"Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy will." ~ Luke 1:38

Sunday, March 16, 2014

~ Spring has Sprung: phfr style ~

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

Although we are only in our second week of Lent, we are experiencing some 'Easter' type phenomenon.  Small and beautiful miracles.  We have had a little rain, but we are still in need of much more rain.  Nevertheless, things continue to grow around here in sunny California.

{pretty}

Pretty Before:
~ February ~


Pretty After:


~ March ~ 
All the caterpillars formed their chrysalis' ...

...and then, after some days, became these beautiful butterflies.  
Once their wings dried, they were ready to be set free...
Sunning their wings before flight

For years we have talked about raising chickens.  Having fresh eggs for a morning omelet or to bake some delicious fresh bread just sounds so wonderful to me.

But I put it off for years, because with chickens, come work.  And clean up.  And mess. And...cute little adorable fluffy chick chicks...that chirp so sweetly.  And...they like to fall asleep in the palm of your hand.  


{happy}

We finally built a chicken coop as Little Lamb (and Conductor) convinced my husband and me that they would responsibly take care of these little creatures; (soon to turn big, turd-producing, garden scratching, noisy birds) -and that will lay me fresh eggs for my omelet and fresh baked breads...

{real}

After only a few days, these cute little creatures have shown exponential growth.  Already feathers have formed on their wings.  Amazing!



They have a heat lamp that stays on 24/7 and they eat lots of chick feed and drink lots of fresh water and need to have their bedding changed frequently, too.  

They know Little Lamb and immediately start to chirp when she comes around...they are very friendly and like to be held.  (I'm not sure if this is a good thing, or a bad thing, but either way - I have one happy little girl).


 {real}


Around the garden in early March

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

Saturday, March 8, 2014

~ Mystical Rose & Gardens ~

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

{pretty}

A wedding cake to celebrate Traditional Marriage in our Archdiocese.
Our Lady, full of grace...keep us in your motherly care.

A few weeks ago I took a small group of teens from our parish Youth Group to a Benefit Dinner in San Francisco.  P.L.M.R or Pro-Life of the Mystical Rose is a Catholic organization led by youth, advocating the pro-life cause.  Their aim is to educate and inspire other youth to make a difference in today's world, in regards to Life & Death issues in our society.  I posted about the 1st Pro-Life Youth Conference NorCal HERE.

{happy}

Foods from around the world were served.  Afghanistan, France, India, Ireland, Marshal Islands, U.S.A., Philippines, Thailand, Mexico...to name a few!  I was in my happy place.

There was also a very nice array of auction items...
Interestingly, I took more pictures of the food rather than the auction items...
{funny}

This was the first go 'round.  (My before Lent-type serving)  Eating like a gluttonous... there was no tomorrow.  The food was delicious!  And colorful...I love a spectacular presentation!  
I have no shame in photographing my plate.
50% of the pictures on my iPhone are of plates of food.  It is a problem.


{real}
Multiple projects, including building of chicken coop for my Little Lamb.
The lumpia are from the PLMR Benefit dinner...just thought I'd throw them in there!
This is my handsome 16 year old son, who I endearingly refer to as CONDUCTOR here on my (mostly private) family journal blog...and, by the way, he likes it that way.  Thank you very much! :D  
Conductor has taken this weed infested piece of land and turned it into an amazing garden with full irrigation and landscape equipped with a fully functioning train and rail road tracks.  G scale 1:20.3 ratio (for those who get it - I don't.  It's like another language).  
Here is another post on the work Conductor has done, because I often forget when I see progress as slow going.


Whatever you decide to do in life, son, may you do it for the Glory of God!
Even using a blowtorch can be reverent!
This is the same young man that loves serving as an Episcopal Server and who thoughtfully brought an entire church all the Liturgical Vestments, Sacred Vessels and other items needed for Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Benediction...to our recent 3 day Youth Retreat.    Which shall have a post of its very own.   
It was a bit rustic, but we certainly made do.
I am so proud of you, son!  Thank you!!!
Little Lamb's Chicken Coop is taking shape...her companions never leaving her side.

Little Lamb, has been insatiably reading books about 'chickens'.  She has figured out how many chicks she will need to feed our family and possibly sell some eggs for profit (or at least to pay for the chicken feed).  I keep telling myself there is a good life's lesson here...

