Happy St. Patrick's Day (a little late)

We have always loved this day in our family....not just because St. Patrick is an amazing Saint to read and learn about and celebrate....but also because we have a wonderful Irish heritage to celebrate. My Mamasan (whose maiden name was Collier and where the Irish heritage comes from) gave all of my sisters and I an Irish name. I was the Irish Shamrock and with a name like Erin...she always would send a special present to Her Irish Shamrock on St. Patty's Day....I miss her and those memories on this special day. I will forever be grateful to her for finding our Irish relatives and making that connection for us. One of our cousins, Father Val, married my parents and he and his brother Christor have made several trips to visit us here in the states. When I graduated from college, my Meme and Pepe took me on a trip to Ireland and Scotland and at the end of it we met up with my family and stayed on the original family farm for several days. I treasure those relationships I made and memories forever. It was so neat to go stand in the exact spot at the old train station where my (great +) grandfather left Ireland for America...the only family member that left.
One day I hope to go back and visit again. So on this day I also enjoy looking at the pictures from that fabulous trip (slide below) and reading my journal of our adventures....I laugh when I read about the foods I ate, the sayings I heard, the things I saw...so fun being part of a different culture! Enjoy.

We did at least manage to wear green, enjoy some time outside (Emma LOVES looking and finding birds) and did have a traditional corn beef and potato Irish dinner!! Can't wait until next year to hopefully include more of the Irish ideas I was planning. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!!!

Plans and Preparations

Hard to believe that this was what we woke up to on Sunday...snow falling - thick and fast!! We were not sure if we were going to make it home from Church. I am so glad a friend (which I met and got to know over the blog world and then she did my sister's wedding pictures last year) Ellie and her husband Steve who were in town from Whidbey Island joined us at 815 mass and coffee and donuts. It was nice to briefly catch up with you both and hope we can get together again soon!! We did make it home to almost 5 inches of snow!! Luckily it melted mostly by the end of the day. But it is crazy to think I was freezing in 5 inches of snow on Sunday and Monday I leave for 81 degree weather in sunny Florida.
Yes, me and the girls are going with all my sisters to visit my grandparents (Meme and Pepe) in Florida. I have not been back to their place since I was in college!!! It will be so nice to visit with no big event happening and just enjoy the warm weather and each other. Who knows when all my sisters and I will have another trip like this...my youngest sister Alli is traveling with me so wish us luck! Angelica will be fine but Emma.....well her temper and strong will are difficult to keep QUIET sometimes....so hoping that the fact that are flight leaves at 6 AM, I am hoping they are exhausted and sleep on the plane!! Please keep in your prayers that I continue to feel ok as well, don't really want to get sick on the flight with Emma on my lap!!
So I am trying to desperately make my to-do lists for packing....which is always fun with two toddlers. It is hard when they are out of their normal environment and routine so hoping they adjust well and have lots of fun. It has been a challenge to pack for summer weather when we are still in winter....might just have to buy some clothes and summer shoes when we get there. Questions running around in my head like: "Do I bring the potty seat?...How many of Angel's sleeping stuffed animals do I bring?" The only thing that is always hard when we are not home is the sleeping routine....so keep your fingers crossed that they get naps and good sleep at nights!! I know the girls are going to love being right on the water, seeing lizards, going to Jungle Gardens and lots of fun with Meme and Pepe and all their aunts and Baby Albert. We don't return until April 3rd, so it will be a nice trip, although they will miss their Papa very much!!!! Longest time we have been away from him!
So with the news of our new baby on the way and planning for our trip, a lot of my fun ideas for this special week of St. Patrick's Day and St. Joseph's Feast Day today....well just did not happen....will have to save them for next year! Hope everyone celebrated!! Have to go get started on my growing to-do list including:
-making some meals for hubby when we are gone
-laundry and packing
-lots of small errands of things to get
-getting to the post office
-getting a new computer battery
-hoping to get a hair cut
and hoping to open and learn to use my new camera so we can enjoy it in Florida!!!!
Now I am exhausted just thinking about everything, so I think I will go lay down!!!

