Contrasts

This mother looks joyful despite the poverty she lives in. This magazine says 15 steps to a happier life - do you think humility or self-denial or giving to the poor are in that list?

SELF - yes yes we must always be thinking of our SELF... never mind others it's YOU that matters most...

Buy Buy Buy Shop Shop Shop never can pas up a sale you know - that's a sacrilige

Family life in a spoiled America - no dad's but lots of "stuff" A nice comfy bed for poochie to sleep on

No bed for these two little ones to sleep on. They are street children. Yet, notice how big brother lets the little one lay his head upon his arm as a pillow. He has nothing to give but he gives himself.

Poochie's got a nice little pad while these boys have a box.
No box - just hard stone.

WOW - the American IDEAL!!! "A boy and a girl and we're done" That's what dreams are made of - a coordinating set, boy and girl, and just enough expendable income to take plenty of nice vacations and such. Got to get away from all that stress you know.

These little ones must learn very early to fend for themselves.

Shopaholics shop til they drop for that "perfect pair of shoes" while this 8 year old girld "shops" for anything of value in a garbage dump all day.

We teach 'em young life's about YOU and what makes YOU happy! Yet, these kids look so bored with all these options...

To the left here the baby pictured with the green knee pads on is an ad. The ad is for those knee pads. They ACTUALLY sell knee pads to parents concerned about the wear and tear all that crawling will do to baby's knees! In contrast, this baby is a toddler who lives at a dump. The photographer who took the pic stated that many of the children there are naked and that they are always putting things in their mouth from the dump that most people wouldn't even consider touching. They suffer from many mouth sores and skin infections. Don't think his mom is too concerned with knee pads eh?

The titles speak for themselves.

Americans spend $21 Billion dollars a year on toys. Fewer than 4% of the world's children are American, but American kids consume more than 40% of the world's toys. 80% of toys in the USA are made in China's (communists) Pearl River Delta.

Here a short excerpt rom an abc news report titled:

A dog's Life Is Looking Better and Better

Why Americans Spend Big Bucks on Their Pets

By Ned Potter

The W Hotel near Times Square offers a special room service menu, monogrammed beds, bath robes and a masseuse, and has a psychologist on call if the need arises.

That's not just for you. It's for your dog, if you bring one along. ...

Numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau suggest that Gabby's first class treatment is part of a growing phenomenon in America. In the last ten years, the percentage of households with pets has remained relatively stable, but the amount of money people spend on their pets has doubled. Last year it was more than $34 Billion. That is more than Americans spend on sporting goods,candy,jewelry,toys or shoes. ...

"Dogs are the new children, as far as we're concerned," said John Ryan who last year began publishing The New York Dog Magazine.

read the entire article here http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/print?id=601799

Also, Americans spend an average of $5.6 Billion on Super Bowl related items every year. Gotta have the right snacks and a big screen tv you know, or the Super Bowl just wouldn't be the same. 16 million teenagers in the U.S. have their very own cell phone. $1 Billion dollars a year is spent on weight loss programs. Americans spend $6.5 Billion dollars on manicures/pedicures annually. In a Srapbooking In America survey the organization found that American scapbookers spent an average of $2.5 Billion on supplies in 2006.

Now, I know that many people will get VERY defensive after reading these stats. They'll say "hey I love my pet and there's nothing wrong with that" or "there's nothing wrong with having a wholesome hobby like scrapbooking" .... This is true. There is NOT anything wrong with the money spent on these "extras" by itself. Americans are hardworking people generally and they deserve to relax as they see fit from time to time. The immorality of these expenses comes from the fact that many of us do NOT give to the poor as much as we could give. It is very true that Americans are the most financially generous people on earth. we give more money to the poor and needy worldwide than any other country. Most of this giving is done with private donations and non-government run charities. This is a Good Thing!! But we could be doing SO MUCH MORE! We do over indulge in a lot of nonsense it seems. Don't we?

Lent is right around the corner. We must really reflect on the suffering all around us in the world. That's why these images are so important. We need to see how horrible our brothers and sisters lives' are and in stark contrast how arrogant and self-indulgent our own lives have become here in the U.S. We need to change this. We need to give to Catholic relief Services or The Christian foundation for Children and Aging. These are two great organizations which Tim and I have been involved with now for years. They do great things for the poor worldwide. Secondly, we need to rethink our priorities. Does little Janie really need a hundreth Polly Pocket? Does little Johnie really need a tenth pair of shoes? Hasn't God been so very good to us? How do we repay Him for His tremendous goodness and generousity? I try to remember His words..."If you did it to the least of my brothers you did it to me"

Finally a word about the photos themselves - some of them were found on the

Re-Thinking Islam

Today on the Dennis Prager Show Dennis spoke with the author of a book titled The enemy at Home. His name is Dinesh D'Souza. The premise of his book is that radical Islamists are using the decadence and immorality of American culture as a great recruitment tool. That indeed WE are responsible to some extent for the hatred they have for us. This was hard to swallow at first. My gut reaction is always to defend my country and those who seem to have an IRRATIONAL hatred for it and its citizens. Most people here in this country are good decent people. I hate the decadence and immorality as much as a devout Muslim does, but I don't want to KILL people. (Well, ok maybe sometimes when I hear about a little child being sexually abused I may feel a little like that...) But Mr. D'Souza went on and he was VERY persuasive.

