Viva San Giuseppe:: 2013

We double dipped on our celebrations yesterday.
Starting with Mass in the morning we offered our prayers to our new and quickly loved new Papa, Pope Francis.
Then we kicked out the school books and traded them in for a computer monitor and EWTN.
My gosh, how cool was that watching the inaugural Mass of Pope Francis?
And my kids actually got into it!  I mean really, it took me all the way until Pope Benedict's inaugural Mass for me to feel the significance and beauty of the moment. (Oh yes, you are reading from a late bloomer in Catholicism here)

Then at around 1pm, I evolved into an 'Italian Momma'.  Our kitchen was filled with the yummiest of smells.
Garlic, onion saute in rich butter
Anchovies melting in olive oil and garlic
Breads baking in the oven

Oh, it was a good time in the kitchen I tell you.

In honor for the supper Lucy and I were preparing for the familia;

All of this done because it was the

Feast of St. Joseph.

Patron saint of families and fathers

Patron saint of carpenters

Patron saint of 3 of the males in our family.

A few years ago our family began a personal devotion to St. Joseph.  Since that first dinner in 2010 we've had a few variations to the St. Joseph Altars

(like this one and this) and the meals we serve. 
All good of course.
 How can you go wrong with pasta!

I would have loved to have purchased this bottle of wine, but I couldn't justify the cost right now.  So I improvised... using what we had in stock, yes we like our wine here; I just made up a quick new label.

~ Our Menu ~

Prosciutto wrapped cheeses

Antipasta Salad

Minestrone

Meatballs

Pasta Milanese

Assorted breads

(ladders, nails, hammers)

&

dessert!

(St. Joseph's  Sfinge were planned and started;  they became the victims of an overzealous oven.)

Thus, we had ice cream and Key Lime pie

The altar for St. Joseph was kept simpler this year.  It felt right to leave it as it was, we just added a few more pieces of tools and the Italian sodas that was served to the kids.

The star of the night, was the food and the dads we had as guests.

Max went scavenging for tools that resembled most to what St. Joseph may have used.  There isn't a close up but he grabbed these long nails, several hand saws, hammers and mallets.  Scattered throughout the table with the breads and bread crumbs sawdust, the table looked so pretty. 

I also printed out St. Joseph prayers for each of the dads.  They, then read the prayers over dinner.  I could tell that two were kind of shy about it, plus the font I used made the prayer more difficult to read.  Oops.  They read them though and it was a highlight of the night.

Glimpses to the breads made by Max and Cecilia

We couldn't have dinner without a dish in honor of Pope Francis

Argentinian Empanadas

The recipe is courtesy of my very-proud-Argentinian friend.  Who said "all would be well, we have an Argentinian in Rome". 

Silly guy

The history behind the St. Joseph altars is decades long.  Evaan over at the Virtual St. Joseph Altar blog has kept a virtual/online version of the altar up since 1999.  It's a huge dedication and tribute to this chaste and humble saint.

We all would be so much better off in imitating his loyalty to Mary, his courage and humbleness.  I personally look to him for many reasons. Asking his for intercessions often.

Holy St. Joseph, Spouse of Mary,

be mindful of me, pray for me, watch over me.

Guardian of the paradise of the new Adam,

provide for my temporal wants.

Faithful guardian of the most precious of all treasures,

I beseech thee to bring this matter to a happy end,

if it be for the glory of God,

and the good of my soul.

Amen

It's the 4th Annual St. Joseph Altar Blog Fest

Click on over to Evaan's site for the linky to the blog fest.

Have you seen this?

You must!

Absolutely must, check out this post

at Mama Needs Coffee!

Not only does she have one of the coolest blog titles, Jenny may have one of the coolest stories of Pope Benedict XVI last days.

Check it out!

(HERE)

{Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real}



~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, click over at Like Mother, Like Daughter
to see the other moments captured.

{Pretty Beautiful}...

A beautiful morning of quiet devotion

(BIG SIGH)

{Happy}

Each week the kids choose an extra special intention from the family prayer jar. 

This week they chose our godparents (theirs and ours).

This is Rose making a special pop up card for her Ninos.  In this picture Cecilia's card to her Nino can be seen.  I wonder if he already received it?  It's my brother who lives a few hours north of us.  Hmmm, I think I'm going to give him a call soon...

