Tuesday! Do you know what that means? It isn't MONDAY anymore!
Did you also know......
....that this is the last day of Blueberries month, Hot Dog month, Read an Almanac month and Recreation and Parks month?
So here's what I think you should do today....Go to a favorite park for a picnic! Bring along some lunch. How about enjoying a nice juicy hot dog and a bag of fresh blueberries that are ice cold! Then, take along an Almanac to browse!
This actually sounds like a pretty good day to me!
And while you're at it, you can wish J.K. Rowling (of Harry Potter fame) a big Happy Birthday!
Enjoy your day!
In the meantime, I'm working on a post regarding a Family Home Management Binder that I'm creating! This binder will have all those things that are currently scattered all over the house in various drawers, book cases and filing cabinets!Apparently, I've got too many irons in the fire...but I'm having fun! Stay tuned!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
~Simple Woman's Daybook~
FOR TODAY
I am thinking…of all the things on my "to do" list. I'm afraid that I may have over extended myself, again. Oh well, such is life!
I am thankful…that I am alive! That I can feel pain, love, happiness and joy. That I can cry and laugh within the same 10 minutes. That my family loves me, and that I love them.
In the kitchen…I'm getting ready to try OAMC (once a month cooking) for the very first time! I've spent all weekend pulling out recipes I'd like to try and planning the menu! Getting excited and anxious!
I am wearing…lavendar pajamas and enjoying quiet time at the computer (thanks to Spongebob)!
I am creating…a business plan for an idea I have had for years! I'm ready to actually create the "proto-type"! I am VERY HAPPY about this!!
I am going… to have our house blessed again soon. We had it done in 2000...time to do it again! I need to put "Call Father" on that to-do list I talked about earlier!
I am wondering…if my children actually hear anything I say. Sometime, I'm sure they are "tuning me out". I guess all I can do is pray that I've done my job as a mom in the best way I can and then I need to trust God for the rest! Parenting is scary stuff sometimes!
I am reading…The Catechesis and Ritual of The Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. I thought I knew what the spiritual meaning of the scapular was...but I'm finding I have a lot to learn!
I am hoping…that some day, we could find the right house at the right price at the right time and we can move. Shhhh! Don't tell anyone that I really, REALLY want to move from here!
I am looking forward to…my visit with a very dear friend in about 2 weeks. He currently lives in Rome and so our visits are few and far between.
I am learning…that worrying accomplishes nothing.
Around the house…clutter, clutter and more clutter! Books, dolls, doll clothes, boxes of honey (don't ask), laundry baskets of clothes ready to fold....and dust bunnies....lots of dust bunnies! Hey, at least I'm honest!
I am pondering…my decision to try this once a month cooking idea! Am I nuts? Cooking for an entire month in one day???? This will be a massive undertaking. I hope I'm up to the task.
A favorite quote for today…“There are two ways to get enough. One is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less.”
― G.K. Chesterton
One of my favorite things…magazines by Phyllis Hoffman.
A few plans for the rest of the week....a massive grocery shopping trip, answering emails, replying to a wedding invitation, getting my dreaded mammogram! In that order!
A peek into my day…
Now, one might think after looking at this picture, that I had purchased this little sewing machine for my girls! Well, one would be wrong! I bought it for me! The reason? OK, you know that business project that I mentioned earlier? Well, the proto-type actually requires some sewing. At this point, I don't know if it's going to be easier to hand sew it or to use a machine. Here's the thing...I don't own a sewing machine and I have NEVER even used one before. I thought I would try out this little one ($24.99 at Joann Fabrics) to check it out. IF (and that's a big "if") it seems to go smoothly, then I MIGHT be interested in purchasing a real machine...for adults! Those cost waaaay more and I didn't want to buy one if it doesn't work. These are very small items I will need to sew and the machine might just make it more complicated than it needs to be. We will see soon enough!
Head on over to Peggy's for more Simple Woman's Daybook posts!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
OAMC
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| Image Credit |
My curiosity got the better of me last week and I went searching the net to find websites/blogs dedicated to OAMC. I found a ton! There are sites out there that give you step by step instructions as well as menus, recipes and shopping lists! These people make it look so easy. I'm still not convinced that spending 1-2 days cooking NON-STOP wouldn't kill me, especially in my teeny-tiny kitchen.
I did learn a couple of things from all my reading that I wanted to share with you in case you have ever thought about giving this a try...
- PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. Never start out this project without a menu plan. It's also good to write everything down, step by step, so you know what you need to do and what you need to buy. I have decided that there is no way you can "wing" this!
- Buy lots of freezer bags! Not just the plastic zip lock bags...but the ones that are specifically made for the FREEZER!
- Label everything with the date and with cooking instructions. That way, in case someone else needs to start dinner, they will know exactly what to do.
- Make space in your freezer! Thankfully, we have a freezer above our fridge but we also have a deep freeze in our garage! I can't make 'not enough space' as an excuse for not trying this.
- Kitchen utensils! I noticed in lots of recipes that they required fine chopping, pouring, measuring, blending, zesting, etc. I think it's helpful to have the kitchen equipment that you'll need out and ready to use.
- Clean as you go along! Since my kitchen is small, I do this anyway. But in this case, it would be extra important so that you have whatever you need ready for the next recipe.
- Clump "like" things together. What I mean is....if you know that you have several recipes that need cooked ground beef....then brown 2-3 lbs at one time and then set it aside for the next recipe. There is no sense in having to do that more than once if you don't have to.
- Although none of the books or websites suggested this.....for me....I need to have an empty house. That means, no littles allowed (unless you will use there help) during the prep time. My kitchen is so small that there really isn't room for anyone else in there. My girls usually fight over who gets to do what and then I end up extremely stressed. I suggest a CD that you like to listen to, and a glass of wine. Other than that....everyone OUT!
I wanted to leave you with some excellent websites/blogs that have great information, in case this is something you're interested in trying.
www.onceamonthmom.com
www.livingwellspendingless.com
www.freezermealsforus.blogspot.com
www.freezerfriendz.blogspot.com
www.thefamilyhomestead.com/freezercooking
www.ringaroundtherosies.net/2012/02/freezer-cooking (great recipes)
www.moneysavingmom.com/2010/02/how-to-plan-bulk-cooking (excellent site)
www.happymoneysaver.com/making-50-freezer-meals-in-one-day (another one with great recipes)
www.frugalmom.net/blog/in-the-kitchen/freezer-cooking-in-the-kitchen
www.morningjoyfarm.blogspot.com/2012/05/once-a-month-cooking
www.aturtleslifeforme.com/2011/06/freezer-meals-on-cheap
www.organizedhome.com/freezer-cooking/guide-once-a-month-cooking
www.dreamingofpoultry.com//content/10-freezer-meals-1-day
Enjoy the rest of your Saturday!!
Friday, July 27, 2012
7 Quick Takes Friday, Vol 6
1. We've been getting ready for school! For us, the first full day of school is August 15th. I've taken care of uniforms, school supplies, backpacks and lunch boxes. The only thing left is socks and shoes. I will wait until the week before school to get those. We are now waiting for notification on which homeroom teachers they'll each have. The excitement is building!
2. I've cleaned off my desk and work space in the corner of my bedroom again. Today, I bought a new cork bulletin board and semi organized my craft supplies. It seems I'm in a decluttering and organizing mood lately. I also took two bags of clothing to Goodwill. Sometimes I can get discouraged because it seems like all the
3. Over the last 22 weeks (or so), I've been eating healthier. I've given up all the bad "white" stuff....bread, potatoes, rice, flour, sugar and pasta. I'm sticking to fruits, vegetables, protein and nuts.
So far, it has done me well. I'm sleeping better...my, ahem, bathroom habits are better....my energy level is better and don't seem as irritable as I used to be. All in all, I've lost 60 lbs! This is all well and good, BUT, I have at least another 50 lbs to go and I seem to have reached a plateau. My sister-in-law loaned us her treadmill and I've been doing my best to get on it everyday! Please pray for me that I won't get discouraged and then give it all up!
4. I have seriously neglected our Little Flowers Girls Club. I feel awful. I think it's been at least 6 or 7 months since we've met. Between school, soccer, basketball, homework and school projects, not to mention all the other household things that I must do, it was getting harder and harder to schedule this in. I've made a commitment to schedule another meeting very soon. I will send out an email to all the little girls and their mothers THIS WEEK! I promise!
