Heart of the Home with Six Kids

Nine-Days Novena to St. Joseph

2012-03-11T07:28:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of prayer? Begin today a nine day novena to St. Joseph. If you start today the ninth day will conclude on his Feast.

NINE-DAYS NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH
(Note: This prayer was found in the 50th year of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Sometime during the 16th century, it was sent by the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. It is said that whoever shall read this prayer or take it with them, shall never die a sudden death or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy, or shall be burned in any fire or shall be overpowered in battle.)
Say this prayer for nine days for anything you may desire. Then let go and let God. Trust that whatever is the outcome of your novena is truly what is best for you in accordance with the will of God.)
O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
O Saint Joseph, assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Amen
O Saint Joseph, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. O Saint Joseph, pray for me. (Mention your intention)

May this Lent draw you closer to Jesus.
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Total Consecration

2012-02-22T16:45:00.000-08:00

St. Louis de Montfort's Way:
Total Consecration

Last year I had intended to begin my journey toward Consecration. This year I have decided to take the journey toward our Blessed Mother's arms. She always leads you to her Son. If you want to read about it... today is a good day to start!

Great site for information on Total Consecration

Total Consecration to Mary

May Lent draw you closer to our beautiful Jesus.

Peace and all good,

mom_of_six

Jesus, I trust in You!

Direction for Our Times

2012-02-05T17:27:00.000-08:00

Volume Three

I was given a book written by Anne, a wife and mother of six. In the introduction, it states that she is a Secular Franciscan. It is an interesting book. The website for Anne is www.directionforourtimes.org

Check it out.

mom_of_six

Jesus, I trust in You!

Urgent Prayers Needed

2012-01-26T17:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Beautiful Reader,
I was sent an email today from a fellow Secular Franciscan. She is in need of urgent prayer. Please read the note below...

Sharen H, who has a history of cancer and had a double mastectomy a
couple years ago, had four biopsies done a week and a half ago, and the
results showed cancer in all of them. She called today from Mayo Clinic
where she has gone for a second opinion as her oncologist here didn't give
her much hope. She is asking for our prayers for healing and strength.

I have sent her a personal note back telling her I would 'pass-in-on' and spread the word of the need of prayer.
Please all Sharen to your prayers tonight. I will have my family prayer our Rosary with an intention for Sharen.
Tomorrow... my classroom children will begin their prayers.

Thank you,

Mary
mom_of_six

2012-01-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon this video from one of my facebook friends. I wanted to share it with you.
Enjoy the video. It is powerful.
(Once again... remember to pause the playlist on the right sidebar before playing the video. I need to either figure out how to better use the playlist or take it off of this blog. Sometimes it is frustrating to go through the extra step of pausing it.)

Prayers of Thanksgiving for Sami to be home from the hospital. She is, however, still heading to Duke to help with the very painful, multiple blood clots in her arms. She is 22 years old and on top of many health issues, has just been diagnosed with Addisons Disease. Please add her name to your prayers.

Peace and all good,
mom_of_six

Jesus, I trust in You!

John Paul II - Totus Tuus

2011-12-31T13:40:00.000-08:00

Remember to pause the music on the right side of the posts before you play this video. I just discovered that the subtitles are too small to read on some monitors. Here is a link to the video so that you can go full screen and be able to read the subtitles: Click here...John Paul II - Totus Tuus

I stumbled upon this amazing video. It is subtitled and moves along quickly. A beautiful reminder for us in this Christmas season.

Peace and all good,

Mary

Jesus, I trust in You!

Merry Christmas Hazel

2011-12-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

I met Hazel last night.

My children play the cello and viola and were asked to play for the residents of an elderly care facility. The children played beautifully and the residents were all singing along with smiles on their faces.

My husband and I were sitting in the back just watching it all. He would lean into me and point out residents who were especially enjoying the music. It was a beautiful evening.

I noticed a wheelchair up in the front by the children. There was a very small, petite woman in the chair. I thought she was sleeping because her head was bent down low over her lap. Eventually I realized that she wasn't sleeping, she was writing. She had a notebook in her hand and a red pen. She was furiously writing while listening to the songs. I say furiously because she wrote so much and so fast that she quickly filled the pages and turned the notebook over to begin a new page.

The concert ended and the residents began to leave their places.

Everyone was standing up and moving at the same time.

It was then, through the noise, that we heard someone pleading for help.

It seemed as though everyone FROZE and time stood still. I looked around and saw a wheel chair tipped forward. It was the little writer. She had leaned too far forward and tumbled out of her wheelchair.

I'm not sure why I remember this, but everyone backed away from her. This next part was slow motion for me.

My husband pushed me from the back and said, "Move!"

I moved.

We had to make our way from the back of the large reception room, but we were the first ones to reach her. My husband was on one side of her and I was on the other side. The poor dear had her legs all tangled in the chair. We were able to release her legs and I cradled her head until we were able to find a scarf to roll and tuck under her small neck.

She patted my hand.

She comforted me.

She told me her name was Hazel and that she was 95 years old. She wanted me to make sure her notebook and pen were not lost. I assured her that I had her things.

I will admit that I wanted to know what was written in the notebook.

I will admit to you that I took a chance and while holding her head in the elbow of my right arm... I reached out and opened her notebook.

I opened it... but I couldn't make myself read the writings. They were hers and even though I really wanted to read what she had been writing, the words were hers alone.

Thank you God for guiding me to do the right thing with Hazel. It would have been different had I asked her if I could read her notebook. Maybe I would have asked her, but she was so comfortable resting in my arm that I thought she would drift off to sleep.

I held her until the responders came to help.

Please pray for Hazel this Christmas. My school children are now on Christmas break so I cannot tell them this story and ask for their prayers. She was alone so please pray for her to be comforted by His Holy arms.

I asked my girls if they prayed for Hazel last night. My 11 year old said, "I did. AND I asked Mr. R. to pray for her too."

Once again, a child has helped guide me.

So...

Mr. R?? I'm asking you to pray for her too. I miss your waving welcome from across the street from school and everyday at 4:30ish I still go to the window 'expecting' to see you walking across the street. You who shined Christ so beautifully, please pray with us for Hazel.

We believe in the Communion of Saints.

Our God is an awesome and amazing God.

Peace and all good,

Mary

mom_of_six

Jesus, I trust in You!

Classroom Advent Gift

2011-12-21T13:12:00.000-08:00

Classroom Advent Gift to Parents

We completed our project yesterday.

I was completely exhausted. (actually I am STILL exhausted... )

Take a look:

Maybe this one will show you a better look at how MANY we created...

26 Nativity sets were finished yesterday and are now waiting to be wrapped in tissue paper and sent home for parents to enjoy this Christmas.

BTW... my classroom children are continuing prayers for Sarah and John, baby Caseson, Mr. R., Linda's family, and my brother-in-law. Their compassion for others inspires me everyday.

Peace and all good,

Mary

mom_of_six

Jesus, I trust in You!

Mr. R.

2011-12-16T19:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas Tulips for Mr. R.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.

Amen.

Mr. R. went home to be with God on Thursday, December 15, 2011.

He will forever be a part of my life and I am forever grateful

to him for the countless lessons he taught me and

my children.

Jesus, I trust in You!

Mary

mom_of_six

2011-12-07T11:49:00.001-08:00

Jesus, I trust in You!

I was invited to the nursing home where Mr. R. is now calling home. The children in the preschool and fifth grades were traveling to his new home to sing Christmas carols to the residents. The principal and I headed over early to make sure everything was set for the children and Mr. R. was ready to accept visitors. We entered the elevator to travel to the second floor and waited for the doors to open.
We were repeating his room number so we would be able to find Mr. R's room. 230...203...230...
We didn't want to waste any time in finding him. The children were in the bus and on the way and we wanted to be sure to check if he was ready for us.
The elevator door opened and we stepped out.
Mr. R. was sitting in a wheelchair waiting for us! He was smiling at us! It was a beautiful gift, indeed!

We pushed his wheelchair into a small reception area and waited for the children to arrive. Several other residents were gathered to listen to the children's songs too. They sang for him and he waved his arms in time to the music. It was beautiful!

The children finished their last song and walked to the elevator doors to head back to the bus.
We pushed Mr. R. back to his room and sat to chat with him for a bit before we had to head back to school to finish our day.
He shared with us a picture of Our Blessed Mother that he had taped to his dresser mirror. He told us the world needs Fatima.
We asked him if he enjoyed Thanksgiving and being able to travel out and see his own home again. He replied, "I am home."
He was getting tired and we asked him if he wanted to rest. He motioned toward his bed. We helped him out of his wheelchair and scooped his legs up in our arms and gently laid them on his bed. We undid his velcro shoe straps and covered him with his blankets.
He laid back, smiled, and said, "I am so blessed."

He was starting to doze off so I said, "Have a beautiful day, Mr. R."
He replied, "It already has been."

We turned to leave the small room. He had already begun to drift off to sleep. I turned to look back at him one more time. As I did, I lifted my right hand and waved to him.
He looked at me and slowly raised his hand.
He waved back at me.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!
Here are two links to previous posts:
How I got to know Mr. R.

Mr. R. Christmas 2010

One last gift from Mr. R.

2011-11-10T16:14:00.001-08:00

On the day I heard that Mr. R. had suffered another painful heart attack... something inside of me was a bit restless. I climbed up the 4 flights of stairs to my classroom and sat at my desk. I couldn't concentrate or even begin to think of starting to grade the stack of papers that was waiting for me in a pile.
Then I remembered that the school secretary had mentioned to me a few months back that she had uncovered a case of statues that Mr. R. had given to the school. She didn't know anything more about the closed box. She had no idea which Saint was in the box.
When I remembered the box, I immediately got up and started my way down the stairs that I had just climbed. I went into the office and asked the school secretary if I could have the key to the closet where she had told me the box of statues had been stored. She was curious about why I wanted to get the box. She shared with me that the box had been in the closet for over 5 or 6 years...maybe even longer.
I told her that I felt that Mr. R. had given the statues to the children to enjoy and remind them of Jesus and I didn't like that they were stored in a box where no one could see them.
I wanted them out and on every floor in the school.

We really didn't know which Saint would make an appearance when we opened the box.
I felt like I was a little girl again on Christmas Day and my father was standing beside me waiting for me to open a gift from him.
We s l o w l y opened the box. The statues were all individually packaged in styrafoam containers to protect them from damage. Both Sue and I uttered a little impatient huff when we saw the white packages. (Yes, I'll admit that fact. Remember, I said I felt like a child on Christmas morning again.)
We lifted one of the packages out of the box and slit the tape surrounding the white box with our fingernails. We opened the box and there was St. Joseph holding the Christ Child, staring right up at us.

I have St. Joseph sitting on our class Gratitude Table out in the hallway. He is out there for all of the children to see and think about our beautiful Jesus.

It was when I sat at my computer later in the day to write about St. Joseph that I discovered that he is the Patron Saint of departing souls. Our amazing Mr. R., our classroom to sidewalk 'waving' friend, was in hospice care and still sharing his love of Jesus with us. When the time comes for Mr. R. to journey to his eternal home, may St. Joseph take him to see his precious Jesus.

