Parental Lessons About God

Click on picture for larger image Parents have a special gift. In many ways we get a glimpse of what God's relationship with us is like through our relationship with our children. I have seen how their growth and development cause me delight and I believe that this is a shadow of the delight God feels when we develop spiritually. As parents we can see other aspects to God's relationship with us that may be hard for non-parents to see - we can see what it is like to feel God's wrath. Remember when the Israelites are in the desert and they are worshiping the golden calf, and God tells Moses to move out of the way so he can take them out? Well, parents know what that feels like. Not just to be disobeyed, anyone in authority knows that one. No, parents know what it is like to be disobeyed by someone whom they created, someone they love above all else. So, parents, next time you feel that wrath state, remember the gift that it is. You are getting a glimpse of that relationship that God has with each of us when we stray. And don't forget to show mercy - I hear it helps when we are seeking mercy ourselves.

Michaelmas is coming!

In case you didn't realize, Saturday Sept 29 is Michaelmas (the feast of St. Michael). St. Michael is our family's patron saint and we are all named Michael or Michelle (first, middle or confirmation name), so Saturday is a big day for us. Michaelmas has been an important holiday in the Church, especially in Ireland, Scotland and Wales (ah those wonderful Celts). Michaelmas was a holy day of obligation until the 18th century, and because of its proximity to the equinox marked the beginning of Fall. Here is a traditional Michaelmas recipe I found at Fish Eaters that we will be making this Saturday and wanted to share with you. We wanted to give you a jump on getting ingredients, since the flours are not your typical mega-mart staples (we had to go to a organic health food store to get the barley and rye). This is Celtic in origin (of course the Irish and Scots argue about whose it is, but never mind that). St. Michael's Bannock 1 1/3 C. barley flour 1 1/3 C. oat meal 1 1/3 C. rye meal 1 C. flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 scant tsp baking soda 2 1/2-3 C. buttermilk 3 TBSP honey or brown sugar 2 eggs 1 C. cream 4 TBSP melted butter Mix the barley flour, oat meal, and rye meal. Add flour and salt. Mix the soda and buttermilk (start with the 2 1/2 C) and then add to the dry mixture. Stir in honey. Turn out onto floured board and mix (as with all breads, don't over-mix), adding more buttermilk if too dry, or more flour if too sticky). Divide dough in half, and roll each, on a floured board, into an 8" circle (about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick). While heating a lightly greased skillet, mix the eggs, cream, and melted butter. Spread onto one of the bannocks and place the bannock, egg-side down, in the skillet and cook til the egg-side is browned. Put the egg mixture on the top side, flip the bannock and cook 'til the second side is golden. Repeat this application of the egg wash and flipping and cooking until each side has been cooked three times. Do the same with the second bannock. Serve warm with butter and honey. Have a happy Michaelmas on Saturday, and enjoy. Saturday, be sure to wish a happy feast day to anyone you know named for St. Michael!

Guardian Angels In Pismo 2

We had just started our drive home when it happened. It was a beautiful day and had just settled in for the 4 hour drive. We had not started our rosary yet. Just after our first potty break (about 15 minutes into the trip), we witnessed an accident happen right in front of us - about the distance one would travel in 5 seconds at 70 MPH. A white minivan drifted to the left, over-corrected to the right and then lost control heading off to the left at 90 degrees. The car which had been in the far right lane heading south (the slow lane), crossed the fast lane right in front of another car. Went over the brush filled area between the southbound and northbound lanes (about 20 feet wide) and went perpendicular into traffic coming the opposite direction. An SUV going 70+ MPH slammed into the side of the minivan. The image above is what was left of the minivan. We immediately pulled over to see if we could help, but we were now on the opposite side of the highway. After calling for emergency help (along with several other people given the cell tower was overwhelmed), we resumed our journey, and started our rosary. The sole intention was for those involved. Miraculously, no one was killed. Two people suffered moderate injuries and two walked away without injury (we found out on Monday). Thank God all survived. Again we thank Him for our guardian angels watching over us as well. It was only 5 seconds that separated us from that car - a mile or two per hour difference and we would have been next to it. We especially thank our Blessed Mother whom we had asked to watch over us at the beginning of our weekend journey. With two potentially fatal disasters avoided, my wife and I both sensed the protection we received. Clearly, God is not done with us, nor the people in that accident, yet. The image is from the Santa Maria Times - their story of the incident can be found here. Note the image is not mine, and is used here under the fair use policy.