Angel's Announcement

Waiting for Papa

This past week we had several sunny (although cold) days and me and the girls enjoyed waiting outside for Papa to come home from work. He rides his bike to the ferry and then to work in Seattle and then back home. Last summer we made up a "Papa coming home" song to the tune of "She'll be coming 'round the mountain"....so we enjoyed singing and waiting to hear his bike bell ringing...and Angelica enjoyed picking up leaves and sticks in her one year Halloween costume she found...however, she was only able to get the top part of the Elephant costume to fit....from behind she looked like a little mouse!!! Looking forward to spring and lots of fresh air!!

One of Angel's Goodnight Prayers

A busy week

This past week was very busy....we didn't really do anything exciting but the girls are definitely at an age where the hours in the day seem to fly by and I wonder what I got "accomplished"!! They are also at the age where I think I will be experiencing more boo-boos and accidents...especially with my little Monkey girl Emma who likes to climb EVERYTHING!! We started the week with Angel falling during our "dance session" and getting a nice bruise mark on her forehead. Then Emma fell down half the stairs (she has never done this before and is very good about going down on her belly or bum...but this time she was trying to carry several items with her)...this fall scared us but she was fine in a matter of minutes and had a nice big bump on her head to show for it. Then Angel took a big tumble running down the hill when we mailed our red envelope and got a nice scrape on her knee. She does not like anything that sticks to her skin so trying to get the band aid on her was an ordeal...but nothing that a Capri-Sun and watching Holy Baby couldn't fix!! Then Wednesday as I was frantically trying to get the girls loaded in the car for mass and Soup Supper at church...Angel took a tumble of her slide toy and bit a nice whole in the side of her cheek. The blood made it look scarier than it was. So ice chips in hand we were able to get to church in time to meet Papa who met us there on his bike. I had to try and keep telling Angelica not to play with her boo-boo with her tongue....easier said than done!! WHEW.......so far I am counting my blessings and my nerves are rejoicing that we have not had any need to rush to Urgent Care and so far no broken bones!! Not sure if I will ever be "ready" for this stage of motherhood.

Angelica has also definitely entered the 200 question a minute stage. Instead of asking "why", her favorite question is "what kind?" So for example:
Angelica: "What are you eating mama?"
Me: "Carrots."
Angel: "What kind of carrots?"
Me: "Baby carrots"
Angel: "What kind of baby carrots?"
Me: "Orange Baby carrots"
Angel: "Orange baby carrots?"
Me: "Yes" (thinking it was over)
Angelica: "What kind of orange baby carrots?"
.....this continued and usually does until I have run out of adjectives to further describe something or until she decides she is satisfied and usually responds with "Oh, cool."

So between boo-boos and 200 questions, I am exhausted!!!

Great Advice

We have been VERY fortunate and not been really sick at all since we have had kids, but I know one day it will happen. An amazing friend of ours from our VA Beach days, and mother of 10, posted some GREAT advice and tips for handling the flu and sickness at home....I am definitely going to get some extra plastic shower liners and I loved the idea of the buckets with trash bag liners!!!

Worries of a Two Year old

Last night around midnight, Angelica woke up screaming. I went into her room and she still had her eyes closed but was very upset and fussing. I asked her what the matter was to which she replied: "I want to put the flag up on the mailbox!" I tried really hard NOT to laugh, told her she could tomorrow and turned on her music and she went right back to sleep. We have been mailing our red envelopes every day, so the only thing I can think of is she was dreaming about that....ah...the worries and nightmares of being two!!!

Musical Collage

Ok all you locals....here is another fabulous opportunity to see a great show and support the local theater talent. My sister Allison will be performing as well!!! This is a very unique CSTOCK Production called Musical Collage, which is directed, choreographed and performed all by the young and talented kids ages 13-21!!! There will be songs from all types of Broadway hits and I hear will be a lot of fun. Kim Gray, a good friend of ours (only 17), is one of the directors of the whole production! Here is a good PREVIEW article of the production and when and where to see and get tickets. Go check it out, I sure hope to!!

Where: Silverdale Community Center, 9729 Silverdale Way NW
When: March 20 to 22; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $10 to $7
Information: (360) 692-9940, cstock.org

Prayers Please

If you have a moment, please pray for a friend whose father had a heart attack and will be having open heart surgery on Thursday...and his wife and family. Thank you.

