And you've got to rememeber this one!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The Latch-Key
Saint Gerard - Part IITen years later when he was houseboy for Bishop Albini at Lacedonia, children went home to their mothers with all sorts of stories told them by Gerard Majella. But the townsfolk had learned about the new houseboy themselves. Everyone had tales of his kindness, his visits to the poor in the clinic, his compassion. How he bandaged the wounds of the sick and brought them leftovers from the bishop’s table. Anyone who noticed him at prayer in the cathedral knew Gerard for what he was.
But the morning they saw him running down the cathedral steps with the Bambino, they didn’t know what to say! It was the last week in December in 1743. People stopped and stared at Gerard racing down the street with the statue of the Infant from the crib. A crowd followed after him. He paid no attention. On he ran to the public well.
What happened? What’s the matter?” Someone explained how His Lordship had gone for his morning walk, and the house-boy had locked the door and come down to the well for water: but as he leaned down to haul up the bucket, the bishop’s key had dropped into the well.
Gerard had by now tied a rope around the Bambino, and was lowering it gently into the well. “Gesu, Gesu Bambino” he prayed aloud, “find me my key. It’s the key to His Lordship’s house . . . and he’ll be back in half an hour . . .” Bystanders craned their necks to peer into the well. Others shook their heads and walked off. Some smiled a little smugly at the antics of the frightened houseboy. But when he pulled up the rope from the well and the dripping statue of the Infant came into view, there in Bambino’s tiny hand was the Bishop’s key.
In June of 1744, Bishop Albini died at Lacedonia and Gerard returned to his hometown of Muro. He had been apprenticed to a master-tailor before going to Lacedonia to work for the bishop and knew the trade quite well. Now after a short apprenticeship with a second tailor, he set up his own business in his mother’s house.
There’s magic in an established name. And the sign “Majella the Tailor” hanging over the shop brought many of his father’s old customers to the door. His growing reputation for faultless workmanship won him patrons from all walks of life. His prices were always fair. He was scrupulously honest. From the poor, he took no payment at all.
One day, a man came in with some goods for a suit. Gerard spread it on the table, and laid his tape measure along its length. “Mmmmm!” He shook his head. The cloth was much too short. The poor man could not hide his chagrin, as he had no money for more. “It is nothing,” said Gerard, running his fingers along the edge of the cloth. He measured it once more. Three yards . . . four . . . five! More than enough for a fine substantial suit! As a matter of fact, when the garment was finished, the man received a good extra piece of material. The cloth had grown longer under Gerard’s miraculous touch.
A+
Joseph scored a 100% today in PottyTraining1o1! Not his first time scoring a 100, mind you, however accuracy has been up and down. Today was good :o)
Now if only I could find the memory card for the camera....
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
A Pretty Lady
Kayla, Dani and I were chatting a bit in the kitchen while cleaning up after dinner last night. We were mostly talking about names for babies/children [no - no reason :o) - just girls being girls discussing girly things] - so which ones we liked/disliked. "Do you like the name Gerard?" one of them asked. Me, with a scrunched up face while bobbing my head from side to side, as if I couldn't make up my mind - "Well, I don't like the name so much, but I LOVE St. Gerard? [looking to Kayla] You know, he's an amazing saint. They say that he performed more miracles than all the other saints together!" Kayla, in amazement, "Really!!?". I proceeded to tell her one of the miracles. "Hey, maybe you should post something on your blog about him?"
So per Kayla's request, here is the first part in a little mini-series that I'm going to do on Saint Gerard. There's so much and so many wonderful miracles attributed to him that I couldn't put it all in one post - for your sake! Plus, now I already have something for tomorrow...SWEET!!
