November 30, 2008

First Snow


We had our first snowfall on November 24th, accumulating 4 inches of snow. This year we are going to keep track!


After 10 minutes of trying to get the big ol' non-4WD van up the driveway we called it quits. I have an everlasting fear of sliding into a ditch or over the edge on the other side.



Pippin








I find those thick snowfalls that stick on the trees just an absolutely beautiful sight.








"I'm a no-man"

November 29, 2008

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

First Week of Advent: Purple, the color of penance.
The Church in her great wisdom knows that human nature needs times specifically set aside for prayer and penance for the remission of sins... otherwise, it's likely, we wouldn't do it.
Contrary to popular belief, Advent is one of the penitential seasons of the Church Year and Christmas begins on December 25th. During Advent, we wait in joyful anticipation of the coming of Our Lord through prayer and sacrifice.
I try to cover 3 areas:
The Mind: through an increase in spiritual reading. I am currently reading Divine Intimacy which has a reflection for each day of the Traditional Calendar, The Autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila, and am adding the Butler's Lives of the Saints. And we'll add on a saint story family read-aloud.
The Soul: through working on a virtue by creating some kind of better habit and growth in virtue that hopefully continues to grow when Advent is over. I won't even get into what I'm working on in that department! That I will save for my confessor. (how penitential for him)
The Body: through various means of self-denial or putting better habits into practice in the realm of self-discipine. For me it is necessary to get outside every day but it's something that always slides off the daily routine with scrambling to get things done inside during these busy days, with the excuse it's cold or it's hunting season so that has to come back into my routine. We don't eat sweets during the penitential seasons with exceptions on those special feasts the Church has put in for our spiritual betterment. And there are a host of other sacrifices that work in both the soul and body.
The Saint Andrew Christmas Novena begins on November 30th. Repeat the following prayer 15 times a day for an intention close to your heart.
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

November 27, 2008

Wedding

(I have no idea why this blogging is saving in such a funky manner!! Sorry!)

REHEARSAL













The rehearsal took place at this beautiful church. This used to be our parish for some 10 years so it was wonderful to be able to go back and visit with the priest there!

REHEARSAL DINNER










The rehearsal dinner took place at this restraunt.










We were in a private room, isn't it cute?


























The food was absolutely delicious. Broiled and Fried Fish and all the works to go with it!


I do like to eat out and it's a rare thing for a mother of 9. I took the oldest 6.


I had failed to train the children in the fine art of eating out in real restraunts. We got there and there was a big salad at each place. Frodo says "What?! This is all there is for dinner?!"



















































WEDDING











We had some sick children so we set up an infirmery in the back of the van in case anyone needed to nap during the wedding. We were a little worried that the flower girl wasn't going to bear any flowers but it all worked out.













The van converted to a dressing room!










The wedding took place at this beautiful little Church.






The altar was beautiful!









The stained glass windows were gorgeous, this picture doesn't do them justice.

This picture turned out a little dark. It was of the priest showing my 2 oldest boys the ropes as they were to serve at the Altar. I included it because I liked the way the side Tabernacle lit up.











Dolled up Flower Girls












Not the most flattering picture in the world but Galadriel and Eowyn passing out the lovely programs, which included the entire TLM so it was easy to follow along... if you don't have a pile of children on your lap! :)
Pippin not feeling too good.









The Wedding Party






Welcome to the Family!








Ring Bearer and Flower Girls













The Car. I wonder who came up with the idea of decorating cars for weddings!










Eleanor's Flower Girl Hair, gotta love her curls!
THE RECEPTION
I have to say this was an absolutely beautiful reception and what food!!!











The cake. Somehow I missed the cutting! But I did get to eat some and it was delicious!!










There was so much food it was glorious! The appetizers were so good... well, everything was.











Pippin was miraculously cured of whatever ailed him once he got hold of the heavenly truffles that were the party favors. The were soooo good. So good I googled where to find them! The Chocolate Shoppe. They are on my wish list believe me! I favored the milk chocolate ones, Pippin things chocolate is chocolate no matter how dark or light. I wish I had thought to collect all 11 boxes of those delicious truffles since it wouldn't be good for children's tummies ;) but I didn't think quickly enough and no one wanted to donate theirs to a needy mother.








Everything was just gorgeously set up.










Funny we were at the largest table in the room! :) And our number was 9, how appropriate.











Such a cute couple.










I had failed again to teach the children about fine dining when there are several, forks, spoons, knives so I see Merry opted for his fingers!











The flowers were beautiful.










Sighhh.... aren't they lovely? I have gotten the very special privilege of having attended all the weddings (so far) of Aragorn's various brothers marrying off.








Sam and Frodo attempting to drink with refinement.









Gussied up for the dance!











These two definitely get the prize! *snicker*

HAPPY THANKSGIVING


Happy Thanksgiving from Our Family to You and Yours.


What are you grateful to God for?
The Gift of Our Faith
The Traditional Latin Mass in Our Diocese
Confession
My Husband and Our Children
Our Good and Holy Priests
Our Family and Friends
The material blessings God has bestowed upon us

Sam: Having Daily Mass, getting to serve as altar boy
Galadriel: Mommy and Daddy
Eowyn: That I get to go to Mass every day and for having good parents
Frodo: Having a good home, having good food to eat
Rosie: Dolls
Eleanor: Presents
Merry: Toys
Pippin: Jesus
Bilbo: My thumb and blankie



We began a family tradition quite a number of years ago of deep frying a turkey. It was delicious. We used about 4 or 5 gallons canola oil perferable over peanut oil. But this year Aragorn discovered the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Fryer.

I'll let you know how it tastes later! :) Stay tuned!

November 25, 2008

Prayer Request


Please pray for the Galvin Family as they bury their dear, sweet, 7 week old baby, Raphael. May God give them the strength to carry this heavy cross.
Baby St. Raphael, pray for us and for your beautiful family!

Happy Anniversary



Happy Anniversary to a Wonderful Priest!