The Pumpkin and The Pirate

Little Pumpkin loves her mommy. This was Aubrey's first Halloween, and she looked adorable in her little jack-0-lantern costume. :o)






















Mom and I stayed at Josh's house to hand out candy while he and Cyrise took the kids trick-or-treating. They came back with plenty of loot.






















Reece was a dashing pirate, but he refused to wear his pirate hat. He was delighted with his candy, especially the Tootsie Pops. His mom said that when people would put candy into his bag, he would look in and say, "No. No. Lollipop?"

I'm so disappointed that hardly any of the pictures I took came out well. They were either dark or fuzzy. :o(

Happy All Hallow's Eve!

All Hallow's Eve, or Hallowe'en, hasn't been a liturgical feast day on the Church calendar since 1955, but it is a good time to prepare for the two feast days that follow, All Saints Day on November 1st and All Souls Day on November 2.

All Saint's Day is the day the Church remembers and honors the Saints in Heaven. All Soul's Day, also known as the Day Of The Dead, is the day that we remember all the deceased. As Catholics, we celebrate the "communion of saints."

The communion of saints is the spiritual solidarity which binds together the faithful on earth, the souls in purgatory, and the saints in heaven in the organic unity of the same mystical body under Christ its head, and in a constant interchange of supernatural offices. From New Advent

On Hallowe'en, as we ponder the lives and deaths of the Saints and others who have gone before us, it is also appropriate to think about our own deaths and how we might imitate the Saints in our journey to Heaven.

Father,
All-Powerful and Ever-Living God,
Today we rejoice
in the holy men and women
of every time and place.
May their prayers
bring us your forgiveness and love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
From the Liturgy of the Hours

Gorgeous Day!

I voted yesterday. Tomorrow, October 31, is the last day of early voting here. The early voting turnout has been huge. I stood in line for about an hour. The lines have been long all day, every day since voting started. Thankfully, it was a gorgeous day to stand outside. So my ballot has been cast and all I can do now is pray.

I heard someone on the radio saying that if only Texas votes counted in the election, McCain would win in a landslide. I haven't heard any of the numbers from the early voting, though.

I'm off to pick up Mom and Chuy. We're meeting Kelly and Darcy for a picnic and hiking on this beautiful autumn day.

Eduardo's Endorsement

"I can make hundreds of movies like Bella and save babies, but it's never going to be as powerful as a president nominating judges who observe constitutional law. John McCain promises to do this and it is crucial since we are just one Supreme Court justice away from overturning Roe v. Wade."

Eduardo Verastegui

What kind of supreme court justices are we likely to get if Barack Obama is elected president?

Pray, pray, pray and vote.

*edited to add this link to Eduardo's video. I couldn't bear to watch it all, but there is a link during the video to click through to the end to hear Eduardo's talk. Anyone who is pro-abortion should be required to watch this video.

**edited again to add this link left in the comment section by reader, aine. There are three excellent videos on the site telling us why it so important to vote for a pro-life president, and a pledge to sign. Please watch and sign the pledge. Thanks, aine!

Born Alive

I saw this on Joann's blog, The Creamer Chronicles. It made me cry, but everyone should watch it. What the hell is wrong with us that this could be allowed? Thanks for posting it, Joann.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

My Day In A Nutshell

Josh brought my car to me around 10 AM.
I took him back to work.
I went by the credit union to pay the truck payment.
Then stopped at Shipleys for a doughnut and diet coke.
Stopped at Mom's bank to deposit two checks for her.
Accidentally used my bank deposit slips.
And totally confused the teller and myself.
Stopped at Walgreens to pick up Mom's blood pressure meds.
Arrived at Mom's around 11:15 AM.
We went to Adoration from noon 'til 1 PM.
Headed back my direction to go to Sears and the mall.
Had lunch at IHOP on the way.
Bought vac bags for Mom at Sears.
Shopped at Penneys and Macys for a blouse for her.
She found a cute striped blouse at Macys and bought it.
Picked up Josh from work at 3:30 PM.
Took him home and went in to see Reece, Aubrey and Cyrise.
Visited and played with the kids for about 30 minutes.
Took Mom home, made her coffee for tomorrow.
Left her night pills and food for Chuy for the evening.
Wrote on her whiteboard, tomorrow's date and activities for tomorrow.
Watered the plants on her patio.
Headed back to Josh's to take the car to him.
All of us pile into the car and they take me home on their way to the store.
Ron is home from work when I get here.
Ron goes to vote and I make dinner.
Pork tenderloin roast, steamed rice, broccoli.
Ron comes home and we eat dinner, watching FOX news.
After dinner he rubs my feet and I fall asleep on the couch.
I wake up and call Mom to remind her to take her night pills.
I watch CSI:Miami while Ron is on the computer.
I watch the news and weather. It's going to be cold tonight.
Ron goes to bed; I clean up the kitchen and get on the computer.
I write in planner activities for tomorrow.
Good night. :o)

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...
the sky is a beautiful blue. A cold front came through last night, bringing wind and cooler temperatures. It won't get out of the 70s today. Nice.

I am thinking...
of all the errands I have to do today.

I am thankful for...
my sweet husband.

From the kitchen...
granola bars and an apple for breakfast, a pork tenderloin for dinner.

I am wearing...
jeans, a black collarless linen shirt with long sleeves and white buttons, sparkly zircon earrings, bare feet.

I am creating...
nothing at the moment. I was looking through a jewelry catalog last night for inspiration. I saw a bracelet that got my wheels turning.

I am going...
to Mom's bank, our credit union, Costco, Mom's, Adoration, out to lunch, Sears for vacuum cleaner bags for Mom, the mall so that she can spend her birthday money. It's a Mom day. :o) Tomorrow Ron and I both have doctor appointments.

