Hello!

Cinia has been so gracious as to let me co-own her blog! I will begin my blogging career by posting a few of my favorite quotes:

"When did it ever happen that a man had confidence in God and was lost?"
~St. Alphonsus Liguori

"Melancholy is the poison of devotion. When one is in tribualtion, it is necessary to become more happy and more joyful because on is nearer to God."
~St. Clare of Assisi

"You must accept your cross; if you carry it courageously it will carry you to Heaven.
God commands you to pray, but he forbids you to worry."
~St. Jean Marie Vianney

"Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath and a glass of wine."
~St. Thomas Aquinas

"Do something good for someone you like least, today!"
~St. Anthony of Padua

What-Not

Today I made Cranberry cookies. I took a shower, cleaned the upstairs floors, and played hockey in the driveway with Louie. I fixed a string of lights on our tree. found two ducks (whom I named Bert and Janie) in the pond, and I let Anna hop outside. I wrapped presents, and watched Louie & Luke throw rocks into the pond. I watched the Nativity Story last night. I loved it. St. Joseph was my favorite. Fr. Jose gave me a wonderful Confession yesterday, I love our priests! Fr. Bernard was also hearing them, but I felt like going to Fr. Jose instead. So far, I have only eaten one candy cane this year. Most remarkable. Our new neighbors gave us a huge bag brimming with different homemade gifts. They live to give. They are quite sweet! I have ventured into the world of card making and so far have made 12. I used calligraphy and Christmas rubber stamps. I was bored so I made them for all of our near neighbors. It was satisfying. Today it hasn't rained! Most remarkable, if you ask me. Now I think I will go outside, and fine something to do, perhaps in the fire barrier, perhaps somewhere else. May you have the rest of a Blessed Advent and a Joyful and Peaceful Christmas.
Love,
Michelle

Another week of the life of Meechy

Well, another week has gone by, my butterflies are only shadows, I have seen Dead Sea Scrolls, gotten ready for my first tournament :D:D:D:D:D:D, tried a failed recipe, and lived life. I had forgotten how much I love Advent. It's a retreat for me from the hustle and pressure of commercial Christmas. (Not that I succome to that but it is everywhere.) I learned about the ancient fort of Qumran and the Esseans who are believed to have written the scrolls. The ancient coins facinated me the most. There are over 50,000 shards of scrolls, some no bigger than a fingernail. In the 1950's scientists, completely oblivious to the harm they were causing, taped the pieces together in an effort to decode them. When they realized their huge mistake they started to painstakingly take the adhesive off in an attempt to save the damaged fragments. It takes 1-3 months to salvage 2 or 3 shards and they're only about half way done. Completely amazing, I think.
I also made this pretzel/hazlenut/chocolate bar but it DID NOT turn out right. Needless to say, they still taste wonderful.
My posterboard is laid out for the tournament on Tuesday, please pray for me that I do my best, and all I need is some more PEZ. It looks pretty rad, if I do say so myself. The large wookie which plays the Star Wars theme song was a big hit at practice. (I personally hate it but since it is different and interesting, I have to use it.) I already got into a debate with Ian about the Beatles so I decided not to bring up my feelings about Star Wars. Ian is a senior, Kate's (who is really nice and whom I really like) brother. He is basically really good in all the aspects of debating and is often called upon to offer advice. Even as I write, about half of the team is competing right now :(. I really wanted to go but mom wouldn't let me. Oh well, more time to work on my expose.
May you continue to have a fulfilling Advent!

Happy Advent! plus yesterday

Yesterday was pretty fun, if I do say so myself. It started with homemade Candied Ginger Gingerbread which was delicious. Then I cleaned the church for four hours while Louie had server training. Jesson was setting up Advent decoration and I successfully disposed of two more parishoners, human or otherwise. After that the servers ushered me back to the conference room for their leftover pizza. Mom then took me home, where I indeed got to carry out my dire threat,"DEATH TO BUTTERFLIES" I have the first coat of primer but those ___ things will need about 3 or 4. I'll paint some more today. I then got to babysitt these two boys. One is partially deaf so that was super fun. I got to learn the colors and the word,"jaw" in sign language and I'm sure I'll learn a bunch more from them. They live super close, too. I am about to put on the 3rd coat of primer over those unnamed butterflies. They just don't want to disappear! Humph. I think about most of you a ton and the rest of you occasionally flit through my preoccupied mind.

May you all have a very peaceful and fruitful Advent!