Discerning family life.

Time has passed...

2009-07-10T11:42:00.002-04:00

I have been so absorbed in learning from other sites that I have not posted on this site in awhile. Here is where I have been:

http://www.passionatehomemaking.com

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com

http://ourhomeschoolfun.blogspot.com

http://wdtprs.com/blog

http://footprintsonthefridge.typepad.com

Not to mention the wonderful sites I already visited and the beautiful weather outside. We are in the middle of our Cherry Festival as well. So much to do so little time.

Giveaway

2009-07-10T11:41:00.000-04:00

Our Homeschooling Fun site has its Friday giveaway.

We've been busy

2009-03-23T21:37:00.005-04:00

We've been busy around here.

Well, there was Saint Patrick's Day. We had beef and guiness stew and Irish Soda Bread from The Catholic Cuisine.

We had Saint Joseph's Day with the Saint Joseph's Altar from here.

Lots of Spring time crafts like snakes,

bird nests (which are in the process) from No Time For Flash Cards,

and cookie cutter art from No Time for Flash Cards as well.

Not to mention the FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!!!

We finally got some warmer weather.

We just had to get outside.

Happy Spring!!

A good read over at Elizabeth's site.

2009-03-11T20:38:00.001-04:00

In the heart of my home.

2009-03-11T20:32:00.002-04:00

Commentary: Obama's Murderous Executive Order - What Should Science Trump?

Commentary by Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted
March 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - On Monday, March 9, President Obama signed an executive order that provides federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. This means that American taxpayers will now be paying for the killing of human beings at a very early stage in their lives (as embryos), so that scientific research can make use of them for experiments that may or may not yield positive results.

We U.S. taxpayers will now be forced to pay, whether we wish to or not, for the killing of our youngest brothers and sisters on the dubious hypothesis that their murders might, in the future, benefit others. Why did President Obama make this decision?

Should science trump ideology?

Our president's rationale is that science should trump ideology. In other words, that ideology should not have the upper hand in making decisions about who pays for research; science should. We Americans, he says, should trust scientists more than we trust ideologues. But who is our president calling ideologues? Those whom he is calling "ideologues" include the following:

- Pope Benedict XVI and all faithful Catholics around the world;- People of faith from all major religions who believe that human life, especially at its most innocent and vulnerable stage, needs to be protected, not killed for the sake of older human beings; and- All people of good will who oppose the killing of one group of human beings in order to benefit another group.

"Science should trump ideology" is a code phrase that means science should trump the Fifth Commandment, "Thou shalt not kill." It is contending that science should trump the right to life of a certain class of human beings, those who are at the embryonic stage of life. Science, according to our president, does not need to be at the service of the human person or subject to morality. How is this position not influenced by an ideology, which is the very thing our president claims he is seeking to avoid? Is this good for America? Is this what we Americans want our taxes to be used for?

Politics over science and ethics

Let's be clear about what this presidential decree is about. It is not about overcoming a prohibition against embryonic stem cell research. Tragically, such research is already legal in many places in our country. Already billions of dollars of California taxpayers are funding such heinous research. So our president is not overturning laws that prohibit such research. It is already legal.

What President Obama is doing is forcing all American taxpayers to pay for this homicidal research. He is forcing us who pay taxes to be complicit, in an involuntary yet real way, in this unethical enterprise. All of this is done so that "science can trump ideology."

Cardinal Justin Rigali, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, said this: "President Obama's new executive order on embryonic stem cell research is a sad victory of politics over science and ethics. This action is morally wrong because it encourages the destruction of innocent human life, treating vulnerable human beings as mere products to be harvested. It also disregards the values of millions of American taxpayers who oppose research that requires taking human life. Finally, it ignores the fact that ethically sound means for advancing stem cell science and medical treatments are readily available and in need of increased support."

What should be the response of Catholics to this action?

First, we must beg forgiveness for this horrendous sin of our nation. Like the Prophet Daniel, we need to say in all humility and shame (9:4fc), "Lord, great and awesome God, you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you and observe your commandments! We have sinned, been wicked and done evil; we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws… Justice, O Lord, is on your side; we are shamefaced even to this day."

Second, we Catholics must join with others of good will and make our voices heard across our land, at the White House, on Capitol Hill, in our state Legislatures and in the media. We must not stand by idly while our neighbor's life is at stake. The dignity of a human person does not depend upon his or her age, developmental stage, or ability to function. Every human being has inherent dignity because God has created us with an eternal soul. No one has the right to extinguish this gift of life but God alone.

Third, we need to point out why such destructive research is especially pointless at this time when ethical means are available, such as the following:

Great advances are being made in reprogramming adult cells into embryonic-like stem cells (the journal Science hailed this as the scientific breakthrough of the year);Adult and umbilical cord blood stem cells are increasingly being used to reverse serious illnesses and even help rebuild damaged organs.

