tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39414953972818481092024-03-19T03:04:15.697-07:00A.R.T. ServantTHE MAD MUSINGS OF A MOTHER OF MANYHis Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-92083243888178161552009-09-01T16:15:00.001-07:002009-09-01T16:16:42.042-07:00We have moved!To those who may have read this blog. After a lot of thought and consideration, we have moved to <a href="http://xanga.com/perelandra30">http://xanga.com/perelandra30</a>. You will find all of the same family fun there but now there is only one blog to maintain. The computer is just too much for this mom.His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com86tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-26927106899058163632009-03-30T14:41:00.001-07:002009-03-30T14:42:00.245-07:00Pay it Forward<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuQfCWDwxiMlCHZo7pv3_AbMKp1PjOumw-OZjlKM7BfWDl9DhNXaRaXV5EJs6BxORKOL9v4IzkRhVi1SmStctPVk6t2gX8kvtPyPYZhY3GJRDNDAeNo_d-ONyA7NBcwTvtmaYr4GnPS1e/s1600-h/pay_it_forward.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319099263499108242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuQfCWDwxiMlCHZo7pv3_AbMKp1PjOumw-OZjlKM7BfWDl9DhNXaRaXV5EJs6BxORKOL9v4IzkRhVi1SmStctPVk6t2gX8kvtPyPYZhY3GJRDNDAeNo_d-ONyA7NBcwTvtmaYr4GnPS1e/s320/pay_it_forward.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />The Pay It Forward Exchange....is based on the concept of the movie “Pay it Forward”.<br />I will send a hand made gift to the first three people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join the PIF exchange.<br />All the gifts will be made and posted out "sometime within the next year".How exciting to not know when your surprise package will arrive!What you need to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.This Exchange is only open to those with active websites or blogs.<br />ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PROMISE TO POST THE SAME PAY IT FORWARD PICTURE AND THIS MESSAGE ONTO YOUR BLOG, WHICH MUST BE ACTIVE IN ORDER TO PLAY. YOU WILL PAY IT FORWARD TO THREE PEOPLE WHO COMMENT ON YOUR BLOG</div>His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-31865152958151614512009-03-20T10:27:00.000-07:002009-03-20T10:28:42.537-07:00A blog post by my second son, Ryan, that I thought should be shared with all. Not only am I rightfully proud of it but I agree wholeheartedly with everything that he has said here. It all bears thinking about.<br /><br /><br />I'm Important!<br /><br />This is a chapter I wrote for a book I'm trying to finish this spring, but it was so much fun to write I just had to share it.<br /><br /><br /><br />I think that no one can ever be really complete as a human being without changing a dirty diaper at least once in his life. I know you can’t tell, because you can’t see my face as I write this, but I am not joking. I have my serious face on. Not only do I think that diaper changing is necessary, I would especially recommend a really messy one, you know, where the fecal matter is so plentiful you wonder how so much could possibly come out of one single tiny individual, where it is leaking out both legs and drifting up the back. I’m still not joking.<br />Why, you ask? Because I have discovered no better way to learn service. Caring for lepers or AIDs patients might surpass diapering, but they are either in short supply, or in need of specially trained care that most of us are not qualified to render. Dirty diapers are fairly common occurrences and almost everyone is qualified. There is just something about cleaning up another human being’s, even a very small one’s, poop (or vomit for the matter of that) that brings you closer to them. It creates a special bond. More importantly, it makes it harder to take yourself seriously. Of course it is still possible. Anyone can continue to think themselves a big deal, even while wondering how poop gets in socks, if they are just willing to put in the effort, but it’s a fragile effort. At any moment the truth might break through and the unending internal mantra of “I’m important, I’m important, I’m important,” might start to echo a little hollow. If the humor of the situation ceases to escape you, it’s only a matter of time before truth comes tiptoeing in with all the delicate grace of a herd of galloping elephants.<br />I write of that which I know, with the memory of many infant foster siblings rising before my eyes as I write. It is something which I discovered about myself a long time ago, that I can do nearly anything for anyone as long as it is hard enough. If it is hard enough and challenging enough I’ll do it just for the fun of it, never mind anyone else. All this demonstrates is a rather backwards set of priorities. It isn’t that that mantra I mentioned above is wrong. I’m not saying that I’m not important. I am important. I am infinitely important, but that’s not really what I say when I tell myself that is it? When I have to remind myself that I am important, isn’t that a good indication that I am feeling unimportant? If I were really convinced that I mattered, would I have to say it to myself? And even though I do matter, why is that? Why is it that I have the infinite importance that I claim to have? I certainly didn’t earn it. All of my brains, muscles, and accomplishments can’t earn me infinite importance, only relative importance and precious little of that.<br />I have this importance, this worth, this value, because it was given to me. Someone else made me valuable. All of my qualities are gifts, I can lay claim to none of those. My use of those qualities, such as have been good uses, are all of grace. I can lay claim to none of those either. I can claim nothing in this whole world that could possibly make me important. I am important because someone has claimed me. God has claimed me as His own, and Jesus has paid that claim in . C. S. Lewis wrote in “The Silver Chair,” “Even the Lion wept: great Lion tears, each tear more precious than the Earth would be if it was a single solid diamond.” Jesus wept over me, He sweat over me, and He paid the last drop of His for me. If every drop of that is more valuable than the entire universe, how valuable does that make me?