7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 82)

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Our Family’s Style Meals We’ve had a number of family meals this week as part of celebrating Christmas and the fact that Theresa is home from The Ohio State University for a mere couple of weeks.  Kevin, who had a really awful case of bronchitis over Christmas, was finally able to join us for a family meal this evening now that he’s recovered.  Everything else I went to on my own, but at least my dear husband got plenty of quiet time to rest, reload his 5000 songs to his MP3 player, and eat some of the best leftovers of the entire year.     

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I Am the Body Beautiful!  I was reminded of this awesome song this week when we watched a rather bizarre movie that is in all honesty pretty amusing.  We got the soundtrack to the movie this was on: “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” and would dance, sing, and lip sync to this song over and over.  It’s one of the ways my youngest sister and I (while I was in high school) could make my other sister laugh—a significant feat when said-sister had broken her leg in five places, had a full-leg cast and was confined to bed and wheelchair. 

           

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Creative Baby-proofing A certain little someone who is exceptionally good at getting into things that she shouldn’t (usually while I’m feeding her twin a bottle and/or assisting the toddler who is potty training) has been working hard this week.  Not only is she pulling up on anything and everything at a mere 7 months old, but she also managed to grab the cord on the Verizon box that’s behind the gate to the stairs and pull it out enough to chew on it.  While over in that corner, she found an extra outlet cover and was about to snack on that, too.  In an attempt to preserve my sanity and safeguard the area for a little longer, I grabbed what was handy-a purple ribbon and a little pink and purple Minnie mouse fold-up chair.  Once I gathered the cord and tied it with the ribbon, I secured the excess so it couldn’t be pulled through the gate, by anchoring the ribbon with the chair, then put the extra outlet cover up out of reach so it wouldn’t become a choking hazard. 

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Try and Stop Me! After rigging up the Verizon box wire so the resident livewire couldn’t reach it, I went back to feeding her sister for less than about 10 seconds before I noticed her sister sitting in the same corner with the box, her back to me, and both of her hands going to her mouth.  I made it over there in time to get the dried pine needle out of her curious little hands before she put the pieces in her mouth.  Today, for the first time ever since I have been taking care of the three girls, I put the most mobile of the twins in the pack ‘n’ play when I had to go upstairs with one of her sisters or out to the kitchen for longer than a few seconds.         

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Quiet Time? Theresa and Mom came to visit me for a little while today.  They came during what I think was the only time this entire week, perhaps this whole month, when all three girls were sound asleep in their beds at the same time.  They walked in, and it was completely quiet.  We talked for a bit, then they went off to do the grocery shopping and start the dinner at my mom’s for the family this evening.  Not five minutes after they left, all three girls woke up, and the usual insanity characteristic of the time between 3-5pm before their mommy gets home ensued. 

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Reminders from Mom My mom is one of the most giving, loving, caring people I know.  She is a charter member of the girls’ fan club, known to them as MissAnn (said as one word).  When she has come and visited me, she’s flat-out said that she often feels overwhelmed by the prospect of taking care of the three girls.  (I admittedly have several brief moments throughout the day when I feel the exact same way, but they pass quickly and are ultimately overshadowed by precious moments infused with undeniable cuteness.)  Knowing it has been a very long, tiring week for a number of reasons, my mom reminded me that it’s not only suggested, but necessary that I do some things to take care of myself during the day, so I don’t get too worn out and run down keeping up with three small children.  Yes, Mom.  You're right.    

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Signed, Sealed, Delivered Last week I asked for your prayers for the audition piece I’m working on to become one of the writers of a Young Adult series that is quite remarkable.  I’m finishing up my latest draft this evening, and plan to e-mail it to them for review by tomorrow evening.  May God’s Will be done, in this and all things!

For many laughs, head over to Conversion Diary and read Jen Fulwiler's 7 Quick Takes Friday for this week.

Merry Christmas to All!

     We wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas!!
     Here is our family Christmas tree we all decorated together at my mom's place earlier this month.
     Unfortunately, Kevin's been really sick with bronchitis (and this isn't the first Christmas he's been out of commission with an upper respiratory infection), so he hasn't been able to join us for our usual Christmas day Mass, the brunch we had at my sister and brother-in-law's house, or the dinner we're having this evening. :( He's at home resting, enjoying the food, presents and well-wishes from others I've brought him.
     Please keep in your hearts and in your prayers all who are suffering in mind, body, and/or spirit this Christmas season, that the love and joy of the Lord may enter their hearts.
     When we're all well, these are a few more of our favorite things to do at Christmastime.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 81)

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Christmas Card Cop-out I would like to say a sincere thanks to all of you who sent us Christmas cards! You didn't receive one from us this year not because we don't love you, but because I decided to try and maintain my sanity and a prayerful spirit while Kevin and I have lot going on right now. In other words consider yourself, loved, hugged, and prayed for!   

