if God is calling you to be a priest, but you don't want to be one, do you still have to be?"

"Why? Don't you want to be a priest?"

"No," he answered, almost sheepishly.

"You know what I think?" I asked him, "I think if God one day calls you to the priesthood, you will probably want to become a priest. You have lots of time to pray about what God is calling you to. For right now I think He's just calling you to be an altar boy, don't you?"

"Yeah!" he said with a sigh of relief and a big smile.

Altar Boys

2009-07-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

As a mother to two boys, I have long thought of how proud I would be if one day either or both of them might join the procession at Holy Mass as altar boys. Well, that day might just be in sight! Today I received a call from our Oratory Sacristan who wished to schedule a time for meeting with interested boys, and to begin training them to serve.

My boys are very excited about this! And so am I, though admittedly I am not a little bit apprehensive, simply because I know my boys! Can these two, who are perpetual motion--squared--at home, actually sit in the choir stalls as still as potted plants for the duration of a solemn high mass--often the better part of two hours?? I see other boys their ages fulfilling such service every Sunday, but can mine do the same? I am hopeful, but I will certainly implore Our Lord and Lady in this! And I need to find out soon who is the patron saint of altar boys (anyone care to save me the googling?)

But concerned though I might be, I did find some encouragement from a mother of many sons, who perhaps felt as I did when her oldest boys first processed in to Holy Mass. Just this week I got a book of poetry by Hilary McRee Flanery, also known as Long-Skirts (a link to her poetry blog is here, or on the blog list on the right). In her lovely book A Breath of Home, there is a poem entitled Five Sons wherein she observes the transformation of her active, loud, raucous boys into still, quiet and serene altar boys:

Five Sons

Today, five sons,
Served on the altar.
Determined boys
Who would not falter.

Boys, at home,
Who fight and shove
But on the altar
Assist with love.

At home shouting,
From top of lung.
On the altar,
Latin’s sung.

At home running
Can’t sit still.
On the altar
Disciplined will.

At home throwing
Cereal, toast.
On the altar
Adoring Host.

At home bedrooms,
Scattered scene.
On the altar
Order, serene.

I, proud, mother,
Faithful to Rome,
Five sons on the altar,
Five men at home.

Thank you, Long-Skirts! This is my hope and prayer for my two sons, that indeed they will honor Our Lord as altar boys, and that the coming weeks will be just the beginning of many years of service for them at the Altar of Our Lord.

Poem for Every Mom

2009-07-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

Rummaging through my desk this morning I came across a tattered print-out of a poem I love. It is by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton and was published in 1958 in Ladies' Home Journal. Five children we do not have, but with the two God has blessed my husband and I with, I can affirm every line, and that with a lump in my throat!

Song for a Fifth Child

Mother, oh Mother,
come shake out your cloth,
empty the dustpan,
poison the moth,
hang out the washing
and butter the bread,
sew on a button and make up a bed.

Where is the mother whose house
is so shocking?
She’s up in the nursery,
blissfully rocking.

Oh, I’ve grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue
(lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).

Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
(pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo).

The shopping’s not done
and there’s nothing for stew
and out in the yard there’s a hullabaloo
but I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo.

Look! Aren’t her eyes the most wonderful hue?
(lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).

The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
for children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down, cobwebs.
Dust go to sleep.
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.

Coming to Theatres...

2009-06-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

...in October 2009:

The 13th Day, a film about the miracle of Fatima. Watch the trailer here. This one looks like a must-see!

A Yummy Potato Salad

2009-06-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

I like to cook, and pretty-much avoid the dinner-in-a-box food aisle. But recently I needed a quick summer side-dish, and I found a ready-made potato salad that is delicious. Bought at Sam's Club, it is Resers Country Style Red Potato Salad. It comes in a 4# container, so is enough to serve a small crowd, or for your family to eat on all week.

Just thought I'd pass on the tip-o'-the-day for your summer cookout. I'm pretty sure I'll never make a homemade 'tater salad again!

Music to My Ears

2009-06-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

My eldest son can often be heard humming a tune as he plays and goes about his day. Usually it's the Star Wars theme, or something like it. This afternoon he was at the kitchen sink getting a drink, and my husband and I heard him humming a tune that was very clearly the Kyrie, as sung this morning by our beautiful Oratory choir.

