Goodbye 2009

I said to the man

who stood at the Gate of the Year,
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

And he replied,“Go out into the darkness

and put your hand into the hand of God.

That shall be to you

better than the light

and safer than a known way!”

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by M. Louise Haskins.
King George VI started his 1939 Chrismas address
to the nation with this quote.

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KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- The Department of National Defence has announced the names of the four soldiers killed in Afghanistan during an IED attack Wednesday.

Sgt. George Miok, 28, based in Edmonton, Sgt. Kirk Taylor, 28, based in Yarmouth, N.S., Cpl. Zachery McCormack, based in Edmonton, and Pte. Garrett William Chidley, based in Shilo, Man., all died when their armoured vehicle hit an improvised explosive device four kilometres south of Kandahar City.

Pte. Chidley

Sgt. Taylor

Sgt. Miok

Cpl. McCormack

+Requiescant in pace+

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Luke emailed me

I spent a very worried evening last night as the news (still) hasn't released the names of the soldiers killed yesterday. However, Luke did contact me via facebook this morning.

Which brings me to the irony of the situation - I am happy but 4 other mothers are mourning the loss of their sons.

I cannot read the comment sections of various news websites that are reporting on this situation. There are so many stupid people out there who think we can actually reason with the Taliban.

I could go on and on but I have to get to work.

*SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!*

Five dead in Afghanistan

Five Canadians killed in Afghanistan today.

The four soldiers have not been named pending notification of next of kin.

The fifth Canadian was journalist Michelle Lang.

O gentle Heart of Jesus,
ever present in the Blessed Sacrament,
ever consumed with burning love
for the poor captive souls in Purgatory,
have mercy on them.
Be not severe in Your judgments,
but let some drops of Your Precious Blood
fall upon the devouring flames.
And, Merciful Saviour,
send Your angels to conduct them
to a place of refreshment,
light and peace.
Amen.

And even MORE Xmas party photos!

Adoro broke her toe but that didn't keep her down for long!

She just HAD to attend the party!

Kat sang with the band!

And Char and hubby joined us too! They were partying like it was 1989!

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More Christmas Party Photos

It wouldn't have been a party without

Adrienne cutting a rug with her hubby!

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Christmas Party Photos

Laura brought this guy but I can't remember his name

as I am pretty sure Terry had spiked the 'nog by this time.

Cathy of Alex and Terry stopped by for eggnog

Here's Mr. and Mrs. LarryD -

don't you think her dress is the cutest thing ever?!

And not a leaf in sight!

Sarah-Kala and the Chief stopped by for cocktails too.

Us military types gotta stick together!

And Cathy and Joe came by

(but Cath had soft drinks...for obvious reasons...)

Tara took a moment away from her new grandson to stop by to have some cheer.

I still have another roll of film to develop. And dang it - I think Terry did something with my flash cubes - why do I think they ended up in the punch?!

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A new look for the header for the new year. I doctored up an old holy card. Enjoy!

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Feast of the Holy Family

Hubby's aunt sent us this card and I thought it was appropriate to post it today as it's the Feast of the Holy Family. Inside the card is a message that states, "beginning on Christmas Day a Novena of Masses will be celebrated by a Passionist Missionary in honor of the Infant Jesus for you and your intentions."

Prayer - it's the BEST gift!

I think it's also appropriate to link to Cathy's excellent post on adoption...especially in light of the fact that Joseph was the foster father of Jesus.

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I missed this Christmas jewel the other day but you can read it here. LOL!

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Millions of Mass Cards!

A site only a Catholic could love....

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Happy St. Stephen's Day!

He is my Patron Saint for 2010.

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OK, so I don't think stir fried brussel sprouts are going to catch on...however, here is a lovely shot of the strudel I made!

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Merry Christmas!

Hubby found this stocking at the discount store today! Rather timely!

Luke got to have two beers today! He is pretty happy about that!

I'm off to make apple strudel and watch Mass on EWTN in a few hours.

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RIP Lt. Nuttall

Lt. Andrew Richard Nuttall

1979 - 2009

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Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord.

And let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.

Amen

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Christmas in Peru

These are just some of the children our parish has been able to assist with Christmas gifts and treats and school supplies. We topped our donation total from last year. We have such a generous parish!

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"The children of the house should outnumber the TVs in it. "

Based on a quote from Fr. W. Menezes, CPM

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Confession is kinda like bleach - it whitens, brightens and disinfects!

If it's been awhile since you've been to confession Advent is a GREAT time to go. Now. Go. You can do it.

I was inspired by this post.

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Two vodka paralyzers...

well, that was one way to end a tiring week!

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Michelle Duggar needs your prayers. Baby #19 Josie was born about 3 months premature. The story is here.

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Prayer Request

I had to come out of "hiding" to post this. Our neighbour was just diagnosed with a brain tumor. I must admit that there is no love lost between us. However, I would never wish this sort of death upon anyone. Please keep G. in your prayers. He has about 3 months left.

Thanks.

The Christmas baking is done and the parcels are mailed. When I have something worth posting I will be back but for now I am just going to look at the tree and relax.

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Christmas baking

Doing Christmas baking today. Snickerdoodles, molasses cookies, gingerbread, nut bars (no, not Terry!), butter tarts, and my eldest son's favorite - chocolate chip-pecan cookies (even though it's not a Christmas cookie it will have to replace his seasonal favorite Nanaimo Bars because they do not ship well.)