Fourth, we must pray and fast for an end to this horrendous decision and an end to all attacks on innocent human life. Jesus told us that some evils can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. In this season of Lent, this gives us added reason to do penance in union with our prayers for the protection of all human life.

Fifth, we must not lose hope. False rhetoric such as "science must triumph over ideology" will not stand the test of time. Such counterfeit reasoning and slick cover-up of the truth will not have the last word. Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly (Cf. Jn 10:10). In Him, who died to take away sin and rose to restore our life, we place our hope. This hope will never disappoint.
(This article reprinted with permission from the Catholic Sun - http://www.catholicsun.org/)

Backwards: Faith & Family Live!

2009-03-10T18:40:00.001-04:00

Backwards: Faith & Family Live!

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Please consider emailing.

2009-03-08T10:04:00.003-04:00

It would only take a moment to email and voice your opinion on the President's choice to to rescind a policy that protects the conscience rights of health care workers. This is important. Over at LifeSite they have an article and the email address.

How Beautiful

2009-03-07T11:07:00.001-05:00

I'm sure most of you have seen this, but for some reason it has been stuck in my head. So here is yet another post

A potato St. Patrick's Day craft.

2009-03-06T16:36:00.006-05:00

Start with potatoes, cut them in half, stencil on a shamrock, cut around the shamrock and use as a stamp.

Nature day

2009-02-24T16:36:00.004-05:00

The kiddies learning about hibernation.

And then they went outside for some snow ice cream.

Lent primer

2009-02-23T09:56:00.000-05:00

A nice reminder at Catholic Exchange.

The Crafty Crow

2009-02-23T09:54:00.000-05:00

There is another great give-a-way at The Crafty Crow. Check it out.

2009-02-19T10:37:00.006-05:00

There is a saying that goes, "If you don't like the weather in Michigan, wait a minute and it will change." That is true even in the winter.

This picture was last weekend when we took the kids to the beach to discover things. Several feet of snow had melted from a warm spell.

This picture is this morning after we got about 7 inches and counting. The boys still had fun!

Small Successes

2009-02-19T09:59:00.003-05:00

1. I made a priest play outfit, playdough, finger paint and various Montessori school games and involved the kids in all of it.
2. I am taking full advantage of my mp3 player by downloading and listening to Catholic and homeschooling podcasts.
3. I have managed to stay on top of my laundry in spite of a broken dryer (thanks to my mom).

Vegetarian Tacos

2009-02-18T16:25:00.005-05:00

My lenten meal that I am sharing at Faith and Family is Vegetarian Tacos:

Ingredients:
2 cans reduced sodium garbanzo beans
1 packet Taco Seasoning (any brand)*
shredded lettuce
stone-ground corn tortillas, lard-free flour tortillas, or hard taco shells
diced tomatoes
avocado
shredded cheese*
sour cream*
any other items you like on your taco

Directions: Combine garbanzo beans with taco mix. For juicier filling, use all liquid from garbanzo beans. For less juicy filling, use liquid from only one can. Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lightly mash the garbanzo beans with a fork or bean masher. This not only keeps them from rolling out of your taco shells, but gives them a ground beef-like texture. Heat the tortillas under a broiler or in a non-stick skillet. Spread some of the bean mixture on the tortilla, then top with the other ingredients. Enjoy!

I also use Northern Beans.

Handwriting without tears.

2009-02-18T08:09:00.005-05:00

My three-year-old loves playing with the letters when his big brother is doing school.

Handwriting without tears

Playdough

2009-02-17T17:04:00.005-05:00

I don't know why but I haven't made playdough in awhile. The kids were entertained forever.

Even the baby got into it.

Some recipes:

18 oz. peanut butter

6 tbsp. honey
Nonfat dry milk

Mix ingredients with enough nonfat dry milk to form into a workable dough. Can be decorated with raisins and then eaten!

PLAYDOUGH
1 c. flour 1/2 c. salt 2 tsp. cream of tartar (DO NOT OMIT) 1 c. water 1 tbsp. cooking oil Mix ingredients in a saucepan. Cover over medium heat until it forms into a ball, stirring constantly. Food coloring may be added. Knead slightly on waxed paper. Let cool. This playdough will not stick to carpet or clothes.

Give away

2009-02-16T20:54:00.001-05:00

Check out crafty crow for a neat give-away.

What to do with an old sheet...

2009-02-15T20:11:00.004-05:00

I took an old sheet, some ribbon and felt and about 10 minutes later...

I looked on the internet for one but couldn't find any so now he has a play costume.

2009-02-14T21:24:00.001-05:00

A mother is the most important person on earth. She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any Cathedral -- a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby's body. -- Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty

Motherhood as a vocation.

