Christmas 2019

December 9, 2019

Hello All, 

It appears that I was too busy grooming my friend, BOGO The Cat, to write a

letter last year. Interesting. I, Sid The Cat, am here to catch you up on the

events of the past two years!

As noted above, I, Sid The Cat, keep busy grooming BOGO The Cat.  She

tolerates me, but occasionally gets really angry and beats me up.  We happily

co-exist with Alice the Cat, although there is occasional hissing at mealtime when

we all want the same bowl.  Liberty Dog left us in November, the humans say she

had a long life for a Saint Bernard (about 9 years). Morrison, The Furry Toddler,

continues to entertain us all--chasing us and showing us her toys.

Pete and Sarah continue at their jobs--Sarah at the same high school she has

taught at since August 2002 and Peter at his law firm that he opened in 2005. 

Last spring Sarah presented with her co-teacher at a conference about literacy.

Sarah also tutors a couple nights a week at the local library. Business at the law

firm is going well.  Pete is learning to work remotely, so he can still get things done

while traveling with Lucas (see below).

Claudia is a freshman at the University of Northern Colorado. She was accepted

at UNC, The University of Colorado, and Colorado State (the three schools she applied

to).  Claudia is studying pre-nursing and worrying about applying to the official nursing

program. Her roommate is a friend she went to high school with. According to them,

they don’t have any fun and study all the time. She worked as a nanny during and after

high school and saved enough money for a car which she uses to get to her new job...

as a nursery attendant at a church near her dorm.

Lucas is a freshman at Rock Canyon High School, the same school Claudia attended. 

Snowboarding has become his life...last spring he competed at Nationals, winning a

3rd place finish at the competition and placing him 8th in the nation for his age group. 

This year he practices many Fridays, so is learning to balance school and travel. He

has also joined every club he can think of at school (including the Danny Devito fan club,

organic chem club, and ski club…..)

Last summer we built out a Promaster Van for “the boys” winter travel needs. It is

superinsulated and quite comfy.  Sarah and the dogs went one weekend before it

was all done and it was great then--it’s pretty amazing now.

If you want to see (more) pictures of what we are up to (and the van build) you

can find and follow us on Facebook and Instagram:

Facebook:

Sarah Sager Lemire 

Lucas Lemire (lucas.lemire.5494)

Claudia Lemire 

Instagram:

sarahsagerlemire

co_ski_atty

darthshredder04

claudialemire1

We wish you all a blessed holiday season! 

Love,

Sid the Cat (and the rest of the family, too)

Hurry up and wait...

There was at least one episode of MASH when the main characters talked about how life in a MASH unit was all "Hurry up and wait"--that there were periods of crazy rushing around surrounded by a lot of sitting and waiting. 

This week at school has been kind of like that for me--moments of utter chaos surrounded by time spent sitting and watching my kids write final exam essays.  There is, of course, that never-ending mom and teacher "to do list"...but in many moments this week I have just sat and done, well, nothing.  I have felt guilty several times and invented things to do(and been interrupted by "emergencies" several other times).

I think that is God's way of reminding me to observe Advent--to wait quietly and listen for "what next".  To remember that sometimes we are to just wait.  What a great reminder in this crazy, busy world...

Now if I could just grade all those essays in a speedy manner.....

Advent

For the past several years, I've attended an event called "Advent by Candlelight" hosted by the mom's group at my kids' Catholic Elementary School.  It is a great way to begin the season, a chance to sit with friends, eat appetizers and desserts, and listen to great music and speakers. The speaker last night said at one point that she appreciated all of us coming to hear her speak, and that she knew that for many of us it will be the last time we sit and relax with friends until the holiday season is long over.

Last night's speaker was fabulous, but as I told IM last night, she, like last year's speaker, was very "intellectual".  A great speaker, very scripturally sound.  She connected the prophesies of Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah, through Matthew and Luke, to Revelation.  It was a great talk, reminding me that Advent isn't just waiting for Christmas, but also waiting for Christ to return again.  As I listened, I thought to myself that I kind of miss the year that a mom of six (seven?) spoke to us, more along the lines of "how to survive the holiday season", it seemed like a much more relevant lesson.  But maybe that's the real message--that sometimes we get so caught up in the moment, in the surviving, that we miss the big picture.  As we move through this season of waiting let's all help each other find ways of not just surviving, but also purposefully waiting and using our wait time for what it was meant for.  For helping others, for spreading God's love here on earth, for making Christmas every day not just one day a year.

The December Birthday Dilemma...Chapter 12

So the Boy's birthday is this weekend.  When he was born, I had only accumulated about 4 weeks of leave. That combined with two weeks of Christmas Break and notes from both my doctor and the kids' pediatrician saying "keep that child out of daycare for one more week" meant that I ended up with just short of 7 weeks of leave--which made me very thankful that he was an "almost Christmas baby".
However, as he gets older, his holiday season birthday has created some interesting situations....like the year only one friend appeared at his party (because all the others had last minute visits to Santa, holiday events, etc.), or the year that 27 kids attended his Harry Potter themed party at our house (advertised as "We live 3 miles from the Outlet Mall....drop off ALL your children at The Boy's party and get your shopping done!!!").  Often he is a victim of "here is one big gift for both Christmas and your birthday" (I am guilty of this....) Every year we debate how many Christmas decorations are appropriate before his party (also influenced by if the birthday party is at our house or somewhere else).
This year since snowboarding is happening on both Saturday and Sunday, it may be months before The Boy actually gets a party (although there is a motion on the table to do something one day during winter break with one of his friends, who hasn't had a birthday party yet this year either...). And the Christmas tree dilemma...do we get it before his birthday? On his birthday?  After?  One year we picked up a tree for 75% off on December 19 because we had the party at our house that week and didn't want a bunch of little boys with lightsabers and a tree with ornaments together...
This year we will celebrate early with the family, before the boys go to the mountain apartment (The Girl has finals to study for...) so I made a cake tonight--it certainly isn't as impressive as some other birthday cakes (the jewelry box, the pirate ship...) but it looks like it is going to be delicious.. (and if I did it right, there will be a surprise when we cut into it...).  And I tasted the reject pieces and frosting and can attest that it is very tasty no matter what....

