It was our last day in Washington, DC. The weather was very nice...sunny, high 30s... but schools were still closed!!! Dear hubby, who has plowed snow for 20+ years, noticed (repeatedly) that they did not take care of roads and parking lots properly, therefore, instead of getting back to business, so to speak, after a snowstorm, the region remains shut down. Honestly, plowing is hard on equipment, expensive, and a pain in the neck for the operator. The local gov'ts do not budget a lot of money for snow removal...and why should they when the whole "snow situation" clears up on its own in a couple of days?!
Anyway, we spent our last day in DC. Because of the bad weather the last 2 days, we did not get to see all that we wanted to, but we still had a great time. Today we visited the Smithsonian Air & Space museum, Natural History Museum, Washington Monument and the National Archives. I really wanted to get to the National Gallery of Art and the American History Museum, but time and energy failed us. We all returned to the hotel tonight with aching feet and sore muscles...we did a lot of walking!!! Poor Annie fell asleep on Daddy's shoulders as he carried her to the Metro station from the National Archives. And poor Daddy's back, carrying her all that way!
Going to the Archives was a treat for me. Since we are studying American History with Serendipity, I really, really wanted to get a peek at the Declaration and the Constitution...um, I mean show the kids. It was the end of the day and everyone was tired, but the kids grudgingly agreed to accommodate me and we walked the few blocks to the Archive building. I think they are happy they did, but they may not admit it for a few years;) The lights are low in the building so as to not damage the documents and there is no flash photography. Good thing I just figured out (on this trip) how to turn the flash off on my camera. I was able to take some decent pictures of the documents (even the Magna Carta!!!) But, as I was taking a picture of one of the pages of the Constitution, my flash went off! Loud gasps sounded all around me and the Government workers said, "No flash photography, please." I. was. mortified. I apologized profusely and tried to explain that had I turned the flash off, and I didn't know what happened...The worker smiled and said it was OK. How embarrassing!
We came back to the hotel and we all went swimming and in the hot tub. It was really good for our tired muscles. While the boys and Dad played Marco Polo, I helped Annie practice swimming. She's getting good at it and can doggie paddle her way across the pool with her floatie bathing suit on. She was so excited and said, "Let's do this every night!" Now while I agree with her that it is better than watching TV, it's going to be a little difficult to manage back in New Hampshire (we haven't installed the indoor pool yet:))
Well, off to bed. If I know my husband, we'll be off bright and early in the morning.
I am so thankful that we had the opportunity to take this trip. Being here really inspires patriotism. What a beautiful capital city we have, with amazing treasures within it. We should be proud to be Americans; even when we have serious issues with our president's policies(and I really do), there is still reason to be proud.

National Shrine

Well there was more winter weather today. Lots of ice. So we hung out at the hotel for a good part of the morning and played some games. Then we decided to drive into DC to see the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Hubs did a great job of driving into the city and finding our way--of course his navigator was top notch, too:) We arrived about 10 minutes after Mass started in the Crypt church, but we went in anyway. It was lovely.
We toured the rest of the Basilica after and it seemed that every time we saw something new it was more beautiful than the last. Dh, being a contractor, was amazed at the construction and the immensity of it.
As I walked around, my soul was stirred. The building itself was like a prayer, the beauty of design and craftsmanship gave great glory and honor to Our Lord and Blessed Mother. That is not even to mention the ginormous mosaic of Jesus in the ceiling of the sanctuary which is so imposing and commanding that it sets the tone for the entire church. It was all amazing!
Downstairs, of course, was the gift shop. Actually it is split into two parts. On one side of the cafeteria is the gift shop and on the other side is strictly a bookstore. Now, anyone who really knows me, knows exactly which shop I headed for:) Yup, I bought books! Not as many as I wanted, but I got some ideas for mother's day!
Anyway, I made a slide show of our day. Enjoy!

