Great Article!

This is a terrific article on modesty at mass! Click here to read it!!

h/t to Insidecatholic.com

Soap anyone?

In order to memorialize this very special occasion in our family, I need to mention here that Amelia got her first taste of SOAP today! She (and her sister) were being scolded for jumping on the couch while I was in the shower. However, after I put them both in time out and began to walk away, Amelia shouted something very nasty to her mother! As a result, she was introduced to a bar of Mr. Ivory Soap!

Is summer almost over?

Coincidence???? I think not!

A funny thing happened to me today. I'm pretty sure that God orchestrated it all. Every day I'm more and more convinced that He is interested in everything about us....in every detail! Consider this....

This morning, I woke up in what I would call an "off" mood. I was in no rush to get dressed for work. My usual hours are 8am to 430pm but I was dragging. By 7:48am, I still wasn't walking out the door! I was feeling a certain spiritual heaviness that I couldn't really put my finger on. Driving to work, I started counting the days weeks months since I'd been to confession. I'm embarrassed to say, but I haven't been since right before Nathan's First Communion (May 9th)!
So, I talked to God as I drove and went over all the things I could think of that I needed to confess. If I do this, I have an easier time remembering everything I need to remember when I finally do get into that confessional.

As I reflected, I realized that I'm always confessing the same thing. Pride is the root sin for me. Everything else comes from that. It's frustrating, really. I just can't seem to move past this issue. When I got to my desk, for some reason I started searching through my files for the Litany of Humility that I used to have taped to my computer so that I could read it daily. When our office moved last year....I never put it back up. For some reason, I felt like I had to find it RIGHT AWAY! It was lost forever so I printed off another one. Phew! After reading it (and praying it) a few times, I felt better. I must say though....it seems almost impossible to achieve any of those things unless you're living in a cloistered monastery....but I digress!
I finally got settled into my desk and thought I might catch the last of the EWTN mass. To my surprise, I was just in time for the homily!

Do you have any idea what the homily was about????? Do ya, do ya?????? Humility! Guess what Father read as part of his homily.......THE LITANY OF HUMILITY! Don't you think that's amazing? It's as though this homily was just for me!

Now, one would think after an experience like that, I would get.to.confession.quick!!! Well, I could have gone to another church across town at lunchtime, but, I chose to listen to a Rosary CD instead. I will go Sunday before mass.

There is one part of the Litany that has convicted me the most.......from the fear of being forgotten....deliver me, Jesus. I think there's a reason for that.

****Stay tuned for "Coincidence????? I think not! Part 2*******

More wonderful blogs....

My body can't keep up with my brain today! Does that ever happen to you? I have many posts rolling around in my head which may or may not ever get written. So, to pass the time, I have more of my favorite blogs to share with you! Since I love pictures in blog posts....feast your eyes on these:

1. Foodgawker I dare you to visit this blog when you're hungry!

2. Cake That! Unfortunately, the creator of these lovely cakes does not live in the U.S.

3. PLAYING WITH SUGAR Is there a better name for a blog than that?????

4. Butter and Sugar Ok...maybe the name of this blog is better!

5. Jenn Cuisine All I can say about this one is.....Mmmmmmmm.

6. CakeCentral Check out the children's birthday cakes!

7. The Sporadic Cook Yummy, yummy, yummy!

8. The Italian Dish This needs no introduction!

9. The Decorated Cookie Fun stuff!

10. Sweetopia Waaaay out of my league!!

Well...these should keep you busy for awhile! Enjoy!

It's About Time......

Vatican visitation for women religious. FINALLY!

Somebody, somewhere.....

.....thought this was necessary. Only in America. Sigh.....

One year ago today.....

.....my life was changed forever! Actually, it's hard to believe that it has been an entire year. It seems like just yesterday, everything was "normal".

