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!

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.

One Nation Under God

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

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

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.

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!

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. . . .

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!

The Significance of Motherhood

"Doing up cut fingers, kissing hurt places, and singing bedtime songs are small things by themselves; but they will inculcate a love for home and family that will last through life and help to keep America a land of homes.

Putting up the school lunch for the children or cooking a good meal for the family may seem very insignificant tasks as compared with giving a lecture, writing a book, or doing other things that have a larger audience; but I doubt very much if, in the ultimate reckoning they will count for as much...It belittles us to think of our daily tasks as small things, and if we continue to do so, it will in time make us small. It will narrow our horizon and make of our work just drudgery.

There are so many little things that are really very great, and when we learn to look beyond the insignificant-appearing acts themselves to their far-reaching consequences, we will 'despise not the day of small things.' We will feel an added dignity and poise from the fact that our everyday round of duties is as important as any other part of the work of the world.

And just as a little thread of gold, running through a fabric, brightens the whole garment, so women's work at home, while only the doing of little things, is like the golden gleam of sunlight that runs through and brightens all the fabric of civilization."

-Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House in the Ozarks May, 1923

Hospitality from the Heart

How do you define hospitality? Do you have to throw a grand dinner party in order to show hospitality? Although throwing a grand party may show others hospitality, it is not particularly what the bible is instructing us to do when it tells to "practice hospitality". (Romans 12:13) I have read that entertaining brings the attention and honor to yourself, where as practicing hospitality points the glory and honor to God.

Entertaining can quickly turn into a very prideful occasion to say the least. We easily be discouraged as it quickly becomes a burden. I must say, I have been guilty of this, and not only does it take some of my fun away, but it changes the whole experience of my guest. Showing hospitality in the biblical sense does not entail cooking competitively to out-do yourself or someone else. Also, hospitality extends itself outside our closed circle of friends. As we read in the bible, we want to be kind to others that perhaps we know can not repay us for our efforts in return. We are told in Luke 14:12-15, "When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or relations or rich neighbors, in case they invite you back and so repay you. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled , the lame, the blind, then you will be blessed, for they have no means to repay you so you will be repaid when the upright rise again." In Matthew 25:40, Jesus tells us when we give someone something to eat or drink, "I tell you indeed, whenever you did this for one of those poorest brothers of mine, you did it for me!"In Hebrews 13:2, we read, "Remember to welcome strangers in your homes. There were some who did it, and welcomed angels without knowing it." It certainly seems like extending ourselves in hospitality is something we need to be doing!

When the bible tells us show hospitality, it is actually is communicating to us to that we need to have the heart of a servant. When we set our sites on welcoming someone into our home, we should not have our hearts on impressing them, but spending time and talking with them. We are in a way ministering and demonstrating to them the Love of God. Our focus of our hearts should actually be on them. Perhaps we will be the only example of Christian hospitality that our friends may witness. My mom always was prepared for a spur-of-the moment guest. She always kept some homemade "goodies" in the freezer that she could quickly unthaw to serve a last-minute guest with some coffee or tea. Her guests were always delighted with her homemade pineapple squares or nut roll .

Now as the weather is getting warmer, I love to have people over for an impromptu fire complete with homemade smores and a few games of corn hole. Yes, its humble entertaining, but everyone from mom & dad down to the youngest child has a good time!

I would love to hear from some of you and what some good-old-fashioned hospitality is experienced in your home!

Are you Taking Advantage of Catholic Radio?

I want to tell you about something that has been such a tremendous blessing to us!! We now having Catholic Radio in our area. But, I did not realize I could have been listening to it all along on the Internet. Just go to LivingBreadRadio.com and click on the right hand corner to listen to the live radio programming. The line-up is terrific, Fr. Corapi, Johnette Benkovic, & Dr. Ray just to name a few. If you are not already listening to Catholic Radio, why not give it try today!!

St. Joseph Novena - Day One - Monday

I am going to begin a Novena to St. Joseph for a special intention. I am hoping that if I am accountable to this blog and come back every day, I will finish. I am great at starting, but not as as much at finishing.

To anyone who might not know, A novena is a 9 day prayer for a special occasion or intention. Why 9 days? The significance of 9 days is that when The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Disciples spent nine days in the Upper Room prayer beginning with the Ascension. One the ninth day, they were rewarded with the Pentecost.

St. Joseph the Worker's Feast Day is May 1st. He is the patron Saint of the home, family, and a happy death. If you would like to know more about the life of St. Joseph, below I have linked to a video of St. Joseph's life that I think you will enjoy:

Who Did You Have Breakfast With This Morning?

