Lord have mercy

Pray for Metropolitan Paul and Metropolitan Mor Yohanna Ibrahim, heirarchs of the Orthodox church kidnapped today in Syria, and for the soul of the Deacon driving them who was shot and killed in the attack.

My Latest Project: One More Addition

Here is what I have been busy with in the past few weeks.

This weekend marks the halfway point of Lent, 

as well as the halfway point for the arrival of another little one in our house!

Patterns for giraffe, elephant and bird can be found here.

Our Newest Additions

Our family grew this weekend!

eta: while I was standing there taking these photos, they stood stock still and just stared at me.   All I could think about was the twins in The Shining!

The Unspoken Lessons of Advertisements

* to be unhappy with what we have

* "I am the center of the universe and I want what I want now"

* products can solve complex human problems, and meet our needs

* buying products is important

(Mary Pipher)

"These messages, over time, create both a  sense of entitlement, and a false reliance on purchases rather than people to satisfy and sustain us emotionally."
                                                                                          Kim John Payne  Simplicity Parenting

St. Patrick's Day Seasonal Display

Spring Fever

 I wore sandals yesterday.  We hit 75 degrees.  Two days ago the low was 24. That's how it goes around here, toying with me, a hint of spring, then cold again.  But as you can see, the window sill is filling with plants - giving an avocado seed another try (last time we couldn't get it to sprout), there are several bean plants, as well as my grape vine from last year that is waking up.  And the wheat grass?  Getting ready for the presentation on the Mystery of Life and Death in the atrium!

Inaugural Liturgy

I never thought we would really be in our new temple before Lent, but this morning as we headed to liturgy for Saturday of Souls, parishioners were met with a sign on the old doors directing us to the new temple for services!

The new icons are delayed due to the death of our iconographer's assistant, but the building is amazing!

It was a special moment to be a part of, 

so glad the crocodile hunter was able to serve in our first liturgy!