Friday Photo Favorites

Oh this girl, how she adores these kittens.
She is in heaven with these two.

Anastasia has a special way with animals, every time we go to a butterfly house she is the one that all the butterflies land on. She and a robin had an enchanting encounter this summer, as she hopped along singing her sweet little song the robin hopped three feet in front and they just hopped through the yard together sharing a spectacular moment. Annie had no problem securing the billy goats face in her hands and turn in his head to look eye to eye with one another. If ever there was a forest nymph I believe this girl to be one. She is an enchanting creature all on her own. 

We have been living this for awhile now

Star Wars is very serious around here even for those that have never seen them. 

Too Much

Too Much!

This is kind of how I feel right now watching all that is happening in our church at the moment.  

These two were waiting the explosion of fireworks and I sit waiting the explosion of lies and cover ups and sins and laws broken.  I still don't understand why these people feel they are above the law, God's and country. What I really want to do it go and slap and then yell at them all because they have acted in the most selfish way imaginable, which is the antitheses of how I am trying to rear our children.

Friday Photo Favorites

Eleanor Rose

Sacrifice

Today we embark on a forty days of fasting and penitence in reparation for our church. As a family discussed how priest over the years had broken the law and their bishops lied and covered. We were able to talk to the children about how lies are always found out and always cause so much more damage than just accepting consequences. It is amazing how much our children get and how they see with unclouded eyes...you do right even if its uncomfortable or even painful. We also discussed about how Jesus dying on the cross was reparation for our sins and so know we are trying to imitate Jesus with small acts of reparation, small sacrifices. So we asked for ideas, "So guys what should we sacrifice?"

In the most excited, enthusiast voice two arms in the air, "ME!"

We are not giving up Anastasia, we are giving up movies, which always hits momma harder than anyone else, treats, snooze buttons and Paul Thomas is trying not to stay up so late reading, Avery is giving up some playtime for praytime and Mary Colette wants to go to "Everyday Mass". We will do what we can and offer all that we do for the healing of our Church, the healing of the victims and the souls of priest and bishops.

I saw you

Sunday was a busy day. We had company early and brunch to clean up and so much planning to do, planning for our new school year. As towers of books, tantalizing ideas and lofty hopes surround me most of the day, I want you to know that I saw you. I saw you on your speeder. I saw you in your race car. I saw you chase bad guys and I relished it all. 

You are exploding in growth lately, and I want you to know, I see you. Even when I am not able to etch out the time I want with you, I see you.

I am so proud of the big boy you are growing into and am so looking forward to our upcoming school year.

Purely Felt

Lately Gia has been taking a couple of kiddos at a time to enjoy quiet time with them and a few weeks ago Avery went just by himself. When we went to pick him up Annie asked from the back of the van in a kind of panic where Avery was, thinking he might miss out on a grandparent visit. We told her that he was already there and we would be picking him up. She was content. As we turn towards the driveway Avery was up at the house and waved to us and Annie just burst out in the most pure laugh of love and excitement. She just laugh and laugh until tears were streaming down her face and laugh even more when she got out of the van and hugged Avery. He was only gone one night, but the joy of reuniting overcame her.

During the same visit Annie asked for an apple and found there were none, Gia needing to go to the store was spouting off the items she was going to pick up and said, "And apples for Miss Priss." to Annie. Then asked if Annie wanted to come to which she of course said yes, "to go to the store and to meet Miss Priss."

More recently we have given in and have started Bennett on a pacifier to which Annie calls a "suckafy" it is fitting.