Our Blogger Family

Well...I have not posted a lot lately, but it is not for lack of interesting things to write.  I just needed the time to get the children caught up in school and get settled in our new home.

One of the things we did was set up a blog for each of the boys.  It was kind of funny how this came about...Henry and I were talking about my blog and he said he would love to have a blog of his own.  Next thing I knew all the boys wanted one!  So I decided it would be a good way for them to practice all their grammar skills.  It would also let them share their own special talents.

Sean decided right away that he would have a blog about insects.  He loves sharing what he finds in the world around him.  If you have time, check out his blog and share with your children.  Maybe they will find that they love insects also!

Henry (who started it all) was excited to share his love for photography.  His blog is not just your typical photo sharing site.  He loves to challenge himself to a photo session and following through with how he met the challenge.  He also challenges his viewers to share what they viewed through their lens as well.

Edward loves LEGOs, so it did not take long for him to decide to take pictures of his creations and tell a creative story to go along with the figure.  He is just getting started, but I think it is a good way to use his imagination!

Brendan could not be out done.  He had to have blog also.  It took some thinking but then it was an A-ha! moment when we realized he should have a blog sharing his genius.  Actually, what we are doing is letting him check out books about other geniuses and then telling what he learned.  It is a lot of fun to hear his idea of what he hears in the books we read.  SO, check out his Big Boy Genius site.

SO...if you have enjoyed my blog, maybe you will enjoy the boys as they write their own stories.  I know I have enjoyed them...but of course, I am a little biased.

I am sure the holidays will bring new adventures that I will write about but it has been a nice break.  God bless you all!  Enjoy your family and friends and remember that Jesus came down to this earth to save us!  Praise be to God!

Our Friend the Bishop

This last week another one of our dear friends has been named bishop of a Texas diocese....Monsignor Michael Sis!  It is so exciting to know that this man...our priest from many years ago...who was instrumental in our lives...is now becoming a bishop!   We were so blessed to have him in our lives during the early times of our marriage.

He gave us good advice about the way our lives were being lived.  Many know that Michael and I were given the blessing of a child before our marriage.  Fr. Mike was there to help us in our decision making.

Then he married us (20 years ago!) and baptized our first child, Amanda.  I will never forget how he announced to those in attendance at the end of the ceremony..."I present to you the Reynolds family!"  It just brought us that extra special blessing to unify us.

Then helped us as we begin our young married couples group.  It was not our idea but we were one of the first couples to attend the meetings.  We had 5 couples at that time and we were all in need of serious guidance.  Fr. Mike was there when we needed him.

There were many times during the first ten years of our marriage that required spiritual assistance.  Fr. Mike was always there to help us.  In the end, I know that through the grace of our Lord, we were sent this godly man to assist us.  I am not even sure Michael and I would be married without his good counsel.

Just when Michael and I had given up...we were led to seek his advice one last time.  It had been a couple of years since we had gone to him for help.  We had been overseas with the military.  We really thought Fr. Mike would not even remember us...he had so many people who was helping at the college ministry (1000's were attending Mass each Sunday and many others were seeking spiritual assistance).  However, as soon as we walked into his office, he was overjoyed to see us and acted as if we had just seen him days ago instead of years apart.  It was in that session that Michael and I began to find healing once again.  Once again through the grace of our Lord, Fr. Mike knew the words to help us.

Soon after this, Fr. Mike was called to the Diocesan office to assist with vocations.  He had boosted the number of religious in the diocese and specifically from the college campus at A&M that he was sent to replicate this throughout the diocese.  Michael and I also moved to another area.  However, when ever we chanced to meet he would embrace us in a kind way remembering us as a friend.  Again...such a blessing!

We are so excited to know that he will lead the diocese of San Angelo.  We hope we can be at his installation in January.  God willing...we will be there.

