Freshened Up

Although I still haven't found the key to making time for my poor, neglected blog, I couldn't stand the winter pictures any longer!  Here in New Hampshire we still have a good amount of snow, especially at our house because we live in the woods and don't get a lot of sunlight in here.  Many places in town are down to bare grass.  In fact, when visiting my in-laws last weekend, my five year old excitedly exclaimed, "I HAVE to get out and see their grass!!"  I agree with her!  Grass is very exciting after the long, cold winter we have had.

So, I've updated the blog with a new spring look, and I hope to be able to come spend more time here soon.

Have a fruitful, peaceful Lent.
Happy Spring.

More Blizzard pics

My brave little New Englanders decided to try out their Christmas hats, gloves, snow pants and sleds this morning during the great Blizzard of 2010.  Little princess, heading out with only her eyes exposed to the elements, let out a high pitched squeal as she sank up to her hips in the deep snow.
As you can see from these pictures, visibility was not good.  These pics were taken around 11 a.m.-- not at dusk, as the lighting would suggest.  The kids had a blast, especially when their daddy showed up to plow us out.  Poor daddy, he has been out plowing since about 3am.  Once the snow stops, he will have to go out and do it all over again!  He's tired. And not as thrilled about the storm as the kids are.
It's hard to tell how much snow we have, since it has been blowing and drifting.  On our deck, it looks like close to 2 ft!

Up to her hips!

Sledding

Climbing deep snow in order to go sledding!

At the top

Sammy has almost disappeared!

They're sitting down...can only see their heads

She fell and almost disappeared!

Just snow

Our handsome plow guy -- I've got a "thing" for him:)

The deck again

Thank you, Jesus, for a warm shelter from the storm, for hot food and drinks, and for the company of my family.  Please protect and bless all those who are cold, hungry and alone.

`*~*^*Holy Moly!*^*~*`

Blowing,

Drifting,

Howling,

Piling.

Biting,

Freezing,

Nipping,

Stinging.

Ethan braving the blizzard to uncover the hot water heater exhaust pipe so that we could have hot water!

The poor grill lost its cover sometime during the night

Notice the amount of snow on the picnic table--it's still snowing, too!!

 Blizzard of 2010

The Sights of Christmas

Clara's Dream

We had the opportunity to attend a premiere performance of "Clara's Dream," an adaptation of "The Nutcracker" in which two of my students danced.  Prior to the ballet, there was a lovely tea: "Clara's Tea."  We were served by some of the dancers.  It was very nice and my littlest one was thrilled to see one of her classmates and friends at the tea also! 
They were so adorable all dressed up, delighting in their friendship and the beauty of the ballet.  It was a special afternoon.

These pics were taken with my phone, so the resolution isn't great.  You will notice from the photos that College Girl is home! Yay! Sammy enjoyed himself also.  It was a sweet way to spend an afternoon.

Advent Candles and stuff

 I had mentioned in a previous post that I am a bit Advent-candle-challenged, racing around each year searching for purple and pink candles at the last minute.  Well, this year, on the first Sunday of Advent, I actually did an advent candle craft, yes, craft!, with my kids.  I got the idea from Catholic Icing. I was a bit hesitant, but they came out great!  We melted pink and purple crayons (I used the microwave for melting, but Catholic Icing has different instructions) and painted the melted crayons onto white pillar candles.  It looks lumpy and handmade and I love it!! 

My two helpers mugging for the camera

Final product

Notice in the close up shot that our candles have been "blinged."  My little girl believes that everything is better with bling.  So, we added some sparkle to the candles, and honestly, I like it.  I must be part princess:)

One of the BIG pluses of this project is that I will have Advent candles for many years to come!  These are big 6" pillars!  

We have begun our Jesse Tree, and our Advent reading.  I have to mention a book that I purchased this year to add to our Christmas library.  It brought tears to my eyes when I first read it.

It is the nativity from Joseph's perspective.  How often I have felt compassion for "poor" St. Joseph.  The awesome responsibility of raising God's own Son must have overwhelmed him at times.  He didn't even have the benefit of an Immaculate Conception (except as his wife, of course!).  This book probes the tender and awe-inspiring thoughts Joseph may have had as he gazed upon his newborn Son.  What a beautiful book!

I hope your Advent is leading you smoothly and surely to the joy of Christmas.

Preparing to Wait

This year, we will be celebrating our first Advent and Christmas in our new house.  Typically, Advent sneaks up on me as I am digesting the remnants of Thanksgiving dinner in a pumpkin-pie induced haze.  This year, I wanted to be ready.  Since I am now working outside of the home, I knew I needed to be "on the ball"--no procrastinating or leaving anything to the last minute (except those darned Advent candles--I am always running around the first week Sunday of Advent looking for purple and pink candles--or even white candles to which I can attach purple and pink ribbons--sadly, it looks like this year will be no different as far as the candles are concerned). BUT,  I am happy to say that I have already purchased some gifts on-line and begun reading Destination:Bethlehem to the kids.
I can't wait to start reading our Advent/Christmas books!  I ordered several to add to our collection and as gifts.  My husband's goddaughter is recently married and we have decided to purchase Christmas picture books for her each year to create a collection for her and her future family.  She's a schoolteacher and liked the idea.
One of my favorite books, which I purchased as gifts this year is by Eve Bunting, called "December."

It is a visually beautiful book about a homeless mother and her son who entertain an angel disguised as an elderly homeless woman.  My favorite line is what the elderly woman says as the mother invites her to stay with them in their cardboard box for the night. "It's warm in here.  It's warm with love."  Beautiful story.


Here are some of our other favorites, old and new:
The Miracle of Saint Nicholas
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
The Christmas Tapestry
The Donkey's Dream
and anything by Tomie DePaola:
     The Legend of the Poinsettia
     Old Befana
     The Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12--dont' miss it!)
     Merry Christmas, Strega Nona
     The Night of Las Posadas
     The Three Wise Men


Advent, the season of waiting, builds a sense of wonder and anticipation which culminates with the birth of Our Savior on Christmas Day.  It is good to thoughtfully and deliberately plan...to wait.