Spending time with Grandparents and Great-grand parents helps set your mind back on what is important for your family. I am reminded of particular things that are important in these present moments: Keeping up the struggle toward becoming more Christ-like in all situations... especially with little ears and little eyes close by paying attention to how I handle hard moments and disagreeable people, Working at a family prayer life, Setting good habits in my children by example and loving discipline, these things may seem hard now, but it is how my husband and I set up a strong foundation for our children to build upon.
I listened to my Grandfather's stories about marriage and all the hard work he had to do to support a family of 10 kids. I wish I could have known my Grandma to ask her how she did it with all those children. I ask her to pray for me up in heaven.
Last night, I was up with the baby and my two oldest children. My husband is sick and gone to bed and all our guests were gone to bed too. I sat with them laying their heads on my lap. I read out loud from a book about motherhood that I would have been reading anyway. I thought it would make them sleepy. They listened and asked lots of questions about love and the sacrifices we make in little ways (and sometimes big) to grow and sustain that love. A bible verse came up, one they have heard before, but in those precious quiet moments last night they heard it with new ears. (I love when that happens) "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you" John 13:34 Wow! They got it- Jesus, who gave his life for us, is asking us to love each other this same way. A tall order! Blessed Teresa of Calcutta says of this verse: "These words should not only be a light to us, but also a flame consuming the selfishness which prevents the growth of holiness. Jesus loved us to the end, to the very limit of love, the Cross. Love must come from within- from our union with Christ- an outpouring of our love for God. Loving should be as normal to us a living and breathing, day after day until our deaths."
Going to bed at a decent hour and getting up before my family are sacrifices. Honestly, I really have a hard time with those things (on normal day, minus sick kids) I know that when I do those things they help me be a better mother with more patience. A small loving act that drives me toward "consuming the selfishness which prevents the growth of holiness" Driving my car in a lawful respectful manner and keeping myself from making negative comments about other drivers is a small loving act I can do to teach my children peace of mind in all situations. Holding my tongue when I disagree with other parents and their parenting styles, is a great way to teach my children charity in dealing with those that my not be like us, but instead to bring our loving family environment, with us, from our home, as a peaceful example that need not be arrogant or judgmental. So I throw these things out there- and I step forward drawing on the grace God gives me in my vocation as mother, starting new, with new eyes and a smile.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Friday, June 1, 2012
The Naysayers
SUMMER! I love it- all my littles here all day. We got a super fun pool. It is the biggest one we have had, the kids bought it with the money form their piggy banks and I think that makes playing in it that much sweeter. My favorite thing is that they stay outside for hours. I love when they are in the fresh air, learning problem solving and relationship skills as they play and fight too.
Our family recently made a HUGE decision about what sort of "school" the children will be in. Up until now there was never any question. My children went to a wonderful Catholic school, attended daily mass, and were educated with a changeling curriculum. My husband went to that same school and that was that- and we loved it! Well, the good Lord has other plans for the little souls he is allowing me to raise. Next year, we will be doing school in our home. This will shock some of my friends from years past. It used to be, that when the subject of "homeschooling" would come up, I would cringe and say "I am NOT called to that" well I wasn't- but now I am!
I have so many supportive friends and family members, I was nervous to tell my Dad about our decision, but he was so great about it. That was important to me! but... Oddly, there are few people who don't have confidence in me to educate my own children. They have been convinced, as many people are, that at the age of 6 we must hand our children over to an institution to educate them. Does it occur to them that I already teach them constantly? My life is dedicated to making sure that no moment is wasted, and no teaching opportunity is overlooked, so that my children are formed in their faith and become confident and healthy and peaceful! How sad that when a mother decides to take on, in a more complete way, the education of the children God gave her, that she is bombarded with head shaking, thoughtless quips about organization, and ridiculous questions about socialization...(because we all know the public school system is doing a stellar job of socializing our kids, ha!) I don't think it is going to be easy, but I am so excited to incorporate "school" into the rhythm of our home. I will now get to watch my children have Ah-hah moments that I would have missed otherwise. I will have the opportunity to grow in patience and charity as I help them in their struggles of reading, writing, and arithmetic. All of this while helping them become the people God intends for them to be! I feel blessed, and the naysayers can continue to nay and I will let them because "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
Our family recently made a HUGE decision about what sort of "school" the children will be in. Up until now there was never any question. My children went to a wonderful Catholic school, attended daily mass, and were educated with a changeling curriculum. My husband went to that same school and that was that- and we loved it! Well, the good Lord has other plans for the little souls he is allowing me to raise. Next year, we will be doing school in our home. This will shock some of my friends from years past. It used to be, that when the subject of "homeschooling" would come up, I would cringe and say "I am NOT called to that" well I wasn't- but now I am!
