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HALLOWTIDE; All Hallows’ Eve – Part I

November 4, 2008 By Laura 4 Comments

As many of you know, Hallowtide is the 3 days of All Hallows’ Eve (better known as Halloween), All Saints Day, and All Souls Day, carrying us all from the month of October into November. These last few days have been full of festivities, fun, and more education for all us! I’ve mentioned to you all before, just how much our kids love to plan any festivities. I think you’ll truly get the gist of just how much they ‘get into it’, as you visit our blog over the next couple of days. For any celebration we have coming up, our oldest always loves to plan the menu items (as well as do a lot of the cooking and baking), and the little ones might have a say in that menu, lol, make decorations, plan the games, and stuff like that. They are all, always, never short on ideas. They are very enthusiastic party planners, even if it is just for us. But we sure do have a good time!! Suffice it to say, I took loads, and loads, of photos. I have been splitting my computer time between processing them all for family history and blogging, and working! I’ll only be sharing a fraction of them here, but still out of necessity (and sanity), this Hallowtide theme will be split into multiple posts. I hope you all enjoy our ‘little ways’.

The children woke up on All Hallows’ Eve to Daddy’s artwork on the fridge chalkboard (that still makes me smile,) seen below. If you can imagine him, he sat on the floor, drawing and coloring like a child, and having as much fun as one. Just when I thought he was done, he’d pick up another piece of chalk for a little finishing touch here, and then there. Then adding this and that. Truth was, he didn’t WANT to be done. He’s just so cute about these things, and I’m sure you’ll agree he’s quite the sketch artist. It didn’t go unappreciated by the kids in the morning either. No one erased it to do their own thing.

But as excited as the kids were to get to all they had worked so hard on planning, it was still a school day, first. Devotion was dedicated to another more thorough and deeper study of the meaningful and interesting ties of ‘Halloween’ to our Catholic faith. As committed Catholics raising our children in our faith, it’s our obligation to teach how our faith relates to everything, and there is very interesting history to be learned here. We learn more every year! In addition to this, as we follow the Liturgical Year, we acknowledge all of these holy days, with ‘Halloween’ meaning “Holy Eve’ in reference to the eve of All Saints Day, which in turn leads to the observance of All Souls Day. (Just talking, in case anyone doesn’t know these things yet. )

At any rate (as my mother would say), All Hallows’ Eve and All Saints Day was pretty much rolled into one broo-ha-ha for us. We stayed up LATE, carrying on with our antics. Having spent a good amount of time discussing the important meaning of all of the aspects of this seemingly crazy holiday, and how it ALL came about over the course of history, and why,….we then dove right into the silliness of it all.

So here come just some of the photos for Part I of our All Hallows Eve festivities. As we sat gathered at our table, schooling as the morning turned to afternoon, we started paying more and more attention to this menu {A} had set on the window sill beside us,…..

as our bellies began to grumble for lunch:

A bit after lunch and awhile of working for me, I had to run out to a client consult. But when I got home, the kids were all geared up to get the celebration rolling!! They got out shirts/sweatshirts, as did Michael and I, and we all decided what designs we wanted for them. Daddy cut our choices out of vinyl and put them on for us. They were ready to ….

…..eat again of course!

{A}’s Salty Bones! These were so good with jalapeno cheese dip!

Bat Wings!

{S} couldn’t get enough of these things!

And then they made their own ‘Monster Pizzas’.

Here’s {O} just sitting there looking cute, waiting for her pizza to come out of the toaster oven.

Finally, they were cooled down enough to bite into! {J} was happy about that!

It wasn’t long after we ate our ‘main course’ that {A} was in the kitchen again, making us some candy apples. (Here she’s at the stove, melting chocolate in a double boiler.)

She wanted me to take ‘how-to’ photos for you all. So go ahead and make some, and enjoy them yourself!

Michael/Daddy started cutting out cookies, too.Take note of the pumpkin on his shirt, which he was all excited about wearing. (No, I am not being sarcastic. )

That’s FAR from all. The party just got crazier from there, late into the night.

So stay tuned, if you dare……………
Check out the crazy-fun antics in Part II HERE!

Dental Trips and A Little Boy’s Answered Prayer

October 31, 2008 By Laura Leave a Comment

The dentist office is a bit of a ‘trip’ distance wise, so traveling there and back for each of us is a little much. That being said, they will only book 2 at a time, in case of cancellation. So we had 2 that had back to back appointments one week, and the other 2 the following week. I was really not wanting to drive all that way, with whichever 2 alone, so we came up with a plan for the whole family to go both times. The first week, 2 went into their dental cleaning/check-up with me, while the other 2 went to the nearby arcade with Daddy. The next week, Daddy took the other 2 to the arcade, while the other 2 went with me to their dentist appointment. (I prefer to be at the their appointments, and Michael doesn’t care one way or another.)