Thanks for all the kind comments via the blog and email (Laura). The funk is lifting somewhat. I have to remember that feelings come and go. It's also been a bit unpleasant at work (unusual for my office) so that's been adding to the gloominess. I keep reminding myself that every minute that passes is one minute closer to Luke coming home safe and sound at the end of May/early June.

I sent these to a close family member today (I always like to get her something she wouldn't buy for herself) so she could display them at her Christmas party tonight - it's the only way I will be able to attend! :o(

Update

I'm still around but not spending much time on the computer. Just not in the mood. I've been doing a lot of knitting. I am also pretty spent from all the Christmas hoopla I have to look after at work.

Luke is back in Af'stan and the kids might delay the wedding - it's just too hard to get it all planned with him away and out of communication for days at a time. So I am sad about that.

Other than that everything is OK. Maybe I'll post again on the weekend. Or next week.

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Something different for Christmas

I don't feel very celebratory this year. Maybe because it's still Advent. Also, Luke returned to Afghanistan today so I am feeling many different emotions - most of them unpleasant. However, he has work to do and those of us waiting for his safe return must also continue to live our lives.

Christmas decorating is not something I embrace. A lot of it has to do with trying to find a place to store all the things that need to be moved to accomodate the tree, wall hangings, stockings, candy dishes, candles, etc... And then when it's all over everything has to be cleaned up again - and it never seems to go back in the boxes the same way it came out. And don't even talk to me about stringing lights on a tree!

I bought a pre-lit tree last year. It is 7 feet tall. Even though it's pre-lit it's too much for me to deal with right now. So...I went out and bought a 4 foot pre-lit tree. Then I bought a few bags of tiny ornaments and some tree trimming candy canes and one box of tinsel. (I love that word - tinsel. Tinsel. Say it again!) It took me less than half an hour to set the whole thing up and I am so happy! Then I put out two of my Nativity sets (the expensive one and the one I made 27 years ago), lit my Advent candles and announced I was done. I can spend the rest of Advent praying, knitting scarves to give out at the food bank and maybe doing some baking.

I feel a bit better already.

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Pregnancy update

I was talking to my step-daughter today. She is about 2 1/2 months along now. The doctor wanted to know if she wanted a placental ultrasound. I was like "what?-why?" She told me it's to screen for abnormalities so she could abort if she wanted. I got a sick feeling in my stomach.

Then my step-daughter said "I told them I didn't want it, I don't want to know."

Then she told me that no matter what she wouldn't have an abortion.

I thanked her and promised her that no matter what happens we will stand beside her and support her any way we can. Chances are everything is going to be fine - most babies are healthy - our conversation was not leading to her telling me something was wrong. But I wanted her to know we are right there with her because that's what family does. She knows it in any case but it can't hurt to repeat it!

I am glad that my step-daughter, as influenced as she is by secular values, is Pro-Life. It's a start. I just wish she could get a new doctor, one who isn't so keen to rip life out of frightened women's wombs.
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30 Days for Souls in Purgatory

For the sake of the holy souls in purgatory please consider promoting this blog by linking on your own blog or share by email and by word of mouth.

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He's a mean one...

My friend's grandson and friend.

How cute is that?!

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The Church - always a target for misunderstanding.

I was talking with someone yesterday who asked what I was doing over Christmas. I told her we were going to friends on Christmas Eve, church Christmas morning and then I was making a small turkey. She told me she was singing for the patients at the hospital Christmas Eve. I think that's a lovely idea! Then she told me she only liked going to church in the summer (she isn't a Catholic but professes to be a Christian.)

I told her that as Catholics we are obligated to go to Mass for Christmas (we have a choice of attending 3 Masses) and New Years Day (I'm in Canada and we only have 2 HDOs other than every Sunday.)

My friend asked me who set up that rule?

I said it goes back as far as the Ten Commandments and it's a Precept of the Church. She couldn't really argue the 10 Commandments part of it.

I don't understand people that don't want to go to church every week. Don't you want to see someone you love as often as possible? Don't you want to talk to them? While it's admirable she is singing for sick people on Christmas Eve she should ask herself where it all starts - with God. We can do nothing without the gift of faith He has so generously given us, we can accomplish nothing if He doesn't will it and the church is not a social work and entertainment clearing house.

If you don't "fill up the tank" you will have nothing to give.

Of course all my brilliant answers came to me hours after the conversation ended.

Then this morning another friend was complaining about all the gold in the Catholic church. But it's OK for her and her husband to own 2 cars, fix up their house, travel, etc. People are not starving in Third World countries because the Catholic church has real estate and paintings. People are starving because of unfair food distribution. Most of the people on your street are apathetic to starving children. Oh yes, they feel bad for them - but not bad enough to give up their season's tickets at the local stadium/rink - you know...that place that cost millions to build and run and that most people can't afford to go to.

Pray for them.

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One last Patron Saint post

Thank you to all 313 of you that requested a saint! We now resume our regular blogging...!

Saints will be drawn again starting Nov. 1, 2010.

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Patron Saint Draw #30

Sunny – Stephen
Sunny’s husband – Francis of Assisi
Sunny’s family – Joseph, foster father of Jesus

Lisa T. – Peter Julian Eymard

Lola – Raphael

DT – Augustine
SAF – Margaret of Scotland

Steve M – Padre Pio

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