I am hoping...
to reschedule our trip to see Jonah soon.

I am hearing...
the lovely sound of silence. (That made me think of Simon and Garfunkel). :o)

Around the house...
lots of clutter. I need to get busy.

One of my favorite things...
dimples.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
my house needs a thorough cleaning, we have those darned doctor appointments, and I'd like to get some Christmas shopping done.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

















To read the daybooks of other bloggers, visit Peggy at A Simple Woman.

Father Corapi's Call To Pray For The Election

Father John Corapi has called for a Rosary Novena to Our Lady of Victory from October 27 to November 4 for the U.S. elections. Here is the text of his letter:

A Call for a Rosary Novena
By Fr. John Corapi

Among the most important titles we have in the Catholic Church for the Blessed Virgin Mary are Our Lady of Victory and Our Lady of the Rosary. These titles can be traced back to one of the most decisive times in the history of the world and Christendom.

The Battle of Lepanto took place on October 7 (date of feast of Our Lady of the Rosary), 1571. This proved to be the most crucial battle for the Christian forces against the radical Muslim navy of Turkey. Pope Pius V led a procession around St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City praying the Rosary. He showed true pastoral leadership in recognizing the danger posed to Christendom by the radical Muslim forces, and in using the means necessary to defeat it. Spiritual battles require spiritual weapons, and this more than anything was a battle that had its origins in the spiritual order—a true battle between good and evil.

Today we have a similar spiritual battle in progress—a battle between the forces of good and evil, light and darkness, truth and lies, life and death. If we do not soon stop the genocide of abortion in the United States, we shall run the course of all those that prove by their actions that they are enemies of God—total collapse, economic, social, and national. The moral demise of a nation results in the ultimate
demise of a nation. God is not a disinterested spectator to the affairs of man.

Life begins at conception. This is an unalterable formal teaching of the Catholic Church. If you do not accept this you are a heretic in plain English. A single abortion is homicide. The more than 48,000,000 abortions since Roe v. Wade in
the United States constitute genocide by definition. The group singled out for death—unwanted, unborn children.

No other issue, not all other issues taken together, can constitute a proportionate reason for voting for candidates that intend to preserve and defend this holocaust of innocent human life that is abortion.

I strongly urge every one of you to make a Novena and pray the Rosary to Our Lady of Victory between October 27th and Election Day, November 4th. Pray that God’s will be done and the most innocent and utterly vulnerable of our brothers and sisters will be protected from this barbaric and grossly sinful blight on society that is abortion. No woman, and no man, has the right to choose to murder an innocent human being.

May God grant us the wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and counsel to form our conscience in accordance with authentic Catholic teaching, and then vote that well‐formed Catholic conscience.

Please copy, email, link and distribute this article freely.
God Bless You
Fr. John Corapi

Feast Of The Kingship Of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The last Sunday of October is the Feast of the Kingship of our Lord Jesus Christ in the traditional liturgy.

The royalty of Christ rests upon a twofold basis. He is our King by right of birth and by right of conquest. The first refers us to the personality of the Son of God, whereby, in His divine nature as God and by the virtue of the hypostatic union, He is the sovereign Lord and Master. The second places before us the God-Man coming down on earth to rescue fallen man from the slavery of Satan, and by the labours and sufferings of His life, and passion, and death, to win a glorious victory for us over sin and hell. The Roman Missal (1962)

Today at Mass, Father talked about how much of the majesty and kingship of Christ has been removed from the Church. He has just returned from a trip to Rome and Europe, and said that many of the churches and cathedrals he visited there make the people look up, to Heaven, to Christ Our King.

Jesus is the King of everything. He's not just the king of our souls and bodies, He doesn't just reign in our hearts, but He is King of the whole universe, including our rulers and leaders. So many people do not believe that, and we can see the results of that disbelief in our secular society.

Thee, Christ, the Angel's Lord we sing,
Thee, Christ, of all the nations King;
Sole lord and judge, whose will doth bind
The hearts and minds of all mankind.

Though evil crowds cry once again
With frenzied will, "Christ shall not reign,"
Yet our exulting voices sing,
And hail Thee, universal King.

O Christ, the Prince of Peace, recall
All rebel wills to own thy thrall;
And let Thy love lead back and keep
Within one fold Thy scattered sheep.

For this, upon the bloodstained Tree,
Thou spreadst Thine arms unweariedly,
And show'st Thine Heart to our amaze
With spear transfixed, with love ablaze.

For this on Altar Thou dost bide,
In form of wine and feast dost hide,
That from that pierced breast may flow
Salvation's stream on us below.

The rulers of the nations all
Shall at Thy feet adoring fall,
All judges magnify Thy name,
All laws and arts show forth Thy fame.

Let kingly crowns more glorious shine
When consecrated, Lord, as Thine:
Place Thou our land and homes today
Beneath Thy mild and gracious sway.

O Jesus, praise to Thee we yield,
Who dost Thy guiding sceptre wield,
With Father and with Holy Ghost,
Reigning for aye o'er heaven's host.
Amen

Viva Christo Rey!

Sunshine Saturday

I'm loving the autumn weather we're having!

I was out and about some today. I stopped at Taco Cabana on the way to Mom's and picked up breakfast tacos for both of us. I was at her place for about an hour.

Then I ran by Mom's bank to make a deposit for her, and got there minutes after it closed at noon. Frustrating! I'll do it on Monday.

I had an appointment to have my hair cut at 1 PM. I'm really disappointed with my cut. I explained exactly what I wanted, but it got lost in the translation somehow. :o( But my hair grows super fast, so I'll just live with it for now.

