~~~~The Simple Woman's Daybook~~~~

For Today:  Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am hearing.....

the heat kicking on.  I am not a fan of putting the heat on too early in the Fall as it seems to lead to dry skin, static everywhere, chapped lips, etc., but it was feeling really cold in this house last night.  My numb feet could attest to this.

I am wearing......

light blue long sleeved jammie tee, and light blue striped jammie pants.  I also have my sage green throw over my shoulders.  With the heat on, I am still chilly. I would love to move to Florida....if my entire family would come with us.  Guess I better adapt to the cold.

Outside my window......

seems cloudy so far.  And it's only about 46 degrees.....brrrrrr.

(I miss summer!)

I am thinking.......

I miss summer!....and I hope we can get through these cold viruses soon, so we can start enjoying some of the fun outdoor events of Fall.

Thankful for..............

a positive attitude yesterday.  Even though we couldn't make it to the Fall Festival like we usually do (because of Evan and I being sick), Alexa came up with the idea of decorating for Halloween.  And so that, along with watching some fun Halloween movies, eating popcorn, ordering pizza, putting on a Halloween CD and jamming with Glow Sticks to Monster Mash and other "Scary" tunes, saved the day from being a total bummer.  My kids were rockin' out in the dark with glowing rings all over their bodies.  They used the glow sticks as drum sticks, and had a blast.

I am reading...........

Caddie Woodlawn.  I am working my way through all the books on our shelves.  I need to get some grown up reads, I really do, but in the meantime, I read what's available.  I am really enjoying books....more than I have in years!

In my prayers...........

my mom and aunt who are on retreat.....for their safe return home.  For my dad, whose health always concerns me.  I'm so glad I got to talk to him last night.  It was a short conversation because I have laryngitis, but at least he knows I was thinking of him, as always.  For all unborn babies everywhere.  That they will be welcomed into the world by their loving mothers and fathers and seen as the true gift they are.

I was hoping.....

to participate in the prolife chain that reaches across our town today.  We always try to participate in the prayer chain, showing our support for an end to the tragedy of abortion.  But being sick this year means we'll have to miss. 

I am hoping......

The 40 Days for Life recently began, so I hope to be a physical part of that sometime over the next few weeks.  The innocent victims of abortion are always in our prayers, but I would like to more fully participate, once we are well, by praying outside the local abortion clinic.

From the kitchen..........

bbq chicken pizza, pulled bbq chicken sandwiches, salsa chicken, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, green pepper casserole etc.  Back to the warm-your-house-and-tummy recipes of the cold weather months.

As for education.......

(prepare yourself for some bragging)  my oldest attends public high school.  She did so well last school year that her GPA earned her an award at her school.  There were only 60 in the school of 2000!  We are proud of her hard work and dedication. 

Skylar is taking classes at a nearby church and she is enjoying herself (and learning) a lot.  The classroom environment is fairly new to her (other than CCD and VBS) and she's handling it well.  She's made a few friends, too. 

And Alexa is working hard on her schoolwork.  She's a bright girl and works well independantly, for the many of her subjects.

  Evan hasn't had "school" for the past week due to illness.  Colds...go away!  Right now!

please?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The liturgical year.....

Feast of The Guardian Angels:

Angel of God, My Guardian Dear,

To whom God's love commits me here,

Ever this day, be at my side,

To light and guard

To rule and guide

Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For more Daybook Entries, stop by Peggy's. :)

I hope your weekend is/was cozy and enjoyable!  Make every day count!

TTFN

~Tina

Another Spring Daybook

For today: May 23rd, 2011

~~~~~~

I am wearing: soft stretchy yoga-type pants in navy blue and an orange T. Not that I worked out our anything, don't be silly. That stretchy, soft material is super-comfy for sleeping in, too, and I just haven't gotten dressed yet.

Outside my window: sunny and warm at the moment. Going to be in the 80s all week, but every day brings the chance of a thunderstorm. I'm ok with that. It's still beautiful most of the day.

Our front yard looks great! This past weekend, John mowed, Sky and Evan pulled weeds with me, and Evan and I freshened up the landscaping. We trimmed bushes, picked up sticks that fell during the winter and layed mulch.

