Christmas Novena

It starts today (on the feast of St. Andrew), and is repeated 15 times each day until Christmas.
Both my husband's family and my own prayed it during Advent, so you could say it's a family tradition in our house:)

Here it is for anyone who may be interested:

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe O my God, to hear my prayers and grant my desires through the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His most Blessed Mother. Amen.

On St. Andrew's Feast......

.......we had St. Andrew's cross pancakes for breakfast;

homemade tomato soup with fish crackers for lunch (~the kids loved "fishing" them out!;);

and then we made a new set of St. Andrew's Cross magnets for our refrigerator........

........and had a delicious catfish dinner. All of the children requested seconds, and one, even thirds!!!

Happy Feast Day!

Advent

I got our wreath out Saturday night, as well as our empty creche and advent calendars. The kids are so excited to start preparing for Christmas! They can be heard singing "O come Divine Messiah" and " O Come, O Come, Emanuel."

I love this season.

Mild Mannered Mason Jar by Day.....

.........but by night~!

I've seen these in several different places. Simply add a candle, fasten a doily or piece of hand crocheted lace around the jar, ~and voila!

Such a beautiful and cozy glow on a cold dark night......

A Pink Castle

.....is exactly what you need if you want to have a pink princess birthday party.

Happy fourth birthday, sweet Miss Posy. We love you.

Pumpkin Pies

They are made and cooling on trivets and I am just about to start the pumpkin cinnamon rolls for tomorrow's breakfast. My kitchen is scrubbed from top to bottom........everything clean and shining.

It's a cold wind that blows outside today, and freezing rain is spattering against the windows. But inside it is cozy and bright. And with all the baking, the house smells delicious.......

Thanksgiving Thrifting....

I found this big beautiful stoneware platter, and this stoneware pie pan at our local thrift shop........I think I'm all set for Thanksgiving dinner!;)

Boots is Two......

......as of yesterday.

He kept us smiling as he sang "Happy Birthday to Me" at random times throughout the day.

I made him a spice cake, and he was in heaven.

It's hard to come to grips with the fact that he just isn't my little baby anymore.....

Time goes by so fast.

Morning with the Piano Tuner

He came this morning, and the kids were entranced. They loved seeing the insides of the piano and how all the little hammers strike the strings to make it play. It brought back memories from my own childhood, and the wonderment I felt when the kindly old man who tuned our piano came by. As much as I loved watching him tune it, my favorite part was how he played it when he was done. I remember wishing so badly that someday I could play as well as he did.

It was like magic.

Baby Cabbages

Found these while making up the garden's beds for the winter..........~Aren't they cute?!

Last Flowers From the Garden.......

Sunshine and Shadow

Back Home Again!

Here are a few pictures from our trip:


While my dear husband was busy solving the world's problems............


................. I spent most of the time gazing out the window, marveling at the view. I was able to see the Arch of St. Louis, and finally had to dig out my camera and take a few shots of the sky. Even though I've flown a dozen times, I'll never tire of the spectacular views seen from the window of a plane.

I think I'll always be a window~seat~kind~of~girl........

It was so hard not having the kids along! I know the older two especially would have loved the experience. I felt like I was gazing out over a fairyland ~it was breathtaking!

And here is the sunset over a wing of the plane.

Tying up Loose Ends.......

......with Banana~Walnut Upside~Down Cake. You see, my dear husband and I leave tomorrow afternoon for my sister-in-law's wedding in Denver............ and I had all of these bananas that I knew wouldn't keep over the five days we'll be gone. So I made this cake.........and when my life is a bit less hectic, I will post the recipe. If you like banana bread, you will love this! It is moist and caramelly (I know that's not a real word, but it's the only way to describe it;) with a delicious maple twist........It was really good with breakfast!

The kids are pretty excited, as they get to spend all the time we'll be gone with their Grandma and Grandpa............and I am trying not to give in to the feelings of panic that hit every time I think about how long we'll be away from them! It will be so strange!!!! ~Aren't we mothers such silly creatures? Please say a little prayer that the trip goes well. I am so excited to see my husband's family again............and to get in a little extra alone time with him as well!

~Til next Tuesday, then!

Red and Yellow.....

Keeping my Fingers Crossed......

I think I finally figured out why my sewing machine has been so cantankerous over the past six-or-more-months. At least, I think I did........we'll see. In the meantime I can work at tackling my pile of mending..............;)

I Agree....

"Most works are most beautiful without ornament."

~Walt Whitman

First Snowflakes of the Season

They started floating down from a grey sky this afternoon.........

..........and I'm such a kid, I just had to post about it;)

Edible Rubies.....

At least, that's what I think every time I cut in to a pomegranate......which isn't that often, as they are a special treat around here.

And we discovered a new way to eat them, which is now a favorite with me and the children; served up with plain yogurt! It's a very delicious and very healthy after~lunch dessert!

Last Night's Caramel Apples

As I rolled out some homemade tortillas, I kept the kids occupied with unwrapping caramels.....

We melted them up in my small crock pot, and then after dinner the apple dipping began! ~Even Boots got to make his own (~with a lot less caramel, but he never knew the difference;)

The kids and I added a drizzle of chocolate to ours, but the dear husband was happy with just the caramel and peanuts.

I would like to say that I was sensible and did not cut up all five apples last night.........but I can't.

Though afterwards, I did solemnly promise myself that I will be more sensible next year..........

Frosty Sunrise

More Pumpkins!

They were free..........so I brought four home!

Pumpkin Carving

........on All Hallow's Eve.

The Feast of all Saints

Why Were The Saints, Saints?

Because they were cheerful

When it was difficult to be cheerful

Patient, when it was difficult to be patient;

And because they pushed on

When they wanted to stand still
And kept silent when they wanted to talk,

And were agreeable when they
Wanted to be disagreeable.

That was all.

It was quite simple

And always will be.

~Author Unknown