Wonderful students

Some of you may know that I occasionally substitute teach at my youngest children's Catholic school.

Yesterday I taught 7th and 8th grade religious ed. and 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys gym.

Does this sound like a nightmare??  It wasn't at all.

The kids at this school are so good-hearted, so well-mannered that it was a delight to teach them.  Sure, there were a few chatterboxes, but overall it was just a delightful day.  I had fun teaching them.  

If you live in SE Michigan have I got a school to recommend to you....The Holy spirit is active at this school.

Mr. N., if you're reading this, let me say that you're doing a great job with these middle schoolers.  And I hope you feel a lot better soon.  Prayers.

The Poinsettia is still alive! And looking pretty good.

The Poinsettia is still alive!!!

I enjoy gardening in the summer....with moderate success.  Sun and rain help a lot.  But indoor plants?  I'm usually not real successful with them.  I usually over water or under water or something.

Then my kids bought me these watering globes.  Have you seen them on TV?  You fill it with water and stick it in the plant.  The plant then takes water as it needs it and you only have to see if the globe is empty.  (Course then you have to go refill the globe, which I have not done with a different plant.  No excuse.)

But I have kept it up with the poinsettia and this is the longest we've ever had one look this good.  It's pretty cool.  I've found sometimes a plant will need a little more than the globe provides but then, usually my house plants die from lack of water and that will not happen if you keep the globes filled.

My plants are happy.  So am I.

The Lovey Award

Alexa from Roc Around the Cloc has presented me with this lovey award!!  Alexa, you're so sweet.  I am really touched and honored.  And I'm sorry I have taken so long to tend to it.

Here is the award:

"These blogs are exceedingly charming.  These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends.  They are not interested in self-aggrandizement.  Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated.  Please give attention to these writers.  Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and inlcude this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I know many of you have already received this award since Alexa and I have a lot of the same e-friends.  If I happen to give you this award and you have already received it (maybe multiple times) please just take it as the compliment I intend it to be.  I have not been able to do my regular blog reading for the past several weeks.

Soooo.... I give the Lovey Award to the following bloggers:

'Thann at Third Time's a Charm (This is a new blog but I know it will be great as Ruthann's others have been.)

Alexis at Love Life

Deb at Ukok's Place

Kate at Heart Speaks to Heart

Lynz at The Miles Family

Jean at Catholic Fire

Esther at A Catholic Mom in Hawaii

Denise at Catholic Matriarch in my domestic Church

Weight Loss Wednesday

Oh dear, this is not good news......

Accountability Numbers

This week:  Up 3 pounds  (Yikes.)

Overall:  Down 8 pounds

I do not understand how I could gain three pounds while doing a lot of walking and eating what I thought was quite a bit less than usual.  Truthfully, I guess the answer is simple.  I was eating more than I thought.  But three pounds??!!  I don't think I could have eaten enough additional calories in one week to gain three pounds (all while thinking I was eating less.)  Maybe there is some water fluctuation involved too.

But I have to admit that I have gained while on vacation before.  I always seem to think I'm eating less when in reality I'm eating more.

Support for the March

My two youngest daughters are in seventh and eighth grades.  They had to miss two days of school to go to the March.  All of the teachers were very supportive and helpful, especially considering that the girls were missing the last two days of the quarter and there were finals to be made up, etc.

They both have the same religion teacher.  (They attend a wonderful Catholic school.)  Mr. N. said he thought it was great they were going to the March.  In fact, he said, because I want to encourage pro-life activities, you can both skip your tests completely.  Mary was standing there.  He said, "As long as you tell me all about the March....and not just 'it was fun and there were a lot of people.'  OK?"

Mary said, "OK!!!"

Then after our return he not only excused them from the test but also gave them extra credit points.  (smile--  I love this teacher.)   You gotta love Mr. N.

Both girls told him all about the March.  (Smile)

March for Life photos..

It was very refreshing and encouraging to see such a strong Catholic presence at the March.

Many of the overheard conversations included talk of adoration, Father so-and-so, parishes, etc.  I really felt I was among "my people," if you know what I mean.

I was shocked to just run into Rory, someone I've known a long time who happens to also be the mother of my son's roommate in South Bend.

Denise Hunnell (of A Catholic Matriarch in My Domestic Church)and I in front of the Supreme Court, the end of the March.

