All This And Heaven: 2014

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

New Years Eve

The Klemmers always have their New Years Eve party. We stayed that extra day so we got to join in the fun and interact with relatives again.

My oldest four and my cousin John's four kids used to hang out all the time together. The twins are Bear's age, born one week before him. We have great memories of parties, sleep overs and adventures.

After hugs and kisses goodbye we headed to crash and sleep fast. We got back before midnight but it was just us. We stopped at QT and got hot chocolate for the littles and Dani picked up a six pack of our favorite TX beer.

At midnight we sat with Miss Gabby and toasted the New Year and then offered prayers. It was so heart warming to be so far from our Houston home and yet all packed a ready togo we were not home there, yet together we were home. The prayers offered were for each other and our friends and family in both places. Our resolutions were to go to confession more often and pray together and clean up our language.

Happy New Year People! I pray that our 2015 is full of family and love just like 2014.

A family Fav

We talk bout it every time we travel. We miss this food the most. It is greasy but yummy. The fries are so good. We did't leave town the day we expected. So our last day we took advantage of an afternoon free and enjoyed a familiar lunch.

We LOVE the shakes.

. . . and the time together.

Hotel Fun

The bigger kids stayed with family but the little ones stayed at the hotel with mom and dad. Too bad the twins didn't share the bed with mom. We loved the breakfast every morning and access to the pool.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Cousin Time

I grew up spending all my holidays and birthdays with these people. As our families grew and I moved to Houston I never get the chance to see them. Apparently a few of them try to have a get together every 3 or 4 months to catch up. Who ever is in town gets together. Even thought they had all seen each other on Christmas they mad sure to be there so I could visit to. I am so blessed to have such a great family. Cathy, thank for organizing and Bill I don't know why you are cut from the shot. Miss you all.

Our Park

So if you have read the blog for a long time you would remember that J's grand father was the mayor of a small town in St. Louis area for years. The town named the park after him. I never met the man, he had died long before I met J. Our kids love stopping by this place each visit. They call it their park and while we don't own the park in anyway it is such a rush to see your family name on all the signs in the park.

So very very cold this afternoon but we had to get the pictures. Yeah! T Family.

Love our Resto Time

J and his sister Erica have always been close. J is her son George's God-father. The kids love each other. I had to set these pictures aside not because we love them more than anyone else but because the kids took so many goofy shots. Love them all and needed to share. Family time is such a special time.

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.