Friday, May 30, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
We Remember
In the rising of the sun, and in its going down,
We remember them.
In the blowing of the wind, and in the chill of winter,
We remember them.
In the opening of buds, and in the rebirth of spring,
We remember them.
In the blueness of the sky, and in the warmth of summer,
We remember them.
In the rustling of leaves, and in the beauty of autumn,
We remember them.
In the beginning of the year, and when it ends,
We remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
We remember them.
When we have joys and we yearn to share,
We remember them.
So long as we live, they too shall live
For they are now a part of us
As we remember them.
~ Book of Jewish Prayers
We remember them.
In the blowing of the wind, and in the chill of winter,
We remember them.
In the opening of buds, and in the rebirth of spring,
We remember them.
In the blueness of the sky, and in the warmth of summer,
We remember them.
In the rustling of leaves, and in the beauty of autumn,
We remember them.
In the beginning of the year, and when it ends,
We remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
We remember them.
When we have joys and we yearn to share,
We remember them.
So long as we live, they too shall live
For they are now a part of us
As we remember them.
~ Book of Jewish Prayers
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Soundtrack Saturday
It's been a while, but here are the next songs.
"I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack. I love this song simply because it's about dancing. I LOVE to dance. But, obviously more important than that, is it's message. It's about always being in awe of God's creation, no matter how "important" you've become, and to LIVE life, despite the risks. Take a chance. I actually have a very literal example from my life. The summer after I graduated from college, my roommate came home to Minnesota with me before we started our trip to Europe. One of our teammates was getting married. I went to the wedding (gasp!) stag. My roommate's fiance was at training and she was in the wedding, so we were both single. No big deal right? We were having a great time with lots of friends. Until, of course, the "slow songs" played. During one such song, I was sitting by myself at my table (everyone else was coupled up and dancing). A guy came over and asked me to dance. I knew who he was, his girlfriend was a classmate. A nice guy as far as I knew, but the whole thing made me uncomfortable. Not in a "I'm a strong woman, I don't need a man" kind of way, but in a shy, embarrassed, "Please don't feel sorry for me and feel obliged to do this" kind of way. I think I actually said no multiple times, but somehow was dragged on the floor. This is exactly what I DON'T want my girls to do. So what if he felt bad for me? He was being a nice guy. But more importantly, why not dance when some one asks? Life is to be lived and enjoyed! And I hope my girls always take the chance and DANCE!
The second song is "Amazing Grace" by LeAnn rimes. I originally had chosen a version by Charlotte Church, but due to technical difficulties, I went with this version. I love that it's a capella and the song itself, of course, is beautiful. But it's also a "family" song. My dad loves it and when we were little, we'd always get excited if they sang it at Mass. So in addition to sharing the wonderful lyrics, we're sharing a little bit of family history by passing this song on.
*Soundtrack Saturday is a (somewhat) recurring series where I share songs that are the soundtrack to my life. Currently, I am sharing songs off a cd I made for my girls.
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
"I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack. I love this song simply because it's about dancing. I LOVE to dance. But, obviously more important than that, is it's message. It's about always being in awe of God's creation, no matter how "important" you've become, and to LIVE life, despite the risks. Take a chance. I actually have a very literal example from my life. The summer after I graduated from college, my roommate came home to Minnesota with me before we started our trip to Europe. One of our teammates was getting married. I went to the wedding (gasp!) stag. My roommate's fiance was at training and she was in the wedding, so we were both single. No big deal right? We were having a great time with lots of friends. Until, of course, the "slow songs" played. During one such song, I was sitting by myself at my table (everyone else was coupled up and dancing). A guy came over and asked me to dance. I knew who he was, his girlfriend was a classmate. A nice guy as far as I knew, but the whole thing made me uncomfortable. Not in a "I'm a strong woman, I don't need a man" kind of way, but in a shy, embarrassed, "Please don't feel sorry for me and feel obliged to do this" kind of way. I think I actually said no multiple times, but somehow was dragged on the floor. This is exactly what I DON'T want my girls to do. So what if he felt bad for me? He was being a nice guy. But more importantly, why not dance when some one asks? Life is to be lived and enjoyed! And I hope my girls always take the chance and DANCE!
The second song is "Amazing Grace" by LeAnn rimes. I originally had chosen a version by Charlotte Church, but due to technical difficulties, I went with this version. I love that it's a capella and the song itself, of course, is beautiful. But it's also a "family" song. My dad loves it and when we were little, we'd always get excited if they sang it at Mass. So in addition to sharing the wonderful lyrics, we're sharing a little bit of family history by passing this song on.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I'm found.
