Photos by Number Two

Nineteen!

Here he is, sporting a Hawaiian necklace that arrived in the mail for him...

May God bless and guide you, dearest son, and reward a hundredfold your beautiful and compassionate heart!

Grandpa Tom

Grandma and Grandpa Tom have been here with us, and I must dedicate a post to this most beautiful person. I have been calling him my partner in crime as he is consistently and dependably willing to share my workload, be it picking raspberries, pulling weeds, playing the role of sous-chef par excellence, or, of course, playing Scrabble. God is so good to have given grandma and Grandpa Tom to each other, as they have a happy and inspiring marriage! Now I have to find a way to have them move here permanently...

My brother and his wife

... they sent a picture from the Mont Blanc. He had a conference in Germany and they took the opportunity for an European tour. He is an amateur rock climber and always tries to visit famous peaks. A beautiful photo!

A Touch of Europe

We all went to dinner at a delightful place downtown last night! Two members of the South Dakota symphony played violin duets for us and the food was very European and yummy!

Amazing, special gifts...

My friends on Facebook are familiar with this image. Husband and I are celebrating our silver wedding anniversary this summer and I have had this graphic as my Facebook profile picture for a while. Number Five made the drawing and we worked together on arranging the format of the text. It is based on the image a Benedictine monk made for my parents on the occasion of their silver wedding jubilee. I posted a bit about it here. I am including both our image and the original from my parents.

Well, the other day, at a restaurant with a group of friends, I received two most-unexpected and wonderful gifts: our anniversary graphic engraved in a stone plaque, and a hand-embroidery of it, framed! Needless to say this heart shed some very grateful tears! A very humble and sincere thank you go to Nancy and Jannell!

Number Two is here!

The girls are all smiles with big sister around...

Re-opening of the restored Sioux Falls Cathedral

Last night we attended a historical event... the bishop blessed and opened the doors of our newly restored cathedral!

Project master and renowned architect Duncan Stroik spoke beautifully, but the emotion on the bishops' words touched every heart. This is specially significant to him as the cathedral in his previous diocese burned to the ground. Numbers Three, Five and Six were privileged to sing in one of the choirs. Unfortunately I don't have a picture as we were one of thousands present and it took us over an hour to finally enter the building,

Novena to Saint Anne, ninth day

NINTH DAY

Good St. Ann, I have reached the end of this novena in your honor. I have asked and ask again. Good mother, let not your kind ear grow weary of my prayers, though I repeat them so often.

Bounteous Lady, implore for me from divine Providence all the help I need through life. May your generous hand bestow on me the material means to satisfy my own needs and to alleviate the plight of the poor.

Good St. Ann, fortify me by the sacraments of the Church at the hour of my death. Admit me into the company of the blessed in the kingdom of heaven, where I may praise and thank the adorable Trinity, your grandson Christ Jesus, your glorious daughter Mary, and yourself, dear St. Ann, through endless ages.

DAILY PRAYER TO SAINT ANN

O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.

Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.

Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .

O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.

Grandma is here!

It is a full house, with grandma and Tom, Husband who just arrived from China on Friday, Number Four who arrived late last night from Wyoming Catholic Summer Program, and tonight's arrival of Number Two! I have been happily cooking the meals and everyone has been helping maintain a beautiful and happy household! A special thanks to Husband for the gorgeous organic bouquet from the farmer's market!

Novena to Saint Anne, eighth day

Today the photo is from our piano...

DAILY PRAYER TO SAINT ANN

O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.

Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.

Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .

O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.

EIGHTH DAY

Hail, St. Ann! I rejoice at your exalted glory. You gave birth to Mary, whose divine Son brought salvation to our lost world by conquering death and restoring life and hope to sinners. Pray to Him who, for love of us, clothed Himself with human flesh in the chaste womb of your daughter.

Glorious St. Ann, with your blessed daughter, deliver me from everything that is displeasing in the sight of God. Pray to your gentle and powerful Grandson that He may cleanse my soul in His precious blood, that He may send His Holy Spirit to enlighten and direct me in all that I do, always obedient to His holy inspirations.

Good mother, keep a watchful eye on me. Help me bear all my crosses. Give me the fullness of your bounty and sustain me with courage.

Novena to Saint Anne, seventh day

DAILY PRAYER TO SAINT ANN

O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.

Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.

Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .

O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.

SEVENTH DAY

Once again, Good St. Ann, I choose you for my advocate before the throne of God. By the power and grace that God has placed in you, extend to me your helping hand. Renew my mind and my heart.

