Welcome, Beautiful Girl. We've Been Anxious to Meet You.

On July 1st, 2008 at 1:55pm, EDT, our beautiful second daughter was born. Our lives have been forever changed by Guadalupe "Pita" Belen Maria. Named after Our Lady of Guadalupe, you will be called "Pita" which means "little Guadalupe" (Guadalupita) in Spanish; a common custom in Mexico to shorten the name. Your second name is also Spanish, and translated in English it stands for Bethlehem. May the Christ child who blesses the little town of Bethlehem always reside in your heart and create a spirit of poverty in you always. Your third name is a form of Mary. Your sister began the tradition when we gave her her third name of Mary. Now both of you have Mary or some form of Mary as part of your middle names. Our Blessed Mother will always be near you. We love you, sweet girl. You have blessed our lives in so many ways and made your big sister Maddy such a happy sibling. As you can tell from all of her hugs, kisses, and chit-chat to you, she thinks you are heaven-sent. You bring us joy, so much joy. God has blessed us with your existence, and we did nothing to deserve you. Your life humbles us and makes us turn to God in awe for His merciful goodness and kindness. May Jesus guide you on your life journey. May Our Lady of Guadalupe wrap a tilma of purity and love around you. May you always know the love of Daddy and Mommy and your sister Madeleine. We love you dearly. We give you thanks, Almighty God, for these and all of your benefits. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
It's hard to believe that only a couple of weeks ago, I was sitting with you beneath my heart, as I listened to this song, and could only think of you.
Here's to you, Sweets.

We love you and miss you...

January 16, 1923-June 26, 2007
Please pray for us, Gram, as we continue to pray for you and to you. Eternal rest grant unto Gram's soul, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Unless you become like little children...

On Saturday morning Caleb was making breakfast with Maddy, and when I came out breakfast was nearly finished and ready to eat. We have a crucifix right next to the front door, and Maddy, ready to go for breakfast, was kneeling before it to say prayers and then eat. This is what we saw when we walked around the corner. And I thought I was teaching her something? What sweet and innocent souls.

CDC Claims Recommended Vaccine Schedule "Flexible"

An article today from CNN may show a seismic shift in public health and perception. I don't anticipate any mainstream media outlet advocating a full-blown anti-vaccine position in the near future. However, the fact that the article is encouraging parents to (1) think for themselves, (2) advocate for their children, and (3) advocate for flexibility in the vaccine schedule is a huge step in the right direction. These are qualities in all good parents despite one's opinion on vaccines. A small hurrah.

Our Little Beauty Queen

Sweet Girl

This morning Madge was awake at 4am and hungry for toast. Just before she ate, we were saying prayers before she ate her early breakfast, and although it was a little dark in the room and the stillness of the night seemed to still be upon us, she went and knelt down in front of the crucifix to tell Jesus "thanks" for her tasty toast. You are our sweet girl. We love you and all of your little ways, Madge.

Happy Father's Day!

Today we wish you, Caleb, a Happy Father's Day. Madge and OLF are truly blessed to have you, a Dad that takes such an active role in his little ones' lives. I am blessed to have such a good spouse and role model as a co-pilot on this incredible parental journey. Thank you for all that you do for us: your hard work here and at the office, all of your daily sacrifices for us and for others. You teach me on a daily basis how to do better.

Happy Father's Day to our Dads. We love you both and thank God for your yeses on so many levels. We also thank God for the lives of our Grandpas,those now deceased and Grandpa D. living and well. Without your lives, we would not be able to give thanks for our blessings today.

Priceless

Think no further, look no further. If you have doubts as to who to vote into the Oval Office, this should make your choice crystal clear.

Good reads

In relation to parenting, obedience, and true love, this article offers exceptional clarifications.
Another article worth browsing (also by the same author), is this.

Saturday Zoo Time, 2008

Our Friday Together

We had a super day on Friday. The weather was beautiful. We played outside together at the playgrounds--2 of them! We got a game of tennis in with the sun beaming above us and the temperature pushing the 80s. And after a lot of exercise outdoors, we enjoyed a picnic lunch. Amidst it all, we got to capture a few special times.

