Happy Feast Day, Saint Andrew

Today is St. Andrew's Feast Day. 

He is commonly known as the first Disciple of Jesus. 

I really like this guy.  Our family is what it is because of his intercession.  

Our last three children are here because I asked, no! begged, for his help.  And he came through, in ways I never could have imagined.  (That's a long story, and I'll save it for another time.)

Naturally, we'll have fish for dinner tonight.  Not only because he was a fisherman with his father and brother (Simon Peter), but also because Jesus told Andrew and Simon Peter that He would make them "fishers of men."  So fish is just an obvious choice. 

Edited to add our dinner photo:

A bowl of Potato Soup, tossed salad, corn and a fillet of baked pollack

Notice our statue of St. Andrew and the Advent wreath on the table, too.  Delish.

I am posting the following prayer, it is known as the Christmas Prayer,  The St. Andrew Prayer or The Prayer to Obtain Favors.  Be forewarned, though.  Make certain you really want what you ask for....

St. Andrew's Prayer
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment 
in which the son of God was born of the 
most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, 
in Bethlehem, in piercing cold.  
In that hour vouchsafe, O my God! 
to hear my prayer and grant my desires, 
through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, 
and of His blessed Mother.  Amen.

It is piously believed that whoever recites the above prayers fifteen times a day from the Feast of St. Andrew until Christmas will obtain what is asked.

It is our family's Feast Day today, and we will thank St. Andrew, and thank God, for his unfailing intercession.

On Being Thankful

May I introduce you to my newest grandchild?

On the blog, I'll call her Noelle.  She was supposed to be born just before Christmas, but she had other plans.  (I am absolutely certain this is not the only time things will go her way.)  She is only 4 1/2 pounds, and her lungs are not quite developed yet, so she is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.  We're thankful that Noelle is receiving excellent care.  We are also extremely thankful that Noelle is doing so well, but are also praying that she gets well enough to leave the NICU and go home.  Soon.  We want to hold and cuddle her.  Mommy was able to finally hold her for about 30 minutes on Saturday, when Noelle was two days old, and on Sunday for a little bit again. We all are extremely thankful for that!  There have been a few little concerns, but -thankfully - nothing major so far.

 This is Big Brother Harvey visiting the NICU.   Mommy was introducing him to his little sister for the first time when I took this picture.  So far he likes her.  As long as she stays in the NICU, things might be ok between them.  But when she goes to live at his home...  he might decide that she isn't really that great.  Maybe.  Time will tell.

Right now Harvey is staying here with Nana and Grandpa.  Thankfully he likes his Nana.  His Uncle Crash is a built-in playmate.  And Nana is very thankful for Aunties that help so much!!  Our plans have been re-written slightly, and we're very thankful that we homeschool and are rather flexible.  

Between now and the end of the Christmas Season, we're planning to have all the kids and grandkids here, and our parents, too, at one time or another.  I hope to be ready for everyone's visits so that I am not rushed or distracted when our family is here.  There is nothing quite like the hustle and bustle of an ever-growing family packed into a small house.  And I am so very thankful that everyone still enjoys coming home for the holidays.  I love having everyone gathered in our home.  No matter the season, my most enjoyable times are when we're all here together. 

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

On the Eve of Becoming a Big Brother....

(aka Chillin' with Grandpa)

Snowy November Day

November wonderland...

Looking across the driveway, November 13, 2010

[This is actually our second snowfall of the season.  The first was on October 27th.  After receiving over 2 inches of rain, it turned to snow overnight and we had a generous 2-inches of snow in the morning.  I took no pics of that one - it was too early!]

But now we're eager for snow.   It's time... for all the fluffy white stuff to blanket a dreary-looking earth, covering the dead grasses, flowers, leaves.  Time to set the tone for Thanksgiving and Advent.....  readying us for the Christmas season.   Yup, I think it's time.  How about you?  Are you ready for snow?   Tell me, do you enjoy the snow? 

Wordless Wednesday

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

My little grand-elephant, grand-ghost and grand-bug!!  :-)

On the Feast of All Souls Day

Eternal Rest Grant Unto Them O Lord, And May Your Perpetual Light Shine Upon Them.   May the Souls of the Faithful Departed, Through the Mercy of God, Rest in Peace.  Amen.