Ah, January

Well, Good Evening before another semi-significant birthday!  Big plans include, um, work, and going out to dinner somewhere.  Anywhere, as long as I don't have to cook or clean up, right?

Let's see...I can tell it is January--even in Colorado I feel the lack of winter sunshine.  In protest of the endless driving in the dark, I'm leaving my outdoor lights up until the last day the HOA will allow them (January 31, for the record) and then I may replace them with simple, white, twinkle lights...my own little protest.  I have three new classes this semester--two are repeats (with different students) of classes I taught last semester and one is a support lab type class.  So far I'm enjoying all my classes.  I have several students new to me, and get to continue my two favorite classes of the year, so its all good.  Three of my classes even have windows....so I can see daylight once in a while!

Morrison the puppy is settling in well--she actually sleeps better than Tigger.  Mr. IM and I are awakened nightly, several times nightly over the last week, by Tigger's song of his people.  Last night he stopped for a few minutes when I got out of bed, scooped him up, and plopped him in bed with us. My theory is that he gets cold...so I think I will knit him a sweater and force him to wear it. We'll see how that goes... (probably not well, given his history with sweaters).  Morrison goes to bed between 8 and 9 most nights--if she stays up until 10, she is like a sleepy toddler and has to poked, prodded and sometimes carried up to her upstairs kennel.  She goes out between 5 and 5;30 (Mr. IM takes her out at 5 when I get in the shower, however, her laziness has refused a couple times and has waited for me to get her at 5:30).  Alice and Tigger still detest the puppy, but Liberty seems to (sort of) love her.  She at least likes drooling on the puppy, which leads to lots of baths for Morrison, which Morrison loves...

The Girl has joined a club volleyball team as a practice player (don't know if I mentioned that yet?) so that fills my weekends while Mr. IM and The Boy are skiing (snowboarding).  The Girl and I continue to try to keep up with Downton Abbey...waiting impatiently for January 26, when the whole season will be available (for a fee) from Amazon and we can just binge watch the whole season (between volleyball events, while the boys are in the mountains)

I have already finished a couple great books--Charles Martin's newest, of course, will probably go on my top 10 (and it is only January 11...11.5 months to go in this year) and I really enjoyed Ready Player One...a dystopian novel with an 80's trivia twist--if you remember the 80's you might enjoy it...it you loved video games in the 80's (or dungeons and dragons) you'll probably really love it.  I'm also getting ready to finish book 3 of the Blackcoat Rebellion series by Allie Carter--teen lit at its best, but entertaining.  Unfortunately, it will be YEARS before there is another Diana Gabaldon book....maybe I'll have to do something useful!

Good Night, from Morrison and I!

Christmas Gift Giving Thoughts and Holiday wrap up (sort of)

When the kids were little we used to joke that it took all day to open the Christmas gits and when it was over we had a room full of toys and the kids were playing with the boxes.  That (first world) problem has gotten exponentially better as they got older, but I'm always looking for ways to make Christmas about, well, Christmas, not about the gifts.  A few weeks before Christmas, I saw a blog (or a meme, or something) that suggested that kids (and I suggest everyone) should get 4 gifts (and only 4 gifts, although we didn't hit that goal this year).  The suggestions for the four gifts were one of each of these:  toy, clothes, something they need, something they want.  I added "and a book" to the list this year, and by working closely with Santa and the grandparents was able to make sure all these bases were covered.  I don't want to speak for Santa, but I know the list made me much more thoughtful when choosing gifts. Finding a toy for a 14 year old girl was challenging, as was finding something that either child needed.  Stockings were still free game--lots of "stuff", but the stocking rule is "cheap", so it isn't really an issue.  Here's what the kids ended up with for gits from Mom and Dad and Santa:

                                  Girl                             Boy
Need                      phone charger                dress socks with R2D2 and storm troopers on them
Want                      lamp                               Legos
Clothes                  sweatshirt                       pajamas in a size that fits
Toy                        spinning Minion            Micromachines (Star Wars)
                              (it is awesome...)  
Book                      Adulting:  How to         Q and A a Day for Kids:  A Three Year Journal

                            Become an Adult in 
468 Easy(ish) Steps  (highly recommended
by one of my recently graduated seniors)

I'm happy with how it turned out this year...I'm thinking of trying to institute the rule for Mr IM next year, too.  I like the idea that you are never too old to receive a toy and that you receive something you need, something you want and a book...

We had a nice Christmas, it was just the four of us this year. Had a tasty prime rib that made the best stew ever and there are a couple pieces left for sandwiches today.  We're spending a lot of time this break hanging out with Morrison (and Liberty)...right now Morrison is passed out under my feet while I type!  The New Year's Eve plan is to watch some movies and probably make chilli.