<br />This is importance that builds up. It doesn’t puff up, it builds up. Because it rests on someone else, I don’t have to sustain this importance through my own actions, which are not always the best. I don’t have to rely on my muscles which will grow old and weak, even if they don’t get damaged beyond repair first. I don’t have to rely on my brain, which misses things. I don’t have to rely on my looks (thank God for that!) I can rely on God to hold me and build me up, and in His strength I will have such strength that I will not have enough ways to burn it, so I will have strength to spare. I can be prodigal with it.<br />But that’s not really all that the “I’m important mantra” has to say, is it? It really says, “I’m more important.” It doesn’t matter what or whom I think I’m more important than, it is the “more” that is the problem. With that one word I start comparing myself, basing my importance on something other than my adoption as a son of God. That is competition, and competition with what? When a diaper needs to be changed, could I actually think that thought out loud? “I’m more important.” More important than whom? A baby? Am I actually competing with an infant? Am I so insecure as that that I can’t serve an infant?<br />Jesus washed feet; not cute little baby feet, mind you, ugly, hairy, dirty man-feet, in an era before pedicures and wart removers and showers were invented.<br />Can we do less? If we are so important, why do we make a big deal over such a small thing? After all, what could be smaller than a baby’s butt?His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-36156533025923320032009-02-27T11:53:00.000-08:002009-02-27T12:12:20.891-08:00FastingMary-Kate and I were recently talking about fasting and different strategies for her to be able to observe the rules of fasting during the season of lent. (she has hypoglycemia and is really unable to safely go more than two hours without eating.) This discussion gat me to thinking about fasting and what is really is about. <br /><br />All of my growing up years I would hear the grown-ups talk about fasting and, of course, food immediately comes to mind. Everywhere that fasting is discussed in literature and in the bible it is always in reference to food. But there is more to fasting than just giving up a certain amount of food a day. What about people such as my daughter or myself, who have medical reasons for not being able to fast from food? There have to be alternatives.<br /><br />When talking about this with our parish priest he suggested things like giving up the internet and the television. The TV is easy and, if the truth be known, I enjoy the silence and the peace that the lack brings each year. So that is really no hardship. The internet isn't a choice for some. Again, for my daughter, who is in college, that would be like cutting herself off from her professors and a great deal of the resources that they use for her classes. For myself giving up the internet is not viable because it is my connection with my children who are away from home. Write a letter you say! My son who is currently stationed in Iraq hasn't gotten anything that has been sent so far. I'd much rather count on the internet. I know that he has access to a computer once in awhile and can check my blog and know what is going on at home even if I don't know what is going on with him.<br /><br />But, I digress. Finally a solution came to me about fasting, strangely enough, with an opportunity to fast in a very different way. I was given the chance to fast from my own attitude and selfishness. My son who is in college needed to come home for the weekend and his car is not working. It fell to me to go and get him. All of my family knows how I feel about driving, even if it is just across town, I don't like to do it. While I was getting ready to leave to get him I realized that I could not only do this trip cheerfully and offer it up. But I could fast from the bad feelings that were inside of me. I could just replace those feelings that I used to indulge in, although privately, while I was driving, with positive feelings. Replace them with feelings of anticipation about being able to spend time with my son. With feelings of thankfulness about the fact that I was able to drive when, for instance, my husband is unable to drive such a long distance. <br /><br />This may sound like a stretch to anyone reading this but just think about it. In the past we were all taught to offer things up. But were we also taught to replace those bad feelings with feelings of thankfulness? With positive feelings? Or did we offer them up to God, keep quiet and not complain, but entertain the bad thoughts and feelings inside of ourselves? Or not entertain bad feelings but not really show a joyful and thankful self while we were busy not complaining?<br /><br />To me this kind of fasting may be more difficult than fasting from food. I for one can go days without eating more than a full meal. But I do have to admit that I struggle with keeping a joyful and thankful spirit when it comes to having to do something that I truly dislike doing, such as driving a long distance.His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-43287848481311789402009-02-12T02:57:00.000-08:002009-02-12T03:00:09.790-08:00Happy BirthdayHappy 200th Birthday Abraham Lincoln.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2aRbR0-V06pR4TQ3yPlnRnBl6GW_eVmOZnrzbi1zRNStIWbyWzKOk6hIhPiX6XHoi_Miwl_83uTHXZzsVBZ0Tjgv6cUfHGfttDXiHN4zadfFVIXmQAkBVoSOWym_umo2TBlgMq-QVu2f/s1600-h/first-picture-abraham-lincoln-200.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301863813520784018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 253px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2aRbR0-V06pR4TQ3yPlnRnBl6GW_eVmOZnrzbi1zRNStIWbyWzKOk6hIhPiX6XHoi_Miwl_83uTHXZzsVBZ0Tjgv6cUfHGfttDXiHN4zadfFVIXmQAkBVoSOWym_umo2TBlgMq-QVu2f/s320/first-picture-abraham-lincoln-200.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.sonofthesouth.net/slavery/abraham-lincoln/earliest-picture-lincoln.htm"></a></div>His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-8936806774976528702009-02-11T15:03:00.001-08:002009-02-11T15:14:12.249-08:00Keeping Busy.......Both Mind and Body<div>Saturday was a lovely day here in Central New York. So, I took Matthew to New Hartford for his league at Gander Mountain and decided to do some shopping of my own while he was busy.