Eagles and Marshmallows {7s}

As Scoutmaster for the troop, Tim signs Zachary's completed Eagle Rank Application.

After four years in the making, Zachary's Eagle Project has been completed and his board of review will happen in the very near future.   Those who worried about him being 'too young' when he earned his Life Rank at age 12 (leave aside the fact that he had earned the rank, by the book, plain and simple) should be appeased that despite his jump start, Zachary will, like so many others, be awarded his Eagle Badge at about the same time he 'outgrows' his youth BSA uniform upon turning 18 on August 4th.  However his character growth and personal maturation during these years of persevering with his Eagle Project while staying active and involved with the troop have benefited him greatly.

Eagle project complete: carport at Sacred Heart Catholic Church rectory

 Weston, Peter, Sawyer and Joseph roast marshmallows.

Noteworthy in our corner of the globe {where warm evenings for pleasant outdoor gatherings are somewhat of a novelty, especially in spring} the boys enjoyed a marshmallow roast recently at Grandma Billie and Grandpa Cliff's house with visiting cousins.  S'mores followed a genuinely Polish feast cooked up by Cliff for the whole family.  The (under 6) cousins didn't exactly devour the sauerkraut and dumplings, but the rest of us feasted on the bacon filled delights.   Violet (5) enjoyed helping in the kitchen and setting the table, clearly a future hostess in the making (like her mama).

Aunt Bethany wraps Peter's 'good' ankle, injured in a hoop-shooting fest on our driveway.

One ankle in a walking cast, Peter severely injured the other ankle and required veterinary care as the pediatrician's office was closed.  Well, when your aunt and uncle are both vets, there's always the chance that their years of medical training will come in handy.  In this case, the expert wrapping by Aunt Bethany prevented further injury to the painful ankle and the double-vet diagnosis of a severe sprain or possible broken bone confirmed the fact that we needed to seek medical treatment the following day.  Thankfully, the x-ray (Peter's 3rd in as many weeks, all on ankles) ruled out a broken bone and put Peter on serious rest and recovery time with physical therapy for both ankles.  Crutches purchased, both ankles in supportive devices, Peter simply must allow his ankles to heal or risk chronic re-injuries.

With one Godson receiving his high school diploma, we spent a sunny Seattle afternoon at the Woodland Park Zoo with our Godson Samuel, his mom Aileen, and brothers Peter and Ryan.  The $50 entry cost (for 3 of us) was quite a hit, considering we only had a few hours there, but well worth it for the joy of spending time with Samuel and his family {priceless}!  Of course we could have saved the money and just enjoyed his delightful baby smile any old place, but the zoo did offer some outstanding opportunities for the older brothers to delight in the wonders of nature together and take turns riding in Sam's stroller when Sam was being cuddled. 

Samuel is all smiles with his God-brother Peter.

 Peek a boo at the zoo

Walking cast on one ankle, brace on the other, Peter's still half monkey.

Elevated to the role of acolyte, Joseph completed his initial training just in time to allow him to serve with Father Qui Thac before his departure to discern a call to monastic life in the footsteps of Saint Benedict.  Joseph looks sharp in his new alb, and like Zachary and the other acolytes, serves at the altar with great reverence and solemnity

Saying good bye to our pastor of the past 6 years, Father Qui Thac Nguyen, happened in waves, as each time we were with him was "the last" this and "the last" that.  Our final Saturday morning coffee after Latin Mass brought a great turn-out and lengthy sharing about the many ways Father Qui Thac has touched our lives and brought us closer to Jesus.  How he will be missed...

Father Christopher LaRocca, OCD, whom I have grown to love this year on my journeys as an aspirant to Carmel at St. Cecilia's in Stanwood on second Sundays, is being reassigned by his superior.  His new priestly mission will begin soon in Uganda, where the Carmelite parishes and schools will benefit from his dynamic leadership and by his life of profound personal holiness and prayerful ways.  Fr. Christopher's presence will be greatly missed in our OCDS community (and surely in the parish), but I trust our Lord will send a holy priest to continue assisting in the formation at the Carmelite Institute and in the St. Cecilia's parish. 

