Cynthia's Family Blog

Broncos Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:51:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Hard to believe it's already here and past! The big adventure this month was the trip Ken and Steve took to Denver to see the Broncos play at Invesco Field on the 22nd. Sadly the team lost the game, but the guys had an interesting and exciting time anyway. They stayed with Steve's son in Colorado Springs and drove up to catch the light rail to the staduim.

Above is a photo of the entrance to the field and below some of the players arriving.

Here are Ken and Steve at the game.

Befoe the game, a group of hang-gliders landed on the field and then the team came out.

Steve bought Logan a #1 foam finger. He was quite thrilled with it. (More than with the shirt Ruth asked Ken to bring for him.)

Busy Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:10:00 +0000

You would think not much has been going on since it's been a couple months since the last post. Just hte opposite is true. Time has flown by.

Ken has a new assistant at work. I've done some book events, including one this past Sat. at the Rio Rancho Inn. We've also celebrated a few birthdays--like Ken's in October.

The calendar for the rest of the fall is looking pretty full already. The big Advent wreath here at church goes up the week before Thanksgiving and we plan to do a fast trip to Portales the first weekend of December--that's the only free weekend between now and Christmas.

Christmas--still in the planning stages, but a few gifts have been purchased. It's hard to believe it's right around the corner. Two wags of a lambs tail and it will be here.

Fishing

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:44:00 +0000

Ken promised to take Logan fishing about a month ago after Logan saw the fishing rods in the garage. After trying & trying to find time to take Logan fishing at Fenton Lake, Ken finally took today off for a closer to home fishing day.

The Nortons all went off to Tingley Beach (here in ABQ) with him. Here are some photos of the excursion. There was a fish actually caught toward the end of the time there, but as that picture is on Ruth's camera, you'll have to check her blog for proof. I hear that Logan wasn't impressed with the fish flopping around on the deck anyway.

Getting it all ready was kind of boring...The fishing itself was fun, though.

Tinkertown and Sandia Crest

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 20:24:00 +0000

Yesterday we decided to 'do nothing' and go out to see Tinkertown. It was a nice drive to the other side of the mountains. Tinkertown is just a little over a mile up the road toward Sandia Crest.

Tinkertown itself is a museum comprised of the carvings and collections of Ross Ward. He was a talented carver and worked as a painter of things like carousel horses for carnivals and circuses. Some of the displays move and others are items, like old tools and swords he collected. The building itself is interesting because it's made of glass bottles cemented together.

After the museum we decided to go on up to the Crest. It was a clear day and the view was, as usual, amazing. It's been a while since we were up to the Crest and the number of houses closer to the foot of the mountain astonished me--although it shouldn't since there has been so much building over the past few years.

We walked along the crest trail for a ways, but didn't go all the way. I wasn't wearing hiking shoes and we did have water or sunscreen. It was also lunch time, so we went back down the mountain to Balsam Glade where there are picnic tables. After lunch we explored the trail there. It turns out that Balsam Glade was a YMCA camp in the 50's, but the steps to the mess hall are the only evidence of that. From the end of the trail, you can see across the valley looking East, so we got to see the view from both sides of the mountain.

Mid Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:49:00 +0000

Goodness-I can't believe that it's the middle of July already. So much has happened this summer that I am trying to catch my breath now that things have slowed down. July has been especially busy!

First there was the Book Benefit at St. John's (technically not in July but close enough). Although only a few people turned out, it gave the authors a chance to network and chat with each other and sell a few books.

July 1 I headed off to Anaheim and the Daughters of the King Triennial with Joyce Miller a long-time DOK friend from St. Mark's. For my thoughts on that, check out the footprintsfromthebible.blogspot.com blog. We both came back with the realization that ABQ Daughters have become a bit distanced from each other and we'll work to see if we can rebuild the sisterhood that used to exist.

While I was in Anaheim, Joyce and the kiddos arrived for the 4th of July and stayed through the 12th so Joyce could attend Ruth's new catalog Stamp Camp. That was fun, esp. the day we set up the pool. While the kids splashed, Ruth found the water guns and conspired with William to get Joyce. That worked, until the tables were turned with the hose and Ruth got soaked!

After Joyce left, we welcomed Roy Hendershot (an old Army pal of Ken's). He was on his way to the Grand Canyon with his wife and a couple of friends. They stopped by for dinner of a brisket Ken smoked to perfection.

