Better late than never, here is the photo shoot, Brian's sister Angie did for us when they came to visit for the 4th of July. We were so excited they turned out so well, Angie is quiet the photographer, you should check out her flicker account @ Angie Stong Photography. Anyway hope you all enjoy them as much as we do. I can't wait to hang some up around the house.
This is a shout out to the little girls in the family! It's been awhile since we have seen videos on our blog. The three granddaughters all have quite the personality. I can't wait till the day they all get to hang out together! For now they will just have to have a virtual party.
First Up: Adeline Felicity our Dancing Queen!
This was taken quite awhile ago but it's precious.
Next Up: Joyce the Giggler.
Joyce is Daddy's girl for sure. It was so sweet to see the bond that Robert has with her.
Last but not least: Gianna the Teenage.
This isn't the best video of her talking to Nana and Uncle Thomas, but it's one of them! I think she would talk on the phone all day if I let her. I don't know what to do with this girl!
There are seven Grandbabies: Bobby, Gianna, Joyce, Max, Adeline, Peter and William. Next time we will have to do a video edition of the little men in the family!
"To maintain a joyful family requires much from both the parents and the
children. Each member of the family has to become, in a special way, the
servant of the others." - Blessed John Paul II
For Father's Day this year I didn't want to spend any money (well I did but knew I shouldn't) so Addy and I put together a little photo shot for Daddy. During the photo shot she got to hold signs, each one saying a different word or words and then I framed them to make a loving message for him.
It was so funny trying to get this outdoor loving, explorer 1 1/2 year old to sit still for a few shots. These pictures tell their own story so scroll down and enjoy!
Her shirt says it all.
We did end up getting a few good ones so here's the finished product.
Daddy loved it so much and thats all that mattered :)
This past weekend Brian and I got to go on a last minute date(YEAH!) and decided to go for a late night movie. But we never go to the movies, we just feel that our time and money is better spent else where, especially when we don't get out as much as we'd like. Anyway, this movie was different, very different and definitely worth the time and money. I was so inspired and moved to the point of an almost spontaneous heart combustion that I had HAD to share my thoughts, so here they are.
This film "For Greater Glory", was such an incredible piece of art! The photography was superb, the acting incredible and the story was seriously divinely inspired. The story of a young mischievous (at least from the directors point of view) boy whose life was touched by one person who saw good in him, became the hero. A hero for believers and non-believers alike, a hero for his Faith, his country, and for freedom. A saint to encourage us all to stand up for the Truth and fight for our right to worship God freely.
This isn't coincidence that the film has made it's appearance now, it is very fitting for our time here in America, where the Church and the family is under attack by our very government. I have heard priest and holy people say that very soon the Church in America will undergo such persecution, even an Archbishop.
Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Francis George, made a sombre prediction two years ago: “I expect to die in bed; my successor will die in prison; and his successor will die a martyr in the public square.”
Not to go all serious and grim on you but I feel the need to express what has been on my heart lately: Hope! Great hope that our family and loved ones have this opportunity for greatness. God has given us (the Church) the tools and graces we need to be saints in time of peace or persecution. We just have to reach for them.
The more we seek out these gifts and listen to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit the more we will know the will of the Father and in doing so we give Him the Greater Glory.
So, brothers and sisters, I encourage you to watch the movie but mostly to live boldly for Christ. In doing so we die to ourselves and grasp more fully the life of peace He so longs to give us.
So lately I have been reminiscing. Being around a sibling really helps and when we went to California we all had a blast talking about the good 'ol days. :) Robert and I laughed and laughed about all the ridiculous animals we had. I swear we could have been considered an animal shelter. You name it we had it! Someday I will scan some of the pictures I have of the animals, but for now I wanted to post some old pictures to share. Enjoy and have a wonderful day! May Our Lady guide you and the Angels protect you. :)
Rhody! He was THE BEST DOG! Look how handsome and young he is here! Oh did I ever love him.
My first Christmas and my best friend in the whole world giving me a kiss!
Lucy Lewis (Schaper) and I!
Checking out Dottie Gallaher. Peter looks a lot like this right now :)
A boy with his boots and silly faces. Some things don't change. :) Clare simply looks like mischief here!
It didn't matter how simple and seemingly "poor" our life was, we were the happiest kids around! Mom and Dad sacrificed and sacrificed for us!
And where did that fourth baby come from? hehe. We love you Joe!
