Small Success - Adding Up the Little Things

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1. We have almost completely tamed the dreaded laundry monster!

2. Our new school schedule seems to be working really well, and the children are getting a lot accomplished.

3. We have re-organized, summer-ized, and cleaned the mudroom!

Terrible Storms

Yesterday we had a truly terrible storm. And we were out in it!

It was just band after band of horrible, driving rain and wind strong enough to be bending 80ft+ trees almost in half.

Why were we out in this, you might ask? Well, my daughter had a youth meeting at church, and had been looking forward to it quite a bit. We knew there were bad weather warnings to the south of us, but nothing for us, per se. The sky was cloudy when we left, but nothing more. Well, about 15 miles into our journey (of approx. 30 miles) we found out that the storms were closer than the weather guys had warned us.

It started to rain harder as we got our daughter to the church. We dropped her off and went to go to Tractor Supply to check on an item we needed from there. Well, that is when the sky fell, just about literally. It was so bad! I could barely see the road. By the time we got to Tractor Supply, the rain was blowing horizontally. The poor manager at Tractor Supply, his doors had become stuck in the open position. They had a lake in the entryway. I told my husband I was going to pull up to the doors as close as I could get the truck, and told him our son and I would wait for him to come out. We found a spot close to the store, and that's when the wind started blowing even harder. It literally lifted the back of our full-size crew cab truck off the ground by a couple of inches. My son and I were NOT happy about that! I called my husband on his cell phone and told him to come out NOW! He got back in the truck and we went to seek shelter. There really was none.

While we were driving to find shelter, we were heading down a small road when lightning struck a power line right in front of us. The explosion was spectacular! The entire road, sky and everything lit-up a brilliant blue, as sparks flew all around us. My son screamed and my husband and I were just awestruck. That is the closest either of us have ever been to a lightning strike, and I hope it remains that way for a very long time. We finally went back to the area where our church is and parked in a McDonald's parking lot until the rain slowed. We waited a very long time. It just would not let up.

It was finally time to go back and pick-up our daughter (whom we felt was much safer at the church than anywhere else she could have been), and it miraculously let-up during the time we were there. She couldn't understand what we were talking about, as they really had not been too aware of the storm, other than the rain hitting the windows pretty hard. Our drive home was rain-filled and fairly uneventful, except for passing the remains of the accidents that had happened along the highway we travel. Many had lost control, or lost their bearings, in the downpour, hitting the concrete walls. There were many places that there were literally lakes in the middle of the highway. I was never so glad to be back home.

We all said a prayer of thanksgiving for our safe return home.

Please pray that my husband has a safe journey home from work today. It is raining, although not nearly as hard as it was yesterday, but there is widespread flooding. Thanfully most of his route is elevated enough that he should not have problems, but with this much rain in such a short time, you just never know.

Blessings to all of you!

~Kathy

The Simple Woman's Daybook - April 27th

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Outside my window... absolutely beautiful sunshine and cool temps (for a short while, anyway). We should get up over 90 degrees today. The birds are all happily gathering food and singing.

I am thinking... that I really need to go take something for this nasty headache I have.

From the learning rooms... work, work, work!

I am thankful for... the Lord showing me how to be content and have faith in Him, even when the cross we are bearing is so heavy at times.

From the kitchen... two chickens cooked and de-boned already this morning, waiting to become some wonderful meal for dinner. I have three different recipes that have been requested, but haven't decided on one yet. They are King Ranch Chicken, Chicken n' Chips, and Chicken Stew.

I am wearing... denim stretch shorts, short-sleeved knit shirt, barefoot (I know, I don't ever really change what I'm wearing. I'm in a rut! LOL!)

I am reading... I am trying to find He Leadeth Me by Walter J. Ciszek and Daniel Flaherty at the library.

I am hoping...that my husband's employer sees that it's a really good idea to give him the raise we need so desperately.

I am creating...a better place for our daily prayers.

I am hearing... Gregorian Chants and De Profundis

Around the house... WHERE does all this laundry come from? I think it multiplies itself in the baskets or something!

One of my favorite things... spending a glorious day outside in the sunshine with my family!

A few plans for the rest of the week... taking my daughter to the church middle school gathering, no co-op as it is over for the summer, maybe the library.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
We have tons of tree frogs around our place. They make a LOT of noise, and you can find them stuck to just about anything, especially our windows!

My daughter's little garden. She usually gets a pretty good harvest out of it, for such a small plot. Here are her potato and tomato plants.

