debbie's hearty bran apple muffins...

It's a rainy Monday here in the Mid-Atlantic. So when it rains, I bake. This is one of the first recipe's I have tried from Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Cookbook. They are quite yummy and surprisingly healthy. Filled with Bran Cereal, apples, yogurt, honey and vanilla they filled the house with delightful smells and are as light as air. One thing I will do differently next time is not fill the muffin cups so high. They rise quite nicely and will flop over the top creating an interesting "muffin top".

I think you will enjoy these. Happy Baking!

Bon Appetite!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hearty Bran Apple Muffins

recipe from Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Cookbook, pg.21

Ingredients:

(makes 12 muffins)

2 1/2 cups All-Bran cereal

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

3/4 cup light brown sugar

2 tablespoons honey or molasses (I used honey for a lighter taste)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted

1 3/4 cups plain yogurt or buttermilk (I used yogurt)

1 small apple, peeled and cut into chunks

3/4 cup granulated sugar tossed with 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (this made way too much topping than I actually used. I saved the rest in a little jar for toast later)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Lightly coat a standard muffin tin with cooking spray.

2. In food processor, pulse 2 cups of the cereal until finely ground. (Reserve remaining 1/2 cup of cereal.) In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt until combined. In another large bowl, whisk egg and extra yolk until light in color. Whisk in brown sugar, honey or molasses and vanilla, then melted butter. Whisk in yogurt or buttermilk until combined. Fold in ground cereal until blended.

3. Gently fold in flour mixture, unground cereal and apples just until batter is combined. Do not overmix. Drop batter into prepared muffin cups. Batter should fill cups and mound on top. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar over top of muffins.

4. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, until muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few crumbs. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Run a knife around muffin edges to release from pan. Transfer to wire rack to cool.

Enjoy!!

immaculate conception novena

I had posted the Novena prayers last year. Here they are once more:

Immaculate Conception Novena ~ Day One

Immaculate Conception Novena ~ Day Two

Immaculate Conception Novena ~ Day Three

Immaculate Conception Novena ~ Day Four

Immaculate Conception Novena ~ Day Five

Immaculate Conception Novena ~ Day Six

Immaculate Conception Novena ~ Day Seven

Immaculate Conception Novena ~ Day Eight

Immaculate Conception Novena ~ Day Nine

May we unite our prayers with those of the Blessed Virgin this Advent Season. May she intercede for all of us in our daily needs.

Blessings and Grace,

Mary

St. Andrew Christmas Novena

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment

in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary,

at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold.

In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God!

to hear my prayer and grant my desires,

through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ,

and of His Blessed Mother.

Amen.

It is piously believed that whoever recites the above prayer fifteen times a day

from the feast of St. Andrew, on November 30th, until Christmas will obtain what is asked.

[Imprimatur: +MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York, New York, February 6, 1897.]

a time for new beginnings...

Today is the first Sunday of Advent and the beginning of a new church year. Happy New Year everyone! I don't know about you but I am ready for a new beginning. These past few weeks have been tough ones filled with sickness and injury. So I say out with the old and in with the new.

In recent years I have tried to approach Advent with a similar mindset as Lent. I try to offer a small sacrifice each day, cut back on little extravagances and eat a little more simply during the week. When the children were small we had a Jesse Tree as well as an Advent chain that we would read one link from each evening. We have an advent wreath that we light each night and my husband and I say the St. Andrew Christmas Novena for a special intention each year. This year we will be reading the Advent Magnificat as well as Fr. Benedict Groeschel's Behold, He Comes.

It is our tradition to decorate the house the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I know that this goes against the idea of "waiting and preparing" but it was a compromise made early in our marriage to blend two traditions, so we have kept it that way. Now I can concentrate on the "interior preparations" of the heart. That's where the real work needs to be done anyway. This year I feel that pull to quiet preparation even more desperately than in years past.

I read this in today's The Word Among Us:( Luke 21:25-28,34-36) and it struck a cord in my heart:

"So as Advent begins, ask yourself who Jesus is for you. Is he just a little baby in a manger? Or is he also the Suffering Servant who gave up his life to set you free from sin and death? Is he the Lord of all creation, who is coming back to bring his faithful people to heaven? May God open our eyes this season so that we can see Jesus in a new way and be transformed by what we see!"

“Jesus, I want to dedicate this season to seeing you more fully. Come, Lord, and make me ready to greet you when you come again!”

May you be blessed this Advent season as we dedicate ourselves to seeing Jesus more fully!

Blessings and Peace,

Mary

HE is on our side...