Dear St. Ann, I have unbounded confidence in your prayers. To your blessed hands I entrust my soul, my body and all my hopes for this world and the next. Direct my actions according to your goodness and wisdom. I place myself under your motherly care.

Receive me, good mother. Cover me with the mantle of your love. Look kindly on me. By your powerful intercession, may I obtain from God grace and mercy. Obtain for me remission for sin and release from the punishment my offenses have deserved. Pray that I may receive grace to lead a devout life on earth and that I may obtain the everlasting reward of heaven.

Novena to Saint Anne, sixth day

For the image today I chose a a chapel of Saint Ann in Buzios, Brazil.

DAILY PRAYER TO SAINT ANN

O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.

Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.

Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .

O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.

SIXTH DAY

Good St. Ann, intercede for me.

Good St. Ann, do not allow my soul, a masterpiece of God’s creative power, to be lost forever. Free my heart of pride, vanity, self-love. May I know myself as I really am and learn meekness and simplicity of heart.

God’s great love for me leaves me cold and unresponsive. I must reflect this love through works of mercy and charity toward my neighbor.

In your boundless charity, good St. Ann, help me to merit the glorious crown which is given to those who have fought the good fight against the world, the devil and the flesh. Assist me to preserve purity of heart and body. With Mary and her divine Son, protect me always.

Uncle Dave Wins Editor's Choice!

It is official, read it on Big D Magazine. It was a fun contest on Facebook and we voted often!

Our brother-in-law David Kleven, aka Critterman, has been doing Animal Edutainment shows in the Dallas area for about 20 years! Of course our kids manage to have a private show whenever we go to TX... in their opinion, Uncle Dave is Number One Uncle any day!

Novena to Saint Anne, fifth day

DAILY PRAYER TO SAINT ANN

O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.

Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.

Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .

O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.

Good St. Ann, intercede for me.

FIFTH DAY

Hail, all-powerful Lady. By God’s special favor, grant consolation to those who invoke you. Procure for them the eternal riches of heaven, and like a good mother, success in their temporal affairs as well.

Good St. Ann, obtain my deliverance from the punishment which my sins deserve. Obtain for me success in my temporal affairs; especially see to the salvation of my soul.

St. Ann, by your influence with Mary’s son Jesus, you have won the gift of conversion for many sinners. Will you then abandon me, who have chosen you as my mother? No, St. Ann. Your name alone, which signifies grace, assures me of the help of your prayers, and these prayers will surely procure pardon and mercy from Jesus. You will pray for me now and at the hour of my death.

Novena to Saint Anne, fourth day

DAILY PRAYER TO SAINT ANN

O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.

Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.

Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .

O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.

Good St. Ann, intercede for me.

FOURTH DAY

Good St. Ann, you offered your pure and holy daughter Mary in the temple with faith, piety and love. By the happiness which then filled your heart, I beg you to present me to your Grandson Jesus. Offered by you, I will be agreeable in His sight.

Kind St. Ann, take me forever under your protection. Deliver me from the temptations which continually assail me. Above all, attend me in my last hour. As I lie on my deathbed, be present with your daughter to console and strengthen me.

Holy Mary and good St. Ann, show yourselves to be mothers indeed by obtaining for me the grace of a good death. When my soul goes forth, lead it to God’s tribunal so that, by your powerful help and intercession, it may obtain a favorable judgment.

Irena Sendler and the Children of the Warsaw Ghetto

Irena Sendler and the Children of the Warsaw Ghetto by Susan Goldman Rubin, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth, 2011 Holiday House, NY.

Among the new books we picked up at the library last week, there is this gem. I had heard about her story from my sister who watched the film starring Anna Paquin, but this film is yet to be available on Netflix. The book has wonderful illustrations and tells the story of the courageous Catholic nurse who was able to use creativity and courage to save hundreds of Jewish children from the sub-human conditions of life in the Warsaw ghetto. A story of charity and courage changing the life of so many! A must read!

Novena to Saint Anne, third day

DAILY PRAYER TO SAINT ANN

O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.

Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.

Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .

O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.

Good St. Ann, intercede for me.

THIRD DAY

Hail, good St. Ann, who first responded to the needs of Mary, Mother of our Savior and Queen of Angels. Hail to you and to your husband St. Joachim, who watched over her infancy, presented her to the Lord in the temple and, according to your promise, consecrated her to the service of God.

