Away from the farm with daughter #2 and family/Fr today at mass-"God wants to lavish us"

our 5 children together in France for Hallel's final vows a year and a half ago!  

Using Nancy's computer led to this photo today.  I am using Nancy's computer after a quick trip up to be with her family.  We are to be on the road tomorrow to Pennsylvania to see Bill's sister, Amy.  Bill flew ahead, so I am to help with driving while Nancy does all the rest caring for her kids in the back.  I was honored to be asked to go along, and am grateful that I am free to step in where needed.

Some of my favorite pictures - this one from 4 years ago is on my wall with Jesus in the midst of my 5.

Dropped the kids off at Catholic School - then to see Jesus on the altar before mass.  Nothing more uplifting and beautiful to behold!  Sharing mass with Nancy, Bill and 2 year old George - he will celebrate his 2nd birthday on Saturday when we arrive in Pennsylvania!  

A peak into heaven... it was very special last night as we gathered to pray as a family.  We shared the Gospel when Jesus was baptized in the Jordon.  Bernadette spoke about how you could see into heaven when they were ripped open and the voice of God spoke; "This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased!"  So exciting to get a glimpse into heaven in our hearts, and here in reality in this stunningly beautiful chapel before we shared in His Body in The Eucharist!

A picture of grandpa for George - he loves his grandpa and wants to fold him up and put him in his pocket.  

A wrinkled grandpa for George -the creation story continues today in the first reading - the Garden of Eden in which God did not in any way need to have Adam and Eve there - "He just wanted to lavish them with good out of his Good heart."  They had one commandment to follow, and they failed. So do we, but we can come to confession and pick ourselves up and start again.  

Yes, we do not deserve to be loved and forgiven as we are... we do not deserve it at all.  Therefore we are to return that unconditional love and forgiveness to those around us!  Those the closest to us the most and they are the most difficult to forgive and to love!

Another oldie from Maria'a wedding of our 5 children that we share this life with, and then there are 7 in heaven that keep our eyes focused there and our goal to meet them someday.  Their prayers are assisting us - I must need a lot of help! 

Ruth and Paul in Rome in 2003 November having their marriage blessed by ST JPII- "Please bless us with a happy healthy family."  Prayers answered with 6 wonderful children!

I have an excuse to use these treasures as I am using Nancy's computer today after a quick trip to the Cities.  Jesus, we trust in you.  Bless-bless, Barbara

Mary will be 15 in a month... so many years ago!  Calving is just around the corner, and so many prayers from farmer hubby for a good calving season.  We just want this cold weather to start to warm up - enough already!

  

3 year old curly haired Mary with calf bottle and Roger... a special classic picture adding those bibs and rubber boots - everything about this is precious to me!  I will have to recreate it someday with baby Birdie Barbara.  

I should be away from my computer more often - married 3 years with baby Nancy and pregnant with Maria.  I sure loved my nest years!  Now I am blessed with the grandkids at this age and so much like my kids again.  God does lavish us with beautiful LIFE and each one makes our LOVE grow more and more!