6 months!

And isn't he handsome?

Sister Maris Stella

Today we were lucky to see our dear friend Sister Maris Stella. Maris Stella took her vows a few weeks ago on Mother's Day - this, basically, was a sort of wedding day for her! It sounds like it was a spectacular day and very blessed. I already look forward to witnessing her take her final vows a few years down the road, of course, if that is what the Lord has for her.

I have known Maris Stella since childhood; her wonderful sister and I were in the same highschool class, were roommates, and have stayed close friends over the years. Mike and I crossed paths with Rose (Maris Stella) at a mutual friend's wedding in 2008. Mike and I were going down the path of becoming more focused on our Catholic faith and Rose was starting to discern her vocation. From there, we kept in touch and it has been awe-inspiring to see how God has unfolded her journey of becoming a Sister in a new Order, The Handmaids.

Rose is hilarious. She has just always been one of those people who has a smile on her face and you always end up laughing with her. I remember my Dad telling me a story about her in her youth (middle school, I think). She wanted to have a certain tentmate at the summer camp she was going to attend and my Dad was a leader for. She called our house and pretended that she was her own Mother and told my Dad that 'Rose really need to be tent mates with so-and-so for the following reasons.' After the conversation, my Father was more than a bit suspicious since an eight grader is not quite able to pull off an adult voice and an adult conversation! Rose is a character to say the least. Anyway, it was so wonderful and exciting to hear everything that God is doing in her Order. All the Sisters are under the age of 35 and they are quickly growing. Their special char-ism is to serve priests in the diocese.

Faustina was vying for her attention the whole time Sister was here. She had a 'tea-party' set up for Maris Stella in her bedroom. To top it all off Maris Stella painted Faustina's toe nails. Talk about true love! We are so thankful for our friendship with Maris Stella and look forward to many more years of it.

Class of 2012

Kim graduated! Congrats! Wow, that's weird. We're getting old!

Morning Happiness

I love how babies are ssssoooooooo happy in the mornings. As long as this guy has attention or is being held, he generally pretty happy. But during the hours of 6am-8am, he is so extremely smiley and giggly he can barely contain himself. His legs and arms are flying all over the place in giddiness, he is cooing and his cute round face is basically exploding with smiles. A good way to start the day.

Tea party time

It was quite a pleasant surprise to come downstairs to see Faustina having her own tea party. Well, I guess she had her doll accompanying her and the seat across from her was another 'friend' that she was talking to. She had it all figured out though, let me tell you.

Faustina is a breath of fresh air these days as she is so very helpful and very fun to talk to, about most anything.

Nowadays, Jude is posing many challenges for Mom and Dad. As Michael joked the other day, we are ready to trade him in for another child! (Sorry Jude if you read this someday, but times are rough.) And the poor child, this morning he had some sort of mystery accident where his arm/wrist hurt and he is not using them. He has basically been crying since 8:30am unless he is sitting still watching a video. Perhaps tomorrow will require a doctor appointment, but I hope not!

Adoration