Finnegan Follies

Christmas 2025

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 22:58:00 +0000

Dear friends and family, I haven't hit this blog in months-- not even to update my reading list! But the Christmas cards are about to be sent, and lots has changed, so here's a whirlwind trip through 2025.

January founbd us celebrating the New Year with the whole crew (minus Ben) at Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale. What a fun, noisy, exhausting time!

February brought Carys' 10th trip. We Headed to Tucson's amazing Gem and Mineral show.

We had a great time taking the two eldest grand daughters to Moab, Utah in May. We met Ben and Elsa and family at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (just before the devasting fire there), and "kidnapped" Ada, and enjoyed several days together.

In the summer, we began in earnest our move to Arizona. It was a time of waiting and searching. But we landed in Tucson in August, and moved into our new house in September.

Right before Thanksgiving, we held our 11th Cousins Camp in our new house.

And we enjoyted Thanksgiving with Ben and Elsa and family, Tim and Nikki and family, and friends.

And now we are here, and it is somehow December, and Christmas is right around the corner. We have seen God provide for us perfectly through a tough move, many decisions, and lots of health skirmishes. And we have rejoiced to fellowship with family and friends from all around trhe country. We now know the blessing of grandkids every day. We are building relationships in a new church, and serving and being served by our children. It is a blessed time, and a new chapter in our lives. And whenever the energy ebbs low, God reminds us of His love, and picks us up again. We are very grateful!

If somehow you have not gotten our new address and you want it. send us a text or email. Phone numbers and e-mail remain the same. And come visit us in warm, sunny Tucson!

May God bless you all with a lovely Christmas and a joyous New Year!

Dave and Chris

Living in-Between

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 22:46:00 +0000

Right now, there is a large "For Sale" sign in my front yard. And in a yard down in Tucson, Arizona, just a few steps away from my youngest son and his family, is another "For Sale" sign, with a little "Pending" sign attached to it.

"Pending". That's how I feel my life is right now. Pending. I pack and clean and go to the doctor and wait. Wait for this house to sell. Wait to settle into a new one. Wait to be close to children and grandchildren. Start the process of closing this chapter of our lives after 41 years in New Mexico. Try to imagine the next chapter in Arizona. But I'm not actually doing either this life here, or the one in Arizona. I'm "pending."

This in-between time, not what we anticipated but obviously what the Lord intended all along, has been a challenge for me and for my dear husband. While we try to keep doing what we need to do here, many of our responsibilities are now in the hands of others. That is how it should be. But we don't know what the timing of this move is going to be, or what the Lord will call us to do once we get there. It is like I am in-between two worlds, not really belongong to either at this point.

While I see lots of spiritual lessons here, I don't much like this in-between. God has so richly provided for us in so many ways, I have no complaints. But still this seemingly meaningless cycle of packing, cleaning, and repeating leaves me less content than I could wish. I am working to stay grateful and let my requests be made known with thanksgiving, and remember that every moment is a gift, and every interaction, whether with neighbors, childrens, potential house buyers, or realtors, is a an interaction with am imortal soul. But mostly, it feels like I'm pending.

Lord, help me to live each moment in the light of your love and the truth of your word. Help me redeem every moment, even the in-between ones, to your honor and glory.

Praying for you to live fully in your moments, Gentle Reader. And please pray for me to do the same.

Fall and Christmas Projects completed for 2024

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 18:26:00 +0000

Well, the holidays are behind us. What did I make last year? Here are the things I remember from fall and early winter...

An apron and pot holders for a grand daughter...

A variety of bags, some for grands, some for me...

A dragonfly quilt for a grandson's 10th birthday camping trip...

A set of halloween/fall mug rugs for the grands...

A Christmas ornament for a great-niece...

Christmas ornaments for the grands...

Double oven mits...

A variety of rug mugs...

A new bible cover for a grand daughter...

And the big project of the year, an extra large queen (110" x 110") quilt for one son and daughter-in-law.

What have you been up to, Gentle Reader?

Christmas Letter 2024

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 02:16:00 +0000

Dear friends, family, and Gentle Readers,

We bring you the greetings of the season from our lovely northern New Mexico!

You may have noticed that no blog post and no Christmas cards made their way from us to you in 2023. After Chris's mom died over Labor Day weekend of 2023, I simply didn't have the bandwidth to get it together and sent out. So here we are, updating you on the blessings God has given this past year of 2024.

Ella(7) Carys (10) Emma (14) Everett (7) Ada (12) Ezra (10) Elijah (4)

Our Magnificent 7 grandchildren continue to grow and bring us delight. Now ages 14 through 4, we enjoy every chance we can get to spend time with them. This year, we have enjoyed:

March: The formerly Phoenix Finnegans became the Florence Finnegans, with a move to their newly acquired home. We helped a bit with the move, and met up at the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Farm between Florence and Tucson with the Tucson Finnegans. It was a wonderful time of blessing to see Ben and Elsa settled in their new home. Ben continues as a Latin teacher at Benjamin Franklin High School, and Elsa is a curriculum editor for Grand Canyon University. They are all active in their church, and continue to homeschool the kids.

