A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

7 Quick Takes Friday

2012-01-27T12:36:00.001-05:00

1) There's something so wonderful about people from all over the globe, coming together (albeit "virtually-speaking") and uplifting and encouraging one another in their family life journeys. This was the privilege and honor I had earlier today as I hosted a "chat" session for our "I Surrender" online Book Club page on Facebook. We have women from France, Spain, all parts of the USA, Australia, and even a woman who stayed up til 11 pm HER time ...in CHINA...so that she could join us at 11 am our time here in the EST USA. It was amazing! We are each unique and all so different and yet...bonded in CHRIST...we are very much the SAME. AWESOME, how God lets us learn from one another in order to grow closer to Him, isn't it?

2) Got a new "cover" on my Facebook page. FB is switching everyone to a new type of personal page called "Timeline". This makes your page have more of a "bloggy" look than the original pages on FB which basically just looked like a list of posts. Anyway, I hired a designer (whose price was SO inexpensive that I felt like I'd gotten a free gift after I saw his marvelous work!) to design a new cover for me...which is the "header" at the top of my page. I LOVE what this gentleman created and I hope you'll stop by my "Judy Dudich" page on FB and take a look. Further, if YOU would like a cover designed...just email me...I am HAPPY to recommend someone who is so talented and offers his service at such a low price. (I suspect that he will most likely raise his prices when the work starts rolling in...which, I know, it will, when people get wind of his talent...so...I wouldn't wait TOO long if you are interested).

3) I'm not so sure how healthy those flavored-instant-powdered coffee-drinks are...but I suuuuure do love "Cafe Vienna"! The aroma, itself, is so calming and soothing...if I don't want to drink the coffee...I'd be almost as happy just "sniffing" it all day :)

4) My sweet, darling Benjamin Luke...my BABY...is turning FIVE on February 11th.

5) The previous Quick Take is enough to make me cry for a month.

6) That said, it IS a JOY to see my little one becoming such a "big boy".

7) Babies and children are truly the GREATEST gift/blessing that God bestows upon His people.

Want to read more Quick Takes? Visit Jennifer Fulwiler, via my link in the sidebar of this blog.

Tea Talk

2012-01-26T20:28:00.000-05:00

This evening, I am having a small bowl of pretzels (I hope it was ok for me to bring a snack!) and a glass of red wine. It feels SO good to sit down and relax...I was a little chilly and so I have the "granny shawl" that my mother crocheted for me, wrapped around my shoulders...so comfy:)

My glass is a lovely etched wine glass that used to belong to my parents. Years ago, my Mum passed down a couple of the glasses to me (My parents strongly believe in giving things and passing things down while still here to enjoy seeing the JOY it brings to others).

I am feeling glad to finally have a few moments of quiet and relaxation. ('Twas a very busy day...septic tank broke and hubby had to make very unexpected trips to the hardware store and dig deep holes and get covered in mud during a down-pour of rain, etc...)

On my mind are all of the women who will be attending the Ultimate Homeschool Expo 2012 in a couple weeks; online. I will be speaking again this year and I am praying for them (and myself) to be uplifted, encouraged, and supported in their vocations at home. I wish for the Lord to use my mouth and my words to speak HIS love into their hearts.

"Even if your considerate love is not recognized by people, God sees and hears and will also reward, one day, the words you left unsaid, the unkind remarks the you repressed, and the wishes that you gave up".
~Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik~

Small Successes

2012-01-26T15:51:00.000-05:00

Hmmmm....let's seeeeee.....::think, think, think::...

Well...some weeks it just takes a little deeper of a search to find the accomplishments....

Just give me a few moments here..................I'm sure I can come up with SOMEthing...

OH YES! How's this:

1) I came up with an alternative way to use our Saxon Algebra book because the "incremental" teaching style of the book "just isn't cutting it" this year...and, rather than cry my eyes out and host a book-burning campfire for all frustrated homeschooling moms...I, instead, talked to my husband, PRAYED, and thought of a different approach to try while using the same textbook. How's that?

2) We have done a really good job on making sure we clean up and vacuum our school room each day when we are done with our lessons. We had gotten into a bad habit of rushing onto the next thing and thinking we'd come back and clean a little later...and, well...you can guess how THAT worked out. So, we resolved, when my dear hubby built us our new (wonderful) classroom this year, that we would be diligent in our efforts to clean it up each and every day. So far, so good.

3) Cleaned out my "plastic storage container" cabinet. I love opening the doors when it's neat and tidy in there. ::smiles satisfactorily::

Okay! See what I mean? I had to dig a little, but I found some Small Successes!

How about you? Want to share? Hop over to Sherry's via my sidebar link and join the fun!

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

2012-01-24T23:21:00.000-05:00

Join us as we give thanks to God for His perpetual shower of blessings!

Add the image to your post.
Lead us there via Mr. Linky, below.
Offer your readers a link back here.
List five things for which you are truly thankful this week.
That's it! Easy, right?

1) I am so very thankful for antibiotics. As I was doling out the doses to the kiddos the other day, they began to muse about the days, long ago, (although not very) when there WASN'T medicine such as today. That led to recanting all of the surgeries, diseases, and urgent health crises we've had in our family over the years...and how almost ALL of us would not have survived without proper medicine. THANK YOU, LORD, for medicine!

2) I'm also thankful for my laptop. It was my dear Dad's. He gave it to me not long before he died. I haven't the heart to change the "main user" name from "Pap" which is how he had it set. I LOVE seeing that there when I log on and I love holding this in my lap and thinking of all the fun the kids and I had emailing back and forth with him while he was still alive. I miss him SO VERY MUCH but I'm glad to have this little item that was his. THANK YOU, LORD!

3) I'm thankful for my late-evening time when everyone's asleep and I can get work done on my website, visit Facebook, read blogs, and watch shows such as, "Downton Abbey" or a documentary or old film that makes me smile. I just love having a little snack, perhaps some wine...and curling up (with my laptop, again!) to indulge in a little relaxation after a busy day. THANK YOU, LORD!

4) I'm thankful for the Creation Science Expo that we're attending online this week. We've heard some wonderful speakers and have learned so much! THANK YOU, LORD!

5) Hot tomato soup with little oyster crackers...mmmm....sure warms a tummy on a cold winter's day:)
THANK YOU, LORD!

What are YOU thankful for this week?

Lovin' My Husband

2012-01-23T20:15:00.004-05:00

If you missed last Tuesday's "Grand Opening" for this meme, then, "Welcome!"
In a world where people are always griping and complaining and the "norm" for women's get-togethers seems to be to "down" the husbands, we have taken the reins in an effort to do the opposite: BUILD UP THE MEN WE LOVE!

Each week, come and join us. Place the image above in your post. Use the linky below to get us there.
Offer your readers a link back here...and share 3 ways in which you are blessed by your husband; things you LOVE about him, ways he helps you, cute stories, photos, etc...

It's a fun and easy way to uplift and encourage each other in our marriages!

Now, let me tell ya' about my hubby :)

I am SO blessed and thankful for him!

1) He is SO hard-working...SUCH a wonderful provider for our family. His hours are LONG, his commute is FAR, and his job is often quite stressful; and yet, he does what he needs to do; often going above and beyond to see that a job is well-done, and we have a lovely home, clothes, and food on our table each and every day because of his dedication and efforts.

2) Sometimes, he calls me from work to thank me for being at home and for teaching our children. He'll be "in between" clients and "on the road" and he'll pause to pick up the phone and let me know that he appreciates what I do. He says he understands that my job is difficult but he is grateful that I persevere and it helps HIM to do his job well when he knows that his children are being loved and taught by their mother each day.

3) He is a man of GREAT faith. He is humble before the Lord and it fills my cup of JOY and admiration to overflowing when I see him bent in prayer. He has a child-like faith and trust in God and my OWN faith has grown stronger and my own walk with the Lord, closer because of the example my husband sets in my life.

Tell us all the wonderful things about YOUR husband now!

I sure hope I did that right! Let me know if I didn't. I am used to Mr. Linky...but they changed their rules and charge money now for new memes. So...this little linky is a freebie...but I'm not quite sure if I'm doing it right, yet.

Sabbath Moments

2012-01-21T10:43:00.000-05:00

Colleen Spiro, the wonderful hostess of this meme, whose blog you can visit via my sidebar link, and whose website can be found right here, has a brand new e-book coming out! Woo hoo! SO excited about that because I thoroughly enjoyed the first e-book she wrote a year or so ago. (Go check it out ~ It's called "Blueberry Muffins")

I love this meme Colleen offers each Saturday. It keeps me alert and on my toes to be more aware of the presence of God in my life.

This week, He blessed me with these Sabbath Moments:

* Holding my small son while he slept off a fever. There is something about a sleeping child that is so, completely, and wonderfully: ANGELIC.

* Read about the Catholic priest that was on-board the cruise ship that went down. His first inclination when the alarms were sounding was to "protect the Blessed Sacrament"! WOW. It's funny. But, I never EVER would have even had the thought that JESUS and his priest would be on-board a cruise-liner. Of COURSE they would...why not? It's just that this is not a thought that would naturally occur to me and when I read the article; and pondered the fact that Our Lord's True Physical Presence was among those dear people as they scrambled to survive...I somehow found that very comforting.

* Prayed my morning rosary at the dining room table with the little twinkly lights above my kitchen cabinets casting a warm and peaceful glow upon the room. My husband was a little late heading out to work that day. As I prayed, he was gathering his things and leaned over, quietly, to kiss me before he went out the door. I paused in my prayers to tell him I loved him and wished him a good day. As I returned to my meditation and prayer and watched my tall, handsome, strong, wonderful husband walk off into the still-dark morning...I felt so close to God, who provides for me through this faithful, hard-working man.

7 Quick Takes Friday

2012-01-20T14:39:00.000-05:00

1) I remember having a conversation with my then-fifteen-year-old-son, years ago. We were talking about how some people look really good for their age and how, with some women, it is difficult to tell how old they are because they have been able to maintain a very youthful appearance. I laughed when my son let me in on "the secret". He said, "Well, Mom, don't you know that a woman's hands and neck are always a dead-give-away?" OH, how I laughed! "REALLY?!?" I cried, in utter-disbelief that my "little boy", "my BABY", "my TEEN son" had actually HAD such an insight. "Sure!" he said. "Even when a woman looks really good for her age, you can always tell if she's older because her neck and hands *just can't hide it*". "Wow", I said. "I guess I didn't realize that little fact. Thanks for sharing, son", I laughed.

2) I am now 47. I was about somewhere near 40 (give or take) when that conversation took place. I glanced at my hands as I was typing this post and noticed my neck in the mirror this morning. I have concluded that my son was RIGHT.

3) I will now research miracle anti-aging lotions and concoctions.

4) Not. ::smile::

5) We completely aired-out and disinfected the house today; after the week long epic-strept-throat-pneumonia saga. Everyone is still on their meds and coughs are lingering, but, all in all, we are on the way to recovery. So, today, I filled buckets of hot water with vinegar to soak things like Legos, opened windows and doors (even though a snow storm is on its way), vacuumed under couch cushions, wiped down doorknobs, and did about 900 more loads of linen laundry. It feels good to feel freshly clean and sanitized, once more:)

6) Found an interesting-looking movie on Netflix called "Light Keepers" with Richard Dreyfuss as the lead actor. He is very "round" and "gray-haired" in the story; and from what I gather, he is the keeper at a Lighthouse and hates women...until two of them move in to the nearby cottage, that is. That's all I know so far...except for the part I watched where a young Englishman washes up on shore; apparently with some sort of hidden background, and wanting to stay on with Richard as his assistant. Sounds interesting, doesn't it?
I was too tired the other night to watch more than a couple scenes; but saved it in my Queue and am hoping to watch it this weekend.

7) I have been about the benefits and blessings of using grapefruit extract for cleaning and disinfecting. For some reason, this sounds expensive to me. Where do you buy it? How much is it? How, exactly, do you use it? Anyone know? Do tell.

Jennifer Fulwiler is the lovely hostess of this meme.
Follow the link in my sidebar to her blog and find a BAJILLION more entries. (It's a popular place!)

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

2012-01-20T14:15:00.000-05:00

Joining the journey, with The Homeschool Chick, and inviting you to do the same. There's a link in my sidebar to lead you there:)

In my life this week… Well, I know that everyone is tired of hearing it...so I'll just say that if you have visited any of the other memes on this blog this week...you know what I've been up to. (Thanks for all the prayers; the kids are on the upswing!)

In our homeschool this week…Not much "formal" learning. Watched a wonderful iMax video on the "Amazon" to supplement our Geography studies of the same. Read some stories. Played the Oregon Trail Game on the Wii, and enjoyed other little things like this whenever any of the children felt up to it as they recover.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…Understand that your learning styles, needs, desires, plans, and activities will vary and change along with your state-in-life, family dynamic, and current limitations (which also vary and change along your journey)...it benefits us if we can strive to adapt and adjust, as needed, rather than trying to stick to a plan for the sake of the plan when it's clearly not working for whatever reason at a given point in time.

I am inspired by…good books.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…Nowhere...we canceled everything that was on our calendar this week to give the kids plenty of time to rest and recoup.

My favorite thing this week was…holding my sweet Benny in my lap for hours on end. A sick little boy needs/wants his momma...and I am SO happy to be Benny's.

What’s working/not working for us…Our new way of doing "mornings" with the children (all but the eldest two) being woken up for school and coming to the breakfast table at the same time is working out nicely. It has added a more peaceful rhythm to the start of our school day.

Questions/thoughts I have…I often wonder how my children will describe their upbringing and homeschooling experience when they are grown and raising children of their own. I have two married children, it is true...but in particular...I'm thinking of our youngest 7 children; who have never been to outside schools. I look forward to seeing their childhoods through their own "adult" eyes.

Things I’m working on…consistency...in our routines...in discipline...in personal prayer time.

I’m reading…all of my daughter's essays which have piled up in the "needs editing" folder on my desktop.

I’m cooking… simple foods...yogurt w/almonds, cereal, and berries...bow-tie pasta with kidney beans, butter and garlic salt...pork chops & potatoes...things like that.

I’m grateful for…my hearing; which allows me to listen to my children laugh and play together.

I’m praying for…the people of the world who do not yet know the One, True, God.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Snoozin' on Big Sister :)

Tea Talk

2012-01-19T21:52:00.000-05:00

So nice to be joining you, friends.
It is late at night here in my corner of the world.
My children are sleeping nearby me.
They are on the mend but still not recovered from their illnesses.

I am happy to be having...a nice, cold beer! So refreshing after a long, busy day of tending to our "patients" and washing load after load of laundry to kill germs.

My cup is...::giggles:: a 12 oz bottle!

I am feeling...a little tired but very happy and content.

On my mind...how sweet the breathing and soft snoring of children is when they sleep:)

" I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done unto me according to thy word".

~ The Blessed Virgin Mary ~

Small Successes

2012-01-19T21:43:00.000-05:00

1) Took care of 5 kids with strept throat and 1 with pneumonia.

2) Did not collapse in doing number 1, above.

3) Lived through it to post about it here.

Want to share more Small Successes? Visit Sherry. Her link is in my sidebar!

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

2012-01-17T21:27:00.000-05:00

Oh, my! Wednesday, already? Days and dates get all mixed up when you're caring for a BUNCH of sick children! Thanks for all the prayers and well-wishes from people on my Facebook wall. Please keep them up as Benjamin is not doing so well yet...if his fever doesn't break today, he will have to head back in to the doctor and see what happens next. (He is still spiking a fever WITH Augmentin Antibiotics, Ibuprofen, AND Acetaminophen!)

ANYWAY...I AM glad you are here...and I AM glad to pause a moment and GIVE THANKS TO GOD for the many blessings He has given me this week.

You can participate by writing five things you are thankful for in a post and using Mr. Linky down below to send us to your entry. Paste the image above in your post, as well; and offer your readers a link back here.
OR...if you don't have a blog...just use the comment section to add your list:)

1) Though we have 8 kids on medication for strept and pneumonia this week...and as strange as it might seem...I am giving THANKS to God for their good health. What I mean is...they are "under the weather" with an infection , AT THIS TIME...but...they are not chronically or terminally ill in ANY way and usually have EXCELLENT health. It is a privilege and honor for me to tend to them while they have been so sick this week...and it has just made me all the more grateful for their everyday, all around good health. THANK YOU, LORD!

2) I am very thankful for the two, new cookie sheets my husband got for me. WOW! I forgot what it was like to put something in the oven and NOT have it "stick" to the pan! "Top notch kitchen supplies" has never been part of my life...more like: any cheap utensil I can grab at the Dollar or grocery stores. Fabulous kitchenware is one of those things that I always say I'd get "if I had a million dollars", LOL I DO have some wonderful appliances like a food processor and set of knives, etc...that my parents gave to us as gifts...but I haven't had new cookie sheets in about 20 years. THANK YOU, LORD!

3) My son, who, although he is married and has two small babies of his own to care for...made sure that he called to let me know that he would be off of work today should I need anything for his brothers and sisters while they are ill. THANK YOU, LORD!

4) The Mass. Padre Pio once said that the world could more easily survive "without the sun" than it could without the Mass. That pretty much sums it up for me. THANK YOU, LORD!

5) My eldest daughter's "Erma Bombeck-esque" sense of humor. Sometimes, she will just "cut to the chase" so-to-speak, and say things in such a way that I am left laughing for a half an hour after I hang up the phone.
I keep telling her to write a book. Perhaps, someday, she will :) THANK YOU, LORD!

Ok. Do tell.
What wonderful things has God blessed you with this week?

BTW, I started a new Tuesday meme yesterday...if you didn't get a chance to check it out...scroll down after you're done with this one and take a look. I'd love for you to participate!

Lovin' My Husband (BRAND NEW MEME!)

2012-01-17T00:00:00.002-05:00

You might be surprised that you are not finding the "Hearts for Home" meme here today, as usual.
That is because our wonderful hostess for that meme, Gae, has felt led to venture on to other things and has decided to bring the "Hearts for Home" meme to a close. I want to say that I truly enjoyed it while it lasted and I believe that I am a better wife, mother, and woman of God because of the focus and prayerful purpose the meme helped me to cultivate in my mind and heart.

That said, the absence of that meme left an open spot here on Tuesdays. I browsed and perused the blogosphere and just couldn't find a new meme that I thought "fit the bill". So...I CREATED ONE MYSELF!

Welcome to the:

"Lovin' My Husband" meme; which I will host every Tuesday.

This blog enjoys participating in a variety of memes, each and all of which uplift, inspire, and encourage me in my daily family life journey.

This new meme is to help "build up" our marriages. It will be one small way that we can pause and ponder the many wonderful things we love about our husbands and the blessings that they bring to our lives.

So...here are the ground rules for this meme:

Copy and paste the image above in a post of your own.
Use the "link up" at the bottom of this post to send us to yours.
Offer your readers a link back here.
And, in your post, list 3 things you love about your husband, or 3 ways in which he has blessed you in the week...things you're thankful for about him...memories that your cherish, photos (if you like) etc...

You get the idea.

Let's lift up our husbands and share the JOY of our marriages with one another! Please tell your friends about this new meme and invite them to join us, as well. (And, if you don't have a blog and wish to participate, you may simply add your entry to the comment section of the post.)

This week, I am "Lovin' My Husband" because:

1) He makes me laugh. He just has a way about him...the things he says, the funny dances he does, the faces he makes...he just makes me laugh. In fact, I laugh when I THINK about how he makes me laugh!

2) He has more integrity than anyone I've ever known.

3) He sings his heart out in Church and I LOVE to hear him praising the Lord!

I love this new meme already!
I hope you will too:)
Your turn...what do YOU love about YOUR husband?

Treasured Moments (2nd post today)

2012-01-14T12:02:00.000-05:00

Erin is a devoted, busy, joyful, wonderful wife and homeschooling mother from Australia.
She understands that the real pleasures in life come from the simple, everyday moments we share.
That's why she hosts this meme, which invites us to tell about these things.
Click my sidebar link and hop over to Erin's to join the fun and read more entries.

TREASURED DUDICH MOMENTS:

* Holding my Benny on my lap. He'll be 5 next month...I am clinging to every moment.

* Watching Sarah Peanut sleep. I do believe that if angels had bodies, they'd look like Sarah.

* A holy hour of Adoration. Such a blessing.

* Morning coffee and rosary by candlelight.

* A hug from my husband.

* A chat with my sweet daughter, Laura, 16. I LOVE the way she is growing into her own ideas, opinions, beliefs and convictions.

