Epiphany Celebration!

The Christmas season continues for another few days!  The Epiphany is a celebration of the Wisemen arriving to see the newborn King who would unite the nations!

We started the morning with our Wise Man Coffee Cake....the batter holds blueberry, cranberry and applesauce mixture and then to celebrate the wise men who still seek Him...a nutty crumb topping!

We gave one last clue to children to end our treasure hunt:

The wise men came to seek Him,
And we should do the same.
We celebrate the fact that His light will never dim.
Just as the men found Jesus, this should be our aim.
Maybe we could watch a show
Telling how the fourth wise man went with life’s flow.

We watched the children stand in shock when we showed them their first TV in over ten years!  Yeah...they have seen TV at their friend's house and Gramma's...but NOT at our house!  Most people would say we still do not have TV since we opt out of cable, but we can now watch movies on a big screen (oh...we were told a 42 inch screen is actual considered small!).  We also found out that our TV can do the craziest thing...PLAY MUSIC or our choice!  WOW!  Now I can play classical music while the children do their school work with ease!  Yeah...we are that family and I LOVE it!

I thought it was fitting to watch The Fourth Wise Man for the first show we watched.

We have not watched anything since that first first day...I am so thankful for that...I love our children and their imagination that is used to enjoy time together!

We went to Mass to celebrate and then we enjoyed an Epiphany event with our fellow home schoolers!  The organizer set up an Epiphany treasure hunt for the children after a dramatic reading of the Bible story from Matthew 2:1-12.  The children read the story in parts.  Then she had 12 clues with Bible readings.  The clues showed different numbers of objects (1-12).  I thought it was very creative and the children loved running around together looking for the treasure!  We ended with a Crown Cake and Star Cookies for refreshments!

Our Epiphany celebration ended with our family gathering for an Epiphany dinner.  Normally, we invite a guest for dinner but we were sadly unable to coordinate with anyone to enjoy with us!  God must have known we needed the evening to relax together!  The dinner theme was all about the number three!  Here is the menu:

Dinner Rolls with 3-herbed butter

Three cheese scalloped potatoes



Three proteins--Turkey, Ham and Hard boiled eggs ( a stretch but it worked!)


Three veggie medley of carrots, broccoli and peas!

Three citrus punch to drink!

Three types of cookies for dessert!

A simple fare after a full day of fun and celebration!

The Christmas season does not officially end until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord this Sunday!  Thankful for that as I finally got Christmas cards mailed the next day!  And I can still talk about Christmas on the blog without feeling guilty for the delay!  SO...

God bless you all during this Christmas season!  AND...

Happy New Year!  May you be blessed with God's presence in 2015!

Christmas Treasure Hunt

We decided to have a little fun with our Christmas season this year.  For those of you who do not know our tradition...we celebrate the 12 days of Christmas usually enjoying family time and doing for others.  Here is the recap of the twelve days and our treasure hunt clues:

Day 1
On the first day of Christmas the celebration starts
But we all know that there is more on our parts.
We can have fun for twelve days
To celebrate the king of all ways.
Let’s have a little fun by looking where it is cold
But is not freezing and do not stand with the door open we are told.

This first clue led them to the frig on Christmas morning.  They loved finding the clue to get things started.  However, our main focus was going to Mass and celebrating the birth of our Savior.  We also enjoyed a nice dinner.  We like to change it up a bit and not have the traditional American fare.  This year we enjoyed an Asian theme...just because we love egg rolls, sushi, and fried rice along with all the other dishes!  It was also an easy meal as Michael had to go to work to relieve the morning crew!  Everyone deserves time with their family on Christmas day and his company runs a 24 hour schedule year round!

We also had MANY family pictures taken throughout the day.  We long for the day when we can get everyone back together at the same time to make a true family picture.  However, we did the best we could...and always leave a space for those who are not with us.  They are there in our hearts!