The Florence Finnegans: Carys, Ben, Ada, Elsa, Everett

Emma, Ada, Ezra, Carys, Ella, Everett, Elijah

April: We kept the Florence Finnegan kids at an air bnb in Flagstaff, AZ, while Ben and Elsa hiked into the Grand Canyon for a stay at Phantom Ranch. We revisited several favorite National Parks/Monuments together, and enjoyed playing games and hanging out.

At Wupatki National Monument: Chris, Everett, Carys, Ada, Dave

Many fusball tournaments...

Sunset Crater National Monument: Carys, Everett, Ada

Walniut Canyon National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument: Ada, Carys, Everett

May: Cousins Camp X (how have we been doing this for 10 years?) took place in Heber, AZ, in the White Mountains. It was a great time with the six eldest cousins, and with their parents and Elijah before and after.

Front: Emma, Ada, Carys. Middle: Nikki, Tim and Elijah, Ben, Elsa. Back: Ella, Ezra, Everett.

It's dangerous when the grand daughter has your phone!

Ada, Chris, Emma

Dave with the Florence Finnegans

Around the firepit.

Dave and I also managed to squeeze in one campng trip just the two of us, at Heron Lake. We loved birdwatching there, and just relaxing.

In our cozy camper.

An Osprey taking off with a fish!

Heron Lake State Park, NM.

September:

At the beginning of the month, Ezra had his 10th-Year trip with us. We took him and the camper, and enjoyed the Dragonfly Festival at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, east of Roswell, NM. It was a great trip full of bug hunting, bird watching, star gazing, and story-listening. Ezra LOVED the Game and Fish catfish tank, where he spent several hours catching and releasing huge catfish.

Loading up and heading out!

Watching for dragonflies and birds

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Fishing tank

Camping at Bottomless Lakes State Park

At the end of the month, we joined Ben and his kids in Alpine, Arizona, while Elsa got a little tme at home alone. We had a fun time of hiking, picnicking, and general adventure. I loved rising early each morning to listen to the elk bugling, and our day trip to the Catwalk and Mogollon in New Mexico was really lovely.

Dave, Carys, Everett, Ben, Ada

The kids on the Catwalk National Monument trail.

The Mogollon Wilderness

On the Catwalk

Lovely picnic spot

October: We visited first the Tucson Finnegans, then the Florence Finnegans. I, unfortunately, was knocked flat sick, so we cut short our Florence trip and brought the Florence crew to Tucson for part of it. Thanks, Tim and Nikki!

All around the table

Watching the comet with Emma, Ezra, Ella, Nikki, Tim, and Dave.

Playing lots of games

Dave, Ella, Ezra, Tim, Elijah, Emma

November: Thanksgiving found us back in Tucson with Tim and Nikki, where we both thankful and enjoyed time at Kartchner Caverns and geocaching, and playing games, and general grocaching and shopping and adventuring. Tim and Nikki both bless Rincon Mountain PCA with their service. Tim manages big project and many people at Raytheon, and Nikki keeps up with two kids in a Classical Christian School, one homeschooled, and a toddler-- a very busy momma!

Climbing trees and picnicking at Kartchner Caverns

Making S'Mores around the fire pit: Emma, Elijah, Tim, Nikki, Ezra

More games: Tim, Ella, Ezra, Dave, Emma

Geocaching, and Emma has my phone again.

Fun hiking and geocaching up Reddington Canyon in Tucson.

Elijah ready for whatever comes his way...

And books: always books!

December: And now we are looking forward to having both of our Arizona families here for Christmas! We can't wait!

Chris's Dad, Jack, has survived a tough year and a half of grieving and health decline. He is still in his house in Rio Rancho, NM, and Chris's sister, Jeni, now lives there and does the lion's share of helping him. We see them frequently. Please keep him in your prayers as he deals with a multitude of heavy health issues. Ella keeps him supplied with pictures.

Jack with artwork from Ella.

And us? We're older, less energetic, and a bit slower than we used to be. We continue to deal with health challenges and frustrations and forgetfulness. But our over-all sense is one of gratitude. Our kids and grandkids join us in following after Jesus. What more could we ask? God has continued to bless us with all we need and so much more. We continue to love our little church and serve it, and grow in our birdwatching skills. So we are thankful.

And we pray for each of you, as we pray for us this special season, that Jesus would remain your focus and joy. May you follow Him with all you are, and contnually find Him more than sufficient to meet all your needs!

Sending love to you all-

Chris and Dave

Sabbath Song 9-1-24

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 21:52:00 +0000

Arise, My Soul, Arise

by Charles Wesley, 1742

Arise, my soul, arise, shake off your guilty fears;
the bleeding scarifice in my behalf appears.

