Happy Second Day of Christmas

Many people think Christmas is over, once the morning of December 26th dawns, but there is oh, so much more!  Please visit the link below, reading the information there, then click on each of the numbers on the tree to the right, going in order from 1-12, and it will tell you all about each of the 12 days of Christmas.  It is a wonderful resource, and even gives activities at the bottom of each page, for each day of Christmas.  I sure hope you enjoy it! :)

Twelve Days of Christmas

Urgent Info for those Using Catholic Mothers Online

If you have a Catholic Moms Online button on your blog, especially if it's an older one with the blogroll you could scroll through, click on the link below and read the entire post regarding this.  It is very important!

Catholic Moms Online Important Button Information

Thanks so much for going and reading the post.  I had already altered my Java script to take out the scrolling blogroll, and it had corrected the problem; but after reading her blog post, I just decided to remove the old script altogether, and put one of the newly scripted buttons on my blog.  I'll be glad when everyone else does this, because there are a lot of blogs I haven't been able to read, due to Google giving me the Malware warning when I try to visit them.

Rock On, Mom - Small Successes, Vol. 85

Rock On, Mom

Small Successes vol. 85

1. We are having the start, finally, of wonderful fall-ish weather here.  It is definitely giving us all a boost of energy, which was needed quite badly.

2. School is going great.  The kids seem to really be enthusiastic, and are really getting into all the details of their subjects.  I am loving Seton so much for this, as I feel it is due to their wonderful curriculum that we have had this change for the better.  They weren't doing badly before, but there was no real enthusiasm.

3. Lots getting done around the house these days, with the cooler weather.  It's slow going, since we have so much school to do, and hubby works such long hours, but it is progress, none-the-less.  The kids did a fantastic job tackling some big messes today, and I was working on taming the great laundry monster.  

Michaelmas, The Archangels Feast Day

Michaelmas

The Archangels Feast Day, September 29th

Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael

Michaelmas

Chance to win $5200 in free groceries...

Click on the link below, and fill out the form, to win a chance at free groceries. 

It Pays to Eat Pasta

Went to visit my dad (and mom)...

and we're back.  Dad is recovering well, but has a long way to go.  He is still having lots of pain, and tires very easily.  

I am so glad we were finally able to get over there and see them.  I know it seemed to sure make dad's day to see us, and visit with us.  

Please keep dad, and mom, in your prayers.  As I said, the recovery is a long one.  Thanks so much!

~Kathy

GIVEAWAY ($115 Value!): Do you want to teach YOUR kids the TRUTH about Real Food? Spread the word about this new e-course from Food Renegade!

Go to Kelly Kitchen Kop's website and enter to win

"GIVEAWAY ($115 Value!): Do you want to teach YOUR kids the TRUTH about Real Food? Spread the word about this new e-course from Food Renegade!"

Update #2 on my dad (Friday, 7:14pm CST)

I just heard from my sister. His BP was LOW, not high, and his temp was LOW, not high. He was losing a LOT of blood, but they went in and got that stopped. They are keeping him on the ventilator until they are sure that they won't have to go back in, which will hopefully be early tomorrow. My sister said he was trying to talk, but couldn't, obviously, due to the ventilator, but was squeezing hands and looking all around at them. He wants to talk so bad! That's my dad for sure! Please keep the prayers going. They are definitely being felt, and appreciated. Please pray for my sweet Mary too. She is taking this very hard. She loves her grandpa a lot, as he's her only living grandpa. Mike's dad died back when Mike and I first started dating, so my dad's been her only grandpa her whole life. Thanks again.

Update on my dad (Friday, 4:46pm CST)

My dad is not doing well. They went in, and had to do a quadruple bypass (as I feared), and they can't get him off the ventilator, he's losing blood, his blood pressure is spiked, and he's spiking a high fever. My mother seems to be holding up, per my sister, but she's probably falling apart inside. Please pray.

Prayers needed...

Please pray for my dad. He went in for an angioplasty today, and they decided right away he needed emergency bypass surgery. He is scheduled for a double bypass first thing in the morning, but it could turn into a triple, or quadruple bypass very quickly, depending on what they find when they get in there. He will be 77 years old on November 22nd. Please pray for my mom too, as she is taking this very hard. Thanks.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - September 1st

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... a beautiful day filled with sunshine!

