I Knew you Could

Given all the trials and tribulations of my life as of late, I had an inspiration for my blog today. Tonight I read a train book to Meganne. It's been one of my favorites for some time. It used to belong to Andrew, but since he's reading chapter books now, I gave it to Meganne. It's a book called I Knew You Could written by Craig Dorfman. I hope this book inspires someone today as it did me...

I knew you could! And you knew it too-
That you'd come out on top after all you've been through.
And from here you'll go farther and see brand-new sights.
You'll face brand-new hills that rise to new heights.

I wish I could show you the stops that you'll visit,
But that isn't my choice to make for you now, is it?
Instead, I can tell you some lessons and tales
That I've learned an drelearned in my time on the rails.

First of all, you must find your own track,
So you can start right away and not be held back.
But which track is yours? Well, that all depends
On which way it's going and where it might end.

And then it goes on to talk about the journey you make as a train and all the people you see, that you might want to be a car or a plane instead of a train, but in the end you are happy with who you are and you need to enjoy the track you have chosen. It's an awesome book. I suggest it to everyone who has kids and even if you don't, sneak  into the kids section of the bookstore or library and read it yourself. It's awesomely inspiring. 



 

Easter Memories and a new week

Our Easter was wonderful. I, again, got to bring 12 people into the Catholic Faith. They were all so greatful for their journey and they truly enjoyed themselves during the ceremony. Now I continue to pray that they follow their faith journey and continue to be happy in our Church.

Sunday I crashed. Stephen let me sleep in till 9:30! Go me! I was still so tired that day, but I was able to spend my afternoon and evening with my wonderful friends for Easter Feast. It was great. The kids had a great time, they were wonderfully behaved and they ate really well. Thank God! I appreciated being able to spend my time with people I love and care about for Easter.We even got to watch Jesus Christ Superstar together! That made me happy. :)

And now, we are on to the new task. Prepping for Andrew's first Holy Communion, continuing Stephen's job hunt, and enjoying the last month of school. I hope for great things in the next few weeks and I know something good will happen with Stephen's job hunt. I just ask that you all continue to keep us in your prayers.

My babies

Today I am on vacation. Vacation from my babies. They are having a splendid time in CA with their cousins. I miss them a lot, but it's nice to be able to sleep in and get some things done around the house without the littles in the way. They really make me laugh though because there was DRAMA last night when we called them. Apparently the phone drama was just that, an ACT! They were perfectly happy to do what their Aunt said, they were excited to sleep where they chose, and they were in the process of putting on jammies and brushing their teeth when we called. But as soon as they spoke to us on the phone, it was a different story. They whined, they cried, and made it seem like they didn't get to do ANYTHING they wanted to do. Why do they have to "act" on the phone like things aren't going their way? Is it because they want to make us feel guilty? Well, we don't. We know they are having fun and we know they love being there, so why do they act like it's the worst thing in the world to be there? I don't get it. It must be a kid thing.

Spring Break

This week is spring break. There is a lot going on for me. Today Stephen drove the kids to Barstow and met Uncle Dan there so he could take them to Stephen's siser's house. They are going to spend a few days with the cousins in CA. This is good for them. They get to see their cousins, their Aunt and Uncle, and Their Grandma-ma. They also get to escape the stress at home for a few days. Although they don't show it, I know they know things are going on with us and they feel the stress of a "job free" home from Stephen and me. We try hard to keep things as normal as we can for them, but the subtleties are obviously there. It's hard to hide it all.

This week, being Holy Week, is also busy for me. Since I run the RCIA program, this week is the BIG WEEK for my Elect. It's full of Mass, preparation, rehearsal, and faith enrichment for them and for me. On Saturday the Catholic community will welcome 12 new Catholics into the faith. I'm so excited, but at the same time, it feels very unreal. The year went so fast and so many things happened, that this next week feels a little like it's in a fog. I'm hoping they enjoy the week and they get everything out of it that they expect, at least, and maybe even more. As for me, I look forward to the spiritual retreat. I definitely need it. It will be nice to reflect on the Lord and his sacrifice for us and to use this week to maybe get some answers as to what our future holds. 