Once they get the cards we hope they bring 'happy' thoughts to them ;-)

(I have NO idea why this picture kept downloading sideways, UGH)

This is the family prayer jar.  All our 'special' prayer intentions go in here; in the beginning of Lent the kids wrote the names of family and friends that they wanted to pray extra for.  Any little sacrifice would go to those in the jar and one paper gets an 'extra' rosary, or something of the sort, prayed for them.  There's a lot of praying going on around here.  LOL

{Funny}

This girl. 

Let me tell you a little about our Cecilia.

Cecilia is small (in size)

Cecilia is dynamic (in personality)

She LOVES all things girl

She is silly beyond what I expect from a 6 year old

Does the quirkiest things,

like stare at herself in the side mirror just to check what kind of nose she has.

{Real}

40 Days of Life Spring campaign has started.

Would you offer a prayer for the babies, their parents, the nurses' and doctors?

Thank you.

Finally Found the Quiet

There is that saying, "The calm before the storm"; there is also the reverse which is the quiet that follows a storm.  We are in a time of quiet.  The seas have settled and our last planned activity is behind us.  A blissful two weeks of non crazy filled days is hours away.  Oh thank you God.  Not just for pushing us into this cozy corner, but for providing the blessings that were shared in the weeks past.

(The rocks of offerings that may have been rough to do, will come full circle on Easter Sunday; replaced by sweet rewards for deeds done with grace and humility)

Most of our time has been spent with family and dear friends.  I've made very little time for blogging; I have run out of juice for this space right now.  It's mostly due to the heavier obligations, one that is new and one that is growing, among my little family. 

(And they mocked Him, dressing him in the colors of a King and a crown of thorns)

I've voiced out some concern over on FB about one area of change, homeschooling has taken a new and challenging leading role.  Max has some learning issues (has since the beginning) that now require a lot of my time teaching one on one.  With home educating more than one child, teaching confirmation to the youth of our parish, still keeping up with house cleaning and the needs of the other family members (plus my own); I've just about pulled my hair out more than once.

Somehow though, it's all falling into place.  There is no room for the sloth in me to show it's side.  It always lurks for a way out though.  Thus, my anxiety on whether I'm using my time wisely or not.

Another place of focus lies with my FIL.  He hasn't had the greatest news in his fight with cancer lately.  It is by the grace of God, truly a miracle and blessing from Him alone that he is still with us.  Two years ago he was given months... stage 4 they said.  Go home and prepare to die was their advice.  It has been a borrowed time with him that has provided the branches so many blossoms have grown from.  This past week perhaps the best of all. 

Since he (my FIL) is a very private man, I've not shared too much; here or anywhere else.  Those that already know and have offered so many prayers... THANK YOU!  He is going strong and with God all things are possible.

(The countdown to Lent takes on a little different look each year, this one was from Lacy @ Catholic Icing.  We placed an area for special prayers and added a pocket for prayer cards on the bulletin too)

Is it no wonder that the feeling of failing something or someone is a constant nagging on my conscience. As if I'm failing this season of Lent, to grow in those virtues of patience, prudence, piety...

Crazy, I know.  I found myself questioning such little things; why didn't I offer my cup of coffee for Lent?  Feeling terrible that we have yet to attend daily Mass.  Asking myself if our rosaries or divine mercy prayers are really enough?

(Each Lenten season we put our prayers in a jar (offering the names of family and friends).  Every Sunday of Lent one child draws a name and that person(s) are prayed for specifically each day of that week.  We are, of course, praying daily for our Pope Benedict XVI!  It's a special time in our Church for sure)

 

Lucy thought, or thinks, her Mama is nuts.  She just about said it too, though not in those exact words.  But, she noticed my anxiety over it.  In her simple and direct way, the willingness to serve is a sacrifice, Mom!  Why are you trippin'?  She really didn't ask why I was trippin'.  Her grammar and English is near perfect, funny girl.  You want to get a reality check, go ask your teenager.  They have all the answers (hahaha).

So, I'm calmer now.  Happy to have the opportunity to refocus my priorities again.  Glad to be in this moment.  Hey, sometimes one needs the pot of life to be stirred up a bit.  My pot was definitely stirred. 

(Rose working on a letter to her Godparents; her special intention this week)

With God's grace, I hope to come out of this season a bit wiser and more grateful than I was before.  That alone makes me smile. 

"How can we complain when He Himself was considered 'as one struck by God and afflicted'."

(Isa. 53:4)

~ St. Therese of Lisieux

(Lent faith folder from Linda's Lapbooks for Catholics. The kids are working on this during Lent.  Except Lucy, who did this years ago when I first purchased it.)

{Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real~ St. Valentine}

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

 

{Pretty}

 

Our mantle decorated for today... one last day of color.

