Happy Feast of St. Nicholas

Today is the Feast of St. Nicholas. He was Bishop of Myra and was known to be generous to the poor, often leaving them unexpected surprises when they were most needed.

It is tradition that on the eve of his Feast Day (December 5) for children to leave their shoes out to filled with goodies. Our children look forward to this every year. Today they awoke to find there shoes filled with suckers, chocolate coins, and a new Christmas shirt. To top it off this year, a family gift was was received...their all-time favorite Christmas movie The Polar Express. There was lots of excitement in our house this morning!

Family Fun

I love this time of year. The time of year when I really get to focus on family and establishing traditions that I hope they will remember and carry with them. We had a great family weekend. We finished decorating our home and spent time partaking in Holiday festivities in Little Rock. It is such a wonderful feeling as a mother to see the joy my children have at this time of year. They are waiting in joyful expectation for Christmas!

Breakfast with Santa

Heifer Village


Downtown Christmas Parade

Decorating Our Family Tree

They absolutely had a blast decorating the tree, and this was the first year that they actually asked about the meaning of the different ornaments. They were so interested in knowing what the ornament symbolized for our family, and I loved telling them the stories.

It was a weekend full of memories and family togetherness. Although it can be easy to become immersed in the Christmas spirit, we must remember that it is Advent, and our focus should be on preparing our hearts and homes for Christ! We are waiting with hope and joy, for the arrival of Christ on Christmas Morning! Happy Advent!

A Successful Feast

Well, I finally have a minute to reflect on Thursday! It was so wonderful to have spent the day surrounded by loved ones. I am especially grateful, that Jason was able to be with us. We had a scare Tuesday when the truck he was driving to Ohio quit. Thankfully, a wonderful mechanic worked diligently to repair the truck, so that he could join us for Thanksgiving.

I spent most of Wednesday preparing the food for Thursday. Almost everything could be made ahead of time, so that all I had to do on Thursday was place items in the oven. I definitely didn't want to spend the entire day Thursday cooking and missing the fellowship of the day.

So what was on the menu for the day...

Breakfast

• Pumpkin cream cheese and Bagels
• Fresh Fruit with Pumpkin Dip
• Fresh Hot Apple Cider (This made the entire house smell heavenly!)

Thanksgiving Dinner

• Turkey and Gravy
  
• Herb Stuffing
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Butternut Squash Casserole
• Corn Casserole
• Green Bean Casserole
• Mashed Potatoes
• Homemade Yeast Rolls
• Cranberry Sauce with Walnuts

Dessert

• Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Apple Pie
• Pecan Pie
• Pumpkin Pie

It was such a wonderful day, filled with so many blessings. I have much to be thankful for this year! God is Good!

Christ the King

Today we celebrate The Feast of Christ the King! Let us remember today that Christ is our King! Everything we are and everything we have is because of Him. Everything we do is for His glory. We are His sons and daughters, first, and should lift our hands in praise and thanksgiving of the gifts He lavishes upon us! May we all continue to pray for the strength and grace to make Christ the king of our hearts and all that we do.

This Feast reminds me of one of my favorite praise and worship songs. The first time I heard this song was during a praise and worship session during a mission trip to Jamaica. It was the night before we divided into our teams and began our ministry work. I still remember how when the worship leader started this song, it was impossible for me not to fall to me knees, with arms lifted to Christ, and proclaim Him as King and Savior!

I Lift My Hands

I lift my Hands

A Day at the Races

Last year at some point, we received part ownership of a horse, BG Royal. On a recent trip to Dallas we were able to take a trip to the stables to meet our horse and learn a little about how they are trained.


Well, as a result of this excursion, the children now love to pretend they are jockeys riding in horse races. While the racing is fun, they are learning the hard way that unfortunately there is always a loser. Poor Clare, just doesn't like coming in second to her older brother. Enjoy, the Pohlmeier Family Stakes!

Thanksgiving Preparations

Well, I think I am going to start blogging again. So, I will kick things off with exciting news for me...I am getting to prepare for my first thanksgiving dinner this year. We decided to head to Cincinnati for Thanksgiving instead of Christmas this year for scheduling reasons. It has been 7 years since we have spent this holiday with my family, so it will be nice to see all of my extended family. When I asked my mom if she would mind if I took over the preparations for Thanksgiving, she was more than happy to pass on the responsibility. I am so excited to make decorations, menus, crafts and delicious food. It is so much of my nature to want to do these things and play hostess, but the opportunities to do so do not arise very often. So, I am so happy to have the chance to serve my family this Thanksgiving. Stay tuned for the details of my first Thanksgiving!

Still Here!

I just wanted to write a quick post letting you know I do plan on returning to blogging. I tried to take some time this Lent to just quiet myself and spend more time with my kids. Unfortunately, that meant the blog suffered a bit! :) Stay tuned for some posts about celebrating Holy Week as a family!