Here is a link to read about our last Christmas experience with Mr. R.:
Mr. R Christmas Story 2010

Shine Jesus to everyone you meet. You might never know how your actions or words touch someone who is waiting to hear the Good News of our Precious Jesus. Find your 'gifts' that are hidden on top shelves in closets. Open them and share God's unending love.

Mary
mom_of_six

Jesus, I trust in You!

St. Joseph, Patron of Departing Souls

2011-11-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

Prayer to St. Joseph over 1900 years old

O St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press him to my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen

Dear Reader,I was informed this afternoon that my "waving across the street" friend, Mr. R., is nearing his journey home. Please keep this precious soul in your prayers as he nears the end of his life here on earth. You can read about how this man has shined Christ so beautifully to my classroom children and my own children here.
Mr. R. Christmas Story 2010

I have a beautiful St. Joseph story to tell you that happened today but I am too tired to write it just now. I will write tomorrow and share with you my story. Once again, it involves Mr. R...

Happy All Saint's Day!
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill

2011-10-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

We woke up yesterday morning and my husband made the beautiful suggestion of taking our three youngest children to Holy Hill near Hartford, Wisconsin. It was a beautiful Fall day and we decided to make a day of it. We planned to attend Mass at 11:00 and spend the rest of the day exploring the grounds and showing our children this beautiful National Shrine.

Well, we made it to Holy Hill at 11:09... we hadn't counted on the parking and the climb to the Church, not to mention we had several detours along our route. We decided to take the children and climb the steeple tower. I had visited Holy Hill many times as a child but had never been able to climb the tower. Here are some photos of our sights...

We took the children to the lower chapel, under the main Church and went to sit in a pew to pray. It is a Chapel of St. Terese of the Child Jesus. Our youngest, five years old, kept crawling over the backs of our legs as we were praying. I finally asked her to please settle down and tell Jesus how much she loved him. She leaned into my ear and whispered, "Mama, can you take me back there?" ...and she pointed to the back of the Church. I really didn't want to disturb the many people in prayer, so I gave in to her. We left the pew, genuflected, and walked to the back of the Chapel, hand in hand. We reached the last pew and she started pulling my arm to the left. She told me, "Mama, I want to pray here!" And she led me to a side altar where there was a statue of the infant Jesus. She let go of my hand and knelt on the marble step right in front of the side altar. She folded her hands... and there she stayed.
A group of women came into the Chapel and saw her kneeling in prayer. They began to take pictures of her. She never turned around. She continued to pray through all of the flashbulbs going off and through all of their whispers.
She stayed in prayer for at least ten minutes... in fact it may have been longer. She looked so small kneeling on the marble step in front of the large altar. I had my camera, but I didn't want to take away from her beautiful moments in prayer to her little Jesus. I found a picture that comes close to the statue she loved so dearly, but the one above the altar was all in white.

She calls Him her "Little Jesus".

May your day be filled with the knowledge that God is always present and waiting for you to call out to Him. He loves you so very much!

Mary
mom_of_six
Jesus, I trust in You!

2011-10-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

Please remember to pause the playlist on the right side of the site before you play the video.
God's blessings and peace,
Mary
mom_of_six
Jesus, I trust in You!

I Can Do All Things Through Christ who Gives Me Strength

2011-10-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

Prayers Requested

2011-10-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

Your prayers are needed. A family is hurting and the only answer is prayer. Please pray for Bill who was found to have a very large cancerous tumor on his kidney. He is scheduled for surgery to remove the kidney. Pray also for his family... especially his sister.

Catholic Prayer For Cancer

O Saint Peregrine, you who have been called "The Wonder-Worker" because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you, who for so many years bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more: you who were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction, ask of God and Our Lady the cure of these sick persons whom we entrust to you (names of those for whom you are praying, including yourself if need be). Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing praise to God for His great goodness and mercy. Amen.

God's gentle peace and mercy,
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Finding time for prayer...

2011-08-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

I was emailing two dear friends of mine today. They moved away from the town I live in so our relationship has grown into an 'emailing friendship'. I was writing about how frazzled I have been lately and how crazy my days seem to be. And then I wrote...

This time right before school is such a hard time for me and sometimes I feel like I can’t breath because I am being ‘tugged’ in so many directions...
At this time, I crave quiet time for prayer. It is just so hard to find time for Him.

The words I wrote were so heavy for me to write. They were even more difficult to reread after I wrote them.

I immediately stopped what I was doing.
I just sat there at the computer and didn't do anything.
Eventually, the sounds from the house started to interrupt my stillness...
My three youngest children had two neighborhood friends over to play and their laughing and bits of chit chat filtered down the steps to my ears.
My husband's whistling added to the many sounds.

"It is just so hard to find time for HIM!!"

Father, please forgive me. In this busy time of year, help me to find You.
I love you!
Amen.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

May Feelings III

2011-08-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted in awhile...
I am still here and continuing to be very busy. I love this video and want to continue to encourage you to remember to pray for our Priests.

Mary

Jesus, I trust in You!

Pope writes: "Dear Friends, I just launched http://news.va"

2011-06-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

The Pope uses the media! He has an IPad and he uses Twitter! How awesome is this??
God's peace and many blessings,
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

p.s. Mr. R. was taken to the hospital and I think he is nearing the time to see our Lord and Savior. Please offer a Divine Mercy Chaplet for him. Remember the promises to St. Faustina from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you so very, very much.

Corpus Christi

2011-06-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend we celebrate Corpus Christi.

This is from our Parish's facebook page...
Corpus Christ is the Church's official act of homage and gratitude to Christ, who by instituting the Holy Eucharist gave to the Church her greatest treasure. Holy Thursday, assuredly, marks the anniversary of the institution, but the commemoration of the Lord's passion that very night suppresses the rejoicing proper to the occasion. Today's observance, therefore, accents the joyous aspect of Holy Thursday.
The Mass and the Office for the feast was edited or composed by St. Thomas Aquinas upon the request of Pope Urban IV in the year 1264. It is unquestionably a classic piece of liturgical work, wholly in accord with the best liturgical traditions. . . It is a perfect work of art.

Please continue prayers for Fr. Corapi, Rachel, Alaina, and Baby James.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You!
Blessed Mother Mary, be our mother too.

Mary
mom_of_six
Jesus, I trust in You!

Prayers for Baby James

2011-06-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

Baby James is a little brother to a family at the school where I teach. He was born with only 15% of his heart working and has been waiting for a donor heart. He is only six months old. I was talking to the school secretary today and she told me that he is is not doing well. He is too sick... at this time... to be on the donor list. He needs your prayers... also prayers for his family.
Sacred Heart of Jesus... I trust in You!
Blessed Mother Mary... Be our mother too!

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Novena in Honor of the Holy Spirit

2011-06-03T15:25:00.000-07:00

The novena in honor of the Holy Spirit begins today. It is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Join
me and the Church in this great novena for the seven-fold gifts of the Spirit.

Click on the link below:

Novena in honor of the Holy Spirit

Peace,
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

The End of the School Year... Once Again

2011-06-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

It seems like yesterday that I was saying goodbye to my students last year. Now it is time to say goodbye once again. You would think this would get a bit easier after 24 years. Wow. That cannot be possible. I haven't taught that many years... don't forget that I have seven little ones in between all of those beautiful years. I have just finished my 14th year in the classroom.
I do not like the end of the school year.
I never have liked it.
I remember when I was a child saying to my mom, "It's going too fast! I don't want to go to the next grade."
I guess I still feel that way.

My summer will be busy, but I will still look forward to the end of August. The beginning of a new school year.
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

2011-04-23T16:07:00.001-07:00

Remember to scroll down and pause the playlist song that is playing before you play the video.

Woman, Behold Your Son

2011-04-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

A very blessed Easter to you, dear Reader.
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Good Friday and the Beginning of the Divine Mercy Novena

2011-04-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

I had a beautiful experience at Good Friday Service today.
It started as I walked with my family down the right side aisle of the Church. As I was walking down toward the front pews, I looked up at the altar and the covered Crucifix. The Tabernacle was open and empty. The candles were gone. There were no flowers and the plants were gone. The altar was bare and dark.
I leaned over to my 11 year old and asked her what her thoughts were after looking at the Altar area and she said, "It is all empty, mom. Jesus is gone."
The service was amazing. I didn't expect for every pew to be so filled that Father would have to ask everyone to move to the center of the pew so that everyone would be able to fit. That in itself was an uplifting experience.

Remember to begin the Divine Mercy Novena today. Here is a link in case you need it:
The Divine Mercy Novena

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Children's Church Envelopes

2011-03-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to Mass at 4:00 rather than this morning. We rarely have a Sunday where none of us are obligated to a duty at Church. Cross bearer, selling SCRIP, greeters, and Children's Liturgy of the Word usually keep us in attendance at the 9 a.m. Sunday Mass. Yesterday, Father passed out boxes of children's envelopes to be used by the preschool through elementary age. He was very specific to say that he wasn't expecting only change or money in the envelopes, he wanted the children to help out the family and write down ways that they helped 'lighten the load' for the household.
It will be interesting to see what my three youngest decide to contribute.
I'll keep you posted.
:)

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Litany of St. Joseph - Pray for our Priests

2011-03-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

Today is the feast day of St. Joseph. Let's ask St. Joseph to intercede for us with our prayers for all our Catholic Priests around the world. We must pray without ceasing. Fr. John Corapi and all other Priests who are faithfully fighting the fight to lead us to Jesus... we love you and thank you!

It's a beautiful day for praying!

Mary

Mom_of_Six

Jesus, I trust in You!

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us (after each line)

Saint Joseph,

Renowned offspring of David,

Light of Patriarchs,

Spouse of the Mother of God,

Chaste guardian of the Virgin,

Foster-father of the Son of God,

Diligent protector of Christ,

Head of the Holy Family,

Joseph most just,

Joseph most chaste,

Joseph most prudent,

Joseph most strong,

Joseph most obedient,

Joseph most faithful,

Mirror of patience,

Lover of poverty,

Model of artisans,

Glory of home life,

Guardian of virgins,

Pillar of families,

Solace of the wretched, Hope of the sick,

Patron of the dying,

Terror of demons,

Protector of Holy Church,

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,

Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,

Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,

Have mercy on us.

V. He made him the lord of His house:

R. And ruler of all His substance.

Let us pray.

O God, who in Thine unspeakable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thine own most holy Mother: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may deserve to have him for our intercessor in heaven, whom we reverence as our defender on earth: who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

Urgent Prayers Needed for Fr. John Corapi

2011-03-18T18:08:00.000-07:00

I can not write this fast enough.
The urgency for your prayers is immediate.
I need for all of you...everyone of you around the world that I know reads my writings to please listen to my plea and send prayers to our Heavenly Father.
Priests everywhere are under attack. Once again, one of our Priests needs your prayers. Fr. John Corapi has announced that on Ash Wednesday one of his former employees accused him of horrible things. Please read about it here: website of Father Corapi
He has been placed on Administrative Leave.

