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Our Daughter’s Handmade Rosary

August 15, 2011 By Laura 7 Comments

We just wanted to share with you this beautiful rosary our daughter {A} > Alexis Grace made. She is 14.

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She made it as a gift for her friend, Fr. Bob Reed. The Rosary center is a metal of St. Therese of Lisieux, who is Fr. Reed’s favorite saint, also known as ‘St. Therese – The Little Flower’, thus the roses for the Our Father Beads. Yellow roses, as many of us know, are symbolic of friendship. But yellow is also one of Fr. Reed’s favorite colors, as well as blue, in the Swarovski crystals, which serve as the Hail Mary prayer beads. So suffice it to say, being a Catholic priest, who loves saying the Rosary, Fr. Reed was very happy to receive this gift from {A}, that consisted of so many of his favorite things.

From a creative standpoint, I am sure many of you can also appreciate the tedious work that went into this project, as well. {A} selected all of the beads, and special pieces of the Rosary in an eclectic manner, through Etsy searches as well as the craft stores, until she had all she needed to begin her project. Then using eye pins and crimping pliers, she created the Rosary. We were really impressed with her handiwork, and are grateful for her giving heart as well.

Thanks for coming to see.

Update: Fr. Reed was very touched by the gift. He frequently leads praying the daily rosary on CatholicTV, and {A} has noticed a time or 2 that he was using her rosary she made him. He likely has many, many sets, and many as special gifts, too. He continues to be such a powerful witness of faith in countless ways to our children, and us as well, through his life and vocation, and his beautiful and authentic commitment to the power of daily prayer to our Lord, and Blessed Mother Mary. We are grateful to God for his friendship and example, all of which has blessed our lives.

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{A}’s 13th Birthday | 4th of July Weekend 2010 | Final Part at CatholicTV

August 1, 2010 By Laura 4 Comments

{A}’s birthday wish, was to visit the CatholicTV station, in Watertown, MA. Now, some of you may or may not know, that we are a little familiar with CatholicTV, by having become friends with Fr. Bob Reed, who is the director of CatholicTV, and who also helps out with presiding over Masses at several parishes, including our own.

{A} was the first to develop a real friendship with Fr. Reed, as a result of the frequent masses she served, and the time spent with Fr. Reed in the sacristy. That led to Fr. Reed asking us to be part of the pilot episode of a new show at CatholicTV called House & Home, which was filmed in the fall of 2008, and aired in the summer of 2009. (It was a new show; they had a lot of ducks to get in a row. So we embraced our last bit of anonymity in those months. lol) Since then, Fr. Reed has remained a treasured friend of our family. He’s such a cool guy. So, when {A} e-mailed him (as she does on occasion), to request a tour of the CatholicTV station for her birthday wish, Fr. Reed responded quite quickly with her granted wish. He also said he would personally give us the ’25 cent tour’ himself. He said that the actual 5th would not work, but the 6th would be great. He also asked that we be there in time for the ‘This Is The Day’ morning show taping. We soon realized (when he called us later) that he wanted us to be part of the show too. Oh. lol. Now, one might think I’d be getting used to this being taped for television business, but no so much. A little racing heart comes along with knowing your children will be taped for live TV….you know? As we said, we really are not like that mylar balloon family. But..anything for Fr. Reed.

As a side note, {A} and Fr. Reed have had another special connection, in that her actual birthday is his anniversary of ordination into the priesthood. This would be his 25th year!! So, we were happy to go the day after, or whatever day worked for them. The 5th was a legal holiday anyway.

On the set of ‘This Is The Day’. Now….I had never been on the set before, but I had watched the show. I assumed, (and you know how that goes…), that there was a small audience whom we would be part of. You know, maybe a few rows of those seats like at the movies.

No. Six folding chairs, set up just for us. Oh my. Right next to the cameras, lights, and overhead microphones recording the live show. As I sat there next to my 4, occasionally spontaneous children. Yes, I had given them a brief pre-chat in the car on the way. But looking around, and as I heard the director countdown to the live taping “6…..5…..4…..3…..2……1…..<point of finger>”…..it warranted a moment of eye contact with my little blessings, that said “This is alllll business, Kiddos, but go ahead and enjoy it too! <wink>”….without saying a spoken word.

Here is Jay Fadden, host of the show, and side-kick of Fr. Reed (or is the other way around?)……who is as smooth as ice, with cameras rolling, just like his side-kick. I tried to listen, observe, and learn all I could through the first few segments, before WE were up there. No, I hadn’t necessarily learned all I needed to know (or would be nice to know!), the first time around, with all of this TV business.