Today's mass was Palm Sunday. The Gospel was the Passion of Christ. It brought me to tears a couple of times. But what was funny about it is that Father spoke about leaving everything in God's hands. I've heard this message for the past few weeks now and I'm certainly doing my best, however hard it may be at times. I know we will have a good future, I just hope it happens soon. I know the Lord suffered for us and sometimes we are required to carry our cross and do the same, but that doesn't mean I want the suffering to linger. Anyway, I was glad I could kick off the week with a good mass and get in touch with God and feel blessed that I was alive to experience it. So, to all my Catholic and Christian friends, Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy week everyone!

The life of the cat

Our family has 7 pets. Two dogs, two cats, and 3 fish. I have often wondered, growing up with animals, what it would be like to be one and I have even been envious, on occasion, of the lives they live. They have someone to feed them, bathe them, and even clean up their poop. Mostly the only thing they have to worry about is where they are going to spend their daily nap. This brings me to my thought of the day. I took a photo of our two cats sleeping on the bed. They looked soooo relaxed and I got a bit jealous that I wasn't curled up in a ball napping with them, but that's neither here nor there. Anyway, looking at them snoozing together brought me joy and happiness 1) because it was cute and 2) because it's nice that I have a loving home for them to live in. It just disgusts me that other animals in the world are being abused and neglected. How can you possibly look into the eyes of a cat or a loveable dog and think, "I know, I'll beat the crap out of them today because that will be fun!" I mean, seriously....

Anyway, here is a cool link for you. http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3 On the top of the page, if you click on the "click here to give" button, you will give a certain amount of food to rescued animals. Please help, it's free and in the meantime take a look at my cute kitties napping together today on my bed. Dusty is the gray one and Frodo, Alexander's cat, is the black and white one.

 Have a blessed day!

Craftsy lately

So, these days, when I'm the most busy with Easter just around the corner, I've been feeling craftsy. Yesterday I crocheted a purse for my mother. I also tried to sew a panel to a pair of old jeans to make a frilly skirt for Meganne, but I can't figure out how to do it. Luckily I know a wonderful lady who agreed to teach me how after Easter is over. I really want to make the boys some shorts for the summer, but alas I have no pattern. My question is why do I want to start all these projects when I'm super busy? Maybe it's my way of getting away from reality. Who knows. But I've been having fun thinking of all the projects I'm going to start. I love to crochet and sew, I just wish I were better at both. See photo below of the things I've made with crochet.

Oh yeah, and did I mention at these times I'm also very interested in drowning myself in a good book? Reading is such a fun activity, I just wish I could devote more time to doing it. Oh well, one day I can.

The Blue and Brown Purse is the one I made yesterday for my mom.

Future Unclear

These days are hard for us in our household as we wait in hope for what's to come with Job hunting for Stephen. I'm a planner and I hate not knowing what the rest of the year will bring for us. Stephen is doing wonderful in looking for jobs and sending out his resume and such. But not hearing back and not having interviews worries me. What will the future bring? Will we be able to stay in Vegas? Will I be able to keep the kids in their schools? Will we move to CA over the summer? Where will we live if we do move to CA? Will whatever job he gets pay enough and have benefits? UGH! The things to think about. I know he's stressing about all of this too. But I really have to stress to you that he's doing such a great job in sending out applications and resumes. When I think about the future I also have to think about all the things I will miss in Vegas if we end up having to move. My family lives here. I run the RCIA program at my church which I LOVE doing. I have friends here that I will miss greatly. The kids will have to change schools and I may have to go through a ton of work to find a good fit for Alexander again. Finding Dr's, Dentists, Retina Specialists, Churches...not to mention getting new Driver's Licenses, Car Registration, Insurance...Ugh! I try not to think about it.