So without further ado - Part I of Saint Gerard Majella
He was born in the South of Italy in a small town called Muro on the sixth of April. It was in the year 1726. His father, Domenico, was a tailor. His mother, Benedetta, had already borne three daughters. Gerard was the youngest – the only son. They were an ordinary hard-working Italian family. Pious too. Donna Benedetta often brought her three youngest to Mass with her at the shrine of Our Lady of Graces at nearby Capotignano. And, like thousands of other small boys, then and now, Gerard was all eyes for the strange new things he saw. Not quite four, he was too young to know what was going on. But he did know this: he liked the “pretty lady with the baby.”
“Mama, Mama, see what I got from the little boy.” In his hand he clutched a small roll of bread. Nobody paid him a bit of attention as he chattered about a pretty lady and her baby who had given him the bread. Small boys love to make up stories! But the next day he brought back another white roll, and again the next day, and the next. His mother decided to investigate. Next morning she followed her son. Off he ran the two miles to Capotignano, making straight for the chapel. Benedetta followed. It was then she saw who his playmate was – the Christ-Child himself. The statue of Our Lady of Graces had come to life. The infant climbed down from his Mother’s arms to romp with Gerard. A bewildered Benedetta ran home to Muro. At mealtime, little Gerard came back with another roll of bread.
In after life this childhood attraction for the “pretty lady with the baby” ran over into a love for all children and their mothers. This can be seen in the most cursory glance at his life. There are so many wonders wrought for little children . . . and for mothers. The “Mother’s Saint” has earned even greater claim to the title in the nineteen decades since his death.
[www.saintgerard.com - his story]
So per Kayla's request, here is the first part in a little mini-series that I'm going to do on Saint Gerard. There's so much and so many wonderful miracles attributed to him that I couldn't put it all in one post - for your sake! Plus, now I already have something for tomorrow...SWEET!!
So without further ado - Part I of Saint Gerard Majella
He was born in the South of Italy in a small town called Muro on the sixth of April. It was in the year 1726. His father, Domenico, was a tailor. His mother, Benedetta, had already borne three daughters. Gerard was the youngest – the only son. They were an ordinary hard-working Italian family. Pious too. Donna Benedetta often brought her three youngest to Mass with her at the shrine of Our Lady of Graces at nearby Capotignano. And, like thousands of other small boys, then and now, Gerard was all eyes for the strange new things he saw. Not quite four, he was too young to know what was going on. But he did know this: he liked the “pretty lady with the baby.”
“Mama, Mama, see what I got from the little boy.” In his hand he clutched a small roll of bread. Nobody paid him a bit of attention as he chattered about a pretty lady and her baby who had given him the bread. Small boys love to make up stories! But the next day he brought back another white roll, and again the next day, and the next. His mother decided to investigate. Next morning she followed her son. Off he ran the two miles to Capotignano, making straight for the chapel. Benedetta followed. It was then she saw who his playmate was – the Christ-Child himself. The statue of Our Lady of Graces had come to life. The infant climbed down from his Mother’s arms to romp with Gerard. A bewildered Benedetta ran home to Muro. At mealtime, little Gerard came back with another roll of bread.
In after life this childhood attraction for the “pretty lady with the baby” ran over into a love for all children and their mothers. This can be seen in the most cursory glance at his life. There are so many wonders wrought for little children . . . and for mothers. The “Mother’s Saint” has earned even greater claim to the title in the nineteen decades since his death.
[www.saintgerard.com - his story]
Saturday, April 12, 2008
E-Mail Funnies -
EVER WONDER ....
Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin ?
Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
Why don't you ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?
Why is "abbreviated" such a long word?
Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes?
Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!
And if flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?
Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin ?
Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
Why don't you ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?
Why is "abbreviated" such a long word?
Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes?
Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!
And if flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?
Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Not Forgetting...
...about my little sister. I might as well post a little somethin' here for her.Hmmm...
Oh! I know - we used your line today at the eye doctor!
"So we'll just play it by ear? Or should I say "eye"?" [insert laughter here]
Thank you - we've been cracking up about that one a lot today!
