Flower Girl

Aragorn's brother is getting married in a little over 2 weeks! Eleanor is a flower girl so yesterday we tried on her garb.

When preparing a family of 11 for a wedding, there is something extremely lop-sided:

Mom's Plan:

Carefully laid out in a notebook or binder in chart format with checkmark boxes after many hours of careful planning as to what time we have to leave, when and where to dress 9 children, will we need to stop for a bathroom break, when and where do we eat breakfast and lunch...

Aragorn: Suit Coat, Shirt, tie, PANTS, belt, shoes, socks........

Aragorn's Wife: Skirt, Shirt, shoes, socks...........

3 Girls: Dresses, Shoes, Socks, Brush, Poo-boos (what to do with that hair?)......

1 Flower Girl: Dress, Shrug, Shoes, Socks, Gloves, Basket (what to do with that hair?).........

2 Big Boys: Suit Coats, Shirts, Ties, PANTS, belt, shoes, socks, brush..........

3 Little Boys: PANTS, Shirts, Bowties, Caps, Shoes, Socks........

Extras

Diaper Bag (restocked)

Purse

Camera

Glasses

Tissues !!

Wipes

Snacks

Water

Books on Tape

Mapquest Maps

Gift for Bride and Groom

Double check for PANTS (yes, indeed, I did forget a pair of pants for the ring bearer for one wedding!)

ETC...ETC...ETC!!!!!!

Dad's Plan:

"My wife set out my suit, need to shave, got my car keys and the GPS, what else is there?!"

Who's Not Qualified?

One question the liberals kept asking was "Is Sarah Palin Qualified?" My question is Barack Obama qualified? From this YouTube, which Aragorn passed on to me, I have realized that I have no idea what *they* meant by "qualified". *snicker*

***Nota Bene: Pictures are coming soon.... (I'm sick of politics too... oh, wait, I'm always sick of politics!) In the name of organizing my office, I misplaced my camera-to-computer cord *again* and Aragorn's laptop didn't send all the pictures to my computer.***

Rosary Novena for the Election

Please join us in a Rosary Novena for the Election from October 27th through November 4th. May our country be protected from evil and all human life be protected, respected and loved the way He intended! Every life is sacred in His Heart, may it be so in ours!

Feast of Christ the King

And out of his mouth proceedeth a sharp two-edged sword, that with it he may strike the nations. And he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God the Almighty. And he hath on his garment and on his thigh written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Apocalypse 19:15-16

From Fisheaters:

On the Feast of Christ the King, celebrated on the last Sunday of October (the Sunday before the Feast of All Saints) and initiated in 1925 by Pius XI in his Encyclical Quas Primas, there follows after the Mass a Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We kneel before the Sacrament and recite the following consecration. Afterwards, there is a Litany and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. In praying the Consecration, going to Confession, and receiving the Eucharist on this day (when devoutly done), the faithful receive a plenary indulgence.

Consecration of the Whole Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:
Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before Thine altar. We are Thine, and Thine we wish to be; but, to be more surely united with Thee, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to Thy most Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known Thee; many too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Thy sacred Heart. Be Thou King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken Thee, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned Thee; grant that they may quickly return to Thy Father's house lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of faith, so that there may be but one flock and one Shepherd. Be Thou King of all those who are still involved in the darkness of idolatry or of Islamism, and refuse not to draw them into the light and kingdom of God. Turn Thine eyes of mercy towards the children of the race, once Thy chosen people: of old they called down upon themselves the Blood of the Savior; may it now descend upon them a laver of redemption and of life. Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: "Praise be to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honor for ever." Amen.

I strongly encourage everyone to Enthrone the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary in your home! How shall we fall madly in love with Our Lord if we do not have Him as the very center of our homes?

Fisheaters has alot of information here!

Seek Him, Find Him, Love Him with all your heart that He may live in you and be your one True Love!

He promised that, in response to those who consecrate themselves and make reparations to His Sacred Heart:
He will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.
He will establish peace in their homes.
He will comfort them in all their afflictions.
He will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.
He will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
Sinners will find in His Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.
Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
He will bless every place in which an image of His Heart is exposed and honored.
He will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in His Heart.
In the excessive mercy of His Heart that His all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in His disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. His divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.

