Ciao, 2008!

Literally, for days now, I've been wondering what the heck to say about 2008. So, I'm just going to ramble.

A wonderful friend of mine (and her family) moved South. Trust me, I miss her (and them) tremendously, but . . . it was better she move first. I can move from Maryland this spring without a lot of emotional pain this way. When she left I was ready to go, too. Without my daily dose of Dawn, I managed to get on with life. Homeschooling has continued to be a blessing to our family - even though there are days of great trial.

The biggest decision this year: do we enroll our eldest son in the local high school? We did. So far, we do not completely regret this decision. Of course, without having home schooled him through middle school with Seton, I'm sure his worldly ways would be one hundred times worse. He has picked up some 'tude, which we are working through. The second biggest decision concerning the same child: do we enroll him in the Catholic high school in Oahu when we get there. Decision: Yes. We are going to roll those dice and trust in God that the money will be there to help us pay for it.

My sister and niece came to see us this summer. We toured all over the place (D.C. and Annapolis) and had good, quality time together. I can't wait to host them in Hawaii.

September marked our 16th Wedding Anniversary. Let's just say I am grateful to God we're still together and we're still determined to stay that way. We're in it for life. He drives me absolutely batty - as I'm sure I do him as well - but we never fight, really. We voice our opinions and we bother each other, but bottom line: we always seem to work things out. What we have in common is important, but he's really a couch/sports/relaxing in a hammock kind of guy and I'm artsy-fartsy, flirty and obnoxious. I get bored - he's complacently happy doing nothing. It's really strange, but we work together pretty good. I used to be totally uptight about everything; him, not so much. Now we both care about stuff in balanced proportion. Nice, huh? See? God knows what He's doing.

I turned 39 in October. My state of mind at the moment can't let me accept it. So, let us just move on then, yeah?

October started out great because I got to see San Antonio for the first time. I loved it. It meant seeing many women I haven't seen in a while (including my dearest friend, Dawn). I've already blogged about what I experienced there and I continue to experience ripple effects - God's abundant blessings.

December brought me another teen in the house. My weeness, my girl.

I have a hard time looking back because there is so much ahead of me. I guess that's a good thing. My mind is occupied with the move, obviously. There's so many things to consider: the kids school situation, but primarily the oldest boy's; where will we live (that's solely up to the housing department on the base we'll live); how long will it take to get registered and licensed to do in home daycare; where will we go to Church? There's the before questions, too: what do we donate or sell or throw away? what do we pack? do we go visit family before we go to HI? And, dealing with the animals.

I'm thinking about the retreat this January and the Crusillo in February. I can't help but think God is moving me closer to a new reality in Him. I can't help but have this "knowing" that these retreats are shots in the arm for my well-being. He's always taking care of me.

One thing I know and can be certain of: God will provide. I know this because: He always has.

Thank you, Lord, for ALL Your benefits! May I always have this realization that I would be and could have nothing without You. Thank you for my husband, our children, our families and friends, our health and our Faith. Lord, You ARE the center of our life together. Amen.

May He grant you all a safe New Year's Eve - in your coming and going. May Our Lord bless you all with abundant blessings and thankful hearts in the coming year.

2009 - wow!

Friends

Wow! I forgot to mention this, but I have to now that I remember. Friends of ours sent their kids over yesterday to play Santa to us. A gift package of Starbucks coffee mugs and samplers of Starbucks goodies and a canister of de-lish (and I mean DE LISH) chocolate truffles. Oy boy, they are so yummy!

I am so hyper caffeinated and chocolated that I have a perpetual smile of bliss on my face. We all know the acne will follow, but the pure love of this . . . no words.

So, to my darling Joyce and her family: THANK YOU so very much for your kindness in remembering us this Season and for always being so awesome in your devotion to others in our parish family community. Your time and talents and friendship is such a blessing to us and to all who know you. LOVE YOU BUNCHES AND BUNCHES!!

The Sun Is Out

It's so bright I need sunglasses if I go out. It's blinding just to look out the windows.