It looks like somebody actually lives here now. :)

I am hearing: WowWow Wubbzy on the TV in the other room. And some chatter of young girls upstairs. I think they are trying to avoid the inevitable start to their school day. But they'll get hungry and have to come down at some point.

I am thinking: about upcoming birthdays, planting our container vegetable gardens, CVBS at our church, making a trip to my dad's at some point, testing for the girls, curriculum choices for next school year, trip to PA this summer to do loads of fun stuff with family and possibly see a friend or two, John at his new job, and Taylor not feeling so great last night. Lots on my mind...

From the kitchen: I need to get to the store. But this week I plan on making BBQ chicken pizzas, grilled chicken salads, tilapia/rice. I look forward to getting my grill up and running again, too. This weekend we'll probably have burgers and turkey dogs, a veggie tray, s'mores and hopefully loads of fruit from the farmer's market.

I am praying for: the health of my parents, John's sister, my sister-in-laws mom in FL, people all over the world and in this country suffering from natural disasters....and many other things.

Our Memorial Day plans: We had plans for Sunday to meet up with my siblings at my dad's. We were really looking forward to it, but that got messed up and it's very disappointing. We'll make the best of it and have the whole weekend here.

I plan on grilling burgers and turkey dogs and making up a fruit tray and possibly veggies, too. We are trying to eat much healthier lately, (especially minimizing sugar and fat intake). We might go to a pool or have some sort of water battle in the yard with squirt guns and water balloons. We'll see.

I am hoping: to get all of the girls' testing done this week so we can get on with SUMMER!

Plans for the week: finish testing girls, get our container gardens started, grocery shopping, cleaning the grill and cleaning off the deck in preparation for this weekend, bathing suit shopping for girls?, and work on Father's Day gifts. Oh and I need a haircut and the van needs an oil change. Evan has his final preK group meeting Thursday morning. It will be an end of year party! Sky has karate, too.

From the schoolroom: testing! and wrapping things up for this school year. We might do math every other week this summer, but somehow, the kids aren't too fond of that plan. Go figure...

Planning our summer: CVBS, Alexa and Evan's birthday parties, dance camp for Alexa (maybe), trip to my dad's and to the lake near his house, trip to PA (Kennywood, nephew BD party and U2 concert with my sister!~ oh yeah!), organizing school room, planning and ordering curriculum, trips into DC on VRE, etc....

I am reading: some books I purchased from the festival at our church. The one I'm reading now is a biography about Blessed Pope John Paul II, but I can't remember what it's called at the moment.

Some recent happenings: Evan's preschool group had an exciting visit from the fire dept. last week. The 4 firefighters were very good with the kids taught them about fire safety. They also took them outside to see their fire truck. so fun!

Taylor teched for a play at her school last week, which means she was extremely busy, tired and having fun with her friends.

I celebrated my birthday last week (same day as Bl. Pope JP II~he was born exactly 50 years before me!) at Red Robin with John and the kids. It was a blast!

John started his new job. He's taking the train and metro to get there, which is much less stressful than driving around here. He likes it so far!

Pictures to share:

(the kids and I at Red Robin for my little birthday dinner last week~John took the photo)

(Evan lovin' Taylor's new gorilla friend)

Enjoy your week! Make it special!

For more Daybook Entries, go to:

Peggy's!

TTFN

~Tina

A (somewhat grumpy) Daybook

For Today (or tonight): March 28, 2011

Outside my window: dark and cold. It's Spring but really feels like winter. It's annoying.

I am wearing: big, baggy, comfy flannel PJs. "Why would I wear flannel in Spring", you ask? See above.....and it's still annoying.

I am feeling: that's easy....annoyed....... with the weather. And tired, and concerned for my sick children and frustrated with not being able to get up to my dad's house like we planned 2 months ago. So as to not make this the most depressing Daybook ever, I should also state that I'm feeling blessed in many ways too. (maybe this wasn't the best time to do a Daybook)

From the kitchen: Nothing special because I can't get to the store at the moment. ummmm.....let's see..... Tonight we all had Lean Cuisine that John picked up at Costco yesterday. I am blessed that he went there and that he purchased those frozen dinners. They were a lifesaver tonight. The rest of the week's dinners are "your guess is as good as mine". There's stuff in there, so don't fret for my children. I just don't have a "plan".