I am thinking...about how long it will be before fall arrives.

I am thankful for...my precious family and friends.

From the learning rooms...school in full swing, and the children loving it.

From the kitchen...delicious roast beef cooking away in the crockpot, complete with veggies, mashed potatoes, and a nice loaf of pumpernickel to go with it.

I am wearing... short-sleeved floral knit shirt, denim shorts, barefoot.

I am reading...

Who gets the drumstick?: The story of the Beardsley family by

Helen Beardsley

I am hoping... things get better at my hubby's job.

I am hearing... birds chirping, dogs barking, and the scratching of pencils on paper by my children doing their schoolwork.

Around the house... lots of projects that need working on, but hardly any time, or money, to work on them. All in good time, I suppose.

One of my favorite things... listening to my favorite music, while reading a good book.

A few plans for the rest of the week...take care of things around he house, having some time with the family, then going to Mass on Sunday.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My kiddos by the lake at a state park we took a trip to:

Strange, sad, and disheartening...

I used to be friends, very good friends from what I could tell, with someone online. We had known each other for years. I had to pare-down my internet usage, i.e. boards, blogs, FB, etc. and I de-friended almost everyone off of my FB, except people I had known in real life, church, etc. I needed to re-prioritize my life. Everything has been going well, so I decided I thought it'd be great to add everything/everybody back in to my online life. I was so excited that so many of my online friends were ready, and willing, to pick up our online friendships, just as if they'd never been put on hold. Save for one. And that one saddens me. I even sent her a message, apologizing to her if I had ever wronged her in any way. I told her I would leave it in her court as to whether we would be friends on FB or not. I expected at least a short reply. What I got though, was what appears to be being blocked. She no longer shows up on mutual friends' lists of friends, as she was this morning. I doubt she has gotten rid of her FB page.

Anyway, I don't mean to rant, or drone on. I just really missed her, and had hoped we could get back to our friendship. I will just have to lay this at the Lord's feet and see what happens. His plan isn't always mine.

Thanks for listening to me ramble on.

Celebrate Tasha Tudor's Birthday, August 28th

Be sure to visit the blog below, and join in the celebration of what would have been Tasha Tudor's 95th birthday on August 28th. There is even a contest going on. Do something on the 28th in honor of Tasha Tudor. Do some gardening, baking, or sit and have a lovely cup of tea, enjoying the beauty around you.

http://rookeryramblings.blogspot.com/2010/08/tasha-tudor-day-giveaway.html

Excellent Article regarding Holy Communion in the hand

http://www.catholic-pages.com/mass/inhand.asp

My son actually received his First Holy Communion on the tongue, by his own accord. I also receive the Eucharist in this way. I remember when it became the "norm" to receive it in the hand. It always bothered me, but my parents had told me to do it, because "that's what everyone else is doing".

Anyway, read the article. It's long, but well worth the read.

It's my birthday!

The Lord has blessed me with 46 years so far, and I pray he will bless me with many more.

Not sure what I'm going to do today, but it probably won't be much. My hubby works, and some plans we had with my children and a friend fell through for today. We may get to do those tomorrow. As for family celebrating, I think we will do that on Sunday, when my hubby is actually off for a day.

For those of you on Facebook, who have blessed me with lots of Happy Birthday wishes, thank you! :) It has truly warmed my heart to know so many are thinking of me today.

I will update later, if we end up doing anything today. If we do anything tomorrow or Sunday, I'll be sure and take, and post, pics. :)

May the Lord bless and keep each of you!

~Kathy

The Simple Woman's Daybook - July 9th

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... Night has come, and see the stars in the sky.

I am thinking...about what all we need to accomplish tomorrow around he house.

I am thankful for...my home and my family.

From the learning rooms...lots of school getting done (we school year-round, just lighter in the summer)

From the kitchen...local pork/beef sausage with sauerkraut, broccoli/cheese/rice casserole, and sliced country french bread.

I am wearing... navy blue shorts, short-sleeved purple knit shirt, barefoot.

I am creating... (trying) to create a peaceful home.

I am going... to bed soon.

