Since this is Respect Life month

I am posting an article I wrote a while back for Our Sunday Visitor on Stem cell research here since October is "Respect Life" month. You can also see it by clicking on this link to my old website. Then when there, scroll down the left hand column and it is the first article under "Misc."

***

Adult cell research
continues to grow up
Doctor shares advances, advantages in working with this moral alternative that has been used to treat many diseases

By Donna Cooper O'Boyle
Our Sunday Visitor
September 25, 2005

"I am a practicing Catholic and try to integrate my faith into all aspects of my life. I have a strong commitment to working at the leading edge of scientific innovation in an effort to improve and preserve human life at all stages."
– Dr. Keith L. March, Director of Indiana Center for Vascular Biology and Medicine

(Photo Courtesy IU School of Medicine)

The degree of respect and value to be given a human embryo has always been a complex and controversial issue. Even more so now, since some researchers are experimenting with embryos and are diligently pushing for federal funding.
Some people believe stem cells can "morph" into virtually every kind of tissue, producing a potentially bottomless sources of human replacement parts.

But it is ever right to manipulate the building blocks of life itself with biotechnology? Is it OK to use embryos left over from in-vitro fertilization for research that could potentially hold cures for diseases and spinal-cord injuries?

Creating custom-made embryos in the lab for research raises more questions. This research has divided members of President Bush's own party as well as the scientific community with religious leaders. Pope John Paul II spoke out vehemently against embryonic stem-cell research.

But what about types of research, such as using stem cells derived from adults?

Seeking expert answers, Our Sunday Visitor interviewed Dr. Keith L. March, director of the Indiana Center for Vascular Biology and Medicine. March graduated from college at 15 with a dual degree in chemistry and biology in 1979. He received a combined medical degree and doctorate at 21.

As director of the center, he heads up a team that develops revolutionary medical therapies, devices, drugs and genetic interventions.

Our Sunday Visitor: What compelled you to become interested in stem-cell research?

Dr. Keith L. March: As a practicing cardiologist, my research interests have always focused on blood-vessel diseases. I wanted to find a way to use cells with regenerative capabilities that could be found in abundance and were taken from the patients' own cells, thus posing no risk of rejection and importantly, avoiding moral or ethical concerns with their use.

OSV: Do you find your fellow researchers receptive to pursuing other options of research besides embryonic stem-cell initiatives?

March: Many of my colleagues are actively pursuing stem cells from adult sources because of the track record of success with such cells.

OSV: What diseases are most likely to be helped with adult stem-cell research and why?

March: Leukemias, anemias and cancer are already being treated successfully with therapies using umbilical-cord-blood-derived stem cells. our center is currently conduction the only FDA-approved clinical trial using a patient's stem cells derived from bone marrow.

Stroke, Parkinsons's disease, spinal-cord injury, diabetes and cancer are other key targets for treatment. Intensive cell biology research is needed to learn about how and why this happens.

OSV: Why is adult stem-cell research more promising right now over embryonic stem-cell research? What are the advances in adult stem-cell research?

March: Adult stem cells are readily available, in some cases easy to procure, such as those found in the fat, skin and bone marrow.

They are not potentially subject to immune rejection, as cells obtained from the patient rather than an unrelated random embryo donor.

They are already somewhat specialized and are poised to repair disease within the body' embryonic stem cells are poised to create an embryo. No embryonic cell-based therapies have been demonstrated to produce results in patients.

Umbilical-cord-blood transfusions were initially used in the early 1990s to treat Fanconi's anemia in children, a life-threatening condition. These sources of stem cells have great potential to treat a variety of other blood disorders.

OSV: What role does your faith play in your research?

March: I am a practicing Catholic and try to integrate my faith into all aspects of my life. I have a strong commitment to working at the leading edge of scientific innovation in an effort to improve and preserve human life at all stages.

I am highly motivated to bring novel and effective therapies to patients as rapidly as possible, and equally committed to working with cell sources that do not involve human live at its embryonic stage.

OSV: Do you see a debate among your peers over the ethics of embryonic stem-cell research or is it a non-issue?

March: I think that the debate over embryonic stem-cell research is active among the scientific community as well as within the lay public.

OSV: What do you think the big push is for embryonic stem-cell research with some researchers over adult stem-cell research?

March: It is believed that stem cells from human embryos can potentially provide endless supplies of cells with desired characteristics. It is also believed that there are quantities of human embryos that are available from in-vitro fertilization clinics that would otherwise be frozen indefinitely.

Adult stem cells have already been used successfully. If efforts were focused on cells from adult sources, scientists would have an upstart on finding cures for life-threatening diseases.

OSV: Why do you feel the public isn't informed about the advances in adult stem-cell research?

March: Stem-cell research has become a lighting rod for controversy. People have taken sides. The lay public is mostly unaware of the differences between stem cells derived from adult sources and those for embryos. The media likes to fuel controversy, making it a political issue rather than a scientific one.

OSV: What do you think the public should know about stem-cell research?

March: There are distinct types of "stem cells" and distinct sources for their derivation. Adult stem cells have already proven effective in treating diseases. Their potential for treating a broader range of diseases is very promising, growing daily.

OSV: Do you think the continued success in the area of adult stem-cell research would essentially put an end to this major ethical debate by eliminating the need to research on embryonic stem cells?

March: I think that a group of scientists will likely want to continue to push research efforts forward on embryo cell fronts with the goal of finding cures no matter what is achieved in other areas.

I feel that adult stem-cell research is significantly advanced toward patients, compared with research using embryonic stem cells, therefore more likely to achieve results more quickly. Directing financial resources to support adult stem-cell research is one key way to accelerate success. The source for stem cells that proves most effective at treating patients will win the "race" to therapy.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donna Cooper O'Boyle is the author of "Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers" (OSV, $6.95). She writes from Connecticut. Contacting Dr. March
Readers interested in learning more about Dr. Keith March's work with adult stem cells may e-mail him directly at kmarch@iupui.edu, visit www.vascularbiomed.iu.edu or call (317) 278-0130.

Pumpkin soup anyone?

Looking for something to do with those pumkins or wanting to get festive? Here are a couple of very easy and surprisingly quick Pumpkin Soup recipes (these are courtesy of Rachael Ray). And they look delicious!


Pumpkin soup with chili cran-apple relish


Pumpkin and Black Bean Soup

Halloween is coming up...what will you be doing with your kids?

With Halloween coming up, what are you planning to do with your kids? Will you celebrate this holiday? Will you focus more on All Saints day and All Souls day? What are your ideas?

Happy feast day of St. Teresa of Avila!

St. Teresa of Avila said, "Christ has no body now, but yours. No hands, no feet on earth, but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ looks compassion into the world. Yours are the feet with which Christ walks to do good. Yours are the hands with which Christ blesses the world." Let us remember those words as we use our hands to care for our families, as we use our feet to go about doing good in the household, as we use our eyes to seek out the needs of others and then allow Christ to bless others through our eyes!


Let us also remember St. Teresa's words, "Let nothing trouble you, let nothing frighten you. All things are passing; God never changes. Patience obtains all things. He who possesses God lacks nothing: God alone suffices," as we thank God for the blessedness of our vocation of motherhood where we pray for the sanctification of our families!

Your lipstick may contain lead!

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Lipsticks tested by a U.S. consumer rights group found that more than half contained lead and some popular brands including Cover Girl, L'Oreal and Christian Dior had more lead than others, the group said on Thursday.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics said tests on 33 brand-name red lipsticks by the Bodycote Testing Group in Santa Fe Spring, California, found that 61 percent had detectable lead levels of 0.03 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm). (See entire story here.)

Important news about infant and small child cold medicines pulled off market

WASHINGTON (AP) - Drug makers pulled cold medicines targeted for babies and toddlers off the market Thursday, leaving parents to find alternatives for hacking coughs and runny little noses just as fall sniffles get in full swing.

