Yes! Yes! Yes!

Yes! is what I thought when I read this post: 

http://designsbybirgit.blogspot.com/2013/12/sanctity-of-life-sunday-emulate-holy.html?m=1

(this is a short two paragraphs but a must read!!)

Since early Christmas morning, my mind has been whirling about something... I'll back track a bit first.

When our oldest three daughters (all born within less than three years) were babies, my husband and I attended mass (if somewhat less than regularly).

One Sunday, I had dressed my three little girls up in their very best for mass. As we climbed over a few people to get to the middle of the pew and settle in with our family, a few those around us were clearly not impressed.

I remember that mass and how hot the back of neck was as I felt those behind me glare... I remember the horrible flustered feeling of embarrassment.

Were the people around us actually that bad? I am guessing not. I was young and new at this. I allowed those few to make me unwelcome.  I bet many people actually thought my girls were as adorable as I did.

The good news is we are still here (after a brief detour)!

But then I wonder how many are not.

Okay- back to Christmas morning.

My daughter joined us at 7:30 a.m. mass with her two adorable boys. We marched ourselves right up to the front pews of the church so that the boys could see their uncles alter serving and the manger with baby Jesus all set up.

The boys were so excited in those few moments before mass began. There were happy whispers about "baby Jesus" being there, some "hushes" from mom and grandma, and lots of pointing and excitement!!

What more joyous occasion is there than Christmas morn?

Until.

The lady in front of me turned around and very sternly told me that "you need to take those kids to the crying room".

I was stunned.

When I did not instantly comply, I was treated to several glares. Mass began and we opted to move a few rows back where the lady continued to crane her neck in order to glare at us.

Of course, there comes a time to take a two year old out, and, at the appropriate moment, we did.

I am not going to be chased away from the Catholic church- nor is my daughter.

But I can't help thinking about two things this week-

What if that was a young mom going to Christmas mass with her little ones, but was not a regular church attendee being glared at- would she come back?

And I have thought about that lady as well. I can only imagine what sort of day she was in for. It could not have been a happy one. Who could sit in front of the baby Jesus in the manger "born at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold" and then turn around and glare at a slightly disruptive chubby cheeked toddler?

I am not sure how this all works- but are married Catholics the only ones who are suppose to be open to life? Aren't we all? What if my grandson had actually been being very annoying- does that mean that we should glare at him? I know and I am sure most of us know when its time to give a child attending mass a break. But what are we gaining by acting unkindly to those who don't? I would venture to say that we should be even more kind to those who don't know better- we want them to keep coming back and learn!! 

I often think of the wonderful priest who announced that we are to welcome the little ones and be thankful to the parents who bring them to mass.  I am sure no one realized that he was talking about my son who, before my very pregnant self could stop him, had gotten down on all fours in the aisle and started to bark very loudly! ;)

I have seen several posts on this topic of children at mass and whether or not they are welcome, and I just don't think it is a negotiable point. Have you seen the statistics on mass attendance among young people? We need them there. They need us. They need God in their families!

I want to smile at as many little ones in mass as I can, and I want to thank each and every one of the parents who brings their beautiful noisy disruptive adorable children to mass!!  

From the above linked post-

"let's resolve to welcome all children"

Merry 5th Day of Christmas! 

Joyful Anticipation

I love advent... I love reading the books, preparing the house, a calmer pace, spending a little extra time on prayers and devotions of the season.

But it doesn't always happen that way. Sometimes Advent plans are just what God has put in front of you to. Bring a meal to someone, caring for a little one, taking time to talk to a friend who just needs talk, spending time just hanging out with a 10 year old who keeps getting left in the dust...

But it has been a joyful month filled with some pretty special activities. (more on that later! :))

In the meantime, I am joyfully anticipating a special day tomorrow.

Floating Picture Ornaments Show and Tell

In a previous post, I mentioned trying to show off these ornaments a little better. I have to say that photos don't do them justice. 

 Just to give an idea- Paul hung some garland around the kitchen window for me to showcase the ornaments on. 

 I tried in vain to take a picture that would turn out. I finally went outside and took the pictures from there looking in to the house. 

 Each child/grandchild has an ornament. 

 Or couple if that child is married. 

Again, my picture taking just doesn't do them justice. 

These were ornaments were started pre-Pinterest era, but I guessing that there must be a "floating picture ornament" tutorial out there somewhere. My daughter, Shauna, made/makes these for me.

These Are A Few of my Favorite Things...

 My husband purchased this Precious Moments miniature set for me way, way, way back when our big girls were little ones.
I just love it.

 This one I have to confess came from coveting Tiffany's goods.
I saw it on her blog and just really really wanted to find it! (drove all over SJ!)

 I was told that my mom's dad gave this to her. Isn't she sweet? I almost hate to have her out, but then I feel like what's the point if I don't.

This was a gift for my husband, who tears up every time he sees this scene in the movie. As soon as we saw it, we knew he had to have it. The ornament actually has the whole speech!

 A gift from a dear friend. I babysat her children or some other such small act of kindness, and she gifted me this gorgeous Avon nativity set that I had had my eye on. Pretty sweet.

 Torn and slightly tattered, this Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus have been loved by more than one child. Baby Jesus even went missing for a season or two, but returned home! ;)

I took a few more pictures of these, so I'll try to come back and post them.
My daughter started this set for me a few years ago-
one ornament for each child or couple.

And now grandchildren too- rumor has it that she will be adding a few more to the set for me this Christmas as I am missing 3 grandbabies. This picture does not do them justice! They are up hanging from the window and look magical!!! 

