Pray for Us!

Today is the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, the patrons of the Church in Rome. It's kind of a big deal. I had no idea, really, because I'm just bobbing along, trying to get through what I need to do at any given moment. I am grateful, as always, for my friends...

You see, I was thinking that we were having an excellent start to the week...we were up and gathered in time for the morning Angelus and prayed a rosary in the car (yes, it's still broken) on the way to baseball.

 Looks good until you see the ball ;0)

 Sometimes sap is a bigger draw

 They are gifted with their father's athletic prowess

She's the runner...why is the 2nd baseman on the ground?

While watching all the little ones have fun and giving thanks for this beautiful day, I started chatting with my friends. They let me know what today was. Not in a "how could you not know we're celebrating two of the greatest Saints in the Church today?" way but more of a "wow, I wish I had gone to Mass today...maybe I can go to Mass after this...would you like to go to Mass with us?"

Unfortunately we weren't able to follow them to Mass so we decided to pray a Divine Mercy Chaplet on the way home in the car. I kind of let it go there until, ahem, we decided to watch a short video before rest time. Sometimes it's good that the default channel is EWTN. Ahem.

Mass with the Pope!!! At the Vatican!!!

So, as often happens, we make a small effort and the Holy Spirit takes care of the rest. We are so blessed.

St. Peter, help us to see the gifts and challenges of your life with Jesus and realize that we can also choose to follow Him at all times during our life here on Earth. St. Paul, help us to allow our eyes to be opened like yours and to become filled with zeal for our faith.

Sts. Peter and Paul, Pray for Us!

Five on Friday...Giving Thanks

1. Remembering the lost

Today is the day that, in his equivalent life, DH lost his dad. I'm not sure the exact formula but it was at 50 years, one month and...days. He was #1 intention for our prayer this morning (DH was #2 because I know he's sad today). My grandmother, aka "the Bub" was #3. She went home 15 years tomorrow! Wow. So long ago...so many things have passed. I know she's in heaven, along with my grandfather (whom I never met) and my dad (who died in 1997) because so many of those changes are amazing and definitely inspired from above. Sometimes I think, when the Holy Spirit whispers, she shouts "pay attention!" because, in those years I have become increasingly more aware of the stirrings. For that, I am so thankful.

2. Family Prayer

There is definitely trial involved in heading North for Maranatha VBS but also many, many blessings. I think my favorite time of the week (one of many I suppose) was pulling out of the driveway, dividing up the decades, and praying the family rosary. As the older ones remarked, "we are always done by the time we reach the tunnel" so there was also plenty of time for discussion of great things that happened the day prior and expectations of the current VBS day. 

Yes...talking. I had this radio for, I think, 2 days and "poof!" off it went. I should just realize that someone somewhere (ahem) is trying to tell me that discussion with my family is way more important than satellite radio (have you heard kids place live lately? wow. it's bad when the 8-year-old tells the little ones "we don't repeat anything we hear in these songs")

 3. Friends and Family

It is weeks like this, the struggle and the learning, that I know I'm in the right place. When we join together to celebrate one of the group's birthday or pray for the loved one of another...it feels so right. What a blessing to come together for a whole week.

 Happy Birthday!

 With my running buddy

 Our crew...next year tiny will be on the far left and #1 will move on.

  Even Daddy joined us for the closing show.

4. Friday

It's only four...deal. It's been a while since I've been this thankful for a Friday. I guess I didn't realize the stress of the week until now. Today was very, very long. If I were in another field I would take a vacation...or a semester off...or both ;0) Alas, this is a job that is hard to leave, even on the trying days. So, I will stay and be so thankful that the exhausted little people are tuckered out upstairs. Now I have a few minutes with DH to catch up and regroup.

Oh, and I'm thankful for this too...I hope somewhere my dear friend is on his 2nd or 3rd...you earned it!

  

 We are blessed!

Our Thursday

I am exhausted...I'm thinking I need to get to sleep about five hours earlier tonight. At least I have five more days of vacation (HAHAHAHAHA). Whew. I'm tired.

