A.R.T. Servant

We have moved!

2009-09-01T16:15:00.001-07:00

To those who may have read this blog. After a lot of thought and consideration, we have moved to http://xanga.com/perelandra30. 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.

Pay it Forward

2009-03-30T14:41:00.001-07:00

The Pay It Forward Exchange....is based on the concept of the movie “Pay it Forward”.
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.
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.
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

2009-03-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

A 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.

I'm Important!

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.

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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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?

Fasting

2009-02-27T11:53:00.000-08:00

Mary-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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Happy Birthday

2009-02-12T02:57:00.000-08:00

Happy 200th Birthday Abraham Lincoln.

Keeping Busy.......Both Mind and Body

2009-02-11T15:03:00.001-08:00

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.

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.

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.

This is my way of taking it easy.

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.

Then I pieced six airplane blocks and six propeller blocks. I like quilts with boy themes.

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.

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.

The latest family member.

2009-02-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

Welcome Sophia Grace.

My parents now have 42 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and 1 great grandchild on the way.

The herd is expanding!

2009-02-10T05:50:00.000-08:00

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.
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.

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!

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.

Five Questions

2009-01-24T06:25:00.000-08:00

Squelly at The Dreamer's Day is passing along this interview meme. Lisa at arewethereyet-davisfarmmom graciously sent along these five interview questions for me to answer.
Here are the rules:
1. Leave me a comment saying, "interview me".
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. you will include this explanation and an offfer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Here are Lisa's questions and my answers:

1. If you could ask FIVE QUESTIONS to any saint who would you choose and what questions would you ask?
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.

2. What has been the single happiest moment of your llife so far?
I have actually had 7 happiest moments in my life. When each of my children were born. The feeling was beyond description.

3. What do you consider to be you best skill?
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.

4. If you could change one thing about the place you live, what would you choose?
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.

5. If you had unlimited budget and two free weeks, where would you most like to go on a vacation?
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.

Are we surprised that I am a non-conformist?

2009-01-19T08:04:00.000-08:00

You Are 76% Non Conformist

You are a pretty serious non conformist. You live a life hardly anyone understands.

And while some may call you a freak, you're happy with who you are.

Are You a Nonconformist?

Something about the cold

2009-01-16T12:59:00.000-08:00

Nights 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.

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.

My Christmas Present

2009-01-05T15:32:00.000-08:00

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!"
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.

Happy 19th Birthday

2009-01-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

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.

Four Generations

2009-01-03T06:32:00.000-08:00

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 mooncatblue it got me to thinking about the similarities between the four of us; my grandmother, mother, myself, and my daughter.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

A few of the hits this Christmas

2008-12-25T15:56:00.000-08:00

As 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

All my children together in one place?

2008-12-25T15:52:00.000-08:00

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!"

How to make your mother cry on Christmas...........

2008-12-25T15:49:00.000-08:00

........... without spilling the veggie dip on the carpet or set the house on fire

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!"

Thank you boys, this is better than all the silver and gold in all the universe.

Update

2008-12-21T08:57:00.000-08:00

On 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.

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.

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.

Please continue your prayers as there is still a few obstacles to overcome and the inactivity is difficult.
I will offer Christmas Mass for all of you.

Twilight

2008-12-21T06:05:00.000-08:00

I feel today, after reading many posts about the series and books entitles Twilight. On both blogger and Xanga there is much discussion pro and con. It all brings back the controversy over the Golden Compass and Harry Potter. Along with these books and movies one can also bring up the controversy over such fads as Pokemon and to for the older kids Dungeons and Dragons (this dates back to my growing up years).

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

A Mother's Pride

2008-12-14T11:55:00.000-08:00

For 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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

Prayers Please

2008-12-09T16:55:00.000-08:00

I 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.

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.

Thank you all.

2008-12-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

There will be no Nativity Scene in Washington, D. C.
The Supreme Court has ruled that there cannot be a Nativity Scene in the nation's capital this Christmas season.
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.

2008-12-05T17:15:00.001-08:00

There Are 0 Gaps in Your Knowledge

Where you have gaps in your knowledge:

No Gaps!

Where you don't have gaps in your knowledge:

Philosophy

Religion

Economics

Literature

History

Science

Art

Do You Have Gaps in Your Knowledge?

Shopping in my daughter's closet

2008-12-05T05:57:00.000-08:00

Ten more pounds down and ten more to go. I am now able to "shop" in my daughter's closet for clothing.

The blouse and the jeans I am wearing in this picture are both courtesy of Mary-Kate.

What is this woman thinking of?

2008-12-05T03:11:00.000-08:00

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.

Jesus vs. the Atheists
By Bill O'Reilly for BillOReilly.comThursday, December 4, 2008
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?

Part and parcel of the mother gig

2008-12-04T02:24:00.000-08:00

That's a line I say to people who ask me why do I do this or why do I do that. It beats having to go into long explanations about love and sacrifice to someone that I know isn't going to get it or at a time when I know that I will go into sarcastic mode if I go into long explanations. " So, there I was in my kitchen minding my own business, cooking a bunch of fantastic tasting food to give away to anyone who needed it when the phone rang." That's how I would start out the story of my Tuesday if I was inclined to write a story about it.
I was indeed in my kitchen minding my own business when the phone did ring. It was my 20 year old son Jason calling from college. If it wasn't for caller ID and the fact that he called me "mom" I would never have known that it was my son on the line. This is significant because this is the son who tells me that "he has been taking care of himself for ______ months" (fill in the blank). Basically he can do it himself. It's what I call the "grown man manifesto". The more they protest the harder they fall, this is a case in point.
Anyway, I digress. With a barely there voice he lists his symptoms and then comes the coup de gras, the magic line, the words that lets every mother know that her son is still in need of her at least some of the time, "what do I do".
Long story short, after a bunch of phone calls, Doug and I drove two hours to school to get him and took him to the hospital emergency room. Five hours later we find out that he is severly dehydrated, has a sinus infection, and strep along with a migraine headache probably caused by the sinus infection.
So home comes my "grown up" son to be taken care of by mom.
So, when asked why I drove four hours to pick up my son and brought him home in the middle of a very busy day for me, why did I spend five hours in the ER with him, and why am I taking care of him now? My answer: It's all part and parcel of the mother gig. I love the dude and of course I would do that for him. Wouldn't you?

2008-12-04T02:23:00.001-08:00

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Marilyn!

You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."

Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

* Be direct and clear

* Listen to me carefully

* Don't judge me for my anxiety

* Work things through with me

* Reassure me that everything is OK between us

* Laugh and make jokes with me

* Gently push me toward new experiences

* Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a Marilyn

* being committed and faithful to family and friends

* being responsible and hardworking

* being compassionate toward others

* having intellect and wit

* being a nonconformist

* confronting danger bravely

* being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Marilyn

* the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind

* procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself

* fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of

* exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger

* wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right

* being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

Marilyns as Children Often

* are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn

* are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger

* form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent

* look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel

* are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent

Marilyns as Parents

* are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty

* are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence

* worry more than most that their children will get hurt

* sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

2008-11-24T22:51:00.001-08:00

You Are Lemon Meringue Pie

You're the perfect combo of sassy and sweet.

You always know how to brighten someone's mood, but you're not overly sappy.

In fact, you can be a bit too honest at times. And most people find that refreshing.

While you're always true to yourself, you keep things light. That's how people are able to stomach your slightly bitter outlook.

Those who like you have well refined tastes.

You're complicated - and let's face it - a true enigma.

You enjoy defying expectations, and there are many layers to your personality.

There's not one easy way to define you.

What Kind of Pie Are You?

Excitement Ian Style

2008-11-19T07:39:00.000-08:00

Monday we had our second big snowfall of the season. As a mother you are generally concerned when you have teenagers driving especially when the weather is like this. When your children get into their twenties, though, and have survived two tours of duty in Iraq, you have finally learned to ease up a little in the concerned area.

When the phone rings at 10:00 at night and you hear your husband say, through your sleep fogged mind, "Your truck is totalled, Ian!" You start to rethink that relaxation of the concerned thing.

On his way home from fire school, on slippery, snow covered back roads, Ian hit a heifer that was standing in the middle of the road. The heifer happens to belong to some friends of ours which made it a little easier when he had to knock on the farmers door.

And Ian is the son of a farmer which makes it nice for the farmer who owns the heifer. But in the meantime Ian is short a set of wheels while this one goes throught he insurance red-tape and he does some work on his big red truck to get that on the road.

Thanks be to God he is fine but the heifer has a broken leg and is not expected to make it.

Snow

2008-11-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

The snow is trying to come back to Central New York. The question keeps coming up about whether I like snow. I know that my family keeps asking me to get a rise out of me since my feelings about snow are well known to all who live with me.

But actually I must confess here that my feelings about snow are a little more complicated than those that I have expressed in the past. True I do get a little crabby when there are several inches on the ground and more coming down and I have to go somewhere. What sane thinking person wouldn't, I ask you?

Conversely, when I am home and have no place to go. When there is a nice blaze in the wood stove and I am cozy and warm, what could be more lovely than the sight of big lacey flakes coming down outside. It is also a pleasure indeed to wake up in the morning to a blanket of white covering the traditional mud that generally covers our yard. Why at these times even I can wax poetic about snow.

I have been known to declare a particularly lovely snowy day a day off from school so that we might go out and do some sledding and perhaps build some snow people. I have done my fair share of ice skating and have even ventured onto the slopes for skiing and snow boarding. Now that the children are older and they are in charge of their own mittens and snowsuits going out into a winter wonderland is a stress free adventure.

It is only when we have winters where the snow just doesn't know when to stop. When the roads become impassable and the other drivers on the roads seem to forget how to drive in the white stuff, that the part of the love relationship comes into play.

I guess as long as I can find my way to the outhouse through the deep snow and I can stay warm, snow is alright with me.

Bring it on!

Veterans Day

2008-11-11T08:04:00.000-08:00

I have been reading not a few posts about Veterans day and what it means to people, encouragement about flying the flag proudly today, and about the cost of freedom. There have even been a few with a history lesson thrown in telling about the fact that Veterans day originally started out as Armistice Day and, I think in Canada, it is called Remembrance Day. But no matter what it is called or how it is "celebrated" I feel the need to throw my two cents in here.
Veterans day is a day that was originally set aside to honor our fallen who had sacrificed their lives to keep this nation free from tyranny. Very few of our young people are aware of the reason for Veterans day anymore, they are just grateful for a day off from school. The whole concept of patriotism is no longer being taught to our youth. There is a great deal of talk today about thanking the Vets for the price that they have paid for our freedom. But if you ask young kids what freedom means you will get many answers that boil down to one concept; the ability to do whatever you want to without anyone stopping you. That is most definitely not freedom and is not what our soldiers fought to preserve.
Freedom, true freedom comes at a high price, and I am not referring to the giving of your life. I am referring to the price that each of pays day in and day out who are striving for the freedom that God promises. The freedom that comes from doing His will. That is the freedom that our military men fought and died to preserve. The freedom to persue God's will. The freedom to, each and everyday, examine our decisions in the light of God's revelation, and decide based on what He wishes for us to do. The freedom to act according to His plan for our lives. The freedom to work and play according to His design for our lives. The freedom to form our consciences based on His teachings and then to follow our consciences. This is what our veterans fought and fight for.
So, when we are encouraged to fly the flag proudly that is what we are seeing. When we see a veteran who is working at WalMart greeting people wearing his war medals or sitting in MacDonalds having a coffee in an old style uniform, we shouldn't just pass him by or give him a smile and then walk away. But instead stop and extend a warm handshake with a heartfelt thank you. Perhaps an inquiry and listen with interest when he explains his part in the history of this country, after all what does it cost you but a few minutes of your precious time compared to the risk of his whole life.
That is what Veterans day means to me. That is what freedom is. That is what I see when I see a flag flying. That is why I will hold up your line at the store to chat with that old man in a uniform. This mom of three veterans.

A little selective theology going on here......

