Saint Andrew Christmas Novena

This is our first year praying the St. Andrew Christmas Novena. For many years I've read about Elizabeth Foss's devotion to this prayer.  Every year I have wanted to craft beautiful chaplets, print inspiring prayer cards, and pray in soft candlelight with my family. Every year I have procrastinated and done nothing. 

But this year, I am praying for a miracle, one of those miracles that can only occur through the grace of God. Well, I suppose all miracles are like that.

So, this year we made chaplets from ribbons and pony beads. The children each chose their own color of beads to string. I printed a quick prayer card. And we all prayed in flickering light of our new electric candles. It does not look at all like I had imagined so many times, but the prayers are fervent and sincere. God knows our hearts and may He grant our prayers.

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a lovely, quiet Thanksgiving at home this year. It's funny because we have generations of family all around and yet, due to twists and turns, we ended up celebrating with just the nine of us. Goodness, nine- well it can't be that quiet then can it?

Quinton was in charge of assembling the Mayflower flotilla. He did a fine job. Everyone came away pleased with their ship and no one bawled due to burnt fingers from the glue gun. It was grand to have them sailing across the dinner table.

Our big craft project took two days to complete. One day was devoted to water coloring the background, blowing paint for trees, and coloring coffee filters. The next day we cut out leaf upon leaf upon leaf and the boys practiced 'dot, dot, not a lot' with the glue bottles. They're still working on that skill. 

And, of course, everyone, including the neighbors, painted their fingers for turkeys.

A new experience was making pumpkin pie from scratch scratch. Olivia and Quinton baked sugar pumpkins, scooped innards, and helped to watch babies while I did the rest. ;-) The consistency was a little off, very firm rather than custard-y. I think I need to try again with a new recipe. I don't suppose any of you have a great one? Let me know if you do, please.

Grandpa Bruce sent us a Tur-duck-hen as a surprise. The kids were especially enthralled with the idea. How does one stuff stuff a hen inside a duck inside a turkey? Ah, a question for the ages. The turkey was quite tasty and we dug through all the stuffing to find the duck. No one really liked that, a little gamey you know. I couldn't find the hen for the life of me so maybe it was just a tur-duck?

Just so you know, I always dress like this while cooking enormous meals for herds of small people.

While the food warmed in the oven, I hauled everyone outside for a quick photo. Dominic was not in the mood and he told me so. I only asked that he look at the camera; He didn't have to smile. "Fine," says he with a stomp and a glare.

After dinner we were looking over the photos when he let me know that he was mad in those pictures but fine now. He's quite in touch with his feelings.

Stephen wanted a picture of all of us, so I set the camera down on the little rusty table. It's a lovely photo...of our feet. Apparently, that angle thing is really important. 

We counted our blessing at the table. Everyone took a turn giving thanks. God has blessed us abundantly this year. Many in my little community have struggled so much. May the Good Lord help me to remember to give thanks in sickness and in health, in wealth and in poverty, in ease and in struggle for He is good.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Marie's Baptism

A photo journal of a beautiful day.

May God bless you and keep you, Marie, my love

Fr. John and Marie's godparents: Nanna and Papa, of course.

Thank you Adam, the photos are lovely!

Time to head home and bbq and swim!

Love

My Littlest Love is Three Months

All Saints Day

After hustling in at the last minute to the All Saint's Day celebration, the children processed around the yard while everyone recited the Litany of the Saints. Then, after Mass, all the children hurried to get in line for the guessing game, What Saint am I?

Olivia dressed as St. Brendan the Navigator and put together a complete skit for everyone participate in. Collette was the whale, Quinton was the fire belching volcano, and Grace was the Indian in paradise. It was quite fun to watch and garnered quite a few laughs.

Quinton was thrilled to learn from one of the Norbertine priests that his namesake was a Roman saint martyred on October 31st. So, of course, he was Saint Quintin for the feast day celebration.

Archangel Gabriel

Collette wasn't sure she wanted to dress up this year as she does not like speaking in front of others. I convinced her, with the help of some new angel wings, to dress as an Archangel. She chose Gabriel. The outfit had a little horn to help with the authenticity but it was mislaid almost immediately. Oh well,  even without the horn she progressed to the front of line and actually asked everyone to guess. This was a significant milestone for her. Hurray!

Blessed Kateri Tekawitha

Now for Gracie: I wish I had had a video camera trained upon her! She has never spoken before either so I was surprised to see her in front of the microphone as well. Apparently, the whole experience was a little overwhelming for her because she immediately burst into bouncy nervous laughter. She bounded up and down, squealed, and smiled so big that everyone just had to join in with her. Finally, she managed to throw out a nervous, "Do you know who I am?" Giggle, giggle.  My pictures do not do her justice as she had calmed down by the time I shot the first photo. I think we were all caught off guard!

Dominic was the Archangel Michael. An angel with a sword- perfect. I had to take pictures a soon as we arrived because he had completely stripped out of his outfit by the time Mass was finished. In fact, I had to admonish him to keep his own clothes on. I guess once he gets started, he wants to finish the job. 

I spent most of the celebration asking, "Have you seen Xavier?" 

Xavier cruised through the garden paths, played in the generous playroom, and ambled about without a care in the world.

I believe he could be dressed as Saint Mischievous. Thank goodness for all the moms (and dads) who willing held Marie Claire while I tracked him down for the 100th time.