Before the throne my Surety stands, before the throne my Surety stands!

My name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above, for me to intercede;

His all-redeeming love, His precious blood to plead.

His blood atoned for every race, His blood atoned for every race,

and sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five bleeding wounds He bears, received on Calvary.

They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me.

"Forgive Him, oh forgive!" they cry. "Forgive Him, oh forgive," they cry,

"nor let that ransomed sinner die!"

My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear.

He owns me for his child; I shall no longer fear.

With confidence I now draw nigh; with confidence I now draw night,

and "Father, abba Father!" cry.

Sabbath Song 8-11-24

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 21:35:00 +0000

God of the Ages

Margaret Clarkson, 1981

1. God of the ages, history’s Maker, planning our pathway, holding us fast,

shaping in mercy all that concerns us: Father, we praise you, Lord of the past.

2. God of this morning, gladly your children worship before you, trustingly bow:

teach us to know you always among us, quietly sovereign — Lord of our now.

3. God of tomorrow, strong Overcomer, princes of darkness own your command.

What then can harm us? We are your people, now and forever kept by your hand.

4. Lord of past ages, Lord of this morning, Lord of the future, help us, we pray:

teach us to trust you, love and obey you, crown you each moment Lord of today.

Projects and Cousins Camp X

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 22:34:00 +0000

Well, Cousins Camp X (how have we been doing this for 10 years already?!) is behind us. And it was great. Below are some late spring projects, and I'll finish with a few photos of our time with the kids and grands. What a blessing!

Tee shirts ready for Cousins Camp X

Everett received a new vest and tie for his birthday in May. He looks very sharp in it, and loves it!

Ezra received a Bug Belt for his birthday. He is our budding entylmologist, and this is like a tool box, but with specialty holdng places for the tools of his trade.

Above are zippered bags for CC. And below are some photos of our lovelies.

Project Update

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:40:00 +0000

It's been a while since I updated. Not sure anyone even visits here anymore, but it seems like a good place to record some things. Since my Mom's death in August, I have not had the emotional bandwidth for much-- not even my yearly Christmas letter! But God is bringing rest and renewal always. And I have been doing a little sewing. So let me update on a few projects as an easy re-entry to my blogging.

I completed a couple of table toppers for Valentine's Day-- one for the Phoenix Finns and one for the Tucson Finns.

A little elephant for a new covenant baby at church. Love this pattern!

I also made a covey of tea cozies for the shower for that baby. They fit a group of teapots for our tea-themed shower.

And, of course, another baby quilt for that new little girl. This redwork quilt was so cute!

Most recently I created a plethora of shamrock mug rugs, in the mail for St. Patrick's Day.

This is a portion of the bookmarks I completed for Christmas.

I made two piano bags for two Tucson pianists.

And a zippered church bag for another.

Christmas toppers and hot pads for each family.

And ornaments--LOTS of ornaments. The birds went to the grandkids. The rest went to my nieces, the elders and deacons at church, and my bible study ladies.

I have a few larger projects under way, and a set of placemats for myself, but those I am slowly chipping away at. And Cousin's Camp is just a few months away, along with our busy birthday season.

Praying for me and for you, Gentle Reader, that as spring approaches, God will not only renew the earth, but renew our hearts and reinvigorate us after a long, cold winter.

Spring and Summer Projects

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 23:23:00 +0000

In no particular order, below please find a photo dump of various projects from Spring and Summer of 2023. It has wizzed by unbelievably fast! Thanks for being increadibly patient with me, Gentle Reader.

Above is the latest baby quilt from Bryce Ave Presbyterian church ladies to our new covenant child, Levi. It turned out beautifully! I planned and pieced, various ladies embroidered, another sandwiched and quilted, and another did the binding. We have done these for every baby born to the church for more than 30 years!

Granddaughter #4 had her 6th birthday. Above are some play skirts, and below is a bag for her to carry to church.

And this is her stuffered elephant and matching skirt.

Aprons were made in all sizes for Cousin's camp (above). And, of course, Cousin's Camp T-shirts (below).

Grandaughter #3 had a birthday, too (above), as did grandson #3 (below- Cody the Coyote)

Nikki got a new bible and needed a cover (above) and Grandaughter 3 got a skirt (below)

A dear friend needed a baby quilt done (above) and grandson #2 needed his twin bed quilt done-- dinosaurs.

I made a set of placemats for us (above). Imagine!

And another baby quilt for church-- this one a "peek-aboo quilt" with embroidered squares hiding under fabric flaps.

I experimented with scalops (above)-- won't do that method again! And I quilted someone else's embroidered work (below) and bartered for excellent haircuts! Such a deal!

I made a few mug rugs to match some mugs.

And I amde about 30 marble bags from grandson#1 (above) and made a table topper for me (below).

