Hand or mouth?

I saw an interesting post on Facebook this week advocating for everyone to receive the Eucharist by mouth, as to keep reverent the reception of our Lord.  Some of the commenters even went so far to say that we should kneel while receiving and only receive from a priest because his hands are the only hands that are consecrated.  I immediately began researching and ended up reading Memoriale Domini.  From what I read, it seems that reception in the hand is allowed only in certain instances.  Does anyone know of an "updated" document from the Church?  I'm trying to figure out when or if the teaching of that document changed.  What is the norm in your area?  How do you receive?

Wednesday...finally!

We have nothing on the agenda today and I love it.  My in-laws are still here and it's rainy outside.  So we are officially hanging out.  I'll make cheeseburger soup for dinner tonight.

Do you also love "nothing" days?

Terrific Tuesday!

Let's share something terrific that's happened to us lately.  Ready, set, go!

Crock Pot Meals

Do you have a favorite crock pot recipe to share?  I need to do some meal planning before school starts and some days, the only way we have a yummy, hot meal in the evenings is if I turn on the crock pot.

Please share!

Gospel Reflection

This weekend, we hear Jesus describe the kingdom of heaven as a treasure buried in a field, "which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."  This description makes me think of our kids.  They accumulate so many "things" that they seldom remember everything that they have.  And then we clean their rooms and it's like Christmas all over again.  Same with me...I fill my days with so much sometimes, I forget what's truly important.  And when I'm either thrown into a crisis or actually find a moment of stillness, I am able to reconnect with our Lord and remember just how blessed I am. 

What spoke to you?

Friday Fun Day!

What's going on with you this weekend?  We're getting our daughter back from my parents.  I can't wait to hear about all her adventures with her cousins in Texas!  We'll also be shuttling a friend's daughter back and forth to her choir performances since our friends are taking a trip...with no kids...for the first time since they've had kids.  I'm looking forward to a couple slow days before I get back into the swing of getting my classroom ready for the new year. 

Can't wait to catch up with everyone!

Gospel Reflection

This weekend, we hear the parable of the mustard seed.  We also hear the story of the man whose wheat crop is infiltrated by his enemy with weeds.  That part spoke to me the most.  Our new priest is stressing the importance of the domestic church.  He has shared four steps in keeping your family holy.  Step 1--Go to confession once a month.  Step 2--Attend Mass at least one extra day per week.  Step 3--Pray as a family every day.  Step 4--Surround yourself with others who are trying to do the same.  The story of the weeds made me think of how easy it is for my environment to influence me.  I need to strive to keep the weeds out of my life.

What spoke to you?

Friday Fun Day

Fun plans this weekend?  Our son is turning 13 on Saturday.  I just don't know how time has flown by so dang fast.  Seems like just yesterday I was walking the mall and eating Mexican food, trying to induce labor.  He was perfectly fine hanging out in the womb.  Thirteen long, hot days after his due date, the doctor had to use forceps to get him out.  Haha!  He did NOT want to come out!  We will be going to eat and play arcade games at his favorite restaurant.  He's outgrown the birthday party with friends phase, so we'll celebrate as a family this year.  He's growing up so fast!!!

Hope everyone has a great Friday!

What do we do with the children?

Watching the news of the children coming across the border is heartbreaking.  I can't even imagine being in a situation where my only hope was sending my child on a miles-long trip with questionable people.  What is being said in your area of the country?  Any talk of housing them in your area?  There's no talk here in our state.  But I have read that in some parts of the country, the Catholic Church is stepping up (just like always) to help. 

Your thoughts?

Wacky Wednesday

So let's share funny stories today.  Anything funny happen lately at your house?  Some days, it seems that all we do around here is laugh.  Both of our kids are hilarious and keep us in stitches...thank goodness.  Can't wait to hear your stories and laugh with you!

Middle of July already???