It was a lovely day, make no mistake, just long.

Left at 8 AM to fight traffic to the North Hills. Drop off older 4 at VBS.

Lovely chat over coffee with my dear friend and tiny man. Discussion of societal ills garnered dirty looks and fear of being banned from Starbucks.

Back to VBS to watch the Little Sisters of the Poor "tea" party. It was actually cookies and punch but fun for kindergartners and their guests. My Aunt and Mom joined #4 for the festivities. There were 2 Little Sisters, one of whom was in her 90s. God bless them!


We didn't RSVP for the tea party. I knew little man would never make it. So, we took a walk around the grounds to visit the Blessed Mother statues.

I find it so much easier to entertain a little person at a Catholic church than at Starbucks!

Lunch with Auntie and Grammy after we finally found an Eat n Park to accommodate our group (hint...not the one on McKnight Road!).

We hit the library, picked up our books...school starts next week! (Can you guess our unit study for July? LOL)

Then, off to church. This afternoon, a group from St. Vincent College had a Novus Ordo/ Gregorian Chant Mass at our parish. It went like this... #4 fell asleep during the priest's introduction. Tiny man screamed during the first 10 minutes of the actual Mass (luckily, since there were only 13 other people there, I don't think they noticed much), #2 complained that he "couldn't understand anything" the whole time and the rest of us thoroughly enjoyed it. It was beautiful and interesting and a very clear sign that we will not be attending Latin Mass anytime soon.

Here I am, at my computer, 5:08 PM...dishwasher needs to be unloaded and I have no idea what dinner is going to look like right now. I'm not sure I care too much though. It's one of those evenings that, somehow, everyone will be too exhausted to put up much of a fight. The best thing? Tomorrow is FRIDAY!

We are blessed.

"Be Little, Make Yourselves Little"

Our "littlest" member of Maranatha this year is in the Little Sisters of the Poor group. These sweet ones are only kindergarten age and yet they are so open and willing to learn and give. What a perfect match for the Sisters who believe, to grow close to the poorest of the poor, you must make yourself "little" just as Jesus humbled Himself, being born in a manger then dying for a sinful world.

It brings tears to me every single year, especially during the food collection day. The kids go around to collect food from the parish offices so that they can then give it to the Sisters to use for the poor. They are told that they will "beg for food" and that is what they do. I asked C today, "what happens when someone tells you they can't or won't help?" She replied, "we say 'God bless you' just like we do to the people who do help!" What a beautiful skill to teach these precious ones. To love everyone as a child of God, even those who are unable to do anything for you, especially when your task involves sacrifice for someone in need.

Sorry for the action shot...C is on the right. She said "That basket was heavy!"

So we will continue to make the hour trip each way for the rest of the week. To say it's worth it would be an understatement. Tomorrow, #1's class will have a visit from our beloved Fr. Freedy and #2 from a "Benedictine Monk!!!". Sometimes I wonder why they get so excited over things that would less-than-thrill a lot of people in society...then, ahem, I remember ;0)

We are blessed.

Guess what's happening this week !?!?!?!?

It's MARANATHA week! The Vocation Bible school that we are so blessed to attend.

This year we have a Little Sister of the Poor (blue), a Spiritan (red), a Benedictine (beige and my fav) and a Diocesan Priest (white). I helped with crafts so I get the green...that orange (Missionaries of Charity) is from last year...not sure how that got in there! They started the week with a Mass for all the kids this morning...so fantastic.

Dinner is calling but check back...I'm sure there will (as always) be a million great things learned over the course of the week.

We are blessed.

In Case You Missed it...

take a minute to read and pray over today's Gospel. I think you may find some amazing insights.