Dennis brought up the same points I did. He said that he feels that the radical Islamists don't just hate the immorality they see taking place here in the U.S. they hate our liberty and freedom as a culture generally. He insisted. Even if we lived like Puritans, they would still want to kill us NO? Mr. D'Sousa was very forthright. He said yes, they, the most radical, WOULD indeed still want to kill/destroy us. But, they would be powerless because most of the Muslim world would not see the great need to punish a people who clearly (although in their minds mistakenly serving the "wrong" God) are living GOOD lives.

Mr. D'Sousa went on to say that one reason that there is this great upsurge of willing participants in Jihad against "the great satan" aka the U.S., is that we seem to be most willingly reinforcing that very image! We reinforce all the negative stereotypes they have about us as the Infidels and therefore spur on hatred in the hearts of moderate Muslims who normally wouldn't ever consider fighting or dying - they just want to live their lives like everybody else.

But, Dennis asked why the specific hatred of the U.S.? Why not say, Sweden? The western Europeans are FAR more secular and farther along the path of godlessness than we here in America are. Are they not? True. Mr. D'Sousa explains. But because America is the main source of all things "modern" and "fashionable" in pop culture, because we set the tone for the world as it were, we therefore become a bigger target than the Europeans who have completely rid themselves of God altogether. This made sense to me.

I do know that violence and hatred are taught to the Palestinians at a very young age. I do know that generally the Arab Islamic culture is one that tends to be more aggressive and violent than the Christian culture I have been raised in and am a part of now. But it does seem likely that our own failures to live up to a Godly standard of living here in the U.S. have only added fuel to that spark of hatred that may lie in another man's heart for us. The more I study, read and pray, the more I come to realize that politics and geo-political maneuvering are NOT the solution to the U.S's problems. We need to look in the mirror! Not that we deserved 911!! No way! Not that we deserve to have our good citizens tortured and beheaded! That can NEVER be justified! But, on a completely spiritual level, completely spiritual, we may be just reaping what we've sown.

This requires prayer sacrifice and most of all reparation for our collective sins as a nation. Have we become so arrogant, so self-absorbed and preoccupied with material success that we fail to see the plank in our own eye? Here is where the liberals in this country are on to something although they pursue the wrong sins. They are always the ones first to criticize this country. In fact, it often angers me how they seem to never have any pride in their country at all! But, at least they are using a critical eye and not turning a blind one. They may be critical of different things than I. I am sure we would part ways most definitely on what constitutes our greatest "national sins"!! (abortion, rejection of God, sexual perversions, etc) (they would say - supporting Israel, war in Iraq, world economic domination, etc.) But , as my husband has said - "Kris, you can always learn something, take something positive away from, any person you meet or know. Even if it is a person you don't like or it is a negative experience you've had. There is ALWAYS something to be gained and learned from another human being." One smart hubby eh? And he's right.

I learned a lot from listening to the Dennis Prager show today. I always do. It's the greatest source of knowledge and inspiration on the radio today. (and yes I'm aware of Catholic radio like Relevant Radio but they are lacking in many ways...) To Dennis, Mr. D'Sousa, and all the America hating liberals out there I say thank you! I've learned a lot. I'm re-thinking Islam.

Dennis's website: http://www.dennisprager.com/ To balance these thoughts dennis has also written a great article at townhall.com which I encourage you to read here - it gives the ugly facts that I more typically associate with the state of Islam today... http://www.townhall.com/columnists/DennisPrager/2006/08/29/just_a_reminder_about_who_and_why_we_are_fighting

Mr. D'Sousa's website: http://www.dineshdsousa.com/

A quotes from Bishop Fulton Sheen: " ...our world conditions are determined by the way we live rather than by politics."

"Nations too can get in the habit of denying that their trials, the hatred of other nations, and their insecurity may be related to their moral failings. It is too superficial a justification for any nation to blame another for its crises."

"A nation may do wrong; if so, it must make up for it in some kind of penance and atonement and reparation. We can do wrong as a nation; we are not all innocent lambs. While it may be true that other nations have done far greater wrong, the way to peace is not to point out their villainy. Rather it is humbly to admit our failures and make expiation for them. The world is the way it is because you are the way you are and I am the way I am."

