7 Quick Takes

--- 1 ---

When my dad liked a song...he'd really latch on to it.  Some of the best memories of him are when he found a song and would uninhibitedly belt it out when it came on the radio or would just "serenade" my family because he wanted to enjoy it and would put it on.  When he passed I wondered what would be the next song that he would have loved.  I heard this and without doubt know this is the next song.  Of course it had to be Toby KEITH.

--- 2 ---

On random and oh so rare days I decide to try. Last night I wet set my hair like so many women in the '50's did.  Here is the result...

Hotness you can expect to see again maybe halfway into 2014

 Someone get that girl an eyebrow wax

--- 3 ---

I love DIY projects.  Our dishwasher dispenser cup broke and the fridge's water dispenser/ice maker has not only refused to work for more than five years but had dripped water onto our floor.  With the help of Sears Parts Direct I am proud to say we're all in working order.  I feel like we have brand new appliances.

--- 4 ---

Last weekend I participated in the Run or Dye 5k.  I tried to train before but my painful ear infection threw me off track.  I managed to trot half and walk half.  It felt a lot shorter than I'd expected.  I'm super proud of my friend, Liz, who I begged to go with me.  She also trained couch to 5k and jogged the whole thing. The event made me feel young and like, "Maybe I'm too old for this," all at the same time.  Here we are acting like fools...

--- 5 ---

I hate cold weather.  One of the redeeming things about it is cute babies in adorable hats.

--- 6 ---

So, Capital Catholic right?  Politics Religion.  I have my moments then I try to lay low for awhile.  Here's a moment... I've seen two bumper stickers in Springfield so far that say, "I'm Ready for Hilary 2016"  I almost rear ended them on purpose.  WAKE UP AMERICA!
Also, I'm very proud of our Bishop in Springfield for speaking so strongly against people trying to make a mockery of the rosary and our holy space at my parish, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.  All are welcome to come and be reverent, but it's not okay to go to any church, temple, chapel, etc. with an agenda.

--- 7 ---

We're looking forward to a good weekend here.  Pumpkin carving, possible visit from my mom, Halloween train ride, school carnival, some good home cookin', confession and mass. Hope you all have a good one too!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes: Mostly About Ears

--- 1 ---

The Healing of a Deaf Man. Mark 7 31-35  Again he left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”) And [immediately] the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly

--- 2 ---

I have an ear infection in my left ear.  This one comes along with a busted ear drum.  Here is a timeline:
-Thursday: Water Irrigated my own ear
-Monday: Ear ache slowly comes on.  Went to prompt care, saw a PA, put on oral antibiotic preemptively for oncoming infection.
-Tuesday: Excruciating pain.  Research convinced me I had Swimmer's ear.  That night I resorted to my post postpartum pain medicine.
-Wednesday: So nauseous I made my husband come home from work so I could stay horizontal.  Made an appointment with a new clinic because I guess I'm grown up now and actually need a primary care physician.
-Thursday:  Feeling a lot better but was hoping to get prescribed ear drop antibiotic to work faster.  By now my hearing is blocked.  The doctor was a complete waste of time.  Was more interested in telling me to lose weight and getting a thyroid and cholesterol check than telling my why my ear is blocked and when to expect it to get better. "Stay away from cheeses" he says to fat American.  Want to punch him in the ear.
-Friday:  Learning patience and self restraint by not touching/pulling ear.  Hot compress is helping drain but I seriously need this ear congestion to go. It effects my mood and everything!

--- 3 ---

I have been a pretty good trooper with the last heat wave.  I took the kids to the sprinkler park almost every other day.  Now I have been rewarded with today's cool weather.

--- 4 ---

Among crappy ear condition, Rita had a check up.  She's growing quite perfectly but to my surprise she had a double ear infection (not related to my ear infection).  I'm a horrible mother.  I had no clue.  How long had she had this?  My sweetheart has not been particularly cranky.  So sorry.

--- 5 ---

I am ready for some Football!  Tonight Adam is going to take Jimmy to a high school game.  I excited to go to my high school's homecoming.  And oh yeah....GO BEARS!