And for Valentie's Day I made a plethora of hearts as backpack/purse blings for the people I love. Hope you are enjoying the people you love, Gentle Readers.

Newly completed projects

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 00:35:00 +0000

I find I've forgetten to get phoos of several small items this year: the ornaments for the grandchildren, nieces, and one great neice were missed entirely, as were several quilted mug rugs and trivets for Christmas, and a set of Christmas placemats now packed away. Alas, it makes me look less productive! I did finish a stuffed mouse for E4, and quilt for E3 for her bed, which she loves. Below that you'll find a baby quilt for the afore-mentioned great-niece. I made a couple sets of Christmas coasters. and for E4's birthday, completed his felt activity book, with the pages shown below. And for some reason, blogger won't let me format these as I am accustomed to do. Oh well. Here they are, Gentle Reader. Thanks for enjoying them with me.

Happy New Year 2023

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 16:55:00 +0000

Happy New Year, Gentle Reader! Some years my dear husband has chosen a word for us-- a sort of theme for change or challenge in the year ahead. The last few years have been unnamed because we were so full of challenge we had no time to think about it. But this year is being dubbed "R" year. "R" year stands for recuperate, rekindle, revitalize, rejoice, refresh, and any other such words we can come up with. So, here's to "R" New Year, and to yours. May we draw closer to God and to those we love, be amazed at blessings, and thankful for lessons both hard and kind.

Christmas Letter 2022

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 21:56:00 +0000

Cradle song, come along,
See with angels' surprise
as the mystery unfolds
to longing eyes.

Dear friends and family,

As we approach Christmas and a New Years, we can see that 2022 has been a year of great change, wonder, and surprise for us. And God has been faithful to us through it all! We pray, Gentle Reader, that you, too, have seen the wonder of the mystery of God with us, Emmanuel, in this weary world.

Emma, Ada, Ben, Elsa, Dave, Chris, Tim, Elijah, Nikki, Jack
Eliana, Everett, Carys, Ezra, Shirley

By far the biggest challenge, change, and mystery for us this year involved Dave's mom Marilyn, and her final days of sojourn in this world. In September of 2021, Marilyn went onto hospice here at home with a heart in failure and a series of TIAs and other strokes, with the promise of more in the future. It began almost a year of constant adjustment as her health and mental abilities declined, and we sought to allow her to die in her own bed as she wished to do. With the help of a wonderful hospice nurse and aide, and much grace from God, we weathered many minor and major strokes, and adjusted to each new situation. It was a weary road, but the right road for us.

Marilyn in June, 2022

On August 18th, Marilyn experienced a TIA and fell, breaking both her left hip and left shoulder. What followed was 10 days of incredible pain for her if she had to move, and full-time intensive care-giving for us. On August 28th, with us singing and praying and holding her hands, Marilyn entered the presence of her Savior, in her own bed as she wished. And we completed a mission that began for us when Marilyn moved in with us 18 years before. We gathered as a family to celebrate her life in October. You will find her obituary below.

5 of the 6 Finnegan siblings: Kethleen, Michelle (Terry was unable to join us), Jon, David, and Paul.

The Jon Finnegan representatives: Jess, Matt and Viktor; Rebecca and Jon; Nick

These cousins love each other: Emma and Ada

Tiny hands, born of man,
fashioned all that we see,
and they'll ransom us
nailed to a tree.

Our year was also filled with the tiny hands of grandchildren during several wonderful family times. Most happened in our home since we could not leave Marilyn, but we were also able to get help for some respite care and get away. We enjoyed a trip to Arizona in January/February, celebrated Elijah's adoption long-distance in April while Ada was visiting here for her 10th birthday trip, celebrated with Tim and Nikki here over the 4th of July, travelled to Silver City for one of Tim's bike races, and in early August, Dave and I had a lovely week's respite trip to southwest Colorado. All were beautiful and joyous times of rejoicing in family and in God's good provision to us.

A winter hike and picnic outside of Tucson.

A trip to the arboretum with the Phoenix crew.

Our seven amazing blessings: Eliana, Ezra, Everett, Elijah, Ada, Carys, Emma.

Elijah is officially ours!

Ada in the outfit I made for her birthday.

Again, our seven blessings: Carys, Ezra, Ada, Emma, Everett, Eliana, Elijah.

Tim, in serious biker mode.

A windy picnic near the finish line.

Fourth of July festivities with the Tucson Finns, the Browns, and the Hansons.

A picnic in Albuquerque near the museums.

Kayaking in Colorado

The falls in Ouray, CO.

With my beautiful friend Tina at her lovely home in Ouray.

Overlooking Molas Lake in CO.

One of several small alpine lakes we enjoyed north of Durango.

Come with the shepherds and ponder.
Come with the wisemen, adore.
Come with the mother, enfold the Lord of all
in humility here in a stall.