5. I've been thinking about virtues lately. Particularly the virtue of Charity. I'm lousy at it. I'm lousy at all of them, but this one is especially difficult. Everyone suffers because of my attitude...mostly my kids. In that famous poem by Dorothy Law Nolte, it says "If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn....If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect. My attitudes toward a certain situation, is really bad. I'm not being a very good example for my kids. I'm finding that I'm really tiring of my family and my house being taken advantage of by people that should know better. In wearing my emotions on my sleeve, my kids are picking up on my unkindness and my lack of charity. This is bad. I need to be showing them that we are to treat others (even others that drive us nuts) how we want to be treated, instead of treating them like they really irritate me...even though they do! Could you spare another prayer for this Quick Take too???
6. My good friend, Msgr. Steven Lopes, is coming for a quick visit to the United States in a couple of weeks. He'll be in Atlanta for a special convocation of seminarians. Dan and I are going to drive up there to spend a day with him when he's finished with his work! What a joy it will be to see him!
7. In honor of St. Anne, Holy Mother of Mary, I thought I would end with this prayer:
Good St. Anne, you were especially favored by God to be the mother of the most
holy Virgin Mary, the Mother of our Savior. By your power with your most pure
daughter and with her divine Son, kindly obtain for us the grace and the favor
we now seek. Please secure for us also forgiveness of our past sins, the
strength to perform faithfully our daily duties and the help we need to
persevere in the love of Jesus and Mary. Amen.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Do you ever get the feeling......(warning: this post will NOT be rated G!)
Do you ever get the feeling that the world is falling apart? I mean, seriously. Do you ever feel as though life as we know it is destined to implode?
I am a news junkie. I hate that about myself. I can't be "unplugged" from some kind of news outlet for very long without feeling withdrawal symptoms. I wish I could just trust God and let it all go. But, alas, I can't. I think some of it comes from my tendency towards anxiety and panic. More than likely, it's a control issue. I feel that I need to know what's going on in order to know what to do. The thing is....knowing what's going on in NO way protects me from it. It doesn't really change anything. God is still God, He is still on His throne and I am essentially powerless to alter the course of most of the issues I'm concerned about.
Have no idea what I'm talking about? Here are a few recent news headlines that have me completely perplexed as to why God allows us to exist anymore:
Hotel in London removes Bibles from all of it's rooms and replaces it with the book "Fifty Shades of Grey". You're kidding me, right? How have we come to this? Hotels already supply pornographic movies and bedbugs (as well as filthy bedspreads), but somehow we now need immoral books?
Al Qaeda forming suicide cells to make jihad in the name of God. I realize that this is nothing new but I would like to thank the New York Times (can you sense my sarcasm?) for reminding me that having Syria actively in the mix has bumped things up another level. This should be fun.
Government is spying on every single American. I highly doubt that the government is interested in anything I do or say, but isn't it nice to know the Imperial Federal Government of the U.S.A. has overstepped it's boundaries of power in order to keep track of your private life. It isn't enough that the U.S. Census invaded our privacy by making us answer questions that have NO bearing on the number of people in the country....it isn't enough that the use of GPS systems in cars and phones can keep track of you NO MATTER where you go....it isn't enough that they can tap your phone, see your bank account and watch you undress by way of satellites! I mean...WHAT is private anymore?
Drought and famine. Where have we heard that before? In those Bibles that the hotel in London is removing...that's where!
State systems for overseas voters vulnerable to hacking. Great. Just great.
Iran to deploy warships in the Atlantic. Best news I've heard all day......NOT!
Gay rights group plans "kiss in" against Chik-Fil-A. Sigh. And in a related story....Rosanne Barr wishes CANCER on Chik-Fil-A customers! Can I ask a question here....Why on earth is Rosanne Barr's opinion making the news?
S.F. Library installs computer privacy screens for more discreet porn watching. And this is supposed to make parents feel better? I don't think so.
Superbug resistance follows seasonal drug use. Lovely. Soon there won't be anything strong enough to fight off this stuff.
11 year old catches plane from Manchester to Rome without ticket or passport. But I have to basically strip down to my skivvies in order to get on a plane...or I can't carry on more than 3 oz of shampoo because they'll think I'm a terrorist. Dare I ask where this kids parents were?
Over 200 human fetuses found in Russian forest. Souls will spend eternity in hell for this!
All of these stories are RECENT...as in the last few days! How have we gotten to this point in history? Our culture is so desensitized to these types of reality that we don't even blink an eye after reading them. We, as a society, move right along in our daily lives as if none of this happening. I honestly don't know what's the right thing to do. Would it be better to not read/watch the news and pretend that it isn't going on? Is it better to bring it into the forefront here in my corner of the internet...in my corner of the world to bring more awareness? I don't know. I really don't.