<br /><br /><br /><div><div>So off I went to the fabric store. This may seem silly to some of you, to be excited about going to the fabric store, but they closed our local store. So now it is a trip for us to get anything that we might need for a project. And since there are babys being born left and right around here in my little world, I need supplies for baby gifts.</div><div> </div><div>Unfortunately, the parking lot at the fabric store hadn't caught up to the nice weather yet. I managed to slip on the ice and fall. After a call to my surgeon, prompted by my husband, I was given the order to go back on anti-inflammatorys and take it easy for the week.</div><div> </div><div>This is my way of taking it easy. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301680069260246066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBvBtvLAvFe6vM7OHG8mSLeUHeUMD2BVbYDC1iuJ_nz7EzhC0535ZHpYZ9ncJKDxCFjjKht0XZ7aGMmLnqFggMuyX5Cjha-HmFa7VLiJ8RTouuO2EQI5UTDgFTKYlEjRMeiLm2pXtEv6L/s320/DSC01604.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><p>First, I pieced 56 Flying Geese blocks and layed them out into two different quilt tops. All I have left to do with them is put setting strips in and borders on.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301680070044824402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD6VGrtX21Ymjh_iYLW_6Vr9LTNlv-xiR05HSGSjLfM7Vfb8qkJe3eA5pVuASl2kL31lXjQVN4IFhF4AOBm9Rj57Z-dB2bGFD-E41GCVeOmNH0e0TP1xw6Dr8yy6IGdLo7auXQ6ziUbON/s320/DSC01605.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Then I pieced six airplane blocks and six propeller blocks. I like quilts with boy themes.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301680075312757186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDb2KKYNL7EEGN30lkqZDZ2amx8_aKlRznfc9QBmzHSl_JYrRX6pl9JynH3_z8_oB68RY0Pj5DVxsQnLiFJqaeJbJZ1JTiXUfCl_tYQoD2eJ01fpqOUrAm3CJkeMX7RWfuxTJbARZY8J0i/s320/DSC01607.JPG" border="0" />This one needs borders and I think I am going to use jumbo rick rack around the quilt itself before the border, in a royal blue. That will be a good one for a little boy. </p><p>Next thing is an applique quilt with snowmen on the top alternating with nine patch blocks. When that one is together I will post pictures of it. As long as I have to sit I might as well be productive.</p>His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-39132489117395646772009-02-10T07:59:00.000-08:002009-02-10T09:24:45.716-08:00The latest family member.Welcome Sophia Grace.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib9tq8vJ4oZprloc6xL9nu6A2yy2n_qrjutDlf9bu5VcdZKX3l6zUpIDMX1DK7RND1Y9MM9iOrq4KoPGB8VZ49hkIIKvh7y_2OUJxmxCBkPcfuc76oHYWc3lpruLl5kHmgE9tLyeoI3sy/s1600-h/sophia2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301220692691673042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib9tq8vJ4oZprloc6xL9nu6A2yy2n_qrjutDlf9bu5VcdZKX3l6zUpIDMX1DK7RND1Y9MM9iOrq4KoPGB8VZ49hkIIKvh7y_2OUJxmxCBkPcfuc76oHYWc3lpruLl5kHmgE9tLyeoI3sy/s320/sophia2.JPG" border="0" /></a> My parents now have 42 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and 1 great grandchild on the way.<br /><div></div>His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-10806400826975391492009-02-10T05:50:00.000-08:002009-02-10T11:46:46.256-08:00The herd is expanding!This past summer Ian did some work for a man and was paid with a beef heifer. She was a bred beef heifer which makes her all the more valuable.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K757N2Po7EQbq1B3SS-mGeW5X4hP4hcokp0GxWOCzkDZv17NCODN23xowJOLJhitEUf5ET7lIIZMzNBH8HBKVsNNL3DSRU3HshY0NzKxpngPuEVKxVYkr60sp0iYWHelz6zBuo_nopj_/s1600-h/DSC01601.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301166163614391682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K757N2Po7EQbq1B3SS-mGeW5X4hP4hcokp0GxWOCzkDZv17NCODN23xowJOLJhitEUf5ET7lIIZMzNBH8HBKVsNNL3DSRU3HshY0NzKxpngPuEVKxVYkr60sp0iYWHelz6zBuo_nopj_/s320/DSC01601.JPG" border="0" /></a> This morning his herd of beef animals expanded to two! Silver gave birth to a calf. I couldn't get close enough to the calf to see what it was but she did pose for a picture or two.<br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYngzEKkPzAVvYvOueCEanlASTY-K0jLigI1BY5U8Q_Wx9_zAVoILvpTnFiA6omxOc-EsNnWMDisywBK6yJVgHNkBrQ6OuGQQ5I0tDSldPK6i-J-_lR92k2mCOeVZ7UCdpT2HQqOnhQ7Gy/s1600-h/DSC01603.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301166155877948498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYngzEKkPzAVvYvOueCEanlASTY-K0jLigI1BY5U8Q_Wx9_zAVoILvpTnFiA6omxOc-EsNnWMDisywBK6yJVgHNkBrQ6OuGQQ5I0tDSldPK6i-J-_lR92k2mCOeVZ7UCdpT2HQqOnhQ7Gy/s320/DSC01603.JPG" border="0" /></a> Then when the photo session was over Silver let me know is no uncertain terms to go away and let her calf alone. So I did!<br /><br /><div>Matthew went out to look this afternoon, Oreo is a bull. Guess that means that in a week or so he will become a steer. </div></div>His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-34729744554400841732009-01-24T06:25:00.000-08:002009-01-24T06:45:54.989-08:00Five QuestionsSquelly at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/The%20Dreamer">The Dreamer's Day</a> is passing along this interview meme. Lisa at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/arewethereyet-davisfarmmom">arewethereyet-davisfarmmom</a> graciously sent along these five interview questions for me to answer.<br />Here are the rules:<br />1. Leave me a comment saying, "interview me".<br />2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).<br />3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.<br />4. you will include this explanation and an offfer to interview someone else in the same post.<br />5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.<br /><br />Here are Lisa's questions and my answers:<br /><br />1. If you could ask FIVE QUESTIONS to any saint who would you choose and what questions would you ask?<br />The saint is easy but the questions are difficult. I most definitely want to sit and have a good talk with St. Augustine. He has always been my favorite saint. When I was young I really identified with his phrase "Lord make me a saint, but not now, later." Question 1. How to deepen my prayer life and make my time with God better. 2. I would ask him to pray for me and for my family that we stay on track and gain salvation. 