the witte zoo

Easy Fried Ice Cream

2009-05-26T18:40:00.002-05:00

Just finished devouring these...

Recipe at thehappyhousewife.com

T-Mobile Mom to Mom Quiz

2009-05-19T09:45:00.001-05:00

T-Mobile Mom to Mom Quiz: "

Take the fun, Mom to Mom quiz and discover your parenting style.

She's Baaaack...

2009-05-18T09:33:00.002-05:00

This is cute, but nothing tops the original Total MomSense

Anita Renfroe website

Month of May

2009-05-16T21:18:00.001-05:00

from The Deacon's Bench

Nerinx Soccer Game

2009-05-14T11:01:00.002-05:00

Claire & Alyson

Grandpa, Alyson & Sarah

Nick, Louis, Sam & Claire

Sarah in action

Captains

"Things You Don't Say To Your Wife..."

2009-05-13T17:40:00.004-05:00

Another funny song from Tim Hawkins...

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In Concert: August 23rd, 6:00pm, Calvary Church, Mid Rivers
Click here for tickets...

Catholic Vote

2009-05-09T18:37:00.003-05:00

from National Catholic Register...

At today’s National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, EWTN’s Raymond Arroyo announced that this new pro-life video ad has “initial acceptance” for broadcast on the closing episode of “American Idol.”

Produced by CatholicVote.org as part of its series of “Imagine the Potential” ads, the new ad promotes adoption by highlighting famous people who were themselves adopted.

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-09T12:20:00.003-05:00

Moms, only in Heaven will you realize just how pleasing you are to God. You have collaborated with God our Father in bringing new life into the world. You have given our heavenly Father children, and these children He treasures more than you could ever imagine.

“Mother—“ Perhaps the most beautiful word in all of language. It expresses life. It expresses love. It expresses cooperation with God. It speaks of something that will never end.

One day, moms, you’ll be honored by God himself for your many sacrifices. For now, accept our thanks, our love, and our tribute. We salute you, Moms, this day and for all eternity.

God bless you for all you’ve done for us.

In Jesus’ Love through Mary our Mother,
Fr. John Corapi

Ten Years Later

2009-05-07T14:36:00.004-05:00

Ten Years Later, Boy's 'Hand of Hope' Continues to Spark Debate
Wednesday, May 06, 2009

By Joshua Rhett Miller
from FoxNews.com

Nearly 10 years after a stunning photograph of his tiny hand traveled the world, Samuel Armas has a firm grip on what "The Hand of Hope" means to him.

"When I see that picture, the first thing I think of is how special and lucky I am to have God use me that way," Samuel told FOXNews.com. "I feel very thankful that I was in that picture."

On Aug. 19, 1999, photographer Michael Clancy shot the "Fetal Hand Grasp" — his picture of a 21-week-old fetus grasping a doctor's finger during innovative surgery to correct spina bifida. Nearly four months later, on Dec. 2, Samuel Armas was "born famous."

The photo, which first appeared in USA Today on Sept. 7, 1999, quickly spread across the globe as proof of development in the womb and was later cited during congressional debates on the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, which passed in 2000.

"It's just a miracle picture, a miracle moment," Clancy told FOXNews.com. "It shows the earliest human interaction ever recorded."

Samuel, now 9 and living in Villa Rica, Ga., said the photo likely gave countless "babies their right to live" and forced many others to debate their beliefs on abortion, something he's proud of.

"It's very important to me," Samuel said of the photograph. "A lot of babies would've lost their lives if that didn't happen."

Julie Armas, Samuel's mother, said her eldest son has a "very strong sense of right and wrong" and understands the impact of his unconventional first baby photo.

"He identifies it more in terms of a pro-life message more than anything," she told FOXNews.com. "This photo happened and God used it to show people that this baby in mom's tummy is alive. He's pleased that his photo conveyed that message."

Armas said Samuel will wear lower leg braces for the rest of his life as a result of spina bifida, which occurs when the spine fails to close properly during early pregnancy. He'll also use a wheelchair during long trips, as he did at Great Adventure earlier this week. But the mother of three said Samuel "walks great" and has been lucky enough to avoid some surgeries associated with his condition.

"He's doing extremely well," she told FOXNews.com. "We pray that he continues to be as healthy and able as he has been."

Samuel's condition hasn't slowed his activities as a decorated Cub Scout or in the swimming pool, where he took first place last weekend in a 25-yard backstroke event.

"I love to swim," Samuel said of his typical Saturday activity. "You use your arms a lot and it gives your arms great muscles."

The third-grader also loves science and animals, especially orcas, bald eagles and tigers. And he still collects bugs, something his father, Alex, revealed during a Senate hearing in 2003 to highlight advances in fetal surgery.

"Anything we see, he wants to catch and put it in a jar to watch it," Julie Armas said. "He's a great kid, he really is. He's very gentle; he's very laid-back."

Clancy, who hasn't photographed a surgery since Samuel's, recalled meeting him for just the third time in 2007 during an event for Come Alive Ministries in Atlanta.

"His eyes just lit up because he was born famous because of that picture," Clancy told FOXNews.com. "It was amazing."

Clancy, who was a freelancer for USA Today when he photographed Samuel's fully-formed hand, now works as a motivational speaker at pro-life events. Prior to the picture, Clancy said, he was pro-choice.

"And that's what I'm going to do, keep telling this story," he said. "It can change people's hearts. What started off as an assignment turned into a responsibility to keep telling the story behind it."

A crucial part of the story, Clancy argues, is whether Samuel reached through the 8-inch opening in his mother's uterus and grabbed Dr. Joseph Bruner's hand, or if the doctor manipulated the hand during surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee.

"I could see the uterus shake violently and then this little fist came out of the surgical opening," Clancy recalls. "It came out under its own power. When Dr. Bruner lifted the little hand, I fired my camera and the tighter Samuel squeezed, the harder Dr. Bruner shook his hand."

Bruner, who could not be reached for comment, has told reporters that Samuel and his mother were under anesthesia and could not move. In a Jan. 9, 2000, article in The Tennessean, he said he pulled Samuel's hand out of the uterus, further complicating the debate surrounding the photograph.

But none of that matters to Julie Armas. Samuel continues to thrive, and he is leading the way for his 3-year-old brother, Zachary, who also has spina bifida.

"I don't care, honestly," Julie Armas said. "What I felt the picture showed is that this is a child engaging in some form of interaction. I'm a labor and delivery nurse, so I understand that Samuel was anesthetized to some degree.