My daughter was pleased to see a strong contingent from her alma mater, Madonna University.

And there were Notre Dame students everywhere.  (Who knew?  Strong Catholics at Notre Dame?  I'm kidding, of course.  Notre Dame is full of strong Catholics.)

I'm really glad we went.  All four of us found the March a moving experience and the whole trip an enjoyable time.

Lord have mercy on our country.  With Jesus, we live in hope.

March for Life!

Well, we made it to the March and it was an incredible experience.  I will be posting more about our experience and more pictures soon.

We're still in D.C.  and trying to get as much sightseeing in as we can.  Two of my daughters have never been here.

At the end of the March, at the Supreme Court, I was able to meet (thanks to cell phones) Denise Hunnell of Catholic Matriarch in my Domestic Church!!!  I have to tell you that Denise's blog is one of my favorites.  How awesome it was to meet her in person at the March!!!  Thanks, Denise, for making it happen.  We were able to have sandwiches at Potbelly's afterwards for some quieter conversation.  It's so much fun to meet blogging friends in person.

Incredibly, we arrived at the Mall a little early when people were just starting to assemble.

Would you believe that, in addition to Denise, we met TWENTY people we knew from Michigan at the March.  It was absolutely amazing.  And these were people we know well... Good friends of my son John, Lizzie's camp counselor, kids from our grade school, kids from the high school,  the mother of my oldest son's roommate,  and several people from our parish.  We hadn't spoken to any of these people before the March and had no idea they would be there.  It was like a reunion.

John had so many friends there we called him.  I said, "Hey, John, how come you're in Ann Arbor when all your friends are in Washington?"  They gave him a hard time:-)  (He has a concert in 10 days and felt he needed the practice time.)

Anyway, more pictures to come in the next few days.....

Weight Loss Wednesday

Well, I'm in D.C.  and my friend has wifi so I thought I should post today's numbers, just on principle.  Although what's really on my mind is the March for Life which I will definitely be posting about after tomorrow.  So...

Accountability Numbers

This Week:  Down 1.5 pounds!!!!

Overall:  Down 11 pounds!!!

Feeling Good!

We're Going!!!

Liz is better and we're going!!!  (to the March for Life).

I'm still working on fixing the print on my last post.  I suspect it has something to do with Apple/PC/Blogger compatibility.  It looks fine on my Mac laptop but I see what you mean on our PC.  I copied the questions from Sarah's post and I bet she used a PC.  (I don't know.  Maybe that doesn't make any sense.)  Anyway, I'm trying to fix it.

Denise and Michelle!!  I hope we can meet!

For those of you who said you would be interviewed by me I hope it's OK if I do it after next Monday.  We won't be back until Sunday night and I'm not sure what my computer access will be in Washington.  And thanks for agreeing!

Interview by Sarah (JOT)

Sarah from Ora et Labora has provided me with the following interview and instructions.

The Interview by Sarah at  Ora et Labora- A Faithful Catholic's Blog

Instructions:1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me".

2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).

3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.

4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.

5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

So, here are the 5 questions with my answers...

1.What achievement are you the most proud of each of your children?

You mean I get an open invitation to brag about my children?  OK.  For my oldest, Michael, who is 24, I am proud of his graduation from Notre Dame and the two excellent academic years he spent at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.  I am also proud of his awesome skill as a ballroom dancer.  Most of all, I am proud of his strong commitment to his faith.

Of Anne, my 23 year old, I am proud of her graduation as a nurse from Madonna University with high honors.  She is mildly dyslexic and yet was always on the honor roll from the time she started school in 6th grade.  She simply made up her mind to put in the extra time and work it took.  I am also proud of her recent Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nursing.  And.... her faith.

For John, one of my proudest moments was when he won the concerto competition at Eastern Michigan University as a freshman.  The competition was open to all grade levels, including graduate students, and all instruments.  I was also proud when he was asked to play at the inauguration of the new EMU President.  I am especially proud when he plays in the music ministry at church.  And I have always been proud of his great smile and good heart.

For Jim, I am very proud of his astonishing willingness to sacrifice for others.  I have never seen such an unselfish teenager.  His love of God is inspiring and his eagerness to defend the faith is incredible.  He actually posted a challenge online, "I am a Catholic.  Argue with Me."  And then proceeded to have many hours of conversations with atheists.  I am so proud of his courage and generosity to the Lord.

