a gypsy caravan

On Friendship

Lately, I have been giving much thought to what a healthy friendship entails.  I am not a very needy person so the back and forth conversations of friendship do not always come naturally to me.  I am an only child, raised by older parents.  I am comfortable in my own skin and crave time alone on a daily basis.  You would think that a person with those personality traits would not have a friend in sight.  

However, I have been thinking lately about how blessed I am to have a few good friends with whom to share my life.  Some have been my friends for twenty five years, some for only a few.  The number of years do not matter as years do not determine the depth of love. These few women come from all walks of life and most do not know one another.  They have patiently set aside my many faults and forgiven me for my absentmindedness, my failure to remember birthdays, my often blunt and misguided speech.   They bear with my lifelong quest for a good hairstyle or the perfect perennial garden.  They bounce babies while I paint my kitchen yet another color and have heard the story of my father in a waterspout on Lake Erie more times that they care to remember.  They ignore me when I use incorrect English when I am excited.  They comfort me when I am sad and pray for me regularly. 

Once I have cultivated a friendship, I have an inability to be a lukewarm friend.  I love fiercely.  I do not spend time on friendships that I hope will end some day.  Instead, I pour my entire heart into a person and am loyal to a fault.   However, over the years, sadly, some of my friendships have faded away.  I continue to love those who have drifted down another stream though I will stay my course.   If a friendship fades away I continue to pray for that person each day and wish them nothing but the best in life.   I have felt the sadness and sting of friendship that has faded.  However,  I am reminded of the words of St. Jerome-- "The friendship that can cease has never been real."    

I am a frank woman and seek that in the people I befriend.  I trust people until they prove themselves untrustworthy, and even then I linger in hopes that I have misread them.  I hope that my friends will do the same for me.   As a teenager, I was an attention seeker, always creating drama where none existed, to draw attention to myself so that my needs would be met.  When I was younger, I thought that being in a friendship meant having people cater to me and pamper me.  It was an immature view of friendship, I know.  I also used to think that a friend would never disagree with me, would never put me in my place, even if I was wrong.  Today, I am grateful for those friends who gently remind me that I am often wrong, who push me towards my Heavenly Father, even if it is painful to me.  

"In giving advice, seek to help, not please, your friend." 

Solon 638-559 BC

My friends give me the benefit of the doubt when potential conflict looms on the horizon.  They assume the best in me and are very forgiving.  They laugh when I take myself too seriously and teach me to do the same.  They tell me when I am out of line and for that I am grateful.  I am not above reproach and feel more grateful for someone who can correct me in love than for someone who tries never to upset the apple cart. 

At this, the end of the year 2008, I am ever so thankful for the women with which God has blessed me and for whom He has used to help me grow.  If you are one of those women, I love you and I thank you for caring about me. 

 

Love,

Rebecca

A Merry Christmas to You and Yours

Wishing each of you a Christmas full of peace, love and joy.    

Love, Rebecca and family

American Made Toys

In our attempt to buy more products made in the USA, I thought I would compile a list of some companies that produce quality toys for children.

Down to Earth Toys sells a toy that has been a longtime favorite in our family, the Ball Tracker.  We bought one of these for Benjamin when he was a year old.  It is still good as new and gets plenty of use from our kids as well as from those who come to visit.  I did replace the rubber balls with some wooden ones after a few years.  Down to Earth Toys also has many other toys made in the USA here. 

A real gem of a company is Maple Landmark Woodcraft .  They are located in Vermont, home of many things lovely.  They sell something for the entire family: wooden trains, ornaments, blocks, train whistles, puzzles, games, cutting boards, trivets, bookends, baby rattles, and yo-yos.  I have bought some of the baby rattles and pull toys and have been so pleased with the items.  Also, there is no fear of lead paint, poor construction or worrying about the labor conditions of the people working there.  

Speaking of Vermont, the Vermont Teddy Bear Company makes some lovely stuffed bears.  They even offer tours of their factory if you happen to be in the area.

If you have a train loving child in your family, check out the Whittle Wooden Train Company  They make some beautiful wooden trains that will certainly outlast any childhood.  An interesting history of their company can be read here.  I am particularly fond of their Little Engine that Could railroad line.

