So much has happened since I was last able to write here. It feels like it’s been so long! I’ll have to break things up over a couple of posts so I don’t completely overwhelm you. These photos of Ambrose were taken about a week after he recovered from the illness we had throughout November. I’ve never had a baby at that age so sick. It was truly distressing and I’m so glad to be through it!
I didn’t manage a single bit of Christmas gift knitting, but Larkspur did! She knit a hat for Ambrose and a pair of fingerless mitts for Mabel.
This is a postcard of “On the Water” by Gari Melchers. I told Mabel that it is a painting of me, her, and Ambrose. She didn’t believe me.
This sweet crocheted blanket was a gift and we use it every single day. (Thank you, Kelli!)
We picked up Keats’s viola in early December which was pretty exciting! He’s still working to finish paying for it, but it’s really wonderful that he has it now for his college auditions.
We put up our Christmas tree the day before Christmas Eve, which is a day earlier than usual. I was moving a little slow because I was sick (again!) and I wanted a little extra time to get everything together. Our family came down with Covid during the week before Christmas. We were prepared with early treatment and thankfully it was a far easier illness to deal with than the one we had in November. I know that it doesn’t go that way for everyone, and I am very grateful that we were spared from serious cases.
I bought a cheap set of gnome hats in October for a couple of the kids’ Halloween costumes and for some reason they made a reappearance during Christmas. Rather than “elfing” my kids “gnomed about” as they described it.
(Sweetest little dearest baby.)
(Tired Jonny!)
Of course, we always have a houseful here, and there were twelve of us this Christmas including Seth’s friend, Phoebe. She was sick too and isolated with us at what we called our “plague house.” We all love Phoebe (I sometimes worry that all the love must be overwhelming!) and loved having her for Christmas. I was sure thankful that I had purchased Christmas gifts for her in advance. I even had enough candy and small gifts to fill a stocking for her! She managed to somehow have wrapped gifts for all of us under the tree as well. I found out later that she gave her older sister a list over the phone and she did the shopping and then dropped the gifts on our driveway. I thought that was really sweet of the two of them. We were on the receiving end of several driveway drops of food and supplies from kind friends during our sick days.
I teased Seth because in every single photo I took of him over Christmas he is wearing a silly hat!
This photo doesn’t do the poster justice at all, but this set of liturgical year posters was the best new thing I added this Christmas. In fact, we did not do many of the things we usually do for Christmas, and I was so grateful for these beautiful posters marking the days. (I bought this poster hanger to hang it in the 18″ teak wood.) I subscribed to have these year-round. I love them so much. I just stand and gaze at each one, studying all the little details.
The kids’ big Christmas gift was a variation of one they got a few years ago. Rather than a regular slackline (ours was ready for replacing) we bought an obstacle course set. It was very warm on Christmas so Jonny got it set up right away and everyone has had a lot of fun with it.
Making this wreath was the only Christmas crafting I did at all and it was an act of will to do it!
The Legend of Old Befana is one of my very favorite Christmas books. A couple of weeks ago, I shared on Instagram, “Every time I read The Legend of Old Befana my heart cries out, “No! Don’t do it! Don’t pick up that broom!” But she always does. And I wonder how many times I’ve done the same.” It’s such a convicting story for me.
My friend Grace recommended “Rock Crystal” as a good Christmas read, and it is! The title and cover don’t make you think of Christmas, and the main storyline is not about Christmas itself, but it happens during Christmas. (I don’t think I did a very good job explaining that.) Anyway, it is a quick, cozy read perfect for the Christmas season. I thought about it for days after reading it. Something about the writing…it is just so gorgeous. I’ll read this story again and again.
This photo was taken on December 30th, my 44th birthday. How wonderful to have a baby to care for!!! (Also, how exhausting! But the wonderful part is greater than the exhaustion.)
Christmas Mass is my favorite Mass of the year and I look forward to it so much. Honestly, it never fully felt like Christmas for me, having to miss Mass because we were sick. However, I do believe that it was a Christmas that we will all remember fondly in years to come. These photos were taken after Mass on Epiphany Sunday the following weekend.
