Designs by Birgit

Pro-life Corner: SUNDAY, February 12, 2012

2012-02-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

For several years, submitting a'Pro-life Corner' post for the weekly bulletin in several churches hasbeen a part of my pro-life efforts. It was only natural to carry this idea intothe new pro-life direction of my blog. Priests for Life has been thesource for Pro-life Corner posts. Their materials are generouslyoffered for distribution and they simply ask for credit. These pro-lifeposts coincide with the Church calendar and 'contain three elements:a one-paragraph bulletin insert, General Intercessions, and suggestions fordrawing pro-life themes out of the Sunday reading for the homily'. I willshare all three elements every Sunday in an effort help us all think with apro-life heart.

As is the practice over at Catholic Sistas, a blog towhich I contribute, Sunday posts will be scheduled ahead of time in orderto leave that day for Church and family.

Sixth Sunday in OrdinaryTime - Cycle B

BULLETIN INSERT:

The Pope’s Encyclical"God is Love"
Pope Benedict XVI saysthe following words in his encyclical letter “God is Love”: “In sacramentalcommunion I become one with the Lord, like all the other communicants. As SaintPaul says, “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for weall partake of the one bread” (1 Cor 10:17). Union with Christ is also unionwith all those to whom he gives himself. I cannot possess Christ just formyself; I can belong to him only in union with all those who have become, orwho will become, his own. … Love of God and love of neighbor are nowtruly united: God incarnate draws us all to himself. … Here the usualcontraposition between worship and ethics simply falls apart. “Worship” itself,Eucharistic communion, includes the reality both of being loved and of lovingothers in turn. A Eucharist which does not pass over into the concrete practiceof love is intrinsically fragmented” (n. 14). These words remind us of ourcalling to love all our neighbors, born and unborn.

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS:

As you know, the USBishops have asked us to include in the General intercessions at every Mass apetition for the building of the Culture of Life. Their words in the PastoralPlan for Pro-life Activities read, "Parishes should include in the petitionsat every Mass a prayer that ours will become a nation that respects andprotects all human life, born and unborn, reflecting a true culture oflife." (US Bishops, 2001, "A Campaign in Support ofLife").

~Fr. Frank Pavone,Priests for Life

That the Church may be an instrument of God’s mercy through her mission and outreach to those most in need, we pray to the Lord...

That world and local leaders may seek the poor and forsaken giving them the dignity and assistance they deserve as children of God, we pray to the Lord...

That we may imitate our Lord's compassionate care for the sick, and show them that their lives are just as precious and valuable as when they are healthy, we pray to the Lord...

That each of us may be vigilant against the sins of envy and jealousy and live in a way that reflects God’s love and care for all we meet, we pray to the Lord...

That those who have died may be received into the joy of God’s kingdom, we pray to the Lord...

HOMILY SUGGESTIONS:
Lv 13:1-2. 44-46
1 Cor 10:31—11:1
Mk 1:40-45

"I do will it. Bemade clean.”

Jesus healedthe lepers, who were outcasts to their community, as the first reading makesclear. The healing demonstrates two key lessons that relate to the Church’sstand on life.

First, Jesusis always on the side of human life. His healing of some represents hisliberation of all from the power of sin and death. Ultimately, the healingsdescribed in the Gospels point to the overthrow of the entire kingdom of death,and the final triumph of life. Christ is life, and to stand with him is tostand with life and against whatever destroys it.

Second, theLord always broke down false barriers between different classes of humanbeings. He saw their humanity, and the image of God inscribed on them fromcreation. This image is not obscured by the false distinctions people make bytheir prejudice or by the customs that deny the equal dignity of all people.The Lord’s determination to eliminate false barriers is seen in many other waysin the Gospels. We see Him reach out to children despite the efforts of theapostles to keep them away (Matthew 19:13-15); to tax collectors and sinnersdespite the objections of the Scribes (Mark 2:16); to the blind despite thewarnings of the crowd (Matthew 20:29-34); to a foreign woman despite the uttersurprise of the disciples and of the woman herself (John 4:9, 27); to Gentilesdespite the anger of the Jews (Matthew 21:41-46); and to the lepers, despitetheir isolation from the rest of society (Luke 17:11-19).

When it comesto human dignity, Christ erases distinctions. St. Paul declares, "There isneither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave or free person, there is not maleand female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).

We canlikewise say, "There is neither born nor unborn." Using thisdistinction as a basis for the value of life or the protection one deserves is meaninglessand offensive to all that Scripture teaches. The unborn are the segment of oursociety which is most neglected and discriminated against. Christ Himselfsurely has a special love for them.

Pro-Life Liturgical Resources: Fifth Sunday Ordinary Time,Cycle B, February 5 ~Priests forLife

FIAT: Why Should We Care as "Catholics?"

2012-02-11T13:16:00.000-06:00

Today I am sharing a wonderful, growing video company that is rich in its Catholicity. Thanks to Fr. Josh McCarty and his vision, they are growing by leaps and bounds. Just this week, news of their new video about the beauty of the journey to NFP by a local family, has made it to a local newspaper. Since I could never say it better myself, I will simply share their description of the video and allow your heart to burst with pride in our beautiful Church and her mission for us all!

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Why should we care as "Catholics?"
It is a stance often seen as an obsolete stronghold in a world that moves much faster than an antiquated church, ruled under the heavy hand of a bunch of old men.

Why would the Church care about this?
It's a plausible question, seeing as 98% of Catholic women have used some form of birth control.
The whole contraception controversy is shrouded in misunderstanding, yet the Church remains persistent in Her teaching about the life-giving purpose.

What is that teaching?
That every married couple have a dozen children? No, not at all. It is a much more endearing standard than that.
No matter if you are on the rocks financially or if you are trying to keep up with the Duggers, the teaching requires that a couple allow God to have the final say on the dimension of their family.

There are several ways to give God the power that is His-to be the Guide, Nurturer, Refuge and Creator of life. A couple invites God to their wedding to bless their commitment, and to hold them in love.
God is invited into their homes through daily prayer, love and sacrifice. God is invited into the bedroom when a couple gives of themselves totally, in the most vulnerable and beautiful way -- body, heart and soul.

Trust is difficult, especially when speaking of something as life-changing as having children. With all the implications, just a few of which include financial and emotional, only a fool would run headlong into sex blindly. But that is not an accurate depiction of the teaching.
Through the design of a woman's cycle, through her natural phases of fertility, through the natural attraction between a couple during a fertile time, through the firm and faithful decision of the couple to abstain from sex if they must, Natural Family Planning gives couples the ability to achieve or avoid pregnancy at a percentage of 99.5%. It is with that trust that a couple invites the Lord to put His seal on their life.

He is allowed His right as Creator and Designer. In their stunning trust, both husband and wife exude the beauty of Mary.
Fiat -- "Let is be done unto me according to your word."

Visit us on the web at http://lolekproductions.com
And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lolek-Productions/154759447935572

Why Age Doesn't Matter in Life

2012-02-10T21:40:00.000-06:00

I used to give my sweet mother a birthday card for my birthday. I would tell her she should be the one to get credit for that day because all I had to do was show up; she did all the work! Of course, I never hesitated to accept cards, gifts, or sweets for myself either!

As a child of the late 50s, I didn't realize the entire weight of my mother's accomplishment of carrying me for nine months and then giving birth. It wasn't until years later, when Roe v. Wade was handed down, that I really appreciated what my mother had done for me. As much as a hero that mothers in years past were, today's mother may just give them a run for their money. After all, today there are "choices." Choices which aren't just easily obtained, but encouraged in many quarters. Motherhood is optional now. Life has become cheap--or expensive, depending on your perspective.

Nana and me

Motherhood is not the only aspect of life that has been greatly diminished, however. Again, I can't help but think about my relationship with my mother. As an immigrant from Germany in her thirties, my mother was in for a bit of culture shock when we moved to the United States. Our household in Germany had consisted of both immediate and extended family: her mother, uncle, and grandfather all lived with us from time to time. We even brought her uncle Joe over to the States with us and he remained in our home until he died of asthma a few years later.

Read more at Why Age Doesn't Matter in Life at Catholic Sistas.com

Pro-life Corner: SUNDAY, February 5, 2012

2012-02-05T21:15:00.000-06:00

For several years, submitting a 'Pro-life Corner' post for the weekly bulletin in several churches has been a part of my pro-life efforts. It was only natural to carry this idea into the new pro-life direction of my blog. Priests for Life has been the source for Pro-life Corner posts. Their materials are generously offered for distribution and they simply ask for credit. These pro-life posts coincide with the Church calendar and 'contain three elements: a one-paragraph bulletin insert, General Intercessions, and suggestions for drawing pro-life themes out of the Sunday reading for the homily'. I will share all three elements every Sunday in an effort help us all think with a pro-life heart.

As is the practice over at the Catholic Sistas, a blog to which I contribute, Sunday posts will be scheduled ahead of time in order to leave that day for Church and family.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - CycleB

BULLETIN INSERT:

AbortionSurvivors

Child psychiatristPhilip Ney relates, "A woman reported telling her nine year old son abouther abortion, which had taken place years before he was born. He said, 'I knew,Mom, that there was something wrong. I always have nightmares about knives andmy mother killing me. I have an imaginary brother who wants to kill me. If youhad not aborted the other, would you have aborted me?'" (AbortionSurvivors, p.36).

This is a story repeatedmore times than most people realize, and representing a societal and pastoralproblem whose proportions are greater today than at any previous time inhistory: the phenomenon of tens of millions of abortion survivors.

It is clear thatabortion's primary victim is the child who is killed. It has also becomeincreasingly clear that to kill the child is to harm the mother and father aswell. What is not always so well known, however, is that abortion makes itsimpact felt on those who have had a sibling aborted, and that this impact isfelt in surprising and astonishing ways, which also have wider implications forthe whole of society.

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS:

That the Church may bestrengthened by the Spirit in its ministry of spreading the Good News of Jesusthroughout the world, we pray to the Lord...

That Church leaders maybear witness to God's gift and plan for marriage, and assist couples to livethat vocation faithfully, we pray to the Lord...

That our Christianlawmakers will actively promote justice through the legal means entrusted tothem, we pray to the Lord...

That all who despairbecause of a past abortion may open their hearts to repentance and the mercifulforgiveness of the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted, we pray to theLord...

That the sick throughoutthe world may have the strength and wisdom to unite their sufferings to thoseof Christ, and obtain his peace and healing, we pray to the Lord...

That the members of ourparish community who have died may be welcomed into God’s kingdom, we pray tothe Lord...

Celebrant:

Almighty God, you arethe source of our hope and strength.
As you answer our prayers, keep us always close to you, and bring ussalvation.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

HOMILY SUGGESTIONS:

Jb 7:1-4, 6-7
1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23
Mk 1:29-39

Jesus loved the poor,the weak, the sick, and the demon-possessed. These individuals, and those whocared for them, knew that they could come to Jesus to find what they needed.What they needed, however, was often much more than what they thought they needed,because Jesus indicated by his words in today’s Gospel passage, and by hisactions, that it was his purpose to preach the Word of God. The healing, inother words, flowed from something more fundamental. People need to hear thetruth of God. By accepting it and being formed in it, they can establish rightrelationships with God and one another. They can conquer sin. They can haveintegral salvation, in body and soul.

As Jesus was the one towhom the people brought the ill and those possessed by demons, so the Churchtoday is the place that people should be inclined to go first. The Churchpreaches integral salvation, as the recently issued “Compendium of the SocialDoctrine of the Catholic Church” so clearly explains. The feeding of the souland the care given to temporal needs go hand in hand.

The Church, whichteaches the truth that all life belongs to God, is reaching out each day tothose who are tempted to take life by abortion. The thousands of pregnancycenters run by Christians across the nation bear witness to this fact. Thesecenters provide medical help, financial assistance, legal advice, counseling,job and education opportunities, assistance to keep and raise the child or tomake an adoption plan, and countless other needs. Some national hotlines, likethe “Option Line” (1-800-395-HELP) and websites like www.pregnancycenters.org bring this concretehelp to countless people daily. The members of each parish can extend theministry of Jesus by referring people to this kind of help. It saves lives,spares people endless grief, and proclaims the Word of God about human life.

Pro-Life LiturgicalResources: Fifth Sunday Ordinary Time, Cycle B , February 5 ~Priests for Life

When it’s 'Groundhog Day' - every day!

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

As Phil the weatherman (Bill Murray) discovers in the fanciful movie about living the same day over and over again, Groundhog Day...

It’s 'Groundhog Day' - every day!

Happy Groundhog Day

Well that’s also how I feel on most any morning when I wake up! In my blissful dreams I can fly by simply bouncing, visit with dearly departed loved ones and solve any crisis with the greatest of ease. But when my feet hit the floor I am brought back to reality and sometimes there doesn’t appear to be much to make me smile or to feel accomplished. But then, by rote, I begin the routine…

Brush teeth, smirk in mirror (whoa, look at that bed-head), put on my frumpy knit dress (the stay-at-home-Nana uniform of choice) and pad down the stairs.

There it begins.

Switch out the two-way light switches (I’m OCD and the little levers have to be in the correct position – up=on and down=off) – check.

Straighten all five bar stools at the counter (didn't I do this right before bed last night?) - check.

Cold coffee in coffee pot (yuck). Wash, rinse and fill with hot water (for my hot tea) – check.

Wash the tiny 'Whiskies' (Simon's word for whiskers) off the bathroom sink - check.

Fold Rick’s blanket and put away with his pillow (he 'naps' on the couch before going to bed) – check.

Fix breakfast for whichever kids are here today – check.

While they’re eating, load the dishwasher and clean out the sink (BTW, why am I the only one capable of rinsing a sink?) – check.

That's only the first 20 minutes...but you get the idea…right?

Sometimes this routine is almost comical - or is that a hysterical laugh escaping from my clenched lips? It never changes – EVER. But other times, when I’m moved to the pity partycompartment of the train of life, I have to mentally shake myself (maybe even plant a well placed mental slap) and realize that I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing. My vocation, after all, is important – even as it appears mundane. I keep the home fires burning, so to speak. My kiddies depend on me and so does my loving husband who works unbelievably long hours and sacrifices home time to travel for work. It’s the least I can do – and the most – if I do it correctly.

I’m an old-fashioned kind of gal. My perfect family scenario is husband/father working and wife/mother staying at home with kids – cooking, cleaning, teaching, sewing and nurturing (and blogging). That’s how I was raised and how we raised our family – the first time. This second time is simply icing on the cake. I am blessed to be doing it all again because now my grandchildren are in my care. I am a stay-at-home-Nana.

As such, I’m often reminded of the Brother Lawrence book my mother gave to each of us siblings with this inscription.

‘Read at least once a year!

Love, Mama’.

"The Practice of the Presence of God" teaches just that. No matter what your lot in life. No matter how mundane the task. Place yourself in the Presence of Christ each and every day – all day! Much like St. Therese’ ‘little way’, this wise monk writes of offering up our daily life to God – all of it. Peeling potatoes? Do it for God as a prayer. Washing the spills off the kitchen floor for the umpteenth time? Do it for God as a prayer. When you begin to realize that there are two ways to do the same job, you are on your way to utilizing Br. Lawrence’s great advice. The task, after all, must be done. Do it with a frown and your day will be dark…plus you don’t get a ‘gold star’ from the Big Man Upstairs. Do the same task as a gift to Him…reap the reward of a pleasant day AND just perhaps some tangible good on this earth will come of it. If not there are eternal implications. There's also 'extra credit' if you do this without whining about it to anyone later!

I would be lying (so no ‘gold star’) if I said that I accomplish this goal every day. It is, however, my ultimate goal. And the benefits are many, because, not only do I feel a sense of having accomplished something great by doing something small, I have taught by example instead of by word. As Sunday Gospel a few months back exhorted, don’t live life like the Pharisees.

“So practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice.” Matthew 23:3

So who's with me? Let’s resolve to do our best, no matter what the task, and reap the benefit of not only getting the ordinary done, but also of having ‘prayed by action’. Next time you feel like you’re reliving ‘Groundhog Day’ – smile in the mirror and laugh at the absurdity of cleaning poop off the floor and having it count as a prayer!

Potty Trainee

NOTE: Oh irony of ironies - as I was formatting this post, Rachel - one of the 23 month old potty trainees, decided to be an overachiever. She removed her diaper but forgot the part about sitting on the potty. I did, however, remember to smile and offer up my cleaning duties - I have yet to find where she stashed the unsoiled diaper she took off during her efforts but am glad to have found her offerings!

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"I walk before God simply, in faith, with humility and with love; and I apply myself diligently to do nothing and think nothing which may displease Him."
~ Brother Lawrence

Planned Parenthood Kicked to the Curb!

2012-02-01T12:14:00.000-06:00

For years, faithful Catholics have boycotted Komen's fundraising efforts for its unconscionable relationship with Planned Parenthood, which received $650,000 from Komen in 2011. And if Planned Parenthood's complicity in the deaths of millions of unborn children were not bad enough, the link between it and Komen was especially galling given the copious research showing that abortion dramatically increases a woman’s chances of breast cancer.