Oh...and since this came up...I had meant to do this last year but got side tracked.  The ceremony for the installation is so beautiful.  Words cannot describe the joy and the feeling of the Spirit in the experience.  However, here are the steps in the ceremony:

• Invoking of the Holy Spirit by the previous bishop (or bishops in attendance).
• The mandate from the Apostolic See is read from the altar.
• A public examine in which the acceptance to the role as bishop "with the help of God" is proclaimed to all in attendance.  
• Then a Litany of Mary and the Saints is prayed together.
• At the installation of Bishop Strickland last year, the deacon said, "You came from this clergy, so you have no excuse but to love them.  Let us go as it is time for the Lord to act."
• At this time, the bishops in attendance (There were 40 bishops and a cardinal at the one last year.) lay hands on the newly appointed bishop, handing down the the unchanging faith given to us from the Apostles.
• This is followed by the prayer of consecration.
• Then the Book of the Gospels is held over his head.
• Sacred chrism oil is then used to anoint the bishop. 
• At this time, the bishop is invested with the Book of Gospels and told to preach unceasingly.  
• The bishop is given his miter as a sign of his growth in holiness and a staff to symbolize his position as shepherd and pastor of his flock.  
• A ring is also presented to the new bishop as a sign of fidelity.
• The new bishop is led to his chair (Little known fact...any church that holds the bishop's chair is called a cathedral (it is not a style of church) as chair in Latin is "cathedra.")
• After this placement in his chair, all of the bishops and priests are allowed to come before the bishop to offer a kiss of peace.

I am sure I am forgetting parts of the ceremony.  I will try to take better notes to fill in the gaps this time around.  I love the symbolism of the parts of the ceremony...I cannot emphasize how beautiful the experience.

Praise be to God!

I have watched many posts over the last few weeks about all the things people are thankful for in their lives.  Many touching remarks have been said and I am sure I could say many of the same things.  But I am not.  LOL!

Instead, I thought I would add a twist to the traditional list of things that I am thankful for this year.

I am most thankful for a loving God who watches down on me and places His hand on me every day.  He forgives me for my shortcomings and made me His child regardless.  I would not BE if it were not for His creation.  He lets me stumble in my humanity and picks me up when I cry out to Him.  He waits patiently while I try to do it myself and smiles with arms out stretched when I finally realize I cannot do it alone.  He has given me every thing else that I am thankful for in this world...and he is waiting for the day to bring me home when my days here are over.

I am thankful for my Mom who helped raise me with my Dad and stayed close in spite of not always agreeing with everything I say...is willing to let me be the person I am.

I am thankful for my brothers who do not always see me for more than the "Church Lady" but still loves me because I am family...and well...who else will be there in the end but family and friends!

I am thankful for my husband who loves me almost unconditionally...even when I get upset for silly things...like pumping the gas pump ONE CENT over the dollar or eating the left overs that we were going to have for dinner!  He is so patient with my temper that I continue to work on but lose so often.  He has been there for me and I have been there for him for over twenty years!  Praise God!

For my children, I am thankful that they know that my bark is worse than my bite and they know that I love them very much!  I often tell them "I am just a first time Momma and they need to be patient with me while I figure it out!"  So glad that they are forgiving and still give me hugs at night...even after a bad day!  I cannot imagine life without any of my blessings...those that I birthed and those that entered my life by surprise as I try to be a surrogate to them.

To all my many friends in all the strange places where God has planted us.  I cannot imagine being able to move without knowing that God is going to find the perfect friends I need in the next place.  There have been those that I have known a life time and those that I cannot even remember your name (I guess I am getting old!), but you know who you are and I love each and every one of you for being there for me!  Many of you have listened to me get angry and helped me when I cried...stood beside me during many good times and bad...I am forever thankful God placed you in my path.

I am thankful for the women and men in my ministry that I have been blessed to help.  I am blessed to have a calling to help others find my most grateful gift of faith.  I know God uses me to help others and I am humbled and overjoyed to see Him work through me.

May each of my days in this next year be spent remembering these blessings and be grateful not just one day of the year but every day.

To God be the glory in all things!

Special Day for Mom

I love spending time with my mom...today was a special day as we celebrated her birthday...as I wrote on my Facebook post...my mom is pretty awesome!...the most amazing mother who raised five boys and a girl of her own (with Dad's help of course!)...took in two more children...helped (and continues to help) un-numbered others in her life as the neighborhood mom....nurse...and friend...She does not mind telling you like it is to help you do your best! She is talented and can cook for two but especially loves to cook for a crowd....

But not today....today we are going to take care of her! Heading to my mom's house to serve her a lasagna dinner with all our crew and Adrian's family and Kendall...her other children are there in spirit...hoping we can have more of us together for the next time! God bless you, Mom on your special day and many more to come!

