Audrey's Baptism--2.24.2008

We had a fantastic day w Audrey and family. She made it through w/o tears as did the 6 other much younger babies. We, of course, were the only family of 7 there. Everyone else looked like rookies. Father had us stay in the pews and went around to apply the oil and fire portion of the ceremony. Audrey was called up first to the Baptismal Font, the picture captures water falling off her head if you look closely.

Audrey's Godmother is Julie St. George. Julie has a been a babysitter to our kids since she was 12, we lived across the street from her family in the green Ridgeway house, before we stormed the hill! Julie is from a wonderful family of 7 kids whom we have admired since we met them. Talk about doing it right, her parents are raising 7 wonderful children from ages 22 down to 5, and if our kids are half as loving, respectful and faith-focused as Julie and gang we would be very pleased. She is a junior at Bishop O'Connell, runs cross-country, works at a local kid's science and toy store here in Broadlands and is a lead organizer of the Right to Life campaign at the High School level. Accompanying Julie was her good friend and also part of our now babysitter duo, Meaghan Leon--who we have to thank for taking these fantastic pictures. I could barely get to class in HS, these kids got it together...which is good since they are both driving!

We were very pleased Julie accepted and we no doubt made the right choice--which Julie confirmed in her sentiments to Audrey.."i will always be there for you as you grow in your faith and love of Christ." We had a party at the house with friends and then it was back to healing the sick, as Hugh continues to fight an ear infection and Owen took on his first 103 fever and cold.

Moose Ride

My future's so bright...

Busy past week

We had Alena's first Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for First Holy Communion in April. Previous post of Owen receiving his Citizenship award. Emma is cranking out A's in Math and scoring on her Dad at will during Basement Hockey Tourney every weekend (Owen and Hugh play as does Alena, but their focus fades quickly).

And we had a busy little girl, getting into everything she could when are backs were turned. Hugh had Buddy the Bear from school for a week, he was sick part of the time but buddy was there for him through his ups and "downs and outs."

Owen's Citizenship Award

For being a good classroom citizen to his fellow classmates Owen attended the monthly "surprise" breakfast to receive his award.

This past Sunday has been 2 months since Audrey joined our family.  The adjustment has been nearly flawless and she fits in perfectly with our family.  What an amazing blessing she is.  With Audrey being number 5, she in some ways has no choice but to come along for the ride.  Some days we are in and out of the car more times than I can count, but she is always smiling and happy.  She is just a little girl who wants to give love and also loves getting love from everyone. 

Her big sisters absolutely adore her and are always a wonderful help.  Her big brothers are never far away from her and count down the moments each morning until she gets up.  If Hugh had his way, he would wake her up each morning when he gets up.  Then there is Mocha and Dune (our labs) who have a special love for her, especially when she is in her highchair with food.

Her personality continues to blossom and she continues to keep us on our toes.  She's a busy little girl and can find even the smallest amount of mischief to add excitement to our days. Healthwise she is doing fantastic and we just enjoy every moment with her.  I think the funniest thing she does is carry her dog around in her mouth by the tail.  We captured it a little on video, but it still isn't quite the same as seeing it live.  It's a daily activity for her and it's just as cute every time she does it.

  

We're enjoying a little bit of the slow time for the kids activities this winter.  Although we still have plenty going on.  Owen continues to advance in his ice skating lesson and he will also start mini-mites hockey at the end of this month.  Hugh will also begin the first step in learning to skate in the next session as well.  Emma and Alena are now midway through dance and are starting to work on their songs/routines for their recital in June.  Hugh and Audrey are both in Little Gym classes.  Audrey's class is still a parent participation and it's fun to watch her show some independence and venture out on her own.  Hugh is in a big kid class so no parents anymore.  It's great to be able and sit back and watch him play, follow instructions and just have a blast without mom or dad.  Both Alena and Hugh want to get signed up for swim lessons as well. 

 

Field hockey for Emma, T-ball for Owen and possibly soccer for Hugh will start the end of March which will add another level of craziness for our family.  Thankfully with Tom's new business venture we'll be able to divide and conquer to get everyone where they need to be. Alena and Emma will both be on our community swim team this summer.  This will be Emma's second season and Alena is going to give it a try for the first time.

  

On a spiritual front, we have 2 big events coming up for our family.  Audrey will be baptized on February 24th and Alena will make her First Holy Communion on April 26th.

 

Recent pics of the kids below.

Walkin the dog