Happy New Year!
                           

Tigger's Christmas Letter 2015

Greetings from the (Sub)urban ranch!

I've heard through the grapevine that many people are disappointed that  did not write a Christmas letter last year...let me assure you that I am alive and well...I am, however, no longer able to leap to the top of the desk in a single bound, so my computer time is quite limited these days.

Mr IMs continues to work at his own law practice.  He keeps busy with work but takes some time off occasionally to hang out with the family--today he is skiing with the Girl, while the Boy attends snowboarding team.  He is currently planning how to finish the side yard of the house to keep my new "friend" out of trouble (more on her later).  This summer he got a new engine for his Subaru and a new hood--the auto shop at Mrs. Ranch's school was excited to get the old hood!
.
Mrs. Ranch started how her 14th year at her current high school and her 23rd year of teaching this year.  She keeps busy with blogging and driving the children around...throwing in a few minutes of reading most nights.  This fall she participated in her first yarn crawl and can't wait to do it again this year!

The Girl is a Freshman in High School.  After several high school visits and some debate, she ended up at a school about half way between home and The Boy's school.  She played volleyball on the undefeated Freshman team this year and joined a club team as a practice player.  Last summer she went to Italy with Mr. IM's mom for a pilgrimage and returned with lots of great stories.  She's not playing drums anymore, so the set has been dismantled and the futon returned to the bonus room...giving me a fantastic place to sleep.

The Boy is a 5th grader this year.  He continues guitar lessons this year and even got a new acoustic guitar from  Grandude this year.  He continues to spend every Saturday from Thanksgiving to Easter snowboarding on a team--last summer he went to snowboarding camp and had a lot of fun.  He enjoyed telling the family about all the late night tv he watched in his dorm room.

The people tell me that I'll be 18 in the spring. I still keep busy, making sure the people are up every day at 5.  Some days they shout, "Dude, its the weekend!", but I think they are delusional...I don't know what a weekend is, but I do know I need a glass of water and fresh food every day at 5! Alice the Cat is 7 in the spring. She likes to hide these days and has taken over MJ's pillow on the adult's bed--drooling her way to sleep.   Liberty, is probably 5 this year. She is enjoying being the "older dog", most days welcoming, Morrison, the Saint Huskimo puppy, born on September 11 and joining our family Thanksgiving weekend.  Morrison's favorite activities are eating everything chasing everything and trying to get everyone to play with her.

The people's extended families are all well, Mrs Ranch's parents are busier in retirement than they were before they retired.  Her younger brother and his family keep busy, her nephew will be five in the spring and provides the Ranch with lots of videos and photos to make us laugh.  Mr. Ranch's dad retired this  year and is job hunting in the Denver area.  Mr. Ranch's mom also retired this year and moved into an adult living community where she keeps busy with all kinds of community and church activities.  The infamous Mrs. Pretzel (IM"s sister) welcomed another boy to the family this October, bringing the people's nephew total to 3.

We hope this letter finds you all well and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from our (Sub)urban Ranch!

Love,
Tigger (and family)

Christmas Readings 2015

Thursday, December 24, 2015
Christmas Eve:
Light all four colored candles and the large white candle.
Luke 2:11 A Savior has been born to you;  He is Christ the Lord.
Read your family's favorite version or translation of Jesus's birth together tonight.  Prayer: Christ is born for us!  Come, let us adore Him.  Lord Jesus, in the peace of this season our spirits rejoice with the animals and the angels, with the shepherds and the stars, with Mary and Joseph, we sing God's praise.  By your coming, may the hungry be filled with good things, and may our table and home be blessed.  Glory to God in the highest and peace to God's people on earth!

Friday, December 25, 2015
Christmas--Light all four colored candles and the large white candle.
Luke 1:68  Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.
Christmas is finally here!  Today we light the white candle in t he middle of our wreath to symbolize the purity of Christ.  We should enjoy this day and give thanks to the Lord for giving us the Christ Child.  Prayer: Thank you, God, for the gift of Jesus.  Thank you for the gifts we receive today, for the phone calls and visits of those we love, and for the memories of friends and family who are not with us today.

Advent week 4, 2015

Sunday, December 20, 2015
Fourth Sunday.  This candle is sometimes called the candle of love.  It symbolizes that God loves us so much He sent His Son to save us.  (Light all four candles).  Read one of your family's favorite versions or translations of Jesus's birth.  Prayer:  Now Jesus's birthday is very near.  May his birthday bring joy and happiness to all of us as we try to be more like Jesus.  Help us to show love for others.

Monday, December 21, 2015
Luke 2:19  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
This season is a time for memories and reflection.  Mary ,the mother of Jesus, might have felt pleased at all the fuss made over her special child.  She knew that her child was the Son of God, but rejoiced in knowing so many other people heard the same message from God's angels.What memories Mary would have all her life of this special time!  Prayers:  Thank you, God, for our memories of special times. Please be with people who are lonely this season and help their memories bring them comfort.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015
1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
One of the most popular holiday traditions if to bake and decorate cookies.  A long time ago, these treats were hung on Christmas trees.  Now people make them for parties and to share with friends and family.  When we make these treats, we should thrink about the people who we will share them with.  How can we glorify God, even in our simple cookie making?  Prayer:  God, help us to use our holiday treats to spread your love to other people.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Matthew 25:40 The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did for me"
The tradition of giving gifts on Christmas is very old.  The ancient Romans exchanged gifts on New Year's Day.  When the apostles brought the Gospels to Rome, the Romans learned about the Wise Men's gifts to Jesus.  As Christianity spread, the gift giving custom changed to imitate the Three Wise Men and gifts were given on Christmas instead of New Year's. Sometimes we become so focused on giving perfect gifts that we forget why we give them.  What gifts can we give that don't cost money?  Prayer?  God, thank you for the best gift of all, Your Son, Jesus.  Help us give gifts that show our love for others.