The move represented a pre-emptive strike by over-the-counter drug manufacturers - a week before government advisers were to debate the medicines' fate. But it doesn't end concern about the safety of these remedies for youngsters.

Thursday's withdrawal includes medicines aimed at children under age 2, after the Food and Drug Administration and other health groups reported deaths linked to the remedies in recent years, primarily from unintentional overdoses.

A remaining question is whether children under 6 should ever take these nonprescription drugs.

Baltimore city officials filed a petition with the FDA - joined by the Maryland chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and prominent pediatricians around the country - arguing that oral cough and cold medicines don't work in children so young, and pose health risks not just for babies but for preschoolers, too. (See entire article here.)

Speaking about our culture...

It's been hectic around here. Speaking of our culture lately, what happened the other day to our family was unbelievable! A kid pulled out a knife and held it up to my daughter on the school bus! Needless to say, we had to deal with all of that the last couple of days. Please say a prayer for all involved and for our kids these days. Heaven help us, please!

My recent radio segment about young girls and our culture's pressures

To listen to the recent radio segment on my "Mom's Corner" segment on Ave Maria Radio, click here. Teresa Tomeo and I discussed the pressures on our girls on Teresa's show on "Catholic Connection."

Our Culture's Pressures on Our Girls

Our “tween” age and teen age girls are being bombarded with an onslaught of demands. These young girls keenly feel the pressure from many sources which include school, their peers, and society. The support they so desperately need from their parents while they are trying to navigate the maze of unrealistic standards expected of them may be non-existent, because many parents just don’t understand the extent of the pressures. Parents may naively think that their daughters are too young to be feeling any stress or strain whatsoever. Life unfortunately, is not so simple nowadays.

The impact of our culture’s pressure on young girls recently hit home for me when I found out that a young girl I know is now in Rehab being treated for anorexia and drug abuse! Who knew? No one saw it coming. Her parents were totally unaware for a while. This victim of society’s horrid pressure—a sweet young girl from a Church-going family—hid any tell tale signs very cleverly. She had excellent teachers—the girls who led her down the wrong path also taught her how to cover up any evidence of her new lifestyle. Thank goodness her parents realized what was going on before it was too late for her. This girl is now counting her blessings and relieved that her parents intervened. She also revealed that she could have died at the rate she was going.

The everyday life of a teenager is tough enough with their hormonal mood swings—one minute exhilarated and the next minute immersed in a major trauma. Dealing with acne, worrying about boys, feeling that their parents don’t understand them, and emotional ups and downs add to their stress. But, our culture tops it all off with crazy expectations that can be utterly overwhelming to young girls. Because of this, sometimes life seems like a pressure cooker to them.

Young girls are vulnerable and take criticisms very personally and deeply. They feel intimidated by the “in crowd” and by the popular girls. They may think that they are fat or ugly. They can feel depressed. They deal with bullies who talk about them behind their backs which truly bothers them. They stress out about academic pressure which is high these days.

Body image and how these girls perceive themselves is a huge problem. It’s impossible to miss the standardized body image for girls, plastered all over the mass media from Hollywood, the runway, television, and glossy magazines. Basically, everyone should be a size zero according to the propaganda. Our young girls are brainwashed into believing that being a particular clothes size will bring them happiness and solve all of their problems in life. Most adolescents are also unaware that what is projected to them is impossible to achieve anyway because of the tricks of airbrushing that are used in the industry which further distorts a young girl’s perception of beauty. We need to somehow combat this obsession with body image.

In addition to worrying about their body image, the teens and “tweens” are consistently exposed to the pop stars in the news, glamorizing underage drinking and drug abuse. It’s pretty scary to think that these celebrities masquerade as role models for our children. Heaven help us! There are countless new pressures for our girls today. All of them affect their self esteem.

The “National Mental Health Information Center” reports that girls are three times more likely than boys to have a negative body image. The constant worry about their image can overtake other aspects of their lives, as well. The focus needs to be put on a girl’s real beauty—her talents, her mind, her heart, her spirit—and off of her body.

What can parents do?
Parents should start early to help build self esteem and a strong sense of self in their young girls to enable them to resist the battering of pressures later in life. One study revealed that 32 per cent of girls felt much loved by their parents. Imagine that, 32 per cent! This is alarming! Our children need to feel loved by us. A girl who feels loved by her parents and good about herself will still feel the pressures from our culture, but will better be able to deal with them.

The best role models for kids are the parents. Our example speaks volumes. We should never joke or comment about someone’s body size or weight. Our children look up to us and learn our behaviors. We should continue to show our affection toward them even when our adolescents may pull away at times seeking times of privacy. While we respect their occasional times out for privacy, we welcome and encourage them to partake in family activities and dinners, keeping the family unit intact. Prayers at the dinner table are not only wonderful but essential and set a valuable family tradition as do get togethers with relatives in their homes and ours—all helping to foster our family values and togetherness.

Parents should encourage their daughters to stay away from the cliques and to develop a good group of close wholesome friends which helps a great deal to combat the stress. There’s nothing like supportive girlfriends to help ease the trials and tribulations of teenager-hood! We need to keep a close watch on activities with our children, encouraging get togethers with their friends at our own homes, rather than away where we don’t have control. We have to know who they are hanging out with. We need to teach our girls not to worry about what others are saying or telling them to do and to be confident in their own shoes with their own friends.

Very clear and consistent boundaries need to be set by parents about what is acceptable and what is not. Kids absolutely need these parameters. They even want them, despite their attempts to rebel against them at times. The boundaries establish the safety net. Kids can use their parent’s rules as their excuse to their peers for not getting involved in a potentially dangerous situation. It’s a safe way out of trouble and a way that parents can suggest their children use, if need be.

Half the battle in helping our daughters is in recognizing and accepting that these young girls indeed experience all of these very real stresses and pressures. We have to open our eyes! Striving to keep open the lines of communication is critical. Hopefully this art form was established early on with our daughters and our continual encouragement to talk to us, to share with us—will reassure them that they can come to us at any time with their troubles. We can hopefully discover opportunities for open communication while out on a walk, driving in the car, or involved in an activity with our children when they are more likely to open up when they are not in a face to face situation with us.

Being aware of our children’s needs is crucial. To get them through these years safely, we absolutely have to show our daughters our love in an affectionate, understanding, and tangible way and be there for them—always!

***

I recently discussed the pressures on our “tween” age and teen age girls on the air with Teresa Tomeo on our “Mom’s Corner” segment on “Catholic Connection” on Ave Maria Radio. Teresa recommended a fantastic website and initiative by Dove called, the “Campaign for Real Beauty.” It’s a wonderful, interactive website packed with information; complete with self esteem building techniques, tips in talking to kids about body image and what it means to be beautiful, and so much more. There is also a very short and excellent eye opening video called, “Onslaught” showing the images that young girls are exposed to in the course of a day. Another very effective short film on the website is “Evolution.” Please watch them.

(copyright - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle)

Editor's Note: The photo in this story is used to enhance the story and is not of anyone who is having trouble with anorexia or drug abuse. The picture illustrates girls having fun.

You need a good laugh!

You HAVE to watch this!. Guaranteed laughs for Moms!

(Thanks to Lisa Hendey for posting it on her Catholic Mom Moments blog!)

View From The Pews: Bloggers Praying For World Peace

View From The Pews: Bloggers Praying For World Peace

UNICEF is a sponsor to an initiative that supports legal abortion!

From Catholic News Agency:

"New York, Oct 8, 2007 / 10:53 am (CNA).- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is a sponsor to an initiative that includes support for legal abortion.

The initiative, titled "Deliver Now for Women and Children," was launched in New York last week by various United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations. UNICEF has persistently denied that it supports abortion in any way, shape, or form.