For Catholic breast cancer survivors especially, Komen's support of Planned Parenthood often left them feeling marginalized. "I've always felt cheated because I couldn't morally participate in 'pink' events," says Birgit, one of our contributors who is a seven-year breast cancer survivor. She hated having to inform well-meaning friends who wanted to honor her family by raising money for Komen that she couldn't accept due to the charity's relationship with an abortion provider. "Understandably, they felt chastised for doing a good deed," she says.

Komen's support of Planned Parenthood also was troubling for Erika, another of our contributors who is a three-year breast cancer survivor diagnosed at 20 weeks pregnant. She shared her story recently with our readers, including the pressure she resisted to abort her now two-year-old daughter. "Prolife Catholics have always loved women enough to support them and their unborn children during crisis pregnancies," Erika says.

Though most pregnant women diagnosed with breast cancer are encouraged to abort, Erika found that research shows instead that women who elect to continue their pregnancies actually have a better survival rate than their counterparts who abort. Her experiences inspired Erika to develop Catholic Sistas' own unique ribbon (see below) to support breast cancer awareness and research, which reflects the Catholic belief that both mother and child deserve to be protected from the disease.

To read the entire article got to Yes! Komen Kicks Planned Parenthood to the Curb on the Catholic Sistas blog site.

Pro-life Corner: SUNDAY, January 29, 2012

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

For several years, submitting a 'Pro-life Corner' post for the weekly bulletin in several churches has been a part of my pro-life efforts. It was only natural to carry this idea into the new pro-life direction of my blog. Priests for Life has been the source for Pro-life Corner posts. Their materials are generously offered for distribution and they simply ask for credit. These pro-life posts coincide with the Church calendar and 'contain three elements: a one-paragraph bulletin insert, General Intercessions, and suggestions for drawing pro-life themes out of the Sunday reading for the homily'. I will share all three elements every Sunday in an effort help us all think with a pro-life heart.

As is the practice over at the Catholic Sistas, a blog to which I contribute, Sunday posts will be scheduled ahead of time in order to leave that day for Church and family.

BULLETIN INSERT:

“Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person -- among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you” (Jer 1:5; cf Job 10:8-12; Ps 22:10-11). “My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth” (Ps. 139:15). Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable.” -- Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 2270-2271

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS:

That the Church may be an example to the world of what it means to grow in thelove of God and to share his love with others, we pray to the Lord...

That world leaders may serve the needs of all people with wisdom andcompassion, we pray to the Lord...

That each of us may be the Lord's prophets by speaking up for vulnerable people-- both born and unborn -- who cannot speak for themselves, we pray to theLord...

That the sick and suffering and all who work with them may effectivelycommunicate the gentle love that Jesus has for them, we pray to the Lord...

That our national sporting events may promote character, unity, and virtue inour personal and social lives, we pray to the Lord...

That the Catholic schools of our nation may be strengthened in their spiritualand educational mission, we pray to the Lord...

That all who have died may be united to the risen Christ in the heavenlykingdom, we pray to the Lord...

HOMILY SUGGESTIONS:

Dt 18:15-20
1 Cor 7:32-35
Mk 1:21-28

The Gospel and First Reading for this Sunday raise the issue of the authorityof those who speak the Word of God. Jesus taught with authority because he isthe Word of God. The prophets taught with authority because God put his ownwords into their mouths. The Church today teaches with authority because, asthe Body of Christ, she continues his teaching mission or, to be more precise,Christ himself continues teaching through his Church. Each member of theChurch, by virtue of baptism and confirmation, has a prophetic role, and echoesthe Word of God himself, both by words and example.

These themes are important in the battle between the Culture of Life and theCulture of Death, because our opponents ask why we are “imposing our moralityon everyone else.” In reality, however, we are not imposing anything. We arespeaking a truth which is not our own, and which simply reflects the reality ofhow we are made and what the moral law is. If anything is “imposed,” it hasalready been imposed by God. We are witnesses to him. We have no authority ofour own; we simply proclaim his Word. By that fact, moreover, we are equallybound by what we proclaim as are those to whom we proclaim it.

This is why the proclamation of the pro-life message does not imply some kindof moral superiority on the part of those who proclaim it. Rather, it impliessolidarity, and a common acknowledgement of the God of life, who is Lord ofthose who preach and those who hear.

Pro-Life Liturgical Resources: Fourth Sunday Ordinary Time, Cycle B , January 29 ~Priests for Life

What do you mean by 'choice'?

2012-01-22T05:00:00.000-06:00

Today - Sunday, January 22, 2012 - is the 39th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision. Many in the pro-abortion movement find this to be a day of victory and celebrate it as something that is good for women. The many articles I have read about the topic and the many people to whom I have spoken seem to indicate that those who support Roe vs. Wade are 'pro-choice'. The word 'choice', however, implies that there are several avenues of action being offered. Yet when you read the Planned Parenthood (PP) stories and talk to those who claim the label you come away with the sense that there's only one approved choice - abortion. To a pro-life advocate like me that is a bit confusing. How would you explain the following?

The face of the pro-choice movement, (PP), kills 91 out of every 100 babies whose pregnant mothers walk through their doors.

In 2010 their abortion vs. adoption ratio was 329,445 abortions to 841 adoption referrals.

Poor women are turned away from PP clinics because they opt to keep their baby.

Women have been left bleeding (and their babies dying) because they have given birth (their abortion was 'unsuccessful').

Cover-ups of statutory rape and incest at the hand of PP.

Aborting 165,000 female babies each and every year.

So I ask, 'what do you mean by 'choice'? Please elaborate. Let us know what those 'choices' are because, clearly, we aren't understanding that word in the same way.

Pro-life graphics courtesy of VoicesForLife.net

Links of Reference:

Pro-life Corner: SUNDAY, January 22, 2012

2012-01-22T04:00:00.000-06:00

As is the practice over at the Catholic Sistas, a blog to which I contribute, Sunday posts will be scheduled ahead of time in order to leave that day for Church and family.

Priests for Life will be the source for my Sunday Pro-life Corner posts. Their materials are generously offered for distribution and they simply ask for credit. These pro-life posts coincide with the Church calendar and I will share all three elements every Sunday in an effort help us all think with a pro-life heart.

BULLETIN INSERT:

KRT Illustration (NCRegister)

A Tragic Commemoration
On January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court, in the Roe vs. Wade decision, made its worst mistake in history. By declaring that children in the womb are not “persons,” it opened the door to tens of millions of abortions. The website of the Alan Guttmacher Institute (the research arm of Planned Parenthood, which is the single largest source of abortions in America), states, “From 1973 through 2002, more than 42 million legal abortions occurred.” It also points out that “24% of all pregnancies (excluding miscarriages) end in abortion,” and that abortions after 21 weeks of pregnancy number somewhere around 18,000 per year in America. In 2002, there were 1.29 million abortions in our country. Indeed, as we mark another Roe vs. Wade commemoration, it is time for all of us to get involved in the efforts to end abortion. Visit www.TenStepsToEndAbortion.com to learn what you can do.

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS:

That our Holy Father and all who are entrusted with teaching God’s Word may be blessed with wisdom and courage, we pray to the Lord...

That the leaders of the world who have the task of governing may carry out their duties with justice and maintain peace among nations, we pray to the Lord...

That nations may repent of the sins of abortion, euthanasia, and neglect of the poor and weak, and may reform their laws to protect every human life, we pray to the Lord...

That Christians may join together across denominational lines to help the hungry and homeless, we pray to the Lord...

That those who have died may enjoy the peace of God’s kingdom, and that those who grieve for them may be comforted, we pray to the Lord...

See www.priestsforlife.org/liturgy for the intercessions in PDF format.

HOMILY SUGGESTIONS:

Jon 3:1-5, 10
1 Cor 7:29-31
Mk 1:14-20

January 22, 1973 was the date of the tragic Roe vs. Wade decision. Its commemoration is rightly marked by readings that accent the theme of repentance. “Repent” is the first message of Jesus as he begins his public ministry (today’s Gospel). It was also the first message of John the Baptizer as he began preparing the way for Christ (Mark 1:4), and was the first theme that Peter proclaimed on the first Pentecost (Acts 2:38). The preaching of Jonah foreshadowed all of this, and the work of the Church today echoes it.

Many believers, as they learn more about the facts of abortion and Roe vs. Wade, think that our first spiritual duty in the face of abortion is to pray. But it is not. Our first duty is to repent. God does not simply prohibit us from committing abortion. He prohibits us from tolerating it. He calls us to become active in fighting it.

Today provides an excellent opportunity to sound the call of repentance and to educate the parishioners on some of the key facts of Roe vs. Wade, such as can be found in the bulletin insert above, and also at the website www.secondlookproject.org. Simply knowing that Roe vs. Wade permitted far more than they thought helps many people to start doing more for the pro-life effort than they ever did.

Pro-Life Liturgical Resources: Third Sunday Ordinary Time, Cycle B , January 22, 2012 ~Priests for Life

God bless her

2012-01-19T14:45:00.002-06:00

A post from a gal I'm happy to call my friend!

Confessions of a Recovering Lesbian
"I am a 37-year-old Catholic woman who has been happily married for nearly 15 years. We have five children that I homeschool. I also struggle daily with same-sex attraction."

Mark Shea has linked to her story, God bless her!

Pro-life Corner: SUNDAY, January 15, 2012

2012-01-15T09:30:00.000-06:00

For several years, submitting a 'Pro-life Corner' post for the weekly bulletin in several churches has been a part of my pro-life efforts. It was only natural to carry this idea into the new pro-life direction of my blog. Priests for Life has been the source for Pro-life Corner posts. Their materials are generously offered for distribution and they simply ask for credit. These pro-life posts coincide with the Church calendar and 'contain three elements: a one-paragraph bulletin insert, General Intercessions, and suggestions for drawing pro-life themes out of the Sunday reading for the homily'. I will share all three elements every Sunday in an effort help us all think with a pro-life heart.

As is the practice over at the Catholic Sistas, a blog to which I contribute, Sunday posts will be scheduled ahead of time in order to leave that day for Church and family.

BULLETIN INSERT:

Pro-life Words from Hollywood

“Indeed the tragedy of abortion haunts women from all walks of life. Abortion advocates are spending millions to package their tired rhetoric and half-truths in cutting-edge advertising campaigns targeted to young women... The early feminists were pro-life. And really, abortion is a huge disservice to women, and it hasn't been presented that way." -- Emmy winning actress, Patricia Heaton, from Everybody Loves Raymond

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS:

That the leaders of the Church may continue to spread God’s word with joy to the people of the world, we pray to the Lord...

That the governments of all nations seek just and peaceful solutions to conflict, we pray to the Lord...

That those who suffer from oppression or violence may draw strength from the suffering of Jesus and have the support of caring people, we pray to the Lord...

That Scripture's teaching that our lives and bodies belong to the Lord may increase our reverence for all human life, and our awareness that only God can give it or take it away, we pray to the Lord...

That unity among Christians, and their collaboration for the good of society, may increase, we pray to the Lord...

That those who have died may rest in the peace of the heavenly kingdom, we pray to the Lord.

HOMILY SUGGESTIONS:

1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19
1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20
Jn 1:35-42

The most powerful way to draw the pro-life theme from today’s readings is to build on Paul’s declaration to the Corinthians, “You are not your own” (second reading). The battle cry of “pro-choice” is “my body, my life, my decision” – in other words, the idea that we are indeed our own. The idea is that we are each the captain of our own ship, and nobody can tell us what to do.

Christianity changes and challenges all that. Because of what Jesus Christ did, we are no longer our own. He owns us – yet not to oppress or enslave us, but to incorporate us into His Body. Nobody owns himself, and nobody owns anyone else. In Christ, we go beyond merely the natural concept of the “common good” (which also challenges the “pro-choice” mentality). Rather we enter into a new humanity and a level of love and unity with one another (including the unborn) that could never be achieved by human effort alone.

A striking contrast to this teaching is the way the late Dr. James McMahon, an abortionist from Southern California who performed partial-birth abortions, answered the question posed to him by the American Medical Association news regarding how he justified doing what he did. He said, “After 20 weeks (4-½ months) where it frankly is a child to me, I really agonize over it. ... On the other hand, I have another position, which I think is superior in the hierarchy of questions, and that is: 'Who owns the child?' It's got to be the mother." -- Abortionist James McMahon, interview with American Medical News, July 5, 1993.

Pro-Life Liturgical Resources: Second Sunday Ordinary Time, Cycle B , January 15 ~Priests for Life

Remembering the Innocents

2012-01-14T11:50:00.000-06:00

Today I want to share an excellent post from Catholic Sistas, a collaborative blog to which I sometimes contribute. Remembering the Innocents was written by my friend, Michelle and gives an excellent account of a parish pro-life commemoration she just hosted....

"This past week our Right to Life group held a candlelight memorial service in remembrance of all the babies and mothers lost to abortion. It was such a moving experience. When I was putting together all that we were going to do I tried my hardest to determine what kinds of things were “too much” to introduce and what kinds of statistics and/or pictures would make the greatest impact. It was a hard task to do. I knew that besides those who would come from the parish we also would have the entire middle and high school youth groups there as well as representatives from our local pregnancy resource center, the West Georgia Right to Life representative and someone from the paper. It was a daunting task. How do you bring such a sensitive, yet important, topic to those who may not have any knowledge about abortion?" continue reading Remembering the Innocents

Thanks for stopping by! Please check us out often and do some pro-life evangelizing by sharing what you see!

In His Name for Life,

Birgit J

Pro-life all day, every day!

2012-01-13T11:39:00.000-06:00

LIFE, one thing is certain - the unexpected will happen! So it goes today. A mere two days into my pro-life blogging venture and I've been ~~hit~~ blessed with a houseful of kids. In addition to 3 year old, Simon, and his 2 year old sister, Rachel, I am keeping company with Evan and Corbin (7 & 5). It's a 'snow day' and as anyone in W Kentucky knows, the KY school system just does not do well with snow. Even the hint of snow will send officials scrambling to cancel school. What a quandry it must have been when they were confronted with the HUGE dusting we got yesterday - why it almost covered a good third of the surface of my deck!

So instead of writing a deep tome or impressing you with carefully categorized pro-life photos, I will simply give you an inspirational quote and an accompanying picture (thanks Tina M!). My promise, however, is to keep slogging along and to fill my blog with useful tidbits - I might even return later and add to today's post. In the mean time remember: it is our duty to be pro-life...

all day,
every day!

That is how we 'roll'. Because every little thing that we do, think or pray for those little ones will add up...and St. Therese is there to be our example (with her little way). So be the voice of the voiceless, today and every day - even if it's just in your prayers!

In His Name for Life!
Birgit J

Pro-LIFE Quote of the Day:
"I read a newspaper editorial arguing that abortion is just another surgery, no different from a root canal or appendectomy. But why don't people remember the anniversary of their appendectomy twenty years later? Why don't they find themselves weeping uncontrollably, grieving the loss of their appendix? And where are all the support groups and counseling for those who've had root canals?

~ Randy Alcom

.
http://www.voicesforlife.net/
http://www.freeprolifeimages.net/

The devil is in the details

2012-01-12T12:43:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I introduced the new pro-life facet of my blogging efforts - Pro-life Designs by Birgit. The post gave readers a quick introduction to my - ahem - spontaneous style and accompanying high hopes for making a pro-life difference. My enthusiasm was in over-drive and I was literally in a tizzy over getting the news out - so eager was I to embark on this new undertaking. Life, however, had other plans. I did all of the usual things that I do when the 2 x 4 of inspiration hits me over the head...rabidly posted, added photos, read and reread my post and with a thrill of adventure I clicked the 'publish' button.

Oh, no!

ding

ding

ding

The rejection emails started hitting my inbox like so much hail on a window pane. You see, I use Networked Blogs on Facebook and my blog posts are set up to post to four Facebook pages as well as to Tweet on Twitter. But my blog was being rejected as 'spammy'.

Now what?!

I've spent the past 24 hours trying to figure out why Facebook thinks my work is spam...is it a vast left-wing conspiracy? LOL, hardly! I'm not quite that sold on my impact or skills but something is amiss. 'Sparky', as a great circle of Catholic cohorts call the devil, must be trying to dampen my enthusiasm...

Sometimes when I am the most determined and inspired to do something for Faith or Life, old Sparky just rears his ugly head and makes all kinds of mischief. I look at it as a challenge (perhaps a lesson in patience?). I will not give up; I will only work harder. In the mean time, it's going to be up to my friends to help me win this small battle in my war on abortion. So show old Sparky what we're made of. Share my posts and comment on and like them. Help me get around this Facebook glitch.

I may not be able to post in the way I usually do but the devil is in the details and I'm ready to circle the wagons and go around him...mixed metaphors and all!

In His Name for Life,
Birgit J

A new facet: Pro-life Designs by Birgit

2012-01-12T06:00:00.001-06:00

Erika's pro-life ribbon

I am pro-life to the core. I am also subject to being hit over the head by the 2 x 4 of inspiration from time to time. When this happens I become a fiend...my adrenaline goes through the roof, I become short of breath and I simply cannot prevent my shaking fingers from attempting to type as fast as my muddled brain is going.

Well, today was one of those times...

January 2012 is the anniversary month of the infamous Roe vs. Wade decision and the accompanying Doe vs. Bolton the combination of which served to legalize abortion through the entire nine months of pregnancy. Appropriately, then, this month will herald a turning point in my personal blogging direction. While I will continue to blog about all things creative, I will be adding a new element to the mix. This January will give birth to...

