The Year End - It's a long one.

My sister and I travelled to Rome in October on a pilgrimage to the canonization of St Kateri. A child from our parish (Jake Finkbonner) was healed miraculously with the help of her intercession so we joined the group from our Archdiocese to be there for the magnificent Mass at St Peters Basilica. It was a trip of a life time.

 

This is St Peters with the banners of each saint who was canonized that glorious Sunday.

 

The day was warm and very crowded with the most diverse group of people I have ever been in.

        (And I'm from the Bay Area.)

 People from all over the world came with a communal appreciation and love of the saints who inspire us to be better people.  

Look at the beautiful blue sky.

 

 Jake receiving communion from our Holy Father.

You can read more about Jake and St Kateri here:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/boy-miracle-cure-native-american-sainthood-article-1.1188234

 

 

 

Jake with his friends inside St John the Lateran.

 

Pope Benedict in the "Pope Mobile."

 

Jeri & me on the flight home.

 

Sister Theresa who was arrested in Germany on her way to Rome.

But that's a story for another post. 

 

This is a 600 year old crucifix in St Sebastian's, above the catacombs, on the Appian Way.

I think it's beautiful.

 

 

While we were in Italy Atticus Allen was born. The 3rd son of Kirby and Gina came into the world a week late but just a day before we returned.

 

 

 

Two weeks later Catherine Marie was born. The 2nd daughter and fourth child to Evan & Elisa.

She makes #11 grand baby for my sister and her husband, Chris.

That's A LOT of babies (6 and under!)

 

 

 

Also this quarter - Poor GP had a tough time. ( Grandma Pat - my mom) 

After many months of misery she was diagnosed with a broken leg. She had surgery the day before Thanksgiving to screw a plate to her femur to fix the problem - Finally! and Thankfully! Now she's good to go. Shrew! But sadly for her she was in the hospital recovering while we were here for the festivities.

 

Max

 



 

Agatha

 

Dashel

 

I was thankful the turkey was juicy and cooked through.

 

 

 Lily went to her first dress up dance in October.

After shopping for a dress, shoes, undergarments and the perfect jewelry and arranging for the hair, nails, and make up to be done, I'm pretty sure planning her wedding will be a breeze in comparison.

 

 

14 ain't what it used to be. Enough said about that.

 

There's a bit of bad news to report, I'm sad to say.

Murphy RIP.

 

 

Murphy was the dog my mom got after my dad passed away.

He was a good dog who loved  lived on his cookies and loved my mom.

 He had a very good and very pampered life.

We'll all miss you, Murphy.

 

I'd also like to give a nod to the Seahawks who have played FANtastic football this quarter by

slaughtering their opponents in the last 3 of 4 games including a nice & tidy win against the Rams.

 

Evan and Kirby are happy, happy, happy and so am I.

Christmas

 

Oliver

Max

 

Lily & Harvey

 

2 of the 3 grown up tables. 

 

Here's the kids table. They got Mac and Cheese. The Christmas tree candle with Peanut

M& M's had to be moved so they'd focus on the meal ...

that included a chocolate dipped Oreo cookie with sprinkles on it.

We adults (27) got 32 lbs of Prime Rib. All devoured - thank you very much.

 

 

1 of 2 roasts - 16+ lbs each.

 Where's the beef? You're looking at it. 

 

 

Chris and Chris

Lucy Jerilou

 

Max & Kicks kicking back.

 

Peter and Andrew

 

Katie, Suzanne, Karen & Aileen.

 

Rob, Marcel & Katie

 

 

Joe having fun with Dashel, Lucy & Harvey.

 

Dashel

 

Evan

Elisa holding Catherine. 

 

Gina & Atticus. 

 

Me & Lily

 

One Lord a leaping.

 

Catherine Marie

 

Safety Man

 

Atticus

 

 

A French horn. 

 

My daughter.

My son.

 

Do you think the Sugar Plum Fairy is dancing in Kirby's head?

 



 

The Sugar Plum Fairy.

 

 

Joe woke up on the 26th and said - Only 364 more days until Christmas! I bet it will be here fast.-

I'm sure of that.

 

 

Happy New Year.