Day 2
On the second day of Christmas, the two turtle doves are cheeping
This present will not be close by so you need to start out leaping.
Your Christmas treasure hunt begins at the Shrine of Texas Liberty
Come down and visit and along the way, some other sights you’ll see.
Do not forget your next clue
A friend of history will glad share with you!

By this time, we had the joy of having Christina and Shane back with us.  They made the big announcement that they were expecting a GIRL in June and would name her Madison Rose!  Very exciting as we got to watch the gift of life in 4D sonogram.  I cannot tell you how excited we all are for our family to have this special blessing in our lives.  She is already loved tremendously and a part of our family.  We look forward to meeting her face to face this summer!  Praise God for life!

Then we were off to see the Alamo...or so we thought...but did you know that the days between Christmas and New Year's Day are the prime tourist season for the Alamo?  We did not...so we ended up geocaching down the River Walk.  We found an amazing war memorial that we recommend everyone visiting if ever in San Antonio.  And then enjoyed the lights along the river, which is truly a beautiful sight!  Since we did not go to the Alamo, Michael was our friend of history...a good choice!

Day 3
This clue is for the next day
No need to rush along your way.
On the Third Day of Christmas, closer to home you’ll be seeking
For fun things, new and old, but remember: No Peeking!
Then to find the next day of fun do not use your fingers to eat;
That is just rude and not neat!

We gave this clue upon our return from the River Walk because we knew we would be in a rush throughout the mourning.  Christina and Shane played games with the boys and we enjoyed a nice lasagna dinner before sending them on their way back to Washington.  We will miss the excitement of their visit but are thankful for the fond memories.  Oh, how we hated to send them off to the plane!  We look forward to our visit with them this summer! 

Day 4
The fourth day of Christmas brings four calling birds.
A fitting response to the day of our Lord!
You know what this day means so do not be absurd.
Let us try to find a way to do some good for one accord.
Maybe it will bring us a good feeling or save someone’s life
It might even bring us the next clue so go with haste and no strife!

Our plan for the day was to take household supplies to our local food bank after Mass.  However, when we arrived to drop things off, there was a large sign asking donations to be put on hold until the first week of January!  Bummer!  However, the intent was there and we will return with our supplies when it is best for them!  Maybe we can take even more by that time!

Day 5
The song seems to think this is an important part
The five golden rings are sung in great fervor on this day
We remember the first books of the Old are from the heart!
So we will go back to the place in Texas that is the heart they say.
Another friend of history will give us something new
The next clue might be a nifty buckaroo

So...another day filled with Texas history.  We decided we needed to try another attempt and visit ALL the missions of San Antonio.  We started out early but it was busy every where we went.  We did have a lot of fun, but we had other plans for the two oldest boys in the evening.  Thankfully, we took two cars, but the younger ones and I did not make it to the Alamo again!

We did have an amazing park ranger play Christmas tunes on his replica instruments!  He was also very excited to tell us about the various traditions that we will try to attend next year...Los Posados and another as well.  Also, there are traditions to look forward to for Easter as well.

Michael took the older boys on a River Boat Tour with the home school teen group.  They had so much fun singing carols and waving at the tourists walking along the river.  The guide for their boat was very impressed with our teens, which of course makes a momma proud!

We also delivered a meal for a family who recently had their 12th baby...on December 12th!  It was a joy to serve a home cooked meal to this sweet family who were much appreciative!

Day 6
We are half way there and having lots of fun
The six geese a laying remind us of God’s job done.
We’ll enjoy some of God’s creation and have a little fun
And look for something unique to view for each and every one
Look around and you might see
A clue about family.

This clue was given after Michael took the boys to the "Buckaroo" museum...a western art museum with lots of hands on activities.  The clue was a little confusing for me at first, but I was glad to have Michael's help writing clues so I went with it!  We do not usually have individual gifts for Christmas.  However, it worked out well as the clue was leading us to the next day events at my mom's house.  When we arrived, Amanda was there and had little gifts for all her siblings.  Of course, the greatest gift was seeing her again after several months! (pictures soon...as they were taken on different camera!)