Pro-life Designs by Birgit

As those who know me realize, there is not an electronic medium that I do not love...I use them all! Facebook, Twitter, Google+, BlogSpot, WordPress, and yes, a website with my own domain - www.designsbybirgit.com . I am also on the creative side and love photography - specifically photographing babies and children of all ages.

So I will jump right in and divide my time between regular 'Designs' posting and posts dedicated to the movement that has been my passion for 39 years. Some entries will be a prayer or brief snippets of information (think a pro-life Readers Digest) while others may encompass a more thorough delving into topics concerning life. I hope to feature guest posters at times and will attempt to offer tangible ways that anyone can help this movement that gives voice to the most disrespected segment of society - unborn babies.

To understand more fully what motivates my life-long dedication to the pro-life movement, I will direct you to a post that I wrote on the Catholic Sistas blog entitiled, 'When "I'm pro-life, except" really happens...'

In the mean time, I ask your prayers for this undertaking...my vision may be much larger than my ability. It is vitally important and most likely beyond my poor attempts. What our country - no, our world - needs is many small voices to unite and to build a formidable army to defend what our Church acknowledges to be a priority - an intrinsic evil that has no match. With St. Therese' and her 'little way' as our guide we will forge ahead with confidence.

Join me?

In His Name for Life,
Birgit J

Mary, help of the unborn

2012-01-11T16:17:00.000-06:00

Mary, mother of God: You are our most Blessed Mother!

Pray for us all, but most especially for unborn babies and their parents.

Pray for an end to abortion in our world,

as we mark the anniversary month of the tragic Roe vs. Wade decision which legalized abortion in the United States of America.

May God help our country!

In His Holy Name we pray!

AMEN

New Year's luck: let Jesus be your 'Dumbo feather'!

2012-01-06T17:38:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year!

Black-eye peas for prosperity, noodles for long life, ham for progress, cabbage for riches – these are some of the New Years foods to which good luck is attributed. In our secular world, much stock is given to all types of superstition throughout the year. While this may offer a bit of entertainment, the danger lies in assigning a weight to them that is beyond harmless fun. As with many questionable beliefs, there are also logical ways to explain what seems at first blush, to be magical. In reading an article in my January issue of Women’s Day entitled Make Your Own Luck, I found an enlightening take on just such things. Read more on Catholic Sistas.

CHRISTmas memories of a German child

2011-12-22T12:58:00.001-06:00

Christmas is a sentimental time for most people. For me it is an extremely happy time because I can bask in the glow of warm memories. My recollections, however, may be quite different from those of my friends. My life began in the town of Trier, in Germany (West Germany back then). I remained there until I was nearly 9 years old and am, therefore, able to remember quite a bit of my heritage. Today - the day, before the day before Christmas Eve day - I am reminiscing and savoring memories of my sweet German 'Mutti' who made this time of the year such a blessed and special one.

ANGELS BAKING - we lived on an upper floor of a large apartment building. One of our windows faced a mountain at the top of which stood a huge statue of the Blessed Mother. Around her head was a halo of lights that lit up at night. Since this window faced West, we also saw every sunset. As the burnished colors put on their display, Mutti would tell me that this glow came from the angel's ovens as they baked birthday cookies for baby Jesus. Of course the scent of cookies baking in our kitchen gave me the aroma to go along with her tale.

ST. NICHOLAS - German children celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas on the eve of December 5^th. The tradition comes from a real-life saint - a 4th-century Catholic bishop, in what is now

Turkey

, who did many kind deeds for his fellow man. On the evening of December 5^th someone dressed as St. Nicholas would come to our door - dressed in his bishop's finery and admonish us to be good. His devilish side-kick, with a bag of coal, would warn us of the consequences if we misbehaved. Then we would place shoes under our beds before going to sleep. In the night our parents filled them with small treats, fruit, and a small gift. Another variation involved specially decorated plates that were left out and filled with treats.

This is one of our family photos from around 1964, in Trier.

CHRISTMAS EVE - When I was a child in Germany, there was no Santa Claus. Instead, St. Nicholas came on the evening of the 5th. The tradition in those days spoke of the Christ-Child coming on Christmas Eve, with the aid of His angels. Since we had thus far only had an Advent Wreath, the day of Christmas Eve was spent in excited anticipation. I would spend time with my uncle Jaja, who would play his hand carved wooden flute while I sang Christmas carols. My parents would be hidden away behind closed doors - decorating the Christmas tree and otherwise assisting the angels and Jesus. All of sudden, the tinkling of a tiny bell could be heard! It was time to run into the living room and see what they had been up to! There, on the table would be a live Christmas tree with real candles ablaze. Our gifts would be on the floor below - unwrapped and ready for play!

When we came to the United States, we brought much of this tradition with us. We still use some of these practices to this day. Parts of American culture and the present times have also easily melded into our celebration. All in all, I am so very grateful that I was taught to respect the Reason for the Season and that this spirit has been passed down to my children and grandchildren!

Merry Christmas!

Angelic Faces for your Tree

2011-12-06T12:25:00.001-06:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, today (December 6) is the Feast of St. Nicholas. According to the St. Nicholas Center, one of the stories told about him helps to illustrate why this amazing saint is the patron of children.

One of the oldest stories showing St. Nicholas as a protector of children takes place long after his death. The townspeople of Myra were celebrating the good saint on the eve of his feast day when a band of Arab pirates from Crete came into the district. They stole treasures from the Church of Saint Nicholas to take away as booty. As they were leaving town, they snatched a young boy, Basilios, to make into a slave. The emir, or ruler, selected Basilios to be his personal cupbearer, as not knowing the language, Basilios would not understand what the king said to those around him...as Basilios was fulfilling his tasks serving the emir, he was suddenly whisked up and away. St. Nicholas appeared to the terrified boy, blessed him, and set him down at his home back in Myra. Imagine the joy and wonderment when Basilios amazingly appeared before his parents, still holding the king's golden cup. This is the first story told of St. Nicholas protecting children—which became his primary role in the West.

Since children were as preciousl to St. Nicholas as they are to us, I'd like to share a simple craft for all of the children in the family. When we created this craft we included those who either did not make it to this Earth or left us far too soon, and are instead waiting for us in heaven - our own little saints. The children had a really good time when chosing what creative facial expressions we could come up with! Your children, too, will love seeing their faces on the angels!

MATERIALS:

Wooden spring clothes pins (one for each child)
Card stock paper in a neutral color
Existing photo or one printed on regular paper, for each child
Glitter pipe cleaners
Large sequins (optional)
Glitter glue
Hot glue gun and glue

PREP WORK and CONSTRUCTION :

Cut out a photo of each child that is proportionate to the clothes pin.
For the angels that represent the babies who don't live with us on this earth, you can either use a large sequin (I used silver) or cut out an oval and paint with glitter glue.
Draw a template (or find one on the web) for the Angel Wings and cut out.
Decorate the wings as desired.
Paint the clothes pin with glitter glue, adding dabs to represent buttons or belts, if desired.
Cut a section pipe cleaner and shape into a halo.
After clothes pins dry, attach faces with hot glue.
Do the same for the wings and halos.

Your Angel Faces are now ready to attach to your Advent Wreath or Christmas Tree!

Advent Blessings!

Birgit J

This project can also be viewed at

Angelic Faces for your Tree

at Catholic Sistas

CHRISTmas Traditions: keeping Christ at the center

2011-12-05T14:41:00.000-06:00

Germany has long been on the forefront when it comes to Christmas traditions. From composing Silent Night ("Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht") for the guitar, to the Advent Wreath, these ancestors of mine seemed to be very good at celebrating. I know that my mother never passed up an opportunity and that lead to quite a colorful childhood. This post is written in an effort to share some of our personal Christmas Traditions with you.

Of course any discussion of Christmas begs the introduction of the preceding season of Advent. Without the waiting, the culminating event would be less sweet! In a previous post - I touched on the fact that Advent and Christmas are two separate, yet linked, Seasons in the Church Calendar. It is a season of penance, preparation, prayer and hope, sharing the liturgical color of purple with Lent. As we spend the days between the four Sundays of Advent it is with an air of anticipation for the Coming of Jesus, in the humble form of a human child. As such there are many outward practices that we can utilize to bring home the true purpose of the Season. As our priest pronounced during his homily on the first Sunday of Advent,

‘The world will tell you it’s Christmas.

It’s.

Not.

Christmas!

What to do then, with our children or ourselves, as the rest of the world puts the cart before the horse and forgets the sweetness of anticipation so uncommon in our instant world of today?

ADVENT Traditions

: Advent Wreath craft

The Advent Wreath is one of the oldest means of tangibly illustrating the waiting aspect of this period before Christmas. Our family crafts an Advent Wreath with the children on the days leading up to the season. It may be made of greenery gathered in the Kentucky landscape or an arts and crafts project such as the one I shared in a previous post - ADVENTuresome Family Fun. As Thanksgiving comes to a close and the tinsel and lights begin to beckon, we use this circle of green as reminder that we are counting down to something B I G! Our Advent Wreath remains on the kitchen table and we light the appropriate number of candles, during meal time, as the days progress. We also add a new line to our customary blessing said before meals.

Bless us oh Lord, for these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive, from Thy bounty, through Christ Our Lord. Amen!

Come, Jesus, Come!

Another tradition we observe, which like so many began in Germany, involves an Advent Calendar. Having begun as chalk lines in the door way marking the days leading up to Christmas, it soon evolved into a paper or cardboard calendar with small images behind each numbered door. As this idea evolved, soon the pictures were replaced by small pieces of chocolate. This sweet tradition is a favorite with children as they open the tiny doors of their appropriately numbered calendar and delight in a tidbit of chocolate for each day. The opening of the doors has a visual connotation that is easy for our little ones to comprehend.

: Advent Tree

Some families also create a Jesse Tree with biblical references for Advent. Our family has taken a different tack. We have an Advent Tree (three-year-old Simon calls it the 'Waiting Tree') that is placed on a pedestal table in the living room. It stands no more than two feet high and has fiber optic lighting. Several years ago, our daughter, Erika, purchased an Advent Calendar that holds tiny books for each day of Advent. Entitled 'The Story of Christmas', each book is numbered and shares one fact or scriptural reference to the coming of Christmas. Since these tiny books hang from golden threads, we hang each one on the Advent Tree after it has been read. As Christmas draws nearer, the children gain a bit of knowledge leading up to the final, largest book which represents Christmas Eve and the birth of Jesus.

The Christmas tree in our house waits for a time closer to Christmas but we do have some winter type of display to fulfill the desire for a bit of special decorating. This is certainly not a drab time for us but a time of metered joy and anticipation. We call this decorative endeavor ‘pre-tree’ and it’s just that. The décor is in the style of winter, with boughs of greenery and pinecone candles holders. There is certainly an air of anticipation but it reserves the arrival of Christmas for the actual day.

: St. Nicholas Ctr.

No German would omit the great bishop, St. Nicholas, when preparing the way for Christmas. This great saint was the predecessor of today’s Santa Claus (St. Nick). While his Feastday is celebrated on December 6^th, the traditional observance begins the evening before on the 5^th. The children place their shoes under their beds, hoping that St. Nicholas will fill them with gelt (chocolate coins), tangerines and other small treats. Those who have been naughty, however, fear that their shoes will hold a lump of coal the next morning! There are many ways that St. Nicholas can be incorporated into the tales of Santa Claus so as to instruct children in a more spiritual way. The story of how he gave away all of his worldly possessions, so that he could give to alms to the poor, can inspire children to be givers rather than focusing on receiving.

: Real candles on the tree!

IT’s ALMOST CHRISTmas

Now we are nearing the culmination of all of that anticipation and preparation. Christmas is fast approaching and time is short. We tend to follow the decorating timetable that our parish church does. Our Christmas tree, itself, is reserved for the weekend before Christmas Eve. At that time we put up the tree – sometimes a live tree that is planted in our garden later and sometimes an artificial one. As the handful of remaining days dwindle we first place the tree, then the lights, and finally (right before Christmas Eve) we do the actual trimming of the tree. Again, my German heritage comes into play, so we add not only strings of tiny glowing white lights, we also add acorn-shaped brass candle holders and small white candles.

: Joyful Promise

The décor is a combination of spiritual ornaments and ornaments depicting nature. We have various types of angels, glimmering snowflakes, and my treasured collection of Roman Millennium ornaments, portraying the Blessed Mother and her Holy Infant. Our Nativity scene also makes its appearance during these last days of Advent – minus the figure of the infant Jesus.

CHRISTmas EVE

It’s ‘Showtime’!

So now it’s Christmas!!! The fourth candle has been lit on the Advent Wreath and it’s time for the Christ Candle. The tree is glowing and twinkling with both tiny bulbs and flickering candle light. The manger scene is in its place of honor, high up on the mantle and the classical Christmas music is streaming from the sound system. The traditional food has been prepared – including German Potato Salad (handed down for generations), Stewed Beef over Swiss and Mushroom Rice, Spritzgebaeck cookies and Butter Cream Cake. It is now that my husband and I begin to see a trail of car lights from the kitchen window as we make our last minute preparations in a flurry of cooperative activity. And here they come! My siblings and their children, Rick’s father and brother, our children and spouses and their children, plus anyone else who just so happens to show up that year!

Our first order of business is a brief period of gathering and greeting. As everyone settles in, the ‘program’ or ‘liturgy’ as one priest friend calls it, begins.

Readings: years ago our dearly departed mother put together a set of readings for this occasion. She wrote the names of those who would participate in the margins and we still use scanned copies of these pages to this day. They are spiritual, in nature, and invite us to focus on the Reason for the Season. As we find our places on sofas, chairs and the floor, we face each other and begin. Turns are taken until the final word has been shared. As children become older, they join in the reading and others step aside.
Nativity: One of the children now places the infant Jesus into the manger as we acknowledge that He for Whom we have been waiting is here.
Songs: we have several musicians in the family so there have been guitars and flutes in the mix. There are also some pretty decent vocalists, so there are booklets of songs passed around and we sing! The songs are traditional and spiritual in nature and the children join in with enthusiasm. Every year the final number is Silent Night and we always dedicate one verse, in German, to Marie-Luise Annerose Susanne Fingerhut, my sweet, feisty German mother, who instituted this entire celebration and founded this family. And what a bunch we are!

: Spritzgebaeck

Meal: now is the time for feasting! We begin by praying together and then dig in. There is plenty of food and the menu varies little from year to year. Some dishes are traditionally German and yet there have been American additions. These all meld into one delightful party for your tastebuds.
Gifting: Time for the children to each open one gift. On Thanksgiving, we hold a drawing, and each child is assigned a recipient for their gift. The monetary value is not excessive and the thought behind the gift is sincere. As the children open their gifts they not only delight in their own, but also those gifts that they have given. The children now settle in to play in community with the offerings brought forth by those brightly wrapped treasures from under the tree.
Silly Santa: years ago, we decided to minimize the gift giving for Christmas. In fact, Rick and I no longer exchange gifts at all. At first we adults drew names – like the children do. Now, we have decided to each buy one small item (something we wouldn't mind taking back home - so no trickery!), wrap it and play a game of Silly Santa (aka ‘dirty’ Santa). The sparing and tactical schemes keep us all entertained for a while and then we just settle down to visit, graze at the food buffet, or simply observe the dynamics at play. With 10+ children, most under the age of 7, and many adults, there’s never a dull moment!
‘Midnight’ Mass: This Christmas Vigil Mass used to be held at Midnight but sadly, with an aging priest and mission status, our parish now celebrates at ten p.m. most years. Much of the family will bundle up and join us at our small, rural parish for the Holy Mass of Christmas Vigil. Husband, Rick, and I along with daughter, Erika, and her husband, Andrew, make up the choir under the direction of our devoted choir director/organist who we share with a parish 20 miles away. We still sing up in the choir loft at our parish and so, many family members join us in our private setting with a birds-eye view.

As the last Hosanna is sung and we wind our sleepy way back home, we share an inner glow.

This family KNOWS that it is Christmas.

We can FEEL it down in our hearts and souls.

This is a SPECIAL day when our Lord Jesus Christ came to us in a humble stable to bring to us not only salvation but His BODY and BLOOD to share! There is no empty let down feeling. No sad little tree set by the curb on the 26^th. Instead, the feeling is one of fulfillment. We have lived the seasons and have shared in both the waiting and in the humble, yet triumphant Coming!

But WAIT!

There's more! As the season of Christmas continues, our tree and manger remain. Again, we follow the Church Calendar. Christmas has just begun! The Christmas Season will continue through the feast of Epiphany which celebrates the extension of salvation to the Gentiles by the visit of the Three Wise Men. In this feast, all peoples are made aware of His coming and invited to claim Him as their King! Epihany traditionally falls on the 12^th day after Christmas (January 6^th) but has been transferred to a Sunday (in the U.S.) and will be celebrated on Sunday, January 8, 2012. As the final feast in the series of Christmas celebrations, The B aptism of Our Lord signals the end of the Christmas season.

In observing the entire Season rather than just one day, we find the full story: 1) Christmas - the birth of our Savior as a humble infant. On this day He becomes human! 2) Epiphany - His manifestation as our King through the visit of the Wise Men who proclaim Him to all peoples and 3) His baptism - Almighty God's exhortation of his perfect yet fully human Son, on the day Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist! What a rich treasury our Church provides! There are so many reasons to celebrate and so many wonderful traditions to be shared.

Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours!

CHRISTmas Traditions: keeping Jesus at the center

is also being shared at

Catholic Sistas

ADVENTuresome Family Fun

2011-11-25T20:19:00.009-06:00

Advent – Latin ad venio, “to come” — is the liturgical season anticipating the Adventus Domini, the “coming of the Lord” – Christmas!

Shorter, colder days and brightly packaged goodies are beginning to make their appearance. In this society of ‘instant’, we have the world at our fingertips…this world, that is. Things of the Eternal, however, are worthy of a longer wait and they invite our undivided attention. The season of Advent is such a time – a time of waiting and a time of longing. Contrary to our secular world, the Kingdom of God keeps time in its own way. In the Church, Advent is the beginning of a new liturgical year…

so Happy New Year!

As Catholic Christians we are called to remember that the Word became Flesh, dwelling among us and the season of Advent is the precursor of this event. Many do not realize that Advent is a season of penance and of hoping for our Savior to come. It is a time of preparation, of prayer, and of meditation. As we bake cookies, create crafts, decorate, and ponder gift-giving, we are reminded of the importance of the Reason for this Season.

One of the ways at our disposal to ‘track’ the Advent season is to display an Advent wreath in our homes. This material reminder helps to warm our spirits as we anticipate the greatest gift ever given to the human race – Jesus, son of the Father, became human and therefore our Brother! As we light one candle per week, we can learn about Jesus – Who He was, is, and will always be for us! While we count down the days we can seek to imitate Him in his Gift of giving and love for all mankind.

Advent consists of four Sundays, each marked by the lighting of one candle on an Advent wreath. The penitent color, purple, is the liturgical color of this season – the same liturgical color used during Lent. The optional exception to this is the third Sunday of Advent – Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday – when rose/pink may be used to signify the resurgence of hope that we are feeling as Christmas approaches. As in Lent, we are also reminded to remember the poor, our prayer life, and sacrifice.

Marian and pro-life themes also come to mind during the Advent Season in a very special way. As a mother, Mary spiritually joins us in awaiting a much anticipated birth – even during difficult circumstances. She becomes our model of holy waiting for the culmination of her ‘yes’ to God through His birth. Her example of grace and purity help us model our lives after hers. During the season of Advent the special Feast of the Immaculate Conception occurs on December 8th and the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas is observed on December 12.

Here, then, is a project for you and your family to enjoy together as you count down the days, as we await the coming of Jesus!

MATERIALS:

1 – 10″ paper plate (you can also use the 8-1/2″ size)
4 – empty toilet paper rolls
1 – sheet purple construction paper
1 – sheet pink construction paper
3 – sheets holiday green construction paper
2 – sheets lighter green paper (construction or copy paper will suffice)
4 – glitter pipe cleaners
4 – mini muffin papers
4 – tea lights (if necessary, these can be replaced as needed)

TOOLS:

hot glue gun and glue
green poster paint
paint brush
ruler
pen or pencil
stapler

OPTIONAL:

purple markers
glitter glue
red and/or green beads

DIRECTIONS:

Trace children’s (and parents’ if desired) hands on both shades of green paper and cut out. You will wind up with approximately 20 – 25 paper hand tracings. These will become the boughs of your wreath.

Cut 1 pink and 3 purple pieces of paper measuring 4-1/8″ x 5-3/4″. These will cover your ‘candles’.

Paint the back of your paper plate with green paint and allow to dry.

Cut a circle the size of a small to medium glass out of the center of the paper plate. This gives your wreath its shape.

Decorate the hands (boughs) with glitter glue, if desired.

Decorate purple and pink candle covers with magic marker or glitter glue if desired.

Staple green hands (boughs) onto the paper plate, in a circular pattern, making sure to cover the preceding staples until entire wreath is covered.

Glue purple and pink paper to empty toilet paper rolls.

Using hot glue, attach mini muffin papers into ends of toilet paper roll candles.

Using hot glue, attach ‘candles’ to wreath toward center of wreath.

While glue is still hot, encircle bottom of candle with glitter pipe cleaner.

Do the same at the top of the candle to mask the joint of glue between the construction paper and muffin paper.

Insert tea lights into muffin papers at top of candle.

Using hot glue, attach green and red beads around ‘boughs’ of wreath for desired effect.

Happy Advent!

In the tradition of Advent, you can now light the appropriate number of candles for all of your family meals. The personal aspect of this craft tailors it to your family and helps the little ones remember that this is a time of longing for Christ – born as a babe on Christmas to become the Savior of the World! In the pride and ownership that they take in this project, you will be provided many opportunities for mealtime conversations, steering your family into the proper frame of mind for this penitent season that culminates in Christmas joy!

+ + +

I’d like to thank my little helpers for their assistance during this production: Lucas – 22 months, Rachel – 2, Sarah – 3, Simon – 3, Corbin – 5, Abby – 5, and Evan 7…Nana loves you!

ADVENTuresome Family Fun
is also featured on
Catholic Sistas,
5 Days of Christmas - Catholic Icing !,
and
Training Happy Hearts

2011-11-09T15:14:00.001-06:00

Greetings Friends!

It's not that I've defected, it's that I'm writing for another blog as well now. We are a group of 40+ Catholic women who share our musings and lives with each other and our readers. Clarification, you certainly don't have to be Catholic to read or relate to our posts!

Catch me over at the Catholic Sistas and read my latest post!

When every day is Groundhog Day...

It’s Groundhog Day!

That’s how I feel upon arising from my slumber – where I can fly by simply bouncing, visit with dearly departed loved ones and solve any crisis with the greatest of ease. But when my feet hit the floor I am brought back to reality and sometimes there doesn’t appear to be much to make me smile or to feel accomplished. But then, by rote, I begin the routine…

Don't PINK - help a victim!

2011-10-24T16:46:00.001-05:00

October is a tough month for me! As a 6 year breast cancer survivor I am so saddened and frustrated by all of the well-intentioned people who are being used by organizations like Susan G Komen with all of their walk/run for the cure events.

FACT: Komen donates BIG $$ to Planned Parenthood, the nation's #1 abortion provider.

FACT: abortion increases your chance of breast cancer.

FACT: Planned Parenthood provides 0% of mammograms in this country.

FACT: Komen sues other cancer charities who try to use the word 'cure' and the color 'pink'.

Do this cancer survivor a favor - DON'T walk/run for the 'cure'...don't buy PINK. Donate to a real cancer patient and then you'll know your money is actually doing some good - instead of paying sky high salaries and funding abortion clinics!

Just think for a minute: pink blenders, pink yogurt, pink ribbons, pink shirts, pink pots, pink phones, pink EVERYTHING and what good does it do????? We are all AWARE of breast cancer. We all know that breasts fit into bras. We all know some people call them boobies - but really, just how helpful is that to ANYONE? It's really just designed to make people feel good and think that they are somehow involved in a SOLUTION.

Well, let me tell you - it's all smoke and mirrors. All of those big bucks don't affect the actual patients/victims. So if you want to feel good AND do good, go volunteer to drive a patient to chemo, clean their house, organize some meals for their family, watch their kids, pray for them, send them cards, or just give them a bit of cash for their medical expenses. You may not have a pink shirt to show for it but at least you will have really done something tangible.

Sermon over - God bless!
Birgit J

My daughter, breast cancer and pregnant - a survivor, not a victim:http://erikasmiraclejourney.blogspot.com/

A link you'll want to follow...

2011-10-19T14:41:00.004-05:00

Greetings Friends!

If you have enjoyed my postings and ramblings but would like to read similar stories from a hand-picked bouquet of 40+ lovely ladies - available EVERY day, here's a tip: go check out Catholic Sistas - you won't be sorry!

I, myself, am a guest blogger there and posted a breast cancer survivor entry just yesterday about 'PINK betrayal', filled with breast cancer links and my own story of betrayal by the likes of Susan G Komen.

Last week I posted my own sensitive pro-life journey from my early years. This was the first time that I have publicly told this story. It's something that has only been whispered about until now. This piece is entitled When ''I'm Pro-life Except'' really happens.

Today's post was written by my daughter, Erika, who experienced breast cancer while pregnant. Her poignant story will remind people that you can have breast cancer while pregnant but both baby and mother can live!

Catholic Sistas certainly doesn't exclusively consist of posts about abortion and breast cancer - that's the theme for October because it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month AND Respect Life Month. The diversity in our writers makes a long list of topics readily available - all written from the perspective of Godly women who love their families, their faith, and all that encompasses daily living. We also offer the opportunity to have our posts delivered to your inbox - each day - so that you'll never have to miss another post. Won't you come check us out?

God Bless,

Birgit J

Taking Back the PINK - Breast Cancer and Pregnant

2011-10-07T14:46:00.003-05:00

When we see that flurry of pink in the stores, and even on the football field, our overly commercialized brains have no trouble recognizing that it's October - National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Beginning with Susan G Komen - an innocuous enough sounding cause - that pink ribbon has become a beacon of hope for the victims of this deadly disease - and those who love them.

But hold on! Is that really all there is to it?

You might be shocked to know that sometimes all things pink are not created equally. What would you say if I told you that there is a sordid bond between Susan G Komen and one of the causes of breast cancer?

Well, that's exactly what has been documented. You may or may not know that abortion has been proven to be a cause of breast cancer. BTW, so is The Pill! So you might ask yourself - what does this have to do with Susan G Komen? We know that this is a breast cancer advocacy organization - created by the friend of a Breast Cancer victim. Right?

As Paul Harvey would say - "Here's the rest of the story"!

The wildly successful Susan G Komen organization has some very troubling associations. The most troubling is Planned Parenthood - the nation's #1 provider of abortion!

Now hold on a minute!

Why would an organization that advocates "racing for the cure" be in cahoots with an organization that performs the very procedure that causes breast cancer? Good question. While I don't know the answer to that, I can tell you that although claimed otherwise, Planned Parenthood does not have the equipment to do mammograms in even one of their facilities - nationwide!

This brings me to Taking Back the Pink. There is a real need for the victims of breast cancer to have all of the support they can muster. As a seven year survivor myself, I can certainly attest to that. The disease is frightening and some of those fears remain even after years of 'survival' - you're always a 'victim' in some ways. With the cost of medical services rising almost daily there is also a huge need for funding for those who bravely battle breast cancer. Research has come a long way since the first three known generations of breast cancer victims in my family died - way too young - from this disease. Yet, again, money is needed - for research.

So ask yourself - do you, in good conscience,

wish to donate to an organization (SGK) that dances with the devil?

I'd hope that your answer would be an irrevocable 'NO'. Even the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops are taking a very public stand against donating to Komen. So what to do? You want to help, right? Well, I can point you in some morally acceptable directions.

Ethically Sound Breast Cancer Organizations:

There is one more solidly moral way to lend a hand - support a breast cancer victim directly. This way you know that your generosity is not being betrayed. One such cause can be found here:

Erika's Miracle Journey - Breast Cancer and Pregnant

http://erikasmiraclejourney.blogspot.com/

Erika, a 28 year old wife and mother of a small son, was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. She was 20 weeks pregnant. While the local doctors told Erika that she would need to terminate her pregnancy there were other options out there. Contact was made with MD Anderson Cancer Center and Erika found out that they had been successfully treating pregnant cancer patients for 20+ years. And so her journey began - from Kentucky to Houston, TX.

You can read the details of her journey by following her blog above but here is a brief timeline of her inspirational story to date:

Erika M Vandiver - Medical Timeline

Laughter is great medicine as this
"Turkey Belly illustrates

July 7, 2009 BRCA1 breast cancer at 20 weeks pregnant
July 31, 2009 Chemo started
Nov 26, 2009 Rachel born on Thanksgiving Day!
Feb 19, 2010 Bilateral mastectomy
Aug 31, 2010 Open oophorectomy
Oct 2, 2010 Emergency hysterectomy
Dec 8, 2010 - Started work again
Feb 17, 2011 2nd stage reconstruction
Oct 28, 2011 Reconstruction surgery to alleviate pain

Rachel, the Miracle Baby, wearing her

matching cap made by Erika

This next (and hopefully final) surgery is the 'last ditch effort' to alleviate the excruciating pain that Erika is dealing with on a daily basis. This pain has been with her for almost two years - she describes it as being worse than recovery from chemo, childbirth and surgery. Her family needs much in the way of prayer as well as financial assistance.

Since Erika is the sole financial provider of her family right now, the upcoming 8+ weeks that she will miss work will be devastating. Not to mention the ongoing medical costs as well as travel from Kentucky to Texas.

After much brainstorming the idea of a Facebook page dedicated to Erika's Miracle was developed. Here we ask for support for this Poster Woman of Breast Cancer Awareness and Respect Life Month. Small donations, if multiplied by many can total up to some amazing sums. With an effort as simple as sharing this story (and her link) you can make a huge difference - whether or not you choose to donate yourself. Above all, though, we ask for your prayers for this brave young family as they give powerful witness to what it truly means to 'walk the talk'...pro-life at its finest!

God bless!

A Mother's Love - there's nothing like it!

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NOTE: Unbelievable! If you need more proof that Komen is just in it for the money, just read this. Susan G Komen has been suing other Cancer Charities (including childhood cancers) for simply using the words 'for a cure' in their fundraising efforts - even if it's not for breast cancer. Komen needs to learn the definition of 'charity' and stop bullying other worthwhile causes...they are even addressing using pink...come on! PINK is a color and they can't own it!

SGK spends up to 1 MILLION dollars

per year

in legal fees to sue other charities!
.

So far, Komen has identified and filed legal trademark opposition against more thank a hundred of the Mom and Pop charities, including Kites for a Cure, Par for the Cure, Surfing for a Cure and Cupcakes for a Cure - and many of the organization are too small and underfunded to hold their ground. SHAMEFUL!

+ + +

Resources and Links:

Erika's Miracle Journey - blog

Erika's Miracle Journey Continues - Facebook

Breast Cancer and Pregnant: Save Them Both - Facebook

Respect Life While Supporting Breast Cancer - from ''Catholic Sistas'': An online journal of a group of over 40 women dedicated to sharing the Faith in an uplifting, inspiring and infectious manner.

Medical Groups Recognizing Links Between BC and Abortion

I will be adding more links as I run across them...

Good morning, Sunshine!

2011-09-28T10:39:00.007-05:00

It's been our pleasure to have 3 year old Sarah spend the week with us while our son competes in the Augusta Iron Man 70.3. Since I enjoy creating fun things for my kids to eat, I decided that we would make 'sunshine toast' on her first morning here. It was a big hit and has therefore been requested each morning since. Here are the very simple specs:

Ingredients (per 1 serving):

Butter
1 egg
1 slice bread
Shredded cheese

Tools:

Skillet (I prefer cast iron)
Biscuit cutter (cookie cutter or cup)
Spatula
Fork

Procedure:

1.) Place about a pat of butter in skillet and melt.

2.) Cut out a hole in the center of the bread with biscuit cutter or small cup (get creative and use other shapes if you wish).

3.) Place bread into skillet and absorb some of the butter and then flip over.

4.) Place egg into hole and break up yolk with fork.

5.) Allow to cook until bottom of bread looks toasted and then, using metal spatula, turn over.

6.) Sprinkle with a small amount of shredded cheese and allow to cook until center feels firm.

7.) After removing your 'sunshine toast' add a bit more butter to the skillet and place centers of bread into melted butter.

8.) Allow to toast and then remove.

Now you are ready to wow your pre-school crowd with your culinary skills! This will encourage even picky eaters to finish their breakfast (especially if they sprinkle their own cheese) and is easy to do. This one got me 'Top Chef' ranking ;-)

2011-09-06T18:55:00.010-05:00

On Having a Large Family...

“Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; The fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalms 127:3

Early in our 37 year marriage, my husband and I felt called to have a large family. We had our first son right before I graduated from college and his sister 3.5 years later. Then we hit a lull…I always joked that our next son was on back-order for quite some time. He came to us a full 8 years after his sister. Then our happy life hit a snag. My mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and then 18 months later with breast cancer. Since she was at least the third generation in her maternal family, it was surmised that she carried a gene for this ominous disease. My diagnosis at 48, and subsequent genetic testing, would give proof to that, years later. This occurrence directly affected my fertility when, at 32 years old, genetic counselors urgently advised me to have a life-preserving oophorectomy . My plans for that large family were permanently altered.

That call for more children, however, was quite urgent. When our youngest son was around sixteen, my husband and I felt the call to adopt. Through my pro-life work we met a young woman who was pregnant and she chose us to be parents to her child. We had home studies done. I went to OB visits and some of her ultrasounds. The mother and I had lunch and spoke on the phone often. A lawyer was in place, as was every small detail, down to the music she would play in the delivery room – with me present! His name was to be Joseph Luke Jones!

In watching the video of one of her ultrasounds one day, I discovered that there was audio as well as video. As I turned up the volume I could vaguely hear what was being discussed. The color drained from my face as I heard her discussing names for her unborn son. It would be Jackson, she told the nurse, a family name. For a time I rode the waves of denial and trepidation. At eight months pregnant, she asked the lawyer to call and give me the news. Her mind was made up. She would keep the baby. Lines of communication were cut off and it was over.