So...we left right after I posted this and arrived in time to set up the lasagna and pies...Adrian and his family (minus Alex :( ) arrived with the salad and bread.

I had told my mom we would be having a carrot cake for dessert...knowing that she LOVES pies and as she says...no one ever makes me pies (but hers are so good!).  I arrived to find that my mom...always considerate to other's taste...had made brownies for Kasey and Alex.  She was so surprised that the children and I had made SIX pies...pumpkin, lemon, apple crumb, chocolate and coconut cream (her favorite!)!

We enjoyed the meal and the pies...then we surprised her with her gift...a ceiling fan that she has been hoping to save up to purchase for her dining room...not your typical fan...very pretty and concealed to avoid being so obvious since it was being placed in the dining room.  Michael had the joy of setting it up, along with another light that we planned to change.

After all the food and work, we also had time to play a game of cards before heading home.  It was so fun to see my mom smile so much...I think she was pleased!  Another great day in our part of the world!

Proud Sister

I had the privilege of seeing my younger brother, Kendall, fulfill his career goal...he is now a member of a local sheriff's department.  He has spent the last nine weeks (and many years in other efforts to succeed in this field!) training, which included written exams, gun safety and accuracy, baton training, pepper (OC) spray experience, and hand to hand combat scenarios.  He worked very hard and we could all tell how excited he was to start this new career.

The graduation ceremony included several speeches, oath of office, and a pinning ceremony.  The two speeches that were the most impressive were from the sheriff and one of the trainers.

The sheriff told the group that they should be committed to helping the facility to be safe for the prisoners and staff.  Their job was not to just contain the prisoners like animals but to treat everyone as if they had just made mistakes that needed to be rectified....not that there were not bad people that needed to be watched but that they should all be given opportunity to change.  He also told the group that they should be able to determine if this job was right for them and make the decision to give up their badge if they were not able to give their best to this commitment.

The trainer said that the main thing he could offer for advice was to remind them of the acronym for the word SHERIFF:

S- Service to others (Service in Leadership...lead by example)
H- Honesty (on duty and off)
E- Embrace diversity
R- Respect (it must be given to receive)
I- Integrity (again...in all settings!)
F- Full accountability for their actions- responsibility for actions
F- Family...make time for your own but know that the department is one big family unit ready to help each other

It was great to see Kendall walk across the stage to receive his certificate of completion and then recite the oath of office.  However, my favorite part was watching our mom pin him with his sheriff badge!  So awesome!

It was a great day...so glad that Mom, Adrian (oldest brother), Loretta (family friend), Sean, Henry, Zaira, and I were able to be there to support him...I know that the rest of the family is proud of him also.  Great job, Kendall!

Remembering the Twelve

I will never forget the day we heard about the Bonfire stack falling...we were living in Germany at the time and it was one of the few times when I thought the ocean was too wide...I missed Texas terribly and wanted to be home and prayed that it was all a bad dream...how could something so awful happen during such a unifying tradition as Bonfire.  Still today...I think that part of Aggieland died along with the twelve souls taken from us.

I could go on and on about those feelings...but what I thought I would focus on tonight is the memorial set up at the site of the accident.  I have always wanted to go see the site but knew it would be emotional and steered away from that moment until this weekend.  We were passing through Aggieland and we had to wait for an appointment so it was one of those moments when a good idea actually matches with the moment.  I had not even thought about the anniversary of the event when we drove up to the entrance...I have had a few other things on my mind of late...it was not until we were at the site that I stopped to realize it was only two days away.

As Henry, Zaira, and I walked around we noticed the symbolism that would only be realized by an Aggie and other points that just made sense...we would later read about the different elements of the memorial and smile with appreciation.  It was a good time as we learned a little more those lost and how proud they were to be a part of the tradition that would lead to their end.  It made me stand a little prouder as I reflected on being an Aggie...part of a group of amazing people.  I have no real words of wisdom in the experience except to treasure life and those we hold dear....so I thought I would just share the images molded into the stone that represents the twelve.  Then I end with a picture that shows the intent of the memorial...that we stand in their absence as Aggies so they are never forgotten.

Gig 'em Ags!  AND know...we mark you present with a loud call out "Here!"  