I am reading... Haystack Full of Needles: A Catholic Home Educator's Guide to Socialization by Alice Gunther

I am hoping... things get better at my hubby's job.

I am hearing... the sounds of night in the forest, with tree frogs chirping, raccoons chattering, and an occasional owl hooting.

Around the house... everyone is getting ready for bed.

One of my favorite things... listening to my favorite music, while reading a good book.

A few plans for the rest of the week...take care of things around he house, having some time with the family, then going to Mass on Sunday.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

And the rain, rain, rain...

came down, down, down...

I am so tired of the rain. Yes, we need it, but does it all have to come at once? It is not helping my, or my daughter's, mood. We need sunshine. All this dreary weather just wears us down. We are supposed to try to have a garage sale this weekend too, but if the weather keeps it up, we won't be able to.

I hope everyone else's days are going better this week. I hope next week is better for us here. It's my birthday next week. I'm not sure what we're going to do, as dh works all week, so we won't be able to celebrate until he is off work again.

Sorry this wasn't a more upbeat posting, but it's how things are going.

So little time...

and so much to do. I find that I have less and less time during the days, to accomplish what I would like to, and I find that so many of the message boards that I am on, even if I do not post, take up a lot of my time. So, I am whittling those down. I am going to endeavor to be more active on here, as well as my Facebook.

I hope everyone recovered well from their 4th of July weekend. We had a nice day around the house today.

My daughter and hubby, having fun in the pool yesterday, for our belated 4th of July celebrations (dh had to work on the 4th-good ol' retail).

Happy 4th!

I've been away a long time again. It just seems that there is always so much to do, that I can never get over here to blog.

I hope everyone is having a wonderfully, blessed 4th of July. It is such a great thing, our freedom, that we must never take it for granted. What a blessing it is, to live in such a free country. That freedom did not come free though, and as we celebrate today, we must also pay homage to those who have fought, and those that are fighting now, for those freedoms we enjoy.

I do pray everyone is careful this weekend, in your celebrations. I have already read some sad stories about life, and limb, being lost due to carelessness not only with fireworks, but with drinking and then driving.

For those who had to work over this holiday weekend, bless you, for doing what you must to, to support your families. My dh was out there with you, working the weekend too. It is frustrating, that we cannot always have family time when others are all enjoying it, but I am blessed to have a husband who is willing to do what it takes to provide for his family.

May you all have a wonderful end to this holiday weekend, and remember to give a prayer of thanksgiving to our Lord, for all that you have.

Hubby and son, outside at the birthday party of a friend.

Busy!

Life just seems to get busier and busier, and my poor blog suffers. But, I know I am spending my time as I should be, concentrating on my family. I am truly going to endeavor to get by here at least once a week though, as I also miss visiting all of my favorite blogs.

I do hope, and pray, everyone had a most blessed Easter. Ours was a bit un-orthodox, as my husband had to work practically the whole day. The children and I attended our parish's latest Mass on Easter Sunday, 1pm, and my husband took a little bit longer lunch from work and slipped into the pew just as Mass began. We were happy to be able to have him with us! We enjoyed a wonderful Easter meal, just as a very late supper, instead of our traditional noon meal.

My children, as we were about to leave for Mass on Easter. The day started out dreary and drizzling, but during Mass the sun came out and shone beautifully through the windows and stained glass.

Feast of Saint Joseph

St. Joseph! Mirror of patience, pray for us. Lover of poverty, pray for us. Model of artisans, pray for us. Glory of home life, pray for us. Guardian of virgins, pray for us. Pillar of families, pray for us.

O God, in your ineffable providence you were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector: You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Saint Patrick

Feast of Saint Patrick

Ancient Saint Patrick's Day Prayer

O God,
by whose providence the blessed Patrick
was chosen to be the apostle of the Irish;
that thus the people of Hibernia,
who had gone astray in darkness
and in the errors of the Gentiles,
might be made children of the Most High
by the laver of regeneration:
Grant, we beseech thee,
that by his intercession,
we may hasten without delay
to the paths of justice.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

From the Breviary of Armagh, cited in The Liturgical Year: Vol. 5

Breastplate of Saint Patrick

I bind unto myself today
The strong name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this day to me for ever,
By power of faith, Christ's Incarnation;
His baptism in the Jordan River;
His death on cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb;
His riding up the heavenly way;
His coming at the day of doom;
I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of the Cherubim;
The sweet 'Well done' in judgment hour;
The service of the Seraphim,
Confessors' faith, Apostles' word,
The Patriarchs' prayers, the Prophets' scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord, And purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the starlit heaven,
The glorious sun's life-giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea,
Around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, his shield to ward,
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.

Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours
Against their fierce hostility,
I bind to me these holy powers.

Against all Satan's spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart's idolatry,
Against the wizard's evil craft,
Against the death-wound and the burning
The choking wave and the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till thy returning.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the name,
The strong name of the Trinity;
By invocation of the same.
The Three in One, and One in Three,
Of whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word: Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
salvation is of Christ the Lord.

Translation: Cecil Frances Alexander

Saint Patrick's Day Collect

Almighty God,
who in your providence chose your servant Patrick
to be the apostle of the Irish people,
to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error
to the true light and knowledge of you:
Grant us so to walk in that light,
that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and ever.

Feast of Saint Patrick Liturgy of the Hours Prayer

God our Father
You sent Saint Patrick
to preach your glory to the people of Ireland.
By the help of his prayers,
may all Christians proclaim your love to all men.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Christian Prayer: The Liturgy of the Hours

A Prayer to Saint Patrick

Apostle sent by God to Ireland,
in your humility you called yourself a sinner,
but you became a most successful missionary
and prompted countless pagans
to follow the Savior.
Many of their descendants in turn
spread the Good News in numerous foreign lands.
Through your powerful intercession with God,
obtain the missionaries we need to continue the word you began.

New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

Ancient Antiphon to Saint Patrick

All the children of Ireland
cry out to thee:
Come, O Holy Patrick, and save us!

From the words the angel spoke to Patrick, cited in The Liturgical Year: Volume 5


All of the above obtained from:

Saint Patrick's Day Prayers
Prayers and Collects for the Feast of Saint Patrick

Spring Daybook Week - March 16th Edition

Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman for more Daybook entries!

FOR TODAY – March 16th, 2010

Outside my Window….dreary and grey today, birds are singing and flowers blooming though.

Thinking…about how much we need to get done around the house this week.

Thankful for…children who are so willing to pitch in and work to get things done around the house.

From the kitchen…buffalo sirloin steak, broccoli/cauliflower mix, pasta w/butter

Faith and learning…no CCE classes last Sunday, or next, due to Spring Break. We've pretty much taken this week off too, to catch-up on chores around the house.

Creating…nature scene to be put in the school room.

Planning…what we will be doing next week, in preparation for the Paschal Triduum.

Wearing…denim capri pants, short-sleeved floral knit shirt, and barefoot.

Reading…The Catholic Home: Celebrations and Traditions for Holidays, Feast Days, and Every Day by Meredith Gould

Praying…for all those who are sick, for those who have lost loved ones, for those who have lost their jobs, and for anyone just having difficulty with everyday life (stress seems to abound right now).

Hearing…my daughter in the kitchen, cleaning-up after lunch, and my son working on a project in the school room.

Around the house…busy at work, trying to get it ready for Easter and beyond. So much work, so little time.

One of my favorite things…is hearing the birds all starting to sing outside, announcing that Spring is here at last, and seeing all the flowers and trees starting to flower.

Here’s a picture thought I am sharing with you…

My two children and friend, having a great time at the park, on a beautiful spring day.

Twenty-third Wedding Anniversary!

Today is my hubby and I's 23rd Wedding Anniversary! Wow, does time ever fly by!

I had just graduated college in December, and he had just been PCSed with the Army to West Berlin. We did have to go ahead and get married by a Justice of the Peace, back in November '86, so that the paperwork could be started for me, so that Mike could have me brought overseas right away, and could look for housing for us. We continued to plan our wedding, which was to take place on February 28th. It took some doing, but we were lucky his 1st Sergeant was a great Texas guy, so he let my hubby have leave, so soon after arriving in West Berlin. My mother was really sweating bullets over that one. LOL! Mike arrived safe and sound though, in time for the wedding.

