Happy Birthday, Handsome!

Happy birthday to you, Caleb, my sweet husband and dear Da-Da to Madge and Pita. We love you oh so very much. Thank you for all that you give to our family. Thank you for your desire to always improve and be realistic. You have taught me a lot. God has blessed our lives with your presence and I could not be more thankful for the paths that we have taken, because in the end they have brought us to one another, and now to the creation of our own family. You are our treasure, and I am so glad that we have you as our pot o'gold at the end of our rainbow that just keeps getting brighter. All our love for so many more happy years.

Lip Synch Competition: Maddy vs. Natalie

The other day we were lip synching to songs on the radio as we drove to the pool. Mares is a big music fan . Me, not so much. I can never seem to remember the words to pop songs, whereas Mary always seems to know them. Needless to say, we frequently resort to lip synching, using our fists as pretend microphones. Recently, Madge has picked up on the fun. Here's a clip of her facing off with Natalie Cole. Talk about a Drama Queen!


(Note how Maddy seamlessly weaves Guadalupe's name into the lyrics.)

A Little Scary When They Know So Much So Young

Dear Madgie,

Today you made me chortle out loud at the office. Here's the story:.

9:30am at the Office. I noticed that I had missed a call from Mom's phone. I played the message and this is what I heard:

"Hi Dad. It's me, Madge O. How are you doing today? Call me back soon, k, Dad? Love you. Bye."

It gave me a laugh, especially the part about calling you back. I figured that it was one of those parroting moments, when you were just repeating whatever Mom told you to say. I was wrong!

9:30am at Home. Mom knew that you had her phone and that you were hiding out in the guest bedroom. When she came in to see if you were getting into any phone mischief, you said, "I am just calling Dad." You had called me and left a message all by yourself! Kind of scary for just a 2.5 year old! From what I hear, you were wearing your signature smirk. (This is the smirk that seems to say, "I am just here, hanging out, doing my ho-hum job. Yeah. Okay.")

I love you, Madgie. Please stay my little girl for ever!
Dad

Photo caption: Madge fell asleep while in the backpack when we were at Mt. Vernon last week.

Talk about a life of love, total service. Christ-like or what?

I was very fortunate to meet the daughter-in-law to the late Thomas Vander Woude at the March for Life. I am glad I didn't pass up the opportunity to meet her. What a dynamic family: all stemming from this beautiful life. What a dad. What a man. What a servant of Christ.

So young

As I was working out the other day I was listening to this and just thinking about the foursome that magically reinvented this song with an acoustic guitar (even for electric guitar parts), "played" the violin without even touching the strings, beat the pots, err "drums" and sang into a flashlight... But, hey, we're so young! I love you and thanks for those good times.

Complementarity

Thanks to God for His good sense in giving this world husbands to complement wives and wives to complement their husbands. This gift hit me once again last night as Pita fussed (she's receiving her fourth tooth and overcoming a little case of the sniffles). Usually she can be nursed and life is all better, but not much was satisfying her last night, until Caleb suggested he take her for a drive. I agreed, because my heart was breaking as I heard her cry, and I knew I had tried all that I could from holding her, attempting to nurse her, giving her Beeatrice and Quinny. I quickly bundled her into her carseat and Kiddopotumus and sent her with Dad for some relief. Not long after their departure their arrival came, and wa-la: Pita was asleep. She had cried several minutes before falling asleep, but she stopped fussing as soon as they hit the freeway. Thank you, Caleb, for taking her out and helping her become peaceful. I am so thankful for God's creation of marriage: one man and one woman--two totally different personalities that can balance one another's emotions. When my heart breaks, there is the balance Dad to step in and accomplish what needs to be done. (I know I have written about my love for you and your support before.) As I told Caleb's Dad this morning, I know that it is not that dads do not care when a baby cries, but they have different tolerance levels, and for those I am grateful. As his Dad asked, "What good would two basket cases do?!" Exactly.

A Pita Period

Our little girl now has three teeth. Tough to see but not to feel: the gnaws can hurt! She continues to be a giggly girlie.










"When can I get my permit? I have my pilot's cap already."

A Madge Moment

At one point this evening, I exclaimed, "Woo, Doggie!"

Maddy retorted, "Dad, what did you do to your doggie?"

I love you, Madge!

Of Teeth and Sisters

The first of Pita's teeth came through this past week. The front bottom right guy. Number two should be coming out of the closet very soon. Maddy has been the big helper in the teething process, as the video below attests.

Dad, What's his Name?

