Catholic Family Vignettes

Merry Christmas! The days have been quite full, so posting has been light. Not to mention, I'm fighting the worst cold-cough and other-assorted-miseries! Nonetheless, the season of Advent was truly an Advent-ure and we will continue our celebration of the Christmas season until the Feast of Epiphany. We remind the children that Christmas is not over, it has only just begun!

During the past few days there have been a few strange happenings at home, one of which involves three very mischievous elves: Giovanni, Pierre and Seamus. Let me explain:

On December 23rd, Dad and Arthur had left for Louisville to pick up Elizabeth, and I took five of the children with me to the grocery store to pick up a few needed items. When we returned home, we were greeted at the door by a very excited teenager who told us a very interesting tale.

Since we were expecting company for dinner that night, the eldest daughter stayed home to tidy the kitchen. Armed with her MP3 player, a set of headphones and the volume turned up way too high, she proceeded to clean. She thought she heard a noise coming from the living room, so she removed her headphones. There was the sound of a scuffle, overturned furniture and then the slamming of the front door.

When she ran into the living room, everything was in disarray: magazines were scattered everywhere, the coffee table was overturned and just beneath the edge was a furry red and white cap emblazoned with flashing letters: Santa's Helper. In front of the Christmas tree were three very large bags tied with rope. A card was on top of one of them. Santa and his elves had paid a very early visit! The elves were very naughty and made quite an enormous mess of things, but given their task I can forgive them this time! Here is Santa's letter to the family:

Greetings from the North Pole!

My elves tell me that all of the children have been well behaved, but have also told me that all is not perfect in your new home. Gareth will lose another tooth sometime next year, but he must control his temper! Charlotte and Emily are to eat all of their dinner before asking for dessert. Last week, one of my elves, Giovanni, saw both of them jumping on the couch! Gawain needs to share the computer and video games with his siblings. Galahad's patience is improving and Arthur needs to put his pajamas on when he's told. Clementine has been a safe driver and a hard worker.

My scout elves, Pierre and Seamus, say that I won't make it down the chimney so please leave the door open again and get to bed early on the 24th. I would appreciate it if you could leave out some cookies and a shot of Scotch or Peppermint Schnapps.

SANTA CLAUS

Scotch or Peppermint Schnapps?! That sled must be pretty cold! God bless good old St. Nick and his elves. The children had a very happy Christmas! Here are a few pics:






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I'm back! Has your Advent-ure been a joyous one, thus far?

Have a cookie and a cup of tea...

As promised, here are a few "snaps" of the happenings at home:

The feast of St. Lucy was celebrated with such sweetness by the two little ones...how happily St. Lucy donned the newly crafted crown (thanks Jen for the inspiration!) Accompanied by her heavenly helper, sporting a nifty crown of scattered stars (her idea):


The tree is decorated and the children are anxiously awaiting the coming of the Christ Child! How fresh and green...decked with red and gold. Truly splendid. It has taken a bit of getting used to, this smaller tree. Last year's tree was an amazing sight: no less than 12 feet tall. My dear husband actually had to use the chainsaw--IN THE LIVING ROOM--in order to make it fit. This year's tree: quite sweet and short--hubby carried it in, slung over one shoulder and set it up in less than five minutes. Here's the decorating crew:




Last year:


This year:




Nightly Advent readings continue...we prepare to light candle #4! Here's a moment of silliness captured by Dad:



A busy week...here's what's left:

Christmas shopping tally: 2 gifts purchased.

Laundry: EEEEK!

Baking: Tomorrow. Hopefully.

Knitting: Three crowns to go. And a hat. Sigh...
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*Put up the Christmas tree (will cut it and set it up this weekend, decorate it closer to Christmas)

*Christmas shopping--haven't been in a store to purchase a single gift...

*Baking--guess I have a few more days for this one!

*Finish knitting--I'm still working on a birthday present!

*Interior/exterior decorating--we have our mantle decked for the "creche" and the Advent wreath, but no other decorations.

*Christmas Day menu--will work on that this week.

*Laundry (particularly blankets to give to Fr. L for the homeless)--I'm still trying to catch up since the "snow days!"

Am I stressed? A little...trying to keep my focus on that empty space in the center of the Advent Wreath. I'm trying to be that empty space, clean out the clutter inside. It's not always easy, but I am hopeful, trusting that our dear Lord will help me out with this one.

What I have done:

*Attended Mass Saturday, Sunday and Monday--it's been quite a while since I've been able to get in more than one Mass per week...

*Watched two great "oldies"--It's A Wonderful Life (for the hundred-eleventy-seventh time) and The Scarlet Pimpernel (the really old one with Leslie Howard)

*Had dinner with good friends...

