Beach Bums Week One

Here we are at the shore again for our end of summer family vacation. Week one has been wonderful...family fun and lots of laughs. This is our favorite time of the year.

We're entering week two....stay tuned.

Summer Vacation

Ahhhhhhhh, the serenity that is the Northern Neck...

This family vacation, with Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents and cousins has become a wonderful tradition and signals the start of our summer.

I love kayaking and wonder why this guy didn't stay out longer and explore the coves with me?

Maybe because he was ready for SPEED - - -

Never a dull moment.

Our hosts have a tradition of awarding "golden oyster" medals based on our adventures.
This guy won for best candy sneaker!

The gorgeous view and below, my guy relaxing with a stogie and glass of red wine ...

So that's how our summer began.

And now, it is ending...with us at the shore, ready to ride the waves with different Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents and cousins. I don't want it to end yet!

Pics to come...

Dr. Seuss In A Bad Mood

With thanks to Gene for this clever email ...

I do not like this Uncle Sam,
I do not like his health care scam..
I do not like these dirty crooks,
Or how they lie and cook the books.
I do not like when Congress steals,
I do not like their secret deals.
I do not like this speaker Nan ,
I do not like this 'YES, WE CAN'.
I do not like this spending spree---
I'm smart, I know that nothing's free.
I do not like your smug replies,
When I complain about your lies.

I do not like this kind of hope.

I do not like it. Nope, nope, nope!

Five Catholic Devotions Meme

My friend, Laura, at Day by Day in Our World tagged me for this a while back. Thanks, Laura.

As I've noted that the meme has really made it's way around I won't tag anyone specifically ...but if you're reading this and haven't participated and want to...TAG!

Here's a devotion I start my day with...prayers to +JMJ+

#1 ~ Morning Offering

O Jesus, my God, infinitely deserving of love, I love you above all things. Through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Heart of my Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, I offer to you all the actions of this day. Accept every beat of my heart as a fervent prayer, as an act of perfect love: for your sole honor, for the conversion of sinners, for the perseverance of the just, for the deliverance of the holy souls, for the sanctification of our benefactors, and for all who have asked for our prayers and for whom we have a special obligation to pray; also for the propagation of all holy works, and for deliverance from all evil. I offer the indulgences I receive today for the holy souls in Purgatory, especially those for whom I should pray and for those souls who are forgotten. Amen. Our Lady Queen of Peace, pray for us. Mother of Divine Grace, pray for us. St. Joseph, pray for us. Dear Saints attached and beloved by us, pray for us. Dearest Guardian Angels, keep us safe today in God's love and Mercy.

I also pray a special prayer daily to St. Joseph for those who have asked me to pray for them.

Memotome.com is a daily email that I have scheduled to send me this and other prayers, like...


#2 ~ The Noon Angelus

This devotion has been one that we've grown to love. We need that pause in the middle of our day to reconnect to Our Lord and Lady. http://totustuusfamily.blogspot.com/2010/04/noon-angelus.html

#3 ~ The Most Holy Rosary of The Blessed Virgin Mary

What prayer is more highly recommended by our Church? I love when each member of our family takes a decade as we pray the life of Christ.

#4 - Wearing the Scapular

In dedication to Our Lady of Fatima, we are devoted to praying the rosary AND wearing the Scapular as she recommended. (We also wear the Miraculous Medal)

I have many posts on this devotion. http://totustuusfamily.blogspot.com/search?q=scapular

#5 ~ First Fridays in Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

For our last 4 years of homeschooling we have honored this devotion to make 10 First Fridays in reparation to The Sacred Heart of Our Lord. We have read about the promises and the need and have embraced this devotion.

Especially in this time, reparation is needed. We do soo little to mortify ourselves or realize the slights against Him. (I believe in First Saturdays to repair the Immaculate Heart of Mary as well)

~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~

So that's 5 but I want to also share what else we are attached to.

* It is our habit to bless ourselves when passing a Catholic Church as Christ is truly present there in the tabernacle and why would we pass Our King without bowing to Him?

* When we worry about someone, we send our guardian angels to them.

* We pray for indulgences.

* We pick a saint to guide us every year. http://totustuusfamily.blogspot.com/2010/01/your-saint-for-2010-inspiring-companion.html

* We have holy water fonts in our house and make sure to bless ourselves often, especially before bed and when asking Our Lord to forgive us.