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Traditions from the Niermeyers There are three pieces that make up the holiday tradition must-do things for our family: 1.) certain Christmas music 2.) decorating the family Tree 3.) making Christmas cookies.  We really get into these three traditions every year, click here for details and a few photos.

           

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Wisdom from White Christmas which it’s our family’s tradition to watch each year.  I wrote this reflection Fall Asleep Counting Your Blessings a few years ago when we didn’t do many of our usual traditions and how they played out for us that Advent season.   

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Teeth R Movin’ This has been an interesting couple of weeks for teeth in the under 3 age bracket of the household where I nanny.  The twins both have their two front bottom teeth starting to peek through their gums the same week when their older sister had to have her top two front teeth removed.  Though it’s made me think of the song “All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth,” I’m not sure it actually applies to any of them at the moment.  Cutting teeth is painful, but having them pulled is not too fun either.  Hopefully the tooth fairy will also bring something nice for the girls’ mommy and daddy this weekend.       

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Remembering Loved Ones Lost I’ve had some dreams about my dad this week.  In one of them, there was a period of time within the dream that I thought my dad was still alive, though he had already died even (in the dream).  Thinking of him along with family and friends who have lost loved ones more recently always reminds me to pray extra for those mourning those dear to them, especially this time of year.  Of course, all of those affected by the recent tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, will be in our hearts and prayers this year.    

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No Family, No Celebration A Christian friend texted me this week to check in and see how Kevin and I were doing.  Talk about a humbling experience, this busy single mom (of a 14 month old little boy who’s super cute!) works full-time and lives a few hours away from us, and she's the one who takes the time to reach out to us to see how things are going.  (Major guilt enter stage right and left.) I asked her what she was doing for Christmas.  She said she has to work Christmas day, and that since she has no family in this country, she usually doesn’t do anything special to celebrate.  How sad is that.  Not sure if Kevin and I will be able to go see them sometime soon, but we’ll certainly be sending something to help them celebrate Christ’s birth and God’s love!  If you know someone without family nearby, try to include them in what you're doing and/or do something special with them between now and New Year's.

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My Audition Piece Over the past eleven days, when I haven’t been chasing little ones or running errands, I’ve been feverishly rereading, taking notes, on the first four books in a YA series, and working on an audition piece I will be sending within the week to a group of authors who are actively seeking a fourth writer for their series of Young Adult novels.  The cool thing is that I’ll be working with them either way as a copy editor (though I’d really love to be the fourth writer, too!)  Your prayers would be much appreciated please and thanks!   

  

Head over to Conversion Diary, to read Jen Fulwiler's wonderful tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 80)

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Post –abortion Healing Retreat Please join me in praying for all of the participants of the Rachel’s Vineyard post-abortion healing retreat that is taking place this weekend from Friday through Sunday at Shalom House.  Kay Marie, a dear friend who has headed up this ministry in our area with her husband Joe for many years, will be doing her first retreat since he passed away. 

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Blessed Woman, Peaceful Dove Kevin and I enjoyed Mass at St. Michael's in celebration of the feast day of our country's patron: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Afterwards the two of us did a Rosary walk. Still brings a huge smile to my face thinking of how far Kevin and I have come in our faith and conversion since we first became friends 16 years ago. Thank You Lord Jesus Christ for Your love and the Blessed Mother for always bringing us closer to Your Son! 

           

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What’s so special about Mary?  This seems a fitting question at Christmastime, especially with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8) and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadelupe (Dec. 12).  Busted Halo does a great explanation in this video and you can read my own reflection on her importance here.

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Great God-Incidents  On Wednesday, I just made it to Mass on time at St. Benedict's.  Kevin wasn't feeling well, so he had gone home after work.  My friend Michele slid in next to me.  I haven't seen her much lately, so it was great to celebrate Mass on a special feast day, then have a chance to catch up with her in the parking lot afterwards.  As usual. she had a funny story for me.  Something that's common among my favorite people to spend time with: they are great at making me laugh!

  

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The Death of a Bishop "Praying for the repose of the soul of Bishop Walter Sullivan who has passed into eternal life. May God's angels welcome him and eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. A great leader, ecumenist, and reconciler. Rest in peace and rise in Glory!" -Jan Fuller former Hollins Chaplain on the death of the former Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond who passed away last Tuesday. 

For more information as well as the funeral arrangements and services, please see the diocesan website.