* Talking to my Mum on the phone...I cherish this each time...she is such a blessing in my life.

* Hearing that the a Catholic Book Store wanted to carry my book, "I Surrender"...this was a very happy moment for me:)

Sabbath Moments

2012-01-14T12:00:00.002-05:00

Colleen Spiro is a wonderful woman. She hosts this meme each week to encourage us to share the "God-moments" of our lives. Whether you "schedule it in" or simply "stumble into His presence", each moment is special and this meme helps us cherish it all. Visit Colleen to read more entries (or add your own) via the link in my sidebar...and if you want to schedule a Sabbath Moment for yourself, Colleen's audio reflections are a perfect fit!

My Sabbath Moments this week:

1) Have you noticed how dark it is in the mornings, yet? I was in my husband's recliner early one morning...praying the rosary before the kids got up for school...and I had lit a candle which was sitting on our dining room buffet...as I glanced in that direction, in the darkened room...all I saw was the beautiful, warm glow of that candle shining its light on the Last Supper picture; which hung on the wall, just above it. It was a wonderful way to start my day.

2) If you have kids or grand-kids or nieces or nephews...you might like to get some books by Margaret Wise Brown...she is the author of the well-known "Goodnight Moon". I've read that one so often, for so many years, that I know it, by heart:) This Christmas, Benjamin received a new MWB book, called "The Moon Shines Down". He and his big brother Joey (who sleeps in the top bunk) love for me to sit on the floor near their beds and read this to them before they fall asleep. It's a beautiful rhyming book that asks God to bless all of the children of the world...each page is devoted to a different country...until finally, we find ourselves in America...on a Christmas Night...with the Christ Child in the manger scene of a back yard. Oh, how I cherish these times when my boys still love to hear bedtime stories:)

3) We saw a "moon" rise the other night! Not a sunrise...a MOON-rise. We were driving to our parish Epiphany party...and out across the sky...a HUGE, FULL moon was coming up from behind a cloud. WOW! God is SO amazing!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal (2 memes today)

2012-01-13T20:25:00.000-05:00

In my life this week…We've been enjoying "The Farm Show"; an annual Pennsylvania event. And, though we could not travel to attend in person, we were able to enjoy it online (thanks to my mother telling us about the available website showing live events!) The kids and I have been educated on "Chair Caning", and have been SO excited to watch a "Sheep to Shawl" contest, with teams racing to get the wool from the sheep, to the carder, to the wheel, to the loom, and finally, to the judges, in the form of a beautiful shawl! We've also watched Pony Carriage races, tractor pulls, and more! SUCH fun and we have learned SO much!

In our homeschool this week…my poor son, Jake, and I have been struggling through some Algebra...I often have to refresh my memory before I can adequately explain a concept...and we both have been challenged in the past few days...BUT, we persevered and were met with SUCCESS! (Thank you, Lord!)

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…Treasure this time with your children. It is priceless and it is fleeting. Count it all as blessing and CHERISH it.

I am inspired by…my daughter, Laura. (I think I might have mentioned this a time or two before)...she is SUCH a determined, focused, and self-motivated student...she loves learning; and even when she does not particularly enjoy the assignment at-hand, she just forges ahead and gets through it...she is always on-task and she inspires me to try to be more diligent and purposeful in my vocation.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…We are all very excited that my son, daughter-in-law, and sweet grand-babies are coming over tomorrow for a lunch-time winter cook-out! My son is helping my husband with some renovations in our basement and the rest of us will be upstairs chatting and playing and setting the table for some burgers, pasta salad, and french fries!

My favorite thing this week was…Taking a quick trip to the store, one evening, with just myself and my sweet Benjamin Luke. He's going to be 5 next month...this is weighing on my heart in a sort of joyful/sorrowful way lately...and it is not often that I get one-on-one time with him...so, our little jaunt to town was VERY special!

What’s working/not working for us…We are still trying to get a better handle on our morning routine...it has helped greatly to have the 6 youngest children wake up at the same time for breakfast...the two teens are permitted a little more sleep since they are up later at night...but, I find that our day goes much more smoothly, when the rest of us enter the classroom at the same time:)

Questions/thoughts I have…These days, I am really wondering how we will fare in the transition when my husband begins working from home a few days a week. My heart loves the idea that we will see him so much more...but I am a realist...and I know that this little (BIG/HUGE) change in our daily routine/rhythm is going to have its challenges...for us AND for him! Do any of you have husbands that work from home? Advice/tips are welcomed!

Things I’m working on…routine...rhythm...diligence...focus, and purpose.

I’m reading…a magazine called, "True Beauty". A young lady, who, along with her "team" created and publishes this book for "tweens and teens", wrote to me and asked if I would review it. The goal of the magazine is to offer young girls wholesome, fun, creative, and interesting reading material which pertains to modesty, innocence, and godly living...it's filled with a variety of articles, games, tips/advice, interviews, and recipes, etc...it's wonderful and I plan on getting a subscription for my daughter...they publish it four times a year.

I’m cooking…a great new dish the other night...it was a layered casserole with meatballs, sauerkraut/onions, and a mix of diced tomatoes (seasoned a little spicy because we like it that way and with juices) brown sugar and lemon juice...this was baked for several hours and mmmmmmmmm, was it good!

I’m grateful for…the good health of my family. SO many families we know are suffering through the ravages of cancer...it makes me all-the-more-mindful NOT to take our days of good health for granted.

I’m praying for…for all the families that I've just mentioned, above...and for babies that we have spiritually adopted and promised to pray for for nine months in an effort to save souls from abortion.

If you'd like to read other journals today, or add your own...visit the link to Sue's blog in my sidebar. (Just look for the image that matches the one at the top of this post.)

7 Quick Takes Friday

2012-01-13T15:29:00.000-05:00

1) Okay. Let me just say that every once in a while, I get in the mood to "change the look" of things on my blog; and it is that one time in life when I end up wishing I had GOBS and GOBS of extra cash lying around so that I can commission the great web-designers of the world to bring "my visions" to fruition. When I do it myself, I ultimately end up losing my entire template, sidebar, and blogs in cyberspace, wherein I email my friend, Nikki, who is used to getting URGENT CRIES FOR HELP at ungodly hours so that she can calm me down and help me fix whatever latest debacle it is that I've caused. Anyway...hope you like the new background here and on Benmakesten. I aged about 20 years creating them for you...LOL

2) Please pray for me...I have been asked to take over the scheduling for Eucharistic Adoration in our parish...and THAT new little mission is making me VERY nervous...I mean...if I mess it up...our dear Lord, in His Blessed Sacrament, will be left all alone in the church...because of MOI. YIKES. Any of you who have experience in this parish ministry, I am OPEN to tips/advice. Hit me!

3) I need a good "get-out-your-box-of-Kleenex-from-scene-one-because-this-movie-is-going-to-make-you-cry-your-eyes-out" kind of movie. Ever feel like that? Any suggestions? I'm thinking "Amati Girls" or something of the same.

4) For those of you who do not have tweens/teens in the house yet, but find yourself feeling a little anxious/nervous at the prospect...let me give you one of the PERKS...they are always hungry...and so, when they are hungry and YOU are not available to cook for them...they are willing to cook...and make yummy things like HOME MADE PIZZA for supper! See? It's not all bad.

5) My mum told me to look for a link/page on Facebook the other day. I just found that hysterically funny; that my 83 year old mother, who does not have a computer...was "up" and "in the know" on an online tv station that she thought we'd enjoy. And, she was right! I found it ...we watched it...and it's awesome. (It's the PA Farm Show station and we have been completely enthralled and thrilled at the contests, exhibits, and educational sessions being shown all week! I hope to get there in person next year!)

6) I've decided to try my hand at making sugar scrubs. When I first heard of these, I thought...ewwww...take a shower and rub SUGAR all over a wet body? That sounds STICKY! However, I only had to try it once and I was HOOKED. My fave is Cranberry/Vanilla. We have a friend who owns a soap/body-bath products store and she sells her wares on our website...if you're interested, visit our site (Homeschool Faith and Family Life) and check out the "products by others" page...you'll see her soap business link there...I HIGHLY recommend the sugar scrubs. If I succeed in making my own, I'll let ya' know.

7) Sometimes, as a homeschooling mother, I doubt my ability to educate my children sufficiently. Other times, God gives me a "happy moment" where all my fears are washed away and I am bathed in validation and comfort and delight...one such moment came the other night at our parish Bible Study; taught by our pastor. My teens go with me...and at one point in the class, we ...the adults...were stuck on a certain word in Scripture; not sure of the meaning, therefore unable to apply the verse or translate it accurately. My 16 year old daughter, who is an avid reader, piped up and stated what she thought was the definition of the word.
We looked it up. She was right! Aaaahhhhhhh, comfort...validation....delight!

For more Quick Takes, visit Jennifer Fulwiler via the link in my sidebar.

Small Successes (2 posts today)

2012-01-12T19:01:00.000-05:00

::applauds::

That's our big round of applause for Sherry, our hostess, who invites us in each week to share the wonderful things we've accomplished; no matter how small!

Visit Sherry's blog via my sidebar link and join the fun!

Our Small Successes for this week are:

1) Got all of Christmas decorations and our tree taken down and put away in one afternoon! Woo Hoo! (Our idea of "putting the tree away" is to have a strong teenage son toss it out into the woods where the kids will use it as a fort,shelter,hide-out, and whatever else they dream up until it turns to dust.)

2) Have been keeping to my resolution of "unplugging" on Sundays; and going to bed early, a few nights a week, to read. Yay, me!

3) Some people order their copies of my book, "I Surrender", directly through me so that I can sign their book for them. I got the most recent orders packaged, addressed, AND shipped/mailed out in less than 3 full days. Woot!

Small Successes

2012-01-12T13:44:00.000-05:00

Popping in to my dear friend, Ruth's for a lovely respite on a busy afternoon.
Care to join us?
Just click the link in my sidebar and it will lead you there.

I am having...Hot Chocolate! I found a leftover pack of it in my drawer! I was very excited about that:)

My cup is...Nice and big and full and round, so that I can fill it to the tippy-top and take LOTS of lingering sips!

I am feeling...VERY excited that I have been invited to be a guest on Relevant Radio to talk about my book, "I Surrender" on the 19th on next month. I hope that my Tea Talk friends will listen online if you can:)

On my mind...my husband...I want to do something special for him so that he knows how much we appreciate his hard work and all he does for us. (The girls have the right idea...they are baking him some Lemon Squares as I type!)

"It is for God, not for us, to determine the conditions for our submission; and whatever He sends is best for our souls*
~ Jean-Pierre De Caussade ~

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

2012-01-11T08:06:00.000-05:00

Welcome! I'm so glad you've stopped in today!
We are rejoicing together in the blessings God has showered upon us this week ~ want to join us?
Simply take the image above and place it in a post on your blog. List 5 things you are thankful for this week and use Mr. Linky, below to link us to your post. Offer your readers a link back here...and that's it!
If you have no blog...just use the comment box to add your entry.
You know what we say: A thankful heart is a joyful heart!

Dearest Lord, God, Father, and heavenly King,

You are kind and generous. You provide for all of my needs and send me daily gifts to bring me JOY and
PEACE and LOVE in my life. There is not a single day passing when You do not bless me. For this, and for the things I am listing below...I am TRULY THANKFUL.

This week, I have been especially thankful for:

1) The wonderful discussions, experiences, fellowship, and friendships that have grown out of our "I Surrender" Book Club/Discussion page on Facebook. The Lord takes women from all over the world, and brings them together, united in love for His Son and in their vocations...and the beauty and blessings that come from that are beyond counting! I have learned so much and have grown closer to God and my family because of my interaction with the beautiful ladies in the group. THANK YOU, LORD!

2) The way that children offer to help me when they see I have a large task at-hand. I scheduled time in our day this week to take down our Christmas tree and pack away all of the decorations around the house...I did not ask anyone to help, and yet, I found myself surrounded by children, offering their assistance and turning a big, tedious task into a pleasurable activity. THANK YOU, LORD!

3) Our woods and fields. Each morning, I am greeted by a magnificent and beautiful scene outside my windows...like an ever-changing easel in God's art studio! The white, crisp frost, laying atop the crunchy, golden grass of winter...the tall, bare, trees, with an evergreen bursting forth here or there...leaves left-over and carpeting the forest floor...the morning sun coming up on the horizon, like the lifting of the curtain in a great stage performance...as it rises, the world outside my door comes to life! THANK YOU, LORD!

4) Our pets. We don't have many...just two dogs and some fish.(Well, unless you count the endless stream of frogs, turtles, lady-bugs, snails, worms, and yes...even stink bugs, that my kids "take under their wing" and call "beloved" , LOL) I love to see the my children run and play with Jack and Thunder (their trusty, Canine Companions) and it is another way that I can how much God loves us...that He created and gave us the animals and creatures of the world...some to feed us...others, simply, to delight us, comfort us, and bring us JOY. THANK YOU, LORD!

5) Our pastor, Father Jack Lombardi. You can read some of his writings HERE.
His love of God and joy in his vocation emanates the true peace and happiness that can only come from being united to and abiding in Christ. He welcomes any and all...to his home, to his parish...to his life...he feeds the homeless, goes to the bedside of those in need in the middle of the night...offers hours and hours of Adoration for his flock...plays with our children...and teaches us what it means to simplify, and to give ourselves completely to Jesus...over and over again...every day...to get back up when we fail and fall...to TRUST in Divine Mercy...and to try every day...most of all...to LOVE those whose paths cross our own. He is a great inspiration and leader and FRIEND in our lives...and we are all closer to the Lord because of this man's presence in our daily family life journey. THANK YOU, LORD!

Thanks again, for joining me in an "attitude of gratitude" (as our good friend, Colleen Spiro, likes to say)!
It's your turn now!
I look forward to sharing in your blessings:

Hearts for Home

2012-01-09T22:31:00.000-05:00

To live my vocation to its fullest; embracing womanhood, being a wife, motherhood, and educating my children at home...giving my full attention, presence of mind, and diligent, purposeful care to each and all of the above...that is my goal.

This meme, hosted by Gae, my dear blogging friend and a lovely wife and mother in Australia, helps me to strive ahead in reaching this goal by committing myself in small ways, each week to the better-keeping of my hearth and home.

You can join us via the link in my sidebar that leads to Gae's beautiful blog.

This week, I am trying to:

* Prepare for a transition ahead. My husband is creating an office-at-home and will be working from here a few days per week. While this is wonderful in cutting back on his LONG commute each day...I am a realist and I know that this will greatly change the rhythm and routine that we are used to in our homeschooling days.
I want so much to encourage and support my husband and also to keep things running in a productive and peaceful manner in our classroom...Thus, I am praying and trying my best to think ahead and help the children understand the changes that are occurring and how we can enjoy them and embrace them in a way that benefits and blesses us all.

* Pause from my work and have snacks with the kids. Usually, I get them their snacks and then go about my housework or meal preparation or whatever I'm doing at the time...but, I noticed how much they enjoy it when I sit and chat with them...even if we're just having a few apple slices together. How BLESSED I am that my children love to be with me! I need to remember this and make the most of the opportunities as they arise!

* Go to bed early and spend time reading, a few nights a week. My husband feels that this sets a good example for our children; especially our teens...so that we are not up late and on the computer or watching movies EVERY night...I think he's right...and I'm trying to do my part to "set the tone".

* Pay attention to "detail" in my work. I am trying to inculcate this idea and encourage my children in this way when they do chores...it is a small part of a larger work-ethic that I feel is crucial to being a "good" worker.
We can sweep a floor quickly enough to get up the crumbs that the eye can see in the middle of the floor...or, we can take the time to get under things and in the corners and nooks and crannies of the room...so that it not only looks clean on the surface...but we have the satisfaction of knowing that we did the BEST job we are capable of doing. I have found that when our school days are very busy and we are having a hectic/stressful week...I am "cutting corners" as I go but then expecting the children to take their time and pay attention to detail in their work. I need to BE that which I hope for my children to become!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2012-01-09T10:53:00.000-05:00

Joining Peggy and her friends as we pause to ponder the simple things in life.
Visit her blog or add your own entry via the link in my sidebar:

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window...C-O-L-D...bouncing back and forth these days...cold, warm, cold, warm...today, it's back to COLD; DEFINITELY! Very!

I am thinking...of the wonderful Christmas Season, which came to a close yesterday. I am thinking of how blessed we are with a beautiful parish family, who rejoiced and celebrated and enjoyed Christmas and Epiphany with us throughout the Twelve Days! I am thinking of how I will miss the twinkling lights on our tree when I pack them away today; but how glad I am that I still have twinkling lights above my kitchen cabinets that stay there all year round...I love twinkling lights :)

I am thankful...for my daughter, Laura, 16; and the essence of a "young lady" in Christ. What a blessing to be her mother.

From the learning rooms...Second Semester, well-underway now and enjoying our school time each day. Some topics of study right now: Midieval Spain; particularly the Spanish Government and its workings, Isabella and Ferdinand, Saint Vincent, El Cid, and more..."The Hidden Treasure of Glaston", "Pere Marquette", and other wonderful stories...and the final chapters of our Pioneer Study; made EXTRA fun with the new "Oregon Trail" Wii game that my brother sent the kids for Christmas!

In the kitchen... Breakfast yogurt, topped with fiber cereal, almonds, berries, and honey...and later today: Wraps, filled with beans, rice, and other yummy stuff; and topped with sour cream and salsa. Mmm, mmm, good!

I am wearing...WORK clothes...sweat pants and sweat shirt because today is the big day for taking down all of our Christmas things and storing them away until next year.

I am going...to a Bible Study class with my teens tonight:) Very excited about this.

I am wondering...how my eldest daughter is feeling today; she injured her foot and then, the very next day, injured her back ::makes sad face::

I am reading... Rifles for Watie (a book for youth that my son keeps urging me to read as he thinks I will enjoy the story), Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum, by Laura Berquist, and my daughter's high school essays that are piling up my "Needs Editing" folder on my desktop ;)

I am hoping...that some of the changes we are making in the New Year will add benefit and blessing to our daily rhythm and routine.

I am looking forward to...the snow-tubing excursion my teens are taking this coming Saturday with our church youth group...I just LOVE to see their red-cheeked-faces and joyful smiles come home, after a day on the mountain at a nearby ski resort...and hear all of the funny stories of the mishaps and adventures that met them on the way down the hills! They are STILL talking about last year's trip, when my son was accidentally tossed right out of the tube and was seen RUNNING FULL SPEED down the mountain trying to get back in! LOL

I am hearing...the children, playing their Oregon Trail game that I mentioned, above:)

Around the house...the new couch and love-seat arrived at the store for pick-up...only problem...it was the WRONG color! So...we wait...another 4-6 weeks. Dear hubby is setting up his office here at home and will be working from here a couple days a week, soon. That's a HUGE change for us...and it will be nice for him NOT to have his 2 hr commute every day.

I am pondering...the lessons that I learned throughout this Christmas Season. I just love how God speaks to our hearts when we open ourselves to His voice.

I am praying for...SNOW...my husband and son both earn supplemental income through "snow removal" services during winter...so, we are waiting, waiting, waiting, for those beautiful white flakes to fall!

One of my favorite things...reading the status posts of my daughter in law on Facebook...she often puts the cute and funny little happenings of her time with my sweet grand-babies at home each day...and I LOVE checking in and reading about their sweet adventures. XO

A few plans for the rest of the week: Newsletter time again...almost ready to publish the January edition of our Homeschool Faith and Family Life Gazette. Calling my BFF, and enjoying a week of just being at home and in school with my children.

Sabbath Moments

2012-01-07T20:52:00.000-05:00

Sabbath Moments. The very sound of the title evokes feelings of peacefulness and serenity.
My good friend, Colleen Spiro, is our wonderful hostess for this meme. Each Saturday, she gives us the opportunity to share the special times that we have found ourselves abiding in God's presence; resting, connecting, embracing, and enjoying LIFE to its fullest. You can visit her blog via the link in my sidebar and her website (which offers a plethora of enriching things for your spirit) HERE.

And, now...a few of my own Sabbath Moments to share:

* Lying flat on my back, in the wide, open field, underneath a bright, warm, winter sun...resting, while I listen to my children play and run circles around me...except for the couple who decided to take a little siesta right next to me, that is.