Praying you are all having a Blessed Lent and drawing closer to the Heart of Jesus during this very special time of year!

Heavenly Housekeeping

The kids and I were having a discussion about Heaven the other day, and of course, my sweet child Isaac, chimed in with some interesting reflections....

Isaac: Mom, I don't think I want to go to Heaven.

Me: Really, Why?

Isaac: Well, see I have this cough... and well it is kind of dusty in Heaven, and I just don't want to go to Heaven because... well I am tired of this cough...and(very forcibly) well Heaven is just too dusty!

Well, apparently someone in Heaven needs to work on their housekeeping skills according to my son! Clearly, we need to keep working on our catechizing!

Ash Wednesday

May your Lenten fast and sacrifice be fruitful and draw you nearer to the heart of Christ.

" 'Yet even now,' declares the LORD,Return to Me with all your heart,And with fasting, weeping and mourning;And rend your heart and not your garments 'Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate,Slow to anger, abounding in loving kindness and relenting of evil. " ~Joel 2: 12-13

Saints Perpetua and Felicity, Pray for Us!

Today we celebrate the feast of Saints Perpetua and Felicity. Saint Perperua was a noble who converted to to the faith, and Felicity was her slave who also converted. They were arrested for their beliefs, and at the time Felicity was with child. After the baby was born, Felicity and Perpetua were thrown into an arena with wild beasts, and then slain by the sword.

Ideas for Celebrating This Feast as a Family

• Pray for the grace of fortitude
• Pray for people separated from their families and for those persecuted for their beliefs.
• Pray for Christ-centered friendships for yourself and family members.
  

"The day of the martyrs‘ victory dawned. They marched from their cells into the amphitheater, as if into heaven, with cheerful looks and graceful bearing. If they trembled it was for joy and not for fear. Perpetua was the first to be thrown down, and she fell prostrate. She got up and, seeing that Felicity was prostrate, went over and reached out her hand to her and lifted her up. Both stood up together. Rousing herself as if from sleep (so deeply had she been in spiritual ecstasy), she began to look around. To everyone’s amazement she said, “When are we going to be led to the beasts?” When she heard that it had already happened she did not at first believe it until she saw the marks of violence on her body and her clothing. The people, however, had demanded that the martyrs be led to the middle of the amphitheater. They wanted to see the sword thrust into the bodies of the victims, so that their eyes might share in the slaughter. Without being asked they went where the people wanted them to go; but first they kissed one another, to complete their witness with the customary kiss of peace. Bravest and happiest martyrs! You were called and chosen for the glory and our Lord Jesus Christ."

-from a story of the death of the martyrs at Catrthage.

Weekly Meal Plan

Monday: Cowboy Supper

Tuesday: Jambalaya with sausage

Wednesday: Spaghetti with Vegetable Sauce

Thursday: Catholic Couple's

Friday: Fish Fry at Church

Saturday: Taco Salad

Sunday: Pork loin, Salad, bread

St. David, Pray for Us!

Today we celebrate the feast of Saint David of Wales. Saint David was a priest who engaged in missionary work and founded many monasteries. He is also the patron saint of Wales.

There is a legend that says that once while he was preaching a dove descended on his shoulder and the earth rose to lift him high above the people so that he could be heard.
Ideas for Celebrating this Feast Day

• Pray for the people of Wales.
• Pray for Missionaries
• Feast on Welsh food-tea cakes are a favorite!
  

Weekly Meal Plan

Monday: Baked Cafe Sandwiches, Salad, fruit

Tuesday: Leftover Ribs, Chicken and Sandwiches

Wednesday: Cowboy Supper, Fruit, Rolls

Thursday: Catholic Couples Group- Dessert-Samoa cookie bars

Friday: NFP Live training (dinner provided)

Saturday: Crock pot Barbecue Chicken, Asian Raman Slaw

Kissing the Wounds of Christ

Rather than a stuffed animal, our kids have decided that they would like to sleep with crucifixes. I am not going complain about that choice. The other night Clare had some wisdom that I thought we could all benefit from hearing.

Clare: Daddy, are these Jesus' Boo-boos? (Pointing to the nails holding Jesus to the Cross.)

Dad: Yes, those are Jesus' wounds.

Clare: Oh. I will give him kisses, and kiss his boo-boos.

What a beautiful piece of wisdom to carry with us as we are about to embark on the liturgical season of Lent!

The Princess in Her Glory!

Here are some highlights of Clare turning three last week:

Clare woke up on her birthday to a house decorated just for her!

Opening presents is so much fun!

Birthday Breakfast


Pizza for Dinner...mmmmm...my favorite!


My Princess Party

I am three and full of spirit!

