Back from Family Camp

"I wish we still there" is what we heard from the kids when we got home. It was a bit of a taste of paradise: a safe, friendly atmosphere, wonderful new cabins, the pretty Catholic church on the horizon. Communal meals, a spirit of helpful camaraderie, and the children playing from sunup to sundown. The moms' morning walks, the morning office said together, the Angelus at noon and at 6 PM. Not to mention the pool, the campfire Rosary, s'mores and... moonless skies' stars! We all expressed wishes to live like that permanently: all families living in the same simple cabins, sharing the work, eating together, praying for each other. We can't wait to go back next year for our second annual Saint Margaret's Family Camp at Broom Tree!

And speaking of dress-ups...

Here are two very cute pirates!

Brides of many lands

...and their bridal fashion designer.

The Godfather Bridegroom and his Flower Girl

Our trip west XVII: at the beach

Mathew Lickona's clever book title Swimming with Scapulars could serve as a caption for the first photo.





The Pacific Ocean is not quite the Atlantic, that's what I was thinking.

Our trip west XVI: San Buenaventura Mission

During our TAC visit we visited San Buenaventura Mission in Ventura, CA--Buena Ventura, thus the name of the city. The mission is the ninth and last California mission founded by Blessed Junipero Serra, and it still an active Catholic parish today!

The Way Home

We watched it last night, and it felt like being inside a Flannery O'Connor story: the accurate, painful slice of a sick modern society embodied in a spoiled, unpleasant and mean child--and then the long-awaited, fulminating moment of grace and redemption, forgiving, transforming. Few films cause me to cry, much less at home with the family, but this one did.

The Way Home is a film that transcends the ordinary, a serious non-romantic study into a young soul in a journey towards the encounter with Charity.

Our trip west XIV: Thomas Aquinas College

We were graciously received by Director of Admissions Jon Daly. The college's setting is secluded, peaceful and so beautiful! I was impressed by the architectural details everywhere on campus. The new basilica-scale chapel is almost ready--and it is truly breathtaking!

Number Three and husband visited with the Admissions office for quite a while, Number One led a family Frisbee game, and Number Six, who is about to begin Fourth grade, declared confidently: "I am coming here for college!"

Two nice blogs

I was visiting around the blogosphere this morning and found two nice blogs... very different from each other.

Creative Minority Report had some hilarious posts, and some disturbing ones too.

A Economia da Alma is written by two young Catholic university students in Portugal. Beautiful!

Reading Haystack full of Needles by Alice Gunther

This is the last week before homeschooling begins around here... and what a timely, excellent book arrived in my mail box. Reading it so far makes me feel like quality time with a good friend who has great support to offer!

Our trip west XIII: Last two photos from Fresno

The bride and groom leave in a very special Jaguar...




...and the next morning we said goodbye to our most generous and loving hosts!

Mrs. J. prepared a snack with Number Five's help for us to take in the car as we departed for Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, CA.

Our trip west XII: the cake!

The higher purpose of the trip!

Our trip west XI: at the reception

I call these the "flower wreath children series"...

Our trip west X: the wedding!

It was a most beautiful Nuptial Mass! These were taken outside the church. I love the one of "my three sons", and also the candid picture of my wonderful friend Wanda with her happy son!

Corn!

Another garden break from posting on our trip... for our corn! It's finally ready to be picked!