--- 6 ---

I decided I needed a "thing."  What will be my "thing?"  Beer.  More specifically I want to learn about and be all about Belgium beer and honor my heritage.  I'm going beyond Blue Moon.  I'll keep you updated.

--- 7 ---

There are only two more episodes of Dexter.  I think they have made this season especially crappy to make it easier to say good-bye.  They probably have a shocking finale that's been in mind since the beginning, but I'm sorry writers...the rising action sucks.  The guest acting sucks!  God speed Dexter...bring on Homeland!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Born Alive

  I started collecting my reactions here in a draft about the Gosnell murder trial right before the outcry for main stream media (MSM) to pick up this story started, a month ago. I scratched that because it was just too daunting.  I am not going to summarize the case here but will say I am satisfied with the coverage from Fox News and impressed by the articles at www.lifesitenews.com  Before a verdict is announced I just need to let out a few points I constantly replay in my mind: 

• The only difference between an "acceptable" abortion and what Gosnell did is geography. 

• People who do not want to get too close to knowing how abortions are performed think the occurrence of babies intended for abortion but then born alive is miniscule.  "This Doctor is an unusual case" they may think.  Others know better though.  Because of the shameful nature of it we cannot get an accurate number but in 2010 a report of 1,270 babies born as a result of an abortion attempt then died is recorded. I wish everyone was aware of  these testimonies from actual survivors (click) or would watch the movie October Baby, now streaming on Netflix, so they can identify these babies born alive as viable persons. 

• Who do they think they're fooling trying to distance themselves

#Gosnell case is appalling. He ran a criminal enterprise, not a health facility, & should be punished to full extent bit.ly/ZRyssI
— Planned Parenthood (@PPact) April 12, 2013

• When just two weeks earlier, March 28th, they were fighting "Born Alive" Act in Florida.  Humor me and watch just the first two minutes 

• This shouldn't be news to you, but if Obama had his way Gosnell's actions against these babies would be perfectly legal in Illinois. 

• Throughout all of this I keep recalling from the book, Heaven is Real, how little Colton who survived a near death experience kept pestering his father who is a pastor and interrupting his Sunday school lessons that "Jesus really really REALLY loves the little children."  As the author the father didn't expand on this point but I immediately drew the conclusion and just keep reminding myself, Jesus really loves these little children.

• The saddest defense of abortion is when I hear people say, "I personally cannot imagine abortion as an option but I don't think we should tell women what to do."  I personally cannot imagine taking a razor to my forearm but I don't think we should help those that do.  Women who consider abortion are hurting.  These women who came to Gosnell were desperate.  We would intervene for someone who is suicidal because death is permanent but the hurt, no matter how deep, can be addressed.  Desperate women deserve better than abortion. 

7 Quick Takes

Seven Real Quick ones...

 

-1-

Monster Jam was a success.  I was afraid Jimmy would be too little but the other patrons had kids his age too.  It's all he talks about and recreates in play.  He asked if he could go again for his birthday.

 

-2-

While the men watched the show my mom and I took Regina out for some fun.  Monkey Joe's was not a success (think Chuck E Cheese but instead of games inflatable bounce houses).  Next we went to Build a Bear where she made a Tinkerbell bunny.  I kind of get the hype now.  It was a great day.

 

-3-

I had been thinking of a girl from grade school who I stopped interacting with by junior high. I'd often find myself wanting to know what happened to her.  I don't even remember if she graduated with us or did the early thing or dropped out or what.  I know it's a weird thing to pray about, to be enlightened as to her where about's, but I had.  And there she was a week later, working at Build a Bear.  We did the usual small talk that you'd expect and it was just a normal interaction, but I was so grateful for the answered prayer.  Ask my mom, I couldn't stop talking about it the rest of the day.

 

-4-

I made a commitment to stop drinking regular soda and did the switch to diet.  However I would feel weird later in the day.  It kind of felt like vertigo.  I've concluded artificial sweetener is no good for me.  Therefore I am a converted unsweetened tea drinker.  I don't know why I thought I didn't like tea.  It's like a more refreshing coffee!