In John 21:12, After the Resurrection, Jesus said to his disciples, "Come, have breakfast". How blessed the disciples were to be able to have breakfast with Jesus, The Bread of Life. Believe it or not, we are able to do the same , by beginning the day reading the Scriptures. In the Byzantine Catholic Tradition, Cannon 27 says that we should read the Holy Scriptures at home at dawn. I am trying to make my this a resolution of mine, to begin the day with at least reading the Gospels for the Day, and the corresponding Psalm & Proverbs (today is the 22nd, so today I would read Proverb 22). It is so easy to get sidetracked and not start the day by doing this, but the fruit of this practice would benefit us throughout our day. There was a Saint of the Church who wrote, "Those who have been walking in a beautiful garden do not leave it willingly without taking away with them four or five flowers, in order to inhale their perfume and carry them about during the day."

The Custom Quill Mother's Day Giveaway!

Ladies, don't forget to enter The Custom Quill giveaway as noted below. The gift is a lovely matted perosonalized verse for mom,grandma, or a special Aunt for Mother's Day. The gift measures 8 x 10, there are two openings, one with the verse and one for any 3 1/2 x 5 inch picture of your choice. How to enter? Just become a fan on The Custom Quill on Facebook, but hurry up, contest ends at 6 p.m. on Friday, to be sure this gets to the lucky winner for Mother's Day. Also, there will Father's Day, Grandparent's Day, and Christmas Giveaways as well, this one entry will cover you for all!

Diane vs. the Deer

Today over breakfast, my dear (no pun intended) husband was reading the newspaper out loud, "Wow, look at this picture of this guys tulips, he has over 3,000 in bloom right now!" I stopped him right in tracks, "Please do not go on, I don't want to hear anymore about this guys beautiful tulips!".
This is very sore subject for me you see, all of the tulips that I have planted in front of our house were already reduced to little stubs, nibbled to death by visiting dear. It get's worse. . .

I love to garden and grow my own vegetables. For the past 20 years, I have had a garden, and have been to put up our home grown prouce to use in the winter. Expect for last year. . .


I was standing at the sink, cleaning up after breakfast and gazed out the window and my lovely garden, except I didn't see it. Wow, I thought, I never dreamed turning 40 would such a significant change in the way I would feel, but my eyes are already starting to go. I really did think it was time to schedule an eye appointment, I kid you not. Later that morning I went outside to tend to my garden as the kids were playing outside to find out, indeed, I could not see my garden because my garden was gone, nibbled to death by the pesty deer. Thats what I get I thought, it was just the past week I was all smug, that I had a fenced yard, and my neighbors did not. I was safe from the deer that was attacking their gardens. It served my right for my lack of humility, my garden was done and over for the rest of the year. I vowed then, in 2010 it would be different, it would be me against the deer, and this time I would win!


Tomorrow morning my youngest son and I are going to have a field trip to the local hardware store and see what kind of Fort Knox contraption I can invent to keep the deer out. I guees all was not totally a loss last year, I was a able to purchase produce from Ohio farmers at a local flea market and put them up for the winter. But it was not the same, not nearly as fullfilling as going to the back 40 and picking my own. I had high hopes of growing my own rasberries and blueberries as well. We have been paying to pick at local farms, but even that is quite expensive. I am putting that dream aside until I get my current problem figured out.


Do any of you ladies have any suggestions in keeping the deer away? I welcome any and all suggestions, for I am a desparate woman!! In any event, this saga will continue. . . .

Below is a favorite You Tube video of mine, it is on the of growing all of your food withing 100 feet from your door. I have not been able to do that, but do think it is a neat idea!

Sunday of The Myrrh-Bearing Women

In the Byzantine Church, this past Sunday, the second Sunday after Easter, is the Sunday of the Myrrh Bearing Women. The Myrrh-bearing women served our Lord and his disiciples as they preached. These women helped with sick, the suffering, as well as the poor. As Christ suffered on the Cross, although the apostles scattered away in fear, the Myrrh-bearers stay with him along side the Blessed Virgin Mary. These women were the first to go to go to our Lord's tomb, to anoint him with myrrh. Their devotion was rewarded greatly, as they were the very first witnesses of the Resurrection when they found an empty tomb and the glorious news from the Angel.

Who were these myrrh-bearing woman? There were seven in all, the most famous woman we know today is Mary Magdalene. She was the woman our Lord cured from being "possessed by seven demons." The second myrrh-bearing woman Salome, who was the Mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Holy tradition tells us that she enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the family of Our Lady. The third woman is Mary, the Mother of James and Joses, the wife of Cleophas. Although she devoted many years in service to Christ, little is recorded about her. The fourth myrrh-bearing woman is Joanna, was the wife Chuza, Herod Antipas' steward. She greatly assisted the Apostle's during their first years of ministry. She was known to be a woman of courage. Our fifth lady was Susanna, a close friend of Mary Magdalene. She aided in the spreading the message of Salvation, as well as aiding in the serving of the "Communion Suppers", and ministering to the aged and the sick. Numbers 6 & 7, are the sisters of Lazarus, Mary & Martha. They dedicated their lives to spreading the new Faith.


