All This And Heaven: July 2016

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Family Dinner

We are so excited about Bear returning. We had to meet and come up with a plan for Tuesday.

Dog Days of Summer

I wish the dogs were growing up. They are still small enough to get out of their house and make a mess in my bedroom. UGH!

The verdict is out. I am not sure I love them yet, especially when they do this crazy stuff. UGH!

Saturday, July 30, 2016

It is a very proud moment for a young adult when they purchase their own car. It is also a very proud moment for mom and dad. It is a parent's great joy to watch their child make a a adult decision and purchase like their own first car. Good pick Goobers, it really is a great choice.

Reward is Ice Cream Time

I got so tired of trying to potty train the kids that I decided to employee Bagel to help me take care of things. I told the kids that once they filled the reward chart we would get ice cream.

Everyone helped because everyone wanted an ice cream trip.

I am so happy that we are making real progress on the potty training front.

I have been buying diapers for more than half of my life now. It is one thing I am thrilled to give up. I hope that our progress continues.

Friday, July 29, 2016

Jumba Breaks a Foot

It wasn't a bad break. He was messing around with his brother and jumped off the front of the car. After landing funny he couldn't walk on it. The pain lasted long enough they we took some x-rays and checked with a specialist. He will be fine in a week or two. Poor Baby!

Big Girl's Escape!

This entire trip was all the kids doing. I love how close this bunch is. They take care of each other. They have fun together. I pray that nothing ever gets in the way of their friendship. All these pictures are theirs that I took from FaceBook. I wanted to add this memory to the family album so that none of us will forget how their friendship looked this summer. I love each of you bunches and bunches.

Sisters make life more fun!! Especially when you walk around a wax museum, In San Antonio!

So we're home! Not a long trip but a great trip! And here is where I would insert a funny quote of our adventure but, apparently nothing funny happened or I have the worst memory in the world! But here's a picture of us having fun!

Sunday, July 24, 2016

World Youth Day Adventures

The stories of this adventure are not mine to tell. (Bear hasn't shared much after he returned and then left quickly for college.) These are all stolen pictures from FaceBook. I know that Bear had a wonderful time. He was thrilled to have the opportunity to do all this with his close friend. Fr. Preston was also a big part of the trip. Bear's favorite memory was serving Mass. He and his buddy served while Fr. Preston offered the Mass.

"I can't believe that we got to vest where popes and saints have vested. It was a very special honor to be there and serving our Lord!"

Birthday Fun with Goobers

We love Goobers so much! What a great day to celebrate her birth. Sadly Bear was still traveling the world. Our others friends joined us and Kat even made a cake.

We started at Mass and then headed out for lunch. We all love a great hamburger for from Fuddruckers.

The boys won Goobers some prizes.

Pooker:

"Well, she's 22 years young now. I can't believe you're a 20something. ~Goobers~ you're my best friend. I am so glad you were born and have been my buddy for 22 years. You make life so much more fun. You truly are an amazing woman. I can't say enough good things about you.
You're funny and sarcastic and it's the best.
You're so gorgeous and you don't even try, nor realize it.
You're smart and dedicated to your plans and it's so cool to see you strive for your goals.
You're so caring and concerned for others around.
You're so aware of each of your family members needs, especially mine though. You know what I want or need before I do a lot of the time. I really don't know what I'd do without you.
Your faith life is beautiful. You set such a strong example for all of us everyday. Thank you.
~Goobers~ you really are the best. I hope you have an amazing year! They all keep speeding up after this, so enjoy it!
Happy 22nd year of birth!"

Possible:

"Happy birthday to one of my best friends happy birthday Maggie I love you so much don't know what I would do with out you #22"

We all love you girl!

Goobers:

"Thanks for making 22 so cool Taylor swift! ;) but for real! I had an awesome Birthday! Thanks for such an awesome day guys! And I can't wait to see what this year brings, with such awesome family and friends!"

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.