*Thanked God (repeatedly) for the answer to a prayer...

*Nearly finished St. Lucy's Crown (where on earth did I put the white felt?!)--pictures later!

I hope you are being "blessed and not stressed" during the "big wait." May God continue to lift you up, my friends. May you maintain hope and good cheer!

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The mantle is a work in progress...


The Advent wreath was completed on Saturday...


The remaining Advent preparations are going well, although I believe the Jesse Tree may fall by the wayside...after coloring all of our ornaments, we still haven't managed to attached them to their frames nor have we set up the actual tree itself. I think we'll just stick to reading about the symbols and follow our traditions of the past.

With so many lovely feast days to celebrate (Feast of the Immaculate Conception, St. Nicholas, St. Lucy) it is sometimes hard to remember that the season of Advent is penitential. A time to "make straight the way of the Lord". A time to prepare our hearts for the coming of our infant King.

May the Lord, our God, grant me the grace to prepare interiorly so that I may experience to the fullest the loveliness of this Holy Season.

May you all be blessed!

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The slips have been drawn, and this year's cast of characters have been assembled.

Every year, for the past several years, our family has endeavored to emulate the virtues displayed by the various "characters" of the Nativity of our Lord. Slips of paper containing the names and virtues of each are folded and placed in a hat.

The toughest role? Definitely the Blessed Virgin Mary. My son, Gawain, was most anxious to be Mary because he says "it's easier to be good." Ouch. I've often dreaded drawing that particular slip because of the high standards expected of Our Lady!

Emily, on the other hand would only be satisfied if she could be the Christmas Star, because she "wants to be the leader...(sniff, sniff)

I, on the other hand, have managed to draw every single year without fail the "donkey." Docile, humble beast of burden...bearing all things patiently. sigh....

Nonetheless, these are the slips as they were drawn:

The Christmas Star: Mom
Virtues: Provide a steady light to guide the weary pilgrims. A source of guidance and illumination


The Angel: Gareth
Virtues: Proclaims the "tidings of great joy". A source of inspiration. Obedient to the will of God.



Blessed Virgin: Gawain
Virtues: Meek, humble, modest and pure. Full and complete obedience to God. Holiness.


St. Joseph: Galahad
Virtues: Humility, leadership and humble trust in God. Chastity and patience


The Shepherd: Arthur
Virtues: Leadership. Listens to God. Kindness to the "lambs." Goodness.

The Lambs (2): Emily and Clementine
Virtues: Docility, innocence, obedience and trust.


The Ox: Dad
Virtues: Hardwork and diligence. Patience and sacrifice.



The Donkey: Charlotte
Virtues: Humility and docility. Patiently bears the burdens of others

I'll keep you posted on our progress...this is one of our favorite Advent-ures! Read more!

Thanks to Just Another Day Of Catholic Pondering:

Heavenly Father, help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.
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I love cold weather. Seriously. Snowy, drizzly, frosty and frigid. I tend to be "craftier" during the cold weather months. Knitting especially suits me at this time...cuddly balls of yarn, fluffy garments cascading from working needles and endless inspiration!

Knitting for others is such a pleasure...thoughts and prayers are worked into each item, no matter how small. Each item is as unique as its soon-to-be owner. I tend to "knit on the fly," altering the pattern to suit my knitting style or the recipient's taste.

What's in the workbasket, now?

Working on a pair of fingerless gloves in alpaca.



The boys attended an alpaca fiber show with our dear friend, Mr. Tom Ryan. They were quite taken by the sweet creatures and brought home the delicious, heathery gray yarn that is on the needles.

Two lovely capelets for my sweet granddaughters. My two youngest daughters received these same capelets for Easter and wear them constantly...real princess capes, they call them!


Crowns! I love this pattern. I made eight of these last year. Super quick to knit and definitely a one-of-a-kind stocking stuffer. I stitch on rhinestone buttons and pearls, and knit flat rather than in the round. Much easier to adjust the size, should it stretch.


My favorite hat "recipe." I've knit at least six of these. Very flattering and a quick knit.


Mittens. Mittens, mittens, mittens. My "little kittens" are always losing their mittens...

These weekend the girls and I will finish our St. Lucy Crowns and dolls (patterned after these).
The boys will be searching the woods for greenery for the Advent wreath and to deck the mantle. What fun!

Are you crafting yet? What's in your basket? I'd love to know! Read more!

Soul, bedeck thyself with gladness!

Open wide the door!

Imperatives, as we approach the holy season of Advent. These exhortations are also titles for two beautiful compositions performed at a pre-Advent organ concert last night, by Holy Family parish music director, Dr. Elizabeth Krause.