The "Deliver Now" campaign's stated objective is the improvement of maternal and child health. It lists a number of severe maladies that affect maternal health, concluding “most maternal deaths could be prevented if women had access to and could use professional care.” The campaign defines quality care as including “services before and during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, as well as safe abortion.” "Safe abortion" is often a synonym for legal abortion..." (See entire article here.)

Tune in tomorrow to "Mom's Corner!"

Tune in tomorrow morning at 9:15 AM Eastern Standard Time to hear the newest segment of my Mom's Corner" with Teresa Tomeo on "Catholic Connection" on Ave Maria Radio. We will be discussing a timely and urgent topic for parents regarding our "tween age" and teen age girls and the pressures on them from our culture. Join us and feel free to call in with a question or comment. You can listen in at this link from your computer!

For all you bakers and chocolate eaters...

"Kraft Foods Inc. has recalled 288,000 packages of white chocolate baking squares on fears of salmonella contamination, the latest in a wave of U.S. food safety alerts and the third chocolate-related salmonella warning in the past year.

The Northfield-based food giant issued the recall late Wednesday for certain six-ounce packages of Baker's Premium White Chocolate Baking Squares.

The recall came after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration detected salmonella in some packages of Baker's Premium, Kraft said. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, and can create life-threatening infections in people with weakened immune systems..." ( See entire story here.)

"If today you hear His voice..."

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord;
let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyfully sing psalms to him.

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us bow down in worship;
let us kneel before the Lord who made us.
For he is God,
and we are the people he shepherds, the flock
he guides.

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Oh, that today you would hear his voice:
"Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
as in the day of Massah in the desert,
where your fathers tempted me;
they tested me though they had seen my works."

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (Psalm 95)

***

Do we hear our Lord's voice today? Is He calling us through our spouses and our children? Is He speaking to us through our neighbor who wants ten minutes of our time (when we are in a hurry) to vent about a problem, hoping for a loving response? Is our Lord calling us through our duties in our household that sometimes seem to loom over us with a burdensome pressure? Is our Lord asking us for ten minutes of our time to retreat to our hearts to truly listen to Him? Is our Lord asking us to meet Him in the Blessed Sacrament where He waits for us; wanting to shower us with His love and blessings and tremendous peace? Is our Lord perhaps calling us to reach out to the lonely around us, allowing His love to shine through us to transform their hearts and bring them closer to Him? Where is our Lord calling us? Do we dare ask Him?

From "Our Sunday Visitor Footnotes"

The Twentieth Anniversary Celebration of Mulieris Dignitatem
By Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

This is an exciting time for women in our world. Twenty years ago, our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, wrote the extraordinary letter, Mulieris Dignitatem, "On the Dignity and Vocation of Women." The Pontifical Council for the Laity is now encouraging the lay faithful worldwide to observe a celebration of this Apostolic Letter in the coming year of the twentieth anniversary by reflecting on the meaning of the document. Each continent has its own specific theme regarding the Apostolic Letter.

Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter (given on August 15, 1988) was written to encourage women in their vocations, to highlight the essential feminine genius that they provide to their families and the world, and to restore spiritual and physical motherhood to a culture that was quickly losing sight of the dignity of women and mothers.

Living in an era where the unborn baby may not be safe within his own mother's womb, with debates raging over the nature of marriage, and confusing messages directed at women about where she should find her place in society - all point to the timeliness of this observance.

The Pontifical Council of the Laity has asked the Catholics of North America to consider the document specifically in light of one overarching theme: The Dignity of Women in a Technological and Consumeristic Society.
Interestingly, Pope Benedict spoke recently about "the materialist ideologies that say: It is absurd to think about God. It is absurd to observe God's Commandments. It is something from a bygone era.... Only consumerism, selfishness, and fun are worth something. That's life." He said, "Again it seems absurd, impossible to oppose this dominant mentality with all its media and propaganda power. It seems impossible to think about a God who created man, who became a child, the real would-be ruler of the world."

The poignant words to women at the closing of the Second Vatican Council should compel us to do something to help better our understanding of a woman's role and dignity. "The hour is coming, in fact has come, when the vocation of women is being acknowledged in its fullness, the hour in which women acquire in the world an influence, an effect, and a power never hitherto achieved. That is why, at this moment when the human race is undergoing so deep a transformation, women imbued with a spirit of the Gospel can do so much to aid humanity in not falling."

We know that all of salvation history depended on the faithfulness of one young woman in Nazareth and her courageous "yes" to the Lord. Our Church has held women throughout history with the deepest respect, despite what our world might have us believe. Women of the third millennium have an amazing opportunity to reap the benefit of the graces poured out on them now for a clearer understanding of their dignity and vocation as they reflect upon Pope John Paul II's affirming and beautiful words for them. Women of our time "can do so much to aid humanity in not falling." It's time to open our hearts to God's message to women and act upon it imbued with the spirit of the Gospel, spreading love, understanding, and peace with our own "yes" to a world in desperate need.

A website has been created in order to provide a comprehensive resource for those interested in ways to reflect on this timely anniversary.
Dignityofwomen.com will point to the Apostolic Letter, Mulieris Dignitatem, relevant books, speakers, study guides, and other initiatives that will bring the beauty of this document to as many people as possible, while continually integrating suggestions, additions, as well as a bulletin board of events to access over the coming year. The website suggests ways in which to get involved with this Vatican initiative including: procuring a study guide and taking time to discuss the document, compiling book lists related to the document and discuss different aspects or topics relating to the reflection of these authors, planning a day of reflection in the parish or larger community whereby talks and prayers can bring to light the beauty of the Pope John Paul II's understanding of authentic femininity, and a larger project might be the creation of a congress or conference, in which the ordinary is invited to participate. This would reflect the collaborative nature of the Church: joining the hierarchy, or Petrine dimension, with the women, who image Marian dimension, and bear spiritual fruit by means of the spousal reality.

"Through prayer and discussion, women everywhere will reveal their feminine genius in the way they celebrate this anniversary - ultimately giving glory to God, Who delighted in creating women in His image" (from the Dignity of Women website).
You may send your suggestions or submissions of resources to the link provided at the website or to Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle at DMCooperOBoyle@aol.com. Please join with us in prayer so that this will be a very fruitful observance. May our Blessed Mother watch over this worldwide celebration for the dignity and vocation of women and bless us with her graces in all of our efforts to understand the richness of the feminine vocation.

Let us bring peace into our homes!

Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace

(Based on a prayer by St. Francis)

Make me a channel of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me bring Your love,
Where there is injury, Your pardon Lord,
And where there's doubt, true faith in You

Make me a channel of your peace,
Where there's despair in life let me bring hope,
Where there is darkness - only light,
And where there's sadness, ever joy

Oh Master, grant that I may never seek,
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood, as to understand,
To be loved, as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of your peace,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
In giving to all men that we recieve,
And in dying that we're born to eternal life

Beautiful Catholic Carnival at Sarah's...

Go on over to Sarah's place at "Just Another Day of Catholic Pondering" to see the beautiful Catholic Carnival that she has put together with the title, "Celebration of Life." I know what she's thinking about as she's soon to give birth! There are so many submissions and topics that you do NOT want to miss! You had better grab a cup of coffee or tea and plan to stay a while. :)

"Mom's Corner" Coming Up...

Hello Everyone!

I will be on my "Mom's Corner" segment with Teresa Tomeo on her "Catholic Connection" radio show next Tuesday, October 9th at 9:15 AM Eastern Standard Time. I hope that you will tune in and perhaps call in to the show. Our topic will be "Our Culture's Pressure on Our Teen and 'Tween' Girls." Feel free to leave me a comment if you'd like to tell me anything on the subject or to let me know what you would like answered on the air. The show is LIVE. You can tune in to Ave Maria Radio any time at this link right from your computer! Just click on the "Listen live" button at the top of the Ave Maria page. On Tuesday, I hope you'll tune in at 9:15 AM EST! :)

God bless!

