News from Notre Dame {Zachary's 2nd Year}

Notre Dame; the Golden Dome

About this time last year,  my husband Tim arranged for a surprise return home for Zachary during Notre Dame's fall break.  Although it would have been truly awesome to have a repeat performance this year, it wasn't in the cards, so Zac spent his break week on campus getting caught up on homework and sleep.  His break from the normal university routine allowed for a few extra phone calls, which we enjoyed greatly. 

Rival football fans, Grandma Billie and Grandpa Cliff visited Zachary at Notre Dame for the Oklahoma University game in October, and proudly sat in the OU section with a crowd of supporters bussed in from Chicago for the big event.  Grandma's Sooners claimed victory, but Zachary's time with his grandparents included many other special moments that were less rivalry and more camaraderie.  Taking a long tour of campus, attending daily Mass together at the Basilica, and eating out off campus were a few of the highlights.  Grandpa's trusty camera bit the dust, and Zachary tends toward photographic minimalism, so unfortunately there are no images to share from their time together at ND. 

Autumn view from Zachary's dorm room in Knott Hall

This year, Zachary joined a few extra curricular clubs, including the Notre Dame men's boxing team.  Early season training focuses on conditioning and sound quite intense; Zachary reports icing up to five different injuries so far.  Training with punches begins soon; please consider this a prayer request.  All for a good cause, the boxing club season culminates with the fundraising event "Bengal Bouts" which supports missionary work in Bangladesh.

On the topic of sophomore year academics, Zachary reports that his philosophy class "Paradoxes" is his favorite.  Second year German studies continue, and Zac's renowned theology professor, Father Daley, S.J., is both teacher of "Conversions" class and a coach for the boxing club.

Zac's view from the stands at a ND hockey game

In six short weeks, our firstborn will return home for Christmas break and share a bit of wintery adventure and family time here in the Pacific Northwest.  Six weeks...six short weeks!

German Travels 'Ende'

An after Mass with the bros pose on Zachary's 19th birthday; outside Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bellingham

After a month's stay in Munich for German studies at the Goethe Institut, and a grueling 24 hour trip home via Vancouver, BC, Zachary landed on US soil a few hours before his 19th birthday (PST).  Clean-shaven and nearly twenty pounds lighter due to a schedule that was light on cooking and heavy on walking, Zachary stepped off the adventure trail and back into life at home.

Castle view in Heidelberg, Germany

Souvenirs in tow, Zachary gifted each of us with a few treats, including sporty gear celebrating the 2013 UEFA Champions League winning soccer 'FC Bayern Munchen' football team and a beautiful Rosary from the Basilica in Munich.  So sweet.  A little board book he brought for the young cousins will likely bring many smiles; although the words are foreign, the cartoon-ish images of animals making doo will be easily understood and enjoyed without textual support.

Old jail cell for naughty students at University of Heidelberg, Germany

Castle damage from French canon ball, Heidelberg, Germany

World's largest wine cask, Heidelberg, Germany

All aboard for Zachary's 19th birthday celebration on the shores of Lake Whatcom

We showered Zac with birthday love on Sunday, celebrating his 19th birthday at a breakfast out with Grandma Billie and Grandpa Cliff after Mass, and a dinner party with the same great company +1 in the evening at their lake-front home.  Zachary shared the 50+ photos of his month abroad on Grandma's big-screen iPhoto, and his narrated slide show gave us insight into his travels and daily German experiences. 

Scheming for a return trip to Germany for a lengthier study abroad is already underway, but we are celebrating these precious days of having our family all together at home (and around) before Zac returns to Notre Dame for sophomore studies in late August.

Uprooted & Replanted {Journeying}

Final tagging of baggage before check-in at the departure gate

Another family transition officially transpired without (reported) incident: Zachary has been transplanted to European soil.  Zac's departure via Vancouver, BC, went off without a hitch; other than a very random series of questions by the Canadian Peace Arch border guard, the event was fairly uneventful. We officially received word that he landed and found lodging:

"Couldn't sleep on flight...took a train to Innsbruck and am here now."