"So if he reached out, I don't know. If Dr. Bruner reached out, I don't know. The fact of the matter is it's a child with a hand, with a life, and that's meaningful enough."

Comfort Food...

2009-05-06T12:19:00.005-05:00

Great for these rainy days.

Macaroni -n- Cheese

Cook 1 lb elbow macaroni, drain.

Melt 1/2 stick unsalted butter in saucepan over medium heat.
Add 2c whole milk, 4T flour, 1/4t nutmeg, black pepper to taste.
Stir until thickened.
Add 1/2c sharp cheddar, shredded
1/2c monterey jack, shredded
1 1/2c American/Cheddar mix, shredded

Mix with macaroni noodles. Pour into greased 10x13 baking dish.
Top with 1/2 stick unsalted butter(melted) mixed with 1/4c Panko bread crumbs.
Bake at 350* 25-30 minutes.

I served ours with pork, green beans, french bread and applesauce.

Birthdays...

2009-05-05T21:25:00.002-05:00

Just on the heels of my 39th birthday, I came across this...

from Notes from the Trenches

So This Is Forty

Today I will celebrate my birthday by doing all of the ordinary things I do every day. In the past I may have resented this, wanting my birthday to be set aside somehow as special and feeling annoyed that it wasn’t. Now I am inclined to believe the old people who tell me this is as good as it gets, that I should enjoy it now before the kids all grow up and go away.

I will help someone with phonics, another kid with multiplication tables.
I will reprimand someone for something.
I will drink too much coffee.
I will do laundry, tie shoes, make lunch.
I will think about what to make for dinner. And then probably not do anything about it.
At least one kid will need a band-aid.
I will tell my four year old that he really IS capable of wiping his own butt. He will refuse.
I will mediate disagreements.
I will do errands and will drive a thousand miles in my van, but never get more than 5 miles away from house. You would think that would be impossible, but I assure you it is not.
I will watch at least one child play baseball.
I will hug my children, even the ones that would rather not be hugged.
I will lose my patience with someone.
I will apologize.
I will love.
I will be loved.

This is forty.

My children will make me laugh, more times than I can count. Often when I least want to. I hope I am still laughing just as much 40 years from now.

Great Deals from Amazon...

2009-05-05T11:06:00.003-05:00

SwissGear Computer Briefcase $16.72 (regularly $100)

SwissGear Computer Messenger Bag $26.90 (regularly $179)

Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

2009-05-04T21:05:00.000-05:00

Notre Dame

2009-05-04T20:57:00.001-05:00

French Toast

2009-05-04T12:05:00.003-05:00

We walked to the grocery store on Sunday to buy donuts, but decided on making this instead...(so glad we did!)

French Toast
Mix in shallow bowl...
5 large eggs
1 large egg white
1 1/4c buttermilk
1 1/2T vanilla extract
2t sugar
2t cinnamon
1/2t nutmeg
1/4t salt
Cut French bread loaves (16oz) into diagonal slices.
Butter 350* skillet or use nonstick spray.
Dip bread into egg mixture. Cook both sides until browned.
Top French Toast with fresh strawberries, blueberries and powdered sugar.
Serve with syrup.

Some Fun...

2009-04-28T11:20:00.002-05:00

try Word Mosaic

New Godparents!

2009-04-27T07:48:00.001-05:00

Sarah and Kevin became new godparents this weekend...

Hey...I Resemble Most of Those Remarks!

2009-04-23T11:32:00.004-05:00

A Small Town Pfunny
from Coffee Klatch...

YOU KNOW YOU’RE FROM A SMALL TOWN IF…
~ You can name everyone you graduated with.
~ You ever went to parties at a pasture, barn, or in the middle of a dirt road.
~ You used to drag “main.”
~ You said a cuss word and your parents knew within the hour.
~ You ever went cow tipping.
~ School was cancelled for state events.
~ You were ever in the Homecoming parade.
~ You have ever gone home for Homecoming.
~ It was cool to date someone from the neighboring town.
~ You had senior skip day.
~ The whole school went to the same party after graduation.
~ You couldn’t help but date a friend’s ex-boyfriend.
~ Your car stayed filthy because of the dirt roads, and you will never own a dark vehicle for this reason.
~ Getting paid minimum wage was considered a raise.
~ You referred to anyone with a house newer than 1980 as the “rich people.”
~ The people in the city dressed funny, then you picked-up on the trend two years later.
~ Anyone you wanted could be found at either the Dairy Queen, Pantera's or the feed store.
~ You saw at least one friend a week driving a tractor through town.
~ Football coaches suggested that you hauled hay for the summer to get stronger.
~ Directions were given using “the” stop light as a reference.
~ Your letter jacket was worn after your 19th birthday.
~ Weekend excitement involved a trip to a Wal-Mart.
~ You know what 4-H is.
~ You decided to walked somewhere for exercise and 5 people pulled over and asked if you needed a ride.
~ Your teachers called you by your older siblings names.
~ Your teachers remembered when they taught your parents.
~ You could charge at all the local stores.
~ The closest McDonald’s was 45 miles away.
~ So was the closest mall.

Oh...the good ol' days!

FREE Confessions of a Shopaholic Book for a friend

2009-04-22T18:34:00.002-05:00

Click here to sign up to send a friend the "Confessions of a Shopaholic" book by Sophie Kinsella as a complimentary copy!!
Pick a friend and you guys could do this for each other!!
This is a $14 value as you can see!

Curves Fitness Study

2009-04-22T17:25:00.001-05:00

Curves and Avon have partnered to sponsor the largest fitness study for women ever. And we'd like you to participate. Work out at Curves 3 times a week for 4 weeks for only $30. Participants will receive a start and finish fitness evaluation, supervised training from a Curves Trainer, and 30 days FREE on CurvesComplete.com – the complete solution to managing your weight. Hurry, only 50 women will be allowed to participate per club. CLICK HERE and fill out the form to set up your FREE appointment today.

I signed up for this last week...and I have really enjoyed it.

FREE Burgie's Laundry Detergent Sample

2009-04-22T14:40:00.002-05:00

Snag a FREE sample of Burgie's Organics Natural Laundry Detergent! Click here and fill in the simple form. You'll even get to choose the fragrance you'd like to try. Allow 5-9 days for delivery.

FREE Reusable Lunch-Size Better Bag from Whole Foods

2009-04-22T14:33:00.001-05:00

Get a free reusable lunch-size Better Bag at Whole Foods through 4/26/09 or while supplies last.

One coupon per person per transaction.