If I had to go on a gut feeling, I would have to bet that Stephen will get a job out of state. If that's what it takes I'm there! I want him to find a good fit and I really think there is nothing more for him here in Vegas. He put in his 15 years and look at what it got him. Laid OFF! So, I'm really kind of bitter about it. Anyway, I pray to the Lord every day that something good will come along and QUICK so that we can prepare for the school year for the kids.

This Thursday Ivan, a visionary from Medjugorje, will be at our parish. I have left my Intentions at the Church for Mother Mary to intercede for us. I plan to bring all my worries to her and leave it up to the Lord. I'm really looking forward to it and seeing it as a spiritual retreat for myself. I can't wait. I hope I get some answers that night, and if I don't, I know they will be quick in coming. Anyway, Please continue to keep us in your prayers for now. I know we can get through this, it's just a matter of time. I just HATE waiting.

My kids are really funny

So, here's the story about Andrew and Meganne from over the weekend...

Saturday morning I went to pick up my very first bountiful basket (which will be a story for a different day.) Anyway, I ran into the aid in Andrew's class while I was there. She asked me how Andrew is liking 2nd grade. I told her he likes it as much as any normal 8 year old can like school. She told me, "He's REALLY smart." I said, yes, he's soooo different from his older brother and I proceeded to tell her about their homework/schoolwork differences. Alexander hates to do his work and will come up with a million and one reasons why he can't or wont do it. Andrew, on the other hand, will finish it rather quickly. I told her "I tell him it's time to do his homework and literally 1 minute later he's done with it." (I'm not joking. he finishes it in one minute) She said, "He's like that in class too. I will walk around the room while all the kids are doing their seat work and I'll come to Andrew's desk. He's drawing on a piece of paper. I'll ask him why he's not doing his work and he tells me 'I'm done!' Sure enough he shows me his work and it's finished." She also told me that this past week the tests have gotten harder. They have 2 part questions, so Mrs. Carlisle, his teacher, has begun reading the questions to them to make sure they understand how to do the test. So, the aid tells me "Mrs. Carlisle will be on question 3 of a 10 question test and Andrew has finished the whole thing on his own and usually gets an A. So, he gets his journal and starts drawing again." I always knew he was smart, but GEEZ! It really makes me feel good that he's doing so well in class. It's such a breath of fresh air to have an "easy" kid after dealing with the school struggles I've dealt with in Alexander (who, by the way is also very smart, but I wish he would apply his brain to his school work instead of his cleverness in getting out of it!)

Now, on to Meganne's story. So, my mom and I are shopping on Saturday for Alexander's birthday presents. We're at Walmart in the movie/book section and I'm standing with Meganne and Andrew while they are looking at books and my mom is going through the movies that Alexander might want. So, glance down at Meganne just in time to see her squatting on the floor blowing a kiss with a flirty look on her face to a book on the bottom shelf. My eyes wander to the book she's "kissing" and it's a Justin Bieber book! LMAO! I couldn't stop laughing, which was partly a mistake because she turned red and got embarrassed. But it was so freaking cute! Good Gracious! My 5 year old is interested in boys. YIKES! I can only imagine what her teen years will be like. Stephen's going to have to buy a shotgun I think. Anyway, I couldn't help but share. My kids rock and I love them.

I'd write something funny about Zander, but I already attributed an entire blog about his birthday, so it was the other 2's day today. 

Mothers

I received this from a good friend in my email. It was truly touching. I couldn't resist sharing with everyone...

