Back in Business

I am officially a Tupperware consultant.  Today, I hosted my first initial party in my home. 

Had 8 ladies in attendance.  Learned lots of great tips for selling and for using the product.

Most of all, I had fun.  And that is what counts.  Getting together with a few ladies, introducing them to a great product and give them also the opportunity to start their own business or host their own party for the chance to win great gifts that are truly useful.

Like I told them, I am not trying to make money out of you.  All I want is to meet new people and have a great time, and at the same time we can win great prices.

The extra income is not needed in this house.  But I do plan to save some money to give my children the opportunity to a great summer vacation in Florida.   This money will be invested in me and my children.  And yes, part of it will be available for sponsoring children.  And to help great causes such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation,  The Breast Cancer Foundation, and other foundations such as St. Joseph Hospitals and Children's Hospitals.   And last but never least, to God and our Church.

What are my dreams for me.   First of all I want to go to a Spa.  I want to do things I have never done but I always wanted to do.   I will be able to pay my tuition to continue my theology classes. And  perhaps next year for summer we can visit the Holy Land.  I always wanted to do that too.

I will not be selling online yet, until I have a website account.  They do offer this  option with Tupperware.  But first I want to try this locally with the people I know at the moment.

Changing subject, I bought a new gadget for my kitchen.  I have been wanting a waffle maker for a long time.  So I found a small machine that makes waffles, omeletts, donuts, and its also a grill.

Tried it this morning.  Made the batter for the waffles and pour it on there.  But forgot to add some oil to the plates before pouring the batter and the waffles stuck to the plates.  I had to remove them and soak them in water.  Meanwhile I placed the omelet plates in the machine and this time added the a little bit of oil to the plates before warming them.  The omelett came out good.  And since I already had the pancake batter, I pour that on the  omelett  plates and made nice fluffy pancakes in the shape of and omelett.

One last thing before I end this post.  The countdown begins again.  I can't believe how fast time goes by.  Two weeks have gone by fast.  And now we only have two more weeks before my daughter's surgery.  So I will keep you updated on what the doctors say.  They told me that we will have some appointments before.  So I think I better call them just to remind them about it.  Hope you all have a great week.

unexpected events

You are wondering what this is.  It is a photo copy made with the rays of the sun.  My daughter calls it a miracle.  I had placed a cut out of a dove on top of a red card paper.  And then placed it on my window as a display for Pentecost. 

When I removed it from the window, I took the white dove away before discarding the red paper, but I found this.  We are now keeping it as a sign that good things are coming our way.

Yesterday, I decided to wash all my big, heavy, bed covers at the laundromat.  Since winter will be here in a few more months, I want to have them ready.   I used two large washers.  $5.75 each.  It took about 45 minutes to finish the cycle. 

Just before getting to the laundromat, I visited a local electronic store, in search for a small vacuum to clean the stairs and car.  We already have a big canister vacuum but its to heavy to carry up the stairs.  I had bought another smaller one, but it did not do the job well. 

I bought a small, cord vacuum. It worked very good.  I have already vacuum the stairs and one car with it.

This morning, I drove quickly to the grocery store to buy bread and turkey deli meat for sandwiches.  I searched for my debit card and couldn't find it.  The last time I used the card was at the electronics store.  I searched everywhere, in my house, purse, and car.  Checked sweaters and pant pockets. Nothing.   Before calling the bank to cancel the card and request a new one, I went to the electronic store.

There is a nice man at the door, always greeting everyone when they come in.  He said, "Can I help you with something?"  I told him, that I had been there yesterday.   "I used my debit card to purchase something,but this morning I could not find it."  He ask me, my name, and name of bank.  I told him, my name and bank name.  He then opened up a drawer with a key and brought out the card. 

Thank you, Jesus!  I was so happy and relieved.  No debits where made after I last used the card, and the card was found and put away in a safe place.  

Another unexpected thing happened  this morning.  I saw, my former Tupperware manager, at my niece's pre-school.   Usually my sister-in-law takes the kids to school in the mornings and I pick them up after school.  But rarely do I go to the pre-school.

Anyways, I saw this lady there.   She invited me to a Tupperware meeting.   I said, "sure why not, when is it? ", "Today", she responded.   I did not have anything else to do this morning, so I went with her.  I had lots of fun.  Met some new people and got to see all the new products that Tupperware has now.