 

-5-

Another conviction I made is just because I have three little kids I'm not going to be stuck at home.  I'm going to go places and do stuff while the hubs is at work. Wait, let me clarify.  I'm either going to the not as popular small park with the fence, take the kids for a walk where they're strapped in, or go to the Y and send the littles to child watch. This week we did the mile walk around Washington Park, two in the wagon, infant in soft carrier.  Of course everyone did the polite, "Oh wow" smile.  A runner that passed me said, "Got room for one more."  I yelled back at him ahead, "Sure!! Hop on my back!"

 

-6-

Soccer has been wonderful.  It is great to get outdoors together and cheer on Jimmy.  I'm happy I found this Wednesday night thing since we travel a lot of weekends. Of course I always think I can do things better, but with each session it's gets a little more orderly.  It's painful to drive by the softball practices...Ahhh Glory Days.

 

 

-7-

I admit it, I love Catholic talk radio and watching Fox News.  Patrick Madrid, Megyn Kelly, and Greg Guttfeld are my best friends.

 

Thanks to Jen for hosting at www.conversiondiary.com

 



Five Favorites

1.  Bar Rescue on Spike Channel- This show makes me either a) feel more than competent to own a bar compared to the owners featured or b) want to go out and enjoy some nightlife.  It's kind of like Restaurant Impossible on the Food Network and Clean House on Style. I think these shows appeal to me because they go from disorganization to order...the one main thing I long for in many aspects of my own life.

2.  Co-Sleeping- With my first two kids eventually we co-slept then they transitioned to cribs just fine.  With baby number three I didn't even pretend to listen to those hospital nurses, Dr. Sears would be proud.  I have felt just as rested as I did before her arrival.  I don't really consider myself an advocate for attachment parenting but as every mother finds her own way I realized I fit into this description.  When people ask me how we're making it through the nights I shrug because I don't really skip a beat, it's a non issue.  Now we're at the point to start transitioning.  Rita starts in the bassinet and hours later ends up in bed with me but the hours in between are getting longer.

3.  Chicago Restaurants- We went to the city for a baby shower and made plans for meals you can't get in Springfield.  There was the number 2 best steak I've ever had at Wildfire Grill (number 1 was at The Palm also in Chicago years back), Seafood you can't find at Bob Chin's Crabhouse (I had Asian Basa), the very popular Gene and Jude's hot dogs (it's literally the only thing on the menu and the line is out the door), and finally the serbian Cafe Beograd (we were the only non-european, English as a first language people in there, and it was AWESOME!). 

4.  Iced Coffee- Can I say coffee again?  It's different because this week I specifically mean iced. 

5.  All things Baby- This week has been especially baby centered with my mom gone to see my new nephew P. in California, going to a baby shower and enjoying the company of 2 of my former roommates who will have sweet newborns next month, my own darling girl who seems to have hit a growth spurt, and to Hallie who hosts five favoties and just had a boy! Babies are my favorite!

7 Quick Takes

-1-

Appropriate for March Madness

-2-

My high school band director went to U of I and therefore our pep band played songs just like U of I's pep band.  During today's Illinois game I heard their pep band and was carried back.  Every time I hear the Rocky theme I imagine high school boys running out of the locker room doing their warm up routine, not a boxer.  It was some of the most fun I had in high school.  We even got to play at the state finals for pep band even though our team wasn't in the tourney.  I felt pretty B.A. when I filled the arena with my sweet trumpet solo at the opening of "I Will Survive."

Seniors Rule! Backstage at Peoria Civic Center

-3-

Yes it's almost 9 pm and I am just getting to quick takes because...

this doll won't stop crying when put down.  I usually only babywear when out and about but at this moment I have a sweet baby snuggled up and asleep on my chest hands free to type.  

-4-

Did you know that it's said the least productive work day in America is the first day of the NCAA tourney?  I filled out my bracket did you?  Go Kansas!

-5-

In 2008 my band director invited band alumni to come play the school song at homecoming as it was his 30th year of teaching.  He's already put out the invite for this September since it will be his last year.  I had so much fun last time even though it wasn't easy with an infant.  I hope to go again and see some more friends.  

The Fossils as Mr. Brooks calls us.