* Sitting in the dark, except for the light of our fish tank, and watching the fish at feeding time. This is SUCH a delight to me. We have 3 beautiful Goldfish, each different and colorful, and one eel...and God's creative powers never cease to amaze me as I watch these animals of the water glide and dart and sail about the tank. I love the sound of the bubbling water as the filter does its job. I love the shiny stones and pebbles that carpet the floor of the "indoor, fresh-water sea". I love the shells and plants and the stark contrast of the brightness inside the tank against the darkness in the rest of the room. Seems silly...but I feel very close to God when I sit in silence and watch this joy of nature.

* Sometimes, when I wake up for my morning prayer and coffee, I light all of our candles, even though no one else is awake yet. There's something about candle-light before the light of dawn that is so lovely. It's such a nice way to say "Good morning!" to God.

7 Quick Takes Friday (2 posts today)

2012-01-06T09:41:00.000-05:00

1) Ok...so, I'm learning that it can become a very bad and nerve-racking habit to check in to the "stat" page at the author's central on Amazon...I rejoice and get excited when I see the little green arrow pointing up that means there's been an increase in sales...and then, frown and worry myself to death when I see the dreaded little RED arrow, pointed down, to signify that the sales this week have dropped since the previous one...UGH...I wish I'd never been made privy to that handy little feature. I find myself chanting a certain mantra of "I will NOT check my author's page today" over and over again. LOL Of course, perhaps all of you nice readers can tell everyone you know to buy my book and then those little green arrows will keep popping up and making me happy! HA HA

2) So, we are having a "breakfast issue" in our house. If you read the meme post following this one, you will learn more about it; and I invite you to share your own experiences, advice, tips, that might help me resolve our little problem and move ahead to a more rhythmic, productive, peaceful morning! THANKS, ahead of time ;)

3) Susan Schaeffer Macaulay, in her book "For the Family's Sake", states that we have lost our ability to see the "glory in the usual". . . that we need to re-learn how to be "content with the ordinary". I thought that this coincided nicely with my New Year's Resolution to "exult in monotony" as GK Chesterton suggested.
Of course, I see a great potential danger here, as well...like...sitting down in the middle of the floor for hours on end doing nothing...and then, if my husband asks "What's up with this?" I will merely reply, "I am exulting in monotony!" LOL

4) I have decided that if it is going to be FRIGIDLY cold outside, I would rather have some SNOW to go along with it. You know it's cold when two HUSKY dogs have to be brought in during the day! Sheesh!

5) Mary Helen, Gracie, and Joe have been conducting a little survey amongst our family members for Science class. The question: "For a sound to be a sound, does someone have to hear it? If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there, does it make a sound?" At first, I thought this only to be cute little cliche...but...once I began studying "sound" with them in their text and subsequently did my own research on the term "sound" in the dictionary, I am finding that my opinion is changing. They're almost done with their research and will be reporting everyone's responses to us some evening in the future...I'll be posting about their results on our homeschooling blog and I'll let you know when it's published for your enjoyment.

6) We've been finding ourselves watching "tragedies" lately; meaning, movies that have a tragic plot. You know, the kind of movie that you love...but you're not sure if you do, because it leaves you emotionally exhausted and "stays" with you for days on end...Namely, "Jane Eyre", "The Village", and "Edward Scissor-hands" have been our two most recent "tragedies". Can you suggest some other titles for us that have the same "tragic" tone?

7)I made the big switch to "Timeline" on Facebook. If you're not into this social networking site...let me explain..."Timeline" is a new feature that makes your "wall" or "personal page" look much more like a "blog" than merely a running list of posts as the old Facebook looked. Trouble is, the way they have it laid out is SO busy and confusing that I get dizzy every time I open my page! Someone else described it as being very "ADD" in style...I agree...however, I was told that FB is eventually switching us all to this new format, whether we want it or not...so I figured I'd rather do it myself while I still have a choice. LOL "To FB or not to FB" has been a running question in our circles...I like it because my brother, who lives very far away and doesn't get to keep in touch by phone of letter, can send me notes and photos and things...I also hear from cousins and friends that I don't get to see in the everyday scheme of things. AND...I have made some really good online friends, as well. My personal take on it is that it's like ALL of cyberspace...whether it is good for you or not depends on what YOU do with it. ::steps down off of soapbox and bows::

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

2012-01-06T09:19:00.000-05:00

Check out The Homeschool Chick's blog and read other journals via my sidebar link.

In my life this week…We said "farewell" to our Christmas vacation and re-entered the daily routine of work and school. We have still been in "celebratory" mode, however, since, for us, Christmas is a "season", not a "day" and we continue to rejoice and focus on Christ's birth through the Feast of Epiphany; which is this coming Sunday actually, it is tomorrow, but we'll celebrate it at Mass on Sunday)

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…Don't be afraid to change your schedule or routine, as needed, throughout the year, according to your family dynamics, state in life, and needs.

I am inspired by…my mother! She has been learning to live with her beloved husband, my dear Dad, who went home to be with the Lord this past June...and she AMAZES me...after 64 years of marriage...I know the loneliness is immense...and yet, she is doing little things that are SO health-giving and good for herself...like making a small list of things to do and placing it by her bed at night so as to give herself a feeling of purpose the next day as incentive to get out of bed and get going! At 83 years of age, with extreme arthritis and congestive heart failure...I am GREATLY inspired by her enthusiasm and WILL to go on with JOY in life.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…the children are taking part in a "Living Nativity" pageant at our parish this coming Sunday. We're considering going caroling with our parish family tonight...but...it is pretty COLD out there so I don't know about that. ::places finger aside cheek, tilts head, and squints as though in deep thought::

What’s working/not working for us…Breakfast is NOT working. We've fallen into the habit of different people waking up at different times. I am not liking this. Although we still come together and gather for prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance later...I don't like the "numerous" rounds of breakfast and dishes that seems to be occurring.
I'm thinking about starting a specific "breakfast time"...if you're not here at that hour, then you don't eat until snack time.

Things I’m working on…marketing, selling, and promoting my book. I have learned so much about business and the "industry" of books and writing since my book was published...but am also realizing that it takes a LOT of time to "get the word out there". (BTW, thanks to those who have read the book and offered reviews on Amazon...THAT helps a LOT!)

I’m reading...Actually, I'm about to read a book for youth...it is one that my son loves and has been begging me to read because he thinks I'll enjoy it, too. I usually pre-read the books that I assign to my children...but somehow, this one skipped by without me reading it first. It's by Harold Keith and is called, "Rifles for Watie"; a Civil War tale of a young infantry soldier. I think it's so sweet that my teen son wants me to be excited about this book so I want to make sure to take him up on his suggestion and read it:)

I’m cooking…Salisbury steak and roasted potatoes with some string beans on the side, today.
I’m praying for…my friends, who are "with-child" and are a bit nervous as they've both experienced several miscarriages in the near-past. Adding my prayers to their own as they try to trust in the Lord and REJOICE in the blessing they've been given!

Looking forward to joining this meme again in the New Year!

Small Successes

2012-01-05T14:09:00.000-05:00

Let's all start the New Year off right by REJOICING in our successes together!
Woo hooooooo!!!!
YAYYYYYYY for you guys! YAYYYYYY for me and my kids too!
Sherry is our hostess and you can find her through my sidebar link...she'll make you chuckle; I promise!

As for the GREAT DUDICH SUCCESSES this week:

We got back into our classroom and stayed ON-TASK with our school lessons! ::claps and high fives all of her kids::

I have arisen before my family (in a true Proverbs 31 spirit!) and prayed a rosary, drank some coffee...and more coffee...worked on our site...read the news and blogs....and sat by the twinkly lights of our Christmas tree talking to God so that I'd have a joyful and READY disposition for the school days ahead! ::takes extravagant bow::

Got all of my daughter's First Semester 11th grade work sent into her consultant at Mother of Divine Grace ON TIME! EVEN in the midst of printer/scanner/copier troubles...(thanks to hubby, our Knight in Shining Armor, who brought a new one home AND installed it for us) WOO HOO!

Aaaahhhhhhhh, that felt good.

How about you? Tell me all the great things you've done this week!

Tea Talk

2012-01-05T12:22:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Tea Talk friends!
Our hostess, the lovely Ruth, is to be found via the link in my sidebar...she is over in Asia, doing wonderful things for her family, community, and the Lord!
However, each Thursday, she invites us in for a few moments of respite in our busy days.

WELCOME!

Today, I'm having...coffee...but will be having hot tea with honey in a few hours as my children and I have incorporated a new "tea time" to our afternoons at home!

My cup is...a pretty, slender, "rooster" mug that I bought last summer for $1.00.

I am feeling...good about some goals and decisions that I have been discerning/making for our year ahead.

On my mind...Focus, diligence, intentional-living, purpose, mission, compassion, devotion, and other "heart" words of motherhood, marriage, homeschooling, faith life, and family life at home:)

"Give your children, spouse, more of your quality time~not just "left over time" be fully present to them; you will regret it later if you don't"
~ Rev. John J. Lombardi ~

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

2012-01-03T23:42:00.000-05:00

Greetings! I'm so happy to be sharing the very first "A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings" meme for 2012!

I hope you will join us in rejoicing in God's blessings and giving thanks to Him each week for the gifts that He gives us each and every day.Simply add the image you see above to a post on your blog, offer readers a link back here...use Mr. Linky down below to link us to your direct post...and share five things for which you're especially thankful this week. If you don't have a blog but wish to participate, just add your entry to the comment section of this post. And, remember...A THANKFUL HEART IS A JOYFUL HEART!

I thank God for the wonderful Christmas season we have been having here at the Dudich house. We stress that Christmas IS a season; not just a "day" and we will continue to rejoice and celebrate through the Feast of Epiphany which is almost here!

I thank God for my sweet grand-children, whom I had such fun cuddling, playing with, giving presents to, and simply watching with JOY over the holidays!

I thank God for the very special visit we had with my mother, my eldest brother, my uncle (my Dad's only sibling) and lots of nieces and nephews and cousins, in Pittsburgh...I was delighted to see my dear Mum looking happy and healthy and strong...and, as always...enjoying her family:)

I thank God for the time we had also...greeting my nephew, home from Afghanistan...that was the GREATEST HUG, ever! And, I discovered, that I can STILL run VERY fast in heels! LOL

I thank God for my dear husband...who came to our rescue when we discovered our printer/scanner/copier was broken just when we needed it to send Laura's First Semester work into her Consultant for school...he brought a new, wireless one home and installed for me so that we are "good to go" again...so kind of him to do that after having a very busy, long, first-day back to work :)

My heart is filled with JOY for these and all the blessings God sends to us.
It's your turn now to tell about the ways He has blessed YOU this week!

Hearts for Home

2012-01-03T07:32:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wow! I'm sure I'm not the only one who is astounded by the fact that it is 2012!

Do you have plans and goals; spiritually, intellectually, physically, and "other-ly" this year?

I do! One of my New Year's resolutions is to "exult in monotony" ; a quote of GK Chesterton's that was shared w/me by a friend; and something which I think will bring me great blessing as a mother-at-home.

This meme, hosted by the lovely Gae, from Australia, is always a great blessing to me. She invites us in weekly, to cultivate our minds and hearts toward the better-keeping of our home. How appropriate it is to begin my 2012 "memes" with "Hearts for Home". THANK YOU, GAE! ( You can read other entries at Gae's blog by using the link in my sidebar)

As for me and my hopes for the week, ahead...I will commit myself to the following:

1) Rising up before my family with enough time to pray a rosary, work on our website, have some coffee; and read the news and blog a little while...starting my day in prayer keeps me centered and taking a little time for work and enjoyment on the computer, helps me to "set it aside" when the kids get up so that I can stay on-task and focus on our school day without distractions.

2) Try to serve healthier breakfasts. I don't know what it's like for our hostess and other Australian friends...but, here in the USA...it is VERRRRRRRRRRRY expensive to attempt to eat in a healthy way.
Families really struggle to be able to afford food here...and trying to make HEALTHY food choices only seems to add to the cost. However, I am committed...as we start back to our formal school lessons this week...to provide the children with simple, yet worthwhile morning meals to give their bodies and brains a "boost" for the day ahead.

3) Develop a rhythm and routine for our days. We enjoyed a very relaxed schedule while on Christmas break...but, now it is time to "get back to work"...which, my husband tells us..."is good, too". I find that our needs vary and change throughout the school year...and right now, I sense that we need more structure and consistency within our school day...so this is a goal of mine this week.

4) Make sure everyone is getting plenty of sleep at night...we have decided that the teens (whom we usually allow to stay up a little later and watch movies at night) should only indulge in videos a few times a week...spending the other evenings reading, studying, praying, or talking quietly, playing a game, etc...before retiring for the night...I would like to join them in this endeavor, as well, by going to bed a bit early, a few times a week, and reading; rather than working on the computer as I usually do at night. (I have already risen to the challenge of "unplugging" from the computer on Sundays and have been really enjoying the benefits and blessings which have come from that...so a plan to "retire early and read" should only add blessing to the blessing...don't you think?)

CHRIST IS BORN!

2011-12-24T00:00:00.001-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EACH AND ALL OF YOU!

May the JOY and PEACE of the Infant Savior and King, JESUS CHRIST, be with you!

I am so thankful for your online friendship and I am praying for you during this glorious season!

REJOICE! GOD IS AMONG US! REJOICE!

7 Quick Takes Friday

2011-12-22T23:27:00.001-05:00

Oh my, oh my! Here it is! The last 7 Quick Takes of 2011...for me, at least, as I will be offline while my dear hubby is home on vacation during Christmas week and New Year's.
So...thanks to Jennifer Fulwiler, for another great year with this meme...you can enjoy Jen's posts and the entries of all her friends, by clicking the link in my sidebar. Jennifer's post last Friday cracked me up so much that I laughed for a full hour!

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all...after this post...I will be away from this blog until January 2nd, 2012! May the Lord bless each and all of you with a JOYFUL and BLESSED Christmas and a festive, wonderful New Year Celebration:)

And now...(drum roll)...my final 2011 QUICK TAKES:

1) I have learned so much about so much this year; and that feels really great! Don't you just LOVE learning?

2) I watched a revealing, poignant, thought-provoking, disturbing, informative documentary the other day, entitled, "Waiting for Superman". It's about the failed education system in America. It is well worth your time.
You can read more of my thoughts on it if you visit my Benmakesten blog...you'll find a post on it here.

3) I am SO excited that my son and his family will be joining us for Christmas dinner! When our two eldest children married and started families of their own, my husband and I decided right away that we were never going to be the type of parents/in-laws that pressure people to come to our home for the holidays...my own parents were always so loving and wonderful about encouraging us (their grown, married kids) to have our own family occasions for the holidays...and to visit when/if we were able...whether on the day or during the season. That attitude relieved us of so much stress/pressure and we knew when our own kids began to marry...that we wanted to be the same way...so, when my son called to ask if they could visit on Christmas...I was ABSOLUTELY THRILLED and invited them to dinner! How wonderful it will be to have a house full as we celebrate the glorious day, so long ago, when CHRIST WAS BORN IN BETHLEHEM!

4) Is anyone else's family going round and round and round and round with colds? Sheesh...it seems that every time we think it's gone for good...the first person gets it all over again. Hmmmppphfff.

5) The company my husband works for, shuts down for an entire week at Christmas. Let's just say I-LOVE-THIS!

6) I had to laugh when we started our vacation from school today and my daughter, 16, stated that she wanted to remain "productive" and continue on with her lessons during Christmas week. She asked if I'd fill in her planner a few weeks ahead so that she could just keep going while the rest of us are on break. LOL
Gotta' love it.

7) As you read this post, I will be up to my eyeballs in "stickiness" because we will be making our special batches of peanut brittle that we enjoy giving to extended family every year at this time...We found some BEAUTIFUL, vintage Christmas cans at a local thrift store for only 50 cents each; and knew, as soon as we saw them that they'd be perfect for wrapping our treats!

Thanks to Jennifer, again...this meme is so much fun throughout the year...and each visit I make to Conversiondiary.com fills my days with JOY!

God bless and keep you all in His loving Christmas care!

Tea Talk (2nd post today)

2011-12-22T09:27:00.000-05:00

Greetings! And, welcome to Ruth's Tea Talk; the last one we will have for 2011!
Ruth is a beautiful soul, who lives in Asia, and invites us in each week for a moment of rest and relaxation and fellowship. You can find her via my sidebar link and I hope you will join in this meme:)

Today, I'm having...hot tea w/honey...mmm....cozy and comforting.

My cup is...a lovely one that the children gave me for my birthday with an image of Mary and Jesus on it...appropriate for this final week of Advent as I await the great celebration of His Birth!

I am feeling...VERY VERY excited because: My son and his family are joining us for Christmas dinner, and we will make visits to my mother and brother during Christmas week, as well...AND, we'll see my daughter and her family on New Year's Day! The BEST part of the visit to my brother is that my nephew, the one who just recently came home from Afghanistan, will be driving down from Ft. Drum with his family to meet us there!!! Words can not describe the JOY we will have to HUG him and WELCOME HIM HOME!

On my mind...the education system in America...see this post on Benmakesten for more thoughts on this, today.

"We must have more trust in God's love than we do in our own weaknesses"

~Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta~

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!

Small Successes

2011-12-22T09:16:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Sherry, for hosting this meme, which celebrates the little things we get "right" during our week!
You can visit Sherry's blog via the link in my sidebar. Her witty writing will delight you, I'm sure.

And now...TIMPANI...for we, the Dudiches, who managed to:

* Take 7 kids shopping for their "Kris Kringles" after attending an hour of silent Adoration at church!
(Laura stayed behind this time to get ahead in some school work/study/writing/laundry, etc...

* Caught up in a few Science classes that had been "lying in waiting" for us in the planner.
(For some reason, Science is the subject I often place on the back-burner when we are busy)

* Got the last of our Christmas Cards mailed out BEFORE Christmas this year! WOO HOO!

Yay, for us!

Can't wait to hear about YOUR Successes! Hop on over to Sherry's and join the fun!

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

2011-12-21T08:22:00.000-05:00

Hello! Thanks for stopping by to share in THANKSGIVING with us, today!
If you'd like to join this meme, simply add the above image to a post on your blog and link us there through Mr. Linky, down below. Offer your readers a link back here...and share five things you'd like to thank the Lord for this week!

Keeping an "attitude of gratitude" helps us to have JOY in our hearts as we go about our busy days!

NOTE: I will be away from this blog from December 26th until Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012! Until then, I wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Today, I've followed Munchesmom "style" that she uses sometimes for this meme...I love it when she adds a prayer after each of her blessings and I thought I'd do likewise, today:)

1) Lord, I thank you for the friendships, fun, enrichment, education, and support that I get from blogging and owning/running a website online. I have been so honored and privileged to come to know people from ALL over Your beautiful world and I am continually humbled, nurtured, delighted, and deeply moved by my interactions, reading, writing, and connections on the Internet.

* I pray for those who use the internet in sinful ways...that their hearts will be drawn toward the GOOD things and GOOD people that are available online...and that they will come to know, love, and serve You more in their lives by choosing to use their computer time for YOUR glory and their own well-being.

2) Lord, I thank you for my grand-children...3 darling little girls, and a sweet baby boy...truly, my cup OVERFLOWS with JOY any time I am near them or I hear stories about them or see photos of them!

* I pray for those who see children/babies as burdens rather than blessings...that they will come to know the GIFT that new life is...and that YOU, oh Lord, can melt their hardened hearts to learn to LOVE children as You do.

3) Lord, I thank you for heat. After watching a movie recently where a group of homeless people were out all night in a terrible blizzard, I have grown more mindful of this great blessing and I am so grateful that my children, my husband, and I are warm on these cold winter nights.

* I pray for those without homes...You know each one, dear Lord, and I ask You to "warm" them on these cold nights with Your LOVE and MERCY...and help us to help those in need; especially during the Christmas season.

4) Lord, I thank you for my mother. She is SUCH a blessing in my family's life.

* I pray for her comfort and joy as she goes through this first Christmas without her beloved husband of 64 years. We ALL miss my Dad so much right now...but I know it is hardest on her. I ask You to be with her and to let the LOVE we surround her with be a blessing to her at this time.

5) Lord, I thank you for JESUS. My Lord, and Savior...my Infant King!

* I pray for those who do not believe in Him and those who have fallen away from His Truth and His Church.
I pray that through our prayers and our lives and witness and charity and love...they will come BACK to You...and those who do not yet know You...will be drawn to learn Your ways and become Children of God and followers of Your Word.

