All This And Heaven: January 2011

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Blog Pictures from Christmas 1-2011

I didn't want to loose these pictures that I had used in the sidebar.

The kiddos after Christmas Mass

Sugar

Bagel

Jumba

Princess

Possible

Bear

Pooker

Goobers

Pickle

Neen and J

"JPII - We Love You!!!"

If you were ever blessed to be in the crowd when Jon Paul II passed by then you certainly were blessed to be a part of that chanting. J, Pooker, Mimi and I were lucky enough to see him during his visit to St. Louis in January of 1999. Fr. Tom Keller made sure that we were involved. I worked so hard to help with the Mass. Jason was right there with top security clearance to assist in setting up the beautiful Mass the JPII had with the good people of St. Louis. From that experience I can say that when JPII came close (entered the building) a calm fell over everyone. I know that the Holy Spirit was with JPII and allowed His Peace to fill all those near him. I am not at all surprised that he will be beatified on May 1st.

I am so happy with this news that JPII is on the way to being declared an official Saint of the Roman Catholic Church. It is great news and I can't do the story justice like a fellow blogger. Follow the link (click here), to see the quotes and pictures she gathered. Beautiful! Thank you flowergarenia at My Little Flower for the wonderful reminder.
Great News: John Paul II to be beatified on May 1st, 2011

John Paul II Pray for us!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Dad's First Deer

My bucket list does not include deer hunting but J's did. He has always had a desire to go hunting. He is a city boy and it wasn't something that his family did for recreation. Now we live in Houston and everyone hunts. J has been a little behind the eight ball in that respect. The opportunity finally fell into his lap and he made plans to go to the "Ranch" with our next door neighbor KP.

Mr. KP co-owns the ranch with his adult sons. His boys had the ranch booked all season until the very last week. In fact by the time J got to go it was just doe season, so no buck antlers for the wall. KP set J up with everything he needed. They spent a few days just enjoying time out at the Ranch. Then it was time and J pulled the trigger. KP told the processor that he was surprised the city boy followed through.

J got her with one shot. Way to go Big J, but to be honest this city girl isn't sure how she will feel when it comes to using the meat. Thanks to KP for making this dream happen.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Zoo

We became members of the Houston Zoo last March. We only went a few times. To be honest the zoo is OK, not at all as exciting as the St. Louis Zoo. I don't say that to offend anyone just to point out that I have been disappointed in the zoo here. I know that the zoo has been worked on for over 100 years so I bet that this zoo just has some more growing and developing to do. That being said we became members and had to join at a high level to get enough tickets for the entire family. I find that so offensive. I am not a grandparent but I have to buy a grandparent pass for just my kiddos. Then the heat of where we live means that I just don't wake up in the morning and suggest we head to the zoo.

So on the 7th day of January I surprised the kiddos and did just that. The weather was delightful. It was in between two cold fronts and temps were around 70.

Perfect for walking around.

We kept cool but not cold, certainly not hot!

WE crawled in tubes and looked at fish.

We saw snakes, crocs and frogs.

Walk walk walk.

We also saw some monkeys and apes. Look one of my own is swinging from the vines. So proud.

So we all know that the homeschool world will start back up soon and these adventures will stop, but this was the perfect day.

Love those kiddos! They were my favorite creatures at the zoo.

Time for reflection

So the 6Th came and went. As most Catholics know you must keep out your decorations until January 6Th. I was able to get the decorations boxed up and ready for storage without too much effort this year. I find that as I put the decorations away, I get very reflective. I am probably too busy as I get them out to think about anything but my to do list. I have so many questions for myself as I box the trinkets up. I think of my friends Linda, Kelly and Natalia. When they packed Christmas decorations did they even think that they would not be here the next year when the items were open? Did Natalia's mom wonder if either of her children would be gone the next year? I am sure not, we don't think about those things.

Everyone knows that I want to move. I wonder, will I unwrap these items in this house next year or somewhere else? What does the year hold for us? How will our lives have changed 11 months from now? Will we all be here? Will we be happy? Will we be more fit? Will we have any more children? Will our finances be better or worse? What new friends will see the tree next year? So many questions that only He knows the answers to. I resolve, as I wrap up the last box, as I always do to just leave it up to HIM.

God, please bless 2011 for the Texas T's,

protect us from harm,

let us live our adventures,

keep us close to your heart,

never let us leave your side. Amen.

New Years Eve

Happy New Year! Goodbye 2010 & Welcome 2011! We spent the night at home with friends stopping by. At midnight we had fireworks and sparkling apple juice. I can't think of a better way to start the new year.

So many people so much fun! Love to all our friends that joined us! I hope you had a wonderful evening as well. Happy New year!

What will I see here?

Take a peek into our life as a big family in Houston, TX. Welcome to the electronic journal for the Texas T family. This blog was created to share some moments of our life with you. Often having 11 children (including twins), homeschooling, and being incredibly active in our Catholic faith we are asked “How do you do it?” We invite you to look around, sign up as a follower, and peek into the answer to that question. Remember we are not a perfect family; but I won't post the bad stuff.

Thanks for visiting, Neen

The Nicene Creed

We believe (I believe) in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, and born of the Father before all ages. (God of God) light of light, true God of true God. Begotten not made, consubstantial to the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven. And was incarnate of the Holy Ghost and of the Virgin Mary and was made man; was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried; and the third day rose again according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, and shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, of whose Kingdom there shall be no end. And (I believe) in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father (and the Son), who together with the Father and the Son is to be adored and glorified, who spoke by the Prophets. And one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We confess (I confess) one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for (I look for) the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help ~ Pray For Us!

Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church you are also our Mother of Perpetual Help. With hearts full of love for you we consecrate ourselves to your Immaculate Heart so that we may be your devoted children. Obtain for us true sorrow for our sins and fidelity to the promises of our Baptism. We consecrate our minds and hearts to you that we always do the Will of our heavenly Father. We consecrate our lives to you that we may love God better and live not for ourselves but for Christ, your Son and that we may see Him and serve Him in others. By this humble act of consecration dear Mother of Perpetual Help we pledge to model our lives on you, the perfect Christian. So that, consecrated to you in life and in death we may belong to your Divine Son for all eternity. Amen

St. Joseph ~ Pray For Us!

NINE-DAYS NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH (Note: This prayer was found in the 50th year of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Sometime during the 16th century, it was sent by the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. It is said that whoever shall read this prayer or take it with them, shall never die a sudden death or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy, or shall be burned in any fire or shall be overpowered in battle.) Say this prayer for nine days for anything you may desire. Then let go and let God. Trust that whatever is the outcome of your novena is truly what is best for you in accordance with the will of God.) O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O Saint Joseph, assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Amen O Saint Joseph, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. O Saint Joseph, pray for me. (Mention your intention)

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

St. Bernard of Clairvaux wrote to a couple that had a miscarriage. In response to their question, “What is going to happen to my child? The child didn’t get baptized,” St. Bernard said, “Your faith spoke for this child. Baptism for this child was only delayed by time. Your faith suffices. The waters of your womb — were they not the waters of life for this child? Look at your tears. Are they not like the waters of baptism? Do not fear this. God’s ability to love is greater than our fears. Surrender everything to God.”

St. Jude ~ Pray For Us!

(Novena say this for 9 days) Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of, Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that He bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly - (make your request here)- and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.

St. Anthony of Padua ~ Pray For Us!

Holy Saint Anthony, gentle and powerful in your help, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were always ready to request for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle. Even so, you are the Saint of miracles. Gentle and loving Saint Anthony, whose heart is ever full of human sympathy, take my petition to the Infant Savior for whom you have such a great love, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.