Day 7
The Sacraments number seven, the same as the swans today
To help us grow in love, and lead us on our way
So let us then, lead onward, for fun and something more
For treats for our eyes, and yummy food galore
Today the old year’s ending, but look from far to near
A clue is soon appearing, to begin the New Year.

We enjoyed a visit at my mom's house.  We enjoyed good food, good company and lots of games and TV shows together (Bones marathon with Gramma!).

Day 8
The Octave of Christmas, of eight milkmaids we sing
Remind us of the Beatitudes, and other special things
We honor Mary our Queen, and begin a New Year
So let us love each other, with a hug and lasting cheer
This leads us to tomorrow, and something you might like
A clue attached to something…could it be a bike?


Day 9
The nine ladies dancing on this special day
Bring to mind the Spirit and the Fruits that we display
Of course it does not hurt to see dancing in the street
Or at least some display of that bike that is so sweet
The season is not over do not forget to start the year right
After picking up the bike, remember the star so bright!

These two clues led to a special surprise!  After we praised God for the Mother of God (a special feast that comes on the 8th day because it is the traditional day of purification after a birth for the Jewish culture.), we enjoyed a little more time at my mom's house.  Then we gave these clues.

We really do not do individual gifts for Christmas, so it might seem odd to anyone looking in seeing us on this day.  However, Edward lost his bike before Thanksgiving...it was stolen outside of his friend's house.  We were all pretty worked up about it but not much we could do to remedy.  We had hoped his bike would turn up and all would be well again.  No such luck!  The boys really enjoy riding their bikes together and everyone who talked to us volunteered to buy him a new bike.  We decided it would happen when the time was right.

The second clue came after going to First Friday Mass with our homeschooling group.  A simple message to trust in God as we begin the new year was just right for the children (and adults) to understand.

After much ado and many people insisting, we had the money to replace his bike and it was given to him in the spirit of Christmas giving which showed the love of all those who care about our children.  I thought it was a good way to celebrate!  Of course, it rained on that day but it did not stop the boys from riding together again!

Day 10
Where has the Christmas season gone?
Why are we almost done?
The ten lords are leaping for our soul
As the Ten Commandments become our goal.
I suppose those dudes would have a lot of fun
If they were to come here with everyone!

Now this clue came about because of our social bug...Edward!  He has friends all over the neighborhood!  He insisted that his friends needed a fun day just for them before starting back to school.  His friends would start school on Monday but we had another week of vacation.  So, he created Dude's Day!  A day to celebrate his "dude" friends!  Another friend set up the games and movies for the day and I made snacks to feed an army of dudes!  They had a blast and I got a quiet house! LOL!  No pictures...the memories will just have to dance in their heads, but I think we havea new tradition!

Day 11
The faithful men of Jesus are found on this day
Showing up as 11 pipers to show the Christian way.
We head to Mass to hear the Word of God.
Then off to the water we must plod!
And we might take a notion
To see God’s creatures in the ocean!

After Sunday Mass, we decided to take the children to the new aquarium in town.  We had a great time touching rays, skates, and sharks.  And Zaira got to take a picture with a mermaid!  It was crowded but we were okay with a short visit knowing that we can go back when it is not so crowded (An annual pass was less expensive than one trip for our big group!)

Day 12
On the 12th day of Christmas the drummers arrive
And we find out the rhythm of the day
The twelve beliefs for which we strive
To guide come what may!
We had so much fun in the water, so let’s double up
Grab your poles and see what fish say blub blup!

The plan was to go fishing on the pond by our house.  Unfortunately, the warm weather did not hold and it was freezing this morning!  We decided (and the boys agreed) that we would take a rain check on that adventure!  The day was spent relaxing and staying warm inside!