Tips on Tuesday

Someone posed a question to the Food Network:

Q: I like to make dinner earlier in the day, especially things like soup, pasta or one-pot dinners that usually taste better "the second time around". But I never know when to put them in the fridge for later. I have heard both that you should let food cool completely and then refrigerate, and that you should refrigerate as soon as possible. (Roseanne Powell, Auburn, GA)

A: Both answers are correct, strangely enough. It's often best to cool hot food as quickly as possible, and refrigeration is a great way to do that. The problem with immediate refrigeration, however, is that putting a hot pot of soup into the fridge will warm everything around it. The soup will cool, but it might bring the rest of the food in the fridge into the bacteria-loving danger zone between 40 and 140 degrees F. Leaving the food on the counter to cool isn't necessarily the best option either, as it will also remain in that temperature zone for a while.

Our recommended ways to quickly cool food to below 40 degrees F are:

• Spread the food out in a wide, shallow pan so the heat is not held in.

• Put a sealed double plastic bag filled with ice into the center of a hot stock, which also helps get rid of some of the fat (it sticks to the bag when you pull it out)

• If you've got a free sink, fill it with ice water and set the pot in the middle.

Refrigerate the food once it's cool.

***



My recipe for Quick and Healthy Apple Sauce!


3 Macintosh or Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and quartered
3 of any other apples you like, peeled, cored, and quartered (It's good to combine 2 or 3 different types of apples for better flavor)
1 cup natural unsweetened apple juice
2 tablespoons butter or soy margarine (I use Earth Balance soy margarine)
one half teaspoon of pure vanilla
3 to 4 tablespoons honey (can use 1 teaspoon of molasses too, for added nutrition and heartier flavor)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I usually throw in some more!)

In a microwave-safe container, (I use a glass bowl and a glass plate on top, opened slightly) Combine apples with all other ingredients. Close lid, leaving one corner of lid open to allow steam to escape. Microwave on high for 10 minutes.
(Be careful when you take it out of the microwave due to the hot steam) Use a hand blender or potato masher to blend the apple sauce to desired consistency. (you may want to leave it a little lumpy)

Serve hot immediately (Yum!) or chill for later use.

In the Spirit of St. Therese...

What matters in life is "not great deeds, but great love."

In the spirit of St. Therese of Lisieux today, let us strive to remain "little," to love in all things; especially to be dedicated to doing all of our "little" things with great love in our families. These "little" things, I believe are HUGE in God's eyes!

O Little Therese of the Child Jesus, please pick for me a rose from the heavenly gardens and send it to me as a messenger of love.

O Little Flower of Jesus, ask God today to grant the favors I now place with confidence in your hands...(mention your request)

St. Therese, help me to always believe as you did, in God's great love for me, so that I might imitate your "Little Way" each day.
Amen

Announcing my new book, "Catholic Saints Prayer Book"

I am excited to announce that my new book, Catholic Saints Prayer Book (Our Sunday Visitor Publishing) will be released in March 2008! Amazon.Com already has it available for preorder! In a month or so the cover image will be posted at Amazon. I will post it here as soon as I have it from the publisher. To preorder from me for a signed copy just follow this link to my "Author's Store" for details.

This Saints book would be ideal for Confirmation kids who are deciding upon their patron Saints. It's also a wonderful little book to learn more about our friends the Saints, our intercessors in Heaven! This book is a compilation of 34 Saints that I chose to bring to you! It is appropriate for anyone wanting to learn more about the Saints and what they have to offer us on our own journeys. There is a biography of each with an original prayer to each one as well as inspiring quotes from them included in this book. It is a hardcover book in a smaller format so that it is suitable for carrying in one's purse, briefcase, diaper bag or to leave on the coffee table or nightstand for those times when it can be picked up for some inspiration.

Guess what we did yesterday?

A Friday Surprise!

For this "Friends on Friday," I'd like to spotlight my friend, Sarah from "Just Another Day of Catholic Pondering!" Take a few moments to read this heartwarming story! I know that you will enjoy it. :) Happy Friday, Everyone! God bless you!


"Friday morning, I was dead set on going to Woody’s, and no one was going to hold me up. Fridays have been, for the last few weeks or so, a time when our office staff (all whopping three of us!) get lunch together. By lunchtime on Fridays of late, we’re ready to vent a little and laugh a little.


Friday was no different. It had been a week in September (which, I’m remembering now that I’m in the midst of it, is about the equivalent to a week in May), worthy of all the groans and sighs and rolling eyes I could give it. It doesn’t help that my patience level is challenged by the frequent rib cage punches I’m getting internally, I suppose, and that I’m about as pregnant as I can be. (I feel like I’m using that as an excuse a lot lately. But I also feel like some of my rollercoaster reactions to things are attributable to that. If not that, then I need to say some serious prayers for St. Dymphna’s intercession, because I’m losing my mind!)


I was ready to go to Woody’s. The ladies and I piled into a car, and we headed over to Nama Gloria’s to drop off Miss Muffet for her Friday with Nama (and, of course,
the Kitty of Infamous Patience, Sassy). Nama had a certain chatty look about her as she rocked on her dreamy porch under the shade of the front tree. I braced myself for a quick departure – I was HUNGRY and I wanted some barbeque pork in the worst way.


“Hey girls, come on in. I have a little project to show you on the back porch.” Ever the crafty person, Gloria is the sort of person I could just spend all day visiting with. I thought about just inviting her along to Woody’s as we walked through her house.


As she opened the screen door to her deck, she said, “Well, I guess we can all keep a secret,” and something like 23 women yelled “SURPRISE!” and I could only think, “Great, NOW it’s going to be a while before we get to Woody’s” and then..." ( Continued here.)

An article about my new book, Mother Teresa and my family

The Catholic Standard and Times out of Philadelphia just published an article about my newest book, Prayerfully Expecting: A Nine Month Novena For Mothers-To-Be. It is complete with a couple of Mother Teresa photos with me and with my son, Joseph. You can click on the link to read it here.

Well, I've procrastinated long enough...

Barb, sfo said...
That's the shadow of someone (you?) praying the Rosary?

September 25, 2007 8:10 PM


Tracy said...
looks like a statue with a rosary.

September 25, 2007 8:47 PM


Alexandra said...
A statue? The arm up reminds me of Saint Anna Maria Taigi, but it maybe Saint Lucy with the eyes, but no dish... someone added a rosary? The outline of the hair reminds me of Saint Jaon of Arc.

September 25, 2007 9:42 PM


Jaime Gregory said...
That's your shadow, Donna, holding a Rosary.
Jaime

September 26, 2007 12:06 PM


Carey said...
I would say its you, with a new haircut, possibly holding a rosary in one hand, and the camera in the other.

September 27, 2007 8:32 AM

I loved reading all of your answers! I said the that the first one who guesses corectly will win a book so, the winner is...BARB! The "mysterious" picture is a shadow of me walking down a dirt road on a morning walk with a Rosary in my hand. I had the camera with me in case I spotted something pretty in nature and then I spotted the shadow and did this little contest just for fun! :) So, Barb, email me at DCooperOBoyle(at)aol(dot)com with your address, please.

New study shows that teenage girls with close circle of friends less likely to take abuse from boys

The teenage years can be turbulent and challenging. As teens grow into their new bodies they also begin to define their sense of self as individuals in a deeper way than they have thus far. They form friendships and possibly romantic relationships.

New research was recently published in the September 20 issue of the journal BMC Nursing that suggests that teenage girls are less likely to take sexual abuse from boys if they stick with a tight knit circle of female friends. The group of friends provides a safety net and structure which helps the teen age girls a great deal as they strive to navigate their teen years safely.

