Feast of The Holy Family

While Joseph supported the Holy Family by handwork, Mary managed the household, and Jesus assisted both of them. They were united in their daily tasks, which they made holy by prayer and meditation. By practicing the domestic virtues of charity, obedience, and mutual help, they sanctified family life. What a magnificent example for us to aim for. Give us the grace Lord.

Prayer for the Feast of the Holy Family

Dear Lord, bless our family. Be so kind as to give us the unity, peace, and mutual love that You found in Your own family in the little town of Nazareth.

Saint Joseph, bless the head of our family. Obtain for him the strength, the wisdom, and the prudence he needs to support and direct those under his care.

Mother Mary, bless the mother of our family. Help her to be pure and kind, gentle and self-sacrificing. For the more she resembles you, the better will our family be.

Lord Jesus, bless the children of our family. Help them to be obedient and devoted to their parents. Make them more and more like You. Let them grow, as You did, in wisdom and age and grace before God and man.

Holy Family of Nazareth, make our family and home more and more like Yours, until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with You. Amen.





This was from an Address by Pope Paul V!
Nazareth, A Model


Nazareth is a kind of school where we may begin to discover what Christ's life was like and even to understand his Gospel. Here we can observe and ponder the simple appeal of the way God's Son came to be known, profound yet full of hidden meaning. And gradually we may even learn to imitate him.
Here we can learn to realize who Christ really is. And here we can sense and take account of the conditions and circumstances that surrounded and affected his life on earth: the places, the tenor of the times, the culture, the language, religious customs, in brief everything which Jesus used to make himself known to the world. Here everything speaks to us, everything has meaning. Here we can learn the importance of spiritual discipline for all who wish to follow Christ and to live by the teachings of his Gospel.
How I would like to return to my childhood and attend the simple yet profound school that is Nazareth! How wonderful to be close to Mary, learning again God's truths. But here we are only on pilgrimage. Time presses and I must set aside my desire to stay and carry on my education in the Gospel, for that education is never finished. But I cannot leave without recalling, briefly and in passing, some thoughts I take with me from Nazareth.
First, we learn from its silence if only we could once again appreciate its great value. We need this wonderful state of mind, beset as we are by the cacophony of strident protests and conflicting claims so characteristic of these turbulent times. The silence of Nazareth should teach us how to meditate in peace and quiet, to reflect on the deeply spiritual, and to be open to the voice of God's inner wisdom and the counsel of his true teachers. Nazareth can teach us the value of study and preparation, of meditation, of a well-ordered personal spiritual life, and of silent prayer that is known only to God.
Second, we learn about family life. May Nazareth serve as a model of what the family should be. May it show us the family's holy and enduring character and exemplifying its basic function in society: a community of love and sharing, beautiful for the problems it poses and the rewards it brings; in sum, the perfect setting for rearing children - and for this there is no substitute.
Finally, in Nazareth, the home of a craftsman's son, we learn about work and the discipline it entails. I would especially like to recognize its value - demanding yet redeeming - and to give it proper respect. I would remind everyone that work has its own dignity. On the other hand, it is not an end in itself. Its value and free character, however, derive not only from it place in the economic system, as they say, but rather from the purpose it serves.
In closing, may I express my deep regard for people everywhere who work for a living. To them I would point out their great model, Christ their brother, our Lord and God, who is their prophet in every cause that promotes their well being.

Beautiful Christmas

We had a lovely Christmas, Praise be Jesus Christ. We went to the Christmas Eve vigil and the next morning woke up extremely early to open the Christmas presents and then after a short while drove up to Grandma and Grandpa Santoro’s house for Christmas day. Everything went so well that we actually spent two nights. Shawn (dh) was a great sport and we all had a wonderful time. Here are just a few pictures.

A Trip to the Zoo

The 1st of December call me crazy...but I decided to take my herd to the Fresno zoo. Easier said than done. :) We had a lovely time with my mom and siblings meeting us the zoo park for lunch first. It worked out quite well since my children had been sitting in the car for 2 ½ hours. I tend to be fond of the Fresno Zoo versus the La Zoo because it is smaller yet all the essential animals are still there.

With help of my family we managed to leave with the same children that we started out with.


Here are some of the images of our outing.


No, its not real but it sure looked cool!

Short Absence but I’m back.

My goodness November and December sure are flying past aren’t they? I did not necessarily plan on taking a little break from the computer but it turned into a rest for the best.