We were the recipients of an random act of kindness the other day. After the good samaritan left us, Madge asked me about the man: "Dad, what's his name?" I replied, "Madge, I don't know his name." She asked me again, "Dad, what's his name?" "Madge, I don't know his name." The same questions and answers were repeated three more times. Finally, when she asked his name again, I replied, "Madge, his name is John." She said, "Oh. John." After that she moved on to another topic of conversation.

Remind me to just make up names next time. :)

The Legend of St. Valentine

Valentine was a young priest who lived in Rome during the third century. He was jailed for refusing to renounce his Christian faith. While in prison, Valentine missed his loved ones behind. He sent them a message via a dove that frequently sat on his cell window. It said, "Remember your Valentine."

Saint Valentine was martyred for his great faith. On November 10, 1836, his relics were place in the Carmelite Church on Whitefriars Street in Dublin Ireland.

To this day, Saint Valentine remains the symbol of love... the love between God and us and our love for each other.

Take from Discalced Carmelite Friars

Happy St. Valentine's Day to All Our Loves

We love you so much and thank God for each and every one of you, your talents, life lessons, unconditional love, warmth, strength, bond. How grateful we are for our lives, for the gift of family, friends, and everyday experiences that help us to appreciate this world for what it is worth in relation to the next. Thanks to God for such good times and lots of laughter that make our days memorable. What an honor it is to be alive. Let us remember and pray for those who may never experience that joy. And, let us remember and pray for those who may never even know or feel loved.

“Dance as if no one were watching, Sing as if no one were listening, And live every day as if it were your last”- Anonymous

Sleeping Beauty

Earlier this week Maddy was sitting in her chair, finishing up lunch. Then, she closed her eyes and said, "Mom, wake me up." She had her eyes squinted. Then I looked over and she asked, "Mom, kiss me, please." (She wanted me to wake her up with a kiss, which is a little game she and Caleb play. He acts like he is sound asleep until he gets that little kiss from Maddy.) Here she is in action.

A Few Moments Worth Sharing

...A few short stories about the pictures to follow at the bottom.

These are the moments, and I thank God for them. Amidst the busyness of days and moments in patience-building, I can tell God is there. It is a true joy to wake up and begin a new day with you, Maddy and Pita. You put such smiles on my face. The other night, Madge, I came into the room after I had put Pita in our bed. You were there too! You had left your bed and laid down by Pita. I asked that you wouldn't touch her so she wouldn't wake up. You told me you kissed her, and that was sweet of you. I came in a bit later and found your holding her hand. I had to take come pictures, because it was beautiful to see. You are best friends, and the love you have for your little sister oozes out.


The other day I took the girls down to Belmont Bay for a walk. It is a beautiful area of colonial homes, a golf course, the Occoquan, geese, boats, and a trail WITH a tunnel (Maddy loves tunnels). The sun was shining and we came down to the trail with a coffee and a little treat. I had gotten Maddy 2 Munchkins. What control... she saved a piece of one of her inch-wide Munchkins to eat in the tunnel. It was so cute to see this lonely little piece of donut sitting in a bag so that she could eat it around the bend of the path. We galloped down the path, ran, drank in the sun. I looked at the girlies and had to call Caleb to say thanks. These two delights are real gifts in my life, in my every day. What fun I have, and this is my job. I didn't have to earn billions to have my dream job.

Two days ago the girls and I drove to Sam's to pick up some groceries. This store is great not only for the delectable "treats" it offers as samples, but also for its double-seated carts. As I sat in the car just before packing the girls in the cart, I saw a mom with her two little ones side-by-side in the cart. I thought, "I can do that too!" since Pita can sit up all by herself. (What big stuff you are, Peetster!) So, this was a big deal...Pita's first time of riding up front with "the driver." (I might start calling her Tootie.) It was so sweet to see Pita leaning over to Maddy as we drove through the store. When we returned to the car after shopping I parked Madge and Pita next to the car as I unlocked the other side. As I stood on the other side of the car I could hear Maddy talking to Pita, and she leaned over to her and said: "I had a good time with you." There they were: the twosome, the dynamic duo, the sisters, side-by-side enjoying each other's company.

Just like College Days

Do you remember those college days when you tried to get lots of studying in before a big event or before you packed your bags to get out of town? Those couple of hours may have been weeks of fruitful study because so much was accomplished on that minimal amount of time since that was all that was there. The reason I make the correlation is because today I had about 1-2 hours to get things cleaned up and organized at home before we headed back in the car to pick up Caleb from the carpool. Who-hoo! Within that amount of time both bathrooms got cleaned, dishes washed, floors washed, etc, etc, etc. We had been gone all morning out to Silver Spring to visit some friends and to enjoy lunch with them before heading to the Metro to pick up our good friend from down South and spend some wholesome time with her chatting, catching up, and playing with the trains at B&N. What made this day even more delightful was that friends were interspersed throughout. What a fulfilling day. Thanks, Lord, for your love spread to us in so many ways. Mimi called too and to top it off one of my sisters rang, and we got to talk for a long time. Ah, the simplicities of life. I love them.

