Amazing! They All Look Nice!

and it only took one package of Smarties...

Samuel's Program

Samuel's school had a cute spring program. The theme was Rock and Roll. We wondered where Samuel learned I Want to Hold Your Hand by the Beatles! He kept the songs a secret this time, unlike at Christmas where we all had the words memorized and were relieved when it was over.

I think this picture is just too cute. I hope Samuel and this little guy are still friends when they are seniors because I'm getting this picture back out (and possibly blown up or put on a cake)! They're adorable!! Something about little boys in white, plus their smiles are both ear to ear. Next time I'm feeling angry with Samuel I'll look at this picture for awhile...

The music teacher is amazing. The kids know every word, you can hear them, they are pretty much on key and they have dance moves. What more could you ask for? Here's a little video for your enjoyment. :) Samuel is in the middle behind the microphone.

This is what Julia thought of the program.

Her Grandpa Mike will be proud.

Lifting Up My Everyday Encounters

My Bible Study just finished up Everyday Encounters with God by Fr. Groeschel and Bert Ghezzi which suggests many ways to notice God in our everyday lives, so I'm noticing today. Each chapter takes one aspect of life such as nature, our family and friends or Scripture and suggests ways we can experience God in that aspect. I'm using the chapters as a starting place.
1. Nature: The overabundant wind today reminds me of the Holy Spirit.
2. Three Births (actual birth, Baptism and death): Philip's Baptism last week reminds me God wants us to be His children.
3. The Human Body: Watching my children grow reminds me how many details God takes care of in each of us and how many intricate details He puts in each of us.
4. Longings: My desire to be a good mother should (ideally) lead me to Mary, who will lead me to her Son.
5. Workers and Artists: If we remember, even our silly little craft projects can unite us with God's creativity.
6. The Present Moment: I can offer all the time I'm spending feeding and pumping for Philip as a prayer to God.
7. Random Acts of Kindness: Although not random, all the help, kindness and support our family and friends have offered the past six weeks since Philip was born is definitely a gift from God.
8. Fresh Starts: God gave me another one when I went to Confession this weekend!
9. The Living Word: "God will wipe away every tear from our eyes..." was in my daily reflection book the other day... just when I was feeling overwhelmed by everything that's been going on lately.
10. Listening to Life: God is teaching me to trust Him more as we deal with the unexpected trial of Philip not nursing well.
11. Spiritual Reading: The book asks what I've learned lately from my spiritual reading and if I've shared it with anyone. I've learned to notice God in my everyday encounters with Him and yes, now I've shared that lesson with all of you!
These are just a few of the ways the book suggests noticing God in your everyday life. If anyone wants to borrow it let me know. It's an easy and worthwhile read!

Lost and Found

1. My wedding ring. I couldn't remember if I'd had it since we got home from the hospital so I was pretty upset. Compounded by the fact that pretty much the next thing Jeremy said after he proposed and I accepted was "Now don't loose that ring!"

2. My sanity. (well, I've mostly found it anyway...) The triple feeding and rambunctious kids and lost ring got to me.

"This is the Biggest Bunch of Dandelions Ever!"

Yes, Sam, it is.

Philip's Baptism

Philip was welcomed into God's family this weekend. The ceremony was nice and lots of family were able to come. He only shuddered when Father poured the water on his head. His Godparents are Uncle Logan and Melissa (my best friend- other than Jeremy of course- since grade school).

Our family with Philip's Godparents and Father.

Our Family

Philip posed with just about everyone there.

Aunt Jen & Uncle Mike, Aunt Beth, Great Aunt Carol, Father V, Grandpa Steve & Grandma Raleen, Grandpa Mike & Grandma Susan, Great Grandma V, Great Grandma C and Uncle Logan &Aunt Lynn

Philip is officially back on track. He was 9 lbs 10 oz and 21 1/2 inches on Monday at his one month appointment. We will weigh him weekly until his two month appointment but other than that he's good. We're still triple feeding, although he's not really nursing. If we can get him back to nursing I'd be excited, I'm not loving bottle feeding and especially pumping, but if it's what we have to do... Formula and bottle feeding are better than having a starving baby!

Can You See Them?

Remember the Sesame Street song There are Chickens in the Trees? This is from the rarely sung duck version.