Advent week 3, 2015

Sunday, December 13, 2015
Third Sunday:  The Third Sunday of Advent is soetimes known as the cndle of Joy. This pink candle also reminds us that we have reached the mid-point of the Advent Season.  Christmas is coming soon! Light three candles, two purple and one pink.  Read one of your family's favorite versions or translations of Jesus's birth.  Prayer:  Now Jesus's birthday is nearer.  As we choose gifts for our family and friends, we stop to say:  "Thank you, God, for Jesus, your gift that brings joy to us.".

Monday, December 14, 2015
Luke 2:30, 32:  For my eyes have seen your salvation,...the light for reveelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people, Israel.
Typically the Christmas story ends with the visit of the wise men from the East.  But the story of Christ continues through the New Testament.  When we read the Bible, especially Luke 2, we can learn about people other than the wise men who had waited a long time to see Jesus.  Simeon and Anna were two of these people who spend most of their lives praying for the Christ Child's coming.  When they met him, they praised God.  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for sending us Jesus.  Help us to remember the real reason for Christmas during this busy season.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Luke 2:20  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for al the things they had heard and seen"
Imagine the excitement the shepherds felt when the entire sky lit up with angels.  The shepherds were probably scared, but an angel told them wonderful news--Christ has been born!  The shpherds immediatley jumped up and went to find the baby Jesus.  What a happy occasion--the long-awaited King had finally arrived!  Christmas is a wonderful time to tell others about Christ.  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for your gift of Jesus.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Acts 20:35: Lord Jesus himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive"
During this season we can become focused on giving and receiving gifts.  We can also become more aware  of people in need.  Not everyone lives in a warm house with three meals a day.  During this busy season we should take time to share what we have with others.  What are some ways we can do this?  Prayer: Thank you, God, for all the comforts we have.  Help us to be a comfort to others.

Thursday, December 17, 2015
Matthew 2:2  We saw his star in the East and have come to worship him.
There has been lots of confusion about the men who came to visit Jesus.  Were they kings?  Wise Scholarly men?  Did they visit Jesus on the night he was born or when he was a toddler?  We do know that they watched the night skies and a new star appeared when Christ was born.  This star led them to Jesus.  They worshipped Jesus, and then went home by a different path to protect him from King Herod. Prayer: Thank you, God, for the example of the Wise Men.  Help us choose gifts for Jesus and for others that are meaningful.

Friday, December 18, 2015
Matthew 2:11  Then they opened their trasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and myrrh.
Do you ever think that the gifts that the Wise Men brought to Jesus were strange gifts for a child?  What gifts would you bring ot Jesus?  The gifts remind us that Jsus was a king, even when he was a tiny baby.  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for sending Jesus to live like us.  Help us remember to be thankful for gifts we receive.

Saturday, December 19, 2015
Song of Songs 2:12  Flowers appear on the earth, the season of singing has come.
Most Christmas decorations have meaning behind them.  For example, legend has it that when a poor family couldn't affort to decorate their tree a spider came to spin beautful webs on the trees to remind the family of the miracle of Christ's birth.  Today was use tinsel to remember the legend.  According to another legend, a boy and his sister had nothing to give Jesus for his birthday.  On the way to church on Christmas Eve, they picked some weeds to place on the manager as a gift.  As they prayed at church, the green leaves near the top of the weeds turned to bright red petals, we call this a poinsettia today.  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for all the wonderful reminders of your love for us.

Advent Week 2, 2015

The outdoor lights have been up for a week--most of the indoor decorations is out...We continue through Advent, looking ahead to an elementary school program this week.

Sunday, December 6, 2015
Second Sunday of Advent.   Today is the second Sunday of Advent and Saint Nicholas Day.  The second Sunday of Advent is a continued time of preparation.  This second purple candle is sometimes called the candle of preparation.(Light two purple candles).    Today, on Saint Nicholas Day, we remember that he is the saint of travelers.  We remember that Mary and Joseph were travelers, far from home.  Prayer:  Dear God, Thank you for our warm, safe house. As we decorate and prepare our home for Christmas help us to remember and care for people who need shelter today.

Monday, December 7, 2015
Luke 2:7 "....there was no room for them in the inn".
 It would have been a long trip between nazareth and Bethlehem.  It would have taken them about 10 days to travel the 90 miles.  Think about a time when your family took a long trip.  How did you feel at the end of the long journey?  Were you tired?  Hungry?  Cold?  Mary and Joseph were probably all of these when they reached Bethlehem.  They may have felt scared, too, since Mary was about to have a baby and they couldn't find a place to stay.  So many people had traveled to Bethlehem for the census that there was no room for them.  They must have been thankful when they found a place to stay in the stable.  Prayer:  Dear God, help us to show love and kindness to each other as we prepare to celebrate Christmas

Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Isaiah 9:6  For to us a child is born...
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception honors Mary's life.  She was chosen to be the Mother of God before she was born--What an amazing thought! We are reminded that God has a plan for all of us, just like he did for Mary.  We may not always know or understand God's plan, but if we listen carefully to his directions, we can do what he wants us to do. Dear God, help us to listen to you and follow your plan for us.  Thank you for your guidance.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Proverbs 8:30-31 I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.
During this season we remember that God sent His Son because He loves everyone in the world.  This is a time of year when we try to think of others, both family and friends and others around the world.  It is a time to rejoice, but also to be thankful and to share what we can.
Prayer:  Thank you, God, for sending Jesus.  Help us to be generous and kind during this season.