How to Confuse a Democratic Candidate

Being off-the-grid and running our home off solar panels and a wind generator appears to be the ideal spot for tree-hugger dwellers. While my 8 year old son and I were visiting a friend in the hospital today, a Democratic Candidate for State Assembly showed up at our door with her pile of brochures. Aragorn answered the door and the candidate reads his t-shirt "PETA People Eating Tasty Animals... oh... funny." She did not leave a brochure and I'm suspecting our mailbox will be smashed or shaving-creamed on Halloween.

Urgent Prayer Request

Please pray for John Becker who is going to have brain surgery on Tuesday, October 28th, pending a few test results.

St. Luke, pray for us!

***updated***

Catholics are PRO-Life - Vote PRO-Life

There can be singularly no other issue in America (or anywhere) to cast your vote on than the respect for human life.


In the words of Fr. John Corapi:


Among the most important titles we have in the Catholic Church for the Blessed Virgin Mary are Our Lady of Victory and Our Lady of the Rosary. These titles can be traced back to one of the most decisive times in the history of the world and Christendom. The Battle of Lepanto took place on October 7 (date of feast of Our Lady of Rosary), 1571. This proved to be the most crucial battle for the Christian forces against the radical Muslim navy of Turkey. Pope Pius V led a procession around St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City praying the Rosary. He showed true pastoral leadership in recognizing the danger posed to Christendom by the radical Muslim forces, and in using the means necessary to defeat it. Spiritual battles require spiritual weapons, and this more than anything was a battle that had its origins in the spiritual order—a true battle between good and evil.
Today we have a similar spiritual battle in progress—a battle between the forces of good and evil, light and darkness, truth and lies, life and death. If we do not soon stop the genocide of abortion in the United States, we shall run the course of all those that prove by their actions that they are enemies of God—total collapse, economic, social, and national. The moral demise of a nation results in the ultimate demise of a nation. God is not a disinterested spectator to the affairs of man. Life begins at conception.
This is an unalterable formal teaching of the Catholic Church. If you do not accept this you are a heretic in plain English. A single abortion is homicide. The more than 48,000,000 abortions since Roe v. Wade in the United States constitute genocide by definition. The group singled out for death—unwanted, unborn children.
No other issue, not all other issues taken together, can constitute a proportionate reason for voting for candidates that intend to preserve and defend this holocaust of innocent human life that is abortion.
I strongly urge every one of you to make a Novena and pray the Rosary to Our Lady of Victory between October 27th and Election Day, November 4th. Pray that God’s will be done and the most innocent and utterly vulnerable of our brothers and sisters will be protected from this barbaric and grossly sinful blight on society that is abortion. No woman, and no man, has the right to choose to murder an innocent human being.
May God grant us the wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and counsel to form our conscience in accordance with authentic Catholic teaching, and then vote that well‐formed Catholic conscience.
Please copy, email, link and distribute this article freely.
God Bless You
Fr. John Corapi
http://www.fathercorapi.com/



Be sure to read Mary Ellen's Stop Drinking the Kool-Aid!

Just a snippet:

I have been reading and listening and watching those who claim to be practicing, devout Catholics make their case for voting for Obama. I have to say that one and, all they are without a doubt, full of crap.
They need to put down the Kool-Aid and high tail it to confession because they are leading people into sin and it's going to come back to bite them in the butt at some point.
I have been reading some of the most twisted, delusional, illogical thinking that these "scholars" use to justify their support of a candidate whose platform contains the most abhorrent anti-life policies that can possibly be dreamed up by the most die-hard abortion advocates. I would have a great deal more respect for Kmiec and Kaveny if they just admitted that they knew it was wrong to endorse a pro-abortion candidate but were doing it anyway. In the case of pro-abortion politicians, such as Biden, Pelosi, Kennedy and others why not just come out and say, "I know it's wrong but it's how I'm going to get elected so I'm going to make this my platform anyway." We then could at least call them honest. Honest in a morally corrupt and power hungry way but at least they would be acknowledging what we know they know.

Sung Traditional Latin High Mass

On October 12th, one of our most exceedingly incredible priests (to which we have 4) celebrated the First Latin High Mass at our parish in some 50 years, give or take a decade.

We had 9 altar boys who did a splendid job after months of practice.

