What A Week (so far)...

We had a busy Father's Day last Sunday. The morning was spent at a Divine Liturgy (where we were invited by new friends) at an Antiochian Orthodox parish (as in Antioch where Christians were first called Christians - talk about "deep in history")... and all I can say is... it was amazing. It was the most amazing, worshipful, beautiful thing I've ever experienced - I wish that I had words to express it. Our whole family fell in love with it - the beauty, the incense, the chant, the fellowship... it was mind-blowing. We're counting down until next week...

But enough about that... after Liturgy we went out to my mom's for a Father's Day meal, but dinner had to be late with people having to work and whatnot... and on top of it all - one of the family kitties - (this guy's twin brother (a beloved outside cat) was very sick. He had been sick for three days, and after seeing him I was really thinking he wasn't going to make it. It was awful to watch him basically dying of dehydration because he was too weak to drink... my wonderful hubby (he's my hero!) immediately "swung into action" after seeing him. First he checked our finances and moved some things around to see exactly what we could spare, and then he jumped online searching for a 24 hour vet. A half an hour away he found a "Pet Emergency" room (literally, the neon sign above the door said Pet Emergency), and after convincing the family that we really wanted to do this we took my "baby" sister (who the cat officially belongs to), my step-daddy, and one very sick kitty to the animal hospital. We brought him inside and they whisked him away to take his vitals etc. At first they couldn't get a blood pressure or anything on him, but after putting him on fluids for awhile his blood pressure went up to normal and we left him there overnight feeling somewhat hopeful. We couldn't afford any tests, just fluids and antibiotics, and only for 12 hours (we had $300 to spend and Tam put in her hundred) -- we were really hoping that it would be enough to save him. I have no doubt that he wouldn't have made it through the night if we hadn't taken him in. In the morning he had shown improvement, but he was running a fever and basically he needed more care... I didn't know what we were going to do...

Then, my step-daddy made a phone call to the neighbor ladies who live behind them (may the Lord bless them richly!). These wonderful, wonderful women offered to pay for said kitty to transfer to our small-town vet clinic and have a few tests done. If he wasn't going to recover they'd have him "put down" so he didn't suffer, but if he just needed medication they said they would take care of that too! We were all so relieved - and so blessed! I don't know how to thank them! After running tests they didn't find any parasites or internal injuries and he's doing so well after a few days of fluids that it looks like he'll be able to go home tomorrow. Needless to say my little sister is very happy, and this much loved kitty will be "upgraded" to "inside cat" status. :)

It's been quite a week so far between worrying about the kitty (and Tam's possible heartbreak if the kitty didn't make it), and then our weekly schedule was rearranged as well... we had a couple of exhausting days with Tuesday knocking us flat because both of the boys had physical therapy the same day (NOT something I would suggest)... I'm relieved that we survived, and the rest of the week should go fairly smoothly - no plans, just peaceful work in the home and time for prayer.

Peace be with all of you!

Goddard Gathering...

Yesterday was the Feast of Corpus Christi - and we spent our morning at Divine Liturgy instead of Mass (we attended the Vigil Mass on Saturday as always, but were invited to the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Frank, a friend of ours). After an absolutely beautiful liturgy (I love the "Lord have mercy" responses) :) we went out to my cousin Machelle's gorgeous property for a Goddard family gathering. My Dad's side of the family usually only gets together once or twice a year, so it's always a big deal to get the chance to see everyone - not that there are a lot of us (my boys are the only children), but what we lack in numbers we make up for in sincere joy to see each other. This picture of the boys was taken by my cousin Matt - isn't he a great photographer? You should see the photos on his website - Poetry in Stone -- he's a very talented stonemason, and the photos of some of his work are just beautiful.