This is "music" to a parent's ear! Let's keep those wholesome girlfriend relationships encouraged while keeping a close eye on activities with our youth.

To read the MSNBC article about this study click here.

I know you are really wondering!

I will let you know tomorrow (Thursday) about the "mysterious" picture!

Have you seen this?

Have you seen this EWTN KIDS website? Wow! I just came across it and I think it's great! Take a look. It's interactive and entertaining and helps to teach kids their Catholic faith. Turn up your volume and be prepared to hear something really cute when you click on the link!!

What is this "mysterious" picture of?

First person to guess correctly wins a book!

Are we feeling joyful today?

Moms,

Are we all feeling joyful today? Maybe we're tired because we've been up half the night with a sick child or a colicky baby. Perhaps there are various stresses and strains that we are experiencing. The never-ending household chores may be looming over us. We may have a son or daughter who is in harm's way fighting for our country. We also may have older children who may be in harm's way from our twisted society - and we are praying for them to stay on the straight and narrow.

Where is our joy? Do we express it? Do we try to acquire joy even when our hearts feel trampled? Do we pray for joy so that we can help light the way for others who are less fortunate than ourselves? And for those in our families?

Blessed Mother Teresa said, "Joy is not simply a matter of temperament. In the Service of God and souls, it is always hard to be joyful--all the more reason why we should try to acquire it and make it grow in out hearts.

"Joy is prayer, joy is strength, joy is love by which we catch souls. God loves a cheerful giver. She gives most who gives with joy. If you have difficulties and you accept them with joy, with a big smile--in this, like in any other thing--they will see your good works and glorify the Father. The best way to show your gratitude is to accept everything with joy. A joyful heart is the normal result of a heart burning with love."

Let us take a few moments to ponder on Mother Teresa's words to us. You may be surprised and find like I have on so many occasions that joy is contagious! It may help to get rid of the "grumpies" around us or within us! A little bit of joy can go a LONG way in the household or wherever we may find ourselves! It is very challenging at times. However, a simple smile can change someone's heart! Are we up for the challenge?

In His Joy!

A Reflection on a Mother's Role in Her Family

Take some time to reflect on the
awesome role you have as a mother of your
family, as the nucleus of that group of people
that God has brought together. Try to develop
a plan for prayer. Prayer a conversation with the
Divine, is always appropriate at any time.
Raising your heart and mind to God can be done
whenever you want...while going about your
work or at quiet times. Think about the
Holy Family and their prayerful attitude
about life. Let us pray, as mothers to
be the guide for our families
to help them reach their
final destiny.
--excerpt fromCatholic Prayer Book for Mothers

Close to home...

We live in difficult times, especially for teenage and "tweenage" girls. Girls these days are up against so much pressure to conform to what society thinks a young girl should look like and be like. Magazines are filled with the young pop stars who are consistently in the news for their use of drugs, their underage or abusive drinking and for starving themselves to death - literally. The Internet is a source for the same images as is the TV and movies.

Even when parents are careful with the upbringing of their children, they may inadvertently miss some red flags. Most parents are consumed with work, getting ahead to pay the bills and live a good life. And there are parents who care so much for their children and through no fault of their own, the children still get led astray.

We just heard about a young teen aged girl that we knew who is now at a rehabilitation center on the other side of the country. What a lovely, polite girl she was and from a very nice Church-going family. I'll call her Shelly. We have known Shelly for years. She was not the type to get into any trouble AT ALL. But poor Shelly suffered from very low self esteem. Nobody knew. She then became friends with a girl I will call Tracy. The two of them began to hang out together. Shelly began to disassociate with her closer friends which wasn't very obvious to anyone because it happened over time. Everyone gets busy, even kids with homework and activities -- so no one realized what was happening. It turns out that Tracy was involved with drugs and enticed Shelly to try them. Shelly did try them and became involved with drugs and also became anorexic and began losing weight.

Thank God that Shelly's parents did eventually realize what was happening before it was too late. Shelly is now getting excellent help and is very thankful. She has admitted that there was a time throughout all of this that she almost died! Please say a little pray for this girl and for all those in this situation. She could use all of the prayers that you can spare, I'm sure. Parents have to be sure they know who their children are hanging out with and also need to realize that their children truly NEED their supervision at every stage of development. Kids need to be involved in wholesome activities.

And please keep your eyes open for alarming behaviors that may be hidden just beneath the surface of children and teenagers. We can help sometimes with just a listening ear; by giving up a little time to truly listen to someone who may be crying out for attention and help.

We need to pray for our youth who walk out onto a battleground each day, it seems; just being a teenager is so tough. Also, please pray for the girl who led Shelly astray. Her parents from what I hear, are totally oblivious to what's going on and that is a sad shame indeed - for the girl and for all those she will try to lead down the same path because of her own weaknesses and need of healing.

Oh dear, Lord, please help us all. Please look kindly upon Your dear children. Please dear Lord, heal our brokenness. Help us to open our hearts to extend Your love to others in need. Blessed Mother Mary please protect us all from the snares of the devil and lead us all on the path that leads to Heaven! Amen.

Light reading...

Yesterday it was my turn to pick up my daughter, Mary-Catherine and her girlfriends from their after school meeting. It was a beautiful day - very sunny and warmer than it has been lately. I got the girls and proceeded to drive them home when an idea came to me.

"Would you like to stop at the pastry shop to get some gelato?" I asked them. The day was getting warmer and it felt like summer again. I received an affirmative answer from the back seat!

At the pastry shop, the owner came around the counter to see us and gave us a warm greeting. After we told her why we were there she allowed the girls to taste as many flavors as they wanted until they decided on just the right one. I had my eye on a lemon sorbet looking one. It looked very refreshing. I tasted it and it was delicious. Then I spotted another lemon one on the left and asked if I could try that.

"This is delicious!" I told her. What's the difference between the two lemon flavors?"

"The second one has liquor!"

"What? Liquor?"

I then spotted a sign on the glass display case indicating that the lemon flavor I had just tried could not be served to children! Wow, that's the first time I heard of liquor in a gelato.

Meanwhile the girls were still taste testing! The woman and I began to chat. I asked her how everything was going and she told me that she was miserable because her daughter had just gone off to college out of state.

"Oh! I know what you mean! My daughter, Jessica returned to college and my son, Joseph just entered! I can't stand it either!"

The girls decided on flavors. I naturally chose the lemon (with the alcohol!). Not because of the alcohol, of course! But because it was refreshing.

The woman and I chatted some more about our children off at school as she rang us out at the register.

"I worry about her. I don't know if she's cold or if she's eating enough. If I don't hear from her for a day - forget about it!!" she explained to me very passionately. I truly understood.

"I feel your pain," I said smiling.

Her face lit up and she said, "But I'm going to see her this week end!"

"Well, when you get back we should have some lemon gelato together some time," I said. "We'll sit over there and commiserate!!"

"Yes! And I'll bring the bottle!"

[note: this reflection is by no means promoting alcohol, it's just a slice of life and lighthearted reading. :)]

Prayer Tips for Busy Moms

We have to face it. Dedicated Moms really don't have time to call their own. Once they become a mother, and even in pregnancy, their hearts are joined to that little one inside her womb or her children outside it. Her care for her child is without limits and often goes into the night and even throughout the night. A mother's care for her children is 24/7, I don't think we'll have any disagreement here.

So, how does a busy Mom find the time to pray when she is inundated with the care of the family? Even Moms who know that they absolutely need to pray for the survival of the family cannot seem to find that essential time. What can she do?

I recommend that mothers get into the habit of raising their hearts and minds to the Lord the first thing in the morning. When she opens her eyes to a new day she can offer her heart to the Lord and pray a Morning Offering in her own words or the formal words. She will have then offered her entire day over to the Lord with all its craziness and chaos, joys and sorrows - everything to Him. Mother Teresa called this "total surrender." We surrender our very lives to Him.