Hearts for Home

2011-12-20T07:56:00.000-05:00

As we journey through our final week of Advent, my thoughts and heart are focused on the coming celebration of Christ's Birth; and the glorious time, still yet unknown to us, when He will come again.
I am pleased with the "focus" my children have been keeping throughout the Advent season.
And, I am thankful for this meme, hosted by the beautiful Gae, from Australia, which helps me to focus even more...and to cultivate my mind and heart toward the better-keeping of my home...to create an atmosphere of love, peace, and JOY; not just at Christmas time...but all year through. You can read other entries and more about Gae's wonderful family, by using the link in my sidebar which leads to her blog.

This week, I am trying to:

* Spend time praying for EACH of my children, individually, and according to his/her needs and state in life.

* Offer cups of hot cocoa and little treats and snacks that add to the anticipation of the season and fill our home with a "festive" ambiance.

* Make it out to the penance service being offered at a local parish this evening. It will keep us awake and away from home a bit later than usual on a weeknight...but it is a GIFT that I can give my family NOW...so as to make sure that our hearts are TRULY prepared to receive Our Infant Savior at Christmas!

* Go outside to play with the kids. Truth be told...when it is COLD but there is no snow...I tend to "hide" indoors...and yet...when I don a hat and scarf and several layers of heavy sweaters/shirts...I feel like I could stay out there all day...it is so crisp and beautiful and wonderful! A little self-motivation is all that's needed here ;)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-12-19T14:37:00.001-05:00

Joining Peggy and her friends as we pause to ponder the simple things in life.
Visit her blog or add your own entry via the link in my sidebar:

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window...C-O-L-D

I am thinking...of my Dad...and learning to go on without him; especially difficult at Christmas, I see.

I am thankful...for John 3:16

From the learning rooms...wrapping up the lessons in our planners so that we can take a nice, long Christmas vacation! We LOVE our new fish/fish tank and sometimes lose track of time because we are sitting nearby and enjoying watching them swim and eat!

In the kitchen...A pork loin, which I think I will cut into chops...some sauerkraut and mashed potatoes to go with :)

I am wearing...jeans, a comfy, WARM black cardigan and a black and white short sleeve/silky top which is much TOO light to wear by itself for the weather today.

I am going...to begin some Christmas baking for gifts very soon...peanut brittle is our "famous fare" for this time of year.

I am wondering...if my husband will get everything I put on the grocery list. Not "his version" but what I actually wrote, LOL.

I am reading... my Advent Reflections booklet by Mother Teresa. LOVE her simplicity.

I am hoping...to get some time to wrap presents today!

I am looking forward to...a penance service being offered at a local church this week.

I am hearing...my dishwasher running and the kids running in and out, trying to find their big brother to enlist his help and tossing a dead mouse, found in the dogs' field, to the woods before our beloved puppies EAT it. LOL

Around the house...waiting for a new couch and love-seat to arrive in a couple weeks...hubby got it on a major relocation SALE price! We'll be moving our current living room set downstairs to the new little family room that he and our son are building:)

I am pondering...how quickly the years of marriage and raising children pass by.

I am praying for...more young men and women to enter vocations as priests and religious.

One of my favorite things...listening to my husband snore...yep...it is one of my favorite things. I used to toss and turn and sometimes even have to leave the room...but, now I am so thankful that he is there beside me...in good health...peacefully sleeping ...that I love to hear his little zzzzzzzz's which let me know he is resting comfortably.

A few plans for the rest of the week: wrapping, baking, finishing up school, attending the penance service; as well as a special Mass and healing service, and sending out our December issue of the Homeschool Faith and Family Life Gazette!

A photo thought to share with you:

Honest Abe displays my book at the local book fair!

Treasured Moments (2nd post today)

2011-12-17T18:33:00.000-05:00

So happy to be joining Erin, our wonderful hostess from "down under", who reminds us that the most special moments in life are the ones that happen naturally, each and every day, in our beautiful family vocations!
Stop by to visit her and her awesome family via my sidebar link and add your own Treasured Moments to the mix today!

Some of our Treasured Moments have been:

* Going to the movies! A local theater (a really small, old-fashioned one that still runs their films on a reel!) offered a FREE movie for families, courtesy of a Moose Lodge, nearby...to wish the community a "Merry Christmas"! The kids and I all went to see the new Smurf movie...FOR FREE! It was SUCH fun; and when we came out of the theater, it was pouring down SNOW!!! We had to walk quite a few blocks to reach our van...it was cold, and wet, and WONDERFUL!

* Enjoying Christmas music while we do chores each day.

* Sitting by the tree with Christmas stories to share in our favorite books of the season.

* Lighting our Advent candles and praying 'round the wreath.

* Snuggling under blankets, watching movies on Netflix.

Sabbath Moments

2011-12-17T18:26:00.000-05:00

Colleen Spiro hosts this meme each Saturday. Colleen is such a beautiful person, who shares so many of the gifts and talents God has given her by ministering to others through her blogs and website; all of which I hope you will visit, via my sidebar link, today:) Sabbath Moments allows us to recount those special "happenings" and "experiences" when we have rested in and enjoyed the presence of our God during our busy everyday lives.

Here are some of mine this week:

* My family takes a meal to an elderly gentleman from our parish, who is no longer able to do things for himself on a full-time basis. He is in a wheelchair and on oxygen; which makes "meal-making" a bit difficult. A small group of us take turns taking him dinner and spending time chatting and visiting and praying with him.
This evening, my girls went with me. We had such a nice time talking about art and books and writing...and hearing stories about his son, "the model", who lives far away, in Holland. I love how the light of Jesus shines forth in JOY from this man's eyes...and I love how I can it reflecting back from the eyes of my children as they interact with their neighbor; and brother, in Christ.

* Listening to Classical Christmas music on cd's that my father gave to me just before he died. SOOOO peaceful and beautiful and special.

* Lately, whenever I feel too busy or overwhelmed, I have taken to pausing, breathing deeply, and saying, "Jesus, I trust in you". It never fails to make me feel better.

* Reading "With Humble Hearts" a booklet of Daily Advent Reflections from Mother Teresa. It's so wonderful.

7 Quick Takes Friday

2011-12-16T08:01:00.000-05:00

Visiting Jennifer Fulwiler, our hostess for Quick Takes, is always a fun way to spend your blogging time!
Use the handy link in my sidebar to hop on over there and you'll find LOTS more Quick Takes for your enjoyment!

As for my own:

Here they are:

1) It is an indescribable JOY to babysit your grand-children. If you do not have any yet...let me just tell you that you are in for SUCH A BLESSING and SO MUCH FUN. I have 4 sweet grand-babies...and watched 2 of them the other day...and will be watching the other 2 today...I start smiling from ear to ear as soon as I wake up and realize that it's a day when they'll be coming to see me. I LOVE BEING A GRAMMY!

2) We have not baked so much as ONE Christmas cookie yet! YIKES. We have our own favorite traditions as far as types of cookies at Christmas time...and we always make our "famous" (famous within our own friend and family circles, that is) peanut brittle and some other treats, as well...but, we have been so busy with school and decorating and doing the activities on our Advent Calendar, that we realized we have not stopped to BAKE any goodies! Needless to say, we will be rectifying this situation, come the weekend!

3) Yesterday, my friend drove 3 of my daughter Laura's best friends here for their annual Christmas party.
We (my friend and I) hadn't seen each other in quite some time and it was SO NICE to have an afternoon to sit and chat and make cinnamon ornaments with our younger kids. After we'd been relaxing a while, I asked her if she'd like a cup of coffee...and when I turned to go to the counter to make it, I saw a FRESHLY BREWED POT already there! Apparently, my son, Jake, knowing that "we ladies" would be sipping coffee at some point in our visit...had made a pot for us ! Isn't that SO sweet? SONS ARE AWESOME!

4) "Mrs. Miracle" is one of our new "favorite" movies this time of year. Very cute with a sweet story-line.
Very family-friendly, too...which gets major "points" in my book.

5) We read about the Pioneers' way of making butter on the Oregon Trail...they would milk their cows in the morning...and hang the bucket from the axle of their wagon...it will jiggle and jaggle along the way and by the time they drew camp for dinner...VOILA! They had butter, ready and waiting! Of course, my kids now want to hang buckets of milk from the hitch on our van....uuummmmm....I don't think so, guys.

6) Can any of you think of other things to draw on besides "paper"? With 8 kids in my house, each of whom LOVES to draw...we go through paper faster than I can BLINK. We already save cereal boxes and cardboard that comes inside of packages, etc...but...I am wishing there was a cheaper way to go than having to buy paper all the time. IDEAS, anyone???

7) My eldest daughter is 27 years old, today. WOW. That went fast.

Tea Talk (2nd post today)

2011-12-15T07:43:00.000-05:00

Friendship and fellowship...2 great blessings in life.
Our dear Ruth, the wonderful hostess of this meme, provides BOTH of these things for us each Thursday as we join her for Tea Talk...just a few quiet moments in our day...to connect, to share, to rest, and to enjoy one another's company online. Use the sidebar link here on my blog to visit Ruth and "pull up a chair" at her Tea Talk table:)

Today, I'm having: HOT COCOA...such a tasty wintry treat.

My mug is: Large; so I can sip a lot of it!

I am feeling: "festive" as we are enjoying some special occasions this week...Jacob's birthday, 2 days of babysitting...each set of grandchildren (::smile::)...and a Christmas party for my daughter Laura, and her BFF's...I love to see all of the decorations and watch the kids enjoying themselves together...and, I love, love, LOVE to spend time with my grand-babies!!!

On my mind: The US officially ended its mission in Iraq yesterday...9 years...$800 billion dollars+, over 4,000 American lives lost and something like 32,000 injured... sometimes...war just seems so very futile and ridiculous...I don't mean that I don't support our troops...as the wife of a Veteran of Foreign War, I FULLY and COMPLETELY support our military service men and women...it's just that when you think of it...that leaders of nations have issues and disagree...and OTHER people have to step up and kill one another to accomplish "freedom" and "liberty"....sometimes, that just doesn't sit right within my heart...let's pray for PEACE and for the Iraqi people to be able to continue the Democracy that the US has helped them to establish...they will be faced with many challenges there once all of our troops are gone.

" Never be men or women of long action and short prayer"
~Josemaria Escriva~

Small Successes

2011-12-15T07:15:00.000-05:00

Sometimes life gets busy. Sometimes we fail at our "to-do" lists. Sometimes we get overwhelmed and it doesn't seem like we're accomplishing much at all.

BUT... if we look a little closer...pay a bit of attention....and seek the POSITIVE and BRIGHTER sides of life...then, we will see, that every week...every DAY has SMALL SUCCESSES in it!

Sherry is the delightful hostess for this meme and invites us in to share our happy news each Thursday.
You can visit her via my sidebar link and read more entries and/or add your own!

As for the Dudiches...we enjoyed the following Small Successes this week:

1) We have remembered to feed our new fish every day. I was a little bit worried that we might forget we have them and make the poor little guys go hungry...but...we did it...twice a day!

2) Have been remembering to look ahead a page or two on our Advent Calendar to make sure that we have appropriate supplies for any crafts/activities that will come up. Today, we are making "cinnamon ornaments"!
Woo Hoo! LOOOOOVE how they fill the house with such a comfy-cozy aroma:)

3) Received my first payment in the mail for the online sales of my book! WOW! THAT was exciting to get in the mail! And, it uplifted and encouraged me against that little inner-voice-battle that sneaks up every once in a while and taunts : "Will anyone even want to read this?" (Believe me, when you write a book for the Lord, that tricky, sneaky, wily enemy of ours tries everything he can to get you to stop!)

Thanks for sharing our successes! Now, it's your turn to tell us about YOURS!

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

2011-12-13T22:26:00.000-05:00

"Tis the season...TO GIVE THANKS!

Add the above image to your post and use Mr. Linky, below, to send us there. Offer your readers a link back here...and in your post, list five things you are truly thankful for this week.
That's it!
It's easy and fun and helps to keep an "attitude of gratitude"!

The Lord showers blessings upon us each day!

This week, these are some that I am most thankful for:

1) Time with my children each day. Truly, I am keenly aware at what a blessing it is to be able to stay at home and teach my children every day. We laugh, we pray, we play, we work hard...we are challenged, we have trials...sometimes suffering...but the peace that comes from following Christ and the JOY that comes from sharing His love...I would miss so much of this if my kids had to go outside the home for school.
THANK YOU, LORD, for allowing me to be a stay-at-home/homeschooling mother!

2) Time with Laura. She is "Santa's Helper" when I go shopping. It's a rare occasion for us to have time with just the two of us...and I enjoy Laura's company so very much. THANK YOU, LORD, for my beautiful daughter, who is becoming a godly woman before my very eyes.

3) Large pots of soup on cold, winter days! THANK YOU, LORD, for the staples I usually have on-hand to put on a huge stock pot of soup and let it simmer all day while we tend to our school lessons.

4) Phone conversations with my BFF's. These come as such a delight and treat to me...like having a mini-visit and sharing a good heart-to-heart after a busy day. We laugh, we cry, we ponder, we pray, we listen, we advise, we share the depths of our hearts and souls. THANK YOU, LORD, for giving us a confidant and helpmeet as we tarry along in our journey toward heaven.

5) Blankets. We have MANY here at our house and I am always mindful at what a luxury and blessing it is to be able to pull one out and cover up all cozy and comfy when the night air chills us. THANK YOU, LORD, for warmth and comfort.

How about you? What blessings has God sent YOUR way this week?

Hearts for Home

2011-12-12T18:51:00.000-05:00

Oh my. These weeks are simply flying by, aren't they?
I'm glad for this meme, hosted by the lovely Gae, whom you may visit via the link in my sidebar...
It allows us to ponder home, family, faith, simplicity, nurturing, peace, joy...and all of the good things that
come to us through Christian Family Life each day.
The question remains: How can I cultivate my mind and heart toward the better keeping of my home?

My thanks to Gae for helping us do this.

My thoughts for this week are that I would like to:

* Spend lots of time sitting and resting by the light of our Christmas Tree...listening to quiet music and pondering the great mysteries of this glorious season.

* Get the rest of our Christmas greetings mailed out to family and friends. Doing a little each day helps me manage better and not feel so rushed/stressed.

* Help the children go a little above and and beyond in their school work so that we can have a nice, LONG, relaxing Christmas vacation without worrying that we left things "undone".

* Help my husband to have rest and calm and peace and quiet on the weekend...his work schedule has been super busy, trying to wrap things up for the long Christmas break...and I do not wish to add to his work-load or stress level...I want him to know how much we appreciate his work and that he can always look forward to the respite of "a peaceful, joyful, hearth and home."

* Spend time baking with my children:)

Sabbath Moments

2011-12-10T21:08:00.000-05:00

To pause and ponder the moments during the week when we have found ourselves keenly aware of God's presence/magnificence/love...that's what this meme is about and my wonderful friend, Colleen Spiro, is our hostess. You can join her and others via the sidebar link to her blog...and trust me, once you're there, you'll want to stay awhile; as well as visit her fabulous website (which even offers FREE spiritual online retreats!)

This week, I had some wonderful Sabbath Moments:

* My hubby and son were off helping my eldest daughter move the last of her things to her new home...the other kids were all outside building a fort...and I had the house to myself...cleaning...I lit my candles (which I have everywhere for the festive season), lit the tree, and starting sweeping and scrubbing and dusting to my little heart's content...it was soooooo peaceful and lovely and quiet...I had some beautiful instrumental Christmas music playing in the background, too. Oh, how I thanked God for my home; and for my good health and strength to be able to clean it:)

* I babysat my darling grandson today; who is almost five months old already! His mommy and daddy and big sister stopped in for a visit when they came to pick him up. Mary Helen made banana bread to share and we grown-ups had some nice, fresh, hot coffee. It was such a delight to see the smile on my son's face as he looked at all of our decorations; reminiscing to his wife about his childhood Christmas memories and telling us all about the tree they had just gotten cut at a local farm and how they were going home to decorate their own home...SUCH a blessing...just to gather as a family and relax together:)

* My daughter's new home is a tad bit smaller than her previous one. Thus, we have "inherited" some of her belongings; among them, a fish tank full of fish! (Something I have always wanted!) Tonight, we turned out all the lights in our school (where we put the tank) and watched the pretty fish swim about in their freshly cleaned tank...seashells...pretty blue stones...plants...all shining in the dark under the little light inside the tank...it was SOO lovely and calm and peaceful. God creates SUCH AMAZING THINGS!

7 Quick Takes Friday

2011-12-09T22:39:00.000-05:00

1) Babysitting my darling, sweet, grandson (who is almost five months old) tomorrow...need I say more in the way of JOYFUL THINGS? ::smile::

2) My friend and I were made keenly aware of the passage of time, the circle of life, and the continuation of generations today as we chatted and shared a snack in the kitchen, while we listened to our teens play Wii and banter and cheer and carry on happily together in the adjacent room. It seemed like just yesterday, we mused, that it was our older sons doing the same thing...and now...well...my older son is married and has two children and hers is graduating from college in the Spring...the "young men" who were "carrying the torch" of friendship and fun today...were the boys who were the Littles just a "blink" or so ago...and soon enough, we realized together...these fine boys will also move on...and our younger ones will be the older ones...and we...we will still be sharing the journey side by side in the kitchen :)

3) This Sunday marks GAUDETE SUNDAY already! I can hardly believe that! Advent seems to be swiftly passing this year...GAUDETE SUNDAY is the Sunday of JOY; signifying that we will only have one more week of waiting after this until we welcome the celebration of our INFANT SAVIOR and KING! The color of the candle on our Advent wreaths that we will light this Sunday is "rose"...the color of JOY.

4) Speaking of JOY...my husband's company shuts down for an entire week every year at Christmas time...so that means he gets a week's vacation and WE get to have him at home with during the most beautiful season of the year! VERY special :)

5) My book has had some great reviews on Amazon. I'm grateful to those who submitted them and I must say, that it is really nice to "check in" and find those "5 little stars" waiting!

6) I'm looking forward to our break from school. We will take off from the 20th until after the New Year.
I love to use that time to declutter, reorganize, assess things, plan for the second semester, and REST.

7) As I finish this post in a silent house (everyone is asleep) I think of a time in years beyond when the house will always be this quiet...I can't quite imagine that...and I'm not sure I really want to. OH how I will miss the sounds of children when they are gone!

Want to read more Quick Takes? Visit our hostess, Jennifer Fulwiler via my sidebar link and join the fun!

Small Successes (2 posts today)

2011-12-08T13:34:00.000-05:00

As many times as people have greeted me in life by singing The Beatles' "Hey Jude"...I wonder if as many have greeted our hostess, Sherry with a Frankie Valle and the Four Seasons, "Sheeeerrrrrrrrrrryyyy Baaaaby". Sorry...don't know why that RANDOM thought came to mind as I was starting this meme today:)

So...moving on to the matters at hand....here are a few great things we've done this week:

1) Managed to get 10 of us to the dentist ON TIME this morning! We LOVE our dentist...he blocks out a whole morning for our entire family...but...I like to be on time and not cancel on him...because if we cancel...he loses 10 spots that day!

2) Mopped the floor last evening when I REALLY didn't feel like it...we'd been on the road yesterday and it was a long, tiring day...BUT...I kept my whining to my silent self and GOT THAT BUCKET OUT anyway! YAY, me!

3) Didn't get mad....ok...well....wait a minute...back up....DID get mad but did not ACT on that...when I went by our cubby where boots, hats, gloves, and tennis shoes are kept (all in order and in certain bins) to find that YET AGAIN the boots were strewn about and the bins were all mixed up....INSTEAD....I stopped. I prayed a short prayer. And, I quietly, willingly, almost-joyfully-read: tried REALLY hard to be joyful, put everything back where it belonged and moved long with my day. TA DA!!!!!

Don't we rock? LOL

Tell us all the awesomeness you and your kids have accomplished this week!

Tea Talk

2011-12-08T13:25:00.000-05:00

I always smile when I realize that it is Thursday; and time, yet again, to share TEA TALK at Ruth's!
She is our lovely hostess and would be delighted to welcome you to her blog via my sidebar link today.
You can pull up a chair, bring along your favorite cuppa' and spend a few quiet moments in rest and fellowship with the other wonderful ladies who come to Ruth's each week.

As for me, today, I'm having ... a tall glass of water....I was feeling extra thirsty for some reason. This is a big fault of mine...I don't always take time to drink as much water as I should and tend to become a little dehydrated before taking a drink during the day.

My cup is...just your average royal blue colored plastic tumbler....I did away with "glasses" a few years back because we break more than we save around here...the kids are getting older now; so, perhaps a nice set of glasses will, once again, be in my future:)

I am feeling...good, after having my teeth cleaned at the dentist's this morning...the kids and I were saying how we don't like the process of getting them cleaned...but we feel so GOOD afterward!