After Maril;yn's memorial service, we finally celebrated Cousin's Camp VIII here in New Mexico. It was a time of great joy and fun family togetherness!

Hiking at Pecos National Historic Site

Cousin Camp Crafts

At Bandelier

This year's campers: Everett, Ada, Carys, Ezra, and Emma.

And then, feeling the need to get away and both rest and relax, Dave and I went on a 15-day river cruise in Hungary, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands from the end of October to the middle of November. It ended up being both more and less rest than we had planned on, since Chris got co-vid, and we two were quarrantined to our tiny cabin for 5 days of the cruise. We still managed to have a wonderful time. And the ship's kitchen delivered the best meals during our convalescence!

At Melk Abby in Bavaria.

Sailing on the Rhine.

Koln (Cologne), Germany

At Kinderdijk in the Netherlands

Cradle song, come along,
see with eyes born again
Little baby
Salvation of men.

So as we end 2022, we are grateful, and waiting. Grateful for a race well run, grateful for dear family and friends, adventures and comfort in sorrow. And waiting on the Lord for His salvation, for His plan for the next season in our lives, and for His healing from injuries old and new. We appreciate your prayers as we look with eyes born again at His lovely care for us through a bigand busy year. And we pray for your eyes, too, Gentle Reader. May you see Him in His glory, serve Him fully, and rejoice in His salvation!

With much love, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Chris and Dave

In front of St. Stephen's in Vienna.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Marilyn Annabelle (Webster) Finnegan was born on September 7, 1926, to Amelia (Zacharias) Webster and Jay Webster in Decatur, Illinois. Her father, a World War 1 veteran, died when Marilyn was just ten, and the family moved to Fort Thomas, Kentucky, where Marilyn met George Finnegan, her high school sweetheart and future husband. After George finished his service in World War 2, George and Marilyn married and brought six children into the world. In addition to caring for her family, Marilyn worked in a variety of capacities, spending many years as an executive assistant and as a church secretary. She finished her working career as an office manager at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Milford, Ohio. Marilyn delighted in serving others, caring for her family, and walking with God.

Marilyn came to White Rock, New Mexico, in 2004 after the loss of her husband of 56 years, to live with her son David and his family. For the next ten years, until her health made it necessary for her to slow down, she volunteered at Sombrillo Nursing Home and Chamisa School. Marilyn was an avid reader, crossword puzzle enthusiast, and birdwatcher, who also enjoyed crocheting gifts for her friends and family. She remained an active and faithful member of Bryce Avenue Presbyterian Church until she died quietly at home on August 28, 2022, with her family singing her into the arms of Christ. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and siblings and her husband George. She is survived by her six children and their spouses: Kathleen Szymanski (Kirk) of Filer, ID; Michelle Fouche (Walter) of Fairfield, OH; Terry Finnegan (June) of Pleasant View, TN; Jon Finnegan (Rebecca) of Russell, KS; David Finnegan (Christine) of White Rock, NM; and Paul Finnegan (June) of Carlisle, OH; and by 13 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great children.

A memorial service for Marilyn will be held at Bryce Avenue Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 11 AM. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Marilyn’s favorite charities: Hope Pregnancy Center (https://www.hpcla.org/donate), Prison Fellowship (https://www.prisonfellowship.org), or the Deacon’s Fund at Bryce Avenue Presbyterian Church (e-mail: info@brycepresbyterian.org).

Spring-Summer Projects 2022

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 15:36:00 +0000

I have been busy in my sewing room this spring, but it seems I am mostly still in progress with some big quilts and dresses. But here are things already finished for the year.

I completed a quilt for my Chicago niece. It is a birthday/early graduation gifts for her.

I completed a couple mats to place under plants in the living room, but only have a photo of them not quite finished yet.

E4 needed some hands on alphabet practice, so here is a bag full of letters for her.

I completed a knot romper for this beauty who told me she was not a dress girl-- it's all about being comfortable. Isn't A. lovely?!

This isn't really my finish, but E1 finished the log cabin kit I made for her.

Cousin's Camp VIII was postponed when the Phoenix Finns got Co-vid, so we are rescheduling for fall break in October. But the t-shirts and tote bags are ready to go.

C got a dress with head scarf and a skirt and t-shirt for her birthday.

Isn't she adorable?!

I made four sets of cute coasters for prizes at an upcoming baby shower. Stay tuned for the church quilt that is being given in just a few weeks!

E4 is just about to turn 2. So he got both a felt activity book and a stool for his birthday. These are our seventh time making these toddler gifts, and perhaps our last. They have been fun to do!

I did my first cross-stitch in many years while making these book marks for E1 and E2 for Easter. Grateful my eyes are up to the task!

And I made a few mug rugs. We watch for fun mugs on sale, and then I use scraps to make the mug rugs to match. They make nice hospitality or birthday gifts, and are fun to do.