Slow day

Well, you'd think I would learn to keep my mouth shut.
After bragging reporting that there was no snow here in Northern Virginia, we awoke to a white world. It was only a couple of inches but it mixed with and later turned to sleet, making it very slippery. We ended up taking in a movie at the huge and very nice cinema in town. We saw Mall Cop and it was pretty funny. Annie slept through most of it, and I had a giggling episode that was very embarrassing! My boys' reactions only made it worse! Oh dear, good thing it was dark in there!
The kids again went swimming and hot tubbing in the hotel's pool, we played card games, watched TV and that's about it.
We are hoping to be able to go back into DC tomorrow.
On a positive note, we learned that back in NH they are expecting a big snowstorm tomorrow--10 - 14 inches! And we won't be there for it...darn;) Sorry guys, couldn't resist!

The National Zoo

Oh we had a good time at the National Zoo today! And (when will I learn?!) I spoke too soon. It snowed here today...not NH snow, but VA snow, much prettier and much less inconvenient!!! There were a few other brave souls at the Zoo besides ourselves, but not many. The plus side is that there were no lines for the bathrooms! The kids really enjoyed themselves. Annie absolutely loved the elephants. We had to keep going back to retrieve her from the elephant room. The elephants were inside when we saw them, and the young elephant was so funny to watch. He was acting just like my boys do!! Playing and roughhousing and going from one thing to the next. At one point he got his leg stuck inside a hanging tire...he was able to free himself...I guess he does that all the time. He was quite entertaining!
I loved the pandas and all the boys liked the big cats. The male lion was grumbling and growling and roaring all day....scary!!! We didn't get to see the new baby gorilla, but the orangutans were charming! One of them was playing in a bucket of suds, and, of course, licking the suds off his hand...again like my kids....hmmmm, should I be worried?
Riding the Metro was an interesting experience. It's actually pretty easy to figure out. I got a bit motion sick on the way to the Zoo (so many stops and starts - ugh), but I was fine on the way home. There's much more walking to do in a city to get from place to place, even with public transportation, than at home where we drive from our driveway to the parking lot of where we want to be. We have it much easier, but the walking is so much better for us.
We didn't get to the basilica today...maybe later this week.
Still having a great time!

Mass and a half

We drove to Front Royal, VA this morning to attend Mass. At St. John the Baptist Catholic church they have four Sunday Masses and one Vigil Mass. The 12:30 pm Sunday Mass is a Latin Tridentine Mass. We opted for the 10:45 Mass which is half Latin and half English Novus Ordo. Fr. Fasano, the pastor, said Mass facing the altar. The church was filled to standing room only (and many were standing) primarily with families. It is an active parish.
The Latin we are studying with our kids paid off! Ethan, at one point, told me he didn't need the missalette for the Sanctus, as he has already memorized it! :) It was pretty cute. Father Fasano opted to celebrate the Conversion of St. Paul today and his homily was chock full 'o nuts!!! He began with the definition of conversion for any of us who didn't think we needed conversion;) (def: eliminating every person, place or thing from our lives that leads us away or hinders us from growing closer to God). He told us that the holiest one among us can become better and worst among us can be transformed. Fr. led us through a conversion checklist of sorts about how to grow in our spiritual life, because, quoting Padre Pio, "If we are not moving forward in our spiritual lives, we are moving backward." Below are some of the highlights:
* Make a rule of life and decide when and what prayer you are going to add to your life. He emphasized the beginning and end of the day...what Jose Maria Escriva calls the heroic moment...if we cannot get up and go to bed at appropriate, predetermined times, then what we are able to offer to God between these times is lessened.
* Morning offering, grace before and AFTER meals and the Angelus were recommended.
* In order to keep the "fire of divine love" alive inside us, we need to feed this fire. The spiritual logs we must use to keep this fire burning are spiritual reading and meditation. He mentioned the classics: Imitation of Christ, Introduction to the Devout Life, and Soul of the Apostolate. He emphasized that books are always necessary to growth in the spiritual life.
* Of course, Fr. Fasano highly recommended the rosary. He told us that after a short time of praying the Rosary, we wouldn't be able to live without it!
* We were able to receive Our Lord kneeling, as Fr. stood behind the altar rail.
It was a lovely Mass experience...more like spiritual direction than a homily...no generalizations, no abstract theology, but real, down to earth, suggestions and challenges. Straight talk. We all need conversion and here are some ideas. Period.
Praised be Jesus Christ....now and forever.

