4th Sunday of Advent

 

O God of Elizabeth and Mary,

you visited your servants with news of the world's redemption

in the coming of the Savior.

Make our hearts leap with joy,

and fill our mouths with songs of praise,

that we may announce glad tidings of peace,

and welcome the Christ in our midst. Amen.

Three Wise Women

 

Third Sunday of Advent

 

I lift my heart up to you,  thank you for the blessings you shower on me each day.

You are the 'joy of my soul.' I know that in your great love, I am held and protected by you.

I pray and listen to the good news you send; I ask and feel the healing. I am freed by you from the things in this world that let me hide from you.

I rejoice, I rejoice, down to my soul. Help me to prepare my heart to be open and able to receive your immense love.

Second week of Advent

  

Hope in the Waiting (borrowed from our church bulletin)

Hope is a GIFT that God grows and cultivates in us, especially during this Advent season that emphasizes waiting in times of darkness. Even in situations of suffering and evil, we can ask for an increase in and grow in the virtue of hope.  

“Prepare the way of the Lord!” John the Baptist declares in our Sunday reading.  To prepare the way is to internally take stock of what we’re trying to keep in the dark away from the transforming power of Christ.

Have hope in the God who wants abundant life for you and wants you running in true freedom, for our God is faithful.

"God had no need to become man; man was already made through Him. It was we who needed God to become man and dwell among us."  St. Hilary of Poitiers 

First week of Advent

Lord, the light I choose to let into my life today is based on my trust in you.  It is a weak flame, but I so much desire that it dispel a bit more darkness today.  Today, I just want to taste the longing I have for you as I go to the meeting this morning, carry out the responsibilities of my work, face the frustration of some difficult relationships.  Let this candle be my reminder today of my hope in your coming.

Where did October and November go?

I realize that I haven't added anything since September!!

It's been a busy fall with 3 births and lots of things happening.  Our bathroom remodel is nearly done, phew!  We've had visits from family and friends, and squeezed in our last boat ride in October.  The water goes down considerably as the TVA has a fall schedule to do that yearly.  So, the boat is put away until April.  

Our septic tank work is finally done, after a number of missteps along the way.  The State inspector for Roane County was glad to get our property off his list for sure! (He had to come back 3 times)

We lost Uncle Jerry in November and there are many memories of him over the years.  Here are a few pictures.  His funeral service will be next week and I'm sure there will be lots of stories we'll share.

Off to college!

 

We are off tomorrow to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) to drop off our youngest to her freshman year at college.  We'll officially be empty nesters. 😄

Marian is almost packed, will be up tonight I'm sure getting it all ready.

Gabriel arrives back in the States today from his 2 week trip in Europe.  I'm sure we'll hear all about it when he's home.  

Anna has begun her massage therapy school and loves it so far.  She also took a part time job at a burger joint to make some extra cash while in school.  They love her friendly demeanor and she loves the custard shakes.  

Happy 30th Anniversary 

(who are these young looking people, that can't be Karen and Bogdan...)

Happenings at the lake

 

I am a BIG supporter of the Shingles vaccine now, having just got over having Shingles.  Get the vaccine!! It's not a fun disease.  It can have lingering effects.  

Otherwise, August has slipped in without fanfare.  Had another doula birth and so glad to be a part of this profession.  

Marian is slowly getting ready for college and all her friends are leaving for their prospective places.

We are still in the process of the bathroom remodel, but hit a snag with some septic issues, which we are now trying to get fixed before we move forward.  It's always something!

Our lake continues to give us pleasure, whether it be night time swimming or just sitting and enjoying the view.  

July!!

 Well it is July already and I can't believe that means that we've been in the new house for 2 months.  How time flies.  

Marian is still in Costa Rica, but comes home in 2 weeks.  She has had the time of her life.  Such a fun and once in a lifetime experience.  She has gone in the rain forest, swam in both the beach and local streams/rivers, walked across a suspension bridge (small), seen tropical birds and eaten exotic foods.  

Bogdan recently received the news that he has gotten the promotion that he applied for, so he will be moving to a new division (well, really his old division) and will be the group leader.  That will begin at the new fiscal year, October 1.  

Work has begun on our bathroom remodel and while it's a mess, it is making significant progress.  We hope to have it completed by the end of the summer, if not sooner.  The cats will be happy once the noise settles down.  

Have a safe and joyous Independence Day!

First and last day for Marian

Marian had her last day of school yesterday, so I thought I'd share both her first day (of preschool) and her last day of high school.  Bogdan and I are celebrating not having to get up to an alarm clock at 6:15am any longer! :)

April is almost over

 April is coming to a close and with it many things are ending as well.  Girl Scouts, Masquers, School (almost done), and our time in Oak Ridge.  This is the longest we've ever lived in one house, and with that we've had to do lots of decluttering.  Marian is almost packed.  I have a few more things to pack up.  Not tearful at all, looking forward to our new place!

We are moving to our new house, some pics here:

Happy Birthday Dad!!

 

Happy Birthday and March news so far

 Happy birthday to David and Fayth, all grown up now, but look how cute they started out.

March is already here and the house is getting ready to sell.  We should have it on the market by the end of the month.  Marian has cleaned her room, I know, earth shaking news!

4 out of 5 of us have the vaccine now.  Gabriel is the odd ball out, but hoping by June to get it?

Girl Scout cookie season is now at a close, the last one for my troop who are all graduating this year.  They finished a big service project too, creating a Free Little Library and when it's installed (this Sunday), I'll post pictures of it.  

And Marian has her last performance tomorrow.  She did a talent show earlier in which her group won 3rd place (the only vocal group to do so!)  They sang Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, and it was great.  Tomorrow she takes the stage in a Showcase (variety show) and she has 4 songs in it!  Unfortunately, it is only a live show and not broadcast.  She has not heard back from all her colleges, and most will hold out and let her know by end of March...it's a long wait. 

January news and birthday wishes

 

Happy Birthday to Anna!!

February is bringing chilly weather to the whole country, including TN.  It's warmed up to 40 degrees now, but each morning it's been 20.  My cats are trying to find a sunny spot in the house to warm up in.  

We celebrated Anna's birthday by doing a "Breakout" room party.  They are super fun and we broke out with 50 seconds to spare!!  The rooms are cleaned between each event and and everyone was wearing face masks.  Anna had a great time celebrating with everyone.

I now have my vaccines (Phizer) and feeling fine, no lingering effects and no immediate issues.  Glad to have it and help stop the spread.  Anna also had her first shot (Moderna) and no complications either.  

Happy Birthday!

 Happy Birthday to both Jeff and Marian!!

Jeff is 56

Marian is 18