I saw this video recently and I thought it was appropriate for today's readings. Jesus sits at the table with us, the broken and afflicted. His wounds heal us. He came as a little baby to one day give His life for ours. He is and always will be on OUR side.

"You are On Our Side"
written and sung by Bethany Dillon

The orphan clings to Your hand
Singing the song of how he was found
The widow rejoices
For her oppressors are silenced now

You sit at the table with the wounded and the poor
You laugh and share stories with the thief and the whore
When You could just be silent and leave us here to die
Still, You sent Your Son for us
You are on our side

The runaway falls at Your feet
You are what he has searched for
The rich man is broken
When he stands beneath a sky full of stars

You sit at the table with the wounded and the poor
You laugh and share stories with the thief and the whore
When You could just be silent and leave us here to die
Still, You sent Your Son for us
You are on our side

You sit at the table with the wounded and the poor
You laugh and share stories with the thief and the whore
When You could just be silent and leave us here to die
Still, You sent Your Son for us
You are on our side

Still, You sent Your Son for us
You are on our side

FULL of thankfulness...

As this wonderful day filled with family, food and lots of love winds down I thought I would share a few things that I am so very thankful for...

1.

I am very thankful to know and love my GOD! He is my first thought in the morning and my final thought at night. Without Him I would not be the woman I am today, fallen and imperfect but striving to be the best I can be. I thank God for his patience and perseverance with me. I know I will never be alone!

2.

I am thankful for my husband Jerry. God knew what he was doing when He created this wonderful man to walk beside me in this life. He is a man of honor and integrity and great gentleness and patience. He carries his daughter through this life with such love and devotion. He mentors his son and encourages Him to be the man God is calling him to be. He loves me with abandon and makes me so proud to be his wife. Thank you Jesus for the gift of this man!

3.

I thank God for my children. They are unique and wonderfully made. They make me laugh and sometimes cry. They drive me to my knees in both joy and pain. I wouldn't have it any other way. I am honored to be their mother and thankful to God for choosing me for the task. It's the BEST job in the world!

4.

I am thankful for family and friends who love us and our unique life with all it's ups and downs. They are there to pray for us and support us in the good times and bad. They love our children as their own. We are beyond blessed to be surrounded by such love!

5.

I am thankful to be living in this great nation. The land of the free and the brave. I am thankful for all the men and woman and their families who stand watch over us to protect our freedom. I am thankful for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their life so that I can live as I wish. God Bless America!

6.

I am thankful for you my dear readers who check in from time to time and say hello. It still amazes me that someone actually wants to read what I write.

Thank YOU!

May you have a Blessed and Peaceful Thanksgiving!

Now it's time for pumpkin pie!!

Gobble, Gobble,

Mary

donny wins!!

For the final installment celebrating my reality T.V. addiction we visit the finale of Dancing With The Stars. The winner, Mr. Donny Osmond, the consummate showman. I remember watching the "Donny and Marie Show" when I was in the third grade. I couldn't wait for Friday nights. I even had the Donny and Marie Barbie Dolls.

He had a rough beginning with the show but he took all the criticism in stride and work his bum off to get better each week. I thought he wasgonna be gone last week when he tripped on his partner Kym's dress and then forgot some steps. But his fans rallied and voted him to safety for the finale.

He had stiff competition from Maya and Kelly Osbourne, who both made mistakes in their final dances to open the door for his win. I have really loved watching Kelly just blossom with each routine. Her joy was infectious and fabulous to watch. I cheered harder for her than any other contestant. Maya is a Maryland girl who has a gift with her voice and her dancing. Watching her was like watching a professional. She was awesome.

Alas my "puppy love" still rests with Donny. My favorite part of his win was right after the announcement he ran over and carried his wife on stage and celebrated with both her and his dance partner. I loved that. His first thought was of his wife! What an homage to marriage.

So that wraps up my T.V. obsession for 2009. Now back to the books...

"It's so You!" @ phases of womanhood

*You can win a free copy of this fantastic book! Read for the details!

As my body and fashion tastes have changed over the years I have struggled to find the right “style.” Am I conservative, romantic or casual? What exactly is “boho chic”? In my quest to look my best I have watched many episodes of TLC’s What Not To Wear, as well as read any book I could get my hands on with the word “style” in the title.

I read about balance and proportion and how I should display “the girls” and “the junk in my trunk.” I felt more like a streetwalker than I did a modest woman who just wanted to feel pretty no matter what my size or shape. After much frustration dealing with points of views that went against my Catholic moral code I finally hit the jackpot with Mary Sheehan Warren’s It’s So You! With it’s authentic Catholic message of modesty and appreciating the body God gave you, Ms. Warren’s words were a huge encouragement to me.

READ MORE HERE...

new iron chef!

