Going Green

We have wanted an outdoor space where the kids had a swing set, we had a deck, there was a basketball goal, and shady trees. A place where we could have cookouts and grown flowers. I big window to view it all and a place where the kids lived outside soaking up the fresh air. I am thrilled that we finally have this! Here is the view from our kitchen and dining room window:

and taken from the deck:

 yes, they are in their pajamas

 have you ever tried to take a picture of three kids in motion? 

capturing a kid swinging is HARD!

 For the last few years, I have tried to grow flowers, herbs, and even tomatoes. I blame our last backyard on being unsuccessful. The sun was blaring and there was no shade (though watering was also an issue). So far, I have been able to keep these plants alive for almost three weeks! That is a new personal record.

First Communion, Family Time

First Holy Communion

It was a BIG week for Sweet Caroline as she turned eight (gulp) and made her First Holy Communion this week. Now, this may be because I am her Mom, but I truly think she was the prettiest girl I had ever seen...she was just glowing with happiness. 

 We went to mass as a family and both sets of grandparents were in town as well as my own grandmother. The Gospel was given to the kids in a very special way by our priest who instead of reading it from scripture, he told it to them as a story in his own words on their level. We had lunch;  opened gifts (lots of jewelry, woo hoo!), and celebrated with cake.

They couldn't get any cuter, could they?!

As Catholics, this is a special time in our life because it is a sacrament of initiation; it brings you closer to God is another way we encounter Jesus in a very physical way. We don't merely think that we are symbolically receiving Christ, but in the Eucharist we are literally receiving Him. 

Caroline's teachers did a beautiful job preparing the children for this and our priest gave a great homily on "happy meals", which this Eucharist is. "Eucharist" means "thanksgiving" and that is what we as parents are trying to instill in our children...having an attitude of gratitude and knowing from where it all stems; Jesus.