Lots of Coffee, lots of kids. It's a peaceful life.
A Mishmash Post of What it Means to be Free I'm thinking in shades of red, white and blue today, wondering what kind of craft I can cobble up for the kids and what kind of salad I can make for the picnic. The house is still--completely quiet--save for the hum of the computer, the clack of the keys and the occasional car zooming past on the street. … [Read more...]
Today is my father George's birthday. Will you pause and say a Hail Mary for him? I'll wait. Also? If you're not Catholic, you don't have to say a Hail Mary.☺ I just chose that prayer because of its ending line: Pray for us now and at the hour of our death. My dad and mom are 89. Every day with them is a gift. And really, none of us … [Read more...]
And a Prayer Request I am nearing the end of 33 Days to Morning Glory and already I know I'll be reading it again. I know now that the only way to peace for me--and the very best means to emptying my full-to-overflowing bucket of faults--is to give all I got to Mary. Truly, that bucket is overflowing. pride impatience anger anxiety fear for … [Read more...]
I have one more "favorite photo" to share from my trip home. This one. This moment. My dad helping my mom into Mass on Sunday; a man holding the arm of his beloved bride; a couple married sixty-six grace-filled years. It's what I hope for my nephew and his wife; it's what I hope...for us. * * * * * One Final … [Read more...]
The Wedding in North Dakota Edition I thought I would give you an update on my father, since we got to see him this past weekend. [Insert big happy smiley face here] We went home for the wedding of my sister's son... ...also known as my nephew. I have known Jon, gosh, since he was a baby and I didn't have any. Now he's a grown man … [Read more...]
Twenty years ago, I was finishing up a degree in Secondary Education and was asked to interview someone of retirement age. I picked two of my favorite people in the world: my mom and dad, who were then 66. In light of my father's recent diagnosis, and in honor of his service to this country, I am republishing this story from … [Read more...]
(Because yes, this awesome man’s my “daddy.”) (I am 46 and he is 88 and he will always be my daddy.) The little boy in this photo is now six feet tall. Craziness! I would like to thank you, dear readers, again & again & with all my heart, for the prayers you are offering for my father. Certainly “cancer” is not the most upbeat of … [Read more...]
...today after our trip to North Dakota and you know what? It was totally worth it. (Baby Francis, shown here on Grandma & Grandpa's living room floor, agrees wholeheartedly.) It was the shortest and sweetest of trips--just Cate, Felicity, Francis & me--arriving at 4 p.m. on Sunday and getting back to the Cities just 24 hours later. … [Read more...]
He is risen! Comments are open! Alleluia! (What? Did I screw up the acclamation?) We returned yesterday afternoon from an absolutely lovely couple days in North Dakota. Grandma and Grandpa met Baby Francis for the first time, I got to see three of my four beautiful sisters, and Cate, Felicity & I took over 200 photos. LOVE having these … [Read more...]
The “All I want for Christmas” EditionAngela thought about asking for her two front teeth this Christmas, then changed her mind since she already has them.That would be weird and just a little morbid.Instead she asked for...and received...a visit home to see all the family! This meant three different houses in just two days.They got to see Grandpa … [Read more...]
