I can't remember where I saw it, but it was on some web page. There was a poll being conducted about the Church's Corporal Works of Mercy. The question was something along the lines of this:
Which corporal work of mercy do you do most often?
Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Clothe the naked
Shelter the homeless
Visit the sick
Visit those in prison
Bury the dead
I glanced at the list and initially thought to myself, "Gee, my husband and I don't do any of those things like we should." I didn't answer the poll; I just thought about how I needed to make time for more spiritual commitments in my life. But upon further reflection and after reading an excerpt out of the book, "Life-Giving Love" written by Kimberly Hahn I realized that maybe my husband and I WERE participating in the corporal works of mercy more than I thought.....a mother/father's corporal work of mercy:
I was...
hungry: We made a great bbq chicken dinner for the kids, made a batch of chocolate chip cookies for the neighbor kids playing outside.
thirsty: Made sure that the boys had plenty of water for their baseball practices; and lemonade after playing outside with friends
naked: We dressed the kids in their play clothes today, did a couple of loads of laundry so their clothes were clean and fresh smelling; wrapped those naked bodies in a fresh towel after their bath...oooh they smell so good!
a stranger: I am welcoming a new child into my womb; preparing the baby room; we are planning for his/her arrival
in prison: I encouraged a friend who is going through many emotional changes in her life and family; she just needed someone to listen.
Sometimes we moms and dads get bogged down with mundane tasks that make us feel as if we are not doing enough for God, but there are seasons of life for everything, and right now...a path to holiness with God lies not within how much we are doing for others, but how much we are doing for our children, our spouse, and the "stranger" who is about to knock on our door in September.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Friday, April 28, 2006
RECALL NOTICE....
A funny start to your morning sent by a friend:
Regardless of Make, Model, Year, or Tithe Amount, all units known as "human beings" are being recalled by the Manufacturer. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units named "Adam" and "Eve", resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect is technically called "Serious Internal Non-morality," more commonly known as "SIN." Symptoms of the SIN defect include, but are not limited to: Lack of peace and joy, Loss of direction, Foul vocal emissions, Depression, Selfishness, Ingratitude, Fearfulness, Jealousy, Rebellion.
The Manufacturer is providing factory authorized repair service FREE of charge to correct the SIN defect. The Master Repair Technician, Jesus Christ, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. The toll free number to call for immediate repair in all areas is 1-800-SACRAMENTS.
Once connected, please upload burden of SIN through REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download FORGIVENESS from Repair Technician, Jesus Christ, into the SOUL component of the human unit. No matter how big or small the SIN defect, Jesus will replace it, at no extra charge, with: Love, Peace, Joy, Goodness, Kindness, Faithfulness.
Please see the Operating Manual, "BIBLE" (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth), for further details on using these fixes and enhancing overall performance. As an added upgrade, the Manufacturer has made available to all human units a direct monitoring and assistance hotline, called PRAYER, from the oncall Help Desk, THE HOLY SPIRIT, available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
WARNING:
Continuing to operate a human unit without these corrections voids the Manufacturer's Warranty and exposes the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and may ultimately result in the self destruction of the human unit.
Thank you for your immediate attention. Please assist the Manufacturer by notifying other human units of this most important recall notice.
Regardless of Make, Model, Year, or Tithe Amount, all units known as "human beings" are being recalled by the Manufacturer. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units named "Adam" and "Eve", resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect is technically called "Serious Internal Non-morality," more commonly known as "SIN." Symptoms of the SIN defect include, but are not limited to: Lack of peace and joy, Loss of direction, Foul vocal emissions, Depression, Selfishness, Ingratitude, Fearfulness, Jealousy, Rebellion.
The Manufacturer is providing factory authorized repair service FREE of charge to correct the SIN defect. The Master Repair Technician, Jesus Christ, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. The toll free number to call for immediate repair in all areas is 1-800-SACRAMENTS.
Once connected, please upload burden of SIN through REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download FORGIVENESS from Repair Technician, Jesus Christ, into the SOUL component of the human unit. No matter how big or small the SIN defect, Jesus will replace it, at no extra charge, with: Love, Peace, Joy, Goodness, Kindness, Faithfulness.
Please see the Operating Manual, "BIBLE" (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth), for further details on using these fixes and enhancing overall performance. As an added upgrade, the Manufacturer has made available to all human units a direct monitoring and assistance hotline, called PRAYER, from the oncall Help Desk, THE HOLY SPIRIT, available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
WARNING:
Continuing to operate a human unit without these corrections voids the Manufacturer's Warranty and exposes the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and may ultimately result in the self destruction of the human unit.
Thank you for your immediate attention. Please assist the Manufacturer by notifying other human units of this most important recall notice.
Beautiful moments of success...
When my firstborn child was a toddler/pre-schooler, I would regularly visit the local library with her and check out at least 20 children's books. Most every night I would read a huge stack of books so often that we even memorized words to some of the books. Those were the days! Today, with four crying out loud, I'm lucky to get to the library once a month...and even then...the books the kids check out somehow get scattered in the car, in bedrooms, in various bookshelves or beds where I have a hard time locating them if ever I have time to READ them aloud. But you know, just when I start to get those, "You are not an attentive enough mom" or " You don't read enough to your kids" voices in my head; God appears. He appears in subtle ways that one would not expect, but He speaks volumes!
