Flashback: May 8th, Kiddo #3's 1st Holy Communion

I can't believe that it has been almost 6 months since Kiddo #3 made his 1st Holy Communion.  I diligently posted dozens of pictures on Facebook, but realized that there are family/friends who choose not to be part of that social network, so I thought I should post a few on here, as well.  :-)

It was a special day for so many reasons.  First and foremost, of course, was the reception of the Sacrament for our sweet 3rd child.  Secondly, was the involvement of our family in the Mass.  Not many children are lucky enough to have their grandfather assist at the Mass, read the Gospel and actually give you your 1st Holy Communion.  Kiddo #3 was blessed with these very things.  In addition, our oldest son, who had just become an altar server a week before, was altar server at his brother's Mass and was awesome at every task.  (It is funny, though, to look at these photos because kiddo #1 has already grown several inches since then.  He is now taller and weighs more than I did on my wedding day!  lol)  My husband and I were chosen to carry up some of the banners the children made with their names on them.  And, last but not least, kiddo #3 himself was chosen to bring up some of the gifts.  What a special day for him all around!

We are truly blessed to have the reception of 3 Sacraments in our home this year.  Kiddo #3 made his First Penance and First Communion and Kiddo #1 will be receiving his Confirmation next month.  Next year will be the same, but with kiddos #2 and #4.  Wow.  :-)  I continually pray that I, through my support, prayers, teaching and example, have helped prepare my children to the best of my ability and that we, as a family, grow ever closer to the Lord.

Flashback: Columbus Day

"I am a most noteworthy sinner, but I have cried out to the Lord for grace and mercy, and they have covered me completely.  I have made it my whole purpose to enjoy His marvelous Presence." -- Christopher Columbus

For Columbus day, the kiddos and I mapped the journey, spoke of the hardships the crews endured and the great discovery that lead to a new world and many new nations, including our own.

After we studied replicas of the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria, we endeavored to make our own.

Flashback: Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi

"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words."

"Start by doing what's necessary, then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

"True progress quietly and persistently moves along without notice."

These are the words of St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day we celebrated on October 4th.  A good and holy man, St. Francis rejected a life of wealth and comfort to embrace the poverty of Christ.  He was graced by God with many gifts, one being the ability to communicate with animals.  Another was the stigmata of Christ Himself.  Whenever you decorate for Christmas this year and put up your family's Nativity set, (creche), think of St. Francis, who made the first one, wanting people to draw ever closer to the Child Jesus and the Miracle of that first Christmas.  He began the order of the Franciscans, which thrives to this day.

For the feast day, my children and I each made our own "St. Francis" as we thought about his saintly qualities and how we can try to emulate them in our own lives.