I came home and washed my hair, hoping I could do something to improve it, but nope. So I went shopping. :o) I got two pairs of jeans, a black top to wear with skirts, and an orange moleskin jacket. The jacket is different for me, but I tried it on and liked it and it was on sale, so it came home with me. I think it will look good with lots of things, including jeans.

When I got home Josh had brought Reece to spend the night. They were in the garage with Ron, who is doing some woodworking. Reece looked adorable in green camo shorts and a white tee shirt as he came running to me with a big smile on his face. We played in the backyard for awhile, I took him for a ride around the block in his wagon, then Ron and I took him shopping for new sneakers. We couldn't find the kind of Adidas his daddy likes him to wear, so we got him some cute Nikes. He likes them. :o)

We ate dinner at Popeyes, then went back to Mom's to take her night pills. She and Reece were delighted to see each other. He takes her hand and pulls her all over her place, exploring from the bedroom to her patio. She lets him examine whatever he wants. I finally had to put the Hummel figurines off limits because I was afraid he would break them.

Reece played for a little while when we got home, then lay down on the couch with me. I could see that he was ready to fall asleep, so I put him to bed after reading his stories. When he is here I feel that all is right with the world. :o)

Obama, No Merci Beaucoup!

I love it! :o)

By Poor James and The Swamp Crows.

St. Raphael, Archangel

Today, October 24, is the feast day of the Archangel, St. Raphael. I love that God has given us the names of some of His Holy Angels in Scripture, as well as a peek into their role in creation.

Before I was Catholic I knew there was an angel named Raphael, but I didn't know anything about him. After my conversion I read the Book of Tobit and learned about Raphael. Even if you are not Catholic, you will find the Book of Tobit an interesting read. It's the exciting tale of Tobias (Tobit's son) and an angel (Raphael) disguised as a man (Azarias) who are seeking Sara, the woman Tobias will marry. Sara is possessed by a demon who has killed the last seven men who tried to marry her. Will they make it through their perilous journey and find the damsel in distress? If so, will they be able to slay the demon? Will Tobias and Sara live happily ever after? Tune in here to see. :o)

In Tobit, Chapter 12, verse 15, Tobit says, "For I am the angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand before the Lord." In Chapter 8 of The Apocolypse of St. John (Revelation), we discover the seven angels who stand before the Throne of God. Raphael is one of these.

And from the Catholic Encyclopedia:
Many commentators...identify Raphael with the "angel of the Lord" mentioned in John 5. This conjecture is based both on the significance of the name (Raphael=God has healed) and on the healing role attributed to Raphael in the Book of Tobias...The Epistle of the Mass is taken from the twelfth chapter of Tobias, and the Gospel from John 5:1-4, referring to the pool called Probatica, where the multitude of the infirm lay awaiting the moving of the water, for "an angel of the Lord descended at certain times into the pond; and the water was moved.And he that went down first into the pond after the motion of the water was made whole of whatsoever infirmity he lay under". Thus the conjecture of the commentators referred to above is confirmed by the official Liturgy of the Church.

Raphael is the patron saint of the blind, of happy meetings, of nurses, of physicians and of travelers.

O God, who didst give blessed Raphael the Archangel to Thy servant Tobias, as a companion on his journey; grant to us, Thy servants, that we may always be guarded by his care and strengthened by his help. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

Little Pleasures

Our weather is gorgeous right now; very cool nights and warm, sunny days. I'm loving it!

Last week I was getting rid of clutter on my patio, throwing away old pots, trimming back leggy plants, potting up some onion sets, a pepper plant and a tomato plant. I picked up this succulent that a Freecycler gave me, ready to toss it because I don't think it's a very attractive plant. But I noticed a bloom near the bottom of the stem, nearly hidden by the rim of the plastic pot. I thought the flower was pretty, and so the plant saved itself by blooming. :o) I had given some of it to Mom, and when we checked hers, it was also blooming. I love little surprises like that.

Reece was here that day. He loves to play outside, but that day he was a bit grumpy because he hadn't had a nap. When I wouldn't let him pull the garden cart around because it was full of debris, he threw himself down in the grass and covered his ears so that he couldn't hear me. :o)




I took his picture and walked away, so he got up and started playing with his nice clean wagon. He makes me smile.

St. Anthony Mary Claret

Today October 23rd, is the feast day of my 2008 patron saint, St. Anthony Mary Claret, according to 1962 Roman Missal.

Anthony Mary Claret founded the Missionary Sons of the Heart of Mary, the Teaching Sisters of Mary Immaculate, and other communities of nuns. For many years he laboured in Catalonia, for six years in Cuba as Archbishop of Santiago, and finally in Madrid. He died in exile in France in 1870.
The Roman Missal (1962)

That is a very short bio of a remarkable man who lived his life for God. His mission in life was to save souls from an eternity in hell. He was able to read the hearts of those who came to him, often reminding them of certain sins they had omitted during confession, even telling them when the sin was committed. Anthony would travel from place to place on foot, carrying only a razor,a pair of socks, a breviary, a map, and half a loaf of bread, for he believed in holy poverty. Thousands of people attended his missions. Many religious orders were founded because of the work of this good man. Here is a very interesting article about St. Anthony Mary Claret.

I often ask St. Anthony Mary Claret to pray for one of my special intentions, that our son-in-law and our daughter, who unknowingly introduced me for the first time to this dear Saint, will come into the Church and be blessed with children. And I ask that anyone reading this would also please pray for my intention. Thank you so much!

The Comprehensive Argument Against Obama

Check it out!

From the authors of the post: Before pulling the lever for someone who hopes voters will ignore his paper-thin resume, unsavory associations, and hard-left voting record, each citizen has a duty to do his due diligence.