At Last -
BTW - Ella is on the list of music in honor of Chris and Nina. It was their "last" dance of the night.Okay, Chris - you should definitely feel more loved now!
Far Side: Take Two -
Okay - the Far Side comic for you, Chris, really should've been something like this:
...it's not like you're a pilot, right?
And for those of you who'd like to donate money for MS research - Chris is participating in a bike ride from Houston to Austin, TX which benefits MS. Click here for the link and rider name in order to donate. I believe he can receive donations - under his rider name - through May.
And finally - there will be no x-ray viewed here - of Joseph's arm, that is. Paul either left the disk at the office yesterday or the doctor lifted it :o)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Birthday Wishes!
To my brother
We Love You Chris!!
Chris!!!
Happy Birthday!
The world is a much better place because of you!
This one is for you:
We Love You Chris!!
Sticks and Stones -
AND dressers!
My poor little Joseph. He broke his arm Saturday morning. *But* we didn't find out until Monday morning!!! -------
Paul was getting ready to take John Paul and Joseph to the "Man Store" [aka, Home Depot] Saturday morning. John Paul exclaimed to Joseph that they were going - so Joseph excitedly climbed the dresser for some socks.
We just heard a crash and a scream.
Paul took him to the local Doc-in-a-Box where they took x-rays and told him it was not broken - that it was just bruised. Paul called me and told me the good news. I was so relieved! Until Monday morning.
A call from a doctor at the local Doc-in-a-Box prompted us [Paul] to take him back in. The doctor - after reviewing the x-rays - said it looked like he did indeed have a fracture.
In the meantime, I had to take Dani up for her first day of testing. I called Paul and he told me that it was broken after all.
Imagine how awful I felt after he had to walk, run, jump around with a broken arm all weekend. He was in so much pain! When the doctor called to see how he was doing I just told him how he was still in so much pain. He couldn't even rub his hands together while washing them.
I'm going to try to post the x-ray on here, but just wait 'til you see it! Any layperson 5+, could identify the break. I couldn't believe, especially after seeing it, that they had missed that the first time around.
Anyway...he got his cast on this morning. He sure is a trooper, according to Paul, about all this medical care! They didn't need to set it. I'll take a picture of him and post it as soon as he wakes up from his nap.
Some moms from the homeschool group gave me a warning of informing him of the "removing of the cast" so he won't freak out when they bring this SAW out to use on his arm. I told Paul this morning that "they don't know Joseph". Even if we didn't tell him anything, he'd LOVE the fact that something dangerous was in his vicinity. LOL - he really would!
My poor little Joseph. He broke his arm Saturday morning. *But* we didn't find out until Monday morning!!! -------
Paul was getting ready to take John Paul and Joseph to the "Man Store" [aka, Home Depot] Saturday morning. John Paul exclaimed to Joseph that they were going - so Joseph excitedly climbed the dresser for some socks.
We just heard a crash and a scream.
Paul took him to the local Doc-in-a-Box where they took x-rays and told him it was not broken - that it was just bruised. Paul called me and told me the good news. I was so relieved! Until Monday morning.
A call from a doctor at the local Doc-in-a-Box prompted us [Paul] to take him back in. The doctor - after reviewing the x-rays - said it looked like he did indeed have a fracture.
In the meantime, I had to take Dani up for her first day of testing. I called Paul and he told me that it was broken after all.
Imagine how awful I felt after he had to walk, run, jump around with a broken arm all weekend. He was in so much pain! When the doctor called to see how he was doing I just told him how he was still in so much pain. He couldn't even rub his hands together while washing them.
I'm going to try to post the x-ray on here, but just wait 'til you see it! Any layperson 5+, could identify the break. I couldn't believe, especially after seeing it, that they had missed that the first time around.
Anyway...he got his cast on this morning. He sure is a trooper, according to Paul, about all this medical care! They didn't need to set it. I'll take a picture of him and post it as soon as he wakes up from his nap.