As parents we think we must be the only ones teaching our children the love of reading, writing, etc. and certainly this is true in the early stages. But what a beautiful thing when the fruit of that early formation results of one or more of your children doing the same for his/her siblings! It's the ultimate goal if you think about it....with all things..from passing on the faith, to reading to others, to giving to the poor to sharing special things. When your children reach the point of "doing for others selflessly" .... that, in itself can be considered successful parenting! My kids practice this stuff on each other all the time! At times the outcome is positive and at other times they end up being selfish. Today, my heart filled with pride as I watched Nick offer to read a book Jack brought home from the school library. His younger brothers were riveted to every word, and so was Nick.
I had to take a picture of the moment.....
Here is what Nick read to his brothers.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
This one's for the girls!
Here's to Rebecca's softball team. The season is over with a record of zero wins, two forfeits, and 100% heart! Let's hear it for the girls!!
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Heart Ache
It's been five years since my pregnancy with Gus, and it's amazing how much I had forgotten about pregnancy after such a short period of time. For example, I forgot how bad he morning sickness (or in my case, the afternoon and night sickness) could be, the poking and prodding done by doctors, the slower pace of my walking, the everyday smells that turn your stomach the weird cravings of odd types of food (I've been craving orange juice! I NEVER drink orange juice) and on and on. Last night, I was reminded of yet another pregnancy symptom that I had long forgotten about: heartburn.
The last few weeks of my pregnancy, I've been feeling more myself; more normal but at the same time I get hunger pangs all the time. Last night, my dinner consisted of roasted turkey, pasta, salad with a sprinkle of basalmic vinegar and water. "Oh what joy!" I thought to my starving self when I arrived home after a long day of driving kids to and fro "time for dinner!" I was eager to eat last night, and piled my plate with my leftover delicacies! When I sat down to eat with my daughter, Rebecca (the boys were at a baseball game) I. Was. Hungry. I didn't care what I ate, I didn't care who it was with, I didn't care where I was, I just wanted to EAT. Unfortunately, in my eagerness for food I ate too much, too quickly but still was satisfied all the same. But only for awhile.....
Then the feeling struck...that feeling I had not felt in a long time. It was a burning sensation starting in my chest and moving up to my throat. "No problem" I thought to myself. "I'll just pop a few Tums and I'll be just fine." So I did, but things were not so fine. I went to bed at about 11:00pm but not one hour later the pain woke me so I ate 2 more Tums. I waited for the Tums to take effect, added a few more pillows to my bed for elevation, and went back to bed. Again, I woke an hour later with that familiar pain, took 2 more Tums and decided to sleep upright. I drug my comforter to the rocking chair in my room and tried to make myself comfortable. "Please God, I just need some sleep!" I prayed. God did not hear my prayer, the pain continued so I had to resort to two tablespoons of Pepto-Bismol. Now THAT helped and I was able to sleep for another hour, but awoke at 4 am with more discomfort. More Tums, more pillows, another visit with the rocking chair, then the bed, then more Tums. Finally at 6am I fell asleep for good. Until the alarm rang at 6:30am. I pulled myself out of the bed to make lunches, and get kids dressed, drive carpool, and run work errands. All day today, that haunting heartburn feeling stayed with me.
I learned my lesson at breakfast and lunch to eat smaller portions, and eat more slowly. Dinner consisted of home-made tacos, salad and corn. This evening, when I returned home from taking Jack and Gus to swim lessons, I. Was. Hungry. (again) I ate a soft taco and corn....and then another taco. As I sit here and write, I'm wondering if I'll have yet another "episode" of heartburn tonight. Hope not...I 'I'll let you know in the morning!
The last few weeks of my pregnancy, I've been feeling more myself; more normal but at the same time I get hunger pangs all the time. Last night, my dinner consisted of roasted turkey, pasta, salad with a sprinkle of basalmic vinegar and water. "Oh what joy!" I thought to my starving self when I arrived home after a long day of driving kids to and fro "time for dinner!" I was eager to eat last night, and piled my plate with my leftover delicacies! When I sat down to eat with my daughter, Rebecca (the boys were at a baseball game) I. Was. Hungry. I didn't care what I ate, I didn't care who it was with, I didn't care where I was, I just wanted to EAT. Unfortunately, in my eagerness for food I ate too much, too quickly but still was satisfied all the same. But only for awhile.....
