Crinkle ribbons, another Catholic school Christmas, CCC has arrived for 2019/"I am the handmaid of the Lord"

4 years ago they were 3 and it looks like life is happening - one is out of sorts with the other two.  I personally with all my pictures appreciate the pictures of life that show that all is not perfect, but we take the good with the bad and when you get a perfect smiling picture it is that much more wonderful!

This will be short today as my list grows more and more with a goal of getting on the road with Pat, John, Bobbi and Jude at 5p!  We then have over 4 hours to travel to arrive at our amazing beautiful Camp Wapogasset in Amery, WI for my family Christmas - CCC/Cross (my Maiden name and I being the oldest of 11 we are now 140 strong!)Christmas Camp!

 Yes, Pat and I did a huge family trip - going into the dark for our Bandzuch grandkids Christmas program at St Maximilian Kolbe Catholic School in Delano.  They performed in their beautiful church/St Peters!  Baby George was the only one not in it....even Dominic in pre Kindergarten and Josephine in Preschool were in the sweet and spiritual program... "Are you ready to welcome Jesus?"

 Filled with parents and grandparents, and so beautiful!

They processed into the dark church with lit candles and then the lights came on with the welcoming of the baby, Son of God!"

Luke's Gospel today of The Annunciation from Luke 1!  So powerful with the words of the "Hail Mary" right there in the Gospel!!! 

And coming to her, he said,

"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
"Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end."

 Dominic on top with his monkey waving at the crowd... they were supposed to have babies cradled in their arms like Josephine is cradling her baby in the front row - she is in preschool!

 Gus is 2nd grade on the left and Bernadette by the Baptismal font is in first grade...

The full effect as Augustine and Bernadette help the younger preK and Preschool kids sing their songs to Jesus...

Continuing with the pearls each word is in this Gospel today!

And the angel said to her in reply,

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God."

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word."
Then the angel departed from her.

Nothing is impossible for God!  How I love to hold unto that knowing the miracles of God's work in my own life, and that of my domestic Church/family!  May I say to those times of great mystery that same "Yes"..."Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.  May it be done according to your word."

https://familysoulstory.blogspot.com/p/johns-cancer-stories.html

https://familysoulstory.blogspot.com/p/my-most-cherished-cross-patrick-gerard.html

https://familysoulstory.blogspot.com/p/the-story-of-little-lamb-grandson.html

 What JOY!  The girls were so excited to show me how their mom got crinkle ribbon, and made them special ribbons for their hair with scissors making them curl!  Nancy was telling them that I used to do this for them for Christmas programs and special times!

 LOVE!

 Bernadette too... as grandpa took them out for ice cream, which is his tradition to treat the grandkids special after their singing so sweetly for baby Jesus!  I think that unless the weather prevents us - a new tradition has begun at St Max School!  It is nice that the HRS was a week ago.

A armload of little boys 4 years ago... they were 2 and 1.  This year Romeo will be missing and Luke is 6 and Dominic is 5 1/2!

I am making my list and checking it twice so that we can go and enjoy the time with my huge wonderful family!  We are so glad that the weather is going to be nice, and are thankful for all those that come for as long as they enjoy being there.  As for us... every last minute!!!

My front window a few years back on the farm!  Ruth just replace this window as part of her remodel, but put one just as large in there...

Jesus, thank you for all the ways that our family will come together this Advent/Christmas Season!  Give us safe travels, O Lord, and wonderful times of sharing from the heart.  We are blessed by ALL that we share with our domestic Church/family... may the fruits of your Holy Spirit reign down upon us most especially peace, JOY and LOVE!  May we return to those around us the unconditional love and forgiveness we have been given by you.  May we be your handmaids and trust in your plan!  Jesus, we trust in you.  Amen and Hallelujah

6 years ago... Rose looks like Joy.  I must get going and start the marathon which will end when we are loaded and on the road... then my rosary beads/prayers to my Mother Mary, the Mother of God can fill my heart with peace and joy and LOVE!  Prayers for each of my kids and their families, my Most Cherished Cross, my Godchildren, my family, Pat's family and The Church, which I love with all my heart, mind and soul, but know that there is much need for prayer!  Bless-bless, Barb

Christmas makes me cry - Matthew West and Mandisa

We listened to this on our travel in the dark coming home last night.  Powerful words and thoughts!  I cry happy and sad - so there will be tears this weekend!

Casting Crowns - Christmas

Casting Crowns - Silent night

Amazing Silent Night was shared with all the kids last night and all those attending!  Nancy shared that this was grandma Ann's favorite song.  How we love her and miss her!