Then when the day begins to get busy, usually when we first wake up (and perhaps it had been throughout the night with baby feedings, diaper changes, care of sick children and all) we have already offered our days with all its busyness to God and He is pleased.

Of course, we strive to find those quiet moments always throughout our days; perhaps at nap times or when there might be a little lull in the schedule. Then we offer our hearts again to Him who gives us life. He will bless our days, craziness and all. And we will know in our hearts that He is in control because we have given everything to Him. He will help us to find occasions for prayer and we will have peace even amid the hectic pace in the household because we are trusting in Him and accepting our amazing vocation of motherhood right in the heart of our home - right in our Domestic churches!

Do you have a prayer tip that you would like to share? Feel free to leave it as a comment. I hope to hear from you. :)

God bless!

This and That Monday

Lisa Hendey over at Catholic Mom just pointed out that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has a website called, "To Teach." This site is absolutely packed with information and resources to help TEACH! This month's topics are: Encountering the Living Christ, For Principals and School Boards, For Educators, For Parents, Forming Adult Faith, Compendium Corner. Check it out, whether you are a Catechist or not, you may find something interesting to help with the teaching that you do to someone in your life.

Sarah has a beautiful reflection about the blessings of children over at Catholic Online. I know you'll love it!

Lisa Hendey has already got her sixth Podcast up and running. Where does she get her energy?! Go on over to listen to her interview with two authors.

Heidi Hess Saxton will be hosting the Catholic carnival this week. See all of the details here. But you'd better hurry!

What do you think?

Teresa Tomeo and I will be having another Mom's Corner coming up soon on her "Catholic Connection" show on Ave Maria Radio. I'll let you know when I have the date. I'd like to know what subject or subjects you are interested in hearing about. Do you have any parenting questions? We've talked about passing down the faith to our kids, summer parenting and prayer, books, inspiration, and more.

What are some topics that you'd like to hear about? Don't forget that you can call into the show, too. Just leave me a comment here at "Embracing Motherhood" or send me an email at DMCooperOBoyle(at)aol(dot)com with your suggestions. Thanks for your participation! :)

God bless!

A Slice of Life

Recently my daughter, Mary-Catherine went into her brother Joseph's bedroom to feed his tortoise since Joseph is away at college. I had previously stripped Joseph's bed to put fresh sheets on but was not in a hurry to do so since Joseph is away. When Mary-Catherine saw Joseph's bed looking so empty she came out and said to me, "Mom, can you please put some sheets on Joseph's bed - it looks so depressing!" Awwe, she misses him. And so do we all!

On a funnier note, one time recently when we were on our way home from an evening weekly Mass, my daughter, Mary-Catherine and I chatted a bit in the car and then Mary-Catherine decided to listen to her music on her IPod for a few minutes before we got home. As she put her music on, I made the Sign of the Cross because I was about to begin a Rosary. Mary-Catherine instinctively started to make the Sign of the Cross too after seeing me peripherally, even though she was starting to listen to her music. Then she suddenly turned to me to say, "Mom! That's not a Catholic Church!" We had just passed a Baptist church and Mary-Catherine for an instant was thinking that I thought I should bless myself while passing that church. I laughed and told her that I was just blessing myself because I was starting a Rosary!

Friends on Friday

Recently I had the pleasure of chatting with another Catholic Mom blogger, Alice, at Cottage Blessings about our kids and our devotion to them. We talked about feeling sad for the Moms who miss out because they have bought into the world's allurements. We shared our joys about mothering. Alice shared a beautiful reflection with me that I would like to share with you! She said...

A Promise Kept
Two bright-eyed girls whirled round the dance floor at the Knights of Columbus St. Patrick’s Day Party last night--one a slim and lively eleven year old, the other a dimpled baby. The baby squealed delightedly with each bounce and bump, the deep burbling sounds of a well-entertained nine-month-old. The older girl twirled as if she would never stop, spurred by that irresistible laughter—more musical than music itself.

Watching these two girls—my own daughters Theresa and Eileen—it struck me how unusual a thing it is these days to see sisters a decade apart. My mind wandered back to a time in the almost forgotten past:

My fiancé and I are leaning over black and white composition books, comparing the answers to questions asked of us at the Cana Conference Retreat. We are completing an exercise meant to ensure we each know the other’s plans for married life. The first question reads:

“How many children do you hope to have?”

An optimistic “At least eight” appears in my feminine slant, and in my fiancé’s masculine scrawl, “About half a dozen.”

We both want a large family. So far, so good.

The next question continues:

“How soon do you want to start a family?”

A confident “Right away” appears plainly in the feminine slant, but this time the masculine scrawl is nowhere to be seen.

What is the meaning of this, I wonder. Aren’t we both ready to start a family?

My fiancé looks at me seriously and explains, “I would love to begin a family right away, but my fear is that, years from now, you will remember the career you left behind and feel sorry. I don’t ever want you to have any regrets.”

“I will never feel that way,” I assure him with confidence.

“How do you know?”

“Because I know myself. It would not be possible for me to feel that way.”

And that was that.

I woke from my reverie to find my husband motioning something to me, his eyes twinkling meaningfully—our little boy was on the dance floor attempting the “Cotton Eye Joe” in awkward, oversized red snowboots (none of us had noticed his unconventional footwear until we arrived at the party). We laughed as only two parents, united through the Sacrament of Matrimony, but also in infinite love for a child, can laugh. Sitting there at that table, with our children dotting the dance floor like violets in a May meadow, we shared another moment among millions to remember the undeniable Truth of the Catechism: “Children are the supreme gift of marriage and contribute greatly to the good of the parents themselves.” [CCC 1652.]

And I secretly gloated thinking upon my own prescient words of self-awareness, “It would not be possible for me to feel that way.” Indeed, I never have and never will.

Years ago, I remember telling a dear friend and former classmate of mine we were expecting our first child. She responded as our culture has taught her, and, as she heartily believed even without any real life experience, “What a waste!”

Please understand, as I repeat these words, they held no sting for me then or now. I know, in fact, she meant them as a backhanded compliment, a tribute to my “worth.” Her sensibilities were steeped in society’s pervasive notion that children should be, particularly for the educated woman, an afterthought, best left until prominence, profit and partnership are all checked off the to do list. My heart went out to her in honest sympathy, as I imagined her wearing her youth away, perhaps never tasting the joy I was already feeling just knowing a precious heart was even then beating beneath my own.

And what of that to do list? What price would have been exacted for prominence, profit and partnership?

Prominence would have required my twenties. The children of my twenties were Agnes, Theresa, and Margaret.

Profit would have sought my early thirties. The children of my early thirties were Marie and Patrick.

Partnership’s capital investment would have been paid during my late thirties. The children of my late thirties were Maureen and Eileen.

Somehow, I think I would have been working off the wrong list.

Is it any wonder I reaffirm today, but with even greater fervor and emphasis, that promise, spoken all those years ago: “I will never feel that way. It would be impossible for me to feel that way.”

But this time, I am uttering a heartfelt Deo Gratias to go along with it.

*******
[As I post this piece, I want to include a note to make sure it does not have the unintended effect of hurting any women or mothers who work outside the home, particularly those who strive to make a better life for their families. My reflection is meant as an affirmation that children are a greater source of joy and fulfillment than unnecessary ambition.] This piece above was written by Alice Gunther and appears at her blog, Cottage Blessings.

Prayerfully Expecting

I just found this review over at Barnes & Noble.Com...

Charlene Chautin, a Catholic mother of three, 09/12/2007
The Perfect Gift for Any Expectant Mother

This wonderful journal offers mothers not only the chance to record the physical and emotional stages of pregnancy, but also to grow spiritually as the young life develops within her. With suggested prayer, mysteries of the Rosary, and novenas in fact the book is meant to transform pregnancy into a nine month novena. Each month has also has a description of the physical changes that the baby is experiencing. I would definitely recommend this book for any pregnant woman.
Also recommended: The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home

*********************************

Thank you, Charlene!

