Family

 (Maddy's Nativity set she went and made after she found some dried grass.)

  (The girls' playdough creation of the family from our homemade play dough on Wednesday)

A Prayer to St. Thomas More

...Pray that my family may find in me what yours found in you: friendship and courage, cheerfulness and charity, diligence in duties, counsel in adversity, patience in pain -- their good servant, and God's first.
Amen. 

As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.- JPII

Pictures of the Kids

From yesterday's photo shoot: Madeleine, Guadalupe, and Caleb. Mom and Dad love you guys so much! You enrich our lives and brighten our days. Thank you for your love, your joy, your simplicity, your laughter.

Pregnancy Pics

Yesterday evening, we went to a location near by our home for an informal photo shoot. It was a pregnancy photo shoot, slash family photo shoot. We need to document the bump! Little baby #4 is growing each day and we don't want to miss the moments! (Last night, he/she was kicking and kicking in Mares' stomach. Adorable.) The backdrop was a mini bamboo forest. (Little Caleb loves to say the word bamboo, which he says bam-bu.) Boy, am I lucky to have such a beautiful (and growing) family!

Chinese Government Admits to Case of Forced Abortion

It's a well-known fact that the last four decades of China's history has been characterized by rampant forced abortions. Their policy purportedly changed in 2001, but forced abortions are still prevalent throughout the country. A recent article tells of a recent case where the Chinese government actually owned up to a recent individual case of forced abortion.

Chinese authorities confirmed Thursday that a woman was forced to abort seven months into her pregnancy, several days after her plight came to light when images of her baby's corpse were posted online.

What's new is here that it (a) there is public outrage in China, (b) the Chinese government publicly admits it, (c) hopefully there will be new momentum for human rights groups to hold China to task.

We'll never forget when our Madge was born, in China.  We immediately noticed some interesting phenomenon. Due to limited supply, pregnant women seemed super careful and cautious and pregnancy seemed treated as sacrosanct. In addition, everyone wanted to see the baby when we were out in the shops and markets--apparently, babies there don't go out in public until they're a month old while we were out and about after the first week. Finally, everyone we spoke with in China had the same message: Have more than one child! Believe me, we're trying. :)

Getting Ready to Carry His New Baby Brother or Sister

Sweet Caleb loves the babies... Just four more months away from carrying his own little brother or sister. :) Getting the practice in now with his Moby wrap (thanks to Nicky's generous giving when Maddy was a babe.)

Sleeping Prince

 Cals, You are growing so, so much. Each day you say new things.

  Your personality is sweet and hilarious, sensitive and a good mix of dependence and independence, loving and tender; you are a dear little boy.

 We cannot imagine life without you, sweet face. Today you fell asleep just as we pulled in from having lunch with Daddy.

 You had some playtime at the park with your sisters and were climbing up the slide saying, "Hi, Mama!" "Slide!"

  We love you, Handsome Boy. Thank you for your snuggles, sweet hugs, and toothy-smile. You bring us so much love. It is no wonder that we chose this song for you, even before you entered the world.

Love Notes Everyday

Madge and Pita, I love the notes (and flowers) you give to me each day. Just when I need a reminder of the simple joy that God sheds on each of us, daily, you bring such beautiful love notes. These are just a few Mommy keeps on the fridge to remind her of how much love you give, and how much love I need to remember God's love all day long. I love you, sweet girls, my angels.

A Train Track! Necklaces. A fun Saturday.

This afternoon Little Caleb was playing with "tchoos-tchoos" while Maddy and Pita finished making their bead necklaces with Dad's assistance and coordination. (Way to go, girls! Those necklaces turned out beautifully after you persevered with your needle and thread!) Little Caleb was looking for his "tchoos-tchoos" saying, "Tchoo-tchoo? Tchoo-tchoo?" Then, he found the bin of them and said, "Hi, Tchoo-tchoos!" When the girls finished with their necklaces, they joined Caleb, and wa-la, Madge made a beautiful train track. Calling us into the living room, she said, "This is the first one I have done all by my self!" It was a beauty and very much-appreciated by your siblings. We love you.At the end of Madge's necklace-making she said, "This has been such a fun day." It was. Just being together, at home, on a sunny Saturday was a perfect way to spend the day.

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?

War on Women

A great video about the Democrat's real war on women:

Article: Vatican to the UN: all parents have the right to homeschool

See whole article here.

“The State should respect the choices that parents make for their children and avoid attempts at ideological indoctrination,” the permanent observer mission of the Holy See to the United Nations wrote in a statement released last Tuesday. 

Parents “have the right and duty to choose schools inclusive of homeschooling, and they must possess the freedom to do so, which in turn, must be respected and facilitated by the State.”