Truth, Freedom And Abortion

In an article for the Ocotober 10 issue of Today's Catholic, the San Antonio diocese's Catholic newspaper, our Archbishop, Jose Gomez, wrote regarding the Church's view of abortion and politics. It's an excellent article, stating the truth about how the Catholic Church views life issues, when life begins, some history of the Church's opposition to abortion, and taking to task Catholic politicians who publicly deny Church teaching. Archbishop Gomez ends the article with these words (emphasis mine):

All of this has implications for our participation in the political process. A Catholic must be prepared to live and defend the truths that Christ came into this world to die for. A Catholic is duty-bound to ask: Is a candidate fit to hold office if he or she believes it should be legal to kill even a fully developed child in the last weeks of a pregnancy for undefined “health” reasons? And again, can we accept candidates who support experimentation with the stem cells of human embryos, or cloning, or euthanasia? Can we make real progress on any of the critical issues that we face as a nation if we can’t agree to protect the smallest and most defenseless among us?

To ask these questions isn’t to impose Catholic beliefs on other Americans. This is the political contribution that a morally mature people must make in a democracy. This is a bearing witness to the truths that Jesus has revealed to us — truths that, again, are enshrined in our country’s founding document.

Catholics are obliged to seek leaders who have the courage to stand up for these truths. Leaders who aren’t ashamed or afraid to pursue peaceful and democratic means to persuade our fellow citizens of this essential natural truth that it is also a foundational aspect of the teachings of the Catholic faith.

May Mary, the Mother of God and our Mother, continue to intercede for us that we will be “people of life” bringing the “Gospel of life” to our world.

I am glad that our Archbishop has spoken out. You can read the rest of his article here.

May the Holy Spirit guide us as we vote.
Amen

Just Tell Us The Truth

Early voting has begun here in Texas. I think that we Americans are about to make one of the most important decisions we've ever had to make. There are so many reasons why I will not vote for Barack Obama, but his stand on life issues is the most important one. Please watch the video.

Just Another Sleepy Monday

It's been a lovely day, except that I'm sooo sleepy. The meclazine is an antihistamine, and antihistamines always make me feel weird and spacey.

Mom and I went to Adoration and then out to lunch. A young teacher brought four children into the Adoration Chapel while we were there, two boys and two girls. They were dressed in their school uniforms and were so sweet! They stayed for about 15 minutes. Their are two kneelers directly in front of the Blessed Sacrament, and the children took turns kneeling there to pray.

Someone had taped a prayer request on one of the kneelers, asking adorers to pray for her daughter who was being influenced to leave her husband by "lesbans and dykes." (sic) I prayed that the children wouldn't read the note, or if they did, they wouldn't be able to understand it. In any case, I added the mom, the daughter and the "lesbans and dykes" to my prayer list.

Lunch at Crumpets was yummy, as always. We both had the quiche and fruit, which came with salad and croissants. And of course, iced tea.

When we got back to Mom's we took Chuy out and stopped by the garden to pick some of Mom's spinach. She had enough for a large salad. A couple more plots in the garden have been taken--someone planted some lilies and tomatoes in one plot, and there were hot pepper plants and herbs in another. Mom's little patch looks great; the onions look good, and there are blooms on her tomato plants. Tomorrow we're going to plant the lettuce that she started indoors. It's been too hot outside for it to germinate, but now she has lots of little lettuce plants ready to transplant.

Josh got off at 3 PM today because he skipped lunch, so I picked him up and he dropped me off at my house and kept my car. He asked if I wanted to keep Reece tonight, but I still don't feel right. I'm missing him so much, though! I hope I feel better tomorrow so that he can spend the night.

And now I'm going to go take a nap.

Peripheral Vertigo

After spending hours in the ER at BAMC (Brooke Army Medical Center) today (and tonight), I have a diagnosis for my dizziness--peripheral vertigo.

BAMC is a military trauma and training hospital, and it takes forever to go through triage and get to a doctor. But they are very thorough once you get there.

I had the usual blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar tests done first, then waited all afternoon. The doctors I saw did some simple tests to make sure I hadn't had a stroke, asked a million questions, and sent me for a CT scan of my head. I thought that probably my BP or my sugar level was what was causing the dizziness, but now I suspect that they were high because of the vertigo and stress I've had from the experience.

They gave me meclazine and waited to see how I would react. It did help, but I still have some slight dizziness. Ron will pick up a prescription for me in the morning. I'm praying it works!

Anyway, I'll see my doctor on the 28th and see if he can discover a cause for the peripheral vertigo. Prayers that it will just go away would be greatly appreciated!

Feast of St. Teresa Of Avila

The seraphic St. Teresa, born at Avila (Spain) at the age of 18 entered the convent of St. Mary of Mount Carmel. As the Reformer of the Carmelites, she re-established the primitive observance of their ancient Rule. On account of her invaluable works on mystical Theology, she may be considered one of the greatest Doctors of the Church. She died AD 1582. (The Roman Missal 1962)

While looking for a picture of St. Teresa to put with this post, I discovered that many people confuse her with St. Therese of Lisieux.

I have her book, Interior Castle, and have read and re-read it, trying to understand how to reach the different levels of spirituality, but I think I am hopeless. I may be stuck in the first or second castle forever.

Please read about St. Teresa here.

Graciously hear us, O God our Saviour, and grant that as we rejoice in the festival of blessed Teresa, Thy Virgin, so we may be nourished by her heavenly teaching, and grow in loving devotion towards Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
Amen

Cancelled Trip :o(

That pretty plumeria picture is to make me feel better. :o) We had to cancel our trip this morning because I was feeling dizzy. I'm so disappointed, and I'm sure Mom and Kelly are, too.

