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.
Two cakes for two birthday girls
Pop with Myriam and Monica
Nan with the girls
Myriam and Pia
Mary and Therese
Daddy and Lucy
Tom and Jess with Monica
Grandma and Myriam
Brendan and Monica
Pop with Therese and Monica
The beautiful 5 year old.
Oh my goodness, how can you be five already? I know every parent says this, but it really does not seem like that long ago I was carrying you inside me and wondering what life would be like with two children. I told everyone that I did not care whether you were a girl or a boy, but deep down I wished and prayed (yes, I actually asked God for this!) that you would be a girl so that Therese would have a sister close in age. My prayer was answered! You have been a beautiful, fun and energetic little lady since the day you were born. I recall being slightly concerned when, as a toddler, you would not sit on my lap for more than one book. You thought exploring your surroundings was much more important! Well, now you can definitely sit for longer periods and you love listening to stories and books, but you still have a vivacious spark and desire to be “doing” all the time! Often my prayer these days is “Dear Jesus, help me keep up with Myriam.” Your daddy and I love to watch you with young children and babies. Your joy is palpable when you have a young one in your arms. Monica was only a week old when you asked if God would give us another baby soon! Although I am posting this a day late, Daddy and I want to say we love you and Happy Birthday!
Facts about Myriam:
Birthday Menu:
Breakfast: Baked oatmeal, bananas, orange juice and milk.
Birthday brunch: Sausage-Egg casserole, Vegetable-Egg casserole, spinach quiche, chocolate chip banana bread, pumpkin bread, veggie tray, fruit salad, clementines and feta/cranberry/walnut salad. Orange juice and kool-aid for beverages. (This might seem like a lot of food, but Myriam’s birthday fell on a Saturday- February 26th- and we had a small party to celebrate BOTH the girls getting older this month.)
ICE CREAM CAKE for dessert
Mommy's homemade ice cream cake
Dinner: Tacos
Uncle Mike and Monica
Uncle Mike was able to squeeze in a quick visit while attending a conference in Virginia. This was the only quiet moment of his time with us.
All smiles
… and we are loving every minute!
Brendan swings high
Therese practices hitting
Brendan and Monica
Birthday Buddies
A nature hike on an unseasonably warm day adds to a pretty perfect birthday that included: French toast breakfast, then Mass, then piano and history narration (before Mom agreed that schoolwork could be put aside for the day). We enjoyed bacon and eggs for lunch before heading off to the final skating lesson. The girls got high marks on all their skills and asked to take more lessons. Then we headed over to Brookside Nature Center for a hike because the day was too beautiful and none of us wanted to go home yet. Then we had a steak dinner followed by peppermint ice cream pie (new recipe that Mom made up the day before).
Monica in the ERGO enjoying the hike (best spot in the house!)
Sisters run ahead to explore
Brendan looking for frogs and insects (unfortunately many things are still hibernating- but he is determined to find a frog)
Happy to be outside
Peppermint Ice Cream Pie (doesn't look too appetizing in this photo, but it was yummy)
Therese blows out her candles
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