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!