-6-

I walk this line of going crazy that the house is a mess and not caring.  Yesterday I was going through closets to purge stuff.  Today my clean laundry is thrown all over the family room.  I really have no in between.

-7-

Speaking of going through closet, you should see some of these '80's board games.  We have such gems as Murder She Wrote, Muscle Men Mega Match, and Tuba Ruba.  

Have a great week everyone and thanks to Jen for the link up at www.conversiondiary.com.

Solemnity of St. Joseph

   Exactly 10 years ago today I was in St. Peter's square in the very front row listening to Pope John Paul II talk to the crowd about St. Joseph.  So naturally I'm ecstatic that today is the inaugural mass of Pope Francis! 

 

  I love this litany prayer because it reminds me of all the titles St. Joseph has and offers me the chance to reflect on his life.  He's so great!  I hope you let God spoil you today!!

  Litany of St. Joseph  

V/ Lord, have mercy.

R/ Lord, have mercy.  

V/ Christ, have mercy.

R/ Christ, have mercy.  

V/ Lord, have mercy.

R/ Lord, have mercy.  

V/ Jesus, hear us.

R/ Jesus, graciously hear us.  

V/ God, the Father of Heaven,

R/ have mercy on us.  

V/ God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,

R/ have mercy on us.  

V/ God, the Holy Spirit,

R/ have mercy on us.  

V/ Holy Trinity, One God,

R/ have mercy on us.  

 

R/for ff: pray for us.

Renowned offspring of David,

Light of Patriarchs,

Spouse of the Mother of God,

Chaste guardian of the Virgin,

Foster father of the Son of God,

Diligent protector of Christ,

Head of the Holy Family,

Joseph most just,

Joseph most chaste,

Joseph most prudent,

Joseph most strong,

Joseph most obedient,

Joseph most faithful,

Mirror of patience,

Lover of poverty,

Model of artisans,

Glory of home life,

Guardian of virgins,

Pillar of families,

Solace of the wretched,

Hope of the sick,

Patron of the dying,

Terror of demons,

Protector of Holy Church,   PRAY FOR US!

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,

R/ spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,

R/ graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world.

R/ have mercy on us.

He made him the lord of his household.

R/ And prince over all his possessions.   

 

Let us pray. O God, in your ineffable providence you were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector: You who live and reign forever and ever. R/ Amen.

Follow the Leader

  On my Facebook news feed our local news channel announced upcoming dates for the conclave.  The first responder posted, "Who cares?"  I stopped reading the others below it.  I try to avoid the comments section of religious news published by secular sources.  People can be so nasty.  It seems a glowing screen and qwerty pad give people an audacity they would be ashamed of in actual human interaction.

  People do care and at the least are certainly interested.  Every major news channel broke into regular programming just to air the cardinals entering the Sistine Chapel, having not yet voted at that time.  What is it that interests non believers?  The history? The misguided thinking the next pope will "get with the times?"

  Media commentators say the next pope will be an important one because he's going to need to bring back followers to a dying religion.  They say these are some of the toughest times for the Catholic church...

St. Peter is not Impressed

Caravaggio: The martyrdom of St. Peter, Crucified upside down

  Does the "success" of the Catholic faith rest in the hands of the pope though?  No because the election of a pope is not about a man.  It's about the Office, the Chair of Peter.

I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:18)

  From here the new pope will lead the faithful so that we can exemplify Christ like qualities and attract others.  He will guide us in ways to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit which gives us the ability to love and moves us to share God's love with others.  He will teach us and give us intellectual positions to meditate and act on. The pope's human qualities and personality will play into this leadership, but it's up to me to respond to that lead.   It's up to me to respond to Christ.  And, it's up to me to prove to harden hearts that the universal church is not dying.

Five Favorites

Thanks to Hallie at Moxie Wife for hosting.

My faves this week:

1.  Pope Francis  Obviously

2.  Keurig  I love the mommy solidarity in these "Five Favorites" posts.  Pretty much everyone lists coffee and I love my single cup maker.

3.  Del's Popcorn  This local shop recently opened a store with a drive thru.  My family just discovered this and have enjoyed ourselves some popcorn this past week.

