Passing the Torch

I recently received two blog awards from two dear blogging pals.

I am truly honored! These gals are too sweet!

I'm still semi-new to this blogging world, but I think the way awards typically work is that you receive an award and then you pass it on, kind of like the torch ...

The first award is from Sarah at Ora Et Labora—Journey of Truth. She has presented me with the Honest Scrap Award! There are a few things I have to do for this award, which I will ... Keep reading!

The second is a brand new award from Jennifer at My Chocolate Heart. She has presented me with the True Heart Award! She said, "Those who receive this award are of the sweetest nature. They are kind, friendly, funny, loving eager to share their love for Jesus with others, and brave in their efforts to reflect Him to this darkened world. They are the kind of folks you're blessed to know, even if it's only in the bloggy-shere."

If you've ever read My Chocolate Heart, you'll know that this description fits Jennifer perfectly. So, I am humbly honored that she thinks I am like this, too! Thank you, Jennifer! Oh, and if you haven't been over to visit My Chocolate Heart, I highly recommend that you do.

OK. The Honest Scrap Award. To keep this award, I must do the following: 1) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award. 2) Share 10 honest things about myself. 3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me. 4) Tell those 7 people that they've been awarded Honest Scrap and inform them of these guidelines in receiving it.

1) Thank you, Sarah, for this award! Again, I am humbled and honored. Especially since I think your blog is one honest scrap itself! More so, probably, than mine! If you haven't checked out Sarah's blog, you don't know what you've been missing. And if you go now, you can catch up on all the excitement as her family transitions to their new home: Hawaii!

2) 10 Honest Things About Me:

1. I am a perfectionist, but I try not to be.

2. Sometimes I worry too much about the little things.

3. I get discouraged by our culture's lack of grace, manners, modesty and decorum. Sometimes I wish I lived way back when those things were still important in society.

4. I am afraid of frogs.

5. I want to learn to sew. And crochet. And embroider.

6. After being pregnant with the twins, it has been harder for me to loose the baby weight this time around. (Or should I say babies weight? =)

7. I really enjoy going out for coffee with my husband, my mom or a friend!

8. I am an introvert.

9. Since we will be building a house in the near future, I am trying to figure out "my style." I get to pick out everything, so what will I pick? I'm not entirely sure. But I am definitely not modern.

10. OK. Was I honest enough? Too honest? I will probably by worrying about this for the next three days!

3) I present the Honest Scrap Award to ...

Regan at A Place for Everything

Therese at Aussie Coffee Shop

Jamie at Lord, Make Me a Saint

Christine at Meet Me at the Gates

Barbara at Praying for Grace

Suzie at Shepherding My Sheep

+JMJ+ at Totus Tuus Family & Catholic Homeschool

If you've already received this award, well, I hope you don't mind receiving it twice. I enjoy reading each of your blogs (almost) daily, and you bless me with your honesty, faith, creativity, humor, joy and encouragement! And since I'm at it, I present you all with the True Heart Award, too, because you're all the things Jennifer described and more. You don't have to do anything with that one, simply enjoy! (And pass it on, if you'd like.)

Year for Priests

It seems urgent to recover that awareness that has always been at the heart of the Church's mission, which impels priests to be present, identifiable and recognizable both for their judgement of faith, for their personal virtues as well as for the habit, in the contexts of culture and of charity.

—His Holiness Benedict XVI—

Have you heard? You probably have, but in case you haven't ...

Pope Benedict XVI declared a "Year for Priests" beginning June 19, and concluding with an international gathering of priests with him in Rome next year. The theme is Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of Priests. With the announcement of this Year for Priests, the Pope has declared St. John Vianney the Universal Patron of Priests on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of the Curé d’Ars.

Cardinal Claudio Hummes, prefect of the Congregation for Clergy, hopes that "this may be a time of grace that will produce great apostolic fruit, especially of fidelity and intense renewal in the work of the ministry."

When I read this announcement in our archdiocese's newspaper a couple weeks ago, and more about it in some e-mails, I was thrilled! I have known so many good priests in my lifetime. They lead such quiet, prayerful and service-filled lives. They are at the frontlines of defending our Catholic faith. They are faithful to their call, and they love Our Lord Jesus, His Mother and His Church with all their hearts. At a time when our culture is in such moral disarray, and there is such attack on the Catholic Church, Christianity in general, and their specific vocation as priests, I think it is a wise and beautiful move on the Pope's part to dedicate this year to them.