By the way, did I mention that it was in the 30's, sunny and THERE'S NO SNOW HERE!!! We spent the rest of the day touring the Shenandoah Valley and Northern Va. We had lunch at a restaurant called "Victoria's" (mentioning that for my niece--Hi Tori!). The kids went swimming and Scott eased his aching arthritic joints in the hot tub.

You know, in November-ish, when we see the geese flying in their V formation heading south? Well, I think I know where they end up. There are tons of geese here! There is a pond behind the hotel and it is full of geese, as are all open water spots in this area. The pond also has a fountain in it....and it is working right now...in January!

As we were walking outside tonight, we saw one young woman running for her car shouting to her friend, "I'm freeeezing!" We all chuckled. Most of my family was jacket-less. This is spring weather for us! We are noticing that southerners do not like cold at all. All of the buildings we enter down here, it seems, are too warm for us! We may be chuckling at them now, but I doubt we would be laughing during the summertime here. We would be suffering, I am sure!

Still having a good time. Hoping to visit the National Zoo tomorrow and the National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Hopefully I'll have pix to share.

Happy Birthday, Jim

Even though we are on vacation, I couldn't let my dear brother-in-law's birthday pass without wishing him well! I don't recall exactly how old he is, just that he's older than me!!:) hehehe

Happy Birthday, Jim.

Why does he always look at me like that?!

We're here!!

We drove through the night and arrived in VA at 8:30am. Much too early to check into our hotel, so we decided to take a swing through DC. We ended up touring the capitol building, driving around the city to plan what we wanted to see and visiting Arlington National Cemetery--all before 1p.m. Boy, am I tired! It was really cold and windy at the Washington Monument at 9am this morning, so we decided that we would come back another day. Boy is that obelisk huge! There were remnants of the inauguration and Obama adulation in evidence, but also some pro-life messages to be found. The biggest clue that something significant had happened here not too long ago was the vast multitude of porta-potties lining the Mall---hundreds!




































A crime was committed at the Capitol today. Our "light" lunch in the Capitol restaurant was highway robbery!! Yikes! Good thing admission to all the national buildings is free!






























Poor Annie was all tuckered out!
The boys have already been swimming and we are headed out to get something to eat. (Not at the Capitol). We're having a great time! Wish you could be here! Oh yeah, and there's no snow!!!

Vacation

We will be on vacation for a week starting tomorrow. Dear Hubs surprised us with a trip to No. Virginia and Washington, DC. Wish we could have been there for the March for Life, but it didn't work out that way. The kids are excited. We have been studying American History with Serendipity and, of course, with the election and inauguration, we have been discussing all things "American." This trip will tie-in so nicely. Plus, it's warmer down there! It should actually be above freezing! I'll try to post pix from the laptop, but it might not happen until we return next Saturday. Have a great week!

I love it when...

I am standing on line at the post office when someone taps me on the shoulder, and it's my dear hubby with a big smile on his face!
Unexpected meetings are fun.

Small Successes

Danielle Bean, at Faith and Family live has asked what our small successes have been recently, recognizing that our small successes, added together, can mean one big triumph! So here goes:

1. I made it to a 7:30 a.m. Mass this week that was offered as part of a Novena of Masses for the Unborn. (This includes, shower, make up, hair and even a dress!)

2. Managed to maintain a patriotic frame of mind even as Barack Hussein Obama was inaugurated. This is something I was unable to do during the Clinton years.

3. Remembered to take pix at my sons' basketball games. Some of them came out really well!
I even got them downloaded into the computer already.

Wow, this is nice. I am pretty proud of myself! Thanks Danielle!