4.  Drive Thru's  I would not be able to enjoy previously mentioned popcorn store if it were not for the almighty drive thru.  Mommas I know you hear me!

5.  My New Raincoat  Courtesy of Target which I've had ample opportunities to sport this week with the nasty weather.

Only Red!!

5 Things You didn't know

My friend Lisa at Gesterlingpalooza  tagged me to list 5 things you may not know about me.  So I'll play along.

1.  Junior year of high school I was cut from varsity volleyball.  Our rural school had a boys soccer team (not enough interest for a girls) but with Title IX girls were allowed to play too.  I grew up playing with those boys on travel teams but with the seasons at the same time chose volleyball as a freshman.  So the opportunity opened to play soccer starting Junior year.  I was comparably SLOW and hardly got game time.  At one practice the coach chewed out the boys for complaining about conditioning and told them to act more like me.  At the end of the season at sports awards night they presented me each with a single rose (way to make a girl feel feminine) and voted me for the sportsmanship award.

2. I have a big dark birthmark on my upper thigh.  When I wear shorts or go swimming strangers ask me if I burned my leg.  I don't know about you but I've never seen a burn, even a scabbed over one, brown like this.  "Uhhh, no.  That's a birthmark"  I'm not embarrassed by it though.  I mostly forget it's even there.

3. In college I visited my cousin at Truman State in Missouri.  We went to a football game.  Years later I found out I was watching my future brother-in-law play.

4.  I wouldn't call myself adventurous but I really want to go zip lining.  Rock climbing, skydiving, para-sailing  No, No, and No.  But this...Yes!!

5.  I can play the trumpet.  Freshman year of college I wasn't ready to give it up so I did "University Band" which is like a low tier concert band for music majors trying to master other instruments or people like me.  I was first chair.  We had a concert but I didn't sign up for another semester because it wasn't really challenging enough, I wasn't making any friends, and I wanted to apply all my non study time to being with people in my building or at the catholic newman center.

So there they are.  Hoped you enjoyed.  I now tag you, Jen S at In Holy Company.

7 Quick Takes

-1-

This song completely changed my mood last Tuesday morning.

-2-

Our friends who moved out of town came for a visit last weekend.  I decided to invite everyone over.  I mostly regretted it before hand because I could not move myself to clean.  In the 11th hour I finally got there and it was such an enjoyable time.  There were 10 adults and 11 kids.  The kids were getting along great and it was refreshing to see some of our more neglected toys get played with.  The adults naturally separated women in one room men in the other.  It was just so so so great. 

-3-

At the party we made plans to make plans to do a real grown up college reunion.  The risk is if anyone's willing to upfront the costs are we going to get people willing to pay to come to the event when they'll have to  travel and get babysitters?  Perhaps we could do my simpler idea of a family picnic.  But the real question is what park can we go to that will let us have BOOZE!!?

-4-

I linked up with others for a 5 favorites list and THE Hallie Lord responded and wanted to see my blue eyeliner.  So yesterday I took the time to put on make-up in a way that I haven't done in a long time.  Instead of being yelled at by my son this time around my daughter thought the blush applicator was for her paint. 

-5-

The assistant pastor at our parish is awesome.  You can just tell he has a deep interior life.  This is his first year as a priest and he took over the youth group for me.  Two weeks ago after Sunday mass he offered to stay and hear confessions.  That was totally Jesus loving on me as it is very hard to go another day of the week for obvious reasons.

-6-

My cousin is awesome.  Watch him make this shot.

-7-

I am ashamed that my son can recite the pledge of allegiance but not Hail Mary yet.  My husband pointed out though, should we really put our allegiances with the government? Our trust is in the Lord.  I know if we are put in the position my family and others like me would be civilly disobedient.  

Acts 5:27-29  When they had brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them,

“We gave you strict orders [did we not?] to stop teaching in that name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.”

But Peter and the apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men.

On a related note; I stand with Rand.

Thanks to Jen at Conversion Diary for hosting this link-up.

Five Favorites

 -1-

Twitter:  I created an account a long time ago but I just started getting acquainted.  It seems to be Vatican news central, but I guess that's the point, to see what the buzz is out there.

