Kolbe: Mom? I think we should name our next baby John
Glenn.
Kolbe: Jozef, God can put his arms around the whole Earth and Mars. He can do anything!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Space Talk
Kolbe loves to learn about all things "space". Space shuttles, missions to the moon, the International Space Station, rockets...you get the idea. This is the background you need for the following comments from him:
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Obama's First Acts
I don't mean to be so serious or negative as of late. In all honesty, I've been praying for President Obama. Praying that he'll have a change of heart. Praying that the economy will be his priority and maybe his abortion agenda will take a back seat. As today marks the 36th anniversary of the supreme court's Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion, Obama means to get in on the action, so to speak.
from Fox News:
My disappointment with Mr. Obama continues.
from Fox News:
In our crusade, as America, to spread the ideas of freedom and democracy, why does the right to abortion have to be exported as well? Now, we will again be paying for women in other countries to obtain an abortion. If we're headed to a recession or depression, is this really the most prudent use of funds?Obama to Lift Ban on Funding for Groups Providing Abortions Overseas
President Obama will issue an executive order on Thursday reversing the
Bush administration policy that bans the use of federal dollars by
non-governmental organizations that discuss or provide abortions outside of the
United States.
...The policy, known in governmental circles as the "Mexico City policy,"
requires any non-governmental organization to agree before receiving U.S. funds
that they will "neither perform nor actively promote abortion as a method of
family planning in other nations."
My disappointment with Mr. Obama continues.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Taking Issue
While I take issue with many of Obama's ideals, the biggest issue is life.
At today's inaugural address, Obama paraphrased a quote from the bible saying,
On the campaign trail, when referring to one the possibility of one of his daughters becoming pregnant, Obama made the remark,
So, he wants America to grow up, but his daughters can remain like children and run from responsibility.
Obama preaches hope and change. But his agenda isn't hopeful for the unborn. It isn't change for desperate mothers seeking help and instead sold a bill of goods that an abortion is what they really need. Yes, it removes the baby from the equation, but can anyone really say abortion is good for the Mother?
More snippets from Obama:
What about the long, rugged (and rewarding) path of parenthood without which we wouldn't be here? Is working to build the American dream more lofty than working to build a family? Those are the real risk-takers and stout-hearted.
Mr. Obama, I do not wish you ill or that you'll be a failure. Rather, I ask that you look at the atrocity of slavery that we now view as evil, but was legal here, and compare that to the gross legality of abortion. The slaves had no freedom, no hope. The same is true of the unborn. Simply because something is law, doesn't make it moral.
If you really want to be Abe Lincoln, stand up for those that have few allies in Washington.
At today's inaugural address, Obama paraphrased a quote from the bible saying,
This is a good point. Most Americans, to be honest, don't want to grow up. They want more house than they can reasonably afford. They want a job that requires little effort. They look to befriend their children rather than work hard to raising them. And, they look to abortion as a quick fix to the 'problem' of pregnancy.We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come
to set aside childish things.
On the campaign trail, when referring to one the possibility of one of his daughters becoming pregnant, Obama made the remark,
I am going to teach them first about values and morals, but if they make a
mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby.
So, he wants America to grow up, but his daughters can remain like children and run from responsibility.
Obama preaches hope and change. But his agenda isn't hopeful for the unborn. It isn't change for desperate mothers seeking help and instead sold a bill of goods that an abortion is what they really need. Yes, it removes the baby from the equation, but can anyone really say abortion is good for the Mother?
More snippets from Obama:
(Referring to the building of America) It has not been the path for the faint-hearted, for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame.
Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things --
some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have
carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
What about the long, rugged (and rewarding) path of parenthood without which we wouldn't be here? Is working to build the American dream more lofty than working to build a family? Those are the real risk-takers and stout-hearted.