My girl's Christmas and birthday cash is burning a hole in her pocket. She wants to buy a necklace for a neighbour girl whose birthday it is today. My girl had asked before if she should buy a present for the girl and I'm okay with it, if that is what she really wants to do. If she hadn't asked before, I may think her asking today is a ruse to get to the shops to get more earrings for herself (when she can take her stud earrings out). BUT, I know it's not that. She really wants to buy this butterfly necklace for this girl. I think she's going to be ten and my girl is thirteen. They are both girly-girls and get on fairly well. I am glad my daughter is thinking of others. So, I am praying my womanhood settles down a bit so I can drag my butt (and hers) to the Px where the necklace is.

With "all" the banks going to hell, is anyone else worried about all the solicitations they are getting for loans? I thought the banks were broke!

Just a thought.

Now, That Wasn't So Bad

I had a post I just deleted, because well, I figured the math problem out really quick once I stopped worrying that I might be too dumb to figure it out. Any time I see a parallelogram or trapezoid with numbers up the sides and dotted lines with numbers, well, frankly: my tummy ties in knots and my head explodes. It's not pretty. So, before I left the bathroom looking like a crime scene, I calmed myself by chatting with Dawn on the phone and then tackled the book whilst glimpsing Jon & Kate Plus 8 . . . Base times the Height equals the Area. Okay. I can do this. And, I did. My girl has not a worry to worry over. I will be able to teach her this concept quite easily - and get a good night's rest.

No more tears.

I Highly Recommend This CD

I just came home from a tour of a chapel in the Washington Diocese. The chapel is called St. Mary's Church & Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Nineteen of us (from our military chapel) drove up to attend the 11am Mass and take a tour of their shrine and see the stone they received from the emissary of Portugal, who presented the stone, a piece of the rock Our Lady of Fatima stood upon. The chapel is gorgeous, of course, and Mass was done wonderfully. I really miss attending at a real Catholic church. In the military it's a military building all faiths share so it's never got a fully Catholic feel to it. Y'all know what I mean. I'm not putting down what the military chapel offers us - it's just not my "home".

Well, I think this is funny, but: I had completely bloody forgotten about this tour trip. I had woken in pain (jaw and shoulder from TMJ) at 4am and caught a catnap on the sofa when my husband woke me about twenty after 8am. I had NO TIME to do my hair, so I pulled it back in a ponytail, showered the rest of me, dressed in a nice top and jeans . . . went to Mass with our girl. My husband and boys followed - getting there in the beginning of the Gospel. My husband says to me, "Annamaria is here - are you going?" I froze. Oh! "It's December 28, isn't it?" I met with her in the narthex, we spoke, husband grabbed my purse and our girl and off we went. I'm glad I did.

I came home to a lovely Christmas gift from our friends Bev and Bernie. They gifted us THE PRIESTS CD - two glass mugs, Godiva hot chocolate and Godiva peppermint white truffles. What a lovely, lovely gift! These two are two of the most hard working, generous folks I've been blessed to know. T'will be a sad sad day when we have to say Ta Ta For Now . . . we'll meet again in Minnesota - some day. Ach, better to not think about parting ways for now . . . there's plenty time for that. But, as far as good people, I've rarely met their equal.

Many blessings to you all. I'm going to have a listen to this CD whilst I pray.

IKEA

It's hard to get lost in a store with arrows on the floor.

The Morning After

PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!!

I am seriously enjoying this book. Wow. I bought it under the assumption it would be very much like The Kite Runner and/or A Thousand Splendid Suns. I did not read the back cover or intro at all so that when I began reading it, I realized that it was a chronological writing of a man who lived it and a journalist. So, I was thinking that I was going to read something quite boring. Heaving a very heavy sigh, I dug in. I'm loving it is an understatement. You know when you buy a book a journalist writes, it isn't always very good. This one is. It is a very enjoyable "article" that you don't mind tucking in to. It reads between an interview (which it is, actually) and a telling to a reporter. Dr. Greg is building schools in Pakistan. I do not want to tell too much here, because all the wisdom (some may call "magic") in this book is too awesome to blurt out here. I couldn't render it any justice. So, get a copy of this man's thrilling journey of building schools for children, rebuilding himself and putting the world to rights in places where hearts are big and generous in their simplicity and love.