3. I would ask him to help me with understanding the catechism better and more fully so that I can better teach my kids in religion class. 4. I would ask him to explain to me how best to serve Our Lord. 5. I would ask him to help me to more worthily receive Holy Communion so that each opportunity is more of a way to praise God.<br /><br />2. What has been the single happiest moment of your llife so far?<br />I have actually had 7 happiest moments in my life. When each of my children were born. The feeling was beyond description.<br /><br />3. What do you consider to be you best skill?<br />I would have to say organization. I am an extremely organized person. So much so that I drive people like my husband to distraction because he is very disorganized.<br /><br />4. If you could change one thing about the place you live, what would you choose?<br />I think that the only thing I would change about living in Vernon, New York is the cost of living in New York. The countryside is some of the most beautiful that God has ever made. I love the seasons. (the cold and snow bother me but I couldn't do without them) We have spectacular sunsets and a great growing season. The only thing wrong with this area is the cost of living here.<br /><br />5. If you had unlimited budget and two free weeks, where would you most like to go on a vacation?<br />This is the most difficult question of all. I am not a vacation person. My dream, though, has always been to drive up the AlCan highway into Alaska. I think that God outdid himself when he created mountains and tall trees and that is what speaks to my soul the most. I would like to see mountains and forests of tall trees. I would like to see Alaska too.His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-88855386903284773982009-01-19T08:04:00.000-08:002009-01-19T08:05:05.979-08:00Are we surprised that I am a non-conformist?<table width=350 align=center border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2><tr><td bgcolor="#EEEEEE" align=center><br /><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" style='color:black; font-size: 14pt;'><br /><strong>You Are 76% Non Conformist</strong><br /></font></td></tr><br /><tr><td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><br /><center><img src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/areyouanonconformistquiz/nc-4.jpg" height="100" width="100"></center><br /><font color="#000000"><br />You are a pretty serious non conformist. You live a life hardly anyone understands.<br /><br />And while some may call you a freak, you're happy with who you are.<br /></font></td></tr></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/areyouanonconformistquiz/">Are You a Nonconformist?</a></div>His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-83189367029304780192009-01-16T12:59:00.000-08:002009-01-16T13:12:28.760-08:00Something about the coldNights have been below zero. Days haven't risen much higher than 8 degrees. It is snug and warm inside thanks to the efforts of my men. Matthew has banked the house with copious amounts of snow pushed up with the Kubota. We used to tease him that the tractor was permanently attached to his bottom he likes running it so much. Now I am thankful for his skill gained from so many hours in the seat of that tractor. He braves the cold to take round bales to the animals and to break the ice on the creek to make sure that they have plenty of water. There is wood piled up in the basement and the garage aplenty to get us through until it warms up again. Again, Matthew braves the cold to bring wagon loads of wood inside to fill the woodbox next to the stove in the diningroom. Mary-Kate dutifully goes down into the basement and puts wood into the furnace and fills the stove when it is in need. It seems as though this cold makes their hunger even greater.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12nPiUPRJfp8ZosUab2HZsBceeQhJ3hk_v2EWGmBbRKy8PmB1PtT38lIzHHlJR68-coLG1txMY1ECsbgNKZHTRMm5ekKJk8TTZ7QWvvn-t4yqMreQfZkD30XF_Si_awt6kzYWLGQg95so/s1600-h/DSC01570.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291999590770930914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12nPiUPRJfp8ZosUab2HZsBceeQhJ3hk_v2EWGmBbRKy8PmB1PtT38lIzHHlJR68-coLG1txMY1ECsbgNKZHTRMm5ekKJk8TTZ7QWvvn-t4yqMreQfZkD30XF_Si_awt6kzYWLGQg95so/s320/DSC01570.JPG" border="0" /></a> It all reminds me of a song that we sang a few years ago with the Chorale, In the Bleak Mid-Winter. But somehow this midwinter doesn't seem bleak but more comforting. I look around me at the cooperation of my older children. they work together to keep our home running in the face of my inability and their father's being away so much. There is no complaint, no comment. They merely shoulder the responsibility as the s that they have become should. And there is a certain comfort in that. Their father knows that after a 14 hour day of work he will come home to a well run home, warm and cozy and welcoming. A tribute to his example and his raising of them. A tribute to his faith in the God that guides his life and work.<br /><div></div>His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-40345285095419291732009-01-05T15:32:00.000-08:002009-01-05T15:38:31.648-08:00My Christmas Present<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMmSRz2moSS-r0cD6CLpN_sUBFud1tdXGsD-hwSlLSMVGb8ZzlETWP4ugjvGefwW3OMwVvbKgXHiKvVblC33LQjPwqK3xCqbnsCc13dKiO9vDb3Un9pQ_7iZ4u-Jri1fuFMqzHqjjEVTf/s1600-h/armythree.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287956916146133890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMmSRz2moSS-r0cD6CLpN_sUBFud1tdXGsD-hwSlLSMVGb8ZzlETWP4ugjvGefwW3OMwVvbKgXHiKvVblC33LQjPwqK3xCqbnsCc13dKiO9vDb3Un9pQ_7iZ4u-Jri1fuFMqzHqjjEVTf/s320/armythree.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have a great bunch of children. (a friend says I should start calling them young s) They have one major fault, though. They avoid the camera and having their picture taken like the plague. They say that it is understandable because I always have my camera in my hands and am taking pictures of everything and anything. I suppose that explains everything. For this very reason it was not only a surprise but a reason for tears when I opened my present from my sons on Christmas morning. That they would get their picture taken voluntarily is more than shocking, it is a sign of love for their mother that is indisputable. When I found out later that Ryan, the big one on the left, was the originator of this idea was absolutely shocking. He is the one who coined the oft used phrase "at ease the camera!"