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?