Guardian Angels In Pismo 1

We just returned from a weekend at Pismo Beach with my folks, my brother and two sisters, and the beginnings of the next generation (my three kids and my sister's one). It was absolutely beautiful. We had a room that overlooked the ocean. After morning prayers on Saturday, I stepped out onto th balcony, and the only words that came to me were "He made the sea, it belongs to him." It was breathtaking. What a way to start Mary's birthday. The picture above is that very view from the room where we were staying. We were in here to celebrate my daughter's birthday which just past, and my father's which is coming up. The day was planned so that we watched my daughter take surf lessons in the morning (she seemed a natural - up on her very first try), had lunch, and then my siblings, brother-in-law, wife, and I would go kayaking. The picture to the left is of my oldest having her first surf lessons. This was my first time kayaking, but everyone else had been at least once. Being new, I had no say about where we launched, but where plays into the story. We ended up launching from Shell Beach, about a mile or so north of Pismo Beach. The tide was coming in, and the swells were substantial, but manageable. In that area, you do have to manage your way among many rock islands full of seals and sea birds. It is breathtaking (both because of the beauty and because the animals reek). My youngest sister (not yet 21) started to have a panic attack as the kayak she and my other sister shared came close to some mostly submerged rocks that they had not seen (we were about 100 yards out). While I have never had a panic attack, I understood the worry about smashing into rocks. But we got her calmed without incident, but she wanted to head on back, so we did (this was about 20 minutes into the adventure). The folks at the kayak company had told us to come back straight in between two narrow jutting strips of rock. The surf was definitely coming in, and it wasn't easy to see where you were going. My brother went first and made it to the beach - no problem. My wife and I in a tandem boat also made it to shore without a hitch. But the boat with my two sisters, overturned in the surf about 30 feet out. If you are familiar with Pismo Beach, you probably know that it is a sandy beach where the water is only chest high a 50 yards out - easy as pie. So when my sister (the one who panicked) sent up a shout, we thought it was in joy at having finished. It took a couple seconds to realize that something was wrong. Shell Beach is not sand (nor shell). It's bottom is a floor of sharp, uneven, slippery rocks. My sisters were getting their feet cut and unable to get into shore since they had worn flip-flops (not tennis shoes like me or gripping sandals like my brother-in-law). My brother-in-law is a former life guard. He was able to calm my youngest sister, while I helped my other sister (his wife) make it to shore. The good news was that we were able to get them in safely - plenty of cuts on feet and legs, but safe. It is scary to think about going over into those rocks like they did. A sharp rock to the head.... We thanked God for our guardian angels and for our Blessed Mother looking out for us on her birthday. Things could have gone much, much worse. I have another story from our weekend adventures tomorrow.

A Back to School Story

Creative Minority Report is one of the blogs that I absolutely have to visit every day. Not only does it have one of the best layouts, it has writing you just don't want to miss. So how I missed this one two days ago, I don't know. But thanks to Jay at Pro Ecclesia (one of my other "have to read" blogs) for pointing to it. You want to read this one. A Back to School Story And Modern Day Miracle.: "Tommy didn’t want to meet a celebrity. He didn’t want to play basketball against an NBA hero. His wish was simple: Save my School. You see, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia was closing Tommy’s elementary school because much of the Catholic population had moved into the suburbs and the urban neighborhood just couldn’t support the school anymore. Here’s the letter Tommy wrote:" For the rest of the story, head on over to Creative Minority Report.

Parent's Prayer

We had to arrange our schedule to make sure we were back for orientation at our kid's school. It was one of the best orientations I've been too. Well, each parent is given a handbook, and on the first page is a prayer that I'd like to share. O Father of humankind, Who has given me these, my children, And committed them to my charge to bring them up for You, And to prepare them for life everlasting; Assist me with Your heavenly grace, That I may be able to fulfill my sacred duty and stewardship. Teach me both what to give and what to withhold, When to reprove and when to praise. Make me gentle, yet firm, considerate and watchful, And deliver me equally from the weakness of indulgence And the excess of severity. Grant that both by work and example, I may be careful to lead them in the way of wisdom And true piety; so that at last I may, With them, be admitted to the joys of our true home in heaven. Amen

16th Wedding Anniversary

My better half and our youngest We were married 16 years ago. They have been 16 joy filled years. God has blessed me in so many ways, not least of which is my loving spouse. I don't know where I would be without her, but it doubt it would be very good. To my dearest wife: Thank you for giving me all of you these 16 years! May the Lord bless us with at least 50 more. May our life together be holy in the eyes of God. May our family grow in size and in faith. May our love fill us and overflow into the world. Thoughts from last year: 15 Year Wedding Anniversary

Generation Gaps

It is funny when little gaps between generations show up. One of our phones is a VoIP phone that relies on high speed Internet access. Well our ISP was having some trouble today (that seems to be fixed). So when my daughter said the phone was not working, it did not cause any alarm. So she asked my wife if she could use her cell phone to call her friend about going out to play. Well, she tells my wife (Lynn) that her cell phone isn't working either. And she redials the number and puts it up to Lynn's ear and says "I told you, it's not working." Well, my wife started laughing. It was a busy signal. When is the last time you heard one of those? Yeah, it's been a long time for me too. Cross posted at Catholic Dads.