This is happening all over the world to our Priests. I have written about this before. We need to pray without ceasing.
Fr. Corapi is without question responsible for my renewed love of God. He taught me to trust God with my life. He brought me back to Him.

Has he brought you, dear reader, to Christ? I would love to hear from anyone who has been touched and renewed in their faith by listening to Fr. Corapi's presentations and speeches. I will do everything I possibly can to assist this man of God and forward your letters to him offering prayers, support, and in thanksgiving for all that he has done for us. He has led many, many people to Jesus.

I am thanking you because I know you will pray with me for Fr. Corapi. I will write more as I learn more. My class has been learning the Saint Michael the Archangel Prayer. I think this is an appropriate prayer to pray for the evil so prevalent in the world today.

Saint Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle.

Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;

and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -

by the Divine Power of God -

cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,

who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

Mary

Jesus, I trust in You!

Lenten Cross Activity

2011-03-08T16:48:00.000-08:00

I found it!! I am so happy! This is a link to a Lenten Cross activity that I use with my children in class each year. It is from Domestic-Church.com. Click HERE.
I have two poster boards that I taped together to make this a very large cross. I use 3x5 index cards for each of the lenten days. I usually write the scripture verse on the card and the children take turns drawing the symbol. Take the time to make this with your family.
Peace and blessings,
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

God's Gentleness

2011-03-05T14:35:00.000-08:00

St. Anthony of Padua
Patron Saint of the Elderly

I was in deep thought for most of the night and for much of yesterday morning about Mr. R. I was concerned that he fell. I have to admit, I was concerned about a lot of things. My mind was anxious and my only place of peace was in prayer.
Well, let me share with you what happened yesterday morning...

I went down to the office to check my mailbox and underneath the mailboxes was a typed greeting card. I picked it up and saw that it was from Mr. R! I turned around and was about to ask the secretary about the card and she met my eyes with a smile and pointed to the counter on the other side of the room. There on the counter were three white boxes tied with a ribbon around them. They were filled with chocolates from the corner candy store across the street. 15 pounds!!
I was confused. My first thoughts were... how did 15 pounds of chocolate get to the office and did Mr. R. carry those boxes by himself???

Well, the answer is yes, but I need to tell you what I have come to understand in the hours since yesterday morning.
On Thursday evening, after I spoke to Mr. R. and told him we had been praying for him, he apparently continued his walk... right to the corner candy store! He must have purchased the boxes of chocolates and walked back around the block to his home. He woke up on Friday morning and before 8:00 a.m. walked to our school... carrying the boxes of chocolates!
In his card he thanked us for our prayers.
He wrote, "THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU."

I have to tell you, dear reader, that as I continue through this life of mine, I am amazed at the wonder and gentleness of our loving God. In my anxiousness, I prayed that the angels surround Mr. R. and protect him if he ever should fall again. I prayed for his peace and continued blessings for him.

In those boxes of chocolates are God's gifts of gentleness and peace to me.

Mr. R. gave me the gift of peace when he delivered those 15 pounds to the school's door. The strength and determination that it must have taken for him to walk (with a cane on icy morning sidewalks) carrying those boxes is amazing. Mr. R's day was blessed because someone was thinking about him enough to pray for him. My day was blessed because through his gift I can see the strength, peace, and love in an 88 year old gentleman.
And... all of this through the love and care of the prayers of children.

I am at peace through the gentleness and strength of our Lord. I will admit to you, dear reader, that I still worry (just a bit) about my newly found friend. But God has shown me that my worries are not needed. He will take care of those who love Him.

God's peace and blessings to you and your families,
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

St. Anthony of Padua

2011-03-03T19:24:00.000-08:00

St. Anthony of Padua - Patron of the Elderly

My dear reader, I am again asking for prayers please. This afternoon after school, I walked out the front door and saw that Mr. R. was across the street taking his daily walk. Please take a moment and read about the very special gift that this beautiful 88 year old gentleman blessed me with this last Christmas.
Mr. R Christmas Story
I smiled and waved and got into my van. (We were already late for our daughter's cello lessons)
As we drove away from the curb, I waved one last time and noticed that Mr. R didn't have on his glasses. I mentioned this to my husband and he must have known from the look on my face that I was a bit concerned. My husband turned the car around and I got out. Mr. R. and I greeted each other with a smile and I came right out and asked, "Mr. R. did you lose your glasses?"
He smiled and said, "No."
I needed more information so I asked him why he didn't have his glasses on.
He told me that he was fearful of falling and if he fell there was a possibility that he could lose his glasses. He must have seen the concern on my face because he quickly added,
"I don't like to walk with them on anymore, anyway."
Then he smiled at me.
I wasn't buying it.
I again pressed him for more information. I asked him,"Have you fallen lately?"
This is what he said to me...
"Last week I got the snowblower out to clear the snow and didn't notice that it was in reverse. I started it and it jumped backward into me and I fell backwards."
I asked him if he had anyone to help him with the snow and he said no.

My heart has been aching since I spoke with him. I told him that the children in my class pray for him everyday and that they place his name in the prayer basket and his name is announced over the loudspeaker for the entire school to pray for him too.
He smiled and thanked me.

Please pray for Mr. R. tonight. Pray for him to have peace, the gentleness of a smile, and someone to help him with his needs. I will try to brainstorm tonight and try to come up with a solution for my dear Mr. R.

God's beautiful peace and blessings,
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Bishop David Ricken Affirms Statement of Milwaukee Archbishop Listecki

2011-02-24T16:57:00.000-08:00

I had to post this. I am saddened by the events taking place in my beautiful state of Wisconsin right now. Our family will be affected by new actions being taken by our Governor. As it stands right now, we will suffer financially... however, we will suffer more if the Bill to be voted on in the very near future passes.
God is awesome. We continue to pray for His Will to be done with our lives regardless of the trials that are headed our way.

Please continue your prayers for Rachel and Elaina.

"Statement Regarding the Rights of Workers and the Value of Unions," released on February 16, 2011.
Link to "Statement Regarding the Rights of Workers and the Value of Unions," released on February 16, 2011.

Please no debate on this blog or to my email. I am very weary of debate and lately I have been running from confrontation.

On a different (much brighter and happier) note--
I taught my fourth graders about the Divine Mercy this afternoon. Building their anticipation for Divine Mercy Sunday! :)

We are off to a girl's basketball game tonight.
Peace and God's beautiful blessings to you,

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

The answer - Corrinne May

2011-02-24T16:37:00.000-08:00

Spoon Saints Craft Project

2011-01-30T16:16:00.000-08:00

Months ago I promised I would take a picture of the Saint Spoons that my classroom children were working on in school. Well, Catholic Schools Week is this next week and we were assigned the 1st floor hallway bulletin board. I let the children research Saints and then we worked on completing a Saint Spoon for each child.
I think I will always be amazed at how much the children hunger for learning about loving our Lord. I wish I could somehow share some of that enthusiasm with you. Enjoy the pictures. The children sure enjoyed honoring their favorite Saint.
Our next classroom goal... memorize the St. Michael the Archangel prayer. Pray for us that we continue to remember to always place God first in all that we do each day.

All you Holy Men and Women... Pray for Us!

God's Peace and Blessings,
Mary

Jesus, I trust in You!

A Family Snow Shoe Outing

2011-01-30T15:57:00.000-08:00

We took the children (three youngest and oldest) to experience a snow shoe hike. It was absolutely beautiful!

We are heading into the woods.

My oldest and I didn't hike down into the quarry. This is a distance shot of my husband pulling our youngest with the 9 and 10 year old following.

Our youngest wasn't able to snow shoe because her boots were just a bit too small for the bindings. She was upset at first but was happily pulled by her dad. She dragged her hand in the snow and liked looking behind her to see the tracks her hand and the sled made in the snow.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Pray for Vocations - Pray for our Priests

2011-01-01T08:01:00.000-08:00

An Unexpected Christmas Gift

2010-12-26T14:22:00.000-08:00

I walked out my classroom door and looked down the flight of stairs. Mr. R. was walking up the last step. His cane was in his right hand, a suitcase in his left, and under his arm was a wrapped package.

"What are you doing, Mr. R?" I asked.

It is not everyday that you see an 88 year old man walk up 56 steps to come up to our third floor classroom.

"I've come to see you," he said.

...And he handed me the wrapped package that he held.

I have a story to tell you. This is a true story that happened last Wednesday, December 23, 2010. It changed me. It changed my students. I hope it touches your heart too.
The beginning of this story began on the feast day of St. Therese. You can read about it here.
Since that beautiful feast day, Mr. R. has never been far from my thoughts. Everyday, I would see Mr. R. slowly walk past the school on the other side of the street and stop to look up to our third floor window. If I happened to be looking out, we would smile, wave, and greet each other from sidewalk to third floor.

I remember it being about a month ago, probably mid-November, when I prayed and asked God to please let me know what I could do for Mr. R. I had felt that Mr. R. was in our lives (mine and my students) for a reason, and I needed to be open to shine Christ to him and allow my students to experience Christ's love for others.
Days passed.
We still continued to see him walk past our window, but I had not put into action any of the thoughts or ideas that came to mind about shining Jesus to Mr. R. I became caught up in the hustle and bustle of preparing the children for Christmas. We completed our little clay pots of the Holy Family. We spent time making our Jesse Trees and the daily ornaments to place on the trees. We worked on our class presentation of St. Marguerite d'Youville for her upcoming feast day. (Which was December 23rd... :) So much preparing.
Yet... I had forgotten the one thing I had asked God to show me.

On Friday, December 18th, a thought came to me afterschool. I remembered Mr. R. telling me that he loved the tulips I had put in my classroom windows early one Spring so I went to my paper supply and started to make huge paper tulips for my windows. I wanted them to be BIG. Big enough for Mr. R. to easily see them from the sidewalk across the street. The children helped me and the photo below is what we accomplished:

On Monday when the children returned to school, I told them that I had a permission slip for them to take home. The permission slip was for the children to go caroling to Mr. R's house on the next block. I wanted the children to take 20 minutes out of their party day on Wednesday to go sing for Mr. R.
I have to tell you that the children were less then thrilled at the idea. They began to complain that they didn't want to take the time out of their celebrating to go singing outside.
I wasn't quite sure how to react to them, but I can tell you that I was determined that this is what we were going to do.
We left for Mr. R's house at 12:10 on Wednesday afternoon. It was a beautiful, sunny, winter day. There was fresh snow on the ground, but it wasn't too cold for our walk. We sang for several people that happened to be retrieving their mail while we passed by their houses, and the children were becoming more and more happier as we walked. We stopped at the corner and I pointed out Mr. R's house. The children were so excited. We walked up to the house and began to sing.
He answered the door with a smile on his face and listened to the children sing. We sang and sang. Just before the last song, I said, "Mr. R., these are the children from the fourth grade class. We want to wish you a Merry Christmas!"
We left his front sidewalk while singing, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas!"
We walked back to school and I began to make the children hot chocolate. As the last of the 23 students received their cup of hot cocoa, the school secretary came over the loud speaker. She spoke with a very urgent voice, "Mrs. Johnson, call the office." I had the children in the vacant classroom next door to my room and I couldn't get the phone to work properly, so I told the children I would be right back and headed out of the classroom door to call the office on a different phone.

