Sweet Siblings Celebrate: your 8 years, Madge , and, Peach, 6 years we rejoice in having YOU!

How can there be too many children? That is like saying there are too many FLOWERS.
-Bl. Mother Teresa

Joy. Peace. Hope

"Enjoy in peace the joy God is giving you, without worrying about the future. He is reserving for you, I am sure, new graces and many consolations."

St. Therese, The Little Flower

 

I remember one mom talking about "rainbows" of "hope" in the small moments of life. They are to grab on to and thank God for. We never know when the strongstorm will arrive or how strong it will be, so take hold of God's grace, and enjoy the joy of life. I am enjoying these moments of life, especially the beautiful 4 human gifts above whose laughter, happiness and pure JOY radiates any darkened sky. They love. And, I will soak up their rays of love that will penetrate any moment. A breeze through a window, hot sun rays, a hot cup of coffee or tea. These are life's rainbows, God's whispers of love. Enjoy them. 

Our Sweet Little Faces

Oh, how we love you!

We love you, Daddy!

Dad and his girls.

 Dad and his threesome for story time. Madge had a story, from the Children's Book of Virtues, on her mind before everyone headed to bed.

 Daddy's fourth Little Blessing still growing inside, to arrive in October.)

Caleb and Daddy in the bom-bu (as Little Caleb calls it.:)


We love you for the blessing you are in our lives. Thank you for sharing God's gift of life and welcoming our treasures into this world with loving arms. We give you this song to say, we love you. Happy Father's Day. May St. Joseph always remain your help and strength in perseverance in the face of difficulties, joys, and sufferings.

Prayer to Saint Joseph for Fathers

Saint Joseph, guardian of Jesus and chaste husband of Mary, you passed your life in loving fulfillment of duty. You supported the holy family of Nazareth with the work of your hands. Kindly protect those who trustingly come to you. You know their aspirations, their hardships, their hopes. They look to you because they know you will understand and protect them. You too knew trial, labor and weariness. But amid the worries of material life, your soul was full of deep peace and sang out in true joy through intimacy with God's Son entrusted to you and with Mary, his tender Mother. Assure those you protect that they do not labor alone. Teach them to find Jesus near them and to watch over Him faithfully as you have done. Amen. Pope John XXIII
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May God continue to bless our Dads, who said "yes" to our lives and lovingly and sacrificially served us in the family. We love you and are grateful for you. 

Our Helpers

 (Madge changing Caleb's diaper)

(Pita filling up the water bottles)

 
(Caleb helping Mommy make hummus)


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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?