My sewing room is currently full of many big projects: twin bed quilts for E3 and Ev, and queen bed quilts for T&N and E&B. It has been fun choosing patterns, buying fabric, and getting started. E3's is almost done, and all the fabric for the others is silently waiting and calling me! I hope to have a very fruitful fall sewing season!

Laying Fallow

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 20:46:00 +0000

This year my vegetable garden is empty. An unfortunate three-fold combination of time spent in full-time care-giving, arthritis in one knee, and a very persistent gopher or ground squirrel helped me determine to cut my losses this year, and take a year off. So no vegetable garden for me this year.

Now I look at the empty space outside my window, and am surprised that my first thought is not, "Phew! Sure am glad not to bother with that!" Instead, I look at the emptiness and find it a little dismal. I remember the thrill of the first little seedlings poking through, and watching day-by-day as produce becomes. And I rather miss it, despite the bugs and droughts, and the hard physical work of weeding and processing.

But there are two ways of looking at an empty garden. One is simply empty and unproductive. The other is that it is laying fallow. When a farmer allows a field to lay fallow, he is giving the land a break-- leaves it unturned to conserve moisture, unplanted to interrupt the insect cycle by not giving them any hosts plants, and allows it to soak in sun and rain and replenish. Perhaps my garden is not empty, but laying fallow.

Sometimes our lives feel empty, too. Circumstances cause us to be isolated, or interrupt the merry march of daily activity for an extended period of time (maybe for the duration of a virus or the days of an elderly loved one's life). It feels empty and dismal at times. But, Gentle Reader, I think this is laying fallow. Good things are being reinvigorated under the surface, and the medium will be ready to bring forth blossom and fruit in due season. Scripture tells us that for every thing there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. There is a time to lay fallow, and a time to produce. And always, we strive to humble ourselves under the providential hand of a good God who knows the difference better than we do.

And speaking of laying fallow, this blog is often quiet these days. If anyone is still here on the rare occasions I write, thank you! Writing always helps me look more carefully and process my journey better. So thank you if you peek in on my journey.

2021 Project wrap-up

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 02:52:00 +0000

So many people have been so productive during this time of pandemic and staying home! But I am not one of them. This year I didn't seem to get nearly as much done in the sewing arena, at first because we redid the flooring in the sewing room, which meant no sewing for quite a long time. And now with Marilyn's care taking more time, I simply don't have the time I used to. At some point, I thought I had posted my spring and summer projects, but I can't find that post. So here is a dump of what I accomplished in the sewing realm in 2021... at least the ones I remembered to take pictures of! These are in no particular order...

Elsa wanted an apron, so this was the result.

The grandkids and nieces got quilted hearts and trees for this year's Christmas ornaments,

Ella got her own red-white-and-blue mug rug and cup to match her older siblings'.

A new nephew got a baby quilt and a stuffed elephant.

Emma chose some wild fabric for some stretchy pants. Sewing with knits is definitely NOT my cup of tea.

A friend's baby got a baby quilt. I enjoyed quilting little sailboats around this one (a LoriKennedyQuilts design!)

I made three toppers for the furniture and Emma and Ella's bedroom.

I made dresses with matching doll dresses for the summer birthday girls: E1 and E3 above, and Carys below.

A picnic quilt was completed for a wedding.

A runner was completed for my very own kitchen.

For Cousin's Camp this year, the kids got draw-string bags, t-shirts, and everyone got a superhero cape.

For Christmas, Ella and Everette got Cowgirl and Cowboy dolls, respectively.

One of my favorite finishes this year was not really mine: When Tim was about 11 or 12, he became interested in my sewing machine as a machine, and wanted to make a quilt. He picked the fabric for this simple Irish Chain lap quilt, made the top, and then moved on to other pursuits. I found it when clearing out the sewing room for the new floor, and finished it for his youngest child for Christmas. What fun!

I finished a couple mug rugs for hospice folks for Christmas.

I also have started several more projects that are still being pieced, have two wuilts in the process of being quilted, and more UFOs and ideas than I can count. Not such a bad year after all, maybe. What have you been up to, Gentle Reader?

Christmas Letter 2021

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 14:43:00 +0000

Merry Christmas 2021 friends and family and Gentle Readers. This year I would like to quote one of my favorite Christmas poems (and carols) as I share our update:

In the bleak midwinter
BY CHRISTINA ROSSETTI
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

As this year ebbs away and we feel the world winding down, we find ourselves in the next stage of one of our major ministries this year: caring for Dave's mom, Marilyn.