I walked out my classroom door and looked down the flight of stairs. Mr. R. was walking up the last step. His cane was in his right hand, a suitcase in his left, and under his arm was a wrapped package.

"What are you doing, Mr. R?" I asked.

It is not everyday that you see an 88 year old man walk up 56 steps to come up to our third floor classroom.

"I've come to see you," he said.

...And he handed me the wrapped package that he held.

The package was a two pound box of chocolates.
He sat at a table in front of my students and asked me to open his suitcase. I put the suitcase on the top of the table and did as he asked me. The suitcase was filled with beautiful Rosaries. He asked me to give each of the students a Rosary and then he asked them one more thing...
He asked the children to sing for him.
I have never more proud of my beautiful classroom children. They sang for him.
One by one, several of the students came up to him during the song and hugged him.

I was given a beautiful gift this Christmas. I have never received such a gift. I thought I was giving Mr. R. a gift. I thought we were shining Christ to him.
Mr. R. shined Christ's light to me last Wednesday. He shined it to me and to my 23 young students. It will be a gift that all of us will remember always.

Oh yes, the message on the loud speaker... our school secretary had been at her desk when Mr. R. walked in and asked where the fourth grade class was located. Seeing him with his cane and labored walk, she offered him a seat and told him that she would call me down to the office. The urgency in her voice was because he stubbornly started walking up the flights of stairs to come and find us. :)

I love You, O my God,and my only desire is to love You until the last breath of my life.

Happy Holy Family Feast Day!

Mary
Mom_of_Six
Jesus, I trust in You!

Blizzard in Wisconsin

2010-12-12T08:45:00.000-08:00

This is what greeted us this morning when we woke up. Everyone is still outside shoveling. God bless our neighbor with a snow plow! We had a 5 foot drift right across our driveway. The hardest work is right after the snow plow goes down our street. We are the last house on a dead end so our driveway gets absolutely buried. On the menu for today: Homemade beef barley soup (stock started yesterday) and we are also starting a chicken stock for homemade chicken noodle soup. Yum!

This is a looking out our sunroom window into our back yard. The winds are still very strong and it continues to snow and drift.

This is a drift looking out our living room window onto our front porch. It is still snowing and we still can't see out of most of our windows.

Most of the Catholic Churches have cancelled morning Mass. We should have thought ahead and went last night. I am hoping that the 6:00 evening Mass for our youth will not be cancelled.

Have a beautiful Sunday!

Mary

Jesus, I trust in You!

Kids Playing before the Blizzard

2010-12-12T08:31:00.000-08:00

Snow Playing Fun!

Building Snow Forts from Snow Bricks

Just a beautiful Saturday morning...

2010-12-11T07:12:00.000-08:00

We woke up knowing that the forecast from yesterday evening stated that we are to receive 10" to 12" of snow throughout today and into tomorrow. I think the children have a built-in sensor for snow. They are just downright goofy this morning.
I woke up early and started a double batch of waffle batter. My husband bought the family a double waffle maker that makes waffles two-at-a-time. I had plans on surprising everyone with the delicious smell of waffles this morning as they woke up. Well (remember snow is in the air) instead of having a quiet morning moment, pleasantly making my waffle surprise for everyone, I had six extra hands offering to measure flour, crack eggs, and pour batter. That extra help also includes little stools strategically placed throughout the kitchen so that the youngest can move around freely and help out as well.
Little stools make for banged up shins and unpredicted 'trips' around the kitchen.
Enough said. :)

So...
After I was finished making the waffles (butter, syrup, cutting into bite-sized pieces) I told my older daughter that I was going to go upstairs to take my shower. Everyone was happily eating their waffles. I grabbed my mp3 player and the one computer speaker that I use so I can hear my mp3 player, and headed up the steps. I think I remember that I was singing to myself. The only thing on my mind was which music I was going to choose this morning. I can tell you that I had completely forgotten about the impending snowstorm.

Maybe I was s t r e t c h i n g my quiet shower time just a bit. Maybe I had my music just a little too loud. All I can tell you was that I was listening to Amazing Grace and singing away...
A low rumble started. The kind of rumble that you only hear when something is about to happen. It got louder and louder. I had been so lost in my quietness that I can tell you my heart nearly flew out of my chest. I started thinking about all of the possibilities... something wrong with the plumbing, the snow piled up and busted through the roof!!! I don't know, your mind goes everywhere when you are startled into a panic.
Louder and louder. Now I was hearing what I thought was yelling or screaming! I turned off the water and started jumping out of the shower.
BAMM! BAMM! BAMM! (loud knocks on the bathroom door)
"What is it??? What's the matter??? Is everything okay???"
"CAN WE GO OUTSIDE TO PLAY?"

You've got to be kidding. I mean, seriously. They had finished their waffles and decided they wanted to go outside and play in the snow. Everything got pulled out of the closet. Jackets, hats, mittens, scarves, snowpants, and boots. After they put everything on, they realized they hadn't asked if they could go outside and decided to excitedly 'CLUMP' up the stairs and ask if they could go play.

Well, they are outside. AND it is quiet. So quiet, in fact, that I had time to come downstairs to the computer and share our morning with you.
BTW, after the shock wore off and I was able to turn the water back on and finish my shower, a new song came on that I hadn't heard before. It was the song, Thank You.

What if in morning when I wake up
Even before I fill my coffee cup
I said thank You
Thank You

What if I look at the day and the hours ahead
And before I move forward I bowed my head
And said thank You
Oh I said thank You

It is from the band, 33 miles. I have never heard the song before but the lyrics were timed beautifully for the start of my day.
Enjoy a beautiful day today. I think we are set for an adventurous day!
Mary
mom_of_six
Jesus, I trust in You!

Thank you!

2010-12-07T18:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for your prayers for little Elaina. The latest news is that her fever is gone and she is going to be able to be back at her home for the weekend. She will need to return to Children's Hospital on Monday for a spinal tap and her regular chemo.
I think I was blessed with the most beautiful children in the world. Every morning, we continue our decade of the Rosary... and of course, pray for little Elaina ("and Priests everywhere, and people who do not know Jesus") The words spoken by my children right before we pray. On the way to school this morning, my husband said, "Today we will lead the prayers from the youngest to the oldest."
I am the oldest (9 months older than my wonderful dear husband) so I lead the prayers last.

My school children (23 wonderful, energetic children) look forward to our daily prayers. How they have grown in their love for Jesus in the 3 1/2 months they have been fourth graders! We are working on two projects right now in the classroom. Today we started Our Lady of Guadalupe 'grotto' for St. Juan Diego's feast day coming up this week. I will take some pictures when they are completed and post them for all to see. The second project is an Advent gift for their parents. We take clay pots and paint a Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. The Advent project takes at least a week, but I will post a pic or two when they are completed too.
We are also preparing a small play on St. Margarite D'Youville for her feast day later in December. I'm having trouble finding children for the speaking parts... usually the most sought after roles. All of the girls want to dress up as Grey Nuns for the play. (absolutely wonderful, isn't it???) :)

Have a beautiful Holy Day tomorrow! Please remember to add a prayer for Elaina and Rachel too. Since she has moved on to middle school, I don't get regular updates from her. I will check on her and report back to you soon.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Prayers requested...

2010-12-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You!

The little girl, Elaina, in my daughter's preschool class did not have a good night last night. She received a blood transfusion yesterday and suffered through 104 degree temps all night. Please, please dear gentle readers-- pray for this child.

Elaina was diagnosed on June 10th 2010 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She is currently being treated at Childrens's Hospital of Milwaukee. She has a great oncology team! We ask for prayers for Elaina! She is a strong little girl with a lot of fight in her! SHe has a good prognosis with a long road ahead of her!

The above was written by Elaina's mom and dad.

I would place a link to her caringbridge site, but I do not want to infringe on the family's privacy. Please email me if you would like more information on little Elaina. Please know that the family has only requested prayers. They are a faith-filled family and love the Lord very much.
Peace and prayers,
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Before you watch the videos...

2010-12-04T07:43:00.000-08:00

Please remember to pause the songs on the right side of my blog.
Enjoy dear reader.
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Had to share... God's peace to you this Advent!

2010-12-04T07:41:00.000-08:00

Please pray for our Priests

2010-11-16T16:39:00.000-08:00

I am so moved by the faithfulness of our Priests.
Please take the time to read an article that I found on the Opus Bono Sacerdotti website. It is an article written by Daniel Burke, Religious News Service. It was originally published on May 5, 2010.

So what can we, as faithful Catholics, do for our Priests that have been found innocent of horrible accusations? Offer them your prayers every single day.

http://opusbono.org/news/AccusedCatholicpriestsleftinlimbo.html

My children and my classroom children have been praying for all of our Priests with every 'Daily Decade' we pray. Please offer your prayers today. If you have time right now and you are reading this post... go pray a Rosary. I know, I know... I'm off to prayer myself.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Prayers for a Priest

2010-10-31T17:56:00.000-07:00

Please pray for a Diocesan Priest who is in need of prayers at this hour. Please pray that he be given strength for the trials that await him now and in the future. Thank you, dear reader.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Catholic Schools Liturgy

2010-10-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

One more posting for today... it was a very blessed day! All of the Catholic school children from our Diocese were invited to attend a Liturgy in Green Bay. It was so awesome to see over 10,000 Catholic school children in attendance along with all of their teachers. The video is rather long... I just wanted to show the number of children/teachers present. In addition to all of us, over 63 Priests and I believe three Bishops. It was a beautiful experience for the children to see/hear Bishop David Ricken today.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Father Blahnik Ordination Retrospective

2010-10-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

Father Jason

2010-10-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

Before the video plays, remember to scroll down the right and pause the music so you can hear the video...

This is a video of one of our Priests who serve our school. He is an awesome example to our children. I found this video and had to share it with you.
Thank you, Father Jason. We love it when you come to visit our classroom, eat lunch with us, and play football with us at recess. We especially loved praying the Rosary with you!

mom_of_six
Jesus, I trust in You!

Jason Blahnik ordained for Green Bay Diocese

2010-10-14T17:31:00.000-07:00

St. Therese of Lisieux Feast Day, Sacrifice Beads, and Saint Spoons...

2010-10-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

Today is the Feast Day for St. Therese of Lisieux. What a beautiful day we had! You can see from the pictures above that we were very busy. I had remembered seeing a web blog that showed how to make Saints from little wooden spoons. I found it again the other day, it is Alice Gunther's site and it is called Cottage Blessings. The top picture shows my example spoon that I had created. After I made St. Therese, my 5th grade daughter made a Blessed Mother Teresa spoon.

Now we not only have a St. Therese and a Blessed Mother Teresa, we also have a little St. Francis Assisi ready to go for his Feast Day on Monday. The kids, my own three youngest and my 23 classroom kids, are so excited about these Saint Spoons.

