Doodle Acres » Friends

A Weekend Adventure

Heather — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 14:23:48 +0000

Last weekend we spent a WONDERFUL weekend with our “Pondered in My Heart” friends in PA. Kimberlee did a great job of chronicling our adventures (in film-making, eating, singing around the piano, and more eating…). I’ll just add a few pictures…

Kateri joins in on the musical fun…

Beware of Lenny…

Mary Rose, Lily, Hope, and Lenny…

Eliza, enjoying the bird call book we brought…

And finally, Kimberlee and I, the happy mothers of these wonderfully crazy children…

Jumping into Advent… a bit late

Heather — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:18:30 +0000

I’ll admit it. I tend to have an “all or nothing” personality. So when Advent started on Sunday and I hadn’t gotten my rear in gear, I figured, “Ah well, there’s always next year!!!” Well a well-timed email from a blessed friend and mentor encouraged me to jump into Advent. She, of course, didn’t know about my delay, but her words roused me to start.

Another friend instigated me to “do” Advent for the sake of the little ones (Lily, 9 and Peter, almost 5). Because as she pointed out, the older ones have all these wonderful memories of Advents past (when I was enthusiastic), but really the little ones don’t. She told me of an Advent tradition in her home where she wraps up all their Advent/Christmas books. One child per day (starting with the youngest) gets to unwrap a book and it is read to all. This creates excitement and suspense AND pushes to make sure at least one book gets read aloud per day, which is challenging during this busy season. So our newly wrapped books in a basket are my first Advent activity and the littles did enjoy our first book together this evening. I hope that this will be the first of many memorable Advent activities…

So I say, jump into Advent. And no matter how little or much you do, enjoy the season!!!

All Hallow’s Eve 2009

Heather — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:55:37 +0000

We participated in a WONDERFUL All Hallow’s Eve party with our Immaculate Heart of Mary homeschooling group on Saturday. It was truly a terrific afternoon celebrating the origins of the true Halloween. Our family had not celebrated this holiday for about 10 years. However, last year we were introduced to the Catholic origins of this meaningful holiday. I reluctantly participated trusting in the goodness of the party’s organizers. It was a real treat (no pun intended ) and this year’s festivities were even better!!!

Peter (4) in a costume made by his sister Hope (17)

Patricia Bissex, Tracey Bellucci, and yours truly

Lily (9, on right) with one of her best friends Annie Collorafi

Me and Annie’s mother, Julie

Lenny (13, in black) as a priest in the skit

The adorable Trevor and Anna Barton

The Girls Schola with Theresa Bissex, Sarah Goodman, Hope, Theresa Santos,Nora Goodman, Mary Collorafi, and Megan Kierstans

Memories of Ryan

Heather — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:17:46 +0000

Since hearing yesterday of the drowning death of 14 year old Ryan Barrett, I have struggled to make sense of this tragedy. Frankly, I have struggled to have a coherent conversation or thought. This hits very close to home for me, having lost one of my own children. But I wanted to share with those who might not have had the privilege of knowing Ryan, some of my Ryan memories.

Mary Ellen Barrett was someone that I met online in a Yahoo group about three years ago. When we realized we lived so close, she invited me over for a mothers’ Rosary night. My first memory of the Barretts and of that night is of dear Ryan greeting me at the door. In the dozens of times that I saw Ryan since that night, he never failed to greet me by name (and “Mrs. Giambalvo” is a mouthful) and to give me a big hug.

I had the privilege of driving him to Shakespeare play practice on several occasions. He had an uncanny knack for directions and helped me as I muddled my way through the relatively unfamiliar roads that connected the Barrett and Gunther homes.

I will remember his love for his Indiana Jones hat, Laurel and Hardy movies, his guitar, singing, and tree climbing (he gave me quite a fright one time when I found him up a tall tree ).

Ryan also loved the mass and longed to be a priest one day. While autism made this unlikely, I can’t help but think that he will be honored as a good and Godly priest in heaven as he makes his way to heaven.

Highlights of the Last Few Months in Pictures – Part 1

Len — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:08:17 +0000

Lily (left) competed in her first track meet in late May. Here she is with her good friend, Annie and their coach, Harry.

My dear sweet husband competed for the first time in a dog agility trial. He didn’t go in with great expectations but he and Tobey came out with six ribbons. Well done honey!!!

My husband’s Father’s day gift this year was Legos, believe it or not. And it is was by his request!!! He received this jumbo Lego model a bit ahead of time. Here are Lenny and Peter helping Daddy with his present.

A Blogger Mom Roadtrip

Heather — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 04:02:03 +0000

Last Thursday and Friday, we were privileged to spend two wonderful days in Pennsylvania with two blogger mom families. We (the children and I) headed out to Lancaster at 4:30 a.m. Only those who live on Long Island understand the need to beat the morning rush hour through NYC. :) At 7 a.m. I headed into a rest-stop and took an hour and a half nap. This nap enabled me to revive enough to enjoy our visits.