Thursday, December 10, 2015
Luke 2:7  She ....placed him in a manger.
After their long journey and search for a place to stay, finally Mary and Joseph had a dy shelter.  There were no beds, no clean sheets, and no blankets to keep them warm, probably only straw.  Cows and donkeys, and maybe sheep shared the stable with them. Not much of a place for a baby to be born, was it?  When Jesus was born, Mary wrapped him in strips of cloth to keep him warm and dry.  Prayer: God, thank you for our beds, our blankets, and that we have a safe, warm place to sleep.  Please be with those tonight who do not have these things.

Friday, December 11, 2015.
Luke 2:12  You will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger.
Nativity scenes are an important tradition for many of us during Advent.  They remind us that Jesus's beginnings were very humble. Each of the characters has an important part in the story.  They each teach us something and remind us of the meaning of Christmas.  Who are some of the characters in our nativity set? What can we learn from them?  Prayer: Thank you, God for reminding us of the real reason for Christmas.  Help us to remember while we prepare.

Saturday, December 12, 2015
Luke 2:8  And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
Sheep need a lot of care.  The Bible says, "the shepherds were watching over their sheep.".  Why would the shepherds need to stay in their fields at night to watch the sheep?  Jesus sometimes calls himself a shepherd.  Just like shepherds take care of their sheep, Jesus takes care of us.  Shepherds use staffs to guide and protect their sheep.  Candy canes are a symbol to help us remember this.  The shape of candy canes reminds us of a shepherd's staff and that Jesus is our shepherd.  When we hold a candy cane upside down, it looks like a "J" for "Jesus".  The red color reminds us of Christ's sacrifice and the white symbolizes His holiness and purity.  Prayer.  Dear God, help us to remember that you are taking care of us.  Thank you for being our shepherd.

Advent 2015, week 1

When I was a kid we had an Advent book that we read nightly--I honestly can't remember much about it--maybe it was just Daily Guideposts--but I remember that it was always special and meaningful to read and light the candles together.  When the kids were little, we started reading our own books--several different ones, but never just one that I loved. I spent time every night picking the reading that would work best for us from several choices, leaving a pile of books on the table.  When they were little, Mr. IM or I read, but the last several years we've had to create a complicated system of which child gets to read each night and who lights the candle(s) and so forth... (or doesn't have to, depending on mood...)

In 2008 I spent weeks (yes, weeks) putting together our own family Advent readings--cross referencing calendars to set it up for all of Advent (not just December 1-25) and Epiphany from 2008 through 2020....egads.  I also made sure that there was a reading for every day for every year--since Advent is a different number of days each year... It was several computers ago, so the digital file is "gone" I think.  I made copies of the book for many family members, I'm curious if anyone else still has theirs and/or uses it.  It includes photos of the kids and art by them. I pulled ideas, readings, and partial daily activities from our favorite books and resources--mostly so we wouldn't have to grab the stack and decide which one we like best--here are my sources--I definitely want to note that this is a compilation, I didn't write this, I just put it all together...

*An Advent of Ideas:  Chistmas Sharing, Product concept, Inc.  Printed in Mexico (out of print?)
*Advent Christmas and Epiphany in the Domestic Church:  Activities to celebrate Catholic Liturgical Seasons.  Catherine and Peter Fournier. Ignatius Press:  San Francisco. 2001 ISBN 0-90870-859-1  Revised and reprinted 2013  (our version seems to be out of print)
*"Celebrate Advent!" By L'Tishia Suk. Focus on the Family Magazine.  December 2000 (not available on the internet that I can find...but cited by several others)
Pamphlet. Copyright 1998, Archdiocese of Chicago:  Liturgy Training Publicans, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL 60622-1101;  1-800-933-1800 website www.ltp.org Design by Roslyn Broder. (Looks like they are still in business, but I  can't find the pamphlet we have on their site)
*Holy Bible, New International Version, 1983

 Now that the kids are older, we're adding a new book this year (in addition to our family one)--Not Yet Christmas: It's Time for Advent by J.D. Walt.  I bought both the Kindle and paperback editions--I like holding the paperback.

Anyway, because tomorrow is the first day of Advent, here are this week's readings, in case anyone is interested!

Sunday, November 29, 2015
First Sunday of Advent:  Today Advent begins.  It is a time of preparation and waiting, just as God's people waited for Jesus, the Messiah.  Our Advent wreath has three purple candles, one pink candle, and a white candle in the middle.  The three purple candles symbolize royalty and remind us that Jesus is the King of Kings.  Today we light the first purple candle.  The first candle is often called the candle of hope.  we have hope because God is faithful and will keep His promises to us.  (Light one purple candle.  If you would like to, read a favorite version or translation of the Christmas story or another meaningful Christmas story).  Prayer:  Dear God, bless this wreath.  Help our family to remember that Advent is a time of hope.  Help us prepare for your coming.  Thank you for your faithfulness ot our family.  Amen.