Go Green...Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-21T20:34:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite places to shop is...ETSY.
Etsy is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell items that are handmade, as well as vintage goods and crafting supplies.

With the global economic crisis putting finances in a squeeze, Etsy is a great way to maximize a budget. There is an endless variety of unique, quality handmade gifts at affordable prices. Besides being memorable, these gifts are also valuable. They're made to last a lifetime, not just until next year's version comes out. Which means less trash for landfills, and more savings for shoppers. Plus, each purchase on Etsy directly supports independent artists and designers.

Here are a few of my favorite picks...

Walgreens...Free Tote

2009-04-21T20:02:00.002-05:00

You can get a free re-usable tote bag and 15% of at Walgreens April 22 only.

Click here to print the coupon.

Free Diaper Doo...

2009-04-21T11:23:00.003-05:00

Snag 2 FREE samples of Super Duper Diaper Doo! Super Duper Diaper Doo is the all natural solution that can heal and protect your baby's skin from diaper rash and irritation. Just go on over here and scroll down till you see the Super Doo FREE trial offer. You can snag up to 2 for FREE! Then just checkout, fill in your shipping info and submit your order!

Robert James Carlson

2009-04-21T07:01:00.001-05:00

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Louis welcomes Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson—Archbishop-elect and tenth bishop of Saint Louis!

At noon today in Rome (5 a.m. CDT), the Press Office of the Holy See announced that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed The Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson, Bishop of the Diocese of Saginaw, as Archbishop of St. Louis. He will serve as the 10th bishop and ninth Archbishop of St. Louis.

Cabin For Sale...

2009-04-20T17:38:00.004-05:00

Given the busyness we call life...der Witte Zoo is up for sale.
We are very sad, but we are just not able to visit it as much as
we would like. So, we are looking for a new family to take care of her.

#46 Aspenhof, Warren County, Missouri
$99,500

Five acres with a beautiful view over-looking Pumpkins & Pines.
Sleeps 10.
Fully furnished and updated. Ready for you to move-in and start enjoying this summer.
Absolutely beautiful cabin, location and views. Gated community.
Private, peaceful escape only 50 minutes from St. Louis.
Beach, hiking, fishing, close to wineries and shopping.
Call Gina at 314-909-8988 or thewittezoo@gmail.com for more information.

Aspenhoff Lake, Central Missouri
Aspenhoff Lake is on a tributary of Hopewell Creek in Warren County, Missouri and is used for recreation purposes. Construction was completed in 1965. It has a normal surface area of 12 acres. It is owned by Aspenhoff Trustees.
Aspenhoff Lake Dam is of earthen construction. Its height is 29 feet Its capacity is 186 acre feet. Normal storage is 88 acre feet. It drains an area of 211 square miles

Huggies New Rewards Program

2009-04-17T13:22:00.002-05:00

Go to: Enjoy the Ride
to start earning points on all of those diapering needs.

The new Enjoy the Ride Rewards Program gives Huggies diaper users an opportunity to accumulate points and redeem them for prizes. You can earn points when you sign up, when you enter codes, by watching videos they have available and by answering their polls.

True Beauty...

2009-04-17T10:34:00.002-05:00

from body+soul

At 41, I'd become obsessed with my face. I spent hundreds of dollars on creams and facials and considered going 'under the knife'. While in Las Vegas with my husband, I had a life-changing realization. I was repeatedly approached by salespeople on the Strip hawking skin products at various kiosks. My husband waited patiently while I listened and considered purchasing the "miracle" creams. I was so busy fretting about my appearance that I didn't notice my husband growing distant. When I finally asked what was wrong, he shared that it hurt him that I was so mean to myself. He thought I looked beautiful just the way I was. I was so taken aback, I started to cry. How many times had I listened to friends criticizing themselves for being "too fat" or "too old"? And here I was, doing the same thing. I had allowed this self-rejection to consume countless hours when I should have been enjoying the time with my husband. I've been through a lot, and maybe it does show on my face. But that's what makes me the person he loves. -cindi d.

If you never seen it: The Evolution of Beauty

Old Navy Weekly Fun Thursday...

2009-04-16T16:11:00.005-05:00

UPDATED:
Coupon Locations:

Spend a buck on a reusable tote and get 30% off your purchase:
Click by the women's head in the second lower right square.

40% off when you get an old navy card and a free reusable tote:
Plant the tulip in the grass by the families feet

Click here to try again this week...Old Navy Weekly

from Super Modelquins:
Coupon hunting will get trickier this week.The coupon values and when they’ll be added to the site are only known by one person and that Modelquin has her pretty, plastic lips sealed for the time being. Stay tuned for what promises to be the most exciting week yet at OldNavyWeekly.com

Irena Sendler

2009-04-16T08:57:00.003-05:00

Hallmark Hall of Fame
Presents The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler
Academy Award Winners Anna Paquin, Marcia Gay Harden
Headline True Story of World War II Heroine

The film premieres on CBS Sunday, April 19, 2009, 9-11 p.m. PT/ET.

Irena Sendler was a Catholic social worker, but used fake identification to pass herself off as a nurse, which allowed her to enter and exit the walled-off ghetto with relative ease. She used that advantage to mount the daring and dangerous operation to smuggle children to safety.

Have You Met Irena Sendler?

Bishop Fulton J. Sheen...great clip!

2009-04-16T08:21:00.003-05:00

In his first homily as the new leader of New York’s Roman Catholics, Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan managed Wednesday to tuck in a single but telling mention of a church leader who is one of his personal heroes.

That figure is Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, who is buried in the crypt below St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Bishop Sheen, who once headed the Diocese of Rochester and was an auxiliary bishop in New York, never ascended to the heights of the church’s hierarchy as Archbishop Dolan now has. But because of his popular, pioneering radio and television broadcasts, Bishop Sheen was the public face of Catholicism for many Americans from the 1930s through the ’60s, projecting the church’s message on everything from politics to prayer.

Here's a great old clip of Sheen...
I wish Hollywood still held the same respect for the Church.

Archbishop Timothy Dolan!

2009-04-15T13:49:00.004-05:00

“I was at the vespers when he was installed as bishop [of Milwaukee]. And there’s a part where the bishop knocks on the door. Most do it timidly. Tap, tap. Not him — ‘Bang! Bang!’ It echoed through the cathedral and let everyone know that Timothy Dolan was there.”
–Rev. Steven M. Avella, history professor at Marquette

In keeping with his apparent habit, Archbishop Timothy Dolan knocked resoundingly last night on the doors of New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Never one to be described as shy or introverted, Archbishop Timothy Dolan knocked boldly on the doors of St. Patrick’s Cathedral this evening and entered his new home with steady smiles and an engaging manner more common to country pastors than bishops.

