Lena {JOYfilledfamily}

Summer Camping

July 20, 2013 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: GFG, Summer, Vacation 3 Comments

Five moms and thirty kids ventured into the woods for four days – blessed adventure!

RMGS Retreat ~ Bright as the Morning Star

July 10, 2013 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Retreat, RMGS, RMGS 2012-13 1 Comment

We ended the year on June 19 with the summer retreat. It was also my last activity as leader. I made the very tough decision to step away from all commitments so that I could take the year to regroup as a family. It’s a new season in my family and I want to be certain that we re-establish a firm foundation.

Bright as the Morning Star

Here are some pics from the glorious day. I hope to add some details in the not so distance future.

DEO GRATIAS!

{phfr} intagrams from june

June 27, 2013 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: {phfr}, Instagram, Picture Recap 3 Comments

1. homeschooling at its finest. 2. my early reader 3. tummy time. 4. rose’s comp looking pretty in pink. 5. dragonfly ~~trying to hold~~ manhandling lil’ man 6. fun with father while the girls and I set up for the retreat

1. playing with his bed buddies (the doggies on his bedding). 2. sleeping for big sis, rose. 3. girlfriends garden. planted by sparkles and her friend. 4. his infamous eyebrow raise.

1. my lil’ man at 3 months. 2. retreat project made it to our craft tuesdays. summer bucket list (sbl). 3. shave ice in the rain. sbl. 4. swimming in the rain. sbl. 5. the kids had popsicles*pool*pancakes, in that order, all by 7:30am. sbl. 6. dad started a water war within minutes of his arrival from his week stay at camp sacred heart. sbl.

1. roasting hotdogs indoors. sbl. 2. drive-in movie. 3. papi’s theology lesson. 4. retreat sign for Rosa Mystica Girls’ Society.

1. neon flowers for retreat centerpieces. 2. the littles tested out my color blasts for the retreat. 3. color blast. 4. rose’s birthday cupcakes 5. bowling party. 6. party swag.

1. i’m happy to say that rose received her first phone at 18 years of age. 2. the only two boys invited to the party. 3. sibling love on graduation day. 4. on her way to graduation.

1. papi’s opted for a healthy snack at the street faire. 2. papi’s fav time of day. 3. lil’ man’s second alias is happy boy.

1. due for another hair donation.

1. traditional devotion.

1. Hawaiian shave ice.

~~~

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~
Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

Double Digits

June 22, 2013 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Birthday, Sparkles 2 Comments

May God who loves you and fills your life with joy, be with you always.

~~~

Sparkles turned 10 on May 18. We were away on pilgrimage so her party had to wait.

We offer the kids a birthday party with friends, every other year. This is what works for us. It also helps our kids keep things in perspective.

This was Sparkles year for a friend birthday party. We planned her party within a week. She settled on a bowling party that was nearby her friends.

Everyone chipped in to make her party a success! Rose, Dad, and I pulled an all-nighter to complete the finishing touches. We shipped the boys to Papa & Nana’s since they were sick.

Dad and Lil’ Man were the only boys present.

Six of her eleven invited friends were able to attend.

Sweetie was a guest and Rose was the party helper.

The girls bowled, participated in contests, had pizza and cake, enjoyed presents, and wrapped it up with a few arcade games. We pretty much had the whole bowling place to ourselves. It was a blessed celebration!

~~~

Loving God, you created all the people of the world and you know each of us by name. We thank you for Sparkles, who today celebrates her birthday. Bless her with your love and friendship that she may grow in wisdom, knowledge, and grace. May she love her family always and be faithful to her friends.

Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.