We must pray for our priests now more than ever! They.need.us. to do that for them. And we must pray for our seminarians studying and preparing to become future priests. May these men always feel secure in their vocation, supported by those whom they shepherd, and passionate about growing in holiness, truth and wisdom. Let us cheer them on and be proud of them, not only in our hearts but in how we communicate our love for them to all the world.

God bless our priests! Amen.

OK. I liked it.

I took my husband to see Star Trek for his birthday. It was his pick, of course, and I was going along because it was part of his gift. I didn't care if I would like the movie or not, nor was I expecting to like it. I was happy to go just for him.

But I did like the movie. I liked it a lot. And my husband was very kind not to say, "I told you so."

I've never seen any of the Star Trek series or former movies. I've never been interested. And I never thought I would be. However, I was interested in this particular movie version. I thought it was great!

Maybe it was because it was created to reach a wider audience. Maybe it was because J.J. Abrams, director of Lost, also directed it. (I am a big Lost fan.) Who knows. All I know is that it was a fun film.

I was impressed with the casting, especially the actor who played Spock. He portrayed a perfect younger Spock. I also thought the storyline was interesting, and of course, there was plenty of action (but not too much for folks like me who typically don't like action or sci-fi flicks).

BTW, for not ever being interested in Star Trek, a lot of it certainly was familiar to me. I knew Spock and Captain Kirk. I've heard the expression "beam me up, Scotty" a billion times. And of course the hand gesture. It must be so much a part of our culture that even us non-trekkys know plenty about this ever-popular media phenomenon. Anyway, I just found that interesting ...

Well, that's all. Just thought I'd pass on this recommendation, especially to those who may normally pass it by.

Happy Weekend! Live long and prosper! ;-)

Together

I don't know about you, but around here, it's pretty rare to capture a photo of just me and my husband. Let alone a good photo. We have but a handful. Really.

In fact, I still have a wedding-day snapshot sitting on my nightstand in this cute wood frame that says together with two stick people sort of etched into the bottom. It seems a bit dated, after nearly 8 years of marriage and 5 children.

So, I was pleasantly surprised to receive an updated photo of us from my MIL a few weeks ago. I meant to get it printed out for my hubby's birthday, but that is the one downside of digital—I forget to make prints of photos, because as you now know, I rarely update frames and when was the last time I scrapbooked?

Since it was my husband's b-day on Sunday, though, I will honor him with another post and this new, and pretty good, photo of just the two of us.

And, Greg, I do promise to get you a copy for your desk. Thanks for your patience, as always. Love you!

A BIG celebration!

Today is an extra-special, celebratory day in our home!

It's the First Day of Summer! Hooray!

It's Father's Day! Yeah!

And it's my husband's 36th birthday! Whoo-hoo!

Yes, we indeed have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for today in this good man, fine husband and wonderful father!

The trio and I thought it would be fun to come up with the top 36 things we love about him. We made a big heart card and wrote all of them on it and then decorated it.

This is one (of many) of my 6-year-old's journals. She was in charge of writing out our list during our brainstorming sessions. But when the time came to make the card, she didn't want to take the list out of her journal. She said she wanted to save it, so that when she was all grown up she could look back and remember what we made for Dad on his 36th birthday, which also was on Father's Day!

So, I borrowed her journal and typed out our list. Meanwhile, the girls decorated the heart. Then, we cut the list up into 36 slips of paper and glued them onto the heart. We hid the BIG card in Grandma's room for safe-keeping =)

Presenting the card and other gifts to Dad on his extra-special day.

Here is our list, in no particular order.

1. He plays outside with me.

2. He plays games with me.

3. He leads us in family prayer.

4. He is funny.

5. He works really hard.

6. He provides for us so that I can stay at home with the kids.

7. He is the best.

8. He let's us play games on his iPhone.

9. We do projects together, like change the doorknob.

10. He makes up nicknames for us.

11. Dad makes the best popcorn.

12. He helps us build forts.

13. He is a star.

14. He takes us on adventures.

15. Dad is funny.

16. Dad is silly.

17. Dad is caring.

18. Dad is handsome.

19. He puts up decorations for our birthdays. (He is the streamer guy in our house!)

20. Dad is sweet.

21. He surprises us with treats.

22. Dad is patient.

23. Dad is prayerful.

24. Dad is good at painting.

25. Dad makes us music CDs of our favorite songs.

26. He is strong.

27. Dad is helpful.

28. Dad blesses us at night.

29. He makes up stories for us about three princesses.

30. Dad is really good at fixing things.

31. Dad is smart.

32. He takes us on bike rides.

33. He strives for holiness.

34. He writes us poems on our birthdays.

35. He leaves me love notes.

36. He loves us very, very much.

Here's our birthday/Father's Day brunch. Dad picked the menu, of course—French toast, eggs, bacon and sausage! Scrumptious!!