2008-11-05T07:17:00.000-08:00

Before anyone reads this let me warn you that I am not as good a writer as my son Ryan. So, without further eloquence.....................
Yesterday one of my second graders confronted me as only an outraged seven year-old can. He came up to me with outrage written all over his face, arms folded across his chest, feet planted firmly and said "You told me that God answers our prayers, Mrs. K." I looked at him quite shocked and answered "Yes, I did indeed tell you that." Before the answer was completely out of my mouth he rebutted with the following, "I prayed for 100% on my math test and God didn't give it to me. You were wrong!" There goes the text of my lesson for the day. I, of course, had taught them that God does indeed answer prayer but I had also predicated that with the fact that He answers with what He knows to be best for us. I also used the illustration that if you pray for a 100% on a test and then don't study for the test and count only on God and your prayers to get that good grade then God may not answer your prayer the way that you want because He is counting on you to do some work as well. (I know this boy well and I am willing to bet the rent that is just what he did)
This whole situation got me to thinking about the election. Many, many people have been praying fervently about the outcome of the election. This is a good thing, I am not criticizing or making comment about that. But already I have heard sour talk about the outcome that we have realized and how "we prayed so hard" and "we didn't get what we asked for" or words to that affect. My thought is just this. What work has been done to go along with the prayers? And I am not talking about in the short term. In the long term, what are the good people of this country doing to back up the prayers that have been said for the outcome of this election? And why only the prayers for this particular election? What about prayers day in and day out? God is counting on us to do our best day in and day out is what I am saying.
I have an exercise that I do with the kids in my class that is proving to be a good teaching tool. Each week I secretly choose someone from the class to be my "chosen" person. Someone who has to be good even though the rest of the class may is being not so good all around them. Just like after the fall when God's chosen people were supposed to be good while awaiting the Savior while everyone else was being bad all around them. Sometimes they fell too and gave in to temptation and became bad themselves and God had to punish them. Anyway, the next week the "chosen" person gets a reward if they succeed. The people of our nation have to be the same way. We have to be good as an example to the rest of the world. It says in the bible that to those who have been given much much will be expected of them. Much has been given to this country and, hard as it is to take, we are looked up to for that reason. To pray only when the chips are down is not good enough. To rally when we come under attack, like after 9/11, is not good enough. We have to be united as a nation at all times.
So what do we do? We have a new president. You may not like him, so what. You may not agree with his policies, who cares. He is our leader. You can rally behind him without compromising your beliefs and principals. You can show unity without giving up who and what you stand for. There are means and methods in place in our Constitution for showing when and where you disagree. Do I sound idealistic? Maybe it's about time this country got a little idealistic and began to practice the principals upon which it was founded.
Keep praying!!!! Start being the type of person and citizen that God wishes of us and perhaps He will again reward this country as He has so richly done in the past.
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I feel warmer already!!!!!!! Thanks Ian and Adam.

2008-10-29T02:25:00.000-07:00

Friday afternoon I came home from picking up Mary-Kate and there sat this lovely pile of logs courtesy of my loving and generous sons Ian and Adam. They don't want their family to be cold this coming winter so they purchased this load of logs for us. Now we just need Ryan to come home on leave to saw and split it up into stove lengths.

If its a marshmallow world in the winter, what is it in the fall?

2008-10-29T02:21:00.000-07:00

The snow has come to central New York. Last night my daughter got 12 inches of snow just 20 miles south of where we live. Here in Vernon we got a dusting overnight. Either the plow or the sander went through at 4:00 this morning. How wonderful it is to have a son who works for the town highway department. This calls for another pie or maybe a cake.

Today after we get home from Mass, Matthew and I will just stay home and keep warm. The wood stove has a roaring blaze in it and there is plenty to do with schoolwork and sewing projects.

Thank You Ian For Fixing My Brakes

2008-10-14T16:47:00.000-07:00

Recently my car needed new brakes. I gave a call to my favorite mechanic, my oldest son Ian. He had me go to the auto parts store and get the parts that he needed. Then he set to work fixing them. I tried to think of the best way to say thank you for fixing my car and what I came up with was to make him his own apple pie.
He took it to work with him and shared it with the guys at the town barn. They liked it but they all declared that I need more practice making pies. (their way of saying, make more)

Mary-Kate's Grades

2008-10-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

Mary-Kate emailed me her mid-term grades. I am very proud to post them here for all to see.

Computer App. Precision Farming A-
Computers in Ag Research A
Human Biology B-
Human Biology (Lab) A-
Nutrition Dairy Cattle B
Composition and Research A
Elementary Algebra A
Ensemble (Choir) S

Why you may ask is an Ag student taking Human Biology. The biology that she needed was full up so they put her in this biology class. She'll be able to take the other next semester I guess and count this as an elective. She gets so nervous when she turns in a paper or has to take a test but I'd say she is doing very well. Keep it up Mary-Kate, you'll make an excellent Vet.

How We Spent Our Sunday......among other things

2008-09-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

Ian's sow, Carolina Ruby, gave him eight gifts for his feast day, one day early. Thank you Carolina Ruby for these lovely little piglets for the feast of the Holy Archangels.

I thought you were supposed to use your feet for that.....

2008-09-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

This morning Matthew got up early and set to work pressing the grapes for me.

Around and around he goes turning the screw and making the follower go lower and lower into the oak bucket.

Out of the bottom comes the grape juice. He was able to press 1 1/2 gallons of juice from the grapes that we picked off of our grape arbor by the machine shop.
When he was done he started to clean up the press like the good boy that he is.
I think that the cheese cloth is a bit stained. Maybe that is why Matthew doesn't use his feet to press the grapes.
Anyway, the juice is in the pail. I mixed the campden tablets in and I will stir the juice daily for the next five days. The campden is to sterilize the juice and to prevent oxidation. When my neighbor comes home on Sunday he will tell me the next thing to do. This is the first time that I have ever made wine. I make cordial every winter but never wine. Matthew wants to try his hand with apple wine also. Should make for some interesting experimentation.

It's Ready To Go Back Into The House

2008-09-23T16:39:00.001-07:00

This wood stove was taken out of our house after the barn fire that we had. For twenty-one months it has been in our garage. We have decided to put it back into the house.
So, over the weekend I sanded and sanded to get all of the rust off. Then I got some stove blacking and blacked it. Today I built a fire in it and let it burn for the whole day to cure the paint and to get rid of the smell.

I am looking forward to having fires in the morning and to being able to make the house as warm as I like to keep it. It is a very cozy thing to have that stove in the house.

Simple Woman's Daybook Monday 22 September 2008

2008-09-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to stop by The Simple Woman for all the links entered in this weeks Simple Woman's Daybook.

Outside my window..... it is cool and misty and the temperature is only 53. No laundry is getting hung out today.

I am thinking..... about my SIL who just had surgery. I have been praying for her and my brother a lot lately. May God grant them the strength to weather whatever comes along.

From the schoolroom...... all is silence as Matthew and Brett take their biology test. Then there won't be much schooling going on as Matthew has to work Wed. through Sunday this week. Good time for me to get some much needed sewing done.

I am thankful for..... a hardworking husband and children. We managed to get a lot of work done this past weekend in preparation for the coming months of cold weather. It is important that we do this together so that we remember that it is for all of us that we are doing it, not just mom and dad.

From the kitchen...... sausage, peppers and onions for supper. I need to use up the last of the peppers and tomatoes from the garden. I also need to do a baking of bread.

I am creating..... a peaceful and loving home where all who enter feel welcome. (I hope!!!)

I'm going..... nowhere today, I hope. It is a good day to stay home and doing inside things.

I'm wearing...... jeans, a pink tee-shirt and a green sweatshirt jacket

I am reading..... school related stuff. Have to keep up with Matthew in English literature and biology

I am hoping...... to get my sewing comissions done this week since I got a call about some more. I also want to get some apples to make some pies to freeze and some applesauce.

Around the house..... the sound of the washer doing it's job, the smell of freshly mopped floors.

One of my favorite things.... the sights, sounds, and smells of this season

A few plans for the rest of the week..... pick the last of the grapes and get them pressed so I can start a new batch of wine, cut the hops back so they can go into dormancy, buy bushels and bushels of apples for my family's apple eating pleasure, get the sewing done and the new projects started.

A picture thought that I am sharing with you.....

My favorite sight in the world. Three of the men in my life working together. I like to hear their deep voices and see the funny things that they do when they work.

Splitting Wood

2008-09-20T13:55:00.001-07:00

I don't know what happens to my men when wood splitting time rolls around each year. Believe me the same disease doesn't afflict them when it is time to shovel out the pig pen or when it is time to mow the lawn. Only when there is a pile of wood that needs splitting. I often think that I should buy each one of them their own godevil; but I have a sneaky suspicion that it would cure them of the disease instantly and then I would get no wood for the stove and furnace.

Ian brought home a pile of wood this week and dumped it in my driveway. Wednesday evening the disease began to take hold of them.

They start talking about splitting wood. What is the best way to do it and what is the best tool to use.

Then one has to grab up the godevil and begin to show what his technique is. Ian is usually the first one only because he is the oldest and so he has been at this longest, except for his father, of course.

He would go at it all night if Matthew wasn't persistant enough to wrestle the godevil away from him so that he can get his chance to show off his stuff.

Now he hasn't been at it as long as Ian but he has determination to spare.

If nothing else that will carry the day for Matthew. (personally I don't like his choice of footwear)

Matthew is the only person I know who can talk and split wood at the same time. It must be all that excess energy.

After all of this talk, the patriarch cannot help but be inspired to visit his teenage years and set his hands to the task.

Move over teenage sons, the old man still has you all beat. He splits his fair share and reminds them all who it was that taught them.

There is a hint of the young man that I fell in love with.

Fortunately this disease is predictable and repeatable so I am assured of enough split and stacked wood to last for the whole of the winter. Thank God for testosterone!!!!!

What Should We Call Today?

2008-09-16T06:49:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining it is calm outside and the temperature is a beautiful 49 degrees. Such a change from yesterday. Did I mention that we have electricity and water?

Laundry is done and everyone has been able to take a shower this morning. What a different outlook when you are clean and we have been to Mass this morning.

While I was at Mass I kept meditating on the fact that Our Lord and Our Lady certainly didn't have electricity and didn't take showers every morning and yet they lived holy and tranquil lives. So what is my problem? Why did I let yesterday's bump unsettle me so much? That should have be nothing to the peace of my soul, to the outlook of my life.

My reliance on God and my eyes always lifted up to him should be all that influences my day. Unfortunately each one of us has become so used to the conveniences of our modern world that the loss of any such is often enough to through us into a tail spin. Myself included. In retrospect I realize it is only just that, a slight inconvenience that I experienced. Had I wanted, or even needed to wash myself all I really needed to do was to go get water from the spring out back and I would have had all I could have needed and more. Sure it would have required a short walk outside of the house instead of to the kitchen sink or to the bathroom and it would have been cold instead or hot as I am used to. I could have lit the camp stove to rectify that situation if I had really wanted to but that would have required time which I really had if I had only gotten up a little earlier. All of these things our ancestors used to do without thinking about but which we find so burdensome. And so, again, why should I let any of this disturb my peace and tranquility?

Now if I can only remember this should the power go off again and I be without water and electricity another time. Then I know that the lesson will have been learned.

Simple Woman's Daybook Monday 15 September 2008

2008-09-15T09:02:00.001-07:00

Don't forget to stop by Peggy's for all the links entered in this week's Simple Woman's Daybook.

Outside my window...... I don't know because I am at the local library (we have no electricity) we had to flee our home this morning. It is windy and chilly with mist in the air.

I am thinking..... It is Monday and none of the usual Monday things are getting done since we have no power and consequently no water. You all can guess what that means.

I am thankful..... that last nights high winds did no more damage than a few branches down and the electricity out. I have heard no news of any injuries either.

From the kitchen...... oh wait we don't know what is happening in the kitchen, guess it will be Mc Donalds today

I am creating...... lesson plans for my second grade religion class at St Joes and my 5th grade religion class at Our Lady of Good Counsel

I am going...... to take Matthew for lunch and then back here for the rest of the afternoon's classes

I am wearing...... jeans and a green eternity is better shirt

I am hoping...... the power comes back soon so that we can get caught up with the laundry

I am reading...... the Baltimore Catechism

I am hearing...... the other patrons of the library

Around the house...... it is dark and quiet and cold

One of my favorite things..... the fact that Matthew and I are so adaptable

I have no picture thought to share with you. My camera is at home and I didn't take any pictures of the storm damage

TGIF

2008-09-11T13:58:00.000-07:00

But not for the reasons everyone usually has. Tomorrow I have to go to Morrisville to pick up MK for the weekend. She called and barely had a voice so I bet she has a cold or the flu. I hear it is going around. So in honor of her visit and her illness I shall be surprising her with a supper tomorrow night of her favorite, tomato soup with cheese tortellini and toasted cheese sandwhiches on homemade bread. I think I can even save a piece of chocolate zucchini cake for her. I also made another of her favorites tonight which she can have as leftovers on Saturday, cheesey corn casserole. I can't wait to see her and give her a big hug and take care of her for a few days.