The hostess of the party told us her testimony of how she started selling Tupperware.  Some other ladies gave their testimony too. 

I like Tupperware products, I have lots of it in my house.  I even have a bin full of unused inventory from when I was a consultant.  But now, there is so many new things and in very nice colors.   I know its a little bit costly but it is a good product, that lasts for a long time. Well, if you do not allow anyone to take it home with food in it.  Because then, it will probably won't come back. 

So I might get back into selling tupper again.  I really do not need extra income.  If I do, is to do something, and meet new people.  Plus I get to choose my own hours.

I am hosting a party next Wednesday.  Inviting some of the ladies from the kids school and my neighbors.

Well, you see sometimes your day has some unexpected detours.  Not always do things go like you had planned.  Perhaps, it might be even better. 



Chore charts

In my search to find the perfect chore chart system that works, I found this great creative idea over at
Such Treasure

I am hoping this one works I will give it a test drive for a week and report on the progress.  I added some extra thing to this chart.  The reward dollars.  Actually paper play money used as reward points.

We had been using this in the past.  They are able to use the reward points for special privileges, such as TV time, computer time and video games.

I used blue cards for Julian and teal for Marah.  Extra chores are in white index cards and written in purple marker.

I have another plastic pouch near the huge calendar with behavior cards.  green for good, yellow for mild, and red for bad.  If the kids get a yellow card, they are not allowed to use their rewards until all chores are completed.  If they get a red card.  They are not allowed to use their rewards and they get an extra chore.  Until all chores are completed, the card will return to green and they are able to use their reward points.

They will be getting one dollar, per chore completed.  They have about 11 cards each, per day.  Play dollars are actually have an actual a value of 25 cents each.

Its been quiet here

I have not posted much in the last few days.  I have been busy preparing for my first day of teaching class after a year of rest. 

The students have already made their first communion, and are in the class to continue their Faith formation.

Included among them is my pre-teen daughter. 

Today was the first day.  I have an assistant.  She is an Eucharistic minister and prepares young girls for their Quinceneras (15 birthday celebration).   I allowed her to give part of the lesson for today.  I want to learn how she teaches the children, I believe she has more knowledge and experience.

Even though I was the one who prepared the materials for the lesson, I want to give her the chance to sow her seed in the life of each of this children.

Our first lesson today was, God created the Universe.  We read part of the story in the book of Genesis.  I downloaded an activity from one of the blogs for this lesson.  It is a Creation Wheel.  I found  the link at the Catholic toolbox blog.  You can find the link on my side bar.

I also gave the students their own binder with side pockets to place all their worksheets, they will be doing in class.  Our lesson was from the Sadlier Bilingual Program texbook, Our Catholic Faith.

 I  also gave them their own journal.  I told them to spend one day per week, in quiet time with God in his word, and write a few sentences on what they think God is telling them in the Bible.  If they feel like sharing in class they may do so. 

I will be giving the children,  extra bonus assignments, to complete by the end of the school year so that they may get special rewards.  One is to learn the books of the Bible.  And for the younger children the names of the Apostles.

I hope that this children have a fun learning experience this year and share with other children so that more children will join the class next year.  There is only six children enrolled in the class this year.

One more thing I want to share with you today is that my sister, got in contact with a young girl who has had the same kind of surgery that my daughter will have next month.  This young girl has been doing very good after her surgery and its very thankful to the surgeons.  We have her contact information and I will be calling her mother to get some tips on how to deal with after surgery recovery. 

This is what I had requested the doctors.  That I wanted my daughter to speak with other young girls about their surgeries to give my daughter encourgement.

I am thankful that this is a God divine connection.  My sister met this girl's mom at a Charismatic  service a few years back.  Today my sister saw them again at Mass and ask them how they were doing?  They told my sister that this girl had her surgery at the same hospital were my daughter will have her surgery. Because that's were the doctor, specializing in this kind of surgery works.  We think it might be the same doctor assigned to my daughter's case.

Once again, God is in complete control of everything.  He knows what is best for my daughter and we are hopeful that everything will go well next month. 

I am ending for now, I am going over to my in-laws house a few houses down the block. 

Have a very blessed Sunday evening.