Holy Baby

We got this video as one of the girl's Epiphany presents this year, and Angel really enjoys it. I have to keep the language on English only as she doesn't really enjoy the other 6 so far....so she hears the same prayers seven times in a row!! She is learning them (although the Creed still loses her a bit) and loves the pictures that show during the prayers. On the other hand....Emma is a bit terrified when the "Holy Baby" the one dressed like a nun appears and sings...she tends to back away...have to admit the baby does look a little scary....but when we are in need of a video, this is sometimes a much more soothing experience than Barney or Einsteins!!

Happy Birthday Connor!!!

Our nephew, Connor, turned the big FIVE yesterday....Congrats, me miss and love you!!! (and I need an updated recent pic of you...I think this is a little old)

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: (didn't do last week) Cream of Cauliflower Soup & Bread (I had never made this but it was so easy and SO GOOD!)
Tuesday: (didn't do last week either....to many leftovers), Marinated & Grilled Pork Chops (in a little honey barbecue sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, bavarian seasoning & Montreal steak seasoning), Orzo & Sauteed Asparagus
Wednesday: Soup Supper at church
Thursday: Soy Sauce Chicken over Rice, Broccoli & Applesauce
Friday: Cheesy Bean Enchiladas & Saffron Rice
Saturday: Mediterranean Pot Roast, Roasted Red Potatoes & Peas
Sunday: Dinner with Family, TBD

80 Years YOUNG!

Thanks Pepe for sending some pictures of your special day...wish I was there to have a piece of the yummy cake!! See you soon!

Excited

With some birthday money, I ordered this amazing (Thanks for the recommendation Ellen!) book. It is by Maria von Trapp (yes Sound of Music Maria) and an incredible book about celebrating the liturgical year in your family. It is not in print anymore but I landed a good deal on Amazon....it is well worn around the edges but the pages are perfectly in tact. There are all kinds of reflections, activities, songs, recipes and prayers to help the family celebrate the liturgical year!! Can't wait to read and implement in our family!!!

Dancing Dangers

The girls and I usually have one (sometimes more) dance sessions a day...and today Angel got a little too involved and bumped her head on the table....which resulted in a nice goose egg on her forehead!! Maybe we should switch to ballet moves?

Interesting Political Tidbits

Newt Gingrich to convert to Catholicism and a funny story HERE as well.

And I agree with Maria and Rush....you probably have heard and seen a lot of this already, but it is definitely worth a watch and a reflection....why would we want someone who stands for everything morally against what we believe to succeed?? Pray for a conversion and change of heart, but not success on the President's current platform!!

Happy Birthday Pepe!

Today is my grandfather's birthday....PEPE WE LOVE YOU!! We are so blessed and grateful to have you in our lives. I admire so many things about you. You are one of the most hard working men I know, have so many talents and skills, love family more than anything and definitely keep our history alive, you love adventure and seeing new places, you love to sing and dance, and have created so many special memories for me that I will always remember. We wish we were there to celebrate today, but we will be in Florida in a couple weeks and can celebrate then!!! We love you lots and hope you have a great day and a healthy and happy year ahead!!

(these are pics of Pepe with Angel and Emma on his last visit)

Menu Plan Monday (or Tuesday)

Monday: Sad to say - Costco dinner
Tuesday: Sante Fe Soup (I used all the water and we just sprinkled cheese on top - So GOOD!)
Wednesday: hoping to do Soup Supper at church
Thursday: Creamy Chicken and Noodles, Applesauce
Friday: Cream of Cauliflower Soup & Bread
Saturday: (didn't do last week so...) Grilled Pork Chops, Asparagus, Carrots and Orzo
Sunday: Dinner with Family, TBD

Forget the baby dolls....

...Emma wants to ride!!

Operation Rice Bowl

We picked up our Operation Rice Bowl at Church yesterday. I was thinking of how to incorporate this into our Daily Lenten activities with the girls....so today we started. The booklet that comes with it gives some great prayer reflections, intentions and ideas to do with filling the bowl up. I also remember reading an idea (I think it was at Jessica's site) that used different daily counting jobs to determine how much money to put in the bowl. So today we chose the book basket and counted all the books in it....a grand total of 29!!! So Angel got to count 29 pennies and put them all in the bowl...Emma even managed to learn how to do it and Angel was kind enough to give her two! This was a fun way to get them involved and she is very excited about bringing it to church when it is full and helping the poor! I am thinking tomorrow maybe we will count the diapers in Emma's basket...