Continuing my overindulgence in reality television, last night was the finale of Food Network's The Next Iron Chef with the ultimate battle between the two remaining chefs. As any longtime reader of this blog knows I love to cook. I love to bake. I LOVE to eat. So this competition was the perfect trifecta of entertainment. We had drama, tons of creativity, lots of personality AND great food.

It was a battle between Philadelphia-based chef Jose Garces' and New York-based chef Jehangir Mehta's. Chef Garces' is a classically trained Latin chef where as Chef Mehta is a pastry chef most comfortable with Indian cuisine. Both had won three individual competitions over the course of the series so they were evenly matched.

Garces', known for his solid cooking technique and phenomenal flavor combinations, took the "Ribs and Racks" challenge to heart. He made the secret ingredient of beef and pork ribs shine. Mehta, known for his flashy and over the top presentations, did not disappoint in this final battle. His visual presentation of the food was stunning. However he stumbled a bit with a few basic cooking techniques which surprised the judges. In the end the strong flavors coupled with consistent techniques of Chef Garces' won the day! I can't wait to see him take on Bobby Flay. Oooh the peppers will be a flyin!

Bon Appetite!

Mary

rope sausage w/roasted root vegetables

It's been awhile since I have posted a recipe. The swine flu takes away most of your desire to eat but today we take revenge on that little piggy with a little sausage love! This dish was wonderful. The sweetness of the yams combined with the sausage with it's crisp skin was scrumptious. You really can't beat a roasted brussels sprout. If you have never tried them, please do, You won't be disappointed. It was a hearty meal filled with all the flavors of fall. I served it with a side dish of warm homemade applesauce. So yummy. Take that pig!

Bon Appetite!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rope Sausage w/Roasted Vegetables

adapted from Wegmans Nov."09 Menu magazine

1 lb yams, peeled, 1" dice
1 lb potatoes, cleaned and 1"cubes (I used fingerling potatoes, halved)

1 lb fresh brussels sprouts, halved

1 lb parsnips, cleaned and cut into 1" cubes
1 Tbsp olive oil or flavored oil such as rosemary or dill
Salt and pepper
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb rope sausage

( I used the Wegmans Apple & Onion. Sweet Italian works just as well)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Toss yams, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts with basting oil in large mixing bowl; season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Heat olive oil in braising pan on MEDIUM-HIGH. Add sausage; sear both sides, 4 min.

Remove sausage from pan; set aside.

Add yam mixture to pan; cook, stirring, 2 min. Transfer pan with vegetables to oven. Roast, uncovered, 15 min.

Top yam mixture with sausage; roast about 15 min, until internal temp of sausage reaches 160 degrees and veggies are fork-tender.

friday fashion...

OK so I have been housebound for awhile now and I am trying not to go stir crazy. I have taken care of sick ones, been sick myself, cleaned, read, cleaned some more and watched a crazy amount of T.V. Yes, I know Mom, it makes my brain rot. Got it.

Moving on, last night was the season 6 finale of Project Runway. I am a HUGE fan of the show. I absolutely LOVE fashion and I find it fascinating to watch the creative process from start to finish. It inspires me to get back to the sewing machine post hast.

This season my favorite designer from was Carol Hannah Whitfields from Charleston, South Carolina. Miss "Fun, Feminine and Funky", Carol Hannah has shown tremendous grace under pressure this season and has been a absolute delight to watch. I love the whimsy and romanticism of her clothing. She understands the female form and drapes fabric like nobodies business. She loves to mix funky fabrics and has an intuitive sense of color. I loved her final collection. Her choice of colors, the flirty and feminine dresses as well as that teal gown were phenomenal.

Unfortunately the judges did not agree. They gave the big prize to Irina. Ugh! This woman is arrogant and rude. I will give her props for showmanship and tailoring skills I would kill for, but her final collection was NOT inspiring at all. All black with these funky hard military hats that no one in the right mind would wear in public. I mean really, Ick! Carol Hannah was robbed in my humble fashion opinion.

I wish Carol Hannah the best. I look forward to seeing her work in the future. As for Irina, lighten up sweetie and find some color! Seriously! Now I need to get back to my own creative space.

Happy Sewing,

Mary

7 quick takes friday (vol.13)...jonathan turns 20!!

JONATHAN TURNS 20 TODAY!!

So I dedicate my "7 Quick Takes Friday" to my first born. Here are 7 things I love about my son.

1.