…“Thanks for opening the door wide enough even for me to get in,” he said during a Solemn Vespers service, consisting largely of sung evening prayers.

“I am so glad you are here,” he said. “And it sure beats sitting at home doing our last-minute tax returns, doesn’t it?”

from The Anchoress

Happy Tax Day!(?)

2009-04-15T11:18:00.001-05:00

Chicken Cacciatore

2009-04-14T19:38:00.003-05:00

The kids just finished eating and said I HAD to post this one...

8 chicken thighs, skinless
1t olive oil
1 green pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/4lb white mushrooms, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2t sugar
1/2t salt
1/4t pepper
14.5oz can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs

Salt & pepper chicken. In hot skillet, brown both sides of chicken pieces in olive oil. Transfer chicken to crockpot.
To skillet...add peppers, onion, mushrooms, garlic and sugar. Cook 3-4 minutes.
Add vegetable mixture to crockpot. Add tomatoes. Mix well.
Cook on low 4-5 hours.

Colbert defends Jesus' Divinity

2009-04-14T12:23:00.003-05:00

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Bart Ehrman

colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

NASA Name Contest

Cabin For Sale...

2009-04-14T10:49:00.008-05:00

Given the busyness we call life...der Witte Zoo is up for sale.
We are very sad, but we are just not able to visit it as much as
we would like. So, we are looking for a new family to take care of her.

#46 Aspenhof, Warren County, Missouri
$99,500
5 acres with a beautiful view over-looking Pumpkins & Pines.
Sleeps 10.
Fully furnished and updated. Ready for you to move-in and start enjoying this summer.
Absolutely beautiful cabin, location and views. Gated community.
Private, peaceful escape only 50 minutes from St. Louis.
Beach, hiking, fishing, close to wineries and shopping.
Call Gina at 314-909-8988 or thewittezoo@gmail.com for more information.

Aspenhoff Lake, Central Missouri
Aspenhoff Lake is on a tributary of Hopewell Creek in Warren County, Missouri and is used for recreation purposes. Construction was completed in 1965. It has a normal surface area of 12 acres. It is owned by Aspenhoff Trustees.
Aspenhoff Lake Dam is of earthen construction. Its height is 29 feet Its capacity is 186 acre feet. Normal storage is 88 acre feet. It drains an area of 211 square miles

Beauty...

2009-04-13T18:17:00.002-05:00

Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears.
~ Edgar Allen Poe~

(Video has been disabled)
Click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Don't miss Old Spaghetti Factory...

2009-04-13T17:12:00.004-05:00

To celebrate their 40th anniversary, through May 26th, Old Spaghetti Factory is offering on Tuesdays for lunch or dinner to come in and receive 40% OFF on their Pasta Classics.

Click here to see their special anniversary menu.

Free Dunkin Donuts Coffee

2009-04-12T15:46:00.001-05:00

Click the icon below for a FREE sample of Dunkin' Donuts coffee. You'll have to choose the Original Blend. Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.
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Cranberry Cashew Salad

2009-04-12T11:46:00.004-05:00

Layer in bowl...
Romaine lettuce, 2 heads chopped

Asiago cheese, 4oz shaved

cranberries, 1/2c dried

cashews, 1c chopped

fruit of choice (strawberries, apples, pears, blueberries, oranges), 2c. sliced

green onion, 1T chopped

Pour dressing over just before serving...

2/3c canola oil

1/3c lemon juice

1/4c water

1T poppyseed

1/2c sugar

1t dijon mustard

EASTER! Alleluia!

2009-04-12T11:28:00.004-05:00

Easter at the Zoo...

Easter at the Paule's
Allyson's 1st Easter

Guess Who?!?!

Grandma's Annual Easter Fun!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-11T10:50:00.002-05:00

However you celebrate....

Have a wonderful Easter!

Holy Saturday

2009-04-10T22:12:00.003-05:00

Fire and darkness, word and water, hope and fulfillment come together on this Holy Night.

This is Easter. this event should see every Catholic family gather as one to celebrate the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ.

The Crucifixion

2009-04-10T09:27:00.002-05:00

The Liturgy today celebrates the death of Jesus. We recall his Passion and his dying. The Church mourns her Savior. This is a day of fast and abstinence for all Catholics.

The Last Supper

2009-04-09T12:33:00.000-05:00

I Don't Know How To Love Him

2009-04-08T09:34:00.000-05:00

"One of the most powerful moments of my life."

2009-04-07T14:45:00.001-05:00

"I'm not talking about this much publicly, but let me just say that I found over the course of the last decade, attending the basilica ... reading the literature, that there was a peace in my soul and a sense of well-being in the Catholic Church, and I found the Mass of conversion last Sunday one of the most powerful moments of my life."

-- America's most famous recent convert to Catholicism, Newt Gingrich,to Chris Wallace on FOX News Sunday, April 5, 2009.

from The Deacon's Bench

Great Insight

2009-04-07T08:09:00.003-05:00

".....Suppose a clever physician's child meets with a stone in his path which causes him to fall and break a limb. His father comes to him immediately, picks him up lovingly, takes care of his hurt, using all the resources of his profession for this. His child, completely cured, shows his gratitude. This child is no doubt right in loving his father! But I am going to make another comparison. The father, knowing there is a stone in his child's way, hastens ahead of him and removes it but without anyone seeing him do it. Certainly, this child, the object of his father's tender foresight, but UNAWARE of the misfortune from which he was delivered by him, will not thank him and will love him less than if he had been cured by him. But if he should come to learn the danger from which he escaped, will he not love his father more?...I have heard it said that one cannot meet a pure soul who loves more than a repentant soul; ah! how I would wish to give lie to this statement!"

-St. Therese, as a young girl at boarding school

Resurrection "Easter" Cookies

2009-04-07T07:48:00.003-05:00

This is a great recipe to teach your Children the story of Easter.

That the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior is not dead but has Risen.

You will need:

1 cup whole pecans, 1 teaspoon vinegar ,3 egg whites,

a pinch salt, 1 cup sugar, a zipper baggy, 1 wooden spoon

scotch tape and your Bible
Instructions:These are to be made the evening before Easter.

Preheat oven to 300F.*** (this is very important --- don't wait until you are half done with the recipe).

Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested. He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

Read: John 19:1-3
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink.

Read: John 19:28-30
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.

