WeEkLy ThOuGhTs

So, last week Sarah inspired me to write at least every week some thoughts or a quick story, so here it goes. I am going to call it the above title: WeEkLy ThOuGhTs

I am now reading a book called The Spiritual Combat and a Treatise on Peace of Soul by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli. Its an amazing read for anyone interested in really getting holy!

A section that I read last week really made me think and I would love to share it with you all especially considering that you all live your Christian lives in the world, for me its a little more laid out what I have to do to reach holiness(which we all should be striving towards in our everyday life) sorry guys its a little more difficult for you. But Animo!(thats what we say in spanish, literally it means "take courage", "Be animated", but it kinda just means come on, don't lose hope, haha is hard to explain in english) there are a lot of really awesome married and single Saints out there to take as examples of great holiness.

Here is the quote, I will let it speak for itself:

THOSE WHO ARE COGNIZANT of the diseased character of their souls and desire to cure them are often deluded by the devil. He endeavors to persuade them that they have a long time to live, and consequently may safely defer their conversion.

He insinuates the impression that some business affair or difficulty must be cleared up before they can devote themselves sufficiently to the spiritual life and fulfill its duties without disturbance. This snare has entangled and daily does entangle many. But its success is directly attributable to their own supine neglect of a matter in which the glory of God and their own salvation should be the only considerations.

Let persons of this type say: "Now! Now!" instead of "Tomorrow! Tomorrow!" Why tomorrow? How can I be sure of living until it comes? And even if I were, would I really be trying to save my soul if I delayed my repentance? Would it look as though I sought victory if I exposed myself to fresh wounds?

Lets strive to be good Christians now and not wait till later to perfect ourselves like so many do under the influence of the devil.

I love you all and I am praying for you daily!

{this moment}

 

   {this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. 

A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment we want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, post a single picture with {this moment} as the headline. 

 

 

 

Joyce's birthday and a few extra

Robert and Bobby having been playing a lot of golf.  Bobby finally got his own set and is so excited!

All the toys in the world don't beat Daddy and a box!

He even got a glove.

Birthday Girl!  She had so much fun decorating her crown. 

Yay for cupcakes! From Left is Nora ( Daniel) Katie ( Anna) Salvatore (Genevieve) Joyce, Bobby and Joe (Theresa)

Heidi is the most thoughtful gift giver.  She says Mama is going to be pushing a baby so Joyce needs a baby to push, too!   She always knows the simplest and best gift.  Joyce takes this with her everywhere.  Her baby and stroller, sometimes its the cat and once it was a boot full of mud.

Brian's Winging Ceremony

March 22nd 2012

Finally after almost two years of studying and hard work Brian is a winged Naval Avaitor, YEA!!!! I am so proud of darling husband, he very much deserved this great honor. Here are a few pictures of that glorious day.

We are not 100% sure on where we will be going next but most likely Jacksonville, FL. As soon as we know for sure I will update everyone.

Family shot after Mass and blessing of the wings.
And, of course, Addy with her camera face she was such a handful that morning.

Blessed wings

We walked on stage for the pinning on of wings, I got to do the honors and it was so fun.

Family picture with the VP

As we were walking out of the ceremony these two TH-57s(Brian trained in this helicopter) were flying formation, really cool shot.

Brian's buddies.

"Let it be done unto me according to Thy Word"

"The Servant Sister of the Home lives a spirituality of identification with Jesus Christ and transformation in Him, from the womb of the Virgin Mary." 

The Annunciation is a very special day for the Servant Sisters as it has a lot to do with our spirituality. We see ourselves as her property, she is our teacher, model and mother! 

Dad and the Boys

...at the 40 Days for Life kickoff in Virginia. Thanks for sending the picture, Dad!

Stephen, Edward, Thomas and Kevin

Hold tight for a post about the Edward and Thomas's bees!

Spring, the Sweet Spring

This was yesterday in Southwest Washington State:

 And now today!!!

Pete is making sure to test the soil. It's good he thinks. :)

You would have never guessed the earth was blanketed in white snow just hours before! We are surely enjoying the sunshine, it hasn't been out for at least a week. :) Its also the beginning of yard sale season, my favorite! We picked up this little treasure today:

An old book about herbs and flowers. The illustrations are amazing.

I had to share a little poem by Thomas Nashe for you all. It's very appropriate :)   (From the 1600's)

Spring, the sweet spring, is the year’s pleasant king,
Then blooms each thing, then maids dance in a ring,
Cold doth not sting, the pretty birds do sing:
    Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to-witta-woo!

The palm and may make country houses gay,
Lambs frisk and play, the shepherds pipe all day,
And we hear aye birds tune this merry lay:
    Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to-witta-woo!

The fields breathe sweet, the daisies kiss our feet,
Young lovers meet, old wives a-sunning sit,
In every street these tunes our ears do greet:
    Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to witta-woo!

Clare's flight!

Clare sent me this picture and I couldn't resist sharing. She got to try out the flight simulator and Brian got his wings! Congrats Brian!! Clare said as soon as things settle down she will give us a long picture post. :) We can't wait.

Fun with Pictures

Pretty!

The weather has been very pleasant!  I think in this phase of nesting I am doing it garden style.  Robert picked up the baker's rack off craigslist then Bobby (my muscle) Joyce and I have put in the rocks and dirt and planted ground cover.  It should look wonderful in about 6 weeks!

Girls are so fun!  Our collection has gotten a little crazy so we made a bow holder!  I covered and old wood picture frame with some embroidered denim material and then added the ribbon.  The staple gun was a hit.  I don't think the sewing table will recover gracefully.

