Christmas Eve

This year, I attended my first Orthodox Christmas Eve service and it was beautiful! Through every reading, every song, every action, the symbolism of Christ abounded. The candles, flowers, incense, icons, singing and prayers made the entire evening a feast for the senses, beginning with the Holy Supper. People brought different foods to share, each having a special meaning. The supper is usually eaten at home with one's family, but since so many of our parish members are transplants with no family near, Fr. Tim likes to bring everyone together as the 'church family'. He is so thoughtful.

We began the service with the reading of six psalms in which the coming of the Messiah is foreshadowed. The choir sang nine 'odes' (musical poems) consisting of portions of the old testament (Jonah, the three Hebrew children) that also prefigured Christ's coming. Then the announcement of the Incarnation, at which time the light was turned on behind the altar, signifying the Light that has come!

Christ is born! Glorify Him!

A Special Baby Gift

Christmas 2007 - come and gone! Once the holidays roll around, everything moves so fast!

My children were all home for a few days. We traveled back to western PA for my oldest daughter's baby shower. It was hosted by my step-daughter. Everything was just lovely and I got to visit with family and friends that I don't see often. DD received beautiful gifts for her coming baby girl. I'm buying her crib, but this is my special gift to her.


When I was pregnant 32 years ago with my first daughter, a co-worker crocheted this sweater/bonnet set for me. This is what I brought my new baby girl home from the hospital in and now she can bring her new baby girl home in them, too! I kept them all these years, hoping for this day. I washed and boxed them up and just had to take a pic. They look new and are in perfect condition. DD was pleased to have received them.


Here's a pic of her cake. It was yummy!


Happy New Year to all who pass by my little corner of the 'net. May God keep His hand upon you, and may you and yours dwell in peace and safety in this coming year.

Ice Storm

We had freezing rain and ice all day. I stayed home from work and decided to get some pics when the rain ended. The light was already fading when I finally got out there, but I still got some interesting photos. Hope you enjoy them.

Book Recommendation

Chasing Francis
Ian Morgan Cron

I first heard of this book through a review and recommendation by Michael Spencer, Internet Monk. It is fiction, but I suspect more true than not. It tells the story of Chase, an evangelical pastor of a mega church who experiences a crisis of faith upon the death of a little girl. Trite cliches, lobbed scriptures, the "party line" just doesn't cut it. There are no words.

Through the gentle leadings of his cousin, a former evangelical who has become a Franciscan friar, Chase visits him in Italy and embarks on a journey with St. Francis of Assisi. Eyes, mind, heart, and spirit open to see more than Chase's narrow world had ever allowed him to see. The dead Saint challenges and changes him in a beautiful, Christ-like way.

Hubby and I found it a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking read. We've been there: burnt out, disenchanted, feeling short-changed ... but not by God. So much of this spoke to us and made us see, once again, that we are not alone in our feelings.

Blessed be the Lord, now and ever and unto ages of ages. AMEN!

First Ultrasound

Youngest DD saw her baby on her first ultrasound yesterday. She was soooo excited! She reports he (sex has not been determined, yet) looked comfy and happy in there and looks like he'll be fun.

Only this girl could come up with such a description.

Oh Lord, bless this little one!

What a Difference A Day Makes

Truly!! I changed her food yesterday and added raw meat to a lower fat kibble. What a change! She had less reflux, smelled way better and had so much energy, we could barely keep up with her. I'm beginning to think the people who beat the drum for raw feeding are right! Many of them post that they have also needed to decrease enzymes. Pardon the pun, but that is food for thought.

And as usual, when Callie feels better, I feel better. Can we say, "codependent"? LOL!

I can also say, Thank you, Lord! We cried out to Him and I believe He answered us, gave us hope and showed us the way. Callie is part of His creation, I believe she matters, too.

Romans 8:19-22
For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.

Official Diagnosis - I'M WEAK!

Seems like so long since I've been here and I guess it has. I've been a bit consumed with taking care of my 'special needs' dog. The diagnosis has come back - exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. I'm trying to learn about this condition and how best to manage it. I joined a group on Yahoo of folks with EPI dogs and they have been wonderful; very encouraging and informative. Essentially, the pancreas stops producing enough enzymes to properly digest food and food just passes through without giving needed nourishment. Without treatment, the dog slowly starves to death. People can also have this condition. It is usually inherited. For a time, the pancreas functions, but then slowly winds down until something triggers a total shutdown.

We began enzyme replacement ($$$) last Monday and she already gained a little over a pound! The amount of enzymes to use is not a 'one size fits all' dosage, so we are still working to adjust to the correct amounts. Everything is gauged by the condition of her BM's and whether she gains and then maintains a proper weight. We are close to being stable, but I think I must try another food. EPI dogs do best on low fiber, low fat food.

The biggest downside, so far, is the prep time. The enzymes are powerful (made from pig pancreas) and can sting the mouth or even cause sores. To avoid that, enzymes must be put on the food and mixed with water and let set at least 20 minutes. Longer is better, so I've been trying to let them set for an hour. The food basically begins to break down during that time, making it easier to digest. Callie cannot any longer have any food without these enzymes, that includes spontanous treats, so planning and vigilant monitoring is necessary.

Some days, I think I can do this; some days, I don't think I can handle the emotional roller coaster of having a less than perfect dog. I'm selfish and don't want to deal with all that this will entail. I'm crying out to God for His strength and wisdom. I have considered euthanizing, but she is so happy, so energetic and not sickly at all; it would solely be for my convenience and I don't think I could live with that. So I must 'buck up.' But I tend toward times of anxiety, more so at this stage of life, and this has certainly added to it. I feel so weak, like I can't handle the normal ups and downs of life. Everything is a tragedy.

Why did I not come with an 'off' switch?

Lord, have mercy!!!!