The Mother of God

On this snowy, icy weekend, we were visited by the Mother of God. The Kursk Root Icon made its way through the storm from VA to Franklin, TN (15 hours of travel time). It didn't make it through our temple doors, but it did make it to a hotel where over a hundred of our Orthodox friends (family) made our own pilgrimage to visit with Her, to sing the Akathist hymns to Her, to hear of the history and miracles which surround this 700+ year old icon. I didn't know how I would respond to the visit. I knew that when Fr. Stephen told us of the visit, I was moved. I was in tears on that day just a few short weeks ago, but with the stress of the storm and road conditions, I almost tried to suppress the anticipation and hope. I feared the party lead by Fr. Serge wouldn't be able to make the trip. But as a friend put it, "the Mother of God willed it...." It is common at a time like this to feel a loss of words, or an inability to find the right words to describe what one is feeling or felt. I am at that same stage. Once I knew that the party of monks bring the Icon were safe, I knew I would go to see this wonderworking icon. I felt drawn. The moment I saw the Icon brought down the hall at the Embassy Suites I teared up again....I didn't think I would, I honestly expected the presence in a public location would displace my emotions, distract me from the wonder....how wrong I was....Lord have mercy. Beautiful, beautiful service. Amazing and humbling experience. She willed us to be there with Her. I feel so blessed and moved that She willed me to be there.

Troparion.

Having obtained thee as an unassailable wall and as a fountain of miracles, 0 most pure Theotokos, thy servants subdue the attacks of enemies. Wherefore, we pray to thee: Grant peace to our native land, and to our souls great mercy.

Kontakion.

We thy people celebrate thy venerable Icon of the Sign, 0 Mother of God, whereby thou didst grant thy city a wonderful victory against its enemies. Wherefore we cry unto thee with faith: Rejoice, 0 Virgin, thou boast of Christians.

Hibernating

I'd like to believe we have been hibernating, but we haven't. In some ways, its been a very low key January. In other ways, I feel like I am barely surviving this busy life. The above picture was taken the day after David returned from Sweden. Do you think my kids get more attached to their mommy when he is away? Do you think I am exhausted when he returns? Yes, on both accounts! We were thrilled to have him back in town.

I wanted to post a few pictures from Andrew's birthday party. We had a full house. When your family lives far away, even for the little ones' birthdays, you have to reach out to friends to help you celebrate. And in our case, everyone came to AJ's train party!

There were 12 kids packed around our kitchen table. They had a blast and so did Andrew.

He even spent some time socializing with his Godmother, Crystal. He did puzzles and played trains with her.

We were also really lucky Granddaddy came into town for a conference a few weeks ago (while David was in Sweden). We joined him, great-great aunt Alice, and Cousins Pat and Bruce for dinner at Red Lobster. The kids were so well behaved!! I was impressed (and relieved).

This past weekend, we made some major changes in the sleep arrangements in our house. Andrew moved out of his crib into a twin and Samantha moved in with him. Along with this move, I spent some time cleaning out closets and 'infant' toys. 4 bags of clothes and toys went to charity and the kids have settled into their new sleep arrangements quite well. It took about 4 days for Andrew to like his 'big bed' but he loves it now.

Mississippi State men's basketball team will be in town to play Vanderbilt this week, so we have a babysitter lined up to enjoy that weeknight event. David is very excited about the Saints game next weekend. So, we will be rooting for the Saints on Superbowl Sunday!

One last tidbit...snow ice cream (or snow cream). I never made this growing up in Ohio. It took my mother-in-law to tell me what to do. Today with about 3 inches on the ground. I jumped at the chance to make it with the kids. Not bad. They loved it! Yes, AJ might be paying the price for this but we'll see. I am not sure how much lactose is in sweetened condensed milk.

Samantha as always, pretty in pink. She is soooo girly. I love it and hate it at the same time. Most of the time I am shocked she is my child :).

Please keep some special family/friends in your prayers right now. Fr. Schleicher, Amy Jo, and Aunt Sally. We are looking forward to a visit from the Kursk Root Icon. With the recent weather event we are still unsure it will make it to Franklin. Traveling mercies!!

We love you all.

Happy 2nd Birthday Andrew!

Andrew Joseph turned 2 today! There is so much more to say, but I cannot put it all into words right now.

He is typical BOY. Loves the dirt, loves things that go, and loves his mommy (and daddy and sissy, but has a special place for mommy - usually RIGHT next to him, and RIGHT NOW!) He is so much more than just a boy. He loves caring for dolls and talking on play phones. We, of course, think he is brillant. We also know he can be defiant and demanding. He has challenged us in ways we never imagined having children would. Our patience has been stretched, but so has our love for him and his Maker. God has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams with Andrew and Samantha. May His will be done!

Christ is Born! Enjoying the Christmas Season!

The Christmas season brings so much joy and hope....I don't know about peace yet (travel was very busy this year), but maybe one day. We had a great Christmas and plan to make the most of the last of it tonight (the 12th day of Christmas is today!).

Early in December, we were blessed with the opportunity to go to Memphis to see Lydia in the community production of the Nutcracker. Not only was that a thrill for Samantha, but Grandmommy was able to make the trip after recovering (in a sense) from the implantation of an AICD. We celebrated her birthday and we stayed with Lottie (great-Grandmommy), which is always a joy. AJ had a double ear infection and we didn't know it yet, but we still made the most of the trip. Samantha is so in love with her cousins!

We also made our annual trip to the Opryland Hotel to see all the festive holiday lights! It really is an amazing site. The kids are meserized by the lights.

It was a busy Advent preparing for the birthday of Jesus. The St. Nicholas potluck and play and the Christmas Liturgy were highlights of the calendar. We travelled to Ohio on Christmas day so that the kids could attend Liturgy at St. Ignatius and wake up on Christmas morning in their own beds.
We made it to Ohio for Christmas dinner! How wonderful! Samantha and Andrew were beside themselves with excitement. I truly think for them the best part of Christmas was going to Ohio to see family! I loved that for them! They loved the snow!

To be surrounded by love, blessed by God ... He gave his only begotten Son. The true meaning of Christmas.