2009-02-04T17:32:00.002-05:00

There are many wonderful mothers on the internet. I have found such beautiful examples of the holy family alive today in these blogs. Unfortunately many people have the attitude that children are a burden; something to be avoided.

I love my family and my days are consumed with educating and loving and providing for my family. What bothers my is hearing women saying they are so happy never to have any more children after one or two. That they can't wait to go back to work. I understand many women have to work in these difficult times and many are called by God to do things out of the home. It's the people who "can't wait" to get out. I also understand that motherhood is the most difficult job you will ever have and sometimes a break is needed.

It is the "attitude" that children are an interference to their life that makes me so sad. Mother Teresa said, "It is a poverty that a child must die so a woman can live how she wants." I also add that the poverty continues when the child is not treated like a gift from God that is a treasure. The poverty lies in the attitude that having children is something to be avoided like a disease. We harm our bodies with hormone altering pills and break our bodies with vasectomies and tubal ligation to avoid this "disease".

A working body is a beautiful gift from God and to break something that is working to avoid gifts from God seems so sad. After I had my second son no one I knew understood why I wanted to have more. Okay, no one is an exaggeration but that is how it felt. I did not have children to replace myself. I had and continue to have children because that is my vocation, my calling in life and I am blessed to have found it. I pray that the attitude that children are to be avoided along with our culture of selfishness and culture of death be replaced with a culture that understands the wonderful gifts that children are.

Candlemas

2009-02-03T13:02:00.005-05:00

We celebrated Candlemas yesterday with most of the ideas from an Mater et Magistra article. It was very nice to put the images and people into things that are relate able and when those items are food it doesn't hurt. The kids had fun making the strawberries dipped in white chocolate.

Small Successes

2009-01-29T10:35:00.004-05:00

1. This week was met with doctor's appointments, my baby brother moving out, reorganizing the house and I kept homeschooling in spite of a crazy busy week and the kids still learned.
2. To make homeschooling fun in the midst of chaos; I managed to turn reading into a Kung Fu treasure hunt. We learned new sounds while punching and kicking it up and then found a surprise on top of the fridge after reading all of our clues. We love games around here.
3. I am a type 1 diabetic and had my doctor's appointment this week with the usual blood work and my A1C ( a test of your average blood glucose readings) was a 6.2. A very good result if I do say so myself. I try very hard to control my blood sugar and it is paying off.

What are your successes? Visit Faith and Family!

Contraception stimulus bill

2009-01-27T16:43:00.002-05:00

Good news here:

Schedules

2009-01-27T16:20:00.004-05:00

I have been homeschooling now since September. This is my first exposure to homeschooling and I love it. I have learned so much. I knew that I would have some growing pains and have to learn a lot about the how's and why's but one thing I did not expect was how much I would enjoy the schedule. I get so much more done on a schedule. It is not a tight schedule; we allow for lots of room and breaks. The days when we don't have school bring chaos and an unaccomplished feeling. I have always been adverse to schedules but like them when they are established. Today was one of those days being off the schedule. We had doctor's appointments and my brother is moving out of our basement to join an order in Boston so we are enjoying his company. So three cheers to schedules!

Found on CNSNews.com

2009-01-26T20:55:00.003-05:00

Obama day 4

2009-01-23T16:27:00.003-05:00

I am so sad that it only took four days for Obama to start to fulfill the promises of being the most pro-abortion president ever.

Obama orders funding for abortion overseas.

Pray for our country and all of the mothers and fathers who have chosen death over life.

Grateful

2009-01-22T16:24:00.002-05:00

I cannot express the gratefulness I am feeling for this article. I have been in kind of a funk trying to figure it all out: figure out the homeschooling (our first year), the babies and toddlers, the house, the stress. When I read this article it immediately made sense and now every cry is a cry of gratefulness that he has healthy lungs, every fight means that my boys are playing together and learning and every mess in the house means that we have a warm house full of wonderful things.
Please read it at Ann's

Ann at A Holy Experience

On the anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

2009-01-22T16:22:00.002-05:00

Let us remember the lives lost, the genocide occurring today. From Fr. Corapi:

Equality...

We have passed the threshold into one of the most important weeks in American history, and a convergence of three very important celebrations reminds us of it. Monday we celebrate the remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, who worked so heroically and tirelessly to insure that all men and women might share in the American dream equally. Tuesday we celebrate the inauguration of the first African American president, Barack Obama. That an African American can be so elected is indeed a cause to celebrate. However, thursday we pray and do penance on the anniversary of the most infamous court decision in United States history, Roe v. Wade. All three are related.

Dr. King fought long and hard and suffered many things that all men and women in the United States of America might enjoy those truths that we hold to be self evident: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He was an American hero for so doing. This week we should rightly celebrate the fact that an African American can be and has been elected President of the United States. This is surely progress, both political and moral.