Happy 8 Years!

Jenny and John,
Happy eighth year of marriage! We hope that you have a beautiful day together as you celebrate the many blessings God has given to you throughout these years of marriage. Thank you for all of the joy and lessons you have brought to our lives through your marriage and your unity as a couple. We love you and pray for many more years of happy and holy marriage.

Marriage is an act of will that signifies and involves a mutual gift, which unites the spouses and binds them to their eventual souls, with whom they make up a sole family - a domestic church.
Pope John Paul II

Madgebites

Today Madge was standing in the livingroom when we got home from our friends' home. On arrival Madge takes off her shoes and coat and washes up. Our next step was to get some lunch and then nap. But, when I came into the livingroom and saw Maddy she had other plans. She had nicely taken off her shoes and coat but was standing in the front room swinging her arms back and forth (just like Caleb does for exercises.)
Our conversation:
Me: Madge, ready to eat lunch?
Maddy: No, I'm gonna e-sir-cise sirst.

Later in the day (twice it took place) Madge walked up to me and said, with rosary in-hand:
Maddy: Mom, wanna say a rosary with me?
Me: Yes
Maddy: (Making the sign of the cross) Fadder, Son, Holy Spirit. Con-tum-pate mystries. Hail Mary, full-a grace. Lord is wif dee. Bless are you 'mong women. Bless is fruit a-your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Modder of God, pray us sinners, now and at hour a'def, amen.

Beauty

Seven Months of Wonder

On the eve of your seven-month birthday...Guadalupe, you have given us seven months of wonder and love. Thank you, sweet girl. You are such a joy to hold, cuddle and love. We are the ones who are so blessed to have received you. Thank you for your tight squeezes (or... face pinches). I can just feel the love, and it feels like it's oozing from your little chubby fingers when you squeeze my face when I pick you up. Your beauty is something else. You are one happy girl and your eyes glow with sweet happiness. Thanks for giving off such radiance. Today we give God thanks for your life in these times where life is so easily dismissed as a burden, mistake, or punishment. Your life reaffirms the fact that every life is a gift, never a mistake, and a true blessing from the Maker Himself.

Thank You for Making Me Focus

Madge, you light up my life. You make things funny when they could be serious; you put tears in my eyes when they could be dry; you show me compassion when you could be zoned in your own world; you make me focus on the real deals in life. I love you. Thank you for helping me focus on what is important, for slowing me down, for giving me those big, strong kisses out-of-the-blue. Thank you for your pure love, your thoughtful ways, your simplicity and your joy. You easily move me to tears, and I stand in awe of God's love for me through your very existence. You give so much meaning to life, because you help me focus on the important stuff and to look at myself and find so many ways that I can grow and change. Last night you stood in living room singing in all different tones Sunshine on My Shoulders. Oh, I love you, little girl. You are too much. I cannot tell you enough how I love you so much. You are a sweet little flower, my shiny little gem, my little button. How can such a little you bring so much happiness to our lives? God is amazing in His gifts. His love is astounding even when we feel we don't deserve it, and He keeps on giving and loving. Thank you for being so dear to us, Sweet Madge. I love you, Miss.

Our Wintry Day Books

Madge, Pita, and I sat on the couch with the bay window scenery staring straight at us. The enormous white flakes continue to cover the white, wintry wonderland. We snuggled closely on the couch reading these books (notice the one Maddy picked-- I think she has her sights set on the beach. She definitely has Hawaii in her blood!)

A Picture Essay

Because of Maddy's 5:30am arising, we completed the following by 8:30am. :)

Yes We Can

March for Life 2009

One of the benefits to living in the metro-DC area is being able to hop across the mall to participate in the March for Life. We marched as a family. We marched with Caleb's sister, Mary Theresa, who came with her university for the march. We marched with many good friends, Tom and Rebekah and kids, Jorge and Laura and Jorgito, Nicky and Zoe and Ethan. We marched with many other friends from our parish and from around the nation.

We will continue to pray and march for the life of each and every unborn child.

The Real Measure of a Man. The Real Meaning of Peace.

WHAT IF?

What if the world presents us with the prospect of peace, security, and stability? If it is without Christ, recognize the idol, and refuse to bow before it:

When people are saying, "Peace and security," then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. (1 Thess 5:3)

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love, 1963
US black civil rights leader & clergyman (1929 - 1968)

Who's the Pretty Girl in the Mirror There?

What mirror? Where?