This summer is flying right by!  I've actually starting working in my classroom already.  It really makes me sad.  Seems like we just finished the last school year.  I don't feel like I've had enough free time with my own kids.  Darn it!  Before we know it, we'll be back in the swing of things.  :(

When do your kids go back to school?  Our first day back is August 13!

Oops!

Apologies for missing a couple days.  Don't know where my head was.  Hope everyone had a great weekend!  What's on tap for this week?  I'm meeting with Fr. Bernie again to continue hashing out some things.  And hopefully, I'll get my kids to open a book this week.  ;) 

Lots going on....

I have a lot of things going through my mind today.  My sister and her family need prayers.  My brother-in-law's father was found dead in his house on Tuesday night.  Totally unexpected and he just lost his mom earlier this year.

I'm also in the process of "re-organizing" our ministries in the parish with our new priest.  He and I are meeting once a week to work through everything.  My brain is mush when we're done, but it's been really nice to spend time with him and get to know him better.

I'm also stressing a little.  My parents live 11 hours away and our daughter (9 years old) wants to go and spend a week or two there so she can be spoiled and play with her cousins.  The momma in me is freaking out a tad.  It's soooo far!  I really want her to go and have fun, but am finding it hard to cut the apron strings.  ;)

Okay, I'll stop there.  I could go on and on.  My brain doesn't seem to stop lately.  Thanks for letting me ramble.

Oh, my head!

I had another migraine yesterday.  I used to have one a month, could watch my chart and tell you when it was coming.  But they seem to be increasing.  When they strike, I immediately take meds and head to bed.  It seems the only surefire way to get rid of them is to sleep them off.  Ugh!

Anyone out there have any other ideas?  The more natural, the better.  Thanks!

Wish me luck.

Our summer schedule has been crazy since we've been out of school.  So today is the day we try to do some organized chores, school review, reading, etc.  Please, Lord, be with me as I wake up the children at a normal hour and then...gasp...ask them to do some things around the house.  ;)

Are you a little lax in the summertime, as well, when it comes to chores?

Happy Monday!

My hubby has the day off today, so we're hoping for a fun day.  First, we're off to the vet to pick up Freddy.  He spent the weekend there while we were out of town.  Then I have a couple errands to run.  We're grilling fajitas for lunch and then the boys will be mowing grass.

What's on your agenda today/this week?

Gospel Reflection

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest."  In my mind, this is one of the most comforting verses in scripture.  Jesus tells us, once again, that He will always be there for us.  When I was a teenager, I dealt with some female health issues and said many prayers when I was in pain and needing comfort.  And I always felt His presence with me.

Just recently, on our flight home from Baltimore, our daughter was really suffering with the lack of pressure.  She was in tears.  She turned to me and asked me to pray for her.  Be still my heart!  I'm beyond thrilled that my children also know the healing power of God's love.

What stood out for you?

Happy Independence Day!

God has truly blessed our great nation.  May we always remember that our gifts come from Him.  Hope everyone has a wonderful celebration today!

Guilty Pleasures

Do you have any? I certainly do!  Watching Big Brother with my hubby, cherry creamslushes from Sonic, and reading into the wee hours of the morning to finish a great book...just to name a few.  What about you?

Holiday Plans

Anyone have exciting plans for the holiday weekend?  My hubby got a surprise extra day off on Monday because they'll be doing some computer updating that day.  So we're heading to Kansas City for a couple days of fun with the kids.  Hopefully, we'll catch a fireworks show.  We're also going to try a couple restaurants that were featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on Food Network.  We are a "live to eat" kind of family, so that's right up our alley.

July already???

July makes me think of Independence Day, fireworks, baseball, homemade ice cream, our son's birthday, my big sister who has a birthday this month, and also my grandma.  We spent many summer nights growing up doing fireworks in the street and then heading to my grandma's house (five houses down) and having hand-cranked ice cream.  Yummy! 

What memories do you have of warm summer nights?