Jesus said to his disciples:
“No one can serve two masters.
He will either hate one and love the other,
or be devoted to one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or drink,
or about your body, what you will wear.
Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds in the sky;
they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns,
yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are not you more important than they?
Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?
Why are you anxious about clothes?
Learn from the way the wild flowers grow.
They do not work or spin.
But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor
was clothed like one of them.
If God so clothes the grass of the field,
which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow,
will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’
or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’
All these things the pagans seek.
Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given you besides.
Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.
Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”

                                                                       -Matthew 6:24-34

KOS continued...

The main problem with Kids of Steel is that it is held during the winter when fresh produce is hard to obtain (not to mention outdoor exercise, which is greatly reduced).

So, being people who don't have to stick to the school schedule, we are continuing with our nutritional and exercise endeavors.

This week :

Cucumis metuliferus

aka Kiwano or Horned Melon

If you wish, you may read more HERE. 

 

 

Kind of cool on the outside...orange and spiky

The inside is much like a cucumber (the seeds are surrounded by gel) but the seeds are not as juicy and harder to chew. The taste? Not much at all. 

 I think, given the $3 price tag, I'll settle for cukes from the garden. Still, it's good to know that if the kids ever find themselves in Sub-Saharan Africa, they won't be completely unfamiliar ;0)

We are blessed.

Keeping with our music theme...

On the edge of oblivion
All the world is Babylon
And all the love and ev'ryone
A ship of fools sailing on
(Everybody)
Everybody have fun tonight

Our radio (and our van) has returned!!! They haven't even asked for a video because it's just so much fun to have music in the car!!! We danced all through our errands today. Whew. Another thing to check off the trip prep list.

It was welcome today since I have a killer headache and some sinus/throat mess. Ug. I think the mold-propagated-by-the-10-inches-of-rain-in-3days probably had something to do with it. I am so grateful that Friday has arrived. It has been a long week.

Wishing you all a blessed (and dry...please) weekend.

We are blessed.

"She's gone...

I'd better learn how to face it...she's gone...I'd pay the devil to replace her..."

My apologies to Hall and Oates and to you if it sticks in your head ;0)

I wouldn't actually pay the devil to replace her but I'm sad. You see, today was the last day of work for our dear Miss Terri. Fear not..she will be back on July 14th, God willing. Still, this is going to be a very, very long month.


In case you, too, are facing some unsettling change at the moment...a little wisdom from St. Teresa of Avila

 

This, of course, isn't a life-altering change but it does mean, for the next several weeks, I will never be without my kids...at least some of them. I so appreciate when I can just sneak off to pray or shop or whatever without my posse.

Knowing this, I immediately ran to church after my haircut (must attend to personal grooming while there is still time!). I was in luck that the worship aids were ready and so I enjoyed an hour or so mostly alone in the church, putting them in the pews.

While I was doing that, I had an attack of selfishness. It happens. I know that there are people downstairs praying at Adoration and I think, "Why can't that be me? Why am I doing this instead? Why can't I just pray and have that be enough?"

It didn't last long because I know, of course, that most of the people praying at Adoration do much more than I do to help the church. Placing worship aids, while necessary, is not exactly a pillar's job.

Oh, ahem, I forgot the Holy Spirit part. I was distributing, looking at the church, wondering as I always do if this is the right place to raise our family (I think yes more than no now), wondering how I am going to manage the next weeks without Terri, praying for people who need help now, etc...in walks a woman I know and have been seeing a lot lately. "Funny running into you" she said (a.h.e.m.)

She then had some amazingly lovely words about watching our family and how much joy it brings to people to see us worship at Mass, holy hour, etc. I did cry. They were the words I needed just then. With all that has been happening, sometimes I wonder if any of it matters. We struggle (a lot) to bring the faith to our kids as much as possible and still bad things happen. I know that's the world and bad things happen but it can be a bit disheartening. How much grace flowed from her choice to come to church then and say those words. God is so good.

I learned a good lesson to keep doing what I am doing and, even more, listen to the small voice and say what I am called to say. We can never know how a few kind words will lift someone who needs it. We can never know how our actions can be an example to those who are searching for the way.

We are blessed.

Random

because that's been my life this week...