St. Stephen, Ora pro nobis.

Mele Kalikimaka (a very very Merry Christmas to you)

May Our Lord Bless you all this Christmas and may you bless Him by serving Him well.

Next year, the treats will be served Hawaiian style! I love this platter - I would have opened my wallet to buy it but they're sold out! I'm sure there's plenty of opportunity when I get there.

Happy Christmas to you all - I mean it from the deepest, fondest recesses of my heart.

Where We'll Worship Christmas Eve

I feel truly blessed to live so close to a place that is so beautiful on many levels. If you are ever in D.C., I highly recommend the 3-5 hours visit to this National Shrine: The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

This will be our first Christmas celebrated at the Shrine. I can't wait! I hope it isn't our last, but you never know, so we are going this year (because we are moving to Hawaii in the Spring). I know it will be beautiful and breathtaking. I've been to a dozen Masses here, in the Upper and Lower Churches. Gorgeous. There are always priests and sisters in the pews, too. Everything about this Church brings you closer to God. And, isn't that the point?

My dear readers: A very Merry and blessed Christmas to you all.

A Giggle for Your Evening

Cuppa Joe and Prayer Time

I pray The Little Crown of the Blessed Virgin every morning. It is a beautiful prayer that I came across since True Devotion and my consecration to Jesus through Mary by St. Luis de Monfort. As I was praying it this morning, I felt compelled to share it with my readers. After I take the time to type it up for you, I'll return to reading Three Cups of Tea, which I began reading this morning.

*Italicised words mean to pray that prayer.

Virgin most holy, accept my praise.
And give me strength to fight your foes.
Our Father. Hail Mary.
You are indeed blessed, Virgin Mary, in having brought forth
the Creator of the universe.
You gave birth to the one who made you, while ever remaining a virgin.
Rejoice, O Virgin Mary.
Rejoice forever and ever.
Hail Mary.
Virgin holy and immaculate, no tongue can praise you worthily.
For you bore in your womb the God whom the very heavens
cannot enclose.
Rejoice, O Virgin Mary.
Rejoice forever and ever.
Hail Mary.
You are all beautiful, O Mary,
And free from every stain of sin.
Rejoice, O Virgin Mary.
Rejoice forever and ever.
Hail Mary.
The gifts bestowed on you, Virgin Mary,
Out number the stars of heaven.
Rejoice, O Virgin Mary.
Rejoice forever and ever.
Glory be to the Father. Our Father. Hail Mary.
Queen of the whole world, we praise you.
Lead us to the joys of heaven.
Rejoice, O Virgin Mary.
Rejoice forever and ever.
Hail Mary.
Treasury of all God's graces, we praise you.
Grant us a share in your heavenly gifts.
Rejoice, O Virgin Mary.
Rejoice forever and ever.
Hail Mary.
Mediatrix between God and man, we praise you.
Through your intercession may the Almighty be favorable to us.
Rejoice, O Virgin Mary.
Rejoice forever and ever.
Hail Mary.
Victor over heresies and all that is evil, we praise you.
Guide us lovingly in the way of truth.
Rejoice, O Virgin Mary.
Rejoice forever and ever.
Glory be to the Father. Our Father. Hail Mary.
Refuge of sinners, we praise you.
Reconcile us with Almighty God.
Rejoice, O Virgin Mary.
Rejoice forever and ever.
Hail Mary.
Mother of orphans, we praise you.
Make us beloved children of our Father.
Rejoice, O Virgin Mary.
Rejoice forever and ever.
Hail Mary.
Joy of those who serve the Lord, we praise you.
Lead us with you to the happiness of heaven.
Rejoice, O Virgin Mary.
Rejoice forever and ever.
Hail Mary.
Advocate ever near us in life and in death, we praise you.
Lead us with you to the kingdom of God.
Rejoice, O Virgin Mary.
Rejoice forever and ever.
Glory be to the Father.

