A blessed solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God and happy New Year to you all! We have been enjoying our Christmas break and I have barely touched the computer the past couple weeks, but I wanted pop in real quick and share a couple pictures of my favorite Christmas gift…
My parents weren’t the only ones who were given a new statue this year! Along with a few other thoughtful gifts (pearl earrings, a couple books, a new game, and some “Enjoy Life” chocolate!) my husband gave me a lovely statue of Our Lady of Fatima, complete with crystal eyes and a metal, jeweled crown! This is just like the statue (plus a little extra lipstick, which made me laugh since most of mine had just been stolen) that my Grandparents gave to my parents on their first wedding anniversary when I was just a couple months old. I loved that statue while I was growing up and have always wanted one similar for our family! She looks so much bigger in our home than she does over at my parents, but I’m sure we will find the perfect place for her soon. Isn’t she beautiful?!
May the Mother of Jesus and our Mother always smile on your spirit, obtaining for it, from her most holy Son, every heavenly blessing.
~ St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Prayer of Mothers
Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me. Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege—to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.
Oh so beautiful! What a treasure! Happy feast day Jessica!
2016-01-02 02:41:03
JMJ She is gorgeous!
I fell in love with the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue on pilgrimage to Fatima in 2013. She is supernaturally special and have since desired a wooden carved one similar. So glad you for yours. Enjoy! :o)
Happy New Year to you and yours, Jessica.
2016-01-02 02:43:01
She’s lovely, Jessica! What a thoughtful husband! I’m sure she will bring many beautiful memories to your children as they grow as well. God Bless 🙂
+JMJ+ Sonja Campbell
2016-01-02 02:58:46
Beautiful! What a wonderful gift:)
2016-01-02 03:22:53
What a beautiful statue and ideal gift for you to grace your home.
2016-01-02 03:41:45
Beautiful!
2016-01-02 04:41:58
OH that is lovely!
2016-01-02 06:36:37
Very lovely indeed! I got a few statues this year for our family altar at the different liturgical seasons – a nice addition to feast day celebrations! You look WONDERFUL, too! Have you reached your goal weight now? I bet you are feeling so much better now, more energy, etc! 🙂
2016-01-02 16:49:34
This statue is so amazing! I wasn't a big "statue" person until my husband purchased a tall, absolutely beautiful one of mother Mary and now I want a million of them. Happy New Year!
2016-01-03 20:24:39
Our Heavenly Mother is so beautiful!!! What a sweet blessing! Thank your for sharing such pretty words!
2016-01-04 07:15:05
Oh how lovely our Dear Lady looks in your last photo in your Christmas setting with her adorable infant Son pointing up towards her…as if to say "All mothers please imitate My Dearest Mother"…and Jessica you are doing a wonderful job at this!!! Such a special Christmas gift to cherish from your husband. This statue is magnificent! Thank you for sharing this post with us.
2016-01-07 19:14:04
Thank you, Krista! I actually woke up sick on Christmas morning (probably from all the unexpected stress leading up to Christmas this year) and wasn't feeling my best, but overall I am feeling SO much better compared to last year. This is the first time in so many years where "losing weight" and "improving my health" haven't been a goal for the new year! I haven't reached my "goal weight" yet (only a couple pounds to go!) but the weird thing is that, even though I weigh more than I did when I was younger/first married, I am wearing smaller clothing sizes. My husband says I am more muscular now compared to back then… Muscle is smaller/more dense than fat so that could explain the smaller pant/skirt sizes despite weighing a bit more, I suppose? Or maybe my scale is off! 😉
2016-01-04 02:01:24
Oh, what a bummer to wake up sick on Christmas…! 🙁 Yes, I think muscle IS different. I'm actually lighter than when I was a teenager – about 15 pounds and there is a leanness to it – face, torso, especially. I never struggled with weight, though and hardly gained with my pregnancy for my daughter as she was so small. Hope you are feeling better now! 🙂
2016-01-04 05:13:07