This sad chapter didn’t end there, however. When Jackson was a mere 3 months old, he was taken from her custody for neglect. Hope sprang up in my heart like a Spring flower! Here was our chance to make this precious baby our own after all! We contacted child services and were told that he was now in the ‘system’ and our studies for private adoption did not qualify us for a state adoption. On a wing and a prayer we quickly signed up for the appropriate classes and were qualified! What happened next was every bit as devastating as the change of heart of the birthmother. Jackson/Luke was not available. He was in a foster home and due to privacy issues we were told nothing more. The sad end of this chapter? We found out quite by chance that Jackson wound up staying with the very instructor who had taught our classes. She had had him all along!

Time marched on and so did we. We reached the conclusion that we had just the family that God wanted us to have – no more, no less. Our days were busy with homeschooling our youngest and marrying off our oldest. Soon our daughter graduated from college and began her life as an adult. We decided that maybe an empty nest wasn’t too bad after all! Our business was run in a home office and we worked side by side, building a customer list and national reputation. Life was good!

A year passed and we were blessed with our first granddaughter. She was the light of our lives and fulfilled that urgent need for babies. Two years later our daughter married and quickly blessed us with a grandson as well. Five weeks later there was another granddaughter! Our family was becoming larger and we felt so blessed. Since we were next door neighbors, arrangements were made for the grandson to stay with me when our daughter returned to work. This temporary arrangement quickly became permanent and continues today (along with his little sister). In time the total count of grandchildren has come to seven – all under the age of seven! Of those seven, five (in various combinations) stay at ‘Nana’s Day School’ on week days. Our house is once again filled with laughter and the sound of busy little feet on the tile floor, tap tap tapping away.

Simon, Sarah, Corbin, Abby, Evan, Rachel, and Lukas

As I look around our house today, I realize that when we pray to God for a specific purpose He does listen and answer those prayers. Many weekends find our house filled to capacity with children, grandchildren, siblings and spouses, nieces, and nephews. This is the place to be – a house filled with laughter and love and children. Our prayers were answered – just not necessarily in the way that we would have anticipated. My husband and I do have that large family for which we prayed. It came to us while we were busily living our lives. It came in the form of children and grandchildren! We are blessed beyond measure!

What do you do on Sunday?

2011-05-15T15:25:00.004-05:00

Going to Mass is a given but then after that....what? For this family it comes down to the pursuit of leisure activities and keeping company with those we love. This rainy Sunday found me home alone so after Mass I fought the urge to steam clean the tile (day of rest and all) and decided to bake. As a bonus, Erika and Simon showed up at just the right time to help me critique my new recipe...a Nutella Ring, made with the Artisan bread recipe I've posted about in the past. So here we go...a pictorial recreation of my delicious project for this day:

Lightly dust top of a 1 1b. ball of your Artisan bread dough with flour (see past blog entry for recipe). Stretch sides and pull under to form a ball. Place on a flour dusted sheet of parchment paper and roll into a 9'' x 14'' rectangle.

Add 1/2 cup of Nutella hazelnut spread to the dough and spread within 1/2'' of the edges. If the Nutella seems too stiff, heat it for a few seconds in the microwave to thin its consistency.

Carefully roll up the filled dough, starting at the long end and then pinch the edges together. Stretch the roll to about 18'' in length and then bring around into a circle, again pinching the edges together.

Lightly cover and allow to rise for 1 hour.

Whisk one egg and lightly brush onto the dough. Sprinkle liberally with coarse sugar. Snip 1/4'' deep every 2'' with kitchen scissors. Place in the oven and bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove your Nutella Ring from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Let set for 30 minutes and serve warm or let cool completely. Slice and serve...yum!

Now on to other pursuits...how about photography in the rain?

Passions

2011-04-18T13:15:00.010-05:00

What would be a more fitting topic than passions during this, the week of Our Lord's Passion? He died to give us LIFE. He died so that our sins would be forgiven. He did this without a care as far as appearances go. You could say that He was passionate about doing for us what no one else could or would do! For that we owe Him our lives, our gratitude and our every effort to emulate Him even though we are human and spiritually frail.

With this thought in mind, I recall my passions. No, not for chocolate or gardening or travel...passion for those things that stir my heart: my Catholic Faith, the Liturgy, the pro-life cause, spiritual well-being of family, breast cancer prevention and cure. These things stir my soul and I care not one iota how that makes me look! The passion I feel for these topics has a life of its own and I feel an irresistible pull to go 'all out' in securing what little I can accomplish to their good.

If you are a Facebook friend of mine (or in real life for that matter), you have already gotten a taste of these passions of mine. You may roll your eyes and mentally comment, 'here she goes again'. In your charity you probably don't dislike me for this but then again, the human side of you may sometimes wonder when I will lighten up - just a little. Well, the answer is, only after my dying breath will I let go of these topics that are like life itself to me. I am a convicted person and am fiercely loyal - whether to people or to causes. This is what makes me - well , ME. If it's too much to handle, take a break from viewing or listening but just know that I come at this with a sincere desire to be of bringer of good.

I'm a mom and wife (which makes me a woman) and as such I tend to repeat myself. As my son's Mother's Day card reiterated one year - I tend to say the same things again and again only in different ways. If you too are a mother and/or wife you will understand that his habit comes from many years of waiting for some semblance of comprehension on the part of husband and/or children. Rick often gets to hear the line, 'well, if you don't want me to be a nag, do it the first time' or 'if you don't want it repeated, respond the first time'. That's how it is with my postings as well. You never know who didn't hear you the first time. If you dangle the same message, in varying forms, often enough you will eventually garner a new audience or a new comprehension. This is how you treat a message that has importance. It simply cannot be taken lightly and you cannot afford the chance that it is missed.

For obvious reasons, my #1 passion is the Church. Without the Church we would be nothing and would have no potential. Why then would I not spread this vital message? Why would I not try, again and again, to garner other admirers of the Faith? Why would I not want this salvation for those I love - both family and friend? I research and ponder and study in my effort to do my best at spreading the Word. It is a precious Gift and intended for ALL.

Liturgy is a passion because I am pedantic by nature and as a lover of rules I find solace in knowing the how and why of a thing. If we are to give Christ's Church all that we have, should we not understand her? Should we not put thought and effort into every move, every word, every belief? If Tradition was good enough for the early Christians who are we to change it? If tradition (small 't') was good enough for our ancient Church, who are we to think we can improve upon it? I find comfort in knowing that every Mass in every church in every country in the world is the same...now THAT's universal! How exciting to know that we are at that first Passion, at the foot of the cross, with Jesus Himself at every sacrifice of the Mass!

If the Church of Christ Himself is necessary for Life and without it Life doesn't matter, then how important is human LIFE to this earthly dwelling? Without Life no other issue matters. How can someone honestly say that we are not equally deserving of our lives - whether old or young, whether born or pre-born, whether healthy or ill? Life is the primary and completely necessary building block of existence. This gift from God Himself is not to be taken by anyone other than the One who initially bestowed it.

As one of a five generation breast cancer family, I am also keenly aware of the need for research and a cure of this deadly disease. That being said, however, I am not willing to have these advances created on the backs of dead babies by organizations that do not respect ALL life. As much as I want to live (and want Erika to live), I will not be a party to taking from one to give to another - especially when the taking is of a life! I'm passionate about life - both mine and those of ALL others! No matter how many pink ribbons and races there are for the cure, I just don't feed into the idea that harm can bring forth 'good'. If you have to kill in order to save me, then by all means just let nature take its course because I just couldn't 'live' with the idea!

Now that I've reiterated my passions, hopefully you will understand the who, how and why of my efforts. I mean no harm and have worked very hard to come off less brash and more kind. In any event I sincerely want to share the good news whether it is God's Word or a medical breakthrough. Won't you do me the kindness of pondering my words and considering taking up your own passions, unhampered by appearances? Together we can make a mighty difference!

In His Name for Life,
Birgit J

NOTE: Clarification and documentation of the breast cancer/abortion link:

Abortion causes breast cancer.

Planned Parenthood is the nation's largest provider of abortion.

Planned Parenthood does NOT provide mammograms.

Susan G. Komen Foundation's goal is to end breast cancer.

Susan G. Komen donates big bucks ($4 MILLION from 2004-2010) to Planned Parenthood.

So why, really, is Komen giving money to Planned Parenthood?

USEFUL LINKS:

Susan G Komen (of pink and Race for the Cure fame) gives grants of Millions of dollars to Planned Parenthood, but PP doesn't do mammograms or provide any other lifesaving service for cancer prevention: http://www.lifenews.com/2011/04/18/komen-admits-planned-parenthood-grants-dont-get-women-mammograms/

The birth control pill not only causes breast cancer, it is also an abortifacient: http://liveaction.org/blog/pp-deceiving-on-the-pill/

Planned Parenthood is a strange bed fellow for the Girl Scouts and Komen: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150157356740961

Obama cut hundreds of thousands of dollars from women's health centers who do provide mammograms - something Planned Parenthood does not. Yet he continues to protect the millions that go to PP: http://www.lifenews.com/2011/04/14/obama-cuts-womens-health-care-funds-planned-parenthood/

USCCB commentary on why it's not a difficult decision for the Catholic bishops to support the de-funding of Planned Parenthood: http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/usccb-defunding-planned-parenthood-not-one-of-those-hard-choices

When will be the last time...?

2011-03-16T13:16:00.007-05:00

I had a biopsy the other day. It's most likely nothing, according to Dr. Prajapati, and I'm amazed at how blasé I have become as a cancer patient. I think nothing of the stick of a needle or even scalpel because they have become my friends in my fight for survival...and I'm determined to survive. But when the day comes and my number is up, I'll go quietly and willingly. This is a gift that the past 5 or so years have given me.

Another gift I have been given is an ability to ponder without becoming melancholy...and ponder is something I often do. This lead to a conversation with Rick the other day. I'd been silently wondering about 'last times' for a while and so I decided to share with him. Have you ever thought about, ''when will be the last time''? The last times usually go marching by without any fanfare, unless it's a milestone: the last ball game, the last year of school, the last day at work, etc.

When was the last time Rick and I went horseback riding with our posse? We used to be quite the avid horse people - having owned as many as 11 horses at one time. We had a Thoroughbred stallion, Quarter Horse mares and three foals all in one spring. Wrangler Camp, for camping with horses, was a favorite haunt and we loved these times tremendously. Much to my terror now, I rode in the woods (alone) with both Rowan and Erika when they were around 1 year old or so. Erika actually 'broke' our stallion by being the first human on his back - now before you call CS, he was docile as a lamb and Rick was right there to very briefly place her in the saddle.

Later Erika got involved in 4-H. She excelled both in the Horse Bowl (academics) and in riding (poles, barrels, showmanship and dressage). It was an integral part of our daily lives. Trips to county fairs, then the State Fair, were all a family passion. Then something happened. I'm not sure what it was but before I knew it, I was horseless. Since Erika had horses for many years, I lived vicariously through her but I suppose my cowgirl days are gone...but not forgotten.

When was the last time Mom and I went shopping? She and I were quite the busy bees, dragging kids (hers and mine) to stores sometimes on a daily basis. We were big believers in retail therapy and found bargains that would make any penny pincher green with envy. But she got sick, got better, got sick and didn't get better and all the while I don't remember that last time that 'the girls' went out on the town for a day of fun and laughter. It's a memory I hold dear but it has an elusive quality about it because it wasn't marked by any one special ending...it just ended and that, was that!

As I was sharing these thoughts with Rick he made the statement that we'd better enjoy each day (and occasion) as if it is the last. Did I marry my soul mate or what?! So we talked for a while about the things that we enjoy doing together - he and I - gardening, cooking, spiritual encounters, and family. It's always a good idea to live today as if it will be our last but in ways more than just spiritual. Our Eternal Destiny depends on our believing that Jesus will come 'like a thief in the night' and we 'know not the day or the hour'...that is a good fact to stay focused on. But there are earthly reasons as well. We should cherish the times we spend with those we love or those who depend on us and treat each contact as if it were our last...it just might be.

The kids and I went to a funeral today. It was for a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. The family had many wonderful memories. He had known of his impending death and had had an opportunity to share a 'last time' with all of his loved ones. Some people, however, are not so lucky. They go in an unexpected instant...that last kiss goodbye REALLY is the LAST kiss goodbye. So it behooves us to make each 'goodbye' special...each 'I love you' an aware, 'look that person in the eye and mean it', special. It may be the last time...

+ + +

UPDATE: I received a call from the nurse at my doctor's office this afternoon. Everything went well with the biopsy...no cancer! Thanks be to God that I'll have a chance for (hopefully) many more 'last times'!

Thanks and blessings to all of my friends who pray for me and wait with me when I have a bit of 'drama' thrown my way ;-)

Lenten Rosary Project for Kids

2011-03-07T15:09:00.022-06:00

I've been reflecting on Lent for the past week and how I am going to observe this time of penance, alms giving, and prayer. My thoughts then brought to mind the little souls with which we are entrusted as parents, grandparents, and God-parents.

Since my babies are all so young (1 - 5) I thought it would be best to help them in the 'doing' and praying category so I came up with the idea of teaching them all of the prayers of the Rosary (most of them know the Sign of the Cross, Our Father and Hail Mary but reinforcement is not a bad thing) and transition their regular nighttime prayers into reciting a decade while concentrating on a particular mystery each night.

Here's a simple and effective craft I came up with that combines reciting a nightly decade of the Rosary with some good actions and creativity thrown in for good measure:

Materials List:

Plastic Easter Eggs (5 larger eggs for the Our Father and 53 smaller eggs for the Hail Mary)
Colorful curling ribbon, dental floss or pipe cleaners
Paper and markers/crayons
Tongue depressors or Popsicle sticks
Glitter glue, puff paint, stickers or other embellishments
Hot glue gun or pipe cleaners

Lenten Rosary Project:

Hot glue the small Easter eggs (top and bottom) onto small strips of ribbon or floss until you have a chain of 10.
Alternatively you can cut small sections of pipe cleaners and thread them through the little holes at either end of the eggs.
Chose a petition, good dead, or prayer for each member of the family and write/draw on a piece of paper. You could also have your little ones earn pennies to share with the poor.
Place these papers or coins inside a plastic Easter egg.
Add one larger Easter egg to your chain for the Our Father in each decade.
Say one decade of the Rosary each evening using your chain and add your offerings for that day. This is a good time to discuss behavior, sharing and giving.
If you do this for the 5 weekdays you will have enough chains to form 5 decades.
On Saturday add the Our Father and 3 Hail Mary beads and assemble a cross using tongue depressor or Popsicle sticks and decorate.
Assemble the entire Rosary (5 decades, Our Father & 3 Hail Mary's, and the Cross)
Continue to recite one decade per day as you complete your craft.
On Sunday draw or color pictures depicting the mysteries you have prayed during the week and make a booklet to go along with your newly completed Rosary.

At the end of a 5 day week you will have said all five of the respective mysteries and by the end of 4 full weeks you will have said all 4 sets of mysteries...and the COMPLETE Rosary. You should now have 4 completed Rosaries (unless you reuse the same one every week) and the corresponding booklets with pictures of the mysteries.

You could now move on to coloring pages of the Stations of the Cross as your activity and reuse the Rosary you have made for praying a decade every evening as a family, as is now your practice.

Here are some links to coloring pages for the Rosary and Lent:

http://www.rosarybeads.com.au/kids/colouringin/rosary/
http://www.roman-catholic-catechism.com/rosary-coloring-pages.html
A Lenten Journey coloring project from Catholic Icing: click here
Hail Mary coloring activity sheet http://www.christiancoloring.com/cmpdf/gwahail.pdf
Our Father sheet http://www.christiancoloring.com/cmpdf/our%20father%20boy.pdf
Stations of the Cross for kids http://www.catholicmom.com/stations_booklet.pdf

Now that you have spent 28 days saying a decade per day and completing your Easter Egg Rosaries you can continue with the pattern through Lent (and beyond). Perhaps you could spend the rest of Lent using your new Rosaries and drawing or coloring pages with intentions, good

deeds, and sacrifices.

On the evening before Easter Sunday fill each egg with a treat or surprise and then hide your eggs for the traditional Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday. Or you could keep them intact and still fill with treats. Your kids will have had a chance to count down the 40 days and reap a reward for their patience and efforts, seeing a tangible result! Hopefully you will also have enhanced your family prayer habits.

God bless you...and have a fruitful Lent. Let us all pray for one another!

*Note: you could also do the above project using a paper chain much like those that are made during Advent to adorn your Christmas tree. Each 'link' in the chain could be a Hail Mary and a larger 'link' could be added for the Our Father. You could write on the slips of paper before creating the links.

+ + +

Now for adult Lenten sacrifices:

For me it's always been simple to choose the something to give up...there are so many blessings that we have in this land of abundance that I can usually think of too many things to part with.

This year my list is as follows:

1) Facebook games: I'm a Zuma addict and will not play this game for the entire Lenten season.

2) Facebook in general (do you see a theme here?) I will greatly reduce my Facebook usage to mostly religious and pro-life postings. Fridays will be a NO FACEBOOK day (something I started doing a couple of months ago).

