For the Sake of His Sorrowful Passion

Have mercy on us and on the whole world...Praying these next 9 days, beginning Good Friday for all His souls.

Mr. 9 Months

(I had to snap this picture just before your going to bed tonight. Here you are, in all of your sleepiness and teething and smiling as if life just began, as it did... just 9 BRIEF months ago! Sweet dreams, Handsome Boy.)

(You and Peach...and GOOD TIMES! She always likes to say to you, "I yuv u A-yeb.")

Getting a good night's sleep before Spiritual Exercises begin. God's got the perfect plan for you, and boy are we blessed to be on this journey with you.

Geared up for St. Ignatius to help us grow Ready. Set. Smile.

(Packed for our retreat...I promised I wouldn't forget you, but I'm glad you climbed in just to be sure!)

(Here you are with your two mom-sisters that love you beyond telling. So, they use lots of hugs kisses, and holds to show you what they're "talking about.")

..with 3 + teeth (more are little gum-bulges--but, there's one that I think may even be peeking through.) We love you, Sweets. You are a gem to each of us. And, I know each of us would say, "What would life be like without Our Calsee??"

Sweet dreams

I've just put you to bed, Little Peach, and now you join your big sister and little brother in the wonderful world of nap time and sweet dreams. If I had not been on a mission to get you down for a nap, I could have stared all afternoon at your little face and your little mouth as you jabbered about random things to yourself just before nodding off to never land. I love you, Little Peach. I was noticing again today just how much your hair is growing. You have a little flip in the back now.
Little Calsee, you are growing SO much. Two teeth, lots of smiles, and my snuggle-bum. As I laid you in bed this afternoon, you fell asleep beside me with your little leg on my hip. I treasure these moments of closeness with you and nursing you into your growing days, weeks, and months. I love you.



Madge, you are my big helper. Without being asked, you will oftentimes go into the room, turn on the sound maker and close the curtains so that everything is set for naps for you, Pita and Caleb. I love you.

Picnic Time!

We had a lovely afternoon going for a family run, playing at the park, playing tennis, and having a picnic dinner at the park alongside the Occoquan River. It was wonderful to spend some time outside, as finally the weather was permitting. The weather around here has been extremely variable.

Our normal running trek is about 3 miles round trip from our home, with the first mile presenting quite a steep incline. It's quite a picturesque run: alongside a state park, by a waterfall, across a bridge, through the quaint-but-lovely town of Occoquan, through a lovely neighborhood and always ending at the park by the river.

Madge and I got to play some tennis. Already our third practice of 2011!

Dinner was delish: grapes, cantaloupe, homemade pizzas and veggie wraps, and Mare's homemade granola bars for dessert.

We prayed the rosary as we walked home from the park.

A great finish to a great weekend. When we returned home, it was showers, books, and bed. Once we got the girls to bed, Mares hit the Portuguese books while I have been trying to take care of some odds and ends...like this post. I am looking forward to a more-or-less normal week ahead.

My Little Love

I love your SQUEEZE hugs.

The view of our backyard from the kitchen window...