My classroom kids also made St. Therese's Good Deed Beads or Sacrifice Beads today. There were only a few moments today were I thought to myself, "What was I thinking... 23 ten year olds, 253 plastic beads, 253 knots..." aaarrgghhh!

I was actually quite calm throughout the craft project. It was what happened afterschool with my own three youngest that was amazing.

After school my three children came into the classroom and saw that my classroom kids had created their Sacrifice Beads. I was sitting at the table in my classroom waiting for them. I showed my 9 and 10 year old how to make them by demonstrating on my 4 year old's beads. While we were making them, one of us (I'm not really sure which one of us thought of it) suggested making beads for Mr. R. Mr. R. is a little old man who lives near the school. We know him because he lives on the block opposite my third floor classroom window. We see him walk around the block on occasion, slowly walking and glancing up at the school. When we see him glance up to our third floor window, we wave to him and he always smiles and waves back to us.

So... when one of us mentioned Mr. R., we all agreed that we would make an extra set of beads for him.

As we continued making our beads I started thinking that I hadn't seen Mr. R. for awhile. In fact, I hadn't seen him walk past our school since the end of last year.

We finished making our beads and I got busy cleaning my boards and straightening my desk. The minutes began to fly. We were all busy doing our own thing... but I continued to think about Mr. R.

I have to be honest and tell you that I had talked myself out of walking to his house to take him our small gift. I kept thinking that he really didn't know me (or my children) and I didn't know how I would have explained to him that we just 'decided' to make him St. Therese Sacrifice beads.

Plus... I hadn't seen him walk past the school for almost 5 months.

All of a sudden I heard, "HEY MOM! Is that Mr. R.?"

My 10 year old was at the open window of my third floor classroom. She was smiling and waving furiously. My 9 and 4 year old ran to the window and all started waving.

I couldn't believe it. I ran to the window.

There, across the street looking way up to my classroom window and waving was Mr. R! Smiling and waving at my children.

We took off. I ran to the table, anxiously asked which child wanted to surrender their beads, grabbed the beads and followed behind my three youngest children while they raced down the stairs to the first floor of school. We bounded through the glass doors and looked for Mr. R.

I thought he walked slowly! He was down the block, almost to the corner stoplights. (Our school is on a very busy city street.)

I quickly realized that we would never make it to the corner, especially towing a four year old by the hand. I considered crossing mid-block and quickly tried to grab all of their hands. We went to the curb and stopped to look for traffic.

There was not a car in sight! Not even at the corners. I yelled to the girls that we were going to run and we took off. Hand in hand.

We ran down the block and quickly caught up with Mr. R. When we reached him, I started to try to explain who we were and why we were chasing him down. Well... we were. :)

He opened his hand when I offered him the beads. The way he looked at them made me think he really didn't understand what I was handing him. I explained that it was the Feast Day of St. Therese and my children were thinking of him and wanted to make him the beads. He just kept smiling at us.

After a rather awkward pause, he reached into his pocket and showed me his Rosary. Then he reached into his left shirt pocket and pulled out a different set of beads. They were in a large circle with lots of small beads and one larger one. I think he could see how puzzled I was... I had never seen beads like this before.

He told me they were ST. THERESE beads!!! There were 24 small beads, one for each year of her life. He told me a prayer that is said on the beads but I was having trouble understanding and hearing him. The traffic was too loud and he spoke too softly.

I said, "This is amazing! We were just thinking about you and making you St. Therese beads and you have St. Therese beads right in your pocket!" He lifted his head back, smiled a huge smile, and laughed.

As we chatted a bit, he told me that he always likes looking up to my classroom windows. He asked me about large tulips that I made and had in my windows one Spring. (That was over two years ago!)

He told me that he grows tulips in his yard.

We parted ways at the corner stoplight. I wasn't going to try to cross the busy street without the help of the green light and walk signal.

My girls have talked about this experience all evening. My 10 year old has been carrying her beads all around the house, moving the beads as she offers her "little good deeds" and sacrifices to our beautiful and loving Father.

Jeusu, I trust in You!

Mary

A Future Priest?

2010-09-23T17:25:00.000-07:00

I experienced something today that I have never experienced before in all of my years teaching. This morning we were supposed to be walking our classes over to the Church for Eucharistic Adoration, but our principal came over the loud speaker to inform us that due to the bad weather outside, we would have to stay in our classrooms for prayer.
So...
I decided to make our morning a sort of 'mini' retreat. It was the perfect time to gather the children together and talk about our faith. (Remember as you read this that we have just started a new year. These children don't really know me yet and I do not 'really' know them.)
I thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to bring us together as a classroom community and love our Lord.
We sang and prayed.
Later in the morning I noticed one of my boys trailing me around. By trailing I mean that if I turned around quickly... whoa... there he was. He usually isn't quite so 'clingy'. (If you could hear my voice, you would know that when I make that final comment, I say it with great love in my voice.)
When I would ask him if he needed anything, he would just reply, "No. I'm fine."
He would go back to his seat and then in a moment or two... whoa... there he was behind me again.
He finally told me what he really wanted to say to me. He pulled me aside and said quietly, "I have been thinking that God wants me to be a Priest when I grow up. I'm not really sure because I want to be a dad, but I think He wants me to be a Priest."
It was a beautiful blessing to me. Just to know that this child trusted me enough with expressing his heartfelt thoughts was beautiful.
After we chatted a bit, he started to walk back to his desk. I thought that was the end of our conversation but he quickly turned around, leaned into me and whispered, "I see bright lights... I have bright lights in my heart for Jesus."
I saw his beautiful mother later in the day and shared what her son had expressed to me. They are a strong, faith-filled family. She had tears in her eyes.

I am so thankful.
I have not had an easy week. It has been a week filled with the politics of the educational environment. It has been a week full of challenges.
And then... simple beautiful words from a ten year old boy.
I am very humbled.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You!

Mary

School starts tomorrow!

2010-08-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

It seems like only yesterday... I was cleaning and closing up my fourth grade classroom. This is the message that one of my students left on my white board on the last day of school. I didn't realize that it was on the board until everyone was picked up by their parents and I went up the many steps to my third floor classroom alone and looked at the empty room.

Tomorrow starts a brand new year. I will have 23 children to meet and get to know. I am excited! I already know that I will not get too much sleep tonight. :)

I'm off to tuck in my children. We finished packing up all of their supplies this afternoon and they are all a bit anxious too. Have a beautiful evening.

Mary

Jesus, I trust in You!

What happened to our tomatoes this year?

2010-08-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

Oh dear.

I have in my profile that I LOVE gardening... especially growing tomatoes. Well, I do love tomatoes, but this year I asked my husband if we could try something new.

First, I have to tell you that every Fall I have a horrible time sticking to our family budget when it comes to...

GOURDS!!

Yes, gourds. I don't know why I love them. You can't eat them. (at least I don't think you can)

I love all shapes of gourds. I put them in a basket on our dining room table and take a few into the classroom too. Well, when we were at the garden center buying our plants this past May, I saw gourd plants. I was very convincing to my wonderfully patient husband about how we needed to get a gourd plant to try to grow in our usually beautiful (almost entirely tomato) garden.

They were ONLY $0.39!

We bought two, small, barely 2" high plants.

CAN YOU SEE WHAT HAPPENED HERE?

Those two, tiny plants have taken over the entire garden. They completely grew over our lovely (well I guess you'd have to 'think' lovely) tomato plants and even covered our cucumber trellis. I thought I would never hear the end of it from my husband. After all, there will be no tomatoes for his mother to can for our family this Fall. He has helped me harvest gourds four times now. I have laundry baskets completely full of gourds. I also have a basket already at school.

Is there a lesson here?

I learned something new about my husband after 22 years of marriage. He braves mosquitoes and gourd plant prickers to pick every single gourd for me. We wash them together at the sink and I see him smile as he watches me dry each and every single one with a towel before gently placing them in ANOTHER laundry basket. A continuing love story each and every day.

Next year's planting? Well, I'm not entirely convinced that gourds are not in my future. Maybe if I just plant ONE little, tiny plant?

Have a beautiful day in the LORD!

Mary

Jesus, I trust in You!

2010-08-15T13:21:00.000-07:00

I forgot to remind you to push the pause button on the right side of the blog before you play the video. God bless!

Mary

Summer Chamber Music Recital

2010-08-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

Our daughter, Maddie, is playing the cello. This piece was from the recital this morning. We are so proud of her and the hard work she has accomplished this summer. I apologize for the shaky video. It was taken with a hand held flip camera.

They are playing Hornpipe in F Major by Handel. Watermusic. A big thank you to her cello teacher, Nancy Kaphaem, for helping Maddie prepare for this Chamber Recital.

Mary

Jesus, I trust in You!

The Assumption of the Blessed Mother

2010-08-14T16:08:00.001-07:00

August 15th - The Assumption of the Blessed Mother

Peter Paul Rubens, 1612.

Hail Mary,

full of grace,

the Lord is with thee;

blessed art thou among women

and blessed is the fruit

of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners, now

and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Mary, a humble woman of Nazareth trusted in God and His promise of salvation. She said, "Yes."

She said, "Yes" to God for the whole human race. She trusted Him. Today, we celebrate her beautiful, "Yes."

Say, "Yes."

Be open to where the Lord leads you to be. Use the talents that you have been so blessed with to spread His love everywhere you go. There are so many people who need to see Him. I tell my kids that sometimes just a smile will lead people to Christ. He loves you so much.

Try this with your kids...

You say, "Blessed Mother Mary" and teach your children to respond, "Be our Mother too!" Make everyday an occasion to love and honor our beautiful Mother in Heaven. She will always lead you to Jesus!

Mary

Jesus, I trust in You!

p.s. I request your prayers for my patience in a situation that requires more than I have to give. Patience and understanding too. I will need it as I continue through the month of September. Thank you my dear Reader. You are in my prayers as well.

Maybe I was wrong...

2010-08-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

Catholic Church, contraception coverage collide
Diocese employees in state could face sanctions, termination

http://www.jsonline.com/features/religion/100504294.html

Earlier I posted about contraception use by our brothers and sisters in the Faith. I stated that I believed ignorance was the greatest obstacle and reason for continued use of artificial birth control. I am dismayed by the comments offered online by the readers of this newspaper.

Everyone seems to only think of themselves. The 'me' complex maybe?
"I have a right... "
"No one is going to tell me... "
"It's my body... "
And on and on and on.

Then the cheap shots start too-- Cheap shots on the Church itself and our Religious and Priests. As I read the comments I kept thinking, "Where are all of the faithful? Where are the Catholic's comments?"
Then I had a 'crashing' thought. Are some of these comments written by our Catholic family? Reality (and saddness) tells me that many of them probably are written by them.

I don't know where to go with this post from here. I'm hesitant to continue to write and risk saying something that may be misconstrued by someone who is reading this. I also do not want to continue with my mixture of emotions ranging from disappointment, saddness and frustration to outright anger.
All of this is such a continuous uphill climb.