Birth Stories - Mike

This is part two of my three part series. Part one (Maggie) can be found here. After thinking about Mathew's request for birth on Catholic Dads, my first thought was that the stories weren't that interesting. But then my mind went back to the time when each child was in the womb and their birth, and all three were worth telling. And as I read the stories of others, it looks like that may be true for all births. Between Maggie and Mike we had two miscarriages, which is not easy. In fact, we Mike started to miscarry, but Lynn had gone to a problem pregnancy specialist (because of the miscarriages), and he was able to provide hormone treatment which saved him. Thank God for that - I can't imagine life without him. Unlike Maggie, where we started labor in the evening and stayed up all night, Mike was more considerate. Lynn woke me up at 6AM, and we were in the hospital by 6:30. The doctor was called, and he expected that it would be some time and said he would be in later. We figured it would take a while too, and after the pain of the first pregnancy, Lynn opted for an epidural. This was good because it definitely reduced pain. I think it let Lynn be more aware of what was going on (not just focusing on dealing with pain). But that is just this observer's opinion. The hospital called the doctor a couple more times because Lynn was progressing quickly. He insisted he had plenty of time. Well, the doctor was wrong. Mike came pretty quickly, only a bit more than a couple hours after we arrived. The doctor never made it. Mike was the first delivery for a new doctor up from the emergency room. Thank God for those nurses! They new exactly what to do. Thank God as well for a problem free delivery.

Birth Stories - Maggie

Mathew S at Catholic Dads was asking about birth stories, and I thought these would make a good set of posts in light of Fathers Day yesterday. Maggie was our first, we had a virtually trouble free pregnancy. We did all of the Lamaze classes, which I hated. I thought the breathing exercises were good, but some of the over the new age elements were irritating. But all is well, I still remember the breathing exercises. Don't let me give you the impression that I was not excited about our coming little girl - I was. And I talked to her frequently. I wanted to get her use to that lower voiced guy. I cup my hands where I thought her head was, and in a deep voice say "hellloooo baby" and "hellloooo Maggie" once we found out she was a girl. On the evening before the big event, Lynn tells me that she thinks it is time to go. Now, this may sound insensitive, but it was not the best time. It was the first Notre Dame game of the year, she tells me very close to the end of the. Now, I learned in Lamaze that the labor would take quite a while. I was trying to convince her to stay home as long as possible (at least until the game ended). I know, I know - I am horrible for that. Don't worry, I have been told. I was right though. It was a long labor. We got into the hospital early evening one night, and she was not delivered until 9 the next morning. And Lynn went drug free until early morning (and then it was the stuff that only takes the edge off). I still say she would have been more comfortable at home than in that hospital room. But the excitement came at the end of the story. Something was wrong and things were not progressing. The nurse determined that the reason was that the umbilical chord was wrapped around Maggie's neck. The doctor came in and they decided that they had to deliver her as far as possible so they could cut the cord from around her neck. As a dad, who could only count and encourage his wife - this was pretty hard. Lynn was pushing - she had no idea what was going on down where the doctor was. But I could see the fetal monitor. I could see the heartbeat dropping as the chord tightened with each push. It is hard to sound encouraging and count while you are fighting crying. I have told my wife, I am not sure why Dad's are allowed in the delivery room. I think it is to learn how utterly helpless we really are. But the doctor pulled her through enough with the suction cup and cut the cord from around her neck. All was OK, though quite scary. Maggie was crying loudly - I sure was glad to hear that. And she got really quite when I said "hello Maggie." I guess all that talking to her in the womb paid off since she recognized my voice.

Almsgiving

I would bet that many of you who were raised Catholic can remember getting the cardboard "rice bowls" at Lent (I don't remember seeing them in a while). The nuns at my school would make sure that each of us had one. I remember sacrificing just a bit to fill that bowl. As an adult, my giving has been different. I usually give more with checks than what is in my pocket. While this is not bad, it is not as frequent as constant smaller offerings. With so many churches no longer having a "poor box" there is not even that weekly reminder of our need to give alms. A priest friend has made a suggestion that I wanted to share. The suggestion was to have an alms jar in the house. We bought a clay jar on one of our mission visits (you can see photos from all our California mission visits by clicking here). All of us in the family donate to this daily. When the jar gets full enough we will give it to a local organization that feeds the poor or houses the homeless. I wanted to share this because I was struck by the simplicity and effectiveness of this way for teaching our children this important "act of religion." Every morning I remind the kids to put something in the alms jar from their allowance or gift money or tidbits they may have earned here or there. But not only teaching my children, this has provided the constant reminder to me of the importance of giving to the poor - and making them a part of my busy daily life. This post is cross posted at Catholic Dads.

Dad tackles man photographing daughter

OC Register - Dad tackles man photographing daughter Check out this news item. The reporter asks if the father is a hero or over protective. My question is whether the reporter is nuts for asking the question that way. The dad was appropriately protecting his kid. Seems pretty brave to me though.