Every time we gather I wish that we could see everyone more often - especially now that the boys are older - I would really like them to know all the different sides of their family, so they have a strong idea of where they come from (I had no concept of this at all when I was growing up and ended up feeling rather "lost" just because I didn't really know anyone I had much in common with). Even though I rarely saw these family members as a kid, it never ceases to amaze me how much I have in common with them, particularly with my cousins - despite the fact that we grew up in completely different environments I still think a lot like them. Don't get me wrong - we have some major differences - but actually, even our differences can be considered a way in which we are similar because every Goddard I know is independent and absolutely unique. :) We have each decided what we want our lives to be like, and that's how we live. :)

As always, yesterday's gathering was a blast, and I'm so grateful to Machelle for hosting it! It's a lot of work to plan something like that, and she does such a wonderful job! I'm really hoping to see everyone at least a couple of times this summer - which would be a record of some kind (for me seeing members of the Goddard clan more than twice a year - other than my Dad - is almost unheard of despite how close most of us live to each other!)... We'll see how schedules and all play out. Whatever happens, I'm going to treasure the memories of laughing with everyone on Machelle's back deck, eating good food, while the fire roared in the pit and my boys played in the background... treasures like these are what life is all about.

Rhyme and Relate...

Just wanted to share a video the boys put together as a gift for us on our 13th anniversary. :) Years from now I'll be able to look back on this and remember how much fun they had together when they were young. Getting the clips just right for the audio on this video is actually pretty impressive - I admit that I watched it about five times already... if you watch it all the way through you can see the dedication at the end... :)



Yes, I know it's rather random - but that' the fun of it! :) This is what happens when the boys have a Creativity Day and I leave them to their own devices. (Maybe I should do that more often!)

13 Years Together...

Thirteen years ago today my hubby and I began our life together. :) In these years we've had a lot of ups and downs, there has been sorrow upon sorrow at times, and there have been joys we never would have imagined. It's amazing to look back on all that has happened - so many adventures, so many times we've "hung in there" purely out of stubbornness, and so many times we've stood in awe at the gifts God has given us. How does the heart contain so much laughter and tears? Truly it wouldn't be possible without the gift of each other to lean on... two hearts can hold much more than one. :) I know that I am blessed beyond measure. In all the hardships, disappointments, pain, and sorrows of life - I am sheltered in the arms of a man who is stubborn enough to hold on no matter how strong the storm may be. He is a gift - I know that - and I did nothing to deserve him. I'm glad that even at the young age of seventeen I was wise enough to accept him despite how crazy it may have seemed to others. I knew not only who he was then, but I saw that God had plans for who he would be.

I would never suggest that marrying young is the "wise" thing to do (someone would be sure to shoot me for that) :) - but there are many advantages - I don't believe that ruling it out completely is the wise thing to do either. A couple that marries young might lack financial security and the like, but they will be flexible enough to grow together - and everything they have will be shared in common. They naturally mold their lives into one common life. My husband naturally took on his role to protect and care for me, to cherish me and let me know it - not only do I know he will support me in everything I want to do, but he makes me feel secure. Perhaps there isn't a word that describes what I mean when I say "secure" - it's the knowledge that I am cherished, protected, appreciated, supported... and in return he knows I will always stand by him. I will support him in all he does, and I am very proud of who he is - proud to be his wife. He is an amazing man - a man after God's own heart - which I still find irresistible. ;) Without those early years being married so young we would not be who we are today, and I am so grateful for all God has done in and through us these past 13 years.

There is nothing easy about life... but the Joy and Truth that is found when you are searching through the darkness with someone who loves you - that makes the journey not only bearable, but one where peace and hope can grow. God knew what He was doing when He instituted marriage - someone to laugh with makes all the difference. :)

Sitting here in our little home I can't help but smile as I listen to our boys play - their laughter is contagious. Who would have guessed thirteen years ago that we would be given such unique little boys? They have been part of our challenges, and yet they have been our reward as well. ...in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Rom. 8:28) L'Angelus has a verse in one of their songs that fits here:

Our children played in the storm.
We gave them life,
They gave us Heaven,
Laughter in the rain.
I gave you my heart,
You gave me yourself...
Ca c'est Bon*
Ca c'est Bon*
Cried the hurricane.
Our children are another blessing from our young marriage - I've been infertile since I was 22 - if we had "waited" until everyone else thought it was wise to marry and begin our family - then we wouldn't have our boys. Yes, God knew what He was doing - He truly wants what is best for us. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart." (Jer. 29:11-13) While we have many children waiting for us in Heaven - I am grateful that we have our two special boys on this journey with us.

