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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Personalized Christmas Gifts From TheCustomQuill.com

My daughter made a commercial for our venture which funds will go to fund (I Hope!) Catholic High School next year:



Go to www.thecustomquill.com for great personalized Christmas Gifts for all those on your Christmas List!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Dominican Sisters of Mary On Oprah

The Dominican Sisters of Mary were on Oprah again this past Tuesday, November 23rd offering the world a glimpse into their lives. More can be seen on the Sisters of Mary Website, there is also a wonderful video clip about "Aspiring Nuns Report for God's Duty".

Monday, November 22, 2010

Great Personalized Godparent, Grandparent, & Gifts for Your Priest






If you are looking for a terrific gift that is sure to be cherished for a lifetime, may I suggest a personalized gift from TheCustomQuill.com, there is also an Etsy shop link on the side bar as well. There are great gifts for Godparents, Grandparents, Aunt's & Uncle's, teachers, Sisters, Mom's, your priest, you name it! If you buy three 8x10's, the fourth is free. Here are some examples:



Grandma & Grandpa's Love

Love, Child's Name (s)

There is nothing quite as special
as my Grandma & Grandpa’s love,
it is one of God’s most wonderful blessings,

He sent from up above.

They always have time to play with me,
and are proud of all that I do,
I like to hear all of their stories,

and love all of their hugs and kisses too.

So God please bless my Grandma & Grandpa,

and protect them in all that they may do,
because there is no one else quite like them,
and I will love them my whole life
through!

*Copywritten By DianeTucholski,all rights reserved.

To My Godmother From, Child's Name

You simply are a gift from God as your name suggests;
I know you have been heaven sent because

you’ve simply been the best.

It’s my turn to ask God to send heaven’s

blessings for all the caring things you do;
because to me you are so special and
I will love you my whole life through!


*Copywritten By DianeTucholski,all rights reserved.

A Grandmother Just Like You

I just wanted to let you know
that you mean the world to me,
only a heart as loving as yours
could give so unselfishly.

The many things that you have done,
and all the times that you were there,
Have let me now deep inside
how much you truly care.

Even through I might not say
I appreciate all that you do,
So very blessed is how I feel
having a Grandmother just like you!

Love, Tabatha

Great Thanksgiving Ideas & Recipees



Create Lasting Family Traditions for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time of family. We create traditions are passed down from one generation to the next. It's never too late to create new traditions. It doesn't even have to be something spectacular We have a silly tradition of transforming our decorative pumpkin that we get in October for a Halloween into our Tom the turkey decoration that will greet you at our front door from November first until the day after Thanksgiving. The kids and their friends have so much fun with it. On Thanksgiving day we look forward to watching the Thanksgiving parade as the aroma of the turkey roasting comes from the kitchen. Sometimes the smallest things can be the fondest memories.

It is fun to get the entire family involved in the preparation of the Thanksgiving feast, I have assembled some ideas for inspiration for your own family's feast:




* For the Kids Table *Religious Thanksgiving Craft



*Thanksgiving Coloring Sheets *Paper Pilgrim Hat and Bonnet Templates








This is an awesome recipe, I had it a Thanksgiving family celebration a couple of years ago, and now I can't imagine Thanksgiving without it!!!


CORN CASSEROLE - Yum!!!


Read more about it at www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,191,151181-254205,00.html
Content Copyright © 2010 Cooks.com - All rights reserved.
1 can whole kernel corn, undrained
1 can cream style corn
1 (8 oz.) carton sour cream
1 stick butter, melted
1 egg
1 pkg. Jiffy corn bread mix

Mix together. Bake in casserole 1 hour at 350 degrees.


This is what I will be bringing to the family feast along with my pumpkin rolls:

Swiss Cheese (or Cheddar) California Vegetable Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) package frozen california vegetables, thawed
  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 4 Tblsp. butter
  • 1 1/2 c croutons

Directions

  1. Saute vegetables and onion in 3 T butter.
  2. In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine soup, 3/4 cup Swiss cheese, sour cream and 1 C croutons, then mix into the vegetables. Pour ingredients into a 2 quart casserole dish.
  3. Bake for 30 minutes. Sprinkle reserved cheese and croutons on top of the casserole and bake additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Although we go over my cousins house for Thanksgiving, I always like to make a turkey for my own home to nibble on. I love to make this sausage stuffing every year:


Homemade Sausage Stuffing

Ingredients

  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 3/4 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
  • 3/4 cup margarine, melted
  • 8 cups soft bread cubes
  • 3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Remove the sausage from the skillet and let drain on paper towels. Combine melted margarine with the sausage drippings until there is 1 cup of drippings and margarine combined.
  2. Saute onions and celery in the margarine/dripping mixture until onion is tender but not browned. Stir in about 1/3 of the bread cubes. Pour onion mixture into a large bowl and stir in remaining bread cubes, sausage, poultry seasoning, and pepper. Watch your hands, it's hot. Mix well. This stuffing is ready for baking.


Friday, November 19, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!!


"Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (Thess. 5:18)


Thanksgiving is almost upon us, and most of us are looking forward to the Thanksgiving Day feast we will partake of this coming Thursday. As friends and family gather around the table, we officially begin the season of Holy Days we celebrate in the wintertime.

We have so much to be thankful for and I think it is no more than ever that we are aware of the blessings that we do have. It seems that it not when we are the most comfortable and secure that we give thanks to God. Those that have jobs these days know how blessed they truly are. It is when we the have the least that we acknowledge our total dependence on our Lord and put our total trust in him. So many people in the world's current economic reality are drawn to prayer for their most basic needs.

So it as this time that we should of sharing our abundance with others. The story of the loaves and fishes that is found in the Gospel of Mark is a familiar one to most of us. After the apostles came back from preaching the Gospel, they were ready to relax. But the crowds recognized Jesus, and He took pity on them and instructed them to sit on the hillside where He began to preach to them. It came to be late in they day, and the crowds were hungry because the had not eaten yet. The disciples wanted Jesus to send them away to the towns that surrounded them so they could get a bite to eat. But it instead of sending them away Jesus said,

"You give them something to eat."

We know that Jesus could of performed a miracle with His own hands to feed the multitudes. But He put the challenge in the hands of His apostles. The challenge was met with complaints that they did not have enough money to buy food for the crowd of people that were hungry before them. I think of how Mother Angelica always use to say "attempt to do the ridiculous so that God can do the miraculous."

The Apostles forgot that, as we hear in the same Gospel, they had just returned from preaching the Gospel in pairs, where they cured the sick, cast out demons, all in the Lord's name. And they did it with nothing on hand to speak of, because Jesus had instructed them to go empty in hand with just a staff. No extra money for food or cloths, but they were provided for. Just as the Lord provided for the men going out two by two, He would do the miraculous and provide for the crowd of 5,000. But, He wanted the involvement of the apostles, just as He wants the involvement of the present day Church today.

Jesus told the apostles to look around to see what they had on hand. There were five loaves and two fish, not exactly enough to feed the crowds that surrounded them. But Jesus gave thanks to His Father, blessed the food, broke it up and told his disciples to feed the 5,000 people that were gathered around them. When everyone had eaten their fill, there were twelve baskets full of bits of bread and fish. The Lord had provided more than enough.

So at this time, let us give thanks to God for all of our blessings, and for the fact that He still provides for us today. In the coming year, lets give Him room to perform miracles in our current time, and be mindful that He wants to use us along the way so we can point to goodness of God. In the present time and the year ahead, we need to step out in faith and "do the ridiculous so God can do the miraculous".

May you have a Blessed Thanksgiving!!!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Feast of The Miraculous Medal Novena


Novena begins on November 19 and ends on the feast of the Miraculous Medal, November 27.


I especially love the Miraculous Medal, in my mother's lifetime, I don't think that I ever saw her without it on. The Miraculous Medal, which was created by Saint Catherine Laboure after having a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also known as the Medal of the Immaculate Conception. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Catherine Laboure and entrusted her with the mission of having the Medal made. You can read more about the Miraculous Medal Story and its meaning at the Association of the Miraculous Medal's Website. There is also a link on that page where you can request a free Miraculous
Medal.

Novena of the Miraculous Medal

O Immaculate Virgin Mary,
Mother of Our Lord Jesus and our Mother,
penetrated with the most lively confidence in your all powerful and never-failing
intercession manifested so often through the Miraculous Medal
we your loving and trustful children implore you to obtain for us the graces and favors
we ask during this novena,
if they be beneficial to our immortal souls,
and the souls for whom we pray.

(Here form your petition)

You know, O Mary, how often our souls have been the sanctuaries of your Son who hates iniquity.

Obtain for us then a deep hatred of sin and that purity of heart which will attach us to God along so that our every thought, word and deed may tend to His greater glory. Obtain for us also a spirit of prayer and self denial that we may recover by penance what we have lost by sin and at length attain to that blessed abode where you are the Queen of angels and of men.

Amen.

Monday, November 15, 2010

St. Phillip's Fast


For Eastern Catholics of The Byzantine Rite, the Fast in preparation for Jesus's Birth has begun. It called the St. Phillips Fast, because it begins the day after the Feast of St. Phillip the Apostle (November 14th). It is similar to the Western Advent, but instead it is for 40 days instead of four weeks. To prepare to meet our Lord and Savior on His birth, we are called to fast and do penance. We can Sanctify this time by spending time in His word, fasting, and being of service to those that need us. It is a wonderful time to remember the less fortunate, for Jesus Himself came to us in poverty.

I believe it is important whether you be either Western Or Eastern Catholic to be mindful to use this time to prayerfully prepare for our Lord's birth. It is to easy to get lost in all the baking and shopping that is done to prepare for this Holy Day, and loose site of the "Reason for the Season". Whether you be of Eastern or Western Catholic Faith, may you have a blessed and spiritually fruitful time as you prepare for Our Lord's birth.