Mr. Obama, I do not wish you ill or that you'll be a failure. Rather, I ask that you look at the atrocity of slavery that we now view as evil, but was legal here, and compare that to the gross legality of abortion. The slaves had no freedom, no hope. The same is true of the unborn. Simply because something is law, doesn't make it moral.
If you really want to be Abe Lincoln, stand up for those that have few allies in Washington.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Marcel's 2nd Birthday
It's been a busy two years, first living in Michigan and then moving to Nebraska and then the birth of a new baby brother. Through it all, Marcel is a happy guy, especially when he's playing or running along with his bigger brothers.
His favorite time of day is when his Dad comes home--Daddy has a very special place in Marcel's heart. It's a rare night when he doesn't sneak into our bedroom to cuddle with Daddy in the wee hours of the morning.
Marcel has truly given Nate and me a run for our money in the toddler department, in spite of that, he has a very special place in our family. He continually has a smile on his face and has an infectious laugh. No matter what disaster he causes to strike next, Mom and Dad are so very happy God has blessed us with him.
Happy Birthday Marcel! We love you!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Father Richard John Neuhaus
Today I am saddened by the news that Father Richard John Neuhaus has died. Nate has a subscription to First Things, a publication that he founded in 1990. He always has a section at the back of the magazine titled "The Public Square" where he would comment on current events. It was always a great read being concise, sometimes comical, and always right on the mark.
He was a profound and prolific writer on America and Catholicism. In addition, he had a love for ecumenism and worked towards such ends.
He is well known for profound and, sometimes, cutting remarks about faith, culture, and politics.
You can read some of his writing online.
Here's the wikipedia article on his life and a commentary by Ramond Arroyo.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and my perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
He was a profound and prolific writer on America and Catholicism. In addition, he had a love for ecumenism and worked towards such ends.
He is well known for profound and, sometimes, cutting remarks about faith, culture, and politics.
You can read some of his writing online.
Here's the wikipedia article on his life and a commentary by Ramond Arroyo.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and my perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Prolife
I read a news article today and don't even know how to comment on it.
When does a baby become a life?
At Creative Minority Report, they detail a story about a hospital accidentally throwing out a baby that they claim was stillborn. So, even after being born, this child was not a life worth cherishing. The family feels otherwise. Wouldn't you?
At what point is a baby worth protecting, cherishing? After his heartbeats? When he looks like a baby? His due date? The point at which the baby becomes a life is something no one in the pro-abortion community will declare. Why not? I dare say they feel it is unfashionable. At what point do we say enough is enough?
What say you?
Please join me in 9-days of prayer for the "Freedom of Choice Act." This is a proposed federal law to nullify virtually all federal and state limitations on abortion. This includes removing bans on partial-birth abortion as well as bans on government funding for abortions. In addition, parental consent laws in the states would be abolished.
The prayer novena begins January 11 and concludes January 20, the day Obama will be sworn in. He has said he will sign the FOCA as soon as he can. We pray that this will not come to pass.
What say you?
Novena details - A "novena" is simply 9-days of prayer. In this specific novena, the faithful are asked to pray a rosary each day as well as fast for a few of the days. If you are not Catholic, please join us anyway and offer up your own prayers each day.
When does a baby become a life?
At Creative Minority Report, they detail a story about a hospital accidentally throwing out a baby that they claim was stillborn. So, even after being born, this child was not a life worth cherishing. The family feels otherwise. Wouldn't you?
At what point is a baby worth protecting, cherishing? After his heartbeats? When he looks like a baby? His due date? The point at which the baby becomes a life is something no one in the pro-abortion community will declare. Why not? I dare say they feel it is unfashionable. At what point do we say enough is enough?
What say you?
Please join me in 9-days of prayer for the "Freedom of Choice Act." This is a proposed federal law to nullify virtually all federal and state limitations on abortion. This includes removing bans on partial-birth abortion as well as bans on government funding for abortions. In addition, parental consent laws in the states would be abolished.