We thought it was a great plan, and it did indeed work out very well. But what really surprised us, was that no matter which place any one of the kids were going, they were all excited! The dentist, or the arcade, they were all excited and going to have a blast! Yes…even the dentist is a thrilling experience! It’s another event they count down the days to, right along with everything else they do, or go to, or have, that one really would considered fun. Case in point: on the morning of one of my boy’s dental appointments, he was on the verge of making a poor behavioral choice, and I warned him: “You are on thin ice ( yes, I did get that from my mother), and if you don’t watch it, you won’t be having any fun today.” To which he replied, somewhat on the fresh-side “But, I’ll still get to go to my dentist appointment!” I had to laugh. I mean really. I think canceling that appointment would have served as a consequence he’d have never forgotten, if I needed to. Luckily, he didn’t take the chance.

I suppose all of this is silly to blog about but…..getting through this month, with the immense, deadline-ridden workload I have had, and all of the appointments (as enjoyable as they can be, inspired by the kids appointment-joy), calls for a mini-celebration, and a little journaling. I am embracing all of the comfort and peace these appointments bring me as well; great weight gains, inches taller, no cavities—they are all looking and doing great! Isn’t that what every mother loves to hear about her ‘babies’ ? It’s such a good feeling, and another blessing to count.

In the process of these things, and just daily life with them, I am inspired by my children, and their enthusiasm about absolutely everything in their lives. Today, the excitement and planning for Halloween / All Hallow’s Eve, tomorrow night (as I type) , has got them in a babbling frenzy of anticipation. While we don’t do the traditional trick-or-treating (which our kids could personally give a hoot about), the menu is definitely planned and shopped for, the games pieces are gathered, and the craft is ready to go. Who knows what else will take place. Especially with their Daddy around, who is without a doubt, still a child inside himself. (Which we all just love about him, since he does have a responsible adult side as well. lol )

So for visitors who drop in our blog in time to accept our wishes….HAPPY HALLOWEEN to you all. Have fun, and be safe! No matter how ours goes, we’ll no doubt be blogging about it. : )

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This will be a short little ditty—but so sweet, I just had to share:

A couple of weeks ago, during our Family Morning Devotion, one of our boy’s {J}’s special prayers (requests), was for God to show him a rainbow. He said he had never seen a real one, (none of the little ones had yet) and he really wanted to. His little prayer was just so sweet, and touching, I just wanted to somehow make it happen, right then and there, for him. You know? Of course, that wasn’t possible.

On the highway the other day, we were chatting about how we always seem to be blowing through towns that are having a rain shower, and coming out the other side, when all of a sudden, {S} started yelling that he could see a rainbow. When we all ever looked to our left, we were just astounded at the sight in the sky. As luck (or purposeful blessing) would have it, a rest stop was coming up right off the highway, so we pulled into it, and all jumped out of the van to get a better look. It was SO, SO BEAUTIFUL. Vivid as I have ever seen, and it just arched completely in the most perfect arch, from one end to the other. I was so desperate for my camera, which I had left at home. What a photo it would have been.!! The kids eyes were just lit right up. But, the expression on {J}’s face was one I will never forget. I could see, he was feeling like a pretty special child of God, in that moment. He felt so loved, and remembered. I could have looked at that face all day.

Eventually, they all climbed back into the van, one by one. {J} was the last one who climbed up in there, and just as he did, he turned around and said “Mama, God answered my prayer, and showed me a rainbow, just like I prayed for.” I whispered “I know, Babes”, because I could feel it stuck in my throat, and if I had tried to say it out loud, I would have choked on it. I think we all smiled all the way home, talking about that rainbow. But inside, I felt more; gratitude to God, for not only displaying such a glorious rainbow, but for showing a little boy that his prayers matter. I believe he hears the little children the most. A quietly whispered to Him, “Thank you for answering my little boy’s simple prayer.”

The next morning, as we were gathered for a new day of Devotion, and the special prayers were presented around the table, {J} gave thanks to God, for that rainbow just for him. I silently thanked Him too, for showing all of my children the power of prayer (in full color!), and that there is no prayer that is too small, to matter to Our Heavenly Father.