Catholic Carnival

The Catholic Carnival is up and ready. Go on over to Sarah's place, Just Another Day of Catholic Pondering. As usual she has done a terrific job! She is so gracious to host these Catholic carnivals so often - and this is while she's running around after a toddler and expecting to give birth to another child in the very near future. Great job, Sarah! Thanks for pulling it off once again!

Kids out of the nest...it doesn't feel right

Recently I was lamenting about missing my son, Joseph who just went off to college. I likened the feeling to that of a mother bird pushing her baby bird out of the nest, but I don't feel ready to give that last push...

I said:

"It just doesn't feel right. I don't like sitting down to dinner with that empty chair across the table from me. It's really hitting me. My son, Joseph left for college just last week end. I am very proud of him. He's worked so hard at his studies and community service. But, why does he have to grow up so fast?

It's so true that our kids are on loan to us. Parents help them to form their consciences and raise them in virtue; steering them to the straight and narrow path that leads to Heaven.

I've been talking with a lot of parents lately about missing their kids. One Mom told me that she thinks she needs some "serious counseling!" She doesn't like her son out of the house so much embarking on his career after high school. Another Mom told me the other day that she cried for a couple of weeks before her son left for college because he was the last one leaving the nest. She added that he just recently called home to ask her a laundry question."

There are also parents who can't wait for the "freedom" they feel they will have when their children leave home, thinking that they've raised them for many years and they now want to relax or travel. I personally don't understand that kind of thinking but I realize that not every parent can relate to the empty HOLE feeling I have when my children leave. To be honest, I'd have to say it is bittersweet, but truly for me it is mostly bitter! I am so happy for each of my children when they reach the age to continue their education or embark on their career, but because I am such a MOM, I also hate it so. It's part of life, the part that's difficult for me.

It's doubly hard for me this year because I also miss my daughter, Jessica who just went back to college a few days after Joseph entered. Jessica is also out of state. But I am so proud of her, too. She works very hard and excels at college. She also has a big heart and does a lot of community service volunteering.

A Mom recently got in touch with me who also experienced that big HOLE feeling that I described about kids being absent from the home. She said, "I'm finding unexpected holes in the fabric of our family life, right alongside the ones I've expected. Who knew it would hurt so much, feel so strange? I am holding fast to the hope that there are unexpected joys soon to come as well." I told her that "there will be unexpected blessings (I know because Joseph is my fourth child "leaving" the nest). But, for now, we have that big HOLE in our family's tapestry. It's tough to push our children forth but we do it with with God's blessings and continued prayers. Don't worry, they'll be back, :)" I said.

Then last night, my daughter Chaldea came over for dinner (she's 25 years old and a college graduate). She's embarking on a trip across the country today (Oh my, lots of Rosaries are in order here!) and came over to spend some time before leaving for two weeks (yikes!). We had dinner together and then I took out the big brown bag of apples I had bought earlier so that I could make apple crisp for dessert. So, Chaldea and I sat at the kitchen table conversing and peeling that big mound of apples (Mary-Catherine had lots of homework to do, otherwise she'd be right there helping with the apple peeling). What a treat to have uninterrupted time with my daughter as we peeled the apples and chatted. I put the rest of the ingredients together for three pans of apple crisp and Chaldea popped onto the Internet on a laptop in the kitchen to show me the places where she would be visiting.

I remember when Chaldea left the nest a few years ago and how hard that was ushering another "child" into adulthood. I am so very proud of her for all of her accomplishments, but mostly for her kind and loving heart! She is a treasure to be sure. I cherished our moments peeling apples together last night, something she may not realize or fully understand until she has her own children. But, I think she knows how happy I am to be with her and all of my children.

So, to respond to that Mom's wondering about "unexpected blessings and joys" after the children have left home, YES the blessings will come and are found in our everyday lives. We have to seek them when we can, grab onto them and CHERISH them!

I just enjoyed a dish of apple crisp while I wrote this reflection! :)

(I plan on a Rosary and Mass later on for a safe trip for my daughter!)

PS To all of the parents out there with very young children: You may think that this talk about college and kids out of the nest certainly does NOT pertain to your life. After all, there is your little darling in your arms or on your lap. Trust me, they grow quickly and I haven't found a way to slow down time. It's very doubtful that you will either. Enjoy your family life, hanging onto your dinners together and family time. Later on, in time, that little baby that you are holding in your arms now will be all grown up--bringing back his or her own children to see you!

One expectant mother's sentiments

I came across a beautiful reflection from an expectant mother at The Wellsprings of Traditional Life who tells us about her pregnancies and what she has learned about living in the present moment, cherishing her children and pregnancies.

She said, "Early pregnancy is such a joyful time! And as it should be for ALL mothers! In January of this year, I was an excited mother for what would be the second time. With my positive pregnancy test in hand my husband, son and I soon began preparations for the new baby. However, God had another plan that was different than mine. I lost my second child, who we named Gabriel, at 8 weeks. It was a shock because at first my pregnancy signs seemed good and my HCG levels rose? Was science playing a trick on me? But suddenly the baby seemed to just stop growing. During the last week of my pregnancy I became almost obsessed with my symptoms, always trying to decode them to see if I would get to raise this child or if I would lose him. Well, I did lose my precious Gabriel, and I was left wondering why I wasted the time I did have with him to anxiety, worrying and needless suffering.

Today, I can look back at this experience and say it was the hardest one of my life but at the same time one that I am extremely thankful for it! I learned many things from it that are just so very priceless. I learned that we must cherish every minute we have with our children, (even when still in the womb) and not waste it worrying about how the next test will turn out, or what the future holds..." (her post is continued here which also includes tips from St. Francis de Sales)

It doesn't feel right...Kids out of the nest

It just doesn't feel right. I don't like sitting down to dinner with that empty chair across the table from me. It's really hitting me. My son, Joseph left for college just last week end. I am very proud of him. He's worked so hard at his studies and community service. But, why does he have to grow up so fast?

It's so true that our kids are on loan to us. Parents help them to form their consciences and raise them in virtue; steering them to the straight and narrow path that leads to Heaven.

I've been talking with a lot of parents lately about missing their kids. One Mom told me that she thinks she needs some "serious counseling!" She doesn't like her son out of the house so much embarking on his career after high school. Another Mom told me the other day that she cried for a couple of weeks before her son left for college because he was the last one leaving the nest. She added that he just recently called home to ask her a laundry question.

What's your back-to-school story?

Happy Birthday dear Blessed Mother Mary!

"All generations will call me blessed." (Luke 1:48)

Speaking with Teresa Tomeo on Ave Maria Radio this morning about Mother Teresa

In case you didn't get a chance to tune in to Teresa Tomeo's show, here is the link to our discussion about Mother Teresa in light of the fact that ten years after her death, Mother Teresa is being criticized by the secular media which is saying that Mother Teresa lost her faith.

The Blessings of Everyday

The Blessings of Everyday

Thank you, dear Lord for my life,
and the blessings of everyday.
Thank you for the children You have blessed me with.
Help me to remember that they are on loan to me,
So that I may help mold their consciences
And allow them to grow.
Teach me to teach them
As I strive to help them find
The true essence of themselves.
Help me to find the opportunities
To grow along with them
As we journey through life
In the profound blessing of the family.

(from my book, Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers)

Speaking with Teresa Tomeo on "Catholic Connection" radio show

I want to remind you all that I will be on "Catholic Connection" tomorrow morning with Teresa Tomeo at 9:30 AM Eastern time discussing Mother Teresa and the current comments and criticisms of her in the media regarding her interior struggles which were just brought to light by Fr. Brian Kolodiejchuk the Postulator and Author of the new book about Mother Teresa’s hidden interior spiritual life, Come be My Light published by Doubleday. Tune in here at 9:30 AM EASTERN time. In case you miss the program, I will be posting a link to the segment on this blog afterwards.

