Weekly Joke - Missing

God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael, the Archangel, found Him, resting on the seventh day. He inquired of God. "Where have you been?" God sighed a deep sigh of satisfaction, and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made." Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, "What is it?" "It's a planet," replied God, "and I've put Life on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance."

"Balance?" inquired Michael, still confused. God explained, pointing to different parts of earth. "For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while southern Europe is going to be poor. Over there I've placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all things,"

God continued pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice." The Archangel, impressed by God's work, then pointed to a land area and said, "What's that one?" "Ah," said God "That's Washington State, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful mountains, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills, plains, and coulees. The people from Washington State are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to be found traveling the world.

They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as diplomats, and carriers of peace." Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then proclaimed, "What about balance, God? You said there would be balance." God smiled, "There is another Washington...wait until you see the idiots I put there."

100 Days – Moral & Ethical Issues Are A Lot Worst

After 100 days of ‘the most pro-abortion President’ in the White House, I’m still disgusted with his policies. Obama said during his press conference, “I think abortion is a moral issue and an ethical issue.” How about, don’t think, IT IS a moral and ethical issues!

He went on and said, “I think, look, this is an issue that people have to wrestle with and families and individual women have to wrestle with.” Okay, can you then tell me why the government is getting in the middle of the families and individual women who are wrestling with it?

He continued, “The reason I'm pro-choice is because I don't think women take that — that position casually. I think that they struggle with these decisions each and every day. And I think they are in a better position to make these decisions ultimately than members of Congress or a president of the United States, in consultation with their families, with their doctors, with their clergy.” Huh??? You mean the reason you are pro-choice is so you can make these decisions for the women to terminate their babies!

“ . . . I said consistently during the campaign is I would like to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies that result in women feeling compelled to get an abortion, or at least considering getting an abortion, particularly if we can reduce the number of teen pregnancies, which has started to spike up again.” Well, let’s see what is the real reason why teen pregnancies started to spike up again, do you think it is because now at the end of the day they know it is easy and simple to have an abortion because of the policy that you’ve put in place for them!

“And so I've got a task force within the Domestic Policy Council in the West Wing of the White House that is working with groups both in the pro-choice camp and in the pro-life camp, to see if we can arrive at some consensus on that.” Some consensus? You mean to kill or not-kill a baby, moral or immoral, ethical or unethical?

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, pray for us!

Girls TEA Party

Our girls and the Stevens’ girls got together to have their own TEA party, but this is not the “Tax Enough Already” party, this is a real tea party with china plates, cups & saucer, cookies, fruit, and orange juice.
I hope by the time they are old enough, they don’t actually have to go to the TEA-Tax Enough Already party, because hopefully by then we will have a new tax system,which is a flat 10% tax for everyone, just like the 10% we give to God. What’s good enough for God should be good enough for the government. Wishful thinking? Probably!

Happy And Sad Moments

We enjoy watching the birds that come to our bird feeder,  especially this week, the Indigo Bunting has delighted us with their beautiful vibrant color. Last night one of the Indigo birds flew against our kitchen window and seemed to be stunned. 

While the bird was trying to compose itself, it was sitting on my palm for a little bit and the girls were quite happy that they got to see it up close. But then it tried to fly off my palm and hit the ground and it was gasping for air and died. Then we were sad.

The girls took turns holding the dead bird before the burial ceremony. Rebecca was so happy to hold the dead bird and asked if she should have a sad or happy face for the picture and we told her she should have a sad face, she replied she didn’t know how to make a sad face and Abigail chimed in, “I can have a sad face, like this”.

Looking for a burial spot

Found a spot

The girls thought they could come to pray at the burial spot each day. What a lesson we shared about life and death. Priceless!

Weekly Joke - Envelopes

Morris had just been hired as the new CEO of a large high tech corporation. The CEO who was stepping down met with him privately and presented him with three envelopes number 1, 2 and 3. "Open these if you run up against a problem you don't think you can solve," the departing CEO said.

Things went along pretty smoothly, but six months later, sales took a downturn and Morris was really catching a lot of heat. About at his wit's end, he remembered the envelopes. He went to his drawer and took out the first envelope. The message read, "Blame your predecessor." Morris called a press conference and tactfully laid the blame at the feet of the previous CEO. Satisfied with his comments, the press -- and Wall Street -- responded positively, sales began to pick up and the problem was soon behind him.

About a year later, the company was again experiencing a slight dip in sales, combined with serious product problems. Having learned from his previous experience, the CEO quickly opened the second envelope. The message read, "Reorganize." This he did, and the company quickly rebounded.

After several consecutive profitable quarters, the company once again fell on difficult times. Morris went to his office, closed the door and opened the third envelope.

The message said, "Prepare three envelopes." ...

Quick Update On Christiana Mary

Just a quick update on Christiana since we have not blog about her lately. Today she is 3 months 1 week and 4 days old. She is as cute as she can be, and I know that is our opinion, but just look at her!

She is growing and sleeping well (anywhere from 8 to 10 hours a night). When you talk to her she will responds to you with big smiles. We all love our Christiana.