Thrift Store Treasures

We love the local thrift stores around here, especially for cute and AFFORDABLE kid's clothes and toys. This was one of the cutest dresses I have found and the dress, hat and jacket were only $7!!! And Angel loves hats!!! Go check out your local shops....we even bring things in and when they sell get store credit to use when we buy!! Can't beat that!!

What do you hear?

Tinkle or Twinkle?

Two Down - 38 To Go

I posted about the Red Envelope project a bit ago, but since the Forty Days for Life and Lent started yesterday, I thought it would be a fun idea for the girls and I to do a red envelope each day and go mail them together. Today we mailed two as we didn't do yesterday. While Angel doesn't quite understand what President is...she caught on to the idea of praying for and protecting all the babies...so she was very excited to mail the envelopes as she says "ALL BY MYSELF!" Don't forget yours!! And for those locals, here is our local forty days for life info.

Nature vs Nurture

The other night at dinner we had such a funny and memorable moment (definitely baby book worthy) with Angelica. We were talking about our day and Jason mentioned something about work.
Angelica "Papa, you were gone all day at work."
Jason: "Yes I was....would you like to go to work?"
Angelica (with one of those "you know better" tones): "Papa...only boys go to work and I am a girl, mama is a girl, Emma is a girl and you are a boy so you go to work!"
We were laughing so hard and then Jason reminded her to make sure she tells her husband that one day. It was so cute but it is what she knows....

Story continues:
Today we were on video chat (sister got us a webcam for our anniversary and know we use Skype to chat and see the kiddies....so cool!)....so I was telling the funny story to Megs who then told Angelica that Aunty Megs goes to work...Angel gave her "the look" and said "No you don't, only boys." So in her mind I guess, if you are a girl you stay home and do the home stuff and boys go do the work stuff...one of those nature vs nurture moments where I am sure her perspective would be very different if I wasn't a stay at home mama....so sweet!! Although she will soon learn that staying home does include work, it isn't all play!!

Shout Out to the Homeland

Many of you know that my dad's family is from Belgium...actually most of all the extended family is still there as my grandparents were the only ones to immigrate first to Canada and then to the United States. Anyways...the Vatican just came out with the announcement that ten more saints will be canonized soon!! So exciting...but even more so is one of them is Father Damián de Veuster, known as the apostle of the lepers of Molokai, Hawaii - who is from Belgium!!

VATICAN CITY - A 19th-century Belgian priest who ministered to leprosy patients in Hawaii will be declared a saint Oct. 11 at a Vatican ceremony presided over by Pope Benedict XVI.
The Rev. Damien de Veuster's canonization date was set Saturday during a meeting between Benedict and cardinals at the Apostolic Palace.
De Veuster will be canonized along with three other people, the Vatican said.

In July, Benedict approved a miracle attributed to the priest's intercession, declaring that a Honolulu woman's recovery in 1999 from terminal lung cancer was the miracle needed for him to be made a saint.
He was beatified — a step toward sainthood — in 1995 by Pope John Paul II.
Born Joseph de Veuster in 1840, he took the name Damien and went to Hawaii in 1864 to join other missionaries of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Nine years later he began ministering to leprosy patients on the remote Kalaupapa peninsula of Molokai island, where some 8,000 people had been banished amid an epidemic in Hawaii in the 1850s.
The priest eventually contracted the disease, also known as Hansen's disease, and died in 1889 at age 49.
The Vatican's saint-making procedures require that a miracle attributed to the candidate's intercession be confirmed in order for him or her to be beatified. Damien de Veuster was beatified after the Vatican declared that the 1987 recovery of a nun of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary was a miracle. The nun recovered from an illness after praying to Damien.
After beatification, a second miracle is needed for sainthood.
The Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints said Audrey Toguchi's 1999 recovery from lung cancer defied medical explanation, and in July, Benedict agreed. Toguchi, too, had prayed to Damien.