I felt dizzy yesterday, but thought I was just tired. This morning when I got up, it continued, but I went ahead and got everything ready to go, thinking it would get better or go away. By the time I got to Mom's to pick her up, my head was spinning and I was having trouble walking straight. I checked my blood sugar at Mom's and it was pretty high, especially since I hadn't eaten anything yet. Kelly met us there, and we decided it would be better to cancel rather than go and have something bad happen, like a stroke. :o(

Kelly followed me home. We stopped at a drugstore to check my blood pressure, but they had removed their machine because they are unreliable. They suggested stopping at a fire station. We went on to my house and I took my Metformin, then Kel took me to the fire station. Two very nice young men checked my BP, sugar levels and heart rate. All were higher than they should be, but not so high that they were alarmed. It reassured Kelly, who was afraid they were going to tell her to get me to the ER. :o)

She brought me home and I slept from noon until 4:30. Still feeling a little punk, but better than this morning. I have an appointment with my doctor later this month.

Hoping to reschedule our visit soon. I was looking forward to our road trip and seeing baby Jonah. :o(

Busy Tuesday

Mom, Kelly and I are leaving tomorrow morning to visit my niece and her family and meet baby Jonah. He will be 5 months old on October 20, and he's doing great!

It's been a busy day, and I'm not at all ready for the trip, but we'll only be gone for two days, so I don't have a lot of packing to do. We'll be in the city pictured above. :o)

Reece spent the night last night, and we were up early this morning. We got ready to go to Mom's and realized we didn't have his carseat, it was in Ron's truck. So he had to come home from work to bring the carseat. We were late getting to Mom's, but she didn't mind and was happy to see Reece.

I took Reece home after visiting Mom (Josh was off work today), and Cyrise, Aubrey and I went shopping. We checked out the new Goodwill store that opened nearby, but didn't buy anything there. We bought Aubrey's Halloween costume at Burlington Coat Factory, and Reece's costume at Party City. Aubrey is going to be a pumpkin, similar to this one, and Reece will be a pirate. :o) I got Aubrey a Bumbo seat at Babys R Us. She looks so cute in it.

We stopped at Sonic for half price drinks during happy hour, and they had their foot long chili dogs and tots on sale for $2.99. We were hungry, so we got some of those to take home with us. We ate them at Josh's, then I came on home. Reece was mad because he wanted to come with me, and threw one of his ceramic jack-o-lanterns on the tile floor and smashed it. I think it shocked him to see it break.

It was 4:30 when I got home, and I still need to clean the kitchen and do some laundry, so I'd better get busy. I'm picking Mom up at 7:30 tomorrow morning, we'll drop Chuy off at Josh and Cyrise's (thanks, y'all), Kelly will meet us here at 8:30 and we'll have breakfast on the way. I can hardly wait to hold Jonah in my arms!

Prayers for a safe, uneventful trip would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Menu Plan Monday

I'll be out of town Wednesday and Thursday, so the menu plan is short this week.






Monday: Chicken and Andouille Gumbo/Crusty Bread
Tuesday: Crock Pot Beef Roast/Mashed Potatoes/Corn
Wednesday: Gone
Thursday: Gone
Friday: Homemade Mac and Cheese/Peas/Sliced Tomato
Saturday: 15 Bean Soup with ground beef/Rice/Apple Salad
Sunday: Pork Roast/Sweet Potato/Broccoli

You can see more menu plans at I'm An Organizing Junkie.

Sunday Evening Vigil

Ron and I went to the abortion clinic again Sunday evening. We got there just in time to join in praying the Rosary.

We met several really sweet people, including a young man from Fredericksburg who is discerning the priesthood.

We had been there for about half an hour when a van pulled into the parking lot across the street. A beautiful family got out of the van and joined us on the sidewalk in front of the abortion clinic. The father told us that he and his wife had met while picketing an abortion clinic. Now they have seven beautiful daughters and one adorable two year old son. The mother was wearing the newest little one in a pouch, a precious 3 month old daughter. :o) They were members of an evangelical Presbyterian church and had driven 50 miles to be there. What a pro-life message that family gave to everyone who passed by!

I had my camera in the car, and asked permission to take a picture. This was taken from across the street when no cars were in the way. It's a very busy street. Lots of people driving by see the vigil and the signs. I pray that the sight touches the hearts of pro-choice people and causes them to change their minds. Please pray for an end to abortion.

How Do You Like To Go Up In A Swing?

Reece spent the night Friday night. He loves playing in the backyard. It's so much fun to see his delight in everything he experiences.

I love how you can see his perfect little teeth in this pic.

The weather is perfect right now, especially in the evening, for being outdoors with him. He found a small toad in the pool skimmer, which we rescued. The poor little thing was nearly drowned and didn't hop away when we put him down. So Reece got a good, long, close-up look at him. :o)

After playing outside all evening and a having a warm bath, he went to sleep within minutes at bedtime. Goodnight Moon is the bedtime book of choice right now. We read it twice and he could hardly keep his eyes open.

He went with us on Saturday to see his Great-Gran. They love each other so much. It's very sweet to see her face when she plays with him. We stopped at Taco Cabana on the way home, and he ate a whole bean and cheese taco (his favorite), and a few of my chips and queso.

I can't wait until he is here again. I bought marshmallows so that we can make Rice Krispy treats, and a potty seat and step stool to help with his potty training.

Ya Been Hoodwinked.

Motherhood Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

Prior to 1969, the Feast of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary was on October 11. The calendar was revised in 1969, and now the feast is celebrated on January 1 during the Christmas season as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

In the revised ordering of the Christmas period it seems to us that the attention of all should be directed towards the restored Solemnity of Mary, the holy Mother of God. This celebration, placed on January 1 in conformity with the ancient indication of the liturgy of the City of Rome, is meant to commemorate the part played by Mary in this mystery of salvation. It is meant also to exalt the singular dignity which this mystery brings to the 'holy Mother... through whom we were found worthy to receive the Author of life.14
Pope Paul VI. Marialis Cultus. Washington, D.C.: United States Catholic Conference, 1974.