Functional Art!
  Happy

Aunt Theresa Feller made and apron for Joyce.  She loves it and Grandma is so happy to have the kids over and to watch them play.  She is recovering amazingly fast after her hip replacement!

One of these will be Joyce's Easter dress. Can't pick between 'em though!

FUNNYSo wild woman Joyce decided at bath time she wanted to go help Daddy in the garage.  I got her undressed and was looking for her.   She was hiding in the coat closet. That is Bobby's hat,  her big jacket and her rain boots on the wrong feet.

In Honor of Her 82nd Birthday

 Joyce Janice Gallaher

March 15th, 1930 - November 14th, 2010

I can't get over how incredibly beautiful she was.

I found this excerpt on a memorial networks website:

Joyce was born in Wenatchee, WA, to Roy and Della Halterman. She was one of nine children. After high school, she married the love of her life, Robert John Gallaher. They were married for 55 wonderful years and had 11 children. She was a loving and generous lady who opened up her home and family and became a second mom, grandma, and friend to many others. She loved to be surrounded by family and friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by her loving husband; parents; brothers, Russell Halterman, Art Halterman, Robert Halterman, Vern Halterman; sister, Carol Halterman; son, Robert Gallaher; and grandchild, Nicole Heath. Joyce is going to be missed by brothers, William Halterman and his wife, Nancy, Emery Halterman; sister, Dorothy Young and her husband, Bill Young; sons, Patrick Gallaher, Joseph Gallaher and his wife, Roxane, Raymond Gallaher and his wife, Nancy; daughters, Teresa Lewis and her husband, John, Joan Gallaher, Mary Beechie and her husband, Jay, Della Cotton and her husband, Rick, Dorothy Gallaher, Rachel DiMartino and her husband, Mike, and Margaret Heath; 45 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many close family and friends.

“A mother’s love is never ending; though she is no longer beside us, she is with us.”  

I am certainly at a loss for words as I try to formulate my thoughts about Grandma. Who was she to us? I can still hear her sweet voice on the telephone when I would call her. She was an incredibly faithful, loving and generous daughter of God. She nurtured and loved so many children and grandchildren and we are eternally indebted to her for passing on the Catholic faith. A faith she came into!

A few weeks before she died we found out we were pregnant with Peter and I called her right away! She was still able to talk and was very excited to hear the news.  I had a feeling it was going to be our last conversation so I savored every minute of it. Im beginning to tear up here just thinking about how wonderful a woman she was! I was going to write a whole beautiful post about her but I think I will just let the pictures do the talking. We miss you Grandma and we pray for you daily.

The last time she came out to Virginia. 

I caught her by the pool with a beer! She was so happy to be there.

She loved children to the very end, even those who were not her own.

She also loved naps. :)

A very beautiful picture of Robert and Grandma at my wedding. She was late to the wedding but I am so glad we waited to start the procession with her in it! 

My three favorites. I love this picture.

The last moments I spent with Grandma was at the Gallaher family reunion in Washington. We shared a room together and had a wonderful time. You all know how she loved family and history, the reunion was her happy place!

My very favorite and last picture of Grandma. I will treasure this forever. Anybody else in tears yet?

Now for some videos. I thought there might be a chance I had some video of her and I dug up this one:

and this one:

It was very sweet of Lowell to ask her to dance, and thank you Ray for filming it! What a blessing. 

If you don't already, please say a prayer for her daily. She will know. Have a blessed day!

Grant Poor Souls eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light
shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen, all for the
greater honor and glory of God.

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

 ~ Capturing the context of everyday life ~

I am a huge fan of Like Mother, Like Daughter,  a blog written by a few lovely Catholic mothers and daughters. It has all the great advice on disciplining and even more good advice on what it means to be a woman.  

I know all of the ladies will enjoy browsing their blog (that is if you can find the time to sit on the computer!).  Anyways, I got this {pretty, happy, funny, real} idea from them. I hope you enjoy it and try it yourself. 

{pretty}

I brought some blossoms in from the yard. The promise of Spring is showing!

A last second inspiration turned out nice! I think I will put it in the children's' room once I am done admiring it.

Aunt Theresa Feller sent Gianna a very special package. Inside was a beautiful felt cake, eggs, pancakes and a dress for Gianna and her baby doll!

Here she is with the dress. She can't get enough of it and LOVES matching her doll, Mary. (had a little lamb)

 

These are all over our yard, can someone please tell me what they are? I love them.

{happy}

We had an impromptu photo shoot the other day because the SUN was shining on our faces and Gianna loves picking  flowers. Peter also decided to take a nap, providing Gianna and I  much needed girl bonding time.

 

This little girl brings us immeasurable joy.

She is starting to get bashful when we tell her how beautiful she is.

Look at him! Oh my goodness, he melts my heart daily.

They are getting to the point where they can actually play together! It gives me a break from the being the sole entertainer. But they sure love when I act silly and do the entertaining!

{funny}

She came to me, "look mommy!" Yes, that is my undergarment.

Part of our photo shoot was figuring out the different effects the camera can make. We were dying laughing looking at each picture!

We wanted to make sure we got the flowers in there. haha, I look like a creep!

{real}

When the sun starts to shine and the creativity flows there is no time for dishes! Well, if I was really real with you I would say that my kitchen looks like this everyday when the skies are gray and I have nothing better to do!

We make messes to keep peace while mommy cooks dinner. :)

Wishing you all many blessings and cheerful days. I hope you were inspired to make a {pretty, happy, funny, real} post of your own. We would love to get more glimpses of your ordinary and yet extraordinary everyday life. Lots of love sent from the Doll house!