Adventures of a Catholic homeschooling family in Alaska.
We are in the final days of Advent. And, there is a song many of us know well that fits with these last days before Christmas. O Come, O Come Emmanuel is also known as O Antiphons. I used to enjoy singing this as soon as Advent began. But in more recent years, I have [Read On]
Beyond the Scripture readings on John the Baptist, Catholics around the world have heard the Annunciation story this month as well. Can you imagine being Mary with an angel coming to you to announce what will be a life altering event for not just you but the entire world? The Annunciation by Dante [Read On]
Can you believe that Christmas is only ONE week away? I feel like I have failed on some fronts when I realized that my Christmas gift shopping for some relatives is undone (and will be done by Monday afternoon so they might arrive in time!) My Christmas cards will be holiday ones arriving sometime [Read On]
The past two Sundays of Advent have featured John the Baptist in the Gospel readings within the Roman Catholic Church’s liturgical year. John the Baptist was a prophet who not only called out to get the attention of the people, but he had full knowledge of his ‘place’ in God’s plan. He was a prophet [Read On]
Christmas is now 2 weeks away and the days seem to be flying past me at light speed. Are you feeling stressed or like the ‘hustle and bustle’ have taken over your life? I have to admit that I am amazed at how busy our life has gotten and I’ve done my best [Read On]
During his homily this past Sunday, our pastor talked about how in ancient times people would be sent ahead to clear the roads for royalty. These servants and slaves would be picking up rocks and pebbles so that the ride would be smooth for the monarch. The idea of people toiling for the benefit [Read On]
Today is the Feast day for Saint Nicholas and in different parts of the world children are celebrating. Our family did not have this as a special day when either Mr. O or I were growing up and we haven’t instituted it in our household either. Although, there was one year P asked if he’d [Read On]
When preparing a post about remembering Saint Nicholas, I thought it might be fun to do a post with Pinterest pins of Saint Nicholas around the world. By no means is this inclusive, just some of the many images I found and love. Source: stnicholascenter.org via Laura on Pinterest Source: stnicholascenter.org [Read On]
I had every plan to be at Mass tonight. Our parish is St. Andrew’s and today is the feast day of our patron Saint. But, life has a way of intervening and with Mr. O unable to bring D to his Cub Scout den meeting, I’m left with that task. St. Andrew was the brother [Read On]
One of the traditions for many families is that of the Advent Calendar. In many ways, though, I’d say they are a way to countdown the first 24 days of December as Advent can start anywhere from November 27th through December 3rd. I took a little ‘spin’ around Pinterest and found several interesting Advent [Read On]
One of the things I absolutely love about Advent is the selection of music that helps focus us on the coming of Christ. Below are some You Tube videos of some of my favorite hymns. O Come Diving Messiah is one I love to sing and to play on the piano. I couldn’t [Read On]
Today in church there was a different feel in the air. Father Tom was wearing purple and a large Advent wreath sat elevated near the steps up to the altar. A family was called up to help light the first candle as we begin the season of Advent and prepare to celebrate the most wonderful [Read On]