I always feel very self conscious taking photos in the church, and I didn’t manage one with everyone looking at the camera-not even close.
A stranger approached and offered to take one with me in the photo too, but most of the kids had already fled.
There are large stars hanging over this nativity in our church. Mabel pointed to the biggest one during Mass and whispered to me, “Is that the star that told people something amazing was happening?”
p.s. I plan to be back sooner rather than later to tell you about our five-day power outage in the snow! We are supposed to have another storm tomorrow and I am really praying that we keep power this time!!!
Ginny, it’s Michelle up in Maine
for some reason tonight i wanted to see how you all are doing these days
Ambrose is adorable, Congratulations.
gosh, seeing Mabel running through the fields looking so much like Bea at that age
the ‘little boys” are so big now
I often think in the middle of tough times with my kids of Bea, when she was little, and your comment one time about how MUCH she needed you, and her comment was something like, and you needed me too, didn’t you?
they will never really know how much we do need them
I am so sorry to hear you have all been sick, and hopefully by the time you get around to reading this you will all be on the mend.
loved the photo in the November post … the “sugared” violets
I hope you keep this going even if it’s not so often,
much love
Michelle
Hi Ginny,
So glad to hear from you. So happy you all are feeling better as well. Would you mind sharing where you purchased your calendar? I’ve really missed you!
Barbara
So, my wife and I are the creators of those illustrated calendars you have, and a friend sent us what you have written here, so lovely! I couldn’t help but notice that you love Old Befana… Did you see her in the Easter calendar? I thought you would really enjoy that. God bless!
Your family is so beautiful and Ambrose is a little doll! I’m glad to hear that you are all on the mend. We had Covid in August and had early treatment as well and it wasn’t bad for our family.
I am curious about the liturgical calendar you got. Is it tailored to the specific year or is it general? Since Easter changes each year I am wondering if this is something that you can reuse each year, or if it is like a yearly calendar that needs to be purchased each year. I want to order, but won’t order the Christmas one if it will be different next year – if that makes sense. They are so beautiful though – thank you for sharing!!
Hope you are all well and enjoying your winter storms! My kids are totally jealous of the snow NOVA is getting right now! 🥰
how lovely to see you post! I am glad you all are well and on the mend, may it continue!
Beautiful family!
Ginny how do you tell your babies apart when they are young?
They all look the same, big blue eyes and perfect cheeks!
Happy New Year🎉
What a sweet post, even though it’s been a tough month for your family. Yes, we will remember how we have survived these past years. Our children will remember how we reacted to the things God has put into our path. Having a visitor in your home must have been a real blessing to you all also, and for her being shown what a loving family is like.
Yes, it’s difficult to take pictures in church, but do it anyway, that’s where your most precious memories, and habits are being formed. Such a sweet thing for the person in church that offered to take your picture, such a wonderful thing to do for you!
I had Covid over New Year, just knocks the stuffing out of you. So sorry your little one was poorly in November, so worrying in a baby. Plus a power outage. I have had one of those over a past Christmas and its not funny, and worse still you never quite relax I er Christmas again. Hugs, all that live must help and sustain you.
You have been blessed with such a beautiful family. I’m so sorry to hear that you were all so sick at Christmas. You said that you were prepared with early treatment for Covid. Will you please share what that was? Praying that your family stays healthy and safe this year.
Hi Suzanne, We followed this protocol: https://covid19criticalcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/FLCCC-Alliance-I-MASKplus-Protocol-ENGLISH.pdf I used an online doctor a few months ago to get prescriptions so we would have them ready when/if we got sick. Jonny and I have been taking many of the suggested vitamin supplements for almost two years now! You are welcome to email me if you have more questions!
