Back-Blogged...and New Beginnings

It's not that I have not thought about this space, in fact, I have given a lot of thought about my little cyber-journal.

Where do I start back up again? 

Among other things, one of my New Year's Resolutions was to start journaling here once more.  Since I started an IG account, It had been much easier to keep that as my journal.  Sadly, I have been neglecting this space.

Let's just begin.  I thought I would share a few images of what has been going on lately...

Project, and more projects!

Taking down wallpaper (from the original owners) is not fun.  Before and after pictures, are fun.  However, we are currently in the 'middle phase' of this project...I will be sure and share the after pictures when all is complete.

Horrible lighting, Wonderful freshly painted room.

I am making headway on my painting projects.

Speaking of projects...

Little Lamb has been busy working on several badges and awards for AHG.

Serving the community is something that we feel called to do. 

This was our third year, as a family, to chair an event for our Diocese...

I will end this entry with a daily prayer from the Order...

"...Be it mine to practice charity towards my neighbors

Especially the poor and sick

Give me the strength I need

To carry out this my resolve

Forgetful of myself

Learning ever from Thy Holy Gospel

A spirit of deep and generous Christian devotion

Striving ever to promote God's Glory..."

~ excerpt from the Prayer of the Order of Malta

~ Valerie

Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real: May 2016

Pentecost Bouquet in the Month of May

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~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Style, Eighteen, Pine Wood Derby, Home School

Joining Like Mother, Like Daughter for some pretty, happy, funny and real times...

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

{pretty}

{happy}

{funny}

{real}

Home School Style

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Coastal Happy Times

Joining Like Mother, Like Daughter for some pretty, happy, funny and real times...

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

{pretty}

It was a beautiful day at Half Moon Bay!
The fog cleared up nicely and let the beautiful blue sky surround us.

World's Greatest Dad, pictured in center

All Souls Day

"The Lord is my Shepherd.  There is nothing I shall want."

Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

Requiem ~ Music of the Requiem by Gabriel Faure.  Beautiful.

In Paradisum

In paradisum deducant te Angeli;

May angels lead you into paradise;

in tuo adventu suscipiant te martyres,

upon your arrival, may the martyrs receive you,

et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Ierusalem.

and lead you to the holy city of Jerusalem.

Chorus angelorum te suscipiat,

May the ranks of angels receive you,

et cum Lazaro quondam paupere

and with Lazarus, once a poor man

aeternam habeas requiem.

may you have eternal rest.

~ Gabriel Faure

~ Back-Blogged: AHG, Blue Mass, Birthday, Action...September ~

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for some pretty, happy, funny & real family fun!
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Catholic Bloggers Network Link Up Blitz!

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION...

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The crew looked {pretty} & handsome as they attended a movie premiere gala event.  Our friends' daughter produced, directed & filmed a movie that included several children in our home school & church friend circles.  
It was a super fun afternoon.  Cast members (siblings & parents, too) brought snacks, desserts, drinks to watch the completed film.  The families enjoyed watching the youth laugh and enjoy themselves.  

Movie Premiere

VIPs

The Event included:  The Walk of Fame; Special Movie Premiere; Luncheon with the Stars. 
All the cast dressed to the occasion.
Everyone enjoyed the afternoon.  Good wholesome fun and entertainment.  
Rated G for GREAT! 

{happy}

AHG & Trail Life have been bringing many {happy} events and memories.
A lot of badges and service hours have been accomplished through meetings, camping trips and home activities.  Little Lamb even took the initiative to personalize her new tote bag that each girl received to hold their AHG book & projects.  She embroidered the American Heritage Girls initials onto her bag.

American Heritage Girls

Conductor has turned SEVENTEEN.  Wow.  TEMPUS FUGIT.  

He requested his favorite side dish with bacon, and this fruit torte.  

Happy 17th!!!!!!!!!

We are so proud of you, son, and 

WE LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!

{funny}

Fresh eggs

After a good wash, I lined up the eggs in a safe spot so they would not roll away...I love having fresh eggs every morning.  Love it.


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We attended the 2nd Annual Blue Mass at our Cathedral to honor our police, fire fighters and first responders. 

Blue Mass

Eighty years ago, the first Blue Mass took place in  Washington, D.C. at St. Patrick's Church.  Since 1934, the Church has been asking for special blessings for those that work in public safety, protecting and caring for our communities; and to pray for those who have given their lives.
We take time to honor those that gave their lives in the line of duty.  This particular Mass was special in that a family friend, a police officer, was killed in January of this year.  Our bishop mentioned his name during the intentions.

Credit:  SFgate
Funeral Mass of Detective Sergeant T.S.

Bishop Barber celebrated the Mass along with ten chaplains, and three deacons; The mayor, 3 chaplains from the Episcopal church and two from the Baptist church were also in attendance and praying together with the law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders.

We pray for those living, especially my brother.  

Please offer up a quick pray for all those that serve and protect us.   

St. Michael, Patron Saint of  Law Enforcement Officers
St. Florian, Patron Saint of Firefighters

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2014 Link Up Blitz
~ Family Journal ~

Eggs-travaganza

The Summer has been filled with one spectacular event after another....

Camping at Lake Siskyou

Fishing for rainbow trout

Cooking rainbow trout

AHG Camp

Learning to tie knots...among other skills

Achieving the Climb on badge

Train Ride from California to Washington

Catholic Family Conference

Serving

San Francisco Stay

Investiture Mass

Dinner at the St. Francis - Celebrating a joyous occasion

Mass at the Carmel

Mass at the Carmel - Imposition of the habit

and Fresh Eggs!  My Little Lamb has now been gathering fresh eggs on a daily basis.  Which means, Butterfly has been doing a lot of baking using up some fresh plums & peaches from our families gardens...one "eggstravaganza" event after another.