3) My adult beverage of choice is wine...think I'll take a break ;-)

The DOING of something extra is another resolution for Lent. As an adult some of the ideas I have come up with for this year are:

1) Extra visits to the nursing home where Rick's 95 year old grandmother resides.

2) Completing one of my religious materials (I'm leaning toward the Salvation History with Scott Hahn CD and corresponding workbook).

3) Attending extra weekday Masses.

Then there's the alms giving. There are so many worthy causes that it will be difficult to chose but chose I will and it will probably have something to do with Haiti. This poorest of nations has a real need and is oftentimes forgotten. I know a priest who is well versed in helping a priest friend of his who is there 'in the trenches'...I think I'll give him a call.

I will also be linking to a few sites that I have found on the topic of Lent. There will be a variety of family friendly and adult links. There may be additions as I find them so feel free to check back:

Jimmy Akin: Annual Lent Fight! http://www.ncregister.com/blog/annual-lent-fight/

Many Little Blessings: Our Lenten Plans: http://www.manylittleblessings.com/2011/03/our-lenten-plans/

Sewing gifts

2011-03-04T10:39:00.020-06:00

My love of sewing goes WAY back to high school and home economics class. My mother was very crafty and would sew, crochet and knit at lightning speed so it was only natural that I would follow her footsteps in at least one of those handy dandy pursuits. Crocheting and knitting bore me to tears so sewing it was!

One of my first projects was to sew a honeymoon travel suit because Rick and I married when I was still a senior in high school. I also made a nifty little two piece bathing suit to wear during our wedding trip for that Thanksgiving weekend back in 1974. We went to Brown County State Park in Nashville, IN and the lodge had a wonderful glassed-in swimming pool where we were blessed to watch the snow come down while we were toasty warm and swimming.

After I graduated from high school and then Brescia University I began to sew again for our little family. Especially when our daughter came along. If I say so myself, I developed quite a few skills and even made her a fully lined winter coat one year. Of course frilly dresses and matching dolls clothes were my favorites.

Then life happened. School, farming, too many sports to mention so sewing took a back seat until I was down to making the occasional pair of boxers or pajama pants for Mark (boys are definitely less inspiring models).

Of course, as it always is in life, what you think will remain a forever lifestyle isn't. After the last pitch was thrown, the last basket shot and there were no more young adults to watch as they walked across the stage, first for high school and then college diplomas, my life was my own again...or was it?

Next came the grandkids, lickety split, one after another until there were 7 all under the age of 7! Now that my Nana's Day School has been limited to only 2 or 3 at a time, however, I've found my passion again. What's amazing is how much you forget when you go on a long break - you

really do lose it if you don't use it.

I was also shocked at how much the cost of sewing has gone up! One of the

reasons for sewing used to be that you could save a LOT of money. Now a days that isn't the case. Patterns cost anywhere from $8 - $16 and fabrics are just as high. Erika's mother-in-law had given her some fabric from a quilting project or two so this was passed to me and allowed me to practice without being in danger of wasting large sums of money.

This meant that my first project needed to be really simple...so I made 16 placemats for my kitchen and found that I still had a bit of skill left. I decided that my next project would be something fun for the kids. Since they all love to cook with me, the perfect project was to make the girls matching aprons. Again, the hand-me-down fabric came to the rescue...luckily purple and yellow are favorite colors too!

Hobby Lobby had a great pattern sale 10/$10 - and I easily found what I needed and few extras!

Since our living room is multi-purpose I set up my sewing desk behind one of the couches and employed the computer chair as a sewing chair. My little kingdom allows me to work online, sew, and watch television all at the same time ;-)

I cut out the fabric one day. Next I pieced together the pressed parts of the apron and had a ball reconnecting with a hobby from years gone by.

Since the girls both have March birthdays, I have decided that their newly crafted aprons will be a part of their birthday gifts. I'll probably throw in some felt food (it's a part of the pattern) and they'll be very pleased the next time we play 'Top Chef'.

Simon was drafted to try on the completed apron and as you can see from the photo, he was just a little bit reluctant. I plan to make it up to him when I make him a 'boy' crafting tunic with slots for crayons.

All in all, I think I'm really going to enjoy yet another way to be creative. I guess creativity doesn't have to be about painting or drawing. Sometimes a useful outlet is just as satisfying!

The Birgit Report: news stories too important (to me) to ignore

2011-03-02T14:26:00.014-06:00

At lunch with my friend, Kelly, yesterday I joked that although I post quite a few things on my Facebook wall there are always so MANY more articles that I'd like to post as well. I'm a 'little' bit of an over-achiever sometimes and don't want to wear out my welcome or risk having my feed hidden by friends who simply do not have the same passions that I do. This blog post is a little experiment, then, to see how it would be to post in the style of the Drudge Report.

As someone who 'lurks' on others' blogs I realize that there may be more people reading my posts than I think. To help me with this little experiment and to help me determine whether or not I will continue to do this, would you please either comment or check one of the comments below? Thanks!

Here are my articles for today with just enough to tease you into reading if something catches your eye:

Planned Parenthood: Public Funding of "Human Weed'' Removal? It will shock people from both sides of the debate to know that Margaret Sanger initially opposed abortion.

Bishops Boot 'booty' from Revised Bible Some changes in translation to accommodate English as a 'living' language. I get some of them but some of them are not so great.

Listen up! More and more samples released of new/revised Mass settings being released New compositions for the revised Missal...see what you think.

Truth TV Ireland is battling for life and death right now. This is a terrific video...it's spellbinging. If only abortion doctors would explain it this way, there would be so many less abortions! Bravo!!!

Battle over alleged controversy concerning Justice Clarence Thomas and Obamacare Megyn Kelly gets personal with Anthony Weiner

States question Obama citizenship with legislation Georgia is the 11th state to introduce legislation to put in place requirements for verification of citizenship in direct response to the Obama administration's refusal to produce documentation of varying types.

Are AWOL Democrats in danger of recall in Wisconsin? Those pesky lawmakers who ran rather than lose a vote may be in danger of losing their jobs...yeah!

Catholic Seattle University Backs Planned Parenthood Internships Catholic university offers and encourages internships with Planned Parenthood on their website. Scandalous!!! I wrote the following to them:

Greetings,

It is with great sorrow that I write this email to you, Fr. Sundborg. I was shocked and dismayed to read the news that your Catholic institution is cooperating with the culture of death by promoting internships with the nation’s largest chain of abortion providers, Planned Parenthood. Not only has the Catholic Church consistently maintained the grave evil of abortion but She has also spoken out in opposition to giving Scandal to those with whom we interact. It is my humble position that your institution is in grave error. You provide publicity for Planned Parenthood internships in the section for “Public Affairs Student Internships” on the website for Seattle University. Furthermore, students are encouraged to contact the PP career services department for additional information. Conversely there are no internship possibilities listed for pro-life groups or crisis pregnancy centers.

I beg that you prayerfully reconsider this cooperation with the culture of death and return your university to one that is in complete communion with the Catholic Church and all of her teachings.
In His Name for Life,
Birgit Jones
Owensboro, KY

Address your civil comments to:

Fr. Stephen V. Sundborg, SJ

Seattle University, President

901 12th Avenue

Seattle, WA 98122-1090

Phone: 206-296-1891

E-mail: SUNDBORG@seattleu.edu

-----------------------------------------------------

As someone who 'lurks' on others' blogs I realize that there may be people reading my posts of whom I am not aware. To help me with this little experiment and to help me determine whether or not I will continue to do this, would you please either comment or check one of the comments below? Thanks!

Good night ;-)

Artisan Bread

2011-03-02T12:36:00.012-06:00

I love baking bread so when I found this recipe for Artisan bread I was intrigued. First off, knowing that the root of the word is 'art', I had to do some research and find out exactly what it is (and how you say it)...I know, I'm a bit of a nerd that way ;-)

So here goes: Artisan bread is best described by thinking about the person who makes the bread. Compare an artisan baker to other familiar craftspersons. They know how to combine their materials to build something strong and at the same time delicate or elegant. You can tell a true hand crafted bread from one that is just called artisan by looking at the ingredients. There shouldn't be anything in bread besides flour, water salt and yeast. If the bread is made with a sourdough there may not even be yeast in the ingredients. It wasn't necessary to add chemicals to bread for centuries and it still isn't. As for the pronunciation, it's - ar' te zen

Now for the recipe:

This recipe makes enough for four 1-pound loaves and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, so you can have fresh bread any time you want. Bake it unadorned as a Crusty Boule, or roll ingredients into the refrigerated dough to create sweet and savory loaves.

3 1/2 cups lukewarm water
4 teaspoons active dry yeast
4 teaspoons coarse salt
7 1/4 cups (2 lb. 4 oz.; 1027.67 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour (measure using scoop and sweep method)

1. Combine water, yeast and salt in large bowl. With spoon (or mixer with paddle attachment), stir in flour (dough will be wet).

2. Place dough in 5-quart lidded container; cover with lid (do not snap airtight). Let rise at room temperature 2 hours. Refrigerate overnight or up to 14 days.

Dough for 4 (1-lb.) loaves

Crusty Boule

(pronounced - bool, French for ball)

This classic European-style loaf has a crisp crust and hearty crumb. It’s perfect as an everyday bread to serve with soups and salads or just a slice of cheese.

1-lb. (grapefruit-size) portion of the Master Dough above.

1. Hold dough and dust top with flour; quickly shape into ball by stretching surface of dough around to bottom on all four sides, rotating dough a quarter turn as you go.

2. Place dough on pizza peel or baking sheet liberally sprinkled with cornmeal or lined with parchment paper; cover loosely with lightly floured plastic wrap. Let stand

in warm draft-free place 1 hour or until dough is slightly puffed and no longer chilled.

3. Thirty minutes before baking, place baking stone on center oven rack; place empty broiler pan on bottom oven rack. Heat oven to 450°F.

4. Dust loaf with flour. With serrated knife, make 2 or 3 (1/4-inch-deep) slashes in top of loaf. Slide loaf (with parchment paper, if using) onto baking stone. Immediately pour 1 cup hot water into broiler pan; quickly close oven door to trap steam.

5. Bake 30 minutes or until deep golden brown and loaf sounds hollow when tapped on bottom. Cool completely on wire rack.
1 (12-slice) loaf

Slice, spread with butter and enjoy...crunch!

Thanks to ''Cooking Club'' magazine for this wonderful recipe!

No Bake, 'instant' Frosted Cookie Project

2011-02-28T13:31:00.009-06:00

I don't know about anyone else but this weary Nana always seems to have much more inspiration from the couch, late at night after the last 'whew!' of the day. During my pre-sleep stupor I somehow imagine all of the energy and time I will miraculously have 'tomorrow'. When tomorrow doesn't deliver, I get down on myself for being a slacker and the cycle continues as I promise that the next 'tomorrow' will reap many productive hours. As a way to assuage the guilt and actually make good on these late night promises to myself, I sometimes 'invent' shortcuts that make a project doable.

Keeping in mind how much fun I had when making my cookie bouquet I resolved to make this a craft with the kids...but I lack the time and patience for an all out, full blown batch. So here is the guilt-free, quickie Nana version:

NEEDED:

Animal Crackers - I buy a gallon-sized container from Sams (they store forever)
Sugar cookie frosting recipe
Sprinkles
Paper plates
Spoons

INSTRUCTIONS:

Dole out a few cookies per child and place on paper plate
Make frosting and flavor (we used lemon juice)
Tint to favorite color (the princesses like pink)
Place bowl of frosting between kids and give each child a spoon.
They can drizzle or spread, depending on ability (I worked with a 2 and 4 year old)
Place sprinkles into a small cup and allow children to pinch a bit and sprinkle or pour.
Voila', you now have frosted cookies
Let them stand until frosting hardens.
Use as bargaining tool throughout the day ;-)

Although this condensed version lacks the panache of the adult

variety, the kids are happy and think that they are just as tasty. If you've ever noticed, kids seem to like the taste of anything that they have helped to 'create'.

No baking, minimal mess and happy campers all around!

2011-02-21T14:27:00.008-06:00

Spring always finds me musing about new beginnings and starting over. We've suffered through the cold and tried to make the best out of the short, dark days of Winter by casting a positive eye at the beauty of the snow as it affords a pristine white powdery covering for the otherwise dreary earth. The mind numbing hibernation phase we abhor is being overtaken by an exciting tension in the air...even the wind whistling around the eaves of the house can't quell the optimism blowing around like so much confetti.

As a gardener, my first foray outdoors is always in the direction of the flower beds. These beds that are covered by fall leaves, when brushed aside, give us a glimpse of chartreuse new growth swelling from the powdery earth. The decay of old plant matter has enriched the soil and made it even more hospitable to the tender shoots straining for a fleeting glimpse of the February sun.

So, too, it is with life. We go through dark times when all is dreary and forsaken. These are times when we fall from grace and simply rely on our instinctive drive to survive. Sometimes we just don't like our lives and don't find much gratitude in our weary souls but occasionally a friend or loved one enters into the darkness and gives us a pristine new perspective. These 'angels among us' remind us of the optimism that should be ever-present in our souls. This too shall pass, as they say.

Those of us who are fortunate enough to call a family member, friend, have a double helping of joy. That's how it was with Mom. Sure, we were mother and daughter, but there was so much more. We had evolved beyond the parent and child state and had traversed the treacherous waters of adolescence and had landed on the solid, rich soil of friendship. My brother, Michael, was her youngest child and was only 5 years older than our oldest child, Rowan. So we attacked life with the joy of companionship and mutual interests. Gardening was one of those interests and together we learned through trial and error. We established a hard and fast partnership in beautifying our surroundings and spent all year 'round looking for the green spring buds of life.

After Mom died too early, at 58 years old, my joy went dormant. Gardening held no charm for me, only a somber reminder of who it was I missed. This Winter in my soul lasted for 5 years or so. I raised my family, sometimes on autopilot, but I could never quite approach 'our' pastime. Time is the ultimate healer, however, and with the love of a devoted husband and children I began my rebirth...the new Springtime of my soul.

I still think of Mom with every spadeful of dirt, every blossom and shiny leaf but now it's with a fond remembrance. I see her in the bright, shining stars late on a clear summery night and I envision her smile at the things I've learned since she's been gone. The one thing that she has left me with is the warm knowledge that your loved ones are with you forever...sometimes you just don't see them in bodily form.

Now I have my own mother/daughter bond and life marches on. Erika, our daughter has developed into quite the friend and I take great pride in that...because it is a priceless blessing to have such a bond.

The last words Mom said to me right before she died were, 'now you're me'...I take this to heart and as the greatest compliment. As the oldest female of my family I now enjoy the continuation of the legacy which started years before me. Mom was but a lovely link in this priceless chain we call family. Hold your mothers tight and hug your daughters daily.

Life and love - they are precious gifts from God to be enjoyed and nurtured!

Let's get Creative with Cookies

2011-02-14T11:53:00.021-06:00

Our grandson, Simon, was born on Valentine's Day and in keeping with our family tradition a themed party was in order.

For this special occasion, I decided that my offering would be a cookie bouquet.

I had just recently heard about this creative new way to combine a bit of artistic skill with cooking and it seemed like a perfect match.

COOKIES:

Use your favorite sugar cookie recipe to create dough.

Refrigerate for at least an hour - I prefer overnight.

Roll out dough on parchment paper to a thickness between 1/4 - 1/2''. I experimented and found that it's really not structurally necessary to go extremely thick, so just use your preference.

After cutting your cookies in the desired shapes, insert a wooden skewer all of the way through the height of the cookie, making sure that your skewer is thoroughly covered with dough.

Try to keep cookies as flat as possible and don't pick up using the 'stem'.

Bake at the time and temperature recommended by your recipe and allow to cool thoroughly before moving.

FROSTING:

Make your favorite recipe of sugar cookie frosting and tint using food coloring liquid or gel.

Decorate your cookies after they have thoroughly cooled.

TIPS: if your frosting is runny you can let it drip over the sides creating a 'dipped' effect. To solidify your frosting simply add confectioners sugar until the desired consistency is achieved. As long as you are careful you can add different colors to the cookie instead drying between colors. For best results, let frosting dry overnight before assembly.

ASSEMBLY:

Using a flower vase and a packing material (I used clear glass marbles) arrange your cookie 'flowers'. I found that adding a few flowers at a time and then partially filling vase worked best. This will also allow for multi-level arrang

ing. When your 'bouquet' is arranged to your satisfaction, pour in the remaining marbles nearly to the top.

Voilà! Your Cookie Flower Bouquet is complete for display AND eating...beautiful and tasty!

CARS:

For the car cookies I drew a car on a piece of cardboard and cut it out. Then I laid it on the cookie dough and used a knife to cut out my shape by tracing alongside the cardboard.

I used Simon's favorite color - yellow - for most of the cars but made a few green and red ones as well.

For the lug nuts I used round cookie sprinkles and I put some white frosting into a ziplock sandwich baggy, snipped off a tiny portion of the corner and used this as my 'piping bag'.

I Want to be Me: no more, no less

2011-02-11T09:17:00.015-06:00

As the oldest of 6 children, I grew up in a happy, rambunctious German family…the Waltons, our friends would say, had nothing on us. Our mother, however, always sought balance in our lives…keeping us grounded. Even my earliest memories contained snippets of my mother's cautions to us, her children. It was never 'if' she got cancer, it was always 'when'. In her loving, motherly way, she sought to blunt the blow even as she put the fear of God into us in morbid anticipation. After all her grandmother died at an early age and her own mother died at 42 - both of breast/female cancer.