The prayer novena begins January 11 and concludes January 20, the day Obama will be sworn in. He has said he will sign the FOCA as soon as he can. We pray that this will not come to pass.
What say you?
Novena details - A "novena" is simply 9-days of prayer. In this specific novena, the faithful are asked to pray a rosary each day as well as fast for a few of the days. If you are not Catholic, please join us anyway and offer up your own prayers each day.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Daily Life in Pictures
When napping, blankets and pillows are a necessity, as well as a random stuffed toy, a bed, however, is optional.
Jerzy's really beginning to smile.
Daily Lego-Mania.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Random Thoughts
Unfortunately, none so complete as to blog about. So, dear reader, I will jot some of them down for you and for me. Sometimes, writing clears my head.
- Life can get overwhelming. It is easy to dwell on the hardships in our lives rather than on the blessings. Nate's work schedule right now is less-than-ideal. It's amazing how this can throw our lives completely out of sort. Grocery shopping gets put off for days because he gets home late, or he's had a rough day and I don't want to leave for 2 hours when he is home. The house is a mess as I work to balance homeschool, a nursing newborn and the housework by myself. The feeling of being defeated can sometimes overcome us and we forget to focus on the blessings. We are truly blessed that Nate has a good job. We are blessed in that I can stay home with our crew. We are blessed in that I'm able to homeschool, that the kids are healthy, and that, after seven years, Nate and I are still in love.
- I love a New Year. I love new beginnings. I am a list-maker and (try to be) a goal-driven person. Joy in life comes from new beginnings. The great thing about life is, we don't have to wait for a New Year to make a new start. Everyday we can wake up and work at who we are as people and the goals we feel called to achieve. If we've set any resolutions (which I really love to do, but haven't made time for yet), we can work to achieve them everyday. And, when we fail, we can get up the next morning to begin again. Really, this is a Christian theme. Christ's message was of triumph. And, He knew we may fail. He asks us to pick ourselves back up and try again and again. Regarding resolutions/goals, we need to ensure we are prayerfully considering what God wants us to achieve rather than goals set for ourselves only. In our minds we may have one goal, and in God's plan for our lives, He may have other ones. At anytime we may be asked by Him to modify our goals. The best part is He will be with us along the way, encouraging us, enabling us to achieve what He's asked.
- Discouragement is easy to find. Stand at any Wal-Mart checkout and you can see (from the magazines) we aren't as thin as we should be, our houses aren't elaborate enough, we don't cook healthy enough, we don't party like celebrities, on and on. We can become overwhelmed with all that we are not. This week I really needed some good news. I needed to focus on the positive in the world rather than the negative. I tuned into http://www.relevantradio.com/ and listened to some achieved radio broadcasts. It was really nice. This is a Catholic radio station dedicated to helping people "bridge the gap between faith and everyday life". There are a variety of shows on there from a morning show, to a call-in advice show, to Catechetical teaching. If we buy into all that the media asks us to, we could spend a lifetime chasing beauty, goods, or a perceived feeling we think we need. Rather, we should chase Christ in all we do.
- We've finally painted our kitchen. Nate and I ask ourselves why we waited so long to make this (relatively simple) change. We purchased a new light and some curtains as well. Adding beauty to our home is so simple, yet I've put if off for so long. I think I kept saying, "I shouldn't spend money on decorations, when there are other things to buy," so I didn't. Now, we're working hard because we know we'll be listing our house for sale soon. In our next house, I plan to work to add beauty to it for our own enjoyment. There's something uplifting about a beautiful environment, it makes us feel better on the inside, too. Pictures to come soon.
- Marcel is beautiful. Lately, I have had a number of frustrating situations with my little guy (who will turn two in about 2 weeks). He is also the most joy-filled boy I know. When I came home from the grocery store last night, he jumped with joy to see me. In the morning he greets me by saying, "Good Mon-ing, Mommy." And, he speaks in the sweetest voice when he talks to baby Jerzy. He loves to be tickled and smiles all of the time. He runs around the house while squawking with delight. What is he so joy-filled about? Life. Everyday life.
