Christmas is all about the birth of our Savior, Jesus! We think of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the stable and all of the difficulties they must have experienced that first Christmas. How can we forget? Father Timmerman has been reminding us for weeks now and it’s been on our minds. Mary, nine months pregnant had to ride a donkey and gave birth in a drafty old stable. He came to us poor and under very difficult circumstances. Those of us who have given birth probably cringe at the thought. Could we do it?
Imagine riding one of these while getting ready to give birth to our Savior………..
Fr. Craig Timmerman St. Leo Church Nativity, Caleb serving. Anyone see Blase?
It’s only natural that this holy time of year is centered around the Holy Family and our own families, holy or not so holy. Families from all over get together to experience the family traditions. Some may or may not get along, others dread the thought of old wounds being opened. I’d bet parents are hopeful that old problems can finally be worked out. Why not? What better time of year for making things right in the world and in our families right? After all Jesus is Love. He came to save us. I say, let the entire world take advantage of this love. Some things you can’t change as much as you’d love to. So, I suggest there is only one real plan of attack! Prayer…..prayers for peace, conversion, love and renewal. Don’t kid yourselves either. There are no perfect families out there and that’s why we must look to the model of the Holy Family.
A full church at St. Leo, 4:00 mass, Fr. Craig Timmerman.
We reflect back over the year and count our blessings that we did not experience any severe trials. I wonder if our children know how lucky they really are to be raised in a home, with parents who love them and each other. How I wish all children in the world could be loved and raised in the knowledge of that parental love! The world isn’t a perfect place but parents, all around, try to do what is best in whatever situation they may be experiencing.
Fred and Sandra Callens
Fred and Sandra Callens Family 2013 In Jessica and Luke’s Lovely Straw Bale House!
It has been a good year on the Callens Farm. We are thankful for our friends, family, health and our Catholic Faith. What a joy our grandchildren have been to all of us. There will be new life again this year in the family! May God bless young couples everywhere who are open to life!
The farm produced an abundant harvest of meat, milk, eggs and garden produce. Honey production was good this year and the sales are going well. We can only pray that the bees make it through this winter! There was plenty of hard work and effort to get the work done. We’ve no major changes to report. Thank you so much for the wonderful Christmas cards this year. We wish all children and families everywhere a very Merry Christmas, love, peace and joy in the New Year.
Christmas Gifts 2013.
Our Daughter Jessica, her husband Luke with children Maura, Cael and Anya Dougherty!
Our daughter Francesca, husband Peter with children Blase and Kallie Jo Ryland!
Tuning up for Silent Night at mass.
Isabella Angel enjoying a very White Christmas!
Fred having fun with Mario and Bella during Christmas.
Star and Caleb gave rides to the kids!
Children are always a blessing……..Sweet grandchildren, the next generation!
4:00 Mass Jessica and Frenchy snuck up to the choir to sing with Marisa , Silvana and Clayton a St. Leo Tradition O Holy Night!
The girls made way too many Bismarck’s! 107 I think….
Anet sent us a box of delicious caramel apples, thanks Anet!!
Zio Gino sent 3 of these italian traditional Panettone, thank you!
Sugar and spice, everything nice…..
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CALLENS HONEY FARM 
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!
Thank you Mr. Steen………Merry Christmas and all the best in the new year. Sandra
Beautiful pictures!! We always enjoy reading your posts. Everyone continues to have fun and feel Blessed! Love how packed St. Leo’s church was. Keep sharing! Love you all.
Thanks Anet. Love you too………Fr. really packes em in at St. Leo Midnight mass wasn’t nearly as crowded but it was awesome……….all that fresh snow wow…….Huge sisterly hugs from across the frozen tundra:) Sandra
Sandra, what beautiful photos and what a lovely family! Merry Christmas, sweet friend, and all the best in 2014!
Lisa…..thanks so much. Merry Christmas. You are such an inspiration to me. Hope your new year is good for your family…….keep up the good work!!!
Sandra
An a very Merry Christmas to you and your family!!! would it be possible to go into a leetle more detail and Jessica’s and Luke’s straw bale home? I have heard of them, but never seen on. The wood work showing in the picture is making my heart go pitter patter 😉
Theresa…..thanks……good to hear from you. You are right about the pine wood work it is lovely. Their home is made of straw and cement. Luke built an addition recently which is not straw………very beautiful. Its quaint up there and very cozy…..stays super warm even on a windy mn day. It is not perfect of course but it is debt free which these days means alot. I think it’s 6 years old. Jessi decorates it all western and vintage and it’s amazing. Ha she even keeps her house very tidy with all the children……I should learn from her. Not sure what you want to know about the house………….take care. Sandra
did they “plaster” over square hay bales? I had seen that done once on a documentary. warm and debt free is a BIG plus!! Alberta is about as warm as MN during the winter. brrrr. I have trouble keeping my house tidy, and I am empty nest 😉 Happy New Year eh
They mixed cement, one batch at a time to cover the straw bales which also had chicken wire over it to help hold the cement on. WE are still in a deep deep freeze here …….stay warm and Happy New year to you as well:)!!
Sandra and Family –
I so enjoyed the family pictures. May you all have a healthy and happy New Year.
Love, Coma Marie
Dear Coma Marie,
Great to hear from you, thanks for writing. Merry Christmas and Happy New year. Give my best to the kids. Love sandra