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

Our visit with Mallu Mom's cousin

Make a slideshow

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

The tradition goes on!

Crucian Dad's father has had the tradition of always buying the first bicycle for all of his grandchildren. Sometimes he buys the second and third ones also. GMAC is no exception, she has been talking about getting a bike for some time now and Papa (that's what they call him) sure did deliver. She squealed for joy and kept saying "my bike!"

Really cool nuns

Some may think the term "Cool Nuns" seems like an oxymoron because when people think of nuns they they unfortunately think of this
The stereotypical scary old lady with a permanent scowl and lightning quick with the ruler.

Well let me introduce you to the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara

The sisters singing a song before mass

These ladies are young (or young at heart) vibrant, full of love for the Lord and seem to always be smiling!

One of the things the sisters do is run an weekly oratory for young girls. Oratory is like a day camp and Mystical Rose has been going for the past year. This past Saturday the sisters held a family day so we all went. Family Day is something we look forward to; with games, singing, food and fellowship it is always fun.

GMAC playing one of the games run by the nuns

The novitiate house is next to a farm

this is where we had mass

"U" was even able to serve at mass