Captions

Some recent happenings

 Princess Brooke serving Prince Daniel at their Engagement Tea.

Len removed a sickly tadpole from the group and commenced viewing under the stereoscope (20X and 40X).

We were able to see its eye, the passing of gas and waste, and blood circulating around its tail.  Cool!

What began as the after-dessert discovery of dinner's sliced watermelon quickly morphed into an eating contest, complete with laughter and dripping chins.

The entire family is fascinated by the tadpoles.

Yeah, I think we'll keep the lid on their habitat . . .

Joseph's scout troop held a Court of Honor this week, and we all managed to attend the ceremony and potluck dinner.  Joe earned several merit badges and his Star rank.  He's really enjoying this group of young men and is looking forward to a high-adventure trip to Alaska this summer.

Strangers and Friends

David has a pen pal--a friend of a friend of a friend is how she's been explained to me. Yesterday he met E for the first time. She and her parents were visiting the area, so the foursome went to Mount Vernon for the day then came home for dinner.

What a delightful evening! E's parents are friendly and interesting. I'm not a great conversationalist and can be shy, but last night I was able to relax and enjoy the company. We talked about art, food, dogs, houses, gardens, education, and on and on.

Dinner was tasty: sesame noodles, Szechwan green beans, salad, watermelon, and summer blueberry pie. I was the last to taste the noodles, so it was a while before their lack of 3/4 cup of soy sauce (too much good conversation before dinner?) became apparent. Oops!

I don't know if I'll ever see these people again, but I'm immeasurably glad I had the chance to get to know them yesterday.

Um, Yeah, Thanks a Lot

My neighbor friend surprised me with a candy sampler--artisan chocolates. I had already considered myself a chocolate snob; for one thing, I won't eat milk chocolate even if I'm hungry.

Now I'm ruined, possibly for life! These confections are so beautiful and so dark and so delicious that everything else is second (or third or...) best. As my friend said, "There's no going back!" So, yeah, thanks for raising the bar yet again.

At least now I know what to ask for on special occasions. ;-)

***

One positive aspect of food snobbery is the strengthening of my "just say no" ability. As I try to eat moderately (i.e. without gluttony), it's easier to avoid food that isn't "worth it", even though I do still need to make a conscious effort to be temperate.

Bathing Beauties

Becca and her friend just came in after pool time under the maple tree. I wish I had pictures to share, but two cameras are out of the house and I can't find Joe's.

These two had so much fun splashing and sliding. Each took turns lying on her back, head hanging over the slide, while the other performed a baptism. They didn't just put their clothes in the sun to dry--they arranged them to be worn (complete with sunglasses at the top), as if on giant paper dolls. The big "water fight" with scoops was exciting enough to cause too many slips and falls, so pool time is over. And just in time, really: Becca's friend has a return deadline that's closing in fast.

Rise Up and Walk

Four year old Peter had his giant cast removed today! Even better news is that he didn't need the four-week follow-up (smaller) cast. There is much rejoicing in Michigan, let me tell you.

I realize it will be awhile before he's actually up and walking, but the light is sparkling there at the end of the tunnel. Praise God!

Perseverance

Peter, the four year old son of my good friend Anne, recently broke his thigh bone. After 24 hours in traction he went under general anesthesia for the installation of a body cast. We're talking from the nipples to his ankle on one leg, to his knee on the other--for 8 weeks!

Becca's purple cast now seems quite dainty. And those first several days of neediness pale in comparison with what my friend's family is dealing with. I know prayers are welcome.

I also know how Anne is handling this--with faith--but I am still amazed by her attitude. Below the signature on her emails is a quote from St. John of the Cross (Daniel's Confirmation saint, BTW), "Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent." Whew!

Go here for more details and a picture of her sweet boy.

Updates

SAD

and

GLAD

Both families can still use our prayers. Thanks!

Sarah Anne Foss

Sarah Anne Foss was born October 31, 2008, about 5 weeks early. Things went well considering how early she was--she came in at 5#6oz. Right now she's having trouble breathing and will likely be in the NICU for another two weeks. Sarah has only been able to attempt nursing once so far. Please pray for her and all her family, and for Elizabeth's recovery and perseverance.

Here's a video the family posted on YouTube:



She's small, but I can still see the "Foss" in her--I'm thinking of Stephen, for one.

Making Memories

As Anne and I exchanged First Holy Communion visits, we realized anew that our daughters are two peas in a pod. So when she and Mark came to VA for a wedding weekend, they brought Emma along to stay with us.

We all had a great time! The girls hit it off right away. They stayed busy, busy, busy. In fact, whenever her mom called to check in, Emma was off somewhere--at the creek, on a hike, etc. We also spent time at the pool, hunting fireflies, and playing games. I had the pleasure of taking just the two of them to Mass on Saturday night, where my daughter struggled mightily (been there, done that!) to stay awake on the third exciting day of the visit.
Len took the girls and Dusty on a hike at Walney Pond. They're posing above in front of the rootball of an overturned tree.

We played several games of "Sorry" on our final night. It was perfect for the end of so many tiring days--a tiny bit of strategy and a lot of luck meant that winning and losing were both fun. Notice how many bodies are in the picture; Emma's cheerful exuberance drew everyone to her, not just Marianna. Rebecca shadowed them as much as they would allow, and the boys enjoyed laughing, teasing, and playing with her. In the car, Daniel looked back and remarked that, "Her eyes are so sparkly!" She is a sparkler, all right. We can't wait to see Emma again. (Marianna wants to know when this summer she'll go to Michigan...not likely...)

First Communions

I've got all kinds of post ideas running through my head, but Marianna's First Holy Communion is this Saturday, so computer time is not a priority. Meanwhile, Anne wrote a nice post about my trip to Michigan for Emma's FHC.

Magnificat by John Michael Talbot

Youtube isn't working at our house, but Anne has given me access to post this beautiful meditation. I'm here in breezy Michigan for Emma (my goddaughter)'s First Holy Communion tomorrow. Thank you, Anne!