A Special Day

Three years ago our beautiful niece was born.  It was a wonderful birthday present!  I was excited to have a birthday buddy.

Sweet Nora Jane now gets to celebrate in the best place in the Universe.  We miss her and love her heaps.

This rose was given to us in memory of her (thank you dear friends!).  This was one of the first flowers it bloomed-prefectly pink and beautiful.  I am sure Nora would have loved it!  Now she gets to enjoy it from a different view. 

Happy birthday, Dear!  We love you.

Nora Jane, Pray for us!

St Peter and St Paul, Pray for us.

PS A quick shout out to Mom and Dad!  Thank you for choosing life.  How blessed I am to have you as parents.  I am golden because of you!

Love ya, mean it!

Be here now.

Life is just a bowl of cherries

For some reason, I don't think Lachlan has ever had cherries before.  They aren't the easiest, or really safest, fruit to eat.  But tonight, a whole new world opened for him!  Cherries are SO delicious, so I bought a bunch...which means we need to eat a bunch! We told him about the seed, and he was quite careful not to chew or swallow it.  It took him about a minute to eat each one--I know what to feed him when I need 10 mins of peace!  They were quite a hit all around (except for Torin-not a big fan-silly kid!)

Here's the cherry

Yummy!

Spitting out the seed

And he was pretty proud of the 'sun' he made with the stems! 

"Life is just a bowl of cherries, you live and laugh at 'em all!"  From Good News, the musical.

Love ya, mean it
Be here now

Baptism and First Communion

Since I haven't officially introduced our nephew here (who is now 9 months and looks like an 18 month old!), I thought I would finally do so.  And since we are going the Sacrament route, I might as well include my wonderful brother's 1st Communion (Plus they are both my/our Godsons!).  There has been a lot in between these events, and hopefully I will get there sometime...

So, introducing Andrew Kevin Volker, our beautiful Nephew and Godson!  Born on September 27th and is seriously growing like a weed--a muscular and hearty one!

Then

Now

He was baptized the Sunday after Thanksgiving, which made a wonderful weekend full of family! 

Not sure what is about to happen, but lookin adorable!

Getting blessed.

More blessings

Happy Family with a newly baptized son.

Adorable little feet.  This is the same gown that Molly, Luke, Michael, Evie, Lachlan, and Torin have worn.  One holy gown!

Andrew, now that you are a New Creation, how do you feel?

'Feelin pretty good!'

A very belated 'Welcome to the Church, Andrew!'

About 6 months later, we celebrated another beautiful sacrament, for another beautiful guy-my brother, James!  Unfortunately I was the only Godmother/Sister to be present...so that makes me the favorite, right, James?!?!  : )
We arrived right before the adorable little First Communicants precessed down the aisle, and I couldn't help but get a little emotional, witnessing their excitement to receive Jesus in a special way for the first time.  I told Mom that if I am affected this way for my brother, what's it going to be like when it's for my own boys! 

Posing by the banner he made (with some help)

Godparents!

Oh the joy!

What handsome fellas!

After Church we went to Mom and Dad's to celebrate with a lovely brunch-their last First Communion brunch!  ; ) 

3 generations represented during the blessing over the food.

Quack if you love Jesus!

James, now that you received your First Communion, how do you feel?

'Feelin pretty good!'

 We are very excited for both of you, you handsome boys!  We are praying for you.
St James, Pray for us
St Andrew, Pray for us

Love ya, mean it!
Be here now