Thursday, October 28, 2010

Candy Corn Cookies




Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups butter, softened
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Yellow and orange food coloring

Directions

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
  • Divide dough in half. Tint one portion yellow. Divide remaining dough into two-thirds and one-third portions. Color the larger portion orange; leave smaller portion white.
  • Shape each portion of dough into two 8-in. logs. Flatten top and push sides in at a slight angle. Place orange logs on yellow logs; push the sides in at a slight angle. Top with white logs; form a rounded top. An easy way to form your cookies is to line a loaf pan with parchment paper then put your color layers in one by one, flattening them as you put them in. Cover or wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 4 hours or until firm.
  • Unwrap and cut into 1/2-in. slices. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool. Makes about 5 dozen.



One the dough has hardened, cut your dough into slices, then into triangles. If you wish, you can sprinkle with colored sugar before you bake them!



Tuesday, October 26, 2010

St. Jude Feast Day - October 28th

St. Jude's Feast Day is October 28th, the devotion to St. Jude is a wonderful example of the ability of ordinary people turning to their faith to triumph over what seems to be impossible odds in their daily lives. His name Jude means the giver of joy, while Thaddeus, means generous and kind.


St. Jude actually had family ties to Jesus. In Matthew (13:55) Saint Jude was described as being one of the "brethren" of Jesus, most likely meaning a cousin since the Hebrew word for "brethren" which most likely refers to a blood relationship. His mother, Mary, was referred to as a cousin of Jesus' mother Mary, while his father, Cleophas, was the brother of St. Joseph.



St. Jude was one of the 12 Apostles, and he began preaching the Good News of Jesus to Jews throughout Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. He traveled throughout Mesopotamia, Libya, Turkey, and Persia with St. Simon, preaching and converting many people to Christianity.

In approximately 60 A.D., St. Jude wrote a Gospel letter to Christian converts in Eastern churches who were under persecution. He warned them against the teachers of the day who were spreading false ideas about the early Christian faith. He encouraged them to persevere in the face of the difficult circumstances in which they found themselves, just as their forefathers had. He encouraged them to keep their faith and to stay in the love of God. His inspirational support of these early believers led to him to become the the Saint the we call upon even today for cases despaired of.

It is believed that St. Jude was martyred in Persia or Syria around 65 A.D. His body was brought back to Rome and was placed in a crypt beneath St. Peter's Basilica, which people can visit even to this day.

We often see a flame around the head of St. Jude in paintings. This represents his presence at Pentecost, when he received the Holy Spirit with the other apostles.

St. Bridget of Sweden was a devotee of St. Jude. She, in a vision, was encouraged by Jesus to turn to St. Jude with faith and confidence. He told her that, in accordance with Jude's surname, Thaddeus (which means generous, courageous, and kind), "he will show himself to be the most willing to give you help."

So many people around the world turn to St. Jude in Novenas when they feel the most helpless and alone. St. Jude has proven to be a true friend and a beacon of hope to those who call on him--always willing to help and seek help no matter how desperate the need.



Monday, October 25, 2010

Cutting Your Grocery Bill in Half with Your Coupons


Do you take advantage of the coupons in your local Sunday paper? Playing the coupon game could save you up to 50% off your grocery bill a week, no kidding. It isn't as hard as you might think in finding those coupon deals to slash your grocery bill. The Internet highway is making it easier then ever before and will actually find your local deals for you.

A great resource is couponmom.com. This website is worth signing up for to make your grocery dollars stretch. This website actually tells you the deals per store and which coupons to use, and what week they appeared in your local newspaper. If there is coupons available online for that particular product, it has the link right there to print it out. You can even sort the lists. For example, you can sort the items by the percentage off the that you will be saving starting with 100%. Yes, you can save 100% percent off an item and get it for free. Last week, I made my son very happy with a pack of free tic-tac's (His favorite!).

One thing that makes it easier to use this system on couponmom.com is to not clip the coupons right away. Take your coupon booklets out of the paper and mark on front the date that they were in the paper. This way, when coupon mom says it came in the paper on 10/23, you can go right to that circular and pull it out. After you sign up (you create and id by your email address) just click on the tab for "Grocery Deals by State", you will find a video explaining the easiest way to utilize this website. And best of all, this website is available for us to use for FREE!

You too can slash your grocery bill every week by following this simple plan. It helps not to be brand loyal, and know the coupon policies of your local grocery store. My favorite store in our area is Giant Eagle because they actually double the value of the coupons, adding up to dollars that I save my family every week.

A concept that is good to get use to is idea of stockpiling. When items go on sale, you buy in bulk. The stores put different items on sale each week, and it takes about three months to build a good stockpile. Once your stockpile is established, you rarely need to buy anything that is not on sale, other than fresh foods like dairy and produce. Once you get use to this system, you will get really good at setting limits for yourself. For example, I now never pay more than fifty cents for toothpaste and deodorant. If you are not a serious couponer, now is a great time to start, you will be amazed at the savings you will find for your family!!






Monday, October 18, 2010

Christmas Gift Giveaway #1!



