Giddy up Jingle Horse

Thursday afternoon we drove up to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the beautiful monestary and shrine founded by Mother Angelica, to go on a sleigh ride.

Going here is like leaving the country- it's on hundreds of acres of rolling hills.  It is the most peaceful place. 

You probably remember our first baby that we lost at 12 weeks, Nathan Michael, is buried at this Shrine.  We will always be grateful to them for helping us in our hour of need.

Charlie covered his face and he's almost invisible!  I just realized we all have black coats!

We texted our friend, an EWTN Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, and he met us and walked around with us before the sleigh ride. 

The children loved seeing the Nativity grotto tucked under a hill-

Father was explaining to us that Mother Angelica's spirituality could be summer up in these two words- For You!  She had a personal relationship with Christ and wanted everyone to have a personal encounter with the Lord. 

The gift shop was closed, but we enjoyed touring the castle. 

Sissy brought a bag of apples for the horses!  She was so excited!  That's Joan of Arc behind her! :)

We were thrilled when the beautiful carriage and horses arrived.  I said, "Oh- are those Clydesdale horses?" and she said, "They look like Bergeron horses to me."  And of course she was right- one was Bergeron and the other Belgian and they both were 1/2 painted horse as well. 

They loved the apples!

Father gave us a blessing before we were off!

The driver said Julia could ride up front with him!!!!  She was SO HAPPY!

Then he asked Julia, "Do you want to drive?"  And she did!  It's very different from horseback riding, but she loved it!  And they were doing what she said!  At one point we started to turn too far to the left and she brought them back. 

You aren't allowed to take pictures inside the Sanctuary, but here are stock photos-

And we did go below to the crypt church to see Mother Angelica's tomb. 

We all found this painting haunting. 

Afterwards we found a true hole-in-the-wall bbq place to have dinner.  You know with a sign like this it's going to be good!

This morning Daddy surprised the children with donuts-

And I leave you with this little treat- the opening songs from the Birmingham Boys Choir Christmas Concert!  If you get to 3:50 you will hear how angelic they can sound!