-2-

Etsy carseat cover by Sew Cute in AZ:  My perfectly good but banged up infant seat gets a whole new look with baby number three and I can support a mom working from home.  This is the exact one I ordered but there are many choices or you can customize

-3-

Electric Blue eyeliner:  I went for it and I'm not looking back.  Adore.

-4-

The Band Perry:  I needed a country group to fill the Nickel Creek sized hole in my heart.  Can't wait for their new album "Pioneer" to be released April 2

-5-

Kindle Fire:  With my tablet I can nurse and read a book or nurse and peruse the internet or nurse and play Angry Birds.  I'm getting a lot of use out of my Christmas present.

Check out others favorites at Hallie's blog, Moxie Wife

What I Wore Sunday (Night)

I like this link-up at Fine Linen and Purple It's time to return to dressing my best for Church.  This week I went to the area Young Adult Mass which is at 8pm.  Here's my look:

Shirt Kohl's, pants Old Navy, shoes Target

No accessories because I was also sporting this sling

only with my 7 week old.

I have since decided to get rid of those pants as they have always been too big.  I've also decided it's time to be a grown up and get some of my other pants altered because yes, I am short and we all know clothes that are tailored look better.  Poor choice in shoes (Tom's look alikes) but I was settling for more casual because of the time of day.  Better luck next time.  

7 Quick Takes

  -1-

I like this song for a laid back afternoon.  It seems to have a theme of some sort of conversion and the tone of the music feels vulnerable to me.  

-2-

In the video above you see Johnny driving around Idaho.  My husband loves to travel to the West.  He went to Utah with his dad this past October.  The extended Osborn family is going to Charleston, SC this summer but we're already making plans for another trip...we're thinking South Dakota in September.  I use to think people with money were the people who got to travel and take vacations, but I'm thankful my husband feels differently. He has a real talent for making itineraries and researching affordable restaurants, hotels/motels, and attractions.  Traveling is like having your first kid; there's never going to be the perfect time when everything is in order the way you think it should be.  You just have to go for it and you won't regret it.

-3-

This is how often I wear make-up.  My son walked in on me applying eye shadow and horrifically shouted, "Mom, what are you DOING?!"

-4-

A while ago Jimmy got a monster truck that included a DVD of a monster jam show.  He cannot get enough.  On netflix there's a show from 1995 "All about monster trucks."  He's seen it so many times he recites the lines (it's super mega cheesey).  Well, Monster Jam is going to be in the area this spring and I just have to let him go.  It's only $10 for the cheap seats so if he is bothered by the noise then they can just leave.  It'll be a men only thing.  I hope he really loves it.  

-5-

I'm thankful for my husband's job.  It may not be anything anyone aspires to be but he was able to have a paid month leave after Rita was born to help me.  He gets all the state holidays off.  I can expect when he'll be home to the exact minute.  His compensation time is generous.  I can go to any Dr. appointment whenever I need to without taking all the kids.  We can go on a weeks vacation and he has enough time to take a week off at Christmas too.  Right now they are offering overtime and he is opting to earn compensation time instead of money so that we can go on our other trip in September.  Today I picked him up for lunch so that he could sit in the car with the kids.  I was getting a birth certificate to add Rita to his insurance which is yet another reason I'm grateful for his job.  (When he was single he used to tell ladies, "I've got great insurance.")  Most people think of what they want to be and they go for that.  He just wanted to be a provider (even before we were dating)  and endures a unremarkable boring job for us.  

-6-

I picked up a fast food lenten lunch for us.  LJS's shrimp was excellent today!

-7-

A friend sent some memorial money a few months after my father passed away.  My mom's taken care of distributing it so I thought I'd just turn it over to her like I did with others before.  That weekend my parish wrote that a wind storm knocked over their 100 year old flag poles.  One flew the American flag, the other Vatican.  They were accepting donations.  My dad had a flag pole.  He took pride in displaying the American flag along with the Air Force flag or Illinois State's.  He teased me he was going to get a Vatican flag and fly it when I was "in residence." How could you ignore a perfect sign like that?  The money will therefore go to my parish in honor of dad.  Thanks "R"