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striving to radiate Him always

Two Birthdays and an Anniversary

by Filed Under: Anniversary, Happy Birthday

Papi turned 2 and Sweetie turned 4. My DH and I celebrated our anniversary. It has been a busy week thus far.


There was no need for our birthday tradition, date night with mom and dad. The little ones didn’t want to go it alone. They (we) choose their own simple celebration. We chose to have Papi’s celebration at the pool (where his party was last year). They have kiddie water slides and a wadding pool which he loves. Sweetie had her heart set on the Zoo. I love that they are so simple and take JOY in the smallest things.



My DH and I managed to get an evening away for our anniversary dinner. Thanks to Papa and Nana.

Heavenly Father, We praise You for all Your gifts to us.
In a special way, We thank You for Papi & Sweetie.
Bless them always in Your love.
Bless us too, Holy Father.
Help us all to praise You and give You glory Through
Our Lord Jesus Christ. ~Amen

Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

by Filed Under: Baptism, Marian, Sacraments, Year for Priests

Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Old Calendar: Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today was extra special. Not only was it the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, it was my nephew’s baptism. My DH was the Godfather, Nino. Father D baptised Baby M, consecrated him to Our Lady and also gave him a special blessing in honor of the Year for Priests. Praise be to God for our Faithful Priests.

~ Encyclical AD CAELI REGINAM, Pope Pius XII

Ring the Alarm!!

by Filed Under: Boys, Happy Birthday, Papi

Papi loves it. He hasn’t slept in it yet, I’m not ready.

When we picked it up from our friend’s house he was home sleeping. My DH couldn’t wait for him to see the surprise. Papi took a double look as he walked down the stairs. He smiled from ear to ear when he realized it was his.

I guess we could have saved it until his birthday (next Mon). Oh well, Happy (early) Birthday!

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

by Filed Under: Assumption, Family Night, Marian

All-powerful and ever-living God, you raised the sinless Virgin Mary, mother of your Son, body and soul to the glory of heaven. May we see heaven as our final goal and come to share her glory. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.






We celebrated the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with family and friends. We first attended Mass together, where the elder girls (5) sung in the High Mass. Then we retreated home to but the little ones (6) to rest. All (17 between 2 families) arrived refreshed for a JOYous time. Here was the rainbow cake that Sweetie chose, in honor of Mary. She was able to choose since her feast day is in August.

Your Assumption was for you not only the crowning of a holy life, but also a cause of joy and triumph for the human race. Just as the patriarchs in Limbo had beheld your birth as the breaking of that dawn which announced to them their near deliverance, so, too, your Assumption, together with the Ascension of Jesus, became for mortal man a sure pledge of resurrection and immortality.

Mary, My Mother, I wish to recall this triumph and to share in your greatness and glory. – Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D.

Discovery Kingdom

by Filed Under: Family Night, Summer

We visited Discover Kingdom last weekend (Aug. 8). It was our last big outing before school starts. We went with family friends, Rose’s Confirmation Sponsor. Her sponsor will be attending TAC this school year. She is actually the 4th sibling (out of 5) to attend TAC. The 5th is 12 and still HS. We had a blessed time with each other but definitely felt out of place at the park. That’s a whole other topic, for another post.



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