A new Chapter

Well it has happened!
We just returned from dropping "U" off with the Minor Seminary that he will be living with for the next few years and, God Willing, eventually become a priest in their religious Order.

We drove up to the Catskill Mountains where the boys were staying at a retreat center. We were able to spend a full day visiting the National Shrine of North American Martyrs. We also visited the Nation Shrine of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha.

The day was AMAZING the mountain view was beautiful, gorgeous weather and we attended mass at the shrine. It was the feast day of Maximilian Kolbe and the father said in his homily that we must all seek out ways to sacrifice, even in little things. it made me think back to what a friend of our said in her blog(I'm paraphrasing) "how can we say that we love God with all of our heart if we are not willing to give him everything, even our own children." When Mallu and I talked about "U" going I mentioned the quote to her and she simply said "he was always God's to begin with; our kids don't belong to us."

After the shrine visits we followed the boys back to their retreat center where we meet a whole bunch of men from the major seminary. Seeing and talking with these faith filled men helped ease the heartache because I knew that my son was in good hands! The afternoon was spent relaxing with both of our boys playing in the pool with the minor seminarians.

Before dinner we joined all of the seminarians, minor and major, for Adoration and Vespers. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! I was able to be in a room full of people that were truly in love with Jesus.

During Adoration I prayed to Jesus asked him to watch over my son. I asked Our Lady to care for him.

After Adoration was dinner and some nice social time. Mallu and I really enjoyed talking to many of the seminarians, it was a great time.

By morning I really did not have any sadness or anxiousness. I truly feel this is where God wants "U" to be right now.

Keeping Busy

We have been very busy this spring and summer. Traveled, hosted a lot of family and friends, swim team, and tennis to name a few things we've been up to. I hope to post picture of our spring/summer before we start up school again.
Last night my friend R M came over, I haven't seen her in almost two years, but we picked up right where we left off. I meet her six years ago, at a cursillo weekend, and we instantly connected, like a twin sister you didn't know you had. RM and her girls were here for a short but sweet visit. I didn't take any pictures :-(
Later today, a priest friend of our will stop by for a visit. Fr. C, is moving, we've only had a chance to see him a few times since living in the DC area since he travels a lot, so we will treasure this time.
By dinner time our godson and family will be arriving, they will be here for a couple of days.
Inch will be coming back from his mission trip tonight, we've missed him.
So this is how it's been, we are staying so busy and the blog has been neglected!
We will try to post more often, but can't promise anything.
-mallu

Inch is on a mission trip

Inch is on a mission trip, you can follow his blog to see what he is up to.
http://inchbyinchtogod.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-got-blog.html
-Mallu

"I cried for you"

A conversation between GMAC and U, after U's swim practice.

GMAC: I missed you; I cried for you.
U: I was at swimming.
GMAC: I asked my mom, where you were; my mom said "U" with him swim teacher.
I missed you; I cried for you.
U: I missed you too.
-Inch

Happy Fathers Day---some assembly required

My wife and kids bought me a new grill for Fathers Day. My two wonderful boys wanted to put it together for me as a surprise. Yesterday they got up early and started, well they didn't factor in the fact that they had to go out the door early for a church retreat

--Crucian Dad

its the thought that counts!!

a new look

As many of you may know Mystical Rose is a cancer survivor. Mallu Mom decided to donate her long hair to Locks of Love, when Rose started Chemo. This week she donated her hair again, the salon did a great job of styling Mallu's short hair. If you donate your hair they cut & style for free.

Mallu thinks it makes her look older but I think it looks great!

--Crucian Dad

"Share"

GMAC is at the age where she is figuring things out, and also saying the cutest things.

Today at Mass during peace time GMAC signed peace to the gentleman behind us, then she smiled and told him "it's my birthday." "It's U's birthday", I corrected her. She then turned to me and said with the cutest look on her face. "Share"

Happy Birthday "U"

"U" we are so proud of you son. You are turning into an amazing young man. You've helped us all grow closer to God. One of your best qualities is that you are genuinely interested in people and care about them, you can pick up a conversation with anyone.

It's amazing that you are willing to go where you feel God is calling you, even though it takes you away from your family and friends. It takes someone very special to be able to do this. We will miss you so much, especially your sense of humor, you sweet & caring nature, and all the baking!
We love you,
-your mom & dad

U shaving /goofing off

Holding GMAC

U with Ammama

With Appapa

with Nana and Papa

Papa & U

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Our Church had a beautiful Mass at noon to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi, followed by a Eucharistic Procession. It really brought back memories of my childhood, this was very common where I grew up in India.
-Mallu Mom

Our Garden

One of the dreams that we had when we bought our house was to be able to grow our own vegetables.Well we now have our very own garden. Hopefully we will have a fruitful harvest.
Both of our fathers have amazing green thumbs and we hope some of that greenniss was passed down to us!

Not too big and not too small

this was were we planted a watermelon and squash
some critter ate the whole plant leaving only an empty hole

The tomatoes are coming along pretty well

and the Romaine lettuce!!

of course GMAC wanted to help dig