31-Cent Scoop Night was a Hit!

A Tired Girl

The other day Maddy had had a full morning and by lunch time was ready to hit the pillow, even though her head wasn't quite there yet. She was snoozing while still seated at her highchair.

31-cent Scoop Night!

Don't miss out on your Baskin Robbins treat night tomorrow, April 30th, 2008! Thanks, Miriam, for keeping us in the loop. I remember last year at this time in Hawaii when Caleb, Madge, and I headed out to Baskin Robbins for this deal. Unfortunately we didn't make it all the way there, but we plan to this year. Well, not to Hawaii... a bit more local.

New Items for Madeleine's Hope Chest

This is something that I have been wanting to add to Maddy's chest for a while. What a creative little night light! I think she might like this little item too, especially when she wants to switch from her ice water to lattes.

Happy 30th Anniversary!

Today is Meema and Beeba's 3oth wedding anniversary! Happy Anniversary! We love you and thank God for your marriage and all of the fruits of your labors. May God continue to bless, guide, and sustain you in your journey together.

Important Things to Sing and Say

This was from Friday after Maddy got into her new dress. She was saying something or singing something. Watch her head movements as she climbs down. She keeps saying "baby" when she climbs down, and looks at her dress. She says that she has a baby in her tummy, since Mommy has one too. :)

Happy Birthday, Beeba!

Today, April 22, is Beeba's/Grandpa Tiej's/Papa Tiej's birthday! Happy birthday to you! We wish we could be there to celebrate with you and at least back your presents into the driveway, but we will wait to do that Thursday night. (No, we don't get a commission for this, nor are we raking anyone over the coals.) What other Tiejisms come to mind? Hmm...
We love you so much and are so grateful to God for your life, for the father and grandfather you are, and for the sacrificial spouse you continue to be. It only seems fitting to use your words when writing about you, and they are that we are "...all the richer for knowing you." May Jesus bless you and your day and may you always know how much joy and love you bring to others, far and near. We sing this for you today.

All our love,
Caleb, Mary, Madge, and Little OLF #2

Some Food for Thought: What are the real issues at hand?

As we near the election and voters continue to worry about various issues, this article helps point out the most important issue to be concerned about.

Catchy Song, Nice Harmony

Recently a movie, Once, was recommended to us, and there are some nice tunes in it. This is one of them.
Beware that there is a lot of swearing in the movie. TV guardian is nice to have for this one.

Here are the lyrics as well:
Glen Hansard - Falling Slowly Lyrics

I don't know you
But I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can't react
And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You've made it now

Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
Moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing along

Happy Birthday, Matt!

Today, in the U.S., is our brother-in-law Matt's 30th birthday! Happy birthday, Matt! We hope that you had a wonderful celebration of your life in Australia, and we pray that God will continue to bless you and protect you every day of your new year and throughout your life. It is amazing to think how our lives have been altered by your life and your entrance into our family. We love you and value your life. May St. Michael the Archangel, patron of policemen, protect and guide you always.

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host - by the Divine Power of God - cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits, who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Maddy Watches Pope Benedict XVI Arrive at RFK Stadium

This morning Maddy was watching the Holy Father arrive here in DC, and here she is waving at him...on TV.

An Amazing Day

Yesterday, April 16th, was an amazing day. It was Gram Dolan's birthday. She would have been 87. It was the Holy Father's 81st birthday. It was a beautiful spring day, spent at CUA, awaiting Pope Benedict XVI's arrival. We were among the throngs of people waiting to greet him, and it was incredible. We took the Metro down, and although Madge had only gotten about 30-40 minutes of sleep during nap time before we had to jump in the car and head to the station, she was a happy girl for a long evening, spent playing, cheering, soaking up such special moments in the presence of Christ's vicar.

