T.G.I.F.

Photos taken at 0847 this morning at the two separate ends of our apartment, thank goodness the weekend starts in a few hours!

Definitive First Word

Our handsome third child/ dark-horse/ Daddy look-alike has a consistent first word, here is proof - posted by a reluctant "Ma-Ma":

Rothenburg ob du Tauber

They are Here!

Aunt Linda and Uncle Mark spent their first day in Germany fighting (and defeating) the six hour jetlag. They are true champs, and made it all the way through with only one teeny power nap. We are getting the most out of them already:

Homeschool Music Class

I doubt that the Catholic-hymn writer Dan Schutte has ever seen his beautiful hymn "River of Glory" performed in this way:

a naked 2 year-old and his videographer 5-year-old sister in front of an Imac computer playing his song.

(chorus lyrics are, "River of Glory, springs of our birth, flood of God's riches poured on the Earth. We are born from the darkness and clothed in the light, we are bathed in the glory of God.)

The Gifts of The Holy Spirit

Pentecost... one of my absolute favorite Church holidays.


There is something about this one that has always spoken to me: the frightened Apostles locked in the upper room - so human-- and then the confidence with which they are inspired when the rushing wind of the Holy Spirit enters their midst.

Additionally, after a couple of years of European travels, I can appreciate the power of being able to speak a different language. What an important aspect of the early evangelization in the wake of Christ's death.

As for us, we had a humble celebration involving lots of the Holy Spirit's symbolic red color, some Pentecost punch, Holy Spirit cookies, discussion of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, and oh, yeah, of course Clifford got to come to dinner because, well, he is red. Hope your weekend was peaceful and renewing.

Big Boy Upon Us

With three children I have noticed that the milestones seem to hit you like a ton of bricks, like a surprise, rather than like the natural result of the carefully observed growth and progress of which you have been so aware.

The Clark Bar has now joined us at the table:

and I had to get out his first pair of shoes to facilitate the insane jumping in his jumperoo.