I write so many posts about faith, the kids, my interests, my projects. And behind each of them is a silent supporter in my vocation as wife and mother. And so, he, from time to time his worthy of his own post, too, right?!

So, here's to you, Greg! Happy Birthday, and Happy Father's Day, too! I love you. And you know how much those kids of ours love you, too.

7 Quick Takes Friday—Volume 3

1. This week was our parish's VBS—Set Sail with Saint Patrick and the Holy Trinity. My two eldest daughters had a great time learning about this special saint and his teaching on the Trinity, as well as making crafts, singing songs, playing games, watching live Irish dancing, hearing live Irish music and much more. I continue to be impressed with the quality and Catholicity of our parish's VBS programs.

~~~

2. On Monday, we had some newer friends over for lunch after VBS. Soon, they will be our next-door neighbors. We already are getting to know them a bit, and their eldest daughter will be in Kindergarten with my 5 year old come fall. It was a fun gathering, and our family looks forward to many more with them.

~~~

3. We finished the miniseries North and South this week. It is a BBC production, and it is based on Elizabeth Gaskell's novel. I wish I would have read the book first, but a good friend recommended the miniseries to us, and I'm so glad she did. I really enjoyed the story, and now I look forward to going back and reading the book, as I'm sure I missed plenty in the movie version.

~~~

4. I have absolutely no knitting progress to report. It has been way too long since I picked up my needles. I hope I remember how! Perhaps this weekend will provide some time ...

~~~

5. Speaking of weekends, what are your plans? We are attending a wedding tonight. Tomorrow is chore and errand day. And ...

~~~

6. ... Sunday is a BIG day of celebrating in our house. It's not only Father's Day but also my husband's birthday ... and we can't forget the first day of summer! =) The trio and I are in the midst of making plans and finishing up gifts for the special man in all of our lives.

~~~

7. Lastly, here is a photo I thought I'd share with you. It's of my third daughter at the recent Baptism of our nephew. She is sitting on the bottom of the sanctuary steps, just below where the Blessed Mother's statue was positioned throughout the month of May. In this photo, she is pointing and looking up to her. This darling daughter is as sweet as the picture portrays. She is the gentlest, most tender child of my gang. A dear, dear girl indeed!

Have a wonderful weekend! And for more quick takes, visit here.

Summer Reading

The season is upon us ...

... the season of warm breezes, thunderstorms, BBQs, farmers' markets, flip flops, kiddie pools, smores, bikes ...

... and the season of books!

The first (unofficial) week of summer vacation, the trio joined the library book club. My 6-year-old, especially, is a huge reader. Together, we are reading The Secret Garden, which I admit, I have never read! She is really into American Girl books, particularly Kit (and very curious about the newest AG, Rebecca). The Amanda Pig series, the Frances books, and Ameila Bedelia round out her top favorites.

All of the girls enjoy anything Fancy Nancy and other picture books.

As for me, I'm currently reading Just Jane, a fictional introduction into the life of Jane Austen. It's fairly enjoyable, getting a glimpse into her simple life and seeing where she found her inspiration for her various novels. It is a bit slow in parts, taking me a little longer to read than usual. But it's quaint and cozy, and overall, I like it. I'm not sure how accurate it is, but there is a fact sheet in the back, which I'll read when I've finished the book to see what was really fact and what was just fiction.

On my to-read list, I have ...

The Man Who Loved Jane Austen (Can you see a theme here? LOL) by Sally Smith O'Rourke

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Lifeline: The Religious Upbringing of Your Children by James Stenson

My Life in Pink & Green by Lisa Greenwald

Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult

The Rosary: Keeping Company with Jesus and Mary by Karen Edmisten

... and oh, so many more! I'm sure I won't read them all this summer. But that's OK; I've got no deadline, right?!

I just joined goodreads, which is a social network for readers. It's a place to recommend books and receive recommendations, as well as keep track of your "to-read list." If you're a member, too, let me know! Or if you have a recommendation for me, something you've read recently that you thought was great, please let me know. Even if it's a children's book. I'm always looking for good reads for my entire family.

Happy Reading!

Spring into Summer Loveliness

If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness.