Here is a great opportunity to win a great Christmas Gift for a special grandparent, godparent, aunt, sister, friend, mother-in-law,teacher, practically anyone or your list this year!! How do you enter? Take a look at the wonderful personalized gifts on www.thecustomquill.com, and pick the gift that you would like to win. Then, become a fan of The Custom Quill on Facebook, the badge is on the right hand side of The Catholic Mom's Mentor for your convenience (it is located after the The Catholic Moms Mentor's Follower's in the right margin). After becoming a fan, just make a comment on the facebook page so I know you are in the contest, "Christmas Gift". That's it!! The winner will be chose on Wednesday, October 27th, the winner will be notified, listed on this blog as well as on the The Custom Quill's facebook page. Winner's mailing address has to be in the United States. Good Luck!!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Why Do Catholics Light Prayer Candles?


I have not been working on my blog as I had hoped the last couple of weeks, I have sick, sick, sick. I hope to never take my health for granted again!!

After the first week of lightening a candle for the Haven Fall Challenge, I started pondering the lightening of candles in general that Catholics so often do for a prayer intention. It is commonplace to see candles burning in a Catholic Church, usually before statues of saints or icons. We have a shrine in walking distance of our home that has a large statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Center, surrounded by hundreds of candles that people come in 24 hours a day to light and prayer for their special intentions.

I started this past week to research the mean of lighting candles in the Catholic Church. When we light our prayer candles we remember and truly live the words of our Lord, : "I am the Light of the World." When we light the candles with a prayer intention, we are not only praying , but our prayers actually become smaller symbols of the One Light of Christ. When we burn prayer candles, our prayers rise up to Heaven day and night.

According to A Handbook of Catholic Sacramentals, by Ann Ball, the practice of lighting candles to obtain a favor probably has its origins in the custom of burning lights at the tombs of the martyrs in the catacombs. The lights burned as a sign of solidarity with Christians still on earth. The candles continually burned as a silent vigil, hence they became commonly known as vigil lights.

Vigil Lights (from the Latin vigilia, which means "waiting" or "watching") are traditionally accompanied by prayers of attention or waiting. We often see in our church's or shrines a prayer candle called the votive light. Very often when those are lit, they are done when one is seeking a favor from our Lord or a particular Saint in front of whom the candle was placed.

In the New Testament God is called the Light (I Jn. 1:5), dwelling in the "inaccessible light" (I Tim. 6:16). And Our Lord Jesus Christ is described to us as "the true Light that enlightens all men" (Jn. 1:9). He called Himself, "the Light of the world" (Jn. 9:5). For this reason we profess our Savior as being "Light of Light (cf. Symbol of Faith) or, poetically, "Joyful Light."

Early Christians associated light with the sacred presence of our Lord Jesus Christ in their midst, being assured by Him: "Where two or three come together in my name, there I shall be in their midst" (Mt. 8:20). Thus during their evening gatherings, as the candles or the lamps were being lit, the Christians symbolically (mystically) welcomed the Eternal Light, Jesus into their midst with the joyous hymn, O Joyful Light (see below), hailing from the second century.



In the Byzantine Catholic Rite, during evening vespers we sing:

O Joyful Light ("Svite Tichij")


O Joyful Light! Light and Holy Glory of the Father Immortal, the heavenly, holy, the Blessed One, O Jesus Christ! Now that we have reached the setting of the sun, and see the evening light, we sing to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody to you, O Son of God, the Giver of Life. Behold, the universe sings your glory.
(Anonymous, from the 2nd century)

Friday, October 8, 2010

This was Week One Of Making Your Home a Haven Challenge


It was week one of the Making Your Home a Haven challenge with Courtney at Women Living Well. I meant to put this up earlier this week, but I have be down with the flu. The idea of the challenge is that as we create the physical environment of our home, we are also creating the spiritual environment that can bring a sense of peace and calmness in our homes.

We are encouraged to keep a big candle lit in our home this week, and each time that we glance at it, we are encourage to pray for the peace in our homes. This week, I'm going to light a candle mid afternoon and pray for my family. The candle can symbolize many things. My candle to me will remind me to pray for the peace in my home but also will remind me to:

~ keep up with the cleaning and tidying up of my home
~ to pray for each of my children specifically
~ pray for guidance in my eldest child's high school question at the
moment, catholic or public.

Next week, she suggest bringing calming, peaceful music into our homes as an element in making our homes a haven for our families. If you you have time, I have the link above to her website, it worth checking out!


Friday, October 1, 2010

Making Your Home a Haven Challenge

A wise woman builds up her home, but a foolish women tears it down with her own hands Proverbs 14:1


I saw this woman on Rachel Ray a week or so ago, and stopped by to see her blog early yesterday morning. Found this challenge and loved it, thought it was worth posting for you to see!!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Being in the Presence of God Amongs the Pots and Pans


"God is in the pots and pans." -- St. Teresa of Avila


A devotional classic that you may not have heard is "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence . When someone once asked him how he had such a habitual presence of God in his life, he had said it was because of a willful decision to spend his entire life in God's presence not matter where he may be.