Rare Birds at the Park – Kids Made Paper Bird Costumes

October 28, 2008 By Laura Leave a Comment

kids-craft-paper-bird-costumes

Each of our kids are pretty creative in their own rights. Definitely different styles, ideas, and interests, but we would consider them all quite creative. And equally messy in their creating. : ) Not to digress already, but our ‘school room’ serves many, many purposes. It’s the most used room in our home. And it is there that the children create the most. Sometimes alone. Sometimes together. But either way, the mess is always BIG. My family can tell you that there are daily lessons (or lectures….whatever you want to call it), about cleaning up after our creating! But that one’s not sinking in as much as Mama would like. They are off to share their creation, and the mess they left behind is quickly forgotten. Or more likely, it was never acknowledged at all!

I will never give up on teaching them to clean up their unbelievable messes, born in the process of their creating. But I’d rather the mess, than they ever quit following their creative hearts. Creating is a big part of their world. Their days. Their childhood life. And it’s one of those things that solidifies one of our purposes in home schooling them. We want them to have OODLES of time, to do with as they wish. To have enough free time they MUST fill on their own, that they hear the whispers of their heart. Their passions calling them. The voice of God. And they’re good at it already!! I love to see what they choose to do–to see their imaginations hard at work, kicked into high gear— to see their own inner joy coming out, having found on their own, what makes them happy, as they pass their gift of time.

So with all of that being said, our boy {J} is definitely a unique, creative one. He is just different in his process, I guess. He is not spontaneous in his creating. He’s a real, thorough planner (and thinker). Often times, he tells me how he had this, or that, idea, while lying in bed waiting to fall asleep at night, and deciding what he was going to do in the morning. And trust us….we know when he gets up with a mission! He is in that school room, getting right to work on what he had planned. Immediately. There is no time to waste. No time to get dressed, wash up, or even eat breakfast. He’s busy. And he needs to ‘just finish’ what he was making. Which could be quite awhile!! I love to just watch him at times. Especially the cute things he does with his tongue when he is very focused.

And so we come to the focus of this particular post … one of his grand and clever ideas. He had decided to make himself the wings and mask, of a blue jay. Blue jays are around all day long in our yard bird sanctuary – and they do demand our attention. So it was no surprise he chose the blue jay. What did surprise us, was the effort involved to make such a ‘costume’ once we saw what he had done. He taped multiple pieces of paper together, to make each wing, and used a paper plate for the face. I have reason to believe he even got out the bird identification book, to be sure of what their ‘mask’ looks like.

Now,…..had we known what he was doing, we could have offered larger paper, or cardboard, and maybe some paint, to create this bird costume. But, this creation was done before we knew what he was doing. Honestly…when he came out, showing me what he made, I must have had my mouth wide open. I was impressed, to think that a 6 year old boy would come up with this idea, and be so inspired to follow through with so much work, to make it a reality. He even made handles on the inside of the wings, for his hands.

{J} – The Blue Jay

blue-jay-paper-costume

It wasn’t long (maybe….3 seconds?), before the other little kids wanted their own bird costumes, too. {J} was happy to help instruct, and lend a hand here and there, but he wasn’t doing it for them!! It even took them a few days to get the coloring complete, with some requests from their big sister to help them color too. It IS a LOT of paper to cover! But eventually, they got them done. Now, they may have not wanted these bird outfits quite as much as {J} did, but at least he didn’t have something they didn’t have now! And in the end, they all were pretty proud birds.
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{O}-The Cardinal

cardinal-paper-costume-kid-craft

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{S} – The Goldfinch

gold-finch-paper-costume-kid-craft

So….after having these wings and masks all over the house (and not necessarily together, as the sets they should be), I knew it was time to do something real with them. So the other day, we took them to the park, where they could really have space, to spread their wings and fly. And that they did.

paper-bird-costumes-kid-craft

paper-plate-bird-masks-kid-craft

They never quite got off the ground. In fact, the ground beneath their claws was squishing and squashing all over the place. Apparently from a recent irrigation treatment. So, it wasn’t long before we flew back to our nest. But it was fun while it lasted, and at least I got my photos!

Oh, I meant to mention that we often joke with {J}, that he’ll probably have his own show someday. Perhaps called {J}’s Craft Show. He just smiles, as if it may just be what he is planning. One thing is for sure – He’s already got 2 booked guests; his sisters, who have every intention of coming on his show. And little does he know, his Mama sure does, too.

Fall in All It’s Glory

October 26, 2008 By Laura Leave a Comment

What a GLORIOUS weekend it has been here in southern New England! We’d venture to guess this past week or so has been ‘peak’ foliage season, as opposed to the usually assumed Columbus Day weekend. Not only was this weekends absolutely beautiful visually, but we had very warm temperatures as well, so we really got to enjoy it!