Last June, I detected a very small, bb sized lump on my right breast....near the surface of my skin. I was convinced that it was cancer. I can't explain the feeling....except I just knew that there was something wrong. I was scheduled for a mammogram within the week. The mammogram showed nothing...even with magnification and coned down compression views. There just wasn't anything there! I was so relieved. As a precaution, they did an ultrasound and found that the little tiny lump that I felt was something called a sebaceous cyst. Phew!

The drive home that day was incredible! I am sure that the women out there reading this who have experienced a clean bill of health after a mammogram, know exactly how that feels! It's like you've been given a stay of execution...a reprieve from something dreaded. I was free of worrying about breast cancer for another year!

I guess I had been home for all of 20 minutes, when I received a call from the hospital. I knew right away that my proverbial "ball had dropped". It was the radiologist that had read my films. She introduced herself and apologized for her call which she was sure had scared me (Umm, yeah!). However, after reviewing my films for a second time with a magnifying glass, she noticed an area of microcalcifications on my left breast that needed a second look. I went back in right away. We had extra films done as well as another ultrasound. She couldn't be sure without a biopsy but she said it was likely very early DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ). While a diagnosis of cancer is never a good thing, the radiologist said that DCIS is basically pre cancer and is almost always 100% curable.

The next day I had something called a stereotactic biopsy. The pathology results from this test showed that instead of the DCIS...I had IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma). This meant that the cancer was not contained inside the milk duct but had begun to leak out into other areas of my breast. Not exactly the news that I was hoping for.

I went on to have a Fine-Needle Biopsy, MRI of both breasts (this was BRUTAL), and Modified Radical Mastectomy of the left breast. They removed 37 lymph nodes and ALL were negative for cancer! I walked around with 2 drains sutured to my side for almost two weeks. They required draining every few hours. It was miserable. After I had recovered from surgery, I had an abdomen/pelvis Cat Scan, Bone Scan and MUGA Scan all to get baseline information before beginning Chemotherapy. I began chemo on September 25 and my last treatment was on December 1st. I had 4 rounds of Cytoxan and Taxotere every 21 days as well as 4 shots of Neulasta (the day after chemo) to help boost my white blood cells.

I lost all my hair (and I do mean ALL). But, it has since grown back and is extremely curly! The inside of my mouth still feels as though it has been burned and I have some neuropathy in my hands and feet. These things may or may not get any better. Only time will tell.

In February, I had a total hysterectomy. Basically, it was precautionary because of the hormone therapy that is part of my cancer treatment.

Needless to say, this has been a very hard year for me. However, I have also witnessed the love of God in ways I never thought possible. There really are people on this earth that are the hands and feet of God! I could never repay the kindnesses shown to me and my family! Most important to me have been the prayers, masses and sacrifices offered for me. Simply amazing.

I think I have gone through all the phases of dealing with a potential terminal illness. I've been angry, scared, irritable, accusatory and indifferent. I have been happy, sad, depressed and anxious. I have been thankful, pissed off and at my wits end! And many, many times I have been peaceful! Sometimes it seems as though I am having an out of body experience. Like...this really isn't happening to me. Sometimes it seems like it is all a bad dream. Oh, how I wish it was. I look at my kids and my husband and wonder...why me? And then, I look again and I am just thankful that I've been given the gift of this family at all. I am so blessed.

Through this cancer journey I have met so many people. I call them angels from God. These are people that I never would have met had it not been for cancer. For this reason, I am grateful for this disease. It has allowed me a perspective that I would not have had otherwise. It has allowed me to see my life through a different pair of eyes. None of us know the exact moment when the Lord will call us home. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1007 states:

Death is the end of earthly life. Our lives are measured by time, in the course of which we change, grow old and, as with all living beings on earth, death seems like the normal end of life. That aspect of death lends urgency to our lives: remembering our mortality helps us realize that we have only a limited time in which to bring our lives to fulfillment:

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth,....before the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. (Eccl 12:1,7)

As I sit here and mull over all that I have experienced and learned over the course of this year, I am reminded that I have an appointment for a mammogram (for the right side) on July 21st and if all goes well with that, then I will be scheduled for a PET Scan in December. All of this will tell me if the cancer has returned or metastasized somewhere else.

