Been away so long...

Boy have I missed blogging....

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I've been on a blogging leav of absense...


I'm back.....
Hope all in the blogosphere is well - moms, dads, kids and pets.
My hubby is well, the boys' are gorgeous and - me - well - coping as well as can be expected. Still blessed every day by a living God and striving with every ounce of my being to be more like Christ. Picture of Joshua and his dad (big bro Jarrod in the back ground) on his first birthday - Happy birthday big boy - mommy loves you...

Dear Lord I place my marriage and my boys before you today - thank you for all the blessings you bestow upon us - help us never to take them for granted. Amen

Yours in Christ.... Ruby

Of life and Lent

I know that I have not been blogging regularly - but my life seems to be so hectic of late.

With Joshua being fully mobile now - he is more than just a hand full, he pokes his head to cupboards, bathrooms and runs at the sight of an open door... Help.

When I get home after work, I do homework with Jarrod- then give the boys their baths - supper and then I'm ready to collapse. (see pic of bathtime attached)

Things at work have been really hectic as well, I've been on risk training, and then getting back to the office and trying to catch up again - is a massive task....

We're going to the Stations of the Cross this evening, followed by Mass - I'm so looking forward to that...

Lenten Blessings and prayers for all to perservere with their Lenten fasts.

Yours in Christ... Ruby

Our Lady, Help of Christians

Check out my patron saint for the year, here

I'm so excited about this, I'll doing alot of reading about, Our Lady, Help of Christians...

Can anyone point me to some links about this saint, I would really appreciate it.

Until later... Ruby

Happy St. Valentine's day!

To all my blogging mom's and friend's - feel the love...

With all my love...Ruby

Busy,busy,busy...

Whoa... the last few days have been hectic for me...
Since Lent began, I feel as if I have been struck with so many extra tasks. We have been trying to attend as many of the Lenten services ( Masses, Stations of the Cross, Holy hour), as a family. This means rushing home from work - a quick supper and then off to Church. I try and get in a morning mass at 6am before a go to work, so I am up at 4.30am. But I feel so energised, I feel so blessed and Lent is a special time for us to turn back to the Lord.
I'm turning all the way back!!! What a wonderful God we serve, we have increased our prayer time and the love and peace in our home is amazing. Yes there is still a naggy baby when he is sleepy and the grade-schooler seeks his fair share of attention - but praise the Lord, we are happy to serve each other.

In the mean time- Joshua has started walking... yeah, at 10 months, just like his big brother.
He now has access to everything... his happy baby feet fill our home. All doors have to be closed, especially, bathroom and loo doors... it seems as if that is where they head first... Why do babies find the toilet bowl so facinating??

Jarrod's teacher had a baby, so he has a new grade 2 teacher and he is absolutely loving her...

Tomorrow is St. Valentine's day so spread the love around...

Yours in Christ... Ruby

I am a Soccer Mom Hen

What type of Mother Hen Are You?
by Montessorimom.com: Educational Resource

I was over in Minnesota and I came across this, go check out what type of Hen you are.

Special prayers please...

Please pray for my aunt, she had quad-bipass surgery two months ago, was taken to hospital last night with chest pains.
Doctors say there is another blockage... Please lift her up in your prayers

Through Christ our Lord...Ruby

Ash Wednesday Prayer

Ash Wednesday Prayer

Heavenly Father, Let us enter the season of Lent in the spirit of joy giving ourselves to spiritual strife, cleansing our soul and body, controlling our passions, as we limit our food, living on the virtues of the Holy Spirit;
Let us persevere in our longing for Christ so as to be worthy to behold His most solemn Passion and the most holy Passover, rejoicing the while with spiritual joy.
Amen.

Tiny baby steps...

This little baby, today exactly 10 months and 8 days old, took his very first, tentative, oh so sweet, baby steps!!! Just months ago I was swaddling him and now we can't keep him off the floor - where did my baby go??? On Friday evening after Mass, we popped in at friends, this is where Joshua gave us... 5-6 careful, little steps, his dad and I looking on in absolute awe... oh the absolute joy at being able to witness this.

As a working mom I sometimes feel so guilty for all the milestones that I miss, all the cries I don't get to soothe - I was so absolutely blessed to see both my boys take their first beautiful steps.

Thank you Jesus for this blessing, all praise and glory to You, Lord.

Yours in Christ our Lord...Ruby

Please pray

Go here - and please join us in prayer

So excited....

I am so, so, so excited, I'm almost bubbling over.

Ok (deep breath) - Let me start at the beginning. For the past 6 or so years my hubby and I have been catechizing the RCIA group at our parish. RCIA is so exciting and challenging. Last night we had our first lesson for the year, with a new group of candidates. Goodie, goodie... I truly love being a cathechist. My mom was a cathecist and my younger bro and I tagged along with her when she went to give her lessons, so I have been exposed to Catechetics from a very young age.

