A Great Night

Tuesday night was Pauly's first confession. It was a bit of a struggle at first because he was just so unsure of the new experience. We prepared him as best we could and tried to keep things as light as possible; we really emphasized the blessings and benefits of the sacrament.

Pauly and I first went to Adoration for about 20 minutes and then headed to "the line." I went first and made sure to take a long time to reassure him that even I am a sinner ;). I gave a little heads up to Fr. and Pauly headed on in. He came out with a huge smile on his face and looked very proud of himself. We finished up our Adoration hour and then headed out to Perkins for a celebratory meal.

Pauly and I had a very nice evening together just him and I. We are so proud of him, and he is proud of himself. A good experience, yeah! Thanks for the prayers.

First Confession

Pauly is making his first confession tonight. He is pretty nervous. Please offer up a prayer or two for him.

Lord, we thank you for the gift of forgiveness. Please fill Pauly with peace as he prepares for tonight. Please touch his heart is a mighty way tonight; help him to know how real You are. Thank you Lord for Pauly, and please fill him with Your grace.

What We Fill Our Days With

 picture him spinning in circles doughnut style

Olivia

We decided to pursue testing through the public school to see if Olivia qualifies for extra help. At this point we have no idea where the outcome of the testing will lead us, but we want to explore all the options to help her achieve to her maximum potential.

Yesterday was our first session of in home observation. They are coming to our home to see how she does during her school day and to get a sample of her school work; we will have two more next week. Tomorrow she starts the testing part. She will be testing both tomorrow and Friday. They will be looking at a whole host of areas to see where her strengths and weaknesses lie. She is a little nervous about it all as you can imagine, so we would appreciate any prayers you could lift up for her.

A Dinner Out

My Dad was finally well enough, and we took him out to dinner last night to celebrate his birthday. We really had a nice time. Our night started by realizing that most of us were waiting for my sister Michelle and her husband Don to show up; little did they know they were seated on the other side of the restaurant waiting for us. When I asked where they were, my sister Melanie said they weren't there yet; I told her that was strange because I had just spoken to her on the phone, and she said they were sitting at a table already. Sure enough, they were all seated and waiting for us while we sat and waited for them. The night started off with a lot of laughs and set the tone for a very nice evening together. It was very nice to be together.

The birthday boy and his bride

 Michelle (aka Auntie Shelley) and Don

 Melanie and Tom

 Paul and I

 Such a good dad, he shared his birthday dessert with us all; so yummy! 

Of course,  he got to dig in first; warm apple crisp with ice cream.

A Time to Dance

Saturday was Elizabeth and Olivia's winter dance recital. They were so excited and have been working so hard learning the new moves of jazz instead of tap. We were so  proud of them; they were beautiful as they danced for Jesus. Their song was "I am Free,"and free they were. We had a wonderful time watching them and the other children; they are our future, and the future looks bright! Great job girls. We love you and can see your love for Jesus.

 The girls with their good friend.

 My heart melted a little when I realized they were holding hands. I pray they are always each other's best friend.

Happy Birthday to My Dad

I have given up the idea of trying to catch you all up on the happenings since my last post, and am back to post a happy birthday wish to my dad. He is 75 today. We were supposed to celebrate tonight, but he has come down with a "bug."

My dad is very special to me. As a kid, I was his ride along buddy wherever he went. I learned how to change oil, spark plugs, and most importantly how to be a "bulldog" and work a  good deal. As he ages, my very real fear of losing him becomes more and more of a potential reality. For now, I cherish every moment that I have with him. I lavish him with my children's hugs, and I pray for his continued health. I also remind him that he promised each one of my girls that he would live to see them become ladies. Now you know the real reason I keep having children.

Please join me in praying a special birthday prayer for my Dad. I love you Dad.