He worked in the monastery kitchen, which was a very busy place to be (kind of being a busy mom?). But in that enviroment, he always maintained his vision of being at the Throne of God always trying to keep his composure and tranquility of spirit. "The time of busyness," he had said, "does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and the noise and clatter of the kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacarment." In other writings he says, "Lift up your heart to him, sometimes even. .. when you are in company; the least little remembrance will always be acceptable t Him. You need not cry very loud; He is nearer to us than we are aware of." Brother Lawrence talked continually to Our Lord, therefore he established aHis constant presence. He wrote, "To be with God it is not necessary to be always in Church. We can make a chapel of our heart where we can escape from time to time to talk with Him quietly, humbly, lovingly.

A wonderful prayer to say amidst our busy day:

"Lord of all pots and pans and things, since I've no time to be a great saint by doing lovely things, or watching late with you, or dreaming in the dawnlight, or storming heaven's gates, make me a saint by getting meals, and washing up the plates. Warm all the kitchen with your love, and light it with your peace; forgive me all my worrying, and make my grumbling cease. You who always gave your people food, in the house or by the sea, accept the service that I do - I do it for you."
~ St. Teresa of Avila

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

St. Therese The Little Flower's Feast Day is October 1st.

The feast day of the St. Therese The Little Flower is approaching us on October 1. More information about the life of St. Therese can also be found at Society of The Little Flower.


A MORNING PRAYER WRITTEN BY ST. THERESE

O my God! I offer Thee all my actions of this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by uniting them to Its infinite merits; and I wish to make reparation for my sins by casting them into the furnace of Its Merciful Love.

O my God! I ask of Thee for myself and for those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfill perfectly Thy Holy Will, to accept for love of Thee the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in heaven for all Eternity. Amen.




I have to credit St. Therese for beginning the deeper spiritual journey that I am on now. I borrowed The Story of a Soul from the Library, and that was it for me. I bought the book about 15 years ago, and love to re-read it from time to time.

Some great ideas for the day, make some St. Therese sacrifice beads, great for mom as well as the kids to have! For the kids, here are some great coloring pages of St. Therese. Homemade Holy Cards can also be made with the many images of The Little Flower we can find online. A great idea is to make one, maybe a little larger than the size of a holy card, and put St. Therese's Morning Prayer that is above on the flip side to keep on a nightstand. Paper roses are sure to be a hit with the kids to make St. Therese in honor of her Feast Day. Lastly , here is a Novena, may you received many roses from heaven on the Little Flowers Feast Day!!

Recipe Perfect for Fall, Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling




Not only is Pumpkin Roll guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser, but this is a recipe that you can make ahead early in the fall and throw in the freezer for future use (I wrap mine first in wax paper, then in aluminum foil). When I buy the bigger can of pumpkin, I have enough to make a couple rolls at a time. I like having them on hand, so then with the craziness level picks up and I need a dessert to bring along to a back sale or get-together, I can just simply pull one out of the freezer, thaw it out, and sprinkle some powered sugar on it.


Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel)
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup canned Pumpkin
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 6 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)
Directions:)
  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan, I use a deep cookie sheet; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle towel with powdered sugar.
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan.
  3. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.
  4. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Re-roll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Monday, September 27, 2010

The Mother of the Little Flower


The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them.
~Mark Twain


I love to read books that are inspirational it me as a Catholic wife and mother. The Mother of the Little Flower, is a book that I want to recommend to you today that is one of those rare jewels. The book is written about Zelie Martin, the mother of St. Therese, by her sister Celine Martin. Zelie Martin married at age 27 and bore nine children. She ran a successful home business and at the same time raised one of the most beloved Saints of our times, The Little Flower. This is such an inspiring book about the life of such a charitable, pious Catholic mother. Zelie Martin passed away at age 45 of breast cancer, but has left us with such an amazing legacy. Zelie Martin was declared Venerable by the Church in 1994 for her Heroic Virtue, and her cause is now progressing toward Beatification. This books is available from Tan Publishing.

I would love to hear from women about books that have made such an impact on the lives as this one has made on mine. Please let me know via the comment section or on facebook, via the badge in the margin.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Training Our Hearts to be Content


"But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6

Have you ever experienced the feeling of being discontent? Possibly it is in desiring a larger home, nicer cloths or a newer car?If we as women ponder our own discontentment , we can possibly trace its roots all the way back to Genesis when Eve who literally had paradise at her fingertips, but still felt the pangs of discontentment when she was offered the forbidden fruit.

Contentment is so important for today's Christian woman. When we are content we are not running around blowing our family budget trying to keep up with the Joneses. We are at peace from not purchasing what we can't afford. When we are at peace, we are happy and that permeates into our entire home-life. We can not keep our eyes on what others have and measure our own success in life comparing it to what we have at the moment. It is not easy to remain in a state of contentment with the constant bombardment of magazines, tv shows and advertisements that are trying to convince us that we need more, more, more.