* We try not to eat meat on any Friday. Catholic teaching hasn't changed on Fridays being a penitential day. It is still the practice and canon law to not eat meat or make some other sacrifice on the day Our Lord died.

* We also love Eucharistic Adoration and The Divine Mercy Chaplet and we have a prayer area with a kneeler. God bless you in your Catholic Devotions, please share them.

Take Your Kids to Work Day

My husband's company had it's annual Take Your Kids to Work Day recently. This was the first time our kids went with him. About 100 children of employees participated. Dad stayed with them, joining in on the fun. But it seemed like the day was organized like a camp...keep the kids busy and then join up with them for lunch and afterwards show them your desk....

The morning (from 8:45-noon) was organized with 2 activities for each group. Our oldest boys had lectures and activities on air flight and Numbers-type crime investigation.

The "littles" learned about UV lights, the color spectrum and sunblock!



The were given lava rocks that were similar to rocks from Mars and discussed their properties. They even made their own alka-seltzer rockets and shot them off!

It was interesting for our kids, especially having Dad with them to show them his "world." They did have lunch together in the big cafeteria. They did go back to his office and see the area and meet people. Dad also gave them a tour of the facilities.

They were really interested in hearing more about the company...what IT did. They'd have liked to see an industrial film on it and then see equipement do it's job. Perhaps that's too difficult to do with so many kids. But Dad did show them the labs, manufacturing and candy machines and before they left they threw a paper airline into R&D and took off running .

Because really, in their minds, they thought the place would be like The Office...and where was Dwight?

O, and what did I do all day? I drove up to see my mom. We strolled thru garden stores and went to a 50's diner for burgers and shakes. We went to a Fresh Market store and then back to her house to go through my computer for photos she wanted. Then we rented Date Night and afterwards went out for Mexican and Margeritas. We were giddy from the fun and freedom. An all around great day was had by all!

Words of Wisdom for a Teen

Our 2nd son recently turned 13.

His birthday ends our party ride of 4 family birthdays in 17 days. (Are you sick of my birthday posts yet? Hope not, they celebrate LIFE.)

When our oldest turned 13 we decided to ask relatives, friends and other teens to write a note and send it to me and I would compile them into a Words of Wisdom book that he could refer to as he travelled into manhood, recognizing that this milestone was a rite of passage.

These were the ideas that I hoped would help them in deciding what to write:

•  share the best advice they had received in life
•  share some favorite quotes
•  share advise they would give
•  share what to enjoy about being a teen/man and even what to look out for
•  share a personal story 

To have a tangible reminder of all those who are meaningful in his life expressing their well wishes was a warm, supportive and memorable way for him to enter the teens year.

When I received these back I printed them out on nice paper and slide them into clear plastic protectors and put them in a leather 3 ring binder. It's on the bookshelf by their beds to refer to.

In the generosity so typical of our loved ones, once again the inspiration poured in....

Grandparents wrote,

"smile a lot...don't become a phony...never pick your nose in public"

"when you show kindness you lead others to higher ground...listen to learn"

"think about life as climbing a ladder and God and heaven are at the top of that ladder"

Cousins wrote,

"do good things"

"whenever you get a chance, make someones day"

Godparents wrote,

"lots to explore and learn"

"eat good food...play a lot... learn everything you can... wear cool shoes"

Older Brother wrote,

"it is our duty as teens to change people's opinions of teens as messy and irresponsible....try to do everything that challenges you, don't give up"

Aunts & Uncles wrote,

"bad news can be overcome with the right attitude and never-quit determination....you can not be happy and successful without God's help...communicate with Him on a regular basis."

"you're never too old to hug and kiss your mom and dad"

"it's the life in your years that count"

"enjoy your youth"

"be the first to extend the hand of friendship and hospitality...view books as friends...that a kind word is a gift....never be afraid of making a mistake..."

"treat parents and grandparents with respect...open doors for ladies....say please and thank you...ask people about themselves....don't complain about chores...spend a day staring at the ground and a night staring at the stars...write...volunteer..."

