Welcome Little Z to the Church

The baptismal gown it the same one that I was baptized in...all of my children and nieces and nephews have also worn the same gown

We are so thankful to our generous and merciful Lord. A year ago this weekend we buried our little Tarcy, a year later we are blessed to have Lil Z Baptized. We truly feel so blessed not only for this precious life God has entrusted to us but also for all of our family and friends who who have been with us along the journey.

Z just kept staring at the Monsignor

We love Little Z's God Parents!

Sister Mary Servant of the Cross was there when our beautiful Tarcy was buried

And of course this day wouldn't be the same without family

Pilgrimage

Our oldest two are on a month long Pilgrimage to Europe, ending with World Youth Day! We are so excited for them.
We are really proud of them for earning / saving the money for this trip on their own. We are also so thankful for family and friends who helped them with generous donations. Please keep them in prayer.

A map of their travels

Sending "U"off

A slideshow by Smilebox

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

Happy Birthday

Mallu Mom and her cousin

Happy birthday to my lovely wife,
you are the love of my life and my best friend. Everything good that is in my life can be directly linked to you. I thank God every day for putting you into my life.

Love,
Your grateful husband

Mothers Day Blessings

Happy Mothers day to all of my family and friends who are moms. My mom and mom-in-law are not longer on Earth; I am very blessed to have had them for as long as I did. I miss them both, especially today. It's still has been a wonderful day, my oldest 3 woke me up to this!

"U"'s homemade waffles topped with homemade whipped cream, omelet with sausage, and bacon!

Crucian Dad left me a sweet card before he left on his trip early this morning, and Mysical Rose placed the flowers on the night stand.

The house was absolutely nice and clean, the kids all worked together for such a nice morning. GMAC did her part by sleeping in!

Happy Mothers Day!
-Mallu Mom

Happy Birthday GMAC!!

GMAC, you are such an amazing gift from God! We are always so entertained by you, you say and do the cutest things. You are sweet(when you want to be), always concerned about everyone else. You are very polite. You are also one smart cookie. It's great how you always remember to pray before you eat. We love you and we love how you love Jesus.

Moments of Grace

Happy Birthday Cruzan Dad!!!

Honey,we love you so much. You take good care of us, you work so hard to provide for your family. You are such a wonderful husband and dad. The kids and I agreethat you are very easy to talk to, and just a fun guy. Thank you for making us laugh all the time. You are such a kind and caring man, I am very grateful God chose you to be my husband. Happy Birthday!
I love you
Mallu Mom

Congratulations "U"

Tonight was a very important night in the life of "U"
He completed the last of the three sacraments of initiation into the Church by being confirmed. He was so happy and so are we!! So pretty much he is now an "adult" in the eyes of the Church...... but he will always be our little boy!!

"U" in between the Bishop and his sponsor (A really cool Dominican Priest)

The rest of the family is to the left of the Bishop

Happy Birthday Inch

Well there is a time in every parents life when they realize that their little boy/girl is becoming a man/woman. Inch is now 16 years old and gone is that little boy who we held in our arms. Inch has become a mature young adult.

He has shown us that he has wisdom beyond his years. We actually find ourselves asking his opinions on important family decisions. His advice is almost never rash but for the most part well thought out and articulate. It is hard to believe that he will be leaving our house and forging his own path out into this world.

I hope that the world is ready for this young man. He will be a challenge to all that he meets. I mean this in a good way, to often people are satisfied with the "status quo" without questioning why things are the way they are. Inch has never been happy with the standard "just because" answers to his why. This has challenged to grow as parents and as Catholics. He dreams of being a Theology Professor some day and I don't doubt for a minute that he will be one someday.

Happy Birthday Young man we thank God for your health and for you being you.

Love Mom, Dad, "U", Mystical Rose, and GMAC

Our Back Yard in Fall

We are truly enjoying God's canvas, our view from the backyard.

September 23rd, 2002

Rose, just weeks before diagnosis.
We used to play with her tummy and say you are finally gaining weight! little did we know.....

Seven years ago yesterday, we heard the words that no parent wants to hear " Your daughter has a tumor." Rose was under two years old and was diagnosed with cancer in both her kidneys. We had just moved state side from Turkey a month prior to that. We had tried hard to get orders to Italy but those fell through. As disappointed as we were that we didn't get to stay oversees, God had a better place in mind for us. He send us back to the states where there was a top notch children's hospital, He always knows best! After 2 surgeries and 5 months of chemo,we are blessed to say she is in good health. Although I wouldn't wish to go through this again, I am grateful because we grew closer to Our Lord as an outcome. We offered up so much of her suffering for conversion of souls. We are very grateful that God send many people our way to help us in our time of need.

On another note, September 23, 2002 was Padre Pio's first feast day! When we lived in Turkey we meet a priest who witnessed Padre Pio bilocate! It was through him we heard of Padre Pio, so I did ask the good Padre for prayers for Rose. I didn't realize the significance of this date until a couple of years later.
--Mallu Mom