Monday, November 30, 2015
Isaiah 40:1-5:  Comfort, comfort, my people says your God.  Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.
 Advent is a time to prepare for Jesus's birthday. What are some ways our family prepares for Christmas?  What are some ways we can prepare and help others in our community prepare?  (discuss) Advent is also a time to remember that Jesus paid for our sins and that we are forgiven.  What a wonderful way for God to show his love to us!  Prayer: Thank you, God, for giving us Advent as a time to remember your love and to prepare for Christmas.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Read Micah 5:2: But you, Bethlehem,...out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel..
Bethlehem was a small town.  Even though it was the home city of King David, people in the region probably didn't expect greatness to come from there.  God chose Bethlehem to remind us that Jesus was a person, just like us, but without sin.  His choice to come to earth as a baby reminds us that we don't have to be big or powerful to make big changes in the world.  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for letting even the smallest of us give great gifts.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Isaiah 52:7-10:  How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns! Listen!  you watchmen lift up your voices, together they shout for joy!"
During the Christmas season we sing special songs about the birth of Jesus.  Christmas songs glorify God and remind us of Jesus's birth.  What is your favorite Christmas song?  What does it tell us about Jesus's birth?  For the prayer, choose your favorite song about Jesus's birth and sing it together.

Thursday, December 3, 2015
John 8:12  Jesus...said, "I am the light of the world".
We use many symbols during Advent to remember special things about God.  We remember that Jesus is the light of the world by decorating with candles and lights.  The lights also remind us to be a light of God, to share his good news with others.  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for sending Jesus to be our light.  Help us to be lights for others.

Friday, December 4, 2015
Psalm 132:11  The Lord swore an oath to David, a sure oath that he will not revoke:  One of your own descendants I will place on your throne.
Jesus was born a king!  The Bible says that Jesus was born into the house of King David, showing that Christ came from a long line of kings.  The first chapter of matthew lists Jesus's genealogy proving he was born a king.  This was important because it fulfilled God's promise that a descendent of David would return to the throne.  Even though Christ was born a king, he didn't act like one.  Jesus didn't take advantage of his power to get what he wanted, only to help others.  Prayer:  God, thank you for keeping your promises.  Help us to use our gifts and powers to help others.

Saturday, December 5, 2015
Matthew 2:1-2  After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him".
Tomorrow is Saint Nicholas Day.  Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of seafarers, scholars, bankers, pawnbrokers, jurists, brewers, coopers, travelers, perfumers, unmarried girls, brides, schoolboys, and robbers.  (a list worth discussing and pondering)  He is most famous for being the special patron of children.  St. Nicholas was probably a native of Patara , in Lycia, in Asia Minor.  There are many legends about his good deeds.  His best known virtue was love and charity for the poor.  In Holland and other places around the world (including our house), children leave their wooden (or other) shoes outside their door on December 5, in hopes of receiving a small gift of candy, cookies, apples, or nuts from Saint Nicholas.  When Saint Nicholas leaves these gifts, we are reminded of his kindness and of the Wise Men's visit and gifts to Jesus.  Prayer:  Thank you God for your gifts to us.  Help us show kindness to the people around us and to share what we are given freely.

Merry Christmas from the Ranch!

A few pictures from our week!

 Nothing says Christmas cookie like a Tie Fighter...

A little snow....more predicted for tonight!



Merry Christmas!

Thankfulness :)

Things I'm thankful for this morning....

This kitty mug and a book about my sweet friend, Kristin's survival after a horrible car crash last spring (and thankful she survived and is doing well)

 This view from my kitchen sink...

 and this one from the patio doors...

 A sleeping dog..

 A cat, that while, not sleeping, is not destroying anything

Christmas cards from far and wide, including one from my college roommate that I thought lost contact with.....even when I haven't managed to send out ours.




Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

Motivation, chaos, normal life at the Ranch...

If you are a teacher or a parent (ok, a human being) you know that this can be a nutty time of year. Add to that some computer and camera issues and you have an explanation for why my blogging has been slightly more sporadic lately.

School hasn't been too crazy, but it has been busy...today I participated in two manifestation determination meetings--meetings where we determine if the student's behavior is directly related to their diagnosed disability. Always a hard day and challenging discussion, involving difficult situations, teachers, deans, administrators, parents, kids...well, you get it.  I had to leave one of my team teachers by himself...he was fine, and we are about even from his coaching early dismissals...but I still feel kind of bad.  Today was also "Ugly Christmas Sweater Day"...there is nothing like trying to hold a serious meeting while everyone in the room is wearing a very hideous sweater....Tomorrow our counseling department celebrates "Festivus for the rest of us" (Seinfield reference)--always a fun day to spend some time with folks from all over the building as we run from class to class.  My students are hanging in there, we've had a few breakdowns and therefore breakthroughs. I think we've used more tissues this week than the rest of the year combined though... The Ranch kids only go to school until 10:30 on Friday (I have school all day) and then we are on break....

We finally have the Christmas tree purchased and moved in from the garage.  It has lights and about 3 ornaments-the ones we've been given this year--I suppose we'll get the other ornaments out soon...Many years ago I rolled my eyes at my mom when she said she wasn't going to put ornaments on the tree, just lights...but it is sounding pretty tempting right now.  But, I suppose the children will talk me into ornaments before the weekend is over.  Or, perhaps, now that they are almost as tall as me, perhaps they will just go get the ornaments and decorate the tree without me having to do anything (Hey, I can dream...)