Some moms from the homeschool group gave me a warning of informing him of the "removing of the cast" so he won't freak out when they bring this SAW out to use on his arm. I told Paul this morning that "they don't know Joseph". Even if we didn't tell him anything, he'd LOVE the fact that something dangerous was in his vicinity. LOL - he really would!
Friday, April 4, 2008
From the Shoe ~
"The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe... Had So Many Children She Didn't Know What to Do"
John Paul - soon to be 5 in June [and very cute btw] - was with me while going to pick up Kayla today.
John Paul - soon to be 5 in June [and very cute btw] - was with me while going to pick up Kayla today.John Paul was telling me how he zipped his jacked up all by himself...
Me: Wow, John Paul, that is so cool. You are such a big boy. I can't believe you're almost five. You need to stop growing. You're making me feel old.
John Paul: [like he' s been waiting 4.5+ yrs for me to say these exact words] You are old.
After my hurt and disbelief at his words [:o)] he proceeded to tell me that I am old because I'm his mommy. Oh, that really helped - let me tell ya.
I concede. I am old. Logically, I believe this. Physically, I know this. In my dreams, I deny this!! LOL.
It's funny. The older you get the older the age becomes that is old in your mind [having just reread that, it didn't come out the way I wanted it to...but you know what I mean]. Like 80? That is sooo young to me now! Okay...so I'm exaggerating just a bit. All of you on the cusp of 40 know where my mind is on this. Denial.
Thanks, John Paul. You made me realize how young I really am today! *But* being this old with this many young ones truly makes me feel young at times! I hope to gain more insight from these youngsters in the future.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Helllllllooooo!
[think "Seinfeld" with the title]
Well, I've had a few promptings from some...folks [Megan, Laura, my brother Chris and my dear husband...just to name a few] that I'm not blogging quickly enough after my break - well, HA. Here it is: my first post - post-Lent!!
You're going to feel awfully guilty about making me blog this late at night. And if you don't...you should. It's almost 12:30am. My children's teacher is going to be not so chipper in the morning!
So much happened during Lent. So I'll begin with the beginning...literally.
Paul and I went to Adoration at 12am Tuesday night [really Ash Wednesday - following?] and when we got home Paul yells to me [i was in the bathroom] that the cat, Pepi, had gotten the hamsters. Such is the life in our house. Can we have a smooth running household!?? The lid was off their cage and they were not in there. Pepi was seen fleeing from the room...that's what prompted Paul to check on them in the first place. So how did our Lent start? Not with ashes on the forehead. Staying up for another hour searching for 2 little mice...I mean hamsters [this is when i wish i knew how to do that strikeout thing on the words!!]. I'm so glad that the guy who has the hour after us showed up [sarcasm] - wouldn't want to have to stay for another hour :O)
And yes, we found one of 'em - behind the piano. The other one - the instigator - I found the next night in the laundry room trash bin! He was so cute! [i was just estatic that i didn't have dead animals in my house...oh, yeah...and that i wouldnt have to tell my dear daughters that their things were dead!]
We had to separate the 2 hamsters. They were just fighting so much. The "Instigator" had his face bitten open by the "Aggressor". So they are now side by side in their own cages. Phew!
Another YAY moment: Charlie started walking!! The first week of Lent and he was off!! He's really good now. He's also starting to get vocal. Like when Joseph takes something from him - he'll scream now. And 'round and 'round it goes... :::sigh:::
Joseph turned 3 and he's now in PottyTraining1o1. Not the most stellar student, but he'll come around. I'm thinking of hiring a tutor. [Can't say as I've ever had a child poop on the floor before. But if anyone of 'em was destined to...it's him]
My dear brother Chris got married on March 8th - in Houston. Nina was such a beautiful bride and Chris was beaming! We had such a wonderful time and are so glad we got to share that blessed day with them.
I know that there are more updates, but it's really late and I've got to get to sleep.
I hope you all had a Blessed Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.
