{pretty, happy, funny, real} ~ Sixteen is Sweet ~

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday at Like Mother, Like Daughter

 

{pretty}

 

 

Not too long ago...someone turned fifteen.

 

{happy}

 

 

You can find the chocolate ganache icing recipe here.

His favorite cake, with his favorite dinner, with his favorite family...

 

Can you "figure out" the Driver's License number...???

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Universal Studios

 

{funny}

 

 

I created a faux-driver's license and then had it placed on his birthday cake for the friends party...

 

 

We baked a second *hand-maid* cake, with our delicious chocolate ganache, for the BIG PARTY.

 

{real}

 

 

The only picture I took before all the guests arrived was of the party punch...taking pictures during the party was not feasible.  Thirty hungry teens...enough said.

 

 

Go to Like Mother, Like Daughter to find more contentment...

~ A Thousand Words ~

While cleaning my kitchen...I thought I might spruce up my chalk board sign.  The last "note" said, "Habemus Papam, Francis!" 

I hope my children are inspired by my little love notes...
:oD

Clarification:  The "me" is referring to the pig.

 

 

~ Life ~

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

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{pretty}

 

This crucifix qualifies as {pretty} special.  I hand held this all the way back from Assisi, Italy during our Altar Boy Pilgrimage to Rome.  It was hand-made from olive wood from local artisans. 

 

{happy}

 

{happy} Birthday Dinner & Dessert for my Father-in-law 

 

 

 

{funny}

 

Our friends asked if we would take care of their birds while they were on vacation...sure (I say).  In my mind, I envisioned this cute little bird cage...HA! 

 

Boy was I surprised when they pulled up with this...

 

It took up half my dining room.  :oD 
(just kidding, L ~  Love ya! xo)

 

My girls were ecstatic that they had these sweet birds to care for, and I have to admit...they were really sweet. 

Messy, but sweet.  {funny}, too!

 

 

{real}

In August, I took a group of teens, from our church Youth Group, to the First Ever Pro-Life Youth Conference Nor-Cal 2013...held at the Cathedral in San Francisco.

It was organized by P.L.M.R.  Pro-Lifers of the Mystical Rose which is a Pro-Life Youth-Led Organization.

The two day event was packed full of nine amazing  and compelling speakers, including the wonderful Sisters of Life,

The Sisters of Life is a contemplative / active religious community of women founded in 1991 by John Cardinal O’Connor for the protection and enhancement of the sacredness of every human life. Like all religious communities, we take the three traditional vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. We also are consecrated under a special, fourth vow to protect and enhance the sacredness of human life.
~ Sisters of Life

...the event also included live music, as well as an Info-Faire, books & media tables.

We experienced our first "Die-In Rally" and participated in a Peaceful Walk to the Civic Center Plaza led by the loyal and worthy Knights of Columbus.  Surprisingly, we had a great amount of positive reactions & support...and only one (maybe two) jeers. 

Several priests were available throughout the event to offer the sacrament of Confession & Spiritual Direction.

 The event was very well organized and the food (important when you have teens), which was included in the registration package, was superb!

Advocating the Pro-Life Cause and working towards the end of abortion is what the Pro-Life Youth Conference event is hoping to accomplish. 

We are looking forward to the 2nd Annual Pro-Life Youth Conference 2014!

 

 

 

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{pretty, happy, funny, real} ~ Saying Goodbye ~

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 {pretty}

 

We have had our share of pets. 
There are several "rules" that each child must achieve prior to getting their own pet.
1.  He/she must be at least 8 years old.
2.  He/she must be have good personal hygiene.
3.  He/she must be able to keep his/her room clean & tidy.
4.  He/she must do extra work around the house in order to "pay" (credit) for pet supplies.

I have always told my children that they need to be able to take care of themselves, before they can take care of another living thing.  Having good stewardship is important.  Everything belongs to God...even His little creatures.  Good stewardship encourages good virtues.

Another rule is, each child must gain responsibility through (proving they can) properly take care of another living thing.  So we start small; for example, a fish, (or a frog - which started out as a science experiment - over 5 or 6 years ago!)...then they can work their way up to a larger animal; like a guinea pig, or hamster.  (No birds or snakes - I draw the line there).

 

 

{happy}

 

 

Each of my children have shown good responsibility.  Do I still have to nag remind them about their duties & responsibilities - you bet!

 

But they have all learned good lessons along the way...and I have had plenty of opportunity to work on my patience.  O:o)

 

 

{funny}

 

 

Can you guess which dog is the alpha?

(hint:  it's the one with the toy, and the perky ears)

 

{real} 

 

This last part is a little sad.  Do not continue reading if you are faint of heart.

Butterfly lost her pet of nearly six years.  Princess was a guinea pig that was entirely sweet and cuddly.  She never bit or behaved wild or badly.  Princess was the perfect little pet.

 

I think we will all miss this little friend...

 

 Earlier today, Princess came out of her little house and laid down on her side.  Her eyes looked different...tired.

 

So, Butterfly gave her a nice warm bath and stroked her soft, silky fur...which Princess always enjoys and purrs with approval.

 

Several hours later, Princess, again, looked "different"...tired.

 

We knew it was just a matter of time.

 

So Butterfly placed Princess on her lap and stroked her gently...

 

There were some tears...we knew.

 

 Princess became more and more relaxed.

 

Her little breaths quickened, and she faintly squeaked a few last times.

 

 

It is always sad to loose a pet.  Even if it is the smallest of God's creatures.

They bring comfort when days aren't going so great...and they make us laugh with their silly antics.

 

 

Siblings are always there to give love and support.

Goodbye little friend. 

Thank you, God, for giving us these little creatures that make us smile and amuse us; that give us fond memories and help teach us to care for others...in so many ways.

"Ask the birds, ask the beasts and they will teach you."
~ Job 12: 7-10

“All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.”
~ St. Francis of Assisi, Canticle of Creatures


“Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”

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