Giving and Receiving

(Keeping each other well accompanied with Blessed Mama and the Rosary.)

 (Madge and Pita having prayer time together.)

 (Madge in prayer with the Rosary and the beautiful view outside.)

 (Little Caleb lathered up his little hands with Baby Magic and rubbed Pita's calves.)

 (Madge asking Pita, "Peety, do you want me to say (the Rosary) a little quieter?" Pita nodded.)

Beginning yesterday, Pita woke up having a bit of a tummy ache and has been taking it easy since then. Lots of books, lots of rest, even Netflix-viewings! Madge has also been very eager to care for Pita. As Caleb and I finished up dishes last night, the three little people went to the living room to get ready to say the Rosary before we began Friday Movie Night (with a fun viewing of Cheaper by the Dozen, 1950.). As we were about to come in we could hear Madge's little voice praying the Rosary beside Pita (who was sound asleep). Madge was facing the crucifix, and icons of Our Lady and St. Joseph, with her Rosary in-hand. So sweet. Again, today, we found her upstairs with Pita. This time LIttle Caleb had join the girls right in their midst. Madge was praying the Rosary with Pita upstairs, as Pita was lying on the massage table resting, and Little Caleb was looking at his board books. Soon after seeing the girls there, Caleb told me that Madge had just said to him the night before, "Dad, I'm really getting more into the prayers." (She was on the fourth decade of the Rosary and didn't even realize that she had gotten so far in her prayers.) We love you, girls, and Mr. Calsee. Keep growing closer to Blessed Mama. She'll always keep you close to Jesus.

Our Helpers

 (Madge changing Caleb's diaper)

(Pita filling up the water bottles)

 
(Caleb helping Mommy make hummus)


_____________________
The other day, Pita and I (with Little one #4 inside), and Little Caleb ran to the grocery store while Madge was at her rehearsal for her piano and rhythm recital. (Pita wanted to get Maddy some flowers.. they ended up being beautiful pink roses!). As we were checking out, Caleb was in the cart helping me bag groceries and Pita was beside the cart getting ready to help gather groceries. I looked over and a Brazilian woman said in Portuguese-- after seeing me with two of our four :) children--how difficult it is to shop with two (kids). Difficult? No. Helpful, yes. These are the little people who ask what they can help with next; if I can load their carts up (the other day we were at another grocery store and they each had a miniature cart, piled high with all our groceries.); and, they bring joy, laughs, opportunities for sanctity in the day, and so much more to our what-could-be dull grocery runs. So, I just had to smile and say to the woman that our kids are my help. I appreciate each of you so much. Madge, thank you for making me a coffee today. Pita, thank you for our surprises of setting the table so nicely. Little Caleb, thank you for going right after dinner to wash up your hands from our dinner. You are gems, and God truly blessed us with your presence. I am in awe of your goodness. As we prepared to go see Daddy the other day and then head for a family swim, everyone helped get ready. Madge got Caleb's diaper all changed and Pita filled our water bottled, and today, well, after asking "Counter," Little Caleb pureed boiled garbanzo beans, garlic, olive oil and spices for a fresh batch of hummus. What would we do without each of you?