There were about 12 people plus a choir of angels or two and a truly talented and enjoyable organist. One of our choir members recorded the Mass and put it on YouTube! Enjoy!

Part I - The End of the Most Holy Rosary Through the Asperges
Processional Hymn: "Hail! Queen of Heaven" Dr. Lingard
Asperges Me

Part II - The End of the Asperges Prayers Through the Gloria
Mass of the Angels Kyrie and Gloria

Part III - Collect Through the Beginning of the Sermon
22nd Sunday after Pentecost
Collect
Epistle
Gradual
Gospel
Sermon

Part IV - Sermon Through Credo
Continuation of the Sermon
Credo III


Part V - End of the Credo Through Offertory and Incensing
Offertory Hymn: "Ave Verum Corpus" W.A. Mozart


Part VI - Preface Through Consecration Prayers
Mass of the Angels Sanctus


Part VII - Consercration Prayers Through Communion
Mass of the Angels Agnus Dei
First Communion Hymn: "Panis Angelicus" Fr. Lambilotte
Second Communion Hymn: "Ave Maria" Jacques Arcadelt

Part VIII - Communion Through Salve Regina
Third Communion Hymn: "Adoramus Te Christe" Dubois
Salve Regina
Recessional Hymn: "Holy God We Praise Thy Name"

DEO GRATIAS!

(sorry my pictures didn't turn out very good!)

Interesting Question

As I'm working on resizing pictures to post I'm remembering that a bit ago my friend Jamie from Ad Silvam Ibimus asked a very interesting question which I think we mothers (*ahem* and fathers) need to contemplate:


"Those of you who have been moms for a long time. Do you think you were a better mom before the internet?"

Thank You Bishop Morlino

It is very easy to see this earthly life as only a Vale of Tears, as indeed it is! However there is much hope to be had. We have been very blessed in our Diocese.

On October 11th, the Feast of the Maternity of Our Lady, there was a horrific article against our Bishop and the holy priests of our diocese. (Praytell, if "Catholics" don't like the teachings of the Catholic Church then why stick around?!) Within days an e-group in support of our Bishop was rallied. It was a reminder to me of how much we need to be grateful for our Bishop who has provided us with the Traditional Latin Mass, something not all Bishops are willing to do.

On Saturday, October 18th, the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, a lovely article was in the paper in preparing the way for an advertorial in Support of our Bishop.

On Sunday October 19th, a paid advertorial was in the paper. This was a public letter of thanks to our Bishop.

On October 26th, there will be a prayer Vigil to pray for our Bishop and priests.
Priesthood Sunday Prayer Vigil- October 26th, 1 pm
St Patrick Catholic Church
404 East Main Street
Madison, WI

We need to remember to pray for our Bishop and our holy priests who are so willing to lay down their lives for the good of the people and uphold the Traditional Teachings of Our Holy Faith. But also remember to pray for the priests who have slid away from the *true* teachings of the Holy Catholic Church.

I'll take an extra moment here to specifically thank the good and holy priests from the Society of Jesus Christ the Priest: Fr. Faustino, Fr. Miguel, Fr. Jared, and Fr. John who continue, in spite of much criticism, to joyfully bring the Faith to the people. I simply could not say enough good things about these priests who are ever so dedicated to the Catholic Church.

Avalanche

I never thought one could have an avalanche inside their house but I actually had an avalance of papers mudslide off my desk. I wonder if that is a sign that I should do something about my office?


Nah!

DSL

Well, Trinity Acres has now *finally* updated to the 21st century and has DSL. It's rather a pathetic story. We live on this 1000 foot long strip that doesn't get DSL. We had DSL installed right up to the basement door but alas the *computer* at Verizon wouldn't let us have it because we were "out of range" even though the *man* came and tested it. For months this went on. Man said yes, computer said no. And believe it or not, no man can override a computer.... incredible!

Finally we came up with the brilliant idea to ask our neighbors *who have DSL* if we could put in a 2nd line (or whatever it is) and use a wireless router. They were all for it and so was Verizon. However the kindly old gentleman who originally tested our DSL line came back. I asked if he was going to install it in the neighbor's shed "Nope, no one told me anything about a shed. You have the line here, right?" he said with a twinkle in his eyes. "Yes, sir."