First Communion

Click on picture for larger image My son made his first communion last Saturday. I wanted to post on this earlier, but I didn't for a couple reasons. One reason was that I am swamped. The second is that I have more than just joy to share. First the part that was less joyful. The parish decided that they would lead with announcements about not kneeling after Communion. I prefer to have first communion done at a separate, special mass on Saturday morning instead of during the "Sunday" mass on Saturday evening. We also had to leave our two daughters with my parents because communicants sat with parents (not family, as siblings were explicitly excluded) rather than together. Every third child or so carried in butterflies during the procession (what does that have to do with Holy Communion) Then to top it off, my sons first Communion included a bit of liturgical abuse with the children called to gather around the altar during the consecration. As they were coming down from the altar for the sign of peace they handed out roses to the children to give to their parents. Way too much extra-curricular activity takes away from the entire point of the day - it isn't about butterflies or standing with the priest or felt banners or roses for the parents - it is about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and children now at the age of reason able to receive Him. Here is where the joy is. My boy got it. We had spent years talking about this day - he got the point. The day was about the first time he received the body and blood of Jesus Christ, his Lord and God. This day was extremely important to him and he was so reverent at mass. After Communion, in spite of the admonition about kneeling, he fell on his knees - not even bothering with a kneeler! Christ's presence was palpable right then.

Advice For Couples Starting Out

Click on picture for larger image At Catholic Dads, there has been some discussions on the pluses and minuses of NFP (Natural Family Planning - for those who don't know it is an effective way to plan when children are born without resorting to artificial contraceptives). I don’t want to comment directly on that discussion, but I do want to share my perspective guided by my own experiences on family planning. I am not judging anyone (except perhaps myself), just hoping that insights I have gained from my experience might help a new or soon to be husband. We got married at 23, and did not have our first child until 28. We planned it that way. We got married knowing that a family was important to us, but the conventional wisdom was to go to school and get financially settled - and we bought that "wisdom." When we got married, I was just starting five years of graduate school and Mrs. K had a year left as an undergrad and then got a masters degree. We were busy getting set for the “future.” My daughter was born about a month before I finished my dissertation - so we timed it pretty close to plan. That was more than 10 years ago. Having children changes everything, including how you see the world. As I look back, I regret that we followed the conventional wisdom. I am sorry we waited until we had finished our schooling. The most fulfilling part of my life is my relationship with my wife and children. I waited five years to discover what God had in store for me. Further, it installed a habit of looking at family set against finance and career. My degree has allowed me to do well for myself, but I have found the the more money I have made, the less happy I have been (it takes time to make money). This makes sense when we realize that we are created to love one another, not to be consumers or workaholics. In the end, the conventional wisdom sets up a pattern of choosing financial wellbeing over family life and spiritual wellbeing. I have some advice to those just setting out, or those waiting to have kids. It stems from my wishing I had done differently. It is this: Don’t wait to have kids, and don’t limit your love by a number. God will provide what is needed. Have faith.

Fatherhood & Faith

Click on picture for larger image Check out this 2003 article in Touchstone titled “The Truth About Men & Church.” It is about the role of fathers in the transmission of faith. Here is an excerpt: “In short, if a father does not go to church, no matter how faithful his wife’s devotions, only one child in 50 will become a regular worshipper. If a father does go regularly, regardless of the practice of the mother, between two-thirds and three-quarters of their children will become churchgoers (regular and irregular). If a father goes but irregularly to church, regardless of his wife’s devotion, between a half and two-thirds of their offspring will find themselves coming to church regularly or occasionally. A non-practicing mother with a regular father will see a minimum of two-thirds of her children ending up at church. In contrast, a non-practicing father with a regular mother will see two-thirds of his children never darken the church door. If his wife is similarly negligent that figure rises to 80 percent!” "....You cannot feminize the church and keep the men, and you cannot keep the children if you do not keep the men." I think our example as men doing what is right while facing the “realities” of the world is the most powerful weapon we have in safeguarding the faith of our children. As a church, the battle is clear - to ensure our future, we must engage fathers. Btw, if your a Catholic dad, consider joining Catholic Dads.

Motorcyles, Mountains, & Being There

Click on picture for larger image Saturday in So Cal was overcast - we call it June gloom (even when it isn’t June - what do you want, we’re nuts, remember). So the family packed it in, dog and all, and headed east to the mountains (about 15 miles away). Being further inland the overcast was starting to burn off when we got there. We stopped and took pictures at different spots. Got out and went down to a creek (the boy stepped in it, shoe and all of course). It was really pleasant. Well we decided to take a winding road back for the scenery. As we were driving, I saw this tree that had burned and really wanted a photo of it. As I was out of the car, I heard the roar of motorcycles. Looking ahead a couple turns I saw four bikes racing toward me. I got set and took a several shots as they rounded the corner. I was pretty excited – I am not usually in a place for an action shot, and this one just appeared out of nowhere. The whole thing got me thinking about life in general, and I saw two parallels to this event. First, life is largely about being ready in the right place at the right time. It isn’t just the events. You have to be prepared - even if you don’t know what, if anything, is coming around the turn. But if you’re ready, you might catch the right shot. The other point is that sometimes, being in the right place at the right time may be an opportunity in a supporting role or as a witness. I suspect there are more than a few men like me who enjoy being the main character. Sometimes, we are there for other people’s actions. I think God is asking us to be ready. Do what we are call to do now, yes, but also prepare - be ready. What for? I'm not sure, but I bet it will be worthwhile.