New Study: Single parents cost taxpayers $112 billion

The first of its type, this study provides economic modeling of the burden family break-ups and children-born-out-of-wedlock pose to taxpayers. $112 billion dollars a year. Wow. CNN offers its typical detractions: marriage outreach won't change anything. Money speaks, however. We shouldn't neglect to provide the proper compassion and care to these needy, broken families. Yet, we can point to the traditional family as a way of not only preserving the moral fabric of society but also as a way of allocating federal dollars effectively.

Scripture Applied to Family Life

A recent CE article offers two inspiring scripture quotes applied to family life. In summary, families shouldn't be sprinting through life, but, ever attentive to God's grace, they should plug away with focus, strategy, and perseverance to accomplish God's plan. A neat practical application for our day.

• Hebrews 12:1-2: "…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…"
• Zechariah 8:12: "The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will drop their dew."
  

A Boe-ka

According to Maddy, a boat is really pronounced "boe-ka." Just watch here.

Eye wuv woo!

Make sure to have your volume up for this one!

Contemplating Couplehood Once More

and thanking God for the gift of marriage and sacrificial love, found in marriage. Here is a wonderful read on this.

Happy April Fool's

Our little "jester" wishes you a happy April filled with lots of tricks.

Contemplating Couplehood

BEATITUDES OF MARRIED COUPLESBLESSED ARE MARRIED COUPLES WHO COMFORT EACH OTHER -- who provide a refuge and sanctuary from the chill winds of the world; whose marriage is a hearth from which comes peace, harmony, and warmth of soul and spirit.

BLESSED ARE MARRIED COUPLES WHO LISTEN TO EACH OTHER -- who listen to not only words, but non-verbal language of tone and expression; who listen to understand rather than to argue.

BLESSED ARE MARRIED COUPLES WHO SHOW AFFECTION -- who warm each other with their soothing touch; who remember that just as babies can die from lack of affection, so can marriages wither from a lack of closeness.

BLESSED ARE MARRIED COUPLES WHO RESPECT EACH OTHER -- who remember that the most important quality in marriage is to HONOR each other.

BLESSED ARE MARRIED COUPLES WHO CAN BE FRIENDS AND PARTNERS -- who remember that friendship can be a peaceful island, in a world of turmoil and strife; who can reflect upon the tranquility of future years shared with a true friend; who are not battling enemies under the same roof.

BLESSED ARE MARRIED COUPLES WHO ALLOW EACH OTHER TO BE UNIQUE -- who do not seek to force each other into a new mold that can only fit with much pain and discomfort; who accept the other as God made us.

BLESSED ARE MARRIED COUPLES WHO ARE OPEN WITH EACH OTHER -- who avoid secretness that causes suspicion and doubt; who trust and reveal themselves to each other even as a budding rose opens to reveal its beauty and fragrance.

BLESSED ARE MARRIED COUPLES WHO CHERISH THEIR UNION -- who let no one separate their togetherness, not another person, nor friend, nor worldly possessions.

BLESSED ARE MARRIED COUPLES WHO GIVE EACH OTHER APPROVAL -- who see that compliments encourage confidence in the other, while criticism divides; who do not point out the other's mistakes, for all too soon each will discover their own faults.

BLESSED ARE MARRIED COUPLES WHO LOVE ONE ANOTHER -- love is the river of life -- an eternal source of recreating one's self and each other. Above all else -- LOVE ONE ANOTHER, AS CHRIST HAS LOVED US.

Cherry Blossom Festival in DC

Preempting the flood of out-of-towners (aren't we smart!), we visited the cherry blossoms on Friday, the day before the annual Cherry Blossom Festival began. We had a lovely time walking the perimeter of the tidal basin. Maddy seemed to enjoy the flowers. These days, however, she seems thrilled mostly by the possibility of walking outside. A wintry breeze still nipped the air. The boughs of the cherry blossoms swayed endlessly. The Monument and the Jefferson Memorial stood firm amidst the surrounding gaiety. Here are a few pics from our evening together.

Meme

This past week I was tagged by Sharon.
So, here goes the game...
The rules are:
1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

What I was doing 10 years ago: I was 17 and was about to head to Australia for our big move. We had just about one more month before we went to Sydney, and there were so many tearful good-byes we began saying at this time, ten years ago.