<br />I absolutely love this gift from my sons!!! The only thing that could make it better is to include my sailor in the picture but that was not to be, so I am thrilled with what I have. Thank you boys. I love you too.<br /><div></div>His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-24734354513972972512009-01-05T07:25:00.000-08:002009-01-05T07:27:41.343-08:00Happy 19th Birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-IF88PAQLE5p9Y0pztrlO7FrAdIgxFqRYn2NhiQN7Aa2mkvrrxs0yToDjZO6yC-b_CYyEmtRCbgHLesTviSVgwzMMOoEriRISWOkUXecI13Skn8dFMtdyk0CK1vstvT_gnVhUfjnOYKx/s1600-h/DSC01421.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287831442951310578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-IF88PAQLE5p9Y0pztrlO7FrAdIgxFqRYn2NhiQN7Aa2mkvrrxs0yToDjZO6yC-b_CYyEmtRCbgHLesTviSVgwzMMOoEriRISWOkUXecI13Skn8dFMtdyk0CK1vstvT_gnVhUfjnOYKx/s320/DSC01421.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Happy birthday yesterday to our treasure. We love you Mary-Katherine Suzannne and are very proud of the woman that you are becoming. How were we to know that on January 4, 1990 we were going to be blessed with such a beautiful, generous, giving, and loving person as you have become. God bless you.</div>His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-47116773367538879022009-01-03T06:32:00.000-08:002009-01-03T07:15:19.022-08:00Four Generations<div><br />I have been sitting here working on some long overdue scrapbooking and I came across these pictures of my grandmother (mother's mother) and my mother. After reading the beautiful post by <a href="http://www.xanga.com/private/mooncatblue" target="_new">mooncatblue</a> it got me to thinking about the similarities between the four of us; my grandmother, mother, myself, and my daughter.<br /><a href="http://xaf.xanga.com/037f102b11633224655601/b176536568.jpg" target="_blank"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287076240974542850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 206px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLypMXkktJkypUT0hoKfRJhd8p_6X1Y8RGwtLPi4dt_oRN61zE2R9a-YsZOBd1NdJk-UGKIOlTgRdvx0Vw86MSC_89RHmw_WiBTZiBG0WmiZhnpQDyLrO2su_6JU-W4HhXJPZYnVljhAv/s320/gram3.JPG" border="0" /><br />My grandmother was a wonderful woman. She never stopped learning all of her life. I can remember when I was a teenager and the movie "Saturday Night Fever" came out. She wanted to see it as much as her grand-daughters did. And she bought the tickets and drove us to the theater and we all saw it together. She is the person who taught me to drink shots of Irish Whiskey.<br />Just before she died I was expecting my daughter. I already had four sons and had given up hope of having a daughter. I had also not announced to anyone that I was pregnant as yet. She seemed to know, though, she also seemed to know that she was near the end. She grabbed hold of the front of me one day in the hospital and told me that not only did she know that I was having a baby soon, but that it would be a and she wanted her to be named a certain way. She wanted her named Mary-Katherine and she even spelled it for me so that I would spell it right. I didn't take her seriously at the time because I didn't know she was going to die and I doubted that I would have a . Two days later she died of a massive heart attack. Four months later I gave birth to a baby that I named Mary-Katherine Suzanne. I wouldn't dream of going against the wishes of my grandmother. How I miss her still to this day.<br /><a href="http://xf5.xanga.com/550f152011133224655614/b176536580.bmp" target="_blank"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287076253078496610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLJytzMRUN8GTyvkIphm_MIcKeOz6N4ewF5teaZOgCYgluewBfhH2uJglTSl9UaRFpkfGKE_Moe9dya4EDgz79NgB9k_4DxNA3RgACvqViY_Gi_JD_slPWrNARPXERe7cFxMR4sg_trZn/s320/mom.bmp" border="0" /><br />My mother, her oldest daughter. I am told as often that I look like her as that I look like my father. I think I look like my mom but I act like my father and that is where people make their mistake. My mother is very serious where my grandmother would as soon laugh as be serious. My mother taught me to be organized and to do everything that I do the best that I could do it. To do a job until it is done and not leave until all is complete. She is the reason that I have been able to homeschool all of my children and survive. She is why I do what I do and do it well. My father is why I am willing to try anything but my mother is why I have the stubbornness to keep at something until I can do it right.<br /><a href="http://x56.xanga.com/52af102111c33224655651/b176536612.jpg" target="_blank"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287076257488114082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGVBV_uwjBybmg5pqqoZhpcr620Ts5cyNi7Kv8ls4amKkiqhQOjC3cDSl-7GGHv34QK3FoWt95k9ev912qhCmxeITb5wA7FeHaV7OyFZkKQB2aBby05C63VuCGL9pf-qDGRmYdmi1tziF/s320/DSC01018.JPG" border="0" /><br />I have my mother's eyes and nose but I have my father's smile. My father smiles and everyone around catches it like a cold. My father is contagious.<br /><a href="http://x32.xanga.com/a25f052349532224655681/b176536639.jpg" target="_blank"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287076264065046082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqd7ryAlahaRF45fNgGw1MEUHHBsHt66yRO-a_m92TKWbBVOKn0nvHr-EQicpJsre7L9funluzmOHOIiR9LriXT1p_6tnkX4WFczUDNglEA08A4hVywUfYnjUnrF6eSvaRNrPipvjlw_4q/s320/DSC00708.JPG" border="0" /><br />My daughter is beautiful. She is everything that is good in both my husband and myself. She has my goofiness and stubbornness when it comes to doing things and my husbands intelligence. She has the grace of an athlete at times and the clumsiness of an elephant at other times. She has a wonderful talent for not taking herself too seriously (comes from having a lot of brothers) and being able to laugh at herself.