From the schoolroom: The basics are still coming along nicely, but Sky didn't do school today, because of her throat. I still think we'll be done by Memorial Day. YES!

Liturgical year plans and celebrations: We've been going to Stations of the Cross every Friday so far. That helps me keep on track with my focus this lent. The girls have some Lent retreats coming up, if they are well enough to go. No teatimes lately.

From the yard: Spring "looks" like it's begun, but doesn't feel like it. It's beautiful....the blooms, the buds, the birds and small animals all around the yard. Can't wait to start our container gardens and flower boxes!

I am thinking: I need to go to bed. No deep thoughts flowing tonight.

I am hearing: The sound machine, the heater, Evan breathing heavily.....and my conscience telling me to go to bed.

I am planning: .....you guessed it....on going to bed. Beyond that we have doctor appt. tomorrow and I've started looking into some summer fun activities. Summer makes me smile.....a really big smile.

I am reading: a Lent devotional. Can't remember the name of it. It's small and purple. That's all I remember. Oh....I think it's in the Amazon spinny wheel thing in my sidebar. Check there if you're interested. It's a good little book.

Praying for: my children to get well, a trip to my dad's to finally pan out, and Spring to come once and for all. Many more intentions, of course.

A picture thought I am sharing:......not this time....too tired.

Good night.

And for more Daybook entries, stop by Peggy's. :)

Have a great week!

Daybook at Night

For Today: February 21, 2011

I am thinking: about the weather and wondering what we will find when we wake up in the morning. They are calling for two or three inches of snow, but we'll just have to wait and see what we actually get right here.

Outside my window: very cold and very dark. Snow is falling as this February night reminds us it is still Winter.

I am wearing: cornflower blue flannel PJs with an offwhite floral print. I'm also wearing a brown long sleeved T and high black socks. No matchy matchy at the moment....it's all about comfort tonight.

I am hearing: the sound of Evan breathing, then steady hum of the sound machine and my own clicky clack typing on this keyboard. I was hearing some nasty frozen something or other falling from the sky, but I think it has turned to a silent snowfall now.

I am praying for: my oldest daughter, still suffering from a virus that is causing terrible pain in her throat along with congestion and it's majorly wiping her out. I'm beginning to see a doctor visit in the not-so-distant future.....like tomorrow, if the weather cooperates. Also for my sister-in-law who was in a car accident, but thankfully she's okay. And John's sister who is so strong, but battling so much on a daily basis. And for my dad, of course, whose health always concerns me. There are others, too, in need of prayers, like my sister-in-law in FL whose mom has Alzheimers....... such a horrible disease.

I am remembering: Having some fun with the kids at the Cabaret this weekend. It was put on by our church and Taylor worked "behind the scenes" as an assistant stage manager. So the other three kids and I enjoyed popcorn and candy as we saw musical numbers, skits and the very funny improv group. We were surprised to see Skylar's best friend's dad was one of the improv comedians! We talked to him before and after the show. We also ran into other friends there. It was a really nice time. We would have loved for John to join us, but he had lots of studying to do and with us all out, he was left with a quiet house and a great environment for focus and concentration. :)

I am planning: some Lent activities, lessons, stories, teatimes, meals etc.

I want to remember: John making the effort to come to Mass this weekend....and the wonderfully kind thing he did while we were there. Unfortunately we were there without Taylor. :( We prayed for her during Mass, of course.

Looking forward to: seeing my dad and his wife AND my grandma soon.....road trip!

So thankful for: my dad's health. We had a bit of a scare recently. Immensely thankful that he is okay. Thankful for good health for all my family....and hoping Taylor is well soon.

From the kitchen: Went to SuperTarget today AND John went to Costco......rarely does that happen on the same day. So we are fully stocked for food (and meds). This week we'll have.....homemade pizzas, pulled bbq chicken in the crock pot, soup, chicken tenders and fries, pasta and sauce, stuffed pepper casserole. all yummy stuff

I am hoping: Taylor gets well soon and that they cancel her school for tomorrow so she doesn't have to officially miss another day. Missing school bothers her a lot as she doesn't want to get too far behind in her work. But she's smart and consciencious so I think she just needs to focus on getting better.
A picture thought I am sharing.......