Time is short. Live well. Love deeply. Have faith, but as she would say, 'be realistic', even as I called her pessimistic.

Sadly her admonitions turned into reality and we watched Mom struggle for 5 years as she gallantly sought to win the fight. Mom in her 'realist' mode made the decision to have a radical mastectomy and bravely decided to forgo reconstruction. This was a decision she would later regret because, as bad as cancer is, not being 'you' makes it even worse. I don't think she ever considered that we have two breasts because, for the most part, our bodies are symmetrical. Remove one and your balance is off - forever. You have to dress discreetly because the CAVE left by the removal of a breast is not flat...it's deep...and wide. Even with prosthesis, she struggled daily for lack of balance, lack of 'normal' and a terrifying visual reminder of her battle.

And even so, the formidable enemy was not willing to succumb to surgery and chemo and prayers and hopes. After 5 years of brave struggle and heroic effort, Marie-Luise Annerose Suzanne Fingerhut Rumohr Atherton was laid to rest after dying in her own bed surrounded by family saying the Rosary. She was only 58. The race had been run and she crossed the finish line Home!

The years went by and one day, at age 48, my number was up...the lump in MY breast was cancer and so my journey began. I had learned a bit, though, watching Mom: spending nights with her when she couldn't be alone, going on the endless series of doctors visits this disease demands and always learning - holding it close to my heart. Now it was my turn.

My first reaction was flight. Run for the hills. Surrender to the beast because I 'knew' how this would end. Why would I have chemo and suffer the side effects? Why should I prolong the inevitable? Why shouldn’t I just wave the white flag of defeat and end this thing quickly?

My family was adamant but I persisted and sank into the darkest of nights in my heart and soul. I never asked 'why'. I never lost Faith in God. I just didn't want to fight.

And then a voice of reason, stronger than the pleading of my family rose through the darkness...a priest, who told me that I was morally obligated to fight, that must do all I can - for the sake of those who love me. He won me over. He gave me the armor I needed. He even sent me in the right direction...MD Anderson Cancer Center. That night I spent a bit of time before the Blessed Sacrament and my burden was lifted. I felt freer than I had since the verdict came down and I knew what I had to do.

The wonder of this circle of life is that you take something with you from every experience. Having been intimately involved in Mom's journey, I had pondered and I had learned. So when it was my turn, I stepped into the arena with guns blazing. Lump in one breast? Take it...and while you're at it, take the other as well! Why take a chance on a recurrence? If you're going to play the game you might as well give it your all.

But I'd learned something else as well. I had learned that state of mind is a powerful thing. Attitude DOES matter! I was fully on board for a complete recovery and for taking back my life. I wanted to feel like ‘me’ again...no more, no less.

It was also clear that I had come to the right place. MD Anderson knows that they are dealing with the whole person...not just 'parts'. They are there with options and answers for physical, mental, and spiritual healing. They will help you become 'you' again.

Cancer leaves scars both physical and mental. The most complete way to heal is to address both. You can go through chemo and surgery and follow-up appointments for the rest of your life but you will never again be an 'innocent'...your Garden of Eden has been invaded and you have been laid bare. The most obvious and accepted healing is the physical. You do away with the cancer and try your best to insure that it will not return but you are scarred emotionally. You'll always be a cancer victim. That's why it is vital to acknowledge that when a woman chooses to have reconstruction, it’s not about vanity…it’s about wanting to be as ‘whole’ as she can.

My route was long and tough. My doctors and I chose a free tram flap using belly fat to ‘create’ new breasts with my own tissue. If this procedure is successful you have your own tissue, which grows and shrinks with your body weight, and is very natural. The other options include a silicone implant or a combination of implant and tram. For once, being overweight was an advantage because I had PLENTY of belly fat/muscle to build two new ‘breasts’. An added benefit was that the belly fat from my lower abdomen would be gone for good.

In my fear and to lighten the mood, I referred to this as a combo ‘boob job and tummy tuck’. These were brave words, spoken in the face of fear and not a true representation of how a breast cancer victim actually sees this procedure. I was the little mouse, flipping off the eagle, even as those killing talons were inches away. It was a weak attempt at finding the silver lining and yet…

Sadly there were those who would begrudge someone who is fighting for their life. As someone who was trying to add

levity to a situation so grim that the outcome was unknown, this was unbearable. To allow for a 16 HOUR surgery to remove all cancerous tissue, lymph nodes and cells, was a powerful leap of faith. It was certainly not a play at vanity. The cut of cancer went deep but the unkindest cut was the realization that some people would somehow find fault with someone over something that they don’t have the vaguest idea about. Who would begrudge me a chance at my new ‘normal’?

Why would you tell someone fighting for their life that they were being vain? You should know this anti-makeup, natural Nana much better than that by now! Not to understand this was utterly heartless and cruel. All I wanted, all any cancer victim wants, was to be ‘me’ again…no more, no less.

Please, in your charity, at least allow me the dignity of that!

Note: now that 29 year old daughter, Erika, is the fifth generation (as far as we can trace), spare her your unjust judgment. She, too, only wants to be herself again...no more, no less!

So on February 17, 2011 she will, once again, go ‘under the knife’. For someone who is feeling well to submit to surgery – and the necessary recovery process – seems like an act of insanity. Unless…you can find it in your heart to understand the human drive to be ‘me’…no more, no less.

God bless you, honey, as you continue the path…

Loving Father, I entrust myself to your care this day; guide with wisdom and skill the minds and hands of the medical people who minister in your Name, and grant that every cause of illness be removed, I may be restored to soundness of health and learn to live in more perfect harmony with you and with those around me. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Into your hands, I commend my body and my soul. Amen.

Creative Spy Work

2011-02-04T11:58:00.020-06:00

I'm a spy...yes, you read that correctly. As a part of my pro-life 'vocation' I go into stealth mode and comment/post on sites that are pro-abortion. It's tricky business and if you're not careful you will soon be spotted and blocked. I got this idea from my daughter, Erika, who saw the suggestion on the wall of one of the pro-life organizations we follow.

The pro-life movement is in my blood...you see, I was in high school when the infamous Roe vs. Wade decision was being debated. As a part of one of my classes this topic was suggested by the teacher and I leaped at the chance to defend life. Maybe my personal history had something to do with the fervor of my enthusiasm but that's a story for another day. The point is, that once I did the research - being the over achiever that I am - I was hooked on the topic. Not only did I win the debate, I began to write Letters to the Editor in our local newspaper. Surprisingly this led to even more immersion into the pro-life arena.

Rick and I married while I was still in high school (at the tender ages of 18 and 17). I completed my college degree and walked the stage with our 1 year old son watching from his father's arms. The next few years were spent having more babies and being a young family.

Then in 1993 the impact of all of those letters in the paper came to fruition. I walked into the local Right to Life office, on a whim, to suggest something about bumper stickers. When I walked out, I had been offered a job as their very first Executive Director! My mother had just been diagnosed with a terminal recurrence of breast cancer and I was hesitant that this was the right time for such a demanding job...going from stay-at-home mom to pro-life advocate.

My mother, in her wisdom and charity said to me, ''honey, take the job, it's important. I don't want to give you up but for this I will!''.

So I took the job and still managed to be with Mom daily as she spent her final days on this earth over the next few months. I was touched by the kindness shown to me by these pro-life folks, all of whom I had just met, when they drove 30 miles to attend my mother's funeral - even sharing words of comfort at the wake.

The next several years were spent indoctrinating my children to be pro-life citizens as well. By the time he was 3, Mark could identify political yard signs for those who 'like babies' and those who 'don't like babies'. Erika and Rowan made posters and stood in witness for life. We attended protests, rallies, banquets, and political events. This was our shared family hobby!

As the years passed by, I stepped down from the Executive Director position but my zeal never wavered. When I homeschooled our youngest, I was the instigator of many a last minute rally or protest.

Husbands deadpanned, ''so where are you going to protest today'', when I called their wives.

Other homeschooled kids laughed with glee when their moms would begin those spirited phone calls for our unofficial phone tree.

We once protested an event, held at a Catholic parish hall, for a pro-abortion candidate and managed to have 60 - 70 in attendance including their Parish Priest! This happened in a matter of three hours from the time I noticed the article in the paper! That day, we had the opportunity to speak with a young girl, straight out of Catholic school, who didn't know that her religion prohibits abortion for any reason. She didn't want to listen at first, but with our Catechism in hand and some gentle conversation, we hoped we had made a difference - her uncle was the candidate!

I've languished for a while now. Right before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I stepped down from my second term as Executive Director of Right to Life of Owensboro. When cancer comes into your life, everything else (except Faith) takes a back seat...so the past 5 years have been spent in surgery, chemo, and mental/physical healing. Then came the grandbabies and I dove in, head-first, into being their daytime caregiver (all 5 of them) while their parents worked.

Now the new evangelization has found it's way into my life and Facebook is my medium of choice. I am able to 'go out in the trenches' and do pro-life work from my desk. As moderator of two pro-life organizations' fan pages, I am able to touch many lives with valuable, life-affirming information. Events can be planned and organized. The many fans of Right to Life of Owensboro and hopefully soon the Gospel of Life Committee - Owensboro Diocese, are willing partners in spreading the pro-life news.

There's another aspect, that I've discovered lately. Going to where the pro-abortion people converse and insinuating myself just enough to gain a hearing occasionally. It's a dirty business sometimes and it's not for the feint of heart but it's something that is second nature to me. I still love to debate and my age has seasoned me from being a caustic and sarcastic know-it-all to a more tempered albeit sometimes feverish conversationalist.

My latest foray is to the pages of Planned Parenthood. Taking an online suggestion and running with it, I have 'liked' the Planned Parenthood fan page on Facebook! For the past few days I have been having conversations with rabidly pro-abortion women and men. They have called me names and questioned my intelligence and facts but some have also, surprisingly, come to my defense.

The post that has gained the most support is about how our 28 year old daughter, 20 weeks into pregnancy, was diagnosed with breast cancer. MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX came onto our radar since it was the institution to which I went after my diagnosis. The good news is that she was able to undergo chemotherapy while maintaining her pregnancy even though no local doctors where even vaguely aware of this option.

I know that at least one woman was touched by my post and she bravely went against popular opinion (many times) to defend my right to be on the Planned Parenthood wall. She had experienced cancer in her family and knew how devastating it can be. I also think that she recognized the value of what I was posting.

My proudest moment was when she said, ''I'm going to save the link you posted, Birgit. Cancer occurs much more frequently now in younger generations than it used to. Your link can (and probably has) definitely come in handy and (will) provide hope for a number of women (and men). :)

The above is my sole 'success story' in my spy mode, but just as we, in the pro-life movement, seldom have the chance to meet that babies we've saved...we also don't see the pro-life seeds we may have planted. That's where Faith comes in, and I have all of the faith in the world that I'm doing a corporal work of mercy. There may someday be a baby out there whose mother was touched by something said on a Planned Parenthood site. That thought is what keeps Hope alive!

''“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” -- Jeremiah 1:5

Themed Birthdays for Adults and Kids

2011-01-30T14:38:00.001-06:00

In our large, extended family we often throw multi-purpose parties that combine the ever-growing cousin population with something relevant to the adults. The favorite, by far, has been the Themed Birthday Party. It all started with the Kentucky Derby Party or maybe it was the Dora the Explorer Mexican Fiesta. Abby was turning four and since we live quite a distance from 'town' we like to make a child's party fun for the adults as well. Note that these parties go on for hours!

Mexican fare was the obvious choice for the Dora party so the plans were made. Since we are frugal Germans we always have a pot luck type affair for all but the single couple dinners that I host for adult birthdays. In this case everyone was asked

to bring a dish matching our theme...Mexican layer dip, guacamole, refried beans, enchiladas and Dos Equis beer. Piñatas were hung as well as colorful banners and we were off to a great start. A sombrero or two and colorful striped dresses for the little girls completed the look. What a fun time!

Our latest excursion was into Germany -- just last

weekend! That is my homeland and our grandson, Lukas, was about to turn 1. We went with hot German potato salad, red cabbage, bratwurst, potato noodles (Badische Schupfnudeln) with caramelized onions, and a Reuben pizza (I know, my husband has a strange sense of propriety). Of course several German biers were in the mix as well.

Erika and I created a screen saver of German scenery and our background (displayed on our flat screen TV using a laptop in presentation mode) was of the German countryside. We also played a polka station using Pandora

Radio and the scene was set.

Being from Germany myself, I had two dirndl dresses (mine) and a pair of lederhosen (from my brother, Uwe) so Abby, Sarah and Simon were drafted to be costumed in the

traditional German style.

Now I'm not even sure that the Chicken Dance is German in origin (I certainly don't remember it) or not but it added a certain entertainment value for the little ones and that was great!

We partied for about 5 hours and then still had time to attend the Mass for Life at our local cathedral that night celebrated by Bishop Medley - and ALL of us attended! Fantastic!!!!

Another 'event' goes down into history and we are already planning the next one - Chinese anyone? ;-P

Child Play

2011-01-28T14:30:00.012-06:00

Since I am a 53 year old who has already raised her family, some younger mothers might think that my input into those mothers’ bulletin boards and baby-centered Facebook groups is not really up-to-date, and therefore irrelevant.

To that I would have to respond with "not so fast!".

You see, though I am of an age where most of my peers are suffering from (or enjoying) an empty nest, mine has never been fuller. To understand this statement one must only observe the goings on at my house on any given weekday when any combinations of 5 grandchildren – all under the age of 5 - attend “Nana’s Day School”. This puts me very much into the ‘know’ on potty training, car seats, and toddler tantrums to name just a few issues. Although it can become quite a circus at times, this situation also affords me the luxury of a ‘do-over’ when it comes to raising a brood. The value of sticky hugs and kisses as well as tender ‘I love you’s’ cannot begin to be measured and since I am also the God-mother to each one of these precious babies, I can pass on my Faith, which has become more mature and rounded…at least I would hope.

There is also an endless supply of comedy, to which my Facebook friends can attest. For this posting I thought I might share a few tidbits that have just transpired in the past couple of days.

‘Nana, will you color with us?’, spoken by my 2 two-year-old kiddies, Simon and Sarah. ‘And can we lay on the floor with our crayons and coloring books?’

I was in a benevolent mood and decided to humor them so we lay down on our bellies and colored for a few minutes. Sarah soon became bored and decided to sit on my back. As she observed Simon’s coloring from her perch she went on to try something new…sliding down my back. I instantly became the Nana Bouncy Slide and the fun began.

‘Simon, Nana is a Bouncy Slide, do you wanna join me?’, said Sarah.

Of course the obvious answer was ‘yes’ and so the next 20 or so minutes involved me alternately receiving a very punishing workout and a massage from knees, elbows, and feet...I just continued to color. Gotta love those babies!

We have also set up our 3^rd bedroom with a play kitchen complete with plastic appliances, table and stools and even a shopping cart full of wooden ‘food’ items and plastic cookware. Sarah and Simon have developed quite the ‘marriage’ and sound just like an old couple that has been together a bit too long.

‘Simon, you are my best boy. I love you!’, says Sarah. ‘What would you like for ‘dinnow’?’

‘Pork chops’, replies Simon as he ‘repairs’ her rocking horse with his plastic tool set.

Only five minutes later, if that, I hear, ‘Simon, I don’t love you at all!”

Guess the honeymoon is over ;-)

It is such a blessing to have so much contact with my babies. You never quite realize, when you are raising your own, how fleeting that time in your life will be. As you are immersed in dirty diapers, cooking, cleaning, and the other endless tasks that take your children from infancy to the ‘meet yourself coming and going’ rush of sports and high school, most parents don’t have time to think that this isn’t forever. Once that last hoop has been shot, the last pitch thrown, diplomas handed out and boxes packed you suddenly realize that maybe you didn’t savor enough. Perhaps you were stressed and rushed, dreaming of ‘tomorrow’…

Now I find that I have been blessed once more. I have a second chance at playing the role of stay-at-home-mom. This is a role that I was blessed to experience the first time and the repeat is equally grand (albeit a bit different). Being a Nana, just like being a Momma, is something that no one can quite prepare you for but it is what I have always had a strong calling to do. Do I get tired? Absolutely! Do I crave days to myself and a less hectic lifestyle? You betcha! But when it’s all said and done, I wouldn't have it any other way! I LOVE my babies – both grown and young!

Snow contemplation

2011-01-26T21:48:00.028-06:00

Today was a glorious day...all because snow makes the sadness of Winter totally disappear!

All that is wrong with Winter: brown, dead, soggy, and dark, is corrected when we are blessed with snow.

We received a pristine covering of 5'' of the wonderful white stuff and it was the wet, stick to the sides and branches of the tree, kind. This inspired a trip outside along with my trusty companions. It's amazing what a mental lift even a few moments outdoors can provide!

Charlie and his side-kick, Manny, love to engage in a spirited game of tag. Their antics make me smile and take away the winter blues. It's amazing how something as simple as this can touch your heart and lift your spirits!

Little Charlie is very energetic and gave a demonstration of his reining horse sliding stop here. Notice how the snow clings to his fur resulting in tiny snowballs. Unfortunately mud has the same effect making for bad rainy days.