The birthday flowers Clare gave mommy as a thank you for being her mommy. (A wonderful tradition Daddy started!)

College Bound?

We all have really been enjoying the warmer weather this past week. The kids have spent hours playing in the backyard together and wearing themselves out. Today I was inside cleaning the kitchen when Isaac came in to tell me this:

Isaac: Hey Mom, Can you come to the backyard for a minute?

Me: Sure. (I walked to the backyard and saw the wagon piled high with toys.)

Isaac: (Standing proudly by his wagon) Mom, I just wanted to say goodbye. My wagon is packed, and I am going to college.

Thank you, Toy Story 3!

Weekly Meal Plan

Monday: Turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, Green beans and corn casserole (freezer meal)

Tuesday: Breakfast for Dinner (Jason has an evening meeting, so we eat lightly.)

Wednesday: Apple Bourbon Pork Loin, Flavored Noodles

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Fish and Rice

Saturday: Grilled Chicken, Potatoes, bread

Happy Birthday, Clare!

My sweet Clare,

I cannot believe you turn three today. You are growing up so fast. It feels just like yesterday that we brought you home from the hospital. I still remember the feeling of shock I had when I found out you were a girl. How could that be? Wiedenmann girls don't have girls. It had been 26 years since a girl was born on my side of the family.

I am so proud of you, and thank God for you everyday. You have such a sweet and sensitive personality, and I love your crazy side. Every time I look at you, I see the best parts of your dad and I. You are beautiful, my sweet girl, inside and out. I pray for you that you will always have the courage and joy you have now, and that you will always walk in the Light of Christ.

I love you!

Happy Birthday, Clare Bear!

Valentine's on a Dime!

We really make it a point to practice frugal living around here, and so decided we didn't really want to spend any money for Valentine's Day. Neither one of us needed chocolates, flowers or fancy gifts. We each only need to be acknowledged. We try to make a conscious decision everyday to something for each other anyway, whether it is a surprise cup of coffee or a random phone call. Just something that says "Hey, I am thinking about you. I love you, and I appreciate you!" Needless to say, the gift-giver personality that I am couldn't resist, and so this was my frugal attempt to celebrate Jason and I.

First, I told Jason to work late, advising him not to arrive home until at least 8:15, and to be sure to come with an appetite. I let the kids skip nap and so by the Grace of God they all went to bed at 7:00. And so when Jason arrived home, he was welcomed with a fancy candlelight dinner for two.

Here was the menu:

Appetizer: Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Marinated Tomatoes and Bread

Salad: Dried Cherry and Feta Cheese over Romaine with a poppy-seed dressing

Main Course: Curry Chicken, Rice and Green-beans

Total Cost: $0 I used items I had on hand for decorating and food. Nothing outside of our normal budget was used.

(Not a good picture, but allows you to feel the ambiance of the dinner. The flash took away from it in the other pictures.)

St. Valentine, Pray for us!

On this day that the world celebrates love, we celebrate a man in love with our LORD.

Unfortunately, the secular nature of Valentine's Day often overshadows the religious origin of the feast. Below is the history of St. Valentine for you to enjoy! I encourage you today not only to show others how much they mean to you, but to take some time to reflect on how much God loves you!

Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II, Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular wars. Claudius was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed the reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome.

Valentine was a priest at Rome at this time. He and St. Marius began performing marriage ceremonies in secret. For this work St. Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome. Valentine was condemned to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off.

While in prison his work continued. Many of the men and women he had helped came to his cell and threw flowers and notes through his cell window. Valentine converted his guard to Christianity and even miraculously restored the sight of the jailer’s daughter who was blind. The day before his death Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it “From Your Valentine.” He suffered martyrdom on February 14^th, about the year 270.

In ancient Rome that day was a holiday to honor Juno, the Roman goddess of women and marriage. The following day began the Feast of Lupercalia.

At this time boys and girls were kept separate and seldom had any interaction. On February 14^th, the eve of Lupercalia, the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl’s name from the jar and would then be partners with her for the duration of the festival. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often they would fall in love and would later marry.

The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome wanted to do away with the pagan element in these feasts. The fact that Lupercalia fell on Valentine’s feast and that he was so strongly connected to love and marriage, made him the perfect choice to Christianize the festival. Through the years, this celebration of Lupercalia and the story of St. Valentine have evolved into the holiday the entire world celebrates today.

St. Valentine – Pray for us!

Today let us focus and be grateful for what should be our primary relationship: our relationship with God! It is only through His love that we are able to express our love to those closest to us...our spouses, children, family members. God, thank you for loving me unconditionally. Lord, help me today to accept and live in the gift of your love, and help all of my relationships to be rooted in you and to be a mirror of your love. I love you, Lord!

"God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.
We love because He first loved us." - 1 Jn 4:16,19