- Yesterday's Gospel was "God causes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust" and ain't that the truth ;0). Not sure which we are lately since it seems to rain every.single.day. Still, I'm not complaining because, while my side yard will now have to be trimmed with a weed eater...it's that tall(!), it means no little soccer feet have been trampling it down and it's filling in nicely. Also, the garden is exploding. Lots of cucumber blossoms already! 

- Growing and learning. Yesterday was a difficult day around here. It was a hating-the-computer kind of day...a just-how-much-depravity-exists-within-two-clicks-of-a-normal-page day. So, the computers are gone for now. They will be reworked, locked down and used only with educational purposes in mind. Do I dislike society extremely right now? Most definitely. I'm also grateful, though, as it was revealed now and not a year from now. A good lesson and lots to discuss. Also, it was yesterday that I found out my brother-in-law's father is very ill. This is a good reason to have a computer! It gives you the ability to reach out to someone in an instant. Pray for the family, if you will. They will need a lot of heavenly support.

- Children. Yesterday I had the affidavits notarized, copied, and sent out. Yes, there is an "s" on that. We will be "officially" homeschooling two this year. I feel more at ease about it than I had thought I would. Second child and I do not share opinions in common very often but I realize, even more so because of our recent computer issues, that even though I wish I could send him away from here every day (really...and on weekends most of the time) that isn't the right decision. How can I attempt to connect with this lost boy if I see him 3 hours each day? We will continue and pray. A lot.

- The Holy Eucharist and Confession. I was at daily Mass again today but I didn't receive Communion. I'm trying to be more strict about the state of my soul before I just join the line. Today was a day that I really could have used the extra nourishment but I just couldn't make it work in my mind. Gratefully, penance is offered after Mass (wouldn't it be splendid before so you could then do both? discussion for another time). I was able to unburden myself and receive absolution. One of the great treasures of the Catholic church. I am so thankful, especially on days like today, for that gift.

- Finally, I'm thinking about installing an electronic sign on my front porch. That way, when people are waiting for the green light, they can learn all sorts of good things...especially about the Saints because they had so many good things to say. My sign for next week (since our town probably has a law against electronic signs on front porches).

   we are blessed.

New Things

This weekend has been full of great new things! Some traditions continuing; some future-looking; and some meeting a long-awaited need. What a great few days. I am so grateful when things come together.

1. The "man" tradition

When you get to be a big enough boy (read: you don't scream and scare Joe) you get to go along with dad and your big brothers to visit Barber Joe. He is another member of our extended family...we have known him since #2 was being formed... what a great find. An old-world Italian who appreciates our kids' names! Double bonus :0)

Saturday was Mr. G's day and he did so well. No crying, no concern, just hopped up and did his thing. What a great dad and son ritual.

 Big boy in the big chair

handsome guy

2. Planning ahead

Well, just like that, our summer vacation is half over. I have learned that I need to get myself a bit more organized this year since I will have an extra person to track and two others who really want to go to "school" (one of those only-heard-in-a-homeschool-house things...#3 today asked, "when do I get my lesson plan?")

How blessed I was to stumble on the greatest.planners.ever. "Crusaders for Christ" is the boy's planner, "Maidens for Mary" the girl's and "Holy Simplicity" is the mother's homeschool and liturgical planner. Wow. It's hard to describe how inspiring this is...definitely what I was looking for. The mother's journal has separate pages to plan out each major Catholic feast day and, on the week at a glance, they pre-list the Angelus twice daily and the rosary once. Oh, the kid planner has lots of room for subjects but lists only three already labeled, "Religion", "Reading" and "Math"...in that order. Amen.

These pics are terrible but maybe you can get the idea.

 In the kid journals there is a daily rating area for things like "manners at meal time", "obedience" and "respect for family"

 

One of the special day planners

Yes, it is too good to be true. All the Saints Books is closing its doors as of July 1st. Sniff. Still, I am so grateful to have it this year. I think it is what I need to keep me and my elder children moving in the proper direction.

