Christmas prep

Paige wrote the sticky note...Grace, Angi, and Pat in the nice column...and Tom (?) in the naughty column.

Heaven

What is the first thing you are going to do when you get to heaven? Paige, "Say hi to God!"

All Hallows' Eve

ProLife

Began the day-trip with a sorrowful rosary outside of the St. Louis abortion mill. Paige (9) said, "I don't get why they call it Planned Parenthood...sounds like they should be helping babies." Later that day, Grace came into my office with the ProLife banner and joyfully shouted, "Let's save some babies, Dad!" http://www.40daysforlife.com/

First 5K...!

Daddy ran the Quad Cities 5K (Moline, IL) with Paige (9). Paige did it in 30:02 - youngest female, #1 out of 3 in div, #118 out of 437 females overall in her first race! Angi did the full...ran her fastest half, hit the wall at mile 20...we ran/walked the last 6.2 together (Paige/Grace in jogger). Prayed our way to the finish line...for ProLife! Proud of Angi and Paige...and Grace for a great attitude throughout.




Racing to the finish.

1/2 mile into the race.

John Deere Pavilion in Moline, IL.

Before the race...nervous energy!

Our Lady of the Snows Shrine

The shrine was even more meaningful after Paige watched the movie about St. Bernadette (from Grandma Kathy).

St. Mary's (Alton, IL)

* Today's devotion picture is our daughter Paige (9) praying at St. Mary's church in Alton, IL on 10 Oct. Paige asked Fr. Chris if it would be ok topray at the tabernacle. [I met Fr.Chris the weekend prior at the St. Louis airport when I was heading to theTC Marathon (for ProLife).] Paige's role model is Blessed Mother Teresa, ever since we watched a movie about her. Paige wrote me a note that said,"Be like Mother Teresa"...I have it posted in my home office (aka man cave). Let's encourage our children to consider all vocations and to listen for God's call.

* Grandma Kathy wrote: "Dear Pat and Angi, This was the picture of our precious Paigy I took home with me from our visit. My guess is that it is one you will always retain this in your mind too. With much love, Always, Mom"

Pioneer Girls (lawn mowing)

At home we stress that we want Paige and Grace to be proud pioneer girls rather than focusing on being princesses. Although they will always be our princesses, we like to bring attention to the pioneer girl character traits displayed by the Little House on the Prairie girls (courage, perseverance, resourcefulness...yet still lady like). To make a long story longer, Paige said she was going to put on her pioneer girl outfit and play outside..."because the lawn looks like a prairie." We mowed the yard...with our new John Deere riding mower! Actually, Angi mowed (pioneer girl), and I trimmed.

"Best thing that ever happened to me."

I noticed in Paige's religion book a letter that she wrote to Grace. The opening line got me..."Grace, you are the best thing that ever happened to me."

Hummingbird in Garage

Paige discovered a hummingbird in our garage. It was obviously a male hummingbird because he wouldn't ask for directions out. He was so tired from trying to find a way out that he sat on my finger...and took a drink out of the hummingbird feeder when I lifted it up to him. After 20 minutes, he finally found the back door (wouldn't go out the garage door).

Vietnam War Memorial (Freeburg, IL)

Last night, we visited the traveling Wall in Freeburg, IL (about 5 miles from our home). I explained to our girls about the men and women who gave everything to defend freedom...freedom isn't free.

St. Clare school (Knights)

Bear became a Viking!

Paige recently left me this note: "I think you should feel bad for Mom and Grace. Why? Because the bear swicht teams." See the picture!

"Stay cool" Dad

During Mass yesterday, Paige unzipped my jacket and said, "stay cool, Dad." When I asked why, she told me because she didn't want me to have a fever for our upcoming China trip. When we land in China, they will take our temperature. If we have a fever, we will be quarantined for swine flu prevention. Paige has such a great heart of love and service!

Paige (moose box)

Paige's art project...moose habitat!

Paige (new birthday buddy!)

Tina Castle gave birth to Sarah today...Paige's birthday!

Paige is really happy about this!

Allergy Testing (ouch!)

Paige underwent allergy testing yesterday at the Ft. Carson hospital. She had over 50 pricks on her back (see picture)! Afterwards, she said, "thank God that is over." Paige is allergic to cats, grasses, and tree nuts.

"I missed your face."

I was gone this past weekend, running the Boston Marathon. Tonight, Paige said, "I missed your face this weekend." Thank God for daughters!

Snowstorm (dress up time)

Paige and Grace were stuck in the house during the snowstorm yesterday, so they played dress up. Good thing I have a small arsenal for the dating years...

Farmer's Blow!

Paige overheard me telling Angi that I saw Drew Hauffe do a great farmer's blow while he running. Paige said, "what is that...a toot?" That adds a whole new meaning to farmer's blow!

God sightings

Before Mass, Paige asked Angi why we don't see rainbows more often. The reading was then about a raindow. Coincidence? I think not!

Angi offered this story regarding today's devotion verse..."Whatever you did for one of these...you did for me." Matthew 25:40 Angi said: "This Bible verse is very fitting as I just pulled this out and said it to the girls on Sunday after we gave a man a Mcdonald's gift card-he was standing at the exit of king soopers holding sign saying "out of work with 3 kids to feed"-He said God bless you thank you so much-I then blessed him back and told the girls about this verse-Paige said that God was probably right there with the man."

Angi sent this clarification: "Grace said that God was standing right by the man-they corrected me last night-good to know that Grace is getting it also."

1st 2009 Ski Day (great control)

We had a great first ski day of 2009 (warm, sunny, good snow). The chairlift picture is Angi and Paige...check out the scenery! At one point Grace just stopped skiing and said, "I can't stop looking at the beautiful mountains." Paige brought her American girl Kit along for some skiing (see picture). Paige has great control on the ski slope!