Any Other Catholic Dads Out There?

Some of the guys online were duking it out about masculinity in the Catholic blogosphere - I am not so interested in that debate, but I have noticed that while there is a substantial community of Catholic Mom blogs (many are quite good), there isn't really any cohesion for us dads. So I wanted to kick out an idea and see what you think. Is there any interest in creating a new listing of Catholic Dads? We would reference and visit each other's sites, have some sort of icon to post, you get the idea. It would be a great way to identify and support those of us who occupy a pretty important role in the life of our families, the Church, and society at large. To tell you the truth, I'd like to read more Catholic dad related stuff. What do you think? Any interest? Any ideas for a name? Maybe something with St. Joe. Shoot me a comment.

Gracie @ 4 Months

Click on picture for larger image I don't usually put up pix of the kids unless there is a special occasion, but I wanted to share Gracie's 4 month picture. My wife took this shot. I'm not sure if it is the subject, photographer or both, but I like it!

Miracles (Part 3 of 3)

Click on picture for larger image This story is only a few months old, and it happened to my wife when she was still pregnant with Gracie. My wife is a part-time music teacher at our kids Catholic school. Well, the school was looking for a new kindergarten teacher, and my wife recommended our neighbor/friend from a couple doors down who is both Catholic and credentialed. Anyways, our friend got the job. This story happens on the start of the year retreat for the teachers. By the end of the first day, the returning teachers had gotten to know the new kindergarten teacher, but they were still curious. One way or the other they had heard that the new teacher had had bariatric surgery (and later surgery to remove excess skin) and was missing a belly button. This is definitely a curious thing. My wife, our neighbor and two other teachers were all driving together to the retreat on the second morning. They were starting to walk up a set of stairs when out of the blue, one of the teachers asked about the reported lack of a belly button. Now, no one has ever asked to see my belly button so I don't know how awkward the moment was, but it must have been awkward. Awkward or not, our neighbor stopped and shared claim to fame with her new colleagues. This must have taken only 10 seconds or so, but it was enough. Just as they started again to climb the stairs, a lady in the parking lot above lost control of her car and plowed it through the pedestrian area at the top landing. If they had not stopped for the story, people would have died. I thank God that my wife and new daughter are with me today. So why share these? I had in my mind that such things did not happen to me. But over the past week all three of these events came to my attention. These aren't water into wine miracles, but I think they are miracles none the less. They show me the extreme fragility of life, and what is important. They show me that God is watching out for me and my family. They make me ask for what purpose we have been spared these tragedies. God has a purpose, and it will be revealed in proper time. These incidences remind me of that.

Miracles (Part 2 of 3)

Click on picture for larger image We moved to Atlanta from So Cal when my boy was 2 years old. I had a huge opportunity and if the market had gone differently we would have been set financially. God had other plans, and we eventually moved back to So Cal. But this story is about the move to ATL. When we move from LA, I was flabbergasted by the tremendous difference in what your money could buy. That difference and a new promotion resulted in a pretty nice house - big yard, an Atlanta address, and a pool in the back. Moving across the country was hectic with all of the details, plus the emotions involved with leaving family. Well, we and the movers were finally at the house. The movers had all of the doors open moving stuff in through both the front and back of the house. We set the kids down to play and told them to stay put, especially when the back door was open. We kept a careful eye out while the doors were open, not wanting any lost or injured kids. The movers were just about done, bringing in the last few things. We were starting the task of opening boxes. The girl was coloring at the table, and the boy was playing - at least that is what we thought. My daughter dropped a marker, and she moved to pick it up. As she bent down, she saw my son flailing about in the deep end of the pool well away from the edge. She shouted that he was in the pool. The urge to panic instantly welled up within me, but I acted immediately. I ran out the door, jumped into the dirty water with clothes, shoes, cell phones and all. As I was coming up, I had him in my arms and on the side of the pool with one motion. The thought of the incident still brings up emotions. What could have happened? What if my daughter had not dropped her marker? What if she had looked right instead of left? What if both of us had been upstairs? I know God was watching, and I am so grateful that I still have my son. Thank you, Lord.

First Confession

Click on picture for a larger image. Yesterday, my boy went to Confession for the first time. I wish I had the camera as he opened the door to go in, turned, and gave us one last look. I hope I remember that for a good long time. This year we have had a baptism, a first confession, and in May we will have a first Holy Communion. Quite the year.

