October- Celebrating Our Lady

October is traditionally a month that Catholic's celebrate Mary because of the feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary (October 14th) and like any good celebration it doesn't seem to end with one day, hence a post this late in the month. So, this year, the 14th fell on a Wednesday night and I couldn't pass up a teaching opportunity. Our Religious Ed. Parents' Night was fittingly scheduled for the evening of the feast and we were talking, making and eating the rosary!

Found this great idea on the Catholic Cuisine blog and it turned out splendidly thanks to some fast baking by a baker friend (don't think she's online or I'd link her new business, here).


Started out the evening with an old Totus Tuus song. "My Mother is Mary the Virgin" I am proud of the fact that I held up with the best of the students and my thighs burned for the remainder of the week.
The concept of the song/game was to stand or sit every time you sang a word starting with M. Then sing it and move FASTER! Hey, the kids and adults look like they're having fun.

We followed up our song with a short teaching on the Rosary. I felt a bit rusty having not taught that lesson in a while to a full house but it was a start. Then as a group we prayed a living rosary with vigil candles marking each bead and being blown out as we prayed. It was really effective in seeing where we were at in our prayer. Finally, the students and parents had the opportunity to make a rope chaplet rosary. By knotting rosary twine we had a few successes and lots of first time attempts. I think I found a market of buyers if I get knotting, too. Here are the directions if you're interested.

Our Lady of the Rosary, Pray for us!

Daddy is at work.

Daily, [today starting at 7:30 a.m.] Katie will ask, "Daddy?" As in, where's my favorite guy that lives here the one that bounces on the bed with me, tickles me till I'm drunk with laughter, gives me all my favorite snacks, takes me outside and to the farm etc. ? Sometimes it can also be interpreted as, "I'd like to hang out with someone other than you, Mom." No offense taken by me because when Daddy is home I am happier, too! In the evening we'll ritually make our way to the "daddy watching" bench by the window where we wait for his return counting cars and spotting dogs, leaves, birds and neighbors. Until the long anticipated Daddy pulls in the drive.

I've gotten creative in answering the Daddy question because the first answer is most always followed by, "Why?" And because the frequency of the asking has gone up in recent weeks- they've bonded!

Here's a recent conversation on this topic--
Kate: Daddy?
Me: Daddy is at work.
Kate: Why?
Me: 'Cause someone has to bring home the bacon.
Kate: Bacon? Eat?

Tonight though, Dad is away on business and his girls miss him dearly. I am so grateful that I am not the sole parent in this house and that Daddy is so obviously such a special part of Kate's life. We'll undoubtly start our window watching for his return tomorrow earlier than usual but hopefully not as early as 7:30 a.m.

How to Eat a PBJ Sandwich by Katie

First, have mom make you a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, preferably heavy on the jelly.
Second, take it apart so you can enjoyed fully. Then dig in!



Washing is optional if you ask me.
DE-LICIOUS!

You just missed....The Kieler Fire Prevention Parade

Every year the first Sunday of October, Kieler goes from sleepy little town to the Fire Prevention Parade Place to Be! You can't find a place to park....the streets are lined with lawn chairs (and you defend family spots with dirty looks)....there are MANY more fire trucks in town and a few additional tractors....and shouts from hungry children for CANDY CANDY can be heard for miles. Yes, you just missed this year's Fire Prevention Parade! We enjoyed welcome company from my family for the third year in a row. Here are some highlights:

It is a good morning when the Snyders serve coffee and sticky buns! And yes, the girls are having their a.m. coffee.

The weekend is never complete without a visit to the firehouse. Here, Trevor and I are checking out where the firefighters ride.

Walking/riding to the park and church garage sale for our deals!

The kids rode in style and comfort on our trip to Platteville.

Nothing is private around here and you can't go to the bathroom without entertainment.

Bug looks like she's got enough to keep her entertained for awhile.

Friends that joined us in celebrating this epic event- the Marlettes and the Rundes.


Bug and Kate "cheering" for the parade.


The fire truck Kurt drove with Louie his sidekick.

Trevor and I got to ride in the parade! Eat your heart out- I know you were wishing it was you!

Anyone for a rousing game of Ring Around the Rosie? The kids liked it and the naps were worth every bit of the effort.

Mark your calendars and join us next year!