Small Successes - Small but Significant

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1. Through the diligence of my children helping out, my kitchen is almost completely clean, top to bottom. It always looks so nice when it's been cleaned so well!

2. My husband finished his training for this position with his new company! We are so thankful for this position with this new company, after the way his former company treated him. We keep praying for a raise now, to go with the finishing of the training, since he had to take such a significant paycut.

3. We have managed to plant a few plants in our little square-foot garden. We are so thankful for our neighbor, who gave us three beautiful tomato plants!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - April 20th

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Even if I am a day late, I still wanted to post. Life was just so busy yesterday!

Outside my window... gorgeous sunshine, after a weekend of rain!

I am thinking... about how to improve my prayer life.

From the learning rooms... Lots of pencil movements at the moment!

I am thankful for... so many wonderful blessings the Lord has given us!

From the kitchen... boneless/skinless chicken breasts, rolled in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and baked, with a delicious mix of seasoned diced tomatoes & tomato sauce, topped with a sprinkling of parmesan reggiano cheese!

I am wearing... denim stretch shorts, short-sleeved knit shirt, barefoot (I don't like shoes, LOL!)

I am reading... Beyond Mist Blue Mountains (Bender, Carrie, Dora's Diary, 3.) by Carrie Bender

I am hoping...that our beautiful weather continues through the weekend.

I am creating...more space in the house, by de-cluttering.

I am hearing... Ave Maria, Gregorian (from the playlist on this blog).

Around the house... tons of laundry and de-cluttering.

One of my favorite things... listening to wondrously beautiful hymns!

A few plans for the rest of the week... keep up with the schoolwork and housework, so that we are able to make it to the Catholic homeschool conference in the city this weekend.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

This is another picture from our visit to the Houston Musuem of Natural Science (HMNS).

Please pray for a dear friend

A dear friend of mine and my husband’s, plus the Godmother of both of our children, has just found out she has breast cancer. She has an appt next week with a specialist to find out for sure if she needs to have a double mastectomy or not. It’s not good. I am just beside myself. She has been a rock for me, and I am so far from her (she lives about 4.5hrs away), that I can’t even be there to help her. All I can do is pray, and even though I know that can work wonders, I just feel so helpless. She is so scared, but is really trying to put on a brave face.

The picture above was taken several years ago, at a combined birthday party for my children.

Your prayers would be most appreciated.

~Kathy

Small Successes - Go Mom!

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1. We attended Mass on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. What a wonderful experience. It was not the Tridentine Mass, but came close, which was a wonderful surprise.

2. School is humming along nicely. I think we have finally hit on a schedule that is working for us.

3. We are making progress, slowly to be sure, on organizing and de-cluttering the house. It is such a wonderful feeling when you get a room done!

Bad little dog!

Oh yes, doesn't she look so cute and all innocent? Well, this little dog caused no end of trouble for us this morning. She got out the yard part of our property. My son did not feel the need to come and tell me right away, giving her plenty of time to explore and get further from home. Did I mention she runs REALLY fast? By the time he came and told me she had gotten out, 15 minutes had gone by. That is an eternity with this dog. My daughter hopped on her bike, my son climbed the fence into the woods next door, and I grabbed my keys and wallet and jumped in the truck. We all combed the area looking for her. No one could find her, and none of the other dogs in the area were barking, which worried me, because that meant she wasn't near them. I decided to drive down to the highway nearby and see if she had gotten that far. I did not want the children finding her run over. Thankfully she wasn't down there, and there was no sign of her heading that way. I doubled back to the house, and who was waiting for me at the corner of the fence right by our drive? You guessed it! The mischievous dog! I called her name, her ears perked-up. I opened the door to the truck, and she came running and jumped right in! Silly dog!

My children are now very happy and relieved to have her home.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - April 13th

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Outside my window... absolutely gorgeous spring weather!

I am thinking... how wonderful it is to attend Mass during Holy Week!

From the learning rooms... planning a new attack on spelling.

I am thankful for... a wonderful husband who faithfully attneds Mass with us!

From the kitchen... Easter leftovers. Yummy!

I am wearing... denim stretch shorts, short-sleeved knit shirt, barefoot (I don't like shoes, LOL!)

I am reading... I am needing to re-read A Mother's Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul (Paperback)by Holly Pierlot (Author)

I am hoping...to pray, and complete, The Divine Mercy Novena

I am creating...well, trying to create, new folders for my children's schoolwork.

I am hearing... a helicopter hovering around outside.

Around the house... the ever present picking-up and doing laundry.