Then the feeling struck...that feeling I had not felt in a long time. It was a burning sensation starting in my chest and moving up to my throat. "No problem" I thought to myself. "I'll just pop a few Tums and I'll be just fine." So I did, but things were not so fine. I went to bed at about 11:00pm but not one hour later the pain woke me so I ate 2 more Tums. I waited for the Tums to take effect, added a few more pillows to my bed for elevation, and went back to bed. Again, I woke an hour later with that familiar pain, took 2 more Tums and decided to sleep upright. I drug my comforter to the rocking chair in my room and tried to make myself comfortable. "Please God, I just need some sleep!" I prayed. God did not hear my prayer, the pain continued so I had to resort to two tablespoons of Pepto-Bismol. Now THAT helped and I was able to sleep for another hour, but awoke at 4 am with more discomfort. More Tums, more pillows, another visit with the rocking chair, then the bed, then more Tums. Finally at 6am I fell asleep for good. Until the alarm rang at 6:30am. I pulled myself out of the bed to make lunches, and get kids dressed, drive carpool, and run work errands. All day today, that haunting heartburn feeling stayed with me.
I learned my lesson at breakfast and lunch to eat smaller portions, and eat more slowly. Dinner consisted of home-made tacos, salad and corn. This evening, when I returned home from taking Jack and Gus to swim lessons, I. Was. Hungry. (again) I ate a soft taco and corn....and then another taco. As I sit here and write, I'm wondering if I'll have yet another "episode" of heartburn tonight. Hope not...I 'I'll let you know in the morning!
Cooking Never Tasted So Good
Jack and Gus are eager to help in the kitchen, especially when they know they'll be helping with the creation of something sweet!
But what they really desire is the leftover batter on the beaters. Here I caught them in the act of licking.....
Gus: Mom, don't you need to make more cake? We can help you!
But what they really desire is the leftover batter on the beaters. Here I caught them in the act of licking.....
Gus: Mom, don't you need to make more cake? We can help you!
Monday, April 24, 2006
Some resources for you....
As you all may recall, I attended the Catholic Religious Education Congress in California a few weeks ago and promised to relay some of the resources I found that may be helpful to everyday lay Catholics who are looking for something interesting to read. Here are some of the books I’ve picked up...but have not read yet. They patiently sit on my coffee table for when I have time to read. Disclaimer: I am not a theologian in any sense of the word (shocking, I know) or a learned scholar on church topics or issues..I am recommending these books mostly from the point of view of a (1) mom who desires to learn more about the Catholic faith, (2) religious educator always looking for new and practical resources to pass on to families and youth, and (3) person simply trying to gain daily inspiration. I hope some of these books interest you, and if so...let me know what you think. I’ll include a title, author and a short description of the item.
1. A Mother’s Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul
“Motherhood and homeschooling had overwhelmed her. The house was dirty, the laundry undone. Holly felt frustrated , discouraged, and alone. She couldn’t find time to snuggle and have fun with her five children or to go our with her husband. Yes, she loved Philip and she loved God, but she had come to resent Philip’s freedom and she almost never found time for prayer.”
2. 101 Questions & Answers on Vatican II: Maureen Sullivan, OP
(BTW: I love this author so much that I want to BE her. I’ve listened to her speak on two separate occasions and have found her to be smart, fair, funny, logical, practical, physically and inwardly gorgeous, and honest. To top it all, she’s a nun...)
“For people who have heard of Vatican II but have only experienced the Council through a glass darkly, this book answers the basic question: “Just what was Vatican II?”
3. The Death of Innocents, An Eyewitness Account of Wrongful Executions: Sister Helen Prejean
“From the author of the national bestseller “Dead Man Walking” comes a brave and fiercely argued new book that tests the moral edge of the debate on capital punishment. What if we’re executing innocent men? “ Two cases in point are examined closely.
4. The How-To Book of the Bible: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You-Karl A. Shultz
“Perhaps you know very little about the Bible...or enoughto realize there’s so much more to discover! maybe your previous attempts to read the Bible have not been fruitful, and you don’t get much out of the readings at Mass. You observe the role the Bible plays in the lives of others and feel that you're missing something.”
5.Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church ( hot off the presses)
A shorter, easier to read summary of the very popular reference book, “The Catechism of the Catholic Church”. I recommend to all youth ministry parents that they have.... at the very least ....a Catechism in their home bookshelves and a good Catholic Study Bible. When children get older, they start asking the “hard” questions. Parents need to be ready when these questions arise and frequently refer to the Catechism for answers. The compendium makes things easier to find or look up.
6. Sacred Necessities : Gifts for Living with Passion, Purpose and Grace-Terry Hershey
A short book on finding the sacred in our lives.
7. Be With Us Today: Music by Michael John Poirtier
I heard this man sing during a contemplative Mass at the Religious Education Congress and his voice, lyrics and gentle manner stirred my soul to the point that I had to run to the bathroom to grab Kleenex tissues. His music is gentle and prayerful...sometimes with only a guitar and violin. It’s the lyrics that he writes that helps the listener grow ever deeper in prayer with Jesus...in a contemplative way. He has many, many CD’s, but his current release has, in my opinion, some of his best songs. My personal favorites: I will renew your heart, and All will be well.
1. A Mother’s Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul
“Motherhood and homeschooling had overwhelmed her. The house was dirty, the laundry undone. Holly felt frustrated , discouraged, and alone. She couldn’t find time to snuggle and have fun with her five children or to go our with her husband. Yes, she loved Philip and she loved God, but she had come to resent Philip’s freedom and she almost never found time for prayer.”
