At the request of Tara, from MCM, here are the pictures of the crafts my son did at the co-op. Warning: THESE ARE NOT FANCY!! But simple and to the point. I don't know why St. Joseph is sideways, it is not this way in my computer. So sorry about that. The kids just took a picture of St. Joseph and "framed" it with the popsicle sticks. I guess they were "pretending" to be carpenters. Also, they colored a hammer and nails.

Women of Prayer

Today (yesterday, wednesday)at the homeschooling Co-Op we belong to, we held a "visitation" with a mom that is very nearly ready to give birth to twins...who will be the 4th and 5th children in their very young family. (there will be 5, 5 and under!!). For this "visitation" all the moms who were in the nursery at the time gathered around the mother, we prayed the 2nd Mystery of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, The Visitation, and then we laid hands on her and prayed for all the special intentions pertinent to the next few weeks and months for her. It was beautiful. She was filled with peace about all she has to go through over the next few weeks and months, and I was moved nearly to tears. 

Since I began this post--pre-publishing, I found out that she has gone to the hospital to most likely have the babies. Since all her children were born early...30, 32, and 35 weeks, she is ready for them. Please keep her in your prayers.

As for today, I made a change in my menu. I decided on Pork Fried Rice. I had the left over pork from the ribs(they were alright, but I really loved the John McCain Ribs from the other week way more!) and always have rice on hand. I feel like it is a free meal. It helps the monthly food budget alot. It is leftovers, without being "leftovers". I used brown rice, I made it this morning, and I also used peas. So, we'll see how it turns out. 

I am making a carrot cake to celebrate St. Joseph's feast day. He really came through for us(when does he not though??) in praying for us to sell the house. You know how people say "so and so is the Jack of all trades" Well, that is what St. Joseph is, the patron saint for "everything". For selling houses, for men, for dad's, for work, to find a job, for carpenters, for chastity, the grace of a happy death. I mean, he is the man. Isn't that a beautiful depiction of St. Joseph teaching our Lord? I love it. In fact, at our co-op yesterday, Aidan made a craft with this depiction of St. Joseph in his pre-school class. 

St. Joseph, Pray for us.

Menu Plan Monday!

It is that time of the week again. Surprisingly enough, I have NO carry over meals. That is good.

Here is the plan for this week.

Monday: Korean Ribs in the Crockpot with Rice and green beans

Tuesday: Corned Beef and Cabbage--what else, it IS St. Patricks Day

Wednesday: Leftovers(Corned beef sandwiches or ribs)

Thursday:Crockpot Chili

Friday:Ricotta Pasta with Caprese Salad

Saturday: Chicken Strip Salad

Sunday:Bean Tostadas

SOLD!!

Well, we did it! We sold the house. Everything has been pending for a few weeks with the inspection and appraiser, etc. But we finally signed off on everything and we are done! Now, we need to start packing up and gear up for the 1st of probably 2 moves. Yes, I have come to accept that it is highly unrealistic, short of a miracle that is, that our new home will be ready for us come May 15. So, I am mentally (and emotionally) preparing for 2 moves. I figure, if I do that, I will not be upset when it happens. The good news is, that they started digging the basement. It is about a week past due, considering the basement was to be poured by the 10th, but it is a welcome start. I am so happy they started. The kids and I have driven by several times over the last week, and finally today, there was digging! Yay!
I will be posting a picture as soon as I get around to downloading the pics.

I have been enjoying the spiritual exercises I have chosen for this lent. As I mentioned in earlier posts, I am doing the Love Dare as well as Women of Grace. I have found, that I am more aware of my own reactions to undesirable things--you know, no sleep, exhaustion, anything whatsoever annoying to me...which is almost everything when I am tired. But, the Lord has been working with me in this area. I find myself waking up, strike that, leaving my bed after a night with no sleep, and saying to the Lord "so, this is what you are asking of me today?" And he answers, "Yes" and I find myself filled with the grace I need to get through the day. I am grateful...I truly do feel as though, "My cup overflows" Psalm 23.  Am I still tired, yes. Am I extremely grumpy before my "talk" with God, yes. Does he help me anyway...YES!! He is GOOD!!

We are off to dinner at my neighbor's house tonight. They are Indian, and vegetarian, so we will have no issues with today's abstinence from meat. I am looking forward to it.

New Giveaway at Modern Catholic Mom

Here it is. A giveaway of Holy Baby DVDs
I have never seen these dvds, but I assume they can only be good. And yes, Tara, you are probably the only person who will see this. haha. But I do love a good giveaway!!

I won a GIVEAWAY!! YAY!

It is my first giveaway to win. I was just notified today that I won. Here is what was up for grabs:
A copy of Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster.
$10 Starbucks Gift Card
$10 Gymboree Gift Card

My thought when I entered...nothing better than reading and coffee...and cute clothes are great too!!

Here is who I won from...The Young and the Relentless!

Inspiring Quote for today

Here is a quote I found moving today: "Between women and God is often arranged the eternal salvation of husbands and sons. But for this she must be valiant. Strong to uphold purity of life. Strong to keep inviolate the treasure of faith. Strong in every battle of life. Great-souled in the face of calamity, persecution and death. And remember, sorrow is the training ground of strong souls." St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

I also just came upon a truly beautiful reflection. Please read it here.