First Communion

Nathan will be making his First Communion on May 9th. We are so thrilled for him! He seems fairly excited too, but I think he might be a tad bit nervous. Nervous isn't necessarily bad. In fact, I believe it's better than having a "too casual" attitude. I think sometimes, I am guilty of that. I can get caught up in all the chaos that 3 children can bring to any event. The physical chaos can lead to spiritual and mental chaos as well. This is so sad when you really think about it! Thankfully, God understands our state in life and delivers the graces anyway.

Over these last several months, Nathan's preparation has included many discussions and questions about how to receive communion. Not just the first time, but every time. We've talked about our attitude, our thoughts, our deeds (both done and undone), what we wear and how our posture should be. Most recently, we've started talking about whether or not we should take our Lord on the tongue or in the hands. His teacher and the Sisters have taught the class that both are valid and perfectly fine.

There is a part of me that would encourage him to "do what feels right" to him. The thing is, this isn't about him. It is true that...as long as he is reverent, he can receive our Lord on the tongue...or in his hands. It is STILL OUR LORD no matter how he receives Him. Personally, I haven't taken communion in my hands in a very long time. This is not because of some deep theological reason. It's mostly because for the last several years, I've either been holding a baby or holding the hand of a toddler or young person. However, as a result, I have come to really see this as the highest form of worship and reverence that I can give to Jesus. I want as little of me between He and I.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

Communion with the Body and Blood of Christ increases the communicant's union with the Lord, forgives his venial sins, and preserves him from grave sins. Since receiving this sacrament strengthens the bonds of charity between the communicant and Christ, it also reinforces the unity of the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ (CCC 1416, emphasis mine).

Christ forgives, preserves, strengthens and reinforces! He does this all through the selfless gift of Himself. This is what we receive when we extend our tongue...or our hands. The priest declares, "The Body of Christ"! And we say, "Amen"...."yes"....."so be it"!!! We say yes to His forgiveness, His preservation, His strengthening and His reinforcement! For me, this is a miracle. What a gift! It is for this reason that I will suggest to Nathan that he consider receiving Jesus, at least for this first time, on his tongue. Let nothing interfere with the reception of this Holy and Precious Body and Blood....not my sins, not my weaknesses...and not my hands. Say to him, "I accept you without any reservations, without any assistance or intervention on my part, so then...it is only you"!

Oh to have that chance again...to receive Him for the first time once more! Thankfully, after each reception, I am renewed and strengthened. I am ready to face all that separates us. I am ready to accept "Christ himself, living and glorious, present in a true, real and substantial manner....His soul and His divinity".

How do you prefer to receive our Lord?

Wordless Wednesday

Can you say "tornado"??

It must have come through the girl's room when I wasn't looking!

Uh-Oh

Swine flu case confirmed in Orlando.

I'll let you know

Well, Dan and I have been battling colds....although I had a fever last night and my throat is still pretty sore. It now seems to have moved to our chests. The kids seem ok for now.......I'll let you know if we start oinking.

Congratulations....

to Therese from The Musings of a Mom!!! This is so wonderful...especially coming from a house full of boys!!!!

Monday Musings

It was a busy weekend here at our house. We were out and about most of the time. I wanted to share some pictures....

Sorry this picture is so bad...I took it through a window and screen. We bought this specific bird feeder because squirrels were not supposed to be able to get to it. Apparently, the squirrels that live in my neighborhood have taken gymnastics lessons.

Nathan worked for several days on a Lego Indiana Jones kit. He did it all by himself...with no help from either Dan or I. I think he did a wonderful job

I had no idea that Lego made such tiny pieces. He did have a couple of pieces "left over". I'm sure that one day soon I'll be picking some of them out of the bottom of my feet with the tweezers!

Amelia got a hold of the camera yesterday! All in all, she took about 35 pictures! Apparently, she is obsessed with the bathroom....that's where she took the majority of the pictures. I've spared you from having to look at the ones she took of the toilet, kitty litter box, bathtub and the shower.

How was your weekend?

Well....it's official.

The decision has been made to not home school the kids next year. Nathan and Amelia will continue on at our parish school and Olivia will start PreK 3 there too. I will work 4 six hour days instead of 3 eight hour days. I was really hoping we could work it out, but, there's only one way we could do it....and that's just not going to happen. Sooooo, I will throw away one more Catholic Heritage Curricula catalogue as well as put on my big girl panties and call it a day!

I guess this decision also nixes my going to Tampa in July for a Catholic Homeschooling conference. Drat! I love perusing through the vendors and seeing all of those happy homeschooling families. Sigh.....

