Celebration of Confession

We were able to listen to Catholic Radio for a little while on our business trip, and the discussion we were listening to was focused on the sacrament of Confession. The priest who was speaking kept referring to it as the Celebration of Confession. At first it kind of confused me by the way he was saying it and then it hit (it didn't take too long, I'm not that dense) as to why confession should be approached with such jubilation of heart (instead of such indignation or anguish).
Think about it, we have done something offensive to God, but in His Mercy and our active participation by recognizing our faults and wanting to rectify them... we are able to come back into union with Him... to reunite our hearts with His Will. If that isn't a reason to celebrate, then I guess I don't know what is!

Christmas Tree Farm

We spent the afternoon contemplating what to do about 'the tree'.

Currently we have an artificial tree. It's okay I guess, not super expensive, but not cheap. We've had it for a couple of years now, and one could say that if we were to move on to something new it wouldn't be money wasted. So after a short trip to the local hardware store for new house lights (unfortunately they didn't have what we needed), we've decided to go the REAL tree route this year.

Now we are in the hunt for a cool Christmas tree farm in the area, to find our perfect tree, and the neat experience of halling one home atop the roof :-).

I'm too old

Okay, I really am starting to feel too old to enjoy Six Flags to its fullest.

That is where we spent our evening, with the kids, my parents, and my sister and her fam. The kids had a great time and we rode several things, with and with out them. One we rode without... the SUPERMAN ride. Holy smokes... I can honestly say I did in fact nearly pee my pants (mostly because we had to wait in line for 1 hour and 20 minutes (again something I have not done since I was a teen), and really had to go before we got on... but the ride certainly didn't help matters. Thankfully the bathroom facility was a short walk from the ride, and all was good with the world afterwards. Except the aches and pains of being jerked around in rides. :-). Fun times.

Thankgiving

I don't know if my extended family is unique, I only know that it is different from my in-laws. This was again made clear to me at Thanksgiving.

We traveled down to my aunt and uncle's home in the country for good food and good times. The kids had a great time playing in the leaves, riding the gator (an ATV deal), jumping in hay, and doing all around boy things. And I had the opportunity to chat with family in a relaxed environment... Now the part that makes us different... our genuine affection for one another. Everytime we (my extended family) see one another we ALWAYS greet one another with a big hug and a kiss... even for those members we don't know all that well because they aren't able to make all the functions or whatever. It doesn't matter, if we share a drop of blood or our spouse shares a drop of blood with someone in the room, this is how you are greeted and even how we say good bye, and always followed by a "love you sha" (cajun expression).

Maybe it is a southern thing, maybe it is a cajun thing.. I'm not sure, but it is something I actually look forward too. The feeling of being surrounded by loved ones...

Now DH's family is completely different. I remember the first time his grandmother showed me any type of familial affection... she patted my back to say hello and nearly knocked the wind out of me... tough love I guess. But no one in his family hugs or makes anything special out of greeting other members, and to be honest I have never heard any of them say "I love you to one another". And I wonder if that has anything to do with the fact that there is absolutely no respect for anyone elses feelings among the group? Also there is always this feeling of superiority, maybe showing emotion for them is a sign of weakness that they simply don't want the others seeing... who knows, but it saddens me to think that they are missing out on such a human and intimate connection with the people that are supposed to love them the most!

There's something to be said...

I just don't know what that something is.

I have a friend who privately celebrated the 19th birthday of her baby sister this past week, who was tragically and accidently killed as just a baby. While still wrapping my head around what happened Friday, and am faced with another sadness. Today we went to a special Mass dedicated to Kelsey Roberts, and then on to breakfast with Kelsey's dad to celebrate her birthday... only Kelsey wasn't there. She would have turned 13 on Tuesday, but she left her earthly body in August of 2005 when she was killed -- MURDERED by her own mother.

I sit here, tears streaming down feeling some great need to put things into perspective...

Why couldn't we follow directions... God said DON'T EAT THE FRUIT, and then sin and death entered the world...

A Super Birthday

Well this marks the end of Bobcat's birthday extravaganza!

 

Happy Birthday Bobcat!

A loss

This happened this morning.  This family is a friend of a friend...

"For anyone who reads this that is the praying kind, they are needed right now. One of my very good friends delivered her baby girl this morning and she was born without a heartbeat. Doctors were not able to do anything to save their precious girl. Janelle Marie Gibson is mourned by all who know and love her family today. Please, please say a prayer for this family. Scott and Jodie also have two boys, 5 and 3 years old and they will need many prayers too. Thanks."

This is a picture of a statue on the grounds of the Oblates Mission in San Antonio, and is dedicated to all those who have lost a child.  May the Lord cradle that sweet baby girl in His arms as He welcomes her home.