I love your stubbornness and tenacious spirit. I know it's odd for a mother to say that but when you set your heart on something you will work your bum off to achieve it. I will never forget the night of your birth. It was the first snowfall of the season in Brunswick, Maine and the ride to the hospital involved avoiding deer in the road and lots of slipping and sliding. You were a tough delivery with 36 hours of labor before you made your way into the world, stubborn from the very beginning. Then there was learning how to walk. Nothing would stop you from getting to where you wanted to be. It continues today with your quest for knowledge in different fields. I know that God will teach you to use your unyielding spirit for good and not evil!

2.

You are a warrior protector of your sister and a tremendous help to us in caring for her. It has been a gift to watch you love and protect your little sister. From the time you were small she was "yours". To watch you lift her like she is a precious gem still brings tears to my eyes. When you read to her using different voices to get her to smile and sing to her with your deep baritone my heart melts. She loves you so much! I know that if God calls you to be a father one day, you will be phenomenal one. If He calls you to the priesthood I know you will have a special place in your heart for families like ours.

3.

I love your laugh! It's loud and raucous. It comes from the deepest part of you. When you laugh your head goes back and your smile takes over your entire body. You make me laugh when you do. I can look at you across the room, make a face and we are off to the races. When you and your Dad laugh together it is the BEST sound in the whole world. I love it when my guys are happy.

4.

You have been given such a gift with your intelligence. Your scary smarts have intimidated me from the beginning. It made homeschooling quite an adventure. Remembering going through the dinosaur era in about three weeks still makes my head spin. The fact that you can still recite those facts today makes me laugh. To watch you and your father discuss history, politics or religion is an amazing thing. At times you frustrate me with how you use those brains of yours but I know that God is with you. I pray for your guardian angel everyday to help guide your choices. As you Daddy and I have said before "To whom much is given, much is expected". I look forward to seeing where God calls you.

5.

You never complain about my cooking. It makes me happy to cook and bake for someone who loves even the simplest of things. I always knew when it was not a good dinner night. You would smile, eat what was on your plate but there would be NO seconds. I don't think I ever repeated those meals. I love it that you get so excited when I send you a box at school filled with yummy things. It makes you so happy. I love it when your beside me in the kitchen as I show you how to chop, saute and my elbow bumps yours, my favorite lefty! It is a joy to cook with you!

6.

You have a big heart especially for other people who may be a little different. Disabilities or differences don't intimidate you, young or old. To watch you go up to the one kid in the corner who seems all alone, introduce yourself and make him feel welcome is always a wonder to watch. You know what it's like to be that kid alone and different. You make an effort every time your in a new situation to step out of your comfort zone and reach into someone else's. I love you for that and I know that lonely kid does do.

7.

Your excellent driving record. You knew I couldn't go without mentioning this one. You must drive like a vulcan half breed! I can hear you laughing ALL the way from Ohio! I love you son...no matter what...now and for always!

It has been the greatest adventure of my life to be your mother. I never know what to expect. As I tell you all the time "God chose you for me and me for you, so if you have issues take it up with the BIG Man upstairs. He doesn't make mistakes."

I love you son and I am so proud of the man you are becoming!

Happy Birthday!!

Check out these 7 Quick Takes and be inspired!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Blessings and Grace,

Mary

small successes (vol.15)...

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1.

We Are Surviving the Swine Flu! Believe me this success comes from Our Lord above! After 48 hours in Fairfax INOVA isolation with Courtney we are home on quarantine for the next four days. We got home late Tuesday evening and by the time Court was settled I had a fever of 101.3. and felt like the walking dead. So off to bed I went. Jerry stayed home yesterday to play nurse maid. I thank God for Tamiflu! I woke up this morning tired but I think I will live.

2.

THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! for all of your prayers for Courtney while we were in the hospital. It was so reassuring to know that at my most exhausted point there was someone praying for us. It brings such a sense of calm and peace to my heart. At the most challenging points I called upon the Divine Mercy ~ "Jesus I trust in YOU!" I was reminded time and time again that Courtney is His ~ forever and always!

3.

I am so grateful for my life...my husband, my daughter, my son, my family and friends who care so much for us and are always there for us especially our Courtney. God is good...Now and Forever!!

Be inspired by other small successes at FaithandFamilyLIVE!

Happy Thursday,

Mary

really? seriously? your kidding right?

This is Jerry hijacking Mary's blog to ask for prayers for her. Courtney is home and doing well but Mary has a fever of 101.3 and if off to bed. This little piggy is kicking our family's butt right now.

Please pray that this goes quickly and everyone is returned to health.

Thanks,

Jerry

(Mary's hubby)

there's no place like home...

Is this not the MOST BEAUTIFUL face you have ever seen! The clear blue eyes just slay my heart. Miss Courtney has passed her chest screening, neurology consult is done, seizures are under control for now, fever is gone for good and the smiles are back in full force!