Celebrating Life with Anita

 
Our crew spent the day yesterday helping prepare for the local pregnancy help center banquet.  This is an annual fundraising event for the center who helps women who are in an unexpected pregnancy situation.  It is not a welfare program...but what I like to call a hand up program designed to help families reach their potential through love and compassion and learning...not just about parenting but how to be a better person.  The small staff...from director on down...are amazing and caring people who I have come to love over the years we have lived in East Texas.  I will miss them terribly...as will our entire family.  We never had to use their services (we have been blessed while living here) but instead were able to help in our small way to help others through their center.

Each year we have given our day to help them decorate and set tables for this event.  We LOVE doing this...it is just a fun day with great people.  There are times when I watch the boys working this event and wonder why our house is not spotless!  LOL!  No... really...they do such a great job...and work together with the center staff...I love to see my boys in action...a proud Momma moment!  One of my favorite parts of the day is to come back after we complete the decorating and see it all come together with candles lit and see the sparkle!  It is quite breath-taking to know we had a part of the set up!  After all, it is often the ambiance that helps set up the effort to raise the money needed to keep the center going another year!  It is in that moment that I see that the efforts of all our strengths came together to make it all happen.

It is also interesting that when walking in this morning I thought about it being our last year to help as we move on to San Antonio.  However, by the end of the day, the boys were all asking if we could find a way to come back and help next year.  Who knows...maybe we could do that after all...who says moving means we cannot continue to help the organization we love so much!

We especially loved getting Zaira ready for the event also.  We went to the store in the afternoon and bought her first pair of jeans and cowgirl boots!  She was not sure at first but got used to the idea after a little walk around the room.  I think she might just be a country girl!  LOL!

As for the actual event...well it was an amazing evening!  

We started off hearing about the ministry and the blessings of helping not just women but men to reach parenting success.  Then about the way grants helped to continue efforts in faith-based initiatives...and then hear about the success of the new ultrasound equipment (half purchased by local funds and remainder donated by Knights of Columbus program).  We even heard about the blessing of seeing a set of twins that were saved by the view on this new ultrasound!  Praise God for these blessings and more shared last night!  Then we had the joy of the guest speaker.

I have been coming to this event for years...love all the speakers who have come in the past...but this year was the best EVER!!!!  We were blessed with an evening of humor from Anita Renfro!  She is true to form...the woman who is not afraid of saying what we are all thinking!  She was so funny and can sing also!  I had to take dear Zaira to the back of the room so she would not disturb the others around us with her squealing but it turned out for the best....as Zaira danced herself right to sleep...she literally fell asleep toward the end of the night...in the middle of one of Anita's fast paced songs!  

The best part of her talk was that she took the time to make it personal.  Maybe a little too personal for some of us...but so funny!  She joked about our HUGE balloon decorations hanging from the ceiling...and one our sweet guests...Rachel was teased so kindly because she was a twenty something who could fit into skinny jeans.  I spoke to Paula later to see if it was planned...it was not but it could not have been a better situation...as it must have made Rachel...a new mom...feel good knowing that she was envied for her size by Anita!  By the way, Anita has nothing to worry about as she looks great in her 'average size jeans'!  I love that she ended with a serious song after all our laughter it was good to bring it all back home to share a mother's love for her child...which is what the center is all about...and then the 'Raised You Right' song.

The only bad part of being in the back of the room was not being able to sit with my dinner guests.  I would have really enjoyed talking more with Julie (hopefully taking over pro-life activities in East Texas), Vicky and Bill, Steve, and Cynthia.  I hope Sean and Henry were able to be good hosts for me! 

To make the evening even better...the meal served was great!  A little Polynesian flare for our East Texas banquet...a great choice for a fun evening.  Zaira especially loved the chocolate cobbler...she tried to lick the bowl clean!  She loves chocolate!  LOL!  If only the tea were a little sweeter! <WINK> [SIDE NOTE:  If you wondered about the song she skipped...click on the link...we really missed out with this one!]

Although we could have gone home at the end of the night with all the other guests,  we stayed for the long haul...we first met with Anita.  She is true to herself and gave time to everyone who wanted to talk to her.  The boys were happy to wait their turn so they could tell her how funny she was and how much she spoke of their mom (yikes...do I really say all those things!  YEP!!!!)  We enjoyed hearing about Anita's love for tamales and the joy she gave to others in the audience.