One of my favorite things... springtime mornings, with all the birds singing and animals chattering!

A few plans for the rest of the week... keep-up with school and housework, and make sure the children have their things ready for co-op as it winds-down for the year.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Kitties do NOT like cascarones!

Happy Easter!

Poor Mary, she's not happy I'm posting this picture. She was so sleepy, and with all the rain, her hair was all "poofy" as she calls it. Every year I can't believe how grown-up they look. Time does fly.

Dad is the victim of a cascarone attack!

Mary's pretty Easter eggs. There were lots more, but this is all we could fit on the cute platter she had.

Alleluia! - He Is Risen!

Alleluia! - He Is Risen!

But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said (Matthew 28:5-6b, RSV).

Every gospel provides an account of the resurrection, which makes perfect sense, because the bodily resurrection of Jesus is and has been the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Saint Paul makes this clear when he reminds us that our faith is in vain without Christ's resurrection from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:14). Easter (also called "Pascha" or some variant by most non-English speaking Christians) celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, and it is the greatest and oldest feast of the Church. Even the term "Pascha" is borrowed from the Jewish word for "Passover," and Easter is calculated based on the lunar calendar (all other feasts are on the solar calendar). These facts show the ancient, probably Apostolic, origins of Easter. We even possess a baptismal liturgy of Easter dating to the mid-third century. Traditionally, the Pascha celebration began with a lengthy vigil, the "mother of all vigils" according to St. Augustine. The whole history of salvation is retold during the vigil, through scripture and liturgy. At the Easter Vigil (in the West) three traditions developed: the baptism of new converts, lighting of the paschal candle, and the blessing of the new fire (taken from the Jewish blessing of the lamp on the eve of the Sabbath). The new fire is often processed into the Church to light the Paschal candle. Eucharist is then celebrated in the morning hours, being also the first Eucharist of new converts. In general, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Vigil services consist of variants of this ancient model. The West also celebrates the octave of Easter. These eight days are all solemnities in the Western liturgical calendar. Actually, these days even take precedence over other solemnities that can fall within the Octave of Easter, including the Annunciation.

Easter follows Holy Week, and is the third and final day of the Paschal Triduum, the three day period which began on the evening of Holy Thursday. The evening prayer of Easter Day officially ends the Triduum. The Triduum contains the heart of the Christian faith: Jesus' death and resurrection. Easter is not just a day, but an entire fifty day season, called Eastertide, marked by joyful festivities and liturgical fullness. You might hear "Christ is Risen!" and "Alleluia!" frequently during the Easter season, because we are joyfully celebrating Christ's bodily resurrection. The Feast of the Ascension falls within Easter season. The 50-day season of Easter runs up to the Feast of Pentecost.

Of note, Western and Orthodox celebrations of Easter (Pascha) vary in certain ways. Usually Orthodox and Western Christians celebrate Easter on two different Sundays. The reason is that Orthodox churches still base their calculation of Easter's day on the Julian calendar, whereas Western churches follow the Gregorian calendar. In order to keep the date of Easter on a Sunday, the date changes yearly based on the Paschal full moon. The possible date range for Western Easter day is March 21st-April 25th. So what is the rule for finding the date of Easter? Put simply, Easter is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the day of the vernal equinox. The vernal equinox is the beginning of astronomical spring. However, ecclesiastical rules are slightly more complicated than this formula.

*Information from ChurchYear.net

Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil

Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil

Holy Saturday, Sabbatum Sanctum in Latin, is the last day of Holy Week, and the 40th day of the traditional fast of Lent, although Lent ends liturgically on the evening of Holy Thursday. The evening of Holy Saturday begins the third and final day of the Paschal Triduum. In the Western Church, no Masses are said on Holy Saturday, and the day is essentially a liturgically sparse time of reflection upon Christ's death and burial in anticipation of the Great Vigil of Easter (Paschal Vigil). The vigil usually begins the night of Holy Saturday, lasting until Easter morning. Very little happens on Holy Saturday, that is until the beginning of the Great Paschal Vigil.

There is deep symbolism upon which we can reflect on Holy Saturday. On this day, the Church waits at the Lord's tomb, and meditates on His Passion and Death and His descent into Hell. With prayer and fasting we await His glorious Easter resurrection. Mary is also a Holy Saturday symbol. According to Catholic tradition, Mary represents the entire body of the Church. As she awaited in faith for the victorious triumph of Her Son over death on the first Holy Saturday, so we too wait with Mary on the present Holy Saturday. This faithful and prayerful symbolic waiting has been called the Ora della Madre or Hour of the Mother.

