Thanksgiving: My Weekend in Pictures

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed the long weekend.  My weekend flew in much activity. 

Thanksgiving Day went well. I managed to cook the entire meal without any incidents.  My parents and I went to Mass and got better seats than last year.  The service as usual was extremely beautiful.  The altar was wonderfully decorated.  There were three choirs and three homilies because it was a trilingual service and of course the offering dance from the Vietnamese community.  We left the service extremely filled with God’s Spirit and got home to decorate our Christmas tree.  I have an artificial tree because I feel like it’s such a waste to buy trees every year, it’s my way of being green during this season (smile).  Then I started to cook all the side dishes, my nephew was in helper mode after decorating the tree and he volunteered to be my assistant chef. We finished our labors right on schedule.  The dinner turned out great, though my mash potatoes were a bit dry.  We went around the dinner table and gave thanks concluding with a toast to God, cheers! We had great conversation recalling past years and my parents mentioned how much they loved that we started celebrating Thanksgiving Day as a family.  That made me swell with joy.

 Offering dance.

So beautiful!

On Friday, I was exhausted from my previous day of much activity, but managed to finish most of the inside decorating.  I tried avoiding the stores, I am not a black Friday shopper.  My best Friend and I went one year because our favorite store was giving away cute clutches and we waited in line for that clutch for over three hours – that was enough to never try black Friday shopping again.  We were supposed to hang the outside lights, but watched a Vicente Fernandez concert special instead (smile).

 Never too old for silliness!

 With the bride and my cousins.

It was pouring in CA.

Pretty flowers.

With my my family!

Saturday, my cousin got married and I got to hang out with my entire family (which is huge).  The wedding took place in a yacht in Newport Beach and was quite a fancy affair.  The thing about getting married in such a venue is that guest can’t leave whenever we want- we are stuck until the celebration ends, I guess that means P-A-R-T-Y.  Also, it was a tight space for our large family...  But being together and country folk- we had great laughs trying to be upper class for one night (smile).  We also had a great time in the photo booth with mom.

Advent Mary Icon.

 This year's class.

The beautiful wreaths.

Sunday, we had RCIA class (I know we are strict teachers) because we will have two weekends off in December due to holidays.  Previously, we had given the students a wreath with candles to decorate at home.  Yesterday, they brought them back fully decorated for an Advent Wreath Contest.  We had one lucky, happy winner.  Afterwards, everyone got a calendar to use as a guide to pray with their Advent wreaths at home with their families.  They also got an icon of the Virgin Mary pregnant with Jesus to place beside their wreaths at home.

I never got to decorate the outside of my house, but hopefully this afternoon.  How was your long weekend?

A Time to be Thankful

I am an immigrant, so we haven’t always celebrated Thanksgiving in my home.  It wasn’t until I was at a friend’s house one Thanksgiving night that she asked me what my parents and family were doing that night.  I didn’t like my reply, “my parents are at home and my siblings are at friend’s homes because we don’t typically celebrate Thanksgiving.”  It was a long drive home that night and I kept picturing my parents alone in the dark living room by themselves while their children all spent time with other families on the traditional American holiday.  This horrible feeling of shame, of sadness took over and that day I vowed that we would start celebrating Thanksgiving as a family.  The following year I learned to cook a turkey and slowly how to make the whole meal.  Since, every year I cook the entire Thanksgiving feast- it’s actually a really simple dinner, but because I don’t often cook my family makes a huge deal about it (smile).  One thing I have always done is decorate our home and tree on the day of.  It was something my brother-in-heaven and I used to do together on that day.  Now because I cook, I try to do the decorating during the long weekend - my dad and nephew love to help me.  We still will try to hang the lights outside to work off our Thanksgiving dinner as to not break tradition (smile). 

A few years ago we also, started attending Mass.  I usually, put the turkey in the oven and off we go.  I love going to the parish where I help with RCIA because they have a trilingual service, which happens to be my favorite service of the year.  The three communities English, Spanish and Vietnamese come together and the church is beyond packed- so much so that if one doesn’t go early one will stand for the entire celebration.  This year, am hoping to go early enough to be towards the front pews because the Vietnamese youth always does a traditional, offering dance during the service.  It’s such a beautiful form of prayer, absolutely magical.  And to hear all of us together worship in various languages gives me chills!  It’s my November glimpse of heaven.

Before dinner, my family gathers together and we begin by doing a toast.  Each of us goes around the table and thanks God for whatever is in our heart and then we toast to Him.  We normally stay home because my sister visits her in-laws and then us.  Though my relatives do a big gathering in Riverside (where most live), we stay home so my sister and her family can be with us.  It’s a simple celebration, but we are a simple bunch.  How do you celebrate Thanksgiving?