Our velvet, rocks, and crown wait patiently in the dining room to replace the reds with purple.

The banner was one of many I made for a St. Valentine Gala we hosted a few days ago. 

There were lots of fun projectst around the house; which can be seen here

{Happy}

 
 
Happiness is friendship
Good memories
Funny characters
&
lots of sweets pre-Lent style

{Funny}

This is Obi, our white Lab.

He LOVES our family

But, he REALLY loves Lucy. 

She is awesome, as far as Obi is concerned. 

This past weekend, Lucy was away at her confirmation retreat.  We all missed her but, Obi most of all.

He nearly toppled some poor unexpected parents when he saw her get off the bus.

Lucy feels the same way about Obi too.  Hence, the "Oh my Obi boy "shrieks that came out of Lucy's mouth.  He received the first hug and notice; The Lineman and I (plus her siblings) waited for our turn of recognition. LOL 

 

{Real}

Two weeks ago I posted this picture of our last remaining rose under the {pretty} section.

  The single promise of what spring might bring. 

It was lovely. 

It's fragrance strong.

This is the SAME ROSE, my last rose!

Picked by my youngest sweet child, Cecilia.

"Momma, look what I picked just for you", she tells me.  I smiled, while inside I yelled... Oh no, not my rose!  UGH!

Hey, that's what we get with kids around.  Mostly my kids know not to pick flowers unless they have my permission.  This one rose must have been too tempting for her.  She must have thought, obviously felt, that it would make a good gift for her Momma.

She was right!

Check out the other post over at Like Mother, Like Daughter.

The link is above.

A Sweet St. Valentine Gala

Banners, cake, a story and lots of sweet faces!

I'm glad the projects were started early.  One day a cricut machine will 'magically' appear in my house; and make the crafts a whole lot easier.

Our St. Valentine Gala was yesterday.  A few days prior to the actual feast day, but since the 14th landed at the start of Lent, and on a Thursday (crazy days for us); an early celebration was the best idea ever!

I made the banners using each a picture of each child.  Then I wrote a verse from the bible regarding love around the hearts.  All together the banner looked really cute and they were scattered through out the living room and dining room.  A gift for each family to take home and place in their own space.

We had the focus of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary as well as St. Valentine.  Keeping this feast Catholic is always important, especially in these times were in.

When the kids arrived, it was PARTY time!

We first read the real reason for St. Valentines' Day.  As, I'm told by my Lucy (who was celebrating a very grown up Jane Austin Valentine Tea down the street) I get into my 'teaching' modes easily.  Hey, aren't I a home schooler?  So, yes we talked briefly to the kids about true love.

Loving the way God loves.

Love is hard.

Love takes work.

Love should be cared for.

Love should be shared.

Because we have the best example of what love is, and how to love.  We have Jesus on the cross.  We have the knowledge that God so loved us, that he created each of us to love and be loved.  He loved us so much that he was willing to die for us.

Beautiful LOVE!

We promptly went from reading and talking to EATING

and crafting!

Each child planted an ivy around a wire heart.  I had meant to decoupage the images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary.  But, I couldn't find my decoupage stuff.  To bad too because the images were so cool!

But during the planting, I told the kids that like this ivy, if we care for our faith by staying close to the sacraments and Jesus our faith would grow just like the ivy. 

Strong. 

Vibrant.

We just didn't have food and crafts though.  There was a scavenger hunt.  What were they hunting you ask?  Rabbits? Eggs? Dogs?

NO!

They went hunting for HEARTS!

Each heart had a number on it.  Once all the hearts were found they had to line up in according to their numbers.  That was funny!  Who would have thought that finding the #3 and where he should go would be so hard...  Us moms just laughed; they received NO help from us.

The hearts had a verse from

1 Corinthians 13: 1-13

Each child had to read aloud the verse written on their heart. 

This was cool!

Ending our day with the St. Valentine exchange and play-play-play

 

  

 

It was an awesome afternoon among friends!

Dear Saint and glorious martyr,

Teach us to love unselfishly and to find great joy in giving.  Enable all true lovers to bring out the best in God and in each other.  Love.  Love is patient and kind, it doesn't envy or boast and it's never pround.  Love is not rude or selfish.  It doesn't get angry or keep track of wrongs.  Love doesn't delight in bad things, but it rejoices in the truth.  Love always protecdts, trusts, hopes, and preservers.

Love never fails.

St. Valentine, Pray for us!



