Family in Feast and Feria

The month of July is traditionally dedicated to the Precious Blood. There is an interesting thread on 4Real asking for ideas. I pulled out an old book I found at a book sale entitled The Story of the Precious Blood by Rev. Joseph F. Stedman, copyright 1932, printed by Arlington, Press, Inc., NYC. Father Stedman was the former director of the Confraternity of the Precious Blood.

The book uses the paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and other items of art from the Monastery Chapel of the Contemplative Sister Adorers of the Precious Blood, in Brooklyn, NY. They do not have much of a web presence, but another monastery in Watertown, NY does.

I went to bed last night wanting to find out more about this chapel. Is it still standing (built around 1910)? Was it wreckovated, or is it still as beautiful? I'd love to see color pictures of some of the paintings and stained glass. I didn't have much luck in finding out anything.

But I found it so wonderful that in my initial search on the Internet I found out that one of my favorite Catholic liturgical artists, Ade Bethune, designed the stained glass windows:

In 1938, Father Joseph F. Stedman asked Ade Bethune to design stained glass windows for the chapel at the Precious Blood Monastery in Brooklyn, New York, where he was chaplain. In 7 lancets, she designed stained glass versions of her Catholic Worker saints practicing the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

Early sketches for these windows show both male and female saints, but the final version depicted only women. Unfortunately, Ms. Bethune did not have the joy of executing them herself; instead they were done by Per Bergeton of Rambusch Studios in New York.

What a wonderful connection! I know this isn't directly related to the Precious Blood--see how easy it is to go off onto rabbit trails? I am very drawn to her art. She uses thick line drawings, and most is in black and white. Her use of symbolism reminds me of the role of catechetical work the early stained glass and paintings. Both intellectual and Illiterate people of all ages, wealthy and poor, religious and laity could learn the lessons depicted in those images, and could easily recognize the saints by the symbols used. And in this modern era, she recaptures that spirit.

I've had an ongoing love of her work. For years I'd see her images, but had no idea of the artist's name. When I made the connection a few years back, I was excited to find I already had a few books illustrated by her (see Amazon's list.

One I highly recommend is Eye Contact with God Through Pictures: A Clip Book of Pictures from the Ade Bethune Collection . This is a great collection of clip art that follows the Liturgical Year, including some saints. It is a slim volume, and rather expensive. I've mentioned this work before in my post about Christian symbols.

Some other links of her works and information:

About Ade Bethune

Ade Bethune Collection Iconography Digital Collection. This is a goldmine, containing all her iconography.

Stained Glass images

St. Nicholas, The Children's Friend: A Belgian Tradition for December 6 and St. Nicholas Poem and St. Nicholas clip art by Ade Bethune.

Blue Cloud Abbey sells holy cards illustrated by her.

Mary, Seat of Wisdom

Women--Liturgical and Religious Art

Images of Corporal Works of Mercy

It's been quite a week for us.

Ds has developed croup--the first time ever in his life. Strange that it would in the summer, and at his age! We've been doing nebulizer treatments since Tuesday. I can tell he's improving -- his fever is almost gone, and instead of being lethargic he's just cranky, grumpy, and obstinate. I have to keep his activity levels down, or he goes into a coughing spell and requires bathroom steam treatment.

And now I'm developing a bit of a chest cold, so I'm having a hard time dealing with his mood swings...which I know stem from the medicines. Sigh.

Yesterday was our 12 week appointment. I can scarcely believe the baby is 12 1/2 weeks! The sonogram we had the previous week showed everything to be right on target. During yesterday's visit he doctor struggled to find the heartbeat, but eventually did, so we had happy faces.

Although the due date is January 6 (Epiphany and Daddy's birthday), we know from my the location of my previous c-section that I am at high risk for uterine rupture, so the baby will probably be born around 36 or 37 weeks, another c-section.

AND the writing is on the wall for a long haul with gestational diabetes (GD). I've been taking initial fasting numbers at home and they are already high. The first trimester is usually marked with hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, and when the placenta takes over, the tendency for higher glucose numbers kicks in. So I have a 3 hour glucose test to take in the next week, and then back to the endocrinologist for regular visits all through this pregnancy.

While I knew this was a possibility, because I had this with my son's pregnancy, I was hoping it wouldn't happen this time. It was really, really hard. I am very sensitive to blood sugar changes, and I just felt plain awful. It was diagnosed at 12 weeks, and I was on insulin by 20 weeks. My numbers were brittle, and it was hard to keep things under control, even with a high protein, complex carb diet. It is so hard to constantly be thinking of food--(force)eating every few hours, having to choose very specific foods, pricking the finger about 4-6 times a day. Truly one feels so saddled by Brother Ass (my body).

So I'm facing the day with very mixed emotions. God has given us another miracle pregnancy. Truly every day is a marvel. But I do dread taking up this cross of GD. I am praying for the grace to have the strength to deal with this one day at a time. I know it's a small cross in the scheme of things, and I pray that my sufferings will benefit this child--both in body and in soul.

