Please Pray with Us -- The Time is Near

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We're keeping vigil on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and into the morning of Santa Lucia. God bless Jenn and baby!

Nicholas woke up this morning and made note of the fact that it is November 21st. That means it's exactly a month until December 21st, his birthday. He has decided that it's a very good day to start a prayer vigil for another December baby. Won't you please join us in praying for Jenn and her baby? Leave her a note below to let her know you'll be whispering to St. Nicholas on her behalf.

November_2007_025_2 God our Father, we pray
that through the intercession of St. Nicholas,
you will protect Jenn and her baby.
Keep them safe from harm
and help them grow
and become worthy in your sight.
Guide their doctors and all who care for them. Bless them with wisdom and skill.
Give strength to Dave and to little Gregory as they welcome the new baby to their family and as they care for their precious wife and mother.
Give them all strength to keep their faith in you;
and keep alive their joy
in your creation, particularly the miracle of this new little soul.
We call upon your mercy, O Lord.
Through the intercession of St. Nicholas,
keep Jenn and the baby safe in these final days of pregnancy and throughout the delivery.
In your infinite goodness, bless the Miller family with a beautiful homecoming as they rejoice with the world at the birth of the Baby.Amen.

God With Us

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AwardI'm grateful to Cheryl for awarding Real Learning the Emmanuel Award. When I read Cheryl's post, I found two new blogs, Catholic Wife and Mother (who awarded Cheryl) and A View from the Pews, who originated the award. This is the award description: In a consumer society it is a blessing to read blogs where the writer's main focus is God. Where they express their love for their faith so visibly and joyfully.In a cynical world it is refreshing to see so many blogs which are generous, giving, who care about others and demonstrate what being a Christian is about, loving God and loving our neighbor.Through their faith, lives and spirituality, they bring God to us, they in essence make God visible, 'God with us.'.
Cheryl, I'm glad my spot in cyberspace does that for you--that's truly all I pray this blog will be.
Awards like these are a great way to be introduced to new blogs. I'm going to direct your attention to the blogroll down my righthand sidebar.All of the blogs listed in the blogroll fit the award description. And my how the roll has grown! If you haven't clicked through recently, do go brew yourself a cup of Christmas cheer and settle in for a little fresh inspiration. There are so many good women writing great things there. I'm very grateful for their inspiration.

Cay's having a Book Walk...

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...and I think she's giving away Christmas Mosaic. And you know you want this book. It's a bursting brimming booklist full of Christmas cheer. There are plenty of suggestions for ways to enjoy these books with your children this season and for many seasons to come. And there are also guest essays from:

There are thoughts on collecting books, decorating and preparing  for the season, St. Nicholas, Hannukah, family traditions, the Nativity, Epiphany and the Angels. And it's not just for Catholic families.  So click away from here and go see Cay. You want to win this Cajun Book Walk!

Update: The Book Walk is a marathon and they'll be walking through the weekend;-). So, you still have plenty of time to win these great prizes!

If you're local, you're in for a sweet treat!

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Mb2005014The Joan Izzo Academy of Dance presents "The Kingdom of Sweets" from the Nutcracker AND new this year:  "Holiday Rhythms: A Seasonal Medley of Movement and Sound" .  This is one combined production.    

Saturday, December 1st at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 2nd at 3:00 p.m.
 
All performances will be at Dominion High School in Sterling.
 
Tickets are $15/each, $13 for Girl Scouts and their families.  Tickets can be reserved/purchased by calling Peggy Lajoie at (703) 689-3205 
The Joan Izzo Academy of Dance presents "The Kingdom of Sweets Nutcracker Tea".
A special celebration--sandwiches, sweets, and tea (or juice) with a performance by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Sweets.  Every child will have the opportunity to meet the cast and will receive a special holiday gift.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local charities.
 
Saturday, December 8th, at 11:00 a.m.
To be held at St. Timothy's Catholic Church in Chantilly.
 Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children--seating is limited.  Tickets can be reserved/purchased by calling Cheryl Kijewski at (703) 754-6016   

These are truly wonderful, family-friendly events--the perfect opportunity to introduce young children to the art of dance.  I hope to see you there!