Five things on my To Do List today:
1. Go to SAM's as a family
2. Go to the library as a family
3. Play at the park
4. Prayer time
5. Movie together

Snacks I enjoy: Fruits; nuts; water; and I just picked up some raisins; which are a nice, sweet mix with the nuts; bowl of cereal (berries are nice on top too!)

Things I would do if I were a billionaire: (no particular order here)
Remodel relatives' homes.
Buy a home of our own.
Pay off student loans.
Pay for airline tickets so that we and other family members could come and go as we wished to see one another.
Buy a second car.
Save money.
Take care of the needs of family and friends.

Three of my bad habits:
1. Project procrastination (instead of staying on top of scrapbooks, I let the memorabilia add up) .
2. Starting too many books without finishing them.
3. Being a perfectionist.

Five places I have lived:
1. St. Louis
2. Washington, DC
3. Beijing
4. Sydney
5. Honolulu

Five jobs I’ve had:
1. Bus-Girl/Restaurant Staff
2. Waitress
3. Barista
4. Preschool Teacher
5. Art Teacher


People I want to know more about (a nice way of saying TAG!):
1. Erin
2. Jenny
3. Liv
4. Nicky
5. Annelisa

Maddy is Practicing to be a Big Sister

Yesterday Maddy had one of my old dolls, and I was about to change Maddy when she got a diaper for her baby doll. Here is how she "changed" the baby's diaper.


It's kind of like self-service. After putting the baby in the diaper, she put a wipe on top of the baby. I'm sure she will help her sibling become independent in no time.

A Wonderful Easter

Happy Easter Season to everyone. There are so many super things to enjoy about Easter and the Octave; one of these things being the Divine Mercy Novena. The candy is always nice to enjoy too, but at a minimum. I had a few too many Starburst Jelly Beans last night. I think I will hold off on those until next Easter, or the Easter after.
We've had a super Easter with Caleb's family, and time with family always goes way to fast, but it reminds me to just enjoy the moment and not worry about what is to come. Every moment is fleeting, and all we have is the present. Needless to say, we had a ball with all of the activities that went on as a family. From cooking with Miriam and Mary Theresa, sitting around the breakfast table in the early morning when Beeba got home from work, sledding down the awesome hill at Ford Field, singing and as a family while Beeba, Miriam and Mary Theresa played guitar and while the little ones danced around, watching Enchanted together and listening to Miriam squeal as the rats and roaches poured forth from the drains in the movie, praying together as a family, celebrating Meema's birthday on Easter Sunday, or being able to converse one-on-one with family members, we loved every moment. Family time helps renew our faith in so many ways, because we're constantly learning from one another's imperfections and growths, and amid them all, we are learning to grow more together. After being away from family for a while and never really foreseeing a time when we will ever be in one place with both sides of our families, it makes me give thanks for the times that we do have together, and to encourage others to make stronger bonds with the family members that are near them rather than take them for granted or be too busy to interact with them. It's human nature though to want what we do not have and to become complacent with the staus quo, but every now and then, it helps to be uprooted and planted elsewhere in our own little worlds so as to enjoy and experience the riches God has planted in the hearts of those closest too us--our family.

Our Little Bo-Peep

Where is the freedom of choice?

After reading this article, you have to wonder where the freedom of choice is for parents, who, are supposedly the primary educators and protectors of their children until they hold a stance that differs from the government's demands.

Happy Birthday, Caleb!

Finally we have internet back and a post to you can finally be posted. Happy birthday (actual date: March 2nd), Bud. I am truly thankful for your life and all that you have brought to fruition through the development of your many talents and your hard work and daily perseverance. We would not have crossed so many bridges had it not been for your foresight and skills. We love you. Maddy and OLFrie are especially grateful to have such a good Papa who thoroughly loves being a Dad and who takes his vocation as Dad seriously. Thank you for all of your time, devotion, and constant communication with us, Dad. We love you very much. May God bless you every step of the way on this journey in life, and may you always know the love of God, the love of your family--little and big-- and the love of your friends. It is our delight that you are here.