The Boy has started Snowboard team and is loving it.  He has also developed a nasty cough and post-nasal drip...making me wonder daily if we need to steam him.  Tonight I made him take a shower with the Vic's "bubble bath" and he sounded a little better.

\The Girl and I have discussed re-arranging and perhaps even painting her room during break..requiring a deep cleaning and purging first though.  After spending about an hour in there tonight trying to help her sort and purge, I'm exhausted....I'm looking forward to a couple naps though...breaks are good.  I'm also hoping to read a couple books (the pile by the bed is growing again) and hopefully do some lesson planning between the bedroom cleaning.

The pets and kids miss Indy Dog, but are having less melt downs--Mr. IM is convinced that Liberty needs a new friend (and the Rescue Folks do have a puppy that looks just like Baby Indy)...but I don't think we are ready for another dog (and I'm not ready for a puppy) yet.  I suggested a kitten that could ride Liberty like a horse, but so far everyone has vetoed my idea.  I still trip over the spot where Indy slept every morning, in my attempt to step over where she isn't (follow that).  Tigger has stopped waking us up every morning--he now only seems to wake us up on weekends.  we are hypothesizing that he and Indy had some kind of weird arrangement, that Tigger was actually waking Indy up periodically to see if she was ok.  Or not, maybe Tigger really is just a jerk who likes to wake people up and "talk" to them in the middle of the night.

Speaking of Tigger, I've been on his case about writing his annual Christmas letter, but since I haven't created or ordered Christmas cards yet, that seems unnecessary.  Maybe over break Tigger and I will write a letter for the blog.  If you have a hankering to see photos of us in the meantime, head on over to Facebook (unless you're a stranger, in which case, don't, ok?)

Well, this isn't a very exciting blog, but at least you won't worry that I'm lost somewhere....until next time...

Getting a tree, Ranch style

After a slight snafu, involving questionable behavior from the children, we finally went to the tree lot today to pick up a tree.  The local Boy Scout Troop has a lot and, as usual, when we arrived they had about 5 trees left.  This year we didn't wait long enough to get a discount though (the year we bought a tree on December 19, we bought it for half off...).
We are in the midst of a seasonally appropriate snow as well--makes the view from the kitchen window very pretty!

 You can see the lot across the street--it is snowing and wet...so my phone didn't go to the lot with us.  Since The Girl is using my waterproof, shockproof camera for yearbook, that leaves me with only the phone as a photo taking device.
The Boy was cold, by the way.  The Girl was already sitting in the car, despite the six teenage Boy Scouts discussing Mr. IM's car and attaching the tree to said car's roof...

 Mr IM was also cold...and in case you were wondering, yes, that is a carbon fiber hood.

 View of the tree lot (and the hospital). See...we didn't take the last tree!

 The Boy says "my face is freezing...."

Nice and warm in the car...

The tree is thawing (and dripping) in the garage while we get ready for The Boy's birthday party at the new trampoline park at the new rec center....More festive photos to follow soon...

Santa Bread

It is a little early for Christmas stuff...but this is too cute (and I have a running joke about gnomes with a couple friends).  I came across this recipe last week and thought I'd try it....Here are my results:


 This is Santa before  he was baked and below is one after.  I made him as a gnome instead of Santa, because Santa would be seasonally inappropriate. This time I used the bread recipe included and followed all the directions--I'm not thrilled with how the egg brush turned out on his beard.  I think the next time I'll use my grandma's coffee cake recipe and maybe only the egg brush on the colored portions of his face..  I also made four smaller Santas from the recipe that says makes one large Santa --I think that they were a good size to share with a friend...I might make them slightly smaller and serve the mas a holiday breakfast.

The Grinch, Krampus, and other office fun...

Before winter break most of my office like to decorate a little...ok, it is a little over the top sometimes.  One of my office suite mates is famous for not wanting to decorate and for being kind of Grinch-y when the rest of us do.  (Not mean...just doesn't participate).  A couple years ago we provided his office door with a life size Grinch cut out--wish I had a picture of that!
This year, he "retaliated" by posting, instead of Christmas/Holiday/Winter decor...a Wikipedia article about Krampus.  Who is Krampus, you might ask?  According to Wikipedia, s "Krampus is a beast-like creature from the folklore of Alpine countries thought to punish children during the Yule season who had misbehaved, in contrast with Saint Nicholas, who rewards well-behaved ones with gifts. Krampus is said to capture particularly naughty children in his sack and carry them away to his lair." Delightful.  Feel free to google him for more...it only gets better.  Also, if you are so inclined, google "Krampus Sweater"...be prepared to laugh or be horrified, or both. 
So...we had to do something, right?  I happened to have some leftover Hannah Montana Christmas paper from a couple years ago...so I took it to work and with the assistance of some office elves, we wrapped up our co-worker's office.
Lovely, don't you think? We left him a note from Krampus...I guess we'll have to do even better next year....The best part is that he (the co-worker) saved the Hannah Montana paper--his college freshman daughter used to love Hannah and he is going to wrap her Christmas gifts in the Hannah paper.  Giggle.

Merry Christmas from our (Sub)Urban Ranch!

Merry Christmas from all of us!

May your day be filled with friends, family, and the Joy of Christmas!