We had a beautiful Nuptial Mass, with three priests concelebrating. I had the priest that baptised me, Monsignor McManus, the priest that had concelebrated at my Confirmation (and our previous parish priest) Father O'Callaghan, and our parish priest at the time, Father Vance. It was such a lovely Mass. Many of my dear old great-aunts were saying it was the most Catholic wedding they had been to in years. That meant a lot to me, as that is what I really wanted.

So, now we fast-forward to today, 23 years and two beautiful children later, and we are so blessed! Our 14 year old daughter and 10 year old son are doing everything they can to make our day special today. We wouldn't dream of celebrating it without them.

The Simple Woman's Daybook~February 23rd Edition

Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman for more Daybook entries!

FOR TODAY – February 23nd, 2010

Outside my Window….sleet, snow flurries, and wet slop on the ground. None of it's going to stick, at least where we are, just lots of mud. I'll be glad when the sun's back. :)

Thinking…about what the list I need to make for all the spring cleaning we need to do around here. There will be lots that needs to be done this year, and I don't want to forget something.

Thankful for…that my hubby made it home safely from work tonight, with the weather so nasty.

From the kitchen…chicken in the chips (a mix of cut-up cooked chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, salsa, chipotle corn chips and mexican cheese mix), baked in the oven, spanish rice and cornbread.

Faith and learning…CCE classes continue, with both of my children loving every minute of them. Our school here at home is humming along, after being in a huge slump. I am seriously thinking of changing my daughter's math program though, as this one is just not working out for her.

Creating…lovely Lenten journals being made by my children.

Planning…our ongoing de-cluttering, laundry, school, and as mentioned above, spring cleaning.

Wearing…denim capri pants, short-sleeved striped knit shirt, and my slippers.

Reading…The Private World of Tasha Tudor by Tasha Tudor, Richard Brown & Barbara Werden

Praying…we have so many friends, here and online, in need of our prayers. Our own prayer needs are for our septic system to continue to behave, and for a long-awaited promotion at work to happen for my hubby.

Hearing…the sounds of my daughter in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on our dinner for tonight. What a blessing it is, to have such a great helper!

Around the house…de-cluttering is continuing, and we are looking toward spring, and all the work needing to be done, both inside and outside the house. We can't wait though, as we have grown tired of the dreary cold.

One of my favorite things…is starting to see the trees outside starting to bud, and the birds all starting to get busy, despite the occasional cold day. We'll have spring starting in earnest within the next couple of weeks.

Here’s a picture thought I am sharing with you…
A good bit of the men who participated in the men's ACTS Retreat that our church had this past Thursday through Sunday. What a blessing it was for all of the men, as well as their families! This picture was taken in our Family Life Center.

Small Successes, Vol. 55 - Always Forward

Always Forward- Small Successes vol. 55

1. We're getting off to a great start on the 40 Bags in 40 Days Lenten Challenge.

2. We actually got around to getting a lot of the leaves cleaned out of our above ground pool and it's looking pretty good!

3. We cooked some chicken in the crockpot, with some wonderful seasonings, and now have some delicious chicken broth all ready to go for chicken soup later. I've wanted to be able to put some chicken broth up for some time now, and kept forgetting about it.

The Simple Woman's Daybook~February 16th Edition

FOR TODAY... from Peggy's Daybook

Outside my window...beautiful, glorious sunshine!

I am thinking...what a great day this is going to be!

I am thankful for... my husband taking time off this week to be with us, and to take part in a men's retreat our church is sponsoring.

I am wearing...short-sleeved green knit shirt, denim capris, barefoot

I am remembering...what a lovely Valentine's Day I had, and that my daughter had.

I am going...to really try to make this season of Lent a time of reflection and sacrifice.

I am currently reading...The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

I am hoping... we achieve our 40 Bags in 40 Days for Lent.

On my mind... not letting up on our schedule, even though this time of year we're always losing steam.

Noticing that...it is so very beautiful outside, and I need to get out there.

In the schoolroom...great progress is being made in the reading department, our biggest challenge (hard for two parents who love reading, but who had two math whizzes for children).

From the kitchen... wonderful omelets, sausage and toast, courtesy of my wonderful hubby!

