Family birthday for Simon/"It is sown corruptible... it is raised incorruptible" Our Lady plants and nurtures Christ in us!

The younger 7 children at a table set with Ruth's wonderful fall acorn dishes... so fun for all those gathered around from 7 to 1 1/2years old.  There were 19 of us around Simon for his 14th birthday party on the farm!

Surrounded by siblings and cousins as we sing "Happy Birthday" to our oldest grandson!  The thing about large families as Pat and I both grew up that way... you always have a crowd of loving family around you for all the occasions that come with life!  You are happily loved and celebrated with those closest to you... your family. 

Simon is a pasta guy and so his mom made him and us a feast with wonderful lasagna!!!    Your favorite meal is a birthday tradition! 

Simon is in the autism spectrum, and we are so impressed by how he is kind and considerate and quite mature in his willingness and helpfulness on the farm and at home.  Friends don't come easy, and I must say that I had few friends at his age if any.  I can say for myself and for Simon that a large loving family fulfills us with an instant party and a comfort level that is so important and good when celebrating birthdays or holidays!  His large family is certainly a blessing to him and allows him to come out of his shell and be social and caring and see past the end of his nose, which can be a challenge for any person, but more so for one with autism on board.  God has a beautiful plan for Simon, and we trust in that and love to see his progress and opening up into the special young man he is becoming!

Yes, both cake and ice cream cake... with 19 of us there was not much left! 

Some of my fondest memories are when my family was all around me.  Tomorrow we have scheduled a family meeting to discuss how we can help my parents at this time of uncertainty in their lives.  It could be leading to some changes and some close family time for us as we gather around my aging parents.  We discovered with Pat's mom that sacrificing our lives to spend time with our parents is hugely rewarding to us in cherished time with them.  I adore my time with my parents and thank the Lord that I have now retired and am able to spend days at a time with them... praying, sharing meals, visiting and helping here and there as needed.  Jesus, we trust in you and place our family at this crossroads in your hands.  So appropriate as our family name is Cross!

Two of our youngest granddaughters, Joy and Josephine, they are 11 months apart, and in the middle of them is Maria's Evangeline...  In March we expect to have 3 within a few weeks of each other!  My wish is that they will grow up friends sharing our family times!

Apple picking yesterday in prep for our big canning day today!  With Nancy here we are doing a large day of apple pie filling, which we can and use a quart in pies and my apple Kuechen.

I am waiting to put some bedding on the line, and will go over to join in the good craziness of a family canning day.  Bill was recalling his first time to the farm 9 years ago was the day we were doing pie filling... so much has happened for them over those years!  They are now expecting their 8th child as they have lost 3.  Two in the last year including Maximilian, who is buried here and Nancy carried for 5 months.  She is close to that now with her little one due in March... one year after Max was due.

Pat having a nightcap with the grandkids last night.  I am called over to help with the pie filling.  So will end this for today... love my family time canning! 

The Gospel today is the seed sown and how we pray and work at that here!  We long to be raised incorruptible with Jesus, Mary and the Saints so we humbly weed out all those things that drag us down and separate us from following him down the narrow path.  Our Lady helps us tend our gardens and plants the seeds of her Son and nurtures the plants which can grow to 100 fold!  Jesus, we trust in you.  Bless-bless, Barb