I have so many supportive friends and family members, I was nervous to tell my Dad about our decision, but he was so great about it. That was important to me! but... Oddly, there are few people who don't have confidence in me to educate my own children. They have been convinced, as many people are, that at the age of 6 we must hand our children over to an institution to educate them. Does it occur to them that I already teach them constantly? My life is dedicated to making sure that no moment is wasted, and no teaching opportunity is overlooked, so that my children are formed in their faith and become confident and healthy and peaceful! How sad that when a mother decides to take on, in a more complete way, the education of the children God gave her, that she is bombarded with head shaking, thoughtless quips about organization, and ridiculous questions about socialization...(because we all know the public school system is doing a stellar job of socializing our kids, ha!) I don't think it is going to be easy, but I am so excited to incorporate "school" into the rhythm of our home. I will now get to watch my children have Ah-hah moments that I would have missed otherwise. I will have the opportunity to grow in patience and charity as I help them in their struggles of reading, writing, and arithmetic. All of this while helping them become the people God intends for them to be! I feel blessed, and the naysayers can continue to nay and I will let them because "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
Friday, May 11, 2012
What is required?
I am writing more to elaborate a question than to answer one.
Is example enough when dealing with the people in your life? When do we speak up? Can I continue peaceful day to day relationships with someone I disagree with on a basic moral level? Can I love someone and not try to change them, even if my beliefs tell me they may suffer in hell?
I am still looking for the answers, but I don't think we can live in this world without our fellow humans. And humans are flawed. I am. Very.
My Neighbors are Gay. Right next door, live two wonderful men who have been kind to our family. If I had to pick a bunch of people to be on a deserted Island with I would bring them. (beside the point) Political issues aside...how do I love them? Leave them be? Do I just say hi and what nice weather, and can you believe those school kids cutting through our yard, as we laugh? I think yes.
I think Jesus made it clear my job as a Catholic Christian is to love them. Can I love them if they never change, yes. I know love is sometimes doing the hard uncomfortable thing, but we must be prudent in our decisions. Do I believe that homosexuality is ok? I don't, still, I have no stones to throw.
At the top of this page is the verse "Love covers a multitude of sin" what is sin? I know there are some big theological answers to this, but at it's core, sin comes from a wound. Love heals those wounds, and allows us to become the people we were meant to be. I know that I may enrage people eluding to the fact that homosexuality is disordered, but, apart from religion, if you look at the simple anatomical nature of our bodies you can't disagree that it wasn't intended to be that way...
So I pray, and be joyful. And I hope someday my kind friends next door will wonder, what makes that big crazy catholic family they way they are, why are they different from the angry world around us that is interested in Using and not loving. Maybe they will ask and I can with sweetness explain. I also know that if i march over there shakin' my finger at them, I will from that moment on, miss out on their lovely friendship and I will ruin any chances of showing them the love of Christ.
Is example enough when dealing with the people in your life? When do we speak up? Can I continue peaceful day to day relationships with someone I disagree with on a basic moral level? Can I love someone and not try to change them, even if my beliefs tell me they may suffer in hell?
I am still looking for the answers, but I don't think we can live in this world without our fellow humans. And humans are flawed. I am. Very.
My Neighbors are Gay. Right next door, live two wonderful men who have been kind to our family. If I had to pick a bunch of people to be on a deserted Island with I would bring them. (beside the point) Political issues aside...how do I love them? Leave them be? Do I just say hi and what nice weather, and can you believe those school kids cutting through our yard, as we laugh? I think yes.