Let us pray.

Hail, Mary, daughter of God the Father, mother of God the Son, spouse of the Holy Spirit, temple of the Blessed Trinity.
Hail, Mary, my mistress, my wealth, my joy; Queen of my heart, my Mother and my life; my consolation, my dearest hope, my very heart and soul.
I belong to you entirely, and all that I possess is yours, Virgin blessed above all. May your soul be in me to glorify God; may your spirit be in me to rejoice in God.
Virgin most faithful, set your seal upon my heart, so that in you and through you I may be found faithful to God.
Grant, gracious Mother, that I may be numbered among those whom you love and instruct, whom you guide, cherish, and protect as your children. O Queen of heaven, I renounce from this moment anything in me that does not belong to you. O daughter of the King of kings, whose principal glory is within, do not allow me to be distracted by things that are visible and transitory; grant, rather, that through God's abundant grace, I may always be intent on the life within me, where I may find in God my delight, my wealth, my honor, my glory and my rest. Thus, through the Holy Spirit, your faithful spouse, and through you, his faithful spouse, Jesus Christ, your beloved Son may be perfectly formed in our hearts for the greater glory of God our Father, forever and ever.
Amen.

Here's A Delightful Read . . .

I had to go to the Px to buy a candle 'cos my stash has run down to the last one . . . and I happened across this wee book I meant to get for my girl when it first became available on the market. The Px had it, so I got it (cheaper than at local bookshops by maybe 10% or so and no tax - a FAIR government break for us military families). It took me about 45 minutes or less to read this delightful book. Short tales (like our fairy tales, actually, with quite keen insights no one should miss; leaves me feeling like I'm reading something GK Chesterton would comment upon.) and commentary by JKR and Albus Dumbledore. Quite lovely. Age appropriate for 12-14 and adults who love JKR's books (like me!). Happy reading!

Fourth Sunday In Advent

You ought to be prepared by now to welcome Him. Are you ready?

My Irish Eyes Are Glued Shut (kiddin')

Zee wonky cake I baked last minute (forgot to buy cake mix). It still was a crowd pleaser.
I absolutely, unequivocally, forbid anyone to submit this to cakewrecks blog. Got that? I know I can't decorate cakes. Geesh.

The mixologist (moi) came to the rescue: look at that colour! (not the messy shite in the background).

I enjoyed my beer with home made potato soup - of course! If you have the curse you have to bring it down with some lurvely taters!

Quite possibly an un-blurred pic of our tree. If you click on the images, they get bigger - some of my previous Christmas posts have been fuzzy pics. Hope this is better.

Happy Birthday Teenie Tiny

She'll pose even when it's hot outside and we're all acting like dumdum tourists in our own town.

She'll help out in the OldTyme Bakery . . . even if just to make a sandwich. She is sporting her first apron (h/t Kitchen Madonna) in this picture. She got a "Ace of Cakes" apron courtesy my sister for this birthday.

She loves animals . . . even though it took her a bit longer to warm up to the "not a puppy any longer" Holly.

She's a smarty-pants. She looks like her daddy, a much prettier version of course!

She loves to frolic in the rain and puddles, not minding at all getting dirty much to my chagrin.

This is a girl who has a heart too big for this world - It is my constant prayer that the world doesn't crush it, but allows her to share it unreservedly as it is a gift to be given and not taken. I ask Our Lady of Fatima to watch over her always - as Our Lady of Fatima is certainly calling to my precious girl. Keep her in your care, Dear Holy Mother, because we both need you.

Teenie - you are my heart! May God richly bless you and keep you. Happy 13th birthday, my creative, kindred spirit.

Love,

Mum

Caroling Caroling Through the Show . . . I mean: Snow

I found another use for the St. Lucia crown: put the cookie jar in the middle and fill it with small candy canes. Lovely!