Sitting in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament contained within the tabernacle, heart and soul stirred by the sweet melodies which filled the church, I contemplated the following:

*That all the wealth of the world, indeed the universe itself, is but a dim reflection of the splendor that awaits us behind the golden doors of the tabernacle...

*Small, humbled and vulnerable, our Lord comes to us in the Blessed Sacrament, and we become that same tabernacle...

*Receiving our King and Creator...is incomprehensible! It is staggering! The same Jesus that is "eternally begotten by the Father," worthy of all praise and adulation, cradled in the arms of His Immaculate Mother, is given to me by the holy hands of his priests...unworthy creature that I am.

*Shouldn't I "bedeck my soul with gladness?" "Open wide the door?"

Blessings to all, as we approach this holy season!

Deck Thyself, My Soul, With Gladness
(Johann Franck - 1649)

Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness,
Leave the gloomy haunts of sadness;
Come into the daylight’s splendor,
There with joy thy praises render
Unto Christ Whose grace unbounded
Hath this wondrous banquet founded.
Higher o’er all the heav’ns He reigneth,
Yet to dwell with thee He deigneth.

Hasten as a bride to meet Him
And with loving reverence greet Him;
For with words of life immortal
Now He knocketh at thy portal.
Haste to ope the gates before Him,
Saying, while thou dost adore Him,
Suffer, Lord, that I receive Thee,
And I nevermore will leave Thee.

He who craves a precious treasure
Neither cost nor pain will measure;
But the priceless gifts of heaven
God to us hath freely given.
Though the wealth of earth were offered,
Naught would buy the gifts here offered:
Christ’s true body, for thee riven,
And His blood, for thee once given.

Ah, how hungers all my spirit
For the love I do not merit!
Oft have I, with sighs fast thronging,
Thought upon this food with longing,
In the battle well nigh worsted,
For this cup of life have thirsted,
For the Friend Who here invites us
And to God Himself unites us.

In my heart I find ascending
Holy awe, with rapture blending,
As this mystery I ponder,
Filling all my soul with wonder,
Bearing witness at this hour
Of the greatness of God’s power;
Far beyond all human telling
Is the power within Him dwelling.

Human reason, though it ponder,
Cannot fathom this great wonder
That Christ’s body e’er remaineth
Though it countless souls sustaineth
And that He His blood is giving
With the wine we are receiving.
These great mysteries unsounded
Are by God alone expounded.

Sun, who all my life dost brighten,
Light, who dost my soul enlighten;
Joy the best that any knoweth;
Fount, whence all my being floweth;
At Thy feet I cry, my Maker,
Let me be a fit partaker
Of this blessèd food from heaven,
For our good, Thy glory, given.

Lord, by love and mercy driven
Thou hast left Thy throne in heaven
On the cross for me to languish
And to die in bitter anguish,
To forego all joy and gladness
And to shed Thy blood in sadness.
By this blood redeemed and living,
Lord, I praise Thee with thanksgiving.

Jesus, Bread of Life, I pray Thee,
Let me gladly here obey Thee.
By Thy love I am invited,
Be Thy love with love requited;
From this supper let me measure,
Lord, how vast and deep love’s treasure.
Through the gifts Thou here dost give me
As Thy guest in heaven receive me. Read more!

A big pre-Advent hug to Esther of A Catholic Mom in Hawaii for this sweet award! From the award site:



What is the Spirit of Christmas you ask?

Quite simply it is those that have a generous and giving nature. Those who care about others. Those who have a kind word to say or a broad shoulder to lean on in the times that others need that. Those who display the "Spirit of Christmas".

Wow! I'm honored...and as the Christmas Season is still a few weeks away, I'd like to pass the award to the following lovely ladies who daily make me smile:

Waltzing Matilda
Knit Together In Love
Totus Tuus Family
As Cozy As Spring
Mary's Little Lyons...yeah, I know you don't have time to post anymore, but you still make me smile ;-D

And a "tip o' the mantilla to Fr. Robert Fox of Fatima Family, for this reminder:

THANKSGIVING is a great family feast and time to thank God for His many blessings. But it is NOT the beginning of the liturgical Christmas season. In fact the Christmas season for the Church and all devout Catholics does not begin until Christmas Eve. THEN IT CONTINUES THROUGH EPIPHANY, Jan. 6, 2008 this year, unto the Baptism of Christ; then back into Ordinary time for a few weeks - until Lent. Advent ( begins evening of Dec. 1 this year ) and is the time to prepare during 4 weeks for the CHRISTMAS SEASON, the birth of Jesus Christ; the Incarnation. A SPIRITUALLY AWESOME TIME. Let us celebrate THE GREAT CHRISTIAN FEASTS AND SEASONS WITH THE CHURCH in our domestic churches, our families. Follow the Church; not the commercial world and consumerism. Prepare for Christ’s birthday during Advent, day by day FOR 4 WEEKS. Read more!