Was blind, but now I see.
'twas grace that taught my heart to feel
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
When we've been dead ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Then when we first begun.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I'm found.
Was blind, but now I see.
*Soundtrack Saturday is a (somewhat) recurring series where I share songs that are the soundtrack to my life. Currently, I am sharing songs off a cd I made for my girls.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
New Blog
Please go visit the new blog Consecrated Children and show your support and encouragment for Veronica and the pro-life work she is doing.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Do You Know Where Your Husband Is?
It's almost 10 and my better half is out laying mulch.
Did I mention how much I love moving?
Friday, May 9, 2008
Touching Them All
I came across this at Danielle Bean's shared items. Now I need a tissue for a completely different reason.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Tissue Please
"My nose is run tooing."
If you can decipher that, then you can probably figure out the status of things in our house. Yesterday, Alexis woke up with a runny nose that continued through today. Lucky for us, she had her 1 yr. appointment this afternoon. Then when we got home, WHAM! it hit me. Hard. And now Isabel's eyes and nose are running, hence the above statement. Not great timing, but when is it ever, right?
If you can decipher that, then you can probably figure out the status of things in our house. Yesterday, Alexis woke up with a runny nose that continued through today. Lucky for us, she had her 1 yr. appointment this afternoon. Then when we got home, WHAM! it hit me. Hard. And now Isabel's eyes and nose are running, hence the above statement. Not great timing, but when is it ever, right?
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
What Generation Do You Belong In?
| You Belong in the Silent Generation |
 You are a person of high values and character. Family, your country, loyalty, and hard work all important to you. You are willing to do what's right, even when it's difficult. |
http://www.blogthings.com/whatgenerationdoyoubelonginquiz/">What Generation Do You Belong In?
H/T Jane
Monday, May 5, 2008
"Please Don't Stop the Music"
I know it's not Saturday, but I wanted to talk about music anyways.
I was driving my car a month or so ago, and my passenger saw a cd in the console, I think it was this one about the Mass, and he asked me about it. Then he asked me if I listened to Christian music, too. The discussion went on to cover the "quality" of music. I think he had convinced himself that all Christian music was boring and/or "cheesy." And truth be told, I used to feel the same way sort of. I mean really, there isn't a lot of Christian music on the Top 100 list, now is there? Slowly over time, however, mostly through friends' recommendations, the internet, and every once in a while the mainstream (especially country music), I'm starting to find more songs and artists that I enjoy.
I used to think that it didn't really matter if I listened to specifically Christian music. It didn't mean I was a bad Catholic. I still went to Mass and prayed. But just as I am trying to read more books that strengthen my faith, I've been listening to more music that I hope will do the same. And then the other day, it hit me. I was walking from my car into a store with my daughters and a song started running through my head. "Our God is an awsome God" kept repeating over and over. As I realized this, I smiled. Now my thoughts were on God, even when I hadn't purposely put them there! How AWESOME is that?!?!?!
In case you are wondering, some of my current favorites are...
..."I Saw God Today" by George Strait. How wonderful to be able to look at the little things in life and see God in them.
..."Jesus Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood. This is probably not a shocker, as it has been pretty popular recently, but it definitely reminds me of Who should be in charge.
..."There's a Life Inside You" by Matthew West. A great pro-life song.
..."Shout to the Lord" from the American Idol Gives Back show. I didn't see the actual show, but I found the song on Itunes. I was excited that this song was given this kind of an outlet and I wanted to show my support. But I also enjoy it and the song reminds me to give it my all when I worship God, to not just whisper (although that's okay too, sometimes) but to SHOUT out my praise.
Of course, if you have any recommendations, I'd love to have them.
.
I was driving my car a month or so ago, and my passenger saw a cd in the console, I think it was this one about the Mass, and he asked me about it. Then he asked me if I listened to Christian music, too. The discussion went on to cover the "quality" of music. I think he had convinced himself that all Christian music was boring and/or "cheesy." And truth be told, I used to feel the same way sort of. I mean really, there isn't a lot of Christian music on the Top 100 list, now is there? Slowly over time, however, mostly through friends' recommendations, the internet, and every once in a while the mainstream (especially country music), I'm starting to find more songs and artists that I enjoy.