I have tried so hard over the last several months to be more positive. I've tried not to dwell on all the evil in the world. I try to keep things in perspective and just keep praying. I try to keep my mouth shut unless I am defending my faith (for that, I will NEVER keep my mouth shut!). I try not be judgemental....but when I'm defending my faith...sometimes, it seems that way even when it isn't my intention.
Sometimes, I get the urge to move my family to the middle of nowhere. Grow my own food, live off the grid and hide. I know that's not what God has called me to do...but I still think about it.
I guess I'll just keep doing what I'm doing. I'll keep on defending the Catholic Church, defending unborn babies and the elderly and sick. I'll keep praying for peace, for humility, for more gratitude for all the GOOD things (although they are sometimes hard to find in the news) that I've been given. I will ask for the protection of the Communion of Saints, our Blessed Mother, and St. Michael. I will keep receiving the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession. I will continue to take care of my family, go to work, do the laundry and all the things that my state in life entails. My only choice is to let God take care of the big stuff.
I am a news junkie. I hate that about myself. I can't be "unplugged" from some kind of news outlet for very long without feeling withdrawal symptoms. I wish I could just trust God and let it all go. But, alas, I can't. I think some of it comes from my tendency towards anxiety and panic. More than likely, it's a control issue. I feel that I need to know what's going on in order to know what to do. The thing is....knowing what's going on in NO way protects me from it. It doesn't really change anything. God is still God, He is still on His throne and I am essentially powerless to alter the course of most of the issues I'm concerned about.
Have no idea what I'm talking about? Here are a few recent news headlines that have me completely perplexed as to why God allows us to exist anymore:
Hotel in London removes Bibles from all of it's rooms and replaces it with the book "Fifty Shades of Grey". You're kidding me, right? How have we come to this? Hotels already supply pornographic movies and bedbugs (as well as filthy bedspreads), but somehow we now need immoral books?
Al Qaeda forming suicide cells to make jihad in the name of God. I realize that this is nothing new but I would like to thank the New York Times (can you sense my sarcasm?) for reminding me that having Syria actively in the mix has bumped things up another level. This should be fun.
Government is spying on every single American. I highly doubt that the government is interested in anything I do or say, but isn't it nice to know the Imperial Federal Government of the U.S.A. has overstepped it's boundaries of power in order to keep track of your private life. It isn't enough that the U.S. Census invaded our privacy by making us answer questions that have NO bearing on the number of people in the country....it isn't enough that the use of GPS systems in cars and phones can keep track of you NO MATTER where you go....it isn't enough that they can tap your phone, see your bank account and watch you undress by way of satellites! I mean...WHAT is private anymore?
Drought and famine. Where have we heard that before? In those Bibles that the hotel in London is removing...that's where!
State systems for overseas voters vulnerable to hacking. Great. Just great.
Iran to deploy warships in the Atlantic. Best news I've heard all day......NOT!
Gay rights group plans "kiss in" against Chik-Fil-A. Sigh. And in a related story....Rosanne Barr wishes CANCER on Chik-Fil-A customers! Can I ask a question here....Why on earth is Rosanne Barr's opinion making the news?
S.F. Library installs computer privacy screens for more discreet porn watching. And this is supposed to make parents feel better? I don't think so.
Superbug resistance follows seasonal drug use. Lovely. Soon there won't be anything strong enough to fight off this stuff.
11 year old catches plane from Manchester to Rome without ticket or passport. But I have to basically strip down to my skivvies in order to get on a plane...or I can't carry on more than 3 oz of shampoo because they'll think I'm a terrorist. Dare I ask where this kids parents were?
Over 200 human fetuses found in Russian forest. Souls will spend eternity in hell for this!
All of these stories are RECENT...as in the last few days! How have we gotten to this point in history? Our culture is so desensitized to these types of reality that we don't even blink an eye after reading them. We, as a society, move right along in our daily lives as if none of this happening. I honestly don't know what's the right thing to do. Would it be better to not read/watch the news and pretend that it isn't going on? Is it better to bring it into the forefront here in my corner of the internet...in my corner of the world to bring more awareness? I don't know. I really don't.
I have tried so hard over the last several months to be more positive. I've tried not to dwell on all the evil in the world. I try to keep things in perspective and just keep praying. I try to keep my mouth shut unless I am defending my faith (for that, I will NEVER keep my mouth shut!). I try not be judgemental....but when I'm defending my faith...sometimes, it seems that way even when it isn't my intention.