On my mind...my sweet grandson....whom I've been asked to babysit on Saturday while his mommy, daddy, and big sister go to get their Christmas Tree! WEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! I can HARDLY WAIT!!!!!

"It is an empty heart that God fills. He can not fill a heart that's full....full of pride, bitterness, jealousy...we must give these things up"

~ Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta~

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

2011-12-06T22:58:00.000-05:00

Come right in! Bring along your favorite cuppa' and relax for a while. We are considering/pondering the blessings in our lives today. We do the same each Wednesday and we'd love for you to join us!
Take this image, above and paste it into a post on your blog. Share five things you've been giving thanks to God for this week...offer your readers a link back here...and use Mr. Linky here to send us to your post.

Remember, a thankful heart is a joyful heart!

God is kind and merciful and showers His blessings upon us!

This week, I'm especially thankful for:

1) The day I spent at my lovely daughter in law's house with my two grand babies. I was teaching my DIL to make a certain meal that my son (her hubby) has been yearning for ( a favorite from his youth) that she didn't know how to make...my grand-daughter had tons of fun playing w/her aunties and uncles and I drank in every moment of wonder and JOY that I received in getting to hold my grandson! THANK YOU, LORD!

2) Our school lessons. We are so blessed to be at home with each other every day. There is so much I would miss in the lives of my children if I had to send them off each day. Little things. Happy things. Challenges. Struggles. Fellowship. So much...I'm so glad they are here with me so I don't have to miss a thing! THANK YOU, LORD!

3) Coffee. I know I've mentioned that one before in this meme. But, it's true. This is my little perk; my luxury that I am so happy to have...I love the scent...the aroma...the steamy hot temperature....the bold, rich flavor...I love everything about it:) THANK YOU, LORD!

4) My husbands hugs. He gives the best hugs. THANK YOU, LORD!

5) Talking to my mother on the phone. She makes me laugh. THANK YOU, LORD!

Care to share your blessings with us, today?

Hearts for Home

2011-12-05T23:18:00.000-05:00

One hour from the time I am writing this post, it will be the Feast of St. Nicholas! Although, our lovely hostess for this meme, Gae, will have already celebrated it and will be winding her day down to an end as she lives several continents away from me:) You can read about the wonderful festivities and activities at her place, via my sidebar link to her blog.

As for this meme she hosts each week, it is meant to encourage us to cultivate our minds and hearts toward the better-keeping of our homes. To focus, to live intentionally, to serve joyfully, and to be diligent in our care for our family and hearth.

This week, I'm trying to:

1) Make the activities on our Family Advent Calendar go smoothly by "peeking" ahead one day, in case I am in need of any supplies, specialty foods, or other items for the next day's activity. The children LOVE our Advent calendar so much; and a few times, when I haven't been properly prepared, they've been a little disappointed if we get to a certain day and Mom says, "Oops, I forgot to pick that up at the store so we'll have to make that craft another day" :( With just a little extra effort on my part, we can be ready for the delightful crafts and activities and spiritual readings and songs, etc...as each pretty page is turned:)

2) Help the children with their Christmas letters and cards. They really enjoy writing out their own to special people in their lives and it does take time to help them write and check spelling and address envelopes, etc...
But, it's so worth it because I know that they are spending Advent truly preparing their hearts by reaching out to those they love.

3) Spend more time in silence and Adoration. Our parish is blessed to be having a 40 Hours Devotion this week and we are signed up for several hours of Adoration, in addition to our usual weekly hour. The beautiful silence spent in the presence of Our Lord in His Most Blessed Sacrament is SO enriching and nurturing to our souls...and JUST what we need during this busy time of year so as to SLOW DOWN and ponder the great things God has done for us!

4) Stay on task and even put forth extra effort to get our school work done in a timely manner and close out the semester before we break for Christmas Vacation.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-12-05T08:10:00.001-05:00

Joining Peggy and her friends as we pause to ponder the simple things in life.
Visit her blog or add your own entry via the link in my sidebar:

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window...looking as though there is a hint of snow in our future, perhaps.

I am thinking...of my daughter and her family, as they settle into their new little home along the creek.

I am thankful...for this beautiful Advent Season which helps me to prepare my heart and make straight my paths for the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

From the learning rooms...focusing on "book work" now as we bring our semester to a close very soon.

In the kitchen...I think some chicken (leg-quarters), roasted red potatoes, and corn will be the order of the day.

I am wearing...a lovely "broomstick" skirt and one of my favorite black, knit, pull-overs with a ruffled bodice.

I am going...to a holy hour of Adoration for the 40 Hours Devotions being held at our parish this week.

I am wondering...what we serve for our Christmas Feast this year. We tend to fluctuate our choice on this each year.

I am reading... The Quotable Saint/Words of Wisdom from Thomas Aquinas.

I am hoping...that people will slow down to truly ponder the beauty of the True Meaning of the season.

I am looking forward to...making Christmas chains with my kids today; that's the activity listed on our Family Advent Calendar...I know this, because my sweet Mary Clare was up at 6:30 am; wanting to be the one to "turn the page" for today!

I am hearing...Mary Clare, Ben, and Sarah, discussing the decorations that they are adding to a Christmas letter that the girls are helping Ben to write.

Around the house...made some changes to our calendar; including canceling our Christmas Sale...we decided to wait until next year or the next...as we want to focus on some other things at this time. We have reassessed the items that we had scheduled and left only the ones that we feel are most important as to the preparation of our hearts this glorious season.

I am pondering...the INFANT SAVIOR AND KING! Emmanuel! Word Among Us! Word Incarnate! Prince of Peace!

I am praying for...those who are lonely or struggle with depression at this time of year.

One of my favorite things...sitting by the light of our Christmas Tree in the wee hours of the morning when no one else is awake.

A few plans for the rest of the week: paying a few visits to family and friends, writing our Christmas cards, and baking a bit:)

A photo thought to share with you:

By: Mary Clare Dudich, age 7

Treasured Moments (2nd post today)

2011-12-03T13:42:00.000-05:00

* Snuggling with Benny under a blanket and listening to Christmas stories on audio.

* Listening to Christmas music on a CD that was given to us by the owners of the audio site we subscribe to! They gifted all of their members with a lovely instrumental cd for the season. SO relaxing:)

* Decorating our tree.

* Looking at my daughter's beautiful artwork.

* Hot coffee, early in the morning and time alone with God.

* Putting on PJ's after a long, busy day on a chilly winter's night.

* Listening to my girls play their original duet/compositions on the piano. (They've never had a formal lesson; but play so well together!)

* Sipping steaming, hot homemade potato/ham/pea soup from a favorite mug.

Erin is the lovely Mum who hosts this meme each week. It's a way to pay closer attention to the simple pleasures and joys in our daily lives...you can visit her wonderful family and add an entry to this meme (or read others') by using the link in my sidebar to her blog:)

Sabbath Moments

2011-12-03T13:31:00.000-05:00

Aaahhhh, Sabbath Moments. One of my favorite times of the week. And, our hostess, Colleen Spiro, is one of my dearest blogging friends, as well! Colleen's blog and website are full of treasures for your soul! Stop by to visit and, perhaps, to add some of your own Sabbath Moments this week. There's a handy link in my sidebar for you.

1) Earlier this week, little Sarah, 6, was coloring in her Bible Animals coloring book. I love this little book that has pictures of animals with Scripture verses listed as to where you can find that particular animal in the Bible.
This time, she was coloring the RAVENS. And we read in 1 Kings 17:4 "You shall drink of the stream and I have commanded Ravens to feed you there". . . fast forward to myself...sitting at a table in our parish hall during the Ladies' Retreat this morning...Father was giving a beautiful talk on being contemplative...and mastering our mind so it doesn't master us...and how the Lord has made us a tangible, physical people...He, Himself becoming FLESH...thus, the candles, and statues, and beautiful paintings...can call our minds to the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN ON EARTH and help us to keep focused and less distracted as we go about our busy lives. Just as I was thanking the Lord in my heart for my time on retreat, I lifted my head and glanced out the large window to see two HUGE RAVENS take flight from out little cemetery...it was as if they had appeared out of no where...and instantly...I was reminded that He had "sent the Ravens to feed me"...the retreat, the fellowship, the words being spoken to my heart...was food for my SOUL. It was a lovely sight to see.

2) Listening to the last speaker at retreat...I was led closer to the MERCIFUL SAVIOR'S HEART...for I listened, as my friend, a young mother, expecting her 7th child, give her testimony on "keeping your faith during/after tragedy"...This beautiful woman had buried her tiny baby last year...and, we came to learn through her talk today...lived a life of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of her siblings and step-father as a youth...she spoke of learning to pray by hiding in a coat closet with all of the coats removed from their hangers so that she could bury herself under them and not be found...she told of meeting her (now) husband...who took her hands in his own and taught her the Lord's Prayer...she told of how she came to realize that GOD has not willed the abuse upon her; but that this was the choice of men through free will and that even though she had suffered...she would never want the gift of free will to be taken away from anyone...even her abusers...and then...she asked us all to PRAY FOR HER ABUSERS and for the conversion of her fallen away family (of her youth)...and as I listened and cried and bowed my head in prayer...I was transported straight to HIS MERCY.

3) At night, I have been sipping hot chocolate by our Christmas Tree; watching the twinkling lights...looking at the cherished ornaments; some from decades ago...some, newer. Praying for my husband and my children and grand-children and "counting my blessings" during this beautiful Advent Season.

7 Quick Takes Friday

2011-12-02T14:43:00.001-05:00

Summing up the blogging week along with Jennifer Fulwiler, our esteemed hostess for this meme.
Visit her via my sidebar link and you'll be good for a laugh or two...her humor is such a blessing!

Judy's 7 Quick Takes:

1) So, since my book was published, I have tried to remain rather nonchalant about the whole thing; not paying TOOOO close-attention to ratings, rankings, sales, and what-not. HOWEVER...I must tell you, that when you see "Customer Review" with 5 Stars after it on your Amazon page...it is Pretty. Darned. Exciting. Indeed. What to share my JOY? Take a look: AMAZON CUSTOMER REVIEWS for I SURRENDER.

2) As a mother-at-home, it is so cute to see my interests, talents, and blessings taking shape within my own children. Since the public arrival of #1, above...all of my Littles have become "Authors" writing up elaborate tales on lined paper, illustrating the pages, and stapling them together...then going around the house saying that they are going to have their books "published", like Mommy's :) One of my girls, age 7, created a series of "coloring books" and "set up shop" in her bedroom, asking us all to come to her "sale". Each book was neatly labeled with prices ranging from 10 cents to a quarter a piece...ALL of her coloring books "sold"; even her teen brother and sister coughed-up change to buy a few! ::winks and smiles::

3) I was completely surprised when I realized that today was Friday. Since we were on Thanksgiving break until yesterday...my brain was tricked into thinking this was "Tuesday" since we usually go back to school on Mondays. What a treat to think you have 3 more days of school ahead; only to find out that in a few hours, you will be singing, "LET THE WEEKEND COMMENCE!" WOO HOO!

4) With all of the modern-day gidgets and gadgets and super dee-duper technology...I wish someone would invent an automatic, "crumb/debris sensored" vacuum/sweeping system for large families. SERIOUSLY. Wouldn't it be great if, several times a day, hoses and suction things could come out of the walls and do a big SWOOP around the carpets and floors for us? I am continually AMAZED and dumbfounded at how many crumbs and "floor messes" 8 kids can make in an HOUR. They'd better hurry up and invent a new product for me...otherwise I am going to start duct-taping a broom and/or vacuum to my appendages and SPIN around all day, continuously, so as to keep up with this mess!

5) We had such fun last night. We turned out all the lights other than those on our Christmas Tree...and we snuggled up under blankets (after having some yummy double-decker M&M brownies with milk that Mary Helen, age 11, made) to listen to Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" on Old Tyme Radio from myaudioschool.com. The two Littles fell fast asleep in their big brother's lap...and I smiled and thought how WORTH IT, the small yearly subscription fee to that site truly is. WE LOVE IT.
Earlier in the day, we listened to "The Long Winter" by Laura Ingalls Wilder...and I had the kids each sketch a scene of their choice while the story played. Afterward, they passed their papers around so everyone could guess which scene they had illustrated! SUCH FUN! If you are wanting to simplify your days/evenings and looking for some creative family fun...myaudioschool.com is your ticket. You'll love it.

6) I've decided that I miss "naps". It's been a while since my kids took regular naps...all of them did so up until age 5-6...except Benny, who wriggled his way out of them at age 4...we used to take "family naps" each Sunday...and lately, I've been missing that. I love the idea of doing something so relaxing in the middle of a busy day.

7) I'm looking forward to the Ladies' Retreat at church tomorrow. Great fellowship, Mass, Confession, wonderful talks to inspire and uplift, and time to refresh/recharge/and renew our spirits for the Advent and Christmas Seasons. WHAT A BLESSING! I will keep you ALL in my prayers while there!

Tea Talk (2nd post today)

2011-12-01T06:52:00.000-05:00

Greetings to our dear hostess, Ruth, and to all of the lovely ladies who come to her place for "tea" each week.

If this is your first time, you'll find a link to Ruth's blog in my sidebar and you are invited to join her/us in taking a few moments of respite from your busy day...to fellowship, relax, ponder, and rest a while:)

I am having...my first cup of coffee for the day; which, will be followed by a second, I'm sure! ::smile::

My cup is...one I love to wrap my hands around while I sip:)

I am feeling...well-rested and ready to get back to our school lessons, today. We had such a nice Thanksgiving vacation, even though we all nursed a sore throat and cough...we had plenty of rest, hot drinks, and time to just "be" together...and now, we are ready to hit the books, again.

On my mind..."All things Advent and Christmas" :)

"The mother's heart is the child's school room"
Henry Ward Beecher

Small Successes

2011-12-01T06:35:00.000-05:00

1) Resisted my usual temptation to get "extra work" done while we were on school break and really kicked back to enjoy our holiday vacation. We did crafts, sang songs, watched movies, took walks, cooked and baked, read stories, and RESTED:)

2) Rearranged our schedule to de-clutter our calendar a bit. Things were getting too busy for my taste...so, I mustered up some courage and "X'd" a few upcoming events out and then said "no" to a few other opportunities for activities in the near future. This is more difficult than it might seem, as this time of year provides so many wonderful and fun events...but I really want our focus to be on our Advent journey; preparing our hearts for the celebration of Our Lord's Coming at Christmas:)

3) Everyone has done a great job remembering to take their shoes off before dashing into bedrooms where there is new carpeting (which was laid this past summer)...this is a big success because I have never been a stickler for making kids remove their shoes indoors. I'm still not...but my hubby IS...and I am proud of the children for their noticeable effort to comply!

These are the little things we've "done right" this past week:)
What are some of YOUR Small Successes?
Hop on over to Sherry's place via my sidebar link and join the meme...it's a fun way to accentuate the "positive" side of our everyday family life journeys!

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

2011-11-30T17:35:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful blessing to gather here each week and rejoice in the Lord, God, who generously showers us in His love! Use Mr. Linky to lead us to your thankful post...list five things you are thanking Him for today...add this little image, above, to your post; and offer your readers a link back here...that's it!
It's easy. It's fun. And, it helps us keep an attitude of gratitude in our day-to-day lives :)

Oh God, I humbly thank You for ALL of the blessings You give to me each day.
This week, I have been especially thankful for:

1) Time with my husband while he's been home on vacation...family times, simple times, laughter, hearty meals, relaxation, rest, and happy memories in the making:)

2) The SKIES, which have been extra-ordinarily beautiful lately!

3) My sweet Benjamin Luke...just a few months left of being "4" and turning into SUCH a big boy.

4) Our Christmas Tree...the evergreen which reminds us that YOU are the Giver of Everlasting LIFE and the decorations and lights which bring back cherished times of old...and yet, help us to prepare our hearts for the coming celebration of CHRIST'S BIRTH, as well...so lovely, so peaceful, so loved.

5) My daughter's new home...although she'll be a bit further of a drive away...she will own, rather than rent, have more land, and a stocked creek full of trout; which will be well-fished by her "camping/fishing/loving family"!

REJOICE in the Lord for HE IS GOOD!

What blessings has He bestowed upon YOU this week?

Hearts for Home

2011-11-29T07:16:00.000-05:00

This week, I am trying to:

1) Enjoy the start of our Advent Season by doing the activities on our family Advent calendar each day.

2) Have the courage to cancel a few things on our regular calendar and to say "no" to a few other opportunities so that we can slow down and place our focus on the beautiful purpose of this wonderful Liturgical Season: To prepare our hearts for the celebration of the coming of CHRIST. It is so easy to become overloaded with commitments and engagements at this time of year...many good things...and many which involve serving in the community...but...it is just as important to remember that our main ministry in the one under our own roof and we can't "be still and know" that He is God if we never slow down!

3) Keep the kids occupied indoors as my husband is home for three days' vacation of hunting in the woods...Jacob, 14, is with his Dad, but the rest of us must remain inside to be safe. We are playing lots of games and doing puzzles and cooking together...I want to make sure that we all enjoy our break from our school lessons...I have a habit of heading off to catch up on housework and cleaning and planning when I get time off from school....so I am trying to take a REAL break and just enjoy being with my children:)

4) Help Laura, 16, plan for her annual Christmas gathering with her best friends. We will be hosting the girls this year...I just LOVE seeing these beautiful young ladies get together; so full of life and joy and such wonderful godly friendships...I am so thankful that my daughter has such good friends:)

If you'd like to read how others are cultivating their minds and hearts toward the better-keeping of their homes this week, then you'll want to visit our lovely hostess, Gae, whom you can find via the link in my sidebar. Trust me...you will be inspired!

Sabbath Moments

2011-11-26T18:31:00.000-05:00

I am happy to be joining my dear friend, Colleen Spiro, for another week of "Sabbath Moments".
You can visit Colleen via my sidebar link to her wonderful blog and websites! She has the ability to make you feel as though you have just been on a quiet retreat in her beautiful writings. I look forward to each of my visits (which are many and OFTEN!) to her blog/websites :)

My Sabbath Moments:

Here's my first one...this was the view from our front porch this morning:

These are our front woods and I love to "greet the Lord" by
gazing upon the beautiful scenes He paints for us here each day:)

* Praying in the morning while I make my bed.
This is one of my favorite "prayer times"...it's a way to spend time with God before we get to the "busier" parts of our day...and I love to feel His presence as I go about my chores.

* Planning for Advent. I love when we gather 'round to make our annual Family Advent Calendar and I love setting the wreath out, with UNlit candles...waiting for the first Sunday of this beautiful Liturgical Season.
I often hear people inquire, "How can we keep Christ in Christmas"...for me...ADVENT makes that so easy because it's all about "focus" and "centering thoughts on Christ" and "preparing our hearts for His coming"!

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

2011-11-23T00:00:00.001-05:00

I am pre-posting this on Tuesday because I will be with my friend as she receives the results of her CAT Scan on Wednesday morning while you are all visiting here:) Please pray for her, that she will be eligible for surgery as she battles this aggressive cancer.

I welcome you to A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings and if you'd like to add an entry simply take the above image and place it in a post on your blog, list five things you are thankful for this week and link us to your post via Mr. Linky down below...then offer your own readers a link back here...Thanks!

As many of us prepare for a Thanksgiving feast tomorrow, I would like to thank God for:

* Family and friends, who fill my world with love and JOY.

* My kitchen, where I can delight in cooking for and serving others.

* Time off of school and work so that we can simply enjoy one another's company for a the long/extended weekend!

* The smiles I know I'll see on my sons' and husband's faces when they eat our Thanksgiving meal and enjoy the pies for dessert! I get such a pleasure out of watching them "gobble" away happily. 'Tis true what they say about the way to a man's heart, you know?

* Warm, cozy, blankets that we can snuggle with and cuddle with while watching holiday movies.

I look forward to coming home and reading about YOUR blessings!

Hearts for Home

2011-11-21T22:22:00.000-05:00

Focused. Diligent. Intentional. Prayerful. Consistent. Creative. Loving...

These are traits we hope to develop and increase within ourselves as we strive to create a joyful, peaceful, wonderful atmosphere at home for our husbands, children, and guests.

Care to join us? Then, you'll want to use my sidebar link to visit our beautiful hostess, Gae.

Her writings emanate these things and you will be blessed by visiting there.

This week, I'm trying to:

* Overlook the fact that I have finally succumbed to the cold/achy throat that my family has been passing around this past week...so that I can continue to complete our school work and prepare for our vacation and Thanksgiving festivities, ahead.