Thursday was spent with the Quigleys of Family-Centered Life. The children got along great. My children discovered the joys of “Rock Band” and the day just flew by as Michele and I chatted about home-schooling, blogging, good books, food, dieting, calendars, planners, marriage, friendship, etc. Neither of us are quiet and from my perspective, we never lacked for a mutually enjoyable subject on which to share. (You can click on the photos to enlarge them)

Friday was spent with the Kimberlees (that’s our nickname for them) of Pondered in My Heart. We all had a hoot. They are just as creative and fun as they come across in their blog. The older children spent much of the day shooting a script-less medieval themed short film, filmed and directed by Josiah of Random Interesting Stuff. Kimberlee and I talked for hours about home-schooling, baking, books, home-schooling paperwork, portfolios, babies, etc., while the little ones (Peter, Eliza, and Kateri) enjoyed playing together in Kimberlee and Michael’s beautiful home.

Friday evening as we headed home, we said many prayers as we traveled through NYC. My GPS (we call her “Jane”) took us through a part of the city I am unfamiliar with and we prayed many prayers as we traveled through the Holland Tunnel and Canal Street. Jesus, the Blessed Mother, St. Michael, and our guardian angels all delivered big time!!! We even made it home before midnight!!!

My children are already “nagging” me to make a return visit to PA to see their new friends. Hope, Lenny, and Lily have all requested to come with me to the Family-Centered Learning Conference in July (which is where I first met these lovely families last summer). So this year’s conference should be even more fun!!!

A big thank you to the Quigleys and the Kimberlees for their willingness to share their homes with us for a brief but uplifting visit!!!

St. Andrew’s Novena

Heather — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:16:07 +0000

Feast of St. Andrew

Today is the day to begin the Christmas Novena from now until Christmas. Here is the prayer:

Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment at which the Son of God was born of a most pure Virgin at a stable at midnight in Bethlehem in the piercing cold. At that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, to hear my prayers and grant my desires. (Mention your intentions here) Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother.

*******
In keeping with our desire to put preparation for Our dear Lord’s birth at the front of our minds this Advent season, the faithful are encouraged to repeat this short, but beautiful, prayer 15 times a day.

Prayer Requests:

- For healing for Michael Summerville: Due to a near-drowning, Oct.15, 2008, Michael sustained significant brain injury. Details and updates at http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewHome.do

- Terence Conley – a homeschool dad from IHM who has suffered brain injury due to a car accident. He is in rehab and making wonderful progress. His doctors call it a miracle and ask that everyone keep praying!!!

Our Annual Visit to Trinity Acres

Heather — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:05:30 +0000

Last month, the children and I took a roadtrip to visit Julie of Trinity Acres and her family in Wisconsin. We visited last year about this time of year. We had such a wonderful visit that we decided to go back again this year. Julie has a great post about our visit – complete with lots of photos!!! And we are already looking forward to next year!!!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: There is Hope for the Future of Our Country

Len — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:46:31 +0000

(click the picture to enlarge)

These beautiful Catholic girls (with Hope in the center) are the members of the Good Citizenship Club.

God Bless America!!!

Family-Centered Learning Conference 2008 – My Photo Journal

Heather — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 01:27:58 +0000

My daughter, Hope, and I returned last night from a whirl-wind trip to beautiful Lancaster, Pennsylvania and the F-C Learning Conference. We headed out Friday morning and arrived at our hotel about three hours before the Family Picnic at a local park. After taking a quick tour of the area, we arrived about 10 minutes early at the park. For those of you that know me in real life, you know that I am an early bird. What a thrill it was to have Michele Quigley, the organizer of this extraordinary conference, pull up in her SUV and give me a great big hug!!! Meeting Michele after getting to “know” her on-line was such a thrill!!!

Michele and I

Maggie Quigley blowing bubbles – it was quite a test of my poor photographic skills to finally capture a bubble on film

Other thrills included meeting some of the bloggers that I “know” through their blogs. However, I came home and added some new blogs to my Bloglines subscriptions after having met those bloggers in person. Here are some more picnic pictures:

Margaret (Minnesota mom) and Maryellen (Tales from the Bonny Blue House)

Michele and Tim Quigley

Michele with a beautiful St. Anne’s chaplet (made by Kimberlee of Beads of Mercy), given to her by Alice Gunther (Cottage Blessings)

Margaret, Karen Edmisten (Karen Edmisten), Meredith (Sweetness and Light), and Diane (Journey of a Mother’s Heart)

The next morning we arrived early (of course!!!) at the Liberty Place Conference Center for an inspiring day of talks. The day just flew by as I participated in the opening mass, listened to so much wisdom, shopped at the vendor tables, visited with old and new friends, and of course ATE!!!

Maryellen (one of the wonderful speakers) with her very best friend, Chris Volpe (and my friend IRL)

Alice Gunther (Cottage Blessings and featured speaker), Meredith (another of the gifted speakers) , and Kimberlee (Pondered in My Heart and Beads of Mercy)

Hope and I

Sweet Erica Sanchez from CA – not a blogger YET!!!

So at 8 p.m. we hit the road to head back to Long Island. We arrived home at midnight after experiencing heavy traffic in NYC, stopping at a most hideous gas station bathroom (I didn’t take a picture of that!!! Ugh!!!), and listening to the Mets lose a heart-breaking game in 14 innings. But most of all, Hope and I arrived home happy that we had gone and looking forward to our next trip to PA to visit the Quigleys and next year’s Family-Centered Learning Conference (hint, hint, Michele!!! ).