Sunday visitor

We had a little visitor sitting in out tree this morning. We have a pair of cardinals that live close by. Sometimes they venture close to the house and sit in our bushes. Today just the male was spotted. He just looks so festive sitting amongst the green branches covered with patches of snow.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

A Christmas Carol

The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap,
His hair was like a light.
(O Weary, Weary were the world,
But here is all aright.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary's breast,
His hair was like a star.
(O stern and cunning are the Kings,
But here the true hearts are.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary's heart,
His hair was like a fire.
(O Weary, Weary is the world,
But here the world's desire.)

The Christ-child stood at Mary's knee,
His hair was like a crown,
All the flowers looked up at Him,
And all the stars looked down.

by G.K. Chesterton

'Tis the season

for baking cookies. And what could be more fun than doing it with friends. This is the second year now that our two families have gotten together for baking and decorating cookies. I heard somewhere once that if you do something twice it becomes a tradition!! Considering we all enjoyed ourselves very much, I think it is a tradition worth hanging on to.

For fun!!

We all enjoyed this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8&feature=related

Turn up your volume and enjoy!

Merry Christmas

Just Gotta Brag!!!

I had a cleaning crew working in my home today!! Completely volunteer labor.... no payment, no bribes. As a matter of fact; their help was not even requested. My kitchen was cleaned; dishes washed, dried and put away; the counters cleared off and washed down and the sink scoured. The bathroom was done; tub and sink scoured, toilet swished, towels to the laundry room, and mirror wiped clean. Then they continued on to the living room.... picked up toys and put cushions back on the couch. How did all this happen? Who were my little cleaning elves???




It all started when the 7 yr old and the 4 yr old decided to empty the dishwasher. The 11 yr old jumped in and thought they could really make mom happy. They begged me to stay on one end of the house so they could surprise me. I kept hearing "so mom doesn't have to" or "mom will be so happy". And was I!!!! I am so proud of my little cleaning crew! And they are so happy with all they accomplished.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

"Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who filled you, Virgin of Nazareth, with every spiritual blessing of Christ. In Him, you were conceived Immaculate! Predicted to be His Mother, you were redeemed in Him and through Him more than any other human being! Perserved from the inheritance of original sin, you were conceived and came into the world in a state of sanctifying grace." Pope John Paul II

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee

Golden Birthday!

Today our sweet little Magdalene turned 7!


You are growing into such a sweet young lady. Thank you for being my best helper, my most eager student, and the sunshine of my day.

"Let me call you sweetheart. I'm in love with you. Let me hear you whisper that you love me, too. Let me call you sweetheart; I'm in love with you!"

Feast of St. Nicholas

Each year we celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas; December 6th. This bishop was born to weathly parents who raised him to love and serve the Lord. After their death he used his inheritance to serve the poor and sick. He is remembered for his generosity to all. As we progress through this advent season, it is good for us to remember the example of those who gave so much to serve our Lord.
We may not accomplish any noble needs, as Nicholas did; but, we do spend the day just being together and enjoying one another.

Each year we hang our stockings by the fireplace before going to bed on the 5th. So, in morning we awake to find some small treats to enjoy. My hubby takes this day off of work each year so he is able to be home and celebrate with us. We had a special breakfast that he and I made together.



We always head out on Dec. 6th to a local tree farm and hunt for that one perfect tree. This year the trees were so full of snow and very beautiful.









As Paul and the children strung the lights and garland, I read to them the story of St. Nicholas; a delightful story called A Special Place For Santa. It felt peaceful with the tree lit as we said our Christmas Novea before heading off to bed. We had a very pleasant day!

One week later!

One weekend the kids are playing in the leaves, the next weekend the snow!! Thanks to a Saturday snow fall, Sunday the ground was covered and my house was filled with kids anxious to go out and play! What fun they had. Even Dad got in on the fun.





Then Tuesday arrives and brings even more snow!!! Maybe we'll have a winter covered in snow this year! It was such a beautiful sight watching the snow fall and the pines trees look wonderful when their branches are covered with fresh fallen snow! This is definitely my favorite season of the year.