Same playset, different uses!

Relaxing? Working? Both? **A nice benefit of homeschooling you could say.

"Improving" the playset fort and keeping safe from the bad guys.

More from Prez

Prez: "Mom, can we play a game."

Mom: "Sure."

Prez: "What game do you want to play?"

Mom: "How about the quiet game?" (Hee Hee)

Prez: "No way!"

Mom: "Why not?"

Prez: "Mom, there is no way I can win that game!"

Boy, you got that right! :)

Prez showing off his new haircut---from a month ago! Oh well. We all thought he looked great with a buzz.

Divine Mercy Sunday

I know that I am way late in posting this, but that just goes to show you how crazy things are around here!

May 1st was the second Sunday of Easter as well as Divine Mercy Sunday. Pope John Paul II declared this day to be during the Easter season because Easter is the most perfect time to celebrate God's mercy on us. This particular image was shown to Saint Faustina in the 30's and Jesus directed her to have it painted and distributed as an invitation to us, all sinners, to partake of his infinite mercy.

Obviously this message is nothing new, just a reminder of what the Church has always taught; that God is merciful and forgiving and that we, too, must show mercy and forgiveness (ugh, the hard part). What I like about this devotion is the calling of people to a deeper understanding that God's love is unlimited and available to everyone. In fact, Jesus dictated to Faustina, and she wrote in her diary this message from Christ: The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy (723). I love the use of the word, a right to His mercy.

I had heard one time that before you sin, when you are being tempted, Satan has you believe that God is a loving Father who will forgive you and not a judge out there to condemn you. However, after you have sinned, Satan flips it and has you believe that God is a judge out to condemn you and not a loving Father who wants to forgive you, strengthen you, and love you.

In a practical sense, this is a great reminder for us parents. A girlfriend of mine and I have been encouraging each other in the recent months in a unique way. Each time we talk for advice on a certain child's behavior, or a certain way we've been feeling, we encourage each other to go to confession. I have discovered that when I am most critical of my children and their areas of improvement, I, myself, need to get humble and take a look at where I am lacking in God's eyes. By examining my conscience, I am able to see where I need God's mercy. This in turn has helped me to be merciful to my family members, who are looking to me as an example of unconditional love. It's the whole take the plank out of my eye before I can help to remove the speck out of my brother's eye. (Matthew 7:5) Naturally, we drag our kiddos along with us so that they can take a few moments to reflect on the ways they are upsetting the peace and receive God's mercy as well. Based on the results I've seen in my own family, it really is a healing process. (James 5:16)

Because God would never just love us when we are being good, I certainly don't want my kids to think that I love them any less when they have messed up. Basically, I just want my kiddos to be familiar with the image and of course with such a great message. I figured the fastest way to a kid's brain was sugar----cookies, that is!

The kids and I discovered some cool things about the picture.

1. Jesus' left foot is protruding forward, meaning that he is coming to you.

2. Jesus left hand is opening His heart to you.

3. His right hand is raised in a blessing.

4. The two rays denote blood and water. The pale ray stands for water which makes souls righteous and the red ray stands for blood which is the life of souls.

We decided to make Divine Mercy sugar cookies with the extra Easter cookie dough.
Here are the Divine Mercy hearts that the kiddos decorated. If the kids remember to partake of God's mercy with the same gusto that they partook of these cookies, then I've done my job!

Prepared to be charmed

"How can there be too many children? That is like saying there are too many flowers."

~Mother Teresa

"How can there be too many pictures of Sweetness. That is like saying there are too many masterpieces." ~Cathy aka proud mama

Blessed Damien Joseph

Today we remember this amazing priest who spent the last 18 years of his life on the dreaded island of Malakoi taking care of the leper population which the Kingdom of Hawaii (it was not a state at the time) had wanted to forget. Faced with poverty, corruption, and despair, Blessed Damien was fearful at first. However, with the decision never to abandon these people, Blessed Damien, along with many lepers and volunteers, was able to transform Malakoi into an island of Christian love. If only we could have an ounce of his bravery and generosity. There are so many people who need our love, support, and prayers.

