Wordless Wednesday - Wishful Thinking

(It's warmed up to six below zero, nineteen below if you factor in the wind!
I sure could use a warm, sunny beach right about now.)

Ordinary Time

Our Lord is calling us to sanctify the ordinary tasks of every day, for the perfection of the Christian is to be found precisely there. Let's consider it once more as we contemplate Mary's life.

We can't forget that Mary spent nearly every day of her life just like millions of other women who look after their family, bring up their children and take care of the house. Mary sanctifies the ordinary everyday things — what some people wrongly regard as unimportant and insignificant: everyday work, looking after those closest to you, visits to friends and relatives. What a blessed ordinariness, that can be so full of love of God!

For that's what explains Mary's life — her love. A complete love, so complete that she forgets herself and is happy just to be there where God wants her, fulfilling with care what God wants her to do. That is why even her slightest action is never routine or vain but, rather, full of meaning. Mary, our mother, is for us both an example and a way. We have to try to be like her, in the ordinary circumstances in which God wants us to live.

If we act in this way, we give those around us the example of a simple and normal life which is consistent, even though it has all the limitations and defects which are part and parcel of the human condition. And when they see that we live the same life as they do, they will ask us: Why are you so happy? How do you manage to overcome selfishness and comfort-seeking? Who has taught you to understand others, to live well and to spend yourself in the service of others? Then we must disclose to them the divine secret of Christian existence. We must speak to them about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, Mary. The time has come for us to use our poor words to communicate the depth of God's love which grace has poured into our souls. -- St. Josemaria Escriva

And so begins Ordinary Time.

Help

Any advice

on mothering a second daughter,
who is constantly comparing herself
to her firstborn older sister
(older by only a year and two weeks)
and coming up short?

The Twelfth Day of Christmas

It's the twelfth day of Christmas, and at our house it still looks, sounds, tastes, and feels like it. The tree is still up. The Christmas music is still playing. Carols are being sung. Cookies are being eaten. And there was still one package under the tree this morning.

Here's a summary of our Christmas festivities since last I posted about them:

On the fifth day of Christmas, we had plans to go into town for coffee and conversation for the mommies and playtime for the kids. Since we were going to be running errands anyway, I had the kids open their fifth gift before we left for town -- gift cards to Hobby Lobby. They each had various arts and crafts supplies on their Christmas wish lists and, rather than picking things out myself, I thought they'd have fun doing it. And they did. We came home with paint and sequins, felt and sewing kits, beads and buttons. And they spent the remainder of the afternoon, and much of the remainder of the week, crafting away.

(a little pouch The Boy made)

Each year, each child receives a new ornament for the tree. This was a tradition I grew up with. When I married and left home, I had at least seventy ornaments for our first Christmas tree -- I had received at least an ornament from my parents and grandparents every year since I was born. Each year, my mom carefully labeled the ornaments I had received and packed them away in their original boxes. I know where each and every ornament I own came from and the year I received it. It is such a joy every year to pull them out and remember. I have done the same for my children. The problem now is we have way too many ornaments for one tree. The children's ornaments fill the tree, and mine remain in storage -- I suppose until the children move on and out and take their ornaments with them.

I put much thought into the ornaments every year, trying to choose one that fits each child's personality, or that will remind him or her of a new love or a big accomplishment or a trip we took. This year I wanted something to remind them each of our big move to North Dakota, but I had trouble finding North Dakota ornaments I liked. So ... I found this great website and had an ornament made for each child with a photo of a 2010 North Dakota moment. The three older children's ornaments had pictures from a hike we took in Theodore Roosevelt National Park over Labor Day weekend. The Baby's ornament had a picture I took of her in our backyard. And my DH got me an ornament from the University of Mary bookstore!


The seventh day of Christmas was New Year's Eve. We spent a very nice New Year's Eve and Day at home. We celebrated New Year's Eve by having pomegranate martinis (senza the vodka for the kiddos) and appetizers all evening, while playing a fun new board game (the gift for the day) and watching a great movie (it's a little scary for younger ones, but has a great Gospel message).

New Year's Day the kids opened one of their favorite gifts -- Season 6 of the Little House on the Prairie series and ...

(The Boy's costume is still in the works.)

(If you're looking for a great one-of-a-kind period costume, I'd highly recommend Susan.)

Sunday, the kids opened a box of new books -- a new Bible for each of the girls (they have been frustrated with their inability to look up chapter and verse in the any of the various children's Bibles we own) and a book on their respective patron saint for The Boy and The Baby. Also included were a great series of saints books, a book on praying in the presence of Our Lord, and a Magnificat subscription.

We did go back to school on Monday, only because I know, come spring, I'll want to be done with our work as soon as possible and outside in the warm air. Plus, we'll likely be moving (yet again!) in the spring. (Hopefully, this time, we'll be able to stay put for a while.)

Every year the kids also get a magazine subscription. Miss Rose chose Young Rider and Blaze again this year (surprise, surprise). Miss Sunshine chose Faces (which did surprise me). And I chose Ask for The Boy (after several years of Highlights) and Babybug for The Baby.

Yesterday, my young food lovers opened new aprons (thank you, Janet -- they're perfect) and three new cookbooks.


They spent part of the afternoon planning the first meal they want to prepare together on Sunday, for when Daddy returns from his week-long trip to Milwaukee.


