Outside my window...... I have no clue it is too dark and I lack the ambition to go look.  Let the weather take  care of itself.

I am thinking............not much it is too early on a day that follows a very lazy day yesterday so I cannot be bothered to think too much.

I am thankful.......for my husband who is coming home from work in a few hours to take me for a post-op check up and to get these dadblamed stitches out of my back.

From the kitchen.......nothing. It has been cleaned up from yesterday and I would like it to stay that way.  But I suppose these people have to eat at some point.

I am wearing............heather green flannel pj pants, a white tank top, and a heather green fleece that MK made me for Christmas with my massaging slippers

I am creating........ nothing much.  I am going to work on more scrapbook pages today before all the sparks of creativity leave me.

I am going............ out to the dr to get my stitches out, to the facbric store to get fleece so I can make the big guy a fleece that will actually fit him, and maybe out to lunch with hubby if I am not to exhausted from all that.

I am reading...........A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Elliot

I am hoping............nothing.  My mind is shut down so that I can just relax and heal.  This enforced inactivity is killing me.

I am hearing............ my offspring getting up and getting ready for morning Mass

Around the house............it is nice and tidy and it looks festive still from Christmas.  They keep it nice because they know it will drive their mother insane if things go too far over the edge.

One of my favorite things..............is watching my children do their own things and enjoy the diversity of what they enjoy.

A few plans for the rest of the week..............get caught up on Matthew's school corrections, have Brett here for biology and spanish, get to the dr and then not much else since I am not allowed to do much else.  I need to plan MK's birthday celebration also.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you............

A very rare sight indeed.  Matthew with his nose buried in a book.  This one I have to have blown up and framed.

is Mk sewing, Matthew making bread for some friends who have the stomach bug.  The big guy is marinading the tenderloin for tonights company supper.  Ian is out working on insulating the machine shop.  Hubby is at work (wish we could afford to have him take some time off).  Jason is in Oswego visiting a girlfriend.  I am sitting listening to Indiana Jones and working on some scrapbook pages.

Some of the highlights of the gift giving that went on here Christmas day.  I think that this year's ideas were a great success.  It is often difficult to think of things for children who are both non-materialistic and who don't really expect anything much at Christmas time.

Mary-Kate made Matthew this Jedi master costume.  It is difficult to hide when we are sewing anything in this house even gifts so he was quite interested in this costume that he thought she was making for herself.  It was a task to keep him from borrowing the pattern and making one for himself.  Very happy guy when he got that package.

Mary-Kate made Doug the fleece and Matthew bought the hat and mittens.  Always a hit with their father is anything to keep him warm as he works outside year round.

Ian has a Carhart jacket that we bought him a year ago.  He wears it every day and when he comes to wash it practically waits by the dryer until it comes out.  It has patches on it and I have already put a new zipper in it.  Doug and I decided he needed two since he is out so much in the weather with the town highway crew.  Then Matthew also made him the camo fleece that he is wearing.  This is a very warm Christmas for Ian.

Jason, being a college student got very practical gifts of new jeans and underthings.  He did get one fun thing from MK, a Barnes and Noble gift card.  That won't last for long.

The big guy got a whole deck of Barnes and Noble gift cards.  I think there was a conspiracy going on around here.

MK's nick name at school is colors.  She lived up to it on Christmas day.  I made here a many colored fleece to keep her warm at school.  I also go here thigh high socks from Target.  She even gave us a fashion show.

Then they posed for a family portrait with the furriest member of the family.  Lupus is there representing Adam who is currently stationed in Iraq.

..........or for those of you who don't quite get what this Christmas thing is all about.  In this house Christmas isn't celebrated but only anticipated before the 24th of December.  So, that means no parties, not gorging yourself on too much food or drink.  No presents or family gatherings or getting together with friends.  The season is called Advent which comes from the Latin adventus which means coming (loosely translated).  It is a penitential season for Catholics.  Not as strict as Lent but penitential anyway.  Which means that we keep the decorating to a bare minimum building gradually to a climax on Christmas.  No putting up the tree on the day after Thanksgiving or stringing lights all over the outside of our houses before the snow even begins to fall.  Usually the first thing to come out is the creche and that is put in a prominent place.  The Advent wreath is used with each meals with appropriate prayers to bring to our minds the coming of Christ at Christmas and the fact that without the Incarnation we would all be lost.

