Summer smile from Monica

I have had serious guilt issues about not posting enough pictures for our far flung family and friends to enjoy.  This is an apology post containing several pictures that hopefully capture the stages of our children and the fun we have been having during the summer months.

Kisses from Brendan.

Serious Therese before her swim events.

Brendan and Monica share laughter and legos while watching the swim meets

Myriam practices piano

Tim and the kids on the Fourth of July (Heritage Building Rooftop)

Tim and Lori on Fourth of July

Myriam at Brookside Gardens

Myriam with the butterfly that landed on Grandma

Therese in the butterfly garden at Brookside

Therese checks out DC monuments from the Heritage rooftop

Monica scrunched up in the carrier while strawberry picking

Mom and the three older kids this weekend (before Therese’s swim meet)

The kids getting the cake ready

Grandma and Brendan studying butterflies

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

…gets (just a little) older today!

20 great things about my mother:

1. She gave me four siblings

2. She loves my dad.

3. She loves my husband.

4. She loves my kids.

5. She drives long distances to visit.

6. She always said I was beautiful when I was teenager and thought I was ugly.

7. She still says I am beautiful even when I am sleep deprived with a baby belly, dark circles and crazy curly hair.

8. She watched (with my dad) our kids for a WHOLE WEEK so we could attend a wedding in another country.

9. She then drove the kids 11 hours back to our house.

10. She doesn’t care if my house is dirty.

11. She will help clean my house.

12. She will rave about any dinner I cook (no matter how easy).

13. She will eat leftovers with a smile.

14. She will sit and read and read and read to my kids and truly enjoy every moment.

15. She sacrificed a career to raise five kids in less than glamorous condition on a farm in Northwest PA.

16. She taught us to work hard.

17. She drove hours each week while we went through high school to cheer for our sporting events and clap at our music concerts.

18. She drives hours and hours and hours now to cheer for her grandchildren in their sporting events and clap for their music concerts (which only occur in our living room).

19. She let me cook and bake in the kitchen when I was young even though it meant more big messes for her to clean up.

20. She doesn’t regret the sacrifices she made for her family and accepts gracefully her crosses.

Myriam in her official suit and swim cap

Myriam has spent the past two summers cheering for Therese and she is thrilled to finally be part of Wheaton Woods Swim Team.  Last night, she swam her first event- freestyle in the 8 and under division.  She did really well.  Her coaches are really amazing and encourage the youngest members to get out there and compete.  The girls love being part of such a supportive and enthusiastic team.  Tim and I love watching them blossom each summer.  Brendan and Monica love playing with their friends and cheering from the sidelines.

Myriam waits for the whistle

And she's off!

Looking strong

Happy to have completed the race in good form

Myriam Elizabeth

Today is the Feast of the Visitation and the feast day of our second daughter- Myriam Elizabeth.  When we meditate upon this mystery while praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, we focus on the virtue of charity.  Mary traveled a long way while VERY pregnant to assist her pregnant cousin, Elizabeth.  This great love on Mary’s part often stops me in my tracks when I am whining during pregnancy. (not that I EVER do that…).  Our Myriam is named for Our Lady and her cousin.  She likes to tell people that she has two saints who love her very much and are watching over her.   Our children love praying to their patron saints and learning about their lives- I love praying to their patron saints and begging for help!

This photo of Myriam was taken this morning during our traditional Feast Day breakfast.  Daddy was very generous and left late for work so he could celebrate with us.  It is also Myriam’s first day of swim practice!  Perhaps I will have feast day swim photo for later.

If you happen to check in today, please pray for our Myriam Elizabeth.  Happy Feast of Charity!