March On...!

Living Lent (and Loving Lent), with two children in college and one child in middle-school, has been a very interesting and a very self-revealing journey.

My motivation is stemming from another place, I am finding a different path to His grace.  I would not say that it is easier, in fact, it feels harder to keep to the traditions of the past.  Silence is always a good start.

"Speak, for your servant is listening."  1 Samuel 3:10

March is a month that is sometimes solemn, not in a grim or dour way, but in a ceremonious way.  March is a month of sincere preparation.  

I love decorating my home for all the seasons and for all the major feast days.  It is a cue to remind me and my family what we should be celebrating, and what we should be focusing on.

This coming Easter will be extra special.  We are celebrating two very important events.  Preparing for the big day is exciting and joyous.

But First...we enter into the Easter Triduum, with whole-hearted faith.

However you may prepare, always remember to Keep Love in Lent.

May your Holy Week be filled with His Love, Mercy and Grace.

~ Valerie

Autumn Tea Leaf...My Cup Overflows

This picture reminds me of changes that have taken place in the past month and a half...it's a bit of a blur, but filled with goodness and blessings.

Even when the days seem to be made of struggles and uncertainties, we can rest assured that God has the overall plan in our best interest.

Upon returning from our trip to Japan, I visited my mother who had been admitted to the hospital...she had fallen and broken her hip and was now 'recovering' in a nursing/rehab center.  What was supposed to be a month long recovery to independence, turned into a nightmare.  Her health took a drastic turn and it seemed we would lose my mother.

Sparing the ugly details, I removed my mother from the 'care center' weeks early. I moved into her home, where I would become her full time caregiver and therapist.

My years as an Occupational Therapist paid off.  I could not only offer her professional treatment, but attentive and loving care 24/7 to bring her back from her torment.

Today, this first day of Harvest, she is walking outside with me and enjoying the crisp air and warm sun on her face.

It was not without pain, perseverance, sacrifice, humility and tears.

In the past month, my daughter has left for college.  This is her first year out of the house.  I haven't really had time to feel the emptiness of her presence in the rooms of our home.  Her beauty.  Her laugh.  Her smile.  Her loving and gentle hugs.

My beautiful Butterfly

I miss my Butterfly and my heart is mixed with so many emotions.

I am filled with excitement & happiness for her.  I know that she will grow in the Lord and strengthen her Faith.  She will gain wisdom and knowledge through life experiences and academia.  She will make life long friends and build upon her character.  She may meet her future husband, or learn what God is calling her to do...how to serve Him, now and in the future.  She is a precious child of God, and I love her to the heavens and beyond.

In a few days I will return home.  I will resume my full time position as wife, mother, and keeper of my home.

Soon, I will be reunited with my garden, and my silly and sassy dogs.  I will decorate my home with things of autumn.

I will praise Him with every detail in my life.

My time with my mother, and my father, has been such a blessing.  My cup surely overflows with God's good love.

God is so good.  

He allows us to know, love and serve Him through those around us.  

He is always giving us the opportunity to reap His Harvest!

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, 
for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.  
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.  My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, 
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever." 

~ Psalm 23:4-6

School Send-Off

Even though my oldest two are (now) away at college, this mama still enjoys rejoicing with the start of a new school year...and I hope to continue to include all my children in one fun and simple tradition.

Celebrating the New Year

Wow!  2017.  Hello!

Several of our family friends hosted our annual Old Fashioned New Year's Eve Family Celebration...we included a Sparkling Cider Toast and Balloon Drop at the stroke of twelve...(EST).

Fun Favors of chocolates and holy cards

Of course, we begin by giving thanks for all the blessings we received throughout the year...what a beautiful Mass!



The tables and ceiling were decorated with a lot of silvery-gold twinkly-bling.
We had about 100 guests...including the five families that helped plan and organize, decorate and serve...

I love this backdrop...Merry Christmas!

The noodles and rice and side dishes were SO DELICIOUS...not to mention the hand-made desserts...

There were so many wonderful desserts hand-made by one of the teens...THANK YOU, "L"

And the celebration wouldn't be the same without the traditional roasted pig...

Everything was amazing and delicious and much fun was had by all...

What a great family and friend memory and an exciting way to ring in the New Year!

Go Greens!

Not only did we switch over to a real green Christmas Tree this past year, I have decided to try out a new delivery system for fresh, organic, local produce.

Little Women's Hospitality & Little Flowers Girls' Club

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

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

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I am starting up a Little Women's Hospitality group, and I will be implementing all the virtues learned in the Little Flowers Girls Club.
The Little Flowers & Little Women's Hospitality Girls' Club:  Teaching young girls from the ages 5 and up, virtues through scripture and classic literature, using the Saints virtuous lives as an example, centered around the Catholic Faith.

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This has been on my heart for some time, and since my youngest daughter has just turned twelve, I am motivated to make it happen.  I thought I was done organizing or hosting any Girls' Club.  But, I was truly inspired by Jennifer over at Catholic Inspired, and after much prayer, I decided to give a another go.
I have found a lot of pretty crafts, and ideas for our meetings.  I cannot wait to share them!

We had our first meeting to discuss and plan, and I am happy to say that our group will officailly begin in 3 short weeks!

{happy}

The family helped my mom celebrate her 85th Birthday!
She requested a white cake with pineapple filling and whipped cream icing...
Butterfly created this yummy cake to specification.
I suggested she use crushed pineapple, lemon curd and whipped cream for the cake filling.  It was PERFECT!
HAPPY 85TH BIRTHDAY MOM!
I LOVE YOU!
Thank you for all that you have done for me and the family.
I hope to honor you always.

