Autumn Violin Recital

For the fall violin recital, Bernadette played "Hungarian Dance No. 2" by Johannes Brahms.

Theresa played "Ashokan Farewell" by Jay Ungar.

All of their violin teacher's students joined each other in playing "Ballad of Green Mountain", a traditional piece that their teacher arranged. I think that they did a great job, especially considering that this was the first time that they played the piece together.

Happy Feast of St. Nicholas!

Spring Violin Recital

Last night, Bernadette and Theresa participated in their spring violin recital.

Bernadette played "Concertino in A Minor, Opus 14" by Leo Portnoff.

Theresa played "Swallowtail Jig", followed by J.S. Bach's "Minuet No. 3".

The recital ended with all of the students playing "John Ryan's Polka". This was the first time that they all played the piece together. Watching the video, I thought that it actually sounded good.

Violin Recital

On the Feast of St Cecilia, Bernadette and Theresa participated in their fall violin recital. Theresa just started violin lessons in September. She was accompanied by Bernadette as she played Marching Song, Norwegian Folk Song, and Lightly Row.

Bernadette enjoyed playing Meditation from Thais by Jules Massenet. She started playing when she was around Theresa's age. Her playing has come a long way.

Thank you to everyone who has placed orders through my Lilla Rose website, mystery hostess parties, review links, and home or online parties since May. You are helping make it possible for my children to continue with/take music lessons.

Lilla Rose is currently having their BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR. In addition to the mystery hostess party that I am hosting, Angela is hosting an online party, Jessica is hosting a review and giveaway, and Kim has an open party. Purchases made through any one of these parties are greatly appreciated.

The Saint that is Just Me

A friend shared this video and it brought tears streaming down my face. I want nothing more than to become a great saint and bring greater glory to God. However, I know that I have a long way to go. I also know that the only way that I will get there is by the grace of God and with the assistance of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Mass Rock in the Glen

In a lonely mountain valley in the county of Tyrone

Lies one of Ireland's Mass Rocks deserted and unknown

The few who write historic tales or wield the poet's pen

Can say with pride I knelt beside the Mass Rock in the glen.

I’m proud that I am mountain bred this is my native place
These mountain glens have ever been the stronghold of our race
‘Twas here our fathers earned the right to bear the name of men
When they kept the faith for Ireland by the Mass Rock in the glen.

No more on Corradinna Hill the sentinel stands guard
The dreaded foes the hated yeos have guns with every word
And you who are should call in peace and bless these fearless men
When they kept the faith for Patrick's sake by the Mass Rock in the glen.

God bless the glens of Ireland every rock and mountain pass

'Twas these same glens that under God preserved for us the Mass

And if the time should ever come when Ireland calls for men

She will not find them wanting by the Mass Rock in the glen.

On this First Saturday in October, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we were privileged to assist at a Mass in honor of Our Lady, offered by our assistant pastor, at an old Marian Grotto on what were once seminary grounds. 

After Mass, a parishioner shared with us that the Mass had reminded her of the old Irish song, The Mass Rock in the Glen, about the persecution of Catholics in Ireland during the time of Cromwell. 

Our youngest didn't show any signs of persecution, as he crawled around the old seminary grounds. 

However, we couldn't help but wish that this state park had remained a seminary.

Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us!

Violin Recital: Allen's Bar

On Pentecost Sunday, after Mass and before Fr. V. came over to celebrate the birthday of Holy Mother Church with us (I hope to share some photos soon), Bernadette participated in her spring violin recital. This year, she played "Allen's Bar" by Barrage. She told me that the piece was kind of easy for her which may have been good because she seemed to be relaxed while playing. I was thankful that my husband recorded Bernadette's performance, so that I could see it. Enjoy!

Baby News and Lent at Ephesus

30 weeks, 6 days
4 lbs

This week, I learned that our baby will be induced the day after Septuagesima Sunday, if not before.  Since I am taking Lovenox (a.k.a. an anti-coagulant), it is safer to stop the medication and induce me than it is to let me go into labor on my own. I will have another ultrasound in a couple of weeks, at which time the delivery date will be confirmed. I can't wait to hold this baby. Anyway, my appointment this week made me start thinking about Lent (I know that I have a few more weeks before I need to start thinking about it).