*Information taken from ChurchYear.net

Good Friday

Good Friday

Good Friday is the Friday within Holy Week, and is traditionally a time of fasting and penance, commemorating the anniversary of Christ's crucifixion and death. For Christians, Good Friday commemorates not just a historical event, but the sacrificial death of Christ, which with the resurrection, comprises the heart of the Christian faith. The Catholic Catechism states this succinctly:

Justification has been merited for us by the Passion of Christ who offered himself on the cross as a living victim, holy and pleasing to God, and whose blood has become the instrument of atonement for the sins of all men (CCC 1992).

This is based on the words of St. Paul: "[Believers] are justified freely by God's grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as an expiation, through faith, by his blood... (Romans 3:24-25, NAB). The customs and prayers associated with Good Friday typically focus on the theme of Christ's sacrificial death for our sins.

The evening (at sunset) of Good Friday begins the second day of the Paschal Triduum. Good Friday worship services begin in the afternoon at 3:00 (the time Jesus likely died). Various traditions and customs are associated with the Western celebration of Good Friday. The singing (or preaching) of the Passion of St. John's gospel consists of reading or singing parts of John's gospel. The Veneration of the Cross is also common, where Christians approach a wooden cross and venerate it. In addition to these traditions, Holy Communion with the reserved host is practiced. In the modern Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, no Masses are said on Good Friday or Holy Saturday, therefore the reserved host from the Holy (Maundy) Thursday Mass is used. This is called the "Mass of the Pre-Sanctified." Another service started by the Jesuit Alphonso Messia in 1732, now less common, the Tre Ore or "Three Hours," is often held from noon until 3:00 PM, and consists of seven sermons on the seven last words of Christ. This service has been popular in many Protestant churches. Good Friday, along with Ash Wednesday, is an official fast day of the Catholic Church.

The Eastern Churches have different customs for the day they call "the Great Friday." The Orthodox Church begins the day with Matins (Morning Prayer), where the "Twelve Gospels" is chanted, which consists of 12 passages drawn from the Passion narratives. In the morning, the "Little Hours" follow one after the other, consisting of Gospel, Epistle, and Prophet readings. Vespers (Evening Prayer) ends with a solemn veneration of the epitaphion, an embroidered veil containing scenes of Christ's burial. Compline (Night Prayer) includes a lamentation placed on the Virgin Mary's lips. On Good Friday night, a symbolic burial of Christ is performed. Traditionally, Chaldean and Syrian Christians cease using their customary Shlama greeting ("peace be with you") on Good Friday and Holy Saturday, because Judas greeted Christ this way. They use the phrase "The light of God be with your departed ones" instead. In Russia, the tradition is to bring out a silver coffin, bearing a cross, and surrounded with candles and flowers. The faithful creep on their knees and kiss and venerate the image of Christ's body painted on the "winding sheet" (shroud). For more information see The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church and The Catholic Source Book.

*Information from ChurchYear.net

Small Success - Yes, It Does Count

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1. I know I posted this last week, but I can't help it, I am still rejoicing! I am back in the Roman Catholic Church! I know in my heart I never really left. My children will now be receiving instruction to receive the Sacraments that they have missed. What a joyous Easter this will be!

2. We finished mowing and cleaning-up the property. It's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it sure looks a lot better.

3. Despite our financial challenges that we are still experiencing, we will still have a wonderful Easter dinner. I found a big ham in the freezer! Woohoo!

Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday

Jesus shared the final meal with his disciples, called the Last Supper, on the night before he was crucified. The institution of the Holy Eucharist occurred during this meal, as indicated from the gospel excerpt below:

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I shall not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom" (Matthew 26:26-29 RSV)

Since Scripture and Tradition tell us that Jesus was crucified on a Friday, Jesus shared the important Last Supper with his apostles on a Thursday. The synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) seem to suggest that the Last Supper was a Passover Meal. However, John suggests that Jesus was crucified before the Passover Meal, on the Day of Preparation. Perhaps the Last Supper was done in anticipation of the Passover Meal, or was a Kiddush or some other religious meal. The gospel of John does not record the Institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, while the synoptic gospels do. However, John's gospel records Jesus washing the disciples' feet. Holy Thursday traditions are derived from all four gospels.