What will I do now?
The very thing that I will strongly encourage all of you to do.
We need to pray for Pope Benedict. We need to pray for our Bishops. We need to pray for our Priests. We need to pray for families.
Families need to place Christ first in their lives. Parents need to place their complete trust in God. Complete trust in everything.
Simply said... that includes the beautiful blessings of children.

There. Enough said about this.
I am off to start my day with my family. It is extremely hot here in Wisconsin today. The kids are waiting to go outside and swim in the pool. May your day be filled with beautiful family time too.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!
Immaculate Mother Mary, Be our Mother too!

So... What do you think?

2010-08-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this quote by Blessed Mother Teresa this evening. Tell me what you think.

"I think the world today is upside down. Everybody seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater development and greater riches and so on. There is much suffering because there is so very little love in homes and in family life. We have no time for our children, we have no time for each other; there is no time to enjoy each other. In the home begins the disruption of the peace of the world."

Blessed Mother Teresa

Have a beautiful evening.
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Prayers requested please...

2010-08-06T20:05:00.001-07:00

The following is from a site regarding the little three year old in my daughter Sophie's class. Please pray for this little love.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2010 2:13 AM, CDT

Elaina had a spinal tap with chemo today. She had more pain than usual and did not want to sit up on hte ride home. SHe also woke up from anesthesia faster than ever before. I was excited to sit in hte back seat with her since Rich was able to come with us this week. I worry about her so much! It is so hard not to. This week I received news that a fellow cander family with a 3 year old girl wit hte same diagnosis which was made on July 17t had passed away due to an infection. It scares me to think that she could have been that girl. So I ask for prayers to help keep away an infections. Elaina had a great weekend and was able to spend some time with friends again. It is so good for her spirit and for her brother and sister as well. I think sometimes that Rich is having a hard time with all of this. It is so hard to see your child in pain. It is even harder when there is nothing you can do to fix it. I ask for prayers for my family to stay strong and appreciate all of you in our lives. God Bless!

Thank you,

Mary

Jesus, I trust in You!

County Fair

2010-08-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

Today was a long, long day! It was the rabbit judging day at our County Fair. I am so proud of my kids! Our 3rd born beautiful daughter did an awesome job in showmanship but this year she had some fierce competition. This was her first year in Senior Showmanship. Last year she took first but this year a healthy second. She understands where she forgot some knowledge on her breed. Way to go! (She showed our Netherland Dwarf rabbit that we rescued)

Our 4th daughter is in her last year of beginner showmanship. She 'borrowed' her sister Emily's rabbit, Ashton. He is a cute little American Fuzzy Lop. I could see her from the stands but couldn't hear what she was saying to the judge. Her mouth just kept moving and moving. :) She ended up taking the first blue ribbon and trophy!

Ashton also took a first blue for breed. Enjoy the pics!

It was an awesome, extremely HOT, fair day.

Peace,

Mary

Jesus, I trust in You!

Prayer to Saint Peregrine

2010-08-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

Prayer to Saint Peregrine

O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty," "The Wonder-Worker," because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you.
For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fibre of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favoured with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you.
(Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying)
Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy.
Amen.

A friend of mine from a long time ago emailed me this morning. Sadness filled her letter. She is calling out for prayers and comfort. So much cancer. So much. Please place her husband, Vic, in your prayers. He had surgery on June 1st to remove his bladder, prostate, and lymph nodes. We may not be able to physically comfort or lessen pain from suffering... but we are all called to pray for others for their needs.

Thank you, dear reader. I remember you in my prayers daily.

Mary

Jesus, I trust in You!

"Let every action of mine be something beautiful for God." Blessed Mother Teresa

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

2010-07-31T16:50:00.000-07:00

Today I made my ma's homemade noodle, chicken noodle soup. What a glorious soup!! I just had to take some pics to share...
I also decided to try to make chocolate cupcakes NOT the box kind. I found a recipe in an old Betty Crocker Cookbook and the title was, "The Best Chocolate Cake". So... I made 18 cupcakes! The recipe had buttermilk and real chocolate squares in it. I can tell you that they were good (I was good and didn't have one) because there were only 8 left when I last looked on the kitchen counter.
These are beautiful days indeed!
Mary

Jesus, I trust in You!

Artificial Birth Control and a post of my thoughts...

2010-07-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

Too many of our Catholic brothers and sisters do not understand the evil behind contraception. Last year I experienced one of my dear friends cover my ears and jokingly tell other women present that, "I don't buy into the 'anti' birth control issue. Don't tell Mary!" She then smiled and uncovered my ears. I was stunned and speechless.
...AND nobody said anything back to her. They all just smiled and went on with the conversation.
I need to give you a bit of background on myself before I go on with this post. As many on you know who read my blog, I was born into a very loving Catholic family. My parents lived the Faith. I was very blessed.
However...
I can honestly tell you that I didn't know that artificial birth control wasn't an option. I thought that it was just frowned upon, but that the decision was left up to each individual couple. Truly, that is what I thought. With that information in mind, after our first child was born I was asked by my doctor which birth control I wanted to start using. I didn't know anything about birth control so I asked his advice. He wrote out the prescription and I started taking the pills.
My life proceeded just as I wanted it to go.

One afternoon after school, I was driving home and scanning different radio stations. A man was speaking on one of the stations and there was something about his voice that made me stop and listen. It was Father Corapi.

Oh my goodness! I couldn't stop listening! :)

After Father Corapi was finished I continued listening to the station... and I went to Confession.

I remember explaining to Father that I truly didn't know that birth control was wrong. Everyone I knew was using some type of it.

He smiled and simply said, "Well, now you know it is wrong."

My life was changed.

I just think that there are other Catholic families out there who simply "don't know". Maybe they weren't told or maybe went through the CCD programs like I did and were never TOLD. I am very passionate about all of this. Yes, yes, I know that many do know and simply choose to ignore what the Church teaches. (like my friend in the story above)

But... what if one person hears this message and decides to change their minds and place all their trust in Him?

Oh... our God is so awesome and amazing. He loves us so very, very much.

I am sure that I will post on this again. I want to hear more about trusting Him with our entire lives, not just the areas of our lives we want Him to be.

Turn everything over to Him. Trust in Him.

Pray.

You will be amazed at what He has planned for your life.

Peace,

Mary

Jesus, I trust in You!

2010-07-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

The following is from a post written by Fr. Gordon MacRae. I have posted about Fr. MacRae in previous posts. It is the title from his post written on July 7, 2010 regarding an 80 year old priest recently accused. His blog is www.thesestonewalls.com

The Exile of Father F. Dominic Menna and Transparency at The Boston Globe
by FR. GORDON J. MACRAE on JULY 7, 2010

Please pray for our Priests.
I have placed a link to Fr. MacRae's site toward the bottom of this blog on the right side.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

www.thesestonewalls.com

St. Francis de Sales - Be at Peace

2010-07-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

Be At Peace

Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life; Rather look to them with full hope that as they arise,God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things;And when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms. Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you today and every day. He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.

St. Francis de Sales

A Daily Prayer, Written by Blessed Mother Teresa

2010-06-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Blessed Mother Teresa prayed this prayer daily. Make a commitment to shine Jesus to everyone He places along the paths you walk today. Mother was known to say, "Find your Calcutta where you live." I always tell my students to smile and show Jesus through their eyes, hands, words, and actions.

"Dear Jesus, help me to spread Thy fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Thy Spirit and Life. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may only be a radiance of Thine. Shine through me, and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel Thy presence in my soul. Let them look up, and see no longer me, but only Jesus. Stay with me, and then I shall begin to shine as you shine, so to shine as to be a light to others."
Today is the day to start shining. Someone you meet today will need to see and know Him. Let Him be seen and shine through you. :)
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

A Blog to consider...

2010-06-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

There is a blog written by a Catholic Priest that I have been following. He is serving time in prison. Here is a link to a page that he wrote about St. Padre Pio that is of great interest. Pray for our Priests.

www.thesestonewalls.com/gordon-macrae/stigmatized/

Again, be patient with my blogging... I know that the above isn't a link. However, it is worth the effort to highlight, copy, and paste into your address bar.

Mary

Jesus, I trust in You!

p.s. Thank you for all of the prayers... keep on praying. So many people need prayers!

2010-06-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,
I come to you again with an urgent need of your prayer. I went to school today to talk to my principal and she told me that one of our 'little ones' in the preschool room was diagnosed with leukemia a week ago. She is a classmate of our youngest daughter, Sophie. Please, please take some time tonight and pray for this little one. Her name is Alaina and I believe she is 4 years old.

All the family requested from the school was prayer.

Dear Jesus,
Surround this child with your all encompassing love. Be with her as she journeys through treatment and healing. Wrap your compassionate arms around her mom and dad as they search for strength throughout this time. Heal her body and make her well again so she can be a light of your love to all. In union with Your Holy Will.
Amen

Peace,
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Happy Father's Day... and from Rachel's Mom

2010-06-20T09:05:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day!
Sacred Heart of Jesus, we trust in You!
Mary

The following is from Rachel's Caring Bridge site. This is the little girl for whom we have been praying. The crosses that some carry are heavy. Pray for continued strength for this beautiful family and especially Brenda, Rachel's mom.
God's continued blessings,
Mary

THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2010 10:19 PM, CDT

Rachel had her first MRI since starting her new Chemotherapy on Monday, June 14th. After her MRI I received a call stating they wanted to hold her chemotherapy until the team could conference on her MRI and current treatment schedule. Today, I finally heard from her oncologist. Rachel continues to have new growth of tumors in new sites and enhancement of previous sites. At this point she has tumors all along her spine and now in her cerebellum. Such new is very difficult to take.
Rachel is leaving for camp for two weeks. Her oncologist feels it is best that she go and enjoy all the activities and fun that awaits her. They would like to conference with Rachel, her father and myself upon her return. They suggested the next working day after camp of July 6th, but it is not her usual Oncologists day to hold conferences, so I asked that they conduct this conference at our next previously scheduled appointment on July 12. They plan to get back to me in the next couple days. Which ever day it is we will know what their suggestions are at the next conference.
Thay have stated that although originally they believed Rachel's cancer was a low grade astryocytoma, they now realize it is being more aggressive than they had ever imagined. What a rollercoaster of news. What a mystery of what is to come.
I am thankful Rachel is painfree, happy and doing everything she has been doing. She is aware of the news and does not dwell on it. Nor does she want anyone to dwell on it or treat her differently.
Rachel is an inspiration to us all. To look at her you would not imagine her life carries so much uncertainity. If the circumstances were reversed and it were me I know I would not be as strong and brave as she is. I would literally be a wreck with worry and concern. I have learned so much from her.
I thank you for your continued prayers and support. Rachel is a wonderful child with much to offer and give to this world. The situation only makes me more sure that we should live each day fully as a blessing from God. Devote every minute to those around us and show love without reservation. Find peace and comfort in what we have not what we think we need.
God bless you!