I made that star in a class a while ago. The garland I bought through Avon. I have a Mr. Claus set, too, but I can't find a place to put it this year.

This Elf on my Shelf is the one from when I was a kid. Hallmark and others are re-marketing this icon. When I noticed this last year, I instantly rang up me mum and breathlessly asked if she still had the one we knew as a kid - yes, she did - and can I have it please, mum? Yes, it came in time for last Christmas. I love it and leave him out all year long.

Not a very good pic - I tried at least a dozen times with this sprite. This is the 2008 Faerie Lily. My girl bought it for me to go with the other two I have. It's the 4th year and I missed a year, but she saw this and got it for me. Love my girl!

And, yet this wee fella managed to come out pretty good in take one. Bloody hell! Anyway, he's one of two: my mum sent these guys along with the Elf on the Shelf last year. They are from my parents year before my sister came along - I think. They are old. Okay, my sister is going to call me and tell me I'm only two and an half years younger than her and all that. This elf is just so dern goofy looking it's hard not to be a wee bit happy looking at his "I'm swinging on a swing in your tree, lady" smile on his face.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

My camera is a dumb camera - or the operator is, but I digress: this ornament my sis sent last year and it never ceases to make me laugh. Like I said, I fiddle-farted for several shots before giving up and just going with this one, the washed out elf face. Sorry.

And, yet, Santa, here, has come out the first time just perfect. He's one of my favs I think I found and bought it GA of all places. See, Santa's a NAVY Santa - his cover says Christmas Ahoy. Clever Santa to be sold in an Army Exchange in GA.

My wooden Santa's I bought at a craft fair in VA - eons ago. Folks, I'm talking eons. I was so young and willing to go into debt then . . . at least these charges have lasted. Again, I digress.

My Fontanini Advent Calendar. This is the side table where I keep my study books and Magnificat etc. The Polish Pottery tree was a gift from my friend, Michele. Her hubby picked some of these up in Germany a while back. It's a tea light holder. It looks fab at night - but I'm sure if I tried to take a pic of that it would turn out looking like a cluster of fuzzy stars in the night sky and . . . . yeah, I know.

Our wonky tree. It's fake. I don't care. It saves us money every year. It's about 13 years old. I actually like my "flying" Santa above the rocking chair. I have had that for eons, too. I think I got it at the same time as the chunky Santa's.

I have more to share, but since I'm completely daft, it will appear ahead of this post. Just a couple more pictures and rotten commentary. Enjoy!

51% Norwegian

It's the other 49% that I'm worried about.

Just kidding.

I just got a post ready for tomorrow. I'm fasting the 8-noon fast for the unborn (h/t http://ahlepinghand2.blogspot.com/) . . . I'm actually doing it. I meant to the past two weeks, but by the time I'd bothered to look at her blog, I had already scarfed my entire pantry - and blanched at her posts . . . so I feel pretty good about having looked at her post exactly at 8am with no coffee in my cup and no food in front of me.

Heavenly Father, I thank You for ALL Your loving kindness and mercy to me, a sinner in dire need of Your Grace. I love You above ALL things. I desire above ALL things to serve You and make my YES a YES for ALL You have planned for me. Lord, I ask Your help and aid in these hours of fasting for ALL who join this UNITED PRAYER for the unborn. Lord, strengthen our resolve to give up our easy living and suffer a while with Your Son. Protect mother's out there who need You and don't know it and are afraid . . . help them to know You through the hand of another who loves You and acts in your place. Keep the little ones in Your Hands, where they experience True Life and can expect to be born into this one so they can live for You. Amen.

Get your prayer on!

Congratulations to the Duggars who's little girl was born via c-section Thursday! That's 18 and hopeful counting (as they want more). That's just awesome! Keep them in your prayers, too! We can't put large families down just 'cos we think we could never do it. Remember: they are living fruitfulness - and they are doing well. They need all the support in prayer they can get - they are very counter-culture and should be applauded for their generosity to life.

What Day Is It?

I feel all out of sorts, because I got so much done yesterday. I'm not used to the feeling of accomplishment. It's pretty groovy.