Read: John 10:10&11
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the restinto the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers,and the bitterness of our own sin.

Read: Luke 23:27
So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.

Read: Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet.Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.

Read: Matthew 27:57-60
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.

Read: Matthew 27:65-66
GO TO BED!
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.

Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

Read: John 16:20&22
On Resurrection Sunday (Easter) morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie.

Notice the cracked surface and take a bite.

The cookies are hollow!

On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazedto find the tomb open and empty.

Read: Matthew 28:1-9

Jesus Christ Superstar

2009-04-07T07:28:00.001-05:00

Heaven On Their Minds...

Have You Met Irena Sendler?

2009-04-06T15:48:00.003-05:00

Here's the story of an amazing woman...
I heard her story last year from a group of students
doing a high school project on her life.
Life in a Jar

You can receive a copy of the students project at www.irenasendler.org
Great for educational projects that teach respect and understanding
of all people regardless of race, religion, and creed.

We are often asked....why be Catholic?

2009-04-06T10:23:00.003-05:00

Within a few short years of the Resurrection, the followers of Jesus began calling themselves "Christians" (Acts 11:26), and by the end of the first century, the word 'catholic' meaning universal, was applied to the Church.

The idea of different (and sometimes competing) Christian denominations would have been unthinkable to early Christians, especially in light of Christ's pronouncement on 'one shepherd and one flock' (John 10:15), and his 'prayer that His disciples remain one' (John 17:22).

It was only human weakness and sinfulness that brought about the religious divisions that afflict Christianity today. The Orthodox church drew apart from Rome off and on over several hundred years, finally seperated in the eleventh century, and the various Protestant denominations date back no earlier than the sixteenth century.

These churches can trace their roots back to Christ ONLY through the Catholic Church.

To put the matter rather bluntly: Why have anything else when you can have the real thing - especially when it comes to knowing and living the truths necessary for salvation?

from WhyCatholic.com?

On a Lighter Note...

2009-04-06T09:47:00.000-05:00

Jesus Christ Superstar

2009-04-06T09:01:00.002-05:00

For Holy Week,
One of the greatest Broadway Musicals of all time,
Enjoy...

UPromise.com

2009-04-05T19:59:00.004-05:00

START SAVING FOR YOUR KIDS COLLEGE...

Here's the easiest possible way to seriously start saving for college.

You get cashback up to 25% on your purchases, to use for college expenses! These are purchases you are already making anyway! You link a credit or debit card to your free UPromise account, and every time you make a purchase at a qualified merchant, the cashback automatically goes into your UPromise account (ex. McDonald's, Target, ExxonMobil, eBay, etc.).

Click on the "Guest Shopping" link above. Register and get started saving.

Fr. Barron on Slumdog Millionaire

2009-04-01T08:15:00.000-05:00

Spring Break 2009

2009-03-30T13:06:00.029-05:00

Just got home this morning from a wonderful Spring Break week cruise on the Carnival Miracle ship. It had been 5 years since all four of our kids has had the same week off for Spring Break (and we don't know if it will ever happen again), so we took advantage of it!

It was absolutely fabulous...and we are very tired!
You are greeted every evening by a new animal friend like this pig, or a lobster, or giraffe.

This is the best cabin for the price. Obstructed view which is only the view of the safety boats instead of the deck below. We saw the sunsets perfectly! I felt pretty safe knowing my safety boat was right outside my window, also! But the best part is the deck is three deck lengths long!

We did almost every activity there was on board including arts & crafts where we made needlepoint lanyards to magnetized bookmarks!

Being sandwiched into the Panama Canal! It was truly spectacular! Ships pay upwards of $300K just to "cut thru" the canal!

Touching the canal walls...they say it brings you good luck!

They also say if a couple touches it together they will live a long life together. We'll take that!

Going through the rainforest in Costa Rica on an aerial tram! Very high up, very cool!

10 Sunsets and 9 Sunrises! Amen!

12+ modes of transportation including this tender from our ship...

Tendering into Belize while still dark. Timing was perfect...the sun rose just 5 minutes before landing in Belize! Beautiful!

One of many beautiful Christian schools in Belize...

Wooden ferry to Xunantunich

Bus that held 21(!) up a steep hill to Xunantunich.

And there she is...Xunantunich!

The climb to the top...

At the top with Guatemala in the background.

And we fell in love with our dinner waiters...

Alex and Hector! We miss them!

And they laughed all the way home...

I love my family!

Old Navy Weekly Fun Thursday...

2009-03-19T11:38:00.004-05:00

from It's Hip to Save...

Are you ready for Old Navy Weekly Round 4?!?
If you're new to my site or just don't know what the heck OldNavyWeekly.com is, then you'll want to check out my first post here. You may also want to look at all the craziness that occurred in Round 2 and Round 3.
In my opinion, the best round so far has been Old Navy round 1! The site was running well and not bombarded with thousands of deal seekers. Plus it was the only round that I was actually able to print off a high value coupon! Round 2 was disastrous! Lots and lots of us couldn't even get on the site. I assumed round 3 would be way better, but it definitely didn't start off that way. About 15 minutes after the coupons were reset the site crashed and was not letting anyone on. A lot of us (including me) called it a night and went to bed. Well, the site actually started running again and the people that stayed awake ended up snagging some great coupons!

UPDATED: This email just in...

John has left a new comment on your post "Old Navy Weekly Fun Thursday...":
...as brand advocates working on behalf of Old Navy, we have some fantastic updates to the coupon promotion that was recently launched and we want to thank each and every one of you who have made this such a successful and fun way to interact with your favorites fashions at Old Navy.
Here what’s happened so far... We thought we were being sneaky hiding coupons for up to $75 and $50 off on OldNavyWeekly.com. We thought it’d take some serious snooping skills for anyone to find these fabulous coupons. Then we launched the site and over million visitors proved us very, very wrong. You all hunted and found the coupons in record time week after week and in the process even managed to shut down our site a few times due to overwhelming traffic. So, while we’re flattered by all the attention we need a little time to regroup—or rather find ways to make this game of ours a little trickier to solve. So for the next few weeks, OldNavyWeekly.com will still be updated weekly but we won’t be re-seeding the premium coupons and only hiding up to $10 off any $50 purchase. But in April, we’re bringing back the premium coupons and they’ll be in even more fabulous hiding places! So be sure to keep your hunting skills sharp!
Premium coupons/Timing: So for the next few weeks, OldNavyWeekly.com will be pulling the $75 and $50 coupons and only hiding up to $10 off any $50 purchase. But in April, the premium coupons will be back and in even more fabulous hiding places!
Here are some helpful tips for redeeming your coupons at stores:- Print or email your coupon from the site- Take it into the store the next time you shop (make sure to check valid dates)- This coupon is one time use only — use it on yourself or give to a friend, but don’t bother making copies, because it’ll only work once!- Applies to merchandise only- Hand to the cashier upon checkout and have them scan the bar code. - If for some reason the barcode doesn’t scan, suggest they manually enter in the discount code on the coupon and amount.

