Slipping and Sliding into 2011

Happy New Year!!  Today was a day off for all of us,  and we celebrated with an ice skating trip!   Lock 3 in Akron offers free ice skating (rentals are just a few dollars) and we ventured out to give it a try.   Here are some photos from the outing:

It was a relativley uneventful experiment, thankfully.  I did fall and crack my knee, so any dreams of Kristy Yamaguci-like triple toe lips were not going to happen.  Lol.   The boys did pretty good but I think the only one unscathed was Jim.    If you are looking for a fun, low-cost family activity, I highly recommend this one!   We laughed and made some great memories. 

As I am writing this, it's New Years Eve, just hours away from the ball drop.   As usual, I am reflecting on the beauty and blessings of the past year, the challenges and disappointments and.... the HOPEFULNESS that this new year brings.  I think that is a nice element of vacation, it allows to step away from regular schedules, slow down, embraces our loved ones and spend some time with the Lord in contemplation.

 I pray that the spirit of the living God will fall afresh on you and bring joy, strength, and a steadfast spirit.  Happy New Year!!

"The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!"
Lamentations 3:22-24

What Money Can't Buy

Merry Christmas!   Hope you are enjoying the long weekend!   We've been busy playing board games, filling our bellies to the brim with family meals, and taking little naps with Clementine.   Jim's parents are visiting from Georgia and it has been such a rich blessing to have them here.   Here is a picture after we returned from mass on Christmas Eve:

Uncle Matt and the boys!

Chomping at the bit to open the presents!

Christmas morning.   Ninja (with his belly showing)?!  Lol

The boys (and daddy) all got new pajamas!

It  was defintley more toned-down in terms of gifts, but it was overflowing with good  memories.   Some of the highlights include:  Gabe's spy pen (records video and still images), night vision goggles for Grant, costumes for Garrett.   Books, Nerf guns, a Polar Express train, etc. 

On Christmas night my brother Matt, Jim and I went to see "True Grit".   We LOVED it.   Definitely not for kids, but we adults all thoroughly enjoyed it.  The dialogue was like poetry.  That is probably what I appreciated most.    Even the outlaws spoke eloquently with no "aint's" to be heard!   It almost reminded me of Anne of Green Gables if she would've headed out west.   Obviously it was much more graphic than Anne Shirley would've allowed, but I really came away with an appreciation of the art of it, and the lessons woven within the story.  Here is the trailer:

 

Off now to cuddle with Jim and have some Wassail.   Merry Christmas!

Christmas 2010

From our family to yours. 

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Tonight I keep thinking about the song "Labor of Love" and the lyrics:
" The baby in her womb,
He was the maker of the moon
He was the Author of the faith
That could make the mountains move"


Glory to God in the Highest!!   Merry Christmas and may the God of the Universe touch you and come to you in a most profound way.   

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Something we can all "Like"

This video offers such a beautiful illustration of how we "speak" today.  I was prepared to view a gimmicky, cutsie clip but instead became teary-eyed by this inspiring mini-movie.  It surpassed my expectations.  I hope it does for you as well! 

A Reason to Celebrate

 The boys were anticipating this Sunday for a long time, it marked the lighting of all four candles on the Advent wreath.  The wreath on our dinner table is now beautifully, completely lit and I think our hearts are equally as warm and happy coming off the weekend.     My friend Jennifer Willits flew in from Altlanta to enjoy a girl's weekend and attend the Mom Squad Christmas celebration at Hartville Kitchen.   It was such a wonderful adventure!   She is a mom of 5  and co-host of "The Catholics Next Door" on Sirius satellite radio.  They are also the founders of Rosary Army and creators of "That Catholic Show," among other things (whew, and I thought I was busy)!:)   In addition, she is a homeschool mom.   So needless to say, we have a lot of common ground in our lives.   She stayed with us for the weekend and it was such a gift!   From giving her a tour of our little town,  hanging out on the morning show together and getting a chance to have lots of good girl-talk, it was really a special time.    Here we are at the station. 

To top if off, the Mom Squad Christmas celebration was another home-run.  I was crying tears of joy and blotting my mascara like crazy!:)   A big thanks to everyone who took the time to share fellowship, faith, and great food together for a few hours.  It was a much-needed boost as we anticipate the birthday of our Lord!  The best part is always connecting with the beautiful ladies who are there, I always know I am in the company of amazing women in Christ.    Our promotions assistant took some pics and although I don't have them yet, I did snap a few with my camera.   
Here are some of my closest girlfriends.  It's always so nice when everyone can be together!

My Mom Squad sisters!    Susan and Darlene

It was a busy few days,  but exhilarating and filled with many blessings.   What a perfect lead in to such a special week!:)  

Shining star atop my tree,

Enlighten my soul to think on Thee,

Lord, born to die on Calvary.

Guided by starlight, wisemen seek

A baby King so gentle, meek.

Laying aside Your holy crown,

Stepped out of Heaven,

Divine love came down

Through a womb.

Humble Virgin, blessed Mary

Chosen by God

Her Messiah to carry.

Manna of Heaven,

Eternal Bread,

You gave Your life

So we could be fed.
May we be worthy of the promises of Christ, and remember our Savior this Christmas!

Mom's Planning Partner

If you have been reading this blog for a while, you know that I love themes.  Themes for summer reading, themes for celebrating seasons and anything that might help punctuate something we are learning about.  So, I was overjoyed when I discovered the book:  "Celebrating Saints and Seasons-Hundreds of Activities for Catholic Children."   I am a firm believer in the importance of living out our faith traditions more than just on Sunday morning.   Thankfully, the Catholic faith is replete with occasions to learn, and celebrate those things that make the religion so rich and deep.  Feast days give us an opportunity to honor the lives of extraordinarily holy men, women and children (and sometimes angels).   The story of St. Denis could go head to head (pardon the pun) with any Hollywood action adventure, and the life of St. Therese' the Little Flower is one that has the power to inspire all who read her words.   We do not worship these saints, rather we use the story of their lives to help us along our journey, knowing they were human too, and were able to live with heroic virtue.    This book is a wonderful tool for parents, teachers, or anyone in a position of influence who wants to creatively impart significant days in the liturgical year.  
We are planning to make the "Epiphany King Cake"  and I am excited to get started on the "Beatitudes Bulletin Board".      It is broken down by months and even includes special prayers and activities for Memorial Day,  birthday's and more.   It's a little book with big ideas!   As a mom, I am grateful for this powerful little helper.  You can order a copy here. 

Sweets and Savings

It''s cookie time!     I'm trying to keep things simple this season, so instead of a sugar-cookie cutout day, we opted for a shortcut.  Trader Joe's has a fool-proof gingerbread man kit and best of all it's only a few bucks!   The boys decorated this little guy, then called body parts they were planning to munch on. Lol.  It's amazing how many creative cookies, candies, marshmallows, and mixes are out.  A trip down the Christmas candy isle at Target is like visitng Willy Wonka's place!:)   So many choices.

Now, on to the savings.   With our adoption, the boys have never been more aware of the value of every penny.   We have been saving, earning, and watching every dime to bring our daughter home, and they are also pitching in.    Jim and I were excited to find the Junior's  Adventures Bank on the Dave Ramsey store website.   It's one bank, divided into three categories:  give, save, and spend.  

 They are normally $30, on sale for $10!!   We ended up buying one for each boy, and getting 3 for the price of one!    Click here to check it out.