December 31, 2009-New Year's Eve

In a few hours, 2009 will be winging it's way into the history pages. Of all the holidays during the year, New Year is my least favorite. If you listen to Mannheim Steamroller's version of Auld Lang Syne, it pretty much captures my mood. I'll be missing Mass because of my throat.



My throat is worse today than yesterday. I went to the doctor to rule out strep. The PA wrote a scrip for a gargle and it's making my throat worse, plus it numbs my muscles so that I can't swallow at all. I am just hoping the the antibiotic will kick in soon.

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Word of the day:
The 7th Day in the Octave of Christmas
Today the Church celebrates : St. Sylvester I, Pope, (+ 335)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 1:1-18.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man's decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.'" From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father's side, has revealed him.

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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

I woke up this morning feeling worse than yesterday. My throat is so sore I can barely swallow. If I take a deep breath I go into coughing fits.

Yesterday I did get some things done in short time bursts. I worked on the basement for a while and got some things moved. Hopefully, in time, it will look less like a dungeon and more like an actual work space.

I am considering restricting access to my blog for various reasons. It appears I am going to have to screen my readers. At the same time I don't want to cut off my regular readers. If you would like to continue to follow my blog, please send me your email address so that I can put you on the invite list. Just click on my profile and you can click "email" under my contact information.

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The 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas
Today the Church celebrates : St. Anysius, St. SABINUS, Bishop, and his Companions, Martyrs
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 2:36-40.

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.


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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Happy Birthday to my baby sister, Cheryl. (Also, this is Clayton's birthday, but we celebrated that on Sunday.

I woke this morning not feeling much better than yesterday. I feel nauseated, my neck is still stiff, and my head hurts.

We went down to Ionia to surprise Nina on her birthday. Melisa picked up Nina, and then we came in after they left and picked up Jamie. She was surprised - right up until Claire asked where Grandma and Grandpa were.

I would like to do some grungy lamps today, but I cannot find the glue sticks that Anna picked up the other day. I swear, I spend the greater part of my day wasting time trying to find things I misplace.

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Word of the day:
The 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas
Today the Church celebrates : St. Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr (12th century)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 2:22-35.

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord," and to offer the sacrifice of "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons," in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

Monday, December 28, 2009

Happy 30th Birthday, Nicola!!!!!! aka, Neener McFeener Beener



I woke up today feeling really sick. I went to bed early last night because I didn't feel well. My stomach, back, and throat are really sore. Thank goodness it's this week and not last week. We celebrated Clayton's birthday yesterday. About halfway through the party, my neck, head, and throat started to hurt. Despite that, it was a good day.



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Word of the day:
The Holy Innocents, martyrs - Feast
Today the Church celebrates : Holy Innocents, Martyrs - Feast
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 2:13-18.

When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him." Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called my son." When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Today we celebrate Clayton's 5th birthday. I can't believe it's been 5 years! I can remember well, the night he was born. We all camped out in the hospital waiting room.



Grandpa in waiting


Grandma in waiting


Aunt-to-be and Uncle in waiting


And he finally arrived!

What a night that was!!!


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Santa always visits us at Aunt Judy's house on Christmas. He meets with varying degrees of acceptance.





You may notice that Claire is not pictured with Santa. Claire does not like Santa. "All he says is 'Ho Ho Ho! Ho Ho Ho!' " Claire does not like that so Claire makes herself scarce when Santa shows up.







When Santa went upstairs to change back into Uncle Steven, he got a surprise. As he was pulling off his beard, he heard a voice behind him. "Whatcha doin' Santa?" He turned to see Clayton watching him. Oooooops

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One thing that is a priority for me is to get a nice family picture on Christmas. This year's left a little something to be desired. Justin wasn't in it because he was sick, I had to crop Clayton a bit because he has developed a fascination with his nose. Madison had had enough excitement for one day. I'm not exactly sure what was going on with Claire. Ah well, there is always next year.



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Word of the day:
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph - Feast
Today the Church celebrates : St. John, Apostle and Evangelist (Feast)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 2:41-52.

Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced (in) wisdom and age and favor before God and man.
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Saturday, December 26, 2009

Quiet has decended upon the household. Each year it gets a little harder for me to let go of the hustle and bustle that is our house on Christmas night. The only downside this year was that Justin was sick, so he isn't in our family picture. He's feeling better today which is the most important thing.