I still am trying to figure out a way for my household to run smoothly with a 4 month old and three other children the eldest being only 5. Many people have told me that two is the hardest but once you have three it gets easier and four is a piece of cake. Now I don’t want to appear snobbish at all but I have been thinking about this and have come to my own conclusion. The mothers that have told me this are the ones that by the time they had their forth, their eldest was not still in preschool. For me having four is much more of a challenge. Patience is the grace I am begging God for this Christmas. Aside from trying to be more of a loving mother then a scolding one life is very good. God has blessed me with four healthy, beautiful children and a wonderfully supportive husband. God is indeed Good!

Wal-Mart Will be Saying Merry Christmas!

I just have to laugh. The No.1 retailer has decided to abandon its generic “Happy Holidays’ greeting and is now returning to ‘Merry Christmas’ Here is an article I found on the Internet. I find it amusing that their spokeswomen say’s "We're not afraid to use the term 'Merry Christmas.' We'll use it early, and we'll use it often." Lol *sigh* money sure talks doesn’t it?

My Super Heros

I find that after Halloween sales are a great way to find year round dress-ups. It sure doesn't take a lot to make little boys happy does it?




“We’re not flying, we’re falling with style!”



"Did you see me flying mom? Did you?"


"To infinity and beyond!"


"Do you think this cape is magic or do I go higher because I'm 5 now?"

Disasterous Election for the Prolife Movement.

I can't help but be extremely disappointed in my follow Americans today. We are literally killing ourselves, yet somehow this is progress?


California Rejected The Parents Right to Know proposition.
I just don’t get this one. I really thought that this would pass. We are hurting our children more then we now.

Missouri passed the stem-cell bill
Millions of embryos could soon be used and discarded without a thought for their little souls.

Dakota rejected the abortion measure
and
Arizona rejected the gay marriage ban



The Catholic Church teaches that it is a mortal sin to vote for a politician that supports abortion if there is a candidate running who is against abortion (read more).

The pro-life issue trumps all other issues people; and this not me saying this, this the Church.

To be Catholic is to be unconditionally pro-life. We just have to keep praying for God to have mercy on our country. Have Mercy, Jesus. Have Mercy.

A Little Humor For Election Day

Lol this is great! Hatip to Jimmy.



Note: Being a very strong supporter of Aragorn I do not necessarily approve this ad. ;)

All Saints Day

I pray you all had a very blessed All Saints Day this past Wednesday. Ours was truly wonderful and I am saying that even after forgetting our saint’s outfits at home. Our catholic community were we live sadly did not have a saints party for the children this year, so we wen to my moms about two hours away for their Saints Day gathering.

All the children participating did a fabulous job in representing their saints. My boys wanted to be St. George on account of him fighting a dragon. My sisters thought Colette should be some kind of queen or princess so we choose St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Luckily we had some fabric that made very nice last minuet costumes for the children. They couldn’t have been happier.

November and the Souls in Purgatory

Our Holy Mother Church is very generous in granting us many opportunities to be generous to the Holy Souls during the month of November.

An indulgence can either be partial or plenary. It is partial if it removes only part of the temporal punishment due to sin, or plenary if it removes all punishment.

To attain a plenary indulgence, three conditions must accompany the prescribed act:
1. the faithful must receive the sacrament of confession, either eight days before or after the pious act is performed,
2. receive Holy Communion on that day
3. and recite prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father (one Our Father and one Hail Mary is the minimum, but any other additional prayers may be added).


A partial indulgence can be obtained by devoutly visiting a cemetery and praying for the departed, even if the prayer is only mental. One can gain a plenary indulgence visiting a cemetery each day between November 1 and November 8. These indulgences are applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory.

A plenary indulgence, again applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, is also granted when the faithful piously visit a church or a public oratory on November 2. In visiting the church or oratory, it is required, that one Our Father and the Creed be recited.


Prayer of St. Gertrude for the Holy Souls
Our Lord promised would save 1,000 souls from purgatory.

Eternal Father, I offer you the Most Precious Blood of yoru Divine Son, Jesus, in union with all the masses said throughout the world today for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the Universal Church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen."





The pain of purgatory is greater than any pain that can be experienced on earth. But she also says that the pain of purgatory is more joyful than the greatest joys on earth.
--St. Catherine of Genoa

The holy souls are eager for the prayers of the faithful which can gain indulgences for them. Their intercession is powerful. Pray unceasingly. We must empty Purgatory! -- St. Padre Pio.