{funny}

Big brother finds little sisters creation...some mild teasing ensued...the glove-hen-head was popped shortly thereafter (and not by big brother).  I love Little Lamb's creativity.

{real}

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I have been doing a lot of research, planning and PINNING.  What ever did I do before Pinterest???...and I accompished so much more before Pinterest!!!  It can be a useful tool, or disadvantageous.  Anyway, so many great and wonderful ideas are being compiled for our Little Women's Hospitality group meetings.
I am going to be checking out this tool for teaching Communication Skills and Etiquette ideas.

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

Autumn Changes

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

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

{pretty}

This pretty white rose is from my the garden.  My mom is now taking great care of the plants.  She enjoys cutting the flowers and bringing them into the house.
I love that.

What a difference a little flower can make in a room.

First Days 2015 - 2016

Back to School.  Yes!

Having my little cyber-journal blog, makes it so convenient to quickly look back at the past several 'first days of school'...looking back brings such good memories, and allows me to see just how much we have matured as a family.

~ Family ~

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

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

{pretty}

We have been enjoying some beautiful flowers, which were gifted to my parents...actually my dad recently suffered a serious and life-altering medical injury.  My mother's health declined shortly after my dad's month long hospital stay.

We moved both my parents into my home so that my family and I could care for them.

A Fair Day in 2015

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

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

We had a fun day at the fair this year, as we do every year!

This is the same fair my father took my siblings and I when we were children.

Coastal Happy Times

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

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

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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

AHG, Life

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

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

{pretty}

I thought the sky above the dorms looked pretty amazing.  Conductor is traveling through New York, D.C. and then onto Virginia to check out colleges.  He will spend the week experiencing the summer program at Christendom College.  The Summer Program allows participants to take classes, meet the faculty and staff and experience a lot of fun activities while meeting new friends.  Pretty good.

Manis, Movies, & Munchies: {phfr} style

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

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

This week was draining, both physically and emotionally.
Sometimes a girl just needs to take a moment to re-charge and rejuvenate, and add a little joy and laughter to life.

Jubilant Silver Jubilee - {p,h,f,r} style

Joining Like Mother, Like Daughter 

for some pretty, happy, funny and real times...

                         ~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

{pretty}

I was able to take a few photos before our guests arrived.  The decor was simple...just the way I like it!  My children planned and organized this celebration and did a grand job!  I am so proud of them!

Silver Jubilee

My last post pictured a nest on my front door.

Both the male and female birds have been working diligently building their home.  Finally, on the morning of our 25th wedding anniversary celebration, I found this gift:

Journey to Lourdes: Part One

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

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This is the beautiful day and scenery that greeted us as we entered Lourdes, France...

Bus Ride to Lourdes

~ Love is... ~

Butterfly created a Valentine for an assignment in her Spanish Class;

I thought it was lovely and very creative!
Can you see the message of Love...Charity...Caridad?

I thought I would create something for the day, too...

Blue Berry Muffins with Valentine Heart Icing...Healthy Heart with a taste of Sweetness.

Small things done with great LOVE

I added fresh blueberries, walnuts and Ghirardelli's 60% bittersweet cacao chips to the recipe...The muffins came out delicious!

The fresh roses were a gift, from my hubby...he always remembers. xoxoxox

For God so loVed the world

      That He gAve 

             his onLy begotten Son,

   that whosoEver

    believeth iN Him

     should noT

                  parIsh but have

       everlastiNg

                   lifE

~ John 3:16

A VERY BLESSED ST. VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL!

Valentine's Days of the past...
2012:  The Language of Love & St. Valentine's Day
2013:  My Love &  An Agreeably Argumentative Opinion
2014:  Happy St. Valentine's Day

~ Preparing for Lent ~

Making way for the Purple...

It seems like I just put away my Christmas decorations...hey, wait, I did just put away my Christmas decorations...

Now it is time to start thinking about Lent, which is only 15 days away!

Since my oldest two are now in high school, I have been searching for some "age appropriate" ideas for LIVING LENT.  

We will certainly turn to our Lenten Traditions of Fasting, Alms-giving and Prayer, however, I would like to find something that my oldest two will find meaningful...something that will "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." ~ Psalm 51:10.  

Station of the Cross 2013 project

We are a very close family, and we have always actively lived the liturgical seasons as a family.  Taking time out of our day to live and pray the season together, even for a moment, is a tradition that I would like to keep alive in my home.
We shouldn't outgrow traditions, not even if my children have grown taller than me!  lol.  Traditions give us a certain closeness or unity, they also create memories for us.
Traditions teach us our Faith.  As a family, we should live our Faith together.  
I believe that God's grace and peace resides in a home that keeps true to his Traditions.
"For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you..." ~ 1Cor 11:23

So, I was thinking...maybe some Lenten Fireside Chats or BookClub style discussions or maybe viewing a DVD series (and engaging in a study program together) like Catholicism, which we have owned for several years.  Maybe it is time to revisit this beautiful work...

Sharing our Faith.  Growing in Faith.  

Living our Faith. 

Family style, if you will.

Last year's Shrove Tuesday King Cake

Shrove Tuesday

I know one tradition that my children still look forward to...

This year we will be using the King Arthur Gluten-Free version...it is my absolute favorite!