Mothers The officer at the Driving License counter asked the lady "What is your occupation?" The woman seeking renewal of her license seemed to be puzzled. So the officer said "Ma'am, are you employed, have your own business or........ The woman replied "Oh, yes!! I have a full time occupation. I am a mother" Officer: "We don't have 'mother' as an option for occupation. I will write it down as 'Housewife'. That takes care of all questions." This had happened long ago, and was forgotten. Years later when I went to get my license, the Public Relations Officer was a somewhat pompous woman. "Your occupation?" she asked in a rather authoritative tone. I just had an inspiration and replied "I am a researcher in the field of Child Development, Nutrition and Inter-personal Relationships" The lady officer stared at me in amazement. I calmly repeated my statement and she wrote it down verbatim. Then, unable to conceal her curiosity, she politely asked "What exactly do you do in your profession, Ma'am?" I was feeling good about having described my occupation so calmly and confidently. So I replied "My research projects have been going on for a number of years (Mothers never retire!!). My research is conducted in the laboratory as well as in the field. I have two bosses. (One is God and the other is my entire family). I have received two honours in this field. (A son and a daughter) My topic is considered to be the most difficult part of sociology. (All moms will agree!!). I have to work more than 14 hours every day. Sometimes even 24 hours are not enough and the challenges are tougher than many other professions. My compensation is in terms of mental satisfaction rather than money" I could see that the officer was thoroughly impressed. After completing the licensing formalities, she came to the door to see me off. This new viewpoint about my occupation made me feel much better on my way back home. I was welcomed by my 5 year old research assistant at the door. My new project (my 6 month old baby) was energetically practicing her 'music'. I had earned a small victory over the Governmental red tape today. I was no longer 'merely a mother', instead I was now a highly placed functionary in a service vital for mankind - Motherhood!! 'Mother' - Isn't it a great title. Fit to be added to the nameplate on the door!! By this standard, grandmothers deserve to be called Senior Research Officers, and Great Grandmothers qualify as 'Research Directors'. Aunts and other ladies of that age group can be called 'Research Facilitators' Please share this with all mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers, aunts...... They will all shower you with blessings and life will be happier.
'Nough said!

My Baby Is Growing!

I may not be able to post this tomorrow, so I will post my tribute to my wonderful Oldest Son today. I have a little boy who is no longer a little boy. He is officially entering TEEN YEARS! Tomorrow my oldest son Alexander is turning 13 years old. As I sit here and think about the last 13 years, I can't believe how fast the time has flown. On April 10th 1998, I gave birth to my very first baby. I had no idea what to expect during my entire pregnancy. I had no idea what labor was like and I had even less idea what it would be like to give birth. But the most unexpected thing was how much I would love that thing that grew inside me for 9 months and hurt like hell coming out!! He came into this world doing his own thing. He came out facing the ceiling instead of the floor which put me through recuperating hell. During his first week of life I remember a conversation I had with my mom about the day he would turn 13 and how far away it seemed that day. And now look...it's TOMORROW!

I have to say that raising Alexander hasn't been very easy. He's challenged me, he's irritated me, and his ADHD has taught me and Stephen a lesson or two about how to raise a child that has a learning disability. He is a daily learning challenge for us. This, by no means, diminishes our love for him. As a matter of fact, our love for him has been part of our friction. We love him so much that it makes it difficult for us to be understanding when we need to be and strict when we need to be. But, by no means do we love him or will we love him any less. He has been a blessing to us and we are so happy that the Lord gave him to us 13 years ago. So although we are frightened to enter the teen years with him, we are so excited that he is turning 13 tomorrow.

He actually even surprised us this year. We, unfortunately, had to explain to him that his birthday would be rather small this year. He took it like a man and was ok with it. When we asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday (like a party, invite friends over to play, go somewhere special...) his answer to us was that he wanted to stay home and spend time with us. He wanted to open his presents and play with them and stay home. What a big boy he's becoming. I actually had to tell him it was OK if he wanted to have some friends over. So, finally he agreed to have 2 friends over on Monday (since he never has school on Mondays.) We are going to go get a pizza at Chuck E cheese and let them play games and win tickets. Then we are coming home to play the WII and the Playstation. And that's it. Simple, not too expensive, and easy! I was so proud of him for just wanting a quiet birthday and not a huge spectacle.

Anyway, Tomorrow will be a blessing. Even though I feel OLD because I will now have a 13 year old SON, I am so happy that I get to celebrate with my favorite 13 year old and have a quiet day at home with him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY! I hope your 13th birthday is better than last year!!! I love you!!!