"Become our deliverers and we will become your powerful intercessors forever."

Menu Plan Monday

Laura at Organizing Junkie is hosting "Menu Plan Monday" and I thought I would join in to find some great new recipes as well as ideas for the week.

So lets see... this week I think the menu plan will be...

Monday
Colorful Chicken Fettuccine from my Taste of Home issueAugust/September 2006

Tuesday
Ham Casserole

Wednesday
Leftovers

Thursday
Dinner at my moms

Friday
Salman

Saturday
Chile and Cornbread

Sunday
Lasagna

How Do They Do This??

My cousin sent this to me and I just had to share it. Is this not a great illusion?

Happy Birthday My 5 year Old!

Joseph had his 5th birthday on the 24th. It turned out to be very nice. I was a little worried that he would be disappointed that he did not have little friends come over on account that I was battling Mastitis and not feeling to great but he was very happy. He and Gerard had a lot of fun decorating his snake cake. Looks pretty good for a 5year old if I do say so myself.




Grandma Pat sent this this little pyramid kit for the boys. They had great fun chiseling and using the little brush to find the mummy bones inside.

The Power of One Hail Mary!

I found this message today. Millions of Catholics often say the Hail Mary. Some repeat it hastily not even thinking on the words they are saying. Hopefully reading this will help us all say it more thoughtfully.


Hail Mary,Full of Grace,The Lord is with Thee. Blessed art Thou among women, and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now,and at the hour of death. Amen.


One Hail Mary well said fills the heart of Our Lady with delight and obtains for us indescribably great graces. One Hail Mary well said gives us more graces than a thousand thoughtlessly said.

The Hail Mary is like a mine of gold that we can always take from but never exhaust. Is it hard to say the Hail Mary well? All we have to dois to know its value and understand its meaning.

St. Jerome tells us that "the truths contained in the Hail Mary are so sublime, so wonderful that no man or Angel could fully understand them."

St. Thomas Aquinas, the Prince of Theologians, "the wisest of Saints and holiest of wise men," as Leo XIII called him, preached for 40 days in Rome on the Hail Mary, filling his hearers with rapture.

Father F. Suarez, the holy and learned Jesuit, declared when dying that he would willingly give all the many learned books he wrote, all his life's labors, for the merit of one Hail Mary prayerfully and devoutly said.

St. Mechtilde, who loved our Lady very much, was one day striving to compose a beautiful prayer in her honor. Our Lady appeared to her, with the golden letters on her breast of: "Hail Mary full of grace." She said to her: "Desist, dear child, from your labor for no prayer you could possibly compose would give me the joy and delight of the Hail Mary."

A certain man found joy in saying slowly the Hail Mary. The Blessed Virgin in return appeared to him smiling and announced to him the day and hour that he should die, granting him a most holy and happy death. After death a beautiful white lily grew from his mouth having written onits petals: "Hail Mary."

Cesarius recounts a similar incident. A humble and holy monk lived in the monastery. His poor mind and memory were so weak that he could only repeat one prayer which was the "Hail Mary." After death a tree grew over his grave and on all its leaves was written: "Hail Mary."

These beautiful legends show us how much devotion to Our Lady was valued, and the power attributed to the Hail Mary devoutly prayed.

Each time that we say the Hail Mary we are repeating the very same words with which St. Gabriel the Archangel saluted Mary on the day of the Annunciation, when she was made Mother of the Son of God. Many graces and joys filled the soul of Mary at that moment.

Now when we say the Hail Mary we offer anew all these graces and joys toOur Lady and she accepts them with Immense delight. In return she gives us a share in these joys.

Once Our Lord asked St. Francis Assisi to give Him something. The Saint replied: "Dear Lord, I can give You nothing for I have already given you all, all my love." Jesus smiled and said: "Francis, give Me it all again and again, it will give Me the same pleasure."

So with our dearest Mother, she accepts from us each time we say the Hail Mary the joys and delight she received from the words of St.Gabriel.

Almighty God gave His Blessed Mother all the dignity, greatness and holiness necessary to make her His own most perfect Mother. But He also gave her all the sweetness, love, tenderness and affection necessary to make her our most loving Mother. Mary is truly and really our Mother. As children when in trouble run to their mothers for help, so ought we to run at once with unbounded confidence to Mary.

St. Bernard and many Saints said that it was never, never heard at anytime or in any place that Mary refused to hear the prayers of her children on earth. Why do we not realize this most consoling truth? Why refuse the love and consolation that God's Sweet Mother is offering us?