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

Thursday, March 6, 2014

~ LENT MEME ~

I was tagged to follow this Lenten Meme...Do someone a good deed, Join!

This LENT MEME is very easy to follow. 

RULES

1   Copy paste this post on your Blog.

2   Contact as many other Bloggers as you like and leave them this comment: "You have been tagged for the LENT MEME on my Blog".

3   And now the difficult bit: Do someone a good deed. Anyone. Relative, friend or stranger. Any good deed. Saying a prayer for someone in need. Helping an old person with shopping, transport, gardening. Visiting a sick person. Giving some money to charity.

Just use your imagination and do any good deed.

If you are greedy you can do more than one good deed. To more than one person. You can do a good deed every day of Lent if you wish. The minimum is just one good deed.

4   That's it. I can't think of any other rules.

5   Thanx. God bless.

~ LIVING LENT, LOVING LENT: 2014 Link-Up ~

This is a re-post for quick ideas to Keep some Love in Lent

Living Lent, Loving Lent
That is what I say...

 Keep Love in Lent 2014
“I’m participating in the Keep LOVE in LENT Blog Link-Up 2014, hosted by the Catholic Bloggers Network,
We’ll be sharing different ways, tips, stories and real-life experiences that will help us focus on  Lenten sacrifices, prayer and good deeds
 and how to carry them out with LOVE instead of a GRUMBLE.
  Please visit any of these 6 hosts, to link your own Keep LOVE in LENT blog post!



I love our Lenten traditions and I am always looking for new ideas that keep our spiritual life moving towards sanctity.
My last years post can be found HERE, which covers:
+ LENTEN FASTING
+ LENTEN ALMSGIVING
+ LENTEN PRAYER & READING
and a + LIST OF GIVE UPS FOR LENT

I felt as if I did not have much time to savor the Ordinary Time season, although many wonderful activities were lived and enjoyed.  And while praying and searching for those few NEW ideas, I saw Lena's post over at Joy{filled Family}.  The Lent Calendar that she shares can be printed in three colors; but it was the Lenten Program Printable that really made me excited to try...the checklist format appeals to me in our particular 'family phase'.

PRAYER + FASTING + ALMS GIVING
 ~ LENTEN FASTING ~

There are certain things that I hope to do during this Lent:


Keep things Simple.   This includes (or excludes as appropriate):
+ prayers
+ devotions
+ meals
+ environment
+ activities
+ projects
+ goals
Spend more time Reading with my family.
Attend my Parish Lenten Retreat
Attend some part of my parish's 40 Hour Devotion
Participate in the LENT MEME over at Time For Reflections




I will personally be reading:
+ The Sacred Passion.  Luis De La Palma (Scepter)
+ Imitation of Christ - Thomas Kempis (H.M. Caldwell Co., Publishers. New York & Boston)


This year, I have asked my children to pick between 2 - 4 books to read during Lent. 

Little Lamb (Fourth Grade) chose the following:
+ The Re-Found Veronica - Story of the Holy Face - Friar Carmine Cucinelli (Rector of the Basilica of the Holy Face of Manoppello {This was a Christmas gift from to our daughter, from which we brought home from our Rome pilgrimage in June 2013).  I will have to share some of the illustrations as the pencils & Colours are magnificent and beautifully done!
+ The Purples are Coming! - Ilow & Sheri Roque (Rock House Press)
+ A Book of Gratitude  5-2 (Seton Press)
+ This Is Our Family 1-2 (Seton Press)
+ The Story Tree 3-3 (Seton Press)
+ A Book of Friendliness - A Collection of the Prose & Poetry Which Has Helped to Better the World - Sister Mary Charlotte, R.S.M.; Sister Mary Brendan, R.S.M; Mary Synon 8-2 (Ginn & Co)


Butterfly (Ninth Grade) chose:
+ The Sacred Passion  Luis De La Palma (Scepter)
+ Divine Mercy in My Soul - St. Maria Faustina Kowalska Diary  (Marian Press)
+ Daily Meditations with the Holy Spirit - Minute Meditations for Every Day Containing a Scripture Reading, A Reflection, and a Prayer - Rev. Jude Winkler, OFM Conv.  (Catholic Book Publishing)
+ Holy Bible - RSV - Catholic Edition (Ignatius)


