February 2nd, 2009 at 3:51pm
If the Cardinals had won the Super Bowl, it would have been a near perfect weekend. :) But, that said, it was such a nice 2 days. Although Jill had an allergic reaction to something which caused a big swollen eye, she is fine now after a trip to the nice vet, some Benadryl and a prescription.
John got some studying in and some home maintenance done, which is something he hasn’t been able to do for several months since he used to work on Saturdays. It has been great having him home! While I was cleaning, I listened to part of “My Grandfather’s Son” read by the author, Justice Clarence Thomas. I read the book and loved it and wanted to hear the author read it. If you have not had the chance to read this moving and inspiring memoir, I highly recommend it.
We had a holy hour together on Saturday night after a short workout at the Y. Spending time in quiet prayer was a gift and a treat. While there I started reading a book we got at our foster parent shower. It’s called “Attaching in Adoption.” It’s quite interesting and the vignettes about some of the adopted children and adoptive parents are so moving. That healthy interaction and bonding between parents and children from day one is so important and irreplaceable!
We had meant to go to the baptisms of two friends’ babies on Sunday but we had a change of plans and went to a later Mass. After doing some work and cooking at home, we made our short way over to Jeff and Christina’s for the Super Bowl. They have a great set up there! Instead of a regular television, Jeff installed a movie screen under their fireplace mantel. A projector puts the tv channels up on the screen and you have an awesome picture screen. They had a great spread of food, too! After the game we had a joint birthday party for Ben who turned 9 on 1/27, John who was 33 on 1/17 and Joe who is 18 on 2/6. Happy birthday, boys!
January 28th, 2009 at 12:58pm
On January 17, my brother Matt married Sayeda Ismail, his girlfriend of 2.5 years or so. It was a wonderful weekend with family and friends to celebrate this union. Although Kate and her family could not be there, they were with us in spirit and we read Kate’s toast at the reception.
Another highlight was getting to spend some time with my dad’s siblings, Bill and Kathy, Aunt Irene and my cousin, Bill, who was one of Matt’s ushers. Bill is one of those people who remains as sweet and kind as ever. The night before the wedding a small group of us went out for a drink and it was great to be able to sit and talk to Bill, even though the noise of the music and other patrons made it difficult to hear! 
His lovely wife, Sheila, and their four children were generous to let their dad make the drive to Dallas, and we appreciate it! Also, our second cousin Jim Hezel and his family from San Antonio was another highlight. He and his wife Kathy have six wonderful children ranging in age from 12 to about 8 months. This family is a joy to be around and full of energy. Seeing a family with more than the 2.1 kids I usually encounter every day was so refreshing and a reminder that openness to life brings great joys. It’s a lot of work for sure, but so is anything important.
Our niece, Maddy, was an awesome flower girl! Mary and Caleb did a wonderful job of preparing her for the long walk down the aisle. Madgey knew what to do when the lady said, “Go ahead, Maddy!” Maddy told us what the lady would say to her and how she would fold her hands and walk down the aisle and see the “Blessed Mommy.” So sweet! It was a treat to hold little (or not so little anymore!) Pita. She is such a sweet girl and getting huge!
Sayeda truly is a gift to our family and an answer to our prayers. We welcome her and her parents, Amy and Abdullah and her sister, Nadia, to our family. Thanks, Ismails, for a wonderful reception! To see photos of the wedding weekend, follow this link to my sister and brother in law’s site.
January 20th, 2009 at 1:52am
December 17th, 2008 at 7:22pm
December 15th, 2008 at 4:11pm
I should have known when I started this blog that since I have never been good at keeping journals, I would not be good at keeping a blog. But, here’s a very belated update. Since my last post, we’ve had a lot going on. John has now applied to grad school and finished two more pre-recs, getting a 4.0 in both! He received really nice recommendation letters from the PTs at work, and we are praying that he will be accepted to PT school for September 2009. We find out in a few months. Till then, we’re working hard to put money aside for his schooling so that we won’t have tons of debt when he finishes. Living on a shoestring budget is great, I have to say.
In late August I got a promotion of sorts and now do the surplus lines filing. If you don’t know what that is, don’t ask me, because it stresses me out to talk about. LOL. Basically, I file the taxes and fees for all of the excise lines business we do. I’m glad to get the experience, and look forward to doing something eventually where my intellect is challenged and I’m actually helping people.
Yesterday, we drove to Hubert’s Noble Ridge Tree Farm to pick out our Christmas tree. We took Jill as we did last year and she loved the snow and all of the different smells. We took some photos which I’ll post. John and I love the Noble Firs and Shasta Firs, so we were quite happy to find out that the Noble Fir field was discounted by $10. Getting a six foot Noble Fir for $30 is quite a deal. It only took us about minutes to find the perfect tree, and John went about sawing it down. Jill and the tree rode in the back of Eggbert (John’s car), and John and I stopped at the cabin at the top of the hill to warm up and drink hot cider. Mr. Hubert was in there adding more wood to the fire and is so nice. This outing is now a family tradition for us–third year in a row.
Yesterday I also got to see Miriam as the starring role of “Dorothy” in a “Christmas Wizard of Oz” at the Bremerton Community Theater. She did a great job and it was hard not to tear up seeing her on stage and so lovely and sweet. Can’t believe she’s 14 now!
Most of you who still check this blog are well aware that our sister-in-law, Christina, is suffering from Stage 3 breast cancer. She started chemo and will continue once every 3 weeks for the next several months. Please pray for her, Jeff and their kids: Andrew, Ben, Claire, Daniel, and Eddie. Christina’s parents are here helping with the family and have taken an apartment close to Jeff and Christina’s home.
More to come.
August 25th, 2008 at 6:20pm
Nancy Pelosi claims to be an ardent practicing Catholic, but she her gets ‘facts‘ all wrong when speaking to Tom Brokaw.
Here is Archbishop Chaput’s statement about this.
August 2nd, 2008 at 3:51pm
Three cheers for Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann, (R-MN).
July 31st, 2008 at 12:53pm
Mom, happy birthday! We are so grateful for your life and for all that you have done for us. I can’t believe how time flies and how much has happened. I am so happy to be near you and to be able to be with you on your birthday. We’re going to party like rockstars on Saturday!! Or at least until about 8:30, because I’m getting old.
God bless you today and always. We love you!!!
July 25th, 2008 at 1:42pm
With sadness, I read that one of my heroes (many peoples’ hero) died early this morning in Virginia. Randy Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2006. He is a husband and father of 3 young children. If you haven’t seen “The Last Lecture,” I encourage you to watch it. It will change your outlook. It sure changed mine. His wife, Jai, and their children are in my prayers.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:50pm
I just watched this and was quite moved. Read the story before you watch the video. If you’re not moved even a little bit, me thinks you have a lump a coal where your heart should be. :) Enjoy!
