Little Princess' Dream Come True

After several failed attempts at finding just the right horse over the past couple of months, we are taking a horse on loan for the Little Princess until we can find just the right one for her.

Dixie Belle arrived this afternoon, and the girls are beside themselves.   

She seems to have settled right in, though our black lab appears a bit jealous of all the attention.

Note to self

Having a wisdom tooth removed during a fast is not ideal.  Everyone else sits around and drools as the little princess enjoys ice cream, yogurt and smoothies for breakfast.

A lovely Saint Lucia Celebration

Just for Fun

St. Lucia Celebration

St. Lucia Day will be coming soon, and I wanted to share with you our celebration from last year.  

 We had three little girls with Lucia namesakes.  Many of the girls wore white petticoat dresses with red sashes tied round their waist and Father had them all process around the church during the liturgy.

 After liturgy we lit candles on a Lucia wreath (birthday ring which serves multiple purposes through the liturgical year!)

And the girls were read a story of St. Lucia.

 Tea and lussekatter were served

to many happy girls! 

Had to try the wreath on for size myself  :)

Happy Feast Day!

Today we honor two great saints, Martyr Barbara and John of Damascus.  

This year's St. Barbara's Day Bonfire was our biggest yet with over 80 friends and family. 

The weather was an amazing seventy degrees, so no shivering around the bonfire.

After sitting together around the fire to hear the life of St. Barbara read from the Prologue, there were  fireworks, sparklers, chili, s'mores, 

and this year we hooked the tractor up to a flatbed wagon and had hayrides!

Presentation Tea

One of my favorite events of the year, the Feast of Presentation of the Theotokos in the Temple and the tea party that follows kick off a season of beautiful feasts and celebrations within this time of Advent.

In the same manner as those young virgins long ago, our young girls clothed in white lead the procession through the temple........

...... candles and icons in hand, giving honor to the young Virgin who birthed our Savior.  As a mother, all I can think is what it would be like to watch my 3 year old daughter walk through the streets, making her way to the temple where she would spend the next decade or so of her life.  What joy, and yet what heartbreak for dear Anna my patron, truly a bright sadness.

Each little one offers her kiss to the Virgin.  Here, my god daughter, also an Anna, shows her love for our most holy Theotokos.  What sweet innocence within these little ones, who can love without question or limits!

 After participating in the true feast of the Eucharist, 

they join together to break the fast with Father.

 Youngest to oldest, all together, enjoying a sweet moment of delight and beauty.

 What beautiful memories for each of these girls, what a precious moment between priest and child!

"Rejoice O unwedded bride!"