Happy New Year...Advent Begins!

WHAT?!?!?!   It is the new year for us....it is a new LITURGICAL year!  We love this time of year when everything begins anew!  We begin to anticipate the coming of the Lord and we have the opportunity to recommit ourselves to his will.

We have already begun our dash to the mailbox for our surprise Christmas cards from around the world.  I suppose many of you have already made your lists and are checking them twice....but we do things a little slower around here.

Before leaving for Mass, we began our Advent Adventure.  This is a great internet-based program for the family to enjoy during this season.  There are videos and activities to keep up with liturgical readings of the season.  It is available at no cost and is well thought out for all ages to enjoy!

Then we headed out for morning Mass...we went to a different church on the other side of town.  The church is dedicated to St. Anthony Mary Claret, a Spanish priest who led a well traveled life which included missionary work in Cuba.  He died in 1870 after life in exile (Paris) due to the revolution of 1868.  The church itself was beautiful as the wall behind the altar was almost completely glass, which made a beautiful backdrop for the enormous crucifix!


This was funny to have such a view while the priest spoke about staying alert, as it was hard to not day dream as the clouds passed by.  Isn't that what life is like sometimes?  Just when we need to stay focused, we are distracted by the littlest thing and we are off balance and off track.  That is why the Advent is so important.  We read today from Isaiah:

"Would that you might meet us doing right,
that we were mindful of you in our ways!
Behold, you are angry, and we are sinful;
all of us have become like unclean men,
all our good deeds are like polluted rags;
We have all withered like leaves,
and our guilt carries us away like the wind.
There is none who calls upon your name,
who rouses himself to cling to you;
for you have hidden your face from us
and have delivered us up to our guilt.
Yet, O LORD, you are our father;
we are the clay and you the potter:
we are all the work of your hands."
(64:4-7)

Notice how it begins with the desire to do what is right.  I do not know many Christians who do not have a desire to do the will of God.  That should always be our greatest desire.  However, the reality sets in that we do not always follow through with that desire.  Sometimes we fall short and we are sinful.  The passage ends with the hope that can only be found in our savior...We must be reminded that we are the clay and God molds us to his will.  When we allow our will to fade away and let God take control of our lives, we become "the work of [his] hands."

This acknowledgement of God's will in our lives continued into the Gospel reading for the day:

"Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be watchful! Be alert!
You do not know when the time will come.
It is like a man traveling abroad.
He leaves home and places his servants in charge,
each with his own work,
and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.
Watch, therefore;
you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming,
whether in the evening, or at midnight,
or at cockcrow, or in the morning.
May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.
What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’"
(Mark 13:33-37)

Our priest spoke to us about the need to stay alert.  He said, "As a people, are we willing to accept Jesus...if we truly want to carry out God's plan, it is crucial that we recognize Jesus in our lives."  Why do we have to be reminded of this every year?  I guess it goes back to that first reading, we are sinful...and it is hard not to daydream and lose focus.  I am just glad we are given that little nudge each year (day?) to stay alert.

A powerful message to walk away from for the season.

We then made a quick stop at a store to find a coordinating look for Christmas pictures.  (Well, as quick as this could be with 5 children!)  I think we did a good job of making this happen.  It took us a while to get the "perfect" shot for the occasion.  I will post the funny pose the children did at the end of the day to show how much fun we had.

We started a couple of new traditions this year to help us get focused in the right direction.  I will try to share as the days of Advent continue.  This evening, we made a salt dough path to move our Advent candles along (one spot for each day of Advent) that was placed around our traditional wreath.

We ended our day with a dinner of Stone Soup.  This day is traditionally known as Stir Up Sunday and a special pudding is made.  We decided stirring up a pot of soup was more interactive, and we can enjoy one of our favorite books as a family.  Sean found the stone and the adventure began.  We have done this for several years and the soup is always different but always tastes great!  There is something about that stone that makes the soup delicious!  Even the smallest of our crew and the pickiest (not the baby) ate THREE bowlfuls each!  The recipe is great and the story is even better.  A great way to remind our children what can happen when we share with others.

Tomorrow we start using ideas from The Truth in the Tinsel.  Again, I will share as we go along (a little hint...it includes the help from a special angel).  I have great hopes for this season.  I love preparing for the real meaning of Christmas...it is such a great time of healing.  May God bring the same joy to your home!

Meet VANgela

Last year when we moved to San Antonio we learned the local Toyota dealership gives out turkeys to Veterans for Thanksgiving.  A nice gesture which we were happy to participate in...Who is going to refuse a free turkey, right?  Later we bought two cars from this dealership...yeah...Michael has already gone through two cars since we moved to the big city.

