in our house

...pumpkins know no season! Here is the recipe that inspired our baking.

heaven

After we explained that everything he needs to be happy awaits him in heaven, Joseph asked "Will there be kolaches?"

Proof that he is Czech (most of his physical traits come from the Austrian-German side)! Poppy seed is even his favorite :)

sharp teeth or smooth teeth?

One of Joseph's favorite games is guessing which animals have sharp teeth and which have smooth teeth, based on what they eat. This display at Morrill Hall was based on the same theme "Cutting or Crushing"!

miracle

The 13th Day is a great new film about the apparitions of Mary at Fatima. Check out the link to EWTN's site for the history if you are not familiar with this powerful miracle. I just learned that the feast of Blessed Jacinta and Francisco Marto was February 20!
***
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.

chiropractor

Our whole family has started going to a chiropractor in an attempt to help the boys with their sinus issues and my back issues. The boys love to play "Dr. Dan"!

25-0

We watched the Husker women win a record-breaking 25th game of the season 73-89 over Colorado!

bath fun

Leo's latest shiner :)

happy valentine's day

adopted seminarians

Tonight was the Serra Club dinner at the seminary. Here are Wesley and Tyler, two of the seven young men from our parish that are studying for the priesthood! Please join us in praying for them as they continue to discern God's will for their lives.

self-portrait of an 18 month old

Leo continues his daredevil stunts and often can be found on top of the kitchen table. He loves to "do dishes," his new dinner-prep activity. He warns with an "AHHHH" before he tackles and is quite ticklish, especially on his chubby thighs. He is distraught (momentarily) whenever his brother leaves him for school, even the 20 minute children's liturgy at Mass! At the mere mention of going somewhere he is at the door, attempting to put on his coat. His favorite book is "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen.
Leo has had a linguistic explosion lately, he has not added much to his signing repertoire, other than an arm flapping that denotes he wants a treat from the "high cupboard." Guess who made that one up? Anyhow, here is a list of his current "words":

baba-drink

ball

bob bob-Sponge Bob, he and Joseph have matching pajamas that Leo loves

bear (although it kind of sounds like beer)

bom bine-combine

bison

brubru or JoJo-Joseph

Buba-his stuffed monkey

bull-any cow

dada or daddy

deer

down

done-often accompanied with a cute empty handed gesture

ish-fish
mine

mom

no

papa

uh-oh

up

woah

wow

parent/teacher conference

We had Joseph's first parent/teacher conference today. We were happy to hear that Joseph is as curious and independent at school as he is at home! He loves his teachers and his classmates-and even uses most of their names now, as opposed to the beginning of the year when he identified everyone by shirt color.

His red bear teacher, Mrs. Tredway "tested" his colors, shapes, numbers and letters. He did well until he got to the letter F. At that point he decided he had had enough, declared "I'm out of here!" and ran off! She said in all her years of teaching she has never had that response!

excitement in our neighborhood

Tree trimming for everyone!