7 Quick Takes {Home birth, Poison, Fog, and Fire}

Necessity: mother of invention...

1

Modern appliances cannot withstand the force of masculine teenage energy around here.  Thus, there are a few appliances under our roof with missing or damaged handles.  We now operate the injured microwave door with a butter knife.  The shower's faucet handle was pulled right off in an attempt to turn it on one day, but this required immediate and proper replacement, no butter knife bandage.  Dad and lad plumbing project ensued.  Note: these are not the result of any angry outbursts or reckless behavior; merely the aftereffects of super-human teenage strength vs. plastic parts.

Rural firefighting action

2

The three hour crawl transporting Peter back to school after his (Canadian) Thanksgiving break included a dramatic, fiery scene along the two lane highway leading to the US/Canadian border.
A pile of flaming debris blocking all lanes of traffic was beaten back and shoved aside by a farmer with his tractor, while the sounds of the volunteer firefighting crews' sirens were heard nearing the scene.  Oddly, the day we drove Peter to high school seminary for day one, there was also wildfire along the side of the road, but on the BC side.  Explosive commutes.

Seattle, smothered in fog.

3

We are experiencing a string of extremely foggy days in the great Northwest.  We get the occasional bursts of fog from time to time, but this season seems especially foggy for some reason.  As a result, Joseph's student driving experiences have included a few extra foggy sessions.

Cathy!

4

Our dear friend and old neighbors' nanny Cathy returned for a quick stop over in Bellingham recently, and blessed us with a morning visit at the house.  She left covered in Rocky fur, and promised to come back again some day.  Who knew we'd be competing with the likes of Philadelphia for Cathy's home town allegiance?  A very talented musician, Cathy can be heard on occasion accompanying the choir on her violin at Masses at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philly.  Not a bad gig, Cathy!  Keep the faith!

Homegrown goodies for Grandma Patty's birthday present

5

Gifting our homegrown produce completed the cycle of farming joy.  The boys' determination in planting and tending to their gardens this year resulted in a fine harvest of a variety of fruits and vegetables.  An odd 'no squash' yield has us a bit puzzled, as does the low turnout of sugar pumpkins.
But the super-sized (perfect for pie) apples from Joseph's tree, and the phenomenal green bean crop took the sting out of the lesser reapings.

Grandma Patty and Great Grandma O'D

Farmer Joseph with his Grandma Patty on her birthday

 

Poison in progress

Look out below!

Judah and Joseph compete in the final round of poison.

6

Joseph's days as Senior Patrol Leader are numbered as his term draws to a close. A final 'hoorah' will happen as the troop gathers for the semi-annual boy led Junior Leader Training (JLT).  Joseph, as the outgoing SPL, plans this JLT to coincide with a day hike in the glorious Chuckanut Range.  No use sitting in a church basement on a Saturday when you could be outside on an adventure laden with leadership lessons along the way.

 

Nuptial Mass at Sacred Heart

7

Marriage and childbirth!

I had the great pleasure of assisting behind the scenes at a holy wedding and a home birth this week.  My role was very minor in both events, but opportunities to be up close and personal in these moments of profound grace are blessings beyond description.  The union of Mark and Katy and the birth of Janell and Alain's little Lucia are signs of Christ's light in our local community and throughout our Universal Church.  What a privilege to be a witness to these blessed events!

Samuel (3) meets his little sister, Lucia, on her birth day.

Visit Jen's Conversion Diary via Clan Donaldson for more Quick Takes!

Hosting Isabella {Day 1: Windy Waterfront}

Johnny, Chris, Joseph and Isabella picnic on the shores of Bellingham Bay.

Continued from the Backstory

With an eye on the weather forecast, we decided that Isabella's first day with us should be spent closer to home rather than up in the mountains.  As part of our normal Wednesday, we headed off to daily Mass, excited to share our beautiful little local Church with our guest.  We packed the cooler with sandwiches and fruit with hopes of a picnic lunch to follow Mass.

Outnumbered, but in good company, Isabella enjoys a stroll along the boulevard.

