~ Welcome Home ~

~ Welcome ~

To my Catholic Family Journal...and journey.

On Saturday, at the Easter Vigil, several men and women will be received into the Church.  This is such an exciting and sacred time - The Easter Triduum.  

We have been preparing for Easter, during this Lenten season.

Today, Good Friday, is the only day we do not celebrate the Holy Mass.  This is a sobering thought.  No Holy Mass.  {{{I shiver}}}.  

Additionally, this time is special to me, because on April 21st, I will celebrate the 3rd Anniversary of my little cyber-journal.  My blog.  Which was dedicated to Our Mother, Mary.  And to Christ, Our Savior and Redeemer.  

As my children and I look back on our posts, we are reminded of all the joys we share together - as a family, and through our Faith.  

For the first year or so, I kept this blog private.  Very private.  I still do...But, after much prayer & time, I opened the door to our little world.  

Sharing a peek into our Catholic home.  I am happy that I have guests that visit us here.  It is not my goal to try and capture hundreds or even thousands of readers.  It is my goal to share my love...my family and my Faith.  As imperfect as we are.

Sharing the Catholic Faith.  The Catholic Church is such a gift.  No one can really explain....It is something that needs to be experienced.  Because even the pain and suffering is all for a greater glory.

I am so thankful for the gift that my parents gave me...The Catholic Faith.  So rich.  So full.  So home...thank you for your visit.  You are welcome to come over...anytime!

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Sharing with Catholic Bloggers Network

~ phfr: Seeing Stars ~

Linking up to Like Mother, Like Daughter to share some pretty, happy, funny and real times...

{pretty}

Birthday flowers for my Fifteen year old...my Butterfly!  She is a gentle and sweet girl.  Correction:  She is a young lady with a gentle heart and sweet soul.  I love you, sweetie!  xoxoxo, mom

{happy}

My Butterfly celebrated her FIFTEENTH Birthday this month...It was another birthday extravaganza.  On her actual birthday, we celebrated with just our familia.  But on Sunday, we had her teen friends over for lunch and then a movie...

Super moist Chocolate Cake with fresh raspberries and a Dark Chocolate Ganache

The recipe for the cake can be found here.  It can be used for a Fourth of July Celebration.  Or, leave the red, white and blue decorations off, for a simply impressive 'plain' Chocolate Cake. 

Then again, you can add some fresh berries to give it an interesting look and exciting texture.  Either way, this cake is amazing.

{funny}

Little Lamb:  (teasingly) Mom, I'm going to raise Catholic Chickens!

Me:  Huh!???!  (turning, abruptly, to face her)

Little Lamb:  (as she spreads out the 'Catholic' News Paper)  

Ya!  See; So they can read Catholic material.  :o)  Tee-hee

And they actually looked as if they were reading the paper!!!
It was hilarious!

{real}

'Sisters' inspired by White Christmas 

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

Linking up to Catholic Bloggers Network's Link-Up Blitz
~ Family Journal ~

~ Moments of Grace ~*~ Daybook 2014 No. Five ~

I'm joining hostess Jenny and Ladies over at Plain Grace

I am thankful...
+ My health
+ My Iron skillets that cook so nicely
+ My children's manners
I am praying for...
+ My children
+ Our priests
+ the focus I need to accomplish today's tasks
I am listening to...
+ birds chirping, washing machine running...
In the kitchen...
+ The lingering scent of turkey bacon...
I am creating/working on...
+ Confession Certificates
I have accomplished...
+ Mopping the kitchen floor...yippee!
Around the house...
+ Everyone working on assignments
A favorite quote for today...

+ From Gracelines:

"Each day look for every possible opportunity to do a kindness for those you do not like. After examining yourself on this matter every morning, decide what you are going to do, and do it faithfully with kindness and humility."           

                                                       - St. John Baptist De La Salle

Following reflection...
+  Who do I dislike?  What kindness will I do for him/her today?  How can I do it with faithfulness, kindness, and humility?
One of my favorite things...
+ Toasted raisin bread with melted coconut butter on top
A healthy meal today...
+ Quinoa made with chicken stock
A healthy activity...
+ Gardening outside early this morning...(also, one of my favorite things!)
A peek into my day...

The remains of Butterfly's Birthday Extravaganza

Go here for more shared Moments of Grace Daybooks...