Around the house... we're taking it somewhat easy today, enjoying the wonderful sunshine outside.

One of my favorite things...hearing the sounds of my children having a wonderful time outside!

From my picture journal...
Picture my daughter took of one of the swamps near our house. She used the negative setting on her phone to take it.

Small Successes, Vol. 54 - Small But Steady Progress

Small But Steady Progress - Small Successes vol. 54

1. We finally managed to get all the wood we had laying about our carport up onto the racks my husband built for it.

2. We're almost finished cleaning-up/out our laundry room/pantry. It has been sorely needing it!

3. We are continuing the decluttering, which is a big help to making the house look better. We are also going to be doing the 40 bags in 40 days Lent challenge.

Small Successes, Vol. 53 - How Do You Spell Awesome? M-O-M!

How Do You Spell Awesome? M-O-M!, Small Successes vol. 53

I'm a day late this week, due to our celebrating our daughter's 14th birthday!

1. We had a wonderful time celebrating our daughter's 14th birthday yesterday! She has grown into such a lovely lady and we are so proud of her.

2. We have been keeping up with the laundry. It's not finished yet, but we are staying on it.

3. The decluttering is continuing, and the we are reaping the rewards. We gain not only more space in the house, therefore reducing stress; but we also are gaining monetary rewards as we sell what we can of what we are getting rid of.

My daughter's cake (baked by her boyfriend's sweet mother), and the lovely flowers and gifts they gave her.

The Simple Woman's Daybook~Welcome to February!

FOR TODAY... from Peggy's Daybook

Outside my window...a warm, 70 degree day!

I am thinking...how blessed I am.

I am thankful for... my dear husband and precious children.

I am wearing...short-sleeved striped knit shirt, denim capris, barefoot

I am remembering...the fun time my children had skating last night.

I am going...be busy this week, as my daughter's 14th birthday is Thursday.

I am currently reading...Tasha Tudor's Garden by Tovah Martin

I am hoping... to continue decluttering and organizing things.

On my mind... hoping we can get our septic tank working better.

Noticing that...there just never seem to be enough hours in the day.

In the schoolroom...hard at work, learning lots of new things every day.

From the kitchen... yummy spaghetti!

Around the house... everyone relaxing after a hard day's work.

One of my favorite things...warm days in February!

From my picture journal...

My daughter's sweet dog, being harassed by my husband and children.

A Whole Year! Small Successes, Vol. 52

A Whole Year! Small Successes, Vol. 52

Good morning! I pray everyone has had a lovely week so far.

1. We finally were able to help our daugher overcome whatever nasty virus she seemed to have contracted some time over this past weekend.

2. I have managed to keep my kitchen in fairly good order this week. It's not perfect, but it is not something we run screaming from either. LOL!

3. We were able to clear-out more things from our hallway, and moving things around in our schoolroom, making it all look nicer and neater.

Feast of Saint Angela Merici

Saint Angela Merici

Foundress of the Ursulines (1474-1540)

Angela Merici, Saint, foundress of the Ursulines, b. March 21, 1474, at Desenzano, a small town on the southwestern shore of Lake Garda in Lombardy; d. January 27, 1540, at Brescia. She was left an orphan at the age of ten and together with her elder sister came to the home of her uncle at the neighboring town of Salo where they led an angelic life. When her sister met with a sudden death, without being able to receive the last sacraments, young Angela was much distressed. She became a tertiary of St. Francis and greatly increased her prayers and mortifications for the repose of her sister's soul. In her anguish and pious simplicity she prayed God to reveal to her the condition of her deceased sister. It is said that by a vision she was satisfied that her sister was in the company of the saints in heaven. When she was twenty years old, her uncle died, and she returned to her paternal home at Desenzano. Convinced that the great need of her times was a better instruction of young girls in the rudiments of the Christian religion, she converted her home into a school where at stated intervals she daily gathered all the little girls of Desenzano and taught them the elements of Christianity. It is related that one day, while in an ecstasy, she had a vision in which it was revealed to her that she was to found an association of virgins who were to devote their lives to the religious training of young girls. The school she had established at Desenzano soon bore abundant fruit, and she was invited to the neighboring city, Brescia, to establish a similar school at that place. Angela gladly accepted the invitation. In 1524, while making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, she became suddenly blind when she was on the island of Crete, but continued her journey to the Holy Places and was cured on her return while praying before a crucifix at the same place where she was struck with blindness a few weeks before. When, in the jubilee year 1525, she had come to Rome to gain the indulgences, Pope Clement VII, who had heard of her great holiness and her extraordinary success as a religious teacher of young girls, invited her to remain in Rome; but Angela, who shunned publicity, returned to Brescia. Finally, on the 25th of November, 1535, Angela chose twelve virgins and laid the foundation of the order of the Ursulines in a small house near the Church of St. Afra in Brescia. Having been five years superior of the newly-founded order, she died. Her body lies buried in the Church of St. Afra at Brescia. She was beatified in 1768, by Clement XIII, and canonized in 1807, by Pius VII. Her feast is celebrated May 31.