Insanity That Calls Itself Sane

Well, there seems to be much talk of the Snickers Super Bowl ad. I don't understand why there's all the fuss. I myself sat on my couch with my husband and our children watching the game. (I concede this to him out of love - I HATE football) The Snickers ad ran and I turned to Tim and said "well that's typical! how disgusting! Snicker Co. should be ashamed of themselves!" Yet, it wasn't surprising either. T.V. is filled with these types of crude and juvenile attempts at humor, not to mention the overabundance of erotic sexual images that are used even in TIRE commercials for goodness sakes!! I don't even care to discuss the "gay activists' outrage" here. Give me a break! Frankly, I'm sick to death of hearing about how "outraged" they are. If I go any further I will be lead into sin ....this is one area I continually fail at practicing the virtues of charity and patience. I need to work on that.


The house here has been filled with much coughing and nose blowing as of late so school's been cut way back to allow for plenty of lay around and do nothing time. This, although very anxiety inducing for me, (I'm constantly thinking about how "far behind" we're getting) also allows me the positive of being able to READ. My current book is Bishop Sheen's Life Is Worth Living. Last night I read his chapter titled Misplaced Infinite. Thinking about all the current SICKNESS of our modern culture - the distortion of sex and human sexuality, the abuse of children, the corporate greed, the materialism, the lack of concern for the poor, the violence, the outright rejection of God. I could go on but I think it should be obvious to anyone that the way things stand currently in the world today is NOT the way God intended us to live. The Bishop's words on this topic are so clear that I had an "Ah-Ha" moment on my couch as I read. He breaks things down so simply that even a simpleton catholic housewife like me can understand. (thick sarcasm) Here is a part of the chapter. Let me note here that I omit the first part which was a description of normal living. Bishop Sheen goes on to then describe abnormal living...




To illustrate abnormal living, draw a line across the original design:This represents man cutting himself off from God and proclaiming his own sufficiency. But man cannot live without a god; that is impossible. The infinite haunts him constantly. So he has to make his own gods.

These gods are generally three. The first god is his own body. Sexual pleasure then becomes the supreme goal of life and ultimate happiness. From that point on, he attempts to compensate for a want of eternal divine destiny by the intensity of his erotic experiences.

My comments: I see this not only manifested in our obsession with all things sexual, but in our culture obsession with all things physical generally. We are fixated on our health. Eat healthy exercise etc. We take it to an extreme it seems. All this focus on rock hard abs and a "good butt" may be innocent enough if we had an equal focus on our spiritual health as well. But we do not. We seem to chase down the illusive "healthy lifestyle" without ever once considering the health of our immortal soul! The Bishop continues...

Other men make a god of their minds through egoism and pride and the exaltation of the ego: "There is no knowledge outside of what I know; there is no law outside of my own will. I must always be pleased."

The body, made its own limit, becomes sex; the mind made its own limit, becomes egotism; the things, denied an extra-earthly relationship, become the source of greed. Civilization then becomes a conflict of individual egotisms, each one affirming his own will - only to have it challenged by his neighbor. From this result jealousies, bickerings, slanders, class conflict, and war.

My comments: A line comes to mind that is like nails on a chalkboard as they say - "well, as long as he/she is happy then..." or "Whatever makes you happy...as long as you're not hurting anyone" AHHHHHHH! There is almost nothing I hate to hear more. It is just this type of egoism and pride that the Bishop refers to I think. People will deny it whole heartily (many Christians I know included) but their actions betray them. They may say that God is their god but really they are their own god and God must conform to Their will or He wouldn't be a very "compassionate" god then would He? The Bishop continues...

The third substitute god men make for the true God is the material: wealth, avarice, business, and greed. The true infinite is replaced by the false infinite of "more". Being naked on the inside, such men attempt to cover their nudity by a vain display or aggrandizement of externals, thinking they are worth something because they have something.

To indicate how man, once he has broken connections with the heavens above, locks himself in his own false temple with his own false god, draw a circle around body, mind, and things, which become misplaced infinities. ...the unhappiness of man comes from adoration of the three concupiscences: the lust of the flesh, the pride of life, and abnormal love of the world.

My comments: The third substitute of God being material I think is one we often pass off on those "rich old white men who run the world". But in truth it is something we all should take a closer look at in our own lives. Do we hoard our earthly possessions out of fear? Are we truly charitable or do we give our "token" charity to "qualify" as a Christian. Don't we all get wrapped up in the newest and latest trends at times? I know myself that I've had to actively resist this pull to HAVE in order to feel satisfied.