Christmas, AC (After Children)

Before the kids were born we decided that we would try to be home for Christmas Day as much as possible, at least while they were little.  Sometimes that means we have family or friends here, and other years it means we get to eat Christmas dinner in our PJ's and hang out.  I think we've been home every year on Christmas morning since the Girl was born.  Lots of times we've traveled before and after Christmas day, even gone to someone's house for Christmas dinner, but it is nice to be home on Christmas morning.  I don't know if our philosophy would be different if any of our parents still lived in our childhood homes, but it is nice to wake up in my own bed, even if it is before dawn.

One of our family traditions is that kids can open their stockings as soon as they get up, but that grown ups don't get up until daylight and that the gifts under the tree are not to be touched until the grownups are up.  And Santa is really good about making sure that there is a box of Captain Crunch "in" each stocking.  When the kids were really little we had to make sure there was a small container of milk so they could get themselves breakfast.  One year, when he was about two, The Boy ate all the tangerines out of everyone's stocking before we were up--about fifteen total. He was very sticky...These days the kids not only eat their cereal, but can turn on the oven and make eggs, too...Maybe I should leave a coffee cake for them to pop in and remind them to start the coffee.  If they are up before us, that is. We also take turns opening gifts--no crazy, paper flying chaos (well, not usually)  

2001  was our first Christmas with a child.  The Girl was about four months old.  I kept propping her up to try to get pictures and she just wasn't interested.  We called this the "angry baby" face.  Maybe she is angry because she is dressed head to toe in "Santa barf".  She actually looks pretty worn out--this might have been a day of multiple outfits and pictures.  I loved that hat...I'd still make her wear it if it would fit on her head.

 In 2002, we went to my parents' house right after Christmas, but we were lucky enough to spend some time with Mr. Ranch's grandparents before we went north.  The Girl did not want her picture taken though.  Mr. Ranch actually has a cousin about the same age as our daughter, so I'm guessing she was trying to escape to go play with her cousin and her cousin's giant stuffed pony.

2003--I tried to convince The Girl to look at the camera, she seems more interested in her mittens...This is actually a Christmas Eve picture. We went up to a ski resort for the day.  The Girl and I tubed while Mr. Ranch and his Dad skied. She also used a tiny pair of LLBean cross country skis--somewhere there are adorable pictures of that...well, pictures at least...I think she screamed a good deal of the time. It was a very fun day!

2004--you get to see two pictures...I know there were pictures of the two of them together, but who can refuse a baby in a Christmas stocking? Or a 3 year old napping with her kitties in her adorable Christmas dress?

2005--Shortly after Christmas I broke my foot and was on crutches for a week.  The Boy had to learn how to walk quickly...This is actually a New Year's Day 2006 picture, but you get the idea.  We had a lot of stuff crammed in that 1600 square foot house by this point...Alice the Cat still likes to sleep in that Pooh chair, it is like a kitty hammock.

2006

The Girl brought home reindeer food that she made in kindergarten and sprinkled it on the front lawn--look at all the snow!

 This was the year that The Boy got a lot of cool stuff--here he is with his tool belt on--he wore it with everything for months!

2007.  This was a fun year.  The first one at the new house and my parents as well as my brother and sister-in-law came for Christmas.  My parents actually flew in on Christmas day and rented a car.  They had a long, snowy drive from the airport and when they arrived announced that  we "lived in the middle of nowhere".  Ironic, since at that time our town had a population of about 45,000 and their's a population of 500.  It was a long snowy drive, though ...This was also the only year that we've had the tree in the living room of this house--every year since we've put it in the family room, where it doesn't show up from the street, but we get to enjoy it more.  And get to sit on the couch, rather than dining room chairs, when we open gifts.

2008...kind of blurry, but all of them from that day seem to be..don't know why...it's like there was Vaseline on the camera lens or something.

2009--I don't know how I managed to get downstairs before them!  Apparently the "no adults before daylight" was broken this year, too!

2010 This is a very exhausted group of children and Grandude--we had friends over for Christmas dinner--their kids wore their jammies over.  It looks like there are Christmas gifts strewn about and the children are half-heartedly playing wii...they must be tired...The Boy seems to be wearing a homemade mask of some kind...ironic..it is Christmas night, there are toys all over, and he created a mask out of an old box.  Seems about right.

2011--ok, not really a great picture of anyone, but you can see the family immersed in gifts.  The pile seems to be engulfing the children.

2012  We tried to get Mr. Ranch in this photo.  Really.  You get a nice view of some of the ten million ornaments on our tree though.  Maybe that will be a post..."ornaments I have loved and broken".

 The Girl saw reindeer food at a store and had to buy it (with her own money) for The Boy to spread for Santa's reindeer.  She got lots of "points" for that.

Last year was also a very cool holiday season--one of Mr Ranch's uncles decided to fly out and surprise the Uncle who lives here.  We spent several fun days after Christmas in a condo, at a ski area, surrounded by extended family.  Two of the relatives own condos in the same building and the third was able to rent a unit. I think there are three generations represented here. The kids and Mr. Ranch skied (snowboarded, in The Boy's case) and I read books and walked around the village--The Girl created a rule for one of Mr Ranch's twenty-something cousins, that every time he cursed he owed her a dollar...I think the running total was up to fifty-some dollars at one point.

We're quite a group, aren't we?

This year's plans are much simpler...Grandude will be here for a few days before and for Christmas with his buddy, Maggie (the dog).  There will probably be some skiing (snowboarding for The Boy).  The Girl is scheduled to be an altar server for Christmas Eve mass and I hope to read a couple books...I'm looking forward to some "nothing" time.

Merry Christmas, everyone!