It looks like the rest of the summer will be a bit calmer--at least until the end of August.

June Adventures

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:52:00 +0000

Just over a week ago, we enjoyed the visit of Julie and her 3 children. It was a whirlwind of activity, starting with a visit to the ABQ Zoo (BioPark) on Sunday. Since the day was a bit cooler than sometimes, the animals were fairly active. We had the delight of seeing a little baby peacock and his mom.

Ruth, Dan & Logan went along and all the cousins had a great time together. The kids all almost got to touch a very tame duck who just waddled ahead of them and never did act frightened of 4 little ones running after him.

Nortons & Tompkins spent Monday together on a trip to Tent Rocks-an outcropping north of here near Cochiti Lake. We moms had a night out on Wednesday at the Tea Room-always fun. Julie was able to reconnect with several old friends. We also did some shopping.

Our final adventure of the week, was a trip to Explora Museum on Friday. We could have spent all day there, but didn't bring a lunch because we didn't know there was SOOO much to do. Julie bravely rode the balancing, suspended bicycle.

Ken and I enjoyed having them here. Andrew even passed an important milestone. He lost his first tooth while visiting.

Canyonlands

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:30:00 +0000

The vacation tour of Canyonlands was wonderful. We saw tons of rocks, but the variety and beauty kept us from being bored.

First stop was the 4 Corners Monument. I'm told that it's about 2 miles off from the actual meeting of the 4 corners, but I think they chose the only level area to put the plaque on. Anywhere else would require a lot of dirt moving to make a place for people to gather.

Then it was on up to Monticello UT where we stayed. It was about 50 miles from the parks, but over $100 cheaper/night than in Moab itself.

First day--we chose the busiest park on one of the busiest days. The day before Memorial Day in Arches. It was packed with RVs, tour buses and lots of people in regular cars. But it's big enough that except in some of the parking areas you hardly knew you weren't alone. That's when we decided that the Park Service has a different definition of gradual incline and easy walk than we do. At Balanced Rock we saw a hawk circling and think we spotted a nest up on a nearby rock.

Monday was the Needles section of Canyonlands. You go down a couple thousand feet from the main highway to get to it. There was still plenty of climbing around and up rocks to see the vistas. Canyonlands is actually 2 parts that are accessible by car, but they don't meet. Too many canyons between the sections. The Needles road ends at a drop off. You can walk down 5 miles to the River, but we didn't.

Instead we drove out to the Needles Overlook. The rising storm to the south made it incredibly windy. It's also the only place in the Park to have a sturdy fence between you and the drop off into the canyons. Despite the wind and the height, it was worth it.

The next day we 'slept in'. I think it was 7AM when we got up! Drove up to Moab with a stop at the Hole 'n the Rock--a 5000 sq. ft. house blasted out of the solid rock. There is even a chimney drilled some 60' straight down into the house.

After stopping for the tour, we went on to the Moab Library where I donated a book and then a visit to the very nice museum that covered colonization of the area. We learned that uranium was mined and made many people rich. After the mines closed, though tourism became the drawing card.

Our afternoon was spent in a jet boat on the Colorado River. The trip took us 32 miles downriver to the edge of Canyonlands with various stops along the way and then a--much faster--return trip with only a couple of stops. We did pause to watch the 4-wheelers navigate a treacherous stretch of road near the river, but despite the guide's comments, noone fell into the river from the road.

Wednesday was our last day in Canyonlands. We (I say we, but Ken did all the driving) drove through Moab and out 20+ miles to the Island in the Sky portion. While we went down into Needles, we drove up to Island in the Sky. And from there had many panoramic views of the canyons. Even though you are WAY up on the cliffs, there are no fences, so you can go right out to the very edge of the rims. I bravely went sort of close, but Ken got even closer. The best was the arch. Another 'gentle' hike of half a mile brought us to the arch, which you couldn't even see from the road. Then you could climb up above it and look out over miles of beauty.

Thursday was spent traveling from Monticello to Chama through southern CO. Pretty country, but we didn't stop for any sightseeing.

On Friday we rode the Cumbres Toltec up to Osier, CO, ate lunch, and then rode the train back down the mountain in a rain/snow/sleet storm that ended by the time we got back to Chama.

