Tales From The Bonny Blue House

God our Father, may we always profit by the prayers of the Virgin Mother Mary, for you bring us life and salvation through Jesus Christ her Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Advent Daybook

Outside my window…Very gray and drizzly.

I am thinking. . . About Christmas. How sad I feel about it.  It will be a subdued celebration this year as we are still, as I told  a dear friend this weeken still very much a house in mourning.

I am thankful for. . . the two super moms who generously took over O Night Divine for me this year.  I just did not have the heart for it.

From the schoolroom. . . It’s Advent school! Math, spelling and religion remain and the rest is devoted to picture books, narrations and reading, reading, reading….

I was thinking of having the kids research the star of Bethlehem. Anyone ever done this? Any ideas?

 From the kitchen. . . Spaghetti and meatballs. We have a hectic evening here and I need a dinner that can be easily heated. Kelli is having her first confession late this afternoon Erin ahs flute lessons and then Erin is playing the flute at the second night of our parish Advent Mission. So David and I will be back and forth to church several times this evening.

I am wearing. . . This is a first. Sweats and a big t-shirt. Not because I am exercising but because I did not get to bed until after 4:00 am when Dave took over teething Brendan duty so I could sleep for a couple of hours until he left for work.  I couldn’t face a shower and all that yet. I need more coffee.

I am going. . . Church, flute, church, bed.

I am reading. . . Nothing in particular. I’ve been spending free time quilting lately.

I am hoping. . . That I can do some handmade Christmas gifts.

I am hearing. . . Nothing. Which is scary in a house full of children.

Around the house. . . A fire in the fireplace, some Advent things put out, slowly getting ready.

One of my favorite things. . . Christmas. Really. Even this year. Nothing promises hope like a new baby and the newborn King promises the ultimate in salvation. What else do we need? The miracle unfolding over the next four weeks will lighten our burdens I’m sure.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . . Firm up plans for Advent school. Sleep (please Brendan let mommy sleep). Enjoy.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. .

Happy Thanksgiving

We at the Bonny Blue House wish you a lovely holiday.

It is about time I got some help around here!

17 Years



I wouldn't change a minute of our lives together.



Happy Anniversary.

Brooklyn Museum of Art

Today's field trip was to the Brooklyn Museum of Art to see the James Tissot exhibit. It was The Life of Christ in Watercolors. 350 of them and it was amazing.

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

The Betrothal of Mary and Joseph. This was truly beautiful but I couldn't really capture it because the security guard was freaking out about how close I was.

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

After the watercolors we visited the Egypt exhibit. It was wonderful.

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

From Brooklyn Museum of Art 11-09

Anyone who has ever parked in Manhattan or Brooklyn will appreciate this one. This my friends is the perfect parallel park. In one move I put a 12 passenger van in between two other cars. In traffic. Without hitting anything. Right in front of the museum. This is the urban holy grail. I had to take a picture. Actually several pictures. Then I didn't really want to move the car - it was so perfect. Then Chris told me to get over it and get in the car. Sigh. A lovely field trip indeed. A bit much for the twins but the older kids loved it. Now I must get off the laptop and get ready for Friday Night rosary, it's at the Bonny Blue House tonight. Have a blessed evening.

Fall at the beach

Yesterday Chris and I took advantage of the still autumn day and ventured out to a local park. There is a nature trail that leads to the beach which gives a lovely view of the Fire Island Lighthouse.  Thomas took a lovely picture which you can see here.

Katie and I took a few photos as well.

 

Best friends.
 

Loves the beach. Even a weedy bay beach.

Already journaling.

Blogging mommy, never without a camera.

 

Digging in the sand.

Not too many drawings happened but everyone came home muddy and sandy which is a good indication of a successful outing.

Traveling, quilting and praying

I want to thank everyone who was so kind as to send me birthday wishes last week. It was such a treat to get so many comments and emails wishing me well.

My lovely birthday present from my family was a plane ticket for myself and Brendan to Savannah. I spent the weekend attending a family wedding and enjoying the company of my parents, aunt and many cousins. I have wonderful family down there and we had such a good time.

It was nice for me to have a little breather from the household duties and Dave took care of everything so wonderfully that I may have to leave every weekend! (just kidding honey).

When I came home on Monday it was serious catch up time. Which didn't really work so I gave up and canceled school for Thursday and Friday and spent the time cleaning and cooking for another family gathering, this time Dave's family, on Saturday.

Now we are totally immersed in school and I am catching up with my quilting for my online quilting bee. I am woefully behind.

Tonight there is a memorial Mass at the Knights of Columbus for Knights who have died in the past year. Since he was a Squire, this includes Ryan. Many of our friends are attending and I am looking forward to praying and praising about my son's life.

So that's where we are at and I hope to most more soon!

Have a blessed evening.

Veterans Day

We at the Bonny Blue House are deeply grateful for those who serve to protect our freedom. Their lives of sacrifice, and those of their families, give a stunning example of selflessness.

Thank you veterans! You are one of the many reasons we are proud to be Americans.

Prayers for the the fallen

I feel so badly for the people at Fort Hood. Please lets pray for the families of the heroes that died and those that are injured.

It's a crazy world.