For Mary, I am proud of her self-discipline and sense of responsibility.  She's 14 and I never have to check up on her for chores or homework or anything.  She does her work.  She is so reliable and plus she has a very kind and generous heart.  Very thoughtful.

For Liz, who is 12 I am proud of her courage, her intelligence, and her creativity.  She also has mild dyslexia and schoolwork is sometimes a struggle.  Yet she keeps at, slowly improving, and never giving up.  I am also proud of her creativity and exuberance.  She's a fun kid to be around.

(OK.  I'm just a little proud of my kids...  sorry).

2.What single thing do you wish to be remembered by?

    Does it have to be only one thing?  I guess I would like to be remembered as someone who loved the Lord and loved others, someone who prayed, was humble, and was willing to forgive.

3.If you could give your husband one of his biggest life dreams, what would that be, and, what would that mean to you?

One of his biggest life dreams???  Hmmm.  In terms of material things, I would give him a house on a lake.  It would mean a lot to me because I know how much being near the water gives him peace.

4.Where in the world would you like to go that you have never been before - and why is that place attractive to you?

I would like to go to the Holy Land so I could see the places significant in the life of my Savior.  It would mean a lot to me so see them with my own eyes (rather than in my imagination.)

5.What is the happiest memory of your childhood?

I had a very happy childhood.  Probably the happiest memory would be of the birth of my little sister.  I was 8 and had been praying for a baby sister for many years.  I had no doubt she would be a girl.  There was custom in our neighborhood that if you had a new baby girl you hung a pink receiving blanket on your lamppost so everyone would know it was a girl.  And blue if it was a boy.  I was staying with some neighbors when my mother was at the hospital.  When my father called to say I had a sister, my friends and I were so excited.  We ran down the street waving the pink blanket and tied it to the lamppost.  It was a glorious day.

So, Sarah, there are my answers.  Thanks for the interview.  If anyone would like to be interviewed by me you can tell me in the comments of this post.  (The questions will be different.)  This was fun. but I really needed to think a little about these answers...

Prayer Request

Yikes!  My youngest has a fever of 102!!

She is not terribly sick otherwise but there's something going around school that's mostly a fever and lasts three days!!

I don't want to take her to the March and expose her to the elements for an entire day, unless she's been well for at least a day!!

Could you pray that she will recover quickly if the Lord wants us at the March.  She is really excited about going and it will be a terrible disappointment to her if we can't go.  (See her anon. comment from yesterday.)

Thank you!!!  We'll get there if God wants us there!

March for Life!!!! We're going!!!

My three daughters and I are going to the March for Life.  I have a dear friend who lives in the area and has invited us to stay with her.  No, we're not roughing it like so many of the heroic young people who go.

Anybody else going??  I would love to meet blogging friends there.  

I'm excited.  Not only will it be a fun trip for me and the girls but I will get to see a dear friend and, most importantly, stand up and be counted as one who will not be silent as innocent human lives are being taken.

I am hoping that Obama will see the numbers and, being a skilled politician, will realize that it will be politically damaging to him to alienate this enormous group of voters.  My greater hope and prayer is that he will experience conversion on the life issues, that in the silence of his heart he will come to realize that the taking of any human life is horribly wrong.

!!!!!!! COLD DAY !!!!!!!!!!

And by "cold day"  I mean the schools are closed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Wooohoooo!!!

Was I happy to turn on the TV and see that nearly all the schools are closed because it's dangerously cold outside???  Was I happy to softly tell my kids they did not have to get up??  Was I happy to climb back in to my still warm bed???

I was!!!!

Because the temperature was 11 degrees below zero without calculating the wind chill!!!

It's a gorgeous sunny day with these frigid temperatures and the snow is glistening like diamonds.  I may take some pictures later.  But for right now I am too cozy warm inside and I think I'll just enjoy looking at the frosted world outside from the window.

Stay warm!!!!

Obama, the Mama

I have been quite critical of Michelle Obama at times on this blog. But I hear she has called herself the "mom-in-chief" in the White House. How cool is that? I love it. You go, Michelle.

Heather Cabot wrote an interesting article on this in the Huffington Post entitled "What the Mom-in-Chief Means to Moms."