After the book fair on Saturday, we came on back home on Sunday. Three very happy cats greeted us. Sammi spent the rest of the evening scolding and still occasionally comes up with a complaint that she forgot to mention.

Family Reunion

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Wed, 06 May 2009 21:51:00 +0000

The first weekend in May found us all in Las Cruces for a family reunion, of sorts. It was a good time for all the cousins to play together and get to know each other a little bit.

After playing in the park on Friday night, we all went to bed early so we could get a good start for White Sands on Saturday. The day dawned a bit cloudy and breezy, but we perservered and had a nice morning playing in the sand despite the intermittent dust clouds. By lunch time, though, it was time to pack up and head back to the hotel.

Dinner at Dions was followed by yummy ice cream at Caliche's--a must for any visit to LC.

On Sunday morning we all played in the park. One of the highlights was chasing bubbles with a new little friend they met in the park. It took Syndl longer to join the fun because she had to get over her 'flight' from the swingset. Before lunch, Andrew and William got early birthday presents from Grandma & Grandpa--matching wood tool sets made by Grandpa. Then we all headed in different directions until next time.

Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:36:00 +0000

It was a busy Easter weekend and has been just as busy since we got home. We had a nice time with Joyce's family during the weekend and the Easter egg hunt at Willie's parent's house was fun as well.

Back to work on Tuesday and Ken's been teaching a the temporary custodian how to do the cleaning around the church, since Tony was 'let go' last Thursday. Then on Tuesday, there was more staff change when the finance officer was also relieved of his duties. That makes 3 in less than a month, if you count the priest who decided to leave as well. Whew--just when we thought we were done with the changes, they start up again.

In a couple of weeks we're looking forward to the reunion in Las Cruces. It should be fun to have all 7 cousins together. Hopefully the weather will be nice and we can go to White Sands to play.

Before that I've got a couple of book events to do. So it looks like the rest of the month will continute to be pretty busy.

Holy Week and Easter Then

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:48:00 +0000

About this time every year a hymn I learned, during my brief time in Sunday School as a child, starts running through my head. It was supposed to help children remember all the seasons of the church year, but the only line I can really recall is, "Holy Week and Easter, then, tell who died and rose again."

I hope you'll check out my Holy Week blog at my writing blog: footprintsfromthebible.blogspot.com. It was fun telling the story of the events of the first Holy Week from Palm Sunday to Easter as seen by Mary, Martha, & Lazarus!

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday and many churches will be having processions or at least special services that include palms in remembrance of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, then we immediately begin the recitation of the rest of the events of this week.

Finally, after remembering Christ's agony and death, comes the joyful surprise of the Resurrection feasts on Easter Day! It used to be that bells had their clangers removed during Lent and so they rang out extra loudly for Easter.

Of course, there is the relief that Easter fasts are past, but maybe some of the new habits of Bible study will stick with us...

Book Release

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:25:00 +0000

In response to a note that I haven't had anything to say since Groundhog Day--only a little more than a month ago--I decided to post some photos from the Book Release Open House last Sat.

This is the book display for the release. Several people bought books--always nice.

Some of the people who attended, after the tour there was time for snacks and looking at the archival stuff. I thought it was a fair turnout, considering that all the ABQ Journal put in was a paragraph in the calendar part and neither the Cathedral Chimes nor the Diocesan newsletter got to people until yesterday. One person who came after seeing the notice in the Journal was the president of the ABQ Historical Society. In the picture below she is talking to me, the Dean, Bob Sieglitz (who brought his 4 generations). She's in the flowered jacket and her friend is behind her.

There were maybe 20-25 people who stayed for the presentation, plus a couple others who came earlier or arrived after the 'tour'. One man who I had interviewed brought his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as well as a big painting of the Cathedral his wife did soon after it was constructed. Obviously she was hoping for more grass around the building than reality allows for.

Below is part of the display of old photos--these are from the pre-demolition of the old church in 1951. There was also the first photo directory from the 60's, the memorial book, Ruth's scrapbook of old photos (which impressed the historical society lady) and several other documents and pictures.

Groundhog Day

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:47:00 +0000

Feb. 2 is Groundhog Day--you know--if Punxsutawny Phil sees his shadow, the there are 6 more weeks of winter. I always feel a bit sorry for the poor groundhog who is dragged out of his cozy den just to give his opinion on the weather. I've always thought he'd be happier napping the winter though without the interruption!