"life will give you as much or as little as your standards demand of it...who you hang out with is who you become so look to peers that pull you up...don't fall victim to soft language like "good enough"...view problems as a gift to make you stronger..."

"live life to the fullest *staying in grace*"

Relatives wrote,
"keep your words soft and sweet - just in case you have to eat them!"


Adult friends from our Parish wrote,

"choose your career as carefully as you would choose a wife or friend"

"keep your heart for the woman that God has already chosen for you, and be alert in case God is calling you for His service as a priest"

"keep reading"

"your faith is your greatest blessing, for it is the path to salvation"


Teen friends wrote,

"Be an example to ones younger than you"

+ + + + + + + + + + + + +

We are grateful for their time and kindness in turning these words into a treasure.  This is a project that I believe requires a thank you note. That adds a bit of work, but the silver lining to that is that it engages your teen in creating a new and individual relationship with these adults. For each note of thanks I asked my sons to relate back their favorite part of the persons note and that ensured that my sons had fully considered the words of each letter.

And now...for the Day in the Life Video...are you ready to rock out?

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Do you have any advice to share? Leave a comment and thank you!

A Day In The Life Of My Daughter

...she's turned 6!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

One of my favorite posts is about her, her birth , our transformation as a family and the Transfiguration.

Turning 5

Turning 4

Turning 3

God bless you sweet girl!

Legacies

When my mother was a teenager she became best friends with her young gym teacher and that relationship has lasted as she approaches her 70th birthday.

Growing up I loved listening to their stories about those years, then the years of being in each other's weddings, each birthing 3 children, even working together...

There have been ebbs and flows, but today these women are still a part of each others life.

I, my mother's oldest and Auntie G's youngest and only daughter grew up friends as well. Little girl sleepovers, lots of time in the pool, sending each other goofy recordings during college years and then, enamored with extending traditions, "J" was one of my bridesmaids, like her mother before her was to my mother.

Our mother's friendship today continues and gives life to ours. Last night we sat around a round, porch table on a humid summer's evening and shared dinner and pool time. Auntie G and my mother, "J" and I and the 2 newest in this tradition..."J"'s daughter and mine!

For a couple of summers now these little girls have had a playdate together at this pool. To me it seems they already have an easy, comfortable friendship that doesn't notice the time in between visits...much the same with "J" and I. It's easy to talk with her and catch up.

I found myself wondering and hoping our girls can be penpals as they grow and a part of each others lives, continuing this legacy. And I realize that "J" and I will have to breath life into that relationship as our mother's are the conduits to us seeing each other. Someday we'll have to take on that role...

I think we're very lucky and blessed to see this 3rd generation of friendship. How often does that happen? That's not really a question....It's not *just* luck involved here.

It's commitment.

And we have 2 excellent role models in showing us how to create such a legacy.

Weapons of MASS Destruction ~ Liturgical Abuse

I ordered the 2 hour DVD, only $10 and here's the link to the 500 hours of document research.

Liturgical Abuses in the Novus Ordo - Violations with Church Document and/or Canon Law Citation - link to site explaining all codes

Changing words of fixed prayers
CIC/83 846.1
CIC/83 838
DC 12

Use of "gender neutral"/"inclusive" language in Scripture readings or Creed
CIC/83 846.1
CIC/83 838

General, sacramental absolution given during the Penitential Rite during the Mass; and/or, outside of Mass, merely because, although confessors are available, there are a large number of penitents
CIC/83 961

Use of a translation that has not been approved by both the US Bishops and the Holy See for Liturgical use in the US
CIC/83 838
CIC/83 826

Omitting Homily on a Sunday of Holy Day of Obligation
CIC/83 767
GIRM element 42

Homily given by someone other than a Bishop, Priest, or Deacon at Mass
ID element 2
ID element 3

Someone gives talk in place of Homily on Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation
ICP Practical Provisions 3:1-5

The Creed is not said on a Sunday or Solemnity
GIRM element 44

Apostles' Creed used in place of Nicene Creed at a Mass for adults
Sacramentary

Failure of Priest to wash hands at beginning of Liturgy of the Eucharist
GIRM element 52
GIRM element 106

People say parts of Eucharistic prayer which are reserved to Priest, such as Per ipsum ("Through him, with him, in him...")
ID element 4