Upon arriving at Church, we found the parking lot empty ~ never a good sign.  Somehow we had missed the announcement of a time switch for that day's Mass, and so our plan A vanished into thin air. A few of our fine young friends from the Newman Catholic Campus Ministry at Western Washington University (including Zachary's good friend Chris) pulled in right behind us, and were also disappointed to learn that the daily Mass had been rescheduled. 

Bridget and Isabella on the edge of Bellingham Bay

Rather than crying over spilt milk, we took a moment for proper introductions, then hatched a plan to head for the closest park and share our picnic lunch with Johnny and Chris.  After all, they were all dressed up with no place to go! 

White caps on Puget Sound with full sunshine; an awesome autumn afternoon in Bellingham

We endured a short stretch of picnicking at shady table, which proved to be an act of penance.  As soon as the closest sunny table opened up, we quickly relocated and enjoyed the several-degrees increase and subsequent enhanced comfort level.  A brisk walk along the boulevard after lunch gave us an opportunity to visit and share the sights of our beautiful home town with Isabella and our friends.

Day 2 follows.

An ocean away from home, Isabella re-connects with the waters of the Pacific (a bit colder than her Aussie shores).

A picnic with Isabella's family (+my parents and grandparents) in 1990 on the shores of the Sunshine Coast.

Bridget (me), Grandma O'D, Pete (Dad), Patty (Mom), and Granddad O'D(+) on the Sunshine Coast, Australia, 1990

Home School for One {Year 15}

As Senior Patrol Leader, Joseph chairs the monthly PLC planning meeting for Troop 3.

It's all about Joe ~ he's our solo student in this, our 15th year of schooling at home.  Joseph's sophomore year in high school (at home) includes courses in logic, Latin II, anatomy & physiology, religion, writing, Great Books Discussions (Rome year), algebra II, and others.  Three of these are taken online with Memoria Press and Angelicum Academy, which gives him the benefit of following a syllabus with formal due dates, outside grading and required participation in (live) classes.

Joseph recently completed three weighty 'Eagle Required' Merit Badges, which rounded out all the necessary requirements for his Eagle Scout Rank.  With his project complete, his merit badges signed off, and his service hours and leadership position fulfilled, he stands ready for the Scoutmaster Conference.  Shortly following the conference, assuming all goes well, his completed application will be submitted to the local BSA office and before too long, Joseph will be called in for his Eagle Board of Review with the district's Eagle Review Board.

Licensed pilot with a pilot in training at Bellingham International Airport

In addition to the standard academic fare, Joseph keeps active with regular off road excursions on his new mountain bike on the matrix of Galbraith Mountain trails.  I'm sure he misses his biking buddy now that Peter attends high school seminary, but still he rides.  Early morning training runs and sets of stairs with Tim several days a week flush out the regular PE program, and Joseph intends to be fit and ready for the early morning stairs climbing challenges once varsity swimming begins in November.

Look up in the sky!  Joseph co-pilots over Bellingham as a Young Eagle participant.

Other extra curricular activities this fall include an introduction to pilot training, big game and water fowl hunting, and sports appreciation (watching televised football games with Tim).  In the near future, Joseph will begin serving Low Mass in the Extraordinary Form (Latin Mass) which he has eagerly anticipated following his formal training sessions (which ended last spring on the very day of his confirmation).  Joseph's cassock (birthday wish fulfilled) hangs in his closet, ready for action.  As a regular at the teen Bible study offered bi-weekly at our local parish, Joseph will help build up our Christian community in the Word of God and virtuous friendships. 

And last but actually first, we continue our regular participation in the sacramental life of the Church, including serving at daily Masses and volunteering as needed elsewhere.  Let us not forget that 'grace builds upon nature', as our dear old priest used to say.  How incredibly blessed I am to be able to stay home and teach my kid(s).

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.

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.

Confirmation 2013 {Sealed with the Holy Spirit}

Joseph~confirmed~with his new St. Benedict Crucifix

Sealed with the Holy Spirit, Joseph's confirmation on Ascension Thursday left a mark on his soul, and aromatic sacred chrism oil on his head.  Bishop Eusebio Elizondo anointed Joseph, who presented himself for confirmation:

"My name is Joseph 'Benedict' and I wish to be confirmed."