Let us try to imitate the Holy Myrrh-bearers even today, with faithful and true love for our Lord, selfless service to Him, our families, and to the poor and suffering. So in the end, we to can be rewarded with the ultimate joy of the Resurrection!

Miracle of the Sun - Actual Footage from 1917

The Miracle of the Sun is a miraculous event that was witnessed by 30,000 to 100,000 people on October 13, 1917 in fields in Fatima, Portugal. The people had assembled in the fields to witness a miracle that the Portuguese secular newspapers had been making fun of for months. The claim of three shepherd children was that a miracle was going to occur at high-noon at that specific time at date, which was told to them by apparations of Our Lady.

Eye-witness statements said that heaavy rain poured then dark clouds broke and the sun appeared as spinning disc in the sky. It was said to be significantly less bright than normal, and it cast multicolored lights across the area. The sun was then reported to plunge towards the earth in a zigzag pattern, frightening those present who thought it surely meant the end of the world was before them. Some of those present stated that their cloths that were drenched from the rain became suddenly and completely dry. Reports stated that the event lasted about 10 minutes. The three children reported seeing visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jesus and St. Joseph blessing the people.

This event is known to all now as the Miracle of the Sun. Our Lady of Fatima, an apparition of our Blessed Virgin Mary to three young shepherd children in. The children reported that the Lady had promised them that on October 13th she would reveal her identity to them and provide a miracle to all would believe.

The above You Tube presentation is actual footage from this Miraculous event that we are blessed to have!!

Mother's Day Giveaway!!

Mother's Day Giveaway!!
Want a chance to win the most perfect gift for that special Grandma, Godmother, Aunt or Mother for Mother's Day? TheCustomQuill.com is giving a away one personalized gift of your choice to FREE. How do you enter for your chance to win? Just become a fan on Facebook, you can find the page by simply going to The Custom Quill and becoming a fan. These are terrifice gifts, they are personalized with the child's (or children's)name(s), and there is a spot for you to put in a 3 1/2 x 5" picture of your choice. When you are on the fan page on facebook, click on the Mother's Day pictures to look at the verses available. The lucky winner will be posted on the The Custom Quill's fan page a week before Mother's Day, Good Luck!


THE WINNER WAS POSTED ON THE CUSTOM QUILLS FACEBOOK PAGE, CONGRATUATIONS!!

The Challenges of Modesty When Shopping With A Teen

I went shopping with my soon to be 13 year old daughter for a dress that would be suitable for a Father-Daughter dance, as well as a few other upcoming occasions. I have to say, I would much rather go to the dentist. Has anyone seen sorts of "party dresses" that they have out nowadays? And of course "everyone is wearing them" is what I heard from my beloved daughter. "If I have to wear a little girl dress like I did last year, I will wear pants!" were the threats that came out of her mouth. As I stood there with the other moms and daughters came in and out of the dressing rooms twirling and showing off their favorites, none of the other moms were dismayed as I was that there was more skin than fabric showing, and why would be bare shoulders be the fashion statement one would want to make in the middle of winter. Am I really the only one that feels this way?

There is a line of children's clothing called Ooh! La La Couture that is being promoted by a young Disney star. This line has been likened to adult lingerie by some critics. The Emily Grace Collection is named after 8-year-old "Hannah Montana" star Emily Grace Reaves, who helps design the line. This is not what a mom want's to see!

Moms, we need to be strong in our stand that will be many times be counter-cultural. We need to protect our girls, we don't need our 12 years olds looking like they are 21. We should be ourselves role models for others in how to dress. It is so important that we be the change that we wish to see in the world! Here are some quotes from Scripture that point to the importance of modesty:

"In like manner women also in decent appare; adornig themselves with modesty and sobriety, not with plaited hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly attire, but as it becometh women profession godliness, with good works."
~Timothy 2"9-10

"But the fruit of the Spirit is, charity, joy, peace, patiences, begnignity, goodness, lonanimity, mildness, faith, modest, contincey, and chastity."
~Galatians 5:22-23

"You have heard tht it was said to the ancients, 'Thou shall not commit adultry.' But I say to you that anyone who so much looks with lust at a woman has alrady committed adultery with her in h is heart. "
~Matthew5:27-29

"Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." (Revelation 16:15).



Bl. Jacinta Marto (1908-1919) was one of the three childrent at Fatima, Portugal in 1917. She said,"Certain fashins will be introduced which will offent Our Lord very much. Persons who serve God must not follow the fashions. The Church does not have fasions; Our Lord is always the same. The sins of the world are very great."


Here are some websites that contain modest fashions, if anyone has any other favorites, please add them to the comments!

www.landsend.com
www.appleseeds.com
www.hannahlise.com
www.funkyfrum.com
www.tabeez.com