2008-09-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

On Friday Mary-Kate started taking riding lessons from our neighbor Stephanie. This is a big event because a year ago on May 8 she had surgery to repair a fractured spine. When she consented to having the surgery one of her most important questions was "can I ride a horse afterward?" Her surgeon said yes if she followed all of his rules during the recovery process.

She has been very good about wearing her brace when she was healing and about doing the exercises after she was allowed out of the brace. Even now she still has to do exercises to strengthen the muscles that she lost during the time in her brace and to strenghten those that help keep her back safe.

We are very proud of how hard she worked and how she was so patient with her healing process. We are also very thankful to Stephanie for being willing to teach her to ride and for being so careful with our .

Simple Woman's Daybook Monday 08, August 2008

2008-09-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to stop by Peggy's for all the links entered in this week's Simple Woman's Daybook.

Outside my window..... clear and cool and sunny. Nice day for drying the laundry outside.

I am thinking...... how am I going to get Matthew and his friend Brett to get serious about their biology?

I am thinkful for...... the wonderful weekend that we just had with Mary-Kate home.

From the kitchen..... leftovers for lunch and cheesey corn casserole for supper.

I am creating...... some new skirts for me (my daughter is surprised that I am sewing for myself)

I am going..... to a teacher's meeting at St. Josephs tonight.

I am wearing...... blue jeans and a white tee shirt (think I need a sweatshirt too!)

I am reading....... Quest for Love by Elisabeth Elliot and The First Patient by Michael Palmer (I need to indulge my mystery desire for a change)

I am hoping...... that Ian has a better week than he anticipates and that we get to see him at least once before he leaves for drill on thursday night.

I am hearing...... Matthew and Brett doing their spanish video

Around the house...... everything is neat and clean (we did the housework before we started school)

One of my favorite things...... having my daughter come home for the weekend and having nothing pressing to do so we can spend a lot of time together

A few plans for the rest of the week..... start getting things outside put away for the fall, school, laundry, lesson plans for my 2nd grade religion class

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you......

My very happy daughter who is now taking riding lessons a little over a year since she had her back repaired. That was her goal and she is realizing it. God bless our neighbor for taking on this task and making her so happy.

And my youngest son Matthew who now has permission to use his brother's bow and took his bow hunters safety course on Saturday and passes with flying colors.

It does my mother's heart good to see my children so happy.

When Hop Was King in New York State

2008-09-05T05:02:00.000-07:00

Last September Matthew and I went to the hopfest which is held near us every year. I bought this hop plant and look at it now!

The vine is now taller than I am and loaded with flowers. (What you see on either side are the morning glories that MK planted.)
The hop flowers have a beautiful earthy, musky odor reminiscent of the smell of . (I wonder why)
The flowers don't look very "flowery" but this is a hop blossom. These are harvested, dried in kilns and used in the brewing of .
The lovely sunflowers that Mary-Kate and planted last spring. The make a cheery sight by the road.
I think MK will like these that I brought inside for her visit home this weekend.

Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

Farmers don't get Labor Day off. They labor on Labor Day. Especially if the weather is right for making hay. Since this summer has been such a terrible haying summer, all the more reason to not take the day off.

But that doesn't mean that farmers cannot celebrate Labor Day.

We went to Cayuga Lake on Sunday. We got up early and packed a picnic lunch and then we packed the car. We drove to Mass at St. Joseph's because they have an 8:30 mass and that would get us on the road fairly early.
The drive was beautiful. Doug took advantage of the fact that I was driving and listened to a couple of Peter Kreeft talks on his MP3 player. Mary-Kate and Matthew watched a DVD. (the drive was longer than 2 hours so they are allowed to)

After eating our lunch when we got there we took a hike around the gorge at Taughannock Falls. The walk is about 3/4 of a mile and it is an easy walk. We enjoyed the beautiful views of the gorge and falls from up above. At one point we were able to see all the way down the gorge to the lake. That was pretty awsome.
The falls at the end of the gorge doesn't have a lot of water coming down them but they are pretty wonderous to behold.
Doug and I also took the trail that goes up the gorge from down below. We enjoyed the cool of walking in the river all the way to the falls at the end of the gorge. My goofy husband had to pose for this picture of him sitting on the wrong side of the wall, in spite of the sign.
While we were walking Mary-Kate and Matthew stayed by the lake and engaged in their own kind of appreciation. Matthew sketched what he saw out on the lake and Mary-Kate spent her time wading in the lake and taking pictures.

The Last Roses of the Season

2008-09-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

Some pictures of the last of the roses of the season. I planted them in the garden that we made for Doug for our anniversary.

All of the flowers have thrived but the roses have been the most beautiful.

When the Cat's Away.......

2008-08-29T02:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was such a lovely day. Doug and Matthew had to work so I was home alone all day long. So I took advantage of the time and spent the day sewing, sewing, and more sewing. i lunched when I was hungry, which was not at all, instead of when matthew is hungry. I played my audio book on the speakers in my work room instead of using headphones. All in all it was a lovely, quiet, productive day.

That is the first thing that should have disturbed me. When all is peaceful and going well around here get suspicious. Around 4:30 when I was getting ready to take myself to church for my holy hour the phone rang. it was our neighbor 1/4 mile up the road saying that Mary-Kate's heifers were in the other neighbor's corn. She and her son were trying to keep them out of the road and would I come quickly. There goes all of th etranquility from my day. My first thought was, I'm home alone and I don't know what to do with those heifers. I don't do bovines I do pigs!!!!!! So I picked up my trusty cell phone and called Ian. He was out in a friends field tedding ou the hay that he cut and I knew that he could handle anything. Then off I went to help with the heifers.

They were indeed in the corn and they were reluctant to cross the paved driveway to head home to their own pasture. Ian arrived and choralled the little steer and haltered him and tied him to a tree. Then he herded the others up and started to drive them home through the fields behind everyones houses. While he was doing that my neighbor and I decided to lead the haltered steer down the road. Now, it is a mistake to think that you can lead a calf. you need to stay behind their head and then they usually will walk along with a little prodding. Mary-Kate is able to lead this animal anywhere. She can also just call all of the heifers and they come to her. This little steer knew right off that I am not Mary-Kate and neither is my neighbor. He would not move!!!!! He literally dug in his hooves and would not go. Ian finally came and tied the harlter rope to his truck and then we towed the steer down the road and home to his own pasture.

There went my holy hour (I called someone else to take it for me) and also my plans fo going to mass afterward.

Yesterday morning I checked when i went to mass and they were all happily in their pasture eating. When I got home they were nowhere to be seen. i wanted to panic. I called Doug and told him that I could not find the heifers. i drove around th eblock and through the fields (thank God for four wheel drive) and they were nowhere that I could see. Doug and Matthew came home and they started to look. Then I got the call. The same neighbor said they wre in another neighbors hay field and heading up the road to town. Doug and Matthew drove them home and checked the fence to see where they got out.

They found a line of fence down from the woods to the roadway that runs through our farm. My wonderful husband and son took two hours off to fix the fence and trim the grass underneath it so that there is now good juice on the line.

The moral of this story is never count on heifers to stay where they should be.

Mary-Kate at College

2008-08-27T04:51:00.000-07:00

This is the beautiful restored Victorian home that Mary-Kate is living in at college. It is called Honors House. There are only two freshman there, the other five residents are seniors. No guys!!!!!!! and no guys allowed upstairs. There is no drinking in the house and they cannot even bring alcohol in. I really like this place. It has a nice view of a large back yard and a greenhouse room upstairs. Mary-Kate's room is large and bright and the bathroom is right next door.

We couldn't have asked for a better place. It is also off campus so she has been walking or riding her bike to classes. She is close to the public library and next door to the post office and a Nice and Easy.

First Day of School

2008-08-27T04:40:00.000-07:00

Monday was our first day of school for another school year. Matthew settled down for another year without any complaints and with a lot of enthusiasm. Let's hope that he can keep that up for the whole year.
Now the snag, our first week is being interrupted. The people that Doug works for are going away for a few days and they have hired Matthew to help with the farm work while they are gone. That, of course, means that there will be no more school work done this week. They leave for work about 7:30 AM and get home between 7:30 and 8:00 PM. Oh well, that is all part of the homeschooling gig, flexibility.
While they are gone all day long and I am home alone I think I will finish some outstanding sewing projects. This weekend I have to meet clients. I will be starting some commissions next week. Thank you God, the business is starting to come in pretty steadily. Maybe I can really make a success out of this business. A friend is also coming over Sunday to help me work on my website and hopefully make it look a little more professional and effective.

Simple Woman's Daybook Monday, 25 August 2008

2008-08-25T14:22:00.001-07:00

To get the rest of the daybook entries, don't forget to visit Peggy at the Simple Woman.

Outside my window..... it is sunny, cool, and breezy. What welcome change from all of the humidity.

I am thinking..... it is way too quiet around here.

I am thankful for..... my most loving and understanding husband. He is so tolerant of my flights into creativity which leave him supperless.

From the learning room..... which is really Matthew's bedroom, the sound of papers rustling and mumbling. (he must be doing a subject that he doesn't particularly enjoy.

From the kitchen...... pasta with sauce and cheese and stuffed tomatoes.

I am wearing.... green capris, yellow tee shirt, flip flops

I am reading..... Dressing With Dignity by Colleen Hammond

I am hoping..... that Mary-Kate's first day of classes goes well.

I am hearing..... the sounds of Matthew changing into his barn clothes so he can do his chores. He is done with schoolwork for the day and is enjoying the freedom of being outside.

Around the house...... the laundry is off the lines and needs to be put away, beds need to be made, and supper has to be served.

One of my favorite things..... the apparant change that the seasons are about to undergoe. I am so looking forward to fall, it is my favorite time of the year.

A few plans for the rest of the week...... school, daily Mass, finishing up a few sewing projects, planning some activities for this coming weekend with Mary-Kate.

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you.....

Sunday afternoon spent with Matthew and Mary-Kate. I am so thrilled that they get along so well with each other. She was lonely at school so we packed a picnic and picked her up.

The sight of the windmills on the wind farms that are near where MK goes to school. I am always thrilled to see them.

Matthew concentrating very hard on his first day of school. It does my heart good to see him thus.

Serious Updating!!!!!!

2008-08-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

Since I last posted much has been happening around here. Now this update is not going to be in chronological order but merely to give an idea of the state of our household.

Since last posting my soldier son has been home on leave twice. He is now back in country from Afghanistan and stationed in Kansas. This is a picture of him at Mary-Kate's graduation party doing what he likes most, holding little babies.

One of the things that we have been doing is celebrating Mary-Kate's graduation from high school.

She has been spending time with her friends this summer before they all go off to college.
We have been having bonfires. This one is at her friend Grace's graduation party.
Mary-Kate and Matthew have been taking swimming lessons three or four days a week.
Matthew was confirmed. My last child to be confirmed. Now their reception of the sacraments is up to them. An end to a chapter in my life but the beginning of many others.

As I said, Mary-Kate graduated from Holy Cross Academy. We are all very proud of her.
Mary-Kate, Matthew and I took a trip to Kentucky to see Jason graduate from basic training. On the way there we stopped to see Niagara Falls. They were suitably impressed.
What fun to share this wonder with my children.
While Ryan was home the second time we went up north and climbed Bald Mountain.

We also spent a couple of days ending an era in the lives of all of my children. We tore down their fort affectionately known as The Balcony.

We also built a dog run to protect our dogs from the increased traffic on our road. Unfortunately it couldn't keep Moses in and he ended up getting hit.
Doug and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. The kids and I got him a lovely statue of the Sacred Heart and planted a garden for him to stand in.
On Father's Day we took the patriarch for a picnic and a hike at Whetstone Gulf.
Lupus and Moses in their new yard before Moe got hit.
These are just a few of the many busy days that we spent since I last posted. Now that the summer is winding down we will be starting school and spending more time at home and in the house.

Update

2008-07-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

Many months I have not been posting but I have not been idle. My daughter and I have been trying to start up our own business. It has turned out to be a lot of work but very rewarding because we get to spend a lot of time together.

To get a look at our work and what we have for sale just go to my other blogsite,http://rebekahandmarykatesplace.blogspot.com. Please feel free to comment and to buy what we have to offer.

Now it's time to hit the sewing machine and create more lovelies for selling.