True Charity

What I am loving most about today's March for Life, as I am watching it on EWTN, is the embracing of the post abortive women. We do not March only to save the babies, but their moms as well. Abortion is not a quick fix; its consequences are deep and far reaching.
As important as it is to stand up against abortion and for life, our stance cannot be condemning of the women who have had an abortion, else we fail in charity, and hearts that might otherwise be open to God's love and forgiveness, could slam shut.
The women holding the signs that say, "I regret my abortion" are so brave to be there, and it is encouraging to see them treated with respect and dignity, and welcomed so wholeheartedly. The tears in their eyes at the love poured out to them speak their gratitude where words fail them.
These words of our dearly departed Pope John Paul II are beautiful:

“I would like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The
Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and
she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering
decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. Certainly what
happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give in to discouragement
and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it
honestly.”
“If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with
humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his
forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You will come to
understand that nothing is definitely lost and you will also be able to ask
forgiveness from your child, who is now living in the Lord.”
“With the
friendly and expert help and advice of other people, and as a result of your own
painful experience, you can be among the most eloquent defenders of everyone’s
right to life. Through your commitment to life, whether by accepting the birth
of other children or by welcoming and caring for those most in need of someone
to be close to them, you will become promoters of a new way of looking at human
life.” — Pope John Paul II

Let us pray that abortion ends in our country and the suffering of the innocent children and their mothers ends with it.

It's all about Perspective

This is a hilarious video about change as seen through the eyes of the media. Go see it here. Be prepared to laugh...hard.

Inauguration

We watched the inauguration of Barack Obama today. I had to "force" my 16 year old son. His comment was, "Why do we want to watch that?!" I have to admit it was difficult...my beliefs are just about the polar opposite of our new president's. But, I needed to feel patriotism. I did not want to go back to the days when I was ashamed of America--those days when Bill Clinton's "loose morals", lying, philandering and worse made a mockery of the office of president. I was embarrassed by his actions and the attitude of (some of) the American people that "whatever he does in his private life is not our business." It was only after George W. Bush took office that I could appreciate the privilege and honor of being an American again...a feeling that was heightened following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. So, I did not want to step back into that unpatriotic "place"; nor did I want to drag my children there.
So, we watched. We talked about what a wonderful country we live in that we can choose our own leaders and even when "our guy" doesn't win, we can still (and should!) be involved in our government by writing letters, making phone calls and praying. We discussed the fact that we now have a bigger job before us. We must pray harder than ever before for our new president and for the protection of the unborn.
So we were able to be proud of our democratic system of government, the peaceful transition of power, the grace and class the Bush's displayed, the beautiful city with its historic monuments, and that America chose to move above and beyond the "race" factor by electing the first (part) African American man President of the United States. In fact, there was a lot to be proud of...and still plenty to be concerned about, in my opinion.
Thanks to my dear husband's inquisitiveness and enthusiasm, we will be visiting our Nation's Capital next week...an impromptu vacation! His business slows down a bit in the winter, affording him the time to do a little "surfing". Last year, he decided it would be cost effective for us to purchase a Keurig gourmet coffee maker. Ok, it was a little random on his part, but it does make great coffee! (He is so NOT impulsive normally--I think he gets cabin fever!) This year, he's decided it's a visit to Washington, D.C.

I am hoping our visit will impress upon our children how blessed we are to be citizens of such a great country and that in turn, they will understand the real responsibility we have to stand up for what is right and get involved...and also the necessity to get on our knees and pray.

Rite of passage

Teen boy got his driver's license today! He's been walking around with a goofy smile on his face and volunteering to run all sorts of errands for me. I am very glad to have an extra driver around here! Congratulations, Isaac!

Happy Birthday, Ethan

Happy Birthday, Ethan. You are a whole decade old! No more single digits for you! It is wonderful to watch you grow and mature. I love seeing you work hard to improve your skills at basketball and soccer. You take pride in your school and artwork and that makes me so proud of you! It is our honor and privilege as your parents to witness your growth in "grace and wisdom". God bless you Ethan, today and always. We love you very much.