My sweet, sweet little boy

For more daybook entries, stop by Peggy's.

TTFN

~Tina

This n That

I haven't been on here for almost a week. I've just been either busy, or preoccupied. Just thought I'd give you some idea of what's happening in our little world right now.

• The kids have been sick. Really, at least one child has been sick since we got back from our Christmas vacation. They've had a variety among them...sore throat, fever, body aches, upset stomach, headache, and a cough that just won't quit. And now my little man is dealing with a stomach bug (yucky~poor guy) and is finally able to keep food down. BUT, this led to a bad cough and runny nose. I'm thinking ALL of January will be our illness month. At least we don't have any place major we HAVE to be. This too shall pass.
• It was about 14 degrees here this morning. I don't care to go out in that at all.
• A man that went to high school with my older brother was killed last weekend. He was only in his 40s. Although police aren't saying yet, most people get the feeling he was murdered. He leaves behind two children. Such a tragic situation. Been sending up a lot of prayers this week in regards to everyone mourning that loss.
• On a much better note, the Steelers are in the AFC Championship game this weekend! We are hoping they'll be headed to the Superbowl, yet again. Lucky Number 7! Looking forward to watching that game tomorrow.
• Taylor has midterms coming up this week. She's a bright girl....I'm not worried. Despite her January illness, she didn't miss any school. She just got some extra rest at home and kept on keepin' on.
• Sky and Lexa have been just been doing the basics, when they've felt up to doing anything at all. Evan's had to miss preK group the last 3 times!
• Sky is definitely missing karate. I'm hoping and praying she doesn't have pneumonia again. Could you spare a prayer for her? And not to be greedy, but a prayer for all my "little sickies" would be much appreciated. :)
• This house needs cleaned. But a good cleaning will have to wait until the sicknesses pass...maybe a few more days at least. Can't wait until spring to air this place out!
• I love texting. So very thankful for that advancement in techology. I know it's been around for a while, but it's fairly new to this family.
• Had some time to talk and watch a little TV with my hubby last night. I enjoyed it very much. He's been really busy with his new job, so times like these aren't as common as they used to be.
• I am soooo glad I made a big grocery store run the night before Evan got the "stomach thing". So, so glad.

Well, the kiddles need me, so gotta run. Have a wonderful weekend. Hope you and yours are keeping warm and staying healthy!

Go STEELERS!

TTFN

~Tina

An Important Vote

A couple set up a blog that allows anyone to stop by and weigh in on whether or not they should abort their baby. They even have ultrasound pics up on the page of their precious little child. And right now, the polls are open and sadly, the "have an abortion" side is winning. Please take a moment to vote to try to save this tiny little life. I don't know the details or validity of the site, the parents or the situations, but the whole thing is terribly sad and upsetting. In case this is for real, please take a moment and stop by the Birth or Not Blog and vote for this little life to be spared. And perhaps say a prayer or two while you are at it. Thank you.

For Pope Benedict XVI

The Knights of Columbus have issued this novena prayer card, that you can print out, to participate in this novena for the Pope. It begins today, Divine Mercy Sunday. Pope Benedict is coming under so many attacks lately and this is one way we can support him. The background for the novena is explained here.

Say a Prayer, Please?

We have been blessed with a new, young priest who has been with us since last summer. We were his first parish assignment. He is an incredibly talented speaker, who gives amazing homilies. He comes across as "real" and makes things very easy to understand. Taylor likes him so much, she nicknamed him "Father Amazing" (although he doesn't know that). We always look forward to seeing him at Mass and hearing his homilies. He brought some life back to our parish with his fresh way of presenting the Word of God. Father Amazing played Saint Nicholas at a local Advent party for kids back in December and he was so good with the children.

Recently we were informed that he took a leave of absence to try to discern his vocation. It's hard to believe. We are all so shocked. I really feel bad for him in this struggle. Please keep him in your prayers. I imagine this took a great deal of courage for him to take this "step back" to try to clearly see God's Will for his life.

We sure miss him.
TTFN
~Tina

If You Can't Make it to the March For Life....

