Pumpkin Patch

While Uncle Chris was visiting we did our traditional trip to the Pumpkin patch/ Apple Orchard.  You know, because we've done it twice, it's a tradition. This year we skipped the apple picking part because after we were done with all the pumpkin patch fun the temperature had dropped and someone was ready for a nap.  Monica actually wore her wings and antenna headband (oh the ridiculous things we do to our kids) for most of the outing.  Despite not picking apples we still bought traditional apple swag like apple cider, pie and donuts.  Yum yum. 

Pony ride!  Her third one, and the first time she didn't fuss when we first put her on.  She even road without an adult holding onto her.

 

Tony and Chris raced peddle carts.  Here is the end of their race.  Ignore my silly comments.

Electric fence when you know kids are going to be trying to reach in and pet the pigs?  Not a good idea!

Trying to keep her from the fence.

Ah, an animal I can pet without risk of electrocution.

Searching for the perfect pumpkin.

Monica choosing the perfect pumpkin.  I wasn't thinking and changed the camera angle halfway through so you'll have to turn your head sideways at the end.

Vistor and 'Ventures

Uncle Chris came to visit us last weekend after a work trip to NYC.  As usual, we packed the time with fun adventures.  Saturday, Tony and Chris did a high ropes/challenge course called Adirondack Extreme.  For whatever reason they wouldn't let a pregnant woman or toddler participate. :)  Saturday afternoon we hung out around the house, played games, played with Monica, watched a movie- you know, good family stuff.

Sunday we went with our parish for a pilgrimage to the Shrine of the North American Martyrs (about 45 minutes away).  Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha will be canonized at the end of this month and the Mass was a celebration of her upcoming canonization. It was pretty chilly and windy so we just explored close to the church building on the expansive property, celebrated Mass, had lunch and heard a talk about the martyrs and Blessed Kateri.  We are looking forward to going back when it is warmer. 

Monica blessing herself for the 10th time.

Monday we went to the pumpkin patch, but more on that in another post . . .

Uncle Chris wins hands down for Monica's favorite person.  She wanted to be in his presence constantly, asked for him if she couldn't see him and cried if he left without her.

 

The Year of Faith

 The following is an excerpt from the US Council of Catholic Bishops website:

"With his Apostolic Letter of October 11, 2011, Porta Fidei. . . , Pope Benedict XVI declared that a "Year of Faith" will begin on October 11, 2012 and conclude on November 24, 2013. October 11, 2012, the first day of the Year of Faith, is the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and also the twentieth anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  During the Year of Faith, Catholics are asked to study and reflect on the documents of Vatican II and the catechism so that they may deepen their knowledge of the faith.

"The 'door of faith' (Acts14:27) is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church."---Pope Benedict XVI, Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei for the Indiction of the Year of Faith.

The upcoming Year of Faith is a “summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the One Savior of the world” (Porta Fidei 6). In other words, the Year of Faith is an opportunity for Catholics to experience a conversion – to turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with him."

I am super excited about this!  A global call to Catholics to fall more in love with Christ and his Church!  At a time in our world where cultures are so off track of Christ's message, where most Catholics do not know the Truth of the teachings of Christ's Church, and hope for a more Christlike world can seem dim; this is a beautiful opportunity to be renewed and effect change where it is most needed: in ourselves!   

A friend posted this great aid on their facebook page: Read the Catechism in a Year.  They will email you a daily link to a small portion of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and by the end of the Year of Faith, you will have read the whole thing!  I confess I have not read the entirety of the Catechism, but I'm up to the challenge this year. 

"There are not one hundred people in the United States who hate The Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly perceive the Catholic Church to be.” Archbishop Fulton Sheen (Thanks Cheri for the correct quote).  Can you imagine if every Catholic joined in this Year of Faith to spend more time in prayer and communion with Christ and his Church?  The world would look very different.

I pray that all Christians grow in love and knowledge in the way that God is calling them.  Happy Year of Faith!