So, this is my life now. This is how I will live until God takes me home. I will live out my vocation as a mom of 3 gorgeous gifts and wife to the best man in the entire world! I will live each day as it comes. I will worry at least once a year when I have to be reminded of this awful disease. And then, I will forget.....I will be normal.....until next year.

St. Maria Goretti

When Dan and I were in Rome for our 10th anniversary in 2007, we were able to visit the incorrupt body of St. Maria Goretti. Fr. Steve drove us to Anzio/Nettuno for the day and this is where her remains are resting. I must tell you that it was incredible. She is beautiful! If you do not know the story of St. Maria Goretti, please take the time to read about her incredible life (and death).

This is where Maria's remains are exposed...Our Lady of Mercy in Nettuno, Italy. There was a mass going on in the church at the time so we chose not to take any pictures inside...out of respect. However, there are lots of pictures on line where you can see her incorrupt body.

Oh Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God's grace, did not hesitate even at the age of twelve to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity, look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation. Teach us all, and especially youth,with what courage and promptitude we should flee for the love of Jesus anything that could offend Him or stain our souls with sin. Obtain for us from our Lord victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we earnestly beg of thee (here insert intention), and may we one day enjoy with thee the imperishable glory of Heaven. Amen.

Holy Card courtesy of Holy Cards For Your Inspiration

Here's a question for you....

Are you really Catholic? This is an awesome article from www.catholic.org. Please take a few minutes to read this (click here)....meanwhile....I'll be enlarging it about 1,000 times and putting it on a billboard in my front yard!

Our Lady of the America's, Pray for us.

Oh Immaculate Mother, Queen of our country, open our hearts, our homes, and our land to the coming of Jesus, your Divine Son. With Him, reign over us, O heavenly Lady, so pure and so bright with the radiance of Gods light shining in and about you. Be our leader against the powers of evil set upon wresting the world of souls, redeemed at such a great cost by the sufferings of your Son and of yourself, in union with Him, from that same Savior, Who loves us with infinite charity.
We gather about you, O chaste and holy Mother, Virgin Immaculate, Patroness of our beloved Land, determined to fight under your banner of holy purity against the wickedness that would make all the world an abyss of evil, without God and without your loving maternal care.
We consecrate our hearts, our homes, our Land to your Most Pure Heart, O great Queen, that the kingdom of your Son, our Redeemer and our God, may be firmly established in us.
We ask no special sign of you, sweet Mother, for we believe in your great love for us, and we place in you our entire confidence. We promise to honor you by faith, love, and the purity of our lives according to your desire.
Reign over us, then, O Virgin Immaculate, with your Son Jesus Christ. May His Divine Heart and your most chaste Heart be ever enthroned and glorified among us. Use us, your children of America, as your instruments of peace among men and nations. Work your miracle of grace in us, so that we may be a glory to the Blessed Trinity, Who created, redeemed, and sanctifies us.
May your valiant spouse, St. Joseph, with the holy Angels and Saints, assist you and us in "renewing the face of the earth." Then when our work is over, come, Holy Immaculate Mother, and as our Victorious Queen, lead us to the eternal kingdom, where your Son reigns forever as King.
Amen

I'm a gonner!!

I guess the oncologist and I will not get to discuss treatment options and decide what to do...if and when my cancer returns. But, thank goodness President Obama will have it all figured out for me and the decision will already be made. Phew!

(h/t to JillStanek.com)

Hearts for Home

At Cherished Hearts for Home, Gae writes:

In today’s busy and aggressive society mothers at home are not given much encouragement to be committed to their role in being home. In my weekly 'Hearts for Home' post I am encouraging myself and others to commit to thinking about what 4-6 things we can do each week to bring our thoughts, prayers and actions to keeping our 'Hearts for Home'. I am praying that a spirit of gentleness, generosity in thoughts and time along with loveliness and grace would lead us to be all that God wants us to be. I pray also that each person involved in 'Hearts for Home' would also pray for any others involved as well. May you be blessed by this initiative. I pray it brings you and your family many blessings.