Kyrie eleison...
...Christe eleison...
...Kyrie eleison

Sure made us smile.

Scrubbing Bubbles and My Mother-in-Law

2009-06-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

I am all about any cleaning product that does the hard work for me. There is one such product I've been using for almost 10 years, one my dear mother-in-law (RIP) introduced me to shortly after I married her son: Scrubbing Bubbles. You may remember the old commercials of those zealous little bubble-guys cleaning the tub, declaring as they go down the drain, "We work hard so you don't have toooooooo......!"

Well, their claim is true! Just spray the foaming cleanser onto your grimiest after-the-boys-have-been-in-the-dirt-tub, and your sink and chrome fixtures, leave it a few minutes, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Not only is it clean, it's shiny too! And truly, there is NO scrubbing.

I knew my mother-in-law only a few short years. Our eldest son barely remembers his 'Moon-scoon-Gramma' (a term of endearment only a 2yo could come up with), and our youngest has no memory of her at all. But my husband lovingly quotes her often, recounting nuggets of wisdom she imparted and which he has carried with him since his youth, and is now passing on to our boys. One such nugget is that when someone pops into your mind, say a prayer for them; it may be God is nudging you because they are in need of your prayers.

Funny as it may sound, Scrubbing Bubbles is one thing that always brings her to my mind. And so as I put those bubble-guys to work this morning, I also took her advice to pray for those who are brought to mind. Thanks for the great tips, Mom.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon her.
May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.

Test Time!

2009-06-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season for Standard Achievement Tests in our house. At the end of each year I give the boys the CAT-5 (California Achievement Test, Complete Battery) for the grade they just completed. I do it for a couple of reasons, the first being that I want them to be accustomed to this style of testing as they progress through the grades, such that when they are at the age to take college admissions tests, it will not be foreign to them. Secondly, I want to know how they compare academically to the level which is determined to be the 'standard' in the US for their age/grade level.

And so, this is the week. We have completed all of the Language Arts sections, as well as Mathematics. We have only Science and Social Studies to go. Phew!

I say 'phew' because these tests, I think, are harder on me than them! Consider. All school year long, I am theirs for the asking when they need help. If they don't understand a concept, I am there. If it's a math fact that has them stumped (e.g., 8x9), I remind them to find the nearest fact that they do know (8x10) and figure it from there. If it's a grammar issue, sometimes a nonsensical, funny sentence will help him realize that what he thought to be the verb in the sentence is, in fact, the noun. If it's a matter of "Mom, my hand is soooo hot!!!" from too much writing (he thinks!), then I am there to be a cheerleader encouraging him to keep on keepin' on.

But, with the exception of the cheerleader role, Achievement Testing is a different ballgame. I make sure the boys understand each section, I set the timer, and but for a question of clarification here and there, I am to remain mute while they fill in with their #2 pencils, dozens of little circles which will ultimately indicate they're level of comprehension in Languages Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.

One thing that has become very apparent this year: our two boys, who just completed 3rd and 2nd grades, are as different as night and day (as if I didn't already know that.) One boy excels at reading, writing and drawing, while the other at mathematics. This morning while the more math-o-phobic of my sons was completing his section on 'Language Expression', he flipped ahead a few pages in his book only to see pages upon pages upon pages (in his mind) of math problems. Oh horrors! Oh dread! Oh Mom!!!!!

Contrast this with my numbers kid who, upon flipping a few pages ahead in his test book and seeing his math section, looked up at me, pumped his fist, and with the eye of the tiger, gave a confident 'Yeah!!!!!!!' In a few minutes he'd be finished with the pesky Language Arts section, and he could cozy in to doing what he does best. Egging him on a bit, and simply for my own amusement, I asked him if he were up to the challenge, and he enthusiastically answered 'YES!!' with another fist pump. When I told him he could and should use scratch paper to work his problems, he insisted he could do them in his head. He did just fine, and in a fraction of the time allowed.

For my other son, however, the math section requires a bit more effort. And here's where it gets hard for Mom. I sit there, watching him do math, or his brother doing grammar, unable to offer the assistance that I usually spend all year offering them in the classroom. I far prefer that role of teacher/helper, exercising patience in reiterating a given concept for the dozenth time if need be.

