Lord, hear our prayer

Console those families, dear Jesus.

Happy Feast Day

There is so much to unpack from the historical record of this miracle. I keep finding out things I didn't know! I wish I could attach audio file of our family friend Fr. Hudgins' homily today. He talks about the huge bump in conversions (we're talking millions of people) right after this apparition took place, when previous efforts to convert the Aztecs had been fairly fruitless. All the Aztec imagery that is part of Mary's appearance apparently made quite an impact. And you could say there was a certain urgency in obtaining Aztec converts, given their systematic, grisly and frequent use of human sacrifice. Anyway, fascinating. 

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.

Poor Rose

This is Rose's impression of Mommy over the past few months... hard to get a good nap around these parts!

Pearls of wisdom

Ahh Autumn and sweater-vests.

Teresa's wisdom  confounds the wisest of sages. One morning in the car:
"Mommy? I had a dream last night."
"Really? What'd you dream about?"
"Well, I don't know. My eyes were closed. I couldn't see it."

A litte silver polish really makes these earrings pop.

Frankie, too, has some pearls floating around up there.
At dinner: "Mom? Did you know we're eating dead pig?"

One quiet afternoon: "Mom? Are there other worlds?"
..and shortly after: "I can't wait to visit Outer Space."

We know it's time for a haircut when David opens the pantry door and says, "Mommy I want some hay-cuck."

And finally, a note written one (hectic) morning by Frankie and left on the table for Dave:

"it has been a hard morning for me!"

Hope you've all been cozy-ing up during these cold days and enjoying Notre Dame football.

This month's recap

Dave made Lola's chocolate cake for the first time in his life... a delicious milestone.

Teresa got a end-of-the-year office party and birthday party wrapped into one. The "happy birthday" song ensemble was quite impressive with so many adult voices! 

Gift highlights: princess pj's, princess sheets, princess dress... you get the picture :)

Dave's "secret santa" caught wind of how much laundry we go through in a day... 

She scoots! Under tables!

"Mommy, I wanna go potty." No successes to recount yet...

Celebrating Gracie and Julia's birthday outside - making princess necklaces on a beautiful day. 

The princesses themselves.

 A blessed Thanksgiving to all tomorrow!

4!

Our sweet girl is four today. 

The highlight of Teresa's big day so far has been being able to take a whole vitamin instead of half. It's the simple pleasures in life, people! Happy birthday to our affectionate, thoughtful, orderly little girl!

David sings ND Fight Song

I finally caught him.