The prayers at the TLM on the feast day of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary emphasize Mary's blessedness and basically the fact that she is Mother of God. In the revised liturgy we further proclaim her as the mother of the Church in view of her relationship to Christ.

Ave Maris Stella

Hail, thou star of ocean,
Portal of the sky,
Every-Virgin Mother,
Of the Lord most High.

Oh! by Gabriel's Ave
Uttered long ago
Eva's name reversing
Peace confirm below.

Break the captive's fetters,
Light on blindness pour
Chase all evils from us,
Every bliss implore.

Show thyself a Mother,
Offer Him our sighs,
Who for us incarnate
Did not thee despise.

Virgin all excelling,
Passing meek and lowly,
Freed from guilt, preserve us
Blameless chaste and holy.

Still as on we journey
Help our weak endeavour
Till we gaze on Jesus
And rejoice for ever.

Father, Son, and Spirit,
Three in one confessing.
Give we equal glory,
Equal praise and blessing.
Amen

Do You Know Alfonzo?

I saw this video on The Anchoress' blog a few days ago, and saw it again tonight on Free Republic. I like it. The guy is Alfonzo Rachel.

Sixth Picture Meme

It must be Meme day. :o)

Jean, at Catholic Fire tagged me for the Picture Meme. Thanks, Jean! I like your blog.

The rules: Go to your pictures, go to the 6th file, go to the 6th picture and then post it.

For bonus points, see if you can remember even taking the picture.

This is Reece at the goat farm, looking at the llama. I think he is holding his nose. :o) Yes, I remember taking the picture because it's only been a few weeks ago.

Quirky, again.

Therese at Aussie Coffee Shop has tagged me for the Unspectacular Quirks Meme. I've done this before, but I have plenty of quirks, so I'll do it again. Thanks, Therese. :o)

The rules:
1. Link the person who tagged you.
2. Post these rules.
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. Tag 6 fellow bloggers by linking them.

My quirks:

1. I think I can drive better than anyone else, so I always want to drive when I go some place with someone else.

2. Nearly every morning when I wake up, I have a song in my head that stays there most of the day, off and on. It's usually different songs on different days, but when I learned the Chaplet of Divine Mercy the music was stuck in there for weeks! Not a bad way to wake up, I guess.

3. If Ron rubs my feet while we are watching TV, I fall asleep.

4. I don't like chocolate chips or raisins in my oatmeal cookies. I want just plain oatmeal, but everyone else in my family wants them with chocolate chips.

5. I hate the smell and taste of wintergreen and licorice.

6. I won't touch worms or fish, but I like to fish.

I'll just tag anyone who reads this who would like to share their unspectacular quirks. :o)

Locked Out

Sometimes something frustrating and aggravating turns into something lovely.

After returning from Mom's this afternoon, I picked up Josh from work at lunch time. The plan was for him to use my car after dropping me off at home.

When we got to my subdivision the street crew had the street blocked off again. We couldn't pull onto my street, so Josh dropped me off a distance away and I walked home.

Suddenly I realized that he had my house key! I was waving and calling, but he didn't see or hear, so he drove away. Then I realized that my cell phone was also in the car, so I couldn't call him quickly.

I went to a neighbor's and called his cell, but by then he was almost home for lunch. I told him to go ahead and stay there, but to stop and unlock my door for me on the way back to work.

I went to my backyard and sat on the patio, reading the gardening books that Betty, the activity director at Mom's apartment complex, had loaned us. It was quiet and peaceful, butterflies were everywhere, there were no mosquitoes, the sky was incredibly blue and clear and the temperature was perfect. I looked up and saw that my purple asters had suddenly burst into bloom overnight. I looked them up in the garden book, and it said that asters are also known as the Michaelmas daisy. You know, Michaelmas, the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel that I posted about a few days ago. It seems that asters bloom around the same time as Michaelmas. Who knew? I love learning new little tidbits. :o)

The hour flew by. I wandered around the yard looking at my flowers and plants, read a little and sat and daydreamed. Before I knew it I heard Josh's voice from the side of the house saying, "Mom, are you back here?" :o)

A sweet peaceful hour outdoors that I didn't expect refreshed my spirit. Thank you God for your sweet creation.

(The pictures are the Michaelmas daisies ;o) and cape honeysuckle blooming in my back yard right now).

McCain/Obama Debate

Well, that was boring.

Something Comforting About A Cat

This is Maggie Cat, all grown up.
Late last night I was at the computer when she came into the office and jumped up onto a box of ribbons behind my chair. I turned around and said hello, then turned back to my desk. She stayed there until I went to bed, seemingly content to just be close to me. There was something very peaceful and comforting about having her there in the stillness of the night.

Our Lady Of The Holy Rosary

In its present form the Rosary (according to the accepted tradition) is due to St. Dominic, the founder of the Order of Friars Preachers, his objective being to stem the flood of the Albigensian heresy, then spreading far and wide throughout Europe. He propagated this form of prayer in obedience to a revelation received from the Blessed Virgin, to whom he had recourse for this purpose, about the year 1206, and to him we owe the spread of a devotion, which for many centuries has produced the most marvelous results in the Christian world. The decisive defeat of the Turks at the famous battle of Lepanto (A.D. 1571) and at Belgrade (A.D. 1716) gave occasion to the institution of this Feast and to its extension to the Universal Church. (From the 1962 Roman Missal)

Thee, who in joy didst bear thy Child,
Thee, pierced with grief and sorrowing,
Thee, in abiding glory placed,
Thee, Virgin Mother, do we sing.

