Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas

A few St. Thomas Aquinas quotes:

If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way.

Love takes up where knowledge leaves off.

One of my favorites:

Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath and a glass of wine.

(I think the same works for stress. And let's not forget chocolate and wine go great togther as well)

Saint Thomas Aquinas, patron saint of students, as we continue through our school year, pray for us!

Another year well under way!

I hope 2008 is off to a great start for you! For us, it's been a little rocky. Our wash machine died in the middle of a load Christmas night, my hubby's truck died on him half way home from work New Year's Eve, the brakes sprung a leak in the family van on New Year's Day, and the eldest daughter came down with strep throat on Epiphany (Jan. 6th). However, all is well, and God is good. We have a new washer (very beautiful front loader, way beyond what we hoped for. It had a small, almost unnoticeable dent towards the back of it, so it was about half price). The truck and van are both running again. The daughter is taking penicillin and feeling much better. So I must say, life is continuing as normal. Each day we seem to be given opportunities to grow in virtue; to practice a little more patience, to rely on God's provisions for our needs, and to let go of the need to control everything (ok.... maybe that's just me. I like having things under control; or at least I like the illusion I have things under control.) I am learning to roll with the punches and trust that whatever is happening at the moment is God's will for the moment.

Sunday visitor

We had a little visitor sitting in out tree this morning. We have a pair of cardinals that live close by. Sometimes they venture close to the house and sit in our bushes. Today just the male was spotted. He just looks so festive sitting amongst the green branches covered with patches of snow.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

A Christmas Carol

The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap,
His hair was like a light.
(O Weary, Weary were the world,
But here is all aright.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary's breast,
His hair was like a star.
(O stern and cunning are the Kings,
But here the true hearts are.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary's heart,
His hair was like a fire.
(O Weary, Weary is the world,
But here the world's desire.)

The Christ-child stood at Mary's knee,
His hair was like a crown,
All the flowers looked up at Him,
And all the stars looked down.

by G.K. Chesterton

'Tis the season

for baking cookies. And what could be more fun than doing it with friends. This is the second year now that our two families have gotten together for baking and decorating cookies. I heard somewhere once that if you do something twice it becomes a tradition!! Considering we all enjoyed ourselves very much, I think it is a tradition worth hanging on to.

For fun!!

We all enjoyed this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8&feature=related

Turn up your volume and enjoy!

Merry Christmas

Just Gotta Brag!!!

I had a cleaning crew working in my home today!! Completely volunteer labor.... no payment, no bribes. As a matter of fact; their help was not even requested. My kitchen was cleaned; dishes washed, dried and put away; the counters cleared off and washed down and the sink scoured. The bathroom was done; tub and sink scoured, toilet swished, towels to the laundry room, and mirror wiped clean. Then they continued on to the living room.... picked up toys and put cushions back on the couch. How did all this happen? Who were my little cleaning elves???




It all started when the 7 yr old and the 4 yr old decided to empty the dishwasher. The 11 yr old jumped in and thought they could really make mom happy. They begged me to stay on one end of the house so they could surprise me. I kept hearing "so mom doesn't have to" or "mom will be so happy". And was I!!!! I am so proud of my little cleaning crew! And they are so happy with all they accomplished.