"Whether you've opted out, opted in, on-ramped, off-ramped and back again, you have to appreciate what a breath of fresh air it is to finally hear a striving Supermom like Obama admit that even she needs to make tough choices when it comes to career and family. By focusing on her self-titled role, "mom-in-chief," for the first year in the White House, she seems to be a woman who understands that having it all doesn't necessarily mean having it all at the same time."

Cabot goes on to say,

"By calling herself "mom-in-chief," Obama sends a strong message that being a mom means being a leader, an attribute that mothers often overlook in their parenting roles. By celebrating her position rather than apologizing for it, she connects the notion of leadership beyond the walls of corporate suites and presidential mansions to the homes of average parents."

Yeah! I encourage you to read the whole article.

I found it intelligent and well written.

Bone Chilling Cold....brrrrrr

Today, when we left for school, the temperature was below zero.  Five below, I think.

This is REALLY cold.  We can take a lot of cold here in Michigan.  Our blood is used to it.  We have the right clothes.

But THIS weather is really INHOSPITABLE TO HUMAN BEINGS!!!!!

They warn us that any uncovered skin could be frost bitten.  GREAT!  How am I supposed to cover my entire face?

This is scary cold.

OK.  Want some good news.  You won't believe this.  I wish I had had my camera.

I saw a robin on the way in to my Bible Study!!!!!!! It was definitely a robin.  It was sitting in a small tree and I actually stopped (risking frostbite:-) to make sure it really was.  It was a beautiful plump robin.

Now keep in mind that we here in Michigan LONG to see a robin as the first sign of Spring.

I know this is not the first sign of Spring.  But it is sign of hope, is it not??  

We can endure (all things, through Christ), and Spring will come!!!!

Stay warm, all you Northerners.  And you in Hawaii?  Please be sure to thank the Lord many times a day for the enormous blessing of your absolutely beautiful weather.  Please enjoy and appreciate it for us.  God is good.

Weight Loss Wednesday

Accountability Numbers

This Week:  No Change

Overall:  Down 9.5 pounds

Hmmm.  I was expecting a loss, maybe even a couple pound loss.  Maybe it will show up next week.  I feel like I've been eating well.  

Course I'm not counting my Weight Watcher points.  Without counting it's easy to not recognize how much you're eating.  Still, I've lost 9.5 pounds without counting points most of the time.  I'm still feeling encouraged.  (Even though there are cashews in the cupboard calling my name :-)

Snow! Snow! Snow!

We are getting dumped on here in Southeastern Michigan.  Most of it came over the weekend so there was no "snow day" to be had.  There would have been though had it been during the week.  We must have gotten 10 inches or more on Saturday.

Everything is just getting buried.  But you know what?  I kind of like the snow.  I don't like driving in it.  I kind of like shoveling it.  (Although I only do a little).  And I like the drama of it.  Plus, you have to admit, it's very beautiful.  I believe I would miss it if I lived in a warmer climate.

The patio table always gives a good idea.

All you Northerners, stay safe on the roads!  (Go slow-- that's my mantra to my teen drivers.)

Twilight books-- OK for girls to read?

This post is part of Family Moment Monday sponsored by Motherhood for Dummies. Family Moment Monday invites posting on "family activities, games, movies, crafts, lessons, thoughts, or even parenting tips." Check out her site for more great family ideas.

OK. I know my regular readers are probably getting sick of hearing about these books. It's just that reading them really gets the mommy-thinking going as I try to discern whether or not they could be harmful reading.  For those of you  unfamiliar with the books-- this is a series of what I would call romance novels for young teen girls.  Bella, the main character, falls in love with a vampire.  I'll try to be brief.

I would certainly not recommend them for young girls (or anyone for that matter) as "good books," as in books that edify or inspire the reader or books that lead you to a greater understanding of truth. They are not great literature.

Could some girls be harmed by reading them? Probably some girls could, especially girls who are vulnerable. (Suzanne knows someone who has.) I don't think my daughter will be effected by them because she's a solid responsible thinking young girl. I don't think a couple books will change that....especially because I'm talking with her about the problematic messages.

So why did I let her read the first three books? (I'm still deciding about the fourth, but leaning toward no. ) I think parenting teens, leading them along the right paths is similar to pulling in a big fish. Sometimes you have to reel them in hard and sometimes you have to let the line out. If you never let the line out a little there is risk of snapping the line. (provoking rebellion) Because she's a good girl, because she REALLY wanted to read these books and all her friends were reading them and because what I heard about them sounded fairly harmless it seemed like a good time to let out the line.