Yes, the grocery shopping . . . I can't believe how much I complained and then it went so smoothly. If any of you prayed for me . . . well, thank you so much, because it worked!

I had pulled into a parking slip near the entrance of a busy commissary, feeling very giddy about scoring such a close spot to the doors on a rainy day! But, then I looked at the two packages on the passenger seat and said an "oh, shit!", hemmed and hawed about two seconds, determined to mail the blasted boxes out . . . backed out (carefully - I'll just about break my neck these days to be ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN no one is behind me) and drove the block over to the post. There was a longer wait in that queue than I experienced at the commissary an hour later (there was no queue at the commissary), but even that wasn't too bad. Then, I found a parking slip even closer to the door on my return. Yes, I thanked Jesus. I wasn't in the commissary more than an hour when I came back out again with over $300 worth of groceries. Our norm is $250 at the most, so this was a big deal! The bagger was nice and did a great job (no can chasing when I got home). The dog was kenneled when I burst through the door, the kids were helpful in hauling it all in. Brilliant!

My friend, JoMary, sent her eldest up with crapes she'd made. Can you say "yum" like a kid who's just discovered candy? Yum! My girl brewed some coffee for me to drink with the crapes - I hadn't eaten yet and it was all so yummy! Then, I finished up my neighbour Christmas goodies, delivered them, and stopped by JoMary's and she made me her tea. Yum!

I did not have to go to the Scout's Court of Honor last night, either, so I had a quiet hour to pray before I played LIFE (the board game) with my two younger ones.

And, my eldest didn't mind when I kissed him "ciao" this morning - fervently! I lovingly made him a swiss cheese, turkey, butter lettuce on sourdough sandwich. Ah, the sweetness of motherhood restored.

Sadness, Appointments, Groceries and Other Boring Shite

I have a wee feeling of sadness about me today, but I know the cause so it's kept wee: I did not get up and make my eldest boys lunch nor send him off with the usual blessing and kiss on top of his head. I feel like such a gobshite. But, then, I suppose that's normal when you love your kids and can't get yer bum out of bed to say "have a lovely day, I love you!"

Ah, well. His dad said he'd made himself lunch. His dad said he heard him exit the house.

The rest of my morning has gone rather well, though. I managed to get a grooming appointment for Holly. That will be Thursday morning. T'will be lovely to have a sweet smelling pup at Christmas, yeah? And, I rang up the vet to make the overseas screening appointments for both Holly and Galadriel (January). They'll get their rabies (and distemper, for the cat) and Holly will finally be "chipped".

The laundry is finally going again. I accidentally - and you all know how awful this can be! - washed a wad of unused tissues in the wash last night. Oy vey!

My grocery list is ready. I'm not, but nonetheless, I must trudge forth so we don't starve to death. I have told you all before how much I loathe grocery shopping. I load a trolley up, go through the LONG commissary line to pay up, pay some dingdong to sack my groceries unevenly, just to get home and have to haul it all in -whilst holding off the dog and the apparently stark raving mad with hunger kids - to put it all away neatly in the cupboards. Not my favourite thing to do in life, grocery shopping. YUCK!

Did I mention I have to tip the bagger, too? Let's just say they are not pleasant if you don't tip them what they think they are worth. I always tip just $5. Even when I can't afford to really do that. They seem to be quite happy with that, as I am certain there are many blue-hairs (retirees) that come in and still tip like they're living in the 1940's. I've witnessed it, or I would not mention it like it's the gospel truth. Still, some of these kids don't act nice. For the most part, they are super nice and polite, but bag the groceries like I can carry "that many canned items in one bag". I can't. I'm wee and have imperfect arm muscles. And, I do not enjoy chasing canned items down the hill as the bag will most certainly tear and send them rolling. It's just a small thing, but annoying nonetheless.

I also got a call today from a daycare provider who would like to employ me twice a week until the middle of February. A few hours each time. I'm game. I just have to ring her back and say so, but I will wait until I get back from grocery shopping. She has three little girls who are just the cutest girls. They're all three or four - chatty Cathy's.