She will be on quarantine at home for the next five days but...

WE ARE GOING HOME!!

sooowee...sooowee...take that pig!

Thank you so much for ALL of your prayers and good wishes. You have been the wings beneath her feet and lifted her up this past week. We do not walk this journey alone. God is so good! So good!

To Him be the praise and the glory now and ALWAYS!!

Blessings and Grace,

Mary

smiling!!!

9:25 p.m. update ~ She SMILED!!! I wish I had taken a picture. At 8:20 p.m. she smiled and actually giggled for the first time in a week and a half! I think she heard Our Blessed Lady singing in her hear. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for your prayers!!! The night is still young but God has got our back...please let it go well...lot's of peaceful sleep for both of us. AMEN!

some grammy love...

3 p.m. update: As you can see by the picture Courtney has a new friend. It has helped calm her somewhat. She is coughing a lot and fighting back the fever again, both signs that the game is changing. The neuro team has ordered an increase in seizure meds to cover her breakthroughs. Generally she feels yucky and when she's awake she is very agitated. So we continue to wait it out. Prayers are needed to protect her lungs and keep the seizures at bay. Keep praying...we are heading into the hard part tonight and tomorrow.

Soft bears for my girl!

Things have brightened up considerably...grammy love has arrived! Since Grandma cannot visit she has sent some sunshine for Courtney and I to enjoy. It has made the place come alive. Thanks Grammy Green...we love you!

Balloons to make us laugh...and hide the prairie dogs! Yep...I was wrong they aren't woodchucks but prairie dogs. Either way they are ugly.

Stunning flowers for Mommy!

alien landings and woodchucks...

These are our friendly woodchucks...we will come back to them in a moment. First let's talk Isolation 101.

Noon Update...Day One:

* Different nurses coming to check vital signs every two hours? Six and two nurses in training. At least they smile.

*Kidney status ~ FINALLY working Praise GOD! I believe in the power of prayer and yours are AWESOME!

*Courtney is sleeping a lot. This is good because when she wakes up she is agitated and generally grumpy. It's hard to keep her calm and still so sleep is the better choice.

*How many time has Court tried to pull her I.V. out? Twice now but I think we have it conquered with the new "mitt". I don't blame her. I would be annoyed too.

*How many times has Mommy spilled her formula while trying to do a gravity feed through her G-tube? NOT a fair question! Sleep deprivation does weird things to your depth perception.

Now back to the lovely woodchucks...

These little lovelies are Painted on the wall in front of Courtney's bed. For once I am glad she is cortically blind. Please someone tell me the medicinal value of a woodchuck mural. Anyone? Anyone?

At 2:30 a.m. this morning I discovered that our room is directly across from the Trauma Helipad. How would I know this? Because I was awakened by what I thought was the Woodchuck Mothership landing to take her little furry friends back to their home planet. Yeah, not so much. Actually it was the Trauma Helicopter returning from a car accident with patients. I know this because it was announced throughout the hospital...at 2:30 a.m. Yep, it sure is peaceful in isolation. Right now they are practicing landing. I feel like I am back at Oceania with all the noise. Courtney is her fathers daughter though. She is sleeping through it all!

That's it for now. Only two seizures this morning. Neuro will be back up this afternoon. Everything else is holding steady thank you Jesus.

Keep praying...

Mary

6 a.m. update...

Update...

Court had a peaceful night. Mom...not so much! this every two hour temp and blood pressure check is not so fabulous for a deep sleep. Who knew nurses could be so chatty at 3 a.m.? Between that and my lovely daughter snoring, sleep was not on my menu. That said, fever is under control, i.v. fluids and oxygen are going, Court is sleeping. lungs are clear but you can hear the "junk" starting in her upper respiratory. So keep praying! Neurology will be in 30 minutes for morning rounds. Yea!

The big news is they won't let Court take anything by mouth so that she has no chance of aspiration. This means an all liquid formula diet for the next 48 hours. Not the best for her tummy, but we will do what the docs say unless it's way out of the ball park.

Sky is turning pink through the blinds and another day is dawning. That you for all the emails and prayers. I will be updating the blog when I can. God is good, even in isolation!

Blessings and Grace,

Mary

happy news...

So while I am awake at 11:10 p.m. listening to the calm and even breathing of my beautiful daughter while snacking on my mini bag of Doritos (thanks to my honey who knows all of my stress foods). I thought I would pass along happy news.

Stellan is home! I can't believe it! He came home Friday and it was caught on tape by a local news station. The ablation worked and he is completely healed of his SVT. A miracle indeed! Jennifer talks about her feelings of gratefulness here. I am beyond thrilled to be a witness to such an awesome outcome. God is good all the time! Yeah Stellan! Yeah God!