Conversations with Madge Pie

The other day in the bathroom, I had a cute and touching conversation with our Madge Pie. She remarked:

Dad, you're the queen's knight. Mom's the queen, and you're the knight that keeps her safe and protects her. You're also our family's knight, since you watch over us and keep us safe.

Her comment brought tears to my eyes, since this is truly what I aspire to do, though I know too well how often I fall short in the midst of the trials of everyday. I told her, "Madge, thank you. I do try." She responded emphatically, "No, Dad. You are the queen's knight and our family's knight." Thanks, Maddy. Thanks for your encouragement and reminding me of my vocation. We love you.

Pita: When I become a Mom, I am Going to Cook Meat

Our Little Pita loves her food. Just like me when I was a little boy, she hums when she eats her food. You can hear audible sighs of satisfaction as she confronts her plate.

Apparently she particularly loves meat. The other day, she remarked, "When I become a Mom, I am going to cook meat." Three cheers for meat! I didn't really know how to respond, so I just nodded my head in assent and said okay. She is a funny girl, ever the charmer, always cute, and quite the carnivore!

UPDATE (5/10/2012):A couple days ago, we were getting breakfast ready. We asked Pita what she wanted for breakfast: toast, yogurt, or cereal? Her response as she jumped up and down with a big smile on her face: I want meat, I want meat, I want meat! She made us laugh.

Sharing Oped: Jesus has no place in budget conflict

A priest in inner Pennsylvania wrote an Oped in the Republican Herald. I found the piece to be extremely cogent and insightful. All too frequently the WWJD (what would Jesus do) expression is co-opted for manipulative purposes. Would Jesus oppose the Ryan budget?

The only human being who is authorized to command the consciences of all Catholics or of any particular group of Catholics is the pope. ... The sitting pope is the only human being authorized to command the consciences of all Catholics, whether all Catholics in the world or all in the USA or elsewhere. Popes command consciences only infrequently and only in matters of utter moral clarity. The pope has not made nor will he make any explicit pronouncements that are specific to our national budget. Even if, to be hypothetical, he were to overreach and make such a pronouncement, it would not and could not be binding on consciences.

Your editorial concludes with this sentence: "As House Republicans continue to appeal to religious conservatives, it's pretty clear that their budget is not what Jesus would do."

Well, it might be clear to you what Jesus would do, but it sure isn't clear to me! I think it borders on sacrilege to presume you know exactly what Jesus would do in regard to the national budget. Pope Benedict doesn't know. I don't know. Quite frankly, you don't know either! We work it out via the political process, take a deep breath and hope for the best.

It's an excellent article in clarifying the role of the Church in commanding the consciences of the Catholic faithful and the ingenuous tactic of  framing a contrarian opinion as immoral when the standard setter is completely arbitrary!

Movie Night and Yummy Caramel Corn

On Friday night we enjoyed our weekly "Movie Night" with the musical Annie. But, to top off a night of family fun, we enjoyed one of our favorite sweet-savory treats: Caramel Corn, in "movie-atmosphere-style" with parchment cones. It is funny what a simple little thing does to a sweet treat. The girls and Little Mr. Caleb love having their own little cone to enjoy their popcorn from.

Celebrating Love: St. Gianna Beretta Molla

"Love and sacrifice are closely linked, like the sun and the light. We cannot love without suffering and we cannot suffer without love." - St. Gianna Beretta Molla.

"Every meal should be prepared with love and eaten in peace, because its purpose is to strengthen us for the service of love."- Catherine Doherty

On Saturday evening we enjoyed a beautiful celebration of St. Gianna Beretta Molla with a family dinner: garlic chicken salad, with toasted ramen noodles, red onion and red-wine vinaigrette dressing, bruschetta with freshly-cut basil, and a Brazilian dessert of coconut custard and fresh fruit salad; bright sun-burnt-colored roses made the table shine.   Madge and Mommy made place cards for the table, and in honor of St. Gianna they colored Italian flags on them. The underlying adjective of the meal, fresh, reminds me of new life, and in St. Gianna we are given a beautiful example of sacrifice through death, which brought forth freshness, new life: for her eternal life and for her baby girl Gianna Emannuela, an opportunity to walk an earthly life and share God's gifts and graces through herself, thanks to her mom's sacrifice in laying down her own so as to give life, God's gift, to her daughter. 

 

As I think about the life of St. Gianna I am reminded of how closely related are St. Gianna's quote and Blessed Mother Teresa's quote on our daily duties. Mother Teresa says that we ought o be faithful in the small things for it is in them that our strength lies, and St. Gianna says that our sanctity, the real stuff, that will help us get to heaven is in the daily tasks, the dishes, the cleaning, the conversations, the hidden acts of love, straightening drawers, filling soap dispensers, sweeping, all of the "necessities" that are hidden. Hidden was Our Lady's life and so bright was her faithfulness, her love, her humility. These three lives are so worth contemplating, but more than that, their actions are so worth mirroring.