So each week list 4-6 things you will commit to that will keep your "Hearts for Home'. Please leave your name and a link to your blog (if you don't have one just leave your list in the comment box) and perhaps a comment so we can all see and encourage each other. If you would like, add the 'Hearts for Home' logo to your side bar as a reminder of your goals.God Bless you this week.

So, here are mine for this week...

1. I commit to turning off the t.v. in order to interact with my children more.

2. I commit to making a genuine effort to get up earlier so that I can spend that time in personal prayer.

3. I commit to some kind of exercise everyday so as to treat the "temple" that my soul lives in just a little bit healthier..

4. I commit to reading my Magnificat every day.

5. I commit to examining my conscience and going to confession this week.

What's for dinner?

Crock pot Pizza Soup! I may have blogged about this before, but, it's worth mentioning it again! This is one of our family's favorite meals! Even the kids have more than one helping! Personally, I LOVE the crock pot! I'm starting to use it more and more because of the time it saves. The recipe for this Pizza Soup is below.....Enjoy!

***One more thing....visit Stephanie's A year of Slow Cooking Blog for tons of wonderful recipes for the crock pot! She also has a brand new cookbook coming out!

Crock pot Pizza Soup

1-1/4 cups sliced mushrooms

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 cups water

1 can (18 ounces) pizza sauce

1 cup chopped pepperoni

1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes or 1 can stewed tomatoes

1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, out of casing and crumbled

1/4 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, parsley, basil)

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

shredded Mozzarella cheese

In large saucepan, saute onions and mushrooms in olive oil 2-3 minutes or until tender. Add everything to the crock pot except the cheese. Simmer on LOW 6-8 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours. Before serving, add Parmesan cheese and stir in. Garnish with mozzarella.

****I usually double the recipe so we have leftovers and I also add more meat to make it heartier. Serve it with garlic bread/toast. You could also add any other ingredients that you like on your pizza (bell peppers, olives etc......)

Recommended New Blogs

One of my favorite bloggers, Esther, did a "recommended new blogs" post a few days ago. I LOVED it!! I love visiting new blogs because it introduces you to new people, places and things!
Blessings abound when you see that the world is full of others....just like you who have happiness, joys, struggles and sorrow. It reminds me that God's love is limitless and His blessings are all around me!

Anyway....when you visit a new blog for the first time....you are often led to other blogs...that leads to other blogs...and so on and so on and so on!

I thought I would share a few that I've been keeping all to myself!

The Organized Home

The Urban Homemaker (If you do nothing else at this site....please look at the catalog!)

Catholic Modesty

Montessori Mom (Some of the best ideas I've seen!)

Raising Godly Tomatoes

Donna Young (Oh my....lots of homeschool planning stuff!!!)

The Home School Mom (Lots of homeschool stuff....by state!)

Preschoolers and Peace

The Vintage Attic (Lovely blog hosted by some homeschooled girls)

Sarah's Daughter (I've followed this blog for a couple of years now....lovely...especially if you like to sew! I can barely sew a button....but I can dream, can't I???)

I've decided that as I come across blogs or websites that I like....I will share them with you.

Enjoy these and have a wonderfully blessed weekend!!

Guess what came to visit us this afternoon?????

A little scary!!

Bizarre and sad week in Hollywood!

R. I. P.

Honest-Scrap

Guess what?? I have been honored with this "Honest-Scrap" award from Judy at Benmakesten!

Let me just say from the get-go that Judy has one of the greatest blogs I've ever visited! Seriously! You could spend all day there and never get bored! She recently included me in a weekly feature called Daily Blessings Weekly Interviews! The questions were a lot of fun to answer but also very challenging! Please take a few minutes to stop by her place and visit!