Gratitude

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good."- Psalm 118:1

Getting back to my normal routines.  I had tried to leave everything as clean as possible before the surgery date.  Because I knew that I will be at the hospital for most of the day with daughter, until husband was able to come and stay with  her so that  I will have some time with my son. 

Since the surgery did not take place as scheduled.  Everything return to its normality.  The kids went to school.  And I stayed home to update everyone by emails, phone calls, and texts.

I did something different today.  I exercised.  Second time this week, that I play an exercise video and workout in the comfort of my home.   I am such a procrastinator in taking care of my own health.  I did not start this exercise workout for the goal of losing weight.  I do have some extra bundles here and there, but I have learned to be happy with my image.  I do want to exercise for other reasons. 

The exercise, helped me to focus on something else.  It kind of relaxed me.  I set the timer for only 30 minutes, even though the video lasted 45 minutes.  I ended doing the last 15 minutes after all.  It was a simple routine and I was following the person doing the steps for beginners.  Still I felt I was working at a higher level.  

After the exercise, I took a break and sat at computer desk , browsed through emails, facebook and myspace.

Then I had breakfast.  A delicious protein shake with a piece of fresh cantaloupe. 

After breakfast, I started tiding up each room. And did some loads of laundry.

I did get a couple of calls from family.  One special call from a friend who also has her daughter in hospital.  Her two year old daughter had cancer in her liver and was operated a few months ago.  But recently she returned to hospital because of an infection with some tubes used to administer the medicines to her body.  She will be discharged from hospital hopefully on Sunday. 

I was so grateful for this mother for taking the time and calling me to inquiry on my own daughter.  She gave me the strength  to keep believing that everything will go well.  I told her that if possible I will come by tomorrow to visit her daughter at the hospital.

My heart goes out to all those mothers who are suffering with the illness of their child. 

I understand what you are going through.  I hope and pray that soon the answer to our prayers will come.

In Jesus, name. Amen.

Important Update

Surgery was postponed. 

Due to Doctor's busy schedule and complications with another case.  He decided to cancel the surgery for today, and re-schedule.

We arrived at the Hospital at 8:45 AM.  By 9:15 we had registered and the nurse checked my daughter, gave her a gown, and told us to wait for anesthesiologist.  Time went by. 

We had been told that surgery will take place two hours after arrival.  It was past 11 AM, no anesthesiologist, no doctor.  The wait continued and daughter began to get inpatient.  Logical, she was practically fasting. 

I prayed, lots of prayers.  I gave her prayers to read and pray on her own.

I held her in my arms for a long time.  Kept praying and waiting for the someone to show up, and tell us they were ready for surgery prep.

The doctor came in at about 12:30 PM.  Took pictures of her back, marked the incision site and told us, it will be soon.  Another half hour passed.

Then another medical assistant came in the room.   And told us that the surgery was canceled.

My daughter was so happy!  She could not wait to get dressed and go home and eat.

We are still waiting for Doctor's confirmation on next surgery date.  It will probably be soon, because of the urgency of her case.   Hoping next time, everything will go as planned and no long waiting period.

I now know that the surgery will take about six hours.  

I feel bad for my family members who took the day off from work.  I have pictures of daughter in her hospital gown and a picture of family in waiting area.  They were taken with phones, so I need to figure out how to upload them. 

The good thing about this experience, was that I was able to text messages to my family while they were waiting.  They were about to go to Aunt Mary's to eat her yummy curry chicken , when I told them the news.

We all ended up going to aunt Mary's house together. 

I will keep you posted on the next date for the surgery.

God bless you and thank you for your prayers. 

9th Day of Novena

Today, I conclude the nine day novena to Our Lady of Sorrows.  I was using one from the Oblate Missions website.

Along with one from the United States Conference Catholic Bishops website.

A Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows, Pdf form

This is one of the prayers, I said daily for mothers.

Holy Mother of God,

hear the prayers of the Church

for all mothers,

especially those wearied by life

and overcome by the suffering

 they bear for their children.

Hail Mary...

O Mother of the Word Incarnate,

intercede for them

from your place in heaven,

that the mercy of your divine Son

might lighten their burden

 and give them strenght.

Hail Mary...

Glory to the Father, and the Son

and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be forever. Amen.