Many of you mothers of little ones may be familiar with Lauri Products.  Made of crepe rubber, their products are manufactured in Smethport, Pennsylvania.  Our family has enjoyed their color and shape stackers, lacing products, alphabet puzzles and more.

I stumbled upon Fractiles the other day.  I think they look like such a fun toy!  I plan to order some for Ben for Christmas (Shhh!).  They magnetic fun for any geometry fan made in Colorado, USA.

Have fun shopping!

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Yesterday, our family had a celebration for Our Lady of Guadalupe.  We have had a party for her almost every every year since Ben was a toddler.  Usually we have enchiladas, spanish rice and punch, sometimes carry out tacos if time is short or there is a new baby.  Often we play pin the tail on the donkey, do the mexican hat dance.  One year we had a pinata.  This year, we used the lovely ideas by Alice Gunther who so generously shares her creative Liturgical Teas at her blog Cottage Blessings.  Last winter some ladies from our homeschooling group got together and used Alice's plans in a group setting.  I vowed this year I would do them at home with my entire family.   My mother came over and helped prepare the food.  I wish I had photos of the food to share with you but I was so caught up in the festivities that I did not take any.  Every thing on the menu was delicious, lovely and meaningful.  

I placed a small potted rose plant next to Our Lady's picture on the table alongside our perpetual candle lit in her honor.  The children behaved well and were attentive, the food was done on time and everyone had a wonderful evening.  That doesn't all happen very often, where everything just seems to fall into place.  In fact, earlier in the day everyone was upset and grumpy.  It did not seem that our party was going to get off the ground.  Children were irritable and our family was sad.  Our dear friend has had some setbacks in his health, on the eve of the day we had hoped for a miracle.  He had to postpone his trip to Mexico City.  So we continue to pray on his behalf and are grateful to those of you who are praying along with us.

When the table was spread and the story of Our Lady was being read, everyone forgot their grumpiness and became quite grateful. Grateful for a home in which to live, for a plot of land on which to romp, for a family who loves them, for the friendship of those who truly care about our family.  All of these things we recognize as having come from God, through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of our family.  

Maybe I Need a Unibrow

I was standing in front of the mirror putting on my minimal daily makeup (foundation, mascara, lip gloss) when Benjamin walked past the bathroom door. The door was open so he walked in and said, "Good morning".  I began plucking a few stray eyebrows. 

"Ouch!  What are you DOING?!?"

"Oh, just neatening up my brows."

"WHY?!? Doesn't that HURT?!"

"Not really.  Just getting some of the straggling hairs that would make my eyebrows look like furry caterpillars if left unplucked."

"Who CARES if your eyebrows are furry?  Isn't that kind of vain?"

"Well, I suppose a little but I don't want to look like a mountain man or like Frida Kahlo."

"Who CARES if you look like Frida Kahlo.  She made some beautiful art."

"Well, regardless, I wouldn't want to be remembered by my distinguishing facial hair."

"Well now your son will remember you as a woman who voluntarily PULLED HER EYEBROWS OUT!"

"Better that than remembering your mother had an awning of an eyebrow to comb every day."

"Why do you wear makeup anyway?  It really is kind of silly if you think about it.  Painting your face and covering your lashes with black paint."

"I suppose it is an odd custom.  I have found the older I get the more tired I look.  I just wear a bit of makeup to perk up my face."

"Perk up your face?  You mean HIDE it?"

"Well, just the flaws, not the whole face."

"FLAWS?!?  Who decides if you have FLAWS?!? What if every lady in the world stopped wearing makeup?  Would you do it?"

"Sure.  But I don't think that is going to happen."

"Well, maybe you should be the first to do it."

"I just don't have it in me to start a unibrow growing, makeup-less world wide revolution, Ben. Besides, I think I look a little better with a touch of makeup."

"'John Doe' in our Scout Troop has a unibrow.  He shaves it in the middle."

"Well, he is a boy and it is more acceptable for boys to have hair between their eyes."

"Who made THAT up?!? Who DECIDES these things?!?"

Sigh.  