I think Jesus made it clear my job as a Catholic Christian is to love them. Can I love them if they never change, yes. I know love is sometimes doing the hard uncomfortable thing, but we must be prudent in our decisions. Do I believe that homosexuality is ok? I don't, still, I have no stones to throw.
At the top of this page is the verse "Love covers a multitude of sin" what is sin? I know there are some big theological answers to this, but at it's core, sin comes from a wound. Love heals those wounds, and allows us to become the people we were meant to be. I know that I may enrage people eluding to the fact that homosexuality is disordered, but, apart from religion, if you look at the simple anatomical nature of our bodies you can't disagree that it wasn't intended to be that way...
So I pray, and be joyful. And I hope someday my kind friends next door will wonder, what makes that big crazy catholic family they way they are, why are they different from the angry world around us that is interested in Using and not loving. Maybe they will ask and I can with sweetness explain. I also know that if i march over there shakin' my finger at them, I will from that moment on, miss out on their lovely friendship and I will ruin any chances of showing them the love of Christ.
Monday, April 30, 2012
On Going Home and the blessing of people!
What a busy weekend. Sunday alone was bursting with friends and fun! I take such pleasure in watching my older 3 children mature in their friendships with kids from families that I love. (I also enjoy watching the little ones and their sweet friendships of course!) It is fun to chat with a Catholic Mommy friend about the possibility of a someday wedding between our kids. :)
My family moved a few times in my youth an although each move proved to be a big part of God's will for my life, I have not had that privilege of "going home" to see those I was once young with. Our plan is to stay in the Dallas area and I hope our children will too, and that no matter what, they will always be able to come home, not only to us but to their roots and memories!
I would not trade the years that I did spend with just hubby and I starting our little family in places where no one knew us previously. We were able to forage traditions and enjoy activities that were ours alone. We came to see how valuable friends can be as the family God gives you.
I am so happy to say that things are coming full circle, we are now near Chris' family and get to see them often and his mother is in our life helping us love our kids. My parents are getting close to retirement and will be moving near by in the next year or so and this warms my heart!! I welcome their help in forming these beautiful souls that God has given me!
I can not leave out our church family- St Basil's! Just yesterday a few little ones had formed a cluster during liturgy and were chatting, my hands were full and so were Chris' and a friend of mine got out of the communion line to tell the kids "this is not social hour" I couldn't have been more grateful. I always feel like there are eyes and ears helping me and loving my kids when I am there. The sort of People who notice little things like new dresses and comment on a droopy eyed child "how is she feeling?". Our Children's school is unlike any other that I have seen, a family environment is fostered there, when I get to visit, and I walk down the halls everyone has a smile, everywhere you look there are visual reminders of God's love, even a Eucharistic Chapel where you can stop and pray! Even our Neighbor hood is a special place, with people close by who we care about and look forward to seeing every time they drop by! The blessing of Good people in my life out weighs and out shines any material thing. I wouldn't trade all this love for a bigger home or condo on the beach ever.
We are looking forward to our family vacation this year, we go to a river with lots of big catholic families and friends. It is not fancy, and it is more about fellowship and genuine interactions than it is about relaxing. So as I prepare to mop my floor for love of my little family, I will dream of Vodka lemonades and river sittin' - kids laughing and swimming- Mass and praise with friends- and late night girlie talks.
I love the people in my life. I am so grateful for them. This family, in all it's many forms. All of them.
My family moved a few times in my youth an although each move proved to be a big part of God's will for my life, I have not had that privilege of "going home" to see those I was once young with. Our plan is to stay in the Dallas area and I hope our children will too, and that no matter what, they will always be able to come home, not only to us but to their roots and memories!
I would not trade the years that I did spend with just hubby and I starting our little family in places where no one knew us previously. We were able to forage traditions and enjoy activities that were ours alone. We came to see how valuable friends can be as the family God gives you.
I am so happy to say that things are coming full circle, we are now near Chris' family and get to see them often and his mother is in our life helping us love our kids. My parents are getting close to retirement and will be moving near by in the next year or so and this warms my heart!! I welcome their help in forming these beautiful souls that God has given me!
