In Memoriam: Deacon Bill

Let me introduce you to a great man of God,

a dear friend we will miss,

Deacon Bill.

Tonight we watched our beloved Deacon's funeral Mass.

He was the founding president of EWTN alongside Mother Angelica.

He succeeded Mother Angelica as CEO and Chairman of EWTN.

He was a faithful husband of 59 years, affected countless lives for the Lord,

and received the Pontifical Medal from Pope Benedict XVI for extraordinary service to the Church.

For all his impressive accomplishments, 

we'll remember him and be forever grateful to him

for the great things he did in our lives,

things that will never make his resume,

but which are eternally meaningful to us.

Deacon Bill welcomed me to Alabama when I moved in 2003 to be closer  to T.

He walked along side us as we struggled with questions of faith and future.

Deacon Bill and wife Ramona stood with my dear family and T as I was confirmed in the Church.

He led us in marriage preparation, agreed to preside at our wedding,

and arranged for Father Anthony to preside in his stead when he was unable to travel.

Deacon Bill encouraged us with countless letters, phone calls and prayers.

Most meaningful of all, he baptized G-Bear and E-Bear with all proud grandparents present

the week before T's dad passed away.

Our family with Deacon Bill and Ramona at G-Bear's and E-Bear's baptism.

I hope that I never forget the sound of Deacon Bill voice saying his perpetually offered phrase, 

"Thank you, Jesus!"

These were the words that he offered the first time I met him,

he said this in greeting,

in saying good-byes.

He inserted this thanks into almost every conversation.

Indeed, these were the words by which he lived his life.

Thank you, Jesus, for Deacon Bill.

Lord, let perpetual light shine upon him.

Help us to follow his footsteps, which always pointed us to You.

Rich G-Ville Memories

Our final stay with the G Family in G-Ville was truly a treat.

The G's and the J's, great buddies one and all.

 It is always hard to say goodbye to dear friends. We did our best to have a great time in the process.

Can you believe that we decided to brave Busch Gardens with eight kids in tow? 

We were so glad that we did!

We had a great time!

The Sesame Street Forest of Fun was our first stop.  

We were lucky enough to meet Elmo, Zoe, Grover, and Abby before tackling the rides.

The roller coaster was our favorite ride.  We couldn't get enough. 

If you look closely, you'll see we all have our hands in the air--even E-Bear and G-Bear!

Buddy Bear and MG took in the sights from the stroller.

Buddy Bear and his friend MG.

These two were quite the cute duo!

Stormy weather sent us running to the cars before the adults could do any of the big coasters.  I guess that's just another reason why we'll need to plan a return trip (as if the G's friendship and awesome hospitality aren't reason enough)!

On Sunday we joined the G's for Mass at their church and then enjoyed their tradition of donuts with Sunday Brunch.  The G's involvement in their church and community has paid dividends of friendship and wonderful relationships, which was special for us to see as we anticipate our new life in Minnesota.   They are great examples to us!

Thank you, Lord, for good friends and great times in G-Ville!

Rocketeers

What do you get when you combine eight energetic kids,

two awesome dads,

two happy moms,

and a morning at the park?

A rocketing good time!

Thanks to the beloved G-ville Family for hosting us for two wonderful days in the midst of their newborn babymoon, active summer schedule and week off from work.  They effortlessly absorbed our crazy crew of five into their fun-loving routine.  We're already excited for our next time together!

Remembering Annie Rose

Today is a special day as T and I remember traveling to Houston to be with our dear friends,

Katrina and Ed and their family.

Today marks two weeks since the birth of their daughter, Anastasia Rose.  

Katrina has written about her daughter's life and death on the blog, Building Cathedrals.  Annie was born with a condition called anencephaly and lived just a few minutes after birth.  Annie's life is a testament to the truth that every life is precious and can have an powerful effect on the world, no matter how long or short.  Through Annie's life, countless health care workers, neighbors, friends, family members and even strangers witnessed the strength of a family's love, the beauty of Christian community, the power of loving parents living in grace amidst suffering.  

Me, Katrina, and Katrina's daughter, M, talking together after Annie's birth

T and I remain so grateful for the blessing of getting to be in Houston for Annie's birth.  Her life has left an indelible mark on our lives, as has the strength and loving witness of her parents.  We'll never forget holding her in our arms, the looks on her older siblings' faces, the smiles of her parents.  We'll never forget that Annie inspired G-Bear to give her most beloved paci, an act of generous love that we couldn't have inspired ourselves.  I won't soon forget the sense of tragic loss, watching dear friends bear such a heavy cross.  Annie's life reminds us that this life is short, we have but a little time here.  But, no matter how long or short our lives, we can leave a mark of goodness on the world, and thanks be to God that we have victory over death in Christ.  Her life is one marked by that very Joy and Hope that gives limitless light to the world.

Katrina's daughter, M, admiring Annie's feet with T.

I am grateful to Katrina and Ed for sharing Annie's life with us and for permitting us to share our memories of Annie here.  