Do I still think so for this particular daughter at this particular time? I think so. The books are not as innocent as I was hoping, but I think they will not influence my daughter. I would have preferred that she not be exposed to quite so much sensual imagery but I think she'll be fine. The fourth book might be another story since I understand it gets worse.

Personally, as I start Book 3 I'm getting a little tired of the story as the dangers drag on and the decisions of Bella the main character become more and more troublesome.

Parenting...it's tough.

Amazing Pro-Life Summit

Today I attended the most amazing pro-life summit.  Want to know who spoke?  Are you ready?

Janet Smith, Al Kresta, Bishop Earl Boyea, Joe Scheidler, Ed Rivet, Deal Hudson, and Father Frank Pavone!!!!  What an amazing group of speakers.  Every talk was excellent.  

This summit was held right at my own parish, Christ the King in Ann Arbor.  It was presented by "Citizens for a Pro-life Society."  

Cd's are available.

Wow.  I drove through some of the most treacherous snowy driving I've ever been in to aattend this summit.  It was worth it.

I'm feeling encouraged and energized to do more pro-life work.

More Reflections on "Twilight"

This book is very engaging.  It really is.  While I don't think it's great literature the story line is so different that you REALLY want to know what happens next.

I have started book 2.  And I as I read I find myself thinking about how differently I read a book when it's for my own pleasure as opposed to reading it as a mom and knowing my child is reading it.

All books are written from a point of view.  The author expresses that point of view through the novel.  There are messages.  I believe that in great books the messages represent the truth.  When the messages do not represent the truth, you might still be reading a wonderfully crafted piece of fiction but perhaps not a book that will better you as a person.

OK.  I'm rambling a little here.

Bella decided she wants to be a vampire so she can live "forever" with Edward and not grow old while he stays young.  In my mind, of course, I place this within the context of eternity.  Why would anyone want to live forever and not experience heaven until the end of time?  But Bella has no faith.  Edward has become, I would say, her god.

Edward will not make her a vampire (by biting her) because he believes the souls of vampires are lost.

The most virtuous vampire in the book, Carlisle who is Edward's foster father, believes that vampires do still have souls and that they could gain heaven someday.  So he lives his life trying to do good.  In my mind this raised an interesting question (sort of) and I was glad the topic of the spiritual life came into the story.   Bella has clearly not thought of such things.  Her self-destructive desires are to me very disturbing and I want to talk to Mary about this.

Bella wants to end her life as a normal human being.  She also takes a lot of risks.  She seems to enjoy the thrill of danger.  Since all teenagers have a tendency to flirt with risk this concerns me.  The book is told from Bella's point of view.  Bella, is a rather neglected child from a broken home.  I find her self-centered just as her parents seem to be.  Might young readers of this book think that Bella's view of life is normal or acceptable?

Weight Loss Wednesday

Accountability Numbers

This week:  Down one half pound

Overall:  Down 9.5 pounds

I'm happy with any movement in the right direction.

More on "Twilight"

OK.  I finished the book.

For those who have not read it, let me say that there are some positive aspects of this book, particularly considering what else is out there to read.

The vampire who Bella loves is part of a group of vampires who "abstain" from drinking the blood or killing humans, although they instinctively desire to do so.  They abstain for moral reasons.  Instead they go on regular hunting trips and kill animals.  The concept is kind of gruesome but I like the metaphor that can be applied to human sexuality.  Control, limitation, etc.  The notion of resisting temptation for the greater good is quite positive.

Still, Edward makes it clear to Bella that he does not know how well he can control himself.  Fair enough.  But Bella continues to put herself in situations of isolation with him that are risky for both of them.  He grows in his confidence to control himself but still indicates that there is a danger.  (Another good parallel to the struggle to remain chaste.)

But in Bella's case we're talking about a life-threatening risk and she justifies her decisions on the basis of love.  As a mother I am therefore concerned about the model of Bella's judgement.  Also, what is described as love, at least at first, really seems to be nothing more than  physical attraction.  OK.  Many love relationships begin with physical attraction.  