3. More Planning

It's nearly still-summer-but-also-school time so let the pilgrimages begin! Yesterday #1 said, "mom, why do you get so excited about teaching?" Well, to be truthful, it's not the teaching, it's the travel. This trip is turning into one seriously amazing jaunt if I do say so myself. Here's a little teaser.

This is a really stunning book. Highly recommended.

4. New-to-us

If you've been to our home, you realize pretty quickly that we do not have sufficient seating room in our dining area. The "party table" (big, white, plastic from Sam's) has been up since the Communion weekend in May because our 6-person table just wasn't cutting it alone and the extra space was so nice.

This table-drama has been going on for nearly a year. When the high-chair left and Mr. G joined us, it was clear we needed more room. Our dear friends have the most amazing table and, after seeing it in person, DH was ready to pull the trigger. It is exactly what I had in mind but I just couldn't do it. I know my kids and their proclivity for table destruction right now. #5 has a specific love for poking his fork into the wood when he doesn't get exactly what he wants at the exact moment he wants it.

So, for nearly that amount of time, I've been looking. Craig's List is my dear friend. We've spent many evenings together over the months. Finally, a few days ago, something I passed up earlier was back up...for $100 less. We headed East and checked it out. With the help of an amazing friend, DH was able to run through the raindrops and pick it up today. It is perfect. Gently worn by a family with five kids...it even came with 6 chairs (and has room for 10!). What a perfect gift at which to begin the new school year.

 The "bachelor pad" table (we used it with the leaves in, of course!)

 I so love my dining room...it doubles as a dance floor/skating rink. ;0)

  Our new-to-us table. Only $250 and perfect for the next few years.

Wishing you a happy, healthy start to the week. We are blessed.

{Adoration, Petition, Intercession, Thanksgiving}

I've been thinking that I don't take enough time to think about my prayers. We go through the day, we pray sometimes, we talk about praying sometimes, sometimes it's planned, sometimes not (I know that punctuation is wrong...forgive me). I want to try to be more deliberate in my prayer...at least some of the time.

So, let's start a little "Catholic" week wrap-up, shall we? Take the four types and see if you've covered them this past seven days. If so, great! If not, try to purposefully add some of the type you missed next week.

Adoration

This week started with the feast of Corpus Christi (The Body and Blood of Our Lord) so this week was an A+ in the Adoration category. Mass and exposition followed by a procession down our main street. Now, that is a level of adoration I wish we could achieve every single Sunday.

 The Blessed Sacrament leaving the church

 Processing...DH got to help hold the canopy that sheltered Jesus!

Petition

Today, we were blessed to take part in the Annual Global Rosary Relay for Priests at our home parish. It started as a small gathering of friends and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, grew into something more. Just the act of putting together the map that showed all the places that would be praying helped cement the "One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church" to my kids. They would find a sticker and say "Wow, I can't believe people in insert country are praying the rosary today too!".

 

We accepted our leg of the relay, were blessed to be joined by one of our priests who delivered the Apostolic Blessing, recited our rosary, and passed it on to the next country. What an amazing feeling to know that the globe was literally blanketed with prayer for our priests. God is so good!

Intercession

It seems to me that there is never an end to people/situations that could use prayer...babies who are sick (and their parents), adults who have lost their way, peace in the world...I love the Saints, especially those who are the "go-to" for things...St. Anthony (I was just agreeing with a friend that said he never lets us down), St. Gerard (for all those moms-to-be) or St. Anne (for all those already moms), Sts. Joachim and Anne (for marriages and parenting). We recently learned about St. Medard who is the patron Saint against bad weather. Imagine all the great help we have in heaven :0) Of course, never forget Our Lady...the best person to ask when it comes to asking help from the Father.

On Tuesday, I was reminded that this is a wonderful two-way street (well, I know that with a very dear friend but I realized it's true with others as well). After Mass, a lovely husband of a couple we know at church said "I'm praying for you." I said, "I know and I can feel that because there are days when I say it aloud,'someone is praying for me right know', because I know the kids will live to see tomorrow." Yes, I was joking about the last part but we all laughed because, having been there, they knew! What a blessing to have others who are watching over you and asking intercession for your trials. That is an amazing blessing. Both to realize and to receive. 