Yet again!

I hesitate to even mention this on my blog...mostly because of pride, but here goes anyway....
I've started Weight Watchers for the umpteenth time! I've been very inspired by the book I'm reading called Walk Away the Pounds! Since chemo started and since I have begun the Arimidex, I think I've gained about 12 pounds! That's a lot of weight to gain in 7 months!
I bring this up mostly because I feel like, if I tell you about it, perhaps I can be more accountable. Does that make any sense?

W.W. is definitely not cheap! We don't have a lot of extra money laying around so this decision was well thought out. However, the registration is free right now and you get free E-tools. Dan and I decided that being healthy is a high priority for me right now. The healthier I am, the less chance for the cancer to return. I'm not going to do any before or after pictures for you.....too embarrassed (there's that pride again) for you to see the way I look. Perhaps you've noticed that there have been exactly TWO pictures of me on this blog! If and when I reach my goal weight....maybe I'll post a picture. Don't count on it though!

I am going to keep a running total of the weight that I lose on my sidebar. Encouragement and chastisement are both welcome! If there is anyone out there who wants to join me in this, just let me know...we can encourage each other.

Mary Pope Osborne

Well, we made it! I didn't think we would! We left right after school and drove over to the newest Barnes and Noble in the city. The famous author (Magic Treehouse series) was to begin the book signing at 5:00pm. We arrived at about 3:05pm. Someone at the door showed us to the end of the line...or so I thought. It kept winding and winding around more book aisles! I wasn't really sure that Nathan and the girls (as well as myself) would be able to keep it together for two hours until they told us that this was just the line just to get the armbands which tell you which number place in line you are! Oh my!
I called Dan to see if he could leave work a little early and come to help me. Thankfully he got there about 4:00pm and took the girls home. The store was packed and there was no place to sit except the floor. I have absolutely no problem with sitting on the floor...at all! My problem comes when I try to get up!
Anyway, we had a wonderful time. Although we never really got her autograph (she has a broken wrist), we did get to have the books stamped with her signature and they allowed us a picture. Nathan was thrilled! Can you tell?? I'm happy to announce that she has at least another 4 books in the works.
Right now, it's 9:46pm and Nathan is still awake! He begged me to let him stay up to read the new Magic Treehouse book I bought him today! How could I resist!

Simple Woman's Daybook...

Outside my window... a perfect sunny, spring day here in Jacksonville. I'm watching the squirrels chase each other around the base of the big Oak tree.

I am thinking... about a call I just received from our pastor about someone at church who is having major surgery tomorrow for a cancerous tumor. She is a young, single mom and I want to be able to help her while honoring her dignity.

From the learning rooms... although we don't home school in the official way....I still work with the kids on those things that they struggle with. I received the results of Nathan's ITBS testing scores and we need to work on his math.

From the kitchen...I'm not sure yet. Not enough leftovers from last night's dinner....probably Polish sausage with brown rice and a veges.

I am wearing... still in my pj's (yes and it's 10:56am).

I am reading... Walk Away the Pounds by Leslie Sansone and Weight Watchers magazine. At some point I'm going to need to quit reading about it and DO IT.

I am hoping... to be able to make it to Barnes and Noble by 5pm tonight so that Nathan can meet Mary Pope Osborne (author of the Magic Tree House books) and have his book signed.

I am creating... a plan for Nathan's First Communion celebration.

I am praying... for a cure for cancer soon and for all those suffering with the disease in some way or another.

One of my favorite things...having a date with my husband. We're planning one for this next weekend!

A few plans for the rest of the week...getting to that book signing today, beginning my Walk Away the Pounds program and starting Weight Watchers (AGAIN), getting the girls haircut and cleaning up the back yard as we are going to have Nathan's First Communion party outside.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Visit Peggy for other simple women's day books.

Prayer to St. Agatha

Oh St. Agatha, who withstood the unwelcome advances from unwanted suitors,

and suffered pain and torture for her devotion to Our Lord, we celebrate your

faith, dignity and martyrdom.

Protect us against rape and other violations, guard us against breast cancer and other

afflictions of women, and inspire us to overcome adversity.

Oh St. Agatha, virgin and martyr, mercifully grant that we who venerate your sacrifice,

may receive your intercession. Amen.

I am so thankful for our Catholic Faith and the Communion of Saints! Last week, we spent one day in St. Augustine at the Shrine Bookstore (one of my very favorite places!). There I found this lovely prayer card for St. Agatha. Along with it they had a very simple pink candle. They both were calling my name....so I bought them! Today, as I struggle with all the after effects of the breast cancer, chemo and surgeries, I am comforted and humbled by St. Agatha's story. It's such a blessing to know that there are Saints in heaven interceding for us!

