Just Some Pics I Wanted To Share

Our Christmas Tree

Our Fire Place

A View Of The Road Leading To Paul's Mom's

A View From Paul's Mom's Backyard

Backyard Again

100 Facts

Here is list of 100 facts about me. I stole the idea from Heidi's blog, I think everyone should do something like this, it's amazing how hard it is. Oh, and please don't think I sat down and made this list all at once, I worked on it for a couple of days.



1. I love dressing for the winter time.

2. I'm happy being in the kitchen, as long as I'm cooking and not cleaning.

3. Vanilla is my favorite flavor ice cream.

4. I despise exercise, but I love the way I feel it makes me feel.

5. Most of my clothes are from Target.

6. I married my best friend, and yes, my soul mate.

7. I love driving at night.

8. I had seizure's for the first 5 years of my life.

9. I hate wearing open toed shoes.

10. I am not a neat freak, but I wish I was.

11. I love sad music. You know, sappy depressing love songs.

12. I talk to God several times a day, and Mary too!

13. I love girls night my with mom and Ruth. Hey it's been a while!

14. I love Sushi! Mmmmm, spicy tuna hand roll!!

15. Every 4 years I want to dye my hair blond, and I hate it every time.

16. I love quiet time with my Sweetie. And all the other times too!

17. I love coffee, just not when I make it.

18. My car always looks like I live in it.

19. I look forward to alone time with my mom.

20. I still sleep with a night light.

21. I don't like drama in my life, but I admit that I like to hear about other people's.

22. Taylor Swift's "Love Story" is my favorite song of the moment. Paul just bought me the CD.

23. I like my feet.

24. I always worry about 2 of my sisters.

25. If I make the bed twice in one week, it's a miracle.

26. I can't survive without allergy meds.

27. I would have lunch with Holly everyday if I could.

28. My favorite color's are Red, Blue, and Yellow. But none of those work in our house.

29. Paul is the only person who truly knows me.

30. I spend too much time on the computer.

31. Going grocery shopping relaxes me.

32. I tape my Christmas cards on the wall.

33. I wont leave the house without putting eyeliner on.

34. I love concerts.

35. Tickling me too much may cause a violent reaction on my part. Be ware!!!

36. I love Rome and I would go back in a heart beat.

37. I am happier than I've ever been.

38. I feel most comfortable in blue jeans. I love them!

39. I love the sound of a newborn crying. It's the only time crying is cute! :)

40. I dye my hair to hide the grays.

41. Starbucks is my favorite treat! A venti iced green tea with 3 packets of splenda. Yum!

42. I wish I saw my dad more.

43. I like seeing Paul's eyes light up like a little boy when he's excited about something.

44. I have a scar on my left calve from falling off my bike when I was 11 years old.

45. I love listening to Journey while driving by myself, so I can sing at the top of my lungs.

46. I like to send thank you cards.

47. Target is my favorite store. I like Macy's too!

48. I'm allergic to Christmas trees.

50. My aunt & uncle have a special place in my heart. They're amazing.

51. I would love to have a dozen children, or more.

52. I text while driving.

53. My camera is always with me, but I rarely use it.

54. I wish Tim and I were still as close as we were as kids.

55. I adore my big bro, everyone does!

56. Holy cards are what I like to use as bookmarks.

57. Blogging is my biggest hobby.

58. Ten books is my goal for 2009.

59. I can't stand Bruce Springsteen.

60. I have been an aunt since I was 8 years old.

61. I enjoy reading about the Saints.

62. Spending one on one time with each of my sister's is something I wish we did more often.

63. I laugh more with Paul than anyone.

64. I can play Tetris for hours.

65. While cleaning I listen to Country Music.

66. I have a mole on my back.

67. Cats scare me.

68. One of my pets as a kid was a Squirrel Monkey named Darwin.

69. Vacuuming is my least favorite chore.

70. I like laying on the couch watching golf with my husband.

71. I've had very few friends in my life, by choice.

72. I daydream, always have and probably always will.

73. "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King always puts me in a good mood.