 Thanksgiving

I would be willing to bet this is the one I do the most often. We try to instill it in the kids by talking about "what I'm thankful for" each night during prayers. Not surprisingly, at this point in time, many nights include "dinner" and "mom and dad". Today, in the heat, we are all very thankful for the blessing of a cool home. We will be keeping those in prayer who lack such a luxury.

I am finding that in my life, giving thanks in all things, trial and blessing, is the key to a less-stressed existence. When I get wrapped up in what society thinks I should do, think, and look like, I can move to panic attack with surprising speed. Slowing down and thinking about the One who is there, in all things, to help me and guide me never ceases to provide calm or, at least, peace of mind. 

This week, try to concentrate on these types of prayer...do you do a lot of petition? Try to add a little thanksgiving. See if you can cover all four, every day. 

 We are blessed. 

 

Dinner...mmmmm

So, if you're offended by bread or nightshades or pork products, you can stop reading. If you, like me, had a few Italian sausages and a loaf of almost-stale bread lying around (and some tomatoes, basil, garlic, onions and balsamic vinegar), well, you've got dinner.

Cook the sausages, cut them up and combine with onion and garlic cooked in some EVOO and balsamic, throw it together with the bread, basil and some Parmesan then bake it for 45 min. My oh my! It's like Italian stuffing. Amazing.

Paired with our new vegetable crave, broccoli slaw, and that is dinner. Yum.

I'm working on an entry about prayer but, you know, the little people keep wanting to eat. Stay tuned.

We are blessed.

Soccer is done...

 on to baseball.

I am grateful that we have a great group that meets once per week and is so very low key. Good place to work on sportsmanship ;0)

We are blessed.

 Something about this says "The Beetles" to me ;0)

Some homework...

I took the passage below directly from the Archdiocese of Boston's website. Review it for the next few days...try it out if it's new...and we'll chat again later this week.

Wishing you all a most Blessed Feast of Corpus Christi.

Four Basic Forms of Prayer

1. Blessing and Adoration (praising God)
2. Prayer of Petition (asking for what we need, including forgiveness)
3. Prayer of Intercession (asking for what others need)
4. Prayer of Thanksgiving (for what God has given and done)

Prayer of Blessing and Adoration

In this prayer we express praise and honor to God. We praise God for giving us life, for the wonder and beauty of our world, and for all the many blessings we enjoy. We open ourselves up to praise God for all the wonders of creation. 
Prayer of Petition

This is probably the most familiar prayer form of prayer. We are often taught to ask God for the things we need, but asking and praying for them are not necessarily the same. When we pray our petitions, we are asking God, who loves us very much, for something that we believe is good—for ourselves or for others. By using this form of prayer we are mindful of the needs of others as well as of our own needs. We are aware that God wants us to bring our problems and worries to prayer knowing that he will always hear and answer those prayers. God may answer our prayers in a different way and in a different time frame than we are seeking but God will always give us what we need.

Prayers of petition serve to remind us that God expects us to care for one another and for all his creation. We can pray about the ordinary experiences of life— for people who are sick, for someone who needs a job, for help in our school work, for a safe trip. We pray for peace in our families and in our world.  We can also express our sorrow and contrition to God in our prayer.

Prayer of Intercession

This form of prayer is prayer on behalf of others. This form of prayer can be a source of blessing upon others, the Church, and our world. Because we know that Our Lady and the saints intercede for us before God, the Church encourages us to pray to them for their intercession. Such prayer can bring us great strength and courage and also great peace of mind and heart.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

This form of prayer helps us to be grateful for God's many blessings, spiritual and temporal, and helps us to recognize and appreciate all the good things God gives to us. Reserving some time to praise and thank God for his gifts—the gift of life; the gift of our families and friends; the gift of food, clothing, and shelter; and the numerous other gifts we often take for granted—helps us to form a true spirit of gratitude.

