Pen pals

Katherine has her first pen pal.  She is so excited.  She received her first letter in the mail today from Hannah.  In a mad dash, she taped the letter to the window above her desk, wrote her back and then asked me when we could go visit.  

This is a picture of her letter that came today.  How cute is this?  If you click on the picture you can see her playing the piano with her pigtails flying around.  

I love it!

For you, big sister

Thea got beads from Grandma and Grandpa Ocean for Christmas and she is having a great time with them.  G.O.  sent a bunch of old jewelry that she had and told Thea to take them apart and create her own jewels.  

So, Thea made Katherine a necklace for her birthday.  Katherine was very touched and very lovingly said "Thank you Thea, this is so beautiful."  Thea beamed with delight.  Thea loves her big sister.  

I cherish these moments.  

Anna mina

"Anna mina"  I think it's greek, no it's latin, no wait, I think it's russian.  

Actually, it's a Zoe-ism.  When we ask Zoe a question that she doesn't know the answer to, or claims to not know the answer to, she throws her arms up and says:  "Anna mina".  

PUSH!!!!!!

Is what they said.  And so I did.  And she is what I got for doing so.  

Katherine was placed in my arms seven years ago today.  I don't think a day has passed that I have not adored her.  

We married late, Fr. Justin and me, and our Dr. said that conception might be difficult.  That was three children ago.  The Lord has blessed us immensely.  

Happy birthday my angel!  

(I thought that I would post a picture from vacation this year in Washington.  Katherine recently informed us that she is now a "Washitonian-just like Papa".)

Holy Archangles Monastery

We just returned from four days at Holy Archangels' Monastery in Kendalia, TX.  It is located in the Hill Country around Austin and San Antonio.  It is incredibly beautiful there. 

We had a wonderful visit with the brothers who are very loving and hospitable.  It was a great blessing and joy to sit and talk with Geronda Dositheus, the Abbot there.

I took my camera, but only took a couple of pictures.  Here is Brother Michael with his pet deer. Also pictured is Fr. Justin having a quiet moment with his girls running around.  

If you live anywhere in the area, or ever visit this area, I encourage you to visit this holy place!

Nice hair!

Guess what Zoe got for Christmas?

I'm thinking Thea did her hair for her today.   Just a guess...

Joyous Feast!

A blessed Theophany to you all!

Neon Smile

We call this the Neon Smile, and I'm telling you it's hard to resist...

A blessed 2009 to each of you!

Today the church  remembers the circumcision of our Lord.  This is depicted in the icon to the left.

Also remembered today is St. Basil the great, on the right.