74. I like to sing the songs that my mom sang to us at night.

75. Baking intimidates me.

76. I enjoy my own company.

77. Eleanor Dashwood is my favorite Jane Austin character.

78. I like the house to be full of sunlight.

79. Meatloaf is one of my favorite meals.

80. Paul and I never run out of things to talk about.

81. I love my life.

82. I have trouble believing I can do anything, but I'm working on it.

83. It bothers me when I hear women/men put down their spouses in public. It shouldn't be done at all.

84. I think about my family all the time.

85. I should be folding laundry right now. :)

86. My favorite numbers are 3 and 7.

87. New York is where I plan to go with Paul next December.

88. I love candles. Lit candles help to clear my mind of stress and worry.

89. I make a list of goals for each year and then forget about it. This year I wont forget.

90. I don't like strapless anything.

91. I need an Olive Garden fix soon.

92. I have never yelled at Paul, for any reason.

93. Living by the beach is great for my sinuses, but I never go down by the water.

94. I wish my mom would find her way back. :)

95. I don't have any tattoos. Thank you mom for talking me out of it.

96. I'm no longer embarrassed to dance in public. Whether I dance well or not, I have a great time.

97. I tend to be very hard on myself.

98. Although I'm allergic to most flowers I still love to get them.

99. Most of my clothes are black or gray, which is strange because I love bright colors.

100. I already can't wait for next Christmas.

“Those who know don't tell and those who tell don't know."

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Prayer

God of love, Father of all, the darkness
that covered the earth has given way to the
bright dawn of your Word made flesh. Make us a people of this light. Make us
faithful to your Word, that we may bring your life to the waiting world.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

12 Days Of Christmas

Catholics in England during the period 1558 to 1829 were prohibited by law to practice their faith either in public or private. It was illegal to be Catholic until Parliament finally emancipated Catholics in England in 1829. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written in England as one of the "catechism songs" to help young Catholics learn the basics of their faith. In short, it was a coded-message, a memory aid. Since the song sounded like rhyming nonsense, young Catholics could sing the song without fear of imprisonment. The authorities would not know that it was a religious song. "The 12 Days of Christmas" is in a sense an allegory. Each of the items in the song represents something significant to the teachings of the Catholic faith. The hidden meaning of each gift was designed to help Catholic children learn their faith. The better acquainted one is with the Bible, the more these interpretations have significance.

The song goes, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…"
The "true love" mentioned in the song doesn’t refer to an earthly suitor, but it refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person. i.e. the Church.

1st Day:
The partridge in a pear tree is Christ Jesus upon the Cross. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge because she would feign injury to decoy a predator away from her nestlings. She was even willing to die for them. The tree is the symbol of the fall of the human race through the sin of Adam and Eve. It is also the symbol of its redemption by Jesus Christ on the tree of the Cross.

2nd Day:
The "two turtle doves" refers to the Old and New Testaments.

3rd Day:
The "three French hens" stand for faith, hope and love—the three gifts of the Spirit that abide (1 Corinthians 13).

4th Day:
The "four calling birds" refers to the four evangelists who wrote the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.

5th Day:
The "five golden rings" represents the first five books of the Bible, also called the Jewish Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

6th Day:
The "six geese a-laying" is the six days of creation.

7th Day:
The "seven swans a-swimming" refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.

8th Day:
The "eight maids a milking " reminded children of the eight beatitudes listed in the Sermon on the Mount.

9th Day:
The "nine ladies dancing" were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

10th Day:
The "ten lords a-leaping" represents the Ten Commandments

11th Day:
The "eleven pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.

12th Day:
The ‘twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of belief expressed in the Apostles’ Creed: belief in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, made man, crucified, died and arose on the third day, that he sits at the right hand of the father and will come again, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.

So the next time you hear "the Twelve Days of Christmas" consider how this otherwise non-religious sounding song had its origins in keeping alive the teaching of the Catholic faith.

99 Balloons

Cake Balls Hint

If you try making these and decide to use white chocolate, I suggest going to a cake shop or bakery which sells the same chocolate they use. I tried making some more this morning with the Toll House white chocolate and they did not turn out well.