Sometimes, I get the urge to move my family to the middle of nowhere. Grow my own food, live off the grid and hide. I know that's not what God has called me to do...but I still think about it.
I guess I'll just keep doing what I'm doing. I'll keep on defending the Catholic Church, defending unborn babies and the elderly and sick. I'll keep praying for peace, for humility, for more gratitude for all the GOOD things (although they are sometimes hard to find in the news) that I've been given. I will ask for the protection of the Communion of Saints, our Blessed Mother, and St. Michael. I will keep receiving the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession. I will continue to take care of my family, go to work, do the laundry and all the things that my state in life entails. My only choice is to let God take care of the big stuff.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Catching Up Post
It's been a good 3 weeks since I've posted. I don't really know what has gotten into me lately. I just don't feel very inspired to write. I want to, but on most days, my mind is a total blank. Even now, as I'm typing, I have no idea what will end up in this post.
We have spent the last week trying to get a head start on preparing for school. School uniforms were a big deal this year. Since Nathan is going into middle school, his school clothes changed the most. He now has to wear a button down shirt with a tie! By the end of last school year, none of his pants fit correctly. He kept telling me that he couldn't keep them buttoned. Wonderful...loving...and helpful mom that I am, I told him to hold his breath and lay down on his bed to get them zipped up! I refused to buy him new pants at the end of the year...knowing full well that even those wouldn't fit him by the end of the summer.
The girls didn't really need anything. We have plenty of shirts and skorts for them...but I went ahead and purchased the uniform dress/jumper for the both of them. Olivia really wanted one last year, but I made her wait a little longer. They were new to the options last year and I wanted to make sure they would still be on the list.
All in all, I spent $259 on new uniform items....2 pair of pants, 2 button down shirts, 1 clip on tie, 2 dresses, 1 PE shirt and 1 pair of PE shorts. I'm sure I'll end up buying another pair of pants for Nathan by the end of the year. He's growing so fast.
In addition to all their clothes, we also took care of all the school supplies. I don't know why but the list is even longer than it was last year. It was a total of $154 for the 3 of them. All school supplies were on sale at Walmart. They also needed new backpacks this year. They've used the same backpacks for 4 years! That was another $60.
So now, accept for new shoes and socks....we're set for school. We're totally broke....but it's all done and I'm very thankful for that. It's like a weight is off of my shoulders!
I'm trying my best to find J*O*Y in the little things! I'm so thankful that my kids (if they can't be home with me) are in a good Catholic school and that Dan and I have jobs that allow us to provide for their school needs.
We have spent the last week trying to get a head start on preparing for school. School uniforms were a big deal this year. Since Nathan is going into middle school, his school clothes changed the most. He now has to wear a button down shirt with a tie! By the end of last school year, none of his pants fit correctly. He kept telling me that he couldn't keep them buttoned. Wonderful...loving...and helpful mom that I am, I told him to hold his breath and lay down on his bed to get them zipped up! I refused to buy him new pants at the end of the year...knowing full well that even those wouldn't fit him by the end of the summer.
The girls didn't really need anything. We have plenty of shirts and skorts for them...but I went ahead and purchased the uniform dress/jumper for the both of them. Olivia really wanted one last year, but I made her wait a little longer. They were new to the options last year and I wanted to make sure they would still be on the list.
All in all, I spent $259 on new uniform items....2 pair of pants, 2 button down shirts, 1 clip on tie, 2 dresses, 1 PE shirt and 1 pair of PE shorts. I'm sure I'll end up buying another pair of pants for Nathan by the end of the year. He's growing so fast.
In addition to all their clothes, we also took care of all the school supplies. I don't know why but the list is even longer than it was last year. It was a total of $154 for the 3 of them. All school supplies were on sale at Walmart. They also needed new backpacks this year. They've used the same backpacks for 4 years! That was another $60.
So now, accept for new shoes and socks....we're set for school. We're totally broke....but it's all done and I'm very thankful for that. It's like a weight is off of my shoulders!
I'm trying my best to find J*O*Y in the little things! I'm so thankful that my kids (if they can't be home with me) are in a good Catholic school and that Dan and I have jobs that allow us to provide for their school needs.
