Maddy Thinks You're Funny

Picture Maddy at 6:30am, standing in the kitchen, squinting with her puffy-sleep eyes at the phone screen and playing the video over and over again. She thinks you're funny! Happy 'Anksgivin'! Lub you.

We are Thankful

Today on Thanksgiving we give God thanks for so many blessings from the gift of our new daughter and sweet joy, Pita, to the fact that Madge potty-trained herself, gives us kisses when she plays pretend and "leaves the house for the store," and for the most fundamental and yet precious gifts as our very lives. Thank you, God. We woke up this morning (something we are grateful of in and of itself) to Madge and Pita nestling together, snug in our bed. Their presence was a treat, a real reason to wake up thankful for a new day. Once our feet hit the ground we were off slowly but steadily to brew some "coppee" before returning to resting in bed as a family. These are the best times, and I love them. After getting some breakfast we got ready for 9am Mass. How thankful we are to have a real Thanksgiving Meal everyday in the Eucharist. In his homily the pastor stated how we often take things so for granted and that we don't need to wait for this official Thanksgiving day to come before we say thank you.
When we arrived home from Mass we made a small brunch of simmered apples with brown sugar and cinnamon, pumpkin bread, delicious coffee, and fresh whipped cream. The morning was beautiful: sunny and low 50s. We headed to our neighbors' for a visit before heading outdoors to play and then take a walk through the sun-lit sidewalks. The fresh air felt so nice and energizing. The girls layed down for a nap, while we tried to organize Christmas gift ideas. Dinner was in motion, and there was one last pie to make: a St. Louis Custard Pie. While I finished dinner, Madge awoke, frazzle-haired and rosey-cheeked and joined me in the kitchen. Caleb and Maddy took another turn outside with Maddy's friends and played soccer and catch. Pita didn't even eat turkey, but she slept over three hours. (Sometimes the habits of Thanksgiving are just instinctual.) Our dinner menu consisted of a turkey breast (made as closely to Dad's as I could); gravy with sautteed onions and celery; garlic mashed potatoes and mozzarella cheese; Mom's green bean casserole; Baking Powder Drop Biscuits; cranberry sauce; and, sparkling cider, followed by pecan pie and pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream (and maybe even some Custard Pie later). And, a larger-sized pair of pants. All in all, it was a very special day. I am thankful for so many things, but I was able to synthesize my thanks into five gifts this evening as we began a new tradition at our dinner table. We each had a cut-out of a hand and wrote what 5 things we are thankful for. We will tuck those away in a little envelope and re-read them next year while adding to our bountiful blessings as each year passes with abundant gifts. We are truly grateful to God for so many gifts including the love we have for one another, within our own family, and for our families on both sides. Each person has impacted us in so many ways, and we thank God for each member of our families as well as our dear friends and the graces we have been granted through these connections.

Poop on Elmo

I have been waiting to use this title for a post for a long time. Other parents around the world can share in my jubilation. A week and a half ago, Maddy decided to cut the diapers cold-turkey. Mary and I didn't put up a fight to that. She has done really well, no accidents at day or at night. We'll see how this continues, but it's neat to see her reach these milestones independently. Anyway, I still wish I had an Elmo to poop on. P.S. Have you visited your library recently?

First Bangage Trim = First Haircut!

Last week we trimmed Maddy's hair a bit... just the front. The curls have remained untouched.

Revisiting All Saints' Eve

Madge and Pita were a pair: Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe. In the last photo, we were at friends' home where we entered our Bob the Tomato jack'o'lantern and our Apple Cobbler. Both won!

Happy Birthday, Matt and Micah!

Today we celebrate a dual-birthday of our brothers. Happy birthday, Matt! Happy birthday, Micah! We love you and are thankful to God to have you in our lives. Thank you for the love you have shared and the people you have brought into our lives. You both have beautiful treasures, and we thank God for these jewels. May God bless you on this special feast day and may you always know the love and joy of your family and friends who rejoice in your lives this day. All our love.

Happy Birthday, Aunty Mimi!

Today we celebrate your 18 years on earth, a place that is blessed with your existence. We love you and pray that you may always know how much joy you bring to so many lives, including the four of ours. Our love and prayers are with you today, tomorrow, and always as you journey onwards reaching the goals God has planned for you. Happy birthday! Our prayers are with you in a special way on this memorial.

A Slipper Sort of Day

As the days get colder, so do our toes.

Divine Mercy Care (DMC) Gala

Last night, Mary and I had the wonderful opportunity of attending the DMC Gala near Dulles Airport. Invited by some friends, we enjoyed a night out on the town, dining, conversing, and dancing with hundreds of staunch pro-life families. Divine Mercy Care is a fabulous apostolate and it was through them that Pita came into this world. Here are a few photos from last night.

Pictures from Visiting Caleb's Family Last Weekend

There is hope beyond abortion

Check this out.

One Year Ago Today

...Maddy kissed her (on the inside).


Now she can give her a kiss on the outside. How happy she is to have Pita here.