Time to watch some movies---thanks to Holy Cross

Thanks to some great Holy Cross supporters we will soon be having a big family movie night.....I was lucky enough to win the "movie basket" in a raffle.

Tonight was a fundraising night of dinner and entertainment---great fun with a great bunch of friends!!

Mark's self portrait

A Couple songs from the Holy Cross 2010 Spring Concert

Danny is the soloist at the biginning and end of the song "Lazarus".



Laura is the soloist at the beginning of the song "The Voice".

Wordless Wednesday

Kindergarten has begun here at homeschool.

It is the letter "F" week

Lounging By the Pool

Makes My Monday

A backyard full of my kids.....

and the birds....Makes My Monday.

What Makes Your Monday---share over at Twinfatuation!

Father Morelle....

Father Morelle, 38 years ago at my First Holy Communion.
Father Morelle, today, with Grace at her First Holy Communion.

A Heavenly Day

Grace received our Lord, Jesus, into her heart today for the first time.

It was a beautiful day, perfect for celebrating such a important event in the life of a Catholic.

I can still remember my First Communion, which I received from the same priest, kneeling at the same altar railing.

Father Morelle, Mrs. Dunne and the entire 2010 First Communion class.

Father Morelle and Grace.

Grace and Mrs. Higgs. Mrs. Higgs was Grace's religion teacher last year.

Grace can now carry Jesus in her heart in a very special way, which you can only do when you receive Holy Communion.

After church, we headed to a little celebration at Ye'Olde Pizza Pub---Gracie's favorite restaurant.

Friend and fellow guest of honor, Matthew.

(We need to save this photo for their senor year book--10 short years away.)

I was quite worried about white dresses, combined with pizza. But thanks to Grandma C's loan of a bib, her dress remained in perfect condition.

One reason this is one of Grace's favorite places is because you can watch a movie while you eat.

Today Grace got to choose the movie--she chose the movie UP. This was a big hit, especially at the big boy table. ? !

Ida, Lillian and Catherine

Grace and Grandma

Grandpa and Grace

cutting the cake

Grace got to eat the whole sugar cross.

We couldn't leave without getting some photos with the resident knight.

Grace, Dad and I are so proud of you. We know that Jesus loves you very much and we pray that you stay very close to Him thoughout your life.

A Backyard Tour

It was a glorious afternoon in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard yesterday.

I wandered around with my Mom, camera in hand, children following behind, taking in the beauty.

bluebells

lupines
lilies of the valley

The last of the lilacs

This yellow blossom was growing among the wild strawberry blossoms.

honeysuckle

wild blackberry blossoms

ground ivy

blueberry blossoms

iris

bleeding heart

periwinkle

My Daddy, painting the picnic table

Kimberly, my mom and Gracie looking for 4-leaf clovers

Now my Momma will have good luck!

I am blessed to have such a lovely spot to wander!!

The National Shrine of Divine Mercy

This past Wednesday, Holy Cross Academy's highschool, along with several of us lucky moms, traveled for several hours to visit the National Shrine of Divine Mercy.

We spent a wonderful afternoon in prayer in the beauty of these beautiful, holy grounds.
The message that we learned about the Divine Mercy devotion was truly life changing.
I can't wait to go back with my entire family.
To learn more about this wonderful "message of mercy" please check out this web page.

A First Communion Dress sneak-peek

A very dear friend has made Grace a very beautiful, one-of-a-kind First Communion Dress. A very remarkable friend and seamstress has certainly out done herself with this glorious dress!!
You can catch a sneak-peek over on Ann's blog.

Seeing double--birthday wishes

23 years ago, on May 16th this little guy made us a family. His due date was May 16th, which also happened to be his Daddy's birthday. Of course, I knew the odds of having my first baby on his due date was very remote, but this little guy surprised us all and arrived just in time to guarantee a special spot on the calendar.

A birthday with his Daddy!!
I have pictures of every year, with my two men celebrating together.
This photo makes me realize how far we have come from the "very young" parents we were then to the "very seasoned" parents we are today.

It is like we grew together.

And today.....

I wish these two special Patrick's in my life a wonderful year to come.