Well, I've had a few promptings from some...folks [Megan, Laura, my brother Chris and my dear husband...just to name a few] that I'm not blogging quickly enough after my break - well, HA. Here it is: my first post - post-Lent!!
You're going to feel awfully guilty about making me blog this late at night. And if you don't...you should. It's almost 12:30am. My children's teacher is going to be not so chipper in the morning!
So much happened during Lent. So I'll begin with the beginning...literally.
Paul and I went to Adoration at 12am Tuesday night [really Ash Wednesday - following?] and when we got home Paul yells to me [i was in the bathroom] that the cat, Pepi, had gotten the hamsters. Such is the life in our house. Can we have a smooth running household!?? The lid was off their cage and they were not in there. Pepi was seen fleeing from the room...that's what prompted Paul to check on them in the first place. So how did our Lent start? Not with ashes on the forehead. Staying up for another hour searching for 2 little mice...I mean hamsters [this is when i wish i knew how to do that strikeout thing on the words!!]. I'm so glad that the guy who has the hour after us showed up [sarcasm] - wouldn't want to have to stay for another hour :O)
And yes, we found one of 'em - behind the piano. The other one - the instigator - I found the next night in the laundry room trash bin! He was so cute! [i was just estatic that i didn't have dead animals in my house...oh, yeah...and that i wouldnt have to tell my dear daughters that their things were dead!]
We had to separate the 2 hamsters. They were just fighting so much. The "Instigator" had his face bitten open by the "Aggressor". So they are now side by side in their own cages. Phew!
Another YAY moment: Charlie started walking!! The first week of Lent and he was off!! He's really good now. He's also starting to get vocal. Like when Joseph takes something from him - he'll scream now. And 'round and 'round it goes... :::sigh:::
Joseph turned 3 and he's now in PottyTraining1o1. Not the most stellar student, but he'll come around. I'm thinking of hiring a tutor. [Can't say as I've ever had a child poop on the floor before. But if anyone of 'em was destined to...it's him]
My dear brother Chris got married on March 8th - in Houston. Nina was such a beautiful bride and Chris was beaming! We had such a wonderful time and are so glad we got to share that blessed day with them.
I know that there are more updates, but it's really late and I've got to get to sleep.
I hope you all had a Blessed Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Lent -
Okay, thanks to a great post from Danette -- I, too, have decided that I will 'give up' blogging for Lent. It does take away from my evenings quite a bit. This way I can try and focus more on family, chores [not fun, but needed...it'll be sacrificial] and most importantly - prayer.
I'd really like this Lent to be more intimate. Simple, yet meaningful. I have big plans in my heart. I hope I don't fumble.
I'll take some pictures of the "Lenten Mercy Cross" and post them on the previous post as an update. But then that should be it until Easter Sunday or Easter Monday!
Since I won't be blogging here are some things in advance:
Happy Birthday to my Dad!! [7777 -- heeheehee -- inside joke, not to do with his age :O) ]
Our Beautiful Joseph will be a whopping 3 yo on the 22nd of February
And - our gorgeous daughter, Dani, will be 12yo on March 13th - Happy Birthday Dani Girl!!
There are 2 more on Easter Sunday this year: My sister's birthday and Paul's mom's birthday. So Happy Birthday to both of you as well! [only my sister will get her birthday wish here - goes back to that whole 'no family reading the blog business' LOL]
Tonight is Mom's Night Out for our homeschool group, so we'll be going out - and pigging out ::haha:: - for Mardi Gras.
So...I suppose I'll see you in 40ish days!
Have a very holy Lenten season and Happy Easter in advance!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Lenten Cross -
Well, I just finished making our Lenten cross. I got the idea from Kimberlee last Lent and knew I'd be starting this tradition this year. [I'll post pictures tomorrow]
I made the cross out of halves of brown construction paper glued together. I made my own flower template and cut out about 40-50 flowers. I can cut more out later this week. And hopefully they'll be needed, right?