I can not leave out our church family- St Basil's! Just yesterday a few little ones had formed a cluster during liturgy and were chatting, my hands were full and so were Chris' and a friend of mine got out of the communion line to tell the kids "this is not social hour" I couldn't have been more grateful. I always feel like there are eyes and ears helping me and loving my kids when I am there. The sort of People who notice little things like new dresses and comment on a droopy eyed child "how is she feeling?". Our Children's school is unlike any other that I have seen, a family environment is fostered there, when I get to visit, and I walk down the halls everyone has a smile, everywhere you look there are visual reminders of God's love, even a Eucharistic Chapel where you can stop and pray! Even our Neighbor hood is a special place, with people close by who we care about and look forward to seeing every time they drop by! The blessing of Good people in my life out weighs and out shines any material thing. I wouldn't trade all this love for a bigger home or condo on the beach ever.
We are looking forward to our family vacation this year, we go to a river with lots of big catholic families and friends. It is not fancy, and it is more about fellowship and genuine interactions than it is about relaxing. So as I prepare to mop my floor for love of my little family, I will dream of Vodka lemonades and river sittin' - kids laughing and swimming- Mass and praise with friends- and late night girlie talks.
I love the people in my life. I am so grateful for them. This family, in all it's many forms. All of them.
Monday, April 16, 2012
fluttering close to the ground
This morning, I can barely wrap my mind around the words of St. JoseMaria Escriva. He pictures himself as a little bird fluttering, short little distances, and slowly making it to a tree, then a house, until one day an Eagle mistakes him for one of his own and scoops him up and he soars higher and higher, then the Eagle lets him go and says FLY!! St JoseMaria asks our Lord that He never allow him to be okay with fluttering close to the ground again.
It is so easy to keep your mind busy with the things on the ground, allowing what appears in front of our eyes to disguise what all things in life are... An opportunity, every diaper, meal prepared, and mess made to be cleaned, is a chance to soar with the eagles, to sanctify our lives! If we roll our eyes at the cereal on the floor and in frustration clean it AGAIN, or grit our teeth at our husband when he isn't a prince charming here and there, we miss out on a beautiful moment to SOAR, to put a smile on our face and Tell our Lord thank you! We get a chance to serve Him, in his creations, who have been given to us- to love. May I never forget that I live in the presence of God in a real way, All Day Long. Right now! "what peace is ours once we have embarked upon ‘the narrow road that leads on to life’!"
It is so easy to keep your mind busy with the things on the ground, allowing what appears in front of our eyes to disguise what all things in life are... An opportunity, every diaper, meal prepared, and mess made to be cleaned, is a chance to soar with the eagles, to sanctify our lives! If we roll our eyes at the cereal on the floor and in frustration clean it AGAIN, or grit our teeth at our husband when he isn't a prince charming here and there, we miss out on a beautiful moment to SOAR, to put a smile on our face and Tell our Lord thank you! We get a chance to serve Him, in his creations, who have been given to us- to love. May I never forget that I live in the presence of God in a real way, All Day Long. Right now! "what peace is ours once we have embarked upon ‘the narrow road that leads on to life’!"
Friday, April 13, 2012
He is risen
Oh my goodness! Easter was a celebration. The songs from Divine Liturgy still echo in my head and make me smile. We stayed with our Church family for the whole day, and it was so fitting to celebrate our risen savior with them.
Chris will be returning today from a trip to Washington DC. He was there to attend an orientation for Diocesan Family life ministers. He stayed with the Franciscan friers and attended talks and discussions. With each call home he had something new to tell me. I delight in being the person he thinks of when he hears something great and wants to share that feeling. I imagine that is how our Lord sees us. When we see a beautiful sunset or feel a nice breeze and we lift our thoughts to heaven and say Thank You.
This morning I spent my prayer time reflecting on how much has been forgiven of me. It helps me to feel humbled to reflect back on my life and know that God not only forgives me for my failings and loves me anyway, he continually blesses me and protects me above and beyond. I think of my little Jake. Jacob is my 3 year old, he is often excitable and aggressive and tends toward the naughty. (He is sweet and loving too) I have noticed when I punish him he doesn't turn away from me but instead throws himself in my arms. It makes me feel good to know that even when I have to be harsh to teach him something important, that he knows he is safe and loved in my arms, that I am Mommy. How beautiful, this is a reflection of Our Father God. I often tell Jesus in my heart that I will not let go of Him, even when life sends me difficulties, or my own choices do not reflect the daughter of God that I am. I will still cling to him because there is no where better to be than in His arms.