2. 101 Questions & Answers on Vatican II: Maureen Sullivan, OP
(BTW: I love this author so much that I want to BE her. I’ve listened to her speak on two separate occasions and have found her to be smart, fair, funny, logical, practical, physically and inwardly gorgeous, and honest. To top it all, she’s a nun...)
“For people who have heard of Vatican II but have only experienced the Council through a glass darkly, this book answers the basic question: “Just what was Vatican II?”
3. The Death of Innocents, An Eyewitness Account of Wrongful Executions: Sister Helen Prejean
“From the author of the national bestseller “Dead Man Walking” comes a brave and fiercely argued new book that tests the moral edge of the debate on capital punishment. What if we’re executing innocent men? “ Two cases in point are examined closely.
4. The How-To Book of the Bible: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You-Karl A. Shultz
“Perhaps you know very little about the Bible...or enoughto realize there’s so much more to discover! maybe your previous attempts to read the Bible have not been fruitful, and you don’t get much out of the readings at Mass. You observe the role the Bible plays in the lives of others and feel that you're missing something.”
5.Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church ( hot off the presses)
A shorter, easier to read summary of the very popular reference book, “The Catechism of the Catholic Church”. I recommend to all youth ministry parents that they have.... at the very least ....a Catechism in their home bookshelves and a good Catholic Study Bible. When children get older, they start asking the “hard” questions. Parents need to be ready when these questions arise and frequently refer to the Catechism for answers. The compendium makes things easier to find or look up.
6. Sacred Necessities : Gifts for Living with Passion, Purpose and Grace-Terry Hershey
A short book on finding the sacred in our lives.
7. Be With Us Today: Music by Michael John Poirtier
I heard this man sing during a contemplative Mass at the Religious Education Congress and his voice, lyrics and gentle manner stirred my soul to the point that I had to run to the bathroom to grab Kleenex tissues. His music is gentle and prayerful...sometimes with only a guitar and violin. It’s the lyrics that he writes that helps the listener grow ever deeper in prayer with Jesus...in a contemplative way. He has many, many CD’s, but his current release has, in my opinion, some of his best songs. My personal favorites: I will renew your heart, and All will be well.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Yes, it's true.
The word is getting around that we're expecting a 5th child. I'm always amused at people's reactions when they find out. I promised myself that I would write some of these reactions down, so this is the theme of today's post. To be accurate, the vast majority of people are sincerely happy for us, but every now and then I get the stunned, crazed look that's accompanied by a silly question or phrase. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Are you crazy? (my personal favorite)
2. Well, if you are happy, then I am happy
3. So... how do you feel about that?
4. Was it planned?
5. Oh. Did you know our donkey is pregnant too?
6. Could you repeat that?
7. I'm glad it's you and not me
8. How old are you?
9. Does your husband know?
10. Haven't you figured out what causes that yet?
1. Are you crazy? (my personal favorite)
2. Well, if you are happy, then I am happy
3. So... how do you feel about that?
4. Was it planned?
5. Oh. Did you know our donkey is pregnant too?
6. Could you repeat that?
7. I'm glad it's you and not me
8. How old are you?
9. Does your husband know?
10. Haven't you figured out what causes that yet?
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Mr. Big
Nick was 30 minutes late coming home for dinner from a friends house yesterday.
Me: Nick, what took you so long to get home?
Nick: (He's 9) We were just working out.
Me: (hiding my amusement) Really? Like with exercise equipment?
Nick: Yeah, Jake has a really cool new exercise room with all kinds of weight lifting equipment; so we thought we would work out.
Me: Oh. Are you going to show me your muscles? Nick lifts his sleeve and flexes his muscle. Jack and Gus were equally impressed with their older brother's "buffness".
Nick confidently announces to everyone at the dinner table: You think I'm strong...you should see Jake...He has an 8 pack.
Me: Ohhhhhh, an 8 pack. That is HARD to do! Impressive!
Boys.
Me: Nick, what took you so long to get home?
Nick: (He's 9) We were just working out.
Me: (hiding my amusement) Really? Like with exercise equipment?
Nick: Yeah, Jake has a really cool new exercise room with all kinds of weight lifting equipment; so we thought we would work out.
Me: Oh. Are you going to show me your muscles? Nick lifts his sleeve and flexes his muscle. Jack and Gus were equally impressed with their older brother's "buffness".
Nick confidently announces to everyone at the dinner table: You think I'm strong...you should see Jake...He has an 8 pack.
Me: Ohhhhhh, an 8 pack. That is HARD to do! Impressive!
Boys.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
A tender moment...
So I had my first intensive ultrasound to see the newest Clemens babe today. It was at 8:00am so I'd decided to take Jack and Gus along so that they could get a first glimpse of their baby brother or sister. As we all gazed at the blurry miracle on the monitor, I asked Gus what he thought:
Gus: (not sure of what he was looking at) That totally fweaks me out.
Gus: (not sure of what he was looking at) That totally fweaks me out.
Monday, April 17, 2006
I want one
I just discovered this unique little calendar perfect for the busy Catholic mom or wife. See what you think.