Official Definitions...

Hot Flash (n): a sudden brief flushing of heat caused by dilation of skin capillaries usually associated with menopausal endocrine imbalance----called also hot flush.

Night Sweats (n): profuse sweating during the sleep that is sometimes a symptom of febrile disease.

Short Fuse (n): a tendency to get angry easily; quick temper.

Swell (v): to expand (as in volume, size or numbers) gradually beyond a normal or original limit; to become distended or puffed up; to form a bulge or rounded elevation.

Emotional (adj): markedly aroused or agitated in feeling or sensibilities.

Temperamental (adj): marked by excessive sensitivity and impulsive mood changes; unpredictable in behavior or performance.

Why yes! This does describe me perfectly! Just ask my family....on second thought....don't!!

The Best!!

Can I just say that these are the best crackers I've EVER had! I could literally eat these all day long! I'm trying to decide if I want to crush them up and use them as breading for the chicken breasts I bought for dinner. Any suggestions???

Learning the Rosary

Since we've begun the 40 Day Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary for Families (we're on day 23), the kids have been much more involved in our family prayer time. In the past, when we've said our Rosary, it's either been myself or Dan actually leading the Rosary and it was all we could do to keep the kids quiet while showing respect for Our Lord and the Blessed Mother. By the time we were finished...the kids were either asleep or very, very cranky.
Once we made the commitment to go ahead with the consecration, we made some changes to the way we did things. First of all, we only say one decade. This has made all the difference in the world. At some future time, we can begin to do the entire Rosary again. But for now, this is what is working best for our young ones. Second, we take turns leading the prayers. We go around the room and let each child say the beginning of the prayers. This has worked out great! Nathan and Amelia have known the prayers for awhile now but I think this is because we say them at home and they both say them everyday at school. Olivia is finally at a place where she is feeling confident enough in herself to say the prayers out loud. Up until recently, she was just too shy....even though it was only our family.

Thirdly.....our family friend Kathy was here this week visiting for Easter. She is really into beading and so we took a trip to Hobby Lobby the other day because she wanted to do a project with the kids. She bought all the supplies to make Rosaries. She was so patient with them. Each of them got to make their own Rosary! They actually put most of the beads on all by themselves! This went over REALLY well!

Our family prayer time has been very special since we've implemented these changes. I think it's a great way to help them settle down before bed. Because I'm such a proud mama....I wanted to share this video with you! I know the Blessed Mother must take great delight in little Olivia today!!!

I've finally decided.....

.....to go with this blog background. It took me several hours to come to a conclusion on which one I really wanted. I want to thank Carrie, Aussie Therese and Judy for their suggestion of taking a look at The Cutest Blog on the Block!!! They have some really nice selections and I think I'm happy with what I've chosen for now. I have found that I really like to change colors and styles with the seasons.

Wednesday was my first day back to work since my surgery in February. Except for the hot flashes, I'm really doing well. For the most part, my strength is back and my energy level is getting better. My desk looked like a tornado hit it. Apparently, they were saving things for me and just kept stacking it on my desk. By this morning, I had 9 audits on my desk to handle!

My very good friend Kathy was visiting this week from California! We were blessed to be able to spend time with her for Easter week. I'm sad to say, she left this morning. I will miss her dearly. I thought I would share a picture that we took as we celebrated her birthday while she was here.....the kids love their "Aunt Kathy".

Urrrggghhhhh!

I just can't find the right template/colors for my blog. Usually, I have a certain "mood" that helps me decide. Right now, I want to show that we are in the Spring/Easter season....but at the same time I want something that is easy on the eyes.

Does anyone know if there is a way to use a template that is not part of Blogger but will keep all my settings if I use it? The last time I tried to use an independent template......I lost all of my sidebar stuff and it took me HOURS to put it all back!

I know there are people out there that do blog designs, but, I'm not sure that it a good use of our financial resources at this time!

HELP!!!

What we had for dinner last night!

During my 4 months of chemotherapy, many people from the school and our Church provided meals for us. One of my very good friends brought over something called Poppy Seed Chicken. It was delicious! I had never tasted this before and was really impressed! The kids really liked it too....and it's very rare to get them to eat something the very first time they see it on their plates.

So here's the recipe...it's very easy!