I'm planning. My husband is the pack cub master for a Cub Scout pack in our area. There are about three corners in this house jammed with Cub Scout stuff. This morning I was able to voice my desire to round up, sort through, and get all of it back to the church (who charters the pack). He said we need to go through that closet there, too. Fine. Let's make it our pet project this weekend. BEFORE Christmas. I think he's game.

I know, I must be ill. Absolutely. However, lately I find myself returning to my old way of organizing. I'm tired of stuff everywhere. Especially stuff that does not belong to us (scout stuff). Can you tell this is one reason why Hawaii is so appealing to me? That is one great benefit of the military: moving now and again. It forces us to purge. Now that we are finally getting an overseas billet (job) - even though we're still going to be in America, it's considered overseas - I find I want to purge more than we usually have in the past. It's starting to take over my thoughts. This is why I am so glad my parents have sent money to us rather than boxes of presents. We can just save the money for the new sofa I've been hoping to buy. Of course, we plan on getting the kids some stuff with the money - because the grandparents intended that - but it's nice that there is less stuff coming in. And, the old sofas are going to be history. Those who know me, know how much I've been literally aching to get rid of them.

So, regardless of the annoying task of grocery shopping today, and feeling ill that I did not wish my eldest a grand day, I have managed to feel pretty good about today. I hope you do, too.

Third Sunday of Advent

Half Way There . . .

This is my girl's doing. Her pig, Olivia, has captured her heart once again (after unearthing her in her heck-hole, I mean, bedroom . . . ); thus she must capture her in a photo as well.

This came by post the other day. It's a birthday present from my sister. Yes, my birthday is in October and the fated, hugely LOVED, present only arrived yesterday, but . . . this is the sort of post procrastinating disease that runs in the family. Thanks, Muffet, I've enjoyed my coffee in one of these mugs today.

Here's a photo of all the Good Deed Beads I made (they are not as good as some I've seen on the web on other blogs etc., but you know what? It's the stuff I had on hand and I took a swing at it and they look okay). I special ordered the medals and crucifixes. The blue beaded rosary is the rosary I made for my mum's Christmas. The sticky note pad cover with the 'K' on it I made for my niece, Kealey. I also purchased some stationery for her, as that was what she requested.

Here's a whole slew of more sticky note pad covers I made. I gave one to my girl and the rest I will give away to some neighbour ladies, I suspect.

Last, but not least, the rosary I was going to make for me. Alas! In my heart I heard sweet Therese urging me on to give it to my sister . . . it would be an extra present for her. Our mum bought her a rosary, but won't give it to her until she becomes Catholic. Well, what ran through my brain was: "I ought not to give her this, because what if I hurt mum by giving her a rosary before she's able to?" Then, I heard a still, small voice in my heart, "Sarah, God doesn't hold you hostage; He holds you accountable - because He loves you." So, to my sister it goes, with tears of love wept over every bead.

I get to pick up some scraping supplies I bought three weeks ago tonight. There is something in there I need to make a million (yes, I'm exaggerating) cards by Monday! But, I had to share what I've managed thus far.

Deo omnis gloria!

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.

Making & Baking

Yup, as my title suggests, I'll be quite busy the next few days finishing up a few things I'm making for family for Christmas and baking for friends/neighbours. Oh, and thinking and planning on what to make for the three gels who signed up for Pay It Forward. I'm so glad that I got quick responses. I'm also quite pleased I have a full year to get whatever it is made. I probably won't let too much time pass before completing my mission.

I pray God grant each of you, dear readers, peace and joy and love in abundance. I shall be back once I've put boxes in the Post.

Pay It Forward

This is how it works:

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.

I'd love for you to join me! Will you? Other comments are welcome, but only the first three will be my Pay It Forward recipients.

H/T: http://www.elefantz.blogspot.com/

MY THREE PAY IF FORWARD PALS: Erika, Therese, and Christine - hurrah!!