It Happens...

2009-03-16T16:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Pi Day!

2009-03-14T16:36:00.002-05:00

Crazy 8...Good Deals

2009-03-12T20:56:00.003-05:00

Here's an adorable store I came across with unbelievable prices and a sale...

Crazy 8 is having a clearance sale with items from $1.99. Use code: SAVE20 to get an additional 20% off and free shipping! Best deals are found by clicking Further Markdowns on the bottom of homepage.

80% Off at Restaurant.com

2009-03-10T13:13:00.005-05:00

You can now redeem an 80% off Restaurant.com code.

Stock up on these while you can!!!

Save 80% Off with every order of $25 Gift Certificates.

Use code MENU and pay $2 thru 3/15/09.

Earn an extra 25% cash back if you link through http://www.cashbaq.com/?refer=472800 to purchase your certificates.

We used one of these last night...super simple! No hassles!

Don't forget to set your clocks forward...

2009-03-06T13:34:00.000-06:00

Where Do I Begin...

2009-03-05T16:37:00.006-06:00

You say: 'It's impossible'

God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: 'I'm too tired'

God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: 'Nobody really loves me'

God says: I love you (John 3:1 6 & John 3:34)

You say: 'I can't go on'

God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: 'I can't figure things out'

God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5- 6)

You say: 'I can't do it'

God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

You say: 'I'm not able'

God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: 'It's not worth it'

God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )

You say: 'I can't forgive myself'

God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: 'I can't manage'

God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You say: 'I'm afraid'

God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'

God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: 'I'm not smart enough'

God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: 'I feel all alone'

God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

from Happy Catholic

Some great money saving websites...

2009-03-05T14:09:00.003-06:00

Click here for Deal Seeking Mom...

Click here for STL Mommy...

Another for internet purchase cash back savings...
http://www.cashbaq.com/?refer=472800

Great Savings and Help for Lymphoma Society

2009-03-04T19:50:00.001-06:00

Get 30% off during our Friends & Family event. We're calling it Give & Get because for every purchase you make, we give 5% of the amount you spend to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; and in thanks, you get a 30% discount on your total purchase.

http://www.gapgiveandget.com/np/lls.html

"Everything's Amazing and Nobody's Happy"

2009-03-02T14:31:00.001-06:00

Good, Clean Comedy...

2009-02-26T19:41:00.001-06:00

The St. Louis native taught himself to play guitar and tested the waters at area comedy clubs. But over the next 10 years, working to support his family was full-time. Comedy was only part-time. By 2002, Hawkins was ready to launch his full-time career as a professional comedian.

With 4 kids of his own and a wife who is winning her battle with breast cancer, Hawkins gets new material daily from the perils of marriage and parenting. But it must be difficult to work clean all the time, right? “Clean comedy is easy. Funny comedy is hard.” So does Tim think he’s funny? “I'm not bragging, but one time I told a joke in front of a dead bird, and it flew away. And you can Google that.”

Tips for Eating Out...

2009-02-26T18:17:00.005-06:00

Rather than relying on caloric and fat information provided by restaurants, just stick with these tips when dining out:

Start your meal with a salad that ONLY consists of veggies. Have your salad dressing on the side and try to use only 3 to 4 spoonfuls of it on your salad.
Order your meals steamed, grilled or broiled.
Avoid items that are fried or sautéed.
When your server brings your meal to you, ask that half of it already be placed in a to-go bag. Then save that portion for another day.
Ask that side veggies be steamed with no added butter or sauces.
Choose beverages without sugar or sugar substitutes. Try water with lemon slices, unsweetened tea or caffeine free coffee.
Skip the bread bowl.
Don’t order appetizers in addition to an entrée.
Share a meal with a friend.
For sandwiches, ask for whole wheat bread.

from CatholicMom.com

Amen!

2009-02-26T15:00:00.000-06:00

2009-02-25T09:38:00.001-06:00

Because we are dust.

And to dust we will return.

We wear this mark, if only for this day, as a reflection of where we came from, and where we are all destined to go.

But we are reminded of something else, too: it is the middle that matters.

It is that lifetime stretching in between that matters.

What will we do with that time?

How will we live?

What will we be?

These 40 days are a blessed opportunity to carry those questions in our hearts – and in answering them, reconcile ourselves with one another, and with God.

What will it take to change a life?

2009-02-25T09:11:00.002-06:00

The story should sound oh so familiar...
What will it take to change your life?

Lent

2009-02-24T17:55:00.001-06:00

Dinner Dates....

2009-02-23T12:28:00.001-06:00

For most of us, money is tight these days. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need to spend quality date time with our husbands. Restaurant.com offers the perfect solution. Just type in your zip code, find a tantalizing restaurant in your area, and purchase a gift card– at half the price! Pick up a $25 gift card for $10, a $50 gift card for $20, a $100 gift card for $40. Nope, there’s no catch. Not all restaurants are listed, but there are plenty of great ones that are. Sounds like a cheap way to get some couple time.

from Catholic Mommy Brain

Archdiocese Announces Text Message Signup

2009-02-22T20:47:00.003-06:00

The Archdiocese of Saint Louis is pleased to announce that you can be one of the first to know the name of the next Archbishop of Saint Louis, when he is announced! To do so, all you need to do is use the SMS text message signup form, which is linked to on the front page of www.archstl.org on the right sidebar (just over to the right, under the quick links). Click on the link and enter your first name and mobile phone number, and you'll get a text message as soon as the announcement is made, with the Archbishop's name and more information!

Cherry Glaze Pork Tenderloin

2009-02-18T19:13:00.003-06:00

Another great one...no leftovers!

32 oz pork tenderloin

1t salt

1/2t pepper

1t extra virgin olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1t ground ginger

3 garlic cloves, minced

12oz cherry preserves

1t ground mustard

Salt & pepper pork tenderloin.

Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat

Brown all sides of pork, 2 minutes each side

Place pork in crockpot

Add onion and garlic to skillet, just until soft, 2 minutes

Remove from heat, add preserves, mustard, ginger, mix well.

