A Very Merry Christmas... Letter

December, 2015

Dear Family and Friends,

Greetings from Kleinshire! We hope that our Christmas letter finds all well with you and yours. The boys are enjoying lighting another candle on the Advent wreath each week, and very soon the tree and other decorations will be going up. Letters and cards from so many of you are already beginning to adorn the fireplace mantel. Once again, Christ’s birthday is almost upon us.

For most of you it will be old news that we welcomed the newest member of our family on February 8th when Rosemary gave birth to a healthy nine-pound boy in the comfort of our own home. We christened him Chrysogonus John, with our pastor at St. Catherine of Siena in Wake Forest, Fr. Phil Tighe, baptizing him according to the older ritual book the next Saturday in the presence of quite a crowd. His godparents made the trip from Washington, D.C., and Rosemary’s parents and younger sister Rebecca were here from Wisconsin to help out for the entire week. Fast forward ten months, and

Chrysogonus is now an active, mischievous crawler and climber, a veritable monkey who holds himself up on things and is nearly ready to start walking. He does his best to keep up with his brothers, most recently, for example, finding himself stuck at the top of the ladder to Cyprian’s bunkbed.

Speaking of those brothers, they are equally active and mischievous. Cyprian is now officially homeschooled, with Rosemary having registered us with the State of North Carolina as “St. Therese’s Little Flowers Homeschool.” He is doing a lot of work at the first grade and some at the second grade level. He reads well, and ever more independently, but at this point enjoys math most of all. This year Cyprian also became involved in 4-H as a “Cloverbud,” participating in activities offered by the Franklin County Extension Office during the summer months and showing one of our dairy goats at a livestock show in Oxford this fall. Cyprian is also preparing to make his First Confession next month and his First Holy Communion in May. As for Clement, he is playing soldier or knight whenever he is not doing homework in imitation of his older brother. He gets to do his own independent thing on Fridays when he attends Montessori-style Good Shepherd Catechesis organized by a St. Catherine’s parishioner. When Cletus’ energies are properly directed, he actually

gets more work done than any of his brothers, busily sweeping the barn or raking leaves. Otherwise he joins whatever his brothers are doing, everything from tearing out all the toys on a daily basis to digging holes in random spots throughout the yard in search of buried treasure.

Franz is very involved at St. Thomas More Academy, teaching a wide variety of subjects this year—various levels of Latin, American literature for the seniors, and introductory philosophy for the juniors. Unfortunately the dissertation has gone on the back burner in recent months, especially as he prepares to add Medieval history to his teaching duties this spring semester. But perhaps the most exciting school-related event this past fall came when the STMA girls cross country team, competing at state for the very first time, came within one point of winning a state championship. As for Rosemary, her out-of-the-home outlet continues to be Tae kwon do every Tuesday and Thursday evening. Last month she successfully tested for her last degree prior to the first-degree black belt.

Finally, all of us, kids included, are intimately involved with our smallscale Kleinshire farming operation, with Rosemary really being the guiding force behind it. We added two fullsized goats to our dairy herd over the summer, and three of our Nigerians are set to kid right around Christmas. We plan to process one of our three feeder pigs over Christmas as well, so it should prove to be a busy holiday season. We also continue to sell our organic whole broiler chicken and free-range eggs to friends and fellow parishioners, and the garden is finally starting to come together. Our winter garden is currently yielding all the broccoli, collards, and cabbage that we can possibly eat.

So, we have a great deal to be thankful for this Christmas as we count our blessings and reflect on our Savior’s birth. Please know of our prayers for all of you, which are sent together with this letter. May God bless all of us abundantly in the year to come.

In Christ,

Franz, Rosemary, Cyprian, Clement, Cletus, and Chrysogonus

Recap not recapture....

We did go home to WI for Thanksgiving. First, before leaving on a Saturday morning I tested for my Black with white stripe belt. I almost didn't make it to the testing as we got caught in traffic from a Holiday parade downtown Raleigh. I ran and was bowed in late. Nothing like rushing into it with a bang! We then began our trip North right after. With a van loaded with luggage, children, a puppy, and arsenal of natural remedies for health, we drove over two days with a night spent in a hotel in Ohio.

