Summer Days

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.

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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.

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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

'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.

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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!

Ascension Thursday Mass at St. Elizabeth of Hungary

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'

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.

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A lovely Mother's Day to all Moms!

Favorite Music

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

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)

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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)

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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

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!