Friday, July 6, 2012
EWTN Programming
Unfortunately, we watch way too much television in our house. It's mostly my fault. I've used the TV as company for as long as I can remember. Being alone has always made me uneasy and to hear voices (even if only on the TV screen) made me feel as though I wasn't totally alone....like I had a connection to the outside world. I'm sure this is all some psychological disorder that actually has a name, but at the end of the day, it's just who I am. The bad part is that my children have learned this bad habit from me. Dan and I have tried to be selective about what we let our kids watch. To tell you the truth, the commercials are worse than any show they've seen.
Things have gotten better over the last few years, though. During the school year, the TV is not allowed on until all homework is done! Frankly, I'm proud of this accomplishment. As a matter of fact, during the week, the TV is rarely on anymore. However, since we are in the midst of summer vacation, the rules have been slightly more lax. Still, I'm more selective of the programming that I allow the kids to view. We've taken advantage of the parental controls through our cable provider and this has helped tremendously!
One channel that is ALWAYS allowed is EWTN. This is the "Global Catholic Network"! We love this channel! It is wholesome family programming! You can trust without a doubt that there will be nothing aired on this channel that is contrary to your Catholic faith! I promise you, they will never air commercials that advertise for any bodily function enhancing products!
Just as an example, I thought I would share with you some upcoming programs that will be featured on EWTN....you'll love it!
1. EWTN On Location- Strong Men, Strong Faith: Catholic convert Alex Jones and San Diego Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers talk about men's spirituality, and how it relates to their worlds of family and work. (60 min). Airs August 26, 10PM; August 28 1PM; August 30 5AM.
2. EWTN MASS-The Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary: LIVE from Our Lady of the Angels Chapel, with the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word. (90 min). Airs August 15 8AM.
3. Solemn Mass of the Assumption-BNSIC: Holy Mass of the Assumption. LIVE from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. (2 hours). Airs August 15 12PM and replays on August 16 12AM.
4. Interrupted Lives-Catholic Sisters Under European Communism: Documentary exploring the 40-year plight of the European Eastern and Latin Rite Sisters after World War II, when Communism forced them to practice their vocations underground. (60 min). Airs August 5 2AM; August 10 10PM; August 11 2PM.
5. Paul VI, Part 1: The first of a 2-part series about Paul VI. Part 1 highlights the pope's priesthood, his time as a university professor, and much more (Part 1 of 2), (90 min). Airs August 18 8PM; August 22 1PM. Part 2 airs August 25 8PM.
6. What Every Catholic Needs to Know About Hell: A superb documentary presenting the Church's doctrine on Hell. (60 min). Airs August 26 2AM; August 31 10PM, September 1 2PM.
7. Meeting Josemaria Escriva: These clips from a series of speeches given by Saint Josemaria Escriva around the country of Brazil cover a range of topics including marriage, family life, and attaining sanctity in the world (30 min). Airs August 31 3AM and 6:30 PM.
And this is only some of the wonderful EWTN programming for the coming months. Please visit www.EWTN.com for additional information. This is the type of TV that you can feel good about letting your kids watch.
Things have gotten better over the last few years, though. During the school year, the TV is not allowed on until all homework is done! Frankly, I'm proud of this accomplishment. As a matter of fact, during the week, the TV is rarely on anymore. However, since we are in the midst of summer vacation, the rules have been slightly more lax. Still, I'm more selective of the programming that I allow the kids to view. We've taken advantage of the parental controls through our cable provider and this has helped tremendously!
One channel that is ALWAYS allowed is EWTN. This is the "Global Catholic Network"! We love this channel! It is wholesome family programming! You can trust without a doubt that there will be nothing aired on this channel that is contrary to your Catholic faith! I promise you, they will never air commercials that advertise for any bodily function enhancing products!
Just as an example, I thought I would share with you some upcoming programs that will be featured on EWTN....you'll love it!
1. EWTN On Location- Strong Men, Strong Faith: Catholic convert Alex Jones and San Diego Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers talk about men's spirituality, and how it relates to their worlds of family and work. (60 min). Airs August 26, 10PM; August 28 1PM; August 30 5AM.
2. EWTN MASS-The Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary: LIVE from Our Lady of the Angels Chapel, with the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word. (90 min). Airs August 15 8AM.
3. Solemn Mass of the Assumption-BNSIC: Holy Mass of the Assumption. LIVE from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. (2 hours). Airs August 15 12PM and replays on August 16 12AM.