I would love to attend the March for Life, but I won't be able to again this year. If you can't attend either, there are still things you can do to show your support for the most innocent of our society.

First of all, you can register for the Virtual March for Life here. When I signed up for it, I was number 89. The numbers are now close to 60,000! That is so encouraging!

If you have a Facebook, you can follow this link. Put yourself down as "attending" Facebook Status 4 Life. Invite friends to do the same. Just post your status as "Status 4 Life" and you can change your profile pic to a prolife image or image of a child.

There are many things you can do at home with your children. Stop by The Catholic Icing Blog for some meaningful crafts and activities. Or, turn on your TV to EWTN for coverage of March for Life events.

And, as always, one of the most important things you can do on this, the 37th annual March for Life, is unite yourself in prayer with those marching in Washington.

***The Simple Womans Daybook***

For Today: January 18, 2010

Outside my window......it is dark and cold. Today it was almost 60 degrees and sunny! It was a rather beautiful Monday....especially for January.

I am wearing......some warm and pretty light blue flannel PJs, dark socks and of course my favorite white robe. I also have my hair down with a hairscrunchy around my wrist, just in case.

I am thinking......about my teen, and remembering what it was like to be a teenager myself. It was not an easy road for me, and I've always hoped the teen years would be a bit easier on my girls. But with the way the world is today, I think it might be harder.

I am hoping.......that their Catholic faith and a loving and supportive family will be enough to get my kids through the tough times of growing up.

I am going.....to try to start writing things down more. So many important things are floating in my head....things I need to do, people I need to call or email, forms I need to fill out, appts I need to make, etc. It goes on and on. I think I need to carry a little recorder around with me so I can just talk into it every time I remember something important. Eh, maybe not....I'd probably just misplace it. ugh

I am currently reading.....*sighs*

I am thankful for......some small changes I am seeing in my very stubborn, very active and somewhat aggressive 3 yr. old son. He is starting to think before he acts when he's angry. I am also thankful for Taylor for teaching him to say "silly" instead of "stupid" when he's upset at someone or something. I was just telling him not to say "stupid", instead of giving him a replacement word. Big sister's rock, especially when mommy is beyond frustrated. And by the way, he picked up "stupid" (which he pairs nicely with "punk") from a cartoon superhero show. It seemed innocent enough at first. Yeah, he doesn't watch that anymore.

This week.....is busy as usual....karate (3 times), dance, dentist appts and at least a couple of playdates. I almost wish for another snowstorm, so we would have an excuse to stay home and focus more time on school. But notice I said "almost".

Living the liturgical year.....I was hoping to start our teatimes back up. I might do that this week with the feast of Our Lady of Altagracia on Thursday. If I do, I'll do a post about it. :) The kids would be thrilled if I surprised them with that!

I am praying for.....so many people, but especially all those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Such a devastating blow to an already impoverished country. Also thinking about and praying for an end to abortion. If I'm not mistaken, Friday with be the 37th annual March for Life and although we won't be able to attend, I'm hoping to watch some of it with my children on EWTN.

One of my favorite things......decaf coffee with Coffeemate French Vanilla Creamer in the evenings after dinner. I sip it all evening long and it helps me get through the winter months with a smile on my face. Okay, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration.

From the kitchen...the pantry and fridge are full thanks to a Costco run made by my dear hubby and my trip to Supertarget. Yep, we are all set for meals for the week, such as......Stuffed Pepper Casserole, Tacos, Pasta with Meatballs, Chicken Tortilla Soup, etc.

Around the house......I need to vaccuum and do some laundry. And I need to "red up" downstairs. (that's Pittsburgh talk for straightening up) ;)

Makes me smile.....the look on Taylor's face as we shopped for a dress and shoes for her first semi-formal dance. She looked beautiful and had a wonderful time.

Well, I'd share a picture thought, but it's late. Maybe I'll add it later.

TTFN

~Tina

Stop by Peggy's to see more daybook entries. :)

Thank You!

My father is out of the hospital and happy to be recovering at home. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers.

Please Say a Prayer

For my dad who is in the Critical Care Unit of the hospital for brain swelling. They do not know what is causing it. No matter how old I get, he will always be my dad and I will always be his little girl. Thank you!