It was this risk that Bella takes that led me to tell my daughter that risky men are not good guys to date (when she starts dating.)  Good common sense should override physical attraction.  "Bad boys" are not good!

Because of the curious story line though the lesson is a little confusing.  Edward tries quite successfully to be good.  He is very committed to Bella's safety.  Still, they take risks.

He often sleeps with her in her bed!!! Chastely, mind you.  While the book is VERY sensual there really is no sexual content.  They kiss occasionally.  

My message to Mary:  It is a very bad idea to lie in the same bed with a guy you really, really like.  It's a very bad idea.  It is almost always an occasion of sin.  Men are not vampires and he is not going to stay awake all night just enjoying looking at your face.  NOT going to happen.

I guess the concern as a mom is that young people might think they can withstand temptation and do this kind of thing.

More tomorrow....

Happy Epiphany!!

On a lighter note, I remember once listening to two of my children when they were quite young singing "We Three Kings" as we were driving along in the car.

I thought I had hear them wrong.  "Say that line again," I called back.

They both sang clear as a bell, "We three kings of glory and tar..."

I couldn't stop laughing and they had no idea what was so funny.  "You mean it's not 'glory and tar?'" they asked, confused.

Twilight

I have allowed my 14 year old daughter to read the first three books of the Twilight series.  After looking through them a little I decided I better read them too so I could talk to her about them.

I'm almost finished with the first book.

I'm going to have to write more about this because it's really on my mind.

But the first thing I thought to tell Mary was the following:

I know this is a fictional book, a fantasy story.  But I do want you to remember something.  (Not that my daughter dates yet or anything.)

If a guy tells you he's dangerous, HE IS!!!  OK?  Get rid of him!

If he does things that are dangerous-- like drinking, or taking drugs, or driving fast, do not date that guy!!

There are girls that feel drawn to the "bad boy."  IT"S NOT A GOOD IDEA!

And it doesn't matter how attractive such a guy is.  It doesn't matter how you feel about him.  Don't date guys that do dangerous things.....

OK, Mary?

Her response:   OK Mom.

(Nuf said.  For now.)

Scrabble Anyone?

Scrabble is one of my favorite games.  On New Year's Eve I had the pleasure of playing it with my 17 year old son as our family watched the New Year's festivities on TV.

This is the board when we were finished.  I won, but just by a few points.

For you Scrabble players, it's a nice board, isn't it?  Pretty spread out.

Why do I like Scrabble?

1.  I like words.  I like putting them together.  I like thinking about them.

2.  You learn new words when you play Scrabble.  (and you try to make up new words:-)

3.  It's a slow game.  There is time to think.  And because there is time to think, there is also time to talk.  It's more social than other games.  

4.  It exercises the mind.  This is good.

Any other favorite games out there?

How many days till Christmas??

When I posted the following picture of my cherished purchase of the "Countdown to Christmas" Snowman,  I know that many of you were DYING to know what it would read on Christmas Day.

Soooo....

Are you ready?  This is what it says!!!!!

Now my very analytical godson wished it would have said 365 days until Christmas.  Yeah.  that would have been even neater.  Still, the Ho Ho Ho is cute, I think.  Better than all zeros.

Happy New Year, all.

New Year's Resolutions...

Alexa at Roc Around the Clock wrote the following in regard to New Year's Resolutions.

"I don't think I need any self-imposed opportunities for feeling guilty for not measuring up."

I think she makes a good point.  I tend to make rather extravagant NYRs in the hopes of goading myself toward "perfection."  In doing so, I can set myself up for disappointing failure.

So this year I will make the following open-ended resolutions with the intention of making some progress, not necessarily achieving a measurable amount that might, in fact, in the context of my life, not be attainable.

For 2009 I resolve to do the following, to the extent that I can.....

Pray more and do some fasting for some particular intentions.

Take our dog Lucky for more walks as part of the next resolution.

Get more exercise.

Read and write more.

Spend a few minutes (15?) each day trying to get my house a little more tidy.

Love more.

Happy Solemnity!!!

Most importantly, Happy Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

Yes, she is the mother of God.  How awesome is that?  Happy Feast Day, Mother!!!

Happy New Year!!!!!

Happy New Year to all my blogging friends!!!!!!

May 2009 be a year of great blessing for you all!!

Tomorrow, (well, later today) I will post my resolutions...