All This And Heaven: August 2014

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Sugar Enjoys a Birthday Celebration

Another birthday!! Sugar can now vote! This young woman has a smile that will change the world.

Too funny that the twins were the ones that were most concerned with cleaning the mess (I think it is called IRONY.) Sugar we all hope that your birthday was wonderful. Thank you for being you and being so much fun!

My BOBBI TUTU (My baby doll - in Twin Talk)

Life would be easier if I had a clue what they were talking about! This twin language is adorable. I don't understand it and often get yelled at (I don't know what is being yelled). Eventually they will speak in the English language but for now I am enjoying recording these moments of misunderstanding.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Look Out I have Puzzle Help!

After the fiasco a few years back I have been leery of puzzles. I decided to try one to calm my nerves as the summer ended and the busy school year began.

Even with all my cute help, I was able to finish a puzzle of my beloved hometown.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Weird Pictures of Weird Kids

Twin Adorable looking adorable.

Goobers started a new job. She is training for the grand opening of the new store which will open in October.

Princess and Possible are just silly and love to have their pictures taken!

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

I Hate Co-Ops

I hate the idea of sending kids to a school setting in anyway. I am a homeschooling purist. I guess after 19 years of homeschooling I wanted to try something different. I found a co-op option that can only do minimal damage as the kids are in school for only 2 hours every 2 weeks (and I am teaching them 30 minutes of that time.) A few years ago we tried a program called Classically Catholic Memory in which different material is presented to be memorized over a 2 week period for the school year. This is from the website for the program.

What is Classically Catholic Memory?
Classically Catholic Memory is a memory work program that is both Catholic and classical in nature.

What is memory work?
Memory work is simply the mastery of core facts in a given subject, or the mastery of a certain body of work (poetry or Scripture, for example) using the tool of one’s memory.

We didn't stay on track that year because I got pregnant, then sick, then had twins. We did a little of the work but got distracted by the history topics and couldn't stay on track. I loved the program but forgot about it with the twins and the chaos that followed. This year I was asked to join a new/old group that were using this program and meeting every other week in a co-op format for one morning to keep each other on track. I had not joined the group before because it was kind of far away and I didn't think my kids could handle the set up at the time. That group fell apart and new one immerged starting with year 4 of the program. This group was meeting at my parish - so very close- and was less structured and demanding that any I had ever scene. On a whim I asked the kiddos if they wanted to try. I like the program already but had not decided to use it. After a summer of mom working them hard on reading, writing and math they wanted to give this a go.

So we planned to go to the welcome meeting for the Divine Mercy Co-op using the CCM delta year.

Pickle loved being able to serve for the morning Mass for the homeshoolers and loved that if we signed up he would be able to serve on Wednesdays.

I wasn't too sure about the co-op but I liked the other families involved and if the kids were in I agreed to give it a try.

No matter what happens, one thing I know for sure! The Texas T kids will make the most of it, they will honor God while doing it, and enjoy their time together.

Their older sibling are a little worried, they feel that we have done a great job with them and we should not try to find an easier approach now. I have assured them that I am just using a program I enjoy whie keeping my self on track with the co-op.

I hate uniforms as well. I am not sure we will continue based on uniforms alone!

Monday, August 25, 2014

Baseball Adventure with Dad and Pookers

Pookers new job has a few perks here and there. She was offered a few tickets to an Astros baseball game. She purchased the rest so that she could take most of the family for at the ballpark. Goobers and mom could not join the fun because of other commitments but all of these guys had a blast. Dad was especially proud of all of his baseball loving girls!

Pooker-Jumba-Sugar-Adorable-Possible-Bagel-Princess-Beautiful-Bear-Pickle

Beautiful

Dad with Adorable

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.