This all being said, it has to plague the conscience of any thinking person that in this country there is yet the most immoral and deadly form of prejudice and persecution imaginable against the most innocent and vulnerable class of human beings—the unwanted unborn. No matter what advances this country makes, moral, economic, social, or technological, so long as that blight on our national identity remains, all else will ultimately pale into relative insignificance.

God is not a disinterested spectator in the affairs of man. He knows every child by name from all eternity. He loves each one with His infinite love. God’s holy Catholic Church teaches that abortion in a single case is homicide. I assert that if this is the case, and it is, then the 50,000,000 homicides through abortion that have taken place in the United States since Roe v. Wade constitute genocide. God will not favor such a country, regardless of any other progress. Unless this outrage against God and humanity is stopped very soon, the United States of America, and in turn all of the Western world, will realize the death wish that it has manifest for several decades.

Every Catholic, Christian, Jew, and all people of good will and right reason must pray and do penance rigorously and daily from now on for the defeat of this heinous evil we call abortion. If we fail, then Western society as we know it will soon collide with a disaster it will not survive.

Cemetery

2008-06-12T12:17:00.006-04:00

During a recent visit to a cemetery:

My four-year-old: "What is this place?"

Me: " Well, when God calls you to His home in heaven, your soul is what goes until the end of time when our bodies will join us; in the meantime, they are here."

Four-year-old: . . . "So this is the meantime."

Go visit a cemetery and pray for the souls in purgatory today.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
And let the perpetual light shine upon them.

And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Sacred Heart of Jesus

2008-06-12T12:06:00.004-04:00

A wonderful article on the renewal of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June.

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Most sacred, most loving Heart of Jesus, you are concealed in the Holy Eucharist, and you bear for us still. Now, as then, you say: “With desire I have desired.” I worship you with all my best love and awe, with fervent affection, with my most subdued, most resolved will. For a while you take up your abode within me. O make my heart beat with your Heart! Purify it of all that is eartly, all that is proud and sensual, of all perversity, of all disorder. So fill it with you, that neither the events of the day, nor the circumstances of the time, may have the power to ruffle it; but that in your love and your fear, it may have peace. Amen.

David's been waiting for one.

2008-06-10T20:42:00.001-04:00

I haven't seen a full one like this for a while. I took two pictures to get it all in.

Grandparents

2008-06-10T16:44:00.005-04:00

I made a decision early on that I would interfere as little as possible with the relationship between my parents and my husband's parents and my children. Now this has tried my patience more than once but I feel it is important that my children and their grandparents are close and have a deep relationship. I remember my grandparents, one of whom is still alive, with such fondness and I can only pray that my children will have some of those great memories as well.

I would visit my grandparents every summer and help my grandpa with his vegetables. We would pray the rosary together. I watched them read wonderful religious books and we would always go to church at 6:30 in the morning. You would think that being summer vacation I would dread waking up early and going to the little monastery down the road but the fact is that I have never prayed harder or with such ease than in that little church and have since moved to be close to it. I looked forward to going to mass with my grandparents and out to breakfast afterwards. My grandpa would always introduce us to the priest and ask for a blessing. It was such a neat experience. Having grandparents, especially grandparents you love so much be such a wonderful example stays with children. Thank you grandma and grandpa for being another example of living faith.

Mass with small children.

2008-06-08T14:09:00.004-04:00

Today, as every Sunday before, my husband and I took our three little men to mass. What I don't understand is how on one Sunday they can watch with such reverence and sit and pray while other Sundays they act like they have never been to church before. I spent most of my time today in the back hallway with my two-year-old. I offered it up and reminded myself that next time I go to church I will read the readings before I get there just in case someone catches the wiggle bug and I am in back trying to calm them down.
Someone once told me that mass attendance before age 4 is a better indicator of mass attendance as an adult than after the age of 4. Now if this is true then I believe it is for two reasons.

1. Families who go before the child is four and sit patiently while the child learns the significance of the mass is more likely to go after there children are 4.
2. Habits are formed at a young age.

I remember my grandparents with such clarity saying the rosary every night no matter who or what was there and it gives me strength to keep going forward. HABITS are formed whether we consciously form them with our children or not. So no matter how many times I stand in the back or side of church asking God for graces, it is because we are obeying our Father's command and teaching our children that we as parents are under God's command as they are under ours. We are forming habits with them.

Purpose of this blog.

2008-06-07T17:15:00.004-04:00

I have started this blog because I have enjoyed so many other wonderful bloggers that I just couldn't resist anymore. I feel like I am always trying to figure "it" out and that is why the blog is about my discernment. I have a wonderful husband and three small boys. I'm always thinking about the best way to educate them; the most important things to teach them; how to bring religion meaningfully into their lives and so much more. Everyday I am learning and discovering more on my journey.