Easter Vigil
Ahhhhh! The Great Easter Vigil is the arguably the greatest night in the liturgical year. It's filled with symbolism, music, conversion, tradition and story-telling. I look forward to this night not only because it marks the passing of Lent, but reminds me to rejoice in the gift of my life, family and God with a renewed sense of His purpose and hopefully STRENGTH to lead my family into a healthy respect of the church and faith.
I have a sense that my son Nicholas viewed the evening as something much different, much more torturous and painful.
I knew it was going to be a long night when I announced to my older children that we would be going to the 2 1/2 hour Vigil earlier in the day on Saturday. Rebecca had no problem with the announcement, but Nicholas (who I had to call home from a birthday party) moaned and groaned.
Nick: MOMMMM! We have to go to church tonight?
Me: Yes, Nick
Nick: Do I have to dress up?
Me: (calmly) Yes, Nick
Nick: (cow-like moan) I can't find my clothes.
Me: They are hanging in the laundry room, Nick. Oh, and don't wear your tennis shoes with your dress slacks, they are too dirty. Your dress shoes are in your closet.
Nick slumps over and walks slowly away to get dressed. I can hear faint moans coming from his closet. Nick re-appears in my bathroom dressed and wearing his nice shoes. He starts again:
Nick: MOOOOMMMM
Me: (patient and steady) Yes Nick
Nick: These shoes make me look like a clown.
Me: They look great.
Nick: (whining) But they are uncomfortable. Can I please wear my tennis shoes.
Me: ( even steadier) No. Go...get...in....the...car.
When we arrived at the church, we immediately joined the masses outside for the candle-light procession into the church. I was worried that Nick might accidentally set someone's hair on fire, not being the sort of child who is very conscious of others around him, but luckily all were safe. We filed into our pew with other parishioners but were "smooshed" so we moved Nick and Rebecca into the pew in front of us. Not FIVE minutes into the Mass, Nick leaned backwards and asked in a pained face: Mom, how much longer? At this point, I was getting a bit impatient with his complaints and so I glared at him with steely eyes and said in a cold whisper, " You KNOW how long Nick. Now turn around before your father takes you OUT." ( You do not want to be taken OUT of church by dad, because there is a 90% chance it will end with a good spanking .) So Nick turned around, shoulders hung and defeated and settled into Mass.
Now normally, I would mentally prepare myself for the Mass, but could not get a good focus on what was going on before me since Nicholas sat figiting in front of me throughout the entire Mass. If one had a time lapse camera, you would have seen Nick with his head tilted far back on the back railing of the pew in some kind of sleep mode (I firmly pushed his head up in a clear signal that this was NOT appropriate church posture), bent over examining his shoes, picking at wax on the floor, bending his candle in all kinds of odd shapes and making shadow finger plays on the pew cushion. After about 2 hours into the mass, Nick said in another pained whisper, " Mom, I'm having a hard time breathing. Can I get some water and air?" I looked at his dad for his opinion and since he had bouts of health problems earlier that week, we agreed that he could go to the water fountain and get some air.
After Mass, we visited in the Narthex with friends while Nicholas and his friends quietly sat in a corner enjoying the cake, lemonade and veggies. Nick seemed to be feeling better (miraculous) and did not complain once since being released from his pew prison. After awhile, a friend came up to me and jokingly said, "Your son was getting ready to run some races in the Narthex before Mass was out." I replied, " Nick?" She said, " Oh, yeah. He and two of his buddies were posed in starting position over by the bathroom doors and were getting ready to race down the hall. So I went over and broke up the event and informed them that Mass was not over and that they should be sitting quietly." I said to my friend, " Is that right? Well, thanks for letting me in on that interesting little piece of information. Oh, and by the way, you always have my full permission to set him straight anytime you see him out of line. Thank you for correcting that bad behavior."
For a boy who was having a hard time breathing earlier in Mass, I found it quite interesting that he was healthy enough to want to run a race before church was over. When I asked him about it, he pleaded innocent. " We didn't run mom! I promise. We were just posed to run. We were not really going to do it! " I said to my son, " Nick, there is NO excuse for even pretending to run down the Narthex during Mass. It better not happen EVER again. Do you understand?"
Nick: Yes mom.
It's an Easter of new beginnings and renewed strength. I'm tired already.
I have a sense that my son Nicholas viewed the evening as something much different, much more torturous and painful.
I knew it was going to be a long night when I announced to my older children that we would be going to the 2 1/2 hour Vigil earlier in the day on Saturday. Rebecca had no problem with the announcement, but Nicholas (who I had to call home from a birthday party) moaned and groaned.
Nick: MOMMMM! We have to go to church tonight?
Me: Yes, Nick
Nick: Do I have to dress up?
Me: (calmly) Yes, Nick
Nick: (cow-like moan) I can't find my clothes.
Me: They are hanging in the laundry room, Nick. Oh, and don't wear your tennis shoes with your dress slacks, they are too dirty. Your dress shoes are in your closet.