I was happy to learn that on February 11, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles will be releasing a CD for Lent, Lent at Ephesus. The CD is currently available for pre-order through them and through Amazon. The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles are offering discounts on shipping for bulk orders of CDs. We are looking forward to receiving our CD and listening to it throughout Lent.

Youth Symphony Concert

This year, our second oldest daughter is participating in a youth symphony for the first time. On Saturday, the symphony performed at a run-out concert. Below are two of the pieces that they played.

The Overture from The Barber of Seville by Gioacchino Rossini

Selections from The Polar Express by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri, arranged by Michael Story

Concerto in G Major, Op. 24, 1st Movement

In May, Bernadette played Concerto in G Major, Op. 24, 1st Movement by Oscar Reiding for her violin recital.

April Piano Recital

Mission Bells by William Gillock

Sonatina, Op. 36, No. 1 by Muzio Clementi

After her sisters finished with their recital, Bernadette decided to sit down and play. She stopped taking piano lessons a few years ago, but she still enjoys playing and picking pieces out by ear. When she hears a piece of music that she likes, she will start to think about it. I have heard her comment, "That was a 'G'." After the piece has finished, she will often go to the piano and try to play it.

Oh Come and Mourn

Oh come and mourn with me awhile!

See, Mary calls us to her side;

Oh come and let us mourn with her;

Jesus, our Love, is crucified!

Have we no tears to shed for Him,
While soldiers scoff and Jews deride?
Ah! Look how patiently He hangs;
Jesus, our Love, is crucified!

How fast His Hand and Feet are nailed;
His blessed Tongue with thirst is tied;
His failing eyes are blind with Blood;
Jesus, our Love, is crucified!

Seven times He spoke, seven words of love,
And all three hours His silence cried
For mercy on the souls of men;
Jesus, our Love, is crucified!

Death came, and Jesus meekly bowed;
His failing eyes He strove to guide
With mindful love to Mary's face,
Jesus, our Love, is crucified!

Come take thy stand beneath the Cross
And let the blood from out that Side
Fall gently on thee, drop by drop,
Jesus, our Love, is crucified!

~ Fr. Frederick Faber ~

My children learned this beautiful hymn last year in their choir class.

St. Edmund Campion Missal and Hymnal

Shh, please don't tell my husband, but I think that I just found what I want to give him for Easter.



More information about this missal/hymnal is available at Corpus Christi Watershed.

Advent Daybook

Outside my window...

The ground is white. The children are excited that it snowed last night and they are hoping that it snows more.

In the kitchen...

Theresa has been baking a lot of cookies. Today, we are hoping to make some applesauce and cinnamon ornaments. I had intended to make them with the children on Saturday, but we didn't have time to do so.

I am listening to...

the boys talking in the dining room and the girls practicing piano and violin downstairs.  Catherine and Bernadette are practicing a piano/violin duet of "Silent Night" that they will be playing at a retirement center tonight.

I am wearing...

a jean skirt and navy blue sweater.

I am praying for...

my husband and children, extended family, our priests, and friends. I am also trying to remember to include prayer requests from various people.

`

I am thankful...

for my husband who went grocery shopping for me on Saturday and took Patrick with him to buy a Christmas tree yesterday. He was released early from jury duty today and so he called and told me that he is going to head to a certain store to look for some stocking stuffers that we have been trying to find for our boys. He is also hoping to buy this for the price listed on the website (not an inflated price). It will be a birthday present for one of the boys this year.

In the learning rooms...
Formal lessons will be minimal today. Brendan, Patrick, and I will be setting up our outdoor Nativity scene and hanging Christmas lights on the house. 

I am pondering...

"Love consumes us only in the measure of our self-surrender."

~ St. Therese of Lisieux ~

I am reading...

We and Our Children: How to Make a Catholic Home by Mary Reed Newland. I started reading this book in August, but put it aside to read The Mirror of True Womanhood. I have read the reprint of We and Our Children, How to Raise Good Catholic Children, a few times over the years. When I saw that the unedited We and Our Children was available, I knew that I had to buy it. I am glad that I did.

Plans for the rest of the week...

• Take children to piano and violin lessons
• O Antiphons began yesterday :)
• Mass
• Continue to pray for my Christkindl and do little things for her
• Buy a Christmas present for my brother-in-law and my nephew who will be visiting us for Christmas
• Take our annual Christmas photo
• Wrap some Christmas presents
• Have the children make our missing Jesse Tree ornaments (a couple of the ornaments for this week are missing)
• And more...