We had a lovely little pit stop in Hillsdale MI to visit with Clements godparents, the Lindleys. The Lindleys had just welcomed their sixth boy George three weeks earlier. So as to hopefully not stress them out. We spent just a couple of hours with them after attending mass at Saint Anthony's in Hillsdale on Sunday. We then drove seven and a half hours to reach my parents farm in the middle of the night.

We spent two lovely days hanging out at the farm. Franz helped my Dad install a new hot water heater and spread hay all over the long bank where the new septic system was recently installed. The boys played, played, and played some more!

We then traveled to Stevens Point. The boys once again played and played. Seriously, I would only catch just a glimpse of my boys once in awhile. I helped Ryann stack wood in the lean to. Cletus and Chrysogonus kept close to me but also enjoyed playing while keeping me in sight.

Thanksgiving was held at a shelter at Lake Emily. It turned out very well. Everybody brought food and the kids ate tons and ran around like crazy. Franz was able to see his Grandparents the Crawfords. It meant a lot, as Grandpa Crawford will be going on dialysis and was the reason we decided to make the trip to WI.

All in all, a well rounded trip. Franz and I were able to take turns driving home to NC. We drove straight through the night making it in 19 hours. That is including stops. That is the fastest we have traveled thus far with children.

Back home at Kleinshire, first the boys then Franz and I developed a cold. I am thankful that it did not happen while we were away. I plied everyone with mulitviatmins, vitamin C, Hylands cough and cold, Elderberry syrup, and a vaporize at night with some essential oils. The boys never went past having a cold. Franz and I had body aches, but no fever. I think it could have been much worse but was short changed due to all the health remedies we took.

God is calling me to pray, pray, pray, and let go. Two weeks ago my purse was taken by someone. I carried a lot in my purse. I had a whole arsenal of religious things, from holy water, St. Judes oil, blessed scapulars, rosaries, holy cards, and my prayer veil. I wish the person would have just taken the cash which was less than 20 dollars and ditched my purse where someone decent would find and turn it in. I had many sentimental things in my purse. The annoying thing was having to replace all the cards in my wallet, from credit, debit, drivers license, library, hunter safety, medical insurance cards etc. I also loss my cell phone and checkbook. So, I had no money or easy identification for a few days. Makes you feel a bit lost and wary. I am praying a novena for whoever took my purse. Who knows it may somehow reach someone in real need. I am still hoping at the chance of someday getting my purse back, but realize it may not happen.

So, now that we have all been feeling better we are trying to get back into a routine. Three of our goats could kid anytime now. I am making two birthing stalls out of pallets in the breeze way of the barn. They are not permanent but will give the girls their own space for a bit.

Yesterday I discovered two neighbor dogs, and the pigs had killed several of my chickens. I do not know who started it, but it was feather flying time they all had. My poor flock of 28 hens is reduced to 21. At first I wasn't sure what happened as I could see feathers all over in the back pasture and in the pigs pen. My first thought was the pigs got the chickens, but then I noticed the two next door neighbor dogs slinky along the back fence. The one dog had fresh cuts on his chest. Snowy had dragged a half plucked dead hen into the yard. The pigs pen also had feathers. So, I am assuming they had their share as well as the dogs. I was so upset. I was almost ready to go confront the neighbors myself. But I finally calmed down took some pictures, bagged up the dead chicken and waited till Franz came home. Franz took the chicken and explained to the neighbors what had happened. The seriousness of not letting their dogs free was made. We also made it clear what will happen to the dogs if they come on our property. I do not want to be a mean neighbor, but I will protect what is ours. As a peace offering the boys and I will be bringing over some cookies that we will be baking next week.

So, it has been a crazy stretch but I hope there has been grace received through the hardships.

Black with white strip belt. Next 1st degree black belt. Hurrah!

The pup we brought back to WI.

My parents farm sign made by Bayleafsignsandwonders

Tractor time with Grandpa Korish! Don't worry we moved Chrysogonus

Grandma and Chrysogonus!