Overall I think both boys are doing well. But I will be pleased indeed after tomorrow's final test session, when these test booklets are signed, sealed, and sent off for scoring. Then we will absolutely and truly be able to relax into our summer break from daily academics.

Aye, summer. 'Tis the season to be a bit (just a bit!) lazy. Phew! Please pass the lemonade!

Lightning Bugs

2009-06-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

As a transplant to the Midwest I was in my mid-30s before I saw my first lightning bug. (For all the Northwest has to offer, it is not a home to lightning bugs!) I've been here 10 years now, and I still thrill to see these slow-fliers for a few weeks each May and June.

On a warm evening as the boys chase them, catch them, and marvel at their little twinkling lights, I can't help but think that perhaps that is precisely why God made lightning bugs: simply for the wonderment and delight of every child...... and every child within the adult who still marvels too.

The Funnies... Not for Kids

2009-06-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

Peanuts, Garfield, The Family Circus, Hi and Lois, The Far Side, and Calvin and Hobbes; Winnie Winkle and Judge Parker. The 'Jumble' puzzle at the bottom of the daily comics page. These are all part of what made reading the comics with my breakfast before work each morning, more anticipated than the front page of the newspaper.

Having been a full-time homemaker for 10 years now, it's been a very long time since I had a morning get-up-and-go-out-to-work routine. We do not subscribe to the local paper and thus, I've lost touch with my old favs, and many of them had been discontinued, even when I was still reading the funnies.

Fast-forward to present. My boys, over the years, have gotten a taste for the comics, from the occasional Sunday paper we'd pick up after Mass. And for a few weeks now they've asked us to pick one up each Sunday. OK, fine. Pretty harmless entertainment, right?

WRONG. Yesterday as one son read the comics aloud with his brother looking on and Mom and Dad sipping coffee at the dining room table, the words "sex change" came out of our son's mouth. My husband and I immediately and in unison, cried out, "WHAT?!?", while we both grabbed the "funny" papers from our unwitting boys' hands.

So much for allowing the boys to look forward to the comics section each Sunday. While the time will certainly come for our boys to be made aware of the myriad ways in which this world is messed up, the Sunday full-color funny papers is not the jump-off point we need for imparting this sort of knowledge to them.

Of course the kids wondered what they said that caused such a reaction in their parents. "But what is a sex change??" they both wanted to know. After giving them sufficient and age-appropriate information, we let them know that we would not be picking up a Sunday paper any longer. Of course they were disappointed, but having grown up with limitations on secular communications coming into our home, from the DVDs they watch, to the TV commercials that must be turned off as we watch a Cardinals game, they took it pretty much in stride.

I think it was more disappointing for me because those days of anticipating the next installment in the Winnie Winkle serial, or being touched by the oft-poignant The Family Circle, or laughing out loud at Calvin's latest adventures are looked back on with fond reminiscence, and I had hoped to give them some of that same enjoyment. Alas, even the funnies have gone the way of the world.

But all is not lost. The Sunday funnies? Well, the boys won't be reading them, as I don't need yet another thing to screen first. But, we will replace it with a book or two of those same strips I enjoyed. I think they will find a real kinship with Calvin. And certainly it will provide our boys with more reason for a genuine and innocent chuckle than what is found in today's Sunday funnies.

The Chartres Pilgrimage

2009-05-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

If ever there was a pilgrimage that I (and my husband) would like to go on, it would be the Pilgrimage of Tradition to Chartres, France. This is a 3-day, 70-mile walking pilgrimage across France, on which this year there will be 15,000 pilgrims from all over the world, 70 of whom are Americans. They begin at Notre Dame in Paris and walk the 70 miles to the great Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame de Chartres.

According to The Remnant: "This Pilgrimage dates back to the middle ages. It has been made by kings (such as King Louis XIV), Queens (such as Mary Queen of Scots), and Saints (such as Joan of Arc). The famous, the lowly, the noble and the commoner" have made the difficult walk. The website goes on to detail how the annual pilgrimage was eventually discontinued, but how that in the 1980s "several tradition-minded French Catholic laymen began again to organize the Pilgrimage. The Pilgrimage was held in honor of Mary, the Mother of God, for the purpose of the restoration of the traditional Mass and Sacraments of the Catholic Church."

In 1990, under the organization of several columnists from The Remnant, Americans began participating in the pilgrimage, and have every year since.

