Reflections for the new year.

Well! Here we are at 2013. A new year. Nothing exciting when one knows that we are still growing older, still have the same bills, financial worries, relationship struggles, the ups and downs on this roller coaster of life. Despite this knowledge, each new year should usher in with it a sense of anticipation and search for new approaches, a desire to learn; perhaps from failings, or perhaps to seek out those challenges which will force learning upon us, and a yearning to grow yet another inch closer to God and our fellow man. I came across this instruction from a wise saint which spoke to me and provides me, quite simply, with on outline for my personal goals for this year:

"So now let us follow the Word; let us seek the repose on high; let us cast aside the opulence of this world; let us have recourse only to that portion of it that serves a good end; let us gain our lives by acts of charity; let us share what we have with the poor that we may be rich in the bounty of heaven." ~ St. Gregory Nazianzen

The Word of God. Living simply. Serving with charity. Helping the poor. These themes shall be the basis for my life this year, and hopefully those of my family. I feel that we have begun a significant transition to living more simply in the past year, and I look forward to continuing in that manner, as well as deepening our understanding of the peace and joy that is gleaned from such a lifestyle. Our Lord truly demonstrated that the simple life is the best way to encourage more focus on God and the needs of others. To live the Gospel is to live in love and in service. So here's to living more simply, more spiritually, more economically, more cleanly, more intentionally, more joyfully, more in love...building on last year's successes rather than harping on its shortcomings; to living the days out, in and through Him. All these desires must be wrapped in the blanket of faith and entrusted to God, for we can do nothing without Him. Being that 2013 has been declared the Year of Faith by Pope Benedict, I also hope to dwell more upon this virtue and keep it forefront in mind...Jesus said we could do immeasurable things with faith only the size of a mustard seed. Let us cast trepidation aside, let us throw our whole selves forward with faith; let us have faith that He will work with our weak, minuscule faiths, and accomplish great things for the Kingdom.

"Enter the new year with hope, knowing that you can do nothing of yourself. Walk in faith, and that faith will grow and grow! And you will begin to understand that He can do all things in you. So in total simplicity and child-likeness in a faith that sings of your desire for Him, in a love that celebrates with an untarnished hope, face this new year without fear! Why should you be afraid when the Lord is with you? We live in the resurrected Christ. Together upholding each other in love and joy and faith, we shall restore that which needs restoring in the church."
~ Catherine Doherty 

A happy new year blessed by our Lord to you all!

October '12 photo shoot by Chutikorn Photography

Christmas week.

A very Merry Christmas to you all! I hope your week has been blessed with peace and joy. We had a nice week celebrating our Lord's birth, doing a few winter activities, and relaxing. Michael enjoyed having both his parents around for a whole week, as Andrew was off work!

On Christmas Eve we placed our gifts under the tree, did a few chores, and had a light salmon dinner before I had to go sing vigil and midnight Mass.

Andrew cleaned the double oven for me (which was a chore because I had let it go too long for the sad fact that this oven doesn't have a self-cleaner setting) with his own concoction of a natural cleaner: baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice. Thanks, hubby!

I tried a new bread recipe which is simply delicious; raisin rosemary olive oil bread.

Christmas Day, we attended morning Mass, paid a little visit to the manger, then went over to a family's house for brunch.

We returned in the early afternoon and opened our gifts...

Michael enjoyed tearing the paper...

...and examining a new toy.

Then Mama and Papa opened a few gifts.

Hiking poles.

Wow - I was surprised!

Michael's main gift - the Radio Flyer Walker Wagon. We have yet to get some good pictures of him using it, but he figured it out right away and it's so cute to see him pushing it around.

The days following Christmas were filled with a sense of peace and quiet and we continued the celebration with a few fun family outings.

Christmas light viewing both inside and outside the car followed by coffee drinks and dessert...

 The downtown Sheraton hosted an amazing gingerbread house exhibit. This year the creations were based on fairy tales...very intricate and creative craftsmanship! 

Brunch out preceded a trip to the impressive Snoqualmie Falls.

We then toured the beautiful Salish Lodge that sits atop the falls (I want to go back for their spa someday) then headed farther up the highway in search of snow...success! We are keeping an eye out for some sledding materials and so are also on the lookout for good sledding locations. Love living so close to a winter wonderland!

I am thankful for this quality family time we had together before Michael and I leave (early this morning) for Dallas to visit my family. Andrew unfortunately can't accompany us due to work, but I am thankful that my family will be able to see Michael at this stage and that I can spend at least some of the holiday season with them. And I am always so excited when I get to see my dearest mother. This time will be extra special as my sister from FL will be there with her family including the newest 2 month old addition!

Well, I must get out the door to catch that plane...laundry is done, the monthly bills are paid, meals are in the freezer for hubby (and I must admit, a small list of possible to-do items was drawn up for him...if he finds himself so lonely and bored without us, he can occupy his time with those! ;) Wishing you all a most happy new year and completion of the Christmas season. Rejoice, He is here! God bless us one and all.

Making a little Christmas cheer.

This week has been busier than usual in the kitchen...(excuse my morning hair.)

 Starting some bread dough early in the morning. Michael is interested in all the machines in the kitchen that make such strange noises.

And loves being up at Mama's level for some attention.

Sweet breads for our 2 wonderful priests.

Peppermint fudge for Andrew's work colleagues. 

Sending out a few cards...

wrapping a few presents.

 Michael kept busy alternately visiting me in the kitchen or at the desk, and reading his books, sometimes out loud - so cute to hear.

Turning into such a sweet boy.

O Key of David, O Sceptre of the house of Israel, controlling at your will the gate of heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and lead your captive people into freedom.

I'll be taking a little break from here to celebrate with my little family. I have a bit of baking to do yet, 5 Masses to sing this weekend and we are invited to a parish family's home for Christmas brunch. The rest of the time will be spent napping relaxing, watching Christmas movies, enjoying some of the holiday cheer around Seattle, and maybe playing in the snow. Wishing you all a most peaceful last few days of Advent and a joyous Christmastide celebrating our Savior's birth!