Although the first 5 nights of his European stay are unstructured and mostly unplanned, we trust in his survival skills and good intuition, and eagerly await his occasional email updates and hope for photos, too.  As his first update arrived ~at the very moment Tim read it at work~ a customer who lives in Garmisch-Partkirchen, Germany, happened to be in our shop.  The customer overheard Tim sharing Zac's whereabouts and offered him lodging in a six bedroom apartment with a view of the highest peak in the Bavarian Alps, where her husband is currently stationed.  Whether or not Zachary takes the free lodging offer shall remain a mystery for the time being, but talk about Divine Providence at work!

Zac fires away during a pre-departure target practice session for fun on our private property.

Zac's unarmed on this journey, except for his trusty pocket knife, but he's packing a whole host of prayers and an extremely talented and holy guardian angel.  His hammock and lighter may prove useful; whether or not he'll miss his sleeping bag and hiking boots remains to be seen.  He's traveling light, with backpack and day pack, yet stuffed in his Church clothes ~ hand-me-downs from our former parish priest, Father Qui Thac~Marion who passed down and gave away all his belongings before taking the Benedictine habit and living the vow of poverty in extreme simplicity during this past year of discernment.  So in a way, Father QT~M is along for the journey with Zachary as well!

Quote of the day:
I announced, "Zachary is in one of the most beautiful places in the world today!"
Peter replied, "So are we." 
So true.

On top of the world

Like father, like son; at the target range with Mt. Baker looming in the distance

Family supper with our very special guest from Mission, BC

Speaking of Benedictines, we had the pleasure of hosting Father Peter Nygren, OSB, rector of Christ the King Seminary in Mission, BC, for dinner at our home a few days ago.  Father Peter makes a few stops after the school year ends to visit families whose boys have attended the live-ins and made connections with the Catholic boys' school.  We served grilled pork chops and corn on the cob and in return received a beautiful blessing and the opportunity to chant Vespers together in our living room (more or less on key).

Zachary, Peter, Father Peter and Joseph

Dr. Dude gives Zac the business over his beard

Speaking of special visitors, our Goddaughter Hope, and her family are visiting from San Diego.  Former neighbors and faithful parishioners of Sacred Heart, this adorable, growing family lights up the whole city upon their return.  We have cherished a few rowdy suppers at home and some squirming in the pews.  Things are always more exciting with little ones running around, and the timing of their visit coinciding with Zachary's departure helps ease the heart strains a bit.  

Zachary and Dominic chill in the company of Dominic's wiggly sisters: Miriam, Hope and Hannah

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three brothers; apart for the time being, but very close at heart

 

 

 

Time Flies {Zachary to Munich}

At the Ballard Locks on Zac's first day home from Notre Dame; Ascension Thursday, before Mass at N. American Martyrs on Joseph's confirmation day

Another bittersweet parting with Zachary looms on the near horizon as he packs his backpack for a month of German studies in Munich.  Last minute errands are on our to-do list today, including a possible stop at a local strawberry field to pick a bucket of berries for dessert.  We have thoroughly enjoyed having our whole family together these past two months, and anticipate a few withdrawals as we adjust to life without Zachary again.  

Hitting the Chuckanut trails on a training hike with the Scouts

After spending the past two months at home, Zac eagerly anticipates his European adventure, which begins in Canada, land of the cheaper departures.  After an hour's drive to the Vancouver airport, give or take depending on border traffic, Zac will spend eleven hours or so en route to Munich.  Upon landing, his plan is to find a place (or a few) to visit for 5 days before his classes begin; maybe in Vienna, maybe somewhere else.

Tutored by a pro, Zachary learns the art of cooking dumplings with Grandpa Cliff.

After a hard day's work at the sawmill

Many hours laboring in the sawmill for a few dollars

The product of many hours' labor

Zachary's primary endeavor while home on his first summer break from university involved holding down a full time minimum wage job at a local lumber mill while maintaining constant contact with friends and balancing family time and recreation.  Quite a juggling act, but by simply and consistently reducing the total number of hours of sleep, Zachary made ends meet.  Unlike my first smelly job packing pickles at Nalley's in Tacoma, or Tim's first stinky job gutting salmon around the clock in South Naknek, Alaska, Zachary exited the lumber mill each day smelling like a cedar chest.  On one of his more educational lunch breaks, his co-workers boasted of places where they'd done time.

Zachary and Roy taking off on the 18 mile canoe leg of the annual Ski 2 Sea race on the Nooksack River.

Zachary trains Peter in the fine art of Polish dumpling cooking.