Los Rios Ranch Apple Picking Birthday Review

“So, what are we doing for your birthday this year?” My sister asked.

“We are going apple picking,” I answered.  

She looked a little confused, but being my sister she knows that I usually steer from the typical birthday dinner in the direction of more creative options.  Most of my closest friends are married and have children so I wanted to do something inclusive of all ages.  My parents are recently retired and they want to go everywhere with me now, so I also wanted to do something they would enjoy too.  I had heard of Oak Glen through a coworker, but I was unsure about it because from where I live it’s almost two hours away.  Yet, I figured I would run it through my friends and see if they thought their children could handle the drive.  I have the best friends because they all agreed to jump into the apple picking adventure.

I must say, that I was still a little concerned since we were driving so far out for just a one day trip, but it was totally worth it.  My parents, like the kids, were in heaven because there was a petting zoo and they got to interact with goats, rabbits, pigs, hens… The whole lot of barn animals.  I was equally delighted because I love animals and seeing everyone participate in the fun filled my heart with gladness.  That was our first stop – the petting zoo.  The cool thing about this petting zoo is that it’s not like the city type of petting zoos where animals are fenced in, here they are in a rural setting in a very real farm environment.  For a five dollar entrance fee children and adults get a tray of veggies to go inside and feed the animals.  We all went in and played with our favorite farm animals, I got to hold the fluffiest rabbit!

 Feeding the animals.

Being silly!

Cute little goats.

My parents being cute!

Afterward, we headed to the U-Press Cider station where we got to fill a bucket full of all types of apples to make our own apple cider.  For a twenty-dollar fee we were given a huge bucket to fill with all types of apples that are grown on site.  Afterwards, the kids got their hands wet washing the apples before starting the juicing process.  It was really neat to learn in such a hands on way how juice is made, the children as well as the adults really enjoyed the process.  For lunch we all had a glass of the delicious apple cider we made- it was so yummy!

 Wash, wash, wash...

Press, press, press...

The finished product.

Tired from our labors we took a six dollar hayride around the entire Los Rios Ranch.  The farm sheriff was our tour guide and he shared a great deal about the history of the ranch, the various apples they grow, and the process of harvesting.  They have these really dark apples, almost black in color and he said that they were the inspiration for the Snow White apple in the Disney movie!  The adults appreciated the great information and beautiful terrain while the children enjoyed being pulled by horses.

To end our day we had a yummy BBQ lunch on site (prices are reasonable).  As we ate a folk band played some cool tunes that filled our lunch with delightful sounds.  Then, we enjoyed some birthday cake and presents.

 Live music.

Enjoying our picnic lunch. 

My awesome homemade cake!

While apple picking season had ended and there was no apple picking to be done, we still had such an amazing time and were able to taste most of the apple varieties grown on site.  I totally recommend it and felt like a post was necessary because when I was researching the location I couldn’t find a whole lot of information about it.  There’s also a store on the grounds with yummy treats.  Oak Glen is made up of many different farms, while we went to the biggest one- there’s others in the area that offer similar activities.  So, if you have a desire for a little fall fun Oak Glen is the place.   

Mi familia! 

Advent: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

On Sunday, a friend taught our RCIA students on the Catholic Liturgical Calendar.  As, I introduced the speaker I told my students how if they thought Mexican’s were festive people- they were about to find out that Catholics beat them!  No sooner had I hopped on the Catholic train than I realized that throughout the year we celebrate all types of neat occasions.  That certain traditions help to bring families together and to bring them together under God.  Like this coming Sunday we celebrate my favorite titles for Jesus, Cristo Rey, Christ the King.  We have arranged a great celebration for our students, with treats and the singing of the traditional militant Catholic song “Viva Cristo Rey.”  We will of course give a short summary of the Cristeros and the significance of our hymn.

At home I can’t wait to start our annual Advent Calendar.  Last year I bought on sale the Starbucks ornament Advent Calendar (always thrifty is my motto) and this year I have filled the baubles with yummy surprises for my nephew to discover.  After we read a part of the Christmas Story, from a chapter book, Child of the Promise, he will open his ornament and hang it on our tree!  I might be more excited than him (smile).  He really loves to do these things with me, sometimes I am so tired from my day’s work, but the kiddo searches for me and perseveres until we complete our daily goal.  During the reading of the Christmas Story he usually has a lot of good questions- as he’s getting older the questions often send me in search of the correct answers.  Though it’s a commitment to work on the calendar daily and sometimes we might miss a day, I want to enjoy these moments while I have my nephew’s interest.  My dog of course usually participates, by keeping a close eye on those treats, lest one falls down and he quickly picks it up with a lick (smile).

 Our local parish had a couple Advent devotionals for families, I'll see which one works best for us.