Anna, Nicola, and I went up town to look for bargains. I got a few groceries and stocked up on some supplies for the business. It's not so frantic a search for deals since I make most of the gifts I give. Afterward, we went to lunch at Bennigans and ran into one of our neighbors and her daughter who were shopping too. It was just a lazy, relaxed morning. Now everyone has headed home and I'm headed to church for Saturday night mass. Time goes by so quickly.


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Word of the day:
Saint Stephen, first martyr - Feast
Today the Church celebrates : St. Stephen, the first martyr
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 10:17-22.

But beware of people, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.

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Thursday, December 24, 2009 - Christmas Eve

Happy Christmas Eve to all!!!
So who is running around like a chicken with her head cut off? Not me. I wasn't as organized as I would have liked to be, but everything I plan to do is pretty much done. I have to staple the song sheets for tonight's 10:00 pm Mass, and assemble the music for the 5:00 pm Mass. A customer is coming to pick up some of our chili cheese and bacon dip. (We can't keep this in stock, thank goodness Anna made tons of it this year.) After that I am free to frost cookies, finish cleaning, wrap a couple of presents to the accompaniment of Christmas movies. :)


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Word of the day:
Gospel
Lk 1:67-79

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
for he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty Savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hand of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

I was looking at my blog entry for this date last year. I had high hopes of a serene, tranquil, and perfectly organized Christmas for this year. Guess what. I am who I am. LOL!

There is a big ice storm predicted for Christmas eve into Christmas day. I am praying that it doesn't happen. We had a snowstorm last Christmas and I was afraid of the drive home after 10:00 pm mass. When weather hits like that we are reminded of the fact that we are not in charge of anything and we would do well to talk to the Person who is.

Yesterday was a long day. I was at church most of the day with the decorating crew. It was nice that a lot of people showed up to help. I think if they know that we don't expect them to stay from start to finish they are more willing to help. If many people can spare 30 to 45 minutes, it really makes our job less taxing. Our church is huge so it takes a lot of decor to really make a difference. A few of the kids from the youth group were there - Thanks to Nick Mellinger, Elizabeth Shaw, Megan Shaw, Elizabeth Martin, Nathan Martin, Andrea Martin. It was nice not just for the extra help, but the young people help make a hard job a lot of fun.

Today I have many errands again, chief among them is paying a visit to the family of Brandi Hoffman. It is going to be a sad Christmas for so many people this year. A lady at church told me that they put her husband in a nursing home this week, a teacher at Shepherd High School lost his 22-year old son, another family I know is stressed to the max, an area family lost their home to a fire, I have a brother who has been kicked in the teeth by life and lives from day to day, and then there are those who struggle financially and with health issues. I would do well to remember this when I am tempted to get bent out of shape about things that really don't matter.

In my dotage I am finding that nothing brings me out of a bad mood faster than doing something to make someone else's life a little better. And it doesn't have to be a grandiose something. It can be a small thing. A customer wrote the other day thanking me for a little glass snowman that I had included in her order. Someone had stolen her ornaments (long story) and they had sentimental value. The little inexpensive snowman brightened her day. It took me all of 1 minute to put it in the box, but it made a difference in her life. The kindness of others is a constant inspiration to me these days. The phrase "it is better to give than to receive" is used so often that we tend to say it without really thinking about it." It can take one mean word to crumble a person, but one small kindness to make a person's day. Same amount of energy to do either. It's those small choices we make each day that can help make our world a better place.

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Word of the day:
The Great O Antiphons: "O Emmanuel"
Today the Church celebrates : St. John of Kanty, Priest (1390-1473), St. Servulus (c. 590)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 1:57-66.

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, "No. He will be called John." But they answered her, "There is no one among your relatives who has this name." So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name," and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, "What, then, will this child be?" For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.

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Monday, December 21, 2009

Okay, so I get up this morning and there is no sugar free coffee creamer. Arggghhhh.
I had to go with the non sugar free stuff. There go my carbs for the day. But . . . it is peppermint so that makes it all good.

Remember back on October 15th when I said it was time to start getting ready for Christmas? Will I never learn? The house is a total wreck. I have accomplished things, but not nearly what I wanted.

So why am I blogging instead of working? I am organizing my day. I spent last night wrapping presents so that's pretty much done. I printed shipping labels for all of the packages I need to send out. I got home from church at 6:00 pm and got to bed at 2:00. I need to bookmark this page so that I can read it next October 15.

So here is what needs to be done today:

Take "declarable" packages to the post office
Go to the bank
Then each and every room needs to be gone over. The bulk of the work is putting things where they belong which involves numerous trips up and down the stairs. Hmmmm, that's what we were doing at church yesterday. These old quads are getting a workout.