Baptism and Daddy Going Solo With Gracie

Well, the baptism went very well on Sunday. Gracie is now grace filled. :) She was awake during the entire mass, but then was out like a light the rest of the day. We very much enjoyed sharing the day with family and the entire community. The celebration afterwards was wonderful. My cousin Jerry came. He is fallen away, but has been slowly coming back to the church. His wife seems interested in potentially converting. I am sure prayers would be appreciated. Tuesday, I had Gracie all to myself for the day. Now, I can see how that could sound exciting, but I was a bit worried. I work at home, sure, but I had been relying on Lynn to take care of the rest of the household. Well, Lynn teaches music part-time at the parish school - and this was the first day back since Gracie was born. Of course I handled things perfectly. While it certainly does help when the child decides to sleep most of the day, but I was ready. Well, we'll see how Thursday goes.

Last Day As A Heathen

Hurrah! Tomorrow is Gracie's last day as a heathen. Yes she has gone through CRIB (Christian Right of Initiation for Babies) and is set to be baptized at mass tomorrow morning. Prayers are welcome as she joins our larger Catholic Christian family. I'll let you all know how it turns out.

Hoping For An Upturn

Click on picture to view larger image. Well, I am expecting, hoping, and praying that 2007 is ready for a personal upswing. So far it looks like I am losing a client as they eliminate the team I have been working with, another of my clients is eliminating a sizable project, my brother has gotten into some trouble, my Mom has had some health troubles, a former boss died at 49, and work demands have been pressing. Not the easy start I had expected. Still, the kids are healthy. Our marriage is strong. The weather's been glorious. We have been able to go to mass nearly every day. And I continue to experience countless blessings of every sort. Lord, give me the wisdom see all the blessings in my life. Give me the fortitude to carry the few crosses I have. Give me a loving heart that I might love you and my neighbor better. Amen. Oh, yeah - I added some pictures to my project 365 photo journal. You can check them out by clicking here. The picture above was the picture for yesterday.

Christmas Adventures

Merry Christmas to all of you! I hope your Christmas has been blessed. As a reminder, the Christmas season has just started and will go until January 8th - the feast of the baptism of our Lord. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were both Joyous. The choir was beautiful, the weather was glorious, and family tension was at a minimum. Christmas was in the high 70's and absolutely beautiful - with puffy white clouds and a beautiful sky. Our family has expanded over the years. My folks had four kids. Two of us are married and have four kids between the two of us (three are mine). We don't have much room under the tree. We all bring our gifts to Mom & Dad's for opening. It is quite a sight to see. We open gifts on Christmas Eve after mass. As a parent, I much prefer this to doing Christmas morning (which we tried one year while living in Georgia). We did have an adventure on Christmas day. We used to have turkey, as a kind of repeat of Thanksgiving, but my dad is not the biggest turkey fan. So about 10 years ago Pops started making prime rib. Well this year we decided to try and roast it on the outdoor grill - especially given the gorgeous weather. We skewered the meat (and almost me), fired up the rotisserie, and thought we were set for a real treat. Well, we didn't really know what we were doing, but went inside anyways to be with the family and prep some other parts of the meal. About 10 minutes later, Maggie tells us there is fire coming from the grill. Actually, I think she mentioned the word “volcano.” This gorgeous piece of meat had drip it’s delicious grease over hot burners and had created a grease fire. After Dad got over his disbelief it was rather funny. It was just like in the movies where they burn the turkey and have to go out for Chinese. Well, that happened to us – except we went out for Mexican. It makes for a good family story though. I suspect we will remember this Christmas 20 years from now.

Hoity Toity Angel Review

Click on picture to see a larger image. The performance of The Hoity Toity Angel was excellent. It started on time, was reasonably organized, AND well done. The kids from all the grades did very well and were extremely cute. Mags was an excellent Hoity Toity Angel (which means I get at least a few more days embarrassing her about it). I must say that the Kindergarten was delightful. They formed a choir of angels, and doubled as the stars in the sky (which would shake nervously whenever the Hoity Toity Angel was being too hoity toity). Best of all, Gracie slept the whole time! Mrs K and I give it two thumbs up.

Hoity Toity Angel Playing Tonight

Click on picture to see a larger image. Today Mags is playing the lead in the Christmas play. She'll be in the Hoity Toity Angel - an angel that thinks she is too good to prepare for Christ's coming. I am looking forward to seeing it. I have been having fun with this for the past couple months. I have been occasionally asking if she was really hoity toity. For whatever reason she acted self conscious when I would mention the Hoity Toity Angel. Typically I would get a "Daaaaddy." Not sure how to communicate the sound of that - it is really a two worded "da dee", with lots of pre-adolescent attitude. It is really funny (because then I got to tease about how she said daddy). Last night I suggested we could just call her HT after today. It took her a second, but I got the "daddy." It was really quite cute. I'll let you know how the play goes. Tags: Family