The TH is a lot thicker and over powers the cake inside. The chocolate I used from the cake shop has a great flavor, looks prettier, and is much easier to work with, and it compliments the flavor of the cake.

It is always wise to look ahead but difficult to look farther than you can see.

Pick n' Pen

Today I received an envelope in the mail that contained a letter from my aunt Jo Louis and a book called Pick n' Pen, the letter explained the book. This book is a collection of poems from John A. Sutter Junior High School and the cover was created by my mother when she was 14 and it includes a poem that she wrote as well.

I was so impressed when I read it, I called her to let her know and she told me the story behind it, but I'll let her tell you that if she so wishes. Maybe she will share the first part of the poem, which the school wouldn't publish.

Cake Balls

Well they're not as pretty as the ones I made on Monday with my aunt, but it's my first try. I used sprinkles instead of drizzling colored chocolate on top and the white chocolate dried too quickly. Oh, well, Paul loved the 3 he got to sample and the rest I'm taking into work tomorrow.

The filling is chocolate cake & frosting mixed with Baileys Irish Cream.

Advent Prayer

God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy, so that we may share his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Confession

Fr. Barron on Christmas!

I finished a book. Whoo-hoo!!!

Well I finally finished A Bold Fresh Piece Of Humanity. I started the book on the plan trip to France, and I nearly completed it on the trip, I only had 3 more chapters to go.

Once we got home of it took me forever to pick it the book and finish it and I'm so glad that I did. I have now read 7 book this year, and if anyone knows anything about me then they would agree that that's REALLY REALLY GOOD!!

I just never took the time to sit and read before, now I rarely leave the house without a book. I often find that I'm in the middle of three books at a time, and that works for me.

Please do not let the fact that it took so long to finish A Bold Fresh Piece Of Humanity lead you to believe that the book is boring and not worth reading, that couldn't be further from the truth. I liked the book very much. Over the election period Paul and I watched a lot of The O'Reilly Factor and since he seemed like an interesting guy I thought I'd give his book a shot, and I highly recommend it. If you don't have a clue who he is, I suggest watching his show on FOXnews for at least a week, If you like him, you'll love the book, if you don't like him it might change your mind.

St. John of the Cross

Born in Spain in 1542, John learned the importance of self-sacrificing love from his parents. His father gave up wealth, status, and comfort when he married a weaver's daughter and was disowned by his noble family. After his father died, his mother kept the destitute family together as they wandered homeless in search of work. These were the examples of sacrifice that John followed with his own great love -- God.
When the family finally found work, John still went hungry in the middle of the wealthiest city in Spain. At fourteen, John took a job caring for hospital patients who suffered from incurable diseases and madness. It was out of this poverty and suffering, that John learned to search for beauty and happiness not in the world, but in God.
After John joined the Carmelite order, Saint Teresa of Avila asked him to help her reform movement. John supported her belief that the order should return to its life of prayer. But many Carmelites felt threatened by this reform, and some members of John's own order kidnapped him. He was locked in a cell six feet by ten feet and beaten three times a week by the monks. There was only one tiny window high up near the ceiling. Yet in that unbearable dark, cold, and desolation, his love and faith were like fire and light. He had nothing left but God -- and God brought John his greatest joys in that tiny cell.
After nine months, John escaped by unscrewing the lock on his door and creeping past the guard. Taking only the mystical poetry he had written in his cell, he climbed out a window using a rope made of stirps of blankets. With no idea where he was, he followed a dog to civilization. He hid from pursuers in a convent infirmary where he read his poetry to the nuns. From then on his life was devoted to sharing and explaining his experience of God's love.
His life of poverty and persecution could have produced a bitter cynic. Instead it gave birth to a compassionate mystic, who lived by the beliefs that "Who has ever seen people persuaded to love God by harshness?" and "Where there is no love, put love -- and you will find love."
John left us many books of practical advice on spiritual growth and prayer that are just as relevant today as they were then. These books include:
Ascent of Mount Carmel
Dark Night of the Soul
and A Spiritual Canticle of the Soul and the Bridegroom Christ
Since joy comes only from God, John believed that someone who seeks happiness in the world is like "a famished person who opens his mouth to satisfy himself with air." He taught that only by breaking the rope of our desires could we fly up to God. Above all, he was concerned for those who suffered dryness or depression in their spiritual life and offered encouragement that God loved them and was leading them deeper into faith.
"What more do you want, o soul! And what else do you search for outside, when within yourself you possess your riches, delights, satisfaction and kingdom -- your beloved whom you desire and seek? Desire him there, adore him there. Do not go in pursuit of him outside yourself. You will only become distracted and you won't find him, or enjoy him more than by seeking him within you." -- Saint John of the Cross In His Footsteps:
John of the Cross believed it was just as dangerous to get attached to spiritual delights as worldly pleasures. Do you expect to get something -- a good feeling, a sense of God -- from prayer or worship? Do you continue to pray and worship when you feel alone or dry? Prayer:
Saint John of the Cross, in the darkness of your worst moments, when you were alone and persecuted, you found God. Help me to have faith that God is there especially in the times when God seems absent and far away. Amen