*********

Please tell me he has entered the Argumentative Stage.  It's just a necessary stage of learning and development, right? :)

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

 We've been decorating and having some fun around here.  I really don't seem to have much to blog about these days because other than tending to the house, preparing for Christmas and working on the most basic of lessons, we haven't been doing a whole lot.  Until last weekend we were on our fourth month with one vehicle.  That meant the kids and I stayed home while Mike was at work.  Thankfully, I am a homebody at heart. :)

 Here are some photos of some of the decorations we put up last weekend.

 This is our family room which now contains the tree that we cut last weekend.  That is a stack of undelivered boy scout popcorn in the corner. :) We are hauling it out today to be delivered.

Here is a closeup of our manger scene which is under the berry wreath on the far wall.  I love the simplicity of the Willow Tree figures, clean lines, muted colors.   When I first got the set, I was disappointed that I could not wait until Christmas Day to put the baby Jesus in the scene because He is attached to His mother.   However, now the Blessed Mother and Child figures are my favorite in the manger scene and the love between them is captured in a very sweet manner.    I also have the three wise men and their camels which do not come out for some time, working their way across the room by Epiphany.

The vintage ceramic tree was Mike's grandmother's.  My grandma had one as well, as did my aunt, though hers was white.  Susan posted a photo of hers a while back and I loved reading all of the comments and memories people had of their grandmother's trees.   I think it looks so pretty when the lights are low. 

 

I picked up a tall, thin artificial tree a couple of years ago at Target. We are using it this year as a second tree to hold the children's ornaments.  They have received quite a few since they were born and they enjoyed having a tree of their own to decorate. While I don't save each ornament they make over the years, I do save those that are sturdy or that are special to them.  Some are made of wood or clay or beeswax.  I hope someday they will hang them on their trees and enjoy them. 

The piano

We put the Advent Log on the mantel this year which looks pretty but has proven impractical.  Part way through devotions each night, the furnace clicks on and the vent near the fireplace blows fiercely.  The candles start to flicker wildly, lighting several nearby that aren't supposed to be lit yet and making us fear that the wall will catch on fire.  :) We usually have to snuff them early. So I need to think about just where we will put the log next year.  Either that or turn off the blower on the furnace. :)

 

The little manger is filling with hay.

Lastly, here are some photos of our gingerbread house that we made Tuesday with Mike's mom.  She came for the day and the kids had such fun. 

 

 

The kids have been itching to eat it but I think we will save it for our Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration tomorrow.  

Thanks for visiting. Have a lovely day and stay warm! :)

Squeaky Clean

Gratitude

Flannel sheets

Good Earth herbal tea

Cardinals, chickadees and nuthatches at the feeders

Friday biscuits with honey

Cotton tights

Nat King Cole

New brakes on the van

A plentiful woodpile

Advent candles

Gently falling snow 

Overheard

Annie singing: "Yamb of God, you take away the sins of the weird.  Have mercy on us."

Prayers for Packy

There is a beautiful man named Packy who has spent his years on earth living out the Corporal Works of Mercy.  He feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, gives shelter to the homeless and in addition, is a strong advocate for the unborn.  This man puts compassion into action, living out his faith by helping others on a daily basis.  He is a father, a grandfather and a friend to many. 

Many years ago, Packy obtained a life changing favor after imploring Our Lady of Guadalupe's intercession.  He has since made pilgrimages each year to Mexico City in gratitude, bearing with him a box of prayer requests from neighbors and friends in need.  This is how our family met Packy.  We had recently finished a novena to Mother Mary that ended prior to Our Lady's feast.   A friend of ours was taking her prayer requests to his house prior to his pilgrimage to Mexico.  She was to include a request for our family (as we were going through a very difficult time back then) but she forgot to include it in her envelope.   As she was leaving, she remembered our request.  She began to write it on the outside of the envelope when Packy asked her what she was writing.  She explained our situation and Packy, not knowing us from Adam, told her he was going to help us as best he could.  That is the kind of man he is.

In the time since that day, Packy has become a father figure to me, offering prayers and help for our difficult circumstance.  He, together with his sweet wife,  gave us new hope and has shown our family much love and generosity. 

