Auntie Kim

On March 31, 2012 we lost our dear Auntie Kim to her battle with cancer.  She is Miss Musical's Godmother and one of the best Aunties out there.  Auntie Kim lived far away and we did not get to see her as often as we would have liked but we were blessed to visit with her both at Thanksgiving this year and then again about 3 weeks before she passed away.

Kim taught me so much in the last weeks of her life.  She suffered so much towards the end but she was a true example of grace and strength.  Always thinking of others before herself even in her last moments here on earth.  We are rejoicing in the knowledge that she is no longer suffering and she is with our Lord.  She will be missed so much by those of us here who were blessed to know and love her.  Until we meet again...Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

 June 11, 1971 - March 31, 2012

Happy Easter - He is Risen!!

This year our Easter holiday was a bit different than usual.  We traveled to Boston for a funeral and spent the weekend with our brother so he would not be alone for his first holiday without his beloved wife.

The funeral was Holy Thursday and I can honestly say it was the most beautiful funeral I have ever been to.  As sad as it was, I could not help but appreciate the strength of my lovely sister's dear sisters as they read the word of God and the beauty of the music selected by my brother in law.  The Boston Boys Choir sang at the Mass as my brother is part of their Schola group.  Not a dry eye in the house and a lovely tribute to our dear Kim.  Flowers were given to all the nieces at the cemetery because Kim would have loved that.

Good Friday was a day of mourning for our Lord and our sister.  It was spent with family and close friends.  Holy Saturday was also spent with family and friends, reflecting and remembering.

Easter Sunday we attended Mass in Boston with some family.  Mass was gorgeous and the girls did amazing since it was nearly 2 hours long.  Afterwards we went to lunch with Daddy's brother, sister and her husband, and our lovely niece.  Then we took one last trip to the lovely historical cemetery to pay our respects before heading back home.  It was a long drive and a late night but I feel thankful and blessed that we were all able to be together.

Four of my lovely daughters and their cousin

Miss Busy

My younger 4 - with the chaos of the day I did not get a picture with all 5.  Miss Dramatic
seemed to be camera shy this day for once!  

Happy First Birthday to Our Baby!!!

One year ago on this day I gave birth to our 5th baby girl.  She was my biggest baby yet at over 9 lbs and just as sweet as can be.  It has been one roller coaster of a year with her in the hospital at just 10 days old with RSV and Daddy's job situation but God is good and I am counting my many blessings today.

Happy Birthday sweet baby girl!  We cannot imagine our family without you.

Just moments after birth - so awake and alert!

Sisters!  My 5 girls.

Birthday Girl!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Baby Girl!

Birthday Cupcake

She likes it.

Renewal

Last night my husband and I were invited by friends to attend a Mass to celebrate marriage and renew our wedding vows.  It was lovely.   There were about 30 couples there and we all renewed our marriage vows together.  The priest spoke about how many people do this for "big" anniversaries but it is so important for us to do it often.  Marriage isn't easy and we need to call upon the Sacrament of Marriage to help get us through the tough times that we will experience in life. He told us how we are called to help each other get to heaven.  This struck both of us.  I often talk about how my most important job is to get my children to heaven.  I guess I figured my husband could get himself there.  :)  Now we realize how deep this Sacrament goes and what it really means for us as individuals, a couple, and for our family.

After dinner we had a lovely dinner with 2 other couples.  It was a wonderful blessing and a great way to celebrate St. Valentine's day a little early.

Birthday Girl

Happy Birthday to Miss Musical!  Seven years ago we were blessed with our sweet and talented daughter.  I cannot believe how quickly the time has passed.  While I miss cuddling the sweet baby that she once was, I am so proud to watch her grow into the amazing young lady that she is.

Happy 7th Birthday Sweetie!!!

March for Life 2012

Today is the annual March for Life.  I would love to take the girls but it will need to wait until number 5 is a bit older.  In the spirit of the day we made some signs to support the cause.  Thanks to Lacy at Catholic Icing for an older post on how to make the baby footprints using our hands.

Happy New Year!

Happy 2012!  My new years resolutions this year are to continue to grow in Grace and strength, to serve our Lord, to continue to strengthen our Family, and to strive to be healthy in mind, body, and spirit.

We started our new year by attending Mass at Our Lady of Czestochowa shrine in Doylestown, PA.  The Church is beautiful and looked lovely with the Christmas decorations.  My kids loved the Nativity scene that they had outside.

Sheep and Donkey

My girls loved this little mini donkey

Beautiful creche 

After Mass we said a family rosary on the rosary walk they have on the grounds.

After the rosary walk