Now He needs to get to work on Miss Courtney so we can get out of the hospital and all will be right with the world!

Good Night,

Mary

oink...oink...

The day has not gone as I planned. I am writing this from an isolation room at Fairfax INOVA Hospital. Courtney has been diagnosed with the swine flu. I had sworn off hospitals since our last visit but Courtney had other ideas.

The drama began at 10pm last night with a recurrence of the "rolling seizures" every two to three minutes. We were able to get them under control at home with Ativan by 1:30 am. She slept the rest of the night but had a hard time waking this morning. She was agitated and not herself. We thought it was residual from the Ativan. So Jerry and I went to separate Masses so she could be home.

Then things got interesting around 12:30. I was snuggled on the sofa with her and her head felt warm. Within the hour she spiked a fever of 103.5. Off to the E.R. we went. Three hours, 10 viles of blood, one flu swab, a cath and one chest x-ray later we were officially diagnosed with swine flu and admitted to the hospital.

Her seizure threshold is very low and the concern is that she will go into a "static" seizure and not be able to come out of it. The other big concern is for her lungs. She has mild chronic lung disease which puts her at risk of pneumonia even when she is well. With the added respiratory distress of the flu things could get dicey. The next 36 hours will tell.

So please pray for Courtney to recovery quickly from this. Pray that her lungs are protected and she does not come down with pneumonia. Pray that the seizures stay at bay while we are going through this. So far the staff has been wonderful and things have gone smoothly. Pray that it continues. I will try to keep things in perspective. I promise.

Thanks friends for everything. You are the best and I pray that God blessings will continue to rain down upon you all.

Blessings and Grace,

Mary

7 quick takes friday (vol.12)...

1.

Love this new song "Live Like We're Dying" by American Idol winner Kris Allen. The lyrics are meaningful and the tune has a great beat that makes dusting much more enjoyable.

HT: BooMama

2.

I am so very excited. I am going to be participating in the Holiday Tradition Exchange over at Sew Liberated. What is it? Well I will be given a "exchange partner somewhere in the world and we will exchange:

1) one handmade holiday decoration made from any kind of medium.

2.)My family's favorite holiday recipe.

3.) A “Tradition” Tutorial. This is description of one of my family’s special holiday traditions.

How cool is that! I can't wait to find out who my partner is and where in the world they live! I will post about my package when it is ready to go. Very cool!

3.

I absolutely LOVED this post by Sherry Antonetti on FaithandFamilyLIVE. I actually printed it out to keep in my prayer journal it was so on point for me. Sherry also has a blog Chocolate For Your Brain. She is hysterically funny lady who make me laugh every time I check in. Hop over and say hello won't you.

4.

I would like to make some ruffled pillows for Courtney's bed. I found a free PDF over at Portabellopixie one of my favorite sewing and quilting sights. It's fabulous! Check it out and ruffle away!

5.

I have been fervently making my menu's using Like Mother Like Daughters guidelines. They have come in very handy all ready saving time and resources. Life is much better when your organized!

6.

Check out this giveaway over at Phases of Womanhood. You can win a copy of Kevin Vost's Fit for Eternal Life. Leave a comment on the blog and be entered into the drawing.

7.

There are now 41 day until Christmas! Get those lists ready people. There is shopping to do!

Check out these 7 Quick Takes and be inspired!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Blessings and Grace,

Mary

small successes (vol.14)...

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

1.

I managed to keep things clean and organized this week. A miracle given how the week began. I have reminded myself to take each day as it comes and keep my perspective. Nothing is more important than God and family.

2.

I made a lovely pork roast with mashed potatoes, green beans and corn for dinner last night. We had unexpected company for dinner and I wanted to make them feel welcome. So I switched menus and used Sunday's meal (since we were in the ER) last night. This way I used what I had, stayed on budget AND I didn't have to make any extra trips to the store. For once proper prior planning worked. Yea!

3.

I have laid out everything for the next day each night this week. I am amazed ho much time it is saving me in the morning. Who knew?

Bonus:

Check out this giveaway over at Phases of Womanhood. You can win a copy of Kevin Vost's Fit for Eternal Life. Leave a comment on the blog and be entered into the drawing.

Be inspired by other small successes at FaithandFamilyLIVE!

Happy Thursday,

Mary

fr. benedict ~ 50 years of service...

