Holy Supper @ Claytonopolis

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Holy Supper begins at sundown when the first star in the evening sky is visible.  The star must be spied by the children.  Tonight the sky was overcast and we could not see the stars.  We joined at the table in prayer.  Father began by saying the Troparian.  Then he lit the candle representing the “Light of the World” and he tied a rope around the table binding us together. 

Then mother blessed everyone with holy water.

Father cut a cross into the Kolach bread (eternity bread) and served a piece everyone. 

Mother blessed the children’s foreheads with garlic and honey
representing the bitterness and sweetness of life. 

Each person ate one spoonful of Kutya (wheat porridge) representing bounty and the gathering of the family. Everyone thought is was so good.


Then each person was served a small portion of each dish.  Our Twleve Meatless Dishes for Holy Supper –
Twleve Dishes Representing Twelve Apostles.

And we all exclaimed “Christ is Born, Glorify Him!”

Home Sweet Home Almost

We’re officially Texans since we now own property. We are also trying to get all our things put away in to our new home.  I sort of wish we did not have so much stuff.  I keep thinking that we do not need all this stuff; and I wonder what would happen if I didn’t bring in anymore boxes from the garage, or didn’t open anymore and just called it good. We do not have as much as some folks, but I am a simple gal.  I want to keep it clean and simple.  Yet, homey and comfortable. It’s a fine line.

Our first home. It’s a pretty nice place.  (We’ll have sod soon)

‘Tis the Season – I read an article in the Diocesen newspaper about Advent and Christmas traditions and how important it is to decorate, because the ritual is apart of the development of the soul and not participating in the ritual is like losing a piece of your soul.

Annie wanted to give a little shout out to Aunt Annie. She enjoys riding in the mei tai on the back, but not the front.

Icon Writing with Kids – The Conception of Blessed Theotokos in the Womb of St. Anne

Alex has been feeling a little performance anxiety lately.  I painted most of this Icon.  He started to paint the right hand doorway and started to paint outside the lines and got upset and he decided he would paint the sky and the ground.  He did end up painting a few other areas.  But, it IS hard painting with tempera and our brushes are not ideal.  Anyhow, Alex was excited to paint and learn about the feast.  It was difficult explaining conception to a four year old.  I finally explained that it was the feast of Mary being in her mommy’s tummy.  Then he understood, because he knows that his sister Baby Annie was in mommy’s tummy.

Saint Anne (Forbear of God) is the patroness of housewives, so this lady has got my back ;-).  Holy Saint Anne pray for us.

Public Disturbance

I received a box of clothes and shoes from a friend and Kristiana instantly found some attire that fit her personality.  Now I always know where she is and so does every other human being.  It’s been funny taking her on outings.  This is a problem for going to church and the library, but perfect for taking her in stores where she might run away. Turn your volume up.

Feeling Homeless

We are waiting to close on a new home and move in. Our house is torn a part and walls of boxes are everywhere.  We were originally told we would close on December 1st.  That did not happen and now we are left sitting in the dark wondering when it will happen. 

I feel disoriented and cannot think clearly because our things are not where they ought.  Imagine that everywhere you turn things are not how you remember, things are not ordered.  You keep thinking you have to put them back, but you can’t and you have to figure out what else in the house you must tear asunder.  I have one pot in my cupboard and it takes skill to cook a whole meal each night with one pot.  I know I have not been praying with the children as frequently.  My mind cannot get from point A to point B.  Hopefully this will be remedied soon.

Alex performed wonderfully at his Karate test on Saturday. It was a total surprise to us how perfectly he performed.  He won the most improved award.  He broke his board on his first try and followed along with the big kids.  Then he followed it up by being perfectly behaved all the rest of the day.  It was Alex’s best day ever.

Here is my Annie Bear, smiling of her own volition.

And Happy Feast of St. Nicholas.  Each year I am more and more inspired by this magnificent Saint.