A few weeks ago, Packy was diagnosed with a terminal heart disease with a very short life expectancy.   He is praying for a miracle to Our Lady of Guadalupe, who has interceded on his behalf many times.  Although he is in a very weakened state, he and his wife are planning to go on their annual pilgrimage to Mexico City for Our Lady's feast to beg a miracle that he might recover from this disease.  Our family is begging a miracle as well to Our Lady of Guadalupe on his behalf.  Won't you consider praying or fasting for this good man for the next nine days?  If we start today, we will end on the eve of Our Lady's feast.  If you are willing and able, the following novena can be recited each day. I will post it each day as a reminder to those who can pray it. For those who cannot pray the novena, any prayers uttered, even a single Ave are so appreciated.  Our family is grateful for each and every one you would offer up for our dear friend.

Much love,

Rebecca

NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Day One

Our Lady of Guadalupe, according to THY message in Mexico I venerate THEE as the Virgin Mother of the true God for whom we live, the Creator of all the world, Maker of heaven and earth. In spirit I kneel before thy most holy image which thou didst miraculously imprint upon the cloak of the Indian Juan Diego, and with the faith of the countless numbers of pilgrims who visit thy shrine, I beg thee for this favor:

[Mention your request]

Remember, O Immaculate Virgin, the words thou hast spoken to thy devout client: "I am a merciful mother to thee and to all thy people who love me and trust in me and invoke my help. I listen to their lamentations and solace all their sorrows and sufferings." I beg thee to be a merciful mother to me, because I sincerely love thee and trust in thee and invoke thy help. I entreat thee, our Lady of Guadalupe, to grant my request, if this should be the will of God, in order that I may bear witness to thy love, thy compassion, thy help and protection. Do not forsake me in my needs.

Recite "Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us" and Hail Mary three times.

Where's My Baby?

The girl that was my baby yesterday turned the ripe old age of three today.  She requested a pink cake with a snowman on top.  My good friend Betty and I whipped one up and Annie was pleased as punch. (Do you know Betty?  She is a good friend to have.  :))

Annie also wanted a bowl of strawberries.  Simple enough.

So, without further adieu, I give you the birthday girl...

Isn't she just scrumptuous?

Happy Advent Season

Advent  is, by far, my favorite time of the year but it can be such a busy time of preparation that it is easy to become discouraged if our focus shifts from the coming of the Christ Child to the hustle and bustle of our culture.  Keeping Advent  peaceful and meaningful can be done in a variety of ways.  Our family spends time each evening sharing simple devotions.  That can be as easy as lighting a small candle next to a picture of the Infant Jesus or by praying the Rosary as a family.

Our family's traditions of the lighting the candles on the Advent log and filling the Christ child's manger are things we have done since my oldest was a toddler.  They are lovely traditions that work for our family.  They may not work for yours as every family is different and unique.  I think it is not important or prudent to adopt a bunch of different advent devotions, crafts or projects each year.  There are many out there to choose from and can be overwhelming.  Choosing or creating one or two traditions and doing them year after year is more important than getting swept up in the myriad of possible ideas.  We want our children to remember simple, lovely, meaningful times of preparing our hearts for His coming.

If you have stumbled upon my humble site looking for Advent ideas, I have linked our family's traditions below.  They look like many but really are only the two mentioned above. I am linking those posts below because I have noticed many visitors coming here in search of Advent devotions or information in constructing the Advent log.  If you and your family need more information about the log, you can email me at the address in the sidebar and I will do my best to help you.

The Christ Child and the Manger

The Advent Log

The Advent Log-Part II

Recent Advent Log Photo

Stir Up Sunday White Fruitcake Recipe

Advent Devotions Week One

Advent Devotions Week Two

Advent Devotions Week Three

The Remaining Days of Advent/Christmas Devotions

Advent Sugar Cookie Recipe and Patterns for Week Two

Do stop by and see some beautiful Advent Logs made by other families:

Alice's Advent Log
Dawn's Advent Log
Kristina's Advent Log
Margaret's Advent Log
Tracy's Advent Log
Suzanne's Advent Log

Our family's entire advent archives can be found here.

Blessings and peace to you and yours this Advent season!

Warmly,

Rebecca