The weekend started off for {A} with a youth group bonfire event. She had a really good time with her friends, singing songs, telling ‘ghost’ stories, and making s’mores! Over the course of the weekend, basking in the warm sunshine, she also spent an abundance of time with her wildlife friends. Chances are I’ll be blogging about that this week as well. All I can say for now is, she continues to amaze us with her love for nature, and it’s love for her!

We did get some much needed shopping done, and some house cleaning, as well as some very worthy house projects! (Well, Michael did the house projects.) For one, we have heat baseboards in the school room now!! After having put on our additions and finishing all of the interior ourselves, it was one project at a time. The floor got done just in time for Thanksgiving last year, I believe. Then we just never got to the heat. So although our school room is right off of our heated kitchen and the rest of our home, it was pretty dang chilly in there with no in-room heat source! Just like an old fashioned school room I suppose. But enough of that pioneer experience >> we’re happy to have heat in there now! Checked that project off our list!

Other than those accomplishments, we enjoyed the outdoors. Today we went on a little hike, and naturally, I brought along my camera. So I thought I would share some shots with you.

This first shot is of a horned caterpillar. We had never seen such an interesting little creepy-crawly before, but we did learn pretty quick that one of it’s defenses is emptying it’s stomach contents on you. YUCK!! (Sorry if that’s TMI….pretty gross indeed. But kind of interesting, in a gross-sort-of-way, don’t you think?). Anyway, the great thing about discovering this caterpillar, is that it solved a little mystery from last year! In researching exactly what kind of caterpillar this is, and learning it is a White-Lined Sphinx, we also discovered it turns into a White-Lined Sphinx Moth….which we recognized!! Last year, I had spotted one of these moths in the backyard, and I was ASTONISHED. I had NEVER seen such a thing. I couldn’t figure out for the life of me, what it was, and {A} didn’t know either. I was seriously afraid of it, but Michael wasn’t home, and I wanted him to see this thing! I nearly destroyed some of my plants trying to catch it. Was it a flying mouse? It sure looked furry enough!! But it flew like a hummingbird. (It is indeed described as a hummingbird-like moth. ) And it sure was SCARY looking!! I got it into a clear glass pyrex bowls, and it sure did put up a fight in there. It was so mad at me, I was afraid to ever let it out! The bowl had a cover on it, but he even seemed capable of taking off the cover. We could see in his eyes that he was thinking about how to do it. lol. So we put a big book, and a pair of shoes on top too, just for good measure! Eventually, Michael came home, and was just as baffled too, and disturbed. We just left it in the bowl for awhile, and then I let him let it go later. I stayed inside, though. With the doors locked. Did you click on the link above?? Check it out. Warning: NOT CUTE!!!

But here is the somewhat beautiful caterpillar it is first, along with a handful of the other shots I took. Enjoy!!

These leaves below are of a maple sapling, that has been growing right outside our schoolroom window. We’ve been enjoying watching the leaves change colors over the past weeks.

That’s all for tonight.

Hope you can come by again soon!!

A New Crucifix for Our Home

October 17, 2008 By Laura Leave a Comment

We have a new crucifix for our home.

At Mass a couple of weeks ago, there was a guest speaker from Bethlehem. He had 2 tables full of beautiful, hand crafted, religious wooden pieces for sale. He explained to our parish how the families of Bethlehem make these items, as a means to support themselves. Yet it seems that the town of Bethlehem is very poor now, because of a great decline in tourists, which is due to the danger there now, such as war, violence, kidnappings and the persecution of being Christians. He had a very heavy accent, and so we could not understand all of what he said, but it seems people are afraid to travel and visit there these days. So in an effort to bring in more income for the families, they are traveling and selling the items they make.

Honestly, I wanted so very many pieces there. There were all kinds of statues, rosary beads, and this large, glorious nativity set. There was even a wooden star at the peak of the front of the manger, that you wound up to play music. Be still my heart! We need a real nativity set, badly, too. We never really had a place to put a nice one before, but we do now. Frankly, now that our youngest are 6, the Little People Nativity Set we have isn’t cutting it anymore. It served our little ones well, in it’s time though. Unfortunately, the large nativity set I pined after, there on that display table that day, was way out of our budget. Although the price was well worth the value of craftsmanship that went into it.

So, we decided on this crucifix, which we all really love. The craftsmanship is so amazing, and the wood grain in this particular piece really adds to the beauty of it. We do still need to get it blessed.