Shortly after Christmas, Pita started to sit up all by herself. One night we put a mirror in front of her and she entertained herself for an hour. Who is that other person in the mirror? It continues to intrigue her! We love you, Peetster!

Matt and Sayeda's Wedding Dance Photos

Matt and Sayeda's wedding dance and song were memorable. They entered the ballroom and the first thing they did was walk straight to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. It was beautiful and very them. As they danced I gazed onwards at them and then at the people around me. There were couples, that have probably been married for years, standing snuggly close to one another. It was beautiful, for as we all listened to the song, The Luckiest, it was difficult not to be reminded of how blessed each of us is by God's love in our own marriages. Matt and Sayeda, we love you.

Matt and Sayeda Wedding Photos

Last Saturday, January 17, we were blessed to attend the beautiful wedding of Mary's brother, Matt, to Sayeda. Here are a few hundred photos.

Happy 6th Wedding Anniversary!

Happy sixth wedding anniversary, Kate and Matt! Although your wedding day was held in St. Louis on a cold, wintry January day, you must be enjoying a warm and sunny day Down Under, six years later. Way to go! May God continue to bless you and your family as you journey onwards together as husband and wife, as parents, as two very-loved people. Thank you for sharing yourselves with all of us in your two treasures: Nick and Lili. We love you. Happy Anniversary!

Maybe you can dance to this tonight and remember that through any difficulty, sad or happy moment, God is with you, loving you through one another every step of the way.

The Value of One Life

The power of one life is incredible. It can be used for good or evil, but it is not ours to take away. What incredible potential it has, if it is able to escape the womb and survive.

Run, Daddy!

Oh, the joys of the father of the recently potty-trained toddler. Last week I was walking with Madge through the supermarket. She gave the warning alert: "Daddy, I've got to go potty." I switched directions and headed to the bathroom. Half-way there, she told me, "Run, Daddy!" My first reaction was to sprint, but after a month on the big-girl toilet, I am a bit wiser. "Madge, you can hold it until we get there," was my response as I continued my walk to the bathroom. Sure enough, when we arrived at the bathroom, she took her sweet time walking around and inspecting the place. (It's kind of like a dog discerning a suitable location for a leg-lift.) After a few minutes, she went to the bathroom. Nevertheless, I will never forget my eyeball bulge on hearing Maddy's "Run, Daddy!" I love you, Madgie. You're so much fun.

Our Drool Machine

We love you, sweet girl. You are growing oh so fast, and growing a little toothie beneath that gummy smile. You are the Drool Machine.

Thirty-six years

Mom and Dad, happy 36th wedding anniversary! Wow. What an accomplishment you have worked at together. We love you; we are proud of you; we thank you for all of your love and sacrifices to us. May God bless each passing day of yours together and continue to strengthen the bonds He helped create on January 6, 1973. We love you very much and send our love, prayers and joyful wishes for many more years of faithful love and devotion. You're in our hearts, Mary, Caleb, Madge and Pita

Happy Belated Anniversary!

Miriam and Natee, happy 6th wedding anniversary! It is hard to believe that a whole six years has passed. How time has quickly moved on and so many events taken place in between. We are proud of you for all that you have done in opening up your hearts to all of us and to the little ones you have generously welcomed into your home. May God continue to bless you with a multitude of years of faithful and happy love. We love you!

New Year's Eve

The girls were in bed by 8pm on New Year's Eve (thank God for scheduled bedtimes and parent time: woohoo). We snacked on Mary's fabulous custard dishes. We relaxed on the couch to watch the Prince Caspian installment of the Chronicles of Narnia series. Mary wanted to stay up till midnight. Perhaps pictures best describe the scene in our living room at 11:55pm...

Choc-O-lates

It's 9am. I walked into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. Madge came running around the corner after me.

"Dad, don't eat my chocolates!"

"Madge, those are mom and dad's chocolates. We're simply sharing them with you."

A pause ensues.

"Dad, don't eat your chocolates."

What does one say? :) Thanks, Mimi, for the Christmas choc-O-lates. We love them!

OUR REVAMPED FAMILY BLOG

Welcome to our new and improved family blog. We've moved over all of our old posts from The Stump to cosmOclan.

The time was right for a new face and a new name. Enjoy.

Happy 1/2 Birthday, Pita!

I find it hard to believe: we've already been blessed by Pita's presence for six months. Below are some photos from the past months. She's growing bigger every day. At the doctors two days ago, she weighed in at 17 pounds. She began sitting up on her own a few days ago. Guadalupe loves to bounce around and is a happy girl. I have no doubt in my mind that Madge and Pita are mutual best friends already. I hope their relationship as such will continue.

Happy 1/2 Birthday, Guadalupe!