I'm probably the last person in the 4Real Community who hasn't bought Melissa Wiley's Little House books (Charlotte and Martha years). Since I had a son who couldn't read yet, I thought I would wait and use my money in other ways. But I was getting nervous, because the books were being abridged, some were out of print, and when searching in my used book spots I could never find a copy. And the 4Real Learning boards made it worse, because some people were searching for so long for certain titles.

So when I caught her recent post about Two More Places to buy her unabridged versions, I took the plunge and bought them all.

I now can breathe more easily...my quest is over. They aren't hardback, sigh...but at least I'll have a complete collection.

Now I hope this baby is a girl for all those girl books I've been collecting...and I hope dh understands. ;-)

This is a various and sundry post....I have so many blog posts to do, but not much time. Let me count the ways: It still hurts to sit for long periods; my son is sick--droopy and clingy; I'm in my 12th week, but still having waves of nausea; my sister from Nebraska is in town; and I'm working on the Real Learning Conference.

I know I was tagged for a few memes. I haven't forgotten, just haven't done them, yet!

• Don't miss the top illustration from http://thecrescat.blogspot.com/. Truly echoes my opinion! HT to Fr. Z.



• Speaking of the Conference, please come! Here's the information on the conference, including a registration form and brochure. I am speaking with Dawn on living the Liturgical Year.
  
  Here's the bulletin announcement:
  
  

  Real Learning Home Education Conference
  
  Saturday, August 11 at Seton School, 9314 Maple Street, Manassas, VA.
  
  Local writer and home educator Elizabeth Foss and others will focus on how to develop the whole personality of the child--heart, soul and mind. Registration (which includes lunch) is $20.00 by July 11, $25.00 after. For more information, a list of vendors, or a registration form email: 4reallearningconference@gmail.com or visit http://ebeth.typepad.com/conference/.

  
  
  Please email me if you would like to put this into your Church bulletin or local homeschool group. Maybe some brochures in the back of church or passed out with mother's groups?
  
  Any help passing on the word would be terrific!



• Sunday was the Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist. Just like last year, I missed the feast for a blog post. Don't miss this thread for links, ideas, and a great blog post from Aussie Annie.



• Today is the Feast of St. Josemaria Escriva. I've written in the past about the special significance of this saint. Today is my son's patronal feast day, and one of our family's patron saint. We can't attend this year (again) the Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, because ds is sick...but maybe next year.

MaryM alerted 4Realers of the ability to see the space station and space shuttle in our night skies, so dh and I went out at 9:21 to search the heavens.

We weren't even sure what to look for, but we did find it. It was so neat, and we'll be back tomorrow night.

But after such enjoyable 3 minutes, I managed to miss a step on our deck stairs and hurt my backside and left foot. I have a bruised tailbone for sure. We are so thankful I didn't fall front ways.

Let this be a warning to you: watch where you are going. Those who keep their eyes fixed up in the sky can have feet fail them.

I don't know how career women who are also mothers do it. I'm running ragged and it's only day 3. It's so hard to leave the house in the morning, not be home all day, and return to have to do everything (cook, laundry, clean) squeezed at night. I pray that my husband can always support us so I can be at home. I need the sanity!

Anyway, I gasped to realize that today is the feast of St. Anthony of Padua. How could I miss it! This is patronal feast in our family, as my mother's maiden name was Anthony, besides the great devotion on all sides of the family to this favorite saint.

But last year was no different-- I was late for the feast!

I know I will have no time for special foods or preparation, but just a quick thank you and a visit to the Blessed Sacrament today.

St. Anthony, pray for us!

This week is I will have minimal blogging (and energy) as I'm taking Level 1 training of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

This class is such a blessing, and I'm really, really enjoying it all. More thoughts later when I have time, except for this little tidbit.

One of the things that excites me most is that Mother Superior of the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa's order) decided that her sisters need to learn this catechesis method, and sent 10 of her sisters to take this training class. These sisters are missionaries in different parts of the United States, and their nationalities are from all over the world.

What a blessing to all of us to have their presence! And since my son is there on the premises with me (babysitting services, but he's with his cousins), he's witnessing these sisters, also. They are making a huge impression on him.

These sisters came under obedience. They have not read, researched, or done anything about Montessori or this Catechesis previously. During the introductions one even said "I'm taking Level I training, whatever Level 1 and Catechesis might be!" Even without prior knowledge they have quickly managed to get to the heart of the method so easily and directly. Listening to their questions and observations one can almost see the Holy Spirit at work! It is just so beautiful to hear their thoughts.

Today we heard of a mother who delivered prematurely; her baby is only about 2 pounds. The instructor asked the sisters what prayer would they say, and they explained that Mother Teresa taught them that when something came up that couldn't "wait" for a nine-day novena, they do a "Flying Novena" -- 9 Memorares -- and then a prayer of Thanksgiving assuming that the prayer was answered. So we all prayed 9 Memorares, and then a Glory Be.