Is it our lamentable ignorance which deprives us of such help and consolation. To love and trust Mary is to be happy on earth now and afterwards to be happy in Heaven.

Dr. Hugh Lammer was a staunch Protestant, with strong prejudices against the Catholic Church. One day he found an explanation of the Hail Maryand read it. He was so charmed with it that he began to say it daily.Insensibly all his anti-Catholic animosity began to disappear. He became a Catholic, a holy priest and a professor of Catholic Theology in Breslau.

A priest was called to the bedside of a man who was dying in despair because of his sins. Yet he refused obstinately to go to confession. As a last recourse the priest asked him to say at least the Hail Mary afterwhich the poor man made a sincere confession and died a holy death.

In England, a parish priest was asked to go and see a Protestant lady who was gravely ill, and who wished to become a Catholic. Asked if she had ever gone to a Catholic Church, or, if she had spoken to Catholics,or if she had read Catholic books? She replied, "No, no." All she could remember was that------when a child------she had learned from a little Catholic neighbor girl the Hail Mary, which she said every night. She was Baptized and before dying had the happiness of seeing her husband and children Baptized.

St. Gertrude tells us in her book, "Revelations" that when we thank God for the graces He has given to any Saint, we get a great share of those particular graces. What graces, then, do we not receive when we say the Hail Mary while thanking God for all the unspeakable graces He has given His Blessed Mother?

An Overheard Conversation

Joseph: Do you know what a road-runner does Gerard?

Gerard: No

Joseph: a road runner runs on a road.

Gerard: Why?

The All- Knowing-Joseph: Because they like to get run over from cars.

Gerard: Oh, that's sad. we don't want to get run over. then we would die.

Joseph: yea.


Sometimes you just have to shake your head and say, whatever, I'm not going to get into it.

Our Family Photo - Santoro Side

Ok, this picture was truly a gift from God. Everyone’s eyes are open, no one is crying, we all are looking happy. How rare is that in a large family photo? For all of you out there with big families you know what I'm talking about.

My sister Angela flew back from Franciscan University for Matthew’s funeral and my brother Christopher drove from Las Vegas as well. Although it was under sad circumstances that brought us together it was wonderful being together for a while. It would be great if we could one day get the whole Keller family together for a family picture as well.

From left to right:

Clara, Christopher, Dad, My Shawn, My Gerard

Stephanie, Marybeth (has the bandana), Angela, Mom, James, I am holding Emily, Margaret,

My Colette, Anne Catharine, My Joseph

Matthew Covey - September 25, 1982 - October 7, 2006

Our community is reeling after hearing news that Matthew Covey might very well have died. He and a friend were by the ohio river sometime Saturday morning when they decided to jump from the Fort Steuben Bridge. The friend never actually saw Matt jump since he himself got hurt from jumping and went to their tuck to take care of himself. Matthew has not been seen since. Emergency crews spent much of Saturday and Sunday searching the Ohio River Matt but called off the search yesterday.
His mom and dad are there now as I type this. His mother was at the birth of my baby Emily.

Matthew was only 24 years old and a good friend to many people here. We will really miss him. For those of you that read this would you please say three “Hail Mary’s” for Matthew, his family and that they find the body so there can be some kind of closer.

Matt we will never forgott you. Until we meet again. May you reast in peace.


Matthews Body Has Been Found - For all of you that prayed for the recovery of Matthews’s body, thank you. He was discovered shortly after his mother flew in from California. In his mothers words, “he was beautiful.” We praise you Jesus that they found him so family and friends can start having closure.

Bakersfield Kern County Fair

Last week we took the children to the "School Day" of the county fair. It was free admission from 9 until 12 for all younger school age children. My sister Margaret brought Ann Catherine to enjoy the day alongside her nephews. They had a wonderful day looking at all the animals and got great pleasure in watching a little circus performance. All and all a great day!

Camouflage

Here are my boys camouflaging themselves. We were all watching the old combat shows and they wanted to know why the men had branches and twigs in their helmets. Of course after explaining Joseph and Gerard had to try it themselves. “Can you see us now, mom?”



I had to add this photo because Colette has a way of getting dirty FAST and I just want to show that she does look nice and tidy in the morning.

1909 Breastfeeding Instructions

This article was in a 1909 issue of McCall's. lol, Can you believe it?