This Is A Hoot

2008-06-28T03:53:00.000-07:00

As a 1930s wife, I am
Very Superior

Take the test!

Carrying On a Tradition No Matter What

2008-03-28T18:28:00.000-07:00

Every Holy Thursday we have a tradition of inviting someone over to make Easter bread with us. This year everyone was busy recovering from being sick so I thought that it might not be a good idea to have anyone over to bake bread.

Mary-Kate was determined to carry on the bread making tradition though so she took it upon herself to make the bread anyway. This was very brave of her because she does not like the feel of the flour on her hands and thus does not kneed the dough anywhere long enough.
She did follow the recipe very well and did kneed the dough long enough. Then she got to her favorite part and braided the loaves beautifully. She even made enough to give away to all the people that we usually give bread to each year.
As you can see her loaves are beautiful to look at and I can tell you that they were delicious also.

Easter In My Home Town

2008-03-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

This year we celebrated Easter in two churches. Holy week was spent in the little country church in my home town. This is the church where I was married and where all of my children were baptized and made there first communions. This is where our beloved Father Morelle is the pastor and has been since I was 10 years old. All of my five sons have served mass here.

This church is beautiful in its simplicity. And the holiness of our pastor is inspiring to all the faithful who meet him.

Then on Holy Saturday Matthew went to St. Josephs Parish in the town near us to rehearse to serve the vigil mass. The pastor here is also a very holy man and is a good friend to our beloved Father Morelle. Matthew likes going here because Father Castronovo lets any boy serve who comes to mass. He has no schedule for the altar boys.

The boys that you see in these pictures have been serving with Matthew just about every morning for the past two years.

They are very devoted to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Father has taught them to serve on the altar with great love and devotion.
So although we love those in our home parish we have learned to fit in at this parish as well.
God has truly blessed us with two such parishes and such good friends for Matthew and Mary-Kate.

We're Back In The Saddle and Stronger

2008-03-28T17:55:00.000-07:00

Well we hit a slight bump for awhile there. Matthew got the flu and was down for a few weeks. Then Mary-Kate got the flu and was down for two and a half weeks. Then Matthew got pneumonia and Mary-Kate trumped him by getting bronchitis and having to go to the hospital because she couldn't breathe. Then I got pneumonia from being run down from taking care of both of them. Finally, just when we thought that everyone was better and Doug had escaped it, he got bronchitis.
But he is now much better and I think that we are past all of that. So much so that we have sent out three tractor trailer loads of hay this week and 4 various and sundry smaller loads.

Now if only the weather would cooperate. This morning we woke up to two inches of snow on the ground.
Tomorrow we are going to butcher the last of the pigs for the year and then I am done with that part of the business for the rest of the year. I am sad to announce that I am down sizing my pig business. The price of feed is getting to be a bit too high. Last fall I started out paying $145/ton for pig mix, now I am up to $320/ton two weeks ago when I got my last ton. I don't know what it is this week. Fortunately a friend came on Monday and combined my corn so I have feed for several weeks for the remaining pigs that are in the barn. Maybe by the time the corn runs out God will bless me with nice weather and dryer ground and they can go out and forage for some of their feed. Too bad that pigs shouldn't eat baleage because we have plenty of that.

Thanks be to God that my family is getting better.

Happy 20th Birthday Jason

2008-03-18T02:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was not only St. Patricks day but it was also Jason's 20th birthday. Although I did not post this yesterday, I did not forget. My day was taken up with the attendance of a funeral of a very dear friends husband.

20 years ago God sent us Jason. What a big surprise!!!! Another dear boy to take home to love and care for. But what different boy from the start was this one.
Sweet and gentle was Jason from the start. Content to be held by his mom and dad. Not rough and tumble like his big brothers before him. Curious about the world around him. God gave this boy many different talents. Music is his way of expressing himself. When he sits down at the piano he is lost in his own world. He can make a piano speak a very special language.
Even though when he was little he was his mothers "little dumpling" he has grown up into a very strong and athletic man. He can master whatever he sets his mind to. Ice skating, snow boarding, skiing are nothing to this guy. Just point him in the right direction and he has it down in no time.
The Army has a great asset in this man. From a young age he could drive any vehicle that he wanted, tear apart any engine and make it sing. Those are talents that are truly going to make him stand out in this mans army.

Jason you may not believe it but your father and I are proud of you and stand by you in career move. Give it all you have and be the best that you can. You are in our prayers.

We love you.

Oh No, Not Another One!!!!!

2008-03-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

Here we go again. My fourth son, Jason, just enlisted in the Army Reserves. He will be going to basic training this summer. After basic he will come back and finish his last year at college.
After college he will do his AIT training and then make the decision whether to switch to the regular Army. (everyone in this family has an idea what he is going to do) I think that my sons must have a camouflage gene somewhere in their make up.

I'm awfully glad that green is my favorite color.

Eternal Rest Grant Unto Him Oh Lord

2008-03-12T17:23:00.001-07:00

The husband of a good friend died today very unexpectedly. He left behind two small children and a good wife.
Eternal rest grant unto Walt, Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine on him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen

I Have A 24 Year-Old Son!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-10T11:09:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR IAN, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

24 years ago today God blessed my husband and I with a beautiful son in answer to our prayers.

Now, every parent will say that their child is perfect in every way, but this son truly is. From the first moment of his birth he has been a great blessing to this family.

Aside from the usual things that a parent enjoys with great relief, 10 fingers, 10 toes, perfectly formed little boy body, this boy was perfect in other ways. He slept through the night from the moment of his birth. He has always been healthy and a good eater. A better natured child you cannot find.

Doug and I have joked that when he was little I could sit him down in the middle of a room with his toys, go clean the house, and come back later to find him still sitting there happily playing still. At 18 months he was potty trained. One day he decided that he no longer wanted to wear a diaper. When he was challenged to stay dry he did and that was the end of diapers for this boy.

Not only is Ian happy and of a good disposition but he is kind and considerate to all. He is loving and devoted to his family.

He is loyal to God and to his country, serving two tours in Iraq during his stint in the United States Army.

Why do I write this tribute? Because I love my son. Because his father and I are proud of him and of the man that he is becoming. Because we want to share him with the whole world.

You are a blessing to us and to all who meet you, Ian. God bless you and stay with you for the rest of your life. Love Mom and Dad

More Seussical

2008-03-02T02:21:00.000-08:00

The Whos were at it last night. Laughing and dancing and rehearsing for the musical at Holy Cross.
This bunch of kids is boung and determined to do a good job. They listen closely to their director and try hard to do what she wants of them.

And when they get tired they sit down and rehearse from there. The show must go on.

Another Prayer Request

2008-02-24T17:49:00.001-08:00

Prayers please for my mom. She tripped and fell last week and broke her shoulder when she fell. My children, husband and I would like to have prayers for her recovery. Thank you.

Urgent Plea for Prayer!!!!!

2008-02-24T17:32:00.001-08:00

One of Mary-Kate's classmates died this afternoon. Please all of you who read this pray for the family of this young man. Pray also for his soul. Pray for the students left behind at school that they may have the graces necessary to weather this storm. Pray that the faculty and staff may have the wisdom to guide the student body through this difficult time. Pray that the families of the students have the sensitivity to help their children to understand the true meaning of death and to face it in a truly Catholic way.
Thank you to all of you.

Matthew's New Pastime

2008-02-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

We have recently learned that Gander Mountain has an indoor archery range. So now once a week Matthew takes his bow down and shoots for a couple of hours.
He and his friend Brett like to get together and spend their time doing "guy" things.
Looks like Matthew is getting pretty good. He is now hitting the target and getting in the yellow more of the time. By the time bow season rolls around next fall he should be able to get me a buck for the freezer.

Mary-Kate is a WHO?

2008-02-23T09:53:00.000-08:00

Holy Cross is putting on Seusical the Musical this year. Mary-Kate has gotten the part of a Who in the play.
Now all we do is eat, sleep, and breathe the music from this play. By the time the play rolls around we all will be able to stand in for anyone who cannot be in the play.

Mary-Kate's Report Card

2008-02-23T09:46:00.000-08:00

While Ryan was home Mary-Kate got her second report card. She is doing very well at Holy Cross. Her grades were as follows: Religion 95, English 93, Economics 97, Math 84, Art 97, and Choir 99. Her overall average is 94%
Her father and I are very proud of her.
She has also decided that she wants to attend the BOCES adult nursing program next year. She wants to get her LPN. She is currently writing an essay to try for a scholarship from one foundation that we found online and submitting poetry to try to win money for school from a few other writing contests that a friend has found for her. She is very ambitious now that she knows what she wants to do. I think that she will make a fine nurse.

Happy 50th Anniversary to Mom and Dad

2008-02-15T13:15:00.001-08:00

Today is my Mom and Dad's 50th wedding anniversary.
This is the picture of my mom that my dad has carried in his wallet for as long as I can remember. When I was little I used to sneak a look in dad's wallet to make sure the picture was still there. I always had the feeling that as long as this picture was still in his wallet then they still loved each other and my life was still secure.
Isn't my dad handsome? I always dreamed that I would find a man who would look just like my dad.
Here they are on their wedding day. They look happy and excited like they are looking forward to the rest of their lives together.
Congratulations to Mom and Dad. We love you. You are both and example to all of us of what married life should be like.

Happy Birthday to Ryan

2008-02-15T13:09:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Ryan, happy birthday to you.
Who would have guessed that when you were born at 10 pounds 4 ounces that you would turn out the way that you have.
You are a gentle giant, no matter how you try to be otherwise, we know the truth of things.
Even with that enigmatic look on your face only the terrorists are fooled. Love you Ryan. We are proud to be your family and proud to have you as our son.

Leave Time is Almost Over

2008-02-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

Ryan has been very busy during his leave time. He has spent time at his computer.
Preparing a piglet for roast suckling pig which he requested for supper last night.
He entertained the troops. Of course this is one little girl who was very glad to see him. She enjoyed bossing him around.
He gave his sister the gift of a finished chicken coop.
More entertaining the troops. He took her for a walk down into the valley to see the flooding creek.

More time at the computer.
Splitting wood so that we can stay warm for whatever may be left of this winter.
Cleaning out the pig pens. You can't see him but he kept Matthew busy moving wheelbarrows of manure out of the barn. They spent a lot of time "working out" together.
Loading lumber for use in the chicken coop.
Playing commado in the shop on the piles of round bales. Matthew made a hay fort and wanted Ryan to play in there with him. There was only one problem. The tunnels were too small for Ryan.

There are only a few days left of this leave. Everyone here is going to miss Ryan when he is gone. I wonder if he won't be happy to get back to afghanistan to have a little rest after all that he did while he was home.

A Meme

2008-02-05T06:54:00.000-08:00

Joann, at http://tenkidsandadog.blogspot.com, tagged me for this meme.

Let me see if I can do this right because I am hopeless with linking and stuff like that. (Joann, I may have to call you for help!!!!)

The rules for this meme are: (1) Link to the person that tagged you. (2) Post the rules on your blog. (3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. (4) Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs. (5) Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

1. I am obsessive about my work area when I sew.

2. I always promise not to cry and embarass my sons when we say good-bye at the airport and then I cry anyway.

3. I am never reading less than 3 books at once.

4. My favorite color is green and there isn't a room in my house that is decorated in green.

5. I can't leave a bowl of cashews alone.

Now I tag, Meghann xanga.com/JMHardenso6o7o3, Patrick xanga.com/P_Obrien, Donna xanga.com/standingonthepromises

Happy Birthday to Me

2008-01-28T18:59:00.000-08:00

On my birthday my daughter surprised me with these beautiful roses. They were so nice that they lasted from my birthday on the 17th until just yesterday.

I also had another unexpected birthday present. The day before my birthday I was doing laundry and the dryer made and awful noise and then stopped working. Diagnosis: the motor siezed up. We were told that it is more cost effective to buy a new dryer.
So the next day Doug sent me out to buy a new dryer. He said that I could decide what to get just don't spend too much money. Matthew and Mary-Kate were both excited about the prospect but as anyone who has gone shopping for a big ticket item knows I was not excited. But I managed to find this dryed on sale at Lowes. They delivered it and installed it the next day. It is large enough to dry my king size comforter with plenty of room to spare.
So, Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!!

More Sewing

2008-01-28T18:50:00.001-08:00

More sewing happening in this house. Last fall a friend had a baby girl. I pinned and cut out this coat and bonnet and this jumpsuit. Then I hurt my back and so Mary-Kate cleaned up around my sewing machine and it all got put away. I'm glad I cut size large.