Favorite Sunday’s Cartoon - Pickles

Pickles by Brian Crane is one of our favorite cartoon on Sunday. Some Sundays are funnier than others, but this past Sunday was really funny. This is what marriage is all about, a two-way street and between a man and a woman (the latter one is not in the cartoon). Enjoy!

Catholic Cartoon Blog – Funny Stuff

In light of the “Georgetown University Scandal” I came across Paul Nichols’ blog, Catholic Cartoon Blog, there are some funny cartoons on his blog, make sure you visit him.
This one is titled Georgetown U. at the Resurrection.
Sad but true!  Image Source: Catholic Cartoon Blog

Blu-ray Movie Review: August Rush

We just watched a great movie, August Rush. Very clean movie, no bad languages… yes, even with Robin Williams in it, I know it’s hard to believe (just don’t watch the special features after the movie, than you will see the real Robin Williams) and it’s rated PG.

A Story about an orphaned boy uses his musical talent as a clue to find his birth parents. Amazing movie! I know it’s only April, but this might be our pick for movie of the year.

Has anyone else seen this movie?

Click image to watch clip

We gave it five stars!

Weekly Joke - Penthouse In Heaven

The Pope dies and goes to heaven. When he gets there, Saint Peter shows him to his new quarters - a tiny one bedroom apartment.
The Pope is horrified and demands to know why he doesn't have the penthouse apartment, which is huge.
Saint Peter informs him that the resident of the penthouse is a lawyer.
"A lawyer," says the Pope. "But I'm the Pope, surely I'm more important than a lawyer!"
"With respect Sir," says Saint Peter, "We have lots of Pope's up here, but we only have ONE lawyer!"

Happy Birthday to Our Dear Holy Father

April 16th, 2009 is Pope Benedict's 82nd birthday!

Happy birthday to our dear Holy Father!

Viva Il Papa! - Long live the Pope!

You can join us wishing our Holy Father a happy birthday by leaving a comment.

UPDATE: This article “BENEDICT XVI CELEBRATES HIS 82ND BIRTHDAY TODAY” was forwarded to me by Fr. Miguel Marie

What You Can Do With An iPhone – Part 4

If you are anything like me, I don’t like carrying those little plastic membership, discount, reward cards on my keychain or wallet. Every time you go shopping to those stores that has these “pesky” cards, never failed to always ask you, “do you have a reward card?” Why do grocery stores do this? Why can they just give me the discount without having to show these “pesky” little cards?

Well, the iPhone App has a solution for that too, CardStar! Yes, I can still get the discounts without having to stumble with my key chain. So, I have 5 or 7 cards, that is 5 to 7 cards I don’t have to carry in my wallet or keychain. I just turn on my iPhone and get to the card I need and show it to the cashier so he/she can than scan the barcodes that’s inside the iPhone. It is pretty neat and clean! Even the cashier commented, “wow, that’s way too cool!”

Highly recommended!

Conversation With A Two Year Old

This conversation took place between Coby and Abigail on Monday after Easter. Coby was tidying up around the house.

I want soooome milk

Okay, just a minute

Why do you always walk around?

Because I’m cleaning up.

Moms don’t do that!

Oh?

Moms cook and moms call the girls in to clean up!

But Moms clean up too

No, moms don’t do that, moms cook and pour milk for the little girls and moms call the big girls to clean up!

Oh!

First Holy Communion on Holy Thursday April 9, 2009

Thank you very much for all your prayers for Gabriela’s First Holy Communion. The Holy Mass was beautiful and will be remembered for a long time. Alleluia, Thanks be to God!

We had a nice celebration after the Holy Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe hall and Br. Louis performed a juggling act for us. You are very talented Brother! 

Alleluia, He Is Risen!

Alleluia, He is risen indeed!

From our family to your family, have a Blessed Easter to all of you! May the joy of Our Risen Lord brings the real hope and change to us!

Image Source: EWTN

Weekly Joke – An Elderly Dying Priest

Since it is Good Friday, I thought this joke would be appropriate for today. Thanks to Patrick Madrid, he had this posted on his blog last week.

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An Elderly Priest Get’s His Dying Wish

An old Catholic priest lay dying in the hospital. For years he had faithfully served the people of the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. He motioned for his nurse to come near.

"Yes, Father?" said the nurse.

"I would really like to see Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi before I die," whispered the priest.

"I'll see what I can do, Father," replied the nurse.

The nurse sent the request to them and waited for a response. Soon the word arrived. Harry and Nancy would be delighted to visit the priest. As they went to the hospital, Harry commented to Nancy "I don't know why the old priest wants to see us, but it will certainly help our images." Nancy couldn't help but agree.

When they arrived at the dying man's room, the priest took Nancy's hand in his right hand and Harry's hand in his left. There was silence and a look of serenity settled across the old priest's face.

Finally Nancy spoke. "Father, of all the people you could have chosen, why did you choose us to be with you as you near the end?"

The old priest slowly replied. "I have always tried to pattern my life after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." His voice trailed off . . .

After a brief pause, he continued . . . "The Lord died between two lying thieves, and I would like to do the same."

Visitors From Around The World

Since we’ve started this blog almost a year ago, 28 different countries have visited this blog and one way or another taking an interest at looking at our blog. Some visits because of they know our family, some wanting to know what this blog is all about, some happen to stumble over it by accident, and some heard about it from someone else and decided to check it out. What ever the case maybe, it doesn’t really matter. This is not “the latest breaking news” blog, it’s just a family fun blog!Most of them we will never know who you are, for instance, we don’t know anyone from Serbia, nor Egypt, nor Turkey, but this is still amazing isn’t it?! You are welcome to comments on it at anytime you feel like it on a particular topics or just simply say hello.

This is what I call the United Nations on the palm of your hands!   Thank you for visiting and taking an interest at our blog!   God Bless!

Palm Sunday in Hanceville With MFVA

Today was a beautiful Palm Sunday, we had brunch in Hanceville with Fr. Miguel and Michael’s parents at the Ephesus house. We did a “little” hiking and also played a “little” tennis with Fr. Miguel. Thank you Fr. Miguel for inviting us to spent a day with you and thank you to Michael’s Mom for cooking a delicious chicken “Sate”. It was definitely a nice day to set the tone for upcoming Holy Week.

First Holy Communion Preparation Novena

As part of Gabriela’s 1st Holy Communion preparation, we are doing a nine day novena to Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament & the Archangel Gabriel. Gabriela’s uncle, Fr. Miguel wrote the novena prayers and The Poor Clare Nuns of Perpetual Adoration made these beautiful novena cards. Our gratitude and thanks to Fr. Miguel Marie and The Sisters for being a part of Gabriela’s 1st Holy Communion preparation. Beautiful prayers and beautiful novena cards!
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Novena to Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament
and the Archangel Gabriel
for the occasion of First Holy Communion Preparation

Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Mary, my Mother, I love you. Thank you for always leading us to Jesus. Teach me how to assist properly at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Prepare my mind and heart for my First Holy Communion. Pour your love into my little heart. Help me to always be ready to receive Jesus. Whenever I am not ready because of serious sin, lead me to Confession so that I would be ready to receive your Son. Help me to always receive Holy Communion worthily as if it would be my first time, or as if it would be my last time, or as if it would be my only time. And lead me to visit and adore frequently your Son, Jesus, Who is truly and really present in the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Holy Eucharist.

Archangel Gabriel, my patron, pray for me and be always with me especially as I approach Jesus, our God, to receive Him and to adore Him in the Holy Eucharist. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Weekly Joke - "saint" Nancy Pelosi?

On a Saturday afternoon, in Washington, D. C., House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's aide visited the Catholic Cardinal-Archbishop of Washington, D.C.

He told the Cardinal that Nancy Pelosi would be attending the next day's sermon, and he asked if the Cardinal would kindly point out Pelosi to the congregation and say a few words that would include calling Pelosi a saint.

The Cardinal replied, "What have you been smoking, Sonny? No. I don't really like the woman, and there are issues of conflict with the Catholic Church over certain of Pelosi's view. Maybe--heh-heh--you should try that in, say, Chicago?" 

Pelosi's aide then said, "Look, 'priest' ... I know yer' soft-spot ... I'll write a check, here and now, for a donation of $100,000 to your Archdiocese if you'll just tell the congregation you see Pelosi as a saint."

The Cardinal thought about it and said, "Well, the church can use the money, so I'll work your request into tomorrow's sermon."

The aide sneered: "Ah, ha! Gotch'a, 'priest'! Seller-outer! Prince of 'the Church', eh? PPffft! Opportunistic, typical sell-out-for-a buck PRIEST!!! My 'boss' will have lotsa fun with this---best 100k we ever spent! But, for now ... you enjoy the dough--'priest'--, and, uh, we'll just love your sermon! Heh-heh-heh."

The cardinal just smiled. And, of course, took the money. As Pelosi's aide promised, House Speaker Pelosi appeared for the Sunday sermon and seated herself prominently at the edge of the main aisle. And, during the sermon, as promised, the Cardinal pointed out that House Speaker Pelosi was present.

Then the Cardinal went on to explain to the congregation:

"While Speaker Pelosi's presence is probably an honor to some, she is not my favorite person.  Some of her views are contrary to those of the church, and she tends to flip-flop on many other views.  Nancy Pelosi is a petty, self-absorbed hypocrite, a thumb sucker, and a nit-wit.  Nancy Pelosi is also a serial liar, a cheat, and a thief. Nancy Pelosi is the worst example of a Catholic I have ever personally witnessed. She married for money and is using it to lie to the American people. She also has a reputation for shirking her Representative obligations both in Washington, and in California.  She simply is not to be trusted."

The Cardinal completed his view of Pelosi with, "But, when compared to legislators likeTed Kennedy, Barney Frank, Harry Reid, and John Kerry, House Speaker Pelosi is a saint."