9th Day Prayer from the Oblate Missions.



O Lord, You never promised us to take away our darkness.
You never promised us that you would take away the struggles
of our everyday living. Father, You did promise us to be our
light in times of darkness and to give us strength in times of need.


Help us not to be blind to your light nor blind to your presence.
Give us strength during times of trials and tribulations, and keep
us and our families always united in your name.


Give us the serenity to accept without bitterness all those things
we cannot change. Give us the hope to see beyond ourselves
that we may always accept your will and trust in your holy presence.


In your goodness you have given us our very lives. We entrust
into your hands and into your gracious care those lives you
have given to us and we pray all of this in Jesus' name, Amen.


I thank you all for your prayers and encouraging comments.  I will try to update as soon as its possible on my daughter condition after the surgery.

Today's Catholic feast day,  the exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Tomorrow the feast of our Lady of Sorrows.   It amazes me how God chose two Marian dates for  my daughter.   Her baptism in the Catholic Church was on August 15, 1999. The Assumption of Mary feast day. 

Mary is a very special intercessor for mothers.  No one like her knows the pain and suffering of losing a child.  To see her Son suffering on the cross was a like a sword  pierced in her heart. (Luke 2:35)  She understands our pain and suffering.  She consoles us in our times of grief.  And rejoices with us in our times of joy.  She is our heavenly Mother.
Jesus I trust in You!

The Day is coming!

The long awaited day is coming. 

Daughter's surgery date. 

I started cleaning her room well, and getting this house in order before Wednesday.  I will be spending most of the day at the hospital with daughter.  So I would not have time to keep up with house chores the rest of this week. 

I already spoke with my sister-in-law to take care of my son.  And for someone to pick him up, after school.

I have to also talk with my daughter's teachers for  Independent studies at home while daughter recovers from surgery.

I will probably not post anything until Thursday, if I am able to have access to the internet.  Or I will ask one of my sisters to post a quick update for me.

Thank you for your prayers. 

Day 7 Prayer

Day 7 Prayer, Healing Novena  Oblate Missions

God, Father; Your Son, Jesus, blessed the sick, the suffering,

the persecuted and those in mourning giving them the power

to transform the world. You have chosen us to be a part

of your creation. You love us not on the basis of age,

nor education, nor accomplishment. You love us because

we belong to you with all our frailties and with all our hopes.

Through our sickness and powerlessness, you invite us

to turn to you as the center of all life.



Transform, O Lord, our weakness into blessing by

enabling us to reach out and touch others who are

too busy to care, to blind to see, to deaf to hear.



Make of us, O Lord, a wounded healer in your name and

in your world by proclaiming the truth that it is more important

to love than to complain, it is more important to trust than to fear,

it is more important to believe than it is to be important.

And we pray all of this in Jesus' name, Amen.

My Family

Here are some recent pictures taken of my family at family events.


Remember that picture I shared with you of my Mom's family. Well this is an updated picture taken in June, at my cousin's 25th wedding anniversary.

From left to right: Uncle Blas, Uncle Gildo, My Mom Lupe, Aunt Mary, Uncle Hector, Ungle Rigoberto, and Uncle Juan.  ( missing in the picture, Uncle Gabriel and Uncle Ruben)

                                                             Sam and Monica's Wedding.

The Groom and Bride with groom's parents.

The entire extended family.

I'm the second one from the left.

Our family picture

Gris, Idalia, Erica, Mom, Rosario (me), and Ernie

Yes, Dad is missing, not sure why?

He was also at the wedding. 

I guess we have to take another picture again to make it perfect.

5th day of Novena

A special prayer for the families affected by this terrible tragedy in San Bruno, California.

This city is about 30 minutes away from where I live.

For the victims, the survivors, and those in the hospitals critically injured.  Lord help them.

For the fire fighters on duty, Lord help them to turn off the remaining fires, to avoid more damage to other neighborhoods.  Protect them.

In Jesus name, we ask this, Amen.

Prayer for 5th day of Novena, from the Oblate Missions website.

God, our Heavenly Father, we truly learn to
 appreciate the light only in the measure that
 we've been exposed to the darkness.

We truly learn to value what we have only to
 the degree that we have been affected by its loss.