The Baby got a food-related gift, too. (This is an awesome toy, by the way!)


Finally, today, they opened another new board game, which we had fun playing together after recess.

During supper, we received a call from a friend to come over so the kids could snowmobile and watch a movie, and I could have some much needed adult time and a glass of wine (which is why this post is so late being posted!). I'm so glad we homeschool and can take advantage of nights like this. Thanks, Trina, for a lovely evening, and a much-needed break. Four days 'til my hubby returns!

From our house to yours, a very Merry Christmas!

Memories and Dreams

2010

*** Most Memorable for Me ***
Trip to Orlando with Miss Rose

*** DH's Biggest Accomplishment ***
Being Hired as Coordinator of Catholic Studies at the University of Mary

*** Biggest Change for our Family ***
Relocating to Bismarck, North Dakota

*** Hardest Thing to Replace in Bismarck ***
Irish Dance Lessons

*** Best New Swimming Spot ***
Lake Tschida

*** Most Missed about Minnesota ***
Science Fridays with Papa

*** Also Missed ***
Father B.

*** Best Family Trip ***
Labor Day Weekend Camping at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

*** A First for Miss Rose ***

Competing at the North American Irish Dance Championships

*** A First for Miss Sunshine ***
A Solo Dress

*** Firsts for The Boy ***
Losing Teeth

and Riding a Two-Wheeler
*** One of Many Firsts for The Baby ***
Steps

*** Other Family Firsts ***
Attending a Rodeo
and Attending an Investiture and Profession of Vows

*** Best Gift I Received ***
Kitchen Aid Mixer

*** Best Fiction Book I Read ***
Shadows on the Rock by Willa Cather

*** Best Non-Fiction Book I Read ***
Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose

*** Favorite Song ***
Lifesong by Casting Crowns

*** Only Movie I Saw in a Theater ***
Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader

*** Favorite New Restaurant ***
Casper's East 40 Chophouse and Tavern

*** Favorite Photo ***

*** Favorite Video ***
(btw, I had no idea he was going to sing --
I was trying to capture him on tape
being positive to play back for him later!)



2011

*** Spiritual Goal ***
go on retreat

*** Physical Goal ***
get on the elliptical once in a while
(Should I really be more specific about this?)

*** Mental Goal ***
read another non-fiction, non-spiritual book on something I know nothing about

*** Family Goal ***
create a family crest

*** Material Goal ***
find a house

My Christmas Daybook

Outside my windows... the snow continues to pile up. The kids spent the last two days clearing off our (very large) deck in preparation for the "significant snowfall" expected starting tomorrow night and lasting through Saturday. It has been a great joy for the kids to have one of the best sledding hills in Bismarck in our backyard!

I am listening to... Christmas music. Unlike most of the rest of the world, who have been listening to Christmas music since the end of October, we just started listening to Christmas tunes last week and are very much enjoying the carols and bells.

I am thinking... about how much I've enjoyed reconnecting with people since finally succumbing to the pressure to join Facebook a few weeks ago.

I am thankful for... my children, and the opportunity they afford me to experience the wonders of Christmas through the eyes of a child (or four).

I am hoping and praying... that my DH has a productive work week next week in Milwaukee, and that the five of us here in Bismarck will survive without him.

From the kitchen... leftovers.

broccoli and cheese fritata and french toast bake from Christmas Eve brunch

our traditional fish chowder from Christmas Eve dinner
(Papa's secret recipe)

ham egg bake and a cherry cheese coffee cake from Christmas Day morning

tri-tip steak and garlic mashed potatoes,
green beans and pomegranate salad with honey vinaigrette
from Christmas Day dinner

and don't forget all the cookies!

Christmas pretzels dipped in almond bark
and sugar cookie cut-outs

spritz and swedish balls

gingerbread men

From the schoolroom... absolute blissful nothingness.

I am creating... defender briefs. I am taking the opportunity while the kids are on break to catch up and work ahead. (Sigh.)

I am reading... The Christmas Tree.

Noticing that ... it was nice to stay at home and celebrate Christmas with my husband and children.

Around the house... some of our favorite Christmas gifts.

gift cards to the American Girl store

Nerf Dart Tag

new "pretties" for her hair and a new "baby"

my Kitchen Aid mixer

a new hat and crocs
(but you would have thought the Dart Tag was for him!)

One of my favorite things... our traditional waiting-to-see-what-Santa-brought photo.

Pondering these words ... of my favorite Christmas carol.

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O hear the angels' voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born;

O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,

Here come the wise men from Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,

Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;

And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

A few plans for the rest of the week: continue to celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas. Our children receive a gift on each of the twelve days. So far this year they've received new jammies (which they always get to open and put on after Midnight Mass). On Sunday they opened tickets to The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, which we went to see later that evening (I loved it, by the way). On Monday, they were having so much fun playing safari, it seemed the perfect time to have them open their play silks, for more imaginative fun. And today, whilst cleaning their room, they each received new sheets for their bed.

Some more picture-thoughts I am sharing: the-youngest-putting-the-star-on-the-tree tradition -- The Baby's first time.

For more daybooks, visit here,
and have a very Merry Christmas season!

I'm Back ...

... to wish you and yours a very blessed Christmas season.

May you have the gift of faith,
the blessing of hope,
and the peace of His love
now and always.

(ready for Midnight Mass)