As a teenager on my Confirmation journey, I made a commitment to be part of the team of Cathechists of the parish and every year since I have renewed that commitment. Cathechetics holds a special place in my heart and a truly feel called as a lay-person, to draw people to the Faith.

So how did I get my hubby involved??? - you ask. Well, while we were courting, he used to come and visit in the evening after work? One evening, I asked him to join us on a Thursday evening for Cathecism, just a visit - no commitments, "just come and sit with us..." I said. He agreed, and from there we reeled him in, hook, line and sinker!!!

In 2002, he and I did a distance tuition course, with a Catholic College in Birmingham, England called Maryvale College. - A Certificate in Parish Cathechesis, to better equip us for the task at hand. We work well together, and studying together really helped us build on our relationship as a couple as well - all-in-all, a win-win situation, I love it!!

So every Thursday, as from last night, we have an RCIA lesson to plan and teach and we get to be workers in the Harvest of the Lord - now is that a blessing or what??

Last night we introduced ouselves and shared a bit about ourselves, and then we did a short intro to Lent and Ash Wednesday... All pretty foreign to them, since they come from protestant churches. All the same, they are excited, we are excited... Catholicism is spreading.. and I am loving it.

Whoa... there I got most of it out.

Today, I feel doubly blessed and I know my Lord loves me.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee.

Have good weekend!!

Love and prayers...Ruby

Isn't Catholicism great??

I was chatting to my hubby last night about my blog and telling him about all the Catholic moms I have met in the blogosphere. We all have so much in common - our Faith in truly UNIVERSAL.

When you talk of Mass and the saints, I can relate, because the Mass is the same in the US, as it is in SA and Sweden... now I ask you is that not cool??? We all recite the Creed at Mass, know all seven sacraments and raise our children in the Faith.

Is it not cool that all of us know who Benedict XVI is and who Mother Thesera is...

Through our Faith we are joined. We all form one Body of Christ - different limbs, but all part of one Body. This amazes me... through my faith I have logged onto the blogs of Catholic moms - understood the language they used, felt part of the group, I could really feel the love.

My sisters and friends in Christ - today like all other days - but especially today... I AM PROUD TO BE CATHOLIC. Proud to follow the teachings and Doctrine of the Church and proud to hand this on to my boys...

Thank you Dear Father God for the gift of my Faith.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit... Ruby

Stressed out??

My cousin sent this to me via email - I thought it was good advice and I was asked to share it with others - so this is me sharing.

CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS ...
An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."

1. Pray

2. Go to bed on time.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and unclutter your life.

7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.

11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.

12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.

17. Get enough rest.

18. Eat right.

19 Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Every day, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.

24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.

26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus .."

27. Laugh.

28. Laugh some more!

29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

32. Sit on your ego.

33 Talk less; listen more.

34. Slow down.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

"If God is for us, who can be against us?"
(Romans 8:31)

Sibling Rivalry

Upon stepping in the door from work yesterday:
Jarrod : "Mummy Joshua scratched me in my eye today and made me cry...", says the 7 year old of his 10 month old brother.
Me: "I'm sorry, my boy, I'll sort him out later...."
Me thinking... - How exactly will I do that???

With Lent approaching...

our parish priest - challenged the entire parish to a dry fast... Nothing past the lips from sunrise to sunset. "If our muslim brothers and sisters can do it, why can't we? "- is what he said.
The alternative he said would be a wet fast - where one would be allowed to have water, but no food.
My hubby fasts every year - last year I was pregnant with Joshua during Lent, and so I tried to make my sacrifices in other ways. I think this year I will try the fast. I know it is going to be difficult, since I am a muncher... - As our priest told us - "this first few days are very tough - but it will bring you closer to God, you will reap the rewards"...
Since closer to God is where I want to be... and this is all I have been comtemplating all day... I think the Lord is speaking to me here...

Have you tried a fast?? Let me know...

Today is the the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, patron of schools and Doctor of the Church... Go here to read more.

Dear St. Thomas Aquinas, we entrust all our schooling children into your care - intercede for them to Our Lord, that they may see the importance of being educated...

In Christ our Lord... Ruby

Thought for the day

I receive a lovely thought for the day by email everyday from Andrew over at Alive to God - I thought I would share it with you today.
It really touched me...

Here is today's Thought:

Verse: John 14:27
My peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

- Modern life is characterized by stress and worry.
- In the midst of what you face you can know peace.
- To be troubled means to be worried or thrown into confusion.
- This is not God's plan for you!
- God wants you to know and experience His peace.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for Your gift of peace. I receive it afresh for today. Amen.

In Christ...Ruby

I've been tagged...

by PaulaB over at As We Wait in Joyful Hope for a book meme.