Friday...what I like

- I like attending the first Mass of a new altar server when they are full of nervous excitement. I also like when their families are there to support and witness because it is that important.

- I like daily Mass with just the older few. Hearing the homily is a welcome treat.

- I like being at the park with only three of the kids...all of whom can buckle/unbuckle, ask for things, talk through issues, etc.

- I like having time at the park to talk to other moms, all of whom are walking a similar path to mine, knowing that our kids are playing together nearby...with no worries about their playmates.

- I like switching out kids and (sometimes...once-in-a-long-while) having only #4 and #5 left. They are good friends and it's nice to see them together, without interference from the others.

- I also like these two alone in the house because it means nap time is pretty much guaranteed.

- I like this life. I am so blessed.

St. Boniface, Pray for Us!

- 

God and Gravity

I love my husband so very much but sometimes, truthfully, the differences between our tastes can be stark. These days I'm driving his Pilot while my van is being rehabbed. Yesterday the kids asked for music (because, wow, he has a 6-CD-player!) so I cycled through.

Disc 1  - Fleetwood Mac (not bad by itself but live...horrible)

Disc 2 - Meatloaf (yes...you read this correctly...who am I living with?)

Disc 3 - Dire Straights (wasn't completely awful but not exactly kids-tunes)

Disc 4 - Kids Tunes! 

Disc 5 - Donna Summer (I love her. Love. We all had fun dancing and I explained the concept of a synthesizer but when I sang, a certain occupant of the seat behind me said, "stop singing! only one little boy sings...not mommy!")

Disc 6 - The soundtrack of Working Girl which is also one of his favorite movies (I know, you're learning lots today!)

So, there's that. Then there is his love of science fiction films. Dating this guy was murder. 2001 is his favorite movie (mine is Out of Africa, just so you know). I said "no" to the Stanley Kubrick marathon when we got to A Clockwork Orange. But, he's my sweet so sometimes he gets his way. On Saturday we sat down to this

Spoiler Alert - if you haven't seen it and don't want to know, leave now.

I'm not sure I've ever shared this but I am terrified of flying. Terrified. Yes, we just took five little kids to Europe and it was that or be sedated the whole time. Worrying about their constant needs made me forget most of the time that we were a million miles (I exaggerate) in the air at -500 degrees (again) traveling 1,000 miles per hour (last time).

So you can imagine how I had to close my eyes immediately following the explosion when Sandra's character was spinning through space. With no chance of stopping. Just round and round and round and ...ug I'm getting nauseous now.

The movie, while causing me to freak out on a regular basis, actually had some redeeming qualities at the end. She met her final obstacle and failed and she gave up...quietly waiting for her life to end. Then, she is visited by Clooney's character who clearly died earlier in the film with the line "the sunrise over the Ganges is beautiful!" (DH missed that so he didn't get the significance.)

Not only does God reach out, through this recently dead companion, to help save her life, the interaction causes a deep change in her character. She goes from wondering if anyone would pray for her when they found out she had died to asking Clooney's character to say hello to her deceased daughter. The understanding and acceptance of the hereafter not only comforts her but compels her to save her own life. Touching.

Fast-forward to Monday when I took the kids to the funeral of our dear neighbor's uncle. It was clear he was a faithful, long-time member of the parish and it was wonderful to see the great number of devout Catholics that showed up to mourn him (sounds crass but it gives me hope that if you live your life a certain way, you collect people who share your views...I would rejoice if at least half the people at my funeral knew what they were doing). I digress.

The pain and sorrow for the loss of this husband/father/uncle was fresh and we grieved along with them but, unlike much of society, it was clear that we weren't all just floating in space with no hope of rescue. There is a God who loves us and there is an eternal reward for those who follow Him.

So we can rejoice in hope that God is always there, even when we feel like we are spinning with no end. What a wonderful feeling.

We are blessed.

Wordless Wednesday...I have no idea