Above is a picture from our trip up to see my dad and his wife a couple of weeks ago. It is my dad with my children.

Love you, DAD!

Speak Up for the Unborn

The following letter came in my email from AUL...

Dear Friend,
On Wednesday, the Senate Finance Committee’s vote of 10-13 to defeat the Hatch Amendment proved the pro-life community correct: The talk from the White House and the Congressional leadership of avoiding funding of abortions in health care is just that -- talk.
The amendment sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) would have explicitly prohibited federal funding and coverage of abortions. Also defeated by the committee was another amendment by Sen. Hatch that would have prevented discrimination against any individual or organization who refused to provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. So what does this mean? Since the start of the health care debate, including at our White House meeting last month, Americans United for Life Action has argued consistently that rhetorical assurances that abortion funding will not be included in health care reform are not enough. Rhetoric must be matched with action, with the addition in the bills of specific language prohibiting abortion. Since all five committees have rejected pro-life amendments which would ban abortion funding and coverage in health care, it is clear that we MUST keep questioning the gap between reality and the rhetorical assurances we are hearing from President Obama, Majority Leader Reid and Speaker Pelosi. The AUL legal team has documented for you the facts behind their myth that the Hyde Amendment would adequately prevent federal funding and coverage of abortion in health care reform. We want you to have the facts to make it easy to speak up. Now that committee consideration of health care reform is over, the “behind the scenes” negotiations begin. At this crucial stage, the Congressional leadership is going to be negotiating backroom deals with your legislators. Be aware that the next page in the pro-abortion playbook will be that Pelosi and Reid are going to try to make a deal like the anti-life Capps Amendment approach, which we oppose. The anti-life Capps Amendment approach is not acceptable because for the first time in history, the federal government will require that there be a health insurance plan that covers abortion in every area. Furthermore, the anti-life Capps Amendment permits federal money to go to insurance plans that cover abortion. I assure you, we are hearing that the “deals” being discussed by Congressional Leadership on Capitol Hill are merely anti-life initiatives in the guise of ‘compromise,’ such as the Capps Amendment approach, and this will NOT protect pro-lifers from subsidizing abortion in health care reform.
This is where you come in.
YOU need to tell your congressman and senator that you will ONLY accept health care reform that includes an explicit prohibition on federal funding and coverage of abortion, much like the pro-life Stupak-Pitts and Hatch amendments that were defeated in Committees.
Thank you for all your support during this extremely busy time as we work to show Congress and all Americans that “Real Health Care Respects Life”!

For Life,
Charmaine Yoest, Ph.D.President & CEO

P.S. Please help us continue fighting through supporting our efforts to protect and defend life by following this link to a secure donation page.
P.S.S. Let me know what you think! You can follow me on Twitter and Facebook, and follow AUL on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. We're also reachable by e-mail at info@aul.org.

I ask that you follow the link to notify your senators and representatives that you will not stand for health care reform that uses taxpayer money to fund abortions. And please, keep praying.

TTFN
~Tina

Please Pray

A friend and fellow homeschooling mom had to have an emergency c-section today at 36 weeks. Her little baby Helen weighs only 4 lbs and had to be sent to another hospital where she had to have surgery on her tiny body. Her mom is now at that hospital with her. Things are very uncertain right now as the doctors fight to save little Helen. Please pray for baby Helen, her mom Elizabeth and the whole family.

~Tina

ETA: Dear baby Helen passed away on the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Please pray for her family during this very difficult time.

So Very Sad

I don't know the Barrett family personally, but have read Mary Ellen's blog for a couple of years, now. They are suffering a tragic loss right now, and really need our prayers. So very sad, and if you have children, you can begin to imagine what the family is going through. Our hearts go out to Mary Ellen and her family.

~Tina

Memorial Day

Let's remember what this holiday is really about. We all need to take a moment, as we fire up our grills or head to the beach, to just pause, and think and say a little prayer for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

Some moving pictures can be found here.

TTFN
~Tina

Help......please?

First of all, a poll......whoever isn't very busy right now, raise your hand. Go ahead, I'll wait..........

Hmmmm.... I don't see any hands.