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
16 oz container of sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tsp poppy seeds
1 sleeve of Ritz crackers
1/2 cup melted butter

Boil the chicken breasts until done. Cube (or shred) chicken and place on the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch pan after spraying with non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, soups, lemon juice and poppy seeds until well mixed. Pour evenly over the chicken.
By hand, crush the Ritz crackers (they crumble well!) and mix with the melted butter. You want the crackers and butter to be well mixed. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the chicken.
Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes.

Serve over rice or pasta. We had brown rice, dinner rolls and a salad! You will not be disappointed! It's ok to omit the lemon juice if you're not into the "lemon & poppy seed" flavor.

Here are some photos of the recipe and finished product. Please note: this is NOT from my kitchen...I was just looking on the internet for something to show you....since the real product from last night's dinner was gone in about 20 minutes flat!!!

Seriously, this is an easy recipe that everyone should try!

Enjoy!

Happy Easter Monday....

.....to all of you! We had a very special Holy Week! We were able to watch the movie Jesus of Nazareth. It took us several days to get through (it is very long) but the kids really enjoyed it. It was really nice to be able to watch the events of Holy Week played out in a realistic way...I think it really helped the kids to visualize somewhat the sufferings of Christ. Dan and I watched The Passion of the Christ on Good Friday. Although this movie is very hard to watch, it is a good way to prepare spiritually for understanding how important His sacrifice was (and is) in order for us to be able to spend eternity in heaven. It was very humbling and it was hard to get through.

My very good friend, Kathy, is visiting this week from California! She arrived on Holy Saturday and she will be here until Thursday. I'm so thankful that she has been able to share this Easter with us! Kathy and I have been friends for about 30 years! We have been through a lot together! This is one of those "forever" friendships that you totally don't expect but soon come to realize that....you are a part of each other.

Nathan and Amelia are on Easter vacation this week...but Olivia isn't. This will be an interesting vacation week...especially since I return to work this Wednesday! I really have been able to recover from my last surgery enough where I am mentally ready to go back to work. When I had my mastectomy....I think I went back to work too soon and so I was not physically ready for chemo. Chemo kicks your butt! However, this time, I have had some good rest and I think I am physically and mentally ready.

The stress here over what to do with the kids for next school year is still quite intense. We don't have many options....remain where they are, home school or send them to public school. Any of these choices are dependent upon job situations and medical insurance options. Our hands are somewhat tied but I know in the end....it will work out for the best. I am asking St. Joseph to help us here!!

I look forward to getting back into the swing of blogging. I've missed it but I was grateful for the time to clear my mind and think. Facebook does not quite hold the lure for me that it once did....but I think that is a good thing. Our family is still doing the 40 day preparation for Family Consecration to Jesus, through Mary in union with St. Joseph. I think the kids are enjoying it too. Spiritually, it is something that we needed to do as a family...but like anything else....when you do things to bring yourself closer to Christ...the enemy tries to weigh in. I try to be prepared for this...but sometimes, it takes you off guard. I will not allow my feathers to be ruffled by the distractions that will most surely come our way. I have resolved that when (not if) the distractions begin to come, I will just pray harder and call to mind The One who wins in the end!

He is not here, HE HAS RISEN!!

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kindgom

Out of the mouths of babes!

Overheard at the dinner table tonight......

Amelia: Mrs. Pickett (her teacher) said that there were two angels at the toons when Jesus raised back up from the dead!

Nathan: What are you talking about, Amelia?

Amelia: You know, when the ladies went to the toons to look for Jesus...the angels were there and said "why are you lookin' for Jesus?"

Nathan: Um, that would be tomb not toon!

Amelia: Whatever Nathan! But, I'm telling Mrs. Pickett that you said she was wrong!

I almost spit out my pork chop!

Quick Note

I'm so sorry for the abrupt way my blogging break took form this week. Stress can do strange things to your mood (especially when you no longer produce any estrogen!!!). Anyway, I've received many emails and calls from friends who were very worried. I want to put every body's mind at ease and say that I'm alright! No, the cancer has not returned...at least as far as I know!
I have been sensing a nudge from the Lord about me backing off during this preparation for Easter...but hesitated because my blog brings me so much joy! Recently, the stresses of life, marriage, motherhood and finances have reared their ugly heads and it is VERY necessary that Dan and I take a step back to evaluate what God is asking us to do next. We have some very big decisions to make in the next month and I need my full attention to be on my family.

Thank you again for your love, support, care and concerns. I don't know what I'd do without them!

Have a wonderful, blessed Easter!

Very tense time

We have been experienceing a very weird and stressful time in our house lately. Unfortuately, things are very hard right now. A blogging break is much needed. Will see you after Easter....sorry!