I printed out the verse from Matt 25:40 and glued that at the bottom of the cross. I printed up the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy on 2 separate sheets of paper with examples of each act. So, for example, under "clothe the naked" I have examples of clothing younger siblings or helping with laundry.
So I have big intentions for Lent. I'd like it to be more intimate and simple. Really forming new habits.
I like what Mother Angelica says about Lenten promises. Something to the effect of: Coffee and chocolate are not your problem. It may be a problem for your mid-section but not for your soul. HaHa! She is so darn sweet and funny and SO darn right! I love her and miss her dearly. Anyway...I remember her saying that the point of Lent is to form new habits...new virtues. Have a better character. Be a better Catholic.
Food for thought.
What are some of your Lenten traditions and what are you giving up for Lent?
I made the cross out of halves of brown construction paper glued together. I made my own flower template and cut out about 40-50 flowers. I can cut more out later this week. And hopefully they'll be needed, right?
I printed out the verse from Matt 25:40 and glued that at the bottom of the cross. I printed up the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy on 2 separate sheets of paper with examples of each act. So, for example, under "clothe the naked" I have examples of clothing younger siblings or helping with laundry.
So I have big intentions for Lent. I'd like it to be more intimate and simple. Really forming new habits.
I like what Mother Angelica says about Lenten promises. Something to the effect of: Coffee and chocolate are not your problem. It may be a problem for your mid-section but not for your soul. HaHa! She is so darn sweet and funny and SO darn right! I love her and miss her dearly. Anyway...I remember her saying that the point of Lent is to form new habits...new virtues. Have a better character. Be a better Catholic.
Food for thought.
What are some of your Lenten traditions and what are you giving up for Lent?
Dinner
A little exchange between 2yo Joseph and I - as I was cooking dinner:
J: You making dinner?
Me: Yeah, I guess you can call it that. It's grub.
J: Oh...[pause]...Is it gross?
Me: Uuuu...It could be. Let's hope not ::smile::
J: You making dinner?
Me: Yeah, I guess you can call it that. It's grub.
J: Oh...[pause]...Is it gross?
Me: Uuuu...It could be. Let's hope not ::smile::
Bloggers and Beyond...Unite in Prayer
Please pray for this young lady, Melissa. She is in urgent need of prayer. If you read this please take a moment and read about her here.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Confessions of a Cheetah
Therese made her First Reconciliation today...
...then she came home and kicked her little brother in the head ::big sigh::
...then she came home and kicked her little brother in the head ::big sigh::
Friday, February 1, 2008
Life - a Precious Gift
If you head over to Laura's you'll see her latest post which takes you to her "Papa's blog". This is what Papa had posted concerning a little tidbit from Fr. Corapi.
First of all, if you don't LOVE Fr. Corapi you need your head examined! Second of all, I did not know of the information which was shared. Very telling of the sanctity of life, don't you think?
Terri Shiavo was on my mind last night as I drifted off to sleep...just thinking of last moments people have had on this earth [Therese Fox was definitely there too - among my thoughts and prayers]. Thinking of what was done to her [Terri ] really made me cry as I thought of her last days - and the helplessness everyone...mostly her family...felt. I thought of Fr. Pavone being there. Witnessing the horror.
Let us remember the Sanctity of Life on Super Tuesday and Election Day. This is the issue. In my mind there is no other issue more important. I have no problem stating that I am a ONE ISSUE VOTER! Some think that people are idiots for doing so...even so-called Catholics. Well, I'm banking on good points from God for being an idiot then. Life is our greatest gift from the Greatest Giver. Let's help to protect it - from the womb to the tomb. Someone in Heaven may thank you for it one day.
May the souls of the faithfully departed, by the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Doth My Ears Deceive Me?
This is what I just overheard Therese [7yo] say while playing Webkinz on the computer:
"You go girl."Hmmmm....
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