Did you know there is an actual website devoted to Phil?- groundhog.org!

Feb. 2 is also Candlemas, the old name for the Feast of the Purification of Mary (Luke 2:22-24). Mostly it is now a forgotten festival, eclipsed by Punxsutawny Phil. But, what many don’t know is that there is a much older tradition which says the weather on Candlemas is a predictor of the weather for the next few weeks.

There are several ancient rhymes about this tradition. One says:
If Candlemas is mild and pure, Winter will be long for sure.

Why is the day called Candlemas? Because candles were (and are still sometimes) blessed to be taken to each person’s home as a token of God’s presence and protection. This, too is a carry-over from a more ancient tradition when the Celts kindled and blessed holy fire on Imbolc.

Feb. 2 is about 40 days after Christmas-a perfect time for reflection on and (re)-dedication to the resolutions, plans, and dreams for the year. We just had a nice visit with Joyce, including some fun shopping and stamping of cards and other gift items. Children and grandchildren are always a reminder of what's important in life.

New Year Changes

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:36:00 +0000

The end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009 brought several changes here. The most dramatic (and traumatic) one was the hit and run Cindy was involved in on Dec. 30. A white car of some variety crashed into her on the way home from reunion, causing airbags to deploy and totalling the Saturn Ion with over $10,000 in damage. But I wasn't injured, except for my thumb (right of course) that made it difficult to do anything right handed for a couple of weeks. It's pretty much back to normal now.

However, thank goodness for insurance. We were able to get a 2008 Saturn Astra for the same payments we had before. It's black, but in the right light you can see blue undertones and a touch of metallic sparkle.

With some of the settlement money, Ken got a new 32" TV. His next project is to make a stand/cabinet for it. The space in the old entertainment center was about an inch or 2 too small for the width of the new one.

Another change in the new year is returning to work on my latest book--about Joseph of Nazareth. This one was put on hold for the past year due to the work and research on the Cathedral history. I'm enjoying getting reacquainted with the characters.

Christmas the Third

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 01:35:00 +0000

This year it seems we've had 3 distinct Christmases. First was Christmas at Thanksgiving in AZ. Then Christmas Day here and in Portales. Today (New Year's Day) we had Christmas the 3rd, with the Norton's.

After all the gifts were opened, I am well stocked with chocolate cherry cordials (my favorite sin). Ken got me 3 huge boxes and Ruth got me 4 more boxes of dark chocolate and Joyce gave me one, too.

Since Logan is going through a 'don't take my picture stage', I had to sneak in a couple of photos while he was otherwise occupied. He got a remote control car from a friend at church. While Ken & Dan watched Clemson losing the football game, he played with it.

After opening presents from Aunt Joyce he got occupied with filling the needlework bank she made him with pennies.

All three Christmases were times of fun with family.

Happy 2009 to each of you.

Christmas in Portales

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:17:00 +0000

On Christmas Day we drove from Albuquerque to Portales (about 4 hours). There was, not surprisingly, very little traffic. We had wisely gassed up the evening before since about the only place open for gas in Albuquerque was the Flying J. (I'm told that they actually ran out of gas the next day.) The truck stop in Santa Rosa was also open, but not much else, so we sailed straight on through to Joyce's house.

It was fun to be with Joyce and her family. The kids got to open more presents that evening from us and from their aunts. The 'He Man' video and toy from Aunt Julie turned out to be one of the biggest hits--once they watched the video. None of the kids knew who He Man was at first.

Aunt Ruth made each of the girls a notebook to practice their letters and over the next couple of days they did just that--and learned that when dry erase markers get wet, they don't work.

The day after Christmas we checked out the after Christmas sales in Clovis and on Saturday we all worked together to put up the trampoline the family got. Despite some trepidation about getting on, Syndl was actually the first one up and bouncing. They didn't get much time on the trampoline because it was very cold, but I'm sure that it will get good use in the future.

Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:20:00 +0000

Ken & I travelled to AZ for Thanksgiving. We spent it with our daughter Julie and her family. We had a nice time--learning how to play Wii games and playing with the kids and eating way too much good food! Patrick fried a turkey, which came out nice and juicy and tender.
Thanksgiving Evening we had an early Christmas. The grandkids were delighted with the doll house and immediately started furnishing it so they could play.