I love this chapter book it has beautiful artwork and great narratives of the Christmas story.

Another of our annual traditions is the Advent wreathe.  Last year, in after Christmas sales I got myself this really cool looking wreathe with the nativity scene (I collect Nativities so this was such a great find) and I just can’t wait to use it.  Usually, this is something that I try to do with my parents on Sundays.  We normally light the candle together and unite in prayer.  It’s something really simple, but it’s so cute because my dad always reminds me if I forget.  He has such a funny sense of humor and usually makes some joke about my forgetfulness and by the time we finish our prayer we are just so full of joy.

I am not married, nor do I have any kids- but even as a single person I have found that instituting some traditions into my life and the life of my loved ones makes waiting for Jesus so much more special.  The great thing is that they are so open and willing to try these traditions with me.  Sometimes, some of the activities that I propose tank, but I have found that for this time of year these two activities bring enjoyment and a deepening of faith for my pack.  Do you have any Advent traditions?               

Catholic Parishes Always Open

You know something that I always found fascinating about the Catholic Church, that the doors to parishes are always open.  If I want to begin my day with Mass and linger after to pray, if I want to swing by during my lunch hour, if I want to stop on my way home, or go say goodnight before I hit my bed the doors await open.  God is everywhere, no argument there, but when I step in a place of worship the aesthetics help my thoughts center on God.  As I step inside my hand mechanically searches for the holy water to bless myself, that small action begins this deep spiritual experience.  Though some parishes have chapels, I like to get myself comfortable in a pew in the main building first.  I love being alone in such a vast building because it makes me feel small and God bigger than life.  Most times I sit in silence, other times I pray or read the bible.  It’s just so nice to be there, alone and feel like I have God’s undivided attention.  Last night, I went directly to the Chapel because I really needed to be that much closer to God.  At the parish I went to, they had three large candles hanging from the ceiling above the tabernacle and it made me think of the trinity.  There I was feeling defeated and God was telling me that I am not alone, it was so healing to be surrounded by my triune God.  I prayed the rosary then sat in silence just lost in the pleasure of being in the presence of my omnipotent God. 

As I was leaving I stopped by to light a candle at the Virgen de Guadalupe image.  That’s another Catholic practice that is also very dear to me.  I love extending my prayer through the small action of lighting a candle on behalf of a person who I think needs it.  Sacramentals are special to me, I just love having solid ways to live out my faith.  I find it extremely interesting that the Catholic Church (in its wisdom) uses the physical world to help us enter into the spiritual.  The simplicity of lighting a candle helps me remember and understand more deeply the words of our Lord, “I am the Light of the world.”

Before I got to the door I noticed a statue of Saint Therese and I made my way over to her for a little bit.  She’s a saint that really inspires me and who I hold a special devotion.  I am so glad she was there last night because she helped me remember to be small.  She reminded me that she had challenges and trials in the convent with other sisters, but she always chose to be kind and endure the hurts.  She not only motivated me, but gave me such encouragement.

I know that many of us probably have never really thought much about our parishes being so available, but am so happy that the Catholic Church literally keeps an open door policy (smile).  Come in, pray and stay. 

Tips for Hosting a Small Bible Study/ Prayer Group

My home is my happy place as our homes should be to all of us; yet, when it comes to hosting it’s difficult for me to literally let people in.  To invite you in means that I am letting you see a side of me that few people see.  If I really trust you then I welcome you in whether my home is clean or a big mess.  Only a small number have that privilege, the majority of my hosting is usually planned and my house meticulously cleaned.  I think hosting for most people is a little stress inducing, that’s why a friend asked me to write a post with tips on hosting a small bible study/ prayer group at home.  First, know that the anxiety one feels is extremely normal and universal.  My best friend is a social butterfly, she is the opposite of me, extremely extroverted; yet, every time she hosts she gets wildly crazy.  Hosting is a position of service- of making sure others feel welcomed and are comfortable during the duration of the event; thus, being a good hostess requires a little practice, patience and perseverance.  In addition to prayer.  Praying for me about things that challenge me really help me get to the root of my insecurities and find solutions for those “fears” ahead of time.  When I hosted my first bible study group, I was so nervous and almost cancelled every day before the big night, but thanks to the plan below I got through it and it turned into a Lent and Advent yearly hosting tradition!  

Prayer- Pray for the members of your group, if they've expressed a specific need lift them up to the Holy Spirit.  And pray for all your group that God will guide the gatherings and open the participants hearts to spiritual growth, renewal and new experiences.