Nick slumps over and walks slowly away to get dressed. I can hear faint moans coming from his closet. Nick re-appears in my bathroom dressed and wearing his nice shoes. He starts again:
Nick: MOOOOMMMM
Me: (patient and steady) Yes Nick
Nick: These shoes make me look like a clown.
Me: They look great.
Nick: (whining) But they are uncomfortable. Can I please wear my tennis shoes.
Me: ( even steadier) No. Go...get...in....the...car.
When we arrived at the church, we immediately joined the masses outside for the candle-light procession into the church. I was worried that Nick might accidentally set someone's hair on fire, not being the sort of child who is very conscious of others around him, but luckily all were safe. We filed into our pew with other parishioners but were "smooshed" so we moved Nick and Rebecca into the pew in front of us. Not FIVE minutes into the Mass, Nick leaned backwards and asked in a pained face: Mom, how much longer? At this point, I was getting a bit impatient with his complaints and so I glared at him with steely eyes and said in a cold whisper, " You KNOW how long Nick. Now turn around before your father takes you OUT." ( You do not want to be taken OUT of church by dad, because there is a 90% chance it will end with a good spanking .) So Nick turned around, shoulders hung and defeated and settled into Mass.
Now normally, I would mentally prepare myself for the Mass, but could not get a good focus on what was going on before me since Nicholas sat figiting in front of me throughout the entire Mass. If one had a time lapse camera, you would have seen Nick with his head tilted far back on the back railing of the pew in some kind of sleep mode (I firmly pushed his head up in a clear signal that this was NOT appropriate church posture), bent over examining his shoes, picking at wax on the floor, bending his candle in all kinds of odd shapes and making shadow finger plays on the pew cushion. After about 2 hours into the mass, Nick said in another pained whisper, " Mom, I'm having a hard time breathing. Can I get some water and air?" I looked at his dad for his opinion and since he had bouts of health problems earlier that week, we agreed that he could go to the water fountain and get some air.
After Mass, we visited in the Narthex with friends while Nicholas and his friends quietly sat in a corner enjoying the cake, lemonade and veggies. Nick seemed to be feeling better (miraculous) and did not complain once since being released from his pew prison. After awhile, a friend came up to me and jokingly said, "Your son was getting ready to run some races in the Narthex before Mass was out." I replied, " Nick?" She said, " Oh, yeah. He and two of his buddies were posed in starting position over by the bathroom doors and were getting ready to race down the hall. So I went over and broke up the event and informed them that Mass was not over and that they should be sitting quietly." I said to my friend, " Is that right? Well, thanks for letting me in on that interesting little piece of information. Oh, and by the way, you always have my full permission to set him straight anytime you see him out of line. Thank you for correcting that bad behavior."
For a boy who was having a hard time breathing earlier in Mass, I found it quite interesting that he was healthy enough to want to run a race before church was over. When I asked him about it, he pleaded innocent. " We didn't run mom! I promise. We were just posed to run. We were not really going to do it! " I said to my son, " Nick, there is NO excuse for even pretending to run down the Narthex during Mass. It better not happen EVER again. Do you understand?"
Nick: Yes mom.
It's an Easter of new beginnings and renewed strength. I'm tired already.
God or the Girl?
My husband and I have been blessed to have befriended a few seminarian candidates and priests in our 8 years here in North Carolina. These men have blessed our family life in ways too numerous to count. We've spent many a night in deep conversation about vocation, God's calling, the good days of being a priest or seminarian and the difficult times. When speaking with our seminarian friends, they always relay the very real struggle of discerning God's call to the priesthood or to family life as a married man. It's a very hard process they must go through spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally and is a hard thing to watch. Sometimes their family is hostile to the idea of priesthood, sometimes their hearts yearn for the companionship of a wife and kids, other times these guys weave in and out of the seminary searching for the path God desires for them. Either way, a decision is made with a large dose of prayer and faith.
I was happy to see that there is now a reality show that focuses on the real life issues facing young men discerning the priesthood. It focuses on four young Catholic men and the choice they must make: God or the Girl. The show can be seen on the A&E channel from 9-11pm on Sundays. While it's been getting great reviews from the USCCB and other groups, we'll have to watch to get the full story. I don't have the A&E channel, so if anyone watches it, please let me know your opinion. I may want to buy the 6 week series for the young men in our parish....It could be a great tool for discussion on the topic of vocations in our faith development classes. A show like this, if well done, can plant seeds for more vocations in our country and THAT is always a good thing.
I was happy to see that there is now a reality show that focuses on the real life issues facing young men discerning the priesthood. It focuses on four young Catholic men and the choice they must make: God or the Girl. The show can be seen on the A&E channel from 9-11pm on Sundays. While it's been getting great reviews from the USCCB and other groups, we'll have to watch to get the full story. I don't have the A&E channel, so if anyone watches it, please let me know your opinion. I may want to buy the 6 week series for the young men in our parish....It could be a great tool for discussion on the topic of vocations in our faith development classes. A show like this, if well done, can plant seeds for more vocations in our country and THAT is always a good thing.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Good Friday 2006
If you were unable to make it to the Stations of the Cross today like me, click here for a wonderful reflection by Mother Angelica.