Over at Spunky's Place

Check out todays blog over at Spunky's. This is incredible to me, but not in the good way. She is referring to the new system they are implementing in Florida (she does a great job explaining the impact of such a plan). They are wanting students to pick majors at 13 years old.

"That's because Florida's eighth-grade students, including more than 13,000 in Palm Beach County, will be the first in the country who must select high school majors. The statewide majors are a provision of Gov. Jeb Bush's "A-plus-plus" plan designed to make Florida schools more relevant to children.

More than 50 of the state's 138 "major areas of interest" will be available to Palm Beach County students, from the academic, such as social studies and science, to the more technical and career-oriented, such as assistant automotive detailing specialist.

"This is intended to be a career plan to help them better engage in making plans for their future," said Elizabeth Decker, director of the school district's department of K-12 curriculum, adult and community education."

Now think about that for a minute. Thirteen and having the pressure to try and pick what you want to be. How many college students do you know (or you yourself) actually knew what they wanted when they went to college for crying out loud... and how many changed majors once they were in there?

"As long as we encourage students to think about it and let them know they have choices, and as long as we keep it flexible, I don't think it will do too much damage." (School board member Sandra Richmond)

Um, too much damage, the fact that it was even WRITTEN down leaves a metallicy bad taste in my mouth. Serioulsy, I think blood is going to shoot out of my nose.

"Regular high schools each offer about a dozen or more of the majors, while charters and alternative schools offer far fewer. The school board must approve the list of programs each year. More than 80 state-approved majors will not be offered in the county, including salon services assistant, library media and florist assistant."

So you're going to offer stuff... but not very much. Great! You want them to pick from a short list! Brilliant!

To read the article in its entirety... 8th-graders face major decision

My question to you, dear readers, is where is the money going to come from to fund this new project? Who is going to teach these different specialties... Coach Jones who is only teaching AP History because he has to teach a subject in order to coach? Or are you going to go out and find professionals to teach? Are you going to have to pay them more to come to do this sort of thing? My guess is that they are going to be robbing from programs that are already in place... Art, Band, Theater, Choir (let's be real, they won't steal from sports). I'm just spectulating here! These above electives are very important... these are special outlets for kids that don't always fit into their 'career plan', but are very important on so many levels.

Where does that leave the dreamer... the next inventor... the next amazing performer... the next artist that colors our world?

This article alone proves to me that there is an agenda in the school system. The government is trying to churn out little worker bees. Whatever happened to the notion of doing something because you enjoyed, but at the end of the day it was only a job and your family was more important. With this new system we are telling kids that a job in a particular field and money are the most important things in life. What a sad thought.

Eeee gads... Bobcat is 6

Today is the last birthday for this household this year!

Bobcat is officially 6 years old. My goodness, I can't believe he is so big... well so old, not really that big. At the dr. this morning for his check-up he weighed in at a whopping 34 lbs, and 40 1/2 inches tall. Still not on the growth chart, but a little closer than last year!

Also, I have to call an ophthalmologist because they feel like his left eye is 20/40. I'm not certain that they are that accurate, I could hardly see what they were pointing at and I have my contacts in. So, I will call and we will go in, but I think that they are going to say he sees fine... at least that is what I'm hoping for!!!

But seriously... BOBCAT you are such a big boy!

Comments and Thoughts

First I want to mention how happy I am that we finally have Catholic Radio broadcasting here... 24/7!!! It is so great to hop in the car to run my errands through out the day and hear solid Catholic teaching, Mass, Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet... and the list goes on.

This morning I was fortunate to catch Fr. Corapi on after my dr.'s appointment (yep, still sick, but now I have much better meds and this will hopefully clear up). Anyway, this particular talk was one in his series on the Catechism, and happened to be the beginning of the series. So he was talking about the work that went into the new Catechism, and how it should be used and all that fun stuff. Based on some of his comments this lecture series is actually for the certification process of catechists somewhere but was also open to the public. At one point he commented on the fact that if he were in charge of teachers of the Faith (which he said he is glad he isn't directly in charge, and that teachers wouldn't want him in charge, he he) that he would require 1 hour daily in front of the Blessed Sacrament, an unshackable love and devotion to our Holy Mother, and completely inline with the teaching of the Magisterium of the Church. WOW! How many teachers of the faith can you say actually fall into more than one of (if any) of those columns (especially the last one)?