Then we helped clean up all the decorations...ending with those massive balloons on the ceiling!  I know this sounds crazy but it is just as much fun cleaning up after this event as it is setting up!  The center staff and volunteers are just that much fun!  Have I mentioned that we love these ladies?!?!!?  We really do!  

Just when we thought we could not have anymore fun for the evening!  We were getting into the van and Henry yells, "STOP!!!!!!  I need the camera!"  He jumped out and took a picture of the building lights and the statue all lit up.  THEN...got back in and said he wished we had the tripod so he could get a picture of the moon.  LOW AND BEHOLD...we had packed it in the van to go back to San Antonio...and he was able to get an AMAZING moon picture!  A fun way to end the evening...we were so wound up that we stayed awake a little longer into the evening and then crashed!  

WHAT A GREAT DAY!  And so fun to end our official time in East Texas this way!  We head back to San Antonio tomorrow!  Today we finish packing and cleaning!  So, I end with a bitter sweet farewell to Paula and all the ladies...Who knows maybe we will be able to come back next year...so we will not say good-bye just yet!  And of course we can always stay in touch!  God bless!

Because We Care

I found it interesting that we were able to talk to many Veterans today and thank them for their service...AND almost every Veteran said the same thing..."Why are you doing this?"  Our simple answer..."Because we care."

I think we are in a time when we find the "old" Veteran is now of the age who fought during the Vietnam era.  So sad to think that these men and women were ridiculed and demoralized to a point of (what seemed) no return.  AND...although it would seem that we can not go back in time...on this 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War...we can at least move forward by thanking these heroes who gave of themselves as they were asked...gave of their youth and some their lives and dreams in spite of what the nation thought of their service...they gave just like all other veterans have given over our long history as a nation.

It is that simple thanks that brought tears to many a strong soldier today.  It was a simple act of a child giving a small gift and saying thanks that brought tears to my own eyes.

I have said many times over the last few weeks...it was God sense that brought this about today.  As we were packing up our last of the house this week, I came upon a box of Christmas ornaments.  I purchased them a few years back to give to soldiers but it never happened.  I almost missed the opportunity in my haste to get the job done...I packed them in a bigger box.  Then...over the weekend I remembered them and hunted all the packed boxes until the ornaments were found!  YAY!!!!

 Then I talked to the boys about the ornaments and asked if they would be willing to give them out to the Veterans.  Of course, they said yes...although some were more shy than others!....Brendan being the most excited about it!  It was a great experience.  The biggest part of the experience was seeing how touched the Veterans were when we told them they were a special gift for just being Veterans...no strings attached...no cost....just a way for us to show we care!

This was after watching an amazing USO-type show performed by local talent and sponsored by the Huntington ISD...we go every year and it always is a great honor to attend.  I think every one would agree the best part was watching our very special USO talent (who actually performed with USO tours back in the day!)...David Gordon...and local homeschooler Timothy Dow perform together!  I wish I had been able to get it on video!  We were also deeply touched by the special tribute given to a dear friend who passed away this last year...Mr. Dan Stanberry.  He will always remain one of our favorite veterans!

After this event, we rushed over to see the ceremony at the VFW...we missed it by just a few minutes!  We were so upset!  But we were able to give out a few more ornaments to the veterans who remained.  We saw some of our favorite veterans from Michael's post...and remind them to stay in touch as we prepare to move.  Just as we were about to leave, one of the women came out with her hands full of balloons..."Wait!  Wait!  We forgot to release the balloons in honor of the Veterans!"  So we got to be a part of a special balloon release in honor of the Vietnam Veterans!  I guess it pays to be late sometimes!

An awesome day...the only thing that would have made it better is to have Michael with us!  He had to be at work in San Antonio but we talked to him...we will be back with him by the end of the week!

Early Turkey Dinner

Another great day...this time enjoying a turkey dinner fundraiser at our church.  We are going to miss these amazing friends who have been such a joy in our lives over the last six years!

We picked a great way to go as everyone was gathered together in one spot and we could give hugs and farewells (but not good-byes as we will hopefully stay in touch!).

Great food and good conversation.  Everyone wanted to know our plans and about the new house.

We were so happy to hear that there are plans to build a new fellowship hall.  We promised to come back for the dedication and the first big meal shared by all.

We also invite anyone who comes to San Antonio to stop by and see us.

We can not imagine not going to our little church in the woods!  I do not even like to think about how much we will miss them all!