<br />As much as my family drives me crazy sometimes, when I look at my daughter I am glad to see the result of all of us all together in her. </div>His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-11272389006167759242008-12-25T15:56:00.000-08:002008-12-25T16:09:42.171-08:00A few of the hits this ChristmasAs the kids get older it gets increasingly difficult to find something to get them for Christmas. Not because they have everything or because they have difficult tastes but because they have simple tastes and they really don't like getting gifts, they'd rather give. It is always gratifying when you think of something that is not only popular but that they REALLY seem to like. I think we hit the nail on the head more than once this year. <div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283882075476720866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQ5V7mypMrekmfeEe409wkA7o1c5PWC2GB4d38UkYkrx1z75C9J_gK9868hO2mPNeXjN_BZGTNX5azU-EthLbSZrOM1ysWbHW9VVs84GWix6SK5dzz9sofLIQCk9PZASpXneiJdlPgndE/s320/DSC01329.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Mary-Kate made Matthew this Jedi knight costume this year. Now in this house it is difficult if not impossible to sew in secret. He assumed all the time that she was making it that she was making it for herself. It was obvious to see that he wanted it too. We knew that it would be a success before he even opened the package.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283882095134875298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPV85-2EMxm3UYwmBxU5JqP9fiTz0-WWfgcpSNmrra92kxo983qrGGSUeD2kq_c-d9bUb0BDY_6cExjXA_D1TGgCIoYV7vO4Ym0h9RjdgUL5UGuBhcuiKgfAPFbVVJ5H-wrFk0ol42jdq4/s320/DSC01331.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Mary-Kate made Doug this fleece and Matthew gave him the hat and mittens. He is always needing warm things for work and they both did a good job finding just the right things for their Dad who was not only surprised but pleased with their choices.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283882094009669874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjjBxGbvVn60IzsUervFx5q_uioocHl0LKmqSg0HT7ID3tUNk_sD1bqXRK37rH0As5f-xRYeHDkEIq4S9kjPtG4OTrOGBzovzeBMX5QTxnIZTb1u6gCOAL-oOX55iJD2i6dA0blWc4opT/s320/DSC01342.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><p>When I saw these thigh high socks at Target I knew that they were for Mary-Kate. Her nickname is Colors at school and I don't think these socks will let that die too soon. You can also see the flowered fleece and the cow print hat and scarf that I made for her in the background.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283882084535969026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6f1muzF83-LyDNlK4A6CSIv94fJG8Pj8DnSxMPXbXy1EWnrArckNbtjKrcRUN-q59yMTCE0KGpg4CJrt6C6atNC2ydJjmduKnL3auxyB4mNfqiByZWRwrVgBxAiagawCRt_gtcakPodSI/s320/DSC01333.JPG" border="0" /></p>Ian has a Carhart coat that we bought him last year. He wears that thing everyday. I have put patches on it and put a new zipper in it. When he brings his laundry over he practically sits by the dryer until it is done, he likes it so much. His dad and I decided that he should have another so that he has two to rotate. The camo fleece that he is wearing Matthew made for him also. Ian is definitely a one coat and one sweatshirt man but the way he works and get dirty we thought that he was definitely deserving of a second one of each.His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-36041042697220946502008-12-25T15:52:00.000-08:002008-12-25T15:55:52.520-08:00All my children together in one place?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-HDqfazW8vJocN3kIhUS-3Ybg7nKtSB9RrBfSo8scJpYEKiogrtT0Fx0-BRG0vz7eEk881VfojXAZu-yikCLSQzYwcawR_JtJ96jdPfyBY_4IPnLcwI6ebl2dRyfwkXwP_nYvndUyAY_/s1600-h/DSC01348.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283880362844066386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-HDqfazW8vJocN3kIhUS-3Ybg7nKtSB9RrBfSo8scJpYEKiogrtT0Fx0-BRG0vz7eEk881VfojXAZu-yikCLSQzYwcawR_JtJ96jdPfyBY_4IPnLcwI6ebl2dRyfwkXwP_nYvndUyAY_/s320/DSC01348.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>After all the presents were opened and all the food was consumed I thought that I would take a picture of all of my children together. It is getting to be a rare thing to have them all home at the same time. Wait..... who is the hairy one in the middle? actually, Adam is in Iraq at present so we just put his dog Lupus in the picture to represent him. If Adam were here his comment would probably be, "it works! Lupus is a member of the family after all!"</div>His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-32150946149423242732008-12-25T15:49:00.000-08:002008-12-25T15:52:34.643-08:00How to make your mother cry on Christmas...........<div>........... without spilling the veggie dip on the carpet or set the house on fire</div><br /><p>.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283879343774601410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBr0lJQj1h9CmxXYUvrZDrDknD-oQZPzcJckTUtT0ClAib0PTwNR38q7E8oijqI1rSXfbjUDJAZFG4h8BBuWnxbJz7KNME5577pHBSbMMd3teajCBB_IqtutjGRC8LjK1gLCJ0DZOS-g4/s320/DSC01354.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>My three sons in the Army went out and had their portraits taken professionally. That is enough to make this mother cry, and the rumor going around is that it was initiated by the very one who coined the phrase, "at ease the camera, will you!"</p><p>Thank you boys, this is better than all the silver and gold in all the universe. </p>His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-52677743524473422702008-12-21T08:57:00.000-08:002008-12-21T09:07:40.981-08:00UpdateOn Monday, 15 December, 2008 I went into the hospital for surgery on my back. Thanks be to God it went just as the Dr. described to Doug and I in the pre-operative visit the week before. He trimmed away the bulge on the disc between L4 and L5 and reamed out the holes that the nerves pass through to get to my legs. Then he put screws into L4 and L5 and put pins in to stabilize the bones so that there will be no more forward and back motion which was pinching on nerves also. Then he drilled into the back of those two vertebra and put in a titanium "cage" which stibilizes the bone so that it will no longer compress. Finally he took bone and marrow from my right hip and made a paste of that and surgical adhesive and spread that all around so that all would stay in place during the healing process.