Lift up ye gates...

Processing to the new temple.

 

Removing icons of Christ and Theotokos from the iconostasis

The procession begins



Gospel and Icons begin their journey



Procession around the new temple

Gathering in front

Fr Alexander reads the Gospel

Subdeacon Innocent leads into the new temple

The Church follows

Entryway

More than 30 years of prayers, dreams, and more prayers

Most Holy Father Symeon, intercede unto God for us.

The Big Reveal

I hinted last week of a surprise I've planned for Matushka Anna. And here it is.

Shown for length, I hope her Godmother didn't have trouble through the Baptism managing the 40 inch gown!

When Miss Moppet's godparents asked me to make the gown, I was so excited, I couldn't wait. I knew almost exactly what I wanted to make. The only thing that didn't work out was a scalloped hemline, with lace peeking out through the scallops. I think the final results worked out much better!

Hanging on my decorated mantle.

Several years ago, the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God was traveling through the United States on it's journey to Russia. We were blessed to visit it in Atlanta, at a last minute scheduling. We drove to St John the Wonderworker parish, and waited for the historic miracle-working icon to arrive. I had thought to bring a ribbon with me, not sure if they would have icon cards available for purchase. They had cards, so I grabbed a few for godchildren and family members.



Smocking details

We were able to venerate the icon, after completing the prayers to the Mother of God, and when I reached the Icon, +Fr Jacob Myer took the cards and the ribbon from me, and blessed them by laying them on the icon as I venerated.

Top detail

So back to the dress. I thought- what a wonderful idea to put a piece of the ribbon into the dress! I don't know that anyone's ever done that, but it's worth a try.

Bonnet

I told her godparents about the idea, and they loved it! So, in it went- just a tiny loop in the neckline of the gown, but enough to give Miss Moppet her first relic and icon card of the wonder-working icon.

Of course, when I told Matushka Anna about the relic, she was delighted. Godmother had already shared the secret, and I was told Fr was slightly anxious. Given the introduction of " Guess what Susanna's doing to the gown!" .. I don't blame him. Here's a short description of his first thought.. however, I think he was pleasantly surprised.

The lace peeks out perfectly!

So, my dear Miss Moppet, you have a great treasure in your gown that your godparents so lovingly chose for you. It was an honor for me to make it; I hope this is the first of many things I'm able to make you


God Grant you Many Years!

Making an Appearance

I've been away for a few .....months, so I have some catching up to do.

First, please forgive me for not blogging. I've been a little preoccupied with some other things.

Family, sewing, and work have been on the top of my list. Work has kept me very busy, but it's been very rewarding. OPL is a great work environment, and I love my job. My responsibilities become more challenging each day, and it's a wonderful breath of fresh air to know I have such accomplished individuals around me.

Though I haven't photographed everything I've made this year, I've been busy smocking. I've made several dresses, and have several more to go before this year's over.

Our church started a building project. St Symeon the New Theologian Orthodox Church has photos up. We also recorded a new CD, or 3. You can hear them at the link, or on Ancient Faith Radio.

My Nephew was in Cub/Boy Scouts this year. He accomplished a great deal in a year, including the highest honors in Cub Scouts. His first year he participated, he won second place in the pack with his pinewood derby.

His car is the blue one. His designs and his work. So proud of him!

 

 And, someone has a surprise coming!

I've been asked to make a very special baptismal gown for a long awaited, much prayed for, and dearly loved little angel,

 







 

But I've been asked not to post it until after December 14, so you'll have to admire the garment bag and candle bow. When I'm able to post the gown, I'll post the whole story of the gown too. I'm giddy waiting to share, but I'll respect the request of the recipient

 

Now that things are settling down, I'll have more time to blog.

Come Bless the Lord

What do you get when you cross a young man with a passion with a choir's hidden ability? .... First, we got Fire and Light. Remember it? Here's the link.. The choir had a wonderful time recording this, but we've grown. So.. here's a preview for the second.. yes next cd..