Something else that really struck a cord with me was when he was talking about how in our society that many people suffer with an 'identity crisis'. He went on to say that this crisis is a driving force in divorce, lack of accepting vocational callings, and leaving your vocation; also mentioning that suicide is becoming the one of the leading causes of death among young people. The reason behind this, in his words, were that people in the educational positions in the 60's - 70's stopped teaching about the sufferings of Christ. That we are made in His image and likeness and to find our meaning we should gaze upon the crucifix and see for ourselves what we are called to. To know, love, and serve the Lord... in everything we do, and that we may not always like what we are CALLED to do, but that we should find JOY in fulfilling God's will in our lives so that we may attain everlasting life with Him one day. Fr. Corapi also said "we must decrease in order for Christ to increase." We are all too often ready to be in the spotlight, but we must become transparent... magnifying Christ, not ourselves. I've heard this same concept refering to the Holy Family... their role seemed to be very minor (except for the whole Annuciation and birth of Christ part :-) in Holy Scripture, but if you look closely this same principle is what they were doing... Mary and Joseph became background in order for Christ to be front and CENTER!

And I will leave you with one last comment, this comes from St. Francis De Sales... that we should leave the PAST to God's Mercy, live the PRESENT in Fidelity to God, and the FUTURE to the Providence of God.

My first taste

My favorite treat is ice cream... it always has been. I enjoy cake and other treats, but if I am asked to choose ice cream all the way! So yesterday at the grocery store, DH and the boys tagged along, and we were in the frozen foods section and came up to the ice cream... and I asked DH what he thought about picking up a little dessert for that evening (we don't usually have dessert... so it would be a special little treat)... and that is when I saw it.

A few days ago I saw a commercial for Ben & Jerry's Fish Food ice cream. Now, I'm so what ashamed to say this because of my previous statement of my complete enjoyment of ice cream, but I've never had B&J's ice cream before. I mentioned to DH after we saw that commercial that I would like to try that... it looked tastey. So at the store, there it was calling my name... which led me to bring it up to DH. Thankfully he agreed that we should pick some up... and into the freeze I went for the Fish Food.

OKAY IT WAS FREAKIN' AMAZING. If you like ice cream, you must try this stuff... it is well worth it!!!

Headin' home

Today marks the end of the business trip/fall break. We are headin' home!

States we are heading thru:

Nebraska

Kansas

Oklahoma

TEXAS!!!!

It's been fun, but there's no place like home... my own bed, my own kitchen (yep, I am tired of eating out), my own bathroom (my own huge garden tub), oh there are so many things I miss about my cute little house!!!!

But before I log off, I will leave you with a story from last night.

Background: Bobcat likes to be in control, if he isn't in control of a situation than he shuts down (not like we ever allow him to be in control, but the kid keeps tryin').

After dinner we went down to the pool (indoor and heated... nice), and DH wanted the boys to swim the length of the pool (with help of course) before they stood in the shallow end and played. Well Bobcat just didn't want to do it, he wanted to do his own thing. DH was not having it (we periodically do things like this, tell them to do something and stick to our guns, even when it is something kind of trivial... forced obedience in a controlled environment). Bobcat wasn't having it.... Bobcat decided that he would rather give up and die on the bottom of the pool than to swim like he was asked to do. And he proceeded to kick and scream and thrash, and take in a lot of water. DH finally got him to settle down some what and after Bobcat did the required swim he went to the shallow end to sit on the steps and lick his proverbial wounds. That's when it happened... he puked in the pool. Yep, he ruined the pool not only for our family, but the whole freakin hotel guest list! What a way to end our business trip!

Another Driving Day

Today was a short driving day, about 3 1/2 hours up into Lincoln, Ne... a place I've never been. Here are the states we traveled thru:

Missouri

Iowa

Nebraska

Once outside of Kansas City it all pretty much looked the same. Harvested fields, farm houses, irrigation lines, and tractors dotted the landscape. Really beautiful country to pass thru.

Once in Lincoln, we arrived at our destination where the boys encountered something new... and Bubba met, and proceed to get wedged in his first revolving door. Yep, that one is mine... there he was in all his glory, the door + Bubba + Glass wall! NICE.

Tomorrow marks the end of our trip and the long drive home... 10+ hours :-).

Happy Feet

Monday evening, after getting checked into our hotel we went down to the local movie theater and saw Happy Feet. All in all it was a good movie. The music really was amazing, the animation was incredible, the characters were funny, but I thought the plot was kind of odd. Oh well, the kids enjoyed it, and I definitely want to sound track... but I don't think I will run out and purchase it when it hits DVD.

Union Station

Okay, today after DH had his business meeting we headed out to do a little site seeing which included Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. What a great place. Since we had the whole afternoon to explore we got passes to several of the exhibits including the 3-D Imax Fighter Plane movie (freakin' awesome), Kids Science City, Robot City, and Railway Pass.