I am happy that...

I found this present for my father-in-law yesterday. I am thinking that we might get this for him too. I know how much he likes ND and the 4 horsemen. I also know that he is excited about ND's upcoming game.

A video...

Fall Violin Recital

On Friday, Bernadette participated in her fall violin recital. She played Air Varie by Charles Beriot.

Gifts for Tweens and Teens

As Advent approaches, I am thinking about what Christmas presents to get for my children. Last year, my father-in-law asked us to buy Christmas gifts for the children from him. I have to share that when it came to my older children, it proved to be a challenging task. Below are some presents that my older children have requested and/or appreciated over the past few years:

Gifts for Girls: 

• Aprons from Catholic Embroidery
• Catholic Girl's Guide by Fr. F.X. Lasance
• Hair accessories
• Horse posters
  
• Inline skates
  
• iPad case
• Missal Cover from Catholic Embroidery
• Sewing machine
• Sheaffer Calligraphy Kit
• Violin and piano accompaniment books
• Seiko Women's Watch
• Timex Sports Watch
• Wool coat

 

Gifts for Boys:

• Entomology kit
• Fish tank and supplies
• Legos (Bernadette and I like these too)
• Leonard Wibberley's Treegate series
  
• Mario Kart Wii with Wii Wheel (I think that this is my oldest son's favorite video game.)
• The Redwall series by Brian Jacques
• Skimboard
• Snap Circuits Extreme SC-750
  
• Swiss Army Pocket Knife and carrying case
• Timex Sports Watch or Timex Sports Watch
• Walnut Hollow Woodburning Kit
• Wii (I fought the idea of getting this for years, but my brother-in-law talked us into letting him give it to our children. I have to say that it works as a great incentive for one of my sons to get his lessons finished.)

Gifts for Boys and Girls:

• The Adventures Of Tintin: The Game (for Wii)
• The Art of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  
• Books published by Bethlehem Books
• Glow In The Dark Stars (Don't forget the extra adhesive.)
• The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Chronicles: Art & Design
  
• The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Chronicles II - Creatures and Characters
• The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Chronicles: Art & Design
• iPad (a gift from my brother and sister-in-law)
• Lord of the Rings Instrumental Solos Violin Book: With Piano Accompaniment & CD
• Pre-purchased movie tickets (My children have liked getting these in their Christmas stockings. They enjoy going to see a movie with their father once a year.) 
• Saint biographies by Louis de Wohl (for older teens)
  
• Sanford Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil Set, 48/Tin
  
• Swallows and Amazons books by Arthur Ransome
• Tintin comic books by Herge
• Various art supplies
• Vision books

 

Now, I need to figure out what presents we can give to our children this year.

Updated December 2014

Spring Violin Recital

Bernadette participated in her second spring violin recital on Friday, May 11. She played "Two Guitars", a Russian gypsy folk song.

Photo credit goes to the father of the violin teacher

Violin Recital

In the fall, Bernadette began her second year of violin lessons. On November 19, she participated in the fall violin recital, playing "Moto Perpetuo" by Carl Bohm.

At one point during the piece, Bernadette paused. At her next lesson, she told her teacher, "When I am playing a fast piece of music, it's kind of like reading the Lord of the Rings. I get so caught up in the music that I forget where I am."

Choristers Picnic

This year, my four oldest children enjoyed participating in our parish's choir classes which are taught by a very talented nun.

Since today was the last day of choir class, some of us headed to the park after choir and Mass to thank Sister.

The children enjoyed playing on the zip line with their friends and throwing the softball with their teacher.

They also liked playing on the merry go round.

My children are looking forward to singing with the parish choir on Pentecost Sunday and continuing to participate in choir during the summer. I am thrilled that they have such a wonderful teacher and that they are being given this opportunity.

Piano Recital

On May 22, Catherine participated in her spring piano recital. She played the Waltz in A Minor by Chopin. Upon finishing the piece, she and her sister played a duet of Edelweiss.

Violin Recital

On Saturday, May 14, Bernadette participated in her second violin recital. She played the Ashokan Farewell by Jay Ungar. This is the first year that she is playing the violin and she is thoroughly enjoying it.

On more than one occasion, my eldest daughter has lamented the fact that I record her and her sister during their recitals, rather than when they are practicing and relaxed. She claims (correctly) that they play better when they are not performing.