There has been a crucifix hanging in every home I have ever lived in. Naturally, it is a very poignant symbol of Christian faith, and is meant have a place in every home where strong faith prevails. So this crucifix represents that here in our home as well.

But when I look at this one now, hanging in a place of honor in my home, I am keenly aware of the new feelings I experience in the depths of my soul. Perhaps it is heightened awareness of the reality of just what Christ went through, for us. The way, as we grow older and gain the wisdom that comes with time, something we always knew is embraced in a whole new way-with greater appreciation, gratitude, and the gripping meaning of it all. As we raise our children, and try to do so while teaching them in the light that all things, all actions, all lessons, all of LIFE, revolves around, and are tied, in every single way…our faith. It is all sprung forth from God’s creation, and our purpose, as we live our lives, day by day, here on earth. Seeing this crucifix brings all of those things to mind and heart, in one impactful moment, at the very glimpse of Christ there, on that cross, on our wall.

More than that, it has already served me well in another way. It’s been a reality check for me, when I really, really needed one. A well-deserved slap in the face, if you will. Because there was a day, or maybe 2, that I was having a bad day. And by ‘bad day’, I mean one of those self-absorbed, not getting over-myself kind of days. A day when I felt needless stress, for all I had to get done in that day, and the interruptions (blessings in transparent disguise that day…lol), that hindered me from getting it all done quickly. A day where, in this failing economy, I was feeling I had too much work and obligations, (I know…slap me now), and not enough time or focus to get it all done. So on such a day as this, I once again caught glimpse of this crucifix hanging there. And it served that reality check: “THAT, is a bad day”, I thought, looking at it. I recalled the truth of the matter: Here was the Son of the living God, being called a liar for who He was, being tortured in ways that brought about pain none of us will ever truly understand, and giving up His life, after a slow and merciless death…………..not for Himself. But for US! For all of us. For all of mankind, or at least, for each of us who accept his sacrifice, and embrace salvation in our hearts, minds and souls, and live a life accordingly.

And yet here I was…in a bad mood over, ummm….what again? A to-do list that wasn’t really that long. Certainly not painful. And when I really looked at it honestly, it was all blessings, I chose to see in a selfish light that day. They were all, in the end, for good things for ME, when the purposes come full circle. I mentally complained that day because I was tired (though I slept in a cozy warm bed most of the night). It irked me to see that basket of unfolded laundry, knowing deep inside some people must wear the same dirty rags every day. I groaned because I had so much work to do – which brings in the income to support my family, through the gifts God Himself gave me, and of which is a passion (sometimes of service)I feel in my heart. Because I didn’t feel like taking the time, to prepare meals, forgetting to be grateful for answered prayer when we say “give us this day, or daily bread”.

Shame on me, and I meant it, and felt it, when my eyes landed on that cross.

I live a life focused on gratitude, most days. I try to make a habit of starting each day in prayer ( a few times before noon), and counting our abundant blessings. I know in my heart, and remember 95% of the time, that nothing comes to me, to us as a family, that which is not first through the Father. And I feel, and fear, that when you forget to be grateful, the Good Lord tends to get us back on track with a swift and difficult life lesson, which makes us appreciate what we should, once again. Indeed, ALL GOOD comes through Him. We know this to be true. We have simple needs, as a family. As individuals. Yet we are very, very blessed. I would even go so far as to say, we are rich, really, when you consider what is really of value. He provides for us. He always does. He even gave the life of his own Son, as Christ did for us as well, so that we could have MORE, and eternally. It reminds me of that hymn, Whatsoever You Do. For we also know that what is ours, we must share with those in need.

So I think this cross will be hanging in our home for a long time to come. For all it means, for all it symbolizes, and just in case, for the reality check I may need someday again, when I am wrapped up in ME, and forget momentarily, that I have all I will ever need. I have woken up and smelled the coffee, after my partial day of ridiculous, unjustifiable pity. There is work to be done, which we quite enjoy, because work/income is coming our way, in a time some people can’t find a job, or despise their job, and in a time of a failing economy. There are meals to prepare, because we have food. There is laundry to fold, because we have clothing, and a washing machine in which to clean them. We have a home to clean, because we have a roof over our head. And beautiful, healthy children to tend to, because they are the very existence of our answered prayers, and joy of our life! They are just LOVE, making themselves known, all over the place. And all we need to do is remember to be thankful for such immense blessings, and sincerely follow a few other simple rules, and on top of all that we already have, we can then even enter into the home, of Our Father.