Our Magnum Opus

Bethie's Wedding

Monica's childhood friend, Bethie (Ella) married her wonderful guy on the Feast of All Saints. A very pregnant Monica shared the joy of that day, as a bridesmaid, with her sweet friend.  They are not family, but it was hard to pick just a few pictures for the blog.  It was a warm, loving, devout wedding Mass and celebration.

Bridal Shower

Forty days before the wedding, on the Feast of St. Louis de Montfort, we hosted a bridal shower for Monica. The feast day was especially appropriate.  When Monica and Inshal began dating and discerning that their relationship might lead to marriage, they made the Marion consecration together.

Our friend, Jenny, offered her lovely home and her talented cooking.  The weather cooperated to give us a perfect spring afternoon for family and friends to shower Monica with love and gifts for her newlywed home. 

We made up the name 'Inshonica' to use for them as a couple.  :)

Monica's future mother and sister-in-law meet Grandma while Aunt Shelagh greets Monica

Galbraith Girls

Wedding Summer

As if our own family wedding to plan was not exciting enough, there has been an abundance of our friend's children's weddings to enjoy this summer!  Here are a few pictures from Dominic and Emma's.  It was a beautiful day!

Cooking With Regina and Friends

 

English Country Dancing

Alex, Regina, Monica's friend,also Regina, and Monica ready for the ball.  The girls had a grand time getting ready, trying on jewelery and doing hair together.

Regina and her friends enjoy helping with refreshments in the kitchen

Regina did get out of the kitchen to dance. 

Our teens and many of the St. Augustine's attendees.  You would be hard pressed to find a better group of kids anywhere.  They are awesome!

Sailing

This past school year Alex had the privilege of taking a logic class taught by Dr. Stan Williams of Ninevehs Crossing.  Dr. and Mrs. Williams took the class out on their sailboat this weekend.  Alex and all the kids, had a grand time! 

The Chrism of Salvation

Acts 8:14-17 "Now, when the apostles, who were in Jerusalem, had heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John. Who, when they were come, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost. For he was not as yet come upon any of them: but they were only baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands upon them: and they received the Holy Ghost.

Alexander Paul Christopher and Monica Rose Maria Soledad Torres Acosta received the sacrament of confirmation.  They are sealed in the Holy Spirit, their baptism is complete, they are fortified as soldiers of Christ... they are His.






Monica's sponsor; Aunt Kari, Monica, Alex's sponsor; Uncle David, Alex and Bishop Boyea

Here with my children, is one of the best bishops, and two of the most loving, faithful Catholics you will find anywhere.  I can hardly describe how blessed we are that these are the adults who ushered Alex and Monica through this sacrament.


I had the privilege of sponsoring our dear, sweet friend, Isabella Frances Cabrini


One last picture because it's so funny.  Here is our good friend P., who is the DRE, giving the thumbs up at having successfully processed 43 candidates and their sponsors, 4 altar boys, 2 priests and a deacon and the bishop into Mass.  Well done!

Girl's Movie Night

The boys went to a friend's house to have movie night so the girls thought it only fair that they have one too.  We gathered a lovely, little bunch of girls (very last minute) to watch Emma.

The girls had a grand time passing the baby around, drawing, talking and talking some more. In spite of being Jane Austin fans, they actually only made it half way through the movie before the lure of a warm spring evening was too much for them.

silly girls

sweet girls

 

movie girls

Remembering Theodore

I was hesitant to write much about Theodore's death out of respect for his family's privacy.  Since his dad is blogging a little of their ordeal, and it's painful to me that we can't fly down there for the funeral, I want to share a few thoughts and memories.

Theodore was born when I was expecting my first baby.  Since his dad was in medical school, they often had to split up for Sunday Masses.  When his mom was there, alone with little ones, she often let me hold Theodore for Mass.  He was such a happy, placid baby.  And I was one happy lady holding that cherub.

We watched this adorable child grow into toddlerhood and boyhood.  It became evident that he had developmental delays and signs of Autism.  Yet, he had a sweet and affectionate nature and quite a sense of humor for someone with his limitations.

As a teen he thrived on his routines but seemed to be fairly comfortable when they stayed at our house.  We have plenty of funny 'Theodore stories' from their visits here.  He had a horror of bugs and would beg us to "Kill fly please!" and would not rest till he saw the dead bug.  Woe to us if we couldn't get the fly.  Kevin got smart and began saving dead bugs from windowsills and such so we could show him the proof of the kill and he could rest easy about it.

The best thing about Theodore was this, when you looked into his eyes you saw a pure soul.  No sin.  No malice.  No guile.  Nothing but sweetness, trust, hope for his favorite foods, funny thoughts in his own world that we couldn't share, though we could share in his joy and laughter, and you saw piety and purity.

He had a rare and simple soul.  Now that he is surely in heaven, and his middle name is Gerard, you can guess what I am begging him to intercede for... another baby of course, and purity for my children.  I think he will be a good patron for purity.

We miss you Theodore.  Pray for us.

Big chickens, indeed!

It would appear that our lack of posting over these past few days has some people worried.

We've just been enjoying the lovely weather and spending time with our chicks.