Floating Lake Padden on a sunny Sunday afternoon

3 bros ready to hike the shores of Baker Lake

A revival of sorts: all the men in our family assisted with the Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession; Zac crossbearer.

Manly men celebrating bearded faces

With only hours left before our next farewell, we pause to remember (and document) the wide variety of wonderful events and experiences we've shared with Zachary and his awesome peeps during these past few weeks of togetherness.  Godspeed, son.  We're all praying for you!

Zachary, Joseph and Tim (with Caleb) honor David at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

In one last pre-departure attempt at raising cash, Zac flags traffic toward our family fireworks stand.

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for Zachary's German adventure.

Year 1 Complete {Notre Dame Releases Zachary}

Packed and prepared to depart Notre Dame for summer break

Today marks Zachary's last day as a freshman at the University of Notre Dame.  He rearranged his final exam schedule in order to be home in time for Joseph's confirmation, and will be home for almost two months before his July study abroad adventure in Munich. 

In joyful anticipation of his arrival at SeaTac tomorrow, I sent a little love via text message this morning.  Zac's reply leaves little doubt as to how he earned the nickname, Zaccurate:

• May God bless your final 24 hours as a freshman at Notre Dame! My love and prayers, Mom

• 25:15, but thanks (Zac)

Zac~ we are all eagerly awaiting your return home tomorrow!

Germany in July {Zachary's Next Adventure}

Three generations together at Holy Mass on Laetare Sunday 2013

Technically it's still winter, but since the University of Notre Dame's spring break occurs this week, we'll call it spring and celebrate Zachary's brief visit home.  With Zac's second semester at ND well underway, he continues to enjoy intensive German studies and won a grant to study in Munich, Germany this summer.

We knew studying abroad was on his radar, and are thrilled at this opportunity for Zachary to participate in a one month German language immersion program in Munich at the Goethe Institut.  The fact that he will travel and study on a grant awarded by ND's Center for the Study of Languages and Culture (CSLC) sweetens the deal financially speaking.

Zachary and Joseph with Grandma Billie and Grandpa Cliff

Zac will return home after his final exams in May for a few weeks prior to his departure for Munich, and return again for a few weeks in the summer.  This will not be Zachary's first time as an international solo traveler, as he departed Italy a few weeks before the family on our pilgrimage in 2011 to be home for community college classes.  Living alone in Europe for a month will be a first; but promises to be a fine (if foreign) adventure for our first born son.

Surprise Sight for Sore Eyes {Zachary Visits}

Answered prayers!

Our universal Church's opening prayer for Sunday Mass (plus daily Masses and morning and evening prayers last week) really inspired me to pray BIG:

Almighty ever-living God,
who in the abundance of your kindness
surpass the merits and the desires of those who entreat you,
pour out your mercy upon us
to pardon what conscience dreads
and to give what prayer does not dare to ask.

I do not make a habit of praying for exceptional consolations, but this powerful prayer moved me to ask God for the grace of seeing Zachary.  His first semester at Notre Dame halfway over, with eight weeks' count-down until his visit home for Christmas break, I asked for the grace of bi-location, just to SEE Zachary for an instant.

A pretty far-fetched prayer, yes, but certainly falls within the "dare not ask" category, don't you agree?

Back at home for fall break, our Irishman

God answered my prayers with a tremendous gift, and a huge surprise (which did not involve bi-location).  My sweet husband, Tim, arranged flights for Zachary and brought him home for six days' break. They conspired together and secretly coordinated Zachary's arrival to coincide with my second Sunday Carmelite meeting in Stanwood.  Tim snapped a shot of the look on my face when I saw Zachary walk into the living room yesterday, but it's far too embarrassing out-of-focus to post on the blog.

Inclined toward Sunday Mass after Zac's covert travels (which started with his 4AM bus ride from Notre Dame to a Chicago airport) we attended Church together with our local Newman Catholic Campus Ministry at WWU.  Some of Zac's favorite friends worship at the Sunday Mass said by our priest, Father Altenhofen, on Sunday nights. What a great way to begin our week together, praising God for his many gifts, most especially for giving us His Son, truly present in the Holy Eucharist.

Thank you, God!

