Favorite Baby Toy Ever

Several of you have written to ask about the saint dolls that seem to be present in almost every picture of Sarah Annie lately. They are Catholic Folk Toys and they are, far and away, her favorite toys. She spends her days lining them up on the windowsills, taking them for rides in her walker, putting them in baskets and giving them kisses. Lots of kisses. Truth be told, I bought these dolls for me--Sarah's birthday bash was just a good excuse;-). So, I'm really tickled that she loves them all so much. I've corresponded with their creator recently and she's up and running and ready to take your orders. Think Easter baskets, ladies!

Mantel Letters

The purpose of this post is to help along the search process here in the Heart of my Home. I can't count the number of ladies who have written to me frustrated that they have searched and searched for "mantle letters" but they can't find all the posts--the ones telling how to make them or the ones that tell which words I've chosen for which month.Indeed, "mantle letters" is up there among the most popular in the Lijit cloud on the righthand sidebar.

When  you search "mantle letters," you only get two posts. That's because those are the two posts when I spelled "mantel" wrong and hit publish before I corrected it. If you spell "Mantel" correctly, you get lots and lots of hits. And now, even if you spell it wrong, this post will pop up and save me from the awkward situation of correcting someone's spelling when they write to ask:-)

What about the words? How did I choose the words? I'm glad you asked! Now, I can give you the whole answer. For the most part, the words change every month. 

January: Joy

February: Simplicity

March: Simplicity is replaced with Repent on Ash Wednesday

April: Alleluia appears on Easter morning

May: Grace

June: Gentleness

July: Humility

August: Charity

September: Diligence

October: Patience

November: Gratitude (the letters actually say "Grateful.")

December: We have Prepare for the first three weeks of Advent and then we replace it with Joy on Gaudete Sunday.

Our new book is a collection of doable daily devotions. Each month's devotion is organized around a virtue. And the virtues for each month look very much like the ones in the list above:-). In the book, March is Sacrifice and April is Courage and December is Peace. There is a study guide to go with the book. There, you will find an essay on each virtue and some questions and thoughts that will lead a contemplative mom on her own or a whole group of moms studying together. There is also a section in the study guide that contains the Lenten meditations. So, with the study guide, a group of local ladies could gather once a month, talk about the virtues, see what God's word has to say, make some resolutions to encourage each other to grow, and then go home and use the devotional for daily reinforcement from the saints.

And you can paint some letters and put them on your mantle mantel to remind you all month long:-)

Mmmm...smells good!

There's a pork roast cooking here.

Daybook: Mid-March

Outside My Window::

::It's balmy and nearly sixty degrees. I can almost smell bluebells in the air.

I am Listening to::

::all nine children downstairs, post-basketball, making homemade pizza.

I am wearing ::

:: an ancient blue hooded cashmere/cotton sweater, dark jeans and black felted Mary Janes.

I am Thankful For::

::Michael, who came home for spring break and set about puttering on Typepad, quite determined to make everything fresh and pretty. I'm very pleased with the results.

I am Pondering:

::St. John of the Cross

"Wisdom enters through love, silence, and mortification. It is great wisdom to know how to be silent and to look at neither the remarks, nor the deeds, nor the lives of others."

This quote will define my Lent. And, of course, the St. Ephrem prayer is  back at the forefront for this holy time. Plenty to ask God's help with here:

O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, faint-heartedness, lust of power, and idle talk.  But give rather the spirit of  chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant. Yea, O Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother; For Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen

I am Reading:

::my new book! Danielle and I spent the weekend looking it over now that the typesetting is finished. Very nice; I think you'll like it.

From the Kitchen::

::I made Barbecued Shrimp last week, following directions from Colleen. Pretty much, you put the shrimp in a glass baking dish, pour butter over it, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and bake until it's done. Yeah, I know, what makes it barbecued? Apparently, it's a Louisiana thing--it's not really barbecued; you just call it "barbecued."
Regardless, it was yummy.