Gradually and ever so slowly our illnesses
 have become our teachers.  We feel a sense
 of urgency to live each day to the fullest
 because today is the time to flourish,
 to expand, to discover.

We have the need to do all those things
 we used to procrastinate about.  
We need to speak the words we've
been afraid to say before.

In our illnesses we get in touch with the heart
 of life 
as people have become so important 
and as we realize that the smallest
things in life are indeed the greatest.

Our disappointments have become a revelation
 and our silence has turned into worship of you.  
We thank you and we praise you today.  Amen.

Our Lady of Sorrows Novena

I am praying every morning and saying prayers that I found at the oblate missions website.  Today's prayer is so beautiful, that I want to share it with you.


Ever faithful God, we've turned our eyes and prayers to you so very often. 

There have been times when we've felt forgotten by you and wondered
if you were still there to hear us.

Times when we've gotten so discouraged we've felt like giving up.  Times when we were so broken the burdens almost seemed unbearable.  Times when we were so angry we felt like crying.  Times when we
felt so helpless and so hopeless we didn't even want to try again.

We have hoped so many times and prayed in so many ways.  O Lord, as you hear our cry and see our tears, we pray that
you would give us peace of mind that comes from leaving things all up to you.

Help us to live one day at a time, to find new strength in you,

 to be grateful for all those who try to ease our pain and make us so ever comfortable.

Stay by our side, as we walk through dark valleys, so that your light
may lead us into health and into life and we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Reaching Out to Others

I could be thinking about my own problems and struggles in life.  I could be stuck in a whole, in deep depression, but I am not.

What gives me the energy and courage to continue on with life?  God.

He is the source of my strenght.  " He gives Strenght to the weary and increases the power of the weak." - Isaiah 40:29 NIV

Next week, my daughter will be having spine surgery.  It is a complicated surgery but the Doctors are sure, that all will go well.  The only concern, is to avoid any further complications.  Such as an infection.  Extreme care will be taken, to make sure this does not happen. 

The Doctors will not be working on their own.  I believe God, our divine healer and physician, will be right there guiding the hands of the doctors.

I know, that many people will be praying for my daughter.  We are signing up people, to be praying around the clock on that day.   My Aunt Mary and cousin Nora have volunteer to be there with me at the hospital for support and to pray.   Other family member will also be taking a day off from work to be with us. 

I am so grateful, to have family and friends, that are praying daily. Some have offered to help with what ever we need.   I am grateful, that thanks to the health insurance,  we will not have a co-pay.

But as I prepare for that day, mentally and spiritually.  My heart goes out to those families who are also facing tragedies of their own.  Illnesses that are incurable.  The loss of their child.  A baby with birth defects that  is not given the chance to live, after his/her birth. 

This families need our prayers.  And sometimes this families need our financial support.

And in the midst of our own storms in life; we  are called to be a good Christian and help those who are in much greater needed than we are.

I am sure you know a certain family who is undergoing difficulties and challenges emotionally, physically or financially.  

I know one family, relatives of one of my neighbors.  This young couple, have a two year old daughter who had cancer in the liver.  She was operated and the cancer was removed.  But now she has problems with her lungs. 

I have been praying for this little girl daily.  Praying that God heals her.  That the cancer will not return.

I have also been praying for other children and people that I have met through the blogs.
  Heather and Emma. 
 Baby Jake and his mother.

I believe God answers our prayers.

" The Lord is near to all who call on him,  to all who call on him in truth.  He fullfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them." Psalms 145:18,19

Still my heart wishes to do more.  To help financially if possible, to  help someone in need. 

While reading The Catholic voice, a newspaper that I receive monthly.  I read a story about a young boy.   Aaron Tanner, recently received two organs during two operations held on August 14 and 15 at the UCLA Medical Center.  Aaroon was born with a rare congenital heart defect that limited the ability of his heart to circulate blood throughout his body.  You can read more on him, at his website  Save a Broken Heart 

It is stories like Aaron's,  that touch your heart and move you with compassion to help other in need.  This family needs financial help to cover the medical expenses.

There are other ways you can help others.  I am helping  also to  spread awareness of Cystic Fibrosis.   My brother has cystic fibrosis and the CF foundation has been raising funds to help in medical research for medicines that help patients with CF.