Pour over pork.

Cover and cook 4-6 hours on low.

Serves 6-8, Calories 275, Fat 27%, Cost $12

Educational Websites...

2009-02-18T18:18:00.006-06:00

For those of you with little ones...

here's a great website

that allows you to make your own

personalized handwriting worksheets

for extra practice at home...

http://handwritingworksheets.com/

and another great site for spelling tests...

http://www.spellingcity.com/

Sibling Rivalry...gotta love it!

2009-02-18T08:44:00.002-06:00

Sausage & Potatoes

2009-02-17T13:11:00.003-06:00

Super Simple!
Layer in crockpot...
30oz package frozen hash browns potatoes
1lb Healthy Ones polska kilbasa, 1/4in sliced
4oz 2% shredded cheddar cheese

Pour over top...
10 3/4oz can cream of mushroom soup and
1/2c water, mixed well.

Cook on low 4-6 hours.

6 servings, 292 calories, 24% fat, Cost $9

Another Teenager Wise Beyond His Years...

2009-02-15T16:14:00.001-06:00

Logan is a 13 year-old boy who lives on a ranch in a very small town in Nebraska. Logan listens to Christian Radio station 89.3FM KSBJ which broadcasts from Houston, TX. Logan called the radio station distraught because he had to take down a calf . His words have wisdom beyond his years. 11/2007

Because Everybody Needs a Reminder

2009-02-13T12:46:00.001-06:00

<a href="http://www.joost.com/08200cd/t/Josh-Groban-You-Are-Loved-Don't-Give-Up-(Video)">Josh Groban - You Are Loved [Don't Give Up] (Video)</a>

Center of All

2009-02-12T14:37:00.004-06:00

This sent from a friend...

Q: What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?
A: Psalm 117
Q: What is the longest chapter in the Bible?
A: Psalm 119
Q: Which chapter is in the center of the Bible?
A: Psalm 118

Facts:

There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118.

There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118.
Add these numbers up and you get 1188.

Q: What is the center verse in the Bible?
A: Psalm 118:8
Does this verse say something significant about God's perfect will for our lives?
The next time someone says they would like to find God's perfect will for their lives and that they want to be in the center of His will, just send them to the center of His Word!

Psalms 118:8 (NKJV)

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
Now isn't that odd how this worked out… or was God in the center of it?

Interesting Stories Behind 20 of Your Favorite Muppet Characters

2009-02-12T13:18:00.002-06:00

http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/32085215.html

Fat Tuesday...

2009-02-12T13:05:00.002-06:00

Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday are just around the corner...
who's in?

Krispy Kreme Bacon Cheeseburgers!

A Very Wise 12-Year Old...

2009-02-12T12:33:00.001-06:00

Jimmy Carter...

2009-02-10T18:31:00.003-06:00

Book Signing at Left Bank Books

Another Great Weekend...

2009-02-08T19:08:00.006-06:00

Speech Meet...Claire won gold!

Three basketball games...2W, 1L

Nick went to the Blues Game in a party bus
Two Father/Daughter Formals...Two different high schools!

Time for bed!

What is your Lenten Sacrifice?

2009-02-07T08:55:00.006-06:00

In most Christian denominations, Lent is the forty-day liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter. The forty days represent the time Jesus spent in the desert, where, according to the Bible, he endured temptation by Satan. The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer-through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial-for the annual commemoration of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus.

Giving up candy, giving up soda, giving up alcohol...

instead of "giving up" this lent,

"Do" something.

YOU can help save lives!

http://www.40daysforlife.com/StLouis/

"DISCOVER 40 DAYS FOR LIFE"

This SundayFebruary 8, 2009

2:00-4:00 PM

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

#2 Seton Court,

Saint Charles

in the School Cafeteria

Come and Discover:

What is 40 Days for Life?

Why should I get involved?

How can my parish get involved?

How can I, as an individual, get involved?

Even if you can ONLY drop by for a minute,

PLEASE attend and pick up an information packet!

Bring FRIENDS from other churches or pro-life

groups who may be interested in participating.

Abortion facility to close following 40 Days for Life campaign Shawn Carney (right) of the national 40 Days for Life team, with two Orange County, California campaign leaders, standing next to the real estate sign that was placed outside the abortion facility on Day 39 of the fall 40 Days for Life.

The abortion center is going to close its doors and shut down.
As you look at that picture, think about what it will feel like when the abortion facility or Planned Parenthood nearest to you posts a similar sign — the day when you realize that due to your faithfulness, no more children will perish there and no more women will be wounded there.

More people you should meet...

2009-02-06T15:15:00.001-06:00

Dick and Rick Hoyt are a father-and-son team from Massachusetts who together compete just about continuously in marathon races. And if they’re not in a marathon they are in a triathlon — that daunting, almost superhuman, combination of 26.2 miles of running, 112 miles of bicycling, and 2.4 miles of swimming. Together they have climbed mountains, and once trekked 3,735 miles across America.

It’s a remarkable record of exertion — all the more so when you consider that Rick can't walk or talk.
http://www.teamhoyt.com/
Another link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flRvsO8m_KI

Fireproof Reminder

2009-02-03T10:47:00.001-06:00

If you haven't seen it yet...rent it this weekend.
from Fireproof
"While I'm Waiting" John Waller

A Modern Day Parable...

2009-02-03T10:13:00.002-06:00

Louise, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store.
She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries.
She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.
John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once.
Visualizing the family needs, she said: "Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can."
John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store.
Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two.
The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family.
The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, "Do you have a grocery list?"Louise replied, "Yes sir.""O.K.," he said, "put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries."
Louise hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it.
She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed.
The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down.
The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said grudgingly, "I can't believe it."
The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales.
The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more.
The grocer stood there in utter disgust.
Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement.
It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said: Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.
The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence.
Louise thanked him and left the store. The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said; "It was worth every penny of it. Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs."
From Happy Catholic

Father/Daughter Dance(s)

2009-02-03T09:49:00.004-06:00

On the eve of our two Father/Daughter Formals this Saturday night, I thought I'd share an English assignment from my daughter the writer...