After finishing the quilts I took them out and decided to finish them. All that's left is to put on the fasteners and tack the lining to the hem of the coat.

This jumpsuit was so easy to do and it even has snaps in the crotch so it is easy when you change the babys diaper.
I have another friend with a four year-old. I never made anything when Claire was born. I saw this snowflake fabric last fall when I was out shopping and it made me think of making a little girls dress.
This dress is so simple and was so easy to make. It even has a bag that goes with it. I even got buttons shaped like snowflakes and snowmen to embellish the dress and bag.

Time to Kill the Fatted Chicken Again?

2008-01-22T07:34:00.000-08:00

There's an ugly rumor going around that my son is in country and on his way home for middeployment leave. I got an email last night that his flight would arrive this evening.
Now, it's not that I don't trust the Army. It's just that I don't trust the Army. They don't exactly keep the same timetable that the rest of us do. They tend to march to their own drummer. I will, however, be at the airport to meet his plane.
There has been a big hole in this family with this son gone. All of them are precious and all have their place. The place of this one is to keep the laughing juices flowing. You can bet that morning, noon, and night we will be hearing that "devilish" laugh.
We will also be subjected to his little bits of sagacity and wisdom. Enough, I hope, to last until he comes home from Afghanistan for good. (I doubt it.)
Look forward to that big bear hug and that wicked laugh that will great me when he comes off the plane. It will be good to have you home Ryan.

Finally, A Call From The Doctor!!!!!!

2008-01-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

The doctor finally called with the report on Doug's CT scan. We are very pleased to report that it is not cancer!!!! He has kidney stones in his left kidney and several cysts. The doctor wants an ultrasound to confirm the density of the stones and the content of the cysts and then he will sit with us and lay out the plan of treatment.
Thanks to everyone and their prayers. I know that God listens and that He is busy taking care of all of us. I will have a mass said for the intentions of all of our wonderful benefactors.

Attacking the UFO Box

2008-01-16T16:29:00.000-08:00

Next project done. Mary-Kate left this quilt that she had made on my sewing machine this morning when she left for school. It was still in need of binding. I think that she was so impressed with my finishing the other two that she hoped that I was still in the mood for more.

So I surprised her when she came home from school with a completed project. This of course brings with it certain problems. Now she has gotten out what we call the UFO box.
UFO stands for unfinished objects. It is mostly quilt tops and blocks that we have made over the years when I was teaching my own kids and others how to sew or things that I made to challenge myself. Now I feel challenged to finish as many of them as I can.
Thank you Mary-Kate for this little bit of a nudge and inspiration.

2008-01-15T19:03:00.000-08:00

Take the Quiz here!

Keeping Busy

2008-01-13T10:54:00.000-08:00

I have always been the kind of person who deals with the hardships of life by being busy and through hard work. My kids have always been able to guage my mood by what I am doing. They know if mom is worried or concerned about something or thinking hard about something by whether I am cleaning the house from top to bottom all of a sudden.

I recently got the news that my beloved husband had a bad check-up with his urologist. His family has a history of prostate cancer so he has been going to be checked for that for a few years now. But the dr says it's not his prostate but the suspicious cells are coming from somewhere else. At first I had no reaction but to make the needed appointments for the tests and to make the calls to the insurance company. I am really go at functioning. But when all that is done then the possibilities start to go through my brain. We watched one of his uncles die unnecessarily too soon from untreated prostate and kidney disease. All of that started going through my head.

I couldn't clean the house because of my back problems so what to do? How to keep myself busy while I think and pray myself through this dilemma? I good friend gave me the solution. She has two neices that have new babies and she needed gifts for the babies. So she gave me a call and asked me if it would bother my back too much to make a couple of quilts.

What you see here is my answer to her problem and mine. Many tears and prayers for both the babies and my husband went into the creation of these quilts.

I delivered them this morning. My friend loved them and thinks the moms will like them too. I think that when there are so many prayers and tears in the design and execution of something like this that it spills over into the baby's life. I hope and pray that these babies have happy and holy lives.

As for myself, the work has helped me sort this all out. My prayers have been that whatever God has in store for Doug and I, we have the strength to face it all together. That we always rely on His grace and guidance in all decisions, and that the doctors are guided by His hand as well.

Plea For Prayer

2008-01-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

If there is anyone in blog land who reads this, I need pray on behalf of my wonderful husband. A recent visit to his dr found unusual and suspicious cells in his urine. After many test below the bladder they are scheduling tests of his kidneys. The dr has even said the dreaded C-word.
I am trying valiently to pray that the Lords will be done and to give me strength to face whatever is ahead. My family I fear will care little since they seem to not read this blog and family wide emails seem to go unnoticed. He has not family to speak of especially since his father's death and the scism that caused.
So I ask for prayers from anyone out there who cares enough to pray. Thank you.

Post-Christmas Christmas Present

2008-01-07T16:07:00.001-08:00

The day after Christmas I received a very nice present. My three bred sows started to have their piglets.One of them only had three but the other two had 11 each. The one that I am holding here is the smallest piglet that we have ever had on this farm. It was only about eight inches long and weighed about 10 ounces. Too bad that it didn't live.
They really needed a rest after being born and then fighting to feed for the first time.
The boar was a brown and pink banded mixed pig so we got quite a lot of color this time. What a lovely batch of piglets.
They are so funny when they climb all over each other and fight to each when it is time to nurse. The squeek and fuss and the mother pig fusses right back at them. They really make quite a racket.

This little piggy got born and headed right for it's first meal. What a sight to behold. Thank you God for this much welcome Christmas present.

The Final Installment of Ryan's Christmas Story

2008-01-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

Monday December 24
Christmas Story Continued
Margaret's Christmas Present
That night, before she went to bed, the little girl asked the old man, "Grandfather, I need to ask a favor of you." "Of course, my dear, anything," the old man said. "I've been knitting you a scarf for Christmas, but I also wanted to give Perry one, and I don't have time to make him another one. He says he is going away soon after Christmas, and you are staying here with me forever, so I was wondering, could I give him your scarf, and make you another one after Christmas. I promise to make it as soon as I can." The old man, touched by yet another proof of his grand-daughter's angelic qualities, readily agreed of course. I don't think he could ever have refused her anything she asked. Christmas day dawned bright over the white hills of upstate New York. Perry woke to find one of his socks at the foot of his bed stuffed with gifts. Martha relaxed the rules a little bit that morning, enough to allow the two children to meet in the kitchen as soon as they were dressed to compare their stockings' content without doing any chores. She had even baked some of her special holiday nut roll which she allowed them to eat for breakfast. Perry was especially entranced by the pocket knife he found in the toe of his stocking. Martha pursed her lips a little at that. She had told James the manservant, who liked the boy immensely, that every boy needed a knife, but she had also told him that one blade was plenty enough. Now Perry was sitting at the table opening and closing three different blades and a corkscrew with the reverent fascination that all males feel for their first weapon. Neither Perry nor Margaret, nor any other child in the church for that matter, could sit still during that service. A thick snowfall that promised to continue all afternoon only added to the excitement. Coming back home Perry's amazement only grew for under the tree were still more gifts for him. A scarf from Margaret, a pair of socks from Martha, a suit of clothes from James, and even a baseball bat from Dick. Not the most practical of presents, but it sealed the truce between them. The old man gave him a shiny silver dollar, which Martha did not approve of, but for once the old man did what he chose without being guided by her. Perry sat in the midst of his new found wealth, speechless, blinking back his tears amid the chatter around him, until Martha sent both the children out of doors to play until dinner. Perry covered himself in glory during the snowball fight that occurred between the children from Brown lane and the children from the farms. He had the novel idea of using the sleds as barricades or shields while advancing on the well entrenched farm children, who were hiding behind the hedgerows. In this way the Brown Lane army advanced under a hail of snowballs, not entirely free of ice, before dropping the shields and throwing snowballs at point blank range, chasing them from the field. Martha even allowed them to stay up late, and Perry beat Margaret at several games of checkers, which put him in a boasting mood until the old man severely trounced him three times in a road. The housekeeper wisely sent both of the children to bed before frayed tempers and a long day resulted in a quarrel.Perry stayed a few more days, helping to take down the Christmas decorations. Then, on New Years Eve, the family woke up to find that he was gone. He had taken his posessions with him, and nothing else, and he had left this note: "Thanks to all yue. I was reel glad to spen Krissmis with yue. Hope yur do well. Margaret, I will keep my promiss." Two weeks later a young boy appeared in the lobby of Patrick, St. James and Still. He was tall for his age, muddy, but with clothes that were not out of repair, and a bag over his shoulder with a baseball bat sticking out of the top of it. He boldly walked to the desk where the porter sat and said, "I'm looking for Mr. St. James." "Do you have an appointment?" the porter asked sarcastically. "Nah, just tell him it's important, chap." "Indeed," the porter blinked in surprise. "Perhaps you would like to sit while you are waiting?" "Thanks," the boy winked. "Don't mind if I do." He sat in one of the chairs in the lobby and pulled a newspaper out of his bag and began to read. The porter, of course, did not call Mr. St. James. The boy still sat there all day, reading the newspaper, and occasionally asking questions like "What does o-c-c-i-d-e-n-t-a-l spell?" and "What does "conservative" mean?" Evening came, and people began to leave, lawyers, clerks, secretaries, assistants. Most of them wished the porter a good night, and the boy looked all of them over closely, but didn't speak to any of them. The porter began to be curious about what this boy wanted so badly that he was willing to sit all day to wait for it. About nine-thirty an office door opened and shut and a tall, well dressed man, clean shaven with blond hair, looking somewhat preoccuppied walked into the lobby. He didn't notice the boy, but he bid the porter goodnight. "Goodnight, Mr. St. James," the porter said, somewhat more loudly than was necessary. Perry, for it was he, of course, leapt up, stowed his newspaper, and followed the gentleman out with a wink and a cheery "Thanks, chum," for the porter. "Eh, St. James," Perry yelled as soon as he stepped outside. It was quite dark, and some snow was falling. Mr. St. James stopped near a streetlight and turned in surprise. Seeing Perry, he fumbled in his pocket, pulled out a coin and tossed it to the boy. He was turning to walk away when the coin hit him in the back of the head, as hard as the boy could throw it. "I beg your pardon," the man said indignantly. "Did I ask you for any money, St. James? I've got words to have out with you." "Do I know you?" Mr. St. James asked. "No, but I know you. I know you're a blithering idiot." "I will not be talked to in this fashion by a boy," the solicitor said haughtily. "Oh, well excuse me. It's about your daughter, Margaret." When the man started and stared at him the boy laughed and went on. "Oh, I see that got your attention. When was the last time she got your attention I wonder? The night her ma died givin' birth?" "How do you know all this?" "Never you mind, I just know. I know she prays every night to God that He'll send you home to her. Don't know why she wants to see a sucker like you, but since God wasn't listening to her, I thought I would." "So you think you're the hand of God?" the man asked with a bitter half smile. "Where was He, then, when I prayed for my wife?" "Oh, I dunno about the hand of God thing," the boys eyes narrowed as he thought about that. "Maybe, you never know. I know this though, you an' me, we're selfish bastards, is what we are. Margaret is something different. If I were God, I don't think I'd much want to listen to the likes of you an' me, but Margaret, now she's the type He ought to listen to. Well now I've told you, and you do what you like. Maybe she's better off without you anyway, sucker." Perry shouldered his sack and turned and walked away. Neither Margaret, nor any of her family ever saw him again. A week later, Margaret was playing with her friends in the front yard. Unbeknownst to her, a tall man in a great coat had walked up to the wrought iron fence from the street and was watching her. His eyes were wistful, blue beneath his blond hair. He knew the brown curls and brown eyes he saw bouncing and laughing beneath her red hood. He knew them, and he loved them. He had always loved them. Perhaps, he should just go, he thought. He was an arrogant, selfish fool, and he knew it. Perhaps the boy had been right and she was better off without him. His eyes were getting blurry, and he blinked, and in the time it took him to blink, she had turned and seen him. He could not read her face, for he didn't know it. He didn't know her. He wouldn't blame her if she hated him. He would just go, back to London, back to his hole, and never bother her again. He never got the chance. She screamed, "Daddy" and ran to him. Never minding the wrought iron fence between them, never minding the spikes on top of it, she ran and jumped to him, never doubting that he would catch her. In the next instant they were holding each other like they would never let go, and I'm not sure who was crying most. Brought out of her kitchen at the sound of Margaret's scream, Martha stopped and caught her throat in surprise. Composing herself, she looked up to heaven, partly thinking, "It's about time," partly thinking, "Are you sure about this?" but mostly thankful. Then she shrugged, shook herself all over and smiled as if she couldn't help herself. Walking out to the gate, she curtsied in the old style. "Welcome home, sir, and may I say it, it has been too long. Come in, and wouldn't you know it, as providence would have it, I've got the kettle on."