You Gotta Love a Parade...

...especially when it is to honor the Veterans!

We had such a fun time watching the Veterans pass by, along with fire trucks, antique cars, various floats and marching bands...

Giving to Others

Recently, I have been having a discussion with another Christian friend about 'earning our way to Heaven.'  A misconception placed upon Catholics.  I really think it has a lot to do with perception of our faith that is inaccurate in some cases and deceiving in others...but it is a good conversation to have.  I do not mind being questioned about my faith...it gives rise to better understanding on my part and others.  Although I do not have time today to go into details about this concept of becoming a Christian and WANTING to do good deeds, I felt like what happened to our family yesterday is an example of what Michael and I do in our lives BECAUSE we are Christians and how we teach our children to do the same.  Maybe once this move is over, I can sit down and give a better explanation to my friend and share with all of you also.

So...to tell about yesterday we have to go back a year...most of you long timers know about our family project from last Christmas...you will need to read my blog posts from last December and January.  The main idea is that we chose to honor the 27 victims of Newtown and make memorial quilts.  Our original intent was to send these quilts to the families but they were given gifts abound and asked that the quilts be given to a local charity.

We chose to give these quilts to Buckner Place (a place for women to better themselves and go to college and raise their children).  We have worked with this group before and they are always so pleased to receive any assistance.  It was just a natural choice for us to bless these women and their children once again.

We actually took the quilts to the director in September but when we arrived with our story she insisted that we share our experience with the women.  One thing led to another and we were also sharing with the local newspaper and TV news (not by our choice but a surprise when we arrived!).  I agreed because I think the story is important to share.  Once again, a demonstration of what I spoke of last week...we are just ordinary people doing extraordinary things with the grace of God.  We are not quilters but we became quilters for this project...a large feat for a family but we feel blessed to be a part of something so special.

We did not do this project to receive praise.  We did not do this project to gain points to enter into Heaven.  We did this because we are Christians and are told to show God's love as Jesus did as He walked this earth.  We do it because we want to share love to others.

Somehow this has been transferred into our desire to earn our way to Heaven?!?!  I have never done anything with that intent...I do not understand why anyone would think that way.

No one knows the heart of another.  I have spoken of this before...upon our death, Jesus will judge our lives...no one on earth can do that...good or bad...the ultimate decision on our lives in eternity falls to Jesus.

I can do good deeds all my life but if I am only doing it to glorify myself and have not accepted that it is the blood of Jesus saving me from damnation, then it was all for nothing.  It does not matter if you are Baptist Christian...Lutheran Christian...Catholic Christian or any other form...it all comes down to the same.  If only we would stop arguing over the way we say this and just accept each other...not judge...but give in love and share our faith joyfully.

That is what our family tried to do yesterday and every day we are given opportunity.  It starts in our family and carries on to the world...however that world looks in our lives...in a little town in East Texas or beyond...giving back to others.  Praise be to God we have been blessed to know this joy and give beyond what we ever could have imagined possible...to the families in Newtown and the women here.  Praise and glory always going back to God!

We're Back!

After a fun two weeks of learning about the ins and outs of San Antonio (or at least a good start), we are back at the old house trying to get it cleaned up to show fro sale.

We found out real quick that it was not going to be easy!  We arrived home mid-afternoon to find an electric pole down in the driveway.  We made it past by squeezing along side the pond and got everyone situated as I called the plethora of numbers to find the right company to report the downed line.  Normally this would not be an issue as we have a full house generator.  However, I forgot to turn the generator off before we left and the half full propane tank was wiped out after the first couple of days after the storm last week that most likely took the pole out.

Once we got through to the right company the men were out in short order and yet it still took about 7 hours to get us back out of the dark.  It does make me appreciate the electricity and also the hard work these men do for us.  I can vouch for them...they worked non-stop in the effort to help us get power.

Also the woman who helped me had a good attitude.  She told me to be thankful that we had no food in fridge and our power bill would be less this month!  Very true...good perspective.

In the mean time, we had to get creative...I was a little upset that we were not able to get the grill on to the moving truck a couple of weeks ago (my fault...I forgot to mention it to them), but it turned out to be a good thing for us.  Also, I had stopped at the store along the trip back and bought hot dogs...a easy meal to fix on the grill.  AND...most important...we had the charcoal and lighter fluid...AND Amanda thought to pack a lighter at the last minute for no apparent reason.  Are all of these things coincidence...I think not...I like to call it God sense...He knew what we would need.  All was well and the children went to sleep without to much effort with the lights out...even the girls who normally stay up until all hours of the night.

