Spiritual Challenge

I ran across a booklet from the church book sale awhile back.  Seeing a young picture of St. Therese on the front cover compelled me to purchase it, and now I am browsing through it smiling at the beautiful prayers and lovely ideas.

The booklet is called 40 Days of Preparation for My First Communion with St. Therese of the Child Jesus.  I thought it was too soon to do with Magdalene, but she has such a strong longing to receive our Lord in communion so I thought it would be a good idea to take the concept of the book and stretch it to forty weeks instead of forty days.  It would give some time to reflect on the prayers and ways to grow in virtue with her.  We may do it as a family and use the concept of the flowers as a way to track how many times we say the ejaculation that week.

It starts off with prayers to Jesus, to the Holy Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and your Guardian Angel.

Day One:  Scent of Roses

Remember to tell Jesus:  "My little Jesus, I love you."

I said this prayer ____ times.  (I thought it may be a good way to also teach tally marks when tracking how many prayers have been said.)

The first challenge is to resolve to think before you speak.  Resolve that, during today, you will not speak disagreeably to your parents.  If you're tempted to do so, just remain quiet.  It's always better to hold your tongue than to say something that you may regret later.   

Today I gathered ______ roses.  


I think spending a week on the prayer and challenge would allow even me the chance to really work on that area.  It would allow Magdalene or any of our children who want to say the prayer to learn a new way to speak to Jesus from their hearts.  Each day consists of a different flower, prayer, and challenge.

 I think we will take this journey when tias come to visit this summer so they can join in on this spiritual journey.   Looking forward to the summer!!

Christmas Gift

Tobias and I were playing mommy cougar and baby cougar just the other day after vising the zoo.  I smiled thinking that I really like being silly with him.  He's such a fun little boy.  It gives me time to give him extra "cougar" hugs.

Little Mena, who seems to be so big lately, was following directions so well from the family photography session.  I watched with attentive eyes wondering where did the time go.  I hugged her tighter.  

Sitting with Magdalene and reading to her from the new chapter book she received with the Josephina doll she checked from the library just seems so peaceful.  While I read to her, I like to hold her feet and think back to her baby toes and how much I adored seeing them.

Theodore clutching tight to me hoping I don't let him go.  I know that time is short.  So I hold on tighter and do a load of laundry while holding him.

There are questions that enter my mind.  How do I spend quality time with each child?  How do I give them what they deserve?  I think about this more than I would like to honestly.  

It all comes down to this simple fact. Where I fail, God supplies.  He supplies the virtue they need by helping them learn patience when Mommy can't do exactly what they want me to do at the exact moment they would like me to do it.  I have to remind myself that this is a good thing.  Patience is a wonderful virtue to acquire!  

He supplies the love they need by giving them true and deep friendship from brothers and sisters.  The love that would send a brother or sister getting on his or her knees praying for each other.  The love that would move mountains.  The love I share for my own sisters.  

God created a special friend for each of our children.  A guardian angel to help guide them along their journey in this life. How wonderful is that!  

Most importantly, He made His Mother....mother for all of us!  

I reflect upon the day and wonder, "Did I diligently show love to my family?  How did I show love to my Father in Heaven?"  

Many of you reading this entry should know the special news we shared this week.  

Once again, how can I show love to the Father who created me? 

 I diligently show love to the ones he has placed in my life....and the ones yet to come.  

Our newest little baby to love is a gift.  Jordan and our little family get to open our Christmas gift a little early this year!  Baby Jacobs,  God willing,  will be here in December of this year!   

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Flooring Fun and Lunch with the Men

Initial Photos of the Breezeway

New Flooring....Brother, Son, and Papa Time

The Moment Has Finally Arrived

Honestly, picking out a chandelier was kind of intimidating for me.  Jordan and I browsed and narrowed down what we liked.  I love the ones that are totally ridiculous complete with crystals and such, but I knew that it would not work for our home.  A girl can dream, right!  We decided on this one online, but then we finalized the decision once we purchased it in the store.

We are so grateful to our brother for doing the work and getting the chandelier ready.  Thank you!!!  I'm sure Jordan saw it coming after Holy Hour.  He is definitely the ever patient husband. "Jordan, do you mind if we stop by the house so I can see it?"  I didn't have to do too much convincing.  I think he was curious as well.

Wow, it's beautiful!  It fits the atmosphere of the home, and it emits so much light!!!  Jordan told me that Magdalene said in the van, "It's going to be so strange eating in a dining room...like Daniel Tiger."


It's hard to see the details of the chandelier so if you click on this link, it should take you to Menards' website.

Chandelier