Eye-opener

College girl is in Austria. We took her to the airport yesterday morning, in a snowstorm. I watched her go through security with her 2 friends and traveling companions and turn and wave at us before disappearing around the corner on the way to their gate. Her face was pale and she was showing signs of stress. For some reason, I was enveloped by a heavy sadness. I was reminded--with great clarity--that things are never going to be the same again. She worked full time over Christmas vacation so we didn't see her a lot, and now she's gone. This will be the pattern for the next couple of years. Work, School, work, school. The days when all of my children will be under my roof are forever changed. I've known this, I've expected this, we have already experienced this to a degree, yet, watching her walk down that hallway to the plane that would take her so far away...I saw this new stage of our lives with her with startling clarity...and my heart broke, just a little.

I know she needs to grow up and move on and I want that for her. I miss her when she is at college, but I take comfort in the maturity, independence and wisdom she manifests when she comes home. She has developed into a truly, lovely young woman. I am so proud of her. I love her, of course, but I also really like her...the intelligent, dynamic, faith-filled young lady she has become. What a gift! Which, perhaps, makes these partings that much harder.

It is bittersweet, indeed.

Yeah, waaaaaay

From the 3yo in the backseat who tripped and fell from the stage to the gym floor this morning, and landed on her face (!): I want rollerskates for my birthday.

Me: Ummm, after your incident today, I really don't want to think about rollerskates right now.
3YO: No, when I get bigger!
6YO piping in: Yes, when you get older, then you can have rollerskates.
3YO: Yes, when I get mommy's age..
6YO, with enthusiasm: NO! Mommy's age is way high. You can't rollerskate then!

Happy Birthday, Annette

Today is my oldest niece and goddaughter's 15th birthday. May God bless you this year and always, Annette. With much love from us to you! Happy Birthday.

Quick Takes

I am finding very little time to write these days, so I am offering a series of quick peeks at what is going on in my life and my head.

1

This discussion of gentleness needs soooo much more attention from me. The gift of self-knowledge is a bittersweet gift indeed...a bit like childbirth in that much pain is involved, but beautiful fruit is born. The Holy Spirit has visited me with this gift this past week, and I have been thoroughly humbled by what I have seen, and by what I have been blind to. It all has to do with gentleness (or the lack thereof). Today He has lead me to the above mentioned discussion. God is good..all the time.

2

I hope it doesn't take long to pack for an entire semester abroad...because College girl hasn't packed one.single.thing.yet! She leaves for Austria in exactly 32 hours. No hurry:P

3

Saying goodbye doesn't get easier. Saying goodbye for 3 1/2 months will be the most difficult goodbye of all.

4

We have a lot of basketball happening around here this winter. Middle son was asked to play for the 5th grade team as well as his 3/4th grade team. So that means 3 sons on 4 teams and lots of time on hard wooden bleachers. *groan*

5

Happiness is...figuring out what is wrong with your I-pod and laptop (which both started acting up at the same time) 32 hours before they need to be packed for a semester in Austria . Boy, she was really happy!

6

I.am.really.tired...

7

We are all really going to miss her.

Totus Tuus

This is a very beautiful prayer to begin (and continue) this New Year.

Pope John Paul II's Prayer of Entrustment - Totus Tuus.

Immaculate Conception, Mary, my Mother. Live in me. Act in me. Speak in and through me. Think your thoughts in my mind. Love, through my heart. Give me your dispositions and feelings. Teach, lead and guide me to Jesus. Correct, enlighten and expand my thoughts and behavior. Possess my soul. Take over my entire personality and life. Replace it with yourself. Incline me to constant adoration and thanksgiving. Pray in me and through me. Let me live in you and keep me in this union always.

h/t: Marilyn

I am so proud of my college girl. On Jan. 1 she made her total Consecration to Jesus through Mary using St. Louis de Montfort's book, "True Devotion to Mary". Our dear Blessed Mother is such a gift to us. I know her experiences as "Mary's slave" will enrich and strengthen her.