But I digress. (Or..did I? I forget now.) But see the Mayflower on the side table there? They put that out in honor of us being there on the show that day! How sweet is that? I’m not sure what it meant, that it continued to be there for several following shows but….still!

So how and in what way were we part of ‘This Is The Day?’ Well, if you have ever watched the show (because CatholicTV is a nationwide cable television station), you might know about the ‘Catholic Treasure Box’. At the start of this show, that airs Tuesday and Friday mornings, Fr. Reed presents a riddle, to give clues to what answer may be in the Catholic Treasure box.

So this day, the riddle was as follows:

Parents and children, in home secure, we find the church’s most humble form.

The answer is: FAMILY. That would be us….<enter family>. We did not fit in the box. We didn’t even try.

We sat on the couches, did a little segment chit-chat, they took several photos of us, and then we got on with our tour. I’m not going to link you here, because really…..I wouldn’t assume you want to see it. And you shouldn’t assume I want you to, either, lol. But the show itself is a great show! Just as the other is.

This a shot taken in the master control room. Fr. Reed showed us the whole place….no stones left unturned. Well…would we know if there was? Maybe not. But, we saw a whole lot of the place, and it was incredibly interesting. Also, we can’t really express enough, what really wonderful people, work for the CatholicTV station. Seriously….so friendly. A real sense of family there, at that network. I almost longed to go to work there every day, myself. lol (Behind the cameras, of course.)

After seeing so much of the station, what they do where, and how it all works, Fr. Reed let us into this conference room, which I think, he thought, he had planned for {A}’s birthday. However, the joke was somewhat on him……as his CatholicTV family had this celebration planned for him, for his 25th Anniversary of Ordination. You can’t see in the photo, but the room is full of people. Clapping people.

He. Was. Surprised. I think he thought he had the whole day planned in detail, himself,….and this room full of people, for him, was not on his agenda. (Notice the sweet blush.) He said something to the effect of, “Well weren’t we going to sing Happy Birthday to Alexis?”. Jay explained they would, but they wanted to thank him for his many wonderful years of service as a priest, and the difference he has made in everyone’s lives….and he added how, “The Richard Family was in on this the whole time… .”

Ok…horrible shot here…..the camera actually went off by accident as I tried to hurry and GET this shot, where he was saying to our giggling trio, “WHY didn’t you TELL MEEEE???!!!”

So it seemed, he wanted to celebrate {A}’s birthday, and we were all there to celebrate his milestone anniversary. See, after he had made tour plans with us,, we got a phone call from the staff, saying they were planning a surprise celebration for him, and could we keep him in “Studio A” for as long as possible. Of course we were happy to! We were SO HONORED, to have been there with him to celebrate.

It’s just kind of comical, because it seemed he thought he had some special surprises set up for {A} in this room, which none of us knew about at all!! But there was actually a celebration planned for HIM in this room, that HE did not know about at all, but we did. So….in the end, we were all surprised on some level.

Fr. Reed, cutting his 25th Anniversary cake.

Soon enough, the focus turned on {A}, as the room full of people/staff (off camera)….sang her Happy Birthday, ….

….and presented her with these sweet surprises.

I was going to edit the red of her face out of this photo, but I think it is so cute. She was as embarrassed as the dickens. I don’t recall ever, having seen her blush like this. So much attention. But still grinning from ear to ear.

I really loved how the cake was decorated. It seriously was so perfect for her personality.

Cake…fresh flowers, and gifts……really. She just asked for a tour, so she was SO surprised by it all.

So here she is, just before we left, with her dear friend, Fr. Reed. Who incidentally….truly did give her a birthday she will never forget. To be there, for HIS special anniversary, meant more to her in the end, than anything. She really thinks the world and a 1/2, of him. He’s been a powerful and loving influence in her life, in many ways.

{A} made this bracelet for Fr. Reed. It is the branding colors of CatholicTV. She has made him these before in other colors, and he really wears them! He wore a red, white and blue one she made him, for the longest time.

He had a very special personal gift for her too.

Ok first, on a side note, something I have seen on TV happened to me. Someone said to me, (in this case, Fr. Reed), “Would you mind if I had a moment alone to talk to your daughter?”. “Uummmm….Sure! We’ll be at the car.” lol

Then he talked to her, and gave her this unbelievable treasure of a gift, which has been a personal treasure of his own…..