I am thankful that the children know the true meaning of Christmas, although I am not sure we quite got to the treasure (showing the love of Christ to others) that we had hoped in time to finish out the season.  We have not given up and hope to complete the tasks of giving to others before the month of January is through.

We also have our big gift of sharing with others to come.  We plan to give school supplies to 150 school children to help them through the second half of the school year.  We had it all set up to deliver but the supplies we ordered did not arrive.  We know it will happen soon and we will tell you all about it when it does!  God's timing not ours in all things!

Leading Up to Christmas

It was a busy week before Christmas...we had decorating and last minute cleaning, but most important were the family and friends visiting.  Here are some of the highlights:

O, Root of Jesse, come!

Our Advent Angel sent the following message:

"Remember why we have Jesse Tree?  We focus on the foretelling of the Messiah from the promise given to Jesse.   We also remember some other characters who stumbled into the tale thanks to a message from the angels!  Enjoy your time with family!"

A quick trip to pick up my mom and keep an appointment with our favorite hairdresser turned into an all day event!  However, the boys did not mind since they had Shane to play board games.  They loved their time with him and they were probably glad we stayed away so long!  The "girls" enjoyed our time together also.  Just wish we could have had Amanda with us.  Hoping to see her soon!

O, Key of David, come!

Today we learn about a special place in the story of Jesus.  God’s Chosen People once had to go to the only one in the world to worship God properly but now we can go to church all over the world!  God wanted all people to worship and adore him!   Spend the day with family and friends but remember to always worship our Savior and King!

We headed out to spend a day with family at Sea World.  At first, I did not think it was a good idea but as we walked around the park we were very impressed that the park actually showed signs of the real meaning of Christmas.  There was a LARGE nativity scene set up and a group of singers dressed as shepherds entered from a side path to share a musical medley to adore the king and savior!  It was a beautiful show. There was also the same appeal to remember the meaning of the season in the big Shamu show at the end of the night.  I am so glad we were able to be there during this time of year.

Also, we introduced the joy of geocaching to Christina and Shane this morning.  It was so much fun!  We all thought it was funny to find out Christina thought we were looking for a tree because I told her the cache would only have a log!  To make it even better the second cache of the day WAS in a log!  I love this hobby!  I think they will also.

O, Radiant Dawn, come!

We started out the fourth Sunday of Advent remembering the star that led the way to Bethlehem...not the one in the sky, but the true light that rises each day if we will only let him dispel the darkness in our lives.

The day has almost come for the celebration of the birth of our Lord!  After all the preparation of the home, it is time to decorate the tree and the rooms to welcome the king to your home.  Do not forget that as you decorate you must also be prepared to welcome Him into your heart.

We gave out new tree ornaments to everyone this morning.  We were so excited to give the ornaments to Christina and Shane...new dad and baby ornaments along with an owl ornament for fun!  We also gave my mom a coffee mug with all the pictures from the National Parks she visited with us.  We told her it was for all the hard work she gave to help the children earn their junior ranger badges!  We still have an ornament to give to Amanda ...an angel, of course!

We also did something crazy today...not related to Advent...we looked at homes in a neighborhood we have grown to love.  Are we crazy to want to move again so quickly?  Probably...but we are praying about it and we will see what the new year brings us!  The best part...we were able to enjoy the time with my mom as she stayed with us through the weekend!

O, King of the Gentiles, come!

Many think of the three kings as the first royalty to arrive on the scene.  However, we know that it was actually a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes!  And, the best part?   The three kings knew this as well!  Do not forget to adore the newborn king this Christmas.  Wise men still seek him!

Another busy day, but this time it was because of an appointment with Sean's doctor.  We have learned a lot about how he will transition into adulthood (only 6 months until he is 18!).  We have a lot of work to do in the next year.  More on this as we make our way through the steps to help him.  Maybe one of you will learn from our journey into adulthood for a son with Asperger Syndrome.