Priest uses unapproved Eucharistic Prayer or changes words of consecration
ID element 5

Recipe for altar bread includes ingredients other than flour and water in the dough (except in an Eastern rite parish)
ID element 8
GIRM element 282
CIC/83 926

Use of Communion Hosts which leave many crumbs
ID element 8

People at altar receiving Communion at same time as Priest
GIRM element 137

Outside of health reasons, Priest fails to distribute Communion, leaving task to Deacons and/or Eucharistic Ministers
ID element 10

Refusal of Minister or Priest a person's right to choose whether to receive Host on tongue or in hands (in cases other than Communion by instinction)
AGI element 240

Extraordinary ministers and altar servers forced by Priest to receive Host in hand
AGI 240

Chalice containing Precious Blood picked up by Communicants from altar or table
ID element 9

Consecrated Hosts picked up by Communicants from altar or table
ID element 9

Communion given to Protestants apart from special circumstances indicated in Code of Canon Law
CIC/83 844

Children refused First Confession before First Communion
CIC/83 914

Precious Blood poured down sink or sacrarium
HLS, elements 34, 36, 38

Chalice containing Precious Blood is made of absorbent material, such as unglazed clay, or an ungilded and corrosion-prone material, such as silver
ID element 16
GIRM element 291
GIRM element 294

Failure of Priest to carefully and reverently collect and consume or dissolve any particles from Hosts during purification of vessels
Notitiae 8 (1972) 195
Notitiae 14 (1978) 593-594

Failure of Priest to reverently dissolve any drops of Precious Blood
GIRM element 120
GIRM element 237-239

Failure to consume remainder of Precious Blood (unless it is being taken to the sick)
HLS element 37
ID element 13
ID element 14
ID element 15

USE of altar or main part of the church (ie, the "liturgical space," as some insist on calling it) for purposes other than (or in addition to) divine Worship
CIC/83 1239
CIC/83 1210
CIC/83 1211
CIC/83 1212

Use of baskets to hold consecrated Hosts
ID element 16

Location (ie, removal) of Tabernacle to hard-to-find, out-of-the way chapel
CIC/83 938.2

Images of saints lacking in church
CIC/83 1188
CIC/83 1189

People standing during the consecration and Eucharistic Prayer due to absence of kneelers
GIRM element 21
Notitiae, 14 (1978) 302-303

Failure of Priest to genuflect at appropriate junctures in Liturgy (particularly Liturgy of the Eucharist)
GIRM element 233

Failure of people, either on own initiative or at "invitation," to kneel, following conclusion of Sanctus ("Holy, Holy, Holy....") and through conclusion of Great Amen
AGI element 21

People stand around altar holding hands during consecration
Notitiae 17 (1981) 61

People imitate gestures made by Priest that are appropriate for his role alone
ICP Practical Provisions Article 6
CIC/83 907

Dancing of ANY kind (ie, "Liturgical Dance) performed during liturgical service
Notitiae 11 (1975) 202-203

Use of blue as Liturgical color in Advent or Lent
CIC/83 929

Washing of women's feet on Holy Thursday
PS 51

10 Most Common Liturgical Abuses from Catholic Answers

From EWTN

TAKE A QUIZ on your awareness of liturgical abuse

Paul VI saw liturgical abuse as "Smoke of Satan"

Fr. John Trigilio Takes on U.S. Catholic over Latin Mass

"Pope Leo XIII wrote an incredibly powerful and holy prayer of intercession to St. Michael. His intention was to protect the Church and mankind from Satan and his demons.

After Pope Leo XIII finished saying Mass on October 13, 1884, he collapsed into what is allegedly a mystical ecstasy. He witnessed a confrontation between Jesus and Satan, and saw evil demons being released from hell. To protect the Church and all families, he wrote a Leonine Exorcism which he mandated to be said after each Mass from that point forth.

In 1934, however, Pope Leo’s intercessory prayer was changed without explanation. It is believed that it was suppressed due to its startling content. It was replaced by an abbreviated Prayer to St. Michael, which still is powerful but not as compelling as the original.

The original prayer to St. Michael was a very powerful intercessory prayer. The original prayer to St. Michael was 594 words long. "

Let us all offer to God our prayers that our Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is always offered in reverence to Him and with Him as it's sole focus.