4. Interrupted Lives-Catholic Sisters Under European Communism: Documentary exploring the 40-year plight of the European Eastern and Latin Rite Sisters after World War II, when Communism forced them to practice their vocations underground. (60 min). Airs August 5 2AM; August 10 10PM; August 11 2PM.
5. Paul VI, Part 1: The first of a 2-part series about Paul VI. Part 1 highlights the pope's priesthood, his time as a university professor, and much more (Part 1 of 2), (90 min). Airs August 18 8PM; August 22 1PM. Part 2 airs August 25 8PM.
6. What Every Catholic Needs to Know About Hell: A superb documentary presenting the Church's doctrine on Hell. (60 min). Airs August 26 2AM; August 31 10PM, September 1 2PM.
7. Meeting Josemaria Escriva: These clips from a series of speeches given by Saint Josemaria Escriva around the country of Brazil cover a range of topics including marriage, family life, and attaining sanctity in the world (30 min). Airs August 31 3AM and 6:30 PM.
And this is only some of the wonderful EWTN programming for the coming months. Please visit www.EWTN.com for additional information. This is the type of TV that you can feel good about letting your kids watch.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Is it wrong......
.....to want these?
I only ask because right now I'm having a conflict within myself. First of all, you need to know that this is NOT because of my Pinterestaddiction facination! Let's just get that clear right off the bat!
The problem here, I think, is my inability to tell the difference between a want and a need. You see, we have everything we need! Truly. Although it's old and falling apart, we have a decent 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home. We have a T.V. with cable, internet and long distance. Dan and I each have a cell phone and we have one extra in case Nathan needs it when he's away from us (incidentally, mine and the extra one are the pay as you go type). We have two vehicles...forget that one has over 305,000 miles on it! We both have jobs that although don't pay a lot, we can manage. I work 2 miles from home. Our kids go to our local Catholic school which is the only school in our entire diocese that has a waiting list and it is also 2 miles (or less) from our home! We have a wonderful parish family, and wonderful neighbors!
We have a refridgerator that is barely a year old. Our other one broke. The one we have now we bought at the Sears outlet store and is a floor model with several scratches but still cost us almost $1,000. It doesn't match the stove but it keeps our food cold and the ice cream frozen. We have an oven and a stove that works. One burner does not get even heat...but I work around it. We don't have an electric dishwasher, but I have two hands that work...a sink and running water, as well as a husband who isn't afraid to get his hand wet.
We have 3 healthy children. They have beds and toys. They a have Wii (that we bought used), bicycles, a computer that they share. We have a DVD player and a VCR. We have a fireplace for cool winter days, and central heat and air for the days when we need it. The kids play outside on a swing set that Dan made as well as a rope swing from one of the big oak trees in our yard. We have 3 cats, 1 dog, a bird and some fish. We feed the pets as well as ourselves. We eat three meals a day plus snacks and have a membership to the zoo.
We have way too many clothes, books, magazines and other things that are technically just "clutter".
We have EVERYTHING we need...and more! So tell me, why is it that I find myself day dreaming about the above 3 products. I fantasize about having them someday....and the kitchen that goes with them! My mouth waters when the Sears/Lowes/Home Depot ads come in the mail. Sometimes, I circle the items I want and then save the ad....as if I'm just putting off this purchase because I'm busy and I'll take the time to buy it later. Yea right.
It is so easy to fall into the "I need" mode of life, when really, it's just simply because "I want it".
After I left work today, I stopped by the big "W" to pick up some things I needed for dinner. I was behind a woman that used food stamps to pay for her food. She didn't have anything extravagant in her cart, nothing earth shattering. She had some oranges, milk, two frozen pizzas and giant box of goldfish. She didn't have long, manicured nails. If she had a cell phone, I didn't see it. She had regular clothes on...like me. For the sake of the conversation, she was just like me. It's only by the Grace of God that wasn't me. She was born (just like me)...was a little girl that probably loved dolls (just like me)...procrastinated about homework (just like me)...had dreams and goals (just like me). Who decided that it would be her on the food stamps instead of me? Who decided that it would be someone else in line at the rescue mission or sleeping in their car? Who decided that we would have full health insurance coverage and could go to the emergency room or the doctor any time we wanted (although, almost $800 is taken out of my pay every month) and only pay our copay? Who decided that my life would be so blessed with the "things" of this world and others are struggling so badly?
