On the Homefront

Dad and Mom with Therese

It is hard to believe we have a child old enough to make her First Communion.  God is so good.  The Mass was beautiful.  The day was beautiful.  Our daughter was (and IS) beautiful.

Therese

If any of my family members think the dress looks familiar, they are right.  This is the dress I wore.  My mother saved it and it is in remarkably good condition (it was worn by two of my sisters as well).  It was really special to see it on Therese.  I wore a crown of flowers (which my mother also saved) made of silk, but our neighbors made this crown of real flowers for Therese to wear.  She loved them.

Overheard last week between sisters:

Therese: This Saturday will be the MOST IMPORTANT day of life… on earth.

Myriam: (eyes wide)  Really?  Wow!

Therese:  Well, the most important day of my life is when I go to heaven.  That will be the best day.  That is what we hope for.

(I was not in the room, but observing from a nearby vantage point.  I think Myriam gets better catechesis from her sister than me.)

Dad with daughters and granddaughters

We spent a glorious Easter weekend in Indiana.  My father came into the Church and most of my family was able to be there to celebrate with him.  We were only missing George, Janelle and their two girls.

Mom and Dad

Lori, Monica and Dad

Brendan with the Easter "Nests"

Yes, he is!  And what a glorious day to turn three.  Not only is it always the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, but this year it is Divine Mercy Sunday AND the beatification of John Paul II.  He is too young to realize how special this it, but we are praying for him and begging for extra graces all the same.

Brendan, you are such a bundle of joy and you make us laugh (often when we shouldn’t) and others stop and stare. Your antics are many, but they are never malicious- just boy and joy filled.

We love you and are so happy that God blessed us with you three short (very short!) years ago.

(I promise to post more birthday pictures soon… we had a long day and this mama is sleepy.)

Brendan and Cecilia ready to fly away

Brendan in his flight gear

During our recent trip to the College Park Aviation Museum it became clear that Brendan has a strong desire to fly.  There is a plane you can climb in, but he wanted to try out all the planes on display (and most you are not allowed to touch, never mind sit in).  The girls loved it too, but Brendan was happiest while trying on the flight gear and sitting in the real plane.  Unfortunately I didn’t take too many photos- these are the best two of the bunch.

Little Lemonade Servers

The first REALLY hot day we had this spring happened to be last Monday.  After returning from our afternoon Atrium class, the girls begged to sell lemonade.  I relented although it was already after six and we hadn’t eaten dinner yet.  (Tim was out of town, so I was feeling generous with the schedule).  It was too gorgeous a day to be inside cooking and cleaning so we all hung out in the front yard selling lemonade.  This was entirely the girls idea.  They did it all- mixed the lemonade, made the sign, dragged that (somewhat pathetic looking) little table out front and donned their Spanish aprons- a gift from our exchange student last summer.  I was skeptical, but they made over five dollars!  Our street is never busy, but two cars stopped and neighbors came out and supported the girls hard work.  One neighbor from a street over was out on a walk and sent her teenage daughter back home for cash.  The lemonade was a quarter a cup and although not fresh squeezed (good old Kool-aid) they were generous with their portions.

The bucket slowly fills up

Myriam checks the lemonade levels

Delicious and served with a smile!

The kids

The farm.  Friends.  Outdoors.  Feast days.  Sunshine.  Smiles.

Two weeks ago we were in flip flops.  This week we are in sweaters.  I am SO ready for spring (for a girl who grew up in the snow belt of PA I have grown weak… I am a southern lady now).  I suppose this is the beauty of Lent – smiling and cheerfulness even when all is not as we would like.

Brendan and Leo prepare to cultivate the fields on their tractor

Cathe and Lucy enjoy the sunshine

Mommy and Monica

Brendan with the Easter "Nests"

Yes, he is!  And what a glorious day to turn three.  Not only is it always the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, but this year it is Divine Mercy Sunday AND the beatification of John Paul II.  He is too young to realize how special this it, but we are praying for him and begging for extra graces all the same.

Brendan, you are such a bundle of joy and you make us laugh (often when we shouldn’t) and others stop and stare. Your antics are many, but they are never malicious- just boy and joy filled.

We love you and are so happy that God blessed us with you three short (very short!) years ago.

(I promise to post more birthday pictures soon… this picture is not from today, but from our Easter weekend in Indiana.  He looks so cute I had to put it up.)

Therese just before her First Reconciliation

Joy.  That is what she embodied the closer we came to her sacrament date.  And why not?  Why are we not all skipping down the aisle to talk to the priest and kneel with a glow after to offer our penance?  I am the first to admit that as an adult it can be hard to walk into that confessional.  But preparing with Therese, walking with Therese, watching Therese and kneeling with Therese after has reminded me “Be not afraid… I am with you always.”

McGovern Family

McGovern children

Three generations: Daddy with Nan McGovern and Therese

Monica and Brendan

A big brother to look out for you (and who shares his Eagles mask!)

CHARGE!

Thank you to Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Dave for yet another fabulous gift!  I have a feeling we have the only 2 year old in Washington sporting such a fabulous mask.

I know that football season is over, but we cannot help chanting

E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles!

Thanks for the fun Aunt Jen and Uncle Dave!  We love you and miss you guys.