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Back from the Outback! My mom made it home safely last Friday from her two weeks in Australia.  She came over to dinner to tell us about her trip and showed us tons of gorgeous photos.  I know my grandma’s happy to have my mom back to visit her daily.  We’re also kind of glad that she’s over the need-to-travel-the-world kick at least for a little while after her most recent escapades.   

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A Spectacular New Book Series Kevin this evening: "I've never seen you this excited about a book or series...ever!" I just finished reading the first four books in a remarkable series you won't want to miss!  I'll be writing more on my blog and posting reviews of each individual book, but here's the website so you can check it out ASAP!  

Head over to Conversion Diary, to read Jen Fulwiler's wonderful tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday.

Magnificat Year of Faith Companion

     I have been a fan of the Magnificat publications for many years.  I have found the monthly magazine a wonderful guide to Catholic prayer that gives the feel of the Liturgy of the Hours without its complexity or multiple volumes. 

     The Magnificat monthly magazines were absolutely indispensable for me when I was studying abroad in France, because I was able to follow along with the readings at Mass, had the words in front of me to the prayers I knew only in English before then.  I am certain using the Magnificat in French dramatically improved my appreciation for the language as well as the nuances and multiple translations of prayers that are possible. 

     I knew I would like the Magnificat Year of Faith Companion, but knowing that the regular monthly publication already contains a number of prayers, the daily Mass readings, reflections on the readings and information about the saints, I wondered what this magazine would add to the mix.  I am pleased to report that this book is indeed a beautiful way to “rediscover the joy of believing” as Pope Benedict XVI put it. 

     Scripture reflection, prayers, meditations, original poetry, essays on the faith, devotions, and explanations of the Catechism are what you will find in this daily boost for your faith.  Each day there’s something different to ponder, and perhaps share with others.  The variety of writers and myriad of genre included guarantee a blend of insights, outlooks, and perspectives that will deepen your understanding of the faith and richly enhance your prayer time.         

     I wrote this review of for the Magnificat Year of Faith Companion as part of the free Catholic book review program.

     Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases.  I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.

What’s So Special About Mary?

Here's a quick answer to that question from Busted Halo:

    

Honor Your Mother:

     
Mary did what Our Creator hopes each one of us will do: use the gift of free will to glorify the Lord and bring others closer to Him.  The Virgin Mary's entire life on earth and in Heaven has been centered on giving praise, honor, glory, and worship to the Lord who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  

     
From the very moment she was conceived, God preserved her from the stain of original sin, because the Mother of Jesus had to be spotless in order to be a fitting tabernacle for Christ.  We celebrate this feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th.  Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the patron saint of the United States.  The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, is the largest Catholic church in America.  It is quite breathtaking, definitely holy ground.   

    
Who is the person who knew Christ most intimately, loved Him most unconditionally, and bore the greatest suffering so that God's plan of salvation would be accomplished?  The Mother of God.  That's why she is to be honored: for submitting completely to the Lord's will, for saying "Yes" to God every minute of her life, and thereby spending every moment in time and eternity praising the Lord.  Catholics don't worship Mary, but we do honor her as The Mother of God and "the handmaid of the Lord."  

    
I firmly believe that any good mother (and/or childcare provider, nanny, teacher...) learns a great deal from children.  What better instructor could Mary have had to teach her lessons of love, hope, faith, peace, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, gentleness, kindness, wisdom, honesty, innocence, joy, suffering, and sacrifice than Jesus Christ Himself?   

A Strong Devotion to the Blessed Mother Always Leads to a Closer Walk with Christ   

Note to reader: I originally wrote and posted the following part of this reflection on January, 1, 2011. 

     
I’ve had a very strong devotion to the Blessed Mother for a number of years. I know the Lord has used her example and intercession to help me grow closer to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Mary was willing to do what God calls us each to do: put Him before everyone and everything else now and always.

When she was asked to be the Mother of Christ, she didn’t say something to the effect of: “I don’t know (or flat-out no), it wouldn’t be good for my reputation or my family if I became pregnant before living with my betrothed. Actually, since I would likely be stoned to death since that’s the punishment for a woman who becomes pregnant out of wedlock, I think I’ll pass.”

She asked how this would come to pass and is told: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:34-35). Instead of fretting over what her parents would think, what Joseph would say, what her friends might start whispering behind her back, Mary had the grace and trust in the Lord to respond with: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38).