"If you love the poor your life will be filled with sunlight and at the hour of your death, you will not be afraid"

Father Benedict Groeschel CFR

Father Benedict Groeschel is celebrating 50 years of Priesthood. I have met him several times but the one that sticks in my mind most profoundly was several years ago when Jerry and I were speaking at a homeschooling conference. Fr. Benedict was going to be celebrating Mass that afternoon. He was still recovering from his car accident and was wheelchair bound. Courtney was with us and as we stood for the entrance song, Courtney was on the aisle in her pink wheelchair.

As father came down the aisle, we were singing and as he passed Courtney he stopped and wheeled over to her, placed his hands on her head and bowed in prayer. I was stunned. Jerry grabbed my hand and we both had tears streaming down our eyes. This man was so filled with grace. You could almost see the Holy Spirit circle above him. He finished praying over her, blessed her and went on with the Mass. I felt as if a living saint had laid hands on my girl.

Then we heard him preach. WOW! WOW! WOW! Such passion for God! We heard many pearls of wisdom that inspire us to this day. He has spent 50 years serving the poor. So extraordinary! Then as he was processing out he stopped once again by Courtney and prayed over her, blessing her . He looked at Jerry and I said "She is a saint. The walk is not easy, but the joy will come."

Indeed Fr. Benedict the joy does come on a daily basis! Blessings and Grace to you on this most blessed anniversary.

Mary

HT: American Papist

for our veterans...

Wonderful post today over at at Common Sense Barrage.

To all our veterans...thank you and your families for your service.

May God Bless the United States of America!

Blessings,

Mary

perspective...

So the week started off with quite the drama and today was the first day that felt normal. Courtney seems to be tolerating the high dose of antibiotics well. She is sitting next to me as I write this with a huge smile on her face. There is NOTHING better in the world than to come through a traumatic event and have everything turn out OK. I know that's how Stellan's parents are feeling today as well. His ablation yesterday seems to have been a huge success. Praise God for these positive outcomes!

Jerry was grumbling early yesterday morning over the fact that another "Monday" had rolled around and he was just exhausted after our ER trip. I smiled and said "It's the best Monday yet because there is a young lady sleeping the other room in her OWN bed. God is so good." All of a sudden things didn't look so bad after all. Perspective is a beautiful thing isn't it?

I have spent the last 48 hours caring for Courtney and praising God for being allowed to bring her home. I had a consult with her neurologist today and he went over all her test results from the ER with me. Things were much more dire for Courtney than we were aware of on Sunday. Her blood pressure was dangerously high and she did not handle the increase in seizure meds well when they were trying to get things under control. I forget sometimes how fragile she really is. Most of the time she seems so strong to me but that is not the case.

Basically her immune system is shot. So she can only handle doing one thing at a time. She either fights the daily onslaught of seizures or she fights an infection and the seizures break through. So when the infection came on so quickly she had nothing to fight it with and the seizures took over. They told us if we had waited 24 more hours to bring her in she would probably be in the ICU in deep trouble. That's how fast the infection was moving through her. So praise God for that "mommy sense" that said take her in NOW! This information does change some of her daily care as well as how we need to respond in the future to any crisis. However, as in all things, trust is the answer! Jesus I trust in YOU!

So today I took her with me to see our pastor and he anointed her. During our conversation we talked about how every time God allows these crises to occur, Jerry and I learn something new about our daughter and God's plan for her. We are still processing everything from this weekend but one thing is very clear. God is on control. Our daughter does not belong to us. She belongs to God and we have the joy of being with her and loving her while she is here with us, no matter how long that is. Just when we get comfortable with life and how things are going, God swoops in and our normal is redefined once again. At times I am dazed and overwhelmed with all that has occurred in these past seventeen years with our daughter. I have learned to let go and let God knowing I cannot carry this cross alone. I rely on Him more and more each day for all of my needs, both spiritual and physical. Jesus, Oh how I Trust in YOU!

Blessings and Grace~

Mary

"fit for eternal life" @ phases of womanhood

Check out my new post over at Phases of Womanhood:

Fit for Eternal Life

"I have struggled for many years to maintain a consistent fitness plan. My life is stressful and centered on caring for my severely disabled daughter, which does not leave a lot of time for the gym. To make matters worse, I tend to be an emotional eater, which wreaks havoc with my diet and leaves me overweight and too tired to come up with a plan on my own. Recently, I decided it was time to take some action. What to do? Join a gym? Take a class?

During a trip to my local Catholic bookstore, I came across my answer. Enter psychologist and former body builder Dr. Kevin Vost and his book Fit for Eternal Life: A Christian Approach to Working Out, Eating Right, and Building the Virtues of Fitness in Your Soul. His unique approach for combining fitness and the spiritual life was just what the Holy Spirit ordered. My temple was crumbling and Dr. Kevin Vost provided the inspiration to begin the renovation."