Life Goes On {New School Year at Home}

Joseph hits the books

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New room assignments took effect at home after a newly vacated bedroom provided an opportunity for Joseph and Peter to spread out.  Their bunk bed dissembled, mattresses on the floor temporarily (while plans for loft beds are in the works), the extra space and brotherly separation reinvigorated spirits at this time of family transition.  A fresh paint scheme and new carpet in Joseph's room help mark the beginning of high school and signify a dream come true in having his own room (again) after so many years of sharing with his younger brother.

Peter sits at Zac's old desk, working on pre-algebra homework.

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Home school is back in session after our two week journey to and from Notre Dame.  Our home school now sports a dress code; Joseph and Peter are looking sharp during school hours.  A renewed emphasis on discipline this year also extends to keeping order in the classroom/bedroom environments.   These upgrades are due in large part to a few comments made by our first graduate about "sleeping through most of his freshman year."  His younger brothers can thank Zac for their new and improved code of conduct and environmental regulations. 

Brotherly love at Great Grandma's house

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Benefiting Joseph (grade 9) in a special way, our new home school dress code gives him super incentive to complete his day's assignments without delay, thereby freeing him to change into shorts and T-shirt.  Known to linger at his desk, easily captivated by long readings (not assigned) in a history book, Joseph now feels a more urgent desire to stay on track and finish assigned work.  Peter (grade 7), greatly enjoys the moment of completion when the books are closed and the collared shirt and slacks are dispensed with for the day.

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  Breaking News from our freshman at Notre Dame:

• classes are challenging, interesting and demanding
• weather is beautiful; insects are loud
• football games are extremely exciting; for standing fans only, except during half-time
• dorm's dryers hot; shrinking clothes left tumbling for full cycle

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Maybe a few readers will remember our story of an eventful emergency landing on our journey home from New Hampshire when Zachary was discerning his choice of university.   It's a powerful story, and one that I have posted about in greater detail over at Discerning Daily.  Go check it out if you are interested.

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The expected life span of a lawnmower parked at our house is under one year.  This could be due in large part to the fact that these machines come home from our pawn shop, where customers sometimes pawn their broken things and walk away with the money and no intent of returning to claim their goods.  This is the cost of doing business as pawnbrokers, for sure.  So, we keep replacing broken lawnmowers, one after another.  

Art and science with Nerf guns

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We may issue course credit for the science of Nerf gun modification, recognizing the educational value in the ongoing series of scientific and artistic projects involved.  Youtube instructions taught the method:  dissemble, remove air restricter, upgrade springs, make minor aesthetic changes to gun's appearance, reassemble.  Shoot.  One thing we didn't see coming, Joseph getting the third degree from the clerk at the hardware store as he purchased a few cans of spray paint for his Nerf modding project. 

Go visit Jen via Camp Patton for more Quick Takes!

Destination Notre Dame {Day 6: Opening Mass and Farewell Hugs}

Opening Mass in Purcell Pavilion at Notre Dame for students and families at the close of new student orientation.

Knowing that only hours remained before our final farewell, we thoroughly enjoyed each and every moment with Zachary on Sunday.  Walking across campus together to the Purcell Pavilion after a brief wait in the 3rd floor study hall while he showered, we heard snippets of the events from the previous evening.  Upon entering the pavilion, the students were ushered to the main floor seating for the opening Mass, while the families were directed to the upper seats.   I asked the guys to be on the lookout to find 5 seats together as we climbed up into the stands, and Tim corrected me, "4."

Box lunch on the lawn, following the opening Mass at Notre Dame for the Class of 2016

Rev. J. King’s homily brilliantly illuminated the Gospel reading (John 6: 51-58).  He reminded us that so many thing Jesus taught didn’t seem to make sense, particularly the command to eat His flesh and drink His blood to have eternal life.  So many walked away at these words, these instructions of Jesus.  Fr. King encouraged us, “Dare to look upon Jesus as the ultimate answer to all your needs…for He has all the answers.” 

Assisted at the book store, Zachary locates $700 worth of  text books for his first semester at ND.

A gourmet box lunch picnic followed the opening Mass, and an errand to purchase Zachary’s first semester books allowed another hour together on campus.  Navigating the maze of shelves to find each course’s required purchases took a little doing, but the courteous staff made the job enjoyable. 

Dad, Firstborn Son, Mom

Leaving time upon us, we made one last visit to Zachary’s dorm room, inhabited with several new friends enjoying his roommate’s game system.  To allow for a few moments alone as a family, we asked Zachary to walk us to our van, which he willingly obliged.  Gathering together for a final prayer, we exchanged hugs and bid our boy farewell with well wishes for his freshman year.

