« 2007-06 | HomePage | 2007-08 »
Monday, July 30, 2007
I'm Not Quite Sure
While waiting for the plumber one morning, my son asked:
"Mommy, do plumbers plumb?"
I can see why he asked the question. After all, most jobs are described by their name, his favorite job right now just being a "worker", and they work!
I had difficulty finding the answer that I could explain to him. I found this etymology, which shows the change of working with lead to now current use of water pipes. And yes, technically, plumbers do plumb.
08:57 Posted in Fun | Permalink | Comments (4) | Email this
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Music Motto
Restoring Sacred Music is one of my passions. I now have a motto from our beloved Pope Benedict XVI. Music Sacra has this wonderful poster. The quote bears repeating here:
An authentic updating of sacred music can take place only in the lineage of the great tradition of the past, of Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony.
Pope Benedict XVI,
June 24, 2006
I now have a few items on my shopping list: Stickers, notecards, and the poster.
Those who know me understand WHY I love St. Gregory the Great so much. So this combo of the quote and St. Gregory is so wonderful.
I have written before about Gregorian Chant and the Ward Method. I do think many people are thrown off by the idea of learning and singing chant. It seems so...well, Monastic. But chant is for everyone, and everyone can learn.
I have three great resources to share.
The first I received as a birthday gift from my mother. It's A Gregorian Chant Master Class which consists of a cd and book. The book is just gorgeous, very well done, 3 color printing, 82 pages. I think all Catholic book stores should carry this! There are snippets from the cd at the above link to get a taste of the class. There are ten instructions with very sound, practical advice. The book follows the cd, and then has some additional information.
Theodore Marier was a master, and this is such a gold mine to have his instructions to share. This class would be wonderful for the parents and older children to learn or refresh their knowledge in chant.
Just a side note, it took me a while to receive the order. My mother ordered it during Lent, and I think the sisters might not ship during that time? But it proved to be a nice Easter gift. At any rate, the shipping wasn't expedient.
To continue the beginning chant, St. Veronica Catholic Church has this wonderful cd, A Guide to Gregorian Chant.
I have mentioned the Ward Method, which was started by Justine Ward. The Church has always held that Gregorian Chant is for everyone, and so simple everyone can learn. She took that to heart and wrote a program to use in the Catholic schools so that even young children could learn chant.
The Ward Method training is offered every summer from Catholic University in Washington, DC. The books were slightly revised by Theodore Marier and there are all new materials (charts, tapes, etc.) to go along with the program, all available through Catholic University Press. The book covers are show in Barnes and Noble, although not available.
Not everyone has the luxury to take the courses and/or buy the expensive materials. Church Music Association of America has reprinted the four original works of the Ward Method (scroll down the page). There are also .pdf files of every reprinted book, found under "Teaching Aids" in the right hand column. Gregorian Chant for Church and School is another good resource. Since even FREE options are available, there's no excuse to NOT learn Gregorian Chant and become familiar with the Ward Method.
For further reading on learning and preserving our sacred treasure, see this excellent series of articles by Susan Benofy, Buried Treasure.
St. Gregory the Great, pray for us.
St. Cecilia, pray for us.
10:24 Posted in Hymns and Gregorian Chant , Music | Permalink | Comments (4) | Email this
St. James the Greater
1994 summer Spanish class taught be Senorita Capote left quite an impression. She introduced the feast of St. James, or Santiago, and explained the pilgrimage and the Basilica of Santiago de Compostela. Since then, I just love this feast day.
I have some posts from last year with all sorts of information: Feast of St. James the Great
Food Ideas
This Botafumerio. You can also see it here, fast forward to 3:55.
St. James the Apostle, pray for us.
09:00 Posted in Liturgical Year | Permalink | Comments (2) | Email this
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Relief!
This post is just for woman interest. Before today my blog was rated "G" but now I think I've lost my clean rating. ;-) Forgive the "commercial". I don't get any money, I don't sell this product, but I just had to share. Everyone is going to think I'm nuts for writing this. My comfort has definitely gone to my head!!
Eight years ago, shortly before my wedding, I heard from a friend about a woman who was nicknamed "The Bra Lady". I hosted a fitting party and was fitted for the first time in the most supportive and perfectly fitting support garments ever. They weren't gorgeous, but oh, did it change my outlook. My clothes fit better, I had better posture, no straps falling, no tugging, no cutting into my skin, no hanging out. I was in blissful comfort. Mary made a customer for life from that night.