The cookies were really just a way to feast during this fabulous Easter season! They are almond cookies (simply irresistible) that I rolled in coconut (for Hawaii--cause anything with coconut is Hawaiian, right?) and dabbed with red food coloring in the middle. The kids and I talked about giving until it hurts and giving from the heart. Of course, Jesus is the supreme example of that, but Mother Teresa has a remarkable quote in line with our message of the day.

"Love until it hurts. Pretty soon, there will be no more hurt, only love." M.T.

I think as parents this is especially true, but something we also forget. At least I do. So many times I'm subconsciously keeping track in my head of how many times I've had to discipline, re-teach, wipe, pick-up, listen, or put aside my plans. It's pathetic to admit that I want to love, no doubt, but mostly only when it is convenient for me.

At times like this, I think of Mary, Jesus' mother. Mary stands at a focal point in human history. She lived before Christ and hoped for the Messiah and she was the first person to accept Jesus Christ in faith and welcome Him into existence.

She was the first Christian.

Immediately after that, she went to Elizabeth's house, taking Jesus with her, albeit in utero, but literally, physically brought Him. I wonder if I am bringing Christ to others? Although Blessed Damien found a community to minister to, I have my community. It is where I encounter the face of God. Often times, I am cleaning and kissing it.

So, where is your community? What do you bring them--Christ's love or criticism--Christ's joy or exasperation--Christ's peace or constant frustration and complaining--Christ's hope or dismay. What am I reflecting today? My prayer for myself is that today and everyday I will be a source of joy!

A Mother's Day to Remember

If you're wondering what I was doing on Mother's Day, I can tell you what I was not doing. I was not cleaning or cooking--strict orders from the family!

So, with extra time on my hands....hubby set me up out on the porch with one of my favorite drinks (lemonade), my new book (the Domestic Church by Donna Marie Cooper O'Boyle), and I carried out my favorite nail polish. As I sat painting my hands and feet and refreshing myself mentally and physically, I was anxiously awaiting my next surprise.....scroll on down!

My favorite meal of ribs, homemade onion rings, homemade potato salad, hubby inspired baked beans, homemade cider vinegar BBQ sauce, and grilled corn on the cob. The tea was also made especially for me--Peach Mango Black Tea. Unfortunately, he only bought enough supplies to make half a batch!
Proof that hubby did all this by himself with the kids. As if you needed proof to know how awesome he is!

With all that extra time on my hands, I did a lot of reminiscing. Down below are some of the memories I have of my many wonderful Mother's Day.

My first Mother's Day with Bubbles and my mom.

Bubble's first attempt at serving me breakfast. Don't you love the mix of paper plate and wine glass?

First Mother's Day with Prez and Bubbles. We went to Austin where Hubby made sure I was spoiled with room service, indoor swimming, and lots of sight seeing. The family even let me linger and read every placard in every museum--definitely a test of their patience.

The finale was dinner at my FAVORITE catfish place. Wow, can I eat some food!

The following year had us in Houston. This time we had the honor of my mom's presence. Hubby spoiled us again with room service, manicures, and more sight seeing.

At a train depot...just too cute not to post!

Seeing trains.

Enjoying the beach.

Visiting the USS Texas, a retired naval battle ship. Bubbles is the only person I know who has become seasick on a docked boat and minutes after boarding, we were off again as she lost her lunch in the grass. Oh well, everyone else had a blast!

Last year, some of the daughters got together. We missed you Kathleen and Tammy! Grandma wore a shirt that said LOVED and we all wore shirts that said, I love my mom or I love my grandma. This was our trip to the zoo and Grandma was totally surprised! Baby Sweetness is in utero!

Another shot that I just couldn't pass up.

So, as you can see, I am spoiled. If I ever begin complaining about anything, just slap me!

To the Women who started it all

I know a womn who lives her life with purpose and grace. There is inspiration in her presence.

I know a woman who gives of herself happily and willingly. There is generosity in her spirit.

I know a woman who brings kindness and understanding to everyone she meets. There is so much love in her heart. (American Greetings 2011)

That woman is you, Mom and Mom!

I also know women who laugh at themselves and makes others laugh. There is so much love in their smiles. Thank you for being pro-life and bringing us all such joy in our lives.

Happy Mother's Day!