Just back from mass shared with Maria and the kids - a special celebration as it is Therese's 3rd birthday today and also the last day that they are with us as they head out in the morning for Wisconsin and then on to Georgia! We had another attempt at getting the 5 together for a picture before they are gone far away for we know not how long...
We had a funny happening as we were in the midst of bedding...when Ruth arrived with the three kids for the photo shoot before they headed to the St Patrick's Day parade... Davey headed out to be by his grandpa in the barn, so Pat told Ruth to get on the 4 wheeler with the kids and come out to the barn for pictures... As she was coming through the gate - Mary fell off the back and fell face first into the manure! It was shocking to her, but she wasn't hurt, so after she headed to the house to get cleaned up - the rest of us could chuckle at the funny craziness of it!
I just opened for Therese a letter that arrived a few days ago from her Godmother, Little Sister Hallel. I had just asked Maria if she calls Therese that in connection with the Little Sisters, and she said no that it is more in connection with the Little Flower - ST Therese of Lisseux after whom she was named. Maria was deeply moved after reading The Story of a Soul by ST Therese as she traveled to Rome... listening to a call in her heart to investigate religious life... she returned after studying in Rome for a year to live with the Poor Clares for 5 months! 
After looking to her and her spirituality - we have heard it called many times - "the little way" that she followed in her life of putting others first and ..."going about everday things with the thoughts that they are all small sacrifices for Christ...nothing is too small to sanctify to Christ ... another way of doing St Paul's 'pray always.'" This is quoted as Maria from the kitchen - getting ready to make layer jello with Therese for her special "rainbow" jello for her birthday supper tonight...just explained to me how she views ST Therse and her approach to life. What a gift to have her hear and to be able to quote to you her thoughts about this wonderful young woman, who so affected her life and after whom her precious oldest child is named!
Maria and her two precious kids are off on a huge adventure tomorrow... and probably it will be an ongoing adventure as they follow Joe where ever the will send him... Maria is up for it and excited and so forward they go... trusting and hoping and loving! 
Jesus, thank you for for these months with our daugther, her kids and her wisdom and following of the Truth! Give them strength to deal with all that lies ahead of them. And bless little Therese as she heads out as a new 3 year old. May she always take you in her heart along with the realization that she is loved by her family. My heartfelt prayer is that they will return often and for long times with us, so that our empty arms will be filled with our precious family! Jesus, thank you for ST Therese and her wonderful example and for our precious little T and how she is a shining light at her tender age! Jesus, we trust in you! Amen and Halleluia!
A birthday card from her Godmother to open today!
"Tell Jesus how much you love him everyday and he will show you how much He loves you by your mom and dad, your brother, grandma and grandpa and so many others. A few lines of psalm 3 for your birthday;'You, Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, who lift up my head...
I lie down to rest, and I sleep. I wake, for the Lord upholds me.'
I pray for you dear Goddaughter. Pray for me too.
In communion, Little Sister Hallel"
Therese off to the St Patrick's day parade in the scarf that Godmother made years ago...
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