Article by: Associated Press

Ash Wednesday

Yesterday I decided I would take the girls to the noon mass because the 7 pm gets a little too late sometimes. So we got all ready and in the car and to the church 15 minutes ahead of schedule (have to schedule in diaper checking time)....only to have it raining and no parking within easy walking distance with two little ones. So after circling the parking lot and streets several times and realizing I was probably going to be late (and for those of you that know me, know that that is not a good thing that I enjoy)....I just took a deep breath and drove back home. Angel was very upset and it was a cranky car ride home as she kept telling me "Mama...try again ...please mama find a spot...it's your birthday, I want ashes!" So I had to console her with a Capri Sun and the knowledge that we would go later with Papa and get a parking spot and ashes. And we did....Hard to believe the season of Lent is upon us as I feel we just ended the Christmas season!! I made (also what I think might be a good tradition) this new recipe of Black Beans over brown rice....the only thing I changed was I finely chopped all the veggies including the peppers and sauteed in olive oil for a few minutes...I added the white wine immediately with all the other liquids...did not add the Tabasco sauce...and then we put some shredded cheddar cheese and a spoonful of sour cream on top.....VERY YUMMY. When I was "trying" to explain Ash Wednesday to Angelica...I had said something about Jesus died on the cross for us and she responded with "PopPop had a bad boo boo and he got sick and died..." Yes he did, I said and we miss him a lot! Then Angel said "But it's ok mama...PopPop is in heaven with Jesus and Mamasan" So sweet...and amazing how such a little mind can make those connections. At Church, after we received Ashes...Emma kept rubbing hers off (why you can't see much left in the picture) and then she kept pointing to my head and saying "Messy"...very loudly over and over again. It was a little hard to keep her quiet when she was making so many around her chuckle!! We survived the late mass with two very tired girls and I am just glad I receive graces just by being there because tonight I didn't hear too much of what was said! I always find it amusing how incredibly hungry I am when it is a day of fasting and wanting things I usually don't even eat....such a mental thing I think! Emma received her first ashes this year as last year she was feeling a little sick....so Happy Ash Wednesday to everyone and hope you have a blessed Lenten season. If you haven't read Pope Benedict's message for Lent 2009, check it out!!

Birthday Surprise

So my birthday was on Ash Wednesday so we decided to celebrate it on Monday. I can't remember for how many years my mom has made me my favorite meal of lumpia (although it is the thicker more meat kind) with sweet and sour sauce, rice and salad and my favorite birthday cake of Coffee Angel Food Cake. (all the recipes are posted here) So thank you mom...as usual...it was DELICIOUS!! I look forward to this meal every year! Angel helped me open my presents....and I was TOTALLY SHOCKED to see a new camera!!! A Canon Digital EOS Rebel XS....thank you to everyone that contributed to get me this amazing gift....I have a secret love and passion for photography...now I just need the time to figure out how to use it and take some pictures!! Also thank you to everyone for the birthday cards, wishes, phone calls, email and Facebook greetings!! I am blessed by so many family members and friends!

Happy Fat Tuesday

So, did you eat all your favorite goodies on Tuesday before Lent began? We had (what I think may be becoming a tradition for us) our loaded pancakes with yummy whip cream and fresh fruit! Angel chowed down on the raspberries and blueberries...definitely her mother's daughter! We tried this new PANCAKE recipe and Jason says it was easy to make (was a treat for him to cook dinner) and they sure tasted good!!! What do you do for your Shrove Tuesday / Fat Tuesday / Mardi Gras / Pancake Day???

I made the traditional king cake for dessert....the recipe was fairly simple but my arms got tired with all the kneading!! It looked pretty once it was iced and sprinkled with purple, green and gold colors to represent justice, faith and power. I just hid a quarter as I didn't have any plastic babies....and Angel was very excited to find the treasure and put it in her bank! It was such a huge cake that I sent half of it with Jason to work the next day! Yummy!

CONGRATS - We Love You

We are so excited today because it was Mom Hartsell's LAST DAY OF CHEMO!! Many of you have been praying for Mary Hartsell for awhile now with her battle against breast cancer...thank you and please don't stop. She had her last day of chemo treatment today and has done so incredibly well.

(looking fabulous and beautiful in her wig which I love the style!!)