Charting a new course

I'm walking into Lent with a heavy heart.  Nothing is wrong.  My life is blessed, super blessed.    I have a healthy and wonderful husband.  I have healthy and great kids.  I have a lovely new home.  I have  normal life!

So what the heck is wrong with me?

I feel anxious.
I feel pulled by different and wonderful possibilities.
I feel restless.
I feel sad

The worst part is that I know that I'm totally doing this to myself; which is the most irritating thing about this.  Literally, I want to kick myself for being such a goof.  (sigh)

Big (sigh) now because the root of all these 'emotions' came down on me like a house yesterday.  The resignation of our Papa, Pope Benedict crushed me.  "Please, don't leave us; not now!"  I must have said this several times.  But, isn't that what the apostles must have said to Jesus when he left? 

Why am I so fearful?  Why, is it that I lack in so much trust when I need it the most.  Isn't this the one and only Catholic Church?  The body of Christ, his bride?  Christ, Our Lord, hasn't left us!

Folks, we are still the faithful church militant.  Are we not?

Let us pray for the wonderful Vicar of Christ, that is Pope Benedict XVI.  Let us pray for his successor.  The worries are there, for sure.  I thing this post by, Fr. Allan J. McDonald said it the best. (Click here to read it)

We all were in shock yesterday; that will pass.  But, the root to what is was my glum moods... the attacks of the demon that seeks our souls; plain and simple, he never sleeps!

We must fight this nagging demon.
Prayers, fasting, giving, sacrificing, and staying close to our sacraments.  That's the key.  And isn't this just like the season Lent?  

In, this little pocket that is my family; we are venturing into a new course.  As a part of God's family, the one Holy  and Apostolistic Catholic Church, we shall take up the course with grace and prayer... plus keep our rosaries and veils in hand.  One never knows when they will be called for.

So, take heed everyone.  Remain vigilant and stay close to the sacraments.
God bless you folks!

Envisioning Hearts, Pink, & St. Therese

I'm hosting a St. Valentine Gala soon (like this Monday) and my head has been swimming with ideas.
If you can picture this; it'll be an afternoon of several families between the ages of infancy and 11ish.

The older siblings will be up the road celebrating a Jane Austine Valentine Tea, dressed in Regency sweetness.

Back at this manor, though, we are looking at ideas for our younger group.  Something that focuses more on the love that is God rather than the amounts of sweets in our bags.
(though that is important to a 7 year old for sure ;0).

I've scanned the boards and have one too many ideas lingering in my head.  So, I'm narrowing it down to a manageable few.  I'm thinking along the lines of:

The Sacred Hear to Jesus

 (I mean how perfect is that)

St. Therese's examples of love

(including her quotes everywhere)

That'll be our focus but, I can't put down any other details, as there may be some lurking here; who may spill the beans.

Until then here are some quick pictures of the things/crafts happening around the house...

Lacy @ Catholic Icing shared this free St. Valentine countdown. 

As the kids take down a heart; we read it after morning prayers and then the scripture is placed on the door.  That way we can return to read them throughout the days leading to Lent.

We've already read some beautiful verses!

Rose is sewing these felt heart pockets for her friends.  This was the kind of practice she needed to master her running stitch. 
According to her, she's become an expert!

This is a little peek at my project of the week

Now I'm off.  

I have lots of hearts to cut out and some goodies to bake...

♥ A Very Special Novena ♥ Day 7

(The end of our novena)



St. Gerard, who, like the Savior, loved children so tenderly and by your prayers freed many from disease and even death, listen to us who are pleading for the Contreras Family. We thank God for the great gift of M.E.C and ask God to restore this child to health if such be His holy will. This favor, we beg of you through your love for all children and mothers.

Amen

Day 7

O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Seventh Sorrow, the Burial of thy Jesus, and thine, O St. Joseph, the three days' Loss of the Child Jesus, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore

Taking the little steps towards bringing home M.E.C can be tring, and frustrating; please provide patience for the family today.  We ask for M.E.C's healing to continue.  For the medical team, and their hands, to be blessed as they care for her and other children like her.

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory be...

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we humbly beseech Thee, through thy holy Cross and Passion, through Thy Death and glorious Resurrection to be merciful to us and all poor sinners.

O Jesus, have mercy on us.

Strengthen our faith; increase our hope; make us perfect in the love of God and our neighbor, so that in this life we may serve Thee alone in true justice, praise and extol Thee forever in Heaven

St. Peregrine, Pray for them

St. Gerard, Pray for them

St. Philomena, Pray for them

Mother Mary, Pray for them

Jesus, Hear us!