Today is also laundry day
It is also bill paying day. Thanks to my diligence with my budget, everything is covered. That is a very good feeling. I need to get another "military" flat rate box from Melisa. I bought a bit more than the box will hold.

So, I am off to start attacking this house. Updates will be posted.

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Word of the day:
The Great O Antiphons: "O Oriens"
Today the Church celebrates : St. Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church (1521-1597)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 1:39-45.

During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Yesterday was most productive! Practiced with Monica and the kids for the Christmas choir, made a batch of fudge, a batch of white chocolate chex mix, packed all the boxes that need to be shipped out, finished the rest of our website orders, made a dent in the housework (a very small dent).

Today I have Mass. Then I'll be helping our wonderful environment leader and her husband haul up the Christmas trees and other big stuff that we will need for Tuesday when we begin decorating the church for Christmas. If I have time, I want to run to the store and pick up some hard candy to send to our adopted soldier. Hopefully, if I can get it out tomorrow, he will receive it by Christmas. At 3:00 we are having a reconcilliation service. After that it's home to get this house in some kind of order. I am debating whether to close the web store for the rest of the week.

I have a stocking to make for Madison so that her Grandma and Grandpa Fockler have one to keep at their house. I have other family gifts to assemble and many to wrap. I want to make some Christmas goodies to have on hand. (I have gone sugar-free in deference to my blood sugar issues.) This is all fun stuff. I have recorded several Christmas movies to accompany the wrapping of the gifts.

Tomorrow it's the post office and the bank. Then the rest of the day will be spent assessing what still needs to be done.

I love Christmas!!!!!!

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Fourth Sunday of Advent
Today the Church celebrates : St. Dominic of Silos, Abbot (14th century)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 1:39-45.

During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

Saturday, December 19, 2009

We have our last practice for the children's choir this morning. Monica and I expect the number to double from last week. It usually does. That's why we tend to use the same music from year to year for the early mass on Christmas Eve.

I was pondering this whole "Happy Holiday" vs "Merry Christmas" thing the other day. I remember growing up seeing "Happy Holidays" and "Seasons Greetings" and not thinking anything about it. We did take offense at X-mas instead of Christmas. Here's my take on things. If someone is kind enough to offer a greeting of any kind - let's not use it as an excuse to divide. When someone wishes me "Happy Holidays" I respond with "Merry Christmas" that's where I am. At this time of year, so many people are stressed to the max. Let's take a minute to think about what may be going on in someone else's life. Maybe this year Christmas isn't Merry for them. I'm thinking at the moment of a family who lost their daughter last week. Let's not be so quick to judge someone's heart. I am not for censorship or thought control. People should be free to celebrate the season in whatever manner they choose. As I walk through the stores I am apt to think that "Happy Holidays" is preferable to some of the other epithets I hear. All I ask is that you not take offense at my manger and I won't get jazzed about your symbols of the season. That's what America is supposed to be about, right? Let's not get so wrapped up in second guessing someone else's intentions. Let's just enjoy the season in our own way and be a loving example to others.

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Word of the day:
Today the Church celebrates : Bl. Urban V, St. Nemesion, Martyr
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 1:5-25.

In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. Once when he was serving as priest in his division's turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of (the) Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the holy Spirit even from his mother's womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord." Then Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." And the angel said to him in reply, "I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time." Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.

Friday, December 18, 2009

This year we are receiving so many more hits to the website which means I am going to have to be more diligent about monitoring the inventory. Tonight I will be making 2 batches of fudge, and then tomorrow I need to make 2 more. I also have a batch of "Wilderness" soap to make. My goal (not resolution) for the new year to is keep our inventory current so I don't get caught short again. But this is a good thing. It means we're growing and that's what we want.

Claire and I went shopping at Walmart for toys for the Toys for Tots. I wanted to keep purchases limited to those made in the USA. It was a challenge, but we found some. There was a selection of puzzles and many, many games so we felt good about what we put in the "Tots" box. It was gratifying to see the Angel Tree at church emptied last week. I think the older you get, the less you need and giving becomes the joy. Some good souls learn this early in life - others get to it eventually. I'm a slow learner, but I am trying to make up for lost time.

When we got home, Claire and I made Christmas cookies. Clay took a nap. Baking cookies is not fun, or so he says. Claire had a lot of fun. She loved playing with the flour that we were using to flour our work surface. Grandpa showed up just in time to test one. That's his official job.