Mom graciously watched the children so we could give our full attention to the doctor's comments.  My brother Adrian also came to the house.  We enjoyed a nice Polish meal to honor St. John of Kanty.  Then Adrian was able to take mom home.  We sure enjoyed their visit!

O, Emmanuel, come!

The message from our Advent Angel read:

"God is with us as we enter into the special season of Christmas!  It is time to finish any last minute preparation.  He will be here soon!  Are you ready?  Take some time today to write down some of the ways you have shown love to others in the last four weeks.  Also, write down ways that you would like to improve for the next year.  This is the gift Jesus is looking for under the tree!  If you meet him there with your gift, then he will be there to share his with you!"

Christmas Eve!

It is easy to have our focus on the coming of a little baby, but we cannot forget the rest of the story.  Take some time today to remember that the baby in the manger grows up to be our savior!

We went to Mass this afternoon and there was standing room only overflowing into the hallways!  Oh how my heart desires the church to be full like this at every Mass.  What a special gift to see everyone gathered together for this celebration!

So much more I anted to share...I guess I will save that for next time!  We are looking forward to the twelve days of Christmas!  May God bless all our family and friends. And may all those who do not know the Savior come to learn about the joy he has to offer them!

O Lord and Ruler

O, Lord of Might!  We hear from high!  Do you hear it?  That is the sound coming down through the ages for the Messiah.  Did you know that some people are still calling out for the Messiah?  Not just the Jews, but many Gentiles are still looking for a Savior in their lives.  Will you help someone this season to know Christ?  The message comes from God to all His people, the message comes in many forms.

We had a day of baking so I could keep my mind focused on something else...Why?...Because I had a secret!  We made three different types of cookies and I even let the boys watch Netflix into the evening.

I told them that I had something to show them but I was not sure when it was going to be ready.  We were in the middle of a TV drama when the doorbell rang!

SURPRISE!  Christina and husband Shane arrived for the holidays.  They are fortunate to have a long leave for the Christmas season.  They will be staying with us for the next couple of days before heading to East Texas to visit family.  Then they will return for a couple of days next week before heading home.  I was so excited for them to be here and knew it would be a fun surprise for everyone!

We ended up staying awake way past bed time but it was worth it.  And, Shane even read to the boys for bedtime...an added treat!

We added an angel to our LEGO figures.  It was a perfect addition as we also talked about the special messengers in the Christmas story.  We also added presents to the nativity scene to remind us that this is a time of giving.

I read a book about Christmas told by an angel...Bright Christmas:  An Angel Remembers.  I love it when I can read a book that relates to the lesson of the day!

It was great day of excitement!  Looking forward to the days ahead as we continue to prepare for Christmas.

The Donkey's Journey

I woke up and snuck out of the house early this morning to attend a breakfast with all the volunteers at the pregnancy center.  We had a lot of fun just talking about how much God has such a great plan in our lives.  It was really nice to be able to talk about the blessings of our ministry from the last year.

Michael did not have such a fun morning, as he took the two youngest to the dentist for a much overdue check up.  We found out their teeth are so terrible because our amazing water filtration system is taking out the fluoride in our water along with all the other chemicals.  SO...another trip to the dentist is in store for our future.  I guess this is one more way for us to get ready for the new year...healthy dental health is just as important as everything else.

Then we had a fun morning at the library with story hour and learning the letter Mm.  The older boys checked out new books and we all left happy with books in hand for the next two weeks.

We caught up on our LEGO pieces that our Advent Angel guided the children to make.  Due to our busy schedule we did not have time.  The boys made a stable, manger, baby, blankets and a sheep.

We also added a donkey to our nativity scene to show that we need to be strong and faithful.  It was a perfect time to read one of my favorite books of the season...The Donkey's Dream.  It shows the donkey carrying Mary to Bethlehem.  A great way to also start the journey of the Holy Family around our home.

