All This And Heaven: March 2011

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Matt Maher Concert 3

The parish was able to host a Matt Maher concert. This was a great event. Being in the school gym made for a very intimate venue. It was for fundraising for world youth day. In the end the Texas Ts are not going with this group (I will soon announce our alternate plans.) I still helped with the event.

In the end my job was just watching the door and controlling the line before allowing the mod inside the gym.

Rough job considering the first in line were my own kiddos.

I am still amazed at the crowd this event brought.

As expected Mr. Maher gave a wonderful concert.

A highlight was that our friends brought their very young foster baby. We loved time with this little guy. I should mention that Kat joined us as well.

Mr. Maher stayed around for autographs after the show as well.

Thanks for coming to the Woodlands Mr. Maher.

Monday, March 28, 2011

End of Sac Prep and Faith Formation

This preparation has not been the best. I personally feel that the parish program is a joke. That being said I do want to honor our Pastor and prepare the children according to the guidelines that the parish sets before us. We finished out final Sac Prep class on Sunday. I grew very angry when the director instructed the children how to receive communion on their hands and didn't even mention tongue. That is my hang up, I know. It does upset me.

Then onto our Faith Formation class. I think again that the program is a waste of time. We go to the class just during 2Nd grade year and I am not even sure it is worth that. We had teachers drop out, kids drop out and all kinds of crazy stuff. This small group is all that is left from our original class.

Just one boy with these four girls. They have a lot to be proud of. The put up with all kinds of adult drama to make it each week and do their best to prepare.

I am so happy that I was blessed to be a little part in their journey. Princess and Bagel have made good friends and have grown so much in their faith.

Please pray for these special little ones as they end their official study and begin to intensely prepare with their parents to receive Our Lord, Body, Blood, Soul, Divinity all wrapped up in one little piece of bread or drop of wine.

The parents are so thankful that the class has come to an end so that we can look forward to their special day. It is a great time for all involved. God Bless this special little group.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

1st Water fun of Season

"It was warm enough, we had friends over and the grass needed a good soaking." All these reasons helped to convince me to let them get the "slip and slide" out. That wasn't enough so out came the water balloon left over from Fr. Tom's visit.

Messy, wet and dirty kiddos. In the end they had a blast and so did Kat and C-man.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Bluebonnets - A Texas Thing

Being here in Texas one of the must do things is taking Bluebonnet pictures.

I miss the fall leaves so much but the spring wildflowers make up for it a little bit.

There is something so beautiful about the random wild flower that offers so much color to it's surrounding.

Maybe it is just a Texas thing, but they do make for some great pictures.

Having such a large group means that it is hard to get everyone together. This year Pooker did not join us. While I miss that group shot of all the kiddos I still treasure the ones that I got.

Possible with mom.

Princess and mom.

Goobers and mom.

Sugar and mom.

Jumba being thoughtful.

Jumba being happy.

Princess

Pickle

Bagel

Possible

Sugar

Bear

Goobers

Possible and mom

Princess

Pickle

Bagel and mom

All those pictures wore the bunch out.

My beautiful daughters.

My crazy daughters.

Add the boys.

Trying for the group shot.

Not trying any more.

Girls again.

My great looking kiddos

Love the Bluebonnets in between their boots.

Miss W went with us to get some shot of C.

It really was a great day for all these pictures. Not too hot and great looking people.

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.