Now go take a trip over to Jen's Place!

Gifts Given {Gifts Received}

--1--

All 3 boys serving Christmas Mass with Father Qui Thac Nguyen at Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Top gift received Christmas 2011: Christmas Mass~twice!  We attended both Midnight Mass and at 11AM Christmas Day, and our boys served at the altar for both.  Receiving Christ truly and substantially in the Holy Eucharist on Christmas (twice!) makes the very-tippy-top of the best gifts of Christmas 2011.  Realizing that our three sons won't likely be serving a Christmas Mass together again after Zachary's university years begin next fall, this Christmas memory has special weight.  The following 6 gifts given and received appear below in no particular order...

Father Qui Thac, Zachary, Raphael, Peter, David and Joseph prepare for the recessional.

--2--

Peter and Joseph spot the new fish in Peter's tank Christmas morning.

As far as living, breathing Christmas pets go, the gift of 5 more fish in the tank tops the charts!  A few years ago Peter received his dog, Rocky, as a Christmas surprise.   Let's just say Rocky's special (expensive) IBS diet, his extremely loud, obnoxious bark and phobia of men entering our home gives special meaning to this gift of 5 silent fish swimming in the tank.  Joseph wrapped the tank after carefully acquainting the gift fishies to their new home.  For over a week Peter waited and wondered until on Christmas morning he revealed the newest members of our menagerie.

--3--

My gifts from the guys... a puzzle revealing a tremendous gift

The one thing on my wish list (the only thing that came to mind when Tim asked me for suggestions) was the desire to attend monthly meetings of the OCDS; a very special opportunity to grow closer to God within a Carmelite community.  In order to give this gift, Tim and the boys first had a meeting and together agreed to support me in this journey and allow for my absence on the one Sunday each month when the local group meets for prayer and formation.  PUZZLE CODE: Carmel+Light(s)+Stan(d)+Wood = mom's gift of a monthly trip to Carmelite aspirancy and formation meetings.  How sweet!

--4--

Joseph and his new axe (be warned!)

THE YEAR OF THE HATCHET could be the sub-title for Christmas 2011 at our house.  Each of our three boys asked for, and received his very own hatchet from a variety of gift-givers.  Joseph's hatchet came with a full sized axe; Peter and Zachary received bonus surgical saws which fits inside their hatchets.  All 3 have earned and know the rules associated with the BSA Totin' Chip.  Yes, the tools would be taken away if used improperly or in a dangerous manner.   Downed wood in the green-belt next door beware: these guys are sure to find you and destroy you!

--5--

Chris opens his big gift.

Receiving our gift {which shall remain nameless}, Zac's great-friend-and-awesome-human-being Chris showed amazing glee and gratitude.  Granted, this gift supports his addiction favorite hobby, and makes him a formidable enemy to his opponents on the field.  How were we to know the attached upgraded battery came with a warning about spontaneous explosion during charging?  Luckily, Chris found the needed charger-bag online and ordered it right away.  Owning 2 pawn shops allows for creative gift giving sometimes, and this gift for Chris constitutes one of those occasions. 

--6--

Peter gives Zachary a hand-made dice rosary.

Another great success story stemming from my three favorite words: "Go Ask Dad," Peter's dream of making Zachary a rosary of assorted dice came true in time for Christmas gift giving.  Tim and Peter worked together using a drill press at the pawn shop and a pound of dice Peter ordered online.  The resulting game-themed prayer tool delighted its seventeen-year-old recipient, who put it to use almost immediately to pray along on our family rosary (Gospel reflections) during the car ride to Christmas Eve dinner with my side of the family.  Not a pocket rosary like most, but a real gift from the heart (and hand-made) to boot; a keeper.



--7--

My cousin, Ryan holds his nephew, Daniel on Christmas Eve.

A wonderful gift given and received this Christmas came in the form of relaxed fellowship with our families and friends.  Spending Christmas Eve with my grandma (now 94 years old and in great health after a terrible accident a few years ago), a tradition from as far back as I can remember, marks the beginning of Christmas celebrations and launches us into the days and weeks that follow.  Our Christmas season continues, so once again I bid you all a Merry Christmas!

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