Hi Mom

When I was a teen/twenty-something, I used to wonder why everyone always said "Hi Mom" when they were on TV. Oh you would get the occasional "Hi Dad" or "Hi Mom & Dad" or a random smattering of others. But "Hi Mom" is the standard. Now, never having the opportunity to become a Mom, I felt cheated. But that just goes to show that I did not know better. After seeing my three children delivered. I can begin to understand. Boy, I am glad I don't "get" to experience that. After reeking havoc to your body for 9 months, with everyone wanting to touch your stomach, with getting kicked and pummeled from the inside, and not having any room for your lungs - you get to go through labor. Geez. Then, when the baby wakes up, Mom's get to take the lead here, at least for moms that breastfeed (dad's just don't have what it takes). Sure there is some sharing, but Mom's do take the lion's share here. All of this starts a pattern. There is a primary caregiver, and it is usually the mom. And from the time before birth, we see how nature reinforces and guides this pattern, but it is so much more than mere biology. The dyanamic between the mom and her child forms the basis for all future relationships. Here children learn that they are lovable and that they can trust. Wow. Sure we dads play a role, a large and important role, but not the one that moms play. The mom role is special - a role like no other. A nurse at my wife's Ob/Gyn was talking about how we dads had it lucky (not having labor and pregnancy). I reminded her that there were benefits too that we dads don't get. I asked if she had ever noticed that people always say "Hi Mom" on TV. Just a few thought from a third time new dad on the eve of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, the Mother of our Lord - and spiritual mother to us all. Tags: Moms

Let Them Be Little

Click on picture to see a larger image. So we had a new baby girl last week. She is adorable, and she is even doing pretty well at night - sleep deprivation has not started. We are definitely blessed with this addition. Our oldest, Maggie, is also a girl - it is hard to think that she was born 10 years ago. Sometimes it seems like she is growing so fast. Thankfully, a few things happened the past week that showed me she is not grown yet. She still has her childhood innocence, and will for a while yet (God willing). First, the image above captures a moment last weekend - the day before Gracie was born. We were exploring the Newport Back Bay preserve, and she found this shell that she HAD to share. To still be so excited to want to share her find with Daddy.... Well, I sure appreciated it. Second, she just served at her first mass today. Now that is a milestone that points to her growing up (one that only we boys had when I was a kid). The thing that struck me though, was how much smaller she was than the other children. My thought was that she is only in fifth grade. It was a wonderful reminder that while growing up, she still has a long way to go. BTW, she did her part flawlessly. Third, after mass, there was a craft fair where the kids got to put together ornaments for the upcoming advent season. She went at it with the gusto you would expect in a child. I am very proud of her and excited to see how she will grow...but I still like my innocent little girl. Tags: Growing-up, Dad, Little Girls

Baby Grace

Click on a picture to see larger imagea. Yeah! Baby Grace has finally arrived! She was born healthy on 11/12! Give thanks to God, for He is good!

Halloween Saints & Angels

Click on picture to see a larger image. The kids had to dress up as Saint for Halloween if they wanted to dress up for school. Maggie went as Esther, because she saw a movie about Esther with her Grandma and Grandpa last week. Mike went as St. Michael, because of his name sake AND the sword. Maggie changed into a pirate at night, with a costume she made by hand with her aunt. No pictures ready on the pirate at this time. At first I was not a big fan of changing the tradition of monsters, ghosts, and other such costumes. But the kids had fun this way too, and they did learn something as well (about their saints). Tags: Kids, Catholic, Saints, Halloween

Heroes

Sorry, no larger image. The picture above is of Grace Michelle, who is due to arive in a couple months. You'll see the connection to the picture as you read on. Adoro Te Devote has started a meme, and has tagged me. Here are the rules: 1. Honor a living hero 2. Preference given to Firefighters, Police Officers, Paramedics, EMT's, Dispatchers 3. Not everyone is acquainted with someone fitting into these categories. If this is the case, then honor someone else, a hero in your life who is willing to "give all" in some way. It can be a priest, a pastor, a teacher, a relative, a friend...etc. First, thanks! I kinda like these. :) Second, let me say that this is not easy. I am one of those Gen Xers who doesn't have much in the way of heroes. There have been people who have influenced me, whom I admire, whom I appreciate, for whom I thank God. But not any real "heroes." Oh, I could probably pull a cliché, but that would not be much fun for you or me. So I was stumped. But as I was driving Sunday night it came to me. I hope this person is still living, but I don't know - the event happened about 23 years ago, and it didn't happen to me - though I witnessed it. It was early in my high school years. I think it was between freshman and sophomore year. I was living at school then and was either home on the weekend or for Easter break. Anyway, Mom was having medical issues. Something was wrong. She had gone to the doctor, and he said he thought she had a tumor. I am not sure of the details, but I did know that she was worried. The doctor prescribed some sort of medication that would help if it was tumor, and I remember us going to the local Sav-on drug store to get the prescription filled. I still remember that day because, something happened that I had not seen before nor since. Later that day I remember sitting at the kitchen table, where you can see the front door. I don't remember how long it was since we had gotten home, but there was a knock on the door. I think my sister opened it. A man was at the door asking to see Mom. It was the pharmacist. Now, perhaps in the "old days" (circa 1880) pharmacists would visit your house. But in the early 1980s, to have a stranger make a house call...? It isn't really "me" decade behavior. He told Mom that if she had any reason to think that she was pregnant, not to take the medication. Now, the doctors told Mom that she would never have children again after my sister (who was 12 by then). This was very odd to hear, but with a warning like that, would you take the medication? Mom didn't take it. The tumor turned out to not be a tumor, but my brother. When I look back at my life, there were lots of people who helped me and made a huge difference in my life. But I can think of only this one time where I witnessed a person save the life of someone close to me. To keep this going, I tag: Jerry Grosso at My Autistic Boy and Other Adventures in Fatherhood Moneybags at A Catholic Life (if he is not too swamped) Amber at This Catholic Journey Ukok at Ukok's Place and... Aaron Calloway, who is lurking as a reader here. AC, just post it in the comments. :) Tags: heroes, pharmacist, miracle