Ancient Words

2010-06-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

This is one of our Parish's Vacation Bible School songs. Enjoy.
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Sacred Heart of Jesus - Friday June 11, 2010

2010-06-10T19:31:00.001-07:00

Saint Margaret Mary's Vision of the Sacred Heart

Teach your children to respond:

"Sacred Heart of Jesus..."
"I trust in You!"

I was named Mary Margaret. I would always ask my mom if I was named after my Aunt Mary. She was one of my favorite aunts as a child. My mom would always reply, "No, I named you after the Blessed Mother."
My mom's full name was Margaret Mary. :)

The twelve promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary can be found here:
www.sacredheartdevotion.com/promises.htm

I realize that it is not a link but you can highlight it and right click on it, copy and paste.

I'm off to bed. Today was the second full day of cleaning and organizing my classroom and I am so very tired. It doesn't feel 'right' to be in a classroom all day and be in silence. No children's voices. Empty desks. Empty coat hooks.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Prayers requested please...

2010-06-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

First, please remember to scroll down on the right side and click to pause the music that I have running in the background. You will want to experience these videos and their music! :)
I have a prayer request for someone very dear to my sister. She needs prayer. Please petition to our Heavenly Father for her. Pray for no more paralysis in her legs/back. Thank you dear readers.
Also, I think Corrinne May's video and song, The Answer, is so beautiful for thought and prayer. Life was not promised to be easy for anyone. Through pain and suffering, turn your eyes toward your heavenly Father. Lean on Him and offer up your sufferings and trials. He knows your pain.
And... He loves you so much!

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Eucharistic Prayer Of St Thomas Aquinas

2010-06-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

The Answer - Corrinne May

2010-06-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

The Farewell

2010-06-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

This time of year is so very difficult for me. It is the end of another school year. And this year is especially hard... I was blessed to be able to share this school year with my daughter!

The mixture of emotions is tiring. A continuous rotation from sadness to gladness and back again. Yes, I am glad that summer is approaching and with that the beautiful lazy days to spend with my own children. :)
But... I am not ready to say goodbye to these students of mine.
So, dear reader, tonight is a teary night. I'll take a bath, pray my Rosary, and spray my pillow and sheets with lavender to help me fall asleep. If you have children who attend school please say a prayer for their teachers tonight. (And if you wouldn't mind, please add one for me too.)

This is a part of a prayer written by Janet Colsher Teitsori from her book, Rainbows for Teachers.
Tonight it is my prayer too.

Father, you who are the Creator of all
our emotions, understand how it is
that my heart sings at the thought
of a brand new summer and at the
same time, cries, for I have just
said good-bye to a part of myself.
Amen

Peace and blessings,
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

2010-06-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

If you would like to see the video below please remember to scroll down and pause the music on the right side of this blog.

I haven't written in awhile. Many different reasons. I was searching for material to prepare my students for this Sunday's Mass. I came across this clip from YouTube. If everyone offered only what they have... that's all they need to do. :)

God's beautiful blessings,
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Five Loaves and Two Fishes

2010-06-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

Blessed Mother Mary...

2010-05-09T15:28:00.000-07:00

Be Our Mother, Too!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

To all of you beautiful moms out there, Happy Mother's Day!

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

May Crowning Tomorrow!

2010-05-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

I am a bit nervous! I have had my fourth graders over at the Church practicing for tomorrow's May Crowning-- twice today. I guess the reason for my nervousness is I have never been the class chosen to lead a May Crowning service.
Our awesome principal has been so kind to use the end of the day announcements to practice the songs over the loudspeakers throughout the entire school. The children are going to be singing:

On this Day, O Beautiful Mother
Bring Flowers of the Rarest
Immaculate Mary

They sing the songs beautifully.

I decided at the last practice this afternoon to let the children walk to the back of the Church and process down the aisle with the crown by themselves. I will be at the front of the Church waiting to assist with the flowers if I am needed. They seem so confident. :)

I will try to remember to take some pictures tomorrow and post them this weekend. We have a field trip on Friday so the posting will probably have to wait. I am taking the children hiking to see a Bald Eagle's nest and wading into water to net crayfish. Please send a few prayers for the weather to cooperate... we are supposed to have rain/thunderstorms and temperatures in the mid 40s. I suppose we could even have some snowflakes. Yikes!

"Blessed Mother Mary... Be our Mother too."

Peace to you and your families,
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

2010-05-02T15:55:00.000-07:00

In my haste to post I forgot to mention the surprise our Parish Priest had for the children receiving their First Communion. At the end of Mass, he presented each child with a brown scapular. He explained the scapular and blessed them. He said that many years ago children received them on their First Communion day. I did not know this and I loved to learn something new!
Our Parish Priest is such a wonderful example for us in leading people to Christ. :)

First Communion for Meredith!

2010-05-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our fifth little one's First Holy Communion. It was a beautiful day!
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Oh Boy! The Youngest is a stinker!

2010-04-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Boy oh boy! Our youngest (4 year old) is really being a little stinker the last few days. She is quite headstrong and usually one of the older siblings is able to gently guide her toward compliance. Usually.
I guess in order to fully understand what I am trying to write about here, I need to fill you in on our morning routine. (Everything we usually do before we head down the driveway to go to school.)
We begin to wake the three youngest about 6:00 a.m. We have found this gives us 50 minutes to have them eat breakfast, get dressed, and brush hair (ponytails and braids included) :)
We have it down to a precise routine.
Every morning it is the same.
Beautiful, wonderful routine.
Until this morning...
You see, recently I went through all of the clothes tubs in the basement and brought up the next size for each child. It is awesome to see the kids all excited about their 'new clothes.' :)
Our youngest was pleased as pickles to see all of the 'new' dresses and jumpers and tights to wear to preschool. She has been delighted to wear a different one each day last week.
Well... This morning I set out pants and a shirt. She was out of clean tights. She had worn her last pair to Church yesterday.
It started with just a look. She was taking her asthma treatment on the sofa and she saw the clothes I had set out for her. Just a look and I knew that we were in for quite a show.
And what a show it was!!!
Oh yeah, she pitched a good fit. The other children are so good at ignoring. At least for awhile.
She wanted to wear a dress and tights and I think the neighbors all knew it too.

Well, needless to say that little episode put a wrinkle into our otherwise normal, semi-quiet morning routine.

By the way, we made it to school just 6 minutes later then normal.
And... We still prayed our decade of the Rosary on the way to school. :)
Life is beautiful, isn't it?

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Confirmation

2010-04-16T16:43:00.000-07:00

Our son was confirmed last Wednesday.
He chose my niece, his Godmother, to be his sponsor. Bishop David Ricken confirmed our son.
He chose St. Michael for his Patron.
We love you, Ben.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Our Morning Drive to School

2010-03-30T04:41:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd quickly tell you about our drive to school every morning. We live about four miles from the elementary school that I teach at and that our three youngest children attend. We started the year with praying this morning prayer each day:

O My Jesus, I offer You today,
All that I think and do and say.
I will try to be kind, loving, and share,
Please keep me safe in Your loving care.
Amen.

In October, we added a Hail Mary to our drive. We would take turns leading the beautiful prayer.
Sometime around December, my fifth born (8 yr. old) asked if we could pray a decade of the Rosary. She had a specific petition in mind.
Well... that started our morning (driving to school) prayer time. We each take turns leading the prayers. My four year old loves to lead the first Hail Mary and the last one too.
Over the last few weeks my husband has had to drive us to school. It was the children who invited him to pray with us. He is a covert to Catholicism and needed gentle help from the girls on saying the Hail Mary. He needed help only the first time in leading the prayer. Now, he looks forward to our morning prayers too. :)

Just wanted to share a tiny glimpse of our day. Hope you enjoyed reading. :)

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Begging to Pray the Rosary...

2010-03-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

I was going to begin this post with, "I have never experienced 9 and 10 year olds asking me... no, begging me to pray our daily decade of the Rosary quite like the enthusiastic children this year."
I am going to change my first sentence to:
I don't understand why, after all these years teaching, I am still surprised at how children respond to prayer. I should have learned by now. In fact, I should cease to be amazed because it happens every single year!
I can't though because it is just so amazing!
They begin reluctantly. Some of them do not know the prayers well. Some of them do not know the order of the prayers or what prayers to pray on each bead. Some do not want to participate or whisper the prayers when asked to lead.
And then it gradually begins to happen.
:)
They experience Jesus.
And it is our Blessed Mother's hand that leads them to Him.

They check our classroom schedule every morning and look for the 'Daily Decade'.
They watch me go to the prayer corner and reach for the (battery operated) candle. :)
They see me sit on the floor, cross-legged, and gently join me in respectful quietness.
They begin their petitions. Never for themselves. For grandmas and grandpas, aunts, uncles, neighbors, friends, Priests, teachers, principals, people in the news, children, babies and even an occasional request for a very loved family pet.
We begin with a mystery and continue into the decade.

My words cannot share with you the experience well enough.

This post did not end up where I planned it to go.
Hmmm.
I love to think back on each day and be able to smile. What a beautiful day!

Christ's Peace,
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

What a day!

2010-03-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

Actually, this entire week has been emotionally tiring and just plain difficult. The funeral for my dear friend's daughter was Monday evening.
On Tuesday the newspaper reported that charges were filed against the driver of her vehicle. (It was her boyfriend.)
He had been drinking.
My friend was amazingly strong and beautiful Monday evening. You could just tell she was resting in Christ's arms throughout the service. I pray that she continues to feel His Presence in the days, weeks, and years to come.

I have just been unbelievably tired all week. No energy.
It is not like me to just sit. At anytime.
All I have done for the last week is tear-up and want to sleep.
My patience is at an all time low. My anger has been evident.

I pray that my children and my students do not experience any of my impatience.
I have an amazing husband who has been loving, supportive and extremely patient with me this week. I am extremely grateful.
Prayer requests:
My niece who is recovering from breast cancer surgery. Just two days ago.
Rachel (her new treatment is not going too well)... today she was playing in a huge duck, duck, goose game with 4th and 5th graders and was smiling and laughing so beautifully. (Oh my... just thinking of such an awesome sight made me smile! Thank you for that blessing!)
My dear friend and her daughter and family. And for the man who was driving the
car.
My friend Annette and her nephew. He has been living with her for awhile and will now be slowing transitioning to life with his father again.

Peace and Blessings,
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Sadness and Loss...

2010-03-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

One of my dearest friends lost her daughter early Friday morning when the car she was a passenger in left the road, went into the ditch, and hit a tree. The doctor who was called to work on her is one of my student's father. He tried with all the effort that he had.
She was too severely hurt.
She died several hours later at the hospital.

Please... we believe in the Communion of Saints, so say a prayer for Becky and her family.
So much pain and suffering.