Then comes Christmas Eve and the sacrifice of the Mass.  Then begins our celebration.  The organ at church plays the triumphal hymns Joy to the World and Angels We Have Heard on High.  The Church is decorated with greens that remind us of the new life that is begun in the stable in Bethlehem.  The candles are lit the represent the coming of Jesus as the Light of the World and the incense is used throughout the Mass as a reminder of our prayers rising upward to heaven.

When my children were little one of the first things that we did after coming home from Mass was to stand by the creche and sing Happy Birthday to Baby Jesus.  This was a reminder that it was not a day for them to be receiving gifts but a day for celebrating the Birthday of our Lord.  We never emphasised Santa Claus in this house but rather the coming of Our Lord and Savior in the stable in Bethlehem.  The Christamas carols that are played in this house are predominantly those about Our Lord and Saviors birth and not about Santa Claus although we do listen to them as well.

Certain foods are reserved for this time of year as well.  In this house such things as tangerines and nutroll are only eaten at Christmas time.  The rules of meal time are relaxed and we spend a lot of time eating, it seems.  Now is the time for family get togethers.  Now is the time when we have friends over and we go to see friends.  Now is the time for Christmas parties.  Although the gifts from immediate family are exchanged on Christmas day this is also the time for exchanging gifts with friends and co-workers.  This is what we as Catholics call the octive of Christmas and it will end with the celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany. 

My point for telling all of this?  for those of you who feel "okay Christmas day is over and now what?" it is because the focus of the season has been gradually shifted in the wrong direction.  It is not only being taken away from Our Lord Jesus is it being taken away from the seasons that He set aside for the celebration of His birthday. 

It is beautiful that we build up gradually to the celebration of Christmas and then gradually wind down to the Feast of the Epiphany when He was manifested to the gentiles.  Then after that we have a quiet time before we begin the next penitential season of Lent. 

God bless all of you during this beautiful season of Christmas. 

You all don't need a blow by blow of how the last week has been for me but I want you to know that they prayers have been felt every step of the way.  I cannot say enough about the hospital where it was done or by the staff there.  I did not experience one person who wasn't compassionate and caring.  Each and every need and desire was fulfilled and never once did I wait for anything. 

I had two over riding concerns when I was admitted one being my sensitivity to morphine and the other the fact that I do tend to get very apprehensive the closer I get to the OR and I wanted to avoid the physical manifestations of that.  Pain doesn't scare me but being aware of the OR and it's smells and sounds do for some reason.  Both of these concerns were more than addressed.  Large signs were made alerting everyone that I am sensitive to morphine so I never once had to worry about being given it inadvertantly.  As for not wanting to know when I got to the OR that is a funny story.  The anesthesiologist came in to have his final talk with me and have me sign the final consents.  He mentioned that he was aware that I didn't want to know it when I left the prep room.  He turned to my husband and told him to make sure that he did his kissing and hugging right then and there before he pre-medicated me because he didn't want to cause any marital problems when I woke up and swore to him (Doug) that he hadn't kissed me good-bye before I left for the OR.  My husband was a little stunned and shocked for a minute, he isn't used to being told to kiss me and he certainly doesn't often kiss me in front of people, but he decided to comply and then the Dr. injected his brew and that is all I remember until I woke up in the recovery room asking for more of whatever they had given me yesterday because it had tasted good.  (I warned them about my mouth)

Surgery took five and 1/2 hours but went better than the Dr. had planned.  I needed no blood which is an answer to prayer right there.  I did manage to have a whopper of a migraine on Monday night and then again on Tuesday night.  Pretty normal reaction to anesthesia for me.  Monday and Tuesday were hell and they were unable to get me on my feet but by Wednesday we had the pain under control and I was up and walking around the hospital.  They took out the foley and one IV and by that night they had taken out the other IV because I was drinking more than enough that I wouldn't need it any more.  Thursday morning they came in and I went to PT and practiced going up and down stairs to their satisfaction and so I was given leave to come home. 