* Think a bit about Christmas gifts and start writing out some of our cards.

* Get things ready for the First Sunday of Advent next week.

* Guide and help the children to use their time wisely...they've been a bit antsy and silly lately...and I see some idling creeping in...not the good kind...but the kind where things get a little wild and accidents start to happen...for us...this usually means that more time outdoors is needed.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-11-21T07:39:00.000-05:00

Joining Peggy and her friends as we pause to ponder the simple things in life.
Visit her blog or add your own entry via the link in my sidebar:

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window...a bit of a dreary, misty, morning.

I am thinking...of the special week ahead, when we will give "thanks" to our Lord and gather with family and friends to rejoice in LIFE and share the JOY of our blessings with one another.

I am thankful...for the quick "date" I had with my husband last evening, when he invited me to take a walk around our trails while the kids played Wii inside the house.

From the learning rooms...2 days of lessons, followed by THANKSGIVING VACATION! Woo Hoo!

In the kitchen...leftover ham and things that go with it...this will make it so I need not do much cooking before preparing the feast for Thursday!

I am wearing...jeans and a red, knit turtleneck sweater.

I am going...to my first "book signing/sale" on Saturday in the lovely historical/tourist town of Berkeley Springs, WV. (George Washington, himself, bathed in the natural warm springs there!) I will have an "author's table" at the book section of this arts festival and I'm very thankful for this wonderful opportunity.

I am wondering...how it will be for my mother on her first Thanksgiving without my Dad.

I am reading... this and that.

I am hoping...that my husband knows how much I love him.

I am looking forward to...seeing my grand-babies and their parents this weekend!

I am hearing...my Littles; jibbering and jabbering and giggling as they get ready for school.

Around the house...crafting and baking for our upcoming Christmas Sale in December!

I am pondering...how God's ways are so very VERY different from our own.

I am praying for...a friend of mine who is expecting her 7th child and has been put on bed-rest.

One of my favorite things...reading in bed with my hubby...glass of wine...quiet...peaceful...NICE.

A few plans for the rest of the week: getting ready for Thanksgiving!

A photo thought to share with you:

Treasured Moments (2nd post today)

2011-11-19T22:11:00.000-05:00

Erin lives in Australia with her beautiful family and hosts this meme each week so that we can be mindful of and share the simple pleasures and Treasured Moments of our daily lives. You can join us by visiting Erin via my sidebar link.

Treasured Moments for me this week:

* Reading stories at the lunch table. I enjoy this so much.

* Adoration. To have an hour of silence with Jesus is such a precious gift.

* Chatting with my dear Laura, 16, as we ride along in the car.

* Talking to my mother on the phone while I have my morning coffee:)

* Hugs from my husband...THE BEST!

* Getting videos in my email from my sweet grand-daughter showing the cute little crafts and songs and things she's been learning in her homeschooling lessons.

* Sipping hot tea with a cough drop melted in...my son's remedy for a cold...it's really comforting!

Sabbath Moments

2011-11-19T18:38:00.000-05:00

Visit Colleen Spiro, our hostess for this meme; and wonderful writer/website owner/parish secretary/spiritual director, and more! You can find Colleen's blog via the link in my sidebar and consider joining us as we share the special moments that we have found ourselves basking in the presence of God this week!

My Sabbath Moments:

* We had a sudden BURST of snow flurries the other day; completely unexpected and quickly-passing. It was as if God simply wanted to delight us as a father does for his little children: "Look kids! Watch what I can do!" We loved it.

* I listened to "Preacher of Grace", one of my favorite music cd's, in the car. The priest who sings on it has such a comforting, beautiful, calming voice...it makes me feel relaxed and close to God.

* Mary Clare, age 7, made her First Reconciliation this morning. I had lots of time to kneel and sit and pray. It was so beautiful watching the children, as they lined up for confession; followed by many of their family members. I meditated on the great gift of God's mercy and forgiveness...it was an overwhelmingly beautiful feeling to think about these things.

7 Quick Takes Friday

2011-11-18T00:00:00.001-05:00

1) Too many places to go and not enough gas money = Time for a schedule change.

2) My eldest daughter and her extended family are having their second annual "make -n- bake" Christmas this year. Every gift given must be hand-made or cooked/baked. I was amazed at the creative, whimsical, and lovely things they came up with last year and am eagerly looking forward to seeing what this year's gifts will be. I am thinking that we will do something similar in our house for the "Secret Santa Sibling" portion of our gift-giving. We usually have the children pull a sibling's name from a basket to give a gift to that person on Christmas. "Make-n-Bake" would be a nice way to go with that this year:)

3) This Saturday is our sweet Mary Clare's First Reconciliation. What a wonderful thing to watch these beautiful children prepare for a Sacrament. What a wonderful thing to know and trust that God always forgives us when we are sorry for our sins!

4) Speaking of Mary Clare, it's funny to listen to children that have been raised in the modern "world of technology" sometimes. The other day, she was sitting at the dining room table, attempting to write something with a pen. It wasn't working. Her Dad noticed, smiled, and said, "I think that pen has run out of ink sweetie"; to which Mary Clare replied, "Naaaah...it probably just needs charged". Too cute.

5) Speaking of getting "charged", I am looking forward to the Ladies' Retreat that is being held at our parish on December 3rd. Our pastor has asked my daughter, Laura, 16, to give talk on how to be a godly/holy young woman during a busy and festive season. These retreats are so wonderful and I always feel so refreshed and uplifted after attending. Our day begins with an early morning Mass, then confession. Afterward, we all gather in the parish hall for a light breakfast and then we enjoy several talks by the guest speakers; in between which, we have time for discussion/Q & A, and prayer. It's a wonderful way to spend a Saturday and it will be "especially special" to have Laura with me, as well.

6) Do you ever go through phases where you can't stand to have the radio on in your car? I do. Yesterday, for instance, I just wanted to listen to the rain falling as I drove. "God's music".

7) Yesterday, the kids pulled "the human brain" as a topic out of our "Random Subject Jar". We spent the next hour researching, exploring, and learning about the magnificence and wondrous workings of this part of our body. Truly, God is an AWESOME CREATOR. The children were very curious as to why He made our brains "cross-controlled", meaning...the left side of the brain controls the right side of our body and vice-versa. Who knows? Perhaps, just because "He can".

Want to read more Quick Takes?
Jennifer Fulwiler is our hostess and she has lots more where this came from.
Visit her via my sidebar link:)

Tea Talk (2nd post today)

2011-11-16T23:10:00.000-05:00

I'm having the last of my Darjeerling Tea...a few little tea-lovers have been raiding Mommy's tea boxes lately.

My cup is:


This one.

I am feeling...sad for the suffering my friend is going through in her battle with cancer. She doesn't seem to be winning the battle :(

On my mind...how much I want to comfort, encourage, and sustain her.

"Disorder in the society is the result of disorder in the family"
~Elizabeth Ann Bailey Seton~

Small Successes

2011-11-16T23:04:00.000-05:00

1) Only got my days mixed up once so far this week.

2) Had to order another bulk-package of my books...they are selling...yay!

3) Got one of three supplies we need to make our Conestoga Wagon Craft. Two to go...yay!

Want to share the things you got "right" this week?

Celebrate your way over to Sherry's place via my sidebar link.

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

2011-11-15T23:09:00.000-05:00

Come! Give thanks to the Lord!
Rejoice in His blessings and share in His goodness!

This meme is meant to encourage us to "see the blessing" in the life. Simply post the image above in your own blog post, link us there via Mr. Linky down below; then offer your readers a link back here so that they can enjoy all the entries. Share five things for which you are thankful this week...and that's it! It's easy...it's fun...and it helps us keep a thankful heart!

I have been very mindful of certain blessings in my life lately.
Here are some that I'd like to thank God for this week:

1) My good health. Outside of a few serious complications during pregnancies and child birth...I have always enjoyed excellent health. As I journey through the world of cancer with several of my dear friends, I am reminded that "good health" is such a blessing and not to be taken for granted. THANK YOU, LORD!

2) My mother. I love her so much. THANK YOU, LORD!

3) My son-in-law's permanent position at work. He'd been working through a temp agency for a long time and the company for whom he works hired him on full-time, with benefits this week. WOO HOO! THANK YOU, LORD!

4) My kitchen. My whole life I dreamed of having a kitchen "island" and I never grow tired of gathering 'round to chop and chat and mix and bake and prepare and simply "hang out" with my family there...THANK YOU, LORD!

5) My grand-babies. Oh! The JOY the bring to my life...such sweet little darlings; each one of them. THANK YOU, LORD!

How has God blessed YOU this week?

Hearts for Home

2011-11-15T15:52:00.000-05:00

Restoring the family. Beautifying the home. Creating an atmosphere of joy, peace, and love; centered in Christ and existing for His glory...that is what this meme is all about...vowing, as wives and mothers at home, to try to commit ourselves to a few things each week that will help us to cultivate our minds and hearts toward the better-keeping of our homes.

Gae is our kind and beautiful hostess. You may visit her via my sidebar link.

This week, please keep me in your prayers as I try to:

1) Be intentional...in all that I do each day...prayer, housework, school, cooking, playing, etc...

2) Provide hearty, warm, and tasty meals for my family and present them in an inviting and lovely way....a candle and an autumn centerpiece...a few home-made rolls and home-made butter for an added treat...a nice clean cloth on the table...and a smile on my face...to let them know how much I love them and how much I love serving them.

3) Spend more "alone time" with God...I've been sleeping in until 6-6:30 and by that time the kids are beginning to rise, as well...I either need to go back to me earlier waking hour...or settle them in with their breakfast or some story books on the couch underneath a comfy blanket, while I stay on in my room for a little while and greet Our Lord, thank Him for the day...and ask Him to bless my dear husband and family. (I always pray for my husband while I am making the bed each morning...to me...this bed is such an extraordinary, ordinary item...it is sacred...it is a place of comfort and peace and restfulness...it is the place where God brings forth new life...and where we, as a married couple...can find respite from the busy world and a special place "all to ourselves"....that is...when the Littles are not in it with us! LOL)

4) Gather supplies for our family tradition of making a special "flip-page" Advent Calendar. This is a cherished activity each year...and Advent is almost upon us...so I want to be ready with lots of old cards and markers and colored paper when the time comes!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-11-13T22:44:00.001-05:00

Joining Peggy and her friends as we pause to ponder the simple things in life.
Visit her blog or add your own entry via the link in my sidebar:

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window...the darkness of night.

I am thinking...of how quickly the week went by...seems like we just did this meme!

I am thankful...for the surprise I had upon returning home the other night when I saw my son's car in our driveway...and was treated to a visit with him, his lovely wife, and my DARLING grand-daughter and grand-son!

From the learning rooms...Finishing up our studies on La Paz, Bolivia, gathering supplies to make a model Conestoga Wagon, writing letters to pen pals, and all the "basics"...Reading, Math, Religion, English, etc...

In the kitchen...hot sausage, mashed potatoes, and sauerkraut! MMMMMmmmmm.....

I am wearing...jeans and a comfy zip-up stretchy knit sweater.

I am going...to start planning our Thanksgiving menu :)

I am wondering...if I should cut my hair.

I am reading... my own book; ha ha; with the ladies in our online "I Surrender" Book Club on Facebook.

I am hoping...that it snows a LOT this winter so that my dear hubby and son will get lots of work.

I am looking forward to...hearing my daughter (16) speak at the upcoming Ladies' Retreat at our church. Our pastor has asked her to give a little talk on how to be holy and keep a proper focus, as a young lady, during the busy holiday season of the year.

I am hearing...the memory of my father's voice.

Around the house...it looks bright and festive with Autumn decorations...I'm wanting to organize my pantry shelves a bit better.

I am pondering...the beauty of a simple life.

I am praying for...a young lady I met at a dinner party yesterday, who struggles with a mysterious intestinal sickness...she is a young teen and her name is Melody...if you'd like to pray for her; that the doctors will be able to make a diagnosis and help relieve her suffering.

One of my favorite things...when we get in the van to go home after visiting friends, taking field trips, or going on any little adventure...and my children always thank us and tell my husband and me how much fun they had.

A few plans for the rest of the week: going to my daughter in law's to teach her to make a certain dinner that my son likes and has been yearning for :) And she is going to teach me how to make some special gingerbread ornaments that she made last year, as well:)

A photo thought to share with you:

One of the last photos of my dear Dad

Sabbath Moments

2011-11-12T07:34:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love when you find yourself resting in the wonder and comfort of God's presence?
Colleen Spiro, our hostess for this meme, invites you to share your experiences each Saturday. There's a link in my sidebar that will take you to her blog. You'll want to stay there a while, and visit her website, as well. She's a beautiful soul and her writing will bless you.

My Sabbath Moments this Week:

* The moon has been especially bright and beautiful lately! It seems that each night, when I least expect it, I'll look out a window, or step outside, and THERE IT IS; taking my breath away...it has been so bright that the clouds around it have been glowing WHITE! An amazing sight to behold! White clouds in the dark of night!

* Reading a wonderful e-book that is a compilation of writings from the 70's about womanhood and being a wife...a friend sent it to me and I am enjoying it. Whenever I read things that speak of femininity or motherhood or womanhood, in general, that are written in such a way as to glorify God's ordained role for women...I am drawn nearer to Him and feel His hand upon the writing. Did you ever notice that? When you read that which is TRUTH...you know it...it is tangible...and you are able to feel and experience its validity in the depths of your soul. I love when that happens.

* My family gave me a new coffee mug for my birthday in October. It has a lovely picture of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Infant Jesus on it. On the back, is a beautiful prayer. When I drink from that cup, it's like taking a 5-minute retreat:) I just love to imagine Mary snuggling her sweet and Divine Son; picturing Him reaching up to touch her mantle and her hair...filling their home with His little giggles and "baby stories". Oh, how her heart must have SOARED with JOY to be in the presence of her own Messiah and to love Him in such an intimate way!

7 Quick Takes Friday

2011-11-11T09:56:00.001-05:00

Join Jennifer Fulwiler for more Quick Takes via the link in my sidebar.

Wrapping up this week:

1) I am having a growing irritation toward these teeny weeny fruit flies that keep invading my kitchen counter. I have taken to keeping our bananas and apples in the fridge; but I don't especially like very cold fruit, unless it is a hot, summer day. The ongoing question in our house is: "Where on earth do these things COME from, anyway?"

2) My friend's husband was reading the local paper this morning and had his wife contact me to let me know that there is to be a local book fair in a nearby, very popular historical/tourist town...this event is to promote local authors and is offering a FREE set up for any author wishing to come and sell his/her wares! And so....
my daughter and I are headed there on November 26th to sell my new book! We are very excited! Right now, we are spinning our wheels over what type of fun, free treat we can offer the patrons there...thinking, perhaps, candy canes, or a small ornament to welcome the coming of the holiday season? Any ideas for us? What do you think would be a nice complementary gift?

3) Taking my two sweet little girls, Mary Clare, 7, and Sarah Peanut, 6 to their very first "friend" birthday party tomorrow. It would be a grave understatement to say that these two cuties of very excited...they have their "outfits" chosen and laid out already...and I'm not sure they will sleep a wink tonight! The party is a couple hours away and being hosted at a local craft store...then back to the birthday girl's house for cupcakes and pizza...so cute.

4) Big things happening around here. Well, at least, "big" according to my own little state in life, that is. Homeschool Faith and Family Life (our website) has decided to launch an online radio program called "Mothers at Home" on Blog Talk Radio. We are in the planning/learning phases and hope to broadcast every other week; at 9 pm Eastern time so as to allow Moms to tuck in their Littles, pour a cuppa' or glass of wine...and get into their comfy clothes before tuning in. My heart is filled with JOY as we plan our topics/shows, praying to reach out to women everywhere and offer them encouragement and support in their vocations at home...as well as to provide informative, interesting, and enjoyable topics. PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS ENDEAVOR!

5) Watched "Jane Eyre" for the first time the other night with Laura, 16. WOW. GREAT movie but such a TRAGIC story. This is a classic that has looooong been on my "I must read that" list...and is on my daughter's reading list for school this year...but, we cheated and broke our usual rule of "read before watch" and we downloaded it on our Netflix. It's one of those movies that "stays" with you for days after you watch it. I love those kinds of movies, don't you?

6) We will be making our "Tree of Thanks today. This is an annual family tradition of ours. We gather small branches from the yard and place them in a vase. We cut out Autumn-colored leaves from construction paper and punch a small hole in the tip of each. We then set the leaves in a pretty basket near the vase; along with a pen or two. From now until Thanksgiving, all are invited (even those who visit our home) to write something for which they are truly thankful on a leaf and put it on the tree. Come Thanksgiving Day, we have a beautiful "Tree of Thanks" as the centerpiece to our grand feast! I just love little traditions that don't cost a lot of money and bring JOY to our house. What are some of your traditions this time of year? We'd love to hear about them!

7) As I finish this post, "me thinks me sees" some snow flurries outside my window! Looks like this day is going to be colder than we thought! All of the little Titmouse birdies are flitting about in a flurry of activity...I don't think they were expecting this, either! A side note: My poor kids. Mom-the-Grammar-Queen has "messed them up" for life, I think...when I asked them what kind of little birds I could see through the window...they said "Titmouses...I mean...Titmice...I mean...which is it, Mom?" LOL Truth is...I have no idea...do you?

Tea Talk (2nd post today)

2011-11-10T08:38:00.000-05:00

Good day to you, my tea time friends! And, thanks to Ruth, our wonderful hostess, for having us in each week. You can join her and the other ladies via my sidebar link. I am anxious to head over there, myself, to see how her family and community are faring from the floods that have ravaged their neighborhoods. We have been holding them in prayer.

As for my drink...I am still enjoying the last of my morning coffee.

My cup...is one I find myself going to in the mornings because it is nice and big and comfy to wrap my hands around.

I am feeling...excited about some new projects we are working on these days.

On my mind...is my dear mother. She is having some shortness of breath (She survived a heart attack and congestive heart failure a couple of years back) and the Cardiologist gave her current conditions a name...which I can neither pronounce nor spell...but it is a Japanese word and its translation is, essentially,
"a broken heart". My poor, sweet mother, who misses her beloved of 64 years so much. She is strong and brave and joyful at heart and I know she will be ok...but my own heart aches to think that hers is breaking.

“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.”

~Pope John XXIII~

Small Successes

2011-11-10T08:10:00.000-05:00

Sherry is the lovely hostess who invites us to her blog each week to rejoice in the "things we get right"!
You can visit her via the link in my sidebar. Hers is a very jolly place:)

Guess what we did right this week!

1) I made time to post this! HA HA! It's true! Sometimes, just seeing that little "Small Successes" logo in my image file makes me feel like I've had a "success"! And, to actually sit down and post...well...I'm taking a small bow here...really, I am :)

2) Studied (Hmm...change that..."AM studying") and learning how to host an online radio show so that our website (Homeschool Faith and Family Life) can bring a new show "Mothers at Home" to listeners everywhere! AND.....I even drew up an extensive list of show topics and potential guests to go along with it!
Isn't that AWESOME?

3) Said "YES" when my kids asked if they could have some left-over cake for breakfast...I am not a fan of this...not because of the weak nutritional value...but because my kids are such MESSY cake-eaters...and the last thing I need on a given morning is a strewn path of chocolate cake crumbs and globs of white icing all over the dining room and kitchen. BUT...I said, "YES", anyway :) (Are you cheering with me?)

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

2011-11-09T08:02:00.000-05:00

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good...

That's what this meme does! Join us each Wednesday by posting the above image in a post on your blog and listing 5 things for which you are truly thankful ... then use Mr. Linky (below) to send us to your direct post. Also, offer your readers a link back here so they can enjoy other entries or add their own!

Dear Lord, I thank You for Your blessings each day.

ESPECIALLY FOR:

1) My daughter, Laura, 16...such a lovely young lady and a JOY in my life.

2) Popcorn and wine...one of my favorite evening snacks...simple treats that make me feel cozy and warm.

3) Our school-library...built with the strong and capable hands of my husband and son, it is SO nice to have our books categorized and placed neatly on the shelves...books are such treasures to me and I love walking into the room and seeing them standing neatly in a row from floor to ceiling!

4) The prayers of my friends; both online and in-person...I am uplifted, sustained, encouraged, and greatly blessed by the intercession of others and it fills my heart with such joy when someone says, "I've been praying for you".