And Finally today we actually have a DSL connection. It's not yet on my computer but will be shortly. I'm enjoying my last sentimental minutes multi-tasking with slow dial-up. I've heard rumor that it's 12 times as fast as what we have now. Wow.

Now to get my ancient computer updated so I can make those cute smiley faces rather than these :) sideways things... priorities, priorities!

Birds

Galadriel's Yellow Bird

"Galadriel, wouldn't you like to cross hatch the background for a smoother look?"

"No, it looks more like pine-needles this way."


I was working with Frodo on his English lesson on commas. He had to answer a question and write a sentence using commas.

"Name 3 things a bird can do."

"A bird can fly, chirp and beak-pull."

"Beak-pull?!"

"Yes, he can pull things up with his beak."

"Name 3 things a baby can do."

"A baby can cry..." when across the room Sam interrupts with "mess his pants and eat things off the floor."

More Amusings

Life with Bilbo - 9 months

I suddenly heard one of the littles hollering that Bilbo made a mess. Sure enough he had *gotten the cap off* a bottle of Eucalan wool wash (it's another story why the wool wash was in the school of all places!)

He had dumped nearly the whole works on the floor.

Don't let him fool you, this is *not* remorse!

No one knew why Bilbo was "singing" ah-ah-ah with this bottle against his face and he didn't offer any ideas either though we all were entertained.

Bilbo Walks!!



Bravo Baby!

A Beautiful Shower


This cake was so beautiful! Unfortunately my camera did not do the cake justice. The leaves were made of fondant which I think looks like a lovely medium to work with but knowing my lack of skill in all things decorous, I haven't yet attempted this. The cake tasted good, too!


The food spread was incredible! Absolutely delicious and presented beautifully.

Chicken salad on croissants, water chestnuts rolled in bacon with a barbecue sauce, mini quiches and ever so much more.... as you can see!

My sister-in-law's home is a work of art in itself so a truly lovely place for a gathering.

Me 'n my sisters-in-law.

My sister-in-law-to-be and I can't wait!!

The party was really fun. I had a great time sitting with this lovely lady. She was so hilarious and there is nothing I enjoy more than a good time laughing. I happen to be one of those people who loves to play what most people consider silly shower games. Well, not me, I just love those games!

How neat is this... a chocolate fountain! And in the background a punch fountain.

More goodies

Corn Maze

This year's corn maze was a dragon fly maze. The kiddie maze was a frog princeling (upper right hand corner) The family that owns this maze is really great to visit with. And they are so funny!

Our homeschooling group met at a local corn maze. Unfortunately some of my family was still in the midst of a cold so we went only with halfsies but that's still at a politically incorrect 4 children! I highly recommend a corn maze, it really is a lot of fun!

The farm where this corn maze is is really lovely. These horses were gorgeous! And HUGE! Their heads were some 6 feet up! They actually still use these horses for their fields.

Trekkin' along. I was in the age 5-11 group of girls. We did eventually get out of the maze!

Anyone left behind will be found in November when they combine the fields!

Sisters!

The older children waiting... and waiting... and waiting...

After the maze there was a picnic lunch but being that I left more than 1/2 the children at home we disappointingly missed this part of the day. I missed it most of all as it's really a lovely group of ladies who always have some joy to share.

Good Bye til next year!

New Suit

My little Frodo loves to wear a suit... he must get that somewhere on my side of the gene pool!

Boy's Socks

Children's socks are the bane of my existance. I found this pair of "matched" socks. Apparently blue and the same length is good enough. Any men out there reading this.... do these *really* match?

Round Bales

Everyone, even the dog likes to be up on the round bales.


Little boys can be so doggone cute...

Hopeless Romantic

My husband is a *hopeless* romantic... note the stress on hopeless! (*snicker*) He went out of town for a very long couple of days and this is what he brought back for me. I really do think it makes an improvement though. My children would probably think the Hitler mustache rather appropriate too.

One size fits all.

Doggone I've Seen It All

picture from ebay auction
I was searching for jogging strollers *again* (we are probably on our 5th one) when I stumbled across this beauty! A jogging stroller for your *dog*. What happened to the $9.99 leash?

picture from The Company Store
And now you can even take little poochie outside when it is cold out for he can be warmed up in his very own parka with fur lined hood and all! www.TheCompanyStore.com

I truly have seen it all now!