"Joseph Benedict, be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit."

"Amen."

 "Peace be with you."

"And with your spirit."

Years of preparation and formation led to this instant in Joseph's life, where his baptismal graces were completed and he was truly enriched with the special strength of the Holy Spirit.  It's amazing to contemplate the apostolic significance of confirmation:

1288 "From that time on the apostles, in fulfillment of Christ's will, imparted to the newly baptized by the laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of Baptism. For this reason in the Letter to the Hebrews the doctrine concerning Baptism and the laying on of hands is listed among the first elements of Christian instruction. The imposition of hands is rightly recognized by the Catholic tradition as the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation, which in a certain way perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the Church."⁹⁹

1289 Very early, the better to signify the gift of the Holy Spirit, an anointing with perfumed oil (chrism) was added to the laying on of hands. This anointing highlights the name "Christian," which means "anointed" and derives from that of Christ himself whom God "anointed with the Holy Spirit."¹⁰⁰ This rite of anointing has continued ever since, in both East and West. For this reason the Eastern Churches call this sacrament Chrismation, anointing with chrism, or myron which means "chrism." In the West, the term Confirmation suggests that this sacrament both confirms and strengthens baptismal grace.

~From the Catechism of the Catholic Church; PART TWO: THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY; SECTION TWO: THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH; CHAPTER ONE: THE SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION;ARTICLE 2: THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Bishop Elizondo addresses the confirmandi before the rite of confirmation.

Joseph is confirmed; with Zachary as his proxy sponsor.

Joseph's Godmother and confirmation sponsor, Aileen, was unable to participate at the last minute due to a family emergency.  Joseph missed her presence, we all did.  Many family members and friends made a special effort to attend Mass Thursday night to witness Joseph's sacrament, and congratulated him wholeheartedly.  Others who were unable to attend prayed for him from afar; some sent beautiful cards and keepsakes.

Zachary went to great lengths to re-arrange his final exam schedule at Notre Dame to allow for an early departure from campus in order to attend his younger brother's confirmation.  Zachary's place as Joseph's proxy sponsor seemed a fitting honor for a solid Catholic, confirmed older brother, who is a source of inspiration and instigation for deepening faith formation in the family. 

Joseph with Father Joseph Altenhofen, holds his new St. Benedict Icon written by a talented local artist/dear friend.

Following Joseph's confirmation on Ascension Thursday, our family began the Novena to the Holy Spirit.  This 9-day prayer of adoration, consecration and supplication to the Holy Spirit assists us spiritually and deepens our preparation for the celebration of Pentecost next Sunday.   May we be lavished with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and faithfully complete the unique mission for which each one of us was created.

Come Holy Spirit!

Capturing Christmas {2012}

The Mass of Christ.  Christmas.  

O Holy Night!

Spending time with our extended families and friends before Christmas ~ the appetizer.

Spending time with our extended families and friends after Christmas ~ the dessert.

The main course ~ assisting and worshiping at midnight Mass and Christmas morning Mass (with a few hours of sleep in between) offers pure satisfaction to our hungry hearts.

Weston, Peter, Violet, Joseph, Sawyer and Zachary: a complete set of cousins on Tim's side

Nearly the complete set of cousins; plus a few spouses and our little (and grown) ones on Bridget's side

The heart-breaker: digesting the reality that so many baptized Christians will not choose to worship God in His Church on this holy day, nor faithfully on Sundays, nor on any day.  With lives so full and so blessed, they lack the desire ~ or the will ~ to physically and habitually return to God's house to give Him praise, thanks and glory.  The call God Himself placed upon their hearts has been somehow muted or crowded out in the noisiness and business of life.  Yet He waits patiently for each one of us to return to Him.  Our Returning King offers His endless mercy as a perpetual Christmas gift, free of charge to anyone who simply, humbly asks.

Rocky at Christmas