Inspiration from Heather

2008-01-06T19:02:00.000-08:00

1. Do NOT take one moment for granted.
2. Live life like there is no tomorrow.
3. Just be nice. Really.
4. Tell your family you love them every day.
5. Say thank you when someone does something nice.
6. Forgive others mistakes, life is too short to hold on to bitterness.
7. Smile. No matter your circumstances. Smile.
8. Hug your children and your husband an extra 5 seconds.
9. When people stare, smile back at them. Trust me.
10.Live Happily . No matter what life throws at you. Just Live Happily.

Here’s to 2008!

Heather, I read your story and I have you in my prayers. May God continue to bless you and yours.

Happy Birthday to Mary-Kate

2008-01-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to my dear lovely daughter who turns 18 today. I can't believe that this day is here.
Watching you grow up every day has been an adventure and a pleasure.
You have so much to give to the world it is amazing that you are my daughter. Where did all of your talent come from? You play the piano and organ. You sing and are teaching yourself to play the violin.

You love horses and dogs and they regard you in return. You just seem to speak their language.
Watching you grow and mature each day has been a joy and a pleasure. What a wonder to behold.
When you were little you were a little imp and I often wondered if we would get through. You surely tried my patience many a time.
But then there were glimpses of the woman you would become. Such as your frequent decisions to have your hair cut and donated to Locks of Love. Such selflessness and love for others is a virtue that a parent wishes to see their child develop.
May you never lose your playfulness and you sweetness. May you continue in your generous nature and your thoughtfulness of others. Continue to grow closer to Our Lord and Our Lady and you will be always on the right path. Your father and I are proud of you and the woman that you are becoming. Our prayer for you is to follow God's will and to attain eternal happiness in heaven.

God bless you. I love you dear daughter.

Christmas Story

2008-01-01T07:15:00.000-08:00

Here is the second installment of Ryan's Christmas Story.

Sunday, December 23, 2007
Christmas Story, continued.My mouth tastes like explosives. We had to crush up TNT to put in holes for a blast we did today, and the dust is all in my mouth and nose and sinuses. It has a bitter taste. It doesn't go well with nutri-grain bars either. Also, for my family, I've been trying to call home, but the phones around here won't cooperate for some reason, so I may not be able to call before Christmas. Tell Adam I said "Yo," and also "Merry Christmas."

Margaret's Christmas Present, cont.... Margaret was not the sort to let anything go. She always thought deeply about things that happened around her. Just then, her head was full of admonitions to be kind and generous and to give to the poor, and pre-Christmas stories about the little baby Jesus not finding room in the inn. To her it seemed that Dick had acted in a very un-Christian way. Her mind was still busily turning the event over and over at dinner that night, causing her to be unusually quiet. Her Grandfather noticed and asked her what was on her mind. "I saw a boy today, Grandpa." "One of your little friends from school?" "No, he was a poor boy who came up to the gate in the back. He said he was an orphan, and Dick chased him away." "Why did he do that?" Grandpa asked. "He said he was a bad boy, but I don't see how he could know that. He didn't even talk to him, he only just saw him standing there." "I'm sure he thought he was doing what was best for you." "But how could he know that. What if he was just a poor boy who wanted some food?" Her Grandfather sighed. "My dear, Dick may have been a little hasty, but be assured he was only trying to look out for what was best for you and your friends. He is right, there are some people who will do bad things, who will steal from others if they are given the chance. Dick may have been right about that boy." "But he may have been wrong, Grandpa." "I'm afraid, my dear, that grownups can not always afford to be as generous. He had you to think about. What if he had not told him to go away and he had tried to steal from us?" "I would give him some money gladly, if I had any. He needs it more." The old man sighed. He didn't know how to explain to his granddaughter how important it was to keep her safe. Her world was so black and white, and sometimes he wondered if she might not be right in some ways. She continued to eat her meal in silence, and he didn't know what to say to her. Perhaps she might have forgotten about it in time, but that was not to be. Thursday was washday at the house, and one of the little girl's chores was to help Martha take the clothes off the line and fold them in the basket. Accordingly, after school she was in the back yard helping the old housekeeper. They were almost finished when she happened to look up, and she saw Perry, once again leaning on the gate and looking in at them through the back yard. Martha, turning to see what she was looking at, saw him too. "Who is that?" she asked. "That is the boy that Dick chased away yesterday," Margaret explained, and briefly told the story. "Did he really, now?" Martha asked with her lips tight. She looked the boy over sharply, and he stared back at them, as they finished folding the last of the towels. When they were finished, Martha picked up the basket and set it on her bony hip, but instead of going back into the house she went to the back gate. Margaret stared after her in suprise for a few seconds before running after her. Perry had been looking away, watching the roosters in the chicken yard fighting, but when he turned and saw her he jumped like a startled fox and leapt away from the fence. He was running away when Martha's sharp voice caught him and stopped him in his tracks. "You there, boy, come back here. I want to talk to you." He froze and turned, slightly crouched and tense, as if he was ready to spring away at the slightest threat. His eyes glanced furtively from the old woman to the little girl. "You eat yet today, lad?" Martha asked, eyeing him sternly. "Yes," he answered. There was a pause of several seconds and he added as an afterthought, "Ma'am." "Where did you get the meal from, then?" she asked. The boy swallowed and didn't say anything, but his expression changed to one of sullen defiance. Martha clicked her tongue and pressed her lips together. "Well, you come inside here, and there'll be no cause for you to be stealing food this night." The boy stared, as if he was trying to make up his mind whether this old lady was telling the truth or not. "Well, are you coming or aren't you, then?" the housekeeper asked. "It's all right, we won't hurt you," the little girl reassured him. Perry started walking towards them, slowly and cautiously. Margaret opened the gate for him, and he hesitated. "Boy, come in here now, and get you something to eat," Martha ordered, in a tone that brooked no arguments. Perry did as he was told. Margaret got him a glass of cold milk from the dairy, while Martha cut him generous slices of cold ham, cheese and bread. When they were set before him on an earthenware plate his eyes grew wide as saucers in his skinny face and he began eating as quickly as he could. Margaret laughed as he crammed his cheeks as full as they could go, like a squirrel hoarding nuts, but Martha glared sternly. "Boy," she said, "Swallow that mouthful and say grace before you continue, and then take decent Christian sized bites. Chew each one ten times." Perry gulped, "Yes, Ma'am. What's grace?" "You don't know what grace is," Margaret asked in amazement. She realized that the boy in front of her was a heathen, a real live heathen, just like the brown children in Africa. She half expected Martha to send him away immediately. "Grace is when you pray before you eat," Martha explained. "What should I pray for?" The old housekeeper sighed and looked up to heaven for patience. "Boy, someone needs to take you in hand and Christianize you. Fold your hands and pray to the Lord, thanking Him for the food He has seen fit to put before you." "But God didn't give me the food, you did," Perry objected, his mouth finally empty.Martha eyed him sternly. "Sure and what were you expectin' boy, the miracle o' loaves an' fishes?" Her natural brogue began coming out, a sure sign that she was getting worked up for a lecture, as Margaret well knew. "The miracle of what?" The housekeeper sat silent for a few minutes watching the boy eat, her eyes twitching, and Margaret was braced for the tirade she knew was imminent. Martha's tongue was never unleashed in vain. However, to her surprise, the old lady's eyes grew soft and she only said, "Boy, maybe the Lord didn't work any signs and wonders before you to feed your skinny belly. But ye make sure, the food would not be here if it weren't for Him." Perry nodded, not entirely comprehending, but duly impressed nonetheless. Margaret plied him with questions while he ate, which tried him sorely because Martha would not let him talk with his mouth full and he did not want to pause eating. However the little girl learned that the boy's father was in prison for robbing a bank, that the prison was near Albany somewhere, and the boy had been working his way as on the river boats for a while, but that work was scarce in the winter and he was heading back to the city to look for work. "My father works in New York City," the little girl said. "Where at?" Perry asked with interest. "He's a solicitor at Patrick, St. James and Still," she answered, somewhat wistfully. "Oh, he's a swell," the boy said dismissively. "I worked at a meat packing plant for a while." "How would you like to work here, boy," Martha asked unexpectedly. "Doin' what, for how much," the boy called out promptly. "Whatever I tell you for bed and board," the old lady returned just as sharply. "Place to stay?" Perry asked. "Yes." "All the food I can eat?" "You can stuff yourself 'til ye burst," the housekeeper assured him. "Ye'll not get rich, but I'll put some meat on your bones at the least." "For how long." "That depends on whether you work out," the housekeeper answered. "Shoot, I'm a good worker. I may not be big but I'm damn strong," he flexed his skinny arm and nodded. "If you never use that language again, you may work here." "Oh, sorry. So it's a deal?" "It is," she answered. The boy spit on his palm and held it out to her. To say that her eyes were cold is to say that Antarctica is pleasantly chilly. Perry gulped and cringed, about to wipe his hand furtively on the seat of his pants. "Boy, go to the pump outside and wash your hand, and do not ever spit again. It is a filthy habit." True to his word, the boy turned out to be an excellent worker, and surprisingly strong for his size. He seemed bound and determined to prove that, and lifted, heaved and strained all afternoon. Martha always cleaned the house every year before Christmas, but she had not intended to start for another few days. However the boy's unexpected appearance and her soft heart, as Christian a heart as ever beat, under the prickles, combined to convince her to start right away. Accordingly the three of them, the housekeeper, Margaret and Perry, went up to the attic and started tearing it apart. Margaret was perplexed by this because usually they only cleaned the attic quickly and cursorily. Now they removed everything from it, including several large old pieces of furniture that the two girls would not have been able to move on their own. As it was, they both took one end, and Perry, veins popping out on his skinny neck but lifting it nonetheless, took the other. The old room saw such a dusting and sweeping and scrubbing and even mopping as it hadn't seen since the last of the boys, Margaret's uncles, had moved from there. It received several moppings, in fact, until the old hardwood planks that made up the floor actually looked close to the same shade of brown as the ones downstairs. The windows were wiped until the cold December sunlight sparkled through them as if it meant to. The rats were sure the end of the world had come. Margaret was terribly afraid of rats, but Perry found a nest of them in an old chair and showed her how fat ugly rats start out as naked pink little midgets, blind and about the size of peanuts. After that she didn't mind the grownup rats so much. All in all it was a productive afternoon. Martha was exacting, demanding that everything be done right, and in the end it was dark before they got the furniture back. The attic was not yet wired for the electric lights, so Martha told them they would finish it tomorrow. Margaret wanted Perry to eat with her and her grandfather, but Martha would hear none of it, so after a brief but cordial introduction to the old man, he was whisked away to eat in the kitchen. For the next week and a half, Perry worked for Martha cleaning the house from top to bottom. Margaret also helped, running home from school to be a part of the effort. The work was slow and thorough, thorough as it had not been for many a year that the old housekeeper had had to do it alone, or with only a little girl for help. As the young boy proved himself and earned the housekeeper's trust, he was also allowed to spend part of his evenings with the little girl and her grandfather in the study, although Martha was invariably there to keep an eye on him. The first sunday morning he spent with the family was very nearly the last. Martha had purchased a suit of clothes, cheap and plain but of good material and solid workmanship, a few sizes too big so that he would have room to grow. She even bought him a pair of stout boots that pleased him no end for his own were too small. He was very thankful for the gifts until he found that the housekeeper expected him to wear them to go to church with the family. A clash of wills ensued, and Margaret, have been banned from the kitchen for the duration of it, never learned how it went. Neither Martha nor Perry ever spoke of it again, but somehow or other a very subdued Perry in a fresh suit of clothes and highly washed face went to service with them, and sat almost perfectly still for the entire thing. Later that afternoon, it being Sunday, Margaret was reading in the library when the boy poked his head in. "Watcha doin'?" he asked. "Reading," she answered. "What about?" For answer she held up the book so he could read the title. "Shoot, I can't read that," he scoffed. "Why not?" she asked, looking up over the cover. "I can't read," he answered defiantly, hands thrust in his pockets. "You can't read?" Margaret asked in horrified shock. "Nope," he replied. "Never went to school." "But that is terrible. Every American child has to know how to read," she insisted. "Well, I don't." "Then I'll teach you," she told him in a determined voice. "It's easy, all you have to do is know your alphabet, which is..." "Yeah, I know my letters," he assured her, as if only a fool wouldn't know his letters. He rattled off the alphabet rapidly and correctly." He had a quick ear and mind, and he learned rapidly. Before the afternoon was over he knew his short vowel sounds and his consonant sounds and was reading short words like "fat" "cat" and "rat". "See," he boasted. "Nothing to it. Always knew I could read if I wanted to, just never tried before." And so the evenings in front of the fire became reading lessons. Martha watched her little charge, with barely disguised pride, as the little girl taught the boy to read. He was sharp, and soon became so excited about his new ability that he forgot to boast. During the workday he was always stopping to read something, whether it was a newspaper used to pack the good china, or even a label on a medicine bottle, he had to read it. As much as she approved of his new fascination with literacy, Martha was forced to be stern with him. No reading until his work was done, and later, when he set his bed clothes on fire, she forbade him taking books to bed with him and trying to read by candle light. They finished cleaning the house four days before Christmas. With the extra hands and a strong young back to help her, Martha had made the project far more ambitious than usual, cleaning from the top to the bottom, room by room, floor by floor, never permitting the children to move on until each room was spotless. Perry took the brunt of the work. The housekeeper expected him to lift the heaviest objects, do all the climbing, dust all the hard to reach places, and do most of the running, and she frequently scolded Margaret for attempting to do what she had marked out as Perry's work. The boy didn't mind a bit, and even got angry himself whenever the little girl tried to do his work for him. Margaret was inclined to resent this but the housekeeper explained knowingly, "Let him work. Men are never happy unless they are doing something they think we can't do. He needs the self-respect of working for a living, and it won't hurt him to be a gentleman, willy nilly." Margaret didn't understand, but she obeyed. After the cleaning inside, Perry was sent outside with Dick to collect greens. The two did not trust each other, but they operated under a sort of truce, even competing to see who could bring in the most greenery for the decorating. Dick won, of course, and rather lorded it over the younger boy, who would have been inclined to play some sort of trick on the groundskeeper to get even, except that he was on his best behavior. The house was decked with great glee. Perry professed not to have much use for Christmas, and Margaret was shocked by this but Martha paid him no mind, and try as he might, he could not help getting sucked into the festivity in spite of himself. The last sunday before Christmas, Perry found Margaret once again in the library, this time writing a letter. "Next you'll have to teach me to write all fancy like that," he commented, refering to her rather balloon shaped cursive. When she didn't answer he asked, "Watcha writin'?" "It's rude to look over people's shoulders," she said primly. "Well la-de-da," he scoffed, balancing on the back of a chair. "Watcha writin'?" She sighed and laid down the pen. "Why can't you go away?" "So why can't we work on sunday?" he asked. "If I had work to do I wouldn't be bothering you." "We can't, it's the Lord's day." "Well, the Lord ain't never done nothin' for me, why should I do anything for Him?" "Perry!" Margaret cried. "Take that back." "Shan't either," the boy grinned. "Take that back, or you'll go to hell when you die." "Poo, so will most of the people I know." "I won't. Grandfather and Martha won't." "Well, send me a letter and tell me how heaven is." "Perry, you mustn't joke about such things," the girl cried earnestly, almost in tears. "God hears you." "No He don't either." The boy was suddenly almost angry. "If God listened, then why'd me old Dad end up in jail?" "I thought you said he robbed a bank?" the girl said. "Yeah, but he was hungry and he needed to feed me somehow." "God had a reason, Perry, but I will pray for your father. Maybe God will let him out." "I bet God always answers your prayers. He always answers good people's prayers. You never had to steal to eat so He does whatever you ask. It ain't fair, I tell you..." suddenly he stopped short in the middle of his rant. Margaret was sitting with her head bowed, her curls over her face, and something about the way she sat told him that he was crying. As much as he could care for anyone in his selfish, boyish heart, he cared for her, and his conscience smote him at the thought that he had made her cry. He heard her whisper something, but he couldn't make it out. "Look," he said, uncomfortably. "Don't cry, I didn't mean it like that. It's not your fault you always got everything, and I know you'd give it all away if you could. You're not like most Christian folks, and neither is Martha. Don't cry, Margaret." He had to bend his head very close to hers to catch what she was saying. "God didn't give me everything I wanted. He took my parents away too." Perry awkwardly shifted from one foot to the other. "I didn't mean it like that," was all he could think of to say. "Every Christmas I pray extra hard, and I promise to be extra good, if only Daddy will come home, but he never does. I always forget and I do something naughty, and that ruins it." "No you don't," Perry yelled fiercely. "You never do anything even close to bad, I bet. It isn't your fault your old man is an ass." Margaret looked up at the boy, not crying, but with tears in her eyes. "He went away when Mama died. She died when I was born." "Yeah," the boy said. "Dick told me. But that isn't your fault." Margaret shook her head. "I'm not worried about me. I'm worried aobut you because you're almost a heathen." "Well it isn't my fault I never had no upbringing," he said sullenly. "Perry, I want you to promise me something." "Sure," the boy said, nonchalantly. "I want you to promise me that you will say the Lord's Prayer every day. I know you know it, because Martha taught it to you, and I heard you saying it along with us at service." "Aw, Margie, don't worry about me. I was only joking." "Promise me," she commanded inexorably. Her dark brown eyes, still filled with tears beseeched as much as her voice commanded. As much a boy as he was, there was already something of a man in him. Perry could not say no, and he promised. He meant it, too.