Ohhh I've been caught out. As I confessed in my previous meme, I can't even remember when I last picked up a novel, or book of any sought and read it, or finished it for that matter.


I subscribe to a women's monthly mag and will you believe me when I tell you I am 2 issues behind on reading that!! I'm just too exhausted to read... What with work, the kids and everynights' sleep being interrupted by a waking 10 month old - when I do have free time, I head straight for a nap...YEAH.


Yes, I know I should fill my brain with some useful information of some sought, we have bought many books and the hubby reads very inspirational and positive books from time to time, but I just don't get round to it. Ten years ago, I'd probably have been reading two or three books - in one week. I was an avid reader, of all literature (except science-fiction).

Sorry to disappoint.

Note to self : Read something positive soon!!!

Have a blessed day... Ruby

A Meme...

There's a meme going round in the blogoshere and I thought I would join in... just for the fun. So here goes...



1. WERE YOU NAMED FOR ANYONE? No, I do don't think so.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last year

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?Yes - when I'm not going too fast

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Sandwich ham

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes, 2 boys

6. WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I think so!

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Must admit - I can be sarcastic at times.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? No - had them out when I was 19

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No No No

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Oats

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Sometimes, yes

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes, I do.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Plain creamy vanilla

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their teeth...

15. RED OR PINK? Red

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF? My impatience with my hubby and boys sometimes.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My boys - when I am at work

18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Jeans and black shoes

19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Sandwich

20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Radio in my office

21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Purple

22. FAVORITE SMELLS? Smell after rain has fallen, clean baby smell

23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Portia - lady at reception

24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Cricket

25. HAIR COLOR? Black

26. EYE COLOR? Dark Brown

27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No

28. FAVORITE FOOD? Chocolate - is that a food?? Ok I love pasta

29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings!

30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? I really can't remember - I fall asleep halfway through most movies...

31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Pink

32. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer

33. HUGS OR KISSES? Both from my boys and hubby - and hugs from others...

34. FAVORITE DESSERT? Strawberry Cheesecake hmmmm

35. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Don't know when last I have had time to read...

36. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Plain blue

37. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Didn't watch any tv...

38. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Kids laughing... Rain falling...

39. BEATLES OR ROLLING STONES? Neither.

40. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Riebeek West, Outside of Cape Town - South Africa

41. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I have a good singing voice...

42. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Port Elizabeth, South Africa



I'd like to tag anyone who'd like to join in...



Stay blessed... Ruby

On my mind today...

Today marks the 35th anniversary of the decision in the US Supreme Court on the right to life in the case of Roe vs Wade.
As a former law student, we did an extensive study on this case and so South African law has followed American Law in legalising abortion. This makes me so, so sad.
As a Catholic Christian, our Church teaches, and I firmly believe that life begins at conception and that all life is precious. There are woman yearning for a baby every minute of everyday - yet the leaders of the countries we live in get to decide, that it is okay - if you don't want a baby or the child is unplanned - just abort it --no biggie!!! Can you believe that this is what the world is coming to?? It saddens me so deeply...

I believe that children are precious - that did not ask to be here - the adults made the decisions and knew the possible consequences of sexual intercourse. Therefore the life that they created is their responsibilty...and they will be accountable to Our Lord when their time comes...

Brothers, sisters and friends, pray with me today for the protection of Unborn life.
Protecting the Unborn

Written by Priests for Life, one of the chief Catholic pro-life organizations, this prayer expresses our commitment to the protection of all of the unborn.

Prayer to End Abortion
Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life,
And for the lives of all my brothers and sisters.
I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion,
Yet I rejoice that you have conquered death by the Resurrection of Your Son.
I am ready to do my part in ending abortion.
Today I commit myself Never to be silent, Never to be passive,
Never to be forgetful of the unborn.
I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement,
And never to stop defending life Until all my brothers and sisters are protected,
And our nation once again becomes A nation with liberty and justice
Not just for some, but for all,

Through Christ our Lord. Amen!

St Gerard Majella - Patron saint of expecting mothers
Pray for us.

In Christ... Ruby

Weekend ramblings

Baby Joshua in his dad's car on Sunday afternoon...

Spent most of Saturday morning lazing around since had hubby had to go into work for a while. So the boys and I had the morning to ourselves. With baby Josh there is NO sleeping in... so we were up pretty early, made them some breakfast as roamed around in our PJ's...

Jarrod was chatting away about his first week back at school, he goes to a Catholic school in the city and started grade 2 this year - he loves his school and his new teacher...he is very excited. He had a very good report card at the end of last year. I must say, I think he is more artistic than academic - he loves to sing and act.

I love the way Joshua smells when he's just had a bath - nothing smells better than a clean baby... So the boys both had their baths. Mummy lazed around some more and when dad got home - mum was still i her PJ's!