What a week

Click on picture to see a larger image. This has been one crazy week. My last post I said that I was coming out from under a heavy load. I guess I was wrong. I do see a light at the end of the tunnel, but it was an illusion that it was close. My projects heated up in a huge way with two clients asking for accelerated deadlines - yikes! I think it will be better soon though. I may get next weekend for myself. It has to get better sometime soon -- we have a baby due in 2 months! My daughter turned 10 this week. I am noticing that I am getting older. She won't be a little girl much longer. I need to find more time to enjoy it. It goes too fast! That is her in the picture above. She is a delight, but I'd like her to stop now. Our kids our not ours, they belong to God. We get them for such a short time before they are on there own. I want the time to last. These 10 years have flown. School started this week. This is good AND bad. Good that they get to learn, and Lynn and I get a little quiet time. But one of the huge advantages to working at home is that I get to see them and Lynn so much - even when I am swamped. We get to have lunch and dinner together. We also went to daily mass and had daily rosary together. Try that working 14 hours a day at a corporate gig. Now I get dinner and rosary. Since they are in Catholic school, they go to weekday mass once each week. So I get to see them there - but it is not quite the same. A couple of people at daily mass noticed the kids gone. Mike likes to sing loud, and his voice is missing. The dog is depressed with them gone all day. Peaches and I will miss them together. I really do hope to have more posted soon. As soon as my load lightens, I have a few things to share. You are all in my prayers. Tags:Work, family

Light at the end of the tunnel?

Click on picture to see a larger image. Work has been wild crazy. I have not dropped off the map, but I feel like I am in a different world. Work has been intense, and I spent Labor Day weekend laboring. I am still not finished with my current projects (maybe Sep 25th-ish), but I think I can get my weekends back (I lost the past few). I do owe a response to the well articulated comment from Jerry Grasso, one of my friends in ATL. It will come Jerry. In the mean time I wanted to put in a post letting people know I am still alive. In fact, I did take a few hours to celebrate my 38th birthday with my family on Sunday. I got what I wanted as well (and hadn't expected). My mom went to the Charismatic Convention in Anaheim - she got me a beautiful image of the Agony in the Garden, a picture of the Pope, and a couple of John Michael Talbot CDs. My sisters, brother, and dad went in together to get me the Liturgy of the Hours and a daily missal. The kids got me cologne (which I was running out of). We also took a quick drive to the beach today to stick our toes in the water,take some pictures and having dinner at an Irish pub (one of the pictures will be up this week). Beyond that, it has been all work. I am thinking of those of you who have commented - and keeping you in my prayers, and ask the same. This has been the most intense patch I have had in a couple years. I know I'll make it through, but it has been rough. I hope to have another post in a couple days.

Prayers for my mom, please

I got a call early in the morning that my dad was taking my mom to the hospital. I am praying that all will be well, but your prayers would greatly appreciated. Thanks! UPDATE: Good news! Just found out it is less serious than they first thought this morning, and it should be a self correcting problem. I pray they are right. Thanks for any prayers, and keep 'em coming. :)

15 Year Wedding Anniversary

Lynn and kids in Yosemite. Click on picture for a larger image. I have been married to my wonderful wife Lynn for 15 years today! Over that time, we have been blessed with two children, with a third on the way. 15 years. It doesn't seem like that long at all, and I am ready to go for more! It is probably because Lynn is patient and compassionate. It takes a lot to deal with me. I suppose my making her laugh helps. We created a foundation together and built upon it. Looking back, there is one piece of advice we received that made all the difference. The priest who married us gave us this advice: For one year, you do everything together - no guys night out, no girls night out, do the chores together, go shopping together. For one year there is only we - not me, he or she. We followed that advice (Lynn thinks I needed to do better with the kitchen and laundry, but I was surprised at how well I did with even those). It totally makes you think "we." It helped us build something meant to last. Lynn is never far from my thoughts, and I do not forget or ignore the other half of "us." This is the best advice in the world. I have passed it to others (some who look at me strangely - oh well). I thank God for the wonderful life we have together. This has been the easiest commitment I ever made! J Tags: Marriage, Anniversary