I am Thinking:

::that weekends are for filling our tanks. There is Mass, of course, and an opportunity to fill up on grace. And then, there should be those things that restore energy and enthusiasm for life and love. Many times, I fill up on a soccer sideline. I watch my boys play and I am filled with their joy. Today, I filled up at the dance studio. We went for a birthday party for a dear little friend. Oh, how I filled up on watching Katie and Karoline dance in a pink wonderland! Sweet little Sarah Annie rocked and swayed on my lap, eager for the day when it is her turn. I look forward to that day, too. I could just sit and watch them forever.

I am Creating::

::new lesson plans for Serendipity, a book proposal, and an outline for another book project.

On my iPod::

::a book! I downloaded the Kindle app and then bought my first Kindle book at Amazon. I'm really enjoying reading that way.

Towards a Real Education::

::the girls are making a knotted quilt for the NICU in honor of "Q" week; Patrick is really buckling down as he recognizes the year is slipping away; Mary Beth has begun the Peony basket (my apologies if you're waiting for me to post it--I've gotten sidetracked); Stephen continues his My Side of the Mountain project; Christian is making great strides with the tutor; Nicky is just hanging on and hoping that it's not too long until Bluebell Week. 

Towards Rhythm and Beauty:

::We are doing much better in controlling TV watching. It's down to almost nothing at all. Still working on all those other screens.

::To Live the Liturgy:

::There is one month left until Easter. I was reflecting this morning how gracious God has been when I keep my Lenten resolutions. Never before have I been so assured that I am doing the things He wants for me. But when I falter, He is there, too. He shows me that I need Him and encourages me to lean more heavily on Him. It's pretty cool, really.

::I am Hoping and Praying:

::for strength and grace.

In the Garden:

::there are tulip shoots peeking up through the front beds. I suppose we need to get out there and weed.

Around the House:

::still cleaning that basement. This week really needs to see some major progress.

On Keeping Home:

::I have noticed that however the laundry goes, so goes the house. Ahem. The laundry needs catching up again.

One of My Favorite Things:

::the first time I switch the flannel sheets for crisp, cotton sheets for the season.

Sarah Annie this week:

::she still would prefer to hold on when she walks, but she really is getting around all of a sudden. I need to do some more babyproofing.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week:

::I hope not to let March Madness become March Angry-ness in my heart. It's going to be a challenging week or two (or three). Basketball is overlapping with soccer because of all the snow. Patrick has a big tournament in Richmond this weekend, but everyone else has big games here. Michael is home for Spring Break and I really would rather not turn the whole thing into a giant to-do list for him. But...the van needs inspecting; the dog needs grooming and the vet; there's doctor's appointments and dentist appointments; oh, and he's coaching that Richmond tournament, too. I think he's got a midterm or two to work on as well. Not much of a break, huh?

A Picture Thought I'm sharing:

 
 Looks like the girls were playing with my webcam.

Prayers & Devotions

To Be Transformed into Mercy

O Most Holy Trinity! As many times as I breathe, as many times as my heart beats, as many times as my blood pulsates through my body, so many thousand times do I want to glorify Your mercy.

I want to be completely transformed into Your mercy and to be Your living reflection, O Lord. May the greatest of all divine attributes, that of Your unfathomable mercy, pass through my heart and soul to my neighbor.

Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbors’ souls and come to their rescue.

Help me, that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbors’ needs and not be indifferent to their pains and moanings. Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all.

Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my neighbors and take upon myself the more difficult and toilsome tasks.

Help me, that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor, overcoming my own fatigue and weariness. My true rest is in the service of my neighbor.

Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbor. I will refuse my heart to no one. I will be sincere even with those who, I know, will abuse my kindness. And I will lock myself up in the most merciful Heart of Jesus. I will bear my own suffering in silence. May Your mercy, O Lord, rest upon me.

You Yourself command me to exercise the three degrees of mercy. The first: the act of mercy, of whatever kind. The second: the word of mercy — if I cannot carry out a work of mercy, I will assist by my words. The third: prayer — if I cannot show mercy by deeds or words, I can always do so by prayer. My prayer reaches out even there where I cannot reach out physically.

O Lord Jesus, transform me into Yourself, for You can do all things. 

~from the truly wonderful Divine Mercy app.