This Year::Advent

This year, I am trying to not regret what we aren't doing and enjoy the blessings that have come our way.

Warning: This is more of a photo album than a blog post! Can you put this many pictures in one post- we'll soon find out. ;)

The blessings of having grandma live right next door- it is easy to just walk right over and help decorate her tree! 

This is happiness. After a few paper work mishaps (Erin says it was from God, so all is well), Erin finally got her test date! And she PASSED!! Wahoo! She is now a "cosmetologist". We are all so happy and bursting with pride. 

I know I may be prejudice, but come on! Could ya just pinch those checks?! And then kiss that face. Grandbabies are the best. 

Grandpa shirking babysitting duty to conk out snuggle on the couch.

Little visitors enjoying tortoise feeding time. It's good to have your own zoo to entertain the kiddos. 

 After church on Sunday, we decided we didn't feel like going home. 

 The Japanese Friendship Gardens made a nice outing. Pictures don't do my husband justice- he really is a smiley guy! 

 It is so peaceful. 

 And a quick stop at the zoo to enjoy the animals... 

 and some serious silliness. 

 SERIOUS silliness! 

 And hanging out together... 

 and being... 

 silly!! 

Except us- we're being romantical. ;) 

We enjoyed our Spanish class Christmas party! 

Putting up some lights. 

Visiting our local Cathedral as sort of a confirmation preparation outing. This will get its own post later!

 The most special happening of all this advent was mass said today (Friday) by Father Mark C. at our local parish for our homeschool group.

 I just really love this picture!!!!

 A bit far away, but that is James standing in front of Father.

 That's my big boy!

Two of my boys with Father. 

In the interest of privacy, I try not to post other's children- there were other servers, singers, offertory collectors, and gift bearers (all the homeschool children). There were 18 families all together. I think about 75-100 people. 

 Three of my grandbabies after mass. This reminds me of the title of that book, "Please Don't Drink the Holy Water". Although, I don't think they planned on drinking it, maybe just taking a swim.

After we had pizza, play time and a cookie exchange in the hall. It was too wet outside to hang the pinata from a tree- like our alternative? :)

 And finally, I participated in the above mentioned cookie exchange. My first ever! Mark, of course, wanted to help make the cookies.

 Which convinced James that he should help with the frosting.

Ta-da! Thank you once again, Patty.

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a BLESSED NEW YEAR! 

Advent::Week 2

I have been catching up on blog reading- I find it interesting that the holiday blogging theme varies right now between "slow down" and "I'm overwhelmed". (I think I am in the slow down, yet slightly overwhelmed mode!;))

To the moms who are overwhelmed, I want to put my arms around them and tell them it is okay. You don't have to do it all. Your kids will be happy with what you do and what they get. In the years with less, I often find my children appreciate what we do even more. To the moms who are telling us that it is okay to slow down, I say "amen!". But I also know  I say the same thing sometimes yet don't always listen to my own advice. LISTEN!!! :)

I think the key is to choose things that are important to you. One of the things that we do as a family is to make a list. I was so surprised a few years ago when one son said that his most favorite advent tradition ever was going to his sister's house to decorated a gingerbread house. He had only gone once! I never would have known the significance that held had I not asked. Once I gather all the data (input from each family member), I fill out a calendar with the events/tasks we are going to attempt along with our holiday obligations and feast days.

We were off to a slow start, but here is advent in our home so far (and a few other things too...)- 

We have candles! We finally tracked some down at a Catholic gift shop that is a not too far away and Erin happened to be going there anyway. Our little wreath doesn't look so bare anymore. 

December feast day table in progress. St. Nicholas day was a little haphazard. We just happened to have a few monster truck toys (top on Mark and James' wish lists) on hand. I ran out on the 5th picked up some chocolate gold coins and printed some St. Nicholas coin covers from the "Shower of Roses" blog. Whew! 

One of our favorite outings at this time of year is the annual Creche exhibit a few towns away. There are just no words to describe it (no pictures allowed). It was stunning as always. This time we were serenaded with harp music as we wandered the halls looking at nativities from all of the world made from every conceivable material (banana fiber for one). I am always amazed how even my crazy boys just calm down for this event. I wish they had one corner that pictures could be taken, but overall I enjoy the peacefulness of not having everyone vying for camera position. 

In the children's room after, there were crafts and dress up. That's my granddaughter in the middle picture as Mary, and James' big sister (mom of granddaughter) showing him how to make an angel ornament to the right. 

We ended our outing here!! With our new "eat this, not that" mentality, we were able to keep it under control yet still enjoy ourselves.

And finally this last week- our travelers arrived home after almost two weeks (!), Marky had a chance to show me the "kitty condos" where he takes his class at the humane society, and James has taken to drawing elves of all kinds. Many people in our family have received personalized pictures including one of Elf Sandoval for his Giants loving brother-in-law. 

Feast Day of St. Nicholas

We never started any traditions around this wonderful saint when my older children were at home- I think occasionally they left their shoes out for some treats to be placed in them. We still don't have a regular tradition that we have stuck to, but we take time out on this special day to honor this special saint and have some fun. 

 Our feast day table from 2010. 

We also spent some time that same year learning more about this saint. Cousins joined us for a whole day of St. Nicholas fun. 

And here is our table and treats from last year, 2011. 

This year... well, I can't set it yet! The kids aren't even home from their evening with their sister and brother-in-law. I just hope I can stay awake! 

Happy Feast of St. Nicholas!!!