Thus Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, is the Thursday of Holy Week, commemorating the Institution of the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Ordination. Holy Thursday also celebrates the agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, events that took place on the night before Jesus' crucifixion. The Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday begins the Triduum, which is the three-day celebration of the heart of the Christian faith: Christ's death and resurrection. The Paschal Triduum begins on the evening of Holy Thursday and concludes with the Evening Prayer (Vespers) of Easter. Thus the Triduum includes Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and reaches it high point at the Great Easter Vigil. The name "Maundy" comes from the Latin antiphon Mandatum Novum, i.e. "a new mandate." This new mandate from Jesus is taken from John 13:34: love one another as I have loved you.

Various traditions and customs are associated with Maundy Thursday, including the reciting of the creed by Catechumens from memory, the washing of feet, reconciliation of penitents, and the consecration of holy oil (chrism). The modern Western Holy Thursday service has an option for the blessing of chrism and the washing of feet. After the Maundy Thursday evening Mass the altars are stripped, the holy water stoups are emptied, and the Blessed Sacrament is carried through the church in procession to a place of reposition,. Traditionally the Pange Lingua (the last two stanzas which are known as Tantum Ergo) is sung during this procession. Adoration of the blessed sacrament for an extended period of time is then encouraged. The consecrated host is then used for Good Friday Masses. The alternate and uncommon name Shear Thursday comes from the ancient custom of trimming one's beard and hair that day as a sign of spiritual preparation for Easter.

*Information taken from ChurchYear.net

The Simple Woman's Daybook - April 6th

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Outside my window... it is quite cool, but the sun is gloriously shining!

I am thinking... what a joyous Easter this will be, back in the Church!

From the learning rooms... light school this week.

I am thankful for... a wonderful, local, Catholic homeschool group!

From the kitchen... fridge buffet tonight (aka: cleaning it out)

I am wearing... denim capri pants, short-sleeved knit shirt, barefoot

I am reading.., actually finishing The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Anne Catherine Emmerich, and The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp

I am hoping...to get everything done and have a most joyful, and relaxing, Easter!

I am creating...cascarones and dyed eggs with the children.

I am hearing... my son running and playing with our dogs outside.

Around the house... lots to be done before Holy Thursday.

One of my favorite things... the Mass!

A few plans for the rest of the week... finish cleaning, planning the meals, as the Easter Triduum approaches!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday

And as he rode [into Jerusalem), they spread their garments on the road. As he was now drawing near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:36-38, RSV)

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion (the full name), the first Sunday of Holy Week within the Lenten Season, commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem preceding his passion. As he entered, the people of Jerusalem recognized Jesus as their king, saying "Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"

Traditionally in the Western Church the Palm Sunday service begins with the "blessing of the palms," where the palms used in the procession that follows are blessed. It is during this time that the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem is read. Then a procession into the church building follows. If there cannot be a procession from the outside of the church, a solemn entrance, taking place entirely within the church, may be done. The hymns and psalmody are related to Christ's office as King. Traditionally the Gloria Laus (i.e. All Glory Laud and Honor), written by Theodulf of Orleans, is sung. Many times the worship service contains a "preaching of the passion," where different events in the last days of Christ are read publicly within the Eucharistic service. In modern Catholic services, the priest and/or a combination of readers read aloud Matthew 26:14-27:66 (Year A), Mark 14:1—15:47 (Year B), or Luke 22:14-23:56 (Year C).

Palm Sunday is also called Fig Sunday, because figs were traditionally eaten that day, memorializing the fig tree cursed by Christ after his entry into Jerusalem. In England Palm Sunday was called Olive or Branch Sunday, Sallow or Willow, Yew or Blossom Sunday, or Sunday of the Willow Boughs, named for the local replacements for the traditional palm branches.

Various customs have developed to celebrate Palm Sunday. In the Slavic countries, the faithful walked through their buildings and fields with the blessed palms, praying and singing ancient hymns. They then laid palm pieces on each plot of ground, in every barn, building, and stable, as a petition was made for protection from weather and disease, and for a blessing upon the produce and property.

*Information taken from ChurchYear.net

Small Successes - It All Adds Up

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1. I am rejoicing! I am back in the Roman Catholic Church! I know in my heart I never really left. My children will now be receiving instruction to receive the Sacraments that they have missed. What a joyous Easter this will be!

2. I am thanking the Lord for giving me such a wonderful, gracious husband!

3. We went on a wonderful picnic yesterday, thanks to the lovely day the Lord provided us with. We had never gone to this particular park, but went on a whim when we saw the sign. We are so thankful we did. It will be a new favorite of ours, and the sight of many future outings. Here are a couple of pictures from it: