Twas the night before Christmas...

What a lovely evening.  Mass at 6:30 (which wasn't over packed, so it was wonderful), then home for snacks and bedtime.  Anne went in to brush her teeth and I had to enjoy: "Goodnight Santa who's watching me."

Our joyful little three year old.  Merry Christmas!

Fwew...can you say VOMIT?

Well, everyone but Catherine has been talking about it here, but she has been doing it! Well, of the kids, Nathaniel is the lone healthy kid this week. Starting last Saturday, we have pretty much had daily occurrences or at least someone feeling like they need to! Jacob will hopefully be back to school Friday. I have pictures to post from his 12-12-12 birthday, which he was sick for. Just crazy. And to think that we went in last Friday to get FluMist for the boys...was that the cause, an unfortunate effect, or a result of sitting in the waiting room too long? I was hoping Leah was going to be lucky and miss it, but it caught her tonight and got Anne again, too (it started with her last Saturday).

Here's to hoping for a healthy weekend without sick parents! To top it off, by the way, today was Patrick's last day at his job. The new one is supposed to start Monday, but I think (well I know) he's going there early in the morning.

Beware of back posting...

So in my attempt to catch up, I may post some past events under that date rather than have, say, the kids' Halloween pic on December 1, it may just be posted as Nov. 1 to eliminate too much evidence of late posting.  So, hint, I did get that one up.  That's the only one I've done so far, but hope to get back to Leah's birthday, first day of school, Anne's birthday, summer activities, and more pictures of Catherine growing up. 

All the Cousins at Thanksgiving

Well here they all are -- all fourteen of the cousins together in Wash MO for Thanksgiving at Grandma & Grandpa's.  We had such a nice time and it is always special when we can all get a chance to spend time together not only in the same state but even in the same house!

Catherine and her Cake

Happy 1st Birthday, Catherine!

My baby girl is sleeping,
But her cake is done.
How can it be
That today she's one?!

Love you sweet baby girl!!

-------

Part II

So what a lovely day. I enjoyed looking back over the past year and feeling so much joy about what Catherine has brought to our family and what a gift she is. I was thinking about that early trip to the hospital that morning when she was born. I remember saying, "it's another girl" before anyone else announced it. Of course as we always say, we couldn't imagine life without her.

Catherine, you have a great squinty smile like big brother Nathaniel had (and Aunt Lissy, Aunt Beth, and Grandma Donna all are sure you look like him). You love dancing to music, you crawl super fast and are really close to walking. You are definitely laid back and go with the flow...as I always tell people...that's why God sent you as #6 because you pretty much have to go with the flow with everyone else's stuff to go to and from. Your whole family loves you dearly, but I think you and Leyton have a special little closeness that I love to watch and hope it always stays. I enjoy spending my time with you, cute little peanut and love you more each day!

We did have a good day, busy of course, but good. We had bible study/Catechesis this morning, and then Anne actually had a well child visit - fun, I know. Then we came home for Catherine to nap a bit while I decorated the cake. Then it was lasagne, grapes, yogurt, salad and breadsticks for dinner. She really ate a lot! Then cake of course. She really went to town on the cake! First small slow bites, then bigger, then faster. It was cute. I think she really enjoyed it. The Lees came over for dinner and we always appreciate them visiting with us. I think the. She was pretty tuckered out. She got a nice bath and played with her new bath toys - thanks Grandma Donna and Grandpa Jerry and the Grahams! Then out like a light with a full belly.

Just a wonderful day to celebrate this little cutie. I'll have to get some pictures in tomorrow or this weekend.

Saint of Interest

A few weeks ago when I was doing some of my reading, I came across more about St. Margaret of Scotland.  I think I've found a new saint of interest for me in life!  I receive a daily email from Notre Dame and this is what I read.  Pretty good person for me to follow, wouldn't you say?

St. Margaret of Scotland

"St. Margaret was born a princess in Hungary around 1045, and spent much of her youth in the court of her uncle, the English king, Edward the Confessor. Her family fled from William the Conqueror and ended up shipwrecked on the coast of Scotland. King Malcolm of Scotland took them in and was charmed by Margaret. They fell in love and were married in 1070. They had six sons and two daughters—Margaret was an excellent mother. She supervised the education and religious instruction of her children; her youngest son, David, became a saint himself.

Like his nation, Malcolm had a good heart but was rough and uncultured. Margaret gave him good advice, and he came to trust her counsel. She softened his temper and helped him live a virtuous life.

Margaret used her position to promote arts and education in Scotland. She founded several churches with her husband, and began dialogues with the hierarchy about reforming abuses of power in the Church. She loved to make churches beautiful for God’s glory—she even embroidered the priests’ vestments herself.

Despite her many duties in the court and with her family, Margaret was faithful to prayer. She gave up sleep in order to have time for devotions and she often consulted Scripture. During Advent and Lent, she would get up at night in order to attend Mass at midnight every day. On the walk home, she would stop to care for six poor people, washing their feet and giving them money. Poor people sought her out and she never refused them. It is said that she never sat down to eat without first feeding nine orphans and 24 adults.

She died of illness just as she heard that her husband and a son were killed in battle. Her relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica.

St. Margaret of Scotland, who helped her husband grow in virtue and who taught her children to be saints, pray for us!"

Happy Thanksgiving!

What a wonderful holiday we had celebrating in Washington. We filled Grandma Donna and Grandpa Jerry's house with people and probably emptied it of plenty of food. Thanks so much to them for having us! We actually were able to get the whole family together as Uncle Gary and Aunt Lissy and family and Beth and Robert and family were there and we also got to see Uncle Ben. Eighteen people stayed at Grandma and Grandpa's.

We arrived Wednesday evening. Thursday was a beautiful day so we were able to enjoy time at the park before the big evening feast. As usual, Grandma prepared a delicious feast. We tried to help, but she has big family holiday meals worked out like a well oiled machine.

Friday was colder, but we still got to enjoy family time. Friday evening we were able to go to the Parade of Lights in downtown Washington. Cool, but very fun. The kids all really enjoyed it. When we headed back to the house, Patrick made hot chocolate for everyone and we had a little birthday celebration for the babies - Catherine, Sara, and Blaise. Too bad Blaise was a bit under the weather. We missed them!

Saturday we decided to head home. Time to settle back in. Truly another great opportunity to make family memories with the kids and it was great to see them enjoying the visit and the fun with cousins. Pictures to come!

Well, another resurfacing!

Ok, so I'm really going to try and get this thing updated. I have wanted to for so long, but haven't done it. Partly the technical issues with the laptop. But, now that I see I can more easily update with my iPad, maybe my chances are better. I was having trouble posting with it, but am in better shape now. Now the question is, how do I make up for lost time? To I post past stories from here on out or do I adjust the date so they post at the right time period? Thoughts?

Happy Halloween 2012!

School night this year, so not a late night, but definitely a fun night.  I stayed home with Catherine and the rest of the crew hit the streets with Patrick.  They were troopers and had a lot of fun.

What a great name for an outfit...

We were reading one of Leah's little pink girlie books and it was naming things, one of which was a leotard.  Leah stopped her motion, looked up, and asked, "What did they say?...a Leah-tard?"

Anne's Saint Talk

So this is an older story, but still one to capture.  It was in may actually, that the girls and I went to Mass and then were back at church for May Devotion.  Anne often enjoys looking at my prayer cards.  She was looking through them and we were naming the pictures.  She said, "and this is Saint Annie..." And then she said, "Where is St. Mommy?"....if only, but I know I'm far from that accolade!  So sweet of her to say, though!

The little mommy

I so enjoy watching Leah being creative and imaginative when she's at home playing.  These days she's just so much about being a mom and taking care of her babies.  I'm amazed sometimes at all the things I now take note of that she has probably seen me do.  So, it is true..."someone is always watching."

We of course have regular instances of her nursing her babies.  She will sit on the couch with the Boppy and her baby and a blanket over all.  Then she will just sit there a while, peacefully.  Very sweet.

Earlier this summer (although less motherly but still like her mom), I saw in her bag to take to the pool, a toy phone in a ziplock bag.  At first I took a minute to think and then I recalled that in weeks just before that, I had put my cell phone in a ziplock bag to put in my swim bag.  I didn't think she even would have known or noticed I did that, but she did.

Most recently, she was talking more about some day when she hopes to have a baby.  Last night before bedtime, she was asking about how I knew and how the doctor knew that I was going to have a baby.  She told me that someday when she's going to have a baby, that she will call me to tell me "when she's due." I was really surprised at her terminology and everything.  She will either call me or maybe she will "send a message." Then there was even more discussion tonight.  She said that when her baby is ready to be born, that her husband will take her to the hospital (by the way she cried last night because she said she wanted to go with Patrick and I to the hospital when Catherine was born), and then when her baby is born, she will call me to tell me what she had and that she hopes I will come visit her and her baby.  Or, she might send me a message, or she said if she can't call, then her husband will call me.  Such a detailed plan, I couldn't help but relish the moment.

Patrick always talks about those commercials where the girl is driving the car with her dad and she's old enough to drive, but the dad just sees a little girl sitting there talking...he is pretty sure he feels that will be him someday (and he's living it somewhat now with her talk).  She has asked him about whether he will come to her wedding...little does she know that these are all moments of her life that her parents would never miss!

She's a precious little girl, and I'm sure she'll make a great mom when her day comes.

What a morning!

OK, OK, so I thought in June that I would be able to catch up a bit.  Boy was I wrong with the flow of summer.  Oh well, hopefully it will still come.  I don't like the thought of not remembering some of the great things going on and fun times of the summer.  BUT,  I will also say that I had an unexpected delay or two even recently...like a laptop full of pictures that won't boot up and I don't have time to work with it.  I was able to safely remove the pictures, thank goodness.  It would have been all of my 2012 pictures. 

So today is the first full day of school and I knew the day would be different.  I'll miss the boys and Leah, but I'll look forward to seeing them.  But this morning, I thought how it would be different that the boys are gone.  I thought about what I would do in those first moments.  Why not something I've been wanting to do for a while but just wasn't able to.  How about something that would just make my day great.  One maybe two hours?  Hmm.  Upon much thought (well, not really), after dropping them off at 7:50, I rushed home to prepare for my morning plans...are you wondering what I did?  Any guesses?  Don't let the suspense get to you.  I promptly walked in the door, put laundry in the washer, and filled the bucket with vinegar & water, got  my towel & wash cloth and...mopped the kitchen, family room, entry, & dining room.  Fwew, about 2 hours later and I'm taking a minute to capture this accomplished feeling.  The excitement as accurately reported by Anne, "Mom, the floor feels good on my toesies!"  Yes, it does.  Will it last the day?

Now to enjoy more of this beautiful day!

WOW it has been a while!

So I can't believe I'm so far behind on this. Beth has even commented, "I think there's something wrong with your blog." "oh really?" "Yes, there's nothing there." Aha, the hint of updates needed. I have several drafts, actually, just so I didn't forget about them, but just haven't had the free time! I guess after my last post we had First Communion with lots of company, Mother's Day (also my birthday), then the end of school, baseball practices and games, signing up for summer stuff, my work schedule change, thirty hours of continuing education to wrap up (done as of yesterday by the way), Patrick working a ton, a few family gatherings, weekly meetings at church, and well, what do you know, it is now mid-June! Life is good though...oh yeah, and Catherine is six months old already! I need to post pictures from many things, too. It seems we are always juggling deadlines. Anyway, I need to get to sleep, but am hopeful I'll get some updates done this week. Although they may look older than this...I may try to put them as posted at the correct time. We shall see. For now, good night!!

Quote of the Day

I was in the kitchen washing dishes at the sink and was looking outside and saw the kids all playing together (except Catherine - she's napping).  It made me smile seeing them having fun together coming up with what to play next and getting along great.  Nathaniel came inside and I told him how I enjoyed seeing them having fun.  His reply, "Yeah, life would be boring without brothers and sisters."  For our family, I agree.

Catherine

Well, I've not posted a picture of Catherine in a while. Not because I haven't taken them and not because I don't think I should post them, but just haven't had the real opportunity. This one is just a quick one from the phone from yesterday...nice and easy to post quickly. She is just growing and changing...sure wish she'd slow down! She is such a sweet baby. Hard to believe in a week or so she'll be 5 months! I'm expecting a first tooth any day with the way she's gumming everything - especially fingers & the pacifier. The pacifier is about to be gone because of that...she just doesn't suck on it anyway. I better go...she's calling me...

Ballerina

We received a bag of clothes from a friend today and it had plenty of little girl items. Anne found this and needed to spend the rest of the day as our little ballerina.

"Pop, Pop...

...dinosaur, Pop pop bear, pop pop grass," sings Anne as she holds her little BOP BOP Dinosaur. Oh the oldie, "Bop Bop Dinosaur" by Jim Cosgrove resurfaced this week when Anne found our little stuffed Bop Bop. Her version of the song was quite cute, though. When she misplaced the critter in the night, she came to us, "I can't find my pop pop." I should let Jim hear about that. He is on a new path, though. He started a regular full-time job at Hallmark this week. I'm sure it's quite a change of pace for him! Sure is fun hearing her sing it.

Baking Soda anyone?

So on Tuesday of this week, I was feeling like I really just had a lot going on. It was really a matter of having more people home than I planned...Jacob was off school for kindergarten round up, but then Nathaniel was home with a headache. My day's plan included Mass, then a few errands, taking the kids to the park for a bit with friends, and cleaning up the house. However, we just really couldn't get that all going. One of my errands was getting pictures picked up at Costco after school for Leyton's school poster. I was also really needing some baking soda. Well, in the midst of my, "Don't add anything else to my day" thoughts, I realized, well Costco has baking soda. And yes, well, typically I buy a 16 oz box at the store, but I just wasn't going to be at any other store. So, there I was, staring at the 13.5 POUND box of baking soda at Costco and figured, well I'll be set for a long time! I really found this somewhat comical. I'm glad it doesn't expire until well into 2015. It really was only $6.49. I'm sure it's a better deal than however many boxes that would be. Ha. This morning I found myself staring at that bag (which hasn't been opened yet - you know even when you're "pretty much out" of baking soda, you can be surprised how many more teaspoons are in there). I was looking at the bag and wondering what other uses I could find for it...laundry, other cleaning, etc. Maybe it will be one of those things I'll be so glad I bought? Ha; well actually I'm fine with it as it solved my issue of needing to go to one more store! SO, if you are needing any baking soda, you know where to find it!

Do you know what today is?

Well, if you don't, I'll fill you in. Had you spent the day at my house, you would know for sure. It is Leah's 1/2 birthday of course! She's officially 4 1/2 and she couldn't be happier. To clarify, we haven't typically celebrated half-birthdays, but they do at school - primarily for the summer birthday children. In any event, Leah's birthday, being October 11, leads to today's half birthday celebration. She was so excited and has been looking forward to the day for some time now. She'd ask me, "Mom, when is my half birthday?" So this morning, I told her the news and she was pretty much glowing all day. She had told Grandma Sally about it coming up, and Grandma Sally sure pulled through - she called Leah & left a message singing "Happy half birthday to you..." Leah just glowed. It was as if it was her actual birthday. She asked about going to the store to buy something, but when I told her it wasn't really a present receiving kind of day, she was just fine with that and kept on smiling. She wanted to pick dinner for today, and surprisingly, she didn't pick chili, but she did choose breakfast (a definite popular birthday choice at our house). She told everyone she saw today about it and I just had to enjoy the pure joy she found in this celebration of her. Tonight, Patrick actually met up with us at baseball practice and got off work "early" around 7:30pm. He surprised her with some jelly beans. And there she went again, with the biggest smile about her special day.

You know, maybe she actually has all this figured out - to always find a reason to celebrate. I'm so appreciative of each gift of life in our family and so it did give me a chance to enjoy the spirit of my 4 AND 1/2 year old and all she brings to our lives. And, she really does seem to be growing and changing a lot...she's grown taller and some days, I have a hard time thinking that she's only in 3 year old preschool! Sure love her!

So I'm not a huge Calipari fan, but I have to give him a few points for this. I found the article after looking into his post-game press conference comment about wanting to just move forward and that he was tired & wanted to head back to the hotel to move on, "go to Mass in the morning..."

Rock Chalk Mass: Omaha priest shares KU allegiance with his church, congregation

http://www2.kusports.com/news/2012/mar/18/rock-chalk-mass-omaha-priest-shares-ku-allegiance-/

Catherine sneak peak - 3 months!

I simply cannot believe my baby girl is 3 months old already! The time flies for sure. She'll roll from her belly to her back now. She has almost rolled from back to belly if it weren't for that crazy elbow in the way - she can't quite get over it. More pics to come, but just wanted to post one.

Fun with the Lees

Sure is always fun to see our friends!

"Can I sing my goodnight song?"

Leah likes to sing a song each night before she goes to bed. She calls it her "Goodnight Song." It goes like this:
Good night, oh good night, oh goodnight everyone.
Good night Anne, Good night Catherine, Good night Jacob and Leyton and Nathaniel.
Good night Mom and Dad.
Good night everyone in the whole world, except bad guys. Good night, oh good night.

I love the melody and I really love the part "except bad guys." She's a hoot.

Tonight, after we had our family prayer time, she also wanted to spend a little time "reading" her princess book. She has such an imagination. She had her princess book and was reading "the gospel of Aurora" (Aurora is a princess). She didn't want me to look at the book, but she was saying, "The gospel of Aurora is that...[I only wish I could have recorded her]...and the mouse was being mean and Aurora said don't be mean, but you must love one another....and that is the gospel of Aurora." There was more, but I just wish I could have captured all of it. Sure love her.

Aspirations

Last night when I was at work, I had a lot of emotion going through me and was really contemplating a lot. I have decided to cut back my hours at work and I am feeling much peace about doing this. I enjoy my job, but I really enjoy being home, too. So I was visiting with one of my fellow pharmacists who was talking about his wife finishing her second pharmacy residency and interviewing for a job. I was also talking with another pharmacist who will be interviewing for a different position within the department. In all of this, I was filled with thoughts about career aspirations and wondering what these individuals had in mind for their careers all along...whether this was their plan, whether it was different, how high that ranked on their life goal list, etc. Thoughts of basically what did they want to be when they grew up. And as these thoughts went through my mind, I then became focused on thoughts of my family and how much I love them. Thoughts of although I do enjoy my work, that I really love them so much. And truthfully, the thought that really stuck out to me was about Leah...so often we carry on such great conversations when her imagination is full of hope and her eyes are as wide open as can be as she tells me about "her kids" and how she spends her days. She just tells me that when she grows up, she wants to be a mom. So different from this work conversation, yet so special and sweet. I think she has huge aspirations about her future. I just love that being a mom is what she always says. Maybe it's a girl thing, but I sure love it. Being a mom is such a wonderful gift. Being a pharmacist is great, don't get me wrong, but I sure thank God every day that he has given me the privilege of being a mom.

$2 well spent

Recently when I stopped in Gymboree to check out their clearance sale, they had some fun things for just $0.99. The girls were with me and really wanted to get something. So I told them they could pick from the bins - a cute hat for Anne & Leah's pink glasses & scarf (she's actually been wanting glasses for a while and has been wanting to see the eye doctor in hopes she might need some - I'm sure she doesn't, but this will appease her for awhile). Quite a look, don't you think?

Jacob's School Work Today

So I've really become more selective in what school papers I save. This one from today was definitely one of them. It made me think of Grandpa & Uncle Ben. I had to text the picture to Ben, too, so we could get Jacob on the list to have a turn to go sometime. You just never know what surprise may come home from school with them. And just for explanation, for Jacob's birthday, Patrick did go meet him in the cafeteria for lunch - obviously it was something that stuck with Jacob.

Pictures of Catherine

Catherine at 6 weeks (1/10/12)

These pictures below were actually from a week or so ago - taken on 1/24, so she was 8 weeks old. I can't believe she's two months now! It really does just go too quickly!

Once again, feeling overdue with any updating. She's such a sweet baby I can't believe how much we love her. She's beginning to have a bit better routine, which is nice. She is also smiling so much more often. All the kids just light up when they talk to her & she smiles back. I'm sure I light up, too. I can't get enough of that cute little grin.

End of an Era

So this picture makes me really page back a few years to when Leyton & Nathaniel were about 4; well, really it started around age 2 and continued until around 5. Oh the days with all the guitar playing we've done. I have lots of footage recorded of their singing and dancing to their favorite hits by Jim Cosgrove & some Ralph's World. This guitar has been through a lot. It's Leyton's. They now have electric guitars that they enjoy, but he sure got some use out of this one. It seems like it was Willie Nelson or someone who had their guitar long enough to cause similar wear from the strumming (not the broken end of course, ha). Anyway, before I got rid of it, I felt compelled to get a picture.

Tuesday with Anne

1. Breakfast: "Mom, can I have some utmeal?"
... Yes you may have some oatmeal.

2. Snack: "Mom, I hungry. Can I have some limon toast?"
... Yes, you may have some cinnamon toast.

3. Lunch: "Mom, can I have a pa-tooty pa-tooty?" ... What? Oh, you'd like to have a Cutie (aka a clementine).

... (she's familiar with me calling her a "Cutie pa-tooty.")

4. After Bath: Let's put on your jammies. She says, "No, I don't want to get tired."

Oh, I cherish these little sayings. In all truth, I do encourage the correct words, but sure enjoy the cuteness of the 2 yr old versions! She always makes me smile!

Baptism Pictures

Happy 8th Birthday, Leyton & Nathaniel!

Here are my big boys from the first day to this 8th birthday. They sure have changed!

Wow, how times change! We wished these big boys a happy 8th birthday! It is so strange to think back to January 7, 2004 when they surprised us with their arrival -- about 8 weeks early. Leyton was born at 10:25am at 3lb 13oz and Nathaniel was born at 10:27am at 4lb 3oz and officially we were parents. They are such wonderful boys, each with their own traits and personality. They've now been in different classes for 1st & 2nd grade and it still makes me smile when I ask them about their school day and who they played with at recess...they each name their brother every time I ask. I'm glad they are close.

They are also good big brothers for all of their siblings. They play with everyone and care about them. They'll also help me out when I need it, to get something done for one of the little kids. Nathaniel has especially been taking care of Anne lately - he reads to her, helped her get jammies on the other night, sits by her in the van when she asks him to. Very sweet to watch. Leyton always has such a nice way of talking to the kids, too. For example if Anne has something that is his or that he wants or that she shouldn't maybe have, rather than just take it from her, he'll say, "Anne, may I please have that?" Typically she hands it right over. It's just nice to see the gentle nature instead of just grabbing it and upsetting her.

As far as hobbies, I'd say they are both really into basketball and enjoy baseball. They LOVE Legos, KU and now are pretty big Cardinals fans. Nathaniel continues to enjoy working on projects around the house and building or fixing things with Patrick. Leyton enjoys projects also, but I think would rather shoot baskets outside. I'm wondering if either of them will pick up free throw shooting contests? I was thinking about that recently since I used to always do those.

We really love these two boys and look forward to a great year with Reconciliation and First Communion. They have been busy preparing and are doing a great job. The first 8 years have gone by quickly. Crazy to think that in 8 more years, they'll be getting ready for driving! Happy Birthday boys!