Fast forward to today...the same generosity was given to the Veterans this year.  We were already thinking about going to the dealership for our free turkey.  However, we were also considering the purchase of a new (possibly used) van to replace our BIG WHITE SAIL.  Our 15 passenger van had suited us well over the last two years but we do not have so many to tow around these days so we decided it was a good idea to downsize again.  SO...why not do it all at the same time...kill two bird with one stone mentality.

We started out the day pulling EVERYTHING out of the old van.  I think we had a mobile science experiment in the making....there were so many things hiding in all the cubbies and under the seats...it was not fun, especially since it was a little moist around here today!  We got it done and we were on our way.

When we arrived it was CRAZY!!!!  There were people everywhere...giving out turkeys...picking up turkeys...radio hosts....musicians....car dealers....people trying to buy cars...I had no idea there would be so many people.  We made our way into a parking space and into the dealership.  Just as we were walking into the building, the same young man who sold Michael his first car was walking out.  He remembered us from a year ago by name...he was excited to help us again.  He took us right to the van we needed.  He listened to us and made sure we got what we needed.  I really appreciate this...many times when you go for a new car they try to get you into something fancier than what you need but not here.  He even told us that he would show us used vehicles if we did not think we could get our monthly payments low enough.

While we waited for all the hoopla of financing a new car, we were told to join in the BBQ that was being served for the volunteers.  We enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs, drinks, and even cookies right out of the oven.  We were waited on as if we were the special guests.  They really know how to treat their customers...it was nice.

Then as we were working with the finance office (We went back and forth about using our bank or the Toyota financing...got a better deal with this approach...lots of extras!  We never knew this could happen....awesome bonus!)...we found out that Robert Earl Keen was coming to the dealership to perform...he is a long time customer and he wanted to thank the owner and perform for the veterans.  AND...even better...we found out that the owners were gifting a home to a wounded warrior!  That is TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!  We did not get to stay and see the delivery of the keys to the soldier but we were so proud to be buying a van from such an awesome group of people.

On the way home in our new van, the boys were trying to decide on a name...yeah, we name our vehicles.  The boys were joking because they realized we just bought the same kind of car as a character on one of our favorite TV shows.  SO...in her honor we named our van....VANgela!  SO...welcome to the family...hope this one gives us a lot of good years.  A big thank you to Toyota Boerne and our dealer, Aman!

One Crazy Pro-Life Famliy

We had a great time on Tuesday.  The older boys and I headed out the door at the break of dawn to head over to the site for a luncheon.  We would spend the next 2+ hours setting up tables with place settings and decorations.  We also filled pitchers with water and tea...filled cups with ice...set out boxed lunches...for 250 guests.  This was the first fundraising luncheon for a great pregnancy help center in San Antonio.

I have been working as a volunteer at the center for the last two months.  I have really enjoyed helping the women who come into the center seeking assistance.  It is so fulfilling to know that we are making a difference in their lives.

We enjoyed hearing about the family who facilitates the center.  Miguel and Iris have dedicated their lives to saving women and babies from the pain of abortion and helping them be able to choose life.  They have not only given their time and money to this ministry, but also their home...taking in pregnant women when they have no one else.

We also heard the story of a woman who felt she had no choice over 40 years ago.  She was forced to have an abortion and only through prayer and love was she able to heal.  I was able to speak to her briefly and hope to help her in the future with spiritual healing for other women.

The event ended with a story of a young woman who was in a similar situation.  However, her story had a different ending thanks to the assistance from Iris and Miguel as well as the support of the community.  She was rewarded the Courageous Mother Award for this year.  Her story is the inspiration for the volunteers to continuing the efforts at the center.

Those who came to the event were very generous....this support will now lead us to have the opportunity to open a second location in the south side of town.  We are also on our way to having a mobile ultrasound that can travel throughout the city.  This will lead to more women being able to make wise choices for their lives and the life of their baby.  It is great to be a part of this event!

However, this was not the end of our day.  At the close of the luncheon (12:30), we loaded everyone into the van and headed to East Texas (5 hour drive) for the 30th anniversary of the Pregnancy Help Center.  We have been a part of this center for the last 10 years and we could not resist celebrating with them.

I cannot tell you how special this event was for everyone involved.  We heard stories that showed that the dignity of life bears good fruit.  We heard from Marcia who heard the call to open a facility to help women 30 years ago.  We heard from Pam who had an answer to prayer to become the second director of the center.

We also heard from one of the first mothers who was helped by the center.  She not only had the joy of being a mother, but also the joy of seeing her now adult son enter the seminary.  What would their lives be like without the support of the center?  None of us want to know the answer to that question.  She is just one of many helped over the years.

Then we heard from Paula (the current director...and our friend)...she told us how the work of the center brings hope to the women but also joy for all the staff.  Paula was so excited about celebrating the last 30 years and praying for another 30+ years to come.