So...I was left awake to watch the progress and clean up in the dark...by candle light.  It was not exactly how I planned to start this trip but it worked!

Our 'troubles' did not end there...This morning the girls woke up early to begin their trip to my cousin (Karen) to have a fun costume making session.  That was the plan...but Amanda's car had sat without use for so long that the battery was dead.  No jumper cables so I had to head into town to find a store open.  They finally go on the road and discovered her inspection sticker was out of date.  So they had an extra stop but were still ahead of schedule due to their early start!  God sense!

Also, I discovered that the same pole that went down was also our telephone line (although still connected) and needs to be changed out.  Hopefully, we can get that taken care of before the electric company comes to take the old pole or we lose the phone line.

Now the boys are working hard to clean each room.  The plan is to clean a room and set up a small amount of furniture to show size.  When a room is complete, we will close the door and move to the next.  We hope to have it all done and live in the downstairs until we leave at the end of the month.  We will see how that works for us!

A lot to complete along with some other fun projects....I look forward to telling all about the fun as it comes up over the next few days.  Hopefully, we have had all the mishaps in the last 24 hours so we can enjoy the next few days!

Why Not Me?

Happy All Saints Day!  I love this feast day!  It gives me hope that one day...I will be a saint in heaven.  As nice as it is to celebrate the saints feasts throughout the year and these stories are quite inspiring, this feast day is different.  We take the time today to remember that we are all called to be saints at our baptism.  I like to think of those of us here as saints-in-training.  We do our best to follow God's will during our time here so we can be among those countless numbers in white robes that John wrote about in Revelation:

"I saw a huge number, impossible to count, of people from every nation, race, tribe and language; they were standing in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palms in their hands. They shouted aloud, ‘Victory to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’" (Revelation 7)

As I sat listening to the deacon proclaim this message, I thought...those are the ones I want to be numbered among!  What an amazing day that will be!  And then he talked to us about how we are all called to be in that group...and he gave a message about our lives being fit to God's will.  He mentioned that St. Augustine once said...after reading about the ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives following the will of God...Why not me?

This made me stop and think that this is what I ask myself.  Why not me?  I need to stop the excuses of what my life is like each day and find a way to follow God's will...even during the hard times...maybe going so far to say ESPECIALLY in the hard times!

Now...as for how we celebrate this feast day in our home...

Normally, I would have set up a party (at church or home) to invite family and friends... parishioners...to celebrate with dressing up as a favorite saint.  But...since we have only been here a couple of weeks, we found ourselves doing this alone this year.  BUT...that was not going to stop us...and there are enough of us to have a party!...we decided to have our own celebration. (SIDENOTE:  I did speak to the priest after Mass and told him I would love to sponsor a party for the parish next year!)

I gathered the children this morning and told them that they should choose a saint and be creative (We did in fact bring dress up clothes in our assortment of items during the move!  Thank you God for this discovery earlier this week!) in making a costume.

They did an amazing job!  Here is what we learned today:

Amanda was an impoverished version of St. Clare.  She gave up a life of luxury against the wishes of her family to serve God.  Amanda says she hopes that she has learned to trust God in her life.



Katy chose to dress as the fourth arch angel (traditionally known as Uriel) who is known as the angel of wisdom but he is also known as the one who checked the doors of homes throughout Egypt for lamb’s blood (representing faithfulness to God) during Passover, while a deadly plague struck first-born children as a judgment for sin but spared the children of faithful families.  Katy learned that it is best to trust in God's will and be a messenger to the wisdom of God.

Sean dressed up as St. Jean Marie Vianney...who even as a child loved to teach the other children about prayer and the catechism...he grew up to be a priest who would help others repent of their deepest sins.  Sean said he wanted to help teach others about God.

Henry donned the clothing of Maximilian Kolbe and learned that he was a priest who was arrested for giving out literature about the faith during the Nazi persecution and died in place of another man who had a family.  Henry learned that he should be brave in difficult  times.

Edward dressed as St. Francis of Assisi...who founded a new order of religious after a life of luxury and war...he helped to rebuild the Church.  He hopes that he can use this example to be more helpful to the Church.