As much as my husband and I would like to go, it would be impossible for us considering the strenuous nature of this pilgrimage. So, what's the next best thing? Send our prayer requests with a pilgrim! One dear young lady from St. Francis deSales Oratory is taking with her on her flight to France this afternoon, the prayer requests of many of the moms from our homeschool co-op! And so I ask you, dear readers, to pray especially for this young lady, her companions, and all of the 15,000 pilgrims as they are on the road to Chartres on this Pentecost weekend. For surely they all have our best in mind and heart:

(From The Remnant): "We will also do our best to represent all Catholic Americans on the road to Chartres. America is in such desperate straights, as we all know; so we will remember our country in a special way this year, asking God to save America and give His children the grace to survive whatever persecution of all things Christian may be on the horizon."

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Empress of the Americas, pray for us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

Birthdays at Our House

2009-05-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

My husband brought a very nice tradition into our marriage and family life: that of celebrating birthdays, in a big way. Or in a bigger way than I knew growing up anyway. When he was a kid, his family always made signs for all the birthdays. Nothing elaborate, just simple signs drawn on plain paper with crayons, hung about the house to wish happy birthday to the one whose day it was.

We've continued the tradition in our family, adding to the homemade signs streamers in the dining room, a much-used "Happy Birthday" banner hung on the dining room wall, balloons, and a special dinner plate (with chosen birthday dinner) for the honoree. From the moment the birthday boy (or girl, only one out of the four we celebrate each year) awakes in the morning, it is obvious that this is indeed their special day.

The boys love it. They make their signs with sweet sentiments, illustrated with whatever they are currently interested in. If I kept the signs each year (and many of them I have) they would be a pictorial journal of the boys growing up.

Today it is my turn to be on the receiving end of signs, balloons, 'happy birthdays' with kisses and hugs given early and often. I love it too. One of the signs, made by my more artistic son, shows a space shuttle blasting off to 'Planet Mom', while my numbers-loving kid made a sign with a long math problem which ultimately adds up to my age. And of course my husband's beautiful card and flowers greeted me as well. We have cake and ice cream to look forward to. It is a happy day in our house, and I am thankful for these little traditions we've carried on.

And if anyone is mildly curious as to my age, just complete my son's math problem below.

10+36+42-42-10+10-41+41+54-54=

Indigo Bunting

2009-05-01T08:58:00.001-07:00

We have a bird feeder at which we regularly see chickadees, doves, crows, house finches, and to our especial delight, bright red cardinals. But this morning we saw a first: a male Indigo Bunting! My younger son came running into the room where I was, yelling, "MOM!! There's an Indigo Bunting outside!!!" I went to the window, and sure enough, a bright blue bird fitting his description (and as described and pictured in his bird book) was feeding along with the other birds!

If you're unfamiliar with this bird, click here for pictures of the Indigo Bunting. It was really a beautiful bird, and it was a thrill for my bird-watcher 7 year old!

Regina Coeli

2009-04-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to all!

Each day in school the boys and I break for lunch at noon and together say the Angelus. But with Eastertide upon us, we substitute the Regina Coeli. This is a prayer that I've not before memorized, but as we recite it for the whole of the Easter season, I'm sure I won't need a cheat sheet by the season's close.

Queen of Heaven rejoice, alleluia: For He whom you merited to bear, alleluia, Has risen as He said, alleluia. Pray for us to God, alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.

R. Because the Lord is truly risen, alleluia.

Let us pray: O God, who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, granted joy to the whole world: grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may lay hold of the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

Good Friday.... and....

2009-04-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

I'll get to the 'and' in a minute. First things first.

Today is Good Friday, the day in which each year we remember Our Lord's Passion. He has already been betrayed by Judas and taken to prison. Today He will be scourged, crowned with thorns, and sentenced to death by crucifixion. He will carry His cross to Calvary, where on that cross the spotless Lamb of God will shed His blood and die for the sins of the world.

In remembrance of this, we fast, we abstain from eating meat; we mortify our own flesh, offering our own sufferings back to Him in thanksgiving for His sacrifice which was all for you and me.