5) ADVENT...the time that is fast-approaching when we will focus on preparing our hearts for the coming celebration of YOUR NATIVITY! A time of prayer, meditation, and the joy of quietly WAITING and ANTICIPATING the celebration of YOUR COMING.

I am thankful for these and all of the blessings God showers upon me each day.

What are you most thankful for this week?

Hearts for Home

2011-11-08T07:37:00.000-05:00

This wonderful meme, offered by the wonderful Gae, at Cherished Hearts at Home blog (accessible via my sidebar link) helps me to maintain a healthy focus and "center" as I strive to create an atmosphere of peace, joy, productivity, fun & adventure, and LOVE within my home! Hope you too, will join us, by adding an entry today!

This week, I am trying to:

1) Follow through and help the kids in a very special project we have undertaken. "Ideas" are easily-formed...bringing them to fruition sometimes takes a lot of work! We are planning to host a Christmas Sale under our beautiful pavilion in the fields, in December...it will be a combination of a "yard sale" and a "bake sale"; as well as "crafts and specialty items" for the holidays! Now, we are committing ourselves to keeping our school day at 4 days per week; then using the 5th day for baking and crafting. My girls have been at the sewing machine, getting a head start already...and I have been in the note-taking/planning mode...All are very eager and excited to make this a success...as the purpose of the sale is to earn some extra monies to help my dear hubby proceed with his basement renovations...this sale-profit will contribute to a new drop-ceiling:) It is my job to keep us all "committed" and "on-track"!

2) By the same token, I will strive to keep a joyful/adventurous demeanor and atmosphere while we work. We do not want this to become a cause of stress but a further cause of our JOY! We will be making homemade apple and cherry pies, homemade peanut brittle (a family tradition of our own), homemade cranberry sauce, and cookies; as well as "bouquets" of white and milk chocolate dipped pretzel sticks with "Christmas sprinkles"! This is quite a bit of "kitchen work" and I want to make sure that we have our hearts in the right place...filling the air with prayers and songs and friendly conversation while we work!

3) I also want to try to remember to set the coffee pot to perk in the morning for my husband; who has decided that he is spending too much on daily coffee at the convenience stores...I sometimes get busy in the evenings and it will take a little extra effort (and maybe some sticky notes to self!) to remember to pre-set the pot so he can take a nice "cuppa'" from home!

4) Spend extra time with sweet Benjamin Luke, who is nursing a bit of a sore throat at this time...he is achy and not sleeping well...and needs his "Mumma":)

Treasured Moments (out of order)

2011-11-07T23:36:00.000-05:00

True, this meme is supposed to be posted on Saturdays. But, also true that I know my friend Erin, who is our lovely hostess each week, will understand how busy I was and will make allowances for me to post this in a "much belated" style:) Thanks Erin! Have you visited Erin? You'll love it there...please use the link my sidebar for your convenience and enjoy a visit "down under". (I also want Erin and all of the Awesome Aussie Lady Bloggers) to know that my new book, "I Surrender", is available for instant download as an e-book, and Kindle/Nook versions too...AND on iTunes for use on all of those gidgy-gadgets like the ipod, ipod, and i....everything! LOL (This would allow the people outside the USA to read the book since the shipping charges for the hard copy are outrageous outside the country)

Anyway, back to my belated Treasured Moments:

* Hubby, kiddos, and I played in the clearing in the woods:)

* We enjoyed an impromptu campfire with roasted hot dogs for lunch on Saturday.

* Benji....singing...sooooooo sweet...and how DID he turn 4 already????

* Cookies baked by a dear 11 year old girl:)

* Chatting with a wonderful online friend on the telephone!!!

* Sipping hot apple cider.

* Sipping MORE hot apple cider :)

The Simple Woman's Daybook (2nd post today)

2011-11-07T14:38:00.000-05:00

Joining Peggy and her friends as we pause to ponder the simple things in life.
Visit her blog or add your own entry via the link in my sidebar:

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window...The entire floor of the forest is blanketed in leaves:)

I am thinking...of how much I look forward to my husband coming home for supper each day:)

I am thankful...for the wonderful start my book has received since it was published last week...many have purchased it and many more have joined our online Book Club/Discussion Page where we are going to read it and do the study guide together!

From the learning rooms...So many exciting and interesting things: Girls busy at the sewing machine making crafts to sell at our Christmas Sale next month, Math class that involves division of a recipe and baking cookies! Writing in our journals and illustrating the pages...reading aloud, and writing an essay on the Innocence or Guilt of Richard III.

In the kitchen...Well, those yummy Math-class cookies, of course...and pork chops, with mashed potatoes, for dinner:)

I am wearing...jeans, a read sweater/turtle neck, and a black knitted cardigan to keep me warm in our classroom downstairs (i.e. "space heater needed!)

I am going...to clean up our school room and get dinner started in a moment.

I am wondering...what it must have been like to serve dinner to Jesus.

I am reading... one of my favorite magazines: The Homeschool Handbook.

I am hoping...that my son's car holds up for him as he commutes to work each day.

I am looking forward to...THANKSGIVING, our Christmas Sale, ADVENT, my Uppercase Living Party, my daughter's First Reconciliation, and so much more!

I am hearing...the rather-annoying hum of the dehumidifier...again.

Around the house...much building/renovating still going on but making great progress...

I am pondering...some of the discussions the ladies are having on our "I Surrender" Book Club page on Facebook

I am praying for...my friend's sweet little son, who has just had surgery due to infections caused by LYME disease.

One of my favorite things...when my Benjamin randomly calls out, "Mumma.....I LOVE YOU".

A few plans for the rest of the week: taking the girls to a birthday party at a Michael's Craft Store...they've never been to another family's birthday party before so they are really excited!

A photo thought to share with you:

An Award! (YAY!)

2011-11-07T14:25:00.000-05:00

I received this AWESOME award from my good friends Colleen Spiro and Gardenia!

This award is offered to those who:

Strive for a stronger Faith and closer relationship with Jesus;

Aspire to grow spiritually through a vocation as a "King's Kid"... a daughter of God, and a Catholic wife and mom; and

Seek to encourage others in their own spiritual journeys and Faith formation in their families through the Catholic training tools and gifts that they create and yes...through their blog.

Wow! What a very nice compliment to be counted among the winners for this lovely award!

One of the nicest things about blogging awards is that we always get to share them with others.

Thus, I would like to acknowledge Munchesmom from Four Blessings Academy as the new winner of the "I Blog Jesus" award! Stop by to congratulate her and be blessed by her posts. You will quickly see why I considered her worthy of this award:)

Sabbath Moments

2011-11-05T14:41:00.000-04:00

Saturdays are always so nice for me when I know that it's time for Colleen Spiro's "Sabbath Moments" meme.
It helps me to be mindful of God's loving presence in my life from day to day.
You will LOVE Colleen's blog (via the link in my sidebar) and her wonderful website; as well as the book and e-book she has written...each and all are chock-FULL of beauty, wisdom, and wonderful stories of faith and trust in God!

Here's a look at some of my Sabbath Moments this week:

* The kids, and hubby, and I decided to have a campfire and roast some hotdogs for lunch...the scent of the fire and our food, the hot apple cider we were sipping, and the beauty of the Autumn woods that surrounded us took me aback...I was overwhelmed and delighted by GOD'S PRESENCE.

* Out in the field, as the kids frolicked and ran in the bright sunshine...it was warm in the sun but cold enough that we needed coats and hats and gloves...I couldn't resist the vast, open expanse of natural wonder around me...I laid down in the grass and closed my eyes to rest in the Lord...but before I could say "Bob's-your-uncle" 4 kiddos dashed over and PLOPPED down on top of me to "rest" too! I was snuggled up in a blanket of CHILDREN! Oh! How my heart poured-out its thanks to God for this wondrous blessing of MOTHERHOOD.

* On the new "I Surrender" Book Club/Discussion page I started on Facebook, the ladies there have been sharing stories and seeking each other's advice on issues of "surrender"...what a joy and blessing to read their responses and interactions...seeing God bring women from all walks of life together in one place and watching them encourage, uplift, and support one another...bound together by their common faith in CHRIST! I feel so blessed to be a part of it...and I feel HIM THERE WITH US.

Where have you found "God" this week?
Head over to Colleen's place and share your thoughts with us!

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

2011-11-02T12:05:00.000-04:00

Hello! Come right in! We are sharing in the blessings that God has bestowed upon this week!
A thankful heart is a joyful heart, don't you think?
So, join us in giving thanks to God by posting the above image on your blog; give your readers a link back here; add five things you are thankful for this week, and use Mr. Linky, below, to lead us to your post!

1) Lord, I thank you for my husband. He makes me laugh. I like to laugh.

2) Thank You, Father, for the BEAUTIFUL and BREATHTAKING sunset that You showed to us on the way to evening Mass on All Saints Day!

3) Thank You, God, for the people of St. Peter's Church, in Hancock, MD. When our visiting priest did not show up for the feast day Mass for All Souls this morning, the people gathered together before Your holy Tabernacle...we prayed a rosary, prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet, read the readings and Gospel for the day, and sang in thanksgiving that we are FREE to do these things! And, of course, we prayed for the priest who was supposed to be there...for his safety and well-being. You have blessed us with a wonderful, humble, caring, loving community of people whom we can call our "parish family". I am SO thankful for them.

4) I am so thankful for the families who visit our website. I feel so privileged and honored to be allowed to share in their family life journeys. So many people, who LOVE You, Lord and are trying so hard each day to love as You love, give as You give, and raise their children to know and walk WITH You! I am inspired and encouraged in my own life by the time/connections I share with each of them! THANK YOU, LORD!

5) Thank You, God, for my mother. Although it tugs at my heart to think of her, all alone, in her house each day, now that my Dad has come home to You, in heaven...I KNOW that YOU are with her and I know that she is JOYFUL and at peace and living her life to the fullest. She is SUCH a blessing to me and my family and I am so grateful that You gave her to me as a mother on earth!

Praise and thanksgiving to God, Who is all good and kind and generous!

Want to share your blessings with us today?

Hearts for Home

2011-11-01T14:47:00.000-04:00

In a world that is full of "hustle and bustle", "climbing corporate ladders", and "acquiring material wealth", many of us desire something simpler, more meaningful, and more worthwhile in our journeys. Hence, this meme, hosted by the lovely Gae Onions, encourages us to cultivate our minds and hearts toward the better-keeping of our homes each week. We agree to commit ourselves to try to accomplish 4-6 small things that will enrich our families and create an atmosphere of peace, joy, and love in our homes.

Care to join us? Visit Gae's blog via my sidebar link and follow the instructions you'll find there:)

This week, I am trying to:

* Slow down. We have really been on the go far too much for my liking and I can feel things becoming "unsettled". Over the weekend, my husband and I agreed that we will finish up the commitments we have made on our calendars, but will not add any new ones at this time. Ahhhh, that feels better already...a step in the right direction:)

* Spend time walking in the woods. We are surrounded by the glory of NATURE here at our house, and on of the things that troubles me most when we get too busy outside the home is that we fail to "make use" of the beautiful surroundings here at home...people travel for miles and miles and pay big money to vacation in cabins at lovely wooded sites and in the forests of this beautiful state of PA, and we are blessed to LIVE in the woods and see this beauty each time we glance out any given window.It is important to me to "not" take this blessing for granted and to spend time in the quiet loveliness in our own backyard.

* Read Scripture on a more regular basis. One of my friends is very diligent in her reading of Scripture for a half hour each day; getting through the Bible in about year's time and then starting over again. I LOVE to read God's Word and meditate on its Truth and message of love...but I tend to "pick it up" when I feel inspired to do so; rather than on a scheduled basis. Lately, I have noticed that I haven't been "inspired to do so" enough; mainly because I'm rushing right past our family altar where it sets, in a hurry to go and do other things...Thus, along with my desire to slow down and restore some rhythm and routine here...I am also going to try to spend more time immersed in God's beautiful verses of Scripture.

* Stay prepared "ahead of time" for the children's lessons and activities for school. This is an area that QUICKLY falls apart if "Mom" does not do her part in running copies, filling planners, and gathering supplies BEFORE lessons start; preferably, the NIGHT before. It makes things so easy when we begin a lesson and it tells us to refer to this or that worksheet or we go to start a craft and everything we need is neatly laid out already. Conversely, when I have to stop our lesson in order to hunt things down, run things off, and gather my own thoughts as to how to go about things...it makes school less-than-fun and everyone gets a bit cranky and stressed.

Your prayers are appreciated as I strive to accomplish these goals in my week.

Thank you, Gae, for helping me to become a better wife, mother, teacher, and woman of God!

Sabbath Moments

2011-10-29T08:23:00.000-04:00

Colleen Spiro, our wonderful hostess, who is also an author, website owner, devoted wife/mother/grandma, spiritual director, and parish secretary (!), invites us to pause and share the special moments we have shared in the presence of God this week! Join her/us via the link in my sidebar...and look for links to her other sites and books, as well!

My Sabbath Moments this Week:

* As I type this post, our Autumn Woods have burst into a Winter Wonderland with an unexpected snow storm! God is a God of WONDER AND BEAUTY!

* Snuggling up for our family rosary each evening...with candles lit and Fall decorations around the house, it is so easy to slip into the peaceful presence of the Lord while we pray.

*Making pies...somehow, I ALWAYS feel close to God when I'm baking :)

* The other day, my husband had off work and was doing some more building in the basement...I wanted to give him space and quiet in which to work, so the kids and I headed to the woods for our school morning. Sitting under "Jake's Tree" and reading aloud from the Book of Virtues for Young People, I was filled with the JOY and PRESENCE of God...my children gathered 'round, the beauty of the forest surrounding us...quiet....and beautiful lessons to be learned in the pages of our book...we were reading about the first flight of the Wright Brothers and reflecting on the virtues of determination and hard work! It was awesome...we could just imagine that exciting day/moment when that hand-made flyer soared 852 feet for the first time! WOW!

Tea Talk (2nd post today)

2011-10-27T08:37:00.000-04:00

Praying for our hostess Ruth, and her family; along with all of those in her area who are suffering from the floods. May the Lord be their strength and comfort during this difficult time.

I'm having...coffee, coffee, and more hot, steamy coffee.

My mug is...nice and big and wide, a cream color with a few dark black stripes around the rim.

I am feeling...very thankful and excited.

On my mind...my nephew, who made it back to base safely from the combat zone; only to end up in the hospital with kidney stones :( And, then had to report back to duty on base! OH how we are so greatly served by the brave men and women of our military!

"Be sure you put your feet in the right place. Then, stand firm."
~Abraham Lincoln~

Join Ruth and our other Tea Talk friends by visiting them via the Celebrating Friendship link in my sidebar.

Also, I'd like to offer a hearty WELCOME to the several people who have joined this blog in recent weeks!
Glad you are here and hope you enjoy your visits!

Small Successes

2011-10-27T08:26:00.000-04:00

1) Started a new Online Book Club/Discussion Group and welcomed 23 members in 2 days! Woo Hoo!

2) Sat down to fill in my 16 year old daughter's planner for school, even though it was late at night and I was very tired. GOT 'ER DONE!

3) Managed to get 8 costumes together for Trunk or Treat this weekend at Church AND get our whole discombobulated MESS (that we made while making costumes) cleaned up before hubby (who was supposed to be away over night) surprised us and decided to come home, instead! (He said he didn't want to sleep in that dumb hotel...he wanted to see his family and sleep in his own bed...so he drove 4 hours home after driving 4 hours there and working a 12 hour day....sweet man.)

Thanks to Sherry, our hostess, for inviting us to rejoice in our Small Successes with her! Visit her via my sidebar link and tell us the awesome things YOU did this week!

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

2011-10-26T17:02:00.000-04:00

Thank you so much for coming to share your thankful/joyful heart with us today!

Simply list five things for which you are giving thanks to GOD...add the above image to a post, link your readers back here and use Mr. Linky below to send us to your post!

OR...simply leave your list in the comment box if you do not have a blog!

A THANKFUL HEART IS TRULY A JOYFUL HEART!

1) Lord, I thank you so much for the beauty of the Autumn woods that surround me! The children and I were astounded and dumbfounded at the glorious sunrise that LIT UP the mountain behind our house in rich golds and oranges this morning! THANK YOU, LORD!

2) I thank you, too, Lord, for my pastor, Father Jack. He is such a good man, a good person, and a good and holy priest. He shares the joy of his vocation and makes those he meets WANT to know and be closer to Jesus...simply by the way he lives. THANK YOU, LORD!

3) I am so thankful for my husband and children...who have gone out of their way to make this a special birthday for me today. THANK YOU, LORD!

4) I am thankful for my coffee mugs...they don't all match and some have chips...but each one is special to me and I just LOVE wrapping my hands around a warm cup on a cold morning! THANK YOU, LORD!

5) And finally...I thank you, my loving Father, for making my book public this week! What a long and blessed journey I have traveled and OH how much I have learned about Your love in the process! I thank You, in advance, for the ways in which I know You will bless those who read it...for I know how You have blessed ME in writing it. THANK YOU, LORD!

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His mercy endures forever!

How has He blessed you this week?

Hearts for Home

2011-10-25T09:09:00.000-04:00

Praying for our lovely hostess, Gae, and her sweet darling baby boy, who is in the hospital and having some testing done at the time of this posting. As we keep her dear family in our thoughts, we also thank her for this meme, which helps us to enrich our spirits and improve ourselves as wives and mothers at home:)

This week, I am trying to:

1) Think ahead and prepare for the Thanksgiving and Advent Seasons; soon to be upon us. We have had a very busy Autumn...and I would like the next couple of months to be quieter and less hectic.

2) Be patient and wait on the Lord; trusting that all things will come to good in HIS time, not my own and reminding myself that "results" belong to Him.

3) Find some autumn crafts to enjoy with my children!

4) Enjoy play time and reading with my Littles. Too often, they are made to "come in tow" with the older kids as we flit to and fro with events, meetings, and activities that do not really include them...but they must get in and out of the van, ride along, and have their little days interrupted several times to get big brothers and sisters where they need to be. When this becomes too much of a habit, I can see the younger children becoming unsettled and cranky from the lack of routine and rhythm. This week, I am determined to recover some of that for the Littles...puzzles on the floor, good books; read aloud together, coloring, singing, warm baths with play time included, and lots of snuggling and cuddling..."just because".

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-10-24T14:20:00.000-04:00

Joining Peggy and her friends as we pause to ponder the simple things in life.
Visit her blog or add your own entry via the link in my sidebar:

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window...Beautiful, bright, clear, colorful, Autumn day!

I am thinking...about the generosity of others; something I have noticed in recent days:)

I am thankful...for being at home with my dear children each day...OH, how I would miss them if they were not here with me.

From the learning rooms...Adding columns of numbers, possessive vs plural nouns, writing a fictional story about a real event, words that begin the sound of "m", reading aloud, and a few circle songs for added fun!

In the kitchen...PBJ on toast w/apple slices for lunch...and adding some Polish Sausage to some leftover spaghetti for tonight's supper...YUM.

I am wearing...a grey pullover sweater with a collar and some very comfy "around the house" pants today :)

I am going...to enjoy sending out copies of "I Surrender" when my bulk stock package arrives...our pre-order list is growing by the day and I am anxious to send my book to each and every person who has pre-purchased a copy!

I am wondering...what I will serve to the group of ladies joining me here Saturday night for an "Uppercase Living" Party! I'm thinking a lovely pumpkin pie with some hot cider and a platter of crackers and cheese:)

I am reading...Francie on the Run with my children each evening...love this adventurous little boy and his family!

I am hoping...to get all the children's Saint Costumes ready by this Wednesday evening!

I am looking forward to...our parish party this weekend:)

I am hearing...the very loud (annoying at times) hum of our dehumidifier; and the Littles running about and playing in the toy room next to our classroom.

Around the house...hoping to have the outlets repaired in my kitchen so that my twinkly lights atop my cabinets will be lit for my little Ladies' gathering on Saturday night. The girls are working on a clothing/coat drive for their JMJ Club and thus, are helping ME to declutter our closets and dresser drawers, as well!

I am pondering...the beauty and wonder of the simple, everyday FAMILY LIFE.

I am praying for...someone I love to return to the Sacraments.

One of my favorite things...reading magazines or books in bed with my sweet hubby!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Mary Clare's third Sacrament Prep Class, a Family Movie Night at church (Feature Presentation: Joseph of Nazareth!), my Ladies' Party on Saturday and our Parish All Hallow's Eve Saints Party on Sunday! Whew! Lots of adventures in store this week!