Joseph, Tim, Zachary, Bridget and Peter

Further reflections on saying farewell to Zachary here.

Destination Notre Dame {Day 5: Orientation}

Basilica of the Sacred Heart, University of Notre Dame

 

A full day of parent and student orientation activities on the agenda, we began in the Knott Hall chapel where the dorm’s rector, Brother Jerome, introduced us to the young men (seniors) who will serve as residence assistants (RA’s) this year and gave a general talk about dorm life in an effort to “put parents’ minds at ease.” The questions from parents following the presentation:

• What if my son doesn’t KNOW there was alcohol in his room?
• Can’t you please call me if you are taking my son to the emergency room?
• What if my son just can’t stand his room mate?
• Will my son be forced to wear an orange beanie?

didn’t phase Brother Jerome in the least. He encouraged us to allow our sons the opportunity to make their own decisions and learn to live with the consequences; turn off the helicopter, so to speak. The dorm room stability policy at Notre Dame encourages students to learn to live and work with others and figure out how to negotiate the differences and difficulties rather than offering an easy ‘fix’ and removal (extreme cases not withstanding). In a very direct statement, an RA told us that the University of Notre Dame “follows the teachings of the Catholic Church” (Please God, may it always be so!) “that intercourse is to be reserved for marriage…”

Brother Jerome addresses parents of Knott Hall freshmen, in the dorm's chapel.

 

“Introduction to Academic and Student Life” followed a family style lunch in the dining hall. Gathering the entire class of 2016 and their loved ones at Purcell Pavilion, Notre Dame administrators, Dean Page, President Fr. Jenkins, Erin Hoffmann Harding, and senior student Catherine Reidy officially welcomed the new students and gave sound advice for a successful university experience including:

• Take everything as an opportunity to learn (in all humility) and grow
• Encounter the mystery of God
• Be Christ for others
• Be a leader and a servant
• Make time for discernment 
• Begin to learn a new language~ very well 
• Wander the stacks of books and explore the libraries
  

  

  Students of the Notre Dame class of 2016 and their families enter Purcell Pavilion for first-year orientation.

Notre Dame's “Parent Orientation Session” with Dean Page, Erin Hoffmann Harding, and Parent Orientation Panel (James McKenna, Lee Svete, Darrell Paulsen) coincided with a break-out session for our first year students to meet with their academic advisors. A few tips from the Dean’s key to success list:

• Be patient in this time of transition
• Master the art of supporting rather than solving 
• Trust in the values you have instilled in your child (pray and trust) 
• Encourage your child to find time for contemplation and silence 
• Embrace this new stage of life

The topic, ‘Discernment in Year 1,” sounded promising, although I didn’t particularly appreciate the ‘wisdom’ passed along by the first presenter, Professor James McKenna, who quoted his own UC Berkley prof from 1966. McKenna redeemed himself with a slightly comedic repeat after me phrase for parents, preparing us for that excited call from our student announcing his new intended major of study in an area never before mentioned, like, say, anthropology: “Anthropology!! There’s NOTHING you cannot do with THAT major!”

 

Migrating across campus after the parent orientation program concluded, we reconnected with Zachary at the Arts and Letters exploration session. Lemonade, cookies and snacks were enjoyed by Joseph and Peter, who understandably opted out of another lecture and rather passed the time in comfy chairs in the lobby area.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame

 

Leaving Zachary to peruse the Arts and Letters open house at his own pace, the four of us made our pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart for the 5PM Mass. The organ and student choir ensemble filled the church with the beauty of holy music, and the sound preaching and awesome sacramental miracle of the Holy Eucharist brought heaven to earth (see Revelation).  Time to visit the reliquary and side chapels followed, and we eventually made our way to the dining hall where Zachary sat surrounded by new friends at a table not far from ours. He joined us mid-meal and shared bits of his student orientation experience.

Tabernacle; home of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, at Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame

 

Leaving the dorm after a brief post-dinner tour of Zac’s room-in-progress, we introduced ourselves to the rector, Brother Jerome, and enjoyed a visit with him before departing campus for the much anticipated swimming pool at our hotel.

Zachary's dorm room, under construction

Joseph takes the camera in hand and snaps revenge on the family photographer.

 

One more day.