I used to think that it didn't really matter if I listened to specifically Christian music. It didn't mean I was a bad Catholic. I still went to Mass and prayed. But just as I am trying to read more books that strengthen my faith, I've been listening to more music that I hope will do the same. And then the other day, it hit me. I was walking from my car into a store with my daughters and a song started running through my head. "Our God is an awsome God" kept repeating over and over. As I realized this, I smiled. Now my thoughts were on God, even when I hadn't purposely put them there! How AWESOME is that?!?!?!
In case you are wondering, some of my current favorites are...
..."I Saw God Today" by George Strait. How wonderful to be able to look at the little things in life and see God in them.
..."Jesus Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood. This is probably not a shocker, as it has been pretty popular recently, but it definitely reminds me of Who should be in charge.
..."There's a Life Inside You" by Matthew West. A great pro-life song.
..."Shout to the Lord" from the American Idol Gives Back show. I didn't see the actual show, but I found the song on Itunes. I was excited that this song was given this kind of an outlet and I wanted to show my support. But I also enjoy it and the song reminds me to give it my all when I worship God, to not just whisper (although that's okay too, sometimes) but to SHOUT out my praise.
Of course, if you have any recommendations, I'd love to have them.
.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Mommy Joy
"Daddy loves me."
"He does?"
"Yeah."
"Does Mommy love you?"
"Yeah."
"Does Alexis love you?"
"Yeah. She gives me lots of kisses."
.
"He does?"
"Yeah."
"Does Mommy love you?"
"Yeah."
"Does Alexis love you?"
"Yeah. She gives me lots of kisses."
.
Mass Happenings
Tom is out of town, so we went to the 9am Mass this morning. I guess I have never done that for a Holy Day during the school year before.
- Young gentleman dressed in business attire holds doors for us as we enter church.
- Entered church, thought it wouldn't be all that full today, so we could sit a little further forward than usual so Isabel could see more. Wondered why so many people were sitting so far back.
- Sat a few pews behind nice young gentleman, hoping he would not be annoyed by small children.
- School children start entering church. Realize why so many people were sitting so far back.
- Wonder if we should move. More school children enter. Nice young gentleman moves.
- Start packing up all of our stuff. More school children enter. Start filling our pew.
- We move. Right behind nice young gentleman.
- During homily, Father asks school children questions about Ascension, Pentecost, etc... Isabel does not understand concept of raising hands to answer questions, thinks children are waving hello to Father. Proceeds to wave hello for duration of homily, waiting for Father to respond.
- Giving up, Isabel begins to practice genuflecting in aisle and entering pew.
- Isabel tells me she has "poot." Realizing this is not a scene I want made with school children nearby to distract, we go change diapers. Am actually relieved because correctly suspected Alexis needed new diaper, too.
- Return to pew. Decide Alexis has had to many Puffs. Take them away and give toy. Good for teething, bad for dropping. Loud. Bounces two pews ahead.
- Accept toy back from pew occupant. Embarrassed.
- Give Alexis Mommy's bracelet. She's more interested in sister's bracelet. Contentedly chews on bracelet. Quietly.
- Isabel understands certain words Father says. Repeats them while imitating arm gestures (he's Italian).
- Smell Isabel. Thankful Mass is over.
.
- Young gentleman dressed in business attire holds doors for us as we enter church.
- Entered church, thought it wouldn't be all that full today, so we could sit a little further forward than usual so Isabel could see more. Wondered why so many people were sitting so far back.
- Sat a few pews behind nice young gentleman, hoping he would not be annoyed by small children.
- School children start entering church. Realize why so many people were sitting so far back.
- Wonder if we should move. More school children enter. Nice young gentleman moves.
- Start packing up all of our stuff. More school children enter. Start filling our pew.
- We move. Right behind nice young gentleman.
- During homily, Father asks school children questions about Ascension, Pentecost, etc... Isabel does not understand concept of raising hands to answer questions, thinks children are waving hello to Father. Proceeds to wave hello for duration of homily, waiting for Father to respond.
- Giving up, Isabel begins to practice genuflecting in aisle and entering pew.
- Isabel tells me she has "poot." Realizing this is not a scene I want made with school children nearby to distract, we go change diapers. Am actually relieved because correctly suspected Alexis needed new diaper, too.
- Return to pew. Decide Alexis has had to many Puffs. Take them away and give toy. Good for teething, bad for dropping. Loud. Bounces two pews ahead.
- Accept toy back from pew occupant. Embarrassed.
- Give Alexis Mommy's bracelet. She's more interested in sister's bracelet. Contentedly chews on bracelet. Quietly.
- Isabel understands certain words Father says. Repeats them while imitating arm gestures (he's Italian).
- Smell Isabel. Thankful Mass is over.
.
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