I didn’t realize how much I had missed your posts until I saw this one in my inbox and it brought the biggest smile to my face. Your photos of your sweet family are as beautiful as ever. The love just jumps off the screen! Over the years, you have given book recommendations that have become some of my most favorite and I found a used copy of Rock Crystal on your recommendation. Can’t wait to read it as it sounds like just my kind of story. Thank you for continuing to write this blog. I imagine it would easy to give it up but it really brings inspiration to me (and all of your readers, I would imagine.) Prayers for continued health and happiness to all in this New Year.
Hi Dawn! Please let me know how you feel about Rock Crystal after you read it! And than you for the encouragement to keep blogging! I appreciate it!
Adalbert Stifter is an austrian author with a rich and very atmospheric language, and with a good translation a joy to read 🙂
Goodness Ginny, you guys sure had an “eventful” holiday season…can’t believe there is more to come in future posts! Haha. I’m very glad to hear you all got through Covid ok. Seth’s friend Phoebe sounds like the kindest person 🙂 so thoughtful to still get everyone gifts in spite of being quarantined.
I love Ambrose’s facial expressions. Also, I feel like out of all your kids, he’s the one who looks MOST like Jonny!
Happy belated New Year, by the way. Wishing you well, as always.
So sorry you all had covid, but wonderful that it didn’t hit you too badly. It’s always a joy to see a post from you. The pictures are all beautiful. You are truly blessed ~ Linda
How wonderful, the photograph of Mabel, seemingly on top toes, staring into the manger to find baby Jesus. I’m not sure why, it’s photographs or moments like this one that capture my attention, and all I can do is stare. I marvel at their wonder. It’s a beautiful thing.
So glad you guys are feeling better! Love all of your pictures and your sweet stories 🙂
I had my youngest at 39. It was exhausting at times, but also an amazing blessing!
Being sick for so long is draining. We’ve had endless illnesses since Advent began, it seems. We also caught Covid over Christmas and it was very mild for us as well. Wrapping up a stomach virus this week and all I want for the next month is to be healthy. Wishing good health to all of you, too, and electricity!
We love that liturgical calendar too. I liked how you wrote about how it grounded you in a Christmas season that didn’t turn oit like other Christmases-same for me! Just standing there looking at the calendar and reflecting on the symbolism brought Christmas to my heart.
Emily
(Emidmag on IG)
Hi Ginny, It was nice to hear from you again. The photos are lovely. We were far behind with Christmas this year. We did not do a lot of the things we always did. Glad every one is feeling better. Wishing you and your family a Happy and Healthy 2022. God Bless.
Marilyn
Hi Ginny;
Nice hearing from you. Happy that everyone is feeling better.
HAPPY.HEALTHY NEW YEAR
Joan
Hi Ginny;
It is so nice hearing from you. Love the photos of the family. Hope all of you are feeling okay now. Looking forward to your next letter.
HAPPY,HEALTHY 2022.
Marion
Ginny you have the sweetest family. I always enjoy visiting via your blog. As a new Catholic I enjoy both Christmas and Easter. It is so meaningful and beautiful. That Ambrose is growing too fast….he makes me long for another grandchild but my children tell me that I must keep longing. 🙂 Happy New Year to all.
Ginny,
As always, I love the photo’s of you and the family and the words you always share with us about so many things!
Sorry all of you were sick, and happy you’re better! Happy New Year to you!
I hope the impending storm (Don’t have those issues currently since I’m on the west coast of Washington state) doesn’t cause problems where you are!
I look forward to reading your next post about the last one, and how you and the family ‘survived’ all that happened!
Thank you so much (as always) for your lovely words and know that you are appreciated more than you’ll ever know for sharing your thoughts, your faith and life with us readers!
Bless you and your family Ginny
Warm Regards, Leslie
So glad you all made it through Covid ok!! Even with being sick, it looks like you had a wonderful Christmas…..
the last photo with Mabel is so sweet!! You should send it in to St. Mary!!!
God bless you Ginny and your beautiful family. Much love from England.
My honor.
So glad to see you doing well.
Love&light to you all
I’m so sorry you were all sick over Christmas! Your beautiful posts and pictures are always a blessing!
Was concerned because it had been so log since the last post. Hope everything is GOOD now. Love your post