     
What a wonderful example Mary was of being open to the Lord’s grace and willing to serve Him in whatever ways He calls us to be vessels, holy tabernacles for the Holy Spirit! There have been countless times when I’ve prayed to know God’s will and have the courage to carry it out, but at the same time, I’ve had a million things come to mind about what might happen in terms of adversity, struggle, pain, or suffering, if I submit to the Lord completely in mind, body, and spirit. I know doing so means He’ll likely bring about some major changes in and around me that will bring me closer to Him. Some of the Divine Pruning will be quite painful, though, absolutely necessary.

     
“Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Savior’” (Luke 1:46-47. These two statements seem to sum up what every person is called to do: be a tabernacle which reflects and projects the Lord and rejoice in the God who saves us.

     
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son Jesus and the Blessed Mother of God, who always point others to You. Please help us be open to whatever is necessary for us to become holier tabernacles for You. Plant Your will in our hearts and make it our deepest desire and most fervent longing. Amen.

Four Books about Mary I highly recommend: 

A Mary Christmas

Praying with Mary
Here is the link to my favorite prayer from this book.

Mysteries of the Virgin Mary: Living Our Lady’s Graces

Preparation for Total Consecration

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 79)

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Catholic, Reluctantly is the intriguing first book in the John Paul 2 High Series.  Of the John Paul 2 High characters, some actually try to live out their Catholic faith while others are Catholic in name only.  The different personalities and varying levels of understanding the Catholic faith intellectually and spiritually create a considerable amount of tension and challenge those involved to figure out where they stand and why.  The highly controversial struggle over whether it’s most important to keep the letter of the law and/or to live by the spirit of the law comes out in a slew of tricky circumstances…Read full review.

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Prayers Please There are a number of people who have been on my heart and therefore in my prayers this week.  I ask that you would join me in praying for (Emeritus) Bishop Walter Sullivan who has been diagnosed with cancer and has gone into hospice care, a single mom with no family in this country who just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, a friend who lost her husband last year and in a couple weeks will be helping to put on a Rachel's Vineyard retreat for the first time without her beloved spouse.  I'ts also been on my mind and in prayer often that God will be close to those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, especially around the holidays.  

           

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Captian Vivi to the Rescue!  Thursday, Vivi informed me that we needed to “go rescue Princess Mommy in Trisha's car." I let Jess know, and she didn't seem to be in harm's way. I love when kids use their imaginations (as long as Vivi doesn't actually head out the door without adult supervision while wearing only a short sleeve shirt, a pull-up, shoes on the wrong feet and carrying her purse with the little monkeys on it.)

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For Faith & My Babe  This week I'm grateful for faith that remains no matter how down things get or hopeless they feel, and for a husband who manages to love me despite how selfish and gloomy I can be at times. I pray for all who don't know God is always with them and loves them unconditionally no matter what.

  

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Visits with Grandma Kevin and I went to visit Grandma and take her outside on such a beautiful Tuesday. Since I still have the scar from my last adventure with Gram when Mom was out-of-town, I wisely waited for my husband to help me with the ridiculously heavy, strangely-rigged wheelchair this time.  For the record, if I ever live long enough to be in a nursing home, I hope that I’m as appreciative as my grandmother is for visitors.  I know she misses my mom, who’s been in Australia for the past couple weeks, but she thanked me every single day for coming to spend time with her in between asking me when I thought Mom might be coming back.       

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Don’t Dump Grandma! When I attempted to take Gram outside on my own and we hit a pothole of sorts on the pathway out the main entrance, she slipped out of her wheelchair.  I was horrified then and for the rest of the evening, even though she had so much padding on her heavy recliner-like wheelchair that the extra padding slid down to the ground before she reached it.  She wasn’t hurt (not even a scratch on her) or even alarmed.  She just told me matter-of-factly that she thought she’d need help getting back up.  When Mother Paul came out to check on things, Gram also calmly told her she thought she would need help getting back up.  I loved Mother Paul’s response: “Ya think?!”  I felt awful and was a wreck from the time I left Gram pretty much for the rest of that night, but fortunately Gram was perfectly fine.

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Advent: What are we waiting for? Here is a great short video on the true meaning of Advent set to a cool beat along with seven solutions for a successful Advent. 

Head over to Conversion Diary, to read Jen Fulwiler's wonderful tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday.

Two Statues

If you can’t take the heat, get out of the sanctuary?  It would seem so in this beautifully written novel about love, devotion, betrayal, friendship, honesty, healing, and Divine Providence.  Two statues of the Blessed Mother are burning up.  The townspeople, priests and bishops would like to know what’s going on and why.  Two priests are sent to investigate. 

   
Is there any connection between the two statues in different states giving off so much heat that the churches have to be closed?   

   
Four men go to great lengths to find the answers to the perplexing phenomenon and along the way discover some remarkable things about the true nature of God.