Over the next eight years I've been fitted and refitted for all sorts of needs -- pregnancy, nursing, weddings, everyday wear. I've just been so pleased. The Custom Fitted Jeunique brand (formerly Colesce) has been wonderful for my needs. I have a small rib cage in proportion to my cup size, so most stores don't carry items that fit. And then pregnancy and nursing expands the chest area and require different size.
At 16 weeks, I've expanded and gone up 1 1/2 cup sizes. I outgrew my old bras and was wearing a maternity bra from last pregnancy (not from Mary). I was extremely uncomfortable and I wasn't supported. Today, I met with Mary and now I have relief! Support and comfort, and I'm modest again--another benefit of a properly fitting bra. And these garments should last the rest of pregnancy (with an expander) and into my post-partum nursing days.
All the bras can be used for nursing, since they have a drop down style. She also sells pregnancy support garments (one in lace, the other in cotton, very comfortable) and a post-partum (or surgery) support garment. They aren't inexpensive, but are very durable.
Custom fitting women for undergarments can become a mission. After finding comfort, I look around and see so many women who would use help in this area. The undergarments aren't just for the larger sizes, although those are the ones that find the most benefits.
If you're local (near Manassas), I highly recommend making an appointment with Mary. She will give you a private fitting, and usually she has all the types and sizes on hand so you can go home in comfort. She now only focuses on the support garments (both upper and below). The garments take some getting used to, as most people have never actually worn undergarments that are fitted properly. But it's for your good health and posture AND comfort to give it a try. Most of the women I know never go back.
Contact me if you want Mary's information (jennifergmillerspam@gmail.com--remove the spam). She has a generic website that shows many of the products, but I don't want to put up a link that could be considered "PG". Besides, if you're trying these garments, it's not for looks, it's for function.
15:37 Posted in Mothering | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this
Fairs and Bashes
Check out the Blueberry Bash at the The Virtual Kitchen Today for some yummy blueberry recipes.
And Sarah is hosting the Loveliness of Summer Reading.
Reading and desserts...can't think of a better combination.
Fill up your tea or coffee mug and enjoy!
08:56 Posted in Fairs, Carnivals | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Naming Fun
The pregnancy is at 16 weeks tomorrow, and a check-up on Wednesday. Many of our family conversations discuss future names for this child. Since we don't know the gender yet, both types of names are being tossed around.
Ds totally enjoys thinking about the names. He has made some silly jokes, suggesting the use of his name again. We discussed how we are choosing saints' names for the child, and he's really taken this to heart. Many of his names are quite nice and reasonable. He has good taste. ;-)
But yesterday he proposed a name: "I know! If it's a girl, how about Scholastica?"
Hmmm....while I love the saint, I don't think that's a winning combo "Scholastica Miller".
I COULD put much of the blame on Cay and her Catholic Mosaic. After all, The Holy Twins is the recommended title for the feast of St. Benedict.
But that wouldn't be completely true. After all, I love Tomie dePaola, owned that book already, and read it to my son even at a wee age. Cay just affirms what I love about those beautiful books and gives me ample excuse to bring them to the forefront.
It just tickles me to hear a 3 year old suggesting names like Benedict and Scholastica. He's absorbing something from our reading!
10:42 Posted in Baby | Permalink | Comments (4) | Email this
Friday, July 20, 2007
Thank You Again
Thank you for the kind words and prayers for yesterday's glucose test. No dramatic events during the test, thank God. I was able to do some reading and knitting while I waited all that time.
I did almost pass out before getting my food after the 3 hours. Silly me, I thought I could stand and function normally. When the room started roaring and things going black, I got the message. My mother was my designated driver (and babysitter), as she knew I wouldn't be able to function. She's such a blessing.
And as predicted, the rest of the day was quite shot.
I won't know the results right away, but I did test my glucose levels on my own personal monitor, and I know I failed the test. I failed BIG TIME. The last hour was the only number that was borderline. I used this site for a gauge.
So back to the endocrinologist I go.
08:30 Posted in Baby | Permalink | Comments (4) | Email this
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Bracing Myself
The pregnancy is progressing at 15 weeks.
If you read this anytime soon, please say a quick prayer for me. Tomorrow morning I take the 3 hour glucose test. I dread it...my whole day will be shot because I know I am going to feel ROTTEN!
But it needs to be done. I developed gestational diabetes very early in the last pregnancy. 12 weeks I had a diagnosis, and by 20 weeks I was on insulin. Even being very strict in my diet it wasn't helping the sugars.