…a relic of Maria Goretti.

See, St. Maria Goretti is a 12 year old martyr, who was attacked on July 5th, {A}’s birthday, and also Fr. Reed’s 25 Ordination Anniversary. She died on the 6th, and this was her Feast Day. You can read all about St. Maria here, or watch the little video.

Wow, wow, wow. {A} treasures this, so very much, and we know she always will.

(Here is a closer cropped shot. I really love this photo of the 2 of them.)

Thank you Fr. Reed, and everyone at CatholicTV, for making our girl’s birthday so very special, and memorable. We also thank you for how warm and welcoming you always are to our family, and all you do for the Catholic and Christian community. You are a true light to us all, as we continue grow in our faith formation, be it in person, or the glow of our televisions all over the nation.

And one more HaPpY BiRtHdAy to you {A}. You truly carry a light of your own, and we are blessed to have you as such a big part of our life, and our family. We love you, more than you know.

Thanks to all of YOU, our faithful blog readers, for your patience in waiting for this last post! I was SURE I would have it out before July was behind us anyway, but I missed that boat. Nonetheless, we hope you all enjoyed sharing in our celebrations. {A} thanks you all for the thoughtful birthday wishes too!!

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Our Family’s Episode of CatholicTV’s House + Home: A Late Report

August 4, 2009 By Laura 4 Comments

Those of you who are long time visitors of a our blog may remember that last year (2008) our family was asked to be filmed for the pilot show of a new series being created by CatholicTV, called House + Home. The premise of the program is to feature various Catholic families, that vary in family size and lifestyles, and how they live out their Catholic faith in their daily lives, in their homes, and as a family. Each episode would feature a new family, and we were the first to be asked and filmed, thus being the pilot show. How crazy is that?!

We blogged about filming day when it took place back in October. In that post, we said we would let you all know when our episode was to be aired. But…we didn’t end up doing that, so this is a very late post. Our episode actually aired about countless times throughout the month of June, on CatholicTV. It was just a crazy time, and we were actually in the midst of completely revamping our blog, and during the process of that, were getting more hits on the blog than ever, because of the show airing, in which Fr. Robert Reed talks about our blog, and even visits it with our kids on film. And o.k., maybe we were procrastinating a little bit. We were a little startled by all of the attention the show was bringing to us, and we didn’t think it needed our help. lol So….we just never ended up blogging about it before, but we are really, really excited to see other families featured, because we know we will be left inspired, and it will simply be good tv viewing that we can count on and enjoy.

Since our filming day, there was a little span of time before they resumed filming for the show, featuring other families. So ours has been the only one being aired and promoted, heavily throughout June, and I think randomly since. But it is always on their web site as well. CatholicTV‘s web site is a really fabulous site (and as Fr. Reed wants everyone to know, it’s in high definition!! lol….he’ll be pleased that I mentioned that…lol)…..because you can not only watch any program you want to at any time, but you can also watch CatholicTV LIVE 24/7. We love that because guess what? We don’t even get the CatholicTV channel!! It is a national television station, but unless you get the BIG digital package of cable, (w/ lots of UNCatholic channels too…; ), that channel doesn’t come in. SO….we watched our own show on the computer ourselves. So if you don’t get the CatholicTV channel, and you go to the site, save the link!! It is awesome Catholic programming, naturally, for adults and kids alike.
(Updated Note: It later became a more standard television station.)

Since the show has aired, it has caught the attention of various Catholic and secular news medias, so we have been asked to do several interviews that have been printed in various publications including Catholic Online, and The Pilot (which was pretty exciting, minus my off-moment facial expression.) We have another interview coming up for the Old Colony Memorial.

Most all of the news reporters, as well as people in general have asked and wanted to know why we agreed to let our family be filmed for this program. I especially am one that is most comfortable being behind the camera, perhaps because I have control there, as a photographer. So being in front of a camera of any kind, never mind a national tv video camera (also high def by the way ; ) , was a bit out of my comfort zone, as well as my husband’s. The kid were SO FINE with it. So humility has played a small part in it, but is a part we decided to embrace, in agreeing to be filmed, despite our discomfort. The virtue of humility may be defined as: “A quality by which a person, considering his own defects, has a lowly opinion of himself and willingly submits himself to God and to others for God sake.” Therefore, to reject doing the show, to us, would speak of putting ourselves and some vanity we wanted to protect, before our God. So that there was the biggest premise of our decision. (Still uncomfortable though.)