Here is a shot of Charlie running with wild abandon. Notice how his little pink tongue is visible as he gives it his all.

No matter where you are you can always brighten your mood by enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Taking photos is one of those joys for me. I've entertained myself, off and on all day, working with these photos. Hope you enjoy them as well.

God bless...

ﾟ+｡☆*゜+。.。:.*.ﾟﾟ¨ﾟﾟ･*:..｡o○☆ﾟ+｡ﾟ+｡☆*゜+。.。:.*.ﾟﾟ¨ﾟﾟ･*:..｡o○☆ﾟ+｡

''The best remedy for those who are afraid,lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.''
-Anne Frank

Creative with Photos: Personalized Coloring

2011-01-17T10:15:00.002-06:00

The best gifts are often simple, thoughtful, and handmade. This thought inspired me to give my God-children a personalized coloring book. I searched through my hard drive and the Facebook photo albums of their parents and came up with about 20 various photos involving one or more of these kiddies. After cropping and editing the photos I went here to turn them into coloring pages. To create your coloring pages follow these instructions*:

1. Upload each photo - one at a time- to be included into the online photo processor

2. Choose the view (1 -4) that you prefer

3. Use the Windows 'Snipping Tool' to copy the photo

4. Save each photo in a folder for future use.

*If you have photo editing software with the appropriate features (Photoshop for example) you may also go here for instructions for creating your photos/coloring pages.

Here's an actual before and after of one of my photos:

Materials List:

Computer/copier paper
1 - foam sheet or other material for creating your front and back covers
Single hole punch
Hole reinforcements (I used clear)
Decorative stickers or other embellishments for the front of your coloring book
Sharpie permanent marker for the dedication on the back cover
1 - 1" binder ring (I used nickel plated) to assemble coloring book yet allow the child to easily access individual pictures for coloring or painting.

Now you are ready to create the pages and assemble your coloring book:

Using MS Word or another word processing program, place two photos on each page using portrait orientation. NOTE: one photo (the bottom) will be upside-down at this stage
Print out all of your pages
Fold each page in half
Using a hole punch, punch one hole at the top left corner of each page making sure all holes line up from page to page.
Stick hole reinforcer around holes - this keeps pages from being pulled out of your album by the paper tearing
Cut 8 1/2 x 11 foam sheet (or other cover material) in half and punch holes in both pieces at the top left, making sure they line up with your pages
Using your binder ring assemble the photo coloring book in the preferred order
Decorate both the front and the back to further personalize your gift.

The finished product can be seen below (l-front view, r-back view with personalized message), as well as one of my God-children after coloring a page showing him in his school basketball photo (center). Enjoy!

On Gardening and Hope...

2011-01-16T10:29:00.020-06:00

As a nature lover and fervent Catholic I have always found a correlation

between gardening and Hope. Hope is what allows our Faith to look forward to better things whether we can see the 'proofs' of better times/things or not. Gardening is like that for me: I believe in what I cannot see because I have Hope for better times.

Winter is difficult for this gardener. I dream of sunny, late Spring days and the many surprises that surface on a daily basis. Summer brings the full-blown culmination of that Hope and reveals the beauty we have

co-created by our labors and God's beautiful world. As Fall approaches, I am stirred by its beauty and the cooler weather but also feel a sense of foreboding because of what I know will follow. I am trying to learn to live in the 'now' but am troubled by the coming desolation - the only reprieve is a blanket of pure, white snow and the beauty it brings...and for me this doesn't happen nearly enough so what we are left with is the obvious 'death' of the landscape.

In both our faith-life and our gardening there are ways (tools if you will) to circumvent these 'dark' times. As we pour over our seed catalogs we are encouraged to plan ahead for a bright, colorful future ahead. We work 'now' for what will happen 'then'. In the same way we can approach our soul's destiny. The 'seed catalogs' are the Bible and other religious reading material, the 'groundwork' is our associations with our Christian brethren and the work we put in toward our ultimate goal. Both in gardening and in Faith we will reap what we sow...let us sow wisely so that we may reap beauty - both in our garden and Eternally.

"There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God. Those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it." ~ Brother Lawrence

Creative Money

2011-01-14T12:59:00.013-06:00

Creative money? Well, yes...it's more fun if you're creative in saving a few buck$. Since I'm going for a blog that isn't only interesting to me I thought I'd try something new. Sometimes it's nice to be able to share tips and therefore be helpful to others. Much as my sister, Jac(queline), and I call each other quite often to share bargains and ideas, I'd like to extend this assistance to those who may profit from what I've learned.

These are random things that I have done within the past year in an effort to economize:

Get rid of Dish Network: Am I the only one who has noticed how their package prices keep going up even as they provide us with FREE upgrades (channels we don't want, DVR, HD, etc.)? I woke up one day and realized that we just don't need it. Did we use it? You betcha! But I've found, as they say, a workaround...and it's truly FREE.

Ease into this while you still have Dish and before long you be viewing most/all of your regular programs as well as some you didn't even know existed.
Go to www.hulu.com and sign up for a FREE account.
Browse around for the shows you watch now and for classics you have forgotten.
Set up a queue of these programs and subscribe to the ones you want to added automatically...they even email when they've added programs to your queue.
Hook your laptop up to your regular television (I use an HDMI cable which provides HD video and sound). Set your Windows mobility settings (Control Panel) to share (mirror) your display and to 'presentation'.
Viola! You now have HD television at no charge. My surround system works fine too!

Just to give you an idea of what programs I keep up with, here is a partial list:

Lie to Me
Mentalist
CSI
Medium (Hulu actually sends you to the official CBS site for this one)
House (although I stopped watching this when they dissed Catholics more and more often).
Burn Notice
Dog Whisperer
The Practice
Lifetime Movies

I don't actually watch every episode (who has that much time) but you get the idea. There are

also many wildly popular shows that I personally don't care for but they are available as well:

Glee
Gray's Anatomy
Family Guy
Dancing with the Stars
and many more

One of the bigger bonuses for me was that you can find all sorts of 'retro' shows for your family to watch. Some of our favorites include:

Mr. Ed - yes, the talking horse ;-)
Madeline - what little girl wouldn't love this one?
Woody the Woodpecker and Chili Willie
Casper the Friendly Ghost

If you're tired of the overly animated 'tweens who 'grace' the shows on Disney, Nickelodian and such, or the overly hyper 'cartoons' of today these are welcome options. This is especially true when you have young children. You can also set your little ones down, wherever you are, and let them watch on the laptop - since it's portable. This keeps them in sight but content and not as disruptive.

Fire Starter: This next tip works if you use a shredder - either

for privacy or a home office. I line our shredder with plastic grocery bags to collect the shredded paper. When a bag is full I pull it out, tie a knot with the 'handles' and then use this as a fireplace starter. The little tied 'handles' make the perfect starter and the blaze just goes up from there. For less seasoned wood use a little bit of Wesson oil either on the bag or on the wood to keep it going until the wood is burning well (thanks, Alton Brown). Simply stack

under your logs and you're all set for a toasty fire blazing on those cold winter days/nights. Your privacy is preserved and you've reused paper all at the same time.

Rocks: And on to the exotic - my husband has been known to consume a little bit of whiskey 'on the rocks' occasionally and recently found actual granite rocks for sale at an upscale website. Being the country boy that he is, he immediately went outside to our pea gravel walkway and

chose some pretty granite rocks. After popping them into the freezer for a while he placed them in his highball glass and topped it off with a bit of Four Roses. Since rocks are great at retaining both heat or cold (remember how snakes always sun themselves on rocks) this was a novel win-win situation! PLUS no water to dilute that whiskey ;-)

That's all for now but I'll probably revisit this theme from time to time. I'm always learning from other bloggers and have recently come across several that give up-to-date freebie and coupon news. I'll probably share their links with you soon. God bless!

Sound bites - Sight bites?

2011-01-13T09:49:00.027-06:00

We all know what a sound-bite is...a snippet of information that grabs your attention. So what do you call a visual snippet...a sight-bite? Whatever the answer to this query is, that's what I have for you today - in the form of random photos that make me proud. They inspired a feeling in me when the shutter clicked and they evoke emotion every time I view them again.

Some photos call to mind the simple, innocent exuberance of the very young. That was what I

set out to capture on the summer day that I snapped this photo. I love the movement and the pure joy that these kiddos are exhibiting.

This one is pretty obvious as well. There is nothing quite like the bond between mother and child. The vulnerability of the infant and the power to protect and nurture of the mother gives a powerful statement. We were once this small and this dependent but as life goes on, if we chose parenthood, we 'pay it forward' to the next generation whose well-being we hold in our action or inaction. This naked need to be cared for is present for many years but born or unborn, it behooves us to take this responsibility as a solemn commandment from God himself.

Nature...one of the most awesome inspirations of poet and artist alike. In His world, God gives

this sign of His desire to care for and nurture us, His children. Some say that one is never closer to God than when one is in the garden or in the midst of nature. It's difficult to argue with that considering how vast and complex our natural world really is. This is a photo of one of my water lilies that resurfaces every year after a long winter's sleep. When I see these beautiful friends again there is a song in my heart and praise on my lips and the desire to share the beauty!

I'll sign off today by quoting my hero, Benedict XVI, with words by which we can all live!

‎"If you follow the will of God, you know that in spite of all the terrible things that happen to you, you will never lose a final refuge. You know that the foundation of the world is love, so that even when no human being can or will help you, you may go on, trusting in the One who loves you.'' -Pope Benedict XVI

Musings: Creativity in Word

2011-01-13T08:31:00.013-06:00

I suppose I'm a bit defensive about how I am using my artistic gifts these days. After all I spent four years of college earning an art degree and sometimes wonder if I am employing it effectively. While at Brescia I envisioned how I would someday have a creative outlet - not necessarily as a recognized painter but in advertising. You see, way back in 1978, you actually 'drew' the 'clip art' that was found in newspapers. As an inside advertising rep for the Messenger-Inquirer I drew bikinis on scantily-clad 'ladies' in the X-rated movie ads for the drive-in and created little cartoon characters for newspaper ads for the Daviess County Hospital, as it was then called. I even worked for Neel Advertising for a brief while, coming up with ad campaigns for clients.

Of course, since I was blessed with our first son almost a year before I graduated, as soon as I walked across the stage to accept my diploma I entered the world of stay-at-home-moms. Subsequent children saw me as the 'farm wife' who stayed home with kids, cooked, cleaned, delivered meals to my man, and eventually drove tractors to cut, rake and bale hay...no small feat for a 'town/city' gal. I also stripped tobacco with a playpen in the corner by the pot-bellied stove and kept swine records in Minnesota. None of this, of course, even remotely resembled creative work. Back then I would still take up my pencils (my favorite medium) and draw. My kids also had home-sewn clothing and life-sized murals of jungle animals on their walls.

But somehow I lost myself when the kids began to become active in sports, 4-H, and church trips. There were the occasional projects for 4-H that were so very tempting for me to take over - I resisted - but nothing for ME. One summer my sister and I painted a 14' x 25' white horse on our black barn and it felt REALLY good - it even made the paper (twice) - but still there was no 'art' in my life. At this point in time my mother and I decided to dabble in flower gardening and a new creative passion was born! My canvas was the earth and my 'palette' was the flowers I planted but I was once again doing something that made my creative juices flow. When I look back at my modest results I find it somewhat humbling but it was a start and it was something to share with my best friend, Mom.

In 1994 Mom died after a five year struggle with breast cancer and my gardening came to a screeching halt. Flower gardening (daylilies in particular) was something I shared with 'her'. I sunk into a deep chasm of grief and just couldn't bear to do 'our' activity solo. Instead, I threw myself into autopilot and cruised through several years of simply being mother and wife.

As happens in life, the raw edge of grief eventually subsided and I once again took up my spade. By this time we had moved into a newly constructed house - I designed it myself from memories of Chalets in the Alps and in honor of my German heritage and Mom's homeland. The daylilies that had been so rudely transplanted and 'stored' in a holding bed (read horse pasture) found a new home, front and center, in flower beds that Rick and I designed together. He's the muscle and I'm the instigator. I also took up my camera and began to document our efforts.

It's now been 17 years (in May) since Mom has gone to her Eternal Rest and 12 years since we

came to call St. Joseph, KY 'home'. I dabble in taking photos of gardens and kids (our 7 grandchildren). My other passion has become writing. Not the book author kind, not the magazine article kind, but the ramblings and musings of a 50-something Nana who keeps her kiddies on weekdays, is a staunch pro-life advocate, and a saint-in-the-making-work-in-progress who is striving to share and learn with others. In my book, THAT's creative too! God bless!

Beginnings

2011-01-12T17:06:00.004-06:00

OK, so I cheated...this photo is from last year but I did take it. Today's snow just isn't as pretty as that one was and besides, I didn't want to go out in the cold! This is my effort at becoming a bit more comfortable with blogging in general. I've kept journals in the past (like during chemotherapy for breast cancer) but these musings have always been a private way for me to vent.

Now I'm going to work on being more open and sharing what I am thinking. Know, though, that no one wants to know what I'm thinking all of the time because I can become quite passionate about the things that matter to me the most: my Catholic Faith, abortion, family, and interaction in my family circle. I would also like to resolve not to waste the gifts God has given me. My artistic side (BA in Art from Brescia University), my ability to communicate (English became a passion when, as a child, I spoke only German), and my organizational, analytical mind (which I try to use only for good).

Because I didn't start this effort early enough I may need to dig into the recent past for the things I share (like Christmas projects for the kids) but as it becomes second nature to communicate in this way, I hope to be more timely in my posts. God bless!

Musings

2011-01-10T22:10:00.004-06:00

I'm stuck in auto-pilot right now. There are all of these projects I'd like to get done but I either can't muster the time or the resolve to make them happen. Some are creative - I'd like to begin sewing again and the 16 place-mats I made before Christmas don't count. Some are spiritual - I'm feeling the stirrings of my soul and its thirst for more knowledge but I'm procrastinating about which Bible to pick up and read. Should I go for the Douay-Rheims, the NAB or the RSV (Catholic Edition). Of course, according to Fr. Corapi the best Bible is the one you will open and read ;-) I'd also like to dig deeper into photography and graphic design but am suffering from a creativity block. My life is so full and sometimes I feel like I'm just being swept away with all of the action. Health scares, financial woes, and family drama. All in all, though, I'm very aware of how blessed I am. Today is the beginning of going out and recovering who I am...not simply someone's wife, mother, Nana, or friend but just me...creative, full of life and love, and always striving to serve God.

Wow! Has it been that long!?!

2010-04-16T18:45:00.002-05:00

I've been creative, honest I have...it's just that I haven't made my way back to my blog since...July 2009!?! That could indicate one of two things: 1) that I've been lazy and haven't accomplished anything for almost a year or 2) that I've been so busy that I've just not had time to record my activities. I'll go with 2!

So what happened? Well, as my July post tells you, our 28 year old daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer at 20 weeks pregnant. During the past few months there have been many blessings. Erika gave birth to Rachel Eleonore on November 26 (Thanksgiving Day) and both are doing very well! I spent a good amount of time helping out Erika and family while still trying to let Rick know I'm there for him during our small business struggles during this economic downturn.

Fast forward to Spring 2010 and I find that we have undergone many changes. Our son, Rowan, and his family moved in next door to us. Erika and her family live on the other side. This, in itself, constitutes a BIG change for us. There are 5 grandchildren all age 4 and younger...I now find myself with all or some of them on a daily basis as the parents work. They are a joy but also quite the handful: think infant twins + 2-year-old twins + a precocious 4 year-old and you get the picture.

Now on to my creative side. These days I find that my creative side takes one of two directions. I either garden or take photos of the garden (and of course the babies). In my attempt to catch up I will try to post photos most every day as my garden of flowers and grand-babies grows and flourishes.

Web Page Update

2009-07-13T19:31:00.012-05:00

A friend of mine emailed me today to ask about a broken link on my personal website. As I searched for the offending link, I became aware that it had indeed been a LONG time since I had updated my site. An hour (or two) later finds me with a bit of a better design than my original. The thing about design - and life in general - is that there is always room for improvement. All one really has to do is look with an open mind...

Check out the new http://www.designsbybirgit.com/ website :)

A new beginning...

2009-07-08T20:36:00.008-05:00

The title of my blog may be confusing to some. While I claim it to be a design blog intended to document my creative ventures, I find that this point in time leads me in a quite diffferent direction...creativity will nonetheless find its way here from time to time and hopefully will one day be my only topic. For the time being, bear with me while I plod along...

Although this is not my first foray into the bloggosphere, it is my first personal attempt. I have been Rick's ghost writer for a while now on his work-related blog with the alter-ego AltHeatGuy. My usual outlet comes in the form of private journaling - something I picked up when I was undergoing treatment for breast cancer some 4 years ago. It was a means to 'let it all out' without anyone else being the wiser.

Now I find myself in the precarious postition of being the mother of a 28 year old daughter who is 20 weeks pregnant AND newly diagnosed with breast cancer. The questions from well-meaning family and friends have inevitabley already begun and we appreciate the out-pouring of concern, but when you are immersed in the undertow of a cancer diagnosis you have neither the time nor the fortitude to repeat answers to repeated questioning. This, then, will be one way for me to give updates from my perspective.