Come Bless the Lord is a compilation of our weekly favorite arrangements. I'll have more information when it's available. Hopefully, before Christmas!  Here's a link to St Symeon CD ordering information.

As Many As Have Been Baptized Into Christ

So, after many years of prayers... well, pictures are better than words. ... 

I only made 3 robes this time.
See more here. 

Brilliant photos

Pascha dresses. Both these girls are now big sisters! 

Since my last post, I've finished several dresses. Here are 2 for cousins. 

I've also started a new career path. Who knew my sewing skills would lead me to optical lenses. Here's the website.

Affectionately known as OPL

So, hopefully I'll be able to post a few more times, and be a little more active. Please forgive me for my absence. 

Fireplace, Creativity and Hot Beverages

Please forgive me- I've been on a holiday of sorts. Employment and a family loss means less blog posts. I'll work more diligently to maintain posting through the holidays.

I've just made a trip to the craft store, and returned with 4 new projects I'll be posting later. My darling niece will receive another bishop dress, this one is " Sugar and Spice". She'll also have a bubblegum pink scarf to match her coat. Her brother gets a blue scarf, and my nephew has given his request for a larger hat " with ears".  He chose a homespun navy yarn. I expect it will be very handsome!

While on my holiday, I had an interesting conversation about flavored coffee recipes, you know  the ones in the rectangular cans everyone loves but hates the price tag. I love those in the winter, and sometimes adding a package of hot chocolate to a cup of coffee just doesn't do it.

While I know there are several versions posted online, I've had this list for more than 10 years, and have tried every recipe repeatedly. These make great gifts jarred or bagged with a lovely decoration. They're versatile enough to use for any occasion, and my favorite is curled up in front of my fireplace with my family around me.

They're easy enough to combine in a blender or food processor, and if you prefer to have a lower calorie option, simply replace the sugar with your favorite yellow, green, or blue bag.

BAVARIAN MINT2/3 c. Instant Coffee
1 c. Sugar
1 Rounded tsp. loose, dried mint leaves
2/3 c. non-dairy creamer

SWISS MOCHA1 c. Instant Coffee
1 c. Sugar
2 c. nonfat dry milk
4 tsp. cocoa powder

CAFE L’ORANGE
2/3 c. Instant Coffee
1 c. Sugar
Dried crushed orange peel
¼ tsp. Cinnamon

CAFE VIENNA MIX
1 c. Sugar
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1  c. Non-dairy Creamer
1  c. Nonfat dry milk
4 Tbsp. Cocoa
1 c. Instant coffee

CAFE MOCHA2/3 c. Instant Coffee
3 Tbsp. Unsweetened Cocoa
1 1/3 c. Sugar
1 c. Non-dairy Creamer
¼ c. Nonfat dry milk

CAFE AU LAIT MIX
One 11-oz jar Non-Dairy Creamer
½ c. Packed Brown Sugar
½ c. Instant Coffee crystals
Dash of Salt
(Use ¼ c. mix to 2/3 c. hot water)

CINNAMON ‘N SPICE2/3 c. Instant Coffee
1 1/3 c. Sugar
½ tsp. Cinnamon
½ tsp. Nutmeg
½ tsp. Allspice

CAFE VIENNA
1 c. Instant Coffee
1 1/3 c. Sugar
1 1/3 c. Nonfat Dry Milk
1 tsp. Cinnamon

TOFFEE COFFEE
1 c. Instant Coffee
1 c. Non-Dairy Creamer
1 c. Brown Sugar

ITALIAN MOCHA ESPRESSO
½ c. Instant Coffee
½ c. Sugar
2 ¼ c. Cocoa Powder

CAFE ORANGE CAPPUCCINO1 c. Instant Coffee
1 ½ c. Sugar
2 c. Nonfat Dry Milk
1 tsp. Dry Orange Peel

RUSSIAN TEA1 c. Instant Tea
1 9 oz. Jar Tang
1 3-oz pkg. pre-sweetened Lemonade
½ tsp. Ground Cloves ( I prefer 2 tsp of cinnamon to the ground cloves!) 
1 tsp. Cinnamon
Mixing Directions for Russian Tea: Mix ingredients together. Makes a little over one pint dry mix. To serve, use 2 tsp. in 1 cup of boiling water.