<br /><br />I am pleased to say that after a couple of days of pain and having to find a combination of pain meds that would work for me I am now at home and very comfortable. The next obstacle is getting past the constipation that is resulting from all of the and the anesthesia. Then I must just continue healing. <br /><br />I get around here pretty well with my walker and I have my potty chair that helps me go by myself. Tomorrow Doug is going to get me a shower chair so I can finally take a shower. I haven't had a proper shower since before the surgery.<br /><br />Please continue your prayers as there is still a few obstacles to overcome and the inactivity is difficult.<br />I will offer Christmas Mass for all of you.His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-52109401732003893602008-12-21T06:05:00.000-08:002008-12-21T08:19:28.076-08:00TwilightI feel today, after reading many posts about the series and books entitles <em>Twilight</em>. On both blogger and Xanga there is much discussion pro and con. It all brings back the controversy over the <em>Golden Compass </em>and <em>Harry Potter</em>. Along with these books and movies one can also bring up the controversy over such fads as <em>Pokemon</em> and to for the older kids <em>Dungeons and Dragons (</em>this dates back to my growing up years).<br /><br />I have not read any of these books nor have I seen any of the movies beyond the first Harry Potter movie, which I thought was poorly acted and had a dismal plot line). My feeling is that it isn't necessary for parents to read a controversial series of books or a questionable movie to pronounce it something that they will not be taking their children to see.<br /><br />I think there is something more basic and fundamental that can and should help us, as parents, decide whether something should be seen or read by our children or whether they should be a part of a particular "fad". My husband and I use the question, "Is this going to help our child/children get to heaven?" Sound over simplistic? Lets look deeper into what this all means and maybe you won't think that we are being overly childlike in our trust in God when it comes to choosing good reading and viewing material for our kids. Let me add a disclaimer that we have and do make mistakes, we are only human, but even then I think God helps us to "mop up" the mess afterward because our intentions are pure.<br /><br />Our first premise is that every book and movie that comes out does not have to invade the "womb" of spiritual safety that we try daily to maintain in this household. Even if it is "good" full of virtue and lots of fun and maybe even has a moral that is worth presenting to our children doesn't make it, the book or movie, worthy of being allowed into our sanctuary. A home is a sanctuary that is meant to keep the world out not a "vacuum" that is meant to "suck" the world in.<br /><br />Our second premise it that each child must be trained. Their conscience and free will need to be trained every day. This means often saying no to the things that one desires which may be okay to experience, for instance a certain book or movie. In that training we also stress that if something is "questionable" when it comes to faith and morals, whether it is fiction or not, it is a good thing to deny yourself. The phrase "everyone else is seeing it" or everyone else is reading it" or "so-and-so's parents let them read it or see it" don't get said around here. My pat answer, while my husband is smirking in the background, is "their parents aren't responsible for your salvation, I am. If they are willing to adopt you and take on the responsibility of raising you then you may indeed read that book or see that movie." They know better now not to say those things to me. The bottom line is, is it a want or a need? <br /><br />Our third and final premise is that one doesn't need to see, read, experience everything out there that there is for the human to experience. Not only is it impossible but it is also sinful to make the attempt. We have a good better best scale when it comes to books and movies. Obviously we fail often in this area but not in the way that you think. Best is, of course, reading classics. Reading is invaluable to developing the person. In making the mind, heart and soul both well rounded and in conformity with the will of God. The greatest minds of the Catholic church never made a movie. Better is to see classic movies and movies that come from the classics that you have read. Never before but after. The older the version the better. I could go into pages and pages about the loss of truly good acting and that art form but this is neither the time or the place. Good is to see movies and read books that have been perused by the parents or someone who is trusted by them first and reviewed for the parents. Books and movies that have controversy attached to them before they even come out are suspect and needn't be seen for that reason. That is a fad that only feeds itself and thus should be put under the category of self denial if only for that reason.<br /><br />We don't need to see and experience everything that comes along but we are made for heaven and every and all decisions should be made for that reason so that nothing that is sullied can be presented to God for entrance into heaven.His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-64484844371562293892008-12-14T11:55:00.000-08:002008-12-14T12:01:28.693-08:00A Mother's PrideFor the past three months we have been attending the Tridentine Mass in another parish about 20 minutes away from here every other Sunday. After Mass Father Castronovo has been taking the time to train Matthew and a few of his friends so that they can serve the Mass alongside of Father.<br />This morning two of Matthew's friends served with Father and Matthew sat on the side of the altar. Next Sunday morning Matthew will have the opportunity to serve the Mass. <br />How proud I was to sit there and see my son on the altar with Father making the responses along with the man who usually serves for Father. <br />We also had the opportunity to say the rosary in latin before Mass started. What an opportunity also for Matthew to participate in two such devotions of the church in her native language.