Thirteen years after marrying my sweetheart - when so many people questioned my motives and my wisdom - everyone knew we wouldn't "last"... Thirteen years later -- I know how blessed I am. I knew that I not only loved this man, but I distinctly felt that God wanted me to be his wife. I'm so thankful I said, "Yes" - so grateful that I was willing to leave everything I knew, move clear across the country, and do what I knew God wanted me to do. It was good practice for the life we have been living together. :) In the shelter of my husband's arms I have traveled every path Our Lord has placed before us... and I wouldn't have it any other way. This is where the blessings lie - in the shadow of the cross... in the arms of those who love us.


*That's Good

Holy Trinity Sunday/All Saints Sunday

This past Sunday was the Sunday after the Feast of Pentecost. In the Latin Rite we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, and in the Eastern Churches it's the Feast of All Saints Day. In our little parish our first communicants received the Eucharist for the first time - always such a joyful experience for the everyone involved. This year was especially wonderful for our family because three of our CCD students received Jesus for the first time. My hubby had two in the class he teaches, and I had one in my "accommodating" class.

Here is Trinity receiving her First Holy Communion (on Trinity Sunday no less!)... She's one of my hubby's students.

This is Chael, another one of my hubby's students - doesn't he look sharp? He took his first Eucharist very seriously.

And this is Nikyla - my student and Chael's big sister - I'm so proud of her! I don't think her mama's smile could get much bigger (I had a similar one on my face I think).
Teaching Nikyla has been one of my biggest blessings this year. Getting to know her and her family has been a wonderful experience for us. It's the first time I've been able to spend any significant period of time with another mother (and father) of a child with "special needs" - and even though the issues are different, it's just been so encouraging for me personally. I don't feel so "alone" now... if that makes any sense. I am so grateful for having the opportunity to get know and spend time with them!

New Schedule...

I've decided that it's time to begin our summer schedule now. With two days out of the week taken up by physical therapy for each of the boys, and then one day for piano - we're switching things around so that we have two rather full lesson days on Monday and Friday, and then the rest of the week we'll be having "Creativity Days" with added focuses on languages and some math, science, history, literature and geography as the boys like (or as I like). :) The Professor only has eight lessons in his Algebra 1/2 math book anyway, and it's going to be awhile until his next one arrives. It's "that time of the year" around here - time to move ahead to the next grade level as we finish books - fun, fun and I get to buy new ones! (Most homeschooling moms I know LOVE this part.) :) I only looked through Seton's books though because money is tight and they have good prices. Really, I only need a few books that might be considered "classroom" type books - mostly we use "living books" and the internet. :)

The boys both encouraged the idea of having the three set Creativity Days a week (of course). :) The Professor really wants to focus on languages this summer (as of now) - to continue Latin (of course), begin Spanish (he's being practical here), and then the different computer languages he's playing with. The Philosopher will just come along for the ride - he's almost done with his current Latin book - we move slowly but by the time they've finished a book they know the vocabulary words in it - and he's becoming quite proficient in the "Scratch" computer language. :)

I still need to take down our Victory Cross... we've been so busy since Easter ended I just haven't had the chance, but it's time. I'm brainstorming ideas for a physical reminder in our home for "Ordinary Time" - something to do with our brothers and sisters in Heaven - that "great cloud of witnesses" cheering us on. :) We've made "saint books" - photo albums where the boys in theory keep their pictures of their favorite saints. I'm going to take those out and put them on the piano so the boys can go through them at will - and make sure all the loose pictures end up in them! :) Hopefully I'll come up with something a bit more "conspicuous" as I meditate on this time of the liturgical year more...