O Holy Child Jesus, who shed Your blessings on whoever invokes Your name, look kindly on us who kneel humbly before Your holy Image, and hear our prayers. We commend to Your mercy the many poor and needy people who trust in Your Divine Heart. Lay Your all powerful hand upon them and help them in their needs. Lay Your hand upon the sick, to cure them and sanctify their suffering; upon those in distress, to console them; upon sinners, to draw them into the light of your divine grace; upon all those who, stricken with grief and suffering, turn trustingly to You for loving help. Lay Your hand also upon all of us and give us Your blessing. O little King, grant the treasures of Your divine mercy to all the world, and keep us now and always in the grace of Your love!

Amen.

Novena Source

(click here)

♥ A Very Special Novena ♥ Day 6

St. Gerard, who, like the Savior, loved children so tenderly and by your prayers freed many from disease and even death, listen to us who are pleading for the Contreras Family. We thank God for the great gift of M.E.C and ask God to restore this child to health if such be His holy will. This favor, we beg of you through your love for all children and mothers.

Amen

Day 6

O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Sixth Sorrow, thy Jesus is laid in thy Arms, and thine, O St. Joseph, the fear that the Tyrant still reigned in Judea,  intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore

Continued healing and health for M.E.C.  In these times Lord we overlook the siblings and the effects an ill sister can have on them.  Take care of their innocent hearts and comfort their fears, Lord.

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory be...

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we humbly beseech Thee, through thy holy Cross and Passion, through Thy Death and glorious Resurrection to be merciful to us and all poor sinners.

O Jesus, have mercy on us.

Strengthen our faith; increase our hope; make us perfect in the love of God and our neighbor, so that in this life we may serve Thee alone in true justice, praise and extol Thee forever in Heaven

St. Peregrine, Pray for them

St. Gerard, Pray for them

St. Philomena, Pray for them

Mother Mary, Pray for them

Jesus, Hear us!

O Holy Child Jesus, who shed Your blessings on whoever invokes Your name, look kindly on us who kneel humbly before Your holy Image, and hear our prayers. We commend to Your mercy the many poor and needy people who trust in Your Divine Heart. Lay Your all powerful hand upon them and help them in their needs. Lay Your hand upon the sick, to cure them and sanctify their suffering; upon those in distress, to console them; upon sinners, to draw them into the light of your divine grace; upon all those who, stricken with grief and suffering, turn trustingly to You for loving help. Lay Your hand also upon all of us and give us Your blessing. O little King, grant the treasures of Your divine mercy to all the world, and keep us now and always in the grace of Your love!

Amen.

Novena Source

(click here)

♥ A Very Special Novena ♥ Day 5

St. Gerard, who, like the Savior, loved children so tenderly and by your prayers freed many from disease and even death, listen to us who are pleading for the Contreras Family. We thank God for the great gift of M.E.C and ask God to restore this child to health if such be His holy will. This favor, we beg of you through your love for all children and mothers.

Amen

Day 5

O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Fifth Sorrow, standing beneath thy dying Son on Mt. Calvary, and thine, O St. Joseph, the Flight into Egypt, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore:

Provide comfort and healing for M.E.C.  May she not experience the discomfort that follows this form of surgery.  Please help both parents, and siblings, feel at peace in these days.  May it be Thy will to have M.E.C home, with her family quickly.

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory be...

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we humbly beseech Thee, through thy holy Cross and Passion, through Thy Death and glorious Resurrection to be merciful to us and all poor sinners.

O Jesus, have mercy on us.

Strengthen our faith; increase our hope; make us perfect in the love of God and our neighbor, so that in this life we may serve Thee alone in true justice, praise and extol Thee forever in Heaven

St. Peregrine, Pray for them

St. Gerard, Pray for them

St. Philomena, Pray for them

Mother Mary, Pray for them

Jesus, Hear us!

O Holy Child Jesus, who shed Your blessings on whoever invokes Your name, look kindly on us who kneel humbly before Your holy Image, and hear our prayers. We commend to Your mercy the many poor and needy people who trust in Your Divine Heart. Lay Your all powerful hand upon them and help them in their needs. Lay Your hand upon the sick, to cure them and sanctify their suffering; upon those in distress, to console them; upon sinners, to draw them into the light of your divine grace; upon all those who, stricken with grief and suffering, turn trustingly to You for loving help. Lay Your hand also upon all of us and give us Your blessing. O little King, grant the treasures of Your divine mercy to all the world, and keep us now and always in the grace of Your love!

Amen.

Novena Source
(click here)