St. Gerard

Today is the feast of St. Gerard. He happens to be the patron of expectant mothers as well as the Baby Hulk's namesake. Considering the amount of pregnancies I've had, he has become pretty special to me. We didn't do a lot to celebrate today, but we did bring out the cheesy little statue I have as well as make Holy Cards. Goose's card was so beautiful and he asked for prayers for both his expectant mom and brother. The Baby Hulk had his father write a sweet letter to St. Gerard.

I truly believe in the intercession of the Saints. When the Baby Hulk was born six weeks early, I know St. Gerard was in heaven praying for him nonstop. In fact, considering how the Baby Hulk acts, I don't think St. Gerard has had a moment to rest since his birth. I am so thankful for the saints and their prayers for my family. St. Gerard, continue to intercede for me and my sweet little boy.

Our Lady of Lourdes

In honor of St. Bernadette's feast day, Friday afternoon a friend and I took our children to the Grotto at Our Lady of Lourdes parish off of 290. Oh My Gosh! This place was awesome! I'd seen a few pictures, and honestly, was a bit worried the place would be cheesy. I couldn't have been more thrilled with it, and the children loved it. The boys were a bit spastic that afternoon, but considering Goose had been in school all day and the others were in a car for most of the day, I guess their behavior was normal. The Grotto itself was stunning and had a small chapel inside. Of course, all the kids had to light a candle. It was almost like bedtime, the amount of people the kids were praying for just so they could light another candle. There is also an outdoor Stations of the Cross. Wish I'd known about this before now. Regardless, at each station the boys (or girls) correctly identified the Station and said a prayer. It was pretty sweet. And worth driving home in rush hour traffic. They are building what seems to be a beautiful new church there. I am already making plans to return soon! (And I know Kobra looks awful in his outfit. I guess it's time to change out "extra" clothes in the diaper bag.)

Look!!!

Celebrating their first mass together?

Our Group

The Feast of St. Blaise

Today is the feast of St. Blaise. When Lance was confirmed, he chose St. Blaise as his confirmation saint because St. Blaise is patron over those with throat ailments. At one point in our marriage, (when one of the babies arrived, I think), Lance's throat started closing in on him. Fear, maybe. We found a good doctor and have been big fans of St. Blaise ever since. Lance does his need voice after all. The kids, well, sometimes, it would be nice if they lost their voices.

This seems to be such a busy week in terms of feast days and secular days that we wanted to celebrate. (St. Bridig, Candlemas, St. Blaise, St. Agnes, plus 100th day of school and groundhog day.) There is so much to experience in just one week. And with everyone sick last week, we didn't have as much early reading as I would have liked. We were going to cover St. Blaise this week in Super Saints, but had to cancel. After today, I think the boys will be excited to cover him next week.

After dropping the big boys off at school, we went to Mass. Baby Hulk started to fuss, but quickly calmed down without me getting upset. We went into Mass to find the Hulk's favorite priest celebrating the Mass. Yay! These days I have been staying in the cry room, which I hate, because Kobra and the BH are so loud. They just don't get it. Today, I wish people could have heard the BH. Father made a couple of statements to which he responded out loud.

We received the blessing of the throats, and of course, Baby Hulk had no desire for such a thing. Thankfully, I didn't have to embarrass myself in front of the church to get him to cooperate. We left feeling really good about our time this morning. My priest even told me I need to invite him over to our house. I think he's right. We love this priest and always talk about having him over, but never get around to it. Even Lance was able to attend Mass at noon and have his throat blessed.

I talked so much about St. Blaise today that Baby Hulk was able to tell the family why our cross had red vestments on today and about St. Blaise. I think he just wanted the treat, but I'm fine with that for now.

I copied a dessert from Catholic Cuisine and the boys really enjoyed it. The following are pictures from our night. Yes, I blessed the boys with cookies, but I forgot to stop and get candles today. They each listened very sweetly to my prayers, then ran off with their treats! I wouldn't have it any other way.

Watching Mama

The finished cookies with a flame on top







ALL MINE


His Throat seems fine to me


I am not going to share, I will eat as much as my big brothers

ST. BLAISE, PRAY FOR US