2012 Wrap-Up

Well, my blogging spree did not last long and then that guilt at being so far behind sapped any desire to actually get something done. Isn't strange to be paralyzed by the undone when doing it will set us free and yet stuck we remain? Thus, in an effort to myself free, I offer up four major holidays in one fell swoop, err, blog post. Ta-Da!

HALLOWEEN

At Quinton's suggestion, everyone eagerly agreed to be a family of ninjas. Nanna and Olivia lovingly sewed up costumes to each child's specifications. They even had beautiful jeweled dragons, tigers, leopards, and flowers on the back. Marie Claire was dressed as the little Chinese princess whom the ninjas were protecting. Her little red dress, also made by Nanna, is actually Olivia's from when she was the same size. It is so sweet to remember my blue-eyed girls in red.

ALL SAINTS' DAY

Xavier ~ Crusader for Christ

Dominic ~ St. David

Olivia ~ Goliath ( Not a saint, but David's story teller)

Grace ~ St. Bridget

Collette ~ St. Zita

Quinton ~ St. Quentin

THANKSGIVING DAY

For my mom and dad... fond memories to make you smile

Thanksgiving was lovely, just lovely. We spent the morning cooking at home before heading down the mountain for some serious family fun. This is my children's home away from home. They love and know every corner. Before everyone escaped to their favorite playhouse, casita, or playroom, I managed to snap a few pictures- Four generations of love captured here. What a blessing! Oh, and that's Xavier in his most favorite padded helmet. He literally wore it to pieces. The boy loves hats, red hats. It makes me smile.

 After pictures, everyone scattered for playtime, making the sweetest candy turkeys, and dining on a delicious dinner that pleased everyone. Now that's saying a lot with my picky crew.

After dinner, the crazy kids donned bathing suits and headed out for a swim. While the spa was heated, the pool most definitely was not. However, that did not deter my children. They jumped in, gasped for air, swam furiously for the hot spa, and did it all over again laughing and laughing the whole time. The evening ended in pajamas, cozily watching a movie. I am so thankful for my beautiful family, the love between generations, and bountiful holiday celebrations. God is Good.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Our Christmas was quiet and family focused just like Thanksgiving. Extended family arrived to celebrate a few days before, we attended Christmas Eve Vigil in another small mission, and celebrated Christmas morning at home with loved ones. The children really shone this year with all of their home-made presents. Collette sewed and embroidered cookie pouches, Quinton made an amazing array of wooden gifts, and Olivia knitted and sewed with love. I think some of the most special moments was the exchange of these true gifts of the heart and hand. Even I managed to squeeze in a few days of sewing to make play food for the girlies. There was so much joy in the giving this year. The baby Jesus must have smiled sweetly upon them!

Olivia and Dominic's birthdays will show up soon. And then I can move on into 2013 with a happy heart of memories recorded, even so briefly.
And Peace to His people on Earth!

ATC All Saints

I set up our little home altar with all our saints and books. The children drew pictures and made little table top saints from Ana Braga-Henebry's Journal.
It all looks quite festive!

A new addition to our celebration of the saints is participating in an Artist Trading Card (ATC) swap. Kimberlee, at Pondered in my Heart, is hosting the swap. On her blog she states,

"One of our greatest joys as parents is teaching our children about the saints who came before us - from the earliest history to modern times, rich and poor, young and old, from all walks of life, who fought the good fight and finished the course and are enjoying their eternity with God in heaven. We share their lives and their stories and we teach our children to make friends with the saints and call upon their intercession to assist us on our own journey towards salvation." 

I couldn't agree more. 

The children spent a lovely afternoon pouring over saint books, carefully drawing their favorites.

Here are a few of my favorites from each artist.

We are eagerly awaiting new cards of new saints from new friends.

Thank you Kimberlee!

All Saints' Day 2010

Every year the children attend a special Mass, procession and party for All Saints' Day. One brave homeschooling mom opens her home to all these saints in-training for the prayer and fun.

The children begin with a procession while everyone else recites the Litany of the Saints. This is followed by a beautiful and reverent outdoor Mass. And then on to round of "Who am I?" The children can earn prizes for best costume, best presentation, and most obscure saint. 

Saint Maximilian Kolbe- Winner of Best Saint Costume!

I was inspired by Dominic's Halloween costume for All Saints' Day too: he went as the Holy Spirit. However, in his mind, he will always be fire! Also, the idea of standing in front of a crowd was rather terrifying for him.

Olivia dressed as Saint Mary Mackillop, the first saint of Australia who was recently canonized this past October 17th. She was vying for most obscure but lost out to some other truly forgotten saints.

Gracie is the beautiful Saint Anne. She also found the crowd intimidating and bolted from the microphone as soon as she saw all the eager faces turned toward her. 

Collette dressed as Saint Colette. Who else? While her costume was very authentic, she chose the sit out the guessing too. Really, this is not a surprise as my energetic little girl is actually quite shy.

Xavier explored and explored and explored. He found everything fascinating except for All Saints' Day.