Life's Lesson

So, with the economy the way it is now, all the current natural disasters and our current jobless situation, all this got me thinking about and chatting with some friends about what we are supposed to learn from all of this. I really think the Lord is trying to teach us a lesson. This was further pounded into my head today when I went to mass (as encouraged by a coworker in the church office, even though I'd missed the readings.) I made just in time to hear Father's homily. His message was to put God first and stop worrying about your material possessions. God should always come first in your life, no matter what. So, maybe what God is saying to us these days is simply that. Stop worshiping money, electronics, houses, cars, etc...and start thinking about what really matters in your life. Start thinking about your salvation and what you are going to do with your life to walk the path of the Lord. My friends agree.

When you look at the disaster of this economy, what is it that it's forcing people to do with their lives when they lose their homes or their possessions? Maybe they are turning to God with prayer for help. Maybe they are turning to their families for roofs over their heads. Maybe they are selling their worldly goods so they can afford the simple things in life. Maybe they are able to keep their homes, but want a vacation, so instead of spending money on a luxurious hotel, maybe they are camping in Nature with their kids and families and enjoying the world that God made for us. After all, Love of God, family, and friends should come first.

When you look at the disaster of the Tsunami and Earthquake in Japan, what is happening with the people in the world when they watch the videos or the news about the clean up and disaster of the Nuclear plant? People world wide are donating the money they have to pay for supplies for the victims. People are finding ways to travel to Japan to help with the clean up. The survivors are helping one another to find missing family members. The hospital workers are working over time to help the sick victims and the dying. Again, they are putting compassion and love above all else to help in this horrible situation.

It's sad that it takes Catastrophes for people to realize that we need to have compassion and empathy for one another. But maybe a wake up call is all we need, now and then, to be reminded of what's important in life. I hope today's blog gives you something to think about as you go through your everyday life. God bless each and every one of you!

Appeal

So, the only thing going through our heads right now is Stephen's appeal. We are hoping and praying that he wins it and is re-instated next week. I really think he has a good case and I think he can win if the appeals board isn't stupid. Something tells me they're stupid though. But, if that's the case, we DEFINITELY have a good shot at suing them! Meanwhile, win or lose, Stephen is still looking for jobs elsewhere. I really think that if he's re-instated, there will be layoffs again and he will be affected which puts us right back in this situation again. In my heart of hearts I feel as if there is a move in our near future. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that if we move, it'll be somewhere close to here so we can visit and preferably close to his family so that we have relatives close by. We'll see. That being the case, I ask that you continue to pray for us that the Lord has chosen the path that will be the best, the safest, and make us the most happy with our decision as it is all in his hands now.

Lent and my traditions

Ok, so this may sound hokey, but during Lent I like to watch and listen to Jesus Christ Superstar. The 1970's version of the passion of Christ really is fun to watch, listen to, but yet, it helps me to contemplate the passion Jesus went through so we can be forgiven for our sins. Today I was able to share this experience with 2 of my closest friends. (while I was pampered and getting my toes done. ;)  ) This movie was truly an amazing movie and it's one of my all time favorites. Although I loved Mel Gibson's version of the Passion of Christ I can't bring myself to watch it again. Mostly because I cry through the entire movie. I connect with Mary and watching her son go through the brutality that Jesus did and, being a mother and putting myself in her position, it is too hard for me to picture watching either one of my sons going through that. I appreciate more than words can ever express what Jesus did for us and our Salvation, but it's too hard to watch that one. So, I opt for the more upbeat G rated version of the 1970s. Plus, Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice did an amazing job writing the music and Lyrics. Anyway, here's the opening song, sung by Carl Anderson, plus one of my favorite songs sung by Ted Neely:

What it takes to be a Saint

Today's blog is in honor of Sunday the Sabbath and a little lesson on what it takes to become a Saint. Since Yesterday was the 6th anniversary of Pope John Paul the II's death I thought it would be fitting to talk about what the process is for him to become a Saint and to honor him in my blog. Honor is due to this great man as he was not only famous to us who are Catholic, but also to those who are not! So, from the catholic.org site I copied and pasted this information. It's rather interesting and something to learn for those of you who are not Catholic and have never heard of this process...

