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)