Conductor (Tenth Grade) chose:
+ The Young Man's Guide - Counsels, Reflections and Prayers for Catholic Young Men - Rev. F.X. Lasance (Benziger Brothers, Inc.)
+ TBD

Here are two videos that would be appropriate for Lent (the 'I Was There' dvd is geared towards middle school and up; 'The Miracle Maker' is appropriate for younger children...although there is a short part in the very beginning where a demon is cast out of a women, which is kinda creepy for littles).
+ The Miracle Maker (Family Home Entertainment)
+ I Was There (EWTN series)


On the Menu for Friday:










Monday, February 24, 2014

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

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

I am thankful...
+ the sacrament of Confession, and my parish that has it available daily or whenever I should need it. (Jenny, I promise you that I had this on my mind first thing in the morning when I started this post.  I was not copying you. Ha-ha. I work in increments...a minute here, a minute there.  Then, when I go to link up and read yours; oh dear...do I change?  Do I explain...yup.). That's my confession to you. :D

I am praying for...

+ I hate to say rain & snow, again, but even our pastor has put this prayer in our bulletin...so, yes, rain:
California is facing its third straight year of lower than normal rainfall.

"Almighty God, we are n need of rain.  We realize now, looking up into the clear, blue sky, what a marvel even the least drop of rain really is.  To think that so much water can really fall out of the sky, which now is empty and clear!  We place our trust in You.  We are sure that You know our needs.  But You want us to ask you anyway, to show You that we know we are dependent on you.  Look to our dry hills and fields, dear God, and bless them with the living blessing of soft rain.  Then the land will rejoice and rivers will sing Your praises, and the hearts of all will be made glad.  May God open the heavens and let His mercy rain down upon our fields and mountains.  Let us especially pray for those most impacted by water shortages and for the wisdom and charity to be good stewards of this precious gift.  May our political leaders seek the common good as we learn to care and share God's gift of water for the good of all".  +Amen.

I am listening to...
+ Birds cheerfully chirping outside my (open) windows.
In the kitchen...
+ Little Lamb making lunch (turkey & pepper jack sandwiches) for everyone.
I am wearing...
+ Grey sweatpants, grey top, white w/grey piping light jacket.  Hair in pony tail & baseball cap.   Wasn't I wearing grey last week, too...?  Hmmm.
I am creating/working on...
+ Laundry (working on)...it has already been 'created' by others.  :o)

I have accomplished...
+ 75% of work for the upcoming Youth Retreat, grocery shopping for the week, sacristy flower arrangements.
I am going...
+ to buy a new vacuum cleaner this week, God willing.
I am wondering...
+ If a book that my husband bought is a subtle hint.  See I am reading...
I am reading...
+ The Everyday Gourmet: Making Healthy Food Taste Great from The Great Courses - The Culinary Institute of America.  note:  my husband bought it; I wonder if this is a hint.  (:o/
I am hoping...
+ for rain on Wednesday...the forecast promises, but the skies are a beautiful blue with warm sunshine...we will see.
I am looking forward to...
+ Lent, and the upcoming Youth Retreat!  Very much!!
I am learning...
+ To forgive myself with my shortcomings, to work at forgiving others for theirs.
Around the house...
+ dust is gathering...

Academics...
+ Getting ready to register my children for their evaluation kits through Kolbe Academy.  This year we will be using the TerraNova, 2nd Ed. Complete Battery Test...more on that.
I am pondering...
+ Writing letters to my children for a special occasion.
A favorite quote for today...
"What a weakness it is to love Jesus Christ only when He caresses us, and to be cold immediately once He afflicts us. This is not true love. Those who love thus, love themselves too much to love God with all their heart."     ~ St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
One of my favorite things...
Checking off items on the 'to do' list.
A few plans for the rest of the week...

+ SF Ballet
+ Incorporate something I have learned from my new "The Everyday Gourmet" book.
+  Final meeting for the Youth Retreat
+  Work on my computer problems or finally breakdown and purchase a new one...hopefully the new part I ordered will help things...hopefully.
A healthy meal today...
+ Morning Protein Shake that I had for dinner...which I will share on my Food blog...someday.
A healthy activity...
Hmmm.  If lugging laundry around the house counts...I have had a super healthy activity day today, and expect the same for tomorrow!
A peek into my day...
Still with the computer problems that are not allowing me to insert any images...{{{sigh}}}






Monday, February 17, 2014

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

I'm joining hostess Jenny and Ladies over at Plain Grace for some Daybook Sharing...