Hail St. Ann, good mother! I rejoice in the marvels you continually perform, because they encourage all to seek your intercession.

Good St. Ann, by the great power that God has given you, show yourself my mother, my consoler, my advocate. Reconcile me to the God I have so deeply offended. Console me in my trials; strengthen me in my struggles. Deliver me from danger in my time of need. Help me at the hour of death and open to me the gates of paradise.

Novena to Saint Anne, second day

DAILY PRAYER TO SAINT ANN

O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.

Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.

Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .

O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.

Good St. Ann, intercede for me.

SECOND DAY

From the depths of my heart, good St. Ann, I offer you my homage this day and ask you to shelter me under the mantle of your motherly care. You know, good mother, how much I love you, how gladly I serve you, how happy I am to praise you, how eager I am to call on you in time of distress.

Good St. Ann, be pleased to extend your helping hand in all my wants. Listen to my prayers, for I place my trust in your gracious bounty. Make all my thoughts and desires worthy and righteous.

Jesus, I thank You for all the graces which in Your infinite goodness You have lavished upon St. Ann; for having chosen her, among all women, to be Your grandmother on earth and exalted her in heaven with such great and miraculous powers. In the name of her merits, I humbly recommend myself to Your infinite mercy.

Novena to Saint Anne, first day

DAILY PRAYER TO SAINT ANN

O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.

Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.

Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .

O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.

Good St. Ann, intercede for me.

FIRST DAY

Dear St. Ann, though I am but a prodigal child, I appeal to you and place myself under your great motherly care. Please listen to my prayers and grant my requests. See my contrite heart, and show me your unfailing goodness.

Deign to be my advocate and recommend me to God’s infinite mercy. Obtain for me forgiveness of my sins and the strength to begin a new life that will last forever.

Blessed St. Ann, I also beg of you the grace to love, to serve, and to honor your daughter, the most holy Virgin Mary. Please recommend me to her and pray to her for me. She refuses none your requests but welcomes with loving kindness all those for whom you intercede.

Good Jesus, be merciful to the faithful servants of Your grandmother St. Ann.

Novena to Saint Anne starts today

Our family will begin a novena prayer today, in preparation for the feast of the great saint. My friend S. B. showed me this beautiful prayer, a favorite of her dad's who has recently gone to the Lord.

I will also post a longer novena I will be saying as she is my dear patron saint, to whom I have a devotion since I was a little girl. My dear mother used to always give me something special on her feast day... I suspect she also had a devotion to this wonderful motherly saint, as she raised her ten children.

Here is the text:

Family Prayer to St. Anne

Saint Anne, Bless Our Family
Our family is the heart of our life.
It is our little Church.
Saint Anne, guard the members of our family
against all physical and spiritual danger.

You lived in the presence of your husband Joachim
and your little daughter Mary.
Later, you welcomed your son-in-law, Saint Joseph,
and above all your beloved Grandson Jesus, our Saviour.

May your family inspire our families.
May we remain united in a deep mutual love.
If our family is broken by separation or sadness,
remain for us the Saint of tenderness and lead us to God.

Saint Anne, you were a spouse, a mother, and a grandmother;
bless all the members of our family.
Keep us faithful to the Lord.

And may we also remain attentive to the needs of other families. Protect all families.

Amen.

Goodbye Fr. Anderson

These were taken with my phone last night... we will miss him. Fr. Anderson is the chaplain of our homeschool group and his appointed to be parish pastor in a town 3 hours away... we hope he will come visit us often!

Robert Louis Stevenson on Gregorian Chant The Chant Café

Very interesting post!

Robert Louis Stevenson on Gregorian Chant The Chant Café

Broccoli!

It s a good year for this delicious vegetable! Enjoy the photo essay!

A cute pillow

My sister Margot and I learned tapestry from our grandmother Helena... but while it has been about 20 years since I have done anything, she loves to work on it! She made this for me and it looks so cute on our love seat!

Our "Wedding Flowers"

Shortly after Becky's wedding, a friend who was moving gave me some of these transplants... they are called phlox, but we call them "wedding flowers" because they were blooming in the wild around here and Becky's wedding had them! They have been growing beautifully and I always say to my girls, make sure you are married or enter a convent when they are blooming... in the meantime they come in the the house to honor good St. Anne and Our Lady!

Number Three and his Greek flashcards

It is Greek to me... but he and Husband go around saying how nice it is that Husband kept his Greek Grammar from his college days. Number Three's summer project is a complete suite of Greek Verbs cards.