MONKS MAKE, DONATE CASKET FOR YOUNGEST VICTIM IN ARIZONA SHOOTING

I found this story today on a blog called "Joan's Rome" linked to the EWTN website, and I thought I’d share it with you: “A group of Trappist monks in Iowa have donated a handmade casket to bury 9-year-old Christina Green, the youngest victim in the Saturday attack that killed six and wounded 13 others in Arizona.
“Sam Mulgrew, the general manager of Trappist Caskets in Peosta, Iowa, told CNN a family representative of the Greens reached out to the monks at New Melleray Abbey near Dubuque after her death. The custom-made casket arrived in Tucson, Arizona, Wednesday morning. ‘We didn't want to send an adult coffin that would be too big, we wanted something just for her,’ said Mulgrew, who is not a monk but who manages the 11-year-old casket business that is part of the abbey.
“The casket, crafted from red oak, was made especially for 9-year-old Christina, Mulgrew said. She died after a gunman opened fire at a constituents event held by U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was critically wounded in the shooting. Christina's funeral is scheduled for Thursday in Tucson. “The lid of the casket was inscribed with her name, date of birth and death, and a cross. The family also will receive five small keepsake crosses hewn from the same wood as the casket, Mulgrew said. Before the casket was sent from the monastery in Iowa to Arizona, the monks gave the casket a special blessing inside their chapel on Tuesday.
“The monks are Roman Catholic and are part of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. They make and sell custom caskets with "reverence for nature," according to the Trappist Caskets website." Along with prayer and study, our casket ministry is an extension of our sacred work. We labor quietly with our hands in support of our life of simplicity," says a statement on the website.
“Mulgrew said when a child dies it hits the monks particularly hard. He said they don't like to sell children's caskets; instead, a "child casket fund" they started often covers the costs.”

Blogger Uploaded Picture Correctly In Old Editor

Well...I went back to using old editor and I uploaded the same picture that was uploading sideways on Blogger new editor and the picture positioned correctly. At least now I know... that if my pictures aren't uploading correctly...I can go back and post in old editor and that should take care of the picture uploading sideways problem.

Blogger.....Pictures Uploading Sideways

I'm frustrated and I'm wondering is any one else having problems uploading their pictures to Blogger? Any suggestions or tricks that you have come up with to rectify this unfortunate dilemma? Help!

Oh....how I wanted to show you my elf tree! Just tilt your head sideways. Click on to it for a larger sideways image. ~amy

Christmas Evening Stillness

The family is in the den playing Dance Wii.  I'm about to bring dinner out to the table. 

Taking just a moment before Christmas dinner to reflect and being thankful for everything that I've been blessed with.  Wishing your heart the warmth of Christmas peace.  ~amy

This Christmas Eve...From My House To Yours

It's been said that until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas.  All else is outward display...so much tinsel and decorations.  For it isn't the holly, it isn't the snow.  It isn't the tree not the firelight's glow. 

 

It's the warmth that comes to your heart.

Christmas began in the heart of God.  It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man.

Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas.

Not Just For Display

It's been said that someone else's trash is another person's treasure.  I certainly find this to be true.

My eclectic vintage collection of Christmas plates, cups, crystal glasses and silver were enthusiastically and lovingly obtained from garage sales and thrift shops.  Between their age, history, detail and beauty they're fit for a King.  These vintage treasures aren't for eyes only but are actually used.  I'm honored to be able to use them each and every Christmastime for entertaining with family and friends. I hope you enjoy glancing at them.  

Somewhere Between Thanksgiving And Christmas

Thanksgiving day dinner is over and now anticipation for Christmas has begun.  I hope you had a lovely day yesterday and you were blessed to spend it with those that you love.  Our day with each other centered around preparing good food along with good conversation.  This year we ate dinner early in the afternoon and the rest of the day we simply relaxed, watched movies, ate and drank.  It was overcast, cold and windy outside.  The kind of day to cozy up around a blazing fire.  It was the perfect day!   

I have so much to thank God for...a wonderful family, friendships, a roof over our heads, good food, my continuous journey for a stronger faith, hope and love.  

While the hustle and bustle of this Christmas season has officially begun....let me always be aware that the decorating, baking, entertaining and gift giving is all done in anticipation for the birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ.  Wishing you joy and peace in your preparations for this Christmas Season.  ~amy