Crown This!

Well, I went to Confession and Mass. It's always worth it. It certainly helped me brace for my three hour long dental visit. I had two overlays/inlays to have done on my lower left (the last two molars). One ended up an overlay/inlay and the other turned into a crown. So, I'm crowned at 39. Lovely, eh?

I was supposed to attend a Gold Canyon Candle party tonight. However, our kids still needed to attend their obligatory Mass so I took them whilst their pop went to Round Table (Scouts) as he and I had met up for the noon Mass earlier today. It was lovely. So many came! Even Father was surprised - to the point he said so!

I've eaten well this evening. A friend brought me some Indian taters and rice - yum! And, I had a glass of Moscato wine. I'm feel quite relaxed and I'll pray still for the swelling in my jaw to go down . . . but at least I don't feel it much at this point.

Thank you God - for everything.

Immaculate Conception

Second Sunday In Advent

O Come, O Come, Emanuel !!!

Another Photo-op (didn'tcha see the one below?)

Here's that dern dog, Holly again. Snooting her snout all over the place trying to find crumbs from the Kringla we just baked. Ha. We already licked the bloody floor, dumdum! *Just kidding, but it's a thought since they are so good and I only bake them at Christmas 'cos they're a sticky pain in the arse, I mean back, to make!

Here's the St. Lucia wreath I made for my girl to wear tomorrow. It's turned up quite nicely, I reckon. I removed one of the candles, because as I read about this celebration, apparently it is to be 4, 7, or 9 candles. Whatever. The dern thing doesn't poke her noggin' and it looks alright so I'm happy. By the way, we won't be lighting these candles - she would like to keep her hair - and the Swedes, well, they use battery operated candles now, so . . . too many torched elder daughters in the past I suppose. When they are celebrating bringing light into the world, they didn't mean for the elder daughters in each family to steal Jesus' thunder by ending up in hospital burn units, yeah?

Here's the rosary bits for my mum's rosary. It's got to be linked together now, but I'll have to get to it next week. Along with the one below (which is for me - as I have made two for meself in the past and given both away . . . I thought I should make meself another, which I'll probably give away again . . . it's a habit with me, I suppose).

I would like to thank all of you who have so faithfully prayed for my health that past week. It's worked to keep my spirits up and it's worked because my left ear is open for business. No, not gossiping business - pure listening business: I finally got to enjoy hearing some Christmas music today. It was a BLESSING. And, I could sing along without feeling like I might sound like Helen Keller, God rest her most beautiful soul.

Photo-op

Here are some pecans I baked with 1/2 Cup of butter (melted) with 1/2 Cup Da Vinci vanilla syrup (coffee aisle), a Tablespoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Baked on 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. **Thanks Dawn, they're awesome!**

Here's the end result of those pecans: 4 Cups - rolled in granulated sugar. Yum!

My girl rolling out the Kringla/Kringler. It's a traditional Norwegian cookie.

The Kringla shaped and ready to bake on 450 degrees for 5-7 minutes.

Fresh from the oven, these Kringla will make your mouth very happy. If you want, you can spread butter on them - it's what we did as kids in my house, but I'm trying to keep the FAT off my ARSE, yeah?

The recipe is a bit complicated/directions . . . so I'll post it on my other blog with the details . . . um, later. Not tonight. I'm knackered. **See, Christine? I used it (knackered)**

What I'd Love To Send A Few People Just For Fun

Inflatable Fruitcake It’s festive, it’s traditional and it’s inedible — just like the real thing.

Each vinyl fruitcake comes deflated with a 9-1/2" x 5-1/2" envelope and a decorative sticker, making it easy to send one to all of your friends and family! When inflated, this icon of old-fashioned baked goods is 8-1/2" x 5" x 4-1/2" and makes a great centerpiece for the holiday dinner table.

I don't care what anyone says: this shite is funny! This is just the type of thing I would love to send some people just 'cos I know it would get the appreciative laugh: my brother and Dawn, to name two. I love the caption under the thing. Fun-ny!!