I am thankful...
+ fun mother/daughter times
I am praying for...
+ Rain; we still need rain!
I am listening to...
+ my husband's paperwork as we work silently together
In the kitchen...
+ coffee brewing
I am wearing...
+ pink pj bottoms & old grey/white speckled sweater & grey socks (update: it was 7am when I began this daybook)
I am creating/working on...
+ cleaning out my inbox and planning for upcoming Youth Retreat.
I have accomplished...
+ organizing for a private screening of the new to be released movie 'Son of God'; hopefully our bishop will attend...
I am going...
+ for my walk as soon as I complete my day book
I am wondering...
+ how I am going to transport 26 youth to the retreat center (2+ hour drive) if the bus plans fall through...I've got to keep the faith!
I am reading...
+ The catechism for my bi-monthly doctrine class - which I love, love, love!
I am hoping...
+ To be more organized with my 'paperwork' - starting TODAY
I am looking forward to...
+ All the fun events with my children that I've planned for this month
I am learning
+ To say 'yes' to God, and 'no' to others (even if the temptation is a 'good work')
Around the house...
+ Paperwork, laundry, dirty dishes in the sink - I am needed :o) and LOVE my 'job'
Academics...
+ Lots of science experiments to catch up on
A favorite quote for today...
+ A woman is a kind of poem about love, peace, and compassion. These gifts enable her to know, love, and serve God in a generous way, with perseverance and affection. ~ Mother Angelica, P.C.P.A
I am pondering...
+ How can I obtain the qualities I am designed to be, as mentioned in the above quote...Lord, help me to surrender to your Holy Will. 
One of my favorite things...
+ Sunday morning breakfasts with my husband & children.   Today, being a holiday, was just like a Sunday morning breakfast together!
A few plans for the rest of the week:
+ Meal plan for the week/month
+ Finalize the Retreat 'stuff'
+ Clean my desk!!!
A healthy meal today...
+ carrots & hummus.  Eating smaller meals and more often - 5 to be exact.
A healthy activity...
+ Solid walk with my husband & teen daughter this crisp (dry) morning
Captured...
because of ugly frustrating computer problems, I am unable to share :o(


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

Saturday, February 15, 2014

~ Happy St. Valentine's Day ~

I was on time this year, when putting out my Valentine décor, because last year I was a little too early for some.

Planning ahead to make the actual day a little more special.  Nothing fancy, just thoughtful.   Enough to bring smiles and thanks of appreciation from my children.  I brought out items that I use every year, and even put out a few 'sweet' items.


Again, I was surprised with a bouquet of love gift from my husband.  :o)  Although, this year it also included Butterfly and Little Lamb.  So sweet.

The love bug infectiously caused a chain reaction and love notes began appearing...


Little Lamb worked on making the Valentine napkin holders found in the silk heart.
Before
After


She decorated short-bread cookies & pumpkin cupcakes; while the rest of us helped eat them.
So who was St. Valentine and why do we celebrate like we do?

St. Valentine was a Priest, martyred in 269.  He is the patron saint of affianced couples, bee keepers, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travelers, young people.
In 496 AD Pope Gelasius I marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of St. Valentine's martyrdom.  Archaeologists unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to St. Valentine was discovered. 

And Cupid?

He is one of the gods in Roman mythology; from the latin word cupido which translates to love & passion.  In our Western Culture he is symbol of love & romance. 
I think he is a little like Santa Claus...turning things towards commercialism and secularism.

St. Valentine's Day is about the life of a saint - a priest and martyr.  He was martyred for marrying Christian couples and for not acknowledging the Roman emperor as a living deity.  I can see how the meaning of Valentine's Day took a change to celebrate romance - especially in married couples. 
So, do you celebrate St. Valentine's Day...and how?

Which reminds me, St. Patrick's Day will soon be here...
Hoping you had a LOVEly St. Valentine's Day


Linking up to Catholic Bloggers Network ~ Family Journal