Sometimes, it is really hard to get my head around that. Some days I feel so unworthy and the fact that all I can think of are kitchen appliances....well, it sickens me really.
I ask for your prayers as I try to come to grips with the wants versus needs in my life. Please pray that I can learn how to be grateful ALL the time and to learn to have more compassion for those who struggle.Sometimes A lot of the time, my pious attitude can really show it's ugly head.
 |
| Dishwasher |
 |
| Double oven |
 |
| Fridge with freezer on the bottom |
I only ask because right now I'm having a conflict within myself. First of all, you need to know that this is NOT because of my Pinterest
The problem here, I think, is my inability to tell the difference between a want and a need. You see, we have everything we need! Truly. Although it's old and falling apart, we have a decent 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home. We have a T.V. with cable, internet and long distance. Dan and I each have a cell phone and we have one extra in case Nathan needs it when he's away from us (incidentally, mine and the extra one are the pay as you go type). We have two vehicles...forget that one has over 305,000 miles on it! We both have jobs that although don't pay a lot, we can manage. I work 2 miles from home. Our kids go to our local Catholic school which is the only school in our entire diocese that has a waiting list and it is also 2 miles (or less) from our home! We have a wonderful parish family, and wonderful neighbors!
We have a refridgerator that is barely a year old. Our other one broke. The one we have now we bought at the Sears outlet store and is a floor model with several scratches but still cost us almost $1,000. It doesn't match the stove but it keeps our food cold and the ice cream frozen. We have an oven and a stove that works. One burner does not get even heat...but I work around it. We don't have an electric dishwasher, but I have two hands that work...a sink and running water, as well as a husband who isn't afraid to get his hand wet.
We have 3 healthy children. They have beds and toys. They a have Wii (that we bought used), bicycles, a computer that they share. We have a DVD player and a VCR. We have a fireplace for cool winter days, and central heat and air for the days when we need it. The kids play outside on a swing set that Dan made as well as a rope swing from one of the big oak trees in our yard. We have 3 cats, 1 dog, a bird and some fish. We feed the pets as well as ourselves. We eat three meals a day plus snacks and have a membership to the zoo.
We have way too many clothes, books, magazines and other things that are technically just "clutter".
We have EVERYTHING we need...and more! So tell me, why is it that I find myself day dreaming about the above 3 products. I fantasize about having them someday....and the kitchen that goes with them! My mouth waters when the Sears/Lowes/Home Depot ads come in the mail. Sometimes, I circle the items I want and then save the ad....as if I'm just putting off this purchase because I'm busy and I'll take the time to buy it later. Yea right.
It is so easy to fall into the "I need" mode of life, when really, it's just simply because "I want it".
After I left work today, I stopped by the big "W" to pick up some things I needed for dinner. I was behind a woman that used food stamps to pay for her food. She didn't have anything extravagant in her cart, nothing earth shattering. She had some oranges, milk, two frozen pizzas and giant box of goldfish. She didn't have long, manicured nails. If she had a cell phone, I didn't see it. She had regular clothes on...like me. For the sake of the conversation, she was just like me. It's only by the Grace of God that wasn't me. She was born (just like me)...was a little girl that probably loved dolls (just like me)...procrastinated about homework (just like me)...had dreams and goals (just like me). Who decided that it would be her on the food stamps instead of me? Who decided that it would be someone else in line at the rescue mission or sleeping in their car? Who decided that we would have full health insurance coverage and could go to the emergency room or the doctor any time we wanted (although, almost $800 is taken out of my pay every month) and only pay our copay? Who decided that my life would be so blessed with the "things" of this world and others are struggling so badly?
Sometimes, it is really hard to get my head around that. Some days I feel so unworthy and the fact that all I can think of are kitchen appliances....well, it sickens me really.
I ask for your prayers as I try to come to grips with the wants versus needs in my life. Please pray that I can learn how to be grateful ALL the time and to learn to have more compassion for those who struggle.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES COMMON PRAYER
Lord Jesus, open our eyes that we may see you in all our sisters and brothers.
Open our minds that we may understand their hopes and dreams,
their sorrows and pain, their longing for you.
Open our hearts to give generously of ourselves.
Grant us wisdom to respond effectively
to the needs of your people with grace and compassion.
Give us the courage to speak your words of life, peace, love, mercy and human solidarity.
Bless the people whom we serve,
and strengthen the staff and volunteers who reach out to them
every day in your spirit of Charity. Amen.
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