"In breast feeding, which is, of course, the best for babies, great care must be taken in teaching the little one how to nurse. When putting the child to the breast, do not place it in such a position as to have the baby's head crowded so hard against the breast that it is impossible for it to nurse. Be sure the baby's nose is not obstructed, as breathing must of necessity be through the nose. Babies should not be nursed more than fifteen minutes at a time. Let the nursing periods be regular. Fix certain times - hours - just as we do in supplying the food needs of grown-ups. Care of the nipple is most important. Wash it both before and after nursing in cold boiled water.

A baby should be nursed for the first three months at intervals of two and one-quarter hours, beginning at six o'clock in the morning. It should not have more than nine nursings in twenty-four hours. From three to six months old, nursings should be at three hour intervals during the day - seven or eight nursings during twenty-four hours.

From six to nine months, the child takes a larger quantity at each nursing and should be nursed at three or three and a half hour intervals.

All children shouold be weaned at the age of twelve months, except in midsummer or if otherwise ordered by a physician. A good way for a mother to spoil a child's digestion and temper is for the mother to take it up and nurse it whenever it cries or to rock the cradle or carriage every time it is fretful."

Then it goes on to say that all children should sleep in a crib, calls this "a most important health rule" because "no baby can sleep with a grown person or anyone older without suffering therefore in loss of strength and vitality, although such loss may not be apparent to those about."

Amazing!

Some Chinese

A few days ago I thought I would try my hand at making Chinese food. I was so delighted with the outcome that I have posted the recipes.
I found the Beef and Broccoli recipe on recipezaar.com and a friend gave the Chow Mein(sp?) recipe to me years ago as a wedding gift. I never made it before. Boy had we been missing out. The whole family enjoyed both of this dishes immensely.


Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry #69229

Beef and Broccoli is a favorite of mine. It's important to take your time, mix well and marinate for the full 3 hours. You wont be sorry!
3 hours 15 minutes 3 hrs prep

3/4 lb very thin beef, strips,pencil thin and no longer that 2 inches in length
3 cups bite sized broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (not lite)
2 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg white, beaten until frothy
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons sherry wine
1/4 cup oyster sauce
3-4 tablespoons vegetable oil


1. In a medium mixing bowl add together the beef strips and soy sauce.

2. Mix to be sure all the beef is coated.

3. Add the sugar and pepper, stirring for 3 minutes to be sure each piece is evenly coated and sugar is dissolving.

4. Add the whipped egg white and slowly stir in the cornstarch, again stirring for 3 minutes to make sure the beef is evenly coated.

5. You DO NOT want to see any sugar or cornstarch.

6. Cover and let stand in the fridge for 3 hours, stirring well after 1 and 1/2 hours.

7. Bring a large pot of water to boil and bring a wok to medium high heat.

8. Par boil the broccoli for 1 minute. Drain in colander in sink.

9. Add 2 T. oil and garlic to wok and quickly"mush" around.

10. Stir fry the broccoli until tender crisp, around 5-6 minutes tops. Remove broccoli to a bowl.

11. Add the remaining oil if needed and stir fry the meat until just under done.

12. Return broccoli to wok and stir.

13. Add the sherry and oyster sauce.

14. Stir fry for 1 minute making sure broccoli and beef is thoroughly coated with sauce.

15. Serve over hot white rice.
3-4 servings



Vegetable Chow Mein

1 Pkg. Chinese style noodles
3 cups bean sprouts
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup sliced onion
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup sliced celery
½ cup sliced mushrooms
3 T soy sauce
1 T corn starch
½ t garlic salt
½ t fresh ginger (2/4 t. ground)
Oil

Cook noodles as directed, then toss with 2T soy sauce. Heat 1-2 T oil in large skillet. Spread 1/3 of noodles in skillet & brown; when brown turn over but don’t stir. Repeat with remaining noodles & keep warm.

Heat 2T oil and add garlic salt and ginger. Sauté carrots & onions 1 minute. Add celery, mushrooms & bean sprouts; sauté 3 min.

Combine broth, cornstarch and 1T soy sauce; stir and add to vegetable mix. Cook until thickened then pour over warm noodles. Enjoy!

We’ve been Babymooning!

Well, it seems like I have some catching up too do since I last blogged. I have not been corresponding much via the Internet since Emily’s arrival but I hope to start up again. My apologies to those I have not gotten back to yet.



Emily was baptized on August 19th in my hometown of Porterville. My cousin Julie and her husband Daniel Smith were the Godparents.





Here are some other pics of our dear girl during her first month in the world.