It is just a crazy busy time of year. I wish we could just stay in, most of this month and craft and create gifts and celebrate all the feast days in Advent with Teatimes and crafts and stories. Sounds so cozy........wait a second, I'm enjoying this daydream.......

Anyway, back to reality. I'm trying really hard to keep life simple right now. But it does get overwhelming. I have a confession to make. I don't have my Advent wreath out yet. Or our Advent calendar, or the many beautiful books that we enjoy reading this time of year. Our Jesse Tree and all the ornaments? Yep, still in the garage. Our nativity?.....in the garage. And Sky has been asking me to get out the Playmobil Nativity set. Have I done it yet? Nope. I just can't seem to find the time. I will though. I'm determined. But I can't do it alone.

So could you please say a little prayer for me? I really feel like I'm cheating my children out of enjoying this Advent season to the fullest. So please, just a quick prayer? Thanks.

BTW, guess where my Thanksgiving Decor is? All through the house, waiting to be put in the garage. Zoinks. So, about that prayer......please?

TTFN
~Tina

In Loving Memory

Mr. Anthony Pagano passed away this afternoon.  I'm sure his family and close friends could tell you many stories of just how wonderful he was.  I'm sure they could give you many examples as to the kind of person he was.  I didn't know him well, but I have known him for a long time, since I was a teenager.   So I can tell you at least a few things that I knew about him.  

Mr. Pagano was kind and sweet and gentle.  He always had a smile on his face. Anytime I saw him, he was welcoming and made me feel right at home.  He was so pleasant to be around and was sincere in asking how I was doing.  He was kind to my children, and I know he adored his own grandchildren. 

His presence will be missed by many.

And right now his family could really use your prayers.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.

And may your perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.

Amen. 

Change of Plans

Well, it looks like we won't be making it to my niece's birthday party afterall. Alexa woke this morning with a fever and a stomach ache. I guess it just wasn't meant to be. She slept off and on all day, and rested. She got a headache at one point, that lasted for a while, but all symptoms seem to be gone now, except some leg pain and just plain tiredness.

She is resting now, and watching Alice in Wonderland with her sisters. We had soup and rolls for dinner, and she was able to at least eat a roll with some flat gingerale (just like mom used to give us).

Hopefully this was a quick moving bug, that no one else catches. I'm not getting too overconfident, though, because with a virus, things can change on a dime. So we will have a quiet weekend at home and see how everyone is doing early next week, then take it from there.

If you can take a moment, please say a little prayer for my sweet girl, and maybe a prayer for the rest of us wouldn't hurt either.

Thanks a bunch!
God Bless,
and have a wonderful weekend!

TTFN
~Tina

Don't Give Up on the Unborn

President-elect Obama might be packing to move into the White House, and already planning a devastating blow to the progress made over many years to limit abortions in various states (through FOCA).

But we, who will fight for these innocent babies to the very end, must never give up. I am trying to be accepting of the fact that Obama is our newly elected president. It is what it is. But frankly, I'm just so sick at the thought of his future attacks against the unborn.

He has already made it clear that he plans to use taxpayers money to fund abortion in foreign countries. He also plans to use taxpayers money to fund embryonic stemcell research.

So not only is he going to make it easier to have an abortion (with FOCA, if it gets to his desk), but now, without even having to have the approval of Congress, he will use our money to pay for the killing of babies in foreign countries. It turns my stomach.

It is such a helpless feeling.

There are some things we can do. There is a link at the top of my sidebar. Please click on it, and go sign the petition against FOCA.

And please keep praying. God is listening.

I saw this quote on Jennifer's blog. It touched my heart.

“When the time comes, as it surely will, when we face that awesome moment, the final judgment, I’ve often thought, as Fulton Sheen wrote, that it is a terrible moment of loneliness. You have no advocates, you are there alone standing before God — and a terror will rip your soul like nothing you can imagine. But I really think that those in the pro-life movement will not be alone. I think there’ll be a chorus of voices that have never been heard in this world but are heard beautifully and clearly in the next world — and they will plead for everyone who has been in this movement. They will say to God, ‘Spare him, because he loved us!’”

– the late pro-life hero, Congressman Henry Hyde