Happy Feast Day, Guadalupe!

A day celebrated with morning Mass; that is a filled day, and it was coupled with praying before the shrine of  Our Lady of Guadalupe. We were able to enjoy the day by celebrating with a Mexican meal, celebrating Our dear Lady of Guadalupe who always tells us that she is here; not to be afraid; we are under the mantle of her protection. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us that we too will be worthy of the promises of Christ!

"Hear me and understand well, my little son, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything. Do not be afflicted by the illness of your uncle, who will not die now of it. Be assured that he is now cured.
Climb, my dear son, to the top of the hill; there where you saw me and I gave you orders, you will find different flowers. Cut them, gather them, assemble them, then come and bring them before my presence.
My dear little son, this diversity of roses is the proof and the sign which you will take to the bishop. You will tell him in my name that he will see in them my wish and that he will have to comply to it. You are my ambassador, most worthy of all confidence. Rigorously I command you that only before the presence of the bishop will you unfold your mantle and disclose what you are carrying. You will relate all and well; you will tell that I ordered you to climb to the hilltop, to go and cut flowers; and all that you saw and admired, so you can induce the prelate to give his support, with the aim that a temple be built and erected as I have asked.”(https://sspx.org/en/i-am-your-mother-lady-of-guadalupe)

Do you ever feel so loved?

God is Love. He is, then, so generous through His creatures. How often the world lacks love, sacrifice and joy, because it has snuffed out the glow of new life: children, renewed life in the vision of the elderly, and the simple and clear eyes of the handicapped. How good God is to share Himself with our family through the eyes of our children. Yesterday, I came downstairs after being with Lottie for nap. I descended the stairs to the delicious aroma of a freshly-brewed pot of coffee and a tidy lunch table and kitchen after Caleb and Pita finished lunch duty. And there, sitting on the counter, was a brand new cup, resting on my little handmade coaster one of the girls made years back. Pita had prepared a gift of love.
Next, I watched Caleb love as he read and spoke so sweetly to Penny and Marta about how they can be nice the next day (since he was reading a book on virtues and good behavior to the little girls at nap time... Pita called me to the door so I could hear the Trio's sweet conversation. :)
(Earlier in the day I watched this gentleman of eight years spend his whole pre-lunch-outdoor-time assisting Lottie on a 2-wheeler. Adorable.)

Coming downstairs, I glanced out the window and our neighbors' hill was bathed in breathless sunshine. Jesus is there. What light, and how uplifting to drink in. Rounding the corner, I continued to see love flow as I saw our littlest snuggled in warmth and love of our sweet Mammy's arms, with graceful music playing. Grace and peace...

Everywhere

                      there
                                     is

                                                         L    O   V  E.

Grab your bunches today; He is sitting right before our eyes. God is love.

 Jesus, You show us your face so we can be saved. (Psalm 80:3)

Just when there is a moment of spiritual struggle...

a sweet 10-year old brings a bouquet of flowers and says a sweet, early "happy birthday." Thank you, Jesus, for our Treasures.

Sweet boy, Yves

5 months old and 13 days... He is amazing. We cannot imagine life without you happy boy.

A nature walk in the morning of school time om St. Francis' Memorial

...just to slow down and get some energy burned off before classes and quieter moments. Soaking up the surprises God's creatures created during the twilight hours as we slept a cozy sleep and enjoying the joy in each of our treasures as flowers were picked, airplane gliding was shown down the hill, and big siblings carried little siblings. All His for us to enjoy. Make me a channel of your peace. St Francis, pray for us that we too may be worthy of the promises of Christ....

St. Francis of Assisi: "a boy who conquered the hearts of beasts because his own heart had been conquered by Divine Love." -taken from Francis Woke Up Early

God, please slow us down and let us drink in Your Presence

...in the moments with one another. These little "treats" continue to be such a blessing to my life as a mother. What joy to be in our home and to see such happiness in the children, knowing they get to have hot chocolate AND patriotic marshmallows! Thank you, Jesus, for these joys. I hope more parents can see just how extraordinary the ordinary is. The world could be transformed by the joy carried by way of the family--husband and wife and the fruits of their married love. "The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest."- St. Thomas More 

little moments together

...just a few moments after Mass before family pictures at home with Sweet Yvey. There was once a girl named Lottie....How much we love you, sweet Lott-Claude! Your silent-pelican-mouth trademark, your beautiful double-dimples, and your "Ma!" are all adorable. Each one of you is a gift. Plain AND simple.