There are many poeple in need of our help.  And we alone can not help everyone.  But our prayers can reach out to many.  Still, if you are not helping anyone at this time financially.  Pray to God to show you, the person or the ministry to help financially.

May the Lord bless you exceedingly, aboundantly and overflowing.  Amen.

Labor Day weekend

Hi everyone, I hope you all had a great weekend.

I know you are probably wondering why it has been real quite around my blog lately.  I have been busy and waiting for some great pictures to share with you.  And thinking of nice interesting posts to write.

My youngest brother, was reading my posts in this blog, and thought that I could be boring my readers with my posts. He encouraged me to write something different. 

Today, I'm going to give you a  summary of my weekend.

Saturday, I attended a wedding.  The groom is my older brother.  Son of my Dad.  Yes, that makes him my step-brother, but we decided to omit the step prefix.  We have become very closed with Dad's older children. And this Saturday, was one of the best family reunions ever.

We were all together.  Celebrating a special day for brother Sami. 

The most memorable moments for me were:  The Father and Bride dance.  The song played was "Butterflies Kisses",  this song, I used to play to my daughter when she was a baby.

The Mom and Groom dance.  I do not know the name of the song, but it was so beautiful.  Giving thank to his Mom for all the things she did for him.  

And our family pictures.  The entire extended family together.  My Mom included.  I was grateful ,that we were all included in the picture.  Later, the siblings picture.  All 8 of us.  6 Sisters and 2 Brothers. We  were missing 1 brother who could not be present.  But in our hearts he was there.

I wish I had the pictures, already.  Forgot my camera, so  we had to use my sister's friend camera.

Sunday, the kids and I went to Mass as usual.  Later, we went to eat lunch with husband and his brothers.  This is the last weekend, we go out to eat as a family after Mass.  Faith Formation classes start next Sunday.  And we will be at church until noon.  

Monday, I made breakfast here at home.  Then  we went to pick up some items that were been given away.  An elderly man passed away a few weeks ago, and his family is giving away some of his belongings.   My downstairs neighbor used to cleaned his house often.  She was told, to bring other people, to see if anyone wanted anything.  The family needs to vacate the apartment as soon as possible.  

I only took a few nice books, a few decorative items, and a 3 tier ceramic party platter.  Not much.  But husband like the side tables in the bedroom, and we asked if we could take them.  The man's nephew, who is in charge of overseeing everything, said it was ok to take them.  We also took, a walker and a cane.  I had been wanting to get one for my daughter, for after the surgery.

I did not know the deceased man that well, he came a few times to parties here at the house.  I pray that he rests in peace.

My downstairs neighbor, gave me a set of lamps, she did not needed anymore.  I only needed to get a set of lamp shades, and light bulbs for them.  Now, I have to matching side tables and lamps for my bedroom.  What a blessing.

Today, my Son has a doctor's appointment, and I will be going grocery shopping.  I did not do much around the house over the weekend.  I have mount laundry waiting for me too.  So I will be busy for the rest of the week. 

I hope I can write one of those interesting post like my brother suggested, later on.  Blessings.

First week of school

Kids started school this week.  They attend a public school.  No, I don't homeschool.  I prefer that my children attend school and have a professional teacher do the teaching.  I honestly do not think I could manage homeschooling on my own.

The school were my children attend is a good school.  Has been recognized as one of the schools that has improved academically over the last year. 

They have been attending the same school.  For three years now.  I now most of the teachers there.  I know the Principal well.  And I volunteer at the school, as much as possible. 

I am thankful that my sister-in-law has her children at the same school.  My sister-in-law takes the children to school in the morning and I pick them up after school.

Thursdays are short days, which means they get out at an earlier time.  

So far, we had a great week.   Son has his same teacher from last year.  At this school, they have one teacher for two years.  For example:  a teacher teaches one year Kindergarten, the next year, First grade and the following year, he/she returns to teaching Kindergarten.  This way, the children who enter Kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 4th grade, have the same teacher for two straight years.  Except for 6th grade students.

I like this idea, because they do not switch teachers every year.   This year we have 4 Kindergarten teachers.  Three teachers for each grade, from 1st to 3rd grade.  Two teachers for each grade, 4th and 5th grade.  And two 6th grade teachers.  That's a total of 19 classrooms.  And I almost forgot the Special Educational classroom for children with special needs and disabilities.

