The Truth Comes Out

A couple of days ago, upon returning from a friend's house, I found that Elizabeth and I had sunburns. I asked one of the children to get me the aloe from my bathroom, but he could not find it. I looked for it and could not find it. Thinking that it must have been finished and feeling that Elizabeth really needed it, I went to the store.

Once there, I started to look for the aloe. As I looked, Patrick asked, "What are you looking for?" The following conversation ensued:

Me: "Aloe."
Patrick: "Why are you looking for alum?"
Me: "Because we don't have any aloe."
Patrick: "Yes, we do."
Me: "Well, I couldn't find it."
Patrick: "I know where the alum is."
Me: "Where is the aloe?"
Patrick: "It's under your bed."

Needless to say, I did not have to ask how it got there or how he knew it was there.

Little Flower Headstone

Thank you to Catholic Tradition for sharing the image below with us for use on my mother-in-law's headstone. The owner of this website has many beautiful pictures of various saints.

Why should we go to daily Mass?

"Jesus does not come down from Heaven each day in order to remain in a golden ciborium, but to find another Heaven, the Heaven of our souls, in which He takes such delight."

~ St. Therese of Lisieux ~

Haystack Full of Needles

A couple of weeks ago, I received a signed copy of Haystack Full of Needles: A Catholic Home Educator's Guide to Socialization. It is a beautiful book that nurtures love of God, love of family, love of friends, and love of neighbors. Alice shares numerous ideas for activities and clubs that can be started by home-educating families in their homes, parishes, or community. She also includes a wonderful Shakespearean tea menu that is sure to delight everyone who embraces and implements one or more of the ideas found in Haystack Full of Needles.

Thank you, Alice!

Northwest Catholic Family Education Conference CDs

I really enjoyed the Northwest Catholic Family Education Conference two weeks ago. I have wanted to write about it, but I have been busy getting back on track with lessons and trying to get our house in order.

Thankfully, for those who weren't able to attend and were curious about some of the speakers, CDs and MP3s are available here, www.nwcatholicconference.com/audio.html

Sitting Up

Elizabeth sat up without any help for the first time on April 28. I couldn't help taking some photos.

First Communion

It was a beautiful day! Words cannot express how I felt seeing my little girl (the one who brought back the joy) receive her

First Holy Communion.

Her older brother was happy to serve Mass on this special day.

Additional photos can be seen here.

God is Good!

I have so much about which I want to write, but for now it will have to wait.

Yesterday's Quote of the Day

The Most Important Person on earth is a mother. 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…The angels have not been blessed with such a grace. They cannot share in God’s creative miracle to bring new saints to Heaven. Only a human mother can. Mothers are closer to God the Creator than any other creature; God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation…What on God’s good earth is more glorious than this: to be a mother?

~ Cardinal Mindszenty ~

Sedes Sapientiae, ora pro nobis!

Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us!

The Conference was Great Today!

Okay, either I am a pessimist or Saint Joseph answered my prayers. I think that it was the latter. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the speakers. I missed parts of some talks, but I heard all of Fr. Saguto's presentation (Elizabeth slept in my arms). It was excellent. The children had a great time playing outside; the three youngest were in my arms, on my lap, by my side, pushed in the stroller, or watched by their two older sisters. It was a truly wonderful day! Thank you, St. Joseph!

The Meaning of Words

A couple of nights ago, Finnian was copying everything I said. Eventually, I decided to test if he was even listening to what I was saying, or simply repeating everything without thinking.

The result:

Me: "You're a boy."

Finnian: "I'm not a boy. I'm a Finnian."

Me: "You're a boy and you're Finnian."

Finnian: "I'm a Finnian boy."

Disappointment

Finding out the day before the homeschool conference that the person who you thought would be helping you watch your children, will not be doing so due to a birthday party.

Despite being an optimist, knowing that the above will most likely make it impossible for you to listen to any of the presentations and will most likely cause you to have to leave the conference early.

Thankfully, one of the mothers had you read her talk prior to the conference. Said talk reminded you that your responsibility is to your children and sometimes you have to wear blinders when it comes to external, desireable activities.

St. Joseph, pray for us!