My beautiful Heavenly Father,
Welcome Becky with open arms and embrace her family.
Hold them closely, especially over the next few days.
Let them know that you are near, help them feel your gentle touch.
Breathe onto them strength,
The kind of strength that can only come from You in a time
such as this.
Extinguish their tears and anger with your all encompassing love.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, we trust in You.
Blessed Mother Mary, be our mother too.
Amen.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

St. John Vianney Prayer

2010-03-11T19:43:00.000-08:00

I love You, O my God,and my only desire is to love You until the last breath of my life. I love You, O my infinitely lovable God, and I would rather die loving You, than live without loving You. I love You, Lord and the only grace I ask is to love You eternally...My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love You, I want my heart to repeat it to You as often as I draw breath. Amen.

The photograph below is of our new Adoration Chapel at our Parish.

Do Whatever He Tells You!

2010-03-11T14:35:00.000-08:00

I had an interesting day today. Well, actually I had an interesting week. (even though it is only Thursday and Friday has yet to start) It was our Diocesan Regional Professional Development Day and all of the teachers in our Diocese were required to attend. One of my sessions was called, Discipleship: Mary as a Model. It was interesting, but nothing that I had not thought of or contemplated before.

However...
How good would you be to quickly answer someone making the comment that we (in general as Catholics) place too much emphasis on Mary and need to have our entire focus be on Jesus.

Contemplate that one. Yes, I know we have websites and books on apologetics to go to in times of need. I want you to contemplate how you would reply back to someone who would make that comment. You need to know.

I was asked today why I love Our Blessed Mother so much.
When you are caught off guard it is hard to get your brain working right.
I hope that my answer led this person to contemplate her relationship with Mary.

*********
On another note, yesterday we had Reconciliation for all the children in grades 2 through 5. At the last minute...(well, the day before) one of our Priests asked us to prepare the service. Our principal is new this year and had never been to one of our Reconciliation services so she wasn't comfortable with any planning. We called the other elementary school in our system and asked them to fax us their plans for a service. Our school secretary took those plans and revised them a bit and then gave them to me.
Yikes.
I used our Religion book to write some questions for the children for the Examination of Conscience.
Well, everything went okay. For the Examination of Conscience I asked everyone to kneel and never thought of our four Priests in the front pew who had to kneel on the hard marble floor. It was a humbling experience for my class to talk afterwards about how the Priests knelt and didn't complain... when sometimes my class complains of kneeling on a padded kneeler. (and I also mentioned how the children in my class also complain of kneeling straight up and down without their backsides doing a 'half-sit' on the pew).
I saw Fr. Doug at the High School girl's basketball game tonight and asked him if I did an 'okay' job with the service. His smile told me that everything went well...but then he also added that next year he would be able to give a bit more guidance.
:)
Had I known in advance that I would be leading the Church in a service I probably would not have slept at all the night before.
But...I didn't know in advance. (Thank you my Jesus)
And...everything went well. (Thank you sooooo much my Jesus)
Plus...I slept very, very well last night. :)

Peace and Blessings,
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

The Rosary

2010-03-07T17:18:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon this website:
www.comepraytherosary.org
You may choose to pray individually or with a Church in California. There are just a few audio issues, but I found it to be a wonderful site.

How is your Lent going? This morning, Father wanted to know if we were all still smiling. :)
Every year during this time I find myself missing my parents so much. I also mourn for the extended 'family times' that I remember so well from childhood. My aunts and uncles and my nieces and nephew and I were very close. My Ma welcomed everyone to our house. The picture above is of my parents...I'm guessing right around the time I was born or into the mid 60's.
Everyone's lives right now seem so busy and well... just plain full.
Maybe it is the adult side of me remembering my childhood.
Have a beautiful Sunday evening!
Please remember to pray for Rachel. Also please add Jean to your prayers. She found out last week that she is expecting another beautiful blessing!
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Catholics Come Home

2010-03-03T16:40:00.000-08:00

Have you seen any of the CCH commercials on TV? They are beautiful. It's such a simple concept... inviting people back to Church. Leading them back to Jesus. If you haven't seen the website yet it is:
www.catholicscomehome.org
Check it out. There is something for everyone on the site.
Busy night tonight so I don't have time to write.

Oh dear, It just slipped my mind...which is completely unbelievable because it has been on my mind for the entire day--
Please, once again pray for little Rachel. Right now she is in Florida enjoying her Make a Wish, but she is in need of prayers again. I will be able to say more in a later post but in the meantime...please pray! She has gone through so much this last year.
Thank you.
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

My Patron Saint for 2010

2010-02-27T19:14:00.000-08:00

The Blessed Mother is my patron Saint for 2010...I know, I have already written about how she chose me. :)
But... I have been thinking about the Visitation. Our beautiful Mother goes to Elizabeth to stay with her and help her.
Don't you think we all need more of what the Visitation is all about? Again our beautiful Mother teaches us by her example of simple love. Love for others. Love for Her Son. Love for God. Love for us!
Our world, 2010, is missing so much of that caring and selfless giving.
Our generation is missing so much love.
Just think of our children's and grandchildren's generations. Hopefully we work toward changing this real soon!

When I was a child, neighbors and neighborhoods were part of my extended family. I knew if a neighbor spotted me doing something I probably shouldn't be doing (didn't happen often :) my mom would hear about it... and I never wanted to disappoint or hurt my mom.
Now most people do not even know their neighbor's names. Hmmmm...this got me thinking a bit more than I had planned on thinking for 9:30 at night.

And what about friends? I mean real friends. Have you been following what our beautiful Blessed Mother so wonderfully taught us to do? How are your friend relationships going? How have you shown love for your friends lately? I mean that special woman to woman sisterly love.
Sisters in Christ.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Our Little Dog Charlie

2010-02-26T14:48:00.000-08:00

Well, I think our little black dog had a type of 'break down' yesterday. I think our usually noisy home is just too quiet when we are all gone during the day. He loves our children so much...
Yesterday we came home to find the upstairs hallway a mess!
He had ripped up a box filled with seashells that I had used for a book unit at school and had broken a lot of the shells. They were crunched up into little pieces on our hallway carpet.
He has never been destructive before, although he usually takes our shoes out of our hallway closet while we are gone and places them in different places around the house.

You can tell his anxiety rises when he sees us put our shoes on our feet. Poor little Charlie. I think we are going to try leaving a radio on for him on Monday. Maybe the silence is too much for him.
Anyone have any ideas for us? We can't put him in a doggy daycare. We have no extra funds for that idea.

On a different note, I went into my classroom this morning and looked at my white board in the front of the classroom. My students had left me a beautiful note. It said, "Mrs. __________, we love you!" They all signed the board.

Wonderful Jesus,--Thank you for placing me where you need me to be and blessing me with these beautiful children. Thank you for reminding me of my beautiful blessings. I never want to take them for granted.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Well, I'm home...

2010-02-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

Our fifth blessing has had a fever. This is the third full day. IB takes it down for six hours and then it goes back up again. So far none of the other children have it.

I'm making pork and baked beans for dinner. Oh...and bread. Bread machine bread (not my own ground wheat bread) but still home baked bread. My house smells just like my Ma's used to smell.
It's days like these when I am home and not working that I miss my parents the most.
Pray for Meri Claire Ma and Dad.
And me too. :)
Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Found it!

2010-02-10T16:52:00.001-08:00

I found the Lenten Cross activity! It is similar to a Jesse tree for Advent but the Lenten Cross follows the Messianic prophecies through the Old Testament and matches each with its fulfillment in the "Crucifixion narrative. The children enjoy listening to the Bible passage and then creating the illustration to go along with it.
It is from Domestic-Church.Com.
Check it out for your families. Last year I made ours out of posterboard and used 3x5 index cards for each day's illustration.
Email me if you have any thoughts or questions. I am going to do it both at home and in the classroom this Lent.
Check out the website too. It is loaded with great things.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Lenten Cross Activity

2010-02-02T15:43:00.000-08:00

I'm looking for a Lenten project idea that I did with my children in our home AND with my students in the classroom. I can't find my material!!!!
Can anyone help me??
I have searched the web and haven't found anything. It was a bit like a Jesse Tree for Advent except that the scripture passages led up to the Resurrection. I placed each scripture passage on an index card and all of the index cards were glued onto an outline of a cross which we hung on the wall.
It was an awesome project.
Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Please help me out if you have any ideas. I would really like to do this again with all of the children.
Thanks.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Catholic Schools Week

2010-01-30T16:15:00.001-08:00

Catholic Schools Week begins tomorrow and runs for the entire week! Please consider supporting your Catholic School and let's continue to shine Christ's beautiful light to the children so they can grow in their love for Him!

All for the Sacred and Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, all for the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, all in union with St. Joseph.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Heart of the Home with Six Kids

Nine-Days Novena to St. Joseph

Total Consecration

St. Louis de Montfort's Way:Total Consecration

Direction for Our Times

Urgent Prayers Needed

John Paul II - Totus Tuus

Merry Christmas Hazel

Classroom Advent Gift

Mr. R.

One last gift from Mr. R.

St. Joseph, Patron of Departing Souls

Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill

I Can Do All Things Through Christ who Gives Me Strength

Prayers Requested

Finding time for prayer...

May Feelings III

Pope writes: "Dear Friends, I just launched http://news.va"

Corpus Christi

Prayers for Baby James

Novena in Honor of the Holy Spirit

The End of the School Year... Once Again

Woman, Behold Your Son

Good Friday and the Beginning of the Divine Mercy Novena

Children's Church Envelopes

Litany of St. Joseph - Pray for our Priests

Urgent Prayers Needed for Fr. John Corapi

Lenten Cross Activity

God's Gentleness

St. Anthony of Padua

Bishop David Ricken Affirms Statement of Milwaukee Archbishop Listecki

The answer - Corrinne May

Spoon Saints Craft Project

A Family Snow Shoe Outing

Pray for Vocations - Pray for our Priests

An Unexpected Christmas Gift

Blizzard in Wisconsin

Kids Playing before the Blizzard

Just a beautiful Saturday morning...

Thank you!

Prayers requested...

Before you watch the videos...

Had to share... God's peace to you this Advent!

Please pray for our Priests

Prayers for a Priest

Catholic Schools Liturgy

Father Blahnik Ordination Retrospective

Father Jason

Jason Blahnik ordained for Green Bay Diocese

St. Therese of Lisieux Feast Day, Sacrifice Beads, and Saint Spoons...

A Future Priest?

School starts tomorrow!

What happened to our tomatoes this year?

Summer Chamber Music Recital

The Assumption of the Blessed Mother

Maybe I was wrong...

So... What do you think?

Prayers requested please...

County Fair

Prayer to Saint Peregrine

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Artificial Birth Control and a post of my thoughts...

St. Francis de Sales - Be at Peace

A Daily Prayer, Written by Blessed Mother Teresa

A Blog to consider...

Happy Father's Day... and from Rachel's Mom

Ancient Words

Sacred Heart of Jesus - Friday June 11, 2010

Prayers requested please...

Eucharistic Prayer Of St Thomas Aquinas

The Answer - Corrinne May

The Farewell

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Five Loaves and Two Fishes

Blessed Mother Mary...

Happy Mother's Day!

May Crowning Tomorrow!

First Communion for Meredith!

Oh Boy! The Youngest is a stinker!

Confirmation

St. Louis de Montfort's Way:
Total Consecration