Jesus remember me, when you come into your kingdom.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
The Three Great Days, The Triduum
And [Jesus] comes unto the disciples,
and finds them asleep, and says unto
Peter, `What, could you not watch
with me one hour?' ...
He went away again the second time, and
prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup
may not pass away from me,
except I drink it, Your will be done.
Matthew Ch. 26:40,42.
Monday, April 10, 2006
One of those moments where you sit and smile uncomfortably and laugh later
Nick's public school nurse called me at home today to inform me that Nick was having trouble breathing in school. She wanted to give him some albuteral puffs to clear his passages and needed my permission. I gave her the go-ahead and then went down to the school to see how my little patient was. I brought Jack into the nurses office with me while Rebecca and Gus waited in the car. As we waited for the medication to take effect on Nick, the nurse started up a conversation with little Jack after she noticed Jack's Catholic school uniform.
Nurse: Oh, hello Jack. Will you be coming to the public school next year with your brother Nick?
Jack: (He's 6) No. I go to another school, it's a Catholic School.
Nurse: Oh, now...why do you go there?
Jack: 'Cause they kicked Jesus out of the public school.
Nurse: Oh, hello Jack. Will you be coming to the public school next year with your brother Nick?
Jack: (He's 6) No. I go to another school, it's a Catholic School.
Nurse: Oh, now...why do you go there?
Jack: 'Cause they kicked Jesus out of the public school.
Happy Birthday Bennie!
Here’s a great way that families can join together with people all over the world to help Pope Benedict XVI celebrate his birthday. On Easter Sunday, April 16, Pope Benedict will be 79 years old. With the encouragement of the National Catholic Educational Association and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership, William H. Sadlier, Inc. is sponsoring free birthday eCards for the Pope.You can choose from a variety of beautiful birthday designs, add your personal message, and send your electronic card directly to Pope Benedict. The same beautiful eCards are also available in Spanish. What a great way to share your faith with the Pope!!!!
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Five
So we are absolutely thrilled and terrified at the thought of another Clemens child in the house. I mean, I flip-flop between feelings of elation and insanity when I stop to ponder the reality of it all. I mean, It's a whole other journey, story, life, that we are blessed to be forming and nurturing.
I don't know why I get scared about a fifth child. When you think about it, five is not that big of a number. I usually complain if I get only 5 french fries or 5 M&M's..5 minutes is not a long time, 5 fingers would be too little, 5 pairs of underwear would be a disaster (ewh), not to mention if one only had 5 teeth to brush. 5 jelly beans would be a crime in an Easter Basket, and 5 minutes in the presence of Jesus would not be nearly long enough. When our newest child comes along, I'll be blessed with 5 smiles when I serve them ice cream and 5 goodnight kisses everyday. I'll look forward to 5 saying "I Love You Mom!" on Mother's Day and 5 peaceful slumbering children in their beds to peer at. Some mornings I'll have 5 jumping on my bed and 5 singing songs in the car. 5 giggling, 5 waking on Christmas Morning, 5 telling me their secrets and hopes, 5 praying for me when my life is almost over.
5 is sounding better and better. It just depends on your perspective.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Chad worship
Gus (5 years old) and I had a short conversation about a single male friend of the family:
Gus: Mom, Chad does not have a wife.
Me: That's true Gus. He's not married.
Gus: (pausing for about a minute) I'm going to be like Chad.
Me: Gus, you don't want to get married?
Gus: No, I don't like girls.
Me: Well, daddy married me, and I'm a girl.
Gus: (pause) Yes. Well. They also take your picture when you get married, and I don't like taking pictures.
Me: Oh. O.K. But you don't HAVE to have your picture taken at the wedding, if you don't want to.
Gus: I just want to be like Chad.
Gus: Mom, Chad does not have a wife.
Me: That's true Gus. He's not married.
Gus: (pausing for about a minute) I'm going to be like Chad.
Me: Gus, you don't want to get married?
Gus: No, I don't like girls.
Me: Well, daddy married me, and I'm a girl.
Gus: (pause) Yes. Well. They also take your picture when you get married, and I don't like taking pictures.
Me: Oh. O.K. But you don't HAVE to have your picture taken at the wedding, if you don't want to.
Gus: I just want to be like Chad.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Moments in a day
1. Tulips
2. Baseball practice at night
3. Rebecca's softball games
4. Wendy's with Gus
5. Jack's excitement when he comes through the door
6. My children's art
7. A loose tooth
8. Holding the hand of a child
9. Nick's dimple
10. My husband's specialty popcorn made just for me
2. Baseball practice at night
3. Rebecca's softball games
4. Wendy's with Gus
5. Jack's excitement when he comes through the door
6. My children's art
7. A loose tooth
8. Holding the hand of a child
9. Nick's dimple
10. My husband's specialty popcorn made just for me
We are NOT worthy.....
