A Most Beautiful Father's Day Weekend

This past week has been full of so many blessings, with priestly ordinations in our diocese followed by the beautiful first Mass of our very own Father Philippe and the baptism of our little grand-daughter on Father's Day. My heart is so full. Seeing Father Philippe grow in his vocation--he sang with us for a year while he was discerning--has been such a joy. And to be ordained Father's Day weekend was so very special. A couple of years ago, I discovered this beautiful prayer, and I was so heartened to see it on Father Philippe's holy card he chose commemorating his ordination. We received a blessing and it is such an honor and privilege to kiss his anointed hands. Deo gratias! Let us never forget to pray for our good and faithful priests, who make untold sacrifices for their flock.

Father Philippe chose the Sparrow Mass by Mozart for his first Mass of Thanksgiving in honor of our Lady, Star of the Sea, who always, always guides us to her Son. The Mass was magnificent--the music evokes the cheerful chirping of the sparrows, small and humble, totally dependent on God's Providence. The church was full of parishioners, altar boys, seminarians, deacons, and priests on this Saturday morning, all worshipping together. Msgr. McInerny gave the homily, on Father Philippe's journey to the priesthood, how it began in childhood, his faith nurtured by his parents and those before him. My mind wandered to the hymn: Faith of our Fathers--how necessary fathers are for transmitting the faith. Michael told me that one time during confession a priest told him that no matter how devout the mother is, grace flows to the family through the father, who is the head, so it is paramount that he practices his faith. This was even true in the Holy Family--grace from the Heavenly Father flowed to the Holy Family through St. Joseph. It is truly wondrous. Fathers, you are so important!

Sunday was Father's Day and it was so beautiful that Max and Laura brought their little daughter to the Heavenly Father for baptism. I was so grateful she could wear our family's baptism gown. She was alert and didn't cry even once as Holy Water was poured onto her forehead. She's such a sweet baby, taking after Laura and her mother. Our families had the best time getting to know each other and to have both our grandbabies under one roof was such a joy. We are already envisioning the years ahead... It's been so wonderful to see our children grow in their vocation--it is no surprise given the good example of their own fathers. May they continue to provide and protect, love and lead their families to heaven! Heaven!!! 

It was a busy weekend with all the family, all the outings, both baby and I took a nap. It is the sweetest thing of all.  

Summer Garden

I am so blessed that Michael is a good gardener. We've been enjoying winter greens--kale, collards, cabbage--all winter and all spring. But when the bugs started to get into them, I harvested everything. Now we're enjoying the fruits of the summer garden--lots of cucumbers and tomatoes. Okra and peppers are coming in regularly too, and finally the eggplant. We had a little crop of plums and peaches too. A big fat raccoon and cute little rabbit visit the garden every day too... 

 

We just love sitting out on the back porch with our kitties, smelling the flowers, and enjoying the fruit of our labor. Tell me, how does your garden grow? May your summer be full of bountiful blessings.  

Anniversary, Annunciation, Waiting, New Birth, New Book

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Gemma and our anniversary of reception into the Catholic Church 17 years ago. So many blessings! Deo gratias!!!

It's been the best Lent ever. On the Feast of the Annunciation, we were all in prayer awaiting the birth of Max and Laura's baby girl. After a long labor (starting on 24th evening), Laura delivered a beautiful baby girl in the wee hours of March 26th morning. All is well. Praise God! 

The new parents are home, getting adjusted to life with a newborn. We can't wait to make a trip to DC to snuggle this little one and take care of Max and Laura. It just so happens that this baby's birth coincided with an email from my editor--she sent me proofs of Shunya Means Zero. And I was able to dedicate it to both my grandkids before it went to the printer. Deo gratias! It's coming out this summer.  I can't wait to share it with my two little grandbabies, when they're not mouthing everything. I didn't give them Ten Easter Eggs...next year is a perfect time! And just you know folks, the Easter season lasts for 50 days so it's not too late if you want to buy a copy. 

Now for the reward to going through some shameless self-promotion. I'm attaching a few pictures for you to enjoy! I'm over the moon--to have two little grandbabies so close in age feels like an answer to my own prayers about having twins. Now all that God has to do is arrange for a job for Max down here in Charleston so we can all be together :)

The beginning of labor--March 24th. Max and Laura take a walk to speed things up. All the pain and struggle is worth it once they get to hold their precious little baby. They went for a short walk the day after the baby was born!

 
Laura's mother and sister were able to come for Easter--they sent these beautiful pictures. To gaze and gaze upon your baby is the closest thing that comes to Adoration of our Lord. 

We can't wait until our DC family can come to the wilds of SC. 

Happy Easter, all!!! He is Risen!!! Alleluia!!!

Experimenting with Leaves

For Michael's birthday, we'd gone for barbecue and a brewery. It was such a lovely afternoon sitting in the shade with the cool breeze the entire time. I collected some leaves and have been playing with them. It is fun to paint on them, decoupage them. Their natural markings and texture are a great addition. Tried to capture the view on one leaf, the moment when a flock of egrets took flight. I get a lot of inspiration from other artists and I absolutely loved Madonna of the Bees so I tried my version. Those little black spots on the leaf could be bees!