Elizabeth also loved her little green caterpillar which Grandpa made her. When she opened the box her comment was 'cool' and she immediately started pulling it around the house.

Because it got windy, cloudy, and threatened to rain, we didn't get to take a hike in the nearby canyon, but we did get some hiking around the mall.

Seed and Harvest

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:40:00 +0000

The book is done and off to the publisher for a sample copy. I think the cover captures the change in St. John's over the past 125 years and the goal for the book is that it does the same.

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and, as Ruth will tell you, I'm completely taken aback that Santa is ALREADY in the malls. Despite having my Christmas shopping pretty much done, I'd rather not have Santa in the mall until he officially arrives on Thanksgiving!! I'll even admit that I've started my Christmas cards. Ken's asked to help this year, so it will be a joint effort--probably for the first time ever.

The doll house we are taking to AZ is almost finished--it was a used one that has undergone some renovation. (The first 2 photos are before the work.) New paint and carpeting and roof repairs were needed. The hinges were loose so they've been reattached and so forth. It will look quite nice when done. Painting the little rooms was a bit of a task, but the old paint and wall paper really was worn. Now it just needs the roof and we'll be ready to load it up and take it to a trio of grandkids. The (almost) finished product is below.

Busy Month

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 02:47:00 +0000

I guess I've been pretty busy since it's been a month since I last posted. The good news is that the Cathedral History is almost done! I'm to the final reading and formatting stage. There's even a cover design. I can't post the current version of the cover, but it will have the photo of the old church and the most recent one of the current Cathedral.

The reason I can't show the cover is that I am not using my own computer. It's in the shop for diagnostics since it's been taking 10 minutes to log on in the morning. While I sometimes feel like it takes me longer than it used to to get going in the morning--the computer doesn't need to copy. :)

I'm sure Ken will be glad to have this project complete--it has consumed my life, esp. recently as I've tried to finish it up before Thanksgiving.

Rejoice in the Lord

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 13:28:00 +0000

Here we are the middle of October, almost. It hardly seems possible, but it's true. Soon there will be little ones (and not so little ones) knocking on the door to say 'Trick or Treat'.

I've been working on a retreat study based on Philippians and the thing that keeps jumping out at me is Paul's admonition to "Rejoice in the Lord, always". That verse has been one I've returned often to since my college days--long ago and far away (as my daughters would say). The Bishop, at the time, had a habit of giving each confirmation class their own 'life verse'. While I can't remember the one he gave my class at confirmation, I do remember this verse as the one he gave to the confirmands at St. James', Mesilla Park in 1973.

I have to tell you, it's one of those verses that on the surface seems simple. How hard can it be to Rejoice? Certainly, there are many things to rejoice about. Unfortunately, it can be easier to focus on the little irritations or fears and forget to "Rejoice Always" and "Give Thanks in All Things". Sometimes it helps to get away from the day-to-day to someplace like this waterfall (actually at the Botanical Gardens, not in a distant forest) to sit and think about how much really is good in the world!

Rejoice in the Lord--today and always.

Scrapbooking as a Spiritual Aid blog

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:46:00 +0000

In October, I'll also be posting on a weekly basis to a second blog. Along with any interested participants, we'll be exploring "Scrapbooking as a Spiritual Aid" at:
http://footprintsscrapbooking.blogspot.com/

There will be a chance to comment on your thoughts and insights during the process right there on the blog. There is no right or wrong way to do the exercises, just a way to draw closer to God and maybe find some new insights into how God is working in your life.

For our scrapbooks we’ll be looking at Jesus’ parables of the kingdom in Matthew 13:44-51 to see what they say about our treasures, lives, faith, and love of God. I hope you will join me in this adventure in finding out what treasures in your life God wants you to use to further the Kingdom. You might be surprised at what you learn.

A Day of Baking

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:57:00 +0000

Yesterday I did something I've not done for a long time--baked up a storm. It almost seems silly to do a pile of baking for just 2 people, so I rarely get around to it. By the end of the afternoon I had 2 kinds of cookies, apple bread, pizza crust, and apple butter.

A week or so ago Ken finished another of his ceramic pieces to put in the Gallery show at the cathedral (his caterpillar sold right away, so he had to replace it). With the mother of pearl on it, I think this is one of the prettier pieces.

He spent Saturday working on the Advent wreath for the church. It's going to be 8' in diameter and kind of fills the garage right now.