Victor Borge on Sesame Street

2007-12-29T14:52:00.001-08:00

He's Gone Back

2007-12-28T13:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our last day with Adam. After going to morning Mass and having a holy hour, Adam packed his bags and left for the long drive to Norfolk. Everyone was sad to see him leave. He only had a week at home. But we were all greatful to God for the time that He gave us to spend with Adam.
Please pray for our sailor and our soldier while they are out doing their duty and defending our freedoms.

A New Christmas Story Part 1

2007-12-28T13:01:00.000-08:00

What follows is the first installment of a Christmas story written by my second son Ryan who is currently stationed in Afghanistan. He posted it on his Xanga site. I think it is very good (of course I would, I'm his mother.)

Saturday, December 22, 2007
A Christmas Story: I always fell like writing a Christmas story around Christmas, and this year I did. We got in from a mission to a strange FOB, and I went and sat down at the computer for about three hours and finished this. I wrote it several years ago in Korea, and then it was lost in a computer crash. Lately I started it again, saving it on yahoo.com so that I would be able to access it no matter which FOB I was at. I finished it, but it is too long to post all at once, so I will post it serially. Hope you like it.

Margaret's Christmas Present

"Grandpa, tell me again, how old our house is," the little girl asked.
"I'm sure I've told you many, many times before, my Dear," the old man said, smiling fondly.
"Yes, but tell me again," she pleaded, her brown curls turning gold in the firelight and her eyes turned up to him in the look that he could not possibly have resisted.
"Well, Margaret, it is nearly a hundred years old."
The little girl wrinkled her nose as she tried to comprehend such a vast expanse of time. She knelt at her grandfather's feet, marching her tin soldiers across the lap of his dressing gown, and the old man thought, for the millionth time, that she looked more like an angel than a human girl.
"That's even before you were little, Grandpa."
"Yes, a great deal before that." He laughed a little.
"And you had to wear a dress when you were a little boy?"
"All little boys did back then."
"I can't imagine you as a little boy. Did you wear glasses?"
"No, I didn't wear glasses until I was getting old and my eyesight started to go."
"And these are your toy soldiers." It was more of a statement than a question. She knew very well that they were his toy soldiers. She pushed a miniature cannon up over the mountain of one of his knees and marched a rifleman without a bayonet up the other.
"Yes, I molded and painted them when I was a boy. Your mother and her brothers used to play with them as well."
"But Mama liked the dollhouse best, right? The one you made for her when she was my age?"
"That's right."
"And the china Angel Doll with the blue eyes?"
"That very one," the old man nodded, tears filling his eyes. He wished his daughter could be here now.
"Now Mama's with the real angels, right Grandpa?"
"That is true, my Dear."
"I wrote Papa a letter yesterday," she said. "Do you think he will come home for Christmas?"
The old man frowned. He wished he were young and strong again so he could go to Manhattan and knock some sense into his son-in-law. He didn't like the way she continued to write to him, no matter how many times she was disappointed when he never replied or came home. "I don't know, little one. But even if he doesn't we will be happy together, won't we?"
Margaret sat back, curling her bare feet under her and leaning back against her grandfather's leg. She chewed on her lip, her little face sad with a sadness that had no business anywhere near an eight year old girl. "But he will come this year, Grandpa, I know he will."
The old man cursed his age and wished he could reach down and pick her up, set her on his lap and hold her close as he used to when she was smaller and he was stronger. Back then a man got out and did what he could to fix the problems that were hurting his loved ones. Now, crippled, consumptive and useless, he reached down with one paper thin hand to ruffle the curls on her head. She hugged his leg and said nothing.
"All right then, young Missy. It's time for bed," Martha the ancient housekeeper/nurse/confidant bustled into the room. She was nearly as old as the old man, but instead of age weakening her and withering her away it had merely sharpened, pinched, shriveled and wrinkled her until she was a dry, tough, bright little woman with a needle sharp eye and tongue and a heart the size of the ocean.
The little girl quickly put her toy soldiers in their box in the china cupboard, and ran over to her grandpa, tiny white feet twinkling under her nightgown as she jumped up and put her arms around his neck. He wrapped his arms around her and held her smooth fresh face against his old, gray, wrinkled one. "Bless me, Grandpa," she whispered.
He kissed the top of her head and prayed:
"Angels of God, I pray you keep,
Your watch over her, and guard her sleep,
Through the night be beside her, and gently guide her,
Through beautiful dreams of quiet and peace.
Let silence enfold her and day's clamor cease.
If nightmares should wake her, then do not forsake her.
Let your love be around her, may it fill and surround her.
Ward off the devils that trouble the night,
And hold her and bless her, until morning's light."
"Does Mama like it when you pray her prayer over me?" Margaret asked.
"Of course she does. I blessed her with that prayer when she was in her cradle, and now I bless you with it. She is watching over you every bit as much as the angels."
"That she is, to be sure, Missy." Martha unfolded her arms and clapped her hands. "Now kiss your Grandpa goodnight and it's off to bed with you."
"Goodnight, Grandpa," Margaret kissed him lightly on the cheek and ran to Martha. She put her hand in the housekeeper's and allowed the old woman to lead her away to bed. The old man watched after her until she was out of sight, and then breathed a sigh. Tomorrow he would write another letter to Tom and try to reason him into coming home. He doubted it would do any good, but it was all he could do.
Margaret was the only child in that old house. It was not a mansion by any means, but it was big for a town house and full of odd rooms that didn't seem to belong. The little girl was raised by her Grandfather, though in reality Martha did most of the raising. The Old Man would have spoiled her if it hadn't been for the housekeeper's stern and often heavy hand. The other two men on the place, James Marsh the manservant and his son Dick the part time groundskeeper, worshipped the little girl and would likewise have spoiled her. They considered her a little angel, and thought that Martha was much too hard on her, since she was after all as sweet a little girl as ever you saw. The housekeeper only told them they were big soft ones and kept at it. Despite her prickly appearance she loved the little girl like her own daughter. She had never married and she poured out her missed maternity on Margaret. She loved the little girl, far too much to let her be spoiled. So it was the housekeeper who saw to it that she went to school and made friends, rather than stay at home with the private tutors her father would gladly have provided. It was Martha who gave her daily chores to do and saw to it that she did them and did them well, and kept James and Dick from helping her at them. It was Martha who shooed her out of the house to play out of doors instead of sitting and reading all day as the little girl would gladly have done. And it was the old housekeeper with her worn leather bound Bible and Book of Common Prayer under one clawlike arm and Margaret's hand in the surprisingly gentle hold of the other, who marched the little girl to Church every sunday. The little girl was a pensive child who thought deeply and often non-plussed the old lady with her questions, the answers to which could not be found in the catechism. Many was the time she thanked her stars that she was a second cousin some few times removed from the Episcopal minister. Whenever her small store of knowledge ran out, she fell back on her inexhaustible and childlike faith until she could consult with the elderly reverend gentleman. The two of them would laugh or shake their heads in amazement at the little girl's innocence and perspicacity, and then the Reverend would give his thoughts, and the old lady would take her new found wisdom back to feed Margaret's curiosity. So, while Margaret loved her Grandfather best of all living people in the world, Martha was the closest thing to a mother she had ever known, and she loved the old lady from her prickly attitude all the way to her warm, boundless heart.
It was Martha's doing that Margaret was not a solitary child. Fearing that she would come to be lonely and knowing that she needed companions of her own age, she saw to it that the little girl met the families of a few good neighbors who had little girls her age. The house was always open to any of her friends, after she had done her chores, and sometimes, on very rare and memorable occasions, Martha even unbent the rule about not eating except at meal times and allowed the children to have a cookie or one of her famous tarts.
It was a thursday, a few weeks before Christmas, and Margaret and two of her friends, Annie and Jessica, were playing tag in the back yard, which was of a very decent size, an acre and a half. They were so intent on their game, running back and forth and shouting, that they didn't notice at first that they were not alone. It was Jessica who saw him first. She had made it to "safe" which was at the corner of the old stable. Pausing to catch her breath she looked out to the hedgerow that separated the yard from the moor. At a break in the hedge there was a gate and standing at the gate, leaning over it with a casual air, was a boy.
He was older than any of the girls, he looked to be about twelve or thirteen. He was scrawny and tall with carrot red hair and freckles startlingly bright against his pale skin. His toes were sticking out of his boots and his clothes were raggedy, and he was supremely dirty. The girls stared at him in horrified fascination, never having imagined that any human creature could look so disreputable. He stared right back with an air of casual superiority, but there was a keen, interested look about him.
"Who are you?" Margaret queried. It was, after all, her yard and it fell to her to do the honors.
"Perry," the boy answered laconically.
"Perry who?" Annie asked.
"Just Perry," he replied.
"You don't have a last name?"
"Stanton," he supplied, "That's my old man's name."
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Stanton," Margaret bobbed politely. "I'm Margaret St. James, and this is Annie and Jessica Farmer."
"You're a bit swell, aren't you," the boy remarked with a grin. "I ain't 'Mr. Stanton' I'm Perry."
"Do you live around here, Perry," Margaret asked.
"Naw, just passing through. On my way to the city, see?"
"Are you lost then?" Annie asked, innocently. "The train stop is on the other end of town."
"Not taking the train."
"Do your parents have an automobile?" Jessica asked.
The boy laughed scornfully. "Don't have no parents."
"No parents?" the three girls gasped together.
"Well, least no mother. She run off when I was a kid, and Dad's in prison, so he ain't much help. He isn't driving no automobiles, that's for sure."
"So you're practically an orphan," Margaret said.
"If you like," he shrugged cheerfully.
"Does that mean you live at an orphanage?"
Just then, Dick, the groundskeeper came around the corner of the house with a garden rake over his shoulder. "Here, you be off. Don't be bothering these young ladies, or I'll give you something to take with you."
The boy jumped back and laughed impudently before darting off across the fields.
"He wasn't bothering us, Dick," Margaret protested.
"Oh, he isn't the right sort to be around you, Missy Margaret, not the right sort at all. His sort would steal the pennies off a dead man's eyes."
"But how do you know?" she asked.
"Missy Margaret, you're too young and innocent to know about such likes. Just let him go and don't worry about it." He went off whistling about his work.