Treasured Moments

2011-10-23T14:00:00.000-04:00

C'mon over to Erin's place (via my sidebar link) and share the simple, lovely, Treasured Moments of your daily family life. I just LOVE visiting Erin and her family. They are so full of adventure and have such a JOY of faith-filled living that I come away from each visit blessed and smiling. I know you will, too!

Some of our most recent Treasured Moments:

* Snuggling with Benny on the couch as the sun comes up, earrrrrrrly in the morning.

* Lighted candles, just for me and God...before anyone else is awake:)

* Reading aloud with my Joe-Joe.

* Watching "Jesus of Nazareth" on a Sunday afternoon.

* Ice-cream, with sprinkles; that Daddy brought home as a special treat.

* Glorious Autumn foliage allllll around us!

* Talking to my Mum on the phone while I fold laundry. I just LOVE hearing stories about her younger years, memories of her life with my Dad, and just talking about my own family life journey and things of "today". I drink in her wisdom and insight and am so richly blessed by her encouragement, support, and LOVE.

Sabbath Moments

2011-10-22T19:37:00.000-04:00

Have you paused to notice God's presence in your life this week?
Sometimes, we find Him in surprising places...other times, He's right where we expect Him; waiting for us...steadfast and quiet. Our wonderful meme hostess, Colleen Spiro, invites us here each Saturday to recall the times when we have found ourselves "aware". Be sure to visit Colleen for more Sabbath Moments and for lots of other good reading and resources, too. There's a link in my sidebar which heads to her blog...and once there, you'll find a link to her website, as well...I am blessed each time I visit there!

My Sabbath Moments:

* A certain tree in my back yard, visible through the window in my pantry, is in full, bright, Autumn array and it caught me by surprise early one morning as I was going into the pantry to get some cereal for the children. I glanced out the window and my breath was taken away at the beauty of that tree. It was a special "Good Morning Gift" from God!

* We hosted the first meeting of the JMJ Girls' Club; a club which two of my young daughters have founded for the purpose of developing godly friendships, increasing in the virtues of prayer and service, and enjoying wholesome Christian fellowship with other girls. They plan to participate in service projects, crafts, field trips, pilgrimages, and more! Today, my heart was so deeply moved as they ended their meeting by praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary together. The other mom who had stayed to help joined us...and my husband and one of the girl's fathers (who had come a little early to pick her up) also prayed with us. Listening to each, sweet daughter of God lead their peers (and parents) in a decade was so beautiful. Such meek and gentle voices...so FULL of love for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (JMJ)! I kept thinking, "Where two or more are gathered in my name, then I am also in their midst"...and..."Let the little children come unto Me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these".

* Early this morning, I made fried eggs, bacon, and toast for my family. It is Saturday, and we are not rushed. Before doing the dishes, I poured myself a big cup of steaming, hot coffee and went out onto the porch (still in my cozy fleece pj's) and enjoyed my morning brew in the comfort of my wicker rocking chair...a slight chill in the air; but sunlight already brightly shining...and the glorious foliage all around me; along with the lovely carpet of fallen leaves through the woods. I said "Good Morning" to God and thanked Him for my wonderful family and home. I felt so blessed.

7 Quick Takes Friday

2011-10-21T08:26:00.000-04:00

Mrs. Jennifer Fulwiler invites you to join her for more Quick Takes by visiting her blog via the link in my sidebar. Watch out! She tends to have Scorpions at her house ;)

My Quick Takes:

1) This waiting is killing me! The proof of my book is scheduled to arrive between Thursday (yesterday) and Monday. I will breathe easier once I am holding it in my own hands! Ahhhhhh, but all is well with them who trust in the Lord, right? Yep. I know. And, I believe that...just need to keep praying and find MORE to distract my thoughts, I guess. ::SMILE::

2) My nephew touched down on base at Ft. Drum last night! PRAISE GOD! SOOOOOO glad he is not under fire in the air anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3) The foliage is reaching its peak in these parts...something about the beauty of Autumn makes me desire scents of apple/cinnamon, cozy blankets, good books and movies, and pots of steaming hot soup. Anyone relate?

4) Found like-new hats (the cool, Peruvian style with the dangling ear flaps) for .99 cents each at the second hand store...then walked into JC Penney and saw the same hats for $15 each on the rack. OH YEAHHH....high fives all around for US!

5) Two of my daughters are hosting their first JMJ Girls' Club gathering tomorrow. Pretty exciting. JMJ= Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and they founded this little club in order to grow in godly fellowship and friendships, develop a deeper prayer life, and serve their families, parishes, and communities through various spiritual and corporal projects. They have decided to serve: Fruit, Granola Bars, and M&M's as their snack...too CUTE.

6) Hard to believe that it's about that time again; to put all of the porch furniture in the garage for winter. Living in the woods makes for a very BLUSTERY Autumn, at times, and we seem to spend more time retrieving our tumbled chairs than we do sitting on them.

7) This evening, my daughter Laura (16) and I are meeting our best friends for dinner at Panera Bread. YUM YUM YUM....I'm thinkin': a Panini and Broccoli/Cheese soup for moi. Can't wait.

Tea Talk (2nd post today)

2011-10-20T22:37:00.000-04:00

Although it is 10:30 pm here in PA, which means Tea Talk is officially over by now in Thailand, which is where our lovely hostess resides...I am still happy to pop in at this late hour and share a few moments of respite with you wonderful ladies!

I am having...funny...but I am having a drink of water...the pizza we had for supper tonight (homemade) really left me thirsty!

My glass is...tall and clear and chilled:)

I am feeling...tired but excited and a little anxious...my nephew should be touching down at Ft. Drum in about a half hour...finally HOME FROM AFGHANISTAN and OUT of the COMBAT ZONE!

On my mind...Jake and Laura, my teens, who have been invited to a Black Tie Farewell Gala for the Archbishop of Baltimore this Saturday night...surely the "grandest" even they have ever attended...I am thankful and happy for them to have this wonderful experience and I am confident that they will represent our parish and faith community quite well:)

" A person's beauty if the echo of the voice of God"
~ Staff Sgt. Ryan Kraeger~
Author: "My Dearest Sisters"

Small Successes

2011-10-20T19:03:00.000-04:00

Time to raise your hands in the air and do the HAPPY DANCE with us!
(And, with Sherry, our hostess, whom you'll find by clicking the link in my sidebar)

1) We learned how to make a Book Trailer and succeeded in creating an AWESOME advertisement (if I do say so myself) for my book. This will go on You Tube; as well as the online sites where the book will be available in JUST a few more days!!!!!!!! OH YEAHHHH, we DID it!

2) 8 kids and 1 Mom went shopping for Black Tie Event Clothing for SIX hours and no one collapsed!
OH YEAHHHHH, we DID it!

3) We have managed to make some really nice and tasty meals with not-so-many groceries in the house. We've been so busy that we haven't gone to the store, but with a little creative thinking and combined efforts, we have come up with some very tasty meals! OH YEAHHHHH, we DID it!

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

2011-10-19T00:00:00.003-04:00

I'm so happy that you have joined me to give thanks to God today!

Add the above image to your post, offer a link back here to your visitors, and share five things for which you are truly thankful this week...then use Mr. Linky down below to send us to your thankful post!

This week, I am so very thankful for:

1) The FUN time I shared with all of my kids as we spent six hours shopping for formal evening wear for my teens, who have been invited to the Farewell Gala for the Archbishop of Baltimore, MD! It is a "black tie" affair, and, by far the "biggest" thing either of them has ever attended! We had such a good time, trying on clothes and jewelry, eating apples in the car, and stopping off for a few dollar menu items at you-know-where to hold us over until dinner.

2) My husband.

3) Our new, tidy, organized toy area outside our school room. I love to hear the Littles giggling and pretending and building and having fun together while the older kids and I work on our school lessons in the classroom.

4) The way that God answers my prayers in such a tangible, specific, and intended way. So often, I am praying about a very certain thing and in a matter of days or weeks or months, something will happen that I know is a SPECIFIC act of God in relation to my prayer! It is truly awesome to understand that our good and gracious Father in heaven interacts with us this way!

5) Gala Apples...I just love these crisp, sweet, juicy treats; especially when I keep them in the refrigerator for a while before eating!

Thank you, oh Lord, for these and all of the blessings You bestow upon me each and every day!

I look forward to hearing about YOUR blessings now!

Hearts for Home

2011-10-18T09:08:00.000-04:00

This meme helps me to grow in my vocation as wife, mother, homeschooling instructor, and woman of God!
I am thankful to my good friend, Gae, for hosting it each week. You can catch a glimpse of her beautiful and adventurous family by clicking the link my sidebar which leads to her blog.

Each week, in Hearts for Home, we commit ourselves to 4-6 small things that we feel will help us cultivate our hearts and minds toward the better-keeping of our homes.

This week, I'm trying to:

1) Stay calm and joyful under pressure! We have LOTS going on right now; all good and special things, but causing our schedule and our activities to be MUCH more busy and hectic than usual.

2) Breathe deeply, be still, and know that HE IS GOD.

3) Spend more time playing with my Littles.

4) Put effort into the "presentation" of our meals; a nice cloth and/or flowers or candles on the table, etc...

Where are you placing your focus this week?

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-10-17T08:39:00.000-04:00

Joining Peggy and her friends as we pause to ponder the simple things in life.
Visit her blog or add your own entry via the link in my sidebar:

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window...God's wonderful Art Gallery!

I am thinking...about Thanksgiving.

I am thankful...for the Communion of Saints, which allows us to ask for intercession from the faithful who have gone before us to the Kingdom of Heaven!

From the learning rooms...Basics. Open the planners, do what's inside. Rhythm, routine, and the nice structure of traditional learning this week. We vary our style as we go along. I know that some homeschooling advocates frown upon use of textbooks or workbooks...but I say, "If it works for you and you and your children enjoy it...go for it!" And, for us...sometimes, we really enjoy this style of learning:)

In the kitchen...Making a ham and bean soup out of leftovers that I have saved to be "soup starters" in the freezer! YUM.

I am wearing...blue jeans and a pale gray, VERY comfy stretchy knit/acrylic sweater that I love to wear on chilly days:)

I am going...to cry when I receive word that my nephew is back on base at Ft. Drum...he is en-route there now; stopping at the debriefing stations along the way...after being in heavy combat for many months now.

I am wondering...what I will order from the menu when my best friends and our daughters go to a favorite restaurant one evening, this week! (Yes...I'm already thinking about the menu, LOL!)

I am reading...our church bulletin from yesterday. I just love the inserts that our pastor always has tucked in side for us...he is a wonderful writer and I find inspiration in his shared thoughts and reflections.

I am hoping...that the girls get to have their final sewing class this week...it has had to be postponed for various reasons the last three times!

I am looking forward to...the arrival of the proof copy of my book, in the mail!!!!!!!!!!

I am hearing...the dishwasher.

Around the house...things are starting to look neat and tidy and refreshed and renewed...we've been plugging along on extra projects...cleaning a bit here and there...re-organizing this and that...ahhhhhh.....it's a good feeling:)

I am pondering...the purity and innocence of children and young adults and what I can do, as a woman of God to help them embrace and retain these things.

I am praying for...a young girl, whom I was told is contemplating having an abortion...PLEASE add your prayers to mine that she will CHOOSE LIFE for her baby.

One of my favorite things...praying the rosary with my family each evening at 7:30 :)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Sacrament Prep class for our sweet Mary Clare, dinner out with friends, taking my teens to their local food pantry where they have been serving once a month for the past three years, a finance meeting for hubby at church, and preparing a gathering for some of my girls as they have the first meeting of the new JMJ Club that they started. JMJ = Jesus, Mary, and Joseph...and they started this little club with a few friends to enjoy godly friendship, serve in their families and community, pray for special intentions, and share lots of fun and adventure through cooking and crafting together! I'm so excited for them:)

A quote to share with you today:

"Go deeper, reach higher"

~ Father John J. Lombardi~
(our pastor)

Treasured Moments (2nd post today)

2011-10-15T23:21:00.000-04:00

Erin lives with her beautiful family, in Australia! I just love to visit her blog and read all about their adventures:)
You can too, by clicking the link in my sidebar.
Each Saturday, Erin reminds us to slow down and embrace the little things in everyday family life that bring so much pleasure...if you let them.

Some of our TREASURED MOMENTS this week:

* Reading "Francie on the Run" with my son Joseph...he just loves to snuggle up with me and listen to the story...I always try to tease him just a bit and end my reading at the perfect cliffhanger; to which he inevitably squeals, "Oh nooooo! Please don't stop...just a little more...please?"

* Walking into my bedroom and being enveloped by the scent of an apple/cinnamon candle that my husband bought for us.

* Took all the kids to our parish Pow Wow...heard wonderful stories about the pilgrimage our pastor and several families took this past summer...were treated to some DELICIOUS shishkabobs (sp?), cranberry sauce, and tacos on homemade tortillas, and shared in the fellowship of the wonderful people who share in our Christian walk with Christ! Such fun.

* Watching the leaves change color.

* Snuggling under a blanket on the couch in the dark of the early morning with my sweet Benjamin.

Sabbath Moments

2011-10-15T17:54:00.000-04:00

One of the high-lights of my week is always Saturdays, because I get to join my dear friend Colleen Spiro in her Sabbath Moments meme! Colleen is such a special person. If you've never visited her blog, you should stop by next chance you get...you'll be BLESSED. There's a link in my sidebar. Make sure you find the link to her website while you are there as you will want to BOOKMARK it for sure!

This week, the Lord blessed me with these Sabbath Moments:

* A beautiful, blustery, Autumn morning that we enjoyed as we sipped coffee and ate our breakfast. We had the glass doors cracked open ever-so-slightly and could feel the chilly wind as it zipped by and sent colorful leaves flittering and flying all around the yard!

* A GORGEOUS rainbow!!! It was in the evening sky, just as the sun was setting and we could see it from our front porch as it stretched high up over our fields! BREATHTAKING!

* Time with all of my children in Adoration. It was so wonderful to know that Our Lord was paying undivided attention to each and every one of us all at the same time. SUCH A SPECIAL HOUR.

The Homeschool Mother's Journal (2 memes today)

2011-10-14T08:57:00.000-04:00

Check out The Homeschool Chick's blog and read other journals via my sidebar link.

In my life this week…I made plans for a dinner date with two of my best friends. I'm taking Laura with me (16) because she is best friends with one of the daughters of one of the women. We will let the girls get their own table, for fun:) I also had the privilege of taking our daughter, Mary Clare, 7, to her first class for Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Oh, how I loved sitting in and listening to 12 sweet children share their hearts and thoughts about Jesus and forgiveness.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…Listen to the wisdom, insights, and experiences of others, but do not let them define you and pressure you into a certain mode of learning. Glean what you can and then take it to prayer and ask God how to apply it all to YOUR family. Avoid speakers, articles, or blog posts that tell you that their way is "the best" way...for homeschooling means that the "ways" are infinite and each family can find what works best for themselves. Sometimes, families will have things in common. Sometimes, their way of doing things will look vastly different. That's ok. Be who you are and do what you feel God is calling YOU to do. If you LIKE textbooks and workbooks...go ahead and use them! If you enjoy having a "school room" in your home, GREAT! If you prefer to learn through life experiences and living books, that's fine too...2+2=4 but so does 1+3! The idea is to inculcate a true love of learning in our children...to provide them tools and experiences that teach them "how to learn". You are FREE to carry this out in whatever ways you choose.

I am inspired by…JOYFUL people.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…Having VERY special visitors today. (See the post underneath this one and find out who that is)...going to a parish Pow Wow this weekend...our pastor and a group of families went on a pilgrimage across the USA this past summer and they will be sharing photos and stories from their journey.

What’s working/not working for us…Making sure that we take a few moments to clean up our classroom each day when we're done with lessons. It makes "the next day" so much more pleasant when we walk into a bright, tidy, organized room in the morning:)

Things I’m working on…uploading Stationery and Coloring Page e-books that my daughter has created for our website. They are FABULOUS!

I’m reading…My Dearest Sisters/Thoughts on Modesty, by Ryan Kraeger (a definite "don't miss this" book) Still reading that, so I left it there from last week...also reading "Raising Real Men" by Hal and Melanie Young.

I’m cooking…Thinking of making a nice pot of soup today. Hubby just stocked the freezer with some wonderful meats; including a nice big ham for Sunday...YUM.

I’m praying for…my nephew, who is supposed to start heading home to Ft. Drum, NY, from Afghanistan in just 5 more days...please pray that his date does not get postponed! He has been in a LOT of combat and we are all yearning to see him and hold him in our arms again.

7 Quick Takes Friday

2011-10-14T08:39:00.000-04:00

Jennifer Fulwiler invites you to her blog, via the link in my sidebar, to join in this meme:)

My Quick Takes this week:

1) My daughter and grand-daughters are coming to play today! YAAAAYYYY!

2) Saw an awesome movie this week called, "A Man Called Peter". WOW. Wish the president and all his men would watch it, too. It's about Dr. Peter Marshall, former Chaplain to the US Senate. And, I've since learned that his wife is the author of the "Christy" stories.

3) It is raining, raining, raining, here...you know that kind of Autumn Day...misty, chilly, and wet...a good day for a big pot of SOMETHING on the stove:)

4) The children and I all went to a holy hour of silent Adoration yesterday (as is our weekly custom). In order to ensure that each of us has a little "privacy" and "space" to be in Our Lord's Presence, I always instruct the kids to sit somewhere in front of me and each in their own pews. Sarah and Ben stayed by my side because they are the youngest. As I glanced up from my own quiet meditations, I looked around the church at all my children. Some were gazing upon Jesus's Eucharistic Presence in the Monstrance. Others were reading. Still, others had brought a sketch book and were drawing the scene before them. My heart overflowed with JOY.
I wondered: "Could there be a greater gift in this life than to visit with Our Savior for a whole hour?" I felt so grateful and blessed.

5) I won two aprons in a recent online giveaway!!! Yesterday, the girls put them on to make oatmeal cookies. What a delight to see sisters in the kitchen, mixing and rolling, laughing, and talking and making sweet treats for their family.

6) A friend gave me a beautiful pot of Mums. They are dying. When go to the grocery store, I see lines and lines of Mums outside that are thriving and looking beautiful for Autumn. Anyone know anything about Mums? What am I doing wrong? Why are mine dying?

7) In just a few more days, I will be holding my book, "I Surrender" in my hands! It's hard to believe that it's finally going to happen:) A two year journey that is coming to its end; or, more accurately, to its beginning.
I am so thankful to God for all that I have been able to learn, experience, and do through this venture...and especially for the wonderful friendships I was blessed with in the process. "I Surrender" is a message of love that God placed upon my own heart and allowed me to share with YOU.

Small Successes (2 posts today)

2011-10-13T13:55:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Sherry, The Homeschool Chick, for hosting Small Successes each Thursday. She invites you to join us as we rejoice in the POSITIVE side of life!

High-fives all around for the Dudiches this week...here are a few of our successes:

1) We managed to take 8 kids to a holy hour of silent Adoration, then drove to the other side of the county to have an important form notarized, then back to our side of town to mail that form, then to the grocery store to pick up fresh produce to make a nice salad for our lunch!

2) Won TWO NEW APRONS (Mom -n- Daughter) in an online giveaway and the girls put them on to bake oatmeal cookies for an afternoon dessert!

3) Managed to get through the photo shoot for the back cover author photo on my book without having a major panic attack...I do NOT enjoy getting my picture taken...but the photographer (who also happens to be a dear friend of mine) was so sweet and kind and easy-going that she helped me to step outside my comfort zone without much discomfort! Whew...glad that's over:)

Tea Talk

2011-10-13T13:49:00.000-04:00

Oh, how nice it is to see all of you and gather at Ruth's place for another Tea Talk:)
Ruth is the lovely hostess of this meme and you can visit her via the link in my sidebar...she always has the welcome mat out for newcomers; as well as old and faithful friends!

Today, I'm having...a freshly perked cup of coffee that Laura,16, made for me on this chilly, rainy afternoon.

My mug is...a new one that I got to match the plates I got a while back at the Family Dollar store...it's a nice bug cup that I can really wrap my hands around...I love that:)

I am feeling...UBER excited as I just signed off on the final proof of the Cover Layout for m y book which means it will go to the printing presses today or tomorrow! JOY!!!

On my mind...is dear Ruth, our kind and gracious hostess, and the people of her community in Thailand, where they are preparing for an oncoming flood. We are praying for their safety and protection!

" No evil shall befall you, no affliction come near your tent, for God commands the angels to guard you in all your ways" ~ Psalms 91