Farmington Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:47:00 +0000

Last week was one of those weird ones where time seems to fly and drag at the same time. On the one hand it was been hectic and busy at work. On the writing front--it's been fulfilling to have gotten through all 125 years of the history. (Now the work of polishing it starts). But the days still seemed to drag until we could get out of town. It was nice to get away to Farmington (well Aztec really).

The weekend in Farmington was uneventful. They guys (Hugh & Ken) went looking for elk in preparation for the hunt next month. They didn't see any but did get to hike in some beautiful Colorado scenery.

Sue & I had a restful couple of days. We drove over to Durango and wandered around the historic district, met the guys for lunch at the Diamond Belle Saloon, and then drove back with the top down on her convertible.

It would have been nice to linger a bit longer away from the day-to-day 'grind'.

State Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 22:20:00 +0000

Today, after church, we went to the State Fair. Ruth had entered some stamped items and we had to see what she won. (You'll have to check with her for details, cuz she didn't want me to take a picture of her with her winning items.)

Ken got to look at the woodwork and get ideas for future projects. (By the way, his caterpillar in the Cathedral Gallery Show was the first item to sell from the show!). We couldn't find the bunnies, but we did visit the sheep barn--they were wearing muzzles this year which made them look weird. (I suppose someone was foolish enough to stick fingers in a sheep's mouth and got nipped, so now they have to be muzzled.)

One of the horses that starred in the movie Hidalgo was also on exhibit. He was a spokes-horse for the endangered breed that the Spanish used when they first came to NM. Actually, his owner did the talking while he trimmed the grass.

Logan seemed to like looking at the animals and exhibits, but he had more fun when he was allowed to push his stroller. He tasted his first snow cone, but it wasn't a huge hit--probably would have preferred ice cream!

In the FFA building, there was a 'corn box' for the kids to play in. (Imagine a sandbox filled with dried corn). He wasn't impressed with that. I think it felt weird on his feet. At the kids area, though, he had more fun. He helped Grandpa make BIG bubbles, and really enjoyed the magnetic connect-a-toys.

Labor Day Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:55:00 +0000

We had a little celebration for Ruth's (upcoming on Friday) birthday on Labor Day. I made a cat-shaped cake to match the birthday card I made her. So it was sort of a cat-themed party. Ken had to rush down to the church in the middle of dinner to check out the alarm going off. It turned out to be a false alarm, fortunately.

While he was gone, Logan got upset because he couldn't go outside, but he brightened right up when Ruth told he we were going to have cake. As soon as 'Grandpa' came home, he ran into the kitchen and started announcing we were going to have cake.

His version of dessert is to go from person to person asking for a bite. Last night he had his own fork and so he was able to help himself to several pieces of Dan's cake--while making it into crumbs. (He's not that neat at cutting pieces of cake to eat)

This weekend, Ken finished up the 'caterpillar pull toy' he's entering in this Gallery show. It came out quite cute.

Busy Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Davis) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 21:28:00 +0000

So far the 'restful' Labor Day weekend is turning out to be rather busy. The Cathedral hosted a Diocesan event focusing on the various outreach done by churches all around. We had exhibitors from El Paso to Los Alamos and Farmington to Alamogordo and even Clovis (who had 2 tables to showcase their outreach).

This was the first time something like this was done and the organizers hope it's just the first of many. While I'm not directly involved in the outreach ministries at the Cathedral, I was in charge of coordinating the food for the weekend. It was fun, but tiring.

Considering the media focus on the differences in the Episcopal church at large and locally, it was impressive to see over 1/2 the churches in the diocese participating and even move amazing to walk around and see the wide variety of outreach being done from small towns to big cities. Some of the smaller churches are doing more than bigger congregations. From local ministry like a food pantry, to sponsoring missionaries to Africa, to building houses in Juarez, to offering tutoring--the amount of dynamic outreach happening is, as I said, impressive.

The title of the conference was "Matt. 25" and that was the focus--how we are as parishes, individuals and as the diocese, and national church are living out that Bible mandate. An event like this helps everyone look beyond the differences and see that truly we are all trying to minister to the poor, the hungry, the prisoner, etc.

We can get so caught up in the little things that bother us that we miss the broader panorama of the true ministry happening. It is important to come together and share ideas in order to go forth empowered for ministry in new and exciting ways.