At Mass yesterday morning we celebrated the Feast of the Lamb of God, and our priest Father Trevor had such a good homily about affection and how we deny our children and spouses affection, for our own selfish reasons... Father Trevor has only been with us for a short while now, but I enjoy his homilies, he always puts so much effort and feeling into them. He has a firmness about him - yet love, gentleness and sincerity radiates when he talks to the parish.

Later on Sunday evening we took a drive to pay my aunt and her family a visit.

So that's the weekend...

And today I'm back at work...

Blessings for the week ahead... Ruby

About my family... part 3

Now let me tell you about my little Joshua. A strong name, for a boy whom I believe will have strong character - yet be gentle, kind and loving - just like his dad. Oh!!! he is like a ray of pure sunshine. Smiley face...

Born on the 27th of March in 2007, also by c-section, almost a kilogram lighter than his big brother, but by no means a small baby. Joshua Michael...

The c-section was easier this time around, since I knew what to expect and I had an spinal.

It was the most beautiful experience to see him so soon after he was born, and to have been awake during the surgery and hear that very first cry... With Jarrod's birth I was under general, so I didn't get to see him until a while later. The two boys looked almost identical at birth - JJ, a bit bigger that Josh, but very similar facial features and their dad's structure - they are going to be sturdy boys. It still amazes me how much Joshua looks like Jarrod when he was this age.

Josh is almost walking now, he is an active, pleasant little boy and an absolute pleasure.

Joshua you are perfect my boy - all that you mummy and daddy could have hoped and dreamed of... You bring us so much joy, we are so proud of you and your big bro - you two mean the world to us and we thank God for two happy, healthy boys - everyday. The Lord had entrusted your little souls to us, and we promised as your parents to raise you as part of the Body of Christ. We pray everyday for the grace of being good parents.

St Michael the Archangel - watch over our Joshua and be his protector from all the the evils of the world.

Stay blessed... Ruby

About my family continued...

Now let me introduce you to Jarrod...

My first born son - 7 Years old... Jarrod Jude... We call him JJ.

When I was 20 weeks pregnant and could know the sex of my baby, I immediately wanted to know... I so desperately wanted a boy. I was over the moon on my way home from the doc.. yip a boy it was...

Jarrod was a big baby and was born by c-section, on the 2 January 2001. Gorgeous from the get go and still a looker today ( as his mom, I suppose that is a biased opinion), Pitch black hair and dark eyes - square set jaw...sturdy shoulders, he;s gonna grow big and tall, like his paternal grandpa. A single dimple on his left cheek and a slight cleft, just under his chin... I was blessed to be able to spend 2 and a half years at home with him, he grew up so quickly.



Now he is a talented young boy - with the world at his feet... so independent and eager to get out there - sometimes I feel as if he doesn't need his mummy any longer... but in my heart I know that I am needed - I will be the one he turns to with a grazed knee - and one day... a broken heart. JJ is a free spirit, an uninhibited child and a little naughty bugger at times. In his own words " I am the big baby and Joshua is your small baby". My boy, you are right - you will always be my baby, 7, 12 or 21 - my big baby...

St. Jude always intercede for Jarrod to our Lord Jesus
Patron saint of hopeless cases. Pray for us

Be blessed.... Ruby

About my family

So today I thought I would start telling you all about the men in my life...
The Hubby...
A man of God, hardworking and a great father... he's a total handyman. He does all the little repairs and stuff around the house and prefers to do all the big things himself too. He paints and tiles and drills, you name it, I think he can do it.
He's the quiet type... very thoughtful...
He is gentle and loving and a big softie - if you ask me... I'm one lucky woman.
He works outside of the home as well - he works for one of the bigger motor manufacturing companies in the city we live in - provides well for our family. He's a big dreamer and an achiever. We will one day have our own business... and then I'll be home free... I'll be able to spend all the time with my boys that I so desperately want to... and he will be his own boss...YEAH.
This year we will be married for 8 years and we courted for 6 years before we were married and I think he knows me better than I know myself... I love him to bits and pieces... We've got a good thing going and I pray that we will be together for the rest of our lives, that we will raise happy, well round children and believe that we are blessed everyday...

In the next post you'll get to know my first born...
Stay tuned...

In Christ Our Lord... Ruby

Finally Blogging

Well, I've contemplated and contemplated and all the rest... and finally decided to blog....
I've been reading all the other blogs forever - have always left comments or wanted to at least...
I'm so fond of Danielle Bean's blog ,and Blair's and well I follow most of the Catholic moms' blogs. I love to read about their lives and their kids and all their ramblings.

So I took the leap into the blog-sphere... hope that I am welcome here... and well - that my ramblings will be able to help someone in the simplist way.

In Christ... Ruby