   
A priest/professor having a crisis of faith and questioning the goodness of God must revisit the pain of his troubled past in order to move forward and decide what he will do in the future.  His best priest/professor friend urges him to seek the Truth in hopes it will get him back on track. 

   
An elderly gentleman who retires to a quiet house on the beach to live out his days honoring his dearly departed wife is haunted by a secret that won’t let him rest.  He befriends his next door neighbor who helps him try to put his worries of the past to rest. 

   
The pace of this novel felt right.  I was definitely intrigued and wanted to keep reading.  The mark of a really interesting book is being able to figure out where things are headed and still being so engaged that you can’t wait to see how the solution you know has just got to happen will play out in black and white. 

   
For a number of reasons, Two Statues struck a chord with me.  The connection to loved ones lost and the bond between new friends found are palpable and quite powerful in this novel.  In the end it brought me to tears and a sense of resolution that only comes from the miraculous results of God at work in and through people to remind us of His Love.

     
For more information about Two Statues or to get your own copy of the book, click here.  I received a free copy of this book from Saint Benedict Press in order for writing an honest review of it.

Bilbo's Journey: Discovering the Hidden Meaning of The Hobbit

I haven’t read The Hobbit since I was in middle school, so reading Bilbo’s Journey: Discovering the Hidden Meaning of The Hobbit has been a great way of slipping back into the fascinating world of J. R. R. Tolkien.  It’s also made me quite intrigued and excited about reading The Lord of the Rings trilogy from beginning to end.  Yes, I must admit, there are many amazing books out there, some very important literary works, I haven’t yet read from cover to cover.     

    
Honestly, the most recent experience I’ve had becoming absorbed in Tolkien’s creations before reading this book was watching The Lord of the Rings Trilogy on DVD along with countless hours of behind-the-scenes footage.  If you already appreciate this trilogy, then you will find it hard to contain your excitement when you hear and see all that went into the filming of it. 

    
Being a bit removed from my first time reading The Hobbit and discussing it in a public school setting, I thoroughly enjoyed the in-depth look at the Christian meaning and significance of Tolkien’s epic adventure as well as his wildly popular trilogy which Joseph Pearce provides. 

    
No one is completely immune to the “dragon sickness” of selfishness and pride, but those who respond to “luck” as it is called in The Hobbit are given all they need to overcome each encounter with it.  Pearce’s close examination of the special set of circumstances required for Elrond to even be able to see the letters on the map shows that the mere “chance” of this

happening is highly improbable.  To chalk so much up to chance would be absurd.  Providence and grace are at work.    

    
A “Divine Will” involved as a higher order is the only reasonable explanation for things coming together perfectly, literally down to the last second. The pitfalls of pride, the dangers of materialism, and the necessity of self-sacrifice in order to love and forge true friendships are seen more clearly through the eyes of this Tolkien scholar.  The virtues and values that matter most don’t change.  The pursuit of power, pleasure, and promoting lies leads to destruction, despair, and death for those in the human realm as well as those in fairy tales. 

    
Bilbo’s Journey: Discovering the Hidden Meaning of The Hobbit is the perfect book to get your ready for the soon-to-be released movie The Hobbit likely coming to a theater near you this month.  For more information about Bilbo’s Journey: Discovering the Hidden Meaning of The Hobbit or to get your own copy of the book, click here.  I received a free copy of this book from Saint Benedict Press in order for writing an honest review of it.     

Advent: What are we waiting for?

In pondering the purpose of Advent, to prepare our hearts to receive the Lord Jesus Christ, I’m glad we have a designated period of time in which we’re invited to delve back into the mystery of the Incarnation, the devotion and grace of Mary’s yes and Joseph’s, too. 

    
Participating in the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist at Mass, setting extra time aside for quiet reflection and prayer, and meditating on the miracle of Christ being sent among us have remained the essential ingredients in my Advent preparation.

    
Another blessing that strikes my heart on a deeper level than is easy for me to describe adequately in words is holding a baby at this time of year.  It never ceases to stoke my sense of awe and amazement that the Lord would humble Himself in order to become the most vulnerable among us.  An infant is completely dependent on others for everything.  They are love and innocence itself.  It boggles my mind that the Lord would give us the gift of free will and let us exercise it in all areas of our lives. 

    
One of the aspects of Advent that I really appreciate is that there is so much love, trust, and mystery.    

     Seven Suggestions (and corresponding posts) for a Successful Advent:

1.      Stay Awake 

2.      Seek Him Who Seeks You 

3.      Hold on to Hope 

4.      Celebrate the Season 

5.      Rejoice and be Glad! 

6.      Give the Gift of Quality Time 

7.      Wait Patiently