To be continued....

Adam is Coming Home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-12-20T17:43:00.000-08:00

He's coming home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! His ship got into port and he is in his car and driving home as we speak. We haven't seen Adam since April when we drove down to Norfolk to see his ship dock after being out to sea for 6 months. He hasn't been home since his Grandfather's funeral in September 2006.

Everyone here is very excited. Almost as excited as his mother is. We are doing everything except killing the fatted calf for him. (only because we don't have one)
What a wonderful Christmas this is going to be. The only other thing I want for Christmas I can't have so I guess I am very contented.
God is truly good. Thanks be to God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas and the Spoiled? Youngest Child?

2007-12-19T04:46:00.000-08:00

Here is something to contemplate, the youngest child and how to raise him without spoiling? him. My oldest have commented at various times that I am getting soft and that Matthew is spoiled. That I am not as firm with him as I was with them. Maybe, maybe not. I don't know. I know that personality wise he is a totally different child and that age wise I am a different person. (does that make sense?)

Anyway, last night I had reason to think about all of this as we went door to door on our street and through the town delivering plates of cookies and Christmas treats to neighbors and friends. It was icy out so Doug wouldn't let Mary-Kate or I get out at several houses. So the plan was for the two of them to trade off going to the door and leaving the plate, say a few words and wish the family a Merry Christmas. Matthew was reluctant to say the least. His first comment was that he was only going to the houses of the people that he knows. Well he knew everyone on the list so that was a useless comment. Then he was only going to the houses of those that he chose. Well, he was being a brat, may I say about the whole thing, when we made the first stop at the home of an old lady down the street. Her husband has recently been put into a nursing home. All of my boys have taken care of her in some way since she moved in down the road. From helping with the building of her house to taking care of her lawn and gardens they have done for her for all the years that she has lived in this house. Well we made Matthew go to her door because he is currently her "man of all work" since he is the only boy left at home. She had tears in her eyes when she came to the door, as she usually does. She was so thankful for the attention and the caring that the plate of cookies represented. When Matthew came back to the car he no longer made any comments about where he would go and wouldn't go. He accompanied his father to all the doors and even expressed a bit of disappointment over the houses where no one was at home.
So, maybe I am not as firm, maybe not. But my spoiled? youngest is learning important lessons that will carry him through life and I hope that the sight of this dear old lady with tears of gratitude in her eyes will stay with him for all his life. You can watch movies with touching plots and important lessons but these things are best taught with experience. I think that Matthew is more differently raised than spoiled. I think that he is benefitting from more maturity on my part that his siblings didn't enjoy and for this I am sorry.
For this reason I will continue providing Matthew with experiences like he had last evening to build his character and make him the kind of person that God expects him to be.

This and That

2007-12-18T09:38:00.000-08:00

Santa Dad spent some of Sunday decking the halls of our home in preparation for Christmas and the homecoming of two of our sons. Then Ryan called and so we had to stop everything and talk to him. What a treat.
Dad sure looks pleased. But he has a tendancy to hog the phone!!!!!!
Then in preparation for the neighbors coming over Mary-Kate changed the everyday display so that they would feel special. She added some pictures of the neighbor kids and the other neighbors horses.
While the neighbor kids where over they decorated gingerbread men. Good job girls.
They did such a good job that the men had to sample the treats. (Don't worry about the mistakes, they will dispose of them too!!!!)

Home Sweet Home in Central New York

2007-12-18T09:12:00.000-08:00

We had two days of snow and ice and the school kids had a snow day and here we are with nice clean snow to cover all the dirt and grime from the summer and fall.
Lupus likes to nip at the snow and bark at it when it comes sliding off the steel roof of the pig barn.
It was so good to get outside yesterday and take a walk around the farm. With the wind chill it wasn't long, though before I had to go back inside and have a cup of hot chocolate and wrap up in a warm quilt.
Mary-Kate and Lupus and I made a visit to the pigs to see how they are doing. We have piglets due on Christmas day. Everyone in the pig barn is growing well. They are warm and snug.

Carrying on a Family Tradition

2007-12-14T17:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I made the doughs for the nut roll that my family enjoys for Christmas each year. Ever since I was a little girl my father has been making this treat for us for Christmas. This is the only time of the year that we have it. I think that is what makes it so special.
Since I have to rest my back Matthew and Doug have gotten in on the act. After supper they got the table cleaned up, rolled up their sleeves, and got to work. Choose your rolling pin and sprinkle that flower on the table and get to work.
Matthew is even dressed for the job. A lot of flour flew but they soon got the hang of what they were doing and then they got serious.
Here are the first rolls ready to go into the oven. They sure will taste good on Christmas morning when we get up and have breakfast.
Thank you Daddy for a lovely and tasty tradition. I love you.

Christmas Cookies

2007-12-14T17:11:00.000-08:00

These cookies were made by yours truly. Now for those who know me well, know that I don't make cookies. I have brought up my children with the notion that only grandmothers make cookies. I make bread, by hand, without a bread machine. (I'm kind of famous in our little neck of the woods for my homemade bread). I cook. When were a working farm I cooked three times a day. My spaghetti sauce has won blue ribbons more than once. But cookies I do not make.

But yesterday I thought that I would make a batch of cookies. I have been laying around here for three weeks with this bad back and I am tired of laying around. Beware of me when I am bored.

Fortunately I think that I have gotten the cookie urge out and I will go back to something that I know.

Tomorrow I have to make white bread and oatmeal molasses bread. The sausage bread is in the oven now. Mary-Kate and Matthew have made all kinds of other cookies so we are all ready for Christmas.

A Winter Wonderland

2007-12-11T13:53:00.000-08:00

Here is the result of last weeks snow storm.

Monday to Thursday it snowed and snowed and it really is beautiful even if it is cold and difficult to drive in.

On Thursday morning I was wondering where Matthew was. I thought that he was taking a little long about doing his chores.

These are the pictures I took of him out my bedroom window. He was only enjoying the snow as any 16 year-old would.

I didn't call him back in but let him enjoy the snow and have a little fun.

The fun thing about all of this is that he didn't even know that I was taking his picture.

Our place really looks good in snow. All of the mud piles are covered up and the leftover debris from the fire is covered. It makes me feel like I don't quite have to face things for awhile.

I think God sends us snow to make things pristine to remind us that's what our souls are supposed to be like.

My Advent Table

2007-12-11T13:45:00.000-08:00

My children, the two who are left at home, think that our diningroom table is so beautiful they think that I should put it on the blog.

Here is the nativity that Mary-Kate bought for me this summer after her surgery. She is the best daughter. How many daughters would buy their mother a gift to thank them for taking care of them after their surgery.

Then I borrowed a friends idea and changed our Advent wreath. It's smaller on our table and it looks much more natural.

Paired up with the snowflake table cloth and dishes we have a very festive dinner table.

Christmas Sewing

2007-12-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

Matthew has been doing a little sewing for Chirstmas. He made this lovely skirt and vest for his sister. All I did was lay in my bed and advise him. She is going to be very happy when she opens this gift.

Right now he is working on his gift for his older brother. He is getting to be very good with his sewing machine.

We have also been working on hats, mittens, and scarves for the giving tree at St. Josephs. They are collecting for the needy in the area to keep them warm.

We went to the local facric store and bought some remnants of fleece and have been making different combinations of hats, scarves, and mittens. It has been fun.

All I have left to do is sew the pom poms on the hats and then we can drop everything in the basket at the front of the church.

Reflection

2007-12-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

A recent conversation with a friend who is concerned about another friends (are you still with me?) son who seeks to marry a young lady who the family considers to be wholly inappropriate simply because the father didn't pick her out for the boy and because they didn't go through what the family considers to be an appropriate "type" of courtship. I have reflected on their views and my own on this matter. I disagree with the family on this matter (not about the girl, I have never met her, but on the steps that the couple has taken.) Doug and I have always taught our children to pray for their potential spouse since they were very little. Also that any kind of exclusive dating before they were in a position to engage the heart of anyone and to be married was a possible sinful act. That of course applies mostly to our five sons. Our daughter on the other hand has been taught to guard and protect her heart, mind, soul, and most especially her body as a precious gift that belongs only to the man that God has picked out for her to marry. (if that is the vocation that He has intended for her) Therefore she is to be friend to all and friendly to none until God shows to her the one that He intends to be her life partner. In the meantime her father and her brothers are her greatest champions and protectors.
Anyway, I digress in the intention of this post. In my reflection, which I have a lot of time for while on bedrest. I am reminded of the poem that my son Ryan wrote for the woman that God may send to him someday for his wife.

Where are You?

To be a better man in great and small.
To become each day more worthy of you;
That I might have something to giv, when I give my all,
To be each day more true.

And each time I have failed, been less than I could,
I have failed more than only me.
If I do not do what He wishes I would,
I become what you would not want me to be.

But I try again, and yet again, to be all that I can,
As I will try all my life.
If I can best myself I will be a man,
And someday worthy of you, my wife.

For your sake I try to do His will,
You, unmerited gift from God above.
I do not know you yet I love you still,
Enough to wait for you, my love.

Who's Your Inner European?

2007-12-01T16:24:00.000-08:00

Your Inner European is Russian!

Mysterious and exotic.
You've got a great balance of danger and allure.

Who's Your Inner European?