Grandma Betty's

We finally got to Grandma Betty's house. I felt so bad not getting there sooner. Just everything going on work, schooling, sickness and all the extra stuff that I should really stop doing. I hope things slow down for us. we are always on the run to get somewhere. I hope to just to slow it down and enjoy life. I am tired of always being busy, busy.
Grandma Betty's is Marty's Grandma. This women is such a sweet loving lady. Her life has met many tragedies and despite them all she is that sweet, loving, caring, and forgiving person.
Grandma Betty is "Grandma Betty" to the kids as well, since their Grandma Rosemary (Marty's Mom) passed away 8 years ago January 21. Naibe was the only one who met her. But just as Grandma Rosemary would allow Niabe to play with everything and make a mess, Grandma Betty allows the same old stuff. Little Bailey was into everything! I am pretty sure Grandma Betty was exhuasted at the end, but I am sure she enjoyed us as we enjoyed being with her.

Schooling...

Man! Schooling after a small break gets to be really hard!
The only one cooperating was Bailey!

Now this guy is the king of escape! He could be a Siberian Husky trying to play you, hide and escape his duties.
I forget how I really need to prepare myself for him.

This one is the day dreamer. Humming along the way in her little head adventure.


Can't recall where the other pup was?

Just Trying to Catch Up!

Its been awhile since I've been able to get on here and post anything at all.
I would really like to post and write some more, since I forget everything that happens. I have the worst memory!
If I could just make some time and do it! I guess the pictures in my iphoto will remind me of what we have been doing. I could start with that...

Posadas

Anthony my oldest nephew and his lovely wife hosted a night of Posada at their home.

In traditional Mexican Catholic Culture families in neighborhoods host a night of 9 nine days, acting as the innkeepers. Posadas represent the journey of Jesus and Mary to their Nativity. We held candles and sang a song representing the the refusals of Mary and Joseph to lodge in each inn.
They had 2 pinatas. One for the children and one for the adults. I actually missed that part of it-I had to get my niece home on time. The kids had a blast singing, hitting the pinata, playing games and winning prizes.






Thank you Monica & Anthony for a great time!

My oldest turns 9!

I can't believe how fast the time goes. I look at at my Beebe and wonder what the heck? Did we just push fast forward and get to this spot.

My first born baby girl.

.

I remember having my little sweet thing right by my side all the time.

This girl loves puppies...

So for her 9th Birthday I allowed her invite a few of her friends from her class to eat and celebrate her birthday.

Cousins!

Erica my blue eyed Mexican baking niece made this

Kiwi/Strawberry filled cake with whipped cream.

I loved it and so did everyone else.

On another note:

I was inspired by that cake to decorate her wedding.

She would have to make the cake of course!

Would that work?

Maybe Darian can do it!

Would that work?

Wait... are you engaged yet?

Bueller?...Moni?... Moni?

Anjelica's Family

I played photographer this day with my youngest sister Anjelica and her cute kids!
I love taking pictures of beautiful people! It makes me look like I am a real photographer.
I just gotta practice some more!

All Saints Day Celebration

The day finally came!

The hour was quickly approaching.

6:20pm came along and the hall was all ready to be used.

By then children and their families waited outside in front of the

Marion Shrine to begin with the Litany of Saints.

Litany of Saints

Sounded so beautiful!

Oh when the Saints go marching in...

Let the games begin...

Halo Toss

The saint banners looked so beautiful!

St. Isidore Farm

Produce bowling

There's my St. Anthony taking a shot at it.

St. Anthony's Lost and Found

Find one of the three balls in the box of packing peanuts.

That wonderful trash...

The kids loved it!

They loved their own personal bucket to color and add

their favorite Saint coloring page once again from Waltzing Matilda.

I mentioned before that I really wanted to make sure to include St. Damien.

Well, I did do that, but St. Damien also came along to help out at his game.

I used a large sewing ring and taped a lei around it.

St. Damien was mounted on card board.

The children loved trying to make it over his head with the lei.

If you look closer behind St. Damien there is my little flower

assisting the children at the pin the flowers on St. Therese.

I loved this David and Goliath game.

I never imagined to create it this way.

But boy was I glad when Amy said she'd be sure to bring him along.

Sweet little Mark as a shepard boy.

Sharon led the Guess that Saint game with her sweet new baby boy.

Sea of Galilee fishing

Holy Water Pond

One of the many ideas

from Jessica's Shower of Roses

And look who came along...

Judging the pumpkins...

The sacrifice game...

No prize - just sacrifice some of your fun time as

St. Maximillan Kolbe did.

The famous catacombs.

The Usher Family did a wonderful job at building the catacombs yet again.

They used about 80 refrigerator boxes, set up all around the basketball court.

The children loved these so much!

Here I am...

Want-to-be Our Lady of Mt. Carmel with my Bailey girl as baby Jesus Statue

Coloring table

My little St. Anthony and St. Therese.

Where was St. James?

Here he is on his horse.

What an amazing night! It was so great to finally experience an All Saints Celebration! It was more beautiful than I had imagined, especially seeing all the all the joy, peace and love in all who attended.

There was so much excitement, laughter and great fellowship - So amazing! God was so present!

My children were so happy that they were a part of this great night. They can't wait for next years to come up again! That is Exiciting!

THANK YOU!

Thank you for all your kind words! So beautiful!

OLMC and Fr. John - On behalf of SHHE families, we appreciate your willingness to have our All Saints Celebration at this parish. The Marion Shrine so beautifully lit, was the perfect start of the night with the Litany of Saints. The hall was so spacious and perfect for this big event. The employees of this parish are so helpful and hospitable!

Amy Schuler - Thank you for being so patient and loving with all my questions. Thank you for helping me get the whole night organized, planned, and set-up. Thank you for getting your husband to sing for us and set up his hi tech air plane simulat or - very impressive!

The Ushers - Thank you so much for serving and sharing your time with us all. The catacombs were amazing all laid out on the court. You worked so hard and quick to get them done -They were wonderful! The ushers also stayed till the end to help get everything cleaned up. Anita was ready to mop, but I did stop her!

The Reeds - Thank you for donating the use of your jumping castle, such fun for the children!

Thank you..

Pete Hofmann for all your help setting up with the games and catacombs.

Candice Hines for all your help setting up.

Jill Vanbrunt for your help with the banner and putting it up.

Johanna Benedetti for registering everyone for the night.

Theresa Shell who, out of the blue comes in ready to help! Just like her parents! She filled water and lemonade, placed the snacks out, painted last minute signs. Such a servant!

Adriana Mayor for coming in to serve with the last minutes things.

Jeremiah Gilligan for your help setting up - such a helpful young man.

All the rest of you who helped run games and stayed to help clean up.

If I missed any one else along the way, please forgive me.

It is an honor to be a part of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and the Sacred Heart Home Educators!

THANK YOU!!!

Most importantly all praise, glory and thanks to God for allowing this beautiful night to happen!

In Christ,

Yvette R Barnes