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Word of the day:
Today the Church celebrates : St. Gatian, Bishop (3rd century)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 1:18-25.

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

So I'm heading to bed last night (actually very early this morning) and I decide to check my email one last time. There was an order for room sprays. Packages containing liquids have to be handed to the postmaster in person and since I had to go up town this morning, I had a little "room spray making marathon." I love making room spray, but as it happened, I was short 1 bottle of every scent the customer ordered so I had to spend some quality time in the dungeon. After the New Year I will have to replenish the inventory so I don't get caught like that again.

We acquired a military pen pal that we are going to adopt for care packages. We had a little bit of tithe money left so I used it for the "Cup of Joe" program. One man wrote back asking to be a pen pal. He is in charge of security detail overseas. There are 135 in his company which is a National Guard unit from Nebraska. It gives us great honor to do a little something for the men and women who give us so much.

I made another batch of candles to fill an order. Then today I need to get Christmas boxes ready to send out to family and friends.

Now it's time to get rid of the gray and then head up town get some cookie dough to make Christmas cookies with Clay and Clair tomorrow. (I'm cheating and getting it at GFS.)

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Today the Church celebrates : St. Olympias, Widow (+ c. 410)
Psalms 72:2.3-4.7-8.17.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 1:1-17.

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah. Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations.

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Quite a family tree

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

I never got on here yesterday to wish Anna a Happy Birthday!!! I had all three kids so it was a bit crazy and then the guys showed up to hook up our satellite dish.

I received some really bad news yesterday. One of our former students jumped to her death off of the Mackinac Bridge on December 12. I've known Brandi since she was a baby, but the times I remember best are those days when she would come into my office, sit cross-legged on the floor, and tell me what was going on in her life. She was incredibly intelligent, very sensitive, and struggling to define herself. College changed her - and she was exposed to the college culture at a very early age thanks to dual enrollment. She was beginning to find her way back. I hope this sweet little soul is at peace. I wish she could have known how incredibly loved she is.



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Word of the day:
Wednesday of the Third week of Advent
Today the Church celebrates : St. Adelaide, St. Eusebius, Bishop (+ c. 371)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 7:18-23.

The disciples of John told him about all these things. John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" When the men came to him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?'" At that time he cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits; he also granted sight to many who were blind. And he said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."

Monday, December 14, 2009

We are shipping out one last stocking today. It was a last minute order, and even though we don't normally take new orders in December, I couldn't resist this one because it made an even 150 stockings that we did this year.

I have the usual ton of stuff to do today. Madison will be here. The house is still a wreck. Quilt club meets tonight and I haven't been there in a while.

We had a get together at Howard and Colleen's yesterday. It was a nice laid back day. Ate too much, but that's how it goes.




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Word of the day:
Monday of the Third week of Advent
Today the Church celebrates : St. John of the Cross, Doctor of the Church (1542-1591)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 21:23-27.

When he had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?" Jesus said to them in reply, "I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. Where was John's baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?" They discussed this among themselves and said, "If we say 'Of heavenly origin,' he will say to us, 'Then why did you not believe him?' But if we say, 'Of human origin,' we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet." So they said to Jesus in reply, "We do not know." He himself said to them, "Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Well, I'm on very late today. (Hi Nina) It's been a long one. Started out with practice for Christmas eve with the children's choir. Then I stopped at the Dollar Store and got some really cool ideas for primitive lamps. I got involved in puttering around and there went the afternoon. Then I had Mass, stopped at the dollar store again, came home and started in on gift baskets for our Christmas celebration at Howard and Colleen's house.

I have a ton of silicone light bulbs so I've been experimenting with different ways to use them. Here's one I made today.



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Word of the day:
Our Lady of Guadalupe - Feast
In the USA: Our Lady of Guadalupe - Feast
Today the Church celebrates : St. Valery, Abbot (565-622), St. Finian, Bishop (+ c. 549)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 17:10-13.

Then the disciples asked him, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" He said in reply, "Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands." Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Made a batch of Raspberry Jasmine Soap last night. I tried used different colors this time. I had been using pink kaolin and lavender mica, but they were so light they didn't really show up. This time I used purple and "vampire blood" (not crazy about the name, but it's the right color.) Now it's much closer to what I envisioned it to look like when I first began making this scent.



Went to Walmart today to get some more candle lamps and they were all gone! Guess I should have overstocked when I first saw them. I only bought one box to try. Darn it!