Enjoy!!

Chasing Waterfalls

This week some of the young adults from church invited nephew and me  on a waterfall hunt, with a return bonfire at the Compound ( otherwise known as our backyard). We were thrilled to go. I have wanted to explore this area of the state for a while, and couldn't wait until they arrived.  It was a perfect day, warm enough to brave the cool waters, and cool enough to enjoy the car ride. Armed with a few backpacks, swimsuits, and a good deal of bottled water, we started our mission.

Our first stop proved an easy enough hike from the parking area- literally a few steps! We happily donned water shoes and headed towards the babbling creek bed and moss covered rocks. We had a few slips and slides here and there, but reached the top of the falls safely. One at a time, we found our way down thanks to a knotted rope, and slid the last 10 feet into the pool below, gasping in shock as we hit the 60 degree water.

The priest's son was the first one to find the best slide on the waterfall, and then to challenge the whole group follow suite. My nephew was the second to try out the new-found thrill. Cliff jumping and more challenges followed, but never too far fetched to be ridiculous.  I enjoyed my view perched on a rock on one side of the fall, wishing my aging body was able to perform the feats I observed.

Kinlock Falls- The rope on the right of the picture was our gateway- the 'cliffs' are just out of the photo on the left

Rain started falling, and we decided to move to another spot. Most everyone was able to climb back up the waterfall, but with me not being able to move as I once had, I fell. Nothing serious, just enough to scrape my knuckles and knees.Not to worry, we found another, much easier way out.  We made it back to the van and headed on. Reading the directions repeatedly, we started  looking for the mysterious gate at the head of the next trail. Finally spotting the elusive entrance, we started down the trail. After walking 10 minutes down a not-so-slight decline, we found the waterfall, and started looking for the trail down. 2 other hikers/campers pointed us to the steep descent, and we were in for a surprise.

Breathtaking! Caney Creek Falls. Someone had drawn a cross on one of the rocks- of course one of our group "fixed" it - to a 3 bar cross.

 The next challenge I heard was " Everyone take a shower!" Just out of the picture on the right is a rock that juts perfectly into the pool, giving an ethereal view of this spectacular creation. Taking care of my scuffed knuckles and wounded pride, I decided to sit on the rock and watch everyone else swim for a while. I was greatly rewarded as I observed God's creation. How I have missed sights like this!

We knew there was another fall about a 30 minute hike downstream. We packed up and headed out. The trail hadn't been used heavily, and we had a great time finding the snaking path at times. It was so close to the creek at times we felt we might fall in.  30 minutes of hiking proved fruitless, and we continued another 10 minutes, justifying it by saying we were slow hikers... or translation... I was a slow hiker! ( I just need practice!)

Again, our patience was rewarded when we came to the top of the falls. I  lagged behind a bit, and after the hike down didn't feel I could persuade my failing body ( it wasn't that bad..) to climb down the branches leaning against the rock giving access to the pool. ( The branch is on the right side of the photo, against the rocks). This is the view I couldn't see....

Lower Caney Creek Falls

The kids had a wonderful time playing, but since there wasn't a great place to jump off, we didn't stay long, and considering the time, we decided we needed to begin the 2 hour trek back to The Compound. 

After a quick hot dog and hamburger dinner, the finishing touch was a bonfire in our backyard. I think it was a lovely day. Unfortunately, due to all his swimming this week, nephew wound up with an ear infection, poor thing! He'll heal- I think he had the most fun of us all! 

Thanks to the Big Kids who invited us along. Can't wait to do it again!