So, my OB doctor said to me last visit that my Hemoglobin A1C was very good, but my fasting numbers are already high, and face it, I have 100% chance of gestational diabetes for this pregnancy.
So here we go again...I dread it. I dislike the multiple finger prickings during the day, the forcing down of food, and then the insulin shots.... It's the sacrifice I will make for my baby, but oh I really dread it.
I recently discovered that St. Josemaria Escriva is one of the patrons of diabetes. He had it during his lifetime, but then was completely cured.
St. Josemaria, pray for us!
20:35 Posted in Baby | Permalink | Comments (13) | Email this
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Christ in the Kitchen
I've neglected my food blog for quite some time. Being pregnant doesn't help creativity in the kitchen.
But I did add an article today about my favorite cookbook and an article I found. Check out Finding a Old Treasure.
15:25 Permalink | Comments (1) | Email this
Monday, July 16, 2007
Announcing a FABULOUS REPRINT!!!!!
I actually saw it with my own eyes, and held a copy in my hot little hands. Sophia Institute Press has reprinted Mary Reed Newland's book, The Year and Our Children. It's a paperback book, price is $19.95. That price is so much better than the $50 plus dollars it costs to find an out-of-print copy.
UPDATE: The Year and Our Children can now be ordered online from Sophia!
The book is also available at Amazon and you can search inside. It would be great to give the money directly to the publisher, instead of Amazon.
This truly is one of my favorite living the Liturgical Year in the home books. Mrs. Newland uses real-life examples from raising her own family. She gives suggestions, but shows her own family's messes, flaws, and failures in trying to implement traditions.
So now her trilogy of her best books are back in print: How To Raise Good Catholic Children (originally entitled "We and Our Children"), The Saints and Our Children and now The Year and Our Children.
11:15 Posted in Liturgical Year | Permalink | Comments (11) | Email this
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Today is the Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This title and devotion is one of the oldest to Our Lady, dating to the Old Testament. If you have a copy of this month's Magnificat, the feature painting and article treats the history of this devotion beautifully.
This is my favorite prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It can be said as a novena prayer or just a daily prayer. This version was given to our family years ago by the Carmelite brothers and priests located in Marylake Monastery in Arkansas. There are different versions, but since we included this in our dinnertime prayers, I've memorized and come to love this version:
O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein that you are my Mother.
O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in this necessity; there are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein that you are my Mother.
Our Lady, queen and beauty of Carmel, pray for me and obtain my requests.
Sweet Mother, I place this cause into your hands.
I'm on the lookout for a children's book illustrating either this devotion to Our Lady, the Brown Scapular, the vision of Simon Stock, the story of the Carmelite Order, or some connection. Anyone have suggestions besides Mary Fabyan Windeatt's coloring book?
For older reading, I really found Catechesis and Ritual for the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel this little book to be invaluable on the devotion of the Brown Scapular.
Our family just returned from visiting my mother-in-law. Part of our trip included going to the local church festival for Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It's an Italian parish, so there was great festival food and traditions.
I know I won't be creating much of a fancy meal for this feast. It's hot, and my planned meal isn't Italian. At the festival they served "pizza fritta" (or maybe the sign said "pizza frittata"?) which is basically fried dough rolled in sugar...another form of a doughnut. The name didn't seem right, but a quick Google shows other people call it the same thing.
I love checking my Italian cookbooks to see what is made on these festival days. Italian Festival Food by Anne Bianchi includes a recipe for Crostata de Ricotta (Creamy Ricotta Tart). It doesn't look too complicated, and the dough doesn't require rising. I won't be doing it this year...but email me if you want the recipe!
The few tomatoes I thought would be ready when we came back were nibbled on by some creature...it's been too dry here. BUT we had some tremendous rain last night, and with the high heat this week, I should have a few ripe tomatoes this week.
For more reading besides Catholic Culture above, see these links:
Domestic-Church.com
Women for Faith and Family
Mary Page
This 4RealLearning thread had some info about OLMC festivals.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.
10:00 Posted in Blessed Virgin Mary | Permalink | Comments (3) | Email this
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Opinion Articles
I just saw that the Wall Street Journal Online is free today. I was reading yesterday's editorials and enjoyed Sham-a-Lot by Joseph Epstein, on how the "myth of the greatness of John F. Kennedy" has grown over the last 44 years.
And since today is free, you might enjoy this article on Jamestown -- What's Left Unsaid at Jamestown by Mark Yost.
There were a few more I wanted to point out, but my brain is fuzzy today, and I can't remember.
