cosmOclan: Christmas in Michigan

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Christmas in Michigan

We had a wonderful Christmas in Michigan. There was no snow, but it was quite nippy. Lots of bonding time with cousins, uncles and aunts. Some memorable moments include family games, Christmas Mass at the altar, family wally-ball, grandma and grandpa breakfast date with Madge and Pita, visiting Grandma Gertie.

Only for Today

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

We Pray For

all children
an increase in respect for the dignity of every human person
all that we have received
an increase in faith, humility, and love
the souls of all the departed, those in our families, among our friends
fathers throughout the world
Gram Dolan's soul, especially on her death anniversary: May 15
Gram Mahler's soul on her death anniversary: June 26
the unemployed and homeless
an openness to life and its protection at every moment of its existence
dating, engaged, married couples
mothers and fathers around the world
those suffering physical, spiritual, and emotional anguish
troubled relationships
women enduring difficult pregnancies
women and men lured by the lies of abortion
all adoptive and foster parents and children
abandonment to Divine Providence
for increased compassion and mercy on others and that they in turn would have compassion for and mercy on us
for the conversion of all of us most in need of God's mercy and love

Our Christmas/Winter Book Basket

'Twas the Night Before Christmas
Baby Jesus
Room for a Little One A Christmas Tale
Silent Night
The 12 Days of Christmas
The Polar Express
The Snow Angel
You are My Miracle
Snow on Snow on Snow
Puffins Climb, Penguins Rhyme
Gingerbread Friends
Christmas Around the World
The Night of Las Posadas
Paddington's Magical Christmas
B is for Bethlehem
A Christmas Story
The Animals' Christmas Carol
The Little Drummer Boy
The Donkey's Christmas Song
The Hat
St. Francis and the Christmas Donkey
Federico and the Magi's Gift
The Story of Christmas
Cranberry Christmas
Blue's 12 Days of Christmas
How Many Miles to Bethlehem
A Child is Born
The Legend of the Candy Cane
The Legend of the Pointsettia
Christmas in the Barn

Caleb's Recent Reading

November 2007
Here are some recent notables reads. (I need to do better about updating my list: too many titles fall through the memory cracks.) In no particular order:
- The Death of the Grown-Up - The End of Education - Technopoly - Building a Bridge to the 18th Century - Playing for Pizza - Truth and Tolerance - Dark Materials (a nice commentary)

May 2007
After 4 years of graduate school, reading can lose its luster. Over Easter break, I picked up a couple books from the library only to remember that reading can be thrilling! Since then, I have become addicted. Here are some of my recent reads:
- Strong Father, Strong Daughers: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know - Fear Nothing - Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of New China - Brother Odd - Mirrors of the Unseen - Door to December - The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism - Dawn of Empire

When I Make Some Quiet Time

I pick up a book. The moments I have to browse a book as Maddy or Pita naps, or our newest beautiful girl nurses, or she rests in my arms, are much-enjoyed. However, my stack of "finished" books looks like a hill compared to Caleb's Himalayan mound. To read through a chapter during lulls (that are purposely made) is an accomplishment. Chapter-by-chapter, they all add up, and they are: The Five Love Languages, Woman Power, The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage, The Attachment Parenting Book, Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood, Vaccines: Are They Really Safe and Effective?, Mother Teresa: In My Own Words, A Charlotte Mason Education, The Four Loves, Full of Grace,
Birth Order Blues, Audrey, St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, A Year With The Saints

cosmOclan

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Christmas in Michigan

Our Family Mission

Devotions to Our Lady, Leading Us to Jesus, Transformed by the Holy Spirit

Contact Us

Are Murder and "Care" Synonymous?

Freedom of Choice?

Only for Today

"It is a poverty that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."~Mother Teresa

Today's Readings

On This Day

Family

Faith

Time

Education

Relaxation

We Pray For

Maddy and Pita's Hope Chest

Friendship

Prayer Books

Favorite Authors

Maddy's Favorite Books

Pita's Favorite Books

Seasons' Book Basket

Spring Book Basket

Our Summer Book Basket

Our Thanksgiving/Fall Book Basket

Our Christmas/Winter Book Basket

ABC Book Basket

Music Book Basket

Going to School Book Basket

Camping/Outdoors Book Basket

Bug Book Basket

Transportation Book Basket

Counting Book Basket

Clock/Time Book Basket

Shake, Rattle, and Roll Book Basket

Science/Math Book Basket

Animal Book Basket

Worthy Reads

Caleb's Recent Reading

When I Make Some Quiet Time

Good reading to inspire your love for God through the littlest moments in our day

A Few Sites Worth a Browse

Do not worry...

St. Therese of Lisieux

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