Pentecost '09 Prayer for Renewal

Lord, we are Your people, the sheep of Your flock. Heal the sheep who are wounded, touch the sheep who are in pain, clean the sheep who are soiled, warm the lambs who are cold, calm the sheep who fear.

Help us to know the Father's love through Jesus the shepherd and through the Spirit. Help us to lift up that love and show it all over this land. Help us to build love on justice and justice of love. Help us to believe mightily, hope joyfully, love divinely. Renew us that we may help renew the face of the earth. Amen

Paulist Press

Summer Project Revisited

Oh my, a couple years ago I posted this project; it is still in progress. It's getting there. Here's a sample shot (above). And below, is my original post on it.

Our homeschool year is finally coming to a close. We could all use a much needed break in our routine. I know I have plenty to do now that schooling doesn't monopolize most of the hours in the day. (cleaning?) :)

Our oldest son, Douglas, and his dad are working on this dollhouse for their summer project. Our daughter Jamie is supervising. It's coming along nicely. This particular house is called: The Pierce, and if you follow the LINK you will see several other dollhouses as well. Ours was purchased from a local provider (and for much less)!

For doll and dollhouse lovers, Jamie has a great book simply called: The Dollhouse Book, by Stephanie Finnegan. Click on the title to take at look-see at Amazon.

Any special projects you're embarking on this summer?

Summer fun at last

I realize I haven't had the most exciting blog these days...but, then again, I guess I never began to blog for the stardom :) Home schooling - family life, is busy life. There is spiritual fortification at every turn. Virtues are put to the test regularly and believe me, we don't always pass the test (I know I don't). Still, we strive to do our best.

We are nearly finished with school (exhale here). And the weather, and allergies, tell us it's time to frolick in the warmth and greenery. It was a long hard winter for us here at this home.

We are looking forward to this interesting play set, coming to our yard soon! I wish I were not 5 foot 8 :) It looks like a lot of outdoor fun.

Wireless Cometh...and other things accomplished

Since I last left off with you, my First Communion class had their big day earlier in May; they are a beautiful class and because this has been a rough year for my family (my son's illness), I was so moved by this class making their sacrament, moreso than in years past. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed its arrival very much.

Mother's Day was a good day in my home, thanks to my wonderful family.

I am happy to report our candidates for Confirmation have now been confirmed by our wonderful Bishop, R. Daniel Conlon, of the Diocese of Steubenville, as of this last Sunday the 17th. This group included my daughter and it was a HUGE event. 67 candidates, 49 of which were from our parish, and two other smaller groups from two other parishes in our deanery. It was great to see and work with our fine Bishop again, as always, and to serve the families in our parishes. It is always a blessing and joy to help the youth of our parish and see them along, growing in their Faith. God is good.

My son is improving even more; good days mostly, with less bad days cropping up now. We are still asking prayers and still praying deepy and consistently our intercessory novenas for the benefit of his health in mind and body. Meatless Fridays, re-introduced through our wise Bishop, help us remember sacrifice and discipline and offer ourselves to others' needs.

Yes, Wireless cometh to our home this week....my kids are loving it, able to use their laptops to go on line and not be stuck at the home base table top computer. Ahhh.....such luxury....

Since I last blogged in, we are making progress in many areas. I didn't think it was possible - oh ye' of little Faith...however, I'm truly finding that all things are possible with God. I have been praying a special prayer through the intercession of Gwen Coniker (Catholic Familyland), for which I feel we are being blessed. Our son's health crisis is improving, slowly, but definite improvement. He/we are pushing our way through the remainder of fourth grade. It's been interesting and certainly a learning experience to have an OCD child. We have found both support and avoidance. We remain steadfast and do what we must do to help him along. In the meantime, our oldest is finishing up his senior year - and we are preparing for his graduation with friends and family. Our daughter is plugging away with the end of tenth grade work. She did a great job at her recent piano recital. She bought a new camera and is thrilled that summer weather is nearly here to stay. Our five year old is reading and developing more "conversation"; he was a late talker. I'm going to continue his reading practice with McGuffey. I love the Eclectic Readers - he's making his way through #1.

Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes. I will attempt to blog here and there as time permits. We finished up with First Communion this last weekend at our parish, and are making preparations for Confirmation soon. It's been a busy time.