She is such a strong lady and has handled the highs and the lows and emotions of this whole experience with such composure and faith. I want to thank everyone who has supported her on this journey. Those family members and friends that were close by and took her to appointments, provided meal, cleaning and emotional support. Ever since her Chemo Day One, I decided to send her a daily envelope marked with the Date, Chemo Day # and inside included a note card with the same info and a daily quote to reflect upon. There was also a picture of the day to enjoy looking at (a lot were mostly of the girls to make her smile!) and then a gift or note or card from someone to open. So many of you sent such beautiful things and words or prayer and support....so thank you so much for all of that....it meant a lot to her and got her through some rough times...and we completely managed to fill 139 Chemo Daily Envelopes of Love!! I made her a chemo binder and photo album so she has been keeping all the things she has received and loves looking back through them. SO THANK YOU!!! We sent her a big congratulations basket of goodies for her to open today...Mom...hoped you enjoyed it!!! (hope to talk to you tomorrow).

Please continue the prayers and support...she has March mostly off except for still receiving the Herceptin treatment which I believe she will be getting through December. Then starting in April she will have radiation five times a week for twelve weeks. Hoping she has minimal side effects from that as well!! For those that still wanted to send something, feel free and I will pass on!! Mom - we love you, are so proud of you, are here to support you and pray for you...and CONGRATS on kissing chemo goodbye!!!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Celebrating my birthday tonight since it falls on Ash Wednesday this year, so my mom is cooking my yearly favorite meal of Lumpia with Sweet & Sour Sauce, Rice, Coffee Angel Food Cake
Shrove Tuesday: Pancakes, Fresh Fruit, Whip Cream, Syrup and Bacon
Ash Wednesday: Homemade Pretzels & Black Beans over Brown Rice
Thursday: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes and Peas
Friday: Tortilla Soup and Roasted Garlic Bread
Saturday: Grilled Pork Chops, Asparagus, Carrots and Orzo
Sunday: Dinner with Family, TBD

Lenten & Liturgical Year Resources

I mentioned that I would post some of my favorite books I am using to celebrate the liturgical year in our home....so far these are ones I own and enjoy:

• The Catholic Home: Celebrations and Traditions for Holidays, Feast Days, and Every Day, by Meredith Gould
• The Year & Our Children: Catholic Family Celebrations for Every Season, by Mary Reed Newland
• The Big Book of Catholic Customs and Traditions for Children's Faith Formation, by Beth Branigan McNamara with Sue Robinson and Anne E. Neuberger
• Catholic Mosaic: Living the Liturgical Year with Children, by Cay Gibson (I can't wait to get the Christmas One)

Then there are the resources online as well, many of the blogs and sites which I list on my sidebar and enjoy. I especially enjoy incorporating special meal ideas and Catholic Cuisine gives lots of good recipes and ideas, plus I like my cookbook: Building the Family Cookbook, by Suzanne Fowler (it goes through the year and gives foods tied in with stories of the saints)

I would love to hear if you have found and enjoy any resources that you couldn't live without. Also we are slowly building our children's library...so any good Lent/Easter book recommendations would be fabulous!! Still trying to nail down what we will be doing for Lent...might be more of a planning year for me and implementing next year when Angel is a bit older. I did order the Jesus Tree (similar to Jesse Tree) for Lent (thanks Jessica for the info) from Scripture Trees...and will make all the symbols this year and have ready to use next!! The Catholic Lapbooks look fun and so faith-filled as well so keeping those on my list too! We are also signed up to get the daily prayers and ideas from Holy Heroes (we enjoyed the Advent ones and coloring books we got as well!). Will keep you posted!

Our Father

Grateful

I feel so grateful tonight to have gone to mass and actually hear the homily (this barely happens but I went along with no little one tonight!)...and it was a fantastic one all about intercessory prayer. I also feel grateful for a wonderful priest at our parish that relates the message of the readings and gospel so beautifully and truly gives us something to reflect and pray upon and take home with us. In tonight's homily he used some excerpts and examples from a book called, Miracles Do Happen, by Sister Briege McKenna...all about how God sometimes answers prayers in a different timeline and way than you might want or expect but it is only later that you see the graces and gifts that were given because of that answered prayer. He also talked about the importance and power of praying for others and how they can be intercessors for us. He reminded us how powerful our sacrifices and prayers for others can be for their conversions and answered prayers and for ours!! I can't wait to read the book myself...because I truly believe that Miracles DO happen!!