15:17 Posted in Web | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email this
Friday, July 06, 2007
St. Maria Goretti
July 6 is the Optional Memorial of St. Maria Goretti.
I chose Maria Goretti for my confirmation saint 32 years ago. My parents decided they didn't want to wait until my late teen years for the sacrament of Confirmation. So my siblings and I were confirmed in the Byzantine rite. I was in 6th grade. I chose St. Maria because I felt I needed her patronage to fight the battles of purity during my upcoming years into teen and adulthood.
I don't regret the choice of the saint. It's so inspiring to think of her choice of death rather than sin. We are surrounded by temptations to impurity and sins against chastity. I pray that in my state of life I can always accept the grace to choose chastity, rather than sin. And I ask St. Maria Goretti to safeguard my son as he grows up in a culture that has forgotten the virtues of purity and chastity.
I highly recommend the book In Garments All Red for your pre-teens and teenagers. It's a moving book, but not explicit.
Anne has a lovely post on this feast, related to the month of the Precious Blood.
St. Maria Goretti, pray for us.
12:55 Posted in Liturgical Year | Permalink | Comments (3) | Email this
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Home Firecrackers
What has happened? What has changed? What is the deal with the proliferation of fireworks at home? I'm not talking any fireworks, but those that are definitely illegal and unsafe. Is it because of the illegal status that makes it more enticing?
We've been asking our friends the last few years. Truly there are so many more than there used to be.
And they are expensive! Outrageously priced! It's like watching dollar bills go up in flames! No, thank you! There are a few other purchases I'd rather make!
Call me a fuddy-dud, but I don't want extra dangers to enter our family celebration. I'm fine with watching the official fireworks display, perhaps occasional safe fireworks (I'm talking mild sparklers and the like). All these years of family 4th get-togethers the lack of fireworks was never a damper.
10:13 Permalink | Comments (2) | Email this
How Was Your Independence Day?
I had a lovely day. It was all about spending time with family. In the morning I joined 3 of my sisters and my mother (and the children) for breakfast. Dh was playing golf in the morning with some of the brothers-in-law, one of my brothers, and friends--the annual 4th of July family golf tournament. ;-)
I'm learning to say "when" and ask for help this pregnancy. An small incident in the morning made my blood sugar plummet, and then a run to the grocery store caused some cramping. So the rest of the day I did a lot of sitting and directing.
It has becomes a bit of tradition after the golfing that dh invites everyone over to our house. When I say "everyone" I should explain. I live very close to many of my siblings and their families. One sister with 3 boys is a 5 minute walk, another sister with her two is 1 minute away by car. My youngest brother lives a few minutes away, and he has one son. My parents live a few miles outside of town, and another sister with her four children live 15 minutes away in a neighboring town.
Two siblings live elsewhere, one brother in California (with 2 children) and one sister in Nebraska (with 5 girls). Except the Nebraska family comes to Virginia periodically and stays for visits. Friday will bring to a close a month long visit. :-(
Yesterday we didn't have a huge crowd (as in all the family couldn't come)--15 people in all, 7 adults, 8 children. My parents also were part of the mix. The day a little like "Stone Soup" because I didn't have a set menu. Dh bought hamburger meat, hot dogs, and bratwursts. I said "ya'll come" and "bring whatever" and we ended up having lots of food with great variety. We were able to squeeze several tables onto our screened porch out back and everyone ate outside. The thunder and rain threatened but we didn't get a drop yesterday.
God has blessed me a hundredfold with my family. My parents and all my siblings love and live their Catholic faith, are raising their children Catholic. And all the spouses are on similar pages, and the brothers-in-law get along--they are actually friends. This makes for comfortable gatherings and conversation. We all are starting with the same values, so there are rarely discussions in politics, religion, news that we aren't on the same page. Don't get me wrong--we fight, and still have our squabbles amongst ourselves. (We're a spirited family!) We don't all raise our children exactly alike, and we all very opinionated. It's just so nice to share the same foundation. We love to visit and talk to each other, but there's also the "comfortable silence" in parts of the day.
Fourth of July means family day to me. The day was so lovely, the children played outside various sports including croquet. Having some older responsible cousins in the mix was a nice break for some of us with just littles.
At nightfall, everyone left in search of a fireworks display (to see from the car). I stayed at home, and was delighted to discover that we can view our local fireworks display from our front and back porches. It's not the crystal clear view we had in the townhouse, but it's still comfortable viewing from our home. Next year bring your chairs and bug spray!
May God bless our country.
09:07 Posted in Family | Permalink | Comments (2) | Email this