Saint Peter Chanel Award

I just have to brag on MJ for a little bit!




I received this email from MJ’s teacher two weeks ago…
“I have chosen MJ to receive one of the two Peter Chanel Awards given out for the school year. A Peter Chanel Award honors the students who follow in Jesus’ footsteps and are loving, kind, friendly, helpful and much more…”

I cannot describe the joy that filled my heart when I read those words.  Steve and I quickly rearranged our schedules so we could both attend the school-wide mass and the award ceremony this past Wednesday. 

MJ was so surprised when he saw us at mass – we were able to sit with him behind his classmates.  He couldn’t figure out why we were there especially since only one other set of parents from his class attended.  He sat quietly through mass (something that usually doesn’t happen when our family goes together!) and afterwards the principal got up to announce the awards.  Since he is in Pre-K, he and Caroline (the girl in his class who received the award) were the first to be announced…I wish I had captured the look on his face when he heard his name.  He was beaming with pride as he ran up to get his certificate.





As parents, we pray that our children are loving and kind to others – that they follow in Jesus’ footsteps.  I am not sure there is any award greater than this. 



Congratulations, MJ…we could not be more proud of you.  May you continue to always be helpful, friendly, and kind to others…and follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

XOXOXOXOXO!!!!!  Mommy and Daddy.

Happy 2014!

Happy New Year!  On New Year’s Eve we had a few other couples and their children over for dinner.  It was a low key night and of course with a bunch of young kids no one (except the men) made it past midnight! 

The first week of the new year wasn’t great for us so we are requesting a do-over starting next week.  :) Poor Ty Ty had the first (but certainly not the last) case of strep in our house and he was miserable.




I think our whole family is ready to put 2013 behind us.  We had some amazing, wonderful times….









But 2013 also held some of the saddest and scariest moments of our lives.






I learned a lot about myself last year.  I learned the strength of my faith, the power of prayer, the importance of family and friends, the resilience of a child, and many, many other lessons.  I think I knew most of it already – but 2013 certainly put it to the test and made it all very clear.  Would I trade it?  Yes, I would trade those sad and scary moments in a heartbeat…but since I can’t I am thankful for these life lessons.  And I am blessed that through these trials a love - a deep, true love - is stronger than ever.



Catelin- I am so sorry for all you have gone through in the last year.  I know it’s been confusing and scary and painful…but you are strong, you are fierce, and you are good.  We love you; God loves you.  2014 will be better- I promise.

God has not promised skies always blue,

flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;

God has not promised sun without rain,

joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

 

But God has promised strength for the day,

rest for the labor, light for the way;

Grace for the trials, help from above,

unfailing sympathy, undying love.

 

- Annie Johnson Flint

 

 

Happy 2014!!!!!!!!!!