~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life with Like Mother, Like Daughter. ~
{pretty}
This gorgeous hand-embroidered scapular was tucked into the toe of my stocking this Christmas!
Isn’t it so pretty?!?
Our oldest two daughters also found pretty new scapulars in their stockings too!
{happy}
Last Easter Bud received a darling embroidered saint pillow from his Godmother. For Christmas she made him another one of his patron saints. He was so happy!
{funny}
When Captain was opening his stack of books he closed his eyes when he got to one that he thought *might* be a new book from the Brotherband Chronicles. He, of course, knew there would eventually be a new book in the series, but I hadn’t told him that Book 5 had been released.
It got even better when I told him to open the book and look at the first few pages. The boys were both so excited when they saw that the book had been signed to both of them by the author!
“JOHN FLANAGAN ACTUALLY TOUCHED THIS BOOK!”
Thank you, sweet friend, for making this possible! It was such a treat for our boys!
{real}
Of my parents twelve children only a few of us still live in the area. It isn’t very often that we are all together, it wasn’t quite everyone, but this Christmas my parents, nine of my younger sibling, and Brian’s wife and two girls, all came over for drinks and dessert!
The kids played Mr. Men and Little Miss Christmas Mad Libs with their aunts and uncles.
And Kevin kept everyone entertained with his new remote control drone.
(I’m going to have to keep these in mind for my boys! Very fun!)
My husband took a picture of all of us before they left. This picture is just missing my brother Sean and my sister Jamie, who both live on the East coast. Hopefully someday we will all have the opportunity to be together again.
From left to right: Julianna, Brian, JoAnn, David, Mom, Dad, Jessica, Kevin, Mary, Jennifer, Scott, and Paul
JMJ
Sweet, Jessica! So cute seeing Bud and the older boys enjoying their gifts. And those scapulars are lovely! Went to the Etsy site to see about making a purchase for our clan since we've run low of extras on-hand, but the site is on hiatus. I did click to be notified when they are back up and running.
Thanks for posting. Always brings a smile to my face to see your family and I always come away inspired. :o)
God bless, Carrie
2015-01-08 20:17:42
Sometimes, when I think about the stress and the fatigue that can accompany a large family or even public ridicule, especially where I live in Europe, I become discouraged. But when I see the pictures of the children, grown, and still close with their parents and siblings, it is such a comfort and source of strength for me. Because it's worth it. All of it is worth it. We are welcoming baby number 6 into our family this summer, and hope to welcome even more in the future. Thank you for sharing a picture of your family. Your parents are very blessed.
2015-01-08 20:20:13
You have a beautiful family-so great that you were able to be together!
2015-01-08 20:39:45
Wow, Brotherban Chronicles signed by John Flanagan. My boys would be happy to have this, but as they do not read English, they'll have to wait for number 5 to be translated. They had nr 4 for Christmas, it just came out in Denmark.
My children love to look at the pictures of your family, and share many of the same passions, from saints over Brotherband to Legos, dragons and hobbits.
Many wishes and prayers from Denmark. .
2015-01-08 21:20:24
So wonderful you got the pic of nearly all of you together. I'm assuming you're framing it for your mum, she'll so treasure it:) xx
2015-01-08 22:08:02
Those scapulars are breathtakingly beautiful! My favorite and treasured scapular recently broke beyond repair, so I'm going to stalk her etsy shop until they are available again! And I have some girl friends with upcoming birthdays…. Hmmm… Hope it isn't long! Your children are so, so adorable. Lovely girls, handsome boys – and truly, one can see the light of Christ shining through them.
The family picture of your family is amazing as well! I would have never guessed your mama old enough to have so many amazing children! God is so good!
2015-01-08 23:56:00
What a beautiful photo of your family! A very Happy New Year to you all.
2015-01-09 01:41:43
I am so glad that you and your family had such a nice Christmas. It is always great to see pictures of your happy celebrations and how special you make the holidays for your children. As a person who lives just outside of Pittsburgh and loves hockey and I am especially thrilled to see Captain in Crosby shirt. With your boys love of hockey and legos I was wondering if you ever came across these figures http://www.oyosports.com/Hockey/Pittsburgh-Pengui….
I am looking forward to more updates and to hearing about how your homeschool year is going.
2015-01-09 02:14:49
Thank you for mentioning the Flanagan book–our library doesn't carry it, so I had no idea there was another series. I just requested book 1 from interlibrary loan. My son will be so happy to have another series to devour : )
2015-01-09 03:02:35
Love all the pictures. You have such a beautiful family…and your mom looks so young!
2015-01-09 05:17:50
So happy your family could be together!!! What a beautiful site!
2015-01-10 18:05:28
Really nice pictures 🙂
2015-02-23 11:39:00