I had just told a friend this weekend that I pray the 9 Memorares very frequently for all the special intentions on the 4Real Learning board, especially when I lie awake in the middle of the night and can't sleep. It was so wonderful to actually pray with the sisters this prayer tradition.

My bed beckons....

I just spent a few hours at the IHM Conference. I didn't go to any talks, and only bought a few books. I spent most of my chit-chatting.

Let me just say it's not usual for me to be so friendly and outgoing, but today I visited with so many. I got to meet some 4Realers for the first time in real life. What joy! It was so wonderful to be able to hug and place them in the IRL category!

Did I remember to bring a camera and take pictures? Of course not! I was too busy chatting!!! Sorry if I talked everyone's ear off! It was so good to see old friends and meet new ones. I wasn't able to link up with everyone...maybe next time!

I just noticed -- this is my 250th post. Do I really have that much to say?

As the baby grows (9 1/2 weeks), a few things that I've noticed:

• My son's eagerness for a baby: We haven't told him yet, as waiting is so long for a child. But I do believe he has a sense of something. Lately he can't stop talking about babies. He surprised me one night with an exasperated "When is our baby going to come?" I at first thought dh might have told him, but I played dumb and said "What baby?" His answer came "The one Jesus is going to send to us." So I had to explain if God answers our prayers that it will take a while, because the baby has to grow in Mommy's tummy.
  
  The past two weeks, his little blankie is a baby. He cares and tends to it just like a real baby. Perhaps I should get a baby doll....



• Some scents should be outlawed: I can function okay in the nausea department until I leave home. The variety of smells is overpowering. The biggest offender for me is anything that even faintly smells like patchouli fragrance. Even when I'm not pregnant that can send me gagging, but now that scent really is overpowering and debilitating.



• Call Me a Living Target: Ds wants to hug and snuggle with me, especially when I need to take a break or recline. Of course, he's a wiggler, and he manages to hurt me every time we have these bonding moments. Let's just say the upper chest area seems to be the main target -- an elbow here, accidentally push off there, and OUCH!!!
  
  I had a new injury yesterday. It's not directly pregnancy related, but it definitely comes from this "have to be with Mommy". I had to get new eyeglasses because my ear piece on the old pair suddenly snapped and of course, the frame was discontinued. We picked them up yesterday, and while wanting to be with Mommy in the armchair, boom! an accidental hit on the side of my frame, which hit the bridge of my nose. Results are I can't wear the new frames for a few days.



• Maternity Clothing: It's so hard during this time to feel feminine and beautiful, and the maternity clothing market isn't helping me much. I mentioned I pulled out my box of maternity clothes from 4 years ago. Blech!
  
  I went shopping yesterday at Motherhood Maternity. I was able to find a few skirts and one pair of capris. Did you know they have changed the over the belly maternity panel? It doesn't scoop down and come low anymore, but it's more a few inches on top of the waistband. What ingenuity and improvement! I can turn down the top right now and wear the skirts now.
  
  Now, as far as shirts, this is one of the hardest things. I don't want tents, I don't want clingy or see-through. I want natural fibers (I'm hot!). I don't normally wear pink, flowery, peasanty, ruffly, or frilly. Have you peeked into these stores lately? After listing what I don't wear, I've narrowed my choices to almost nihil. AND the short sleeves they are presenting are the least flattering for a pregnant mama -- banded, puffy, or capped all hit the unflattering top part of the arm. Get a clue!



• Happy Feet: My feet were already beginning to hurt, and it was time for some new sandals (the ones I have were bought for last pregnancy). I wear Eurocomfort type shoes to support my flat feet and metatarsal arch problems. Mephisto and Dansko to the rescue. Gorgeous? No, but oh, my feet are in heaven! Dh is NOT going to like the Mephisto ones...



• Nausea or Indigestion?: I don't have MORNING sickness. Morning is my best time. But come around noon, and that nausea creeps in. But does it classify as nausea if everything repeats on me and makes me sick to my stomach? Because that's the other symptom. So I feel sick before and after I eat!
  
  And munching on almonds doesn't help to keep up my blood sugar or keep down my nausea. I thought I would try again, but they are hard on my stomach, and made it much worse for me. Back to the drawing board for a packable emergency snack.



• My husband is awesome: What a jewel he is! When he's home, he picks up the slack, and he hasn't complained or made comments about the fact that things are not orderly or getting done. He's thankful for the small amounts I can do. I can rest and relax when he's at home. What a blessing!

I mentioned in my Memorial Day post about our beginning interest in birds. I am hoping to get an Birdsong Identiflyer, but in the meantime, ds and I have enjoyed Learn Bird Songs site.

But yesterday I found Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song by Les Beletskey at Costco. This is absolutely wonderful! The book is beautiful, and then it has numbered recordings to match the book to listen to the bird songs. Ds is really enjoying it. It's also a great way for him to recognize and match numbers, as well. It's not as durable or portable as the Identiflyer, but at less than $30 it's a great resource.