A crisp 39 degree morning, a plate full of apple spice muffins, a cup of coffee and Christmas In Italy. Ah, the sweet anticipation of Advent and the many feasts we will celebrate!

Our family's approach to the season has undergone many changes, over the last two decades. The first few years were spent caught up in the manic-frenzied-howmanyshoppingdaysareleftuntilChristmas-insanity that starts sometime after All Hallow's Eve and ends with the big "Day After Christmas Sale, Don't Miss It!"

The Christmas tree was up no later than November 10th, the Christmas cards sent the day after Thanksgiving, the presents wrapped-under-the-tree-collecting-dust for no less than three weeks prior to Christmas Day. The Advent wreath was frequently neglected.

Shop, shop, shop. Bake, bake, bake. Wrap, wrap, wrap.

Pray, pray, pray? Only that everything would be finished on time!

Oh, how much has changed! For more than a decade, we have been observing a "season" that is a bit different than the one we had celebrated in the past.

December 1st: We continue a lovely tradition which we incorporated and altered a bit from A Year With God. Each child and adult will draw a slip of paper from a jar. On each slip of paper is a name: St. Joseph, the Blessed Virgin, the Angel, the Shepherd, the Ox, the Donkey, etc. During the entire month of December, each person tries to emulate the virtues of the particular "Nativity figure" whose slip was drawn from the jar. A nightly accounting is made, with particular focus on sacrifices offered. The sacrifices are written on a 6 inch long slip of paper, which will be glued (end to end) and incorporated into a chain. Every year, we try to make the chain longer than the prior year. We have also used these slips and sometimes pieces of straw, to create a "soft bed for the Baby Jesus."

December 2nd: The First Sunday of Advent, our family collects beautiful greenery to adorn our Advent wreath and the mantle. The Nativity set that belongs to our oldest son, Arthur, is always placed on the mantle. There are several Nativity sets, as each child has received their own as a gift from Grandma Martha. The various figures are placed in different locations around the room, as they will "journey" closer and closer to Bethlehem. The Advent Wreath is always placed in the front window of our home. Every evening, the entire family gathers around the wreath. Dad reads an appropriate Scripture or Psalm. The room is darkened. The candle(s) are lit according to the week and then everyone sings "O Come, O come, Emmanuel." The wreath is then carried back to the window, lit, and the family sits in darkness for a couple of minutes before extinguishing the lit wreath.

December 5th & 6th: Set out your shoes this evening! St. Nicholas is coming! We read the traditional stories about St. Nicholas and Black Peter. After the Advent Wreath ceremony, we all set our shoes on the hearth. What will St. Nicholas leave this year?

December 13th: Ah, the Feast Of St. Lucy! Before sunrise, mommy awakens Charlotte and Emily. In their white gowns with red belts, they will don their evergreen crowns (we will be using these this year) and serve the entire family these.

December 8th: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Candies shaped like roses and a lovely tea in the afternoon. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the evening. Sweet!

The Christmas Tree: We will start looking for a fresh one, sometime in the middle of December, but will not set it up until 3 or 4 days before Christmas. We never turn on the lights of the tree at night, until we have lit the Advent Wreath, first. The tree will be left up, along with the Nativity sets until the day after Epiphany. After all...that's when the "season" ends!

The Christ-Mass: The Traditional Latin Mass at Midnight! Alleluia! Christ our Savior is born! Alleluia!

Christmas Day: Where did all those presents come from?! And the stockings are full?! It must have been the Christ Child and the Angels! We just can't wait to open them after Mass! A joyful feast in the afternoon...and the "season" continues!

December 26th: The Feast Of Stephen. Our Proto-Martyr.

December 28th: The Feast Of the Holy Innocents. Arthur's birthday. We remember all the "holy innocents" on this day, particularly the littlest victims of abortion.

And that's just the month of December! January 1st marks the great Solemnity of Mary, Mother Of God. We close with Epiphany, on January 6th. The Wise Men take their place before the Holy Infant. We sing "We Three Kings" and thank God for the conclusion of the Christmas Season.

Shopping? We really don't shop much, until the week before Christmas. We don't wrap presents until a couple of days before. Usually the same day that we set up the tree. These changes have changed us...we approach the entire season with the peace and joy that I believe our Lord intended us to have. Things don't always go perfectly. There are the inevitable evenings that someone is sick, or dad is late. But the "mania" is gone.

Christ-Mass is back. Deo Gratias! Read more!