I have to walk with a walker and am not yet allowed to take a real shower yet.  But my family is taking good care of me and many friends have brought in more food than we can eat in two weeks.  Matthew is taking advantage of the fact that I cannot wrest the camera away from him and is taking pictures of me in all states of exhaustion and ridiculous poses. 

Monday I see the surgeon again and we will see what he says about my progress.  I am doing everything in my power to follow his orders to the letter.  The cold and the snow outside is helping in that area.  Today's high only got to 18 with a wind chill of about -5.  Even without surgery I wouldn't be out in that. 

Keep the prayers coming and all of our posting.  It makes me feel "normal" to read them and to know that life is progressing out there all around me.  I will offer my Christmas Eve Mass and Holy Communion in thanksgiving for all of you and for your prayers.  God bless you.

Outside my window......... it's cold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the wind is blowing all the snow that fell over the weekend all around and it makes one reluctant to go out.  It's not fit for man nor beast out there.  Poor Matthew just came in from doing his chores.

I'm thinking.......... it's a good day to stay inside and stay warm by the fire and rest and heal.  Maybe get my minions to clean this place up in preparation for Christmas.

I am thankful for............. all of you Xangans who have been praying for me and for my recovery.  Keep it up.  This is a painful one.  Bricker, I've been thinking about you a lot and you are my new hero.

From the schoolroom................it is closed down until next week.  The teacher is under the weather and the students have other things to do.

From the kitchen............PObrien is washing up his breakfast dishes and Matthew is tapping away on the keys of his computer.  He needs to use the shower before I get the others up.

I am wearing.............. black tank top, black long johns, blue nightshirt (MK isn't up yet to help me wash and get dressed and hubby had to go to work today)

I am creating............... healing for my body, I hope!!! I think I will work on more scrapbooks today.

I am going.............to Mass this morning and then back to bed.  I had to get permission for that much and I am doing my best to follow the rules.

I am reading............ Killer Heat by Linda Fairstein

I am hoping........... that by Christmas Day I can be comfortable enough to make it to two Masses and stay awake for the day's festivities.

I am hearing............Matthew and PObrien moving around in the dining room.  I'm hanging out by the Christmas tree because it smells so good and makes me happy and hopeful.

Around the house............all is quiet.  MK and Jason are still in bed.  I need to do my daily trip up the stairs to wake them and get myself cleaned up and dressed.

One of my favorite things.............Christmas trees.  We put ours up yesterday and decorated it. 

A few plans for the rest of the week..................... rest, heal, and Christmas.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you................

Getting the perfect tree.  They let me come along and sit in the car and watch.  My husband said he didn't know how much I would be able to see.  The joke was on him since he forgot my camera with the precision zoom.  I think I did very well indeed. 

Outside my window...........it is dark and windy.  It is so cloudy that the moon looks like it has set but it is actually behind the clouds.  It is also very cold, that wet damp kind of cold that comes when tons of lake effect snow is beginning to melt from the south winds that are blowing.  At least there is nothing falling so we should have a safe drive into the city to ge to the hospital

I am thinking....... about all of my friends on Xanga and elsewhere who are praying for me this day.  I feel most fortunate to have such freindship and caring directed at me.  Surely nothing evil can touch me today.

I am thankful for............ too much to list here.  For seeing my son Matthew on the altar at the Tridentine mass yesterday for the first time.  How my heart swelled with love and pride when he walked out onto the altar.  Surely God is blessing him and his family through his devotion and his faithfulness to his service on the altar of God.  I am also thankful for the husband that God has given to me, who takes care of me and is patient even when the pain it at its worse and I cannot keep it inside.  For a daughter who wishes herself away from her great adventure of college and freinds to be with me now.  For sons who call from halfway around the world to encourage and love.  And a son who lives close by who comes over to just be himself and by that make my heart feel peaceful and calm with his presence.