Chris will be returning today from a trip to Washington DC. He was there to attend an orientation for Diocesan Family life ministers. He stayed with the Franciscan friers and attended talks and discussions. With each call home he had something new to tell me. I delight in being the person he thinks of when he hears something great and wants to share that feeling. I imagine that is how our Lord sees us. When we see a beautiful sunset or feel a nice breeze and we lift our thoughts to heaven and say Thank You.
This morning I spent my prayer time reflecting on how much has been forgiven of me. It helps me to feel humbled to reflect back on my life and know that God not only forgives me for my failings and loves me anyway, he continually blesses me and protects me above and beyond. I think of my little Jake. Jacob is my 3 year old, he is often excitable and aggressive and tends toward the naughty. (He is sweet and loving too) I have noticed when I punish him he doesn't turn away from me but instead throws himself in my arms. It makes me feel good to know that even when I have to be harsh to teach him something important, that he knows he is safe and loved in my arms, that I am Mommy. How beautiful, this is a reflection of Our Father God. I often tell Jesus in my heart that I will not let go of Him, even when life sends me difficulties, or my own choices do not reflect the daughter of God that I am. I will still cling to him because there is no where better to be than in His arms.
Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. John 6:68
We have a big decision to make regarding our Children, please pray for God to show us his beautiful will for their lives.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Out pouring
Well this busy life has kept me from writing about last weekend!
On Sunday Lily was baptized, chrismated (Confirmation), and received first holy communion. Isaac, Noah, and Jacob received chrismation and first holy communion, and Grace only lacked chrismation. My children have been illluminated! (if this troubles you or makes no sense click here)
I am so excited that the graces of all the early sacraments have been poured out on them. During chrismation Father Danny annointed all of their senses and even their feet, singing "be sealed with the gift of the holy spirit" (i think I have the words right) over and over. In those moments I was washed over with all the wonderful things my children will do in this world.
Following Liturgy our dear friends had a party for us and it was perfect. Lots of people came and I just couldn't stop smiling the whole day. The children still don't quite comprehend all of it, but that is the beauty of the sacraments, you don't have to comprehend them for them to change your soul. Thank you Jesus.
Last night was Academic museum at the kids school. The children displayed projects and dressed according to the subject matter. Parents are allowed to walk the halls and sort of "quiz" the kids. The children always do such a good job and are so poised in their speaking.
Ok. well, for love of my family I need to create some order in my home today. Hubby is doing a retreat this weekend and I will have the monkeys alone. I plan frozen pizzas, movies, and lots of cuddles. I am hoping that on Saturday I can get a picture of the kids in the Texas Bluebonnets before they are gone agian.
On Sunday Lily was baptized, chrismated (Confirmation), and received first holy communion. Isaac, Noah, and Jacob received chrismation and first holy communion, and Grace only lacked chrismation. My children have been illluminated! (if this troubles you or makes no sense click here)
I am so excited that the graces of all the early sacraments have been poured out on them. During chrismation Father Danny annointed all of their senses and even their feet, singing "be sealed with the gift of the holy spirit" (i think I have the words right) over and over. In those moments I was washed over with all the wonderful things my children will do in this world.
Following Liturgy our dear friends had a party for us and it was perfect. Lots of people came and I just couldn't stop smiling the whole day. The children still don't quite comprehend all of it, but that is the beauty of the sacraments, you don't have to comprehend them for them to change your soul. Thank you Jesus.
Last night was Academic museum at the kids school. The children displayed projects and dressed according to the subject matter. Parents are allowed to walk the halls and sort of "quiz" the kids. The children always do such a good job and are so poised in their speaking.
Ok. well, for love of my family I need to create some order in my home today. Hubby is doing a retreat this weekend and I will have the monkeys alone. I plan frozen pizzas, movies, and lots of cuddles. I am hoping that on Saturday I can get a picture of the kids in the Texas Bluebonnets before they are gone agian.
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