Now...to keep this award, I must do the following: 1) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award. (Hence, see the beginning of this post) 2) Share "ten honest things" about myself. 3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me. 4) Tell those 7 people that they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving it :)

Ok...so...number one was taken care of at the start. Number two is to share ten things about myself:

1. I hate to fly! You know...the "need a drink before I even get on the plane" kind!

2. I really, really like my kids! They are so unique and such specials gifts!

3. I procrastinate a lot and have many unfinished projects in my house (and my mind).

4. One of the biggest regrets I have in life is not learning to speak Italian so that I could communicate better with relatives.

5. I have a tendency toward anxiety/panic attacks....since I was a little girl.

6. I almost never finish a a Novena prayer that I start (see #3).

7. I am a FOXNEWS addict!

8. I love to cook but at ages 8, 5 & 3, my kids aren't very adventurous about trying new things and so I stick to about 4 main items that I cook over, and over, and over, and over, and over....etc.....

9. Sometimes I wish I had been born in a different time....late 1800's....early 1900's....or even in the 1950's. I long for a simpler time when things were black and white and all this gray area that has been caused by political correctness didn't exist.

10. My parents are deceased (1982 & 2006) and I miss them both terribly!

Now, I would like to bestow this award to the following people/blogs!

1. Elizabeth at Turtle Cottage

2. Therese at Musings of a Mom

3. Sarah at Ora et Labora - Journey of Truth

4. Therese at Aussie Coffee Shop

5. Michelle at Mama in High Heels

6. Chris at Burning the Candle at Both Ends

7. Carrie at Quite the Normal Life

Now, I could go on and on with more than 7....but today...I feel like following the rules! Please enjoy all of these blogs....these are true women of God and I know you will be blessed.

Sunday Fun

I thought I would share some random shots from our day today....

We ran across a slip-n-slide in the garage today! I'm not sure where we got it (or when) but it sure was an answer to prayer today. It was well into the 100's when these pictures were taken.

The girls are always ready to pose.......they're just two big hams!!

Last year sometime, I received some of these flower seeds as a gift. I don't have a green thumb, but, I scattered them around the yard to see what would happen. Nothing happened last year....but look what showed up this spring! Aren't they gorgeous!

Aren't these so pretty?

For Mother's Day, Dan bought me one of those "upside down" tomato plant thingys that the advertise on tv. To tell you the truth, I wasn't sure it would work....but look!!! My first cherry tomatoes of the season. I can't wait until I can pop one of those suckers right in my mouth!!

This is also a picture of our first pecans of the season! We have two beautiful trees that give us lots of pecans....at least until the squirrels get to them!

This is our outdoor cross. Our Lord watches over our kids as they play. We also use it for our outdoor Stations of the Cross during Lent.

It was so hot this afternoon that these flowers were wilting. I think it made our Blessed Mother sad to see them shriveling up!

Dan and the kids brought this home to me one day when I was under the weather. I think they are petunias. Anyway....just when I think they're going to die...they perk back up! I love flowers!

This is the bumper sticker on our car. I love making a statement when we drive around!

Thanks for stopping by!! Oh, and Nathan is feeling better! He tried to play in the water with the girls...but he just wasn't up to it. He's been on the couch all day! I guess Star Wars: The Clone Wars is a good remedy for the stomach flu!

Dear Stomach Flu.....

I realize that you think you're hot stuff by lurking in this house for days on end and infecting my children one by one. It was really rude to make Dan hold the bucket for Nathan...on Father's Day no less! But, I've got your number! I'm armed with more Lysol and anti bacterial soap than you can handle. You will NOT rule this house! After all, I have a sign that says "No Soliciting" on my door! Move along now!

Sincerely,

The Widener Family who has had ENOUGH!

Too Hot!

It's 9:59pm and still 93 degrees. I have the A/C down and the ceiling fans on! Tomorrow is to be more of the same. Can anybody tell that summer has arrived?