Sometimes, it discontentment can get in when you are visiting a friends home that is larger than yours, and you go home with discontent in your heart. Possibility it might be a yearning to have a closet full of the newest fashions. This discontentment leads to covetousness. It is important to guard our hearts, so discontentment does not hinder us or those we love. Possibly, if we are content we can influence others as well. If we can train our thoughts for contentment and being confident in God's provision in our lives, we truly will be a light to the world that is so focused on materialism and consumerism.


I say this this week as a woman who is trying to clean her house and is trying to figure out what the heck to do with all of this stuff that I just had to have, and I have to ask myself, "What could have possibly motivated me to buy this?" I hereby resolve to be more mindful on remaining in a state of being thankful and content with what I already have instead of being so easily swayed to buy more. I and my family will be so much better off for it.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Getting Ready For Fall




I am so ready to welcome the season of Fall here in Ohio. This is my absolute favorite time of year, I find the coolness invigorating as the weather changes from the long, hot summer we have experienced this year. I love the Fall colors and comfort food that I love to make.

To me, call Fall brings to my mind how I will be working on my "nest", getting my home ready for my favorite time of the year. Here is a little look at what I have been doing around our house the past couple of weeks.

First of all, I have been doing some deep cleaning. I want my home to be inviting, comfortable and clean so my home can be a place of hospitality, and and cozy place to cocoon in the winter for my family.

I have began a grand mission of organizing my home. I have started with my linen closet, took absolutely everything out, with all goal of weeding out unwanted items.. The garage will be next before it gets too cold. It would would be great if we could get two cars in there this year! I have done my own closet, and was able to give away an entire garbage bag of cloths. I intend to empty out my kitchen cupboards, wash them out and get rid of items I have too many of. Our basement and attic will be last, getting rid of things I have been holding on to that should really be pitched or given away. I am on the lookout for some more totes and easy shelving to organize everything.

As I was cleaning my own closet, I am in the midst of bringing everyone's wardrobe up to date. Out with the summer gear, in with the nice fuzzy sweaters and warm flannels! My daughter alone got ready three trash bags of cloths for donation. Now, we know what we need when we go shopping. I like get some sort of update for each of our wardrobe each year. It is not always financially feasible to do so, but it always is best when we know what we actually have that fits and what we needed to get rid of because we had outgrown them or simply have worn them out!

Outside, I have been pulling out my garden. The snow will be flying before you know it, so I have been pulling everything that is done in my garden, and taking my deer fencing down. I am thinking about trying to grow some salad greens before the winter gets here.



I absolutely love bringing out all of our fall decorations. I got a hay bale and put pumpkin out top for our front door. I have nice burgundy mum that I have next to it. I LOVE mums, and have them all around the outside of my house. I have much success with them coming back year after year. I usually like to buy one a year to have in the house, and when I am done with that, I just put it in the ground. Next year, it will usually bloom in the Spring and in the Fall. I have brought out my big orange tote full of Fall decorations, and have begun decorating for the season. Already, I can smell the aroma of pumpkin & spice candles burning in our home. I suppose I should have waited until my cleaning and organized were complete, but I get too excited and seem to always but the buggy before the horse when it comes to decorating!





Now that the cooler season is upon us, I have been putting much thought into our menus. We adjusting from our Summer B-B-Q menu to the comfort foods that we love so much. Soups, pies, and homemade bread is now on my mine for the upcoming weeks ahead. I have already made a pear pie from the tree that was growing in my parents yard. I have frozen several "pear pie in a bag", so in the winter all I have to do is to make the pie crust, throw the pears in, and bake!

Lastly, I want to make some fun family memories this Fall. It is so important to make warm memories for your children that will last. This weekend I hope to take the kids to our yearly trip to the apple farm. In a couple weeks, we will be looking forward to a hay ride and some warm apple cider!! I just purchased some new candy molds with my 40% off coupon, so my children and I will be making some fall chocolates together this year as well. This wonderful season will be over before you know, take advantage of it while you can!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

But with God ALL things are Possible. . .



Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God ALL things are possible." Matthew 19:26


I have reached a time in my life once again that need to put all of my trust in God that he will work another miracle in our lives. My daughter is now in 8th grade and wants desperately to attend a Catholic High School. She has gone to Catholic Grade School all her life. Public School is so bad where we live at moment, High School students get out at 11 O'clock in the morning. The problem is, Catholic High School is currently costing about $9,000 a year, and I have three children. Yikes.

I know that if I place my trust in our Lord, HE can make ALL things happen. Sometimes we may wonder how in the world we are going to get that camel through the eye of a needle or make that mountain move. But I know that it is not by my might that makes things happen, it is by my faith in God, He is the one that I will rely on during this time.

I am doing what I can, my website, The Custom Quill, is up and running, I am hoping that by some miracle people will find me on the web while doing their Christmas shopping for their childrens grandparents, aunt's, godparents, coach's, etc. But when all is said and done, I am leaving it up to my heavenly Father, I am putting it all in his loving hands.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

One Nation Under God

Just heard of this Painter, thought is was neat enough to share with you!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

My Secret Weapon






Psalm 132:15 "I will abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her needy with bread.