My Guardian
By Kaitie
1/12/09

In the year 1998 my dad, Matt, stepped into my life. My birthfather, Marty, died when I was four, so when my mother married Matt, he adopted me as his own. At the beginning…he had big shoes to fill, but over the years I feel like I have known him all my life. With his tall formation, bushy eye- brows, and hair like the color of Charcoal, he has always been there for me. He cares about me so much. One thing that I love about him is that he respects my mom, and he loves her so much that he will never let anything happen to her. I look up to my dad because he doesn’t care what others think about him, he is faithful, he is understanding, and he is a happy human being.
His washed out tie-dye shirt and pants with holes in the knees, really brings out his unique personality. He is not the kind of person that cares about what he looks like or what others think of how he dresses. When showing up to a soccer game, he gets so many comments on his bright rainbow tie-dye soccer shoes. People asking, “Where did you get those?” and “How much did those cost?” I have gotten to like that my dad has his own personality, and he is not afraid to show that in front of others. When the song “Franklin’s Tower” comes on in the car my dad knows every word and sings along as the band entertains crazy people that listen to that sort of thing. When walking around the house in his ducky pants we always say that he has an eye for “fashion”.
His intention on starting Deacon Classes has had a big impact on my life. I know he not only loves the Lord, but he wants to show and teach God to others. He has put God in front of everything he does and everything he will do. Since 2008, my dad has been going to Deacon Classes every Monday, Wednesday, and once a month Saturdays. When he reads at church, he is excited because he gets to proclaim what God has said in front of a congregation of people who share the same faith that he does. He has gotten to know his Deacon friends very well, and they all are excited about sharing the word of God. I love that my dad has a bond with God because God also has a big role in my world, and I am glad that I can share that with my dad and get to talk about God whenever I want. I love how both of my parents go and share time with the Lord. They both go to midnight adoration and talk to the Lord on whatever is bothering them. Over the years he has made me look forward to going to church and how I can support the church in my life. He has taught me to volunteer as a server, a reader, a community workers, etc. He loves to be involved in as much volunteer work that he can handle. Since Deacon classes, he has had to cut down on some of the volunteering and only be focused on his classes.
Another reason my dad has a big impact on me is because he is very understanding and patient. Every year my family and I have a family summit which is a special time when everybody shares the goals they have accomplished in the past year and come up with new ones for the coming year. This has been going on for many years now and my family gets so excited whenever this event comes along. Every year my mom and dad pick a couple places to go that make for a special day and are so much fun. They do not tell us where we are going until we arrive at each destination, and they don’t tell us where we are going next. One year we went to the Zoo, Swing-A-Round-Fun-Town, Downtown St. Louis, and the park…all in a limousine. Last year we went to the Arch, The Old Spaghetti Factory, and at the end we got to sleep at the Lemp Mansion. We also got to ride on the Mississippi River on the Becky Thatcher boat, and we got to eat a lunch/dinner buffet. During the entire event, my dad waited to be last talking about his goals because he likes when others go before him. He not once told someone to hurry up, and he tried to make his segment go quickly, so that we didn’t have to listen to him speak very long. After a long, hot day and we had finished telling others about our goals for the day, my parents gave out presents. We were so grateful because we had just had an amazing day that would cost a lot and now we were getting presents. We all got a Christian CD and a sign to go up in our bedrooms at home. From these experiences, I have found that both my mom and dad are both two loving people and they want to know what is going on in their kid’s life.
Finally, my dad has an impact on me because he is such a happy human being. He never wants to make anybody feel uncomfortable or not want to be included. Every time you see him, he is either cracking a joke or has a big smile upon his face. He is always trying to make parents have a good time at a get together or making a little kid get all wound up. He also loves seeing smiles on others faces either by him or by someone else.
In conclusion, my dad is so amazing to be around. Although he sometimes makes me a little embarrassed, he always comes through and straightens up. I love to say that he is my dad. He means so much to me and I love that I will be able to live with him for a long time. I hope that over the years we will be able to understand each other more clearly, and we will share more of a father-daughter bond. I love how my dad doesn’t care what others have to say about him, he is faithful, he is understanding, and is a happy human being. I hope that this man will get to walk me down the aisle and hand me off to someone I love and also to hear me say “I do”. I hope he gets to see me achieve every goal I have made on our summits and someday achieve my dreams I’ve had since Kindergarten. I hope he gets to see me make good choices in life. If someone ever asks to describe my dad…I would sum it up in seven words: He is the life of the party!

Reason to check your kids homework...

2009-02-02T15:56:00.004-06:00

Just a reminder that you should check you kids homework before they turn it in.Look at the picture and then read the mother's explanation to her daughter's teacher. (names left out for privacy)

Dear (Teacher),I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer. I work at Home Depot and I told my daughter how hectic it was last week before the blizzard hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had, and then I found one more in the back room, and that several people were fighting over who would get it. Her picture doesn't show me dancing around a pole. It's supposed to depict me selling the last snow shovel we had at Home Depot. From now on I will remember to check her homework more thoroughly before she turns it in.Sincerely, Mrs. ...(Mother)

From the Baltimore Examiner.

Someone you should meet...

2009-02-01T21:13:00.004-06:00

A Giant of a Man - Meet Nick Vujicic
His name is Nick Vujicic and he's 25 years old. He was born without arms or legs and given no medical reason for this condition. Faced with countless challenges and obstacles, God has given him the strength to surmount what others might call impossible. Along with that, the Lord has placed within him an unquenchable passion to share this same hope and genuine love that he's personally experienced with more than two million people all over the globe. Traveling extensively to over 19 nations, he's been extremely humbled by the continuous opportunities that the Lord has given him to share his testimony along with the hope that he has in Jesus with people in so many nations and situations. His greatest joy in this life is to introduce Jesus to those he meets and tell them of His great desire to get to know them personally by allowing Him to become their Lord and Savior. http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/

Watch this amazing video...

http://www.4marks.com/videos/details.html?video_id=723

Pro-Life Rap Video

2009-02-01T20:18:00.003-06:00

artist Flipsyde

Fun Weekend...

2009-02-01T19:15:00.013-06:00

What a great weekend...

Nick turned 11!

Futsol game, basketball games...

Visited new baby cousin, Alyson...

Nick & Claire visit Upper Limits...

Super Bowl Sunday...

and Matt is skiing.

Amazing...

2009-02-01T10:09:00.003-06:00

Where has January gone...

2009-01-31T16:41:00.004-06:00

hmmmmmm.........

Super Bowl Ad You Won't See on Sunday

2009-01-29T17:07:00.003-06:00

"NBC has refused to air CatholicVote.org’s new pro-life ad during its broadcast of this Sunday’s Super Bowl game.According to a Jan. 28 press release from CatholicVote.org, “After several days of negotiations, an NBC representative in Chicago told CatholicVote.org today that NBC and the NFL are not interested in advertisements involving ‘political candidates or issues.’" (NCRegister.com]