Review in Irish newspaper, "Irish Family Press" on "The Heart of Motherhood"

The Heart of Motherhood Review for the Irish Family Press, Ireland

By Ann-Marie Madden

I got hold of a book two weeks ago, written by our new columnist, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, and sat down to review and see what I could learn from Donna’s experience. I thought I’d try and hit two birds with one stone and share my impressions with you- a sort of review if you will. I was delighted with this opportunity because I never give myself the chance to read – and now I had the perfect reason! The book is entitled ‘The Heart of Motherhood’ and as I devoured the book I found it to be not only a beautiful read but I was also able to apply much of its content to my everyday life.

The chapters of the book were wonderfully written to more or less reach a mother’s heart. Important lessons were written so that a mother can try and receive as many blessings and grace possible for her to endure all that the role of being a mother can entail. But just as important as the lessons are the opportunities for a mother to achieve grace and blessing for her family as well. At first some of the ideals that the author proposes seem a little quaint, but by the time Donna-Marie explains her reasons and backs them with quotes from Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, various heavy hitting saints and the Catechism of the Catholic Church one kind of has to step up to the plate and see the beautiful insight given for all of us readers. For instance, love in a family is obviously necessary but part of the love that Donna-Marie is focusing on is love in sacrifice. She writes, ‘Suffering and pain are assured realities of our lives on earth. We cannot run or hide from them. As mothers, we are sometimes asked by God to suffer quietly for Him. Little sacrifices, heartaches, or pain patiently carried can become redemptive. When offered up to God, these sufferings ultimately will be used as a means to our salvation and our family’s salvation.’ What I truly appreciate in this example from the book is that there is a true lesson for me on what to do with real day situations. Sometimes difficult moments and hardships that I bear as a mother can actually be used for my betterment and can have a redemptive quality if I bear it accordingly with patience and love.

Donna-Marie was fortunate enough to meet Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta and was able to keep in contact with her for ten years. And in this time they had “heart-to-hearts” conversations which the author shares with us through out the book. Regarding that quote on suffering above, she adds: ‘We can recall Blessed Teresa’s words saying that if we “really love one another properly there must be sacrifice”. All of the graces we need to carry on will be provided just for the asking. Let’s not forget to ask.’

I believe this book has much to offer mothers for Donna-Marie herself has five children and it can be seen that much of her writing are from her own spiritual journey of mothering, raising a family, and ensuring that her home is a safe haven for her family unit to be nurtured and rejuvenated. But most importantly, I love the way Donna-Marie holds, proves, and assures, that despite the pressures and values of a modern materialistic world motherhood is God given and should be restored to its proper dignity.

More information about Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle can be found on www.donnacooperoboyle.com.

My interview with Nissa Gadbois of "Simple Gifts"

You should probably brew yourself a cup of tea or coffee and have a seat. This will be a lengthy interview with Nissa Gadbois of Simple Gifts who so graciously spoke with me today about our beloved Mother Teresa, the Mother of all the poor now known as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. It was a blessed time recounting memories of my relationship with Mother Teresa and sharing the blessings with Nissa to be shared with all of you. I hope you enjoy Nissa's podcast and I pray that it will bring you many blessings!

Let us also pray together that we can help to light the way for others. Mother Teresa's work of caring for the poorest of the poor can and should be continued through you and me. Let us strive to open our eyes and ears to the plight of the poor around us. Mother Teresa so often spoke about the poor in our affluent nation here in the United States who are not poor in riches perhaps, rather they are poor in love. Can we allow our Lord to love through us to them? I certainly hope so.

Please dear Blessed Teresa look down upon us and hear our prayers for ourselves, our families and the poor and please intercede for us before the Blessed Trinity. Amen.

To hear my conversation today with Nissa, click here.

Hear Mother Teresa's voice

Visit the official website for Mother Teresa and hear her voice.

Blessed Teresa's Feast day!

"Stay where you are. Find your own Calcutta. Find the sick, the suffering and the lonely right there where you are -- in your own homes and in your own families, in your workplaces and in your schools. ... You can find Calcutta all over the world, if you have the eyes to see. Everywhere, wherever you go, you find people who are unwanted, unloved, uncared for, just rejected by society -- completely forgotten, completely left alone."

Dear Blessed Mother Teresa pray for us! Help us to recognize the "poor" around us who may not be starving for lack of food, but may be starving for lack of love. Dear Lord, please open my eyes to your poorest of the poor who surround me in my everyday life so that I may help to ease their sufferings with Your love. Amen.


I will be back to post more later. I have three radio interviews today.

God bless!
Donna-Marie

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta's feast day tomorrow

I'm sure you have all heard about Blessed Teresa's dark night of the soul that she suffered through while she ministered to God's poorest of the poor. Excerpts from Mother Teresa's private letters have been brought to light which reveal her interior struggles and sufferings. Of course, the secular media has misconstrued and distorted everything suggesting that Mother Teresa had lost her faith - how ludicrous! I will be speaking about that in posts and interviews in the upcoming days.

Tomorrow is the tenth anniversary of Mother Teresa's death. It's hard for me to believe that it has been that long. I will be posting a link here at "Embracing Motherhood" to an interview with Nissa Gadbois Simple Gifts by tomorrow sometime. She will be interviewing me later on today about Mother Teresa whom I was privileged to know.

Also, I will be featured on the "Catholic Connection" show with Teresa Tomeo on Ave Maria Radio this Friday, September 7th at about 9:30 AM EASTERN time. Please tune in to that which you can do from your computer.

My book, Unlikely Saints about Mother Teresa will be out early in 2008 published by The Crossroad Publishing Company.

Additionally, I wrote a cover story for the September issue of Canticle magazine titled, Mother Teresa and Me: Remembering the Mother of All the Poor. My son, Joseph (as a baby) appears on the cover in Mother Teresa'a arms.

It begins...
Sheer sweetness filled my heart as I watched my little girl bend down on one knee to genuflect before the Blessed Sacrament while making the Sign of the Cross on herself. A Missionary of Charity nun caught sight of her too, and felt compelled to run up behind my child, lean over and wrap her arms around her in a warm embrace. How kindhearted, I thought.
It happened so quickly and then I felt like my heart stopped when I suddenly realized who that nun was. Touched to see a small child remember to reverently say "good bye" to Jesus before leaving the chapel, Mother Teresa had hugged my daughter, Chaldea! That blessed hug was the first gesture of love from Mother Teresa that would touch my family.
This beloved moment came after we attended a Mass at the Missionaries of Charity chapel in Washington, DC...

My best friend left and went to Heaven and my son went to college

My best friend--Fr. Bill C. Smith died a few nights ago (he's the priest in the photo at the right of the altar at my wedding). These past few months have been quite a long journey. I am privileged to have been so close to such a saintly man. God is so good to me. I have known dear Fr. Bill for almost thirty years and have learned so much from his holy life. I plan to write about him soon in upcoming posts, but for now I am weary. It has been a long week - watching Fr. Bill in his last days. When he barely had strength to continue living, he was concerned about giving us blessings - sometimes in Latin! The blessings in his last couple of days were given to us with a hand almost too weak to be lifted. His love for his friends and family will continue, no doubt from his eternal rest.

Today my son moved into his dorm at college. Driving to his university, these thoughts whirled round my brain - I feel like a mother bird pushing her baby out of the nest so that he will learn to fly...except I am having a hard time giving him that final shove. How did Joseph grow up so quickly? Whether I am ready or not to give that last push, the time is right now and time won't wait for me - I wiped my eyes and put on my sunglasses to hide my emotions...