The Pope and Pop-pop

 Pop-pop's conference in Rome seems to have been a wonderful success- congratulations Pop-pop!! Part of the wonder was being able to have a private audience with Pope Francis, who kindly agreed to hold up a Georgetown banner for a photo shoot. There are more beautiful pictures from this encounter that I haven't been able to download yet, but rest assured they'll be coming (copyright permitting!).

Georgetown's website has a picture on its front page. Nice work Dad!

This one's priceless- hoping to get a non-fuzzy version soon.

Thanksgiving

So much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving after what seems to have been a Lenten year.

God continues to shower graces on our family, gifting us when we have the courage to be like supple clay in His hands. The saying goes that God never gives us a cross we can't handle. But what does it mean to "handle" a cross, exactly? My experience has been when I think I'm about to be crushed by some cross, and just when I cry out for help, He sends a reminder in some form that He has everything under control, if only I trust Him. A life of faith seems to be marked by this dichotomy- mortal fear rising up, then a deep act of trust in a loving Father's goodness. "Handling" a cross is simply recognizing one's complete dependence on God in the face of suffering. The sufferings don't disappear, but fear and sadness are replaced with gratefulness and renewed strength.

I'm reading St. Faustina's diary again, because it is truly a tour de force of God and the soul. I can see why the overarching message of her diary, which John Paul the Great emphasized so much during his pontificate, speaks so forcefully to our generation: don't be afraid, trust in God's goodness and mercy, see how much He wants to forgive you, strengthen you, console you. I, for one, am mortally afraid of suffering and prone to feeling overwhelmed. St. Faustina's diary serves as a beautiful reminder of the antidote. Christ tells her:

My child...entrust yourself completely to My will, saying 'Not as I want, but according to Your will, O God, let it be done unto me.' These words, spoken from the depths of one's heart, can raise a soul to the summit of sanctity in a short time. In such a soul I delight. Such a soul gives Me glory. Such a soul fills heaven with the fragrance of her virtue. But understand that the strength by which you bear sufferings comes from frequent Communions. So approach this fountain of mercy often, to draw with the vessel of trust whatever you need. (1487)

My child, life on earth is a struggle indeed; a great struggle for My kingdom. But fear not, because you are not alone. I am always supporting you, so lean on Me as you struggle, fearing nothing. Take the vessel of trust and draw from the fountain of life-- for yourself, but also for other souls, especially such as are distrustful of My goodness. (1488)

Leading up to Christmas, Joseph and Mary must have made countless acts of trust in the face of terrible uncertainties. Happy Advent to all- prayers for many fruitful acts of trust throughout this season of preparation!

A little after dinner wrestling

A quick visit

Hm, not too many leaves in that tarp...

Lolo and Lola visited us Wednesday to attend Dave's annual Spirit of Service dinner. It was a fun night of wine, auctions, catching up with friends over dinner, and honoring those who support these wonderful programs. It's always so neat to see the fruits of Dave's labor.  Amazing work, Dave! Speaking of service, thank you Grandmommy for staying home from the ball to watch the littles!

Quick snuggles

Cheek update (forgive the pun)

David has cheerfully embraced the potty in record timing (after one day of "training"). I don't recall Frankie and Teresa using the transitional potty with such zest, on their own initiative. He's more mature than we give him credit for, little guy!

Training day. 

This is David's blankie, his warmth and security during an important transition. I should probably wash it...

T 

Rosie's cheek is looking almost back to normal! Still bruised, but not swollen.

This girl is tough. At the ER she was her usual mischievous self, squirming out of my arms, cackling and attempting to run out the door of our room. Don't think this resilience is from my gene pool...

Cabin fever

It's cold outside, which makes for creative play indoors. So I wasn't entirely surprised to find every kitchen utensil spread on the kitchen floor ("we're organizing, Mom!"), nor was I surprised to find the girls had dressed Rose up as a fairy ballerina.  Remember this outfit, Aunts Missy and Melanie? We need to sign this girl up for a baby ballet class.

Look at that pointed toe!

Every cloud has a Rosie lining

Tuesday night marked our fourth trip to the emergency room in seven months. It's amazing how these emergencies happen so quickly, so unexpectedly every time. In an instant, life changes and we're in crisis mode...a scenario we're all too familiar with this past year. 

Rose was standing on a chair right next to mine after dinner when it tipped over. Three minutes later we were in the car driving to the ER. To spare you the gory details, no concussion, no stitches needed. Her guardian angel was on call, as well as Aunt Tasha, who was over for dinner that night. Thanks, Tasha, for holding down the fort while we took Rose in! We came back to a clean house and happy kids. 

Rosie's smile won't be the same for a while, and it will be forever memorialized in our family photo which will be taken tomorrow at Queen of Apostles (a shoot planned months ago for our parish directory). 

Our zany baby the night before...

...the night after. "You shoulda seen the other guy, Mom."

Enjoying popsicles and Pixar movies at the ER.

Halloween

We had a fun Halloween in the cousins' neighborhood, where homeowners actually participate in Halloween (unlike in ours). I know everyone has been wondering how the Elmo saga ended. Something about that furry, red vest didn't sit well with our little guy. Instead, he opted for a cow costume that was a few sizes too small. 

 

 Someone, however, was very happy to wear Elmo.

Something brewing on Halloween

The angel and the princess have no idea what's brewing in the gloomy Elmo next to them. 

Elmo is not a happy camper...

He's gone mad!

"It's ok Mommy, I'll cooperate. You can dress me up." My sweet little Chinese girl.

The Elmo Saga to be continued...

Jack-o-lantern

Teresa drew the eyes and nose, and Frankie took on the mouth. David supervised like a champ.

Ta da!

He's just happy.

....and this is what happens when poor ol' Jack is left alone with girls.

Frankie the theologian

This is a conversation between Frankie and Teresa that overhear every couple weeks or so. It varies in detail, but the essence is usually the same. I always wish I had a pen and paper. This time I did. While coloring:

Teresa: "Frankie, I like the angels and the saints and..."
Frankie interrupting: "I like everyone in the world. Except the devil."
Teresa: "Everyone in the world except the devil, and exceeeept...."
Frankie: "Oh, I like him."
Teresa: "The evil king in Syria??"
Frankie: "Yeah, I like him. You're supposed the like people who are bad, right Mom?" (me: that's right...)
Frankie: "Mom, I'm going to offer my birthday to God. I give my birthday to God, and God gives my birthday that I gave to Him to other people who are poor. Get it?"
Teresa: "Can I give my birthday too?"
Frankie: "Yeah, you can. You don't have to, but you can."

There's frequently a soliloquy by Frankie about what Heaven and Hell are like, and how much she loves the angels and saints. Teresa is always listening with rapt attention, asking questions. Perhaps teaching is in Frankie's future, as she seems quite comfortable instructing the ignorant.

Steppin' out with my baby

Last night we went to a "Sweet Home Virginia Gala" with a very nice couple. It was a black-tie event, and Dave looked quite dashing. Aside from being served dinner at 9:30pm (a little late for us), it was a pleasant night of auctions, hors d'oeuvres, and getting to know the couple who hosted us. Thanks, Aunt Natalie, for babysitting the littles and snapping these shots!

Lumpia and miscellanea

Getting ready to roll.

These little quarter-filipino girls are making lumpia with their southern Grandmommy.  Their filipino Lola always makes cinnamon rolls with them. Ironic, no?

"Pum-nin!"

Enjoying some welcome fall weather

Beautiful day in Markham, Va. for apple picking

No bad place for a snuggle...

3 little monkeys!