Marilyn was hospitalized first in July, and then in October, both times dues to small strokes and other complications of a weary and failing heart. For someone who at 95 has never had surgery, she did not want to consider the only thing the hospitals had to offer: surgery to implant a pacemaker. And she was tired of returning to the hospital. So we brought her home. On December 11, she suffered a stroke again, this one with more effects than the previous ones. With the help of hospice, we have kept her home, and are now seeking to keep her safe and comfortable. She has had no pain, and in just 5 days has made remarkable physical recovery. Please keep her weary heart, damaged brain, and determined spirit in your prayers. And pray that we may honor Christ as we love and serve her.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Despite the trials of this year, we have seen God's faithfulness: Faithful to sustain our little church family through trials and tribulations; faithful to meet our needs and bless us well beyond them; faithful to keep us pulling together after 41 years of marriage; faithful to keep growing our faith and teaching us more about Him!

We were overjoyed to have the blessing of all the kids and grandkids with us for Thanksgiving, which only reminded us again of God's goodness to us.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day,
Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels fall before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.

The thought of the eternal God as a baby is amazing and humbling, and ever a source of rejoicing for us. We are so grateful that Jesus is our peace, our Savior, and more wonderful than anything.

We see God's care for us as we continue to serve our church, be good neighbors, and love our family. Dave has accomplished more amazing feats of home improvement, and Chris continues to quilt.

And as we love on our grands, we see anew God's purposes and promises. We thank God for time together last summer in the White Mountains of Arizona for our seventh annual "Cousins Camp". Indeed, our grandchildren have been one of our greatest blessings!

Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

And so, friends and family and gentle reader, this year is closing with great hope: hope in Him who became a baby and bore our sins, and proves Himself faithful over and over. We hope you, too, will marvel at Him this season and in the year ahead.

In Him,

Chris and Dave

What I'm reading

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 16:07:00 +0000

“For mankind is ever the same and nothing is lost out of nature, though everything is altered.”
JOHN DRYDEN “On the Characters in the Canterbury Tales,” in Preface to Fables, Ancient and Modern

~From A Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman

What I'm reading

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 15:39:00 +0000

When we work to redeem the time, we reflect our Creator. God is the ultimate time-redeemer: He redeems all of time, and he redeems at just the right time. We are charged with redeeming the years he has given to us as a reasonable act of worship.

~Jen Wilkin, None Like Him, p.77

Christmas Project report

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 05:01:00 +0000

Well, now that all Christmas celebrations have finished (including what we called Second Christmas in Arizona) I can safely share the projects I had going on behind the scenes...

Our budding entylmologist received a new quilt for his bed. He had requested one because the quilt for his junior bed no longer fit properly... The paper-pieced bug patterns came from Etive and Co on Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/listing/701956233/insect-foundation-paper-piecing-patterns) and I designed the rest with lots of advice from friends. The entymologist loves it.

One granddaughter received her doll bed, made by Dave, painted by us both, and the sheeets, quilt and pillows made by me. She was thrilled.

The two grandsons each got a set of castle blocks embellished by Dave, along with a little set of knights and dragons. I made draw-string bags to store them in.

I embellished a t-shirt and made some bibs for Tim and Nikki's foster baby.

I also enjoyed making a plethora of star ornaments for the grands, the nieces, and several friends.

A small quilt for granddaughter #4, with a pillow, for use in the car... I used a fun panel on the back.

And a baby quilt for the foster grand. So cute (the baby... and maybe the quilt, too!)

And did I mention that second Christmas in Arizona was just grand? No one got sick, we hung out at our rental home, hiked, and enjoyed one another immensely. I am so grateful for that time! Now, quarantine is over, and the real world of put-off appointments reasserts itself this week. But here are a few happy pictures to leave you with, Gentle Reader!

Christmas Letter 2020

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 23:43:00 +0000

Dear friends, family, and any gentle readers that remain here,

Welcome to our 2020 Christmas Letter. I ended last year's Christmas letter this way:

So as we look ahead to 2020, what surprises are ahead? I'm sure there will be challenges, but I know to the core of my being that there will be blessings to meet those challenges, and joy to surround them. Our prayer for you, dear family, sweet friends, and Gentle Readers, is that you may know the abundance of our good God in the coming new year. May we all see his provision clearly.

That seems almost prophetic as we look back on this past year. Who would have thought?!

Challenges

We all have a LONG list of these this year. In addition to the isolation, distance from family, and cancelled plans that we have all been experiencing this year, we have faced a few particular struggles.

Dave has endeavored to be a faithful elder in our church and lead it through a tumultuous time full of government restraints, fear, and conflicts of vision. We would appreciate your prayers for our little church family as we struggle to be faithful amid change and disillusionment.

We have been kept away from Chris' parents due to the pandemic, and isolated with Dave's mom, Marilyn, as she has increasingly lost her memory. We are unable to help either of them as we would like, and it is tough figuring out how to support them as they age.

And, of course, we age along with them. Dave is remaining free of cancer and serious illness, but continues to deal with the imbalance, headaches, and jaw/teeth problems that former chemotherapy and radiation treatments have made a mostly daily part of life for him. Here at the end of the year, after successfully going an entire year without infusions for her auto-immune disease and cutting down to very low doses of her immune-suppressant, Chris has had a flare-up of her disease and must start increasing her meds again. We know these things are more irritants than serious health problems, but would covet your prayers all the same.

