John Paul, Margaret, James, Mom, Mary, Tom, Dad, Ann, Ellen, Andrew

Monday, April 27, 2009

A Sunday trip to Brookeside Gardens

We braved the 90 degree afternoon and explored the nearby Brookeside Gardens.
Simon and Isaac were thrilled to be on the excursion and I enjoyed holding hands with my handsome husband as we strolled through wisteria canopied walkways.
Springtime has come to Washington DC.

Simon helps to chart our course and plan the afternoon mission- a future NFO perhaps?
Isaac enjoyed the ride.
Among our many discoveries were turtles! Lots and lots of turtles.

We also saw a baby goose that had been born just that morning.
Happy day!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Swimming Season again!

...and these just arrived in the mail. Our only pictorial record of John Paul's 1st Season! He had a good beginning.

On your marks!



Blowing out during back stroke!



John Paul continues with the same coach and learning a great deal about discipline, punctuality, making every moment count, giving your best effort, team spirit, self development and humility!

All of us are bleary-eyed and sleep deprived because we're still learning how to get to bed on time. Go, John Paul! We all need the lessons in human diligence and hope!
So,
John Paul sees the post and brings out his medals. The coach had just given them to him at his last practice. Who knew!


John Paul's Medals earned at the
11th Annual Spring Championships -- Rockville Montgomery Swim Club - 3/28/2009

Left Medal: 2nd Place -- Time: 3:38.18 -- Men 13 & Over 400 Yard Freestyle
Right Medal: 7th Place -- Time: 5:36.87 -- Men 15 & Over 500 Yard Freestyle

Congratulations! Nice work!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Visitors in Pensacola!

We really enjoyed having Drew and Granddaddy down for a visit!
Thanks for making the trip! come back soon :-)







Of pine cones, volleyball nets, and otherwise walking off a bbq pork lunch...




Rock 'n Roll in Pensacola...

Feast of Blessed Margaret of Castello [transferred]


So, our sweet and lovely Margaret has known for many years that she was named after Blessed Margaret of Castello. Only recently had she been insisting on finding out when Blessed Margaret's feast day was celebrated. Her frequent requests were met by my "I don't know but I'll find out" delaying responses.

The days went by and Margatet continued to ask. Finally, yesterday, at breakfast she asked yet again and I said "OK! I'm going to google it right now."

Much to my surprize I found this: "Devotés of Blessed Margaret will know that her feast is April 13. Because this year the 13th falls within the Easter Octave, we are forced to observe her feast a week later." April 20, that is today!

Our little Margaret went to bed last night so happy. At midnight she was still awake with excitement and holding onto my hand so happy that today was her feast day. We will attend Mass at 12 noon. Margaret has asked if she could pick what we will have for dinner tonight in honor of the feast day. Of, course! She has chosen Taco salad!

About Blessed Margaret of Castello:

"Blessed Margaret (1287-1320) was born a hunchback, midget, blind, lame and ugly. When she was 6, her proud, noble parents walled her up beside a chapel. She could not get out, but could attend Mass and receive the Sacraments. After 14 years of imprisonment, her parents took her to a shrine to pray for a cure. When no cure was forthcoming, they abandoned her. She became a lay Dominican and spent the rest of her life in prayer and works of mercy. When she died at age 33, the townspeople thronged to her funeral and demanded that "the saint" be buried in a tomb inside the church. The priest protested, but when a crippled girl was miraculously cured at the funeral, the people had their way. Blessed Margaret's story is one of the most moving we have ever read. Her body is still incorrupt."

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Happy Birthday, Thomas!


"Imagine the skills and concentration needed to track a submarine while flying just 200 feet above stormy seas. Naval Flight Officers (NFOs) are the key to successful mission accomplishment."

Tommy's been showing that concentration since he was three months old!

We love you Thomas! Keep your concentration! Life is good!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Outdoor Adventures



Mike put together this fort/captain's ship/clubhouse/ tree house/ jungle bridge/etc. for the boys the other day and RAIN or shine the boys have been living in it. They love it. The boys say, "Thanks, Pop!"

Friday, April 3, 2009

Look What I Found



Tommy,

you can't escape it! You were a mid once and here is the proof, your MIDS picture.