Brendan was the amazing St. Padre Pio who was a saint of our day who was forced to persevere through the judgment of others even within his own order.  He was given the gift of knowing the sins of even the most hardened heart to help seek conversion.  Brendan says he hopes to be as cool a saint when others read about him one day!  Still needing to work on humility I think!  LOL!

Zaira was little Rose of Lima who taught that humility and trust in God are key in all circumstances.  From even a young age she cared for even the smallest of creatures not even wishing to swat a fly.  She also kept herself in her self-made hermitage.  Many would come to her asking to pray for their needs.  We can learn to trust in God so meekly.

I dressed as Martha who spent more time in the kitchen preparing for the feast offered to Jesus and complained to him that Mary did not help enough!  I often need to remember to take time to enjoy the feast instead of the preparation!

After costumes were made, we were reminded of the list that Jesus gives for those who follow in God's ways...the eight Beatitudes found in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 5...I had the children learn these verses to hopefully recite to Michael this evening when he is home from work...we will also center our family game time around these verses.

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12)

• Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
• Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
• Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
• Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
• Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
• Blesses are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.
• Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are you when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven.

Family Time

We had a great day yesterday with my brother (Christopher...AKA Uncle Bubbles) and his family...wife Angie, his two girls, Clare and Anna, and his in-laws, Jim and Girdy.   They are all visiting from Colorado and we have not seen them in three years.

We woke up EXTRA early to beat the morning rush and watch for water on roads (as there was massive flooding the night before) but we did not succeed.  I guess everyone was concerned about the weather and road conditions because we were all on the road together.  A one hour road trip took us two hours and it was raining!

BUT...it was worth the extra hour to get to see them!  We even beat them to my mom's house where we were all meeting to enjoy breakfast together!  Awesome!  We got to open the door and give the first hugs!

AND...our little unsocial baby...Zaira...surprised us all by going right to Uncle Bubbles as well as Clare and Anna...it must be the hair because she finally found someone who looked like her in our family!  LOL!  Well...not Christopher so much...it would be the lack of hair for him!  LOL!

After an amazing breakfast of biscuits and gravy (by request from Clare and Anna), we all agreed a trip to the Alamo and the River Walk was in order...so we were able to head that way under clear skies....no surprise for those of us from Texas...it was a beautiful day!

We went around in circles a few times to enjoy the Alamo and our search for the perfect spot to go to the River Walk, but it was worth it as Christopher also introduced us to Shiloh's...a place to enjoy freshly made root beer!  The children all sat along the rail in bar stools to enjoy all they could drink!

Then we found the place on the River Walk to ride the boat that gave a historical tour of the area.  Our family had just done this tour so we agreed to take pictures from the side and wait for them to return.  I was not sure how the boys and Zaira would handle this but they had a blast...first being there to wave at their cousins from the arch and then watching the other boats go by...and Henry taking pictures of the wildlife...then their boat passed to go down the shorter fork in the river so the boys followed them.  The boatman (dressed like Waldo) decided to give the boys a run for their money and the boys beat the boat!  That was a good way to wear them down!  I spent the time with an impromptu photo shoot with Zaira with the river as the backdrop...so much fun!

Then we began the search for the Market to have lunch (via our car)...which turned out to be the end of our day with the cousins as half of my crew fell asleep in our search!  I decided to head home for the remainder of their San Antonio adventure.  I had hoped they would drop by our new home to see us but time was short and my mom said she could not remember how to get to the house.  Too bad as they passed right by us on their way back to her house!

I later found that they returned in time to dress in their costumes and run around her neighborhood for the night.  While we spent our evening at Mass to prepare for today's feast day....a little difference in style for the day so I guess it was a good way to part ways.  Of course it also meant explaining to the boys why Amanda and Katy decided to dress up...but it was a good teaching experience.

And...although the girls did dress up in 'awful' costumes...they were beautiful in their own way and spent the evening nor trick or treating...but instead meeting the neighbors...both greeting them at our house and also walking the neighborhood.  I suppose it was a good way to introduce themselves.

We did have one lone trick-or-treater mistake our living room lights for a porch light and ring our doorbell...we wished them a good night and sent the little one on her way!  

It was a good day for all!  Hoping we can meet up with my brother again before they head back to Colorado...they have a full schedule so we will see!