Our summer is officially over...it is Back to School time.  I am hoping for a successful academic year and praying for a rainy Autumn & Winter...

"O God, in Whom we live, move and have our being, grant us sufficient rain, so that, being supplied with what sustains us in this present life, we may seek more confidently what sustains us for eternity.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever."  ~ The Roman Missal of the Catholic Church, #35

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~ Airing Our Dirty Laundry ~ {phfr} style

I am always trying to find new ways to run an efficient household.  Constantly moving, changing, adding, removing...

As our family grows & ages, new techniques and ideas are needed in order to keep things streamlined; which is a perpetual goal of mine.

It always centers around "Simplify".  This is the key; keep things simple.  

Rather than spending hundreds on organizational gadgets & boxes & shelves & baskets, I keep those that work, while I move out those items that don't (or no longer) fit our needs.  This should help my laundry challenged child with her sorting limitations.

{real}

The black binder clips may not look pretty, however, they get the job done; and they were free.  Win-win.  Done.  Next...

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Our Home School group organized a fun Spring Formal Dance...

My Conductor & Butterfly looked pretty fabulous...If I do say so myself. :o)
How did these 'little' people, all of a sudden, become taller (& smarter) than me?  
'In the blink of an eye'...so very true.  

I am truly enjoying my children and I do not regret a single day of staying at home with them.  Those that questioned my husband and I and our wanting to take them everywhere with us; those that did not understand that we did not care to leave them to babysitters, daycare centers, ...so that we could 'take time for ourselves' or not give up 'my career'.  I say to you...I do not regret our decision.  Nope.  I do not regret a single second of staying at home with my babies.  Neither do I regret all the sacrifices or exhausting toddler (and now teen) days.  LOL.  I love how they now gently encourage me to go and take a nap...so sweet.

Did I ever want to pull my hair out?  Yes.
Did I ever want to quit being their teacher (or 'mama-teacher' as they used to call me).  Oh, ya.  There were days that I was tempted to throw in the towel.  Home schooling is not for the faint of heart.  It is also, not for everyone.  

And now...here they are, my oldest two, heading off to a teen dance.  Very much a lady and a gentleman.  Two creatures that I love with all my heart and am so very proud of...
In the blink of an eye.  Guardian Angel...please continue to keep them in your care.

Speaking of mamas...a Happy Belated Mother's Day to all the moms out there!
You are to be honored, appreciated and thanked!!

{happy}

I just love this bible verse:

A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies.  Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.  She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.  

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.  She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.  She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.  She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.  She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.  She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.  In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.  

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.  When it snows, she has not fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.  She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.  

Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.  She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.  She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.  ~ Proverbs 31: 10-30
   

A few of my favorite things:  Champagne, Chocolate, Flowers &
my Husband (it doesn't hurt that he is doing the dishes, either) O:o)

{funny}

This lovely, large & lanky bird was spotted on the roof of a neighbor's house.  Maybe it wasn't too funny the gift that it left behind...(ahem).

If you are visiting for the first time, Welcome! I hope that you found something {pretty}, {happy}, {funny} or {real} here on my little blog.  For more {phfr} times, visit Like Mother, Like Daughter.

Speaking of LMLD...have you not purchased your THE LITTLE ORATORY book?  I am waiting for the upcoming, long weekend, so that I may savor every page in peace...I allowed myself one little peek.  Can't wait!!!

You can also visit other Family Journals over at Catholic Bloggers Network.

~ The Easter Eggstravaganza & Menu ~

Have you moved on from Easter...?  Even though we celebrate for 50 days, here are some pics from our Easter Morning.  I am SO BACK-BLOGGED!

Every year we like to celebrate with the same delicious fare...maybe we add a couple new dishes & decor, in order to keep things a little interesting.  But we always, ALWAYS, serve the dishes we love and crave.  Including:

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Stuffed Mushrooms

Lemon & Dill Baked Salmon

Leg of Lamb with Rosemary

(not pictured) Macaroni Salad, Mandarin Orange Salad, & Quinoa

More Easter fare...

Grandma's Jello & Auntie's Peep Cookies

Mouth-watering, soft, warm, Buttery Pretzels...(from Good Friday)

Liquid Refreshments & Libations...

From the grandpa to the youngest, there was something for everyone!

The Decor...

The Easter Baskets...

{happy}

Simple & Sweet

The Easter Bonnet...

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{funny}

FUNNY+

Finger-pointer:  Do your school work!

Confused Child:  School work?!  What's that??

Finger-pointer:  Guess!

Confused Child:  Is it something that you do on Google+???

cartoonists:  Conductor, Little Lamb & the mama - we just kept adding to the fun, til it was done.   :o)

{real}

I cannot express how delighted I was to receive this gift...absolutely wonderfully made, lovely hand-made napkins.  They were a gift from my sister-in-laws mother.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  I am still excited.  Can you tell?  It was an incredibly thoughtful and generous gift...and I just LOVE THEM!!!

If you are visiting...Welcome!  I hope you found something pretty, happy, funny, or real here on my little blog.  For more {phfr} times, visit Like Mother, Like Daughter.

You can also visit other Family Journals over at Catholic Bloggers Network

~+~ Blessings ~+~