<br /><br />Thank you dear Lord for giving us this wonderful chance to have Matthew trained to serve you in this traditional devotion and to serve you on the altar beside such a holy and giving priest.His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-41239995729620317102008-12-09T16:55:00.000-08:002008-12-09T16:57:22.933-08:00Prayers PleaseI am asking for prayers please, for myself. Monday morning I am going into the hospital to have my back repaired from a fall that happened over a year ago. <br /><br />Nothing medically has worked so they are going in to try and fix the problem surgically. I would appreciate prayers that God guides the hands of the surgeon and gives him wisdom.<br /><br />Thank you all.His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-81756385787801785982008-12-08T11:53:00.000-08:002008-12-08T11:54:23.781-08:00There will be no Nativity Scene in Washington, D. C. <br />The Supreme Court has ruled that there cannot be a Nativity Scene in the nation's capital this Christmas season.<br />This isn't for any religious reason, they simply have not been able to find Three wise Men in the Nation's capitol.P.S. There was no problem, however, finding enough asses to fill the stable.His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-20371084916031716832008-12-05T17:15:00.001-08:002008-12-05T17:15:52.830-08:00<table width=350 align=center border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2><tr><td bgcolor="#EEEEEE" align=center><br /><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" style='color:black; font-size: 14pt;'><br /><strong>There Are 0 Gaps in Your Knowledge</strong><br /></font></td></tr><br /><tr><td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><br /><center><img src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/doyouhavegapsinyourknowledgequiz/brain.png" height="100" width="100"></center><br /><font color="#000000"><br />Where you have gaps in your knowledge:<br /><br /><br /><br />No Gaps!<br /><br /><br /><br />Where you don't have gaps in your knowledge:<br /><br /><br /><br />Philosophy<br /><br />Religion<br /><br />Economics<br /><br />Literature<br /><br />History<br /><br />Science<br /><br />Art<br /></font></td></tr></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/doyouhavegapsinyourknowledgequiz/">Do You Have Gaps in Your Knowledge?</a></div>His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-10994483349469753202008-12-05T05:57:00.000-08:002008-12-05T06:01:13.725-08:00Shopping in my daughter's closetTen more pounds down and ten more to go. I am now able to "shop" in my daughter's closet for clothing. <br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276305063244557282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQdavPa1ue9NzNrfhpYoCRtIU57fhsRHeQ9xSKSdfMG_e746CWmIR_mTDt4lCLm2kUnvSLbidc77EPPAzuEdHJvvtsYn8u-fNYvts_xfkcWkJoMx8V6i1XY1W6dFcxdJ1l-GKeeNS-_bQ/s320/DSC01019.JPG" border="0" /><br />The blouse and the jeans I am wearing in this picture are both courtesy of Mary-Kate. <br /><br /><div></div>His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3941495397281848109.post-73845998659167302612008-12-05T03:11:00.000-08:002008-12-05T03:14:55.501-08:00What is this woman thinking of?An article I just read from Bill O'Reilly's web page. This governor certainly likes to make her constituancy feel that she is on top of the latest controversies.<br /><br />Jesus vs. the Atheists<br />By Bill O'Reilly for BillOReilly.comThursday, December 4, 2008<br />Just in time for the Christmas season, the Governor of Washington State, Christine Gregoire, has insulted Christians all over the world. Inside the state capitol building in Olympia, there is a traditional holiday display featuring a tree and the Nativity scene-perfectly appropriate since the Christmas federal and state holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.But this year, Governor Gregoire decided to add another item to the display. Standing alongside the baby Jesus is a giant placard designed by atheists that reads, "There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."You read that correctly. The governor of Washington State has permitted an attack on religion to be displayed in her office building as part of a Christmas presentation.Now, even the producers of 'The Twilight Zone' would have rejected this script as being too far-fetched. Governor Gregoire's behavior is offensive, insulting to all people of faith, and totally incomprehensible.Unless you know what's going on in Washington State.Seattle now rivals San Francisco for secular-progressive nuttiness. The city fathers are allowing public ness in city parks, bike riding, and in Fremont, a Seattle suburb, they actually put up a statue honoring Lenin, the father of communism.Some on the Seattle school board actually supported denigrating Thanksgiving by teaching children about the atrocities against Native Americans by the Pilgrims.In addition, Washington State voters have passed assisted , and the state gives out free birth control pills, including the "morning after" pill.On the quality-of-life front, the streets of Seattle are full of homeless people, but they don't have to be out in the rain. The city will pay to house alcoholics and addicts if they want it. They can actually get free furnished apartments. Taxpayers, of course, pick up the tab. Outside of the Seattle area, Washington State is fairly conservative. But the big city population base rules, and far-left zealots are running wild. However, they may have overstepped on this Christmas deal.I believe that most Americans, even those living in far-left enclaves, respect uplifting traditions like Christmas where peace and love are the theme of the great day. Calling religion "enslaving" doesn't exactly fit into the peace and love scenario, does it? Can't we all just get along for a few weeks in December?The answer to that question is "no." Not in Washington State, where the governor believes a few nuts have a legal right to run down the Christmas tradition in the lobby of the capitol building. At this point, there is little left to say except this: Where are the wise men when you need them?His Servant: Ann Kraegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08513389570179229977noreply@blogger.com0