Also, the phrase "abnormal love of the world" immediately brings to mind all this fuss over "global warming" and how we are evil destroyers and we overpopulate the earth etc. I love nature as much as anybody. But I also temper that love of the natural world with a trust in God and His plans and a knowledge that man made in God's image and given an immortal soul is infinitely more valuable than a tree or an owl.

My Dad

Dad was over here the other day. He played his newly burned cd in our kitchen and danced with the kids non stop. He lifted and twirled and shook each excited grandchild and then he did it again and again. Oh, how my kids LOVE their Poppy! "he's so fun!" they say...Yes, yes Poppy is fun. But, Poppy is also my dad and he's been a good dad to me as well! NOw, I know that when he reads this he'll fall out of his chair after reading that last sentence. But he shouldn't! Because, despite all our fighting and bickering over the years one thing SHOULD be clear to him by now. I DO LOVE HIM a lot! Dad, isn't perfect and hed'd be the first to tell me I'm not either. Thanks for always keeping me humble dad...But, he does have three qualities which stand out above the rest and really make me proud to call him Dad. He has ajoy and passion for the small pleasures in life and he embraces them with everything he's got. He loves food, good music, laughter, a well organized garage, a perfectly packed suitcase....and he finds GREAT JOY in these little things. Second, he loves all children, especially his grandchildren. He doesn't love them in an ordinary grandpa way but he loves them whole heartedly for the unique little persons they are! Lastly, he wants the best for his family and will go to great lengths to secure it if that's within his power. He is generous and giving and he does this because he wants to provide the best he can for those he loves. The last picture is of dad giving his speech at our wedding. I remember it well. It was unscripted but heartfelt. Dad spoke of the hard work that marriage requires and he cried as he gave it - He wanted the BEST for Tim, and me and little Morgan - and it came from the heart! That's just DAD! He's ALL heart!

Happy Birthday Tim

Born to Cheryl and Alvin February 6, 1972.














Little brother to Troy. (Holdin' hands)




















Growing into a handsome young boy.
















Becoming the cocky stud baseball player I met...























Together at the apt. in Carbondale. You were my rock!














Then you became a DADDY!





















Then you became a DADDY again!




Got a "knee injury" sledding with the girls.








You became a DADDY two more times with the arrivals of Collin and Monica!
















Our house has gotten quite crazy - but there's always lots of laughter!!!!



















I am so glad to share the craziness with YOU!!!



Happy Birthday Tim!

I love YOU!!!

Homeschool Co-Op

Last semester the kids and I participated in our local Catholic Homeschool Co-Op. We had a blast! It met every Friday.

We'd go to mass then eat breakfast. Then there were three class periods. I taught one period and babysat the little ones the other two periods. I taught Drama, 3rd and 4th grade. I had the kids research a saint and then create their own monologue for that saint. For example Morgan chose St. Joan of Arc and her monologue was a speech given to the troops just before going out to battle the English. Others chose John the Baptist preaching, St Francis talking with the wolf, St. Therese using a portion of her diary entry, and St. Catherine Laboure describing her vision. After many classes of preperation and practice we ended the semester with a performance in costume in front of the rest of the Co-Op.

I was really proud of all the kids. They came out of their shells and really performed! Well, my kids all come naturally shell -less due to their mom's big mouth but the rest of the kids really came around - I was impressed. We won't be returning this semester sadly. This pregnancy has really got me sick sick sick. I just need a break from the "running around" until I feel better. It's a shame though, 'cause my kids(especially Morgan and Mary) really liked being with the other kids and sharing the school experience. That's the one thing I due feel badly about at times. In the best of circumstances there can be a great "team spirit" when a group of peers gets together to do something or achieve some goal. It's been a long, lonely, dark winter. We don't get out much and that leaves it just us - just me and my four to "bond" together. Thankfully spring is just around the corner and soon we'll be out more and seeing familar faces once again.

Uncle Mike Holdin' Mary Grace

Just was thinkin' about Uncle Mike today...it comes and it goes - the missing and the remembering...this picture brings back good memories....

Always Behind the Camera Never in Front

This is one of the very few photos I'm actually IN WITH my girls...like all moms I know we are always taking the photos and so consequently we are rarely IN them.

Christ Going to Battle

I found this image of Christ leading his soldiers into battle. I have to admit I always love seeing Him like this - as a warrior for Truth leading us all into battle against the enemy. It is not an image that is seen very often. We see Him suffering or as a gentle shepherd, or as a heavenly King off in the clouds. I do like to see Him in these ways as well, but there is something very comforting about seeing Him as a warrior leading us into battle - I feel LED and that's a feeling I don't get very often these days. People want to be LED too. I wish our bishops would fashion themselves after THIS IMAGE more than the others. We need that right now.

It's JESUS in the Confessional