MICHAEL OTT

Original Catholic Encyclopedia

*** Note regarding the date of the Feast: Saint Angela Merici was not included in the 1570 Tridentine Calendar of Pope Pius V, because she was not canonized until 1807. In 1861 her feast day was inserted in the Roman Calendar, but not on the day of her death, 27 January, since this date was occupied by the feast day of Saint John Chrysostom, but instead on 31 May. In 1955 Pope Pius XII assigned this date to the new feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen, and moved the feast of Saint Angela to 1 June. The celebration was ranked as a Double until 1960, when Pope John XXIII gave it the equivalent rank of Third-Class Feast. Finally, in 1969, Pope Paul VI moved the celebration, ranked as a Memorial, to the saint's day of death, 27 January.*** Wikipedia

The Simple Woman's Daybook~January 25th Edition

The Simple Woman's Daybook~January 25th Edition

Outside my window...beautiful sunshine and will be another warm day!

I am thinking...that we have a lot to do today.

I am thankful for... my family.

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

I am remembering...the great Homily at Mass yesterday.

I am going... back into town today, and to church for daughter's youth group.

I am currently reading...The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

I am hoping... the weather continues to stay so pretty and warm.

On my mind... wondering when my husband is going to get the promotion he deserves.

Noticing that...we need to be eating better around here.

Pondering these words... "avoiding spiritual coolness" from the Homily at Mass yesterday

From the kitchen... dinner will be beef cutlets, mac n' cheese, broccoli/cauliflower mix, butter beans, and biscuits

Around the house... catching-up on chores since we've had a round of sickness here.

One of my favorite things...beautiful fall-like days in the middle of winter.

From my picture journal...

My daughter's cat, Tony. He just loved laying in the middle of our Christmas Village. Silly kitty!

For more Daybooks, join Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Old, but WONDERFUL news!

On Sunday, November 22nd, 2009, my children and husband fully joined the Roman Catholic Church! What a glorious day that was! I had waited, and prayed fervently, to see that day come, for many years. I fully give all credit to the Holy Spirit. All I did was pray, and what a beautiful answer to my prayers, to see my husband and children standing up and receiving their Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation, together. It was Monsignor's idea, that they all do it together, on Christ the King Sunday.

Here are a couple of pictures. I think the camera angle was weird, as everyone looks kind of funny in some of them.

Small Successes, Vol. 51

One Small Step for Momkind, Small Successes Vol. 51

I know I am late this week, but considering I haven't even been to my blog since August, I hope you will forgive me a few days of being late. I figured I would forget by next Thursday, if I didn't do this now, to get the ball rolling, as they say.

1. Remembering my blog, at long last, and fixing all the errors that had occured on it, since my last visit in August 2009.

2. Finally starting to catch-up on all the laundry. Does it grow behind our backs? I think so.

3. De-cluttering our books and movies, and getting paid for it! We've been consistently cleaning them out, and taking them to Half-Price Books to sell them.

A New Year!

Yes, I know, I am very late in stating that fact on here. I have been away for so long. I have not even been checking other people's blogs, people I had grown to love and learn so much from. It is my sincere hope to resume my reading of all the lovely blogs I had come to know, and to keep this blog updated, as best I can.

I do pray everyone's year has started off wonderfully, and that you have all been blessed beyond all measure!

~Kathy

This is a pic of my two children, right before we left for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. They have grown so much!