What is the best secret weapon that you have available to you to you in your busy days? How can you avoid expensive and unhealthy take-out? The biggest secret in my arsenal these days is my beloved crock-pot. Even as I type this very moment I can smell the aroma of Bar-B-Que Pork coming out of the kitchen.

Crock-pot cooking is about planning ahead. No fast-food guilt here, nutritious and delicious meals already under way as you go about your busy day. Chicken, soups, roasts and more can be easily put together for a healthy meal for your family.

Walking into your home after a day out with the kids and having the aroma of food beckoning from from the kitchen is so welcoming. Even on the days that I am too busy to spend much time in the kitchen, dinner is not a problem. I have two crock pots, and two larger roasters for bigger gatherings. (I am a big fan of making stuffed cabbages ahead of time for parties and throwing them in a roaster to cook). And what a relief for me, no last minute scrambling around in the kitchen trying to throw something to together.

If you don’t have one in your arsenal of secrets, give a crock-pot a try on your next busy day, the I don’t know how I will ever get it all done kind of day. There is nothing as easy as putting in a roast, it is guaranteed to come out nice and tender and ready for the family to sit down to at dinner time.

Some Great links for crock pot recipes:


http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Main-Dish/Slow-Cooker/Main.aspx

http://www.foodnetwork.com/search/crock-pot-cooking/results.do

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Pro-Life, Not Anti-Abortion


Andrea Bocelli clarified the message that he gave regarding his own story, saying that his message was pro-life, not just anti-abortion.
His statement to me is reminiscent of when Mother Theresa was asked to take part in some even that was anti-abortion, and much to every one's surprise she said no. She did say however, that if in the event was termed pro-life, she would lend her support. By instead proclaiming that we are pro-life instead of anti-abortion,we are making our statement in love. And then, as Mother Theresa was, we become more fully missionaries of Christ.

You can view Andrea's video on his pro-life stand on this blog below.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Making Father's Day Special


"Any man can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a dad"
~ Proverb

This Sunday is Father's Day. I am trying to make it a special day for my husband. I am on my way this morning to pick up some T-Bone steaks that are on sale for this week to make my husbands day special. We will make them on the grill, and I plan to serve them with some nice baked potatoes, salad, and perhaps some corn on the cob. Yum!!


There is a lot inspiration out there on the web to inspire us to make Father's Day Special for dad. Check out Kaboose to find some really cute printable cards for the kids to make for dad on Father's Day.


Martha Stewart's Website has cute retro Father's Day Clip art Printable to make some personalized gift's for dad. You can also find some cards and recipes to make as well.

I still need to decide on a special dessert to make. I am thinking about a nice ice-cream pie since we are expecting a nice steamy day this Sunday.

Hopefully we will get some corn-hole in, and end the day with a nice bon-fire in the yard. I am hoping for a nice family day centered around dad, letting him be King, at least for a day!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Planning the Annual Summer Vacation





~ Don't skip your vacations and breaks. Spend your breaks meditating, praying or reading. Don't bring work or your laptop with you on vacation. ~
~ Yasmeen Abdur-Rahman


~ Every man who possibly can should force himself to a holiday of a full month in a year, whether he feels like taking it or not. ~ William James

We scrimp and save for all year, and although I know
there is always something else we can do with the money, we look forward to taking a family vacation every year. This year, we are counting down the days to Myrtle Beach. It is a vacation we can drive to, so it is a great economical choice for us. We all love to play in the ocean, and have equally love spending a few long lazy days on the beach.

Many families mistakenly believe that a vacation has to be an expensive adventure so they think that it is just not possible. It really does not matter whether you travel to a close amusement park, camp overnight at a state park, go to Disney, or drive to the beach, each can be considered a summer vacation. It just that matter that you change your scenery for a bit and have time away from what you usual schedule. It does not matter where you go, you are creating memories as family that will last a life-time.

When choosing to stay at Myrtle Beach, our family stays at a wonderful family hotel that includes rooms that have kitchens. Our first stop when we get there is to the grocery store so we can cook our own breakfasts and lunches to make our vacation affordable to us. For dinner, we opt out of the long lines and pricey menus of fancy restaurants, but instead order in Pizza or walk to the hamburger joint on the beach that is right next door.

Many families choose not to take a family vacation due to their busy schedules. Summer get-aways are a great excuse to take a break from their daily activities.

~ To get away from one's working environment is, in a sense, to get away
from one's self; and this is often the chief advantage of travel and change.
~Charles Horton Cooley

One of the greatest benefits of taking a summer vacation with your family is the amount of time that you will be able to spend together. In this day in age, many families are rarely able to spend time together. Distractions come in the form of long work hours, homework, and busy sports schedules. Our family always be sure that we don't sabotage our vacation by scheduling too many activities into it, because then it defeats our purpose in getting away in the first place, rest!