Canonization, the process the Church uses to name a saint, has only been used since the tenth century. For hundreds of years, starting with the first martyrs of the early Church, saints were chosen by public acclaim. Though this was a more democratic way to recognize saints, some saints' stories were distorted by legend and some never existed. Gradually, the bishops and finally the Vatican took over authority for approving saints.
In 1983, Pope John Paul II made sweeping changes in the canonization procedure. The process begins after the death of a Catholic whom people regard as holy. Often, the process starts many years after death in order give perspective on the candidate. The local bishop investigates the candidate's life and writings for heroic virtue (or martyrdom) and orthodoxy of doctrine. Then a panel of theologians at the Vatican evaluates the candidate. After approval by the panel and cardinals of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the pope proclaims the candidate "venerable."

The next step, beatification, requires evidence of one miracle (except in the case of martyrs). Since miracles are considered proof that the person is in heaven and can intercede for us, the miracle must take place after the candidate's death and as a result of a specific petition to the candidate. When the pope proclaims the candidate beatified or "blessed," the person can be venerated by a particular region or group of people with whom the person holds special importance.

Only after one more miracle will the pope canonize the saint (this includes martyrs as well). The title of saint tells us that the person lived a holy life, is in heaven, and is to be honored by the universal Church. Canonization does not "make" a person a saint; it recognizes what God has already done.
Though canonization is infallible and irrevocable, it takes a long time and a lot of effort. So while every person who is canonized is a saint, not every holy person has been canonized. You have probably known many "saints" in your life, and you are called by God to be one yourself.

As for the former Pope? He will be beatified on May 1st this year. A special beatification mass will be said by Pope Benedict the XVI for him and the process of canonization will begin. God Bless Pope John Paul the II. Please intercede for us and help us to weather the storms arising in the world today. AMEN!

Times of Change

Today was my annual RCIA retreat. As I sat there listening to Fr. Gerry, Ed and Geno teach their topics to my Elect I came to the realization that times are changing. Some things seem to be changing for the good and some, well, I don't know if it's good or bad. The first change coming, is this year's class. They have only a couple of short weeks until the Easter Vigil. They will be baptized, receive their First Holy Communion, and their Confirmation. This change is good. This is what they have been working towards all year long and they deserve the fruits of their efforts. I look forward to the Vigil and seeing their faces as the Holy Spirit descends upon them and gives them the gifts they are intended. That, to me, is the fruit of MY effort. I anticipate their happiness in the night of the Vigil. Again, this change is good.

But as I sat there and listened to these speakers, I couldn't help but think of the changes going on in my life. I love coordinating the RCIA. It is a wonderful job to have. But, what will next year bring? Will I still be in Vegas? Will I still be able to run the program that I love so dearly? Only time will tell. This change is undecided...good or bad? I also thought about my dear friend Geno, as he taught his topic today. He will be moving to Hawaii in a month or so. This change is bad. Well, only bad for me. I will lose my right hand man in RCIA. I will miss my friends, him and his wife. But this change is good for both of them! They will be living in paradise and in a place they truly love. For that I am happy. I always want the people I care deeply about to be happy even if it means a loss in some way for myself.

In these changes, what have I learned? I've learned that change is good, change is iffy and change can be an adventure. I've learned that sometimes change is needed in order to move forward. I've also learned to accept change because change helps you grow. I have left my life in the hands of the Lord and I know he will lead us to where we are most needed, weather that be here in Vegas or somewhere else. I'm ready and willing and I'm listening to God to guide me to what is best. I look forward to change and I'm happy for the change happening to my Elect as they finish their journey with me in the RCIA.

God Bless!

Why do they wear that?

So, the other day I was at a store and saw this lady. I sneaked a picture of her because I couldn't believe what she was wearing. I mean, really, do people check their mirrors before they leave their houses? And those  emails that go around with pictures of people at Walmart...Anyway, it just amazes me. So, here's what she looks like. I have to say, pay attention to the capri's with the socks and sandals...WTH?