Hail, to thy joyful mysteries,
Conception, Visitation, Birth,
The Offering, Finding of Thy Son,
O Mother, blessed in thy mirth.

Hail, bearing in thy heart with grief
Thy Son's great Agony, the blows,
the thorny Crown, the Cross itself:
Queen of all martyrs in thy woes.

Hail, in the triumphs of thy Son,
In fiery tongues of Pentecost,
In light and exaltation made
The Queen of glory, heaven's boast.

O come, ye nations, gather now
And let these mysteries roses prove;
Sweet garlands weave for Heav'n's Queen.
The glorious Mother of fair love.

O Jesus, Virgin-born, to Thee,
Eternal glory be and praise.
To Father and to Paraclete
Our songs of glory too we raise.
Amen

V. Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...
cloudy skies, same old view of the top of our mountain laurel and the live oaks and cedar tree across the street. Oh, there's a couple walking. The man looks like Santa Claus on vacation, white beard, red ball cap, shorts and plaid shirt. The lady is cute with dark hair and a black t-shirt.

I am thinking...
about how to get my car into the shop when I need it every day.

I am thankful for...
the new activity director at my mom's apartment complex, Betty. She is so sweet, and seems to be a go-getter. She's getting the garden club going again.

From the kitchen...
oh dear. What am I going to have for dinner? Ron wanted 15 bean soup and I forgot to put the beans on this morning. Guess we'll have that tomorrow.

I am wearing...
Black long-sleeved tee with lace inset around the vee neck, sleeves pushed up, those ugly blue and black plaid capris, bare feet.

I am creating...
the beginnings of a book collection for Reece. I bought a bunch more books at the thrift store today (and a pair of overalls for him). I still need to find some small bookshelves for all these books!

I am going...
to Costco this afternoon to renew my membership. We buy our gas there and it really does save money.

I am reading...
nothing but magazines and cookbooks right now.

I am hoping...
that these clouds aren't teasing us. We could really use some rain.

I am hearing...
the hum of my computer and high electrical sounding noises because I have tinnitus, the TV on downstairs because Ron is home today.

Around the house...
a sink full of plants that I watered when I got home, a clean downstairs, messy upstairs.

One of my favorite things...
Spoonerisms. One of my favorite sort-of spoonerism happened years ago when my sister and her friend went to a convenience store. Her friend asked the cashier for cigarettes that were "low in nar and ticotine." He said, "What?" And she repeated, "You know, those cigarettes that are low in nar and ticotine. Oh, I mean low in nar and ticotine!" Ha! It still cracks me up. I've probably told that story 100 times, no kidding. I just love it when people get their words mixed up.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Drive DIL and babes to their doctor appointment tomorrow, help Mom plant tomatoes, spinach and lettuce in her garden plot (we planted onions and a mum in there yesterday), figure out how to get my car looked at before I drive to Dallas next week.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...
















The princess and the court jester? :o)

Please visit Peggy at A Simple Life to see more daybooks.

The Vigil

Ron and I went to the abortion clinic vigil again tonight. We met more friendly, sweet, pro-lifers there. Not one person driving by said or did anything negative, but many people honked their horns and waved tonight. It was extremely windy and I thought my sign was going to get blown away.

While we were there, my favorite priest showed up! It was such a blessing. He met and talked with everyone there, then walked back and forth praying the Rosary for awhile. Then he came and talked with me and Ron. It was so nice to get to know him better. I practically poured out my whole life history--I hope I wasn't too obnoxious.

Tonight the sign I held said "Hurting From Abortion?" and gave a number to call. I prayed for the healing of women who might be hurting from an abortion. Then tonight when I got home, I went to the 40 Days For Life website, and the devotion for today is about healing for women who have had abortions.

Here is the prayer for October 5.
Lord, during these forty days, we ask that with each day of this sacred vigil, everything in us that separates us from your perfect will would be pruned from our hearts and souls. In this blessed freedom may we experience a powerful anointing of your Holy Spirit. Filled with confidence and trust may we proclaim with the mother of Jesus, "Let it be done to me, according to your Word."

Kevin Burke
Executive Director, Rachels Vineyard Ministries

You can read the day's intention, scripture verse and reflection here.

A Grandfather's Story

I want to share this story about what happened at the abortion clinic this morning. I wasn't there, but the local director of the coalition for life emailed those of us who are involved to tell us what happened.

...This morning a man came out of the donut shop across the street and when he drove his car out of the parking lot he came over to our side of the road and said "I just want you to know that you are making a difference." Apparently last year his granddaughter came to this clinic for an abortion and, seeing the prayer warriors on the sidewalk, changed her mind about having an abortion. He thanked us for his grandson Adrian. This is the second story we have heard in the recent months of a new grandfather thanking us for his grandchild. You see, abortion doesn't just effect the mother, father and child. It effects the grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles...and on and on. When your prayers go up to save a child from abortion you are also working to save an entire family from the tragedy of abortion.

To God be all the glory and praise! Keep praying!

St. Francis of Assisi, Confessor

The Seraphic Patriarch of Assisi was a man especially raised up by God in the Middle Ages with the mission to reconvert the world to Christ.

Francis was born in a stable, and heralded into the world by angelic song; he commenced his work with twelve followers, whom he sent two by two to preach the Gospel. He espoused most high Poverty, and received in his own body the marks of the Sacred Passion on Mount Alvernia.

Francis' message of charity, peace and justice was heard by men and women of every grade of society, and thousands in consequence desired to leave all and follow Francis in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Therefore he founded the order of Friars Minor, the Second order or the Poor Clares, and the Tertiaries or Third Order, which bears his name.

St. Francis died about sunset on Saturday, 3rd October 1226.

(From the 1962 Roman Missal)

Read about the very interesting life of St. Francis of Assisi here.

Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

Saint Therese Of The Child Jesus

The Feast Day of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and The Holy Face is today, October 3, according to my 1962 Roman Missal. The date was changed to October 1 in 1969, but being a Roman-ish kind of gal, I'm celebrating it today. :o)

Not long after our conversion to Catholicism, I read Saint Therese's autobiography, The Story Of A Soul. What a beautiful young woman, and what an amazing love she had for Jesus. Her "little way" showed me that my life didn't have to be extraordinary, that just by living my simple life I could love God with all my heart. Saint Therese used every instance and circumstance of her life to love God, everything from household chores to a walk in the garden to caring for an elderly nun--everything brought her closer to Him. Even the illness she suffered for nine years was offered as a sacrifice to Him.

When she was asked what she meant by her "Little Way," she said, "It is the way of spiritual childhood, the way of trust and complete self-surrender. I want to teach others the means I have always found so completely successful, to let them know that the only thing to do on earth is to offer Our Lord the flowers of little sacrifices and win Him by our proofs of love. It is the way I have won Him and why I shall find such a welcome."

A little over two years before her death, Therese predicted that she would die, even though at the time she was in good health. She told one of the nuns, "I do not say it will a matter of months, but at most within two or three years."

Two months before her death, knowing that death was coming, Therese said, "I feel that my mission is soon to begin, to make others love God as I do, to teach others my 'little way.' I will spend my Heaven in doing good upon earth." She died on September 30, 1897 and was canonized in 1925 by Pope Pius XI who approved Therese's "Little Way" as a way for all of us to attain holiness.

Therese died at the young age of 24. The other nuns in the cloistered Carmelite convent had no idea that she was anything more than a sweet young woman. They had no idea how extraordinary she was until they read her autobiography after her death.

Saint Therese said that after her death she would "...let fall a shower of roses." Many people who ask for her prayers have received "a shower of roses," a sign that she has heard their prayers and intercedes for their intentions.

In the Adoration chapel in the church where I was confirmed there was a statue of St. Therese. At the time I didn't know who the beautiful young woman was, but I soon learned. Every Monday morning from midnight to 1 AM, Therese and I would adore Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, she would pray with me for those on my prayer list and I would ask for her intercession for the loved ones in my life. I love her very much.

A priest at our church once said that we should get to know the Saints, talk to them, ask for their aid, so that when we get to Heaven they will know us well. I pray that I will meet my dear Saint Therese there one day.

Sarah Wins!

She did great! I was going to post a list of Senator Biden's "mistakes," but I kinda feel sorry for the guy. Michelle Malkin doesn't though. :o) There is a list of at least 14 and counting.

I think this lady is the real deal.

Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels

O God, who in Thine ineffable Providence hast deigned to send Thy holy Angels to keep watch over us; grant to us Thy suppliant people, that we may always be defended by their protection, and may rejoice in their fellowship forever. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen
(The Collect for today, October 2, the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, from the 1962 Roman Missal).

I never see this picture without feeling comforted. It hung in our bedroom throughout our childhood, and I've always known my guardian angel is near. We may never know until we die how many times our angels have protected and guided us. I'm so grateful for God's gift of Angels.

Angel of God
My guardian dear
To Whom His love
Commits me here
Ever this day
Be at my side
To light and guard
To rule and guide.
Amen
PS: And thank you!

A Day In The Life

My day today:
6:40 AM, Reece and I were rudely awakened by someone-who-shall-be-left-un-named.
6:45 AM, Reece refused to go back to sleep, so we got up.
Ate oatmeal cookies.
Watched kid's shows on PBS.
Played with blocks.
Read a Mickey Mouse book.
Got Reece dressed and his stuff gathered up.
Dropped Reece off at home on the way to Mom's.
Called Mom on the way to remind her that she would get her flu shot today, at the apartment complex.
10:00 AM, arrived at Mom's. She's not dressed.
I give her her morning pills and a cup of coffee.
Tell her the flu shot clinic at her apartment complex ends at 10:30.
I take Chuy out while she gets dressed.
I come back in to find her dressed in "dressy clothes," even though we're only going to the great room at the complex, but I tell her she looks pretty and we're out the door.
10:25 AM, we fill out a form, give the lady Mom's medicare card and ID to copy.
We wait and the lady finally comes back.
Mom gets her flu shot and they take her BP (it's great, better than mine).
Mom refuses OJ and doughnuts (gasp!) and we go back to her apartment.
Chuy is spinning around in circles on his butt, trying to get to a spot somewhere near his rear.
We take coffee (Mom) and iced tea (me) out on the patio because it is such a gorgeous day.
Chuy continues his spinning antics until Mom notices that he has worn a bloody spot on his "elbow," so we go back inside and clean him up.
I apply antibiotic ointment to his boo-boo,
make coffee for tomorrow and set the timer,
go to the car to get the cookies I brought for her but left in the car,
go back to the car to get dog food,
leave Mom's night pills and Chuy's night food,
switch out her phones so that one is in the charger,
load her dishwasher and wipe down the counter,
fill out her whiteboard with new day, date and reminders.
11:15, I leave Mom's, headed for the credit union to pay the truck payment.
11:30, arrive at credit union, pay bill.
Head for real estate agency to pay Josh's rent.
11:45, rent gets paid with a wad of cash from Josh, which seems to confuse the receptionist. It takes her 4 times count the money.
12:00ish, I head for Josh's so that they can use the car today.
12:30ish, I'm dropped off at home.
Typical crazy morning. But quiet, peaceful afternoon. :o)

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

Wow, you are Four Years Old today!

I hope you have a great time at the Japanese steak house. Watch out for flying knives!

I think of you every time I find a Lego gun or robot around the house or in the yard. :o)

I love you, and hope to see you soon!

Hugs and Kisses, Gramma