Tonight also begins the mounting of anticipation represented in the calling of the Messiah with the O’ Antiphons.  We are prepared to call for Jesus and ask Him to enter into your heart to stay.  Are you prepared to make him your guiding shepherd?

We ended the evening by adding a wall to show the story of the wall that was built around Jerusalem in order to keep holy the Sabbath day (Nehemiah).

The excitement is mounting as we enter into the last week before Christmas!

Also, we finally decided on our BIG gift for this Christmas!  I can not wait to share but I will wait until we make the delivery later during the Christmas season.

Preparing and Playing

Yesterday was spent cleaning the house.  We really are trying to have everything looking nice before we start decorating on the Sunday before Christmas.  We also have some special guests coming at the end of the week.  This meant preparing a place in the "inn."  We had to clean up the guest room (It had become a storage room.) and also find a bed.  We also did some painting in the guest bathroom.

Needless to say, we were pretty busy yesterday making everything look nice.  We did have our additions to our nativity scene and Jesse Tree as well.  And, Michael continued the Advent story.

One other thing we were able to do today...complete our Christmas outfits.  I love choosing outfits that are special and will make the day special.

The motivation to have everyone working so hard yesterday was to spend today away from the house.  I spent my morning at the pregnancy center.  I had a great morning helping women in need.

Michael and the children headed to our local museum.  They arrived just in time to join a filed trip group.  This meant they were able to use the rock climbing wall.  They spent their entire visit going p and down all the levels.  Even Brendan just made the height/weight requirements to climb.  Unfortunately, Zaira had to watch from the sidelines and cheer the boys to the top.

Then we all met at the park and had lunch.  We had wanted to visit the Sunken Gardens & Tea Garden.  We found out that we could walk through the area but the gardens were drained and were being repaired.  I suppose it is more interesting to visit a garden in the spring.  We will try again later.  However, that did not stop the children from running around the area, and possibly wearing themselves out.

We were able to add our first animal to the nativity scene.  The ox represents the stubbornness that we must shed in our lives as we accept the will of God.  We then added a watchtower ornament to our Jesse Tree to remind us of the story of the prophet Habakkuk.

As I was looking at the Jesse Tree tonight, I thought about the cards we have received from family and friends.  A thought came to me to tuck these cards into the bare branches.  Now we can remember to pray for everyone every time we look at our tree!

As we continue the baking of Christmas goodies, I like to read the book about the traditional candy enjoyed during this time.  The book is The Candymaker's Gift.  A very nice book with wonderful pictures.

Gaudette Sunday

The third week of Advent begins today with Gaudette Sunday!  It is a time to be joyful as the coming of the Lord is drawing near.  The anticipation that is building is a lot like you feel when you are waiting for a special visitor to arrive from out of town or a new baby to be born.  Of course, this is not surprising to most, as this is the time we remember the birth of Jesus.  We often have family who come to visit during this time of year.

Even though we have a lot of family coming and going to celebrate, we should not forget that the most important visitor we will have in our home should be Jesus!  Many times that means sharing the story of Jesus with the people who come to your home as well.  Remember to make way for the Lord.

Today we arrived at our religious education classroom for a celebration for Gaudette Sunday.  We served snacks and made special crafts to take home.  It was a lot of fun for everyone involved.

Then we went to Mass...the deacon said something about the season that I really appreciated.  "We need to remember that joy is something we can all have if we remember that all of our joy is centered around Jesus being born so we could have salvation."  It is easy to fall into the trap that there is not enough and we lose sight of the joy that the season should really bring to us.

We then rushed home to grab a bite to eat before going to a caroling event with our 4-H group.  Read more about that on my 4-H blog.

We ended to day by FINALLY watching the end to Tora! Tora! Tora! and then off to bed.  Of course, we added our ornament to the Jesse Tree and a figure to the nativity scene.  Michael was also able to read some more of our Advent story.

A full day and it was nice to go to bed by the time we were done!