Please pray for this Archbishop and those who were killed

Iraqi bishop kidnapped by terrorists
Mosul, Feb. 29, 2008
(CWNews.com) - The Chaldean Catholic Bishop of Mosul, Iraq, has been abducted, the AsiaNews service reports.
Bishop Paulos Faraj Raho was seized by terrorists who attacked his car as he left the Holy Spirit cathedral in Mosul after leading the Stations of the Cross on Friday, February 29. Three companions who had been in the car with him were killed.
A Church spokesman in Iraq confirmed that the bishop was in the custody of his kidnappers, who had contacted the Chaldean Church to make a ransom demand. Iraqi Catholics did not know whether or not the bishop had been wounded in the attack.

Update: More information is available from Catholic News Agency.

Northwest Catholic Family Education Conference

If you homeschool and live in or near Washington state, you don't want to miss the Spring 2008 Northwest Catholic Family Education Conference. The conference is being held on May 2 & 3, 2008 at the Tukwila Community Center. Speakers (and dancers) include Laura Berquist, Lee Binz, Chris and Alison Evan, Fr. Henderson, Albert and Bonnie Landry, Stephanie Maricich, Fr. Miller, Fr. Nagel, Camille De Blasi Pauley, Amannda Schneider, and Anne Wilson. Laura Berquist and Stephanie Maricich will be available for consultations. I have heard through the grapevine that Stephanie is an incredible resource when it comes to ideas about cultivating the Faith in our homes. The list of vendors is being updated regularly. You can register and find more information at http://www.nwcatholicconference.com/.

I hope to see (and meet you) at the conference!

Lunchtime

Patrick: "Mommy, where is Theresa's dinner from last night?"

Me: "I forgot to put it in the refrigerator."

Patrick (crestfallen): "Oh, I wanted to eat it."

Me: "We do have leftovers."

Patrick (laughing and patting his stomach): "Yeah, I have yummy for my plumpy tummy!"

Mother's note: Patrick liked ground turkey cooked in a pan with a dash of worcesterschire sauce, crushed red pepper (just enough to taste without children complaining), thyme, onion, and garlic. He always likes salad served with Catherine's homemade French Dressing, and brown rice.

Doubting Thomas

Theresa: "Patrick, Mommy has a baby in her tummy."

Patrick: "No, she doesn't. I can't see one. The lady at ballet has a baby in her tummy. Her tummy is big."

My dear boy, my tummy will eventually be "big", too.

I THOUGHT HE HAD OUTGROWN IT

I thought that Brendan had outgrown his dislike of cooked vegetables. He seemed to be finishing everything on his plate, recently. However, yesterday, what I found in my washing machine told me a different story. It also made me realize that what I had found in my washing machine a few days earlier was not what I thought it was (thank goodness). My earlier mistaken belief led to me sterilizing the washing machine and rewashing the clothes. Yesterday's discovery has guaranteed that I will be checking a certain boy's pockets before he leaves the table (or at least before I wash his pants).

Planned Parenthood Earns Money by Killing Babies

Paper Making

Recently, we spent a wonderful day with Finnian's godmother and her daughters, learning about and making paper. The children used the paper to make St. Valentine's Day cards. We had hoped to be able to deliver them to some elderly nuns on the 14th, but unfortunately the timing is not right.

The children thoroughly enjoyed their day and are looking forward to eventually taking up papermaking as a hobby.

Arnold Grummer sells handmolds to help in the making of paper.

A few children's books about paper making and/or its history are:

Paper, Paper Everywhere by Gail Gibbons

How Paper is Made by Leslie Perrins

Paper by Claire Llewellyn

"Paper" through the Ages by Shaaron Cosner

From Tree to Paper by Pam Marshall

Happy Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes!

Below are a few photos taken, on September 8, 1998, in Lourdes.

Catherine at the Grotto

The Spring Discovered by St. Bernadette

Our Lady of Lourdes

My Parents in Front of the Grotto

Family and Friends in Front of St. Bernadette's House

Happy 150th Anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes' apparition to St. Bernadette!

First Communion

On December 30, 2007, the Feast of the Holy Family and the anniversary of the death of one of my favorite Jesuits, Brendan received his First Communion at my parents-in-law's parish. We travelled to the ocean because, due to her stroke in September, my mother-in-law was unable to travel to our parish. According to our pastor, Brendan was definitely ready. He was also very excited.

After Mass, Brendan shared, "Mommy, Communion really tastes like Jesus!"

Dearest Brendan, I pray that you always believe in the real presence of Jesus. I love you!

Are You Participating in 40 Days for Life?

Fall 40 Days for Life in Washington state.

Please visit www.40daysforlife.com/location.html to see if their is a Lenten 40 Days for Life near you and then sign up to "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves."

Lenten 40 Days for Life: February 6 - March 16, 2008