This seemed right on the money today

I am currently reading the book Father Elija by Michael D. O'Brien. And a passage (p.122) I came across this morning really struck me.

"You want to be a saint, Billy. But you want to be a saint on your own terms. You want glorious victories with your sword; most of all, you want victories over your personal weaknesses and faults."

"What's wrong with that?"

"It is a good desire, but it can also be a kind of idealism masking pride."

"Who is the saint? The one who obeys God in his weakness, the one who demands every admirable quality before he sets forth on his quest?"

"Put that way, it's obvious."

"You accused me of romanticism a few days ago. Aren't all of us romantics who want our armor to shine and our swords to flash and our bella figura to draw many admiring glances as we make battle for God?"

It is not really necessary to understand the external parts of this passage. Two men are talking and this is what they say and oh how I find it so true about myself! I keep telling God I will do His will as soon as I get my own act cleaned up. Once I have my house finally organized and clean, once my kids learn their manners and their catechism, once I am able to restrain myself at table and in the store, once I lose another 20lbs, get my hair cut, and finally get my nails done. THEN, I will look good enough and be ready to do what God wants. Until then. . . well, I guess He'll just have to wait or help with MY list.

And God says - "hahahahahaha - If you would just let go of all these things that YOU think are important (however noble they may be - and however true it may be that you need to improve in these areas) and let ME tell you what I want right now. Let ME use you in your weakness, that My power may be made perfect and all these THINGS you think are so important (which are actually weighing you down as you try to conquer them alone) I can take from you, giving you instead peace and a task that is easy for you to bear.

As Saint Paul says, "for whenever I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10)

And as Jesus says, "Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy , and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

And again, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." (John 14:27)

I surrender

I just thought I'd share what has been going through my head today as I try to offer up my struggles. . . "I surrender." I've said it a million times. I've probably sang it many more than that. I've used this word for YEARS but suddenly it just means so much more to me and I'm not sure why, but I'm glad. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm still trying to do things my way and do the things I think are important, but I've just tried today to stay a little more focused and every time I have gotten frustrated I pull myself back (mentally) and think, "God, I surrender this. What do you want here?"

So, this is me sharing. How about you? What has been your watch-phrase lately?

My latest inspiration

Paul is beginning the stage of using a baby gym. He is just starting to reach up and grab toys haning in front of him and kick his legs at them. Unfortunately our baby gym is beginning to show its age. And those things are so cheaply made anyhow. Instead I have come up with a brilliant plan, using toys and items WE ALREAY HAVE!! I just took a couple of bungee cords and put them across the top of the playpen, snapped on some learning links, and hooked up a few of his favorite toys. Paul LOVES it and I love that I get playpen and baby gym all-in-one (can't have the baby taking over all the living space with his toys and contraptions). Here he is enjoying the new set-up.

Book Review of Bible Stories for Little Children

Sophia Institute Press sent me a complimentary copy of this book to review.

Bible Stories for Little Children is an excellent introduction to Sacred Scripture. The stories are broken up int bite-sized chunks that are perfect for reading before bedtime or prayers, or what-not. The language is simple but elegant, filled with endearing phrases such as "dear children." It carries a childlike wonder for the events of scripture, told in simple terms. There are a few larger words, but these can easily be explained and could be helpful for expanding vocabularies. There is a in-depth treatment of many of the stories from both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Sometimes a sentence or two show up at the end of a story to help connect them with the other stories and other traditions of our faith. The chapters are all listed in the table of contents, along with page number, to make it easy to find a particular story.

The only drawback I have found is that nowhere does it specify for what age group this book is intended. My five-year-old enjoys the stories, but gets a little restless. My younger children (ages 2 and 3 years) do not have the patience to listen to stories this long with so few pictures. However, I am hopeful that as they get a little older, this will become a much more favored tomb in our household library.

This review was part of Sophia Institute Press's Books for Bloggers program.

My Husband IS AMAZING!!

This picture probably does not look like much to you. It is not exactly a fancy new sink or anything but if I had taken a picture of the old one before he ripped it out, you would be just as impressed and excited as I am - trust me! :)




New Sink

New Drain

New Faucet



ONE amazing husband



And this was just one of the MANY MANY projects he got done this weekend (without my asking/nagging/reminding in ANY form). Yes, yes, he is TRULY amazing. I love you, Gordie!! :)

State Fair

We had a REALLY good time at the State Fair. Big THANKS to Grandma and Nana for helping wrangle all the kiddos! We were blessed to have my two nieces, Julianna and Brooklyn, with us as well. Notice the absence of men - they were off hunting pigs in Texas.

Group shot at the very beginning (minus me)

L-R back row: Grandma, Nana

middle row: Paul Brooklyn, Rebekah, Julianna

front (stroller): Jacob, Samuel

Julianna and Jacob playing at the splash park

more Julianna and Jacob playing at the splash park

Rebekah playing at the splash park

Rebekah all wet

my niece Julianna on the Sky Lift

Samuel on the Sky Lift

view from the Sky Lift

more view from Sky Lift

fried oreos

surprisingly not that bad, but I probably would not have ordered them on my own

(someone actually gave them to us - bizzare, I know - don't worry, no one died)

Jacob, happily eating pizza (he gets more happy as he gets tired)

more Jacob

Rebekah enjoying the pizza

going home - grumpy faces

Rebekah would not stand with the others or look at the camera

Paul asleep on the ride home

Jacob on the ride home

Samuel & Rebekah totally crashed out - they all slept the whole way home and then for another 40 min or so as I unloaded the car - I finally had to wake Jacob up to bring him inside.

Small Successes Part 1

Ok, I'll jump on the bandwagon here - I feel like celebrating.

1. I really tried to implement my new schedule today and got my floor mopped on time this afternoon and oh it looks so nice!! Who would have known I really could do that in 15 min? Giving myself a set time to do things really gives me an energy boost - I'm calling it done in 15 min so I better get as much as I can finished before it is time to move on.

2. I have read at least three books with each kid (together or separate - their choice) every day this week.

3. I started up a weekly holy hour again (once again, trying to implement the new schedule this week) and I only wish it could be more like a holy half day, or maybe a daily holy hour because it was such bliss, to just be quiet before the Blessed Sacrament. Oh and bonus, I just happened to still be there when a few other parents get together and pray a weekly Rosary for family life! Could it get any better?

And of course, if you want to share your successes as well or check out those of many many others click over to the successes page at the Faith and Family website.

Blessings!