Four wheeler time with Grandpa Korish!

The cutest little snuggle bug!

Look out!

Grandpa Crawford

The guys hanging out.

Aunt Kimby with cousin Lucas.

Aunt Johanna enjoying the pie.

And more Kleins

Aunt Gabrielle with my smiley little man.

My hunk of a Honey, with his hunk of a pigs head.

Uncle Oliver, make a wish!

Double trouble!

Uncle Xavier and Anton

Grandma Klein birthday was Thanksgiving day.

Cousins playing with the best, LEGOS!

Franz and all his siblings!

Clement on the run!

Poor Della, she was worn out after the Thanksgiving festivities.

Are you ready to prepare for Jesus' birthday!

It should only continue to be a party now as we finally start to get ready for the best birthday of the year. JESUS'! Now begins the octave of Christmas. Today I am cleaning the whole house and pulling out the Christmas decorations. The boys get to listen to and sing Christmas songs. Too, we have sent out almost 150 cards. No, I am not bragging this is the only time of year I acknowledge people with a card. If you didn't get one from us, send us a card and I will send you one:')

So till the baby goats arrive, God bless Y'all!

YooHoo!

The sky is gray. The leaves are falling. The wind and rain have come to play. Now the days are short and need a rake. The house smells great with baking cake. Winter is just ahead. All the joys and sorrows of holiday planning and calling are starting to make a strong song of longing.

I can hardly believe that it is already November. Time has not been dragging lately. I suppose that is a good thing as we go into the cooler months. I have that feeling of wanting to hibernate. Especially now that we turned the clocks back an hour.

Things are going steadily on here at the homestead. Cyprian continues to do his basic studies. Yeah for all that fancy planning I had, we really have simplified our school day. I am sticking to Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, and Religion. All the other subjects are extras that we do when we feel inspired or have some time.

The animals are all well. Three of our goats are due at Christmas. It should be a pretty busy exciting holiday. We are hoping and planning on going home to Wisconsin for Thanksgiving. The biggest challenge has been to set up animal care while away. But I believe we have found a great family to help us.

All the boys have been busy growing and playing. I am thankful everyday for our little place with the great outdoors. Franz has been very busy with school and coaching. He and his fellow coach of cross country happily returned from their first state cross country appearance with 2nd place for girls and 8th for boys. Way to go Chancellor's!

The real struggle right now is for Franz to have time and a place to work on his dissertation. I am praying that it takes place sooner than later. My achievement is that I am high brown in TaeKwonDo. I hope to be testing for my black with white stripe, then next year my black belt. So close!  

So y'all make sure that as you roll into the holidays to be Holy and jolly, and not fall into the folly of making the mistake of material brawling. Wholly in the season with the holly hanging pleasing, by golly. Yeah we like our rhyming rally trolley of jibberish in a verbal volley........

Tarcy, boo boo!

Doing what boys love to do, target practice.

Cyprian getting instruction from Franz.

Snowy, mommy to three pups right now.

Rocky Balboa, our younger buck.

Me, giving Clement instruction.

Clement marveling over his marksmanship.

Cletus and Cyprian disappointed in their accuracy shooting.

Rocky and Shadow, Siena's kitten taking an afternoon siesta together.

Chrysogonus chilling while the target practice is in full shoot.

Cyprian trying to shoot a squirrel.

One little puppy.

Two little puppy.

Three little puppies.

Hanging out on the screen porch. I love our screen porch!

Louis and Zelie.

Halloween night. Chrysogonus a pumpkin, Cletus a bee, Clement Joseph and his coat of many colors, Cyprian the cowboy.

Pumpkins!

The busy bee and his pumpkin.

Just Pumpkins!

The boys sporting their new shirts from their friend Mrs. Roberta. Can you guess which state Mrs. Roberta just flew back from....

These are the days of leaves on the ground and kids hanging from the trees.

First time for this little man to crawl to his hearts content in all the leaves!

Last but not least. Franz turned 34 on the 8th. He was a stinker and purposely blew out the candles before I could take a picture. Hence the smug smile:')