St. Patrick's Day

Everyone is Irish on St. Paddy's Day! Traditional Nearly traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage with homemade Irish soda bread (I didn't realize it was a quick bread). Oh, was it all good. We were blessed to have Mom with us for the weekend to share in our lovely celebration.

My "New" Kitchen

Finally getting around to posting pictures of my kitchen remodel (summer 2010). Of course, we still haven't finished--there's a hole in the ceiling where we tore out the old vent and had a new one installed. Unfortunately, we tried to go on the cheap and got what we paid for--a hack job that we now have to redo. We also thought the cabinets were going to go all the way to the ceiling, so we didn't bother doing any finish work up there--oops. At least we have something to keep us busy over spring break.

Calico 2012

The Griffin patrol did all the cooking for themselves and their families

This year's trip to Calico was the best ever. We couldn't have asked for better weather--not too hot or cold, and the wind didn't reach more than about 5-10 mph. It sure beat the freezing temps and 40 mph non-stop winds of past desert adventures!

Pancakes the size of your head!

John Michael--Yellow Belt

Our new school offers Tae Kwan Do in seventh and eighth grade. The students performed a demonstration for parents and families.

To earn the yellow belt, the students are required to break a board. Piece of cake!

God's Promise

Candlemas

Our pure white dinner of pork chops, mashed potatoes, and cauliflower

White mini orchids for Our Lady

Blacksmithing

More Scouting adventures! This was the last year that our troop was invited to learn the craft of blacksmithing at a local ranch. Luckily for us, Mark made it into Boy Scouts just in time for the event. The boys worked the forges, made all kinds of tools, then were treated to a great bbq lunch of carne asada. We're going to miss this event!

Weed Warriors!

This year, Mark's Cub Scout den had the opportunity to earn Scouting's World Conservation Award. Mark completed all the requirements to earn the Webelos Outdoor activitiy pins and participate in a conservation project. We spent about four hours clearing a small patch of periwinkle that has invaded Starr Ranch. What a job!

 As we approached the camp after weeding, we startled a large herd of deer that had been grazing in the deserted area. At first, we saw about eight. Then at least ten more came following behind! It was beautiful.

Our Last Pinewood Derby

Mark's best friends--they all won!

January 26--as our time in Cub Scouts comes to a close this year, we celebrated our last Pinewood Derby race day with Pack 13. The memories flooded through my mind all morning. It's difficult to put into words all the feelings those memories stirred-how much our family has grown by the Grace and Mercy of our ever-loving God. I am constantly amazed at the resilience of children and at the power of prayer!

What a way to end their Cub Scout racing career

OPA Awards

Our first school awards program. I am so proud of the boys--they are thriving at school academically and growing in virtue. 

Happy New Year!

Ok, so I'm a few months late--it's time to catch up and keep up. We rung in the new calendar year with our traditional fare, shrimp cocktail, queso and spinach dip, with sparkling cider. We even broke out the serving platters we received as wedding gifts, and used them for the first time!

New Year's Day brings pork and sauerkraut served with pierogies and sour cream. This year's was the best ever.

I am so very grateful to God for all the good he has brought our family. 2011 was a year of so many changes in our family life. Through it all, I have found such joy and peace, and I praise God for ineffable Love and gift of the Catholic Faith. As undeserving as I am, I am wealthy beyond my imagination.

We continue to celebrate Christmas with more tree decoration!