When we arrived (just in time for the dinner), we found out we were given special seating near the front of the room.  The children were excited to be able to watch the event so closely.

This allowed Henry a chance to take a good close up of Paula.  He then took this photo and drew her portrait!  He is really getting good at this and he was happy to give this to her as a gift at the end of the night.

Oh...and Zaira was a real trouper...after 5 hours in the van, she was happy to dance and sing along with the group during their performance.  When Paula asked the crowd if they thought they would see so many people on stage, she thought that was a call forward...she was ready to head up on stage and give her own performance and testimony!  She also was freely giving out hugs (even to strangers...although we knew them!)   She was given a cute teddy bear at the end of the night for being so cute!

It was a emotional but joyful night...and to add to that joy our family was able to spend time with old friends.  After the 3 hour event, we got back in our van and drove the 5 hours back to San Antonio!  Yep...that is the crazy way this Pro-life family likes to roll!  And we loved every minute of it!

One Inspiring Veteran!

We were wondering what we would do for Veterans Day this year...we have gone to the little high school in East Texas for so many years, so we just did not know if anyone could top their efforts to honor the Veterans.  They are really awesome!

However, our local library came through for us and we enjoyed (a smaller scale) version of what we have grown to love.  I think what we love most about these gatherings is the time we spend talking to the veterans about their experiences.  I love the living history aspect of first hand information...not filtered down and put into textbooks....but real history.

Today we had the privilege to hear the story of a very courageous and inspirational man.  His name is Ivan Sears and he is a corporal in the US Marines.  Here, in his own words, we learned about something that could bring the best of us to our breaking point:

"I was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, serving my country. While on patrol, I stepped on an IED [improvised explosive device].

“All my boys kept me calm, patched me up and made sure I stayed alive,” Sears said.  “They’re the reason I’m here today.”

He told us how he was thrown into the air 15-20 feet with his legs blown from his torso.  He landed in a crater and was then pulled out of the area and into a helicopter.  He remembers it all, including being given a shot in the chest to keep his heart pumping.

Brendan sharing our Veterans book

He would go from one hospital to the next until arriving back in San Antonio close to family and friends.  He did not give up throughout the experience.  He constantly pushed himself and overcame each hurdle placed before him with amazing progress above and beyond what doctors expected.

He now works for the military in a new capacity...he is a liaison for families who need assistance through the Wounded Warrior program.  He told us that he is happy to help families just as his family was provided for during the early months of his injuries.  He can now give back by providing for the needs of these families.

However, he does not stop there.  He is also a world class athlete....competing in the Paralympics in 2013 and winning a gold and silver in track events.  He continues to improve his abilities and competes at international events.

Let me tell you...this young man was before us today giving his story with a huge smile on his face.  He allowed the audience to ask him questions and told us that he goes in front of groups all the time (young and old) to share this story.  We could ask him anything.  He even joked about how his prosthetic legs made him taller.  He was amazing...and as he told us...he is still the man he was before the bomb.  I would say that he is even stronger because he knows what he can handle.  He has been through the ringer and came out on top!

He also has a lovely family....a wife and little one year-old boy.  We had the joy of speaking with them after the program and also sitting with them at the reception.  I am so glad our family had the opportunity to meet Cpl Sears and his family.  They are a blessing and an inspiration. You can read more about him in an article that written about him on a Marine blog site.

One other note I wanted to share about the event today.  There was a quilt named Texas Heroes on display today.  It honored all the fallen military from the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts.  I was surprised to see our dear friends SGT Chris Everett and Captain Sean Sims.

God bless our Veterans!  We love you all so much!

Henry took this photo outside of the library today.

All Saints Day...A Little Late

We had a great time at our home school get together for All Saints Day.  The mom who was in charge of our event went all out for the group.  After our First Friday Mass, we headed to the local park.  The teens and some of the moms quickly helped set up games while the families had lunch.

First, we had an adapted Litany of the Saints with the families introducing themselves to the group along with their patron saints (a lot of the children were dressed up like their saints).  Those who dressed up came in all types of costumes from homemade to fancy store bought.  I love seeing the children remembering the heroes of our faith!

Then we played games throughout the park.

We had a saints cake walk.  They played Veggie Tales music and stopped on a saint around the circle.  If the child landed on the saint called out, the child was given a cupcake!  YUM!










There was also a St. Christopher's Relay Race...Henry and Sean helped with this game.  The idea was to carry a child on their back and see who could make it across the finish line first...much like how St. Christopher carried the baby Jesus across the river...although in a much faster pace!

We also played Saint BINGO and had an arts & crafts activity creating our own mini saint statue.  Throughout the event the children were asked to participate in a Saint Scavenger Hunt as well as a guessing jar.

It was a great way to share in the joy of the feast!  A big thank you to those who set up the event!

October Other Stuff

Post to come soon