But we had other reasons we wanted to do the show. One as we mentioned, was because we support and love the concept of the show. We knew WE would certainly be interested in seeing how OTHER Catholic families live out their faith in their daily lives, so we thought others probably would too. We wanted to aid in ‘kicking off’ this great idea, to help encourage it to become a successful series. Some other reasons are:

*We are called, in commitment to our Catholicism, to evangelize our faith. Since we are not the type that have very strong skills in sharing the Word of God, with the people we encounter in our daily lives, this seemed like a pretty good way to do it. We knew we were indeed capable, in sharing the best way we could express, how we live our day to day life as a family. So it was an offering of evangelizing in the way of example.

*We LOVE our lifestyle, and the Catholic faith that is so intricately woven into our daily moments, from within our family, our businesses, our homeschooling, our serving others, and every other area and situation in our lives.

*It was an opportunity that just doesn’t come along very often. We are always inspired and encouraged by other Catholic families, their practices and traditions, perspectives and lifestyles, and it was our opportunity to at least try and give back. It was a hope that in some way, some other family may see the joy and fulfillment in our family, that comes deeply-rooted from our faith, and be inspired to develop the faith in their own families as well. Or, for other Catholic families, who DO live much like we do, and feel so alone and different in today’s society, to see that there ARE other families….many other families, who live like they do. It was an opportunity to reach out, connect and network with those families.

*As a home schooling family, it was a real educational experience for our children! They would not just learn, but witness, participate in and experience all of the hard work that goes into the production of a television program.

*It would be a wonderful keepsake, in the form of a memory and a film piece, of our children’s childhood, for them AND for us in years to come. And for the generations that follow.

*Also, it should be noted that we love Fr. Robert Reed and we would have a pretty hard time saying ‘no’ to him, for anything he asked of us.

We have not regretted participating in the promotion of this show at all. We’ve had lots to say about it, in the various news articles we have shared our thoughts with. While it has drawn far more attention ourselves than we ever anticipated, which we are still adjusting to and are still not 100% comfortable with, it has overall been a ‘good thing’ for our family, and for our Catholic community.

In closing, we would just like to express our heartfelt thanks to the many, many people who have seen and supported the show, and/or our episode, and have called, sent e-mails, commented on our blog and just came right up to us in person on the street, in stores or as members of our parish family (St. Bonaventure’s Parish), to express that they saw us on tv, and how much they enjoyed the program. We truly appreciate all of your kind words and thoughts. Your support and expressions of faith lift us up.

Most of all, we would like to thank Fr. Reed, for more reasons than we can ever express, really. We are thankful to you, Fr. Reed, for responding to your personal call of faith in your vocation as a priest, as you touch millions of lives in a loving, inspiring and effective faith-building way – reaching out to adults and children in so many areas. For all of the mini-Latin lessons you have given {A}, and for being a powerful, significant example of many things, and in many ways, than you will ever know or realize. (In {A}’s words), for all of the funny memories and times you have had together in the sacristy before and after serving Mass together. We are also humbled and touched, that you would recognize and embrace our efforts, however full of stumbles, in living out our Catholic faith as a family. You have made a wonderful impression on our family as a whole and as individuals, for life. Overall, we just think you are a really cool guy, and we have come to love you very much.

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This is a separate post, but related enough that I thought I would tie it in. It’ll be a whole lot shorter. Promise.

{A}’s’ birthday fell on a Sunday this year. This made her SO happy because it is not only her favorite day of the week, but she was serving as well, which she loves to do. Fr. Reed happened to be presiding over that Mass, on her birthday, and shared with the congregation that it was 24 years ago that day, that he was ordained as priest! So {A} was thrilled they shared that special date, and Fr. Reed expressed after Mass what a funny little coincidence it was too, as we stood around chatting.

Then, he said that he had something for the kids, but said they needed to split it, and use it for their college education. Then he proceeds to pull out of his pocket, a million dollar bill, and he handed it to them. The little ones just giggled of course, while {A} prayed it was real. lol. Of course she knew it was a joke, being no such thing as a million dollar bill. But it sure looked real! It was crinkled and everything! He also gave them chocolate bars with WOW wrappers on it. (WOW is a CatholicTV Challenge show for kids, of which Fr. Reed also hosts.)

So, it was another happy day for the kids, loaded with more smiles and giggles brought on by Fr. Reed.