Read More Here and leave a comment to win a copy of the book!

is there ever a time NOT to pray?

The answer to that question is NO and the last 36 hours of my life are proof. Yesterday was a wonderful day filled with quiet family time, until 3:30 p.m. when NAVY took on Notre Dame. If that doesn't require prayer I don't know what does! Those midshipman, boosted by my prayers of course, did NOT disappoint. What a fabulous game!

Then this morning life took a little turn. Courtney decided to change my plans for a quiet day of proof reading with a little six hour trip to the ER. Right before Mass she started having what we call "rolling" seizures every minute to minute and a half. Her arms would come up and her shoulders would shrug and she would "squeeze" her body for about 5-15 seconds then she would be fine until the next one two minutes later. This is very rare for her and it usually lasts no longer than an hour.

She was not in any respiratory distress so we went to Mass. Unfortunately they continued throughout Mass and grew in intensity so we knew would not have a choice but to take her to the Emergency Room. So right after Communion we headed out to the ER. There was no way I was taking her without Jesus. Then the praying really began.

They took us back right away and got her hooked up to all the bells and whistles. The seizures continued and that had everyone hopping. It took them another two and a half hours for the doctors to find the right cocktail to stop the seizures completely. Once that was accomplished they started running a number of tests to see if there was something else going on to cause so many seizures.

Finally, six hours later, after every test imaginable was done, she was diagnosed with a pretty severe UTI and we were sent home. Throughout this whole ordeal Jerry and I prayed to ourselves and out loud with our daughter. Our Father's, Hail Mary's, and a few St. Michael prayers filled the room. What came to me most was "Jesus I trust in YOU!" I just held her and repeated that phrase for almost an hour straight. The prayers kept us calm and focused on her care. We knew God was with us and He would walk through the valley. We were not alone!

As we headed home we needed to stop by the pharmacy to pick up her antibiotics. So Jerry and I began prayers of thanksgiving. God was so good to give us an answer today as to why she was seizing AND we got to go home with her. BONUS!

Then God presented another opportunity. While I was in line for her antibiotics, a young couple was standing next to me and they asked to speak to the pharmacist. The technician directed them behind the "privacy shield" which was about two steps from where I was. Not a lot of privacy, let me tell you. So I turned my back to them and was praying quietly when the young lady asked the pharmacist for the morning after pill.

What! My heart dropped to my stomach. She didn't even have a diver's license but her boyfriend did so they gave it to her. My heart was racing and I prayed harder than I had in the ER for this young woman and the choices she was making. I couldn't say a thing to her but I could pray for her.

I was so upset I cried all the way home. I asked Our Lady to drape her mantle around this young lady and to be with her and the little one she may have conceived. When I got home I went into Court's bedroom and wrapped my arms around her and asked her to pray for this young lady. I asked her to give up all her suffering from today for this young woman. I am always amazed at God's divine chess game. Why did I overhear that? Was it so I could pray for her and her boyfriend that they might see the destruction of their choices? Was it so Courtney could? I have no answers but I do have a few prayer requests:

For this young couple...God knows what they need...just pray.

For Courtney to handle the strong antibiotics well and for her infection to be healed.

For me and my beautiful daughter to be able to sleep...the entire night through.

Prayer does sustain no matter what the circumstance. It does bring peace of mind and heart and on a good day it helps your team to win! Thank you in advance for all of your prayer for Courtney and our family. We are eternally grateful for each and every one of them. We are blessed indeed.

Still Praying,

Mary

saturday evening blog post (vol.2)

Welcome to a special edition of

THE SATURDAY EVENING BLOG POST!

This is where bloggers gather on the first Saturday of each month to share their latest and greatest blog posts! This month we're featuring posts from

October 2009!

sponsored by Elizabeth Esther @ kids, twins and laundry bins

This month I chose my post called "Choices". With everything going on in our world today one begs the question "Where is the LOVE?" I have found it in within my own four walls." To love one another as I have loved you" is the great commission given to us by Our Lord. No matter how difficult that job may actually be, we must persevere. Life is all about choosing to LOVE!

Blessings and Grace,

Mary

saturday...

Today I will be away from the computer (I am typing this on Friday night) spending time with two of the three most important people in my life (we miss you Jonathan);

After Courtney, Jer and I enjoy a lovely breakfast out we will be watching NAVY pull off the upset of the season by beating Notre Dame. Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus! I believe! I believe!

So enjoy your Saturday. Say a prayer for Stellan and his mommy who are in Boston to undergo some more tests and a possible ablation on Tuesday.

I will be back tomorrow...I know...you can't wait!

Blessings,

Mary