Blessings

As is often the case, the blessing far outweigh the challenges.

In June, we spent a few days in Phoenix helping Ben and Elsa move to a new home and Ben to a new school. How graciously God provided for Ben and his beautiful family! And we got to celebrate Carys' birthday, too.

Eliana, Everett, Carys, Ezra, Adeline, and Emma

We celebrated our 6th annual cousins camp with the four eldest grands with a trip to Brianhead, Utah in July, followed by a celebration of our 40th wedding anniversary with both our kids and all our grandkids. There were blessings abounding!

Pampa and the the four Cousins Campers at 11,000 ft.

FinFam 40th celebration. Here we are at Bryce Canyon National Park.

The grown-ups

In October, we got to spend a long weekend with the Tucson Finnegans at their house, followed by a camping trip to Southern Arizona with the Phoenix Finnegans. While our visits have been few, they have been most precious.

A different kind of family portrait on a sunset picnic in Tucson.

Hiking at Patagonia Lake in Southern Arizona with the PHX crew.

We are both grateful: we are both still loving retirement, both living cancer-free, and both trusting the God who has so abundantly blessed us to carry us into the future, whatever it brings in 2021.

We pray you are able to count many blessings along with us, dear ones. May we truly rejoice in the Savior born for us, and continuing to make a way for us where there doesn't seem to be a way.

With much love,

Chris and Dave

The Tucson Finnegans: Ezra, Nikki, Emma, Eliana, and Tim at Cedar Breaks National Monument. And they have a three-month-old foster baby, too!

The Phoenix Finnegans: Ben, Everett, Ada, Carys, and Elsa, at Bryce.

Dave and Chris at Brianhead Peak.

P.S. Feel free to hunt here for more details, photos, quilting projects, books I've read, etc.!

Summer/early fall projects

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 19:33:00 +0000

I completed a few things for gift-giving in the summer and early fall. I thought I'd post pictures for you while I am hard at work on Christmas projects!

I made some purses/treasure bags for Cousin's Camp, and I made each of the children a whole-cloth quilted large placemat/table topper.

I also completed a felt activity book and a little purse for E3's birthday.

And now, back to Christmas sewing!

A poem for every day:

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 16:32:00 +0000

40th Anniversary Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 21:59:00 +0000

Immediately after Cousin's Camp in July, we moved to a larger condo in Brian Head, and the rest of the family joined us for a week of celebration for our 40th anniversary. We enjoyed Cedar Breaks National monument, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Lake Panguitch, and much more beautiful territory around the area. But mostly we enjoyed having everyone together. Here are a few photos from our time.

A great time was had by all, no one got sick, and we are so grateful to have had this time in the middle of the Co-Vid summer! God blessed us with this celebration, and continues to bless us with our family!

Cousins Camp VI 2020

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 17:27:00 +0000

Well, here we are in August, with July's adventures only fond memories! It is such a strange world in 2020, but both Cousin's Camp and a get together for our 40th anniversary actually happened. Isn't God good?

We picked up the four eldest grands in Tucson and Phoenix, and headed to Utah. We held Cousins Camp (our 6th annual, amazingly!) based from a condo in Brian Head. We enjoyed the Wildflower Festival (and the kids became flower rangers) at Cedar Breaks National Park, rode a chair lift up to 11,300 feet and hiked down the mountain, went fishing, hiked to an alpine pond, and made crafts, read, and enjoyed one another immensely! our theme this year was Psalm 121, and we memorized it during our three days together. Below are some photos of the festivities and the beauty (in both the people and the scenery).

A little poetry

noreply@blogger.com (MagistraCarminum) — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 12:41:00 +0000

Enjoying the sound and sense of Gerard Manley Hopkins this morning:

Carrion Comfort

Not, I'll not, carrion comfort, Despair, not feast on thee;
Not untwist — slack they may be — these last strands of man
In me ór, most weary, cry I can no more. I can;
Can something, hope, wish day come, not choose not to be.
But ah, but O thou terrible, why wouldst thou rude on me
Thy wring-world right foot rock? lay a lionlimb against me? scan
With darksome devouring eyes my bruisèd bones? and fan,
O in turns of tempest, me heaped there; me frantic to avoid thee and flee?

Why? That my chaff might fly; my grain lie, sheer and clear.
Nay in all that toil, that coil, since (seems) I kissed the rod,
Hand rather, my heart lo! lapped strength, stole joy, would laugh, chéer.
Cheer whom though? the hero whose heaven-handling flung me, fóot tród
Me? or me that fought him? O which one? is it each one? That night, that year
Of now done darkness I wretch lay wrestling with (my God!) my God.