The school was renovated last year, adding about 4 extra classrooms.  The science classroom was renovated too.  Students have the same science teacher for grades 3rd to 6th grade.  Dr. Carol, is a very nice, science teacher.  I helped her, pack all her books and supplies; when they moved to the temporary school, while the school was been renovated.

The school  has a big library.  Every year, the librarian has a book fair, at the beginning and end of the school year. 

My daughter, already has her wish list for this coming up book fair.  Justin Bieber books and school supplies.  That girl loves Justin Bieber.  His face is all over, one of her bedroom walls.  And this summer, she and her cousins went to see him in concert.

Son, likes Star Wars books. Or any books with race cars stories.

I better end this post now, before I make it to long. I do not want to bored you. And then you will stop following my blog.  Have a nice weekend.

A Hurting World

Every week, I share a post at Holy Experience.  Every week we have a special topic to share about with other readers.

This weeks topic is "What it means to be Jesus' hands and heart to a hurting world."

I think it means to be there for others.  Help in any way you can.  Financially, pray for them, speak words of encouragement,  volunteer to help them with chores or just spend time with them.

Whenever is possible for me, and I see someone in need, I offer to help them.  Sometimes I just pray for them from a distance.  If I am able to give financially to worthy causes, I do so  with a cheerful heart.

There are many people needing our help.  So many institutions raising funds to help them.  Sometimes you feel you want to help all of them, so you only choose one and pray that others will  get help from other people. 

At the moment, I am waiting on God to show me, where I could be of help.  There is so much I will like to do.  But I must wait for the Lord.

This scripture that always comes to my mind is, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widow in their distress."  James 1:27

I think of Mother Teresa, how she did just that.  She brought in the orphans, and the dying into her home and cared for them.  She was not rich, yet she gave love, care and education to the orphans.  She aided the dying by allowing them a descent death.  She cared for them, until their very last breath.  She did not want them to  die out in the streets abandoned  by the society.

There is another group that is crying out for help.  The youth of our cities.  So many children and young adults seeking love and acceptance in the wrong places.  This kids are joining gangs, turning to alcohol and drugs, because they are rejected and abandoned by their parents.  Other parents have no other choice, because they need to work two jobs and are forced to leave their children unattended.  

This children need a safe environment.  They need places where they can play, get help with their homework, get fed a descent meal.  While their parents are at work, they could be in a safe place.  Away from the bad influences.   It is sad that youth and even children are getting involved with violent crimes.  Risking their lives for pleausure, acceptance in gangs, or  for money or drugs.  Taking the lives of others for the same reasons.

What can we do to stop this?  I live in a neighborhood in which often you hear gun shots late at night.  I worry for the safety of my own children.  Just before school ended before summer vacations, I heard lots of gunshots near my home.  It was the time I usually leave to pick up my children at school.  I was so scared.  Imagine if I was already coming with my children from school at that same time.

Last night, there was another shooting.  Just before 11 PM.  I jumped from my bed, and my first thought was my brother.  He had left to the gym around 9 PM.  I called his cell phone.  He was already on his way home.  I told him what had happened and told him to be careful.  By the time he got home the police were already in the area.

My daughter was also awaken by the gunshots.  I told her to pray for God to protect us.  Once my brother was safely in the house, I got on my knees and thanked  the Lord Jesus, for protecting him. I prayed for all the children in the neighborhood.  I asked God to send his guardian angels and protect each one.  I am not sure if anyone was hurt from the gun shots.  Some neighbors were outside, I heard one say that it happened around the corner.  The police were in the area until past midnight.

I continued praying.  I knelt down in between the beds of my children and read the Psalms, 91, 23, and 121.
I read from Stormie Omartian's book, The Power of the Praying Parent. Then I lay down to sleep, right there on the floor, next to my children's bed.

Yes, it was uncomfortable, but I wanted to be near them.

This morning everything was quiet in the neighborhood.  Not even a trace that something happened in the night.  I hoping that no one was hurt.  My kids are now in school, husband at work, my brother is still sleeping.  And I am here in my home office, finishing this post.

Now join me at Holy Experience, to read what others are sharing on how to be Jesus's hands and hearts to a hurting world.












Rosario