From the schoolroom.......... it's mobile today and tomorrow.  Matthew has his list and is taking it with him to friends so he can do his studying there.

From the kitchen........... the wonderful aroma of nut roll and baked bread still linger from last night.  Nothing for me for breakfast but a sip of water.

I am wearing..........a black tank top and green flannel pajama pants

I am creating............ a mind that is filled with the love of God and family and peace of soul that comes form knowing that all is right with Him

I am going...........to University Hospital in Syracuse today to have surgery done on my back to repair the damage that I did when I fell last year. 

I am reading........The Kills by Linda Fairstein  don't want anything too heavy for a hospital stay

I am hoping.........that all goes well and that I am home in time to see Matthew serve the Latin Mass next Sunday.  That is my next goal.

I am hearing........the tick of the clock on the wall, the bubbling of Matthew's fish tank and silence in the rest of the house.  I couldn't sleep but I am glad that everyone else can.

Around the house........all is in readiness for Christmas, for MK coming home on Tuesday, PObrien coming home on Thursday and Jason to get home whenever he does (he doesn't tell us when he is getting home he just shows up) I couldn't cook or clean any more.

One of my favorite things........... is to be awake before everyone else is and listen to the sound of the house communicating with the world.  I love the creaks and groans it makes as it shifts and settles in the wind and onto it's foundation.

A few plans for the rest of the week.......... get through today's surgery.  In order to be able to go home the Dr. says I have to be peeing well, walk up and down the hall and up and down a flight of stairs.  That is my plan for the week so I can come home.  I will concentrate on doing those things and my goal of seeing Matthew serve Mass next Sunday and I will do all he wants to be able to get home.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you.......

My beloved family.  I keep their picture firmly in my mind and remember what it is that God has put me here to do.

Laying down in front is MK and Matthew with Jason at Matthew's legs.  Behind MK is Ian.  Behind Doug is Adam.  Behind Me is PObrien.  These are the pearls of great price that have entrusted to my husband and myself for care and keeping until God askes for them back.  Each one a treasure to be valued and protected.  I love them all with my very life and I would give it for any of them if it meant that their salvation would be advanced.  And so I endure this day's procedure to be stronger so that I can continue to fulfill my vocation as their mother and as wife to my husband.  I love them all.

God has created me to do Him some definite service.  he has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another.  i have my mission--I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next.  Somehow I am necessary for His purposes, as necessary in my place as an Archangel in his.  I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.  He has not created me for nothing.  I shall do good, I shall do His work; I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it, if I do but keep His commandments and serve Him in my calling.  Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever, wherever I am.  I can never be thrown away.  I I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him.  My sickness, or perplexity, or sorrow may be necessary causes of some great end, which is quite beyond us.  He does nothing in vain; He may prolong my life, He may shorten it; He knows what He is about.  He may take away my friends, He may throw me among strangers, He may make my spirits sink, hide the future from me---still He knows what He is about.

1.  I believe that as a Christian I should live as Christ would have me live and set that example for others around me.

2.  I believe that the marriage of tomatoes and basil is a match made in heaven.

3.  I believe that children grow best with unconditional love and the attention and time from their parents and not daycare and schools and "things"

4.  I believe that in order to make a good loaf of bread you have to start out with good quality ingredients.

5  I believe that parents are the best and first educators of their children and that public education has so deteriorated that no parent should send their child to a public school.

6.  I believe that the "they" who determine what is fashion should be stood in front of a firing squad at dawn for what they have done to the concept of modesty in young girls and women today.

7.  I believe that I have said enough for one evening since this is all controversial enough.

I just strained my brain unnecessarily to answer the featured question.  You can strain your brain too.

Got this interesting e-mail from someone very close to me who is not only intelligent but very informed. This is a very scary thought.