First off, the movie was FREAKIN' AWESOME!!! We weren't sure how the kids were going to do, but they handled it like pros. Bobcat (formerly known as Spiderboy) and Bubba had a hard time staying quiet during the film... it was just too exciting not to make comments through out the film... the explosions, cool passes, and arial acrobatics!!!! Now, little Snookie Monster, he sat in between DH and I, and held our hands the ENTIRE time (45 minutes). He wasn't too sure about the whole thing... but in the end had a blast. For the rest of the time at Union Station the three of them were fighter planes flying around and shooting at things. That was until we got to walk thru some train exhibits, and then out on to a bridge above the train yard... and 2, count them 2, trains went under the bridge while we stood there... AWESOME!

The long road to Missouri

So we headed out on our road/business trip with DH. All went well, aside from all the coughing and hacking by yours truly and my gaggle of companions!

States we hit today:

Texas
Oklahoma
Missouri

Some People

Okay, so I had to go to the store to pick up more meds for our trip tomorrow (sidenote... cold medicine is outragously expensive), and I got a comment I get regularly...

I'm standing in the check out line, and a man came up behind me (40ish) and was kind of smiling at the boys and they were being chatty to me commenting on gum, candy and magazines.  The man asked if they were trip's, and for the 1 billionth time I said smiled and said no.  Then he kept on, which one is in school... so I pointed to Spiderboy and said 1st, and Bubbay kinder.  And as usual he (the man) commented that they looked too young... 'yes, they look young' but that is because they are so small.  He continued, "they must be close together", "yep, about a year apart"... and the line I hear all TOO OFTEN "YOU KNOW HOW THAT HAPPENS DON'T YOU". 

Wow Captain America, yes I'm perfectly aware of how it happens... of course it doesn't happen to ME, for me it happens thru paperwork, waiting, interviews, meetings, more waiting, social workers, and COURT.  Of course all I did was smile and nod... my usual response when I don't have time educate!

Still sick but on the mend

Well, I still feel really crappy... and so does DH, who came home from his conference yesterday running 101.1 fever... poor guy. But things are looking up. He brought home new meds, and they seem to be working better than the stuff I was using before! Oh and Spiderboy seems to be infected with it as well... poor little man. Just crossing my fingers that the other two stay nice and healthy and non-infected.

I was a good little sick girl today and stayed in bed. This is the hardest thing for me to do... I just feel the need to be up and doing stuff, but I resisted the urge and stayed down... and I think it is paying off.

So what's on the schedule tomorrow... oh the regular odds and ends of errands before we go on a trip. And we have a concert tomorrow night, fun times. No it is a good concert, usually there is a big crowd there, and we raise a lot of money! I'm thinking I will probably not be able to play the piccolo solo due to the fact when I try to take in a lot air I immediately start coughing... but otherwise I will hold my own on first part no problem. Ah, the joys of commitments!

Cleaning = Sick

My DH can tell how sick I am by how clean our house is... I'm sure you're thinking when the house gets super messy that must mean I'm ill... NOPE! I keep the house very clean, but for some reason when I'm really sick (flu, cold, phnemonia) I clean from top to bottom. The air smells of Melaleuca cleaning supplies, and the vaccum lines are even more pronounced!

But apparently I'm so confused from all the meds I'm taking, that not only did I clean... laundry, kitchen, all the floors, and master bath... I realized that the dogs needed to be bathed before they go and stay with my parents next week while we travel... so yep I bathed the dogs, then cleaned the boys bathroom... I mean it would have been silly to clean their bathroom only to bathe the dogs on Monday.

My house is clean, the dogs are clean, the laundry is clean, if the weather weren't so unpleasant I would be outside getting the yard work done (yep, that is how serious this cleaning problem is when I'm sick)... now I can finally get some rest and try and feel better :-).

Happy All Saints

Last night instead of trick-or-treating we participated in an All Saints party (for the second year), and had a blast.

All three of our little men went as different monks, with the Crown of Thorn hair cuts and all (oh yeah, we are committed).

As usual with anything we do, we tend to draw critizism for our choices... why people actually think they have the right to tell us that we are doing it wrong is beyond me... but alas they actually think we VALUE their 'expertise'... NOT THE CASE! The usual negative went as follows "they would have more fun dressing up and getting candy", "Halloween is fun for all kids", "you guys are always over the top".

Here are my thoughts on the situation...

1. My kids did get to dress up...
2. Instead of walking around a neighborhood that may or may not be all that great for treating... we went to a party where they got to play with all their little buddies... they played games, won prizes, ate dinner with their friends, and all the parents got to hang out as well.
3. We were safe, there were no threats (tampered candy or what not), or walking around in the dark... we knew everyone there, and when it got dark we went inside and the party continued.
4. As a family we learned more fully about the saints that were chosen, and while at the party had fun learning about all the other saints that were there.
5. Oh, and kids aren't too old for All Saints parties... there is always a saint out there, and opportunity to learn... is that really the case for secular trick or treating?

So no more harping on me and my fam about us keeping our kids from something great... personally I know my kids had more fun preparing and participating at our PARTY!