~St. Therese of Lisieux

Our peonies are just starting to bloom! The dark pink ones opened up this week, and the light pink ones will follow any day now ... They certainly aren't tiny flowers, but their beauty and this quote seem to go together anyway. They are a favorite flower of mine, and my mom, too. She is here with us now, visiting for the summer. It is so delightful having her here! The kids love having someone else to give them the attention they crave ... and need. I am keeping up with my home much more easily, and my laundry is almost caught up! The older girls and I also have been able to go to the library for longer than 20 minutes (yes, without the twins =), and we are enjoying reading new books and partaking in the library book club. And all these wonderful perks are in addition to simply enjoying her joyful presence, her constant love, her encouraging faith and her general practicality. Oh, yes, and how could I forget our almost-daily iced coffees?! Yes, I am definitely springing into summer, and enjoying every moment! Thanks, Mom!

At the Source of All Goodness

Out of the good treasure of his heart he bringeth forth that which is good.

—Luke 6:45

I believe the beginning of the Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was yesterday. We're starting it today. We are getting back into family prayer after an extended break, and it feels good. In addition to our regular format, I think the novena will give us an extra boost to get us going again and just get our summer off on the right foot.

(The feast of the Sacred Heart is June 19. For the Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus click here. And more information can be found here.)

Every time I hear anyone speak of the Sacred Heart of Jesus or of the Blessed Sacrament I feel an indescribable joy. It is as if a wave of precious memories, sweet affections and joyful hopes swept over my poor person, making me tremble with happiness and filling my soul with tenderness. These are loving appeals from Jesus who wants me wholeheartedly there, at the source of all goodness, His Sacred Heart, throbbing mysteriously behind the Eucharistic veils ... I love to repeat today 'Sweet Heart of my Jesus, make me love You more and more.'

—Pope John XXIII, Journal of a Soul

(Thank you, Janette, for this wonderful quote!)

Wordless Wednesday—But I Was There First!

Research

As my family grows, my children are eating more and using more household goods more quickly. Therefore, this summer, I have decided to conduct a bit of research on shopping at grocery stores, big-box stores (like Target) and warehouse stores to determine where I should be purchasing our family's food and supplies for the best prices.

I have a membership to Sam's Club that I rarely use, because a) it's another errand to run, which requires time that I don't always have, and b) I don't really know what items are best purchased at a place like Sam's vs. the grocery store or Target.

We live close to SuperTarget, and I am all about one-stop shopping, so I usually buy everything there—food, TP, diapers, batteries, etc. It makes my life simple.

However, on Saturday, when I was loading six boxes of store-brand macaroni and cheese into my cart, it dawned on me that maybe some of my purchases would be more cost effective if I made a monthly trip to Sam's.

So, I am curious ...

Do you have a warehouse club membership? How often do you shop there vs. the grocery store or a Target-type shop? What items do you buy at the warehouse club? What items have you found to be a better deal there? (I know not everything is a good deal there, so that's what I am curious about!)

If you have any insights or tidbits that you have found helpful for your family's bottom dollar, please share them with me. I'd greatly appreciate your expertise, as I try to work on this budgeting project for my family.

Thank you!

One of the Gang

She is only 18 months old, but in her young mind, she is one of them. And she's not shy about letting us know either.

After returning home from a beauty-shop birthday party, I wanted to snap a photo of the girls' lovely pink hair and painted faces before we had to scrub down.

"Girls," I called. "Line up so that I can take a picture of how beautiful you look."

They were a bit disappointed that they couldn't keep the paint on any longer, but at least they'd have a remembrance of the "best" birthday party they've ever been to =)

As they were lining up, one more non-painted girl toddled up to join them with the biggest grin on her face. How could I refuse her proud smile?

Yes, Sweetie, you are one of the gang, too.

I've Been Nominated!

It is with much honor that I announce that I have been nominated for a Catholic New Media award! I can hardly believe it! My simple, little online journal, which I only started in December, has been recognized as worthy of an award nomination. I am truly humbled by this and thank Jennifer at My Chocolate Heart for thinking me worthy of this distinction.

I have been nominated as a Best New Blog.

The competition is very fierce, and I have no expectations of winning. I will be grateful for one vote! So, if you read me regularly, I would very much appreciate your consideration in voting for me, as well as for other wonderful Catholic blogs in all the categories. Simply click on the icon in my sidebar, and you will be redirected to the Web site where you can check out all the nominees and cast your votes.

Thank you! And God bless all the nominees for their efforts in spreading the Catholic faith through this medium.