Hospitality- Prepare your home for the arrival of your group by making it warm and inviting.  Usually a clean house, especially an orderly room where you will all gather and a supplied restroom will do the trick (smile).  I am a bit of a holiday nut, and I like to decorate my home seasonally appropriate.  Usually, I will put a plate of snacks on a pretty bowl.  These details usually spark conversation as we wait for all the people to arrive.  Making small conversation as people arrive is good, “how was your day,” is a great question.  I am also a hugger and usually I do three things simultaneously: welcome, hug and ask about their day while leading the person in.   

Food & Drinks- Our first stop is my kitchen where my guests can grab a cup of coffee, tea and a treat.  My groups are usually women only, so after our first meeting they usually offer to bring the snack next time (I just have really awesome friends).  If they offer let them- it’s a double good: one, you won’t have to stress about the snack the next time and you allow the person to be a helper.  Helpers are good people to have in our life.

Clear Expectations- Set the time and day of the week and stick to it.  My group meets Tuesday nights from 6-8:30 PM, some usually arrive a few minutes early and most nights we run a bit later.  After everyone (or most have arrived) I gather the flock.  It's important to begin and end on time.  The first night I explain how the group will function.   My bible study night consists of opening prayer, out loud readings of each of the upcoming Sunday readings, discussion of readings and then closing prayer to end the night.  Usually, I pray the opening prayer and then ask for volunteers to read the readings.  After each reading, I ask: “what does this reading say to you?”  On the first night I offer the first reply to my question as an example.  It’s ok to have silences as people are thinking and it’s ok if not everyone participates.  As the leader you just have to play it by ear and move the discussion as you feel the Spirit leading.  My goal is to get through the three Sunday readings by the end of the night and usually in a couple of hours that is doable.  To end the night we usually pray in one voice a prayer that I have printed out for all of us.  

Confidentiality- On the first night I also read from a guide that my parish provided the first time I hosted a group, which talks about keeping the things we share in group confidential.  Sometimes, the discussions in my small groups have gotten very personal and it’s important that people feel safe and know that what we share wont’ be gossiped about.  I also stress that we do not meet to offer unwanted personal opinions or counseling.  I think after initial prayer, it's good to go over the rules and organization on the first night.  This way people will have an understanding of what the gatherings will be like.

A good host, is also a good leader who guides the night with a good attitude.  So, imagine the perfect small group night and try to recreate it and personalize it to who you are.

The Bible & Me

Yesterday, I gave a lesson on my favorite subject, the bible, to my RCIA students.  It’s the first time I share on this topic and I was really nervous because usually the whole protestant reformation leaves students quite perplex as to why Catholics have more books in our bible.  Yet, thanks to the Holy Spirit the students seemed to capture a clear understanding of our biblical history.  There were some areas in my lesson that I think I will tweak for next time, but overall I was happy with the end result… When I was a little girl getting ready for my First Communion my mom would let me borrow her bible which was this huge book with a bright red cover.  Inside, on some pages, it had beautiful pencil illustrations and I remember jumping into those drawings and participating in the action.  Normally, I would lay on my belly and stare at those bible pages for hours- I was quite the biblical scholar (smile).  I wish I could boast that after my First Communion I continued having such a curiosity and close relationship with the Word of God, but I never read the Bible again until I became an adult.

After a few weeks of dating my ex-boyfriend, as our date ended he handed me a wrapped package and asked me to open it when I got home and I was alone.  I rushed home excited to open the gift only to discover that he had gifted me (an agnostic at the time), a bible.  For the duration of our relationship I never read it, it just sat on a book shelve.  Until, the day that I rushed to the hospital behind the ambulance that carried my brother.  It was like a reflex, as I picked up my purse I grabbed the bible.  It was at the hospital that I read the bible again as an adult.  I was in a state of desperation and I asked God to please speak to me, to give me words to comfort my family.  I opened my bible and began reading the Book of Job, because that’s where my bible had fallen opened to.  I read the book during the hours that I waited for my brother to come out of surgery and every word gave me so much ointment.  I understood that suffering has a purpose. I saw my brother in Job, because Schizophrenic people suffer greatly and lose so much - even their sanity.  The story of Job validated all of our suffering and gave it meaning.  Since that day the bible has been my rock, my well of living water, my fortress.

Some of my bibles.

At the time I didn’t know that what I was reading was not a Catholic Bible, all I knew was that I couldn’t get enough of God’s word.  That first bible got me through my first years switching through various churches.  Today, I have many bibles (I sort of collect them) when I see a bible at a used book store I just can’t resist myself (smile).  My favorite is a bilingual bible that I found at a Catholic Conference.  That’s the one I currently read (though it's not the best translation) because I lead a bilingual life.  My nephew got me the coolest doggy purse to carry it in.  As, I have become more instructed in my faith I understand the importance of having proper guidance in biblical interpretation and am learning to read the bible with a solid Catholic commentary beside it.  What's your history with the Word of God?