Catherine's Special Day: Baptism 1/8/12

What a wonderful day we had today celebrating Catherine's Baptism. What a faith-filled and fun day for all of us. Fr. Michael Hermes baptized her today and I felt so filled with joy at this occasion. I'll admit I (and Patrick) was a bit tired from the preparations, but it is always so worth it. We are very grateful to be surrounded by many family members to witness this. Patrick and I both very much enjoy Fr. Hermes homilies each and every week. Today I had the extra appreciation of his words at the baptism. With today being the Feast of the Epiphany, he told us how it was such a wonderful day for a baptism. As we recall the story of the Magi aka 3 kings, aka wise men, we can think of how they traveled far and wide to meet Jesus. He spoke of the process of being presented to Jesus and introduced. In this process, we introduce using the name. And as in baptism, we as parents assist with that introduction when we're asked, "What name have you given this child?" And then we proceed through the Rite of Baptism, and in this case, with our little Catherine. Now that she has been introduced, then the process of the relationship can ensue.

Catherine was quite a trooper through the whole process. Each of her brothers took turns holding her throughout Mass as she slept peacefully. Then during the baptism, she did wake up, but didn't make a peep. Even when the water was poured, she just opened her eyes really wide, but never cried. Leah asked why she didn't even cry and I said maybe she knew there wasn't a reason to cry and maybe she was just happy.

After Baptism, we had lunch at home. All the kids had fun playing and the adults seemed to enjoy the visiting as well. The guests included: Grandma Donna & Grandpa Jerry were there (and now back to their house for 2 weeks until the next family Baptism for Blaise), Grandma Sally & Grandpa Dan, Aunt Patty, Uncle Greg, Aunt Stacy, Aunt Barbara & Natalie, Uncle Scott & Katie, Megan, Taylor, Adam, & Hayden, Uncle Robert & Aunt Beth & Mya & Blaise, and family friends and godparents Jason & Kristin Knight with their children Cecelia, Maddox, Audrey, Mary, Veronica, Benedict, Peter, and Lucy. Thanks to all of them for joining us and thanks grandmas & grandpas for the help with preparations. Thanks also to those that were with us in spirit and/or said prayers for us today.

I enjoyed the rest of the day, too, especially when holding her. I could just smell the fragrance of the oil of chrism on her little head and it brought such positive and hopeful thoughts to mind. I'm grateful for the gift of this precious baby Catherine (and all of my children) and look forward to these steps along our family's faith journey.

Pictures to follow.

14 Years and Counting

So Patrick & I celebrated our 14th anniversary this week. Time flies when you're having fun, right? We were able to go out for dinner over the weekend - thanks Grandma & Grandpa for watching the kiddos. We spent some time reviewing what plans we had for past anniversaries and reminiscing back to when we started dating in college. Funny how we were sure we had "so much to do" back then. We laughed about that for a little while. I reminded Patrick where we went for our first anniversary & then eating our frozen top layer of the wedding cake, etc. He was then wondering how many he could recall. Then I "dialed back" as he calls it and spouted off a number of our other anniversaries: dinners, trips, etc. I think he was impressed with my memory!

On January 3, 1998, I never could have envisioned that we'd be where we are today, but it sure is wonderful to have him as my husband, friend, father to our six wonderful children. He really works hard for us and I appreciate that very much. And like Patrick's parents always say, they sure are glad (as am I) that I was an engineer first! I can't imagine life without my trip through Rolla to meet him!

Bubble Bath Anyone?

I have no words for this cutie...

A few pictures of Catherine...

1 month - ALREADY?! on 12/29 so hard to believe! Please don't let any more time fly by like this. Starting to grin here and there and 0-3 month clothes seem to fit for the most part.

Sleeping soundly at 4 weeks - (don't get me wrong - this is mid-afternoon on 12/27/11; not all night or anything...but still cute to me)

3 weeks, awake a bit more on 12/20/11

When to catch up?

Hmm. I have a lot of pictures I want to post and updates to try to write before I forget. I seem to be running out of time each day. Then, when it's late at night it's the dilemma - sleep vs. post. Posting would be fun, but I sure need some sleep. Anyway, I'll do my best. Just thought I would throw a few pictures up. I realized I need to recap Christmas as well! Whew. Time flies when you're having fun! School resumed yesterday, so we'll get the routine going again (I think - well, a new routine, really). Here we go!