- The cover of a DVD we received free this summer on St. Josemaria Escriva describes him as "passionately loving the world." Doesn't that sound ideal? I hope to watch the DVD. In the meantime, I hope to work on loving the world and those in it.
- Life can get overwhelming. It is easy to dwell on the hardships in our lives rather than on the blessings. Nate's work schedule right now is less-than-ideal. It's amazing how this can throw our lives completely out of sort. Grocery shopping gets put off for days because he gets home late, or he's had a rough day and I don't want to leave for 2 hours when he is home. The house is a mess as I work to balance homeschool, a nursing newborn and the housework by myself. The feeling of being defeated can sometimes overcome us and we forget to focus on the blessings. We are truly blessed that Nate has a good job. We are blessed in that I can stay home with our crew. We are blessed in that I'm able to homeschool, that the kids are healthy, and that, after seven years, Nate and I are still in love.
- I love a New Year. I love new beginnings. I am a list-maker and (try to be) a goal-driven person. Joy in life comes from new beginnings. The great thing about life is, we don't have to wait for a New Year to make a new start. Everyday we can wake up and work at who we are as people and the goals we feel called to achieve. If we've set any resolutions (which I really love to do, but haven't made time for yet), we can work to achieve them everyday. And, when we fail, we can get up the next morning to begin again. Really, this is a Christian theme. Christ's message was of triumph. And, He knew we may fail. He asks us to pick ourselves back up and try again and again. Regarding resolutions/goals, we need to ensure we are prayerfully considering what God wants us to achieve rather than goals set for ourselves only. In our minds we may have one goal, and in God's plan for our lives, He may have other ones. At anytime we may be asked by Him to modify our goals. The best part is He will be with us along the way, encouraging us, enabling us to achieve what He's asked.
- Discouragement is easy to find. Stand at any Wal-Mart checkout and you can see (from the magazines) we aren't as thin as we should be, our houses aren't elaborate enough, we don't cook healthy enough, we don't party like celebrities, on and on. We can become overwhelmed with all that we are not. This week I really needed some good news. I needed to focus on the positive in the world rather than the negative. I tuned into http://www.relevantradio.com/ and listened to some achieved radio broadcasts. It was really nice. This is a Catholic radio station dedicated to helping people "bridge the gap between faith and everyday life". There are a variety of shows on there from a morning show, to a call-in advice show, to Catechetical teaching. If we buy into all that the media asks us to, we could spend a lifetime chasing beauty, goods, or a perceived feeling we think we need. Rather, we should chase Christ in all we do.
- We've finally painted our kitchen. Nate and I ask ourselves why we waited so long to make this (relatively simple) change. We purchased a new light and some curtains as well. Adding beauty to our home is so simple, yet I've put if off for so long. I think I kept saying, "I shouldn't spend money on decorations, when there are other things to buy," so I didn't. Now, we're working hard because we know we'll be listing our house for sale soon. In our next house, I plan to work to add beauty to it for our own enjoyment. There's something uplifting about a beautiful environment, it makes us feel better on the inside, too. Pictures to come soon.
- Marcel is beautiful. Lately, I have had a number of frustrating situations with my little guy (who will turn two in about 2 weeks). He is also the most joy-filled boy I know. When I came home from the grocery store last night, he jumped with joy to see me. In the morning he greets me by saying, "Good Mon-ing, Mommy." And, he speaks in the sweetest voice when he talks to baby Jerzy. He loves to be tickled and smiles all of the time. He runs around the house while squawking with delight. What is he so joy-filled about? Life. Everyday life.
- The cover of a DVD we received free this summer on St. Josemaria Escriva describes him as "passionately loving the world." Doesn't that sound ideal? I hope to watch the DVD. In the meantime, I hope to work on loving the world and those in it.
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