After a long day full of talks at the Catholic Congress, our church group was invited to the mysterious Magic Castle in Hollywood. We were invited to this unique California "hotspot" to watch some of the best magicians perform in various rooms in the castle. The funny part is that we weren't told that in order to be allowed in, the guys had to be wearing jackets and ties with dress shoes and the women had to wear formal jackets or dresses. NO flip flops or tennis shoes allowed! They were very strict about the dress code. No exceptions.
You can only imagine how we looked when we arrived at the (Harry Potter) styled castle, not knowing these interesting little facts: I was wearing flip-flops(uh-oh) with only black crop pants and a white shirt, the guys had casual shirts with casual pants and tennis shoes, Sonia (my co-worker) was wearing black pants with a simple cotton tee shirt. We looked like the Beverly Hill Billies from "Noath Carolyna". The elegantly dressed hostesses at the front door received us as if the cat drug us in and disdainfully informed us that we would have to "borrow" some coats/ties and shoes from their back closet. And as for my flip flops: "I'm sorry, but we don't carry YOUR size in women's shoes...we only have a size 6. You'll have to ask the host if he will let you in." I thought that I was out of luck for the evening and that I would have to walk the streets of Hollywood, a poor peasant, until my friends were finished at the Castle. But after a few minutes, my "sweet" hostess offered to let me borrow some old, ugly men's brown loafers (Believe me, my black flip flops looked much better with the outfit) and a hideous black and white houndstooth jacket to cover my plain white shirt. I slipped on the old loafers without having any socks on (ewh...germs) , and humbly thanked the princess for "throwing me a bone" and allowing me and my friends entrance to the castle.
While inside, we were definitely entertained. Everyone inside was extremely well dressed, drinking, and having a good time. We were first directed to a small room with about 15 others to watch one magician and his fantastic card tricks. Later we moved to another room where a ghost named "Irma" played tunes on the piano. You could ask "Irma" any random question, and she would respond to that question in song. (Very mysterious) And lastly we were directed into yet another of the many rooms in the castle to watch a "Vegas" style magician entertain us with his antics...It was all very good, and all slightly creepy. Gave me the heebie geebies to be in there, but I'm glad I went. It was all verrrrry Hollywood.
Here is the one picture I took of us in the front foyer of the castle. We cleaned up 'real' nice, don't ya think?
From left to right: Sonia, Fr. Scott, Andrew, Georgie, Jim Unfortunately you can't see my loafers. So sorry.
You can only imagine how we looked when we arrived at the (Harry Potter) styled castle, not knowing these interesting little facts: I was wearing flip-flops(uh-oh) with only black crop pants and a white shirt, the guys had casual shirts with casual pants and tennis shoes, Sonia (my co-worker) was wearing black pants with a simple cotton tee shirt. We looked like the Beverly Hill Billies from "Noath Carolyna". The elegantly dressed hostesses at the front door received us as if the cat drug us in and disdainfully informed us that we would have to "borrow" some coats/ties and shoes from their back closet. And as for my flip flops: "I'm sorry, but we don't carry YOUR size in women's shoes...we only have a size 6. You'll have to ask the host if he will let you in." I thought that I was out of luck for the evening and that I would have to walk the streets of Hollywood, a poor peasant, until my friends were finished at the Castle. But after a few minutes, my "sweet" hostess offered to let me borrow some old, ugly men's brown loafers (Believe me, my black flip flops looked much better with the outfit) and a hideous black and white houndstooth jacket to cover my plain white shirt. I slipped on the old loafers without having any socks on (ewh...germs) , and humbly thanked the princess for "throwing me a bone" and allowing me and my friends entrance to the castle.
While inside, we were definitely entertained. Everyone inside was extremely well dressed, drinking, and having a good time. We were first directed to a small room with about 15 others to watch one magician and his fantastic card tricks. Later we moved to another room where a ghost named "Irma" played tunes on the piano. You could ask "Irma" any random question, and she would respond to that question in song. (Very mysterious) And lastly we were directed into yet another of the many rooms in the castle to watch a "Vegas" style magician entertain us with his antics...It was all very good, and all slightly creepy. Gave me the heebie geebies to be in there, but I'm glad I went. It was all verrrrry Hollywood.
Here is the one picture I took of us in the front foyer of the castle. We cleaned up 'real' nice, don't ya think?
From left to right: Sonia, Fr. Scott, Andrew, Georgie, Jim Unfortunately you can't see my loafers. So sorry.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
I'm baaaaaaaaaackk!
Hey, ya'll!
I'm back from the conference and am VERY happy to have come home from California. I have much to tell you about, but I'm trying to get life back in order (er...um..I mean...MYSELF back in order) here at the homestead. I plan to create another post this evening on some of the resources I've found that you all might be interested in. In the meanwhile....heartfelt thanks to my husband for keeping things here at home running smoothly and for welcoming me home with flowers.
I am loved in so many ways.....
I'm back from the conference and am VERY happy to have come home from California. I have much to tell you about, but I'm trying to get life back in order (er...um..I mean...MYSELF back in order) here at the homestead. I plan to create another post this evening on some of the resources I've found that you all might be interested in. In the meanwhile....heartfelt thanks to my husband for keeping things here at home running smoothly and for welcoming me home with flowers.
I am loved in so many ways.....
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