The Twins Visit, Family Retreat, And My First Hat

The twins came for a visit back in January to stay for a few days. They were eating solids and starting to crawl, as well as getting some teeth. They are getting so big and I haven't even seen them in about 2 months. I am sure they are huge by now. D has noticeably grown since taking these pictures.

This is the one picture we took while on our family retreat. This year's topic was vocations. All the kids had a fabulous time and it was wonderful for mom and dad, as well, thanks to our friend, Donna. She was so wonderful and helped watch E, and sometimes D, during some of the sessions and talks that were for the adults.

Here is my first attempt at a hat that has a pattern to it. B is wearing it a little too low on her head, just because I was sharing these photos on another, less secure website and didn't want her face to show. The hat fits really well and is much more stretchy than I expected. I've been meaning to start one for the "boys" in a blue and brown scheme, but have been too busy to even get it started. Once the chaos of spring is over, I hope to have some more time.

April MIM Meeting

The day was just beautiful for our April MIM meeting. The kids had a great time picking dandelions and little wild flowers in the grass for Mary.

After class, two of the girls posed with Sr. Magdalene (Miss Donna) who is a third order Franciscan tertiary.

Catholic Family Retreat

We went to the annual Catholic Family Retreat again this year. To our delight, there were more younger children this year, including some friends of ours and their 7 kids. The talks and activities for the children were on the Four Pillars of the Church. The adults listened to Father speak on Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium.

Some of the best moments of the weekend were when the kids were able to play outside together. Personally, I loved the all night adoration. It was so nice to wake up at 1 or 5 am, and walk to spend an hour with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The kids also loved spending the night in the "hotel" room.

I think this has officially become a family tradition. We've been to 4 family retreats now. The kids are already asking when we can go back; some of them even cried when we had to leave. I always love to hear that they enjoyed themselves.

The Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center is such a blessing, and so are the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate who are stationed there. God is so good! Ave Maria!

Family Retreat

This Lent, we attended another family retreat at Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center. We all had a very wonderful and blessed time. The older kids were able to learn more about the Mass, the Eucharist, Confession, and the holy vessels used at Mass, while Dear Hubby and I attended the talks on the 5 Marian stones. It was very educational for all of us. I was a blessing to be there. The little girls were able to do some crafts such as making kites, wreaths, and book marks, as well as, putting stickers on the stations of the cross coloring booklets they made. There was something for everyone.

I feel especially blessed that there was a lovely woman named Donna who helped out with baby E. She held him during every meal and allowed me a little bit of time to enjoy my food. Thank God for such a holy place in this desert land of secularism!

If you are interested in making a retreat check out their website: http://maryschildren.com/