Thanks be to God for sweet Anastasia Rose and for touching our lives with hers.

Why a Guys' Weekend is worth the investment

We are refreshed and back from Richmond today.  We are happy to report that the trees are changing color and the friendships are strong.

T's view from the Guys' Weekend

Every year, T gathers with some of his best guy friends from college for a weekend of reconnection, rejuvenation, reflection and fun.  This year, the reunion was held this past weekend outside of Richmond, VA.   The guys always have a great time together, but it is worth noting that each man's family makes a sacrificial investment of money and time by letting their husband/father travel to or host the weekend.  Many of the guy's wives are home alone with infants and children, and many budget their money and vacation time carefully to attend.  However, I know that I am not the only wife who thinks that the investment is worth it.  This year is the sixth year of the gathering, and no matter what sacrifices we make so that T can attend (the inception gathering was held the weekend after we returned from our honeymoon!), he always returns a better husband, father and friend.  This group of guys is special, special to each other, and committed to encouraging, supporting and holding one another accountable in the Lord.  Friendships like the ones T maintains on his "Guys' Weekend" are worth the investment.

This year was an extra special Guys' Weekend for us because while the men were being hosted elsewhere by Mr. G, his wife, Mrs. G, hosted the Bears and me at G-Ville along with another one of the wives and her daughters.  Between three moms we had nine kids under the age of six, and we had an amazing weekend together!  The kids and I loved the constant hum of activity and friendship.

Queen B's view from the Moms' Weekend!
Here are six of the nine munchkins who gathered for the weekend.

G-Bear, E-Bear and Baby Bear made seven great new friends.  I was inspired by Mrs. G and Mrs. A's parenting all weekend.  I was encouraged and inspired by our late night conversations after the kids were tucked in bed.  Mrs. G's hosting was impressive, complete with panini sandwich lunches, homemade pizza dinners and soccer ball doughnuts after church.  But the best part was sharing in motherhood and friendship while the guys gathered together.  The men returned to find three refreshed moms and nine happy kids -- quite the feat if you ask me!

When the men returned, E-Bear and G-Bear were able to spend some time with their Godfather E, who they met for the first time.  They were so excited.

E-Bear, G-Bear and their Godfather

For me, this year's Guy's Weekend was extra special because it not only brought the men closer together, but it brought their families closer together as well.  Like I said, the weekend is worth the investment.   Thanks to our great friends, Mr. and Mrs. G, for making this great weekend possible.

Baby Bear with Mr. G

Good Friends

I am home after a sweet weekend away with some of my best friends in the world.  T and I are blessed to have developed spectacular friendships during college, and every opportunity we have to reunite with these friends is a blessing.  Although we have varying interests, talents, strengths and live in very different places, the Lord remains the foundation of our friendship and knits us together.  After many years of living apart, my college roommates are able to inspire, encourage and challenge me just as much today as they did when we were undergraduates.

I always depart from my girlfriends feeling full of ideas about how to make our family life better and my walk with God stronger.  Now that I'm home, it's time to get to work!  Lord, thanks for my sweet roommates and all our Princeton friends who encouraged us this weekend.

Park Outing

Today was a sunny, fun day of outings, beginning with a walk to meet my dear friend V, who just moved back to town from the Big Apple.   I love following V's blog, Breakfast and Bed, for food tips and restaurant reviews, even more so now that she will be back in my city.

We treated ourselves to lattes from Caribou (the kids were treated to Fruitloops as a stroller snack) and headed to a nearby park for some fun with E&G-Bear.  "Miss V" graciously pushed G-Bear on the swing for half an hour straight, while E-Bear toddled around in the sand, digging and exploring.

"Wook, Mommy," said G-Bear delighted, "Nana taught me how to wet go wiff my hands wike this and swing!" She spread her arms out wide like a bird, letting go of the chains of the swing.  Pure joy, I tell you.

Thanks, Miss V, for such a fun day.  

Happily Ever,

Queen B

On to Pediatrics!

Back to work for me today, this time to 6 weeks of pediatrics at the county hospital. I am looking forward to soaking up every learning experience and taking good care of other kids in the hours that I can't be with my own. My pediatrician sister-in-law is my inspiration on this rotation, and I am sure to find myself frequently wondering, "what would HJ do in this situation?" So, with Easter stickers in my pocket, a Tiger cover on my stethoscope and a smile in my heart I hit the ground running tomorrow. PICU, here I come!

Starting another rotation made me even more thankful for my dear med school friends tonight, who brought over a potluck dinner to share with the kids and me before our weekly bible study. We feasted on turkey burgers, baked beans, salad, potato salad, ambrosia and brownies before tucking the kids in to bed and talking about our weekly readings. It is nights like this when I realize how much of a ministry friendship is, in and of itself. My friends welcomed served me in my own home, caring for my needs in truly renewing way. I couldn't be more thankful for that renewal tonight, and I look forward to a time that God gives me the opportunity to bless others in a similar way.

Happily Ever,

Queen B