It can be interesting trying to impart these ideas and practices to the kids. Of course they are not at the age where they must fast as adults do. But I do let them know we will not have treats today, nor excess of the things we like. This morning my oldest got on a stool and, before I realized it, was helping himself to a chunk or two of brown sugar out of the brown sugar cannister. When I looked up and saw him I quickly told him, "Nooo, J, remember it's Good Friday!" He immediately pulled his hand out, indeed remembering, and knowing we shouldn't indulge on this day (not, mind you, that ANY day is OK to raid the brown sugar!!)

This afternoon our family will go to Church for the Liturgy and Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. And we will all the more look forward to His Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Oh.... and....

Today my husband and I celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary! In 1999, April 10 was on Easter Saturday, and thus the church on that day was decked out with Easter Lilies and other beautiful flowers. It was a lovely day, forever etched in my memory, the day we wed. But today, 10 years later, it falls on Good Friday. And so, but for the beautiful dozen red roses my husband brought home last night, and cards exchanged between us, we will postpone celebrating with dinner out to Eastertide.

Blessed Good Friday to all.
Happy Anniversay, honey. And thank you for ten wonderful years.

Silk-Tie Easter Eggs

2009-04-08T06:21:00.000-07:00

Martha Stewart has a really fun and easy looking way to dye Easter eggs using old silk ties. And they turn out beautiful! Check out this clip for Silk-Tie Easter Eggs before you go and buy an egg dyeing kit!

So, go raid your hubby's outdated ties--or head off to Goodwill--and start dying eggs!

(Thanks for the tip, Mom!)

Good Poetry

2009-03-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Readers know my love of good children's literature, and how we in our house enjoy nightly read-alouds. Now and then we'll have a poetry night where I read our best-loved poems by various poets, our favorites being those of Robert Louis Stevenson or the delightful gems of A.A. Milne (no library in a household with children is complete without The Complete Tales and Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh, by A.A. Milne, imho.)

Some are laugh-out-loud funny, and each of us waits for our particular favorite to be read again. Some tell an interesting story, while others teach a valuable lesson to young and old alike. Such is the familiar poem by Mary Howitt, The Spider and the Fly. The boys memorized it a couple of years ago; we read again recently, among others, and I thought I'd share it here.

The Spider and the Fly
Mary Howitt

Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly,
'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I've a many curious things to shew when you are there."
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."

"I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the Spider to the Fly.
"There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!"
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!"

Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, " Dear friend what can I do,
To prove the warm affection I 've always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice;
I'm sure you're very welcome -- will you please to take a slice?"
"Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind Sir, that cannot be,
I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!"

"Sweet creature!" said the Spider, "you're witty and you're wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,
If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself."
"I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you 're pleased to say,
And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day."

The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,
"Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;
Your robes are green and purple -- there's a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!"

Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue --
Thinking only of her crested head -- poor foolish thing! At last,
Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlour -- but she ne'er came out again!

And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

Thanks...

2009-03-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

After several days of the stomach bug flying through our house and biting each of us one-by-one (it's the only time I'm thankful for a small family!) we're all feeling better... thank you for the prayers!

Last One Standing--Prayer Request

2009-03-07T16:50:00.000-08:00

My family has the stomach flu. Nasty stuff. It began on Thursday evening, hit one boy hard for 24 hours and now he's fine. Today it got my husband, and just a bit ago, my other son. I feel fine right now, but I fear it's only a matter of time.

If you would, say a prayer for me. MS and fevers are a very bad mix, and I would love to skirt this one. Thank you!!

Make Sense?

2009-03-05T16:54:00.001-08:00

I recently overheard someone bemoaning the fact that all too often 'life doesn't make sense'. I concurred in my mind, but my thoughts immediately expanded on the whole idea. Usually when we think of life not making sense, it is due to something negative going on, something in which we simply do not see the good. Whereas, when life is rolling smoothly along (and the way we want it to), it doesn't occur to us whether there is any sense in it: it's good, of course it makes sense! But the more I think about it, especially in the context of our Catholic faith, the more I wonder which scenario really makes more sense.

This temporal life, our faith tells us, is a 'valley of tears'. Isn't it par for that course if we are presented with a degree of suffering that likely doesn't measure up to our desire for an easy life? Isn't that suffering, in fact, a mercy of God? An opportunity to offer to Him penance in this life, and thus, hopefully, lessen our Purgatorial 'time', and that of others, in the next? This makes sense to me. I'm a sinner. Sin requires reparation. Our Lord gives me opportunity to make reparation.