Today begins Hanukkah. As our Jewish friends - our ancestors in faith - celebrate the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem, let us celebrate Advent by rededicating our lives to living the Gospel. Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate it!

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Word of the day:
Friday of the Second week of Advent
Today the Church celebrates : St. Damasus
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 11:16-19.

To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, 'We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.' For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, 'He is possessed by a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, 'Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is vindicated by her works."

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Thursday, December 10, 2009

Madison and I got quite a bit accomplished yesterday. We made 9 lamps, a batch of fudge, and 2 batches of candles. I also made a dent in some of the cleaning that has piled up in the last couple of months. I am really pleased at how my little lamps turned out.

This week I need to start putting together the boxes we are sending out to family and friends.



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Word of the day:
Thursday of the Second week of Advent
Today the Church celebrates : St. Eulalia, Virgin and Martyr (+ 304)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 11:11-15.

Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force. All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. Whoever has ears ought to hear.

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Clay had is first concert last night. I'm guessing that this would not be at the top of his list of fun things to do. I am remembering his mother at that age at a certain dance practice. tee hee What goes around definitely comes around.

Monday, December 7, 2009 - Pearl Harbor Day

Today marks the 68th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Today is a Maddie day. She's growing like a little weed. She makes all kinds of funny noises and laughs a lot!

I have to make a list of everything that needs to be done. I tend to lose focus unless I work from a list. So far today I have started the laundry, packaged a batch of peppermint soap, assembled a website order, fed and played with Madison, made a lowcarb cheesecake, and ordered the presents that Harold is responsible for.
The rest of the day will be a "put things where they belong" day.

Website orders are down to a manageable level now and I am slowly working my way around the house This week is zone 2 - the kitchen, but I am hitting all of the zones because they are all pretty messy.

Today I also want to make a couple batches of soap - lilac and I can't remember the other kind I had to make. I think it was Raspberry jasmine spice. I also need to make candles, but Colleen took all of our sniffer samples to work so I will see what she needs before I make any more.

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Word of the day:
Monday of the Second week of Advent
Today the Church celebrates : St. Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church - Memorial
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 5:17-26.

One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem, and the power of the Lord was with him for healing. And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set (him) in his presence. But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, "As for you, your sins are forgiven." Then the scribes and Pharisees began to ask themselves, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who but God alone can forgive sins?" Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply, "What are you thinking in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins''--he said to the man who was paralyzed, "I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home." He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God. Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, "We have seen incredible things today."

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Ahhhh, the frantic pace has now come to a slowdown. I shipped out the last batch of Christmas stockings yesterday. We sold 149 stockings this year - 5 more than last year.

We had our last show of the season.It was a very cute place to setup and considering the lack of traffic, we didn't do too badly, but no one was out yesterday. The streets of downtown Ithaca were empty. It's funny to feel like there is something I should be doing (other than cleaning up this place), but now I can start working on my own stuff. I have some orders to fill, but I'm not racing the clock now.

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Word of the day:
Second Sunday of Advent
Today the Church celebrates : St. Nicholas of Bari (+ 342)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 3:1-6.

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. He went throughout (the) whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

Saturdaym, December 5, 2009

As I write this, we are at a craft show in Ithaca. The traffic is - well - there actually isn't any. Sadly, this still beats the worst show we ever did. It's a really cute place to have a booth, but there just aren't any people coming here. Not sure why. The organizer said it was pretty busy last year. Oh well, you never know until you actually do a show whether it's going to be a good one. And you never know what's going to sell. I can't complain, though, we had a good year.

Friday, December 4, 2009

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Word of the day:
Friday of the First week of Advent
Today the Church celebrates : St. John Damascus, Syrian monk and priest (c. 675-749), St. Barbara, Virgin and Martyr (3rd century)
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 9:27-31.

And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed (him), crying out, "Son of David, have pity on us!" When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I can do this?" "Yes, Lord," they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, "Let it be done for you according to your faith." And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this." But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Wow, I'm usually pretty consistent with posting to this blog, but a couple of days got by me. I'm down to the last 3 stockings to make. Then I need to sew those up, steam this last batch, get it sent out, and we are done with stockings for a while.

Clayton, Claire, and Madison helped me decorate the tree the other day. Grandpa will help us finish the top of it. I'm waiting for some icicle lights to arrive so I can finish the porch.




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Word of the day:
Thursday of the First week of Advent
Today the Church celebrates : St. Francis Xavier, Priest (1506-1552) - Memorial
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 7:21.24-27.

Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined."