That's Clever

Last Spring we acquired six rabbits.  Due to the extreme cold, the rabbits were moved to the old hog barn.  The barn provides protection and also makes it easier to feed and water the rabbits.  I knew that the kids had named the four show rabbits - Orbit, Checkers, Comet and Oreo. 

However, the two wilder rabbits hadn't been named.  Tonight, I learned that they DID indeed have names ... Robin and Marian.  Apparently they were given these names because they could 'never be together'!  That's according to my 9yo darling daughter, Angelina, who has obviously watched or read Robin Hood one too many times.

This whole conversation came about because Robin died today.  He had health issues, so it wasn't a complete surprise to me or Eric.  All the kids were sad to hear of his death, but life and death are a fact of farm life.  Poor Marian!

A Descriptive and Less-Wordy Wednesday

Garage Progress - framing and dirtwork ready for cement pad and sidewalk

2 Blueberry Pies - YUMMY!

Light dusting of snow

Dipped Shortbread cookies - pictured with Master Sprinkler, Graham

Louis, taking a peaceful nap

Flower arrangement from the Baptism reception

A gift for Baby Louis from Uncle Eric!  It's never too young to start being a Viking fan!!

Immaculate Conception

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Angelina and I attended Mass last night, after her dance class, so I wouldn't have to brave the cold temps late at night with the four youngest.  Dash and his dad will attend Mass together at the Cathedral tonight. 

Today, we didn't do a lot of extra 'stuff'.  We've all had our treats today to celebrate the feast day: the last of my carmel corn, computer time, hot cocoa with candycane bits, a Christmas movie (or two!), and time with friends (for Dash who is in Fargo today).  I enjoyed that Leo was awake more today and he's starting to smile with encouragement.  Having a small baby around during Advent is wonderful ...

... and now I'm listening to Ave Maria, via CD. 

Funnies...

Earlier this fall (or shall we call it winter?) this caricature was drawn of Zeke and Graham at a local fundraiser.  They attended with their dad - I was too pregnant to want to go anywhere! - and the oldest two were visiting their Grandpa Golden Acres.  The boys came back with a bag of goodies, including crayons, a small coloring book, a juice box, and a bit of candy.  They were thrilled, of course.

Monday DayLook - December 7

For Today: December 7, 2009

Looking out my back porch... the snow has stuck around.  I like the look of the beautiful white covering.

I am thinking... the last month has gone soooo incredibly fast.  Louis is already a month old, it's Advent, and it's really December, too!

I am thankful for... family, faith-filled priests, and Christmas.  AND ... HARVEST IS DONE!!!  They worked late on Friday and finished up the corn harvest.  Yeah!  Harvest 2009 is done.

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)… well, since St. Nicholas' Feast day was yesterday, I HAD to get a stocking ready for Louis.  I did have a stocking on the mantle. 

It looks done ... but it's not. 

It did, however, work.  And it will work until I can purchase green cotton fabric for lining and contrast.  I have to say that I am somewhat pleased with the shiny look of the current green fabric.  We'll see!

From the school room... Zeke made Advent candles this past week (Illuminated Ink kit) and he also made a grotto for Our Lady of Guadalupe (also an Illuminated Ink kit). 

From the kitchen... while visiting this week, my sister pointed out that the Chai Tea mix, which I enjoy so much, is 99% caffiene free!  Cool, very cool.  Now I won't feel quite as guilty when I have two cups a day...

Graham and my sister helped decorate the dipped shortbread cookies this past week.  Of course, we all sampled the creations.  Good thing I had those Valentine sprinkles on hand ... they double quite well for Christmas sprinkles!

I am reading... I took the time to read a  couple of the Christmas books that I bring out every year on the first day (or weekend ... or earliest convenience!) of Advent.  Leo recieved "The Three Gifts of Christmas" as a gift from a good friend, Mary, and her family.  It's a beautiful story and will be a great addition to our Christmas reading box. 

I am hoping... to find time to make Divinity.  Out of all the Christmas goodies still on my 'prepare/bake' list, this is THE ONE I would most regret not making and it is THE ONE everyone would miss the most. 

I am hearing... our normal morning sounds.  Cupboards and drawers being opened and shut - is there a way to make that quieter??

State of the house… it's a little chunky under the kitchen table and a little powdery in the laundry room.

A successful moment… Dash has been very helpful as a harvest worker.  He was much more diligent in getting his schoolwork done, thus enabling him to get out of the house and help Grandpa Green Acres with harvest prep.

A few plans for the rest of the week…

Monday: Angelina has dance tonight.

Tuesday - Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary:  Dash has an ortho appointment today and Eric has a business meeting.  They'll both be in Fargo all day and attend Mass at the Cathedral in the evening.

Wednesday: Dash's RE group is baking cookies and making candy this afternoon for a fundraiser.

Thursday: Baking and cleaning.

Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Dash is supposed to help out with baking/making for the fundraiser again on Saturday.  Otherwise, we have no set plans for the weekend, which means we really need to give the house a thorough cleaning.

A look at my day, in pictures...

Stockings on our Mantle

Zeke (above center) and Angelina (below center) at the country church's Christmas Program on Sunday, December 6, 2009.  They each memorized a line for recitation.

One Month - Already!