Daily Prayer

   O Lord, grant that with Your peace I may greet all that this day is to bring. Grant me grace to surrender myself completely to Your Holy Will. In every hour of this day instruct me and guide me in all things. Teach me to accept tranquilly whatever tidings I may receive during this day, in the firm belief that Your Holy Will governs all. Govern my thoughts and feelings in all that I do and say. When unforseen things occur, let me not forget that all is sent by You. Teach me to behave sincerely and reasonably toward everyone, so that I may bring confusion and sorrow to no one. Bestow on me, O Lord, stregth to endure the fatigue of the day and to bear my part in its events. Guide my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to suffer, to forgive and to love. Amen.   ~St. John Kronstadt

~

Quick Prayer to St. Anne

  Good St. Anne, you were especially favored by God to be the mother of the most holy Virgin Mary, the Mother of our Savior. By your power with your most pure daughter and with her divine Son, kindly obtain for us the grace and the favor we now seek. Please se- cure for us also forgiveness of our past sins, the strength to perform faithfully our daily duties and the help we need to persevere in the love of Jesus and Mary. Amen. 

  ~

Only for Today

  Decalogue for Daily Living Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once. 2. Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behavior; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself. 3. Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one. 4. Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes. 5. Only for today, I will devote ten minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul. 6. Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it. 7. Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and it my feelings are hurt, I will make sure no one notices. 8. Only for today, I will make a plan for myself: I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision. 9. Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that the good Providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world. 10. Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for twelve hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life. Bl. Pope John XXIII    

~

Petition to St. Anne

  O glorious St. Anne, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take this present intention which I recommend to your special care. (mention your petition) Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. But above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen. 

~

Prayer to Our lady of La Leche for Another Child

Lovely Lady of La Leche, most loving mother of the Child Jesus, and my Mother, listen to my humble prayer. Your motherly heart knows my every wish, my every need. To you only, His spotless Virgin Mother, has your Divine Son given to understand the sentiments which fill my soul. Yours was the sacred privilege of being the Mother of the Saviour. Intercede with Him now, my loving Mother, that, in accordance with His will, I may become the mother of other children of our heavenly Father. This I ask, O Lady of La Leche, in the Name of your Divine Son, My Lord and Redeemer. Amen.  

~

Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart

Efficacious Novena To The Sacred Heart Of Jesus O my Jesus, You have said, ‘Truly I say to you, ask and it will be given you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.’ Behold, I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of... Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father... Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. II. O my Jesus, You have said, ‘Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, He will give it to you.’ Behold, in Your name, I ask the Father for the grace of... Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father... Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. III. O my Jesus, You have said, ‘Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.’ Encouraged by Your infallible words, I now ask for the grace of... Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father... Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us poor sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of You, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate heart of Mary, Your tender mother and ours. Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy!Our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve, to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley, of tears.Turn, then, most gracious advocate,thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus; O clement, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us  

~

St. Therese Rose Novena

O Little Therese of the Child Jesus, please pick for me a rose from the heavenly gardens and send it to me as a message of love. O Little Flower of Jesus, ask God today to grant the favors I now place with confidence in your hands .... (Mention specific requests). St. Therese, help me to always believe as you did, in God's great love for me, so that I might imitate your "Little Way" each day. Amen.

~ 

Unfailing Petition to St. Joseph

Holy St. Joseph, Spouse of Mary, be mindful of me, pray for me, watch over me. Guardian of the paradise of the new Adam, provide for my temporal wants. Faithful guardian of the most precious of all treasures, I beseech thee to bring this matter to a happy end, if it be for the glory of God, and the good of my soul. Amen  

~

Prayer for the Intercession of John Paul the Great

O Blessed Trinity We thank You for having graced the Church with Pope John Paul II and for allowing the tenderness of your Fatherly care, the glory of the cross of Christ, and the splendor of the Holy Spirit, to shine through him. Trusting fully in Your infinite mercy and in the maternal intercession of Mary, he has given us a living image of Jesus the Good Shepherd, and has shown us that holinessis the necessary measure of ordinary Christian life and is the way of achieving eternal communion with you. Grant us, by his intercession, and according to Your will, the graces we implore, hoping that he will soon be numbered among your saints. Amen.