To me, it's God's obvious blessings in our lives that are harder for me to reconcile, because I don't deserve them! I'm thankful for them, but why am I so blessed?! The only answer is God's boundless love for me. My deserving or not deserving His blessings is irrelevant, I think. He loves me, that is all.

To give personal example to all of the above, I relate it to my life with MS. This chronic and progressive condition has been an unwelcome guest in my body for 16+ years now. I believe with all my heart that I have it for a reason (and that it is not simply the luck of the draw). If I didn't believe in God's control, and near presence to me in this, I would be miserable indeed!

What is more amazing to me though, is that He did not ask me to carry this cross alone. Along with the MS, just a few years later, Our Lord allowed me (with the help of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, but that's another post!) to meet the man who would become my husband.

On Good Friday this year we will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. And even after all these years, and as my condition progresses along, it never ceases to amaze me how good, how loving, how generous, how absolutely perfect my husband is with and for me. Truly my cross is his cross. And he is teaching our boys to be just like him.

I am blessed beyond measure, and honestly, it doesn't make sense! I don't deserve it! But then, who of us deserves the abundant blessings of Our Lord? It is most humbling.

And so, to come full circle, though there are times I wonder where in the world there is anything good in MS, if I keep my eyes on Our Lord and His eternal purposes, I can see where this negative in my life does make sense. But His blessings on my life--the 'good' things--my husband, my family, these can only, in my mind, be explained through faith in Our loving Lord and His endless mercy on His children. Not because I deserve it, but simply because He loves me.

Make sense?

Ash Wednesday

2009-02-25T06:31:00.000-08:00

Meménto, homo, quia pulvis es,
et in púlverem revertéris.

Remember, man, that thou art dust,
and unto dust thou shalt return.

A blessed Ash Wednesday to all as we commence our Lenten journey.

Sunday Morning

2009-02-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

This morning we went to the early Mass, and afterward we went to the brunch that was prepared by the Knights of Columbus. It seems of late we have not gone to coffee hour after Mass, but after this morning my husband and I agreed we need to make it a more consistent part of our Sunday morning.

Our boys played with other kids while we we were able to greet Father, say hi and visit a bit with old friends, as well as becoming better acquainted with some new ones, one of whom we have heretofore only known... well... in blogdom! Nice to make all those connections.

Holy Mass, followed by delicious food, good conversation with friends, and kids at play. Now that's the way to spend a Sunday morning.

Kudos....

2009-02-14T11:37:00.000-08:00

.... to the designer of my new My Morning Cup header. I think he did a great job, and he did it for free!

Matrimony has its privileges. :)

Rest in Peace....

2009-02-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

Today is the funeral of a dear 31-year old mom from our homeschooling community. One week ago she collapsed while homeschooling her kids, and died immediately of what was later found to be coronary artery disease, which she was unaware of having. She leaves behind a husband and four children, ages 7 down to a baby who is not yet one year old. In just over an hour family and friends will say good-bye at a solemn high requiem Mass (where we would be but for sickness).

This is a loss that I can't fathom. I know such tragedies happen, within the will of our loving God, but it is so far beyond my scope of understanding, that I don't have adequate words to apply to it. But I do know that it has given those of us who knew her pause to consider our own mortality, to be thankful for our own families, to realize when our husbands leave for work in the morning that it could be the last time we say good-bye.

For we all share in her destiny, and in the scope of all eternity, none of us has a very long earthly existence. "Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is a vapour which appeareth for a little while, and afterwards shall vanish away. " (James 4:14-15) And hopefully, with this heightened sense of the brevity of our own earthly lives, we will renew our resolve to be ever-ready for our own eternal destiny.

And yet for all of the truth and comfort we find in our faith, my heart aches for the family enduring the loss of this young wife, mother, daughter. And so we do all that we know to do: we pray. We pray for this dear soul: Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her, may she rest in peace. We pray for her family, may they find comfort in Mary, Our Blessed Mother, who certainly bore such sorrows, and in Jesus her Son and Our Lord, who alone can give peace, which surpasses our understanding, amidst their present storm.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray or us!
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

Amen.

The Gift of Your Cross

2009-02-09T06:44:00.000-08:00