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Our Christmas Wishes and New Nativity Displayed

December 24, 2008 By Laura 1 Comment

It’s Christmas Eve! So just a quick note to you all: Our nativity set that Fr. Reed and CatholicTV gifted us with is all set up, and we wanted to share some photos of it with you, just as we promised to. And what more appropriate day to do so? You can be sure, we will treasure this nativity set for all of our family history to come.

Michael designed and built the stable (I stained it! : ), that so beautifully displays these exquisite figurines, that depicts so well the birth of our Savior. It truly sets the holy scene that means SO very much to us all.

My favorite piece is the angel. Every time I look at it, I think of my mother. Not because she was an angel on earth, ; ), mind you. But because she loved angels so very much.

To each one of you, and your families, from our family-

We wish you all a blessed, peaceful and joyful Christmas!

Enjoy every moment!

An Early Christmas Gift, from CatholicTV

November 21, 2008 By Laura 1 Comment

So {A} expressed her wishes in her last post, that she hoped we would blog about our wonderful, unexpected, fill-our-hearts with joy, early Christmas gift. And since I took photos, why not!?

After Mass on Sunday, Fr. Bob Reed, who is Director of CatholicTV, and who also helps out with Masses at our parish, asked us to stay after Mass as he had something for us. Once we all went outside, he proceeded to transport a huge wrapped gift from his trunk, to our van! We were so confused. He said it was an early Christmas gift for us from himself and everyone at CatholicTV. Now, as many of you may know, we willingly let them film our family for a new series on Catholic families, for their TV station. We were the first family to do this, so maybe that is why they have expressed their gratitude many times, which was enough for us!! But here, we had this gift from them.

I asked if we should wait until Christmas to open it, but he said “Oh no!! Open it TODAY!!”. Now our plans were to go shopping from there but……you can bet those plans got a little rearranged. We went home first to open the gift.

Now, we are thankful for anything. Or nothing. From anyone. But as I looked at this box, I had an inkling. Or maybe it was wishful thinking. It my heart, I was a little bit hoping and praying, that it was just what it turned out to be. Hold on.

So here are the kids waiting to open it. Daddy was in the other room doing something, or something. I forget. But we were waiting. And wondering. Hmmmm.

Then we let them tear it open, which took all of 1/2 second.

Next, Daddy had to open the stapled box, and carefully cut the tape of the styrofoam box as well. Clearly it was something breakable. (That was a good sign to me!! lol)

He lifted off the cover, and though each piece was wrapped in plastic, it was clear enough that my little prayer had come true. The kids cheered! Can you tell what it is??

Here is a better look. The beauty of each piece is just……….

I can’t tell you how HAPPY this gift made us. So how did I have an inkling of what it was?? Many weeks ago, when that man from Bethlehem was selling religious wood goods at our parish, I told Fr. Reed how we need to get a nativity set, and soon. I told him we’ve never really had one, except for the Fisher Price Little People set our little ones had. He then mentioned a place he knew that made beautiful sets, but then told me to be sure we didn’t get one. Now WHY would a priest tell you not to get a nativity set? I was just about to ask him where he recommended, since he said he knew of a great place.

We even used that Little People Nativity Set last year, even though our youngest ones were 5 years old and a little old for it! We figured, hey, it was better than nothing. The thing is, our home was always too small before, and lacked a good display area for a nativity set. We couldn’t really afford one, anyway. Later, we added on and had more space, but then with 3 toddlers thrashing about the house, I didn’t want anything get get broken, IF we had one. But it was definitely time, to have a REAL one. Michael and I have wanted one ever since we’ve owned a home, and it was always sadly put off, for one reason or another. A nativity set IS what Christmas is, and we wanted it to be part of our home, for every Christmas season from now on.

But to receive such a BEAUTIFUL set, as a GIFT, from Fr. Reed (whom we adore), and CatholicTV, just adds sentiment to this set, that we will always treasure. The children will always remember how, when, where, we got it, and it just makes it that more special. It’ll be a family treasure, for many, many generations to come.

Michael will be building a stable that is just right, to accommodate our new Nativity set. We are all very excited to set it up in a place of honor. I’ll be sure to take and share photos.

To Fr. Reed (if you’re reading) and Catholic TV — THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts, from our whole family here “at #19”. Your beautiful, thoughtful, amazing gift will never go unappreciated, and will always mean more to us than you will ever know.

And here is the STAR of the show! The very reason we celebrate every Christmas…..

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We wish you all a blessed, peaceful and joyful Christmas!

Enjoy every moment!

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