~ A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in.
~Robert Orben

I love our car rides to our destination, my husband does the driving, so I have a big chunk of time to read and write (something that never happens at home!) I try to catch a few moments by myself on the balcony over-looking the ocean while the family is playing on the beach and I am making some lunch to bring down to them. I treasure those moments, they are moments full of inspiration and peace. But as every year, vacation comes to an end and it is time to go home. But, your bed never feels as good as it does after a few days away from it, and the house, never as homey. And as always, I think to myself, "It is so wonderful to get away, it is always nice to come home too."

~ A vacation is over when you begin to yearn for your work.
~ Morris Fishbein

Pro-Life Story From Andrea Boccelli

Just got this one, Andrea Boccelli tell his own personal Pro-Life story. . . .


Friday, May 21, 2010

How are You Trying to Build-Up Your Home?


"A wise woman builds her home, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands."
Proverbs 14:1

Do you think this proverb is actually talking about a woman going outside and actually ripping every shingle off of her home then in fact destroying it? No, we have a metaphor here in woman who is not on purpose with her vocation as a wife and mother in effect tears down instead of building up her family and what is important to them.

What is one way you can "build a your Home"? Be conscious about what you want your house to define as well as the atmosphere that you create in it. What do you want you home to say about yourself and your family As a mom, you are the heart of your home, and as the prover 14:1 tells, us we are wise to be deliberate in how we do some. No matter how lovely our home life maybe, with some thought we can always make it better. There is a saying "Homes are built with bricks and beams but homes are built love and dreams". I have been thinking a lot of what I want for my family as I try to create a certain atmosphere in my home.

First of all, I want my home to be a place of rest for all who enter. I am trying to create a peaceful place of rest for my family. Sometimes that is hard to do in keeping the outside word at bay and from intruding into my family's home. Between all of the new technology, busy schedules, and the like, I am trying to be more deliberate in what is allowed into our home. Just because it is out there, it does not mean we have to have it , and if we choose to own it, it does not have to be accessible to all 24/7. We do have a Wii, but the kids can only play it on the weekend, and even then there are limits.

In making a place of rest, I am finding out the less clutter the better. The more stuff you have, the more it owns you. In pondering ways to have more joy in our home, I have realized that big influence in the mood of our home is the mood my husband is in when he comes home from a hard days work. Now, I have come to realize, that when comes home to a clean and orderly house, it really lifts his spirits. But on the other hand, when the house has piles of paper, books and toys thrown around, he it puts him in a bad mood - to say least! Organization is not one of my strong points, and if I put forward the effort to have everything in its place when he comes through the door, he really knows I did it for him. I think that is a spirit of service we should be aiming for.

In making our home a place of rest for my family, I also try and monitor (sometimes this is so hard to do!) what they are watching and listening to. I want our home to be a holy shelter that will protect them from the sometimes very harsh (I guess that's putting it mildly!)outside world.

If a woman does not take her duties at home seriously, her family and home will amount to much(Proverbs 11:29); but if she applies herself wisely and with great purpose, she will be a great influence many generations to come(Proverbs 24:3-4; Ruth 4:11-12).

How can you find a wise woman in today's culture? Her. Her children will reflect what there mother has taught them. Proverbs say that a neglected child will shame his mother (29:15). If everything our children should know about values and character we need to teach them. We need to teach them how to treat others, how to be neat and organized, gracious, virtuous, modesty, and service to others. The wise woman in the proverb knows that it is just as important for a mother to show in example that she gives herself in how to live a good life honoring God. Here is a link I found on the Duggars website that is contains a wonderful graph on virtues to instill in our children,as well as bible references.


A wise woman prays with and for her children. She tenderly tells them that she loves them. Shes tries to spend some special time with each of them, sharing special moments that will be etched in their memory.

The wise woman in today's culture also can be spotted when we look at her home. It clean, organized, orderly,and welcoming. The house reflects the care that is given to it(24:3-4,30-34; 31:13-27; Eccl 10:18). It would never appear that is was neglected. The atmosphere is warm, comfortable and it abounds in generosity and hospitality.


The wise woman is hardworking. She is a manager of her household, trying to bring in money into it if possible by a home business, and is wise with her money. Maybe she is a coupon clipper, carefully planning her shopping trip to make her family's money stretch to the furthers degree. She also is a very diligent lady! She rises early in the morning and stays up late. (Proverbs 31.) She is not meddling in every ones business, but is a keeper at home, (Ti 2:5, I Tim 5:13-14) She cares about her appearance, and about others.

OK, we have seen what a wise woman looks like in today's world. But what about the foolish woman? She most likely is unfocused and has no true priorities in her home. She is distracted by outside influences. She care is more proactive in finding out the current gossip then in what is going on in the hearts of her children. She may be consumed by today's entertainment orientated society, too much facebook, twitter or tv watching. She relies totally on the school system for all the her children are to know in life. She may waste time and money, and has no discipline. Instead of building her children & husband up, she tears their spirits down with her negative and sharp words.

Let us all come up with an idea and a plan for our home, let us be purposeful in the way that it is run. Time is moving swiftly, and there is a sense of urgency that we begin today in making our homes a wonderful place for our husbands to come home to, as well as a wonderful place for our children to be raised in!

c

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