A good plan today, is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.

Prince Edward Island

I've always loved the story of Anne Of Green Gables, and since I was a little girl I've wanted to visit Prince Edward Island. I would love to see everything Anne that there is to see and just enjoy the beauty all around. I know there is an Annual Lucy Maud Montgomery Festival (Lucy's the author), the Festival includes daily performances by "Anne" and "Diana," traditional music, readings from Montgomery's work (including Anne of Green Gables), period games, ice cream socials, barn dances, fish-tasting feasts, and a memorial service for Montgomery. Those are just a few of the events.

Of course if you do visit PEI where else is there to stay but Dalvay by the Sea Hotel, now famous as the "White Sands Hotel" featured in the Sullivan Entertainment production (where Anne delivers a fine performance of "The Highwayman"). Today, the Dalvay retains its reverence for a quieter time. There are no telephones, no radios and no televisions in any of the guest rooms. Visitors are encouraged to read by one of the over sized fireplaces (my hubby would love that), or play the piano, or go for a walk by the beach.

Someday!

Be always mindful of Jesus and Mary and do not fear any enemy.

~Thomas `a Kempis

How to pray the rosary

I posted a Youtube video a while back on the history of the Rosary and was then asked to explain how the Rosary is prayed, well, I'm sorry it took so long, but here it is.


1. Make the sign of the cross
2. Say the Apostles Creed
3. Say the Our Father
4. Say three Hail Marys
5. Say the Glory Be
6. Announce the first Mystery and say the Our Father
7. Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery
8. Say the Glory Be
9. Say the O My Jesus
10. Announce the second Mystery and say the Our Father
11. Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery
12. Say the Glory Be
13. Say the O My Jesus
14. Announce the third Mystery and say the Our Father
15. Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery
16. Say the Glory Be
17. Say the O My Jesus
18. Announce the fourth Mystery and say the Our Father
19. Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery
20. Say the Glory Be
21. Say the O My Jesus
22. Announce the fifth Mystery and say the Our Father
23. Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery
24. Say the Glory Be
25. Say the O My Jesus
26. Say the Hail Holy Queen


http://www.scborromeo.org/prayers/rosary

Thanksgiving Weekend

Paul and I spent Thanksgiving day at his mom's, and we had a great time. The food was wonderful, especially the stuffing (I love stuffing). I think Paul had about six servings of turkey and one serving of everything else. The turkey was really good, and I would have had more, but then I wouldn't have room left for more stuffing. Yummmmmmmm!!!

The next day we went back to his mom's. I wanted to learn how to make cookies, (bon-bons, & spritz) so I spent the day helping (more like slowing down) Sharon and Daria (sisters-in-law). It was a lot of fun.

After the Holidays are over Paul's mom is going to teach me how to make bread.

Saturday my mom came over to help me fix the branches on the Christmas tree, then went spent the whole day shopping for ornaments and other decorations. We haven't decorated the tree yet but the mantle looks really cute.

My mom went to Mass with us on Sunday morning then we went out to brunch.

Then Paul and I went home to take a nap.

We had a wonderful weekend, and I hope all of you did too. I would love to hear your stories as well.