Who gets to dip into the Stimulus Goodie Bag!?

The blog world is buzzing about this video on You Tube. It's had just under 500,000 views as of today. I sent these videos and the information I suggested below to local news stations. Watch the first video before reading my comments...



Here's a link to the original video Fox News and others are talking about, which I saw on multiple other blogs... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opxuUj6vFa4

It seems this stimulus package the government is fondling with, is proposing to push unskilled minorities into the construction trade - which will leave many "White Male Skilled Construction Workers" out of work because of their race and sex. It will instead add several untrained workers to jobs that need precision. What the heck!? For a First Black President who wants to boost racial equality and the middle class economy, he sure has a team who FOCUSES on race.

This really flustered me, because my husband is one of those "professional White Male Construction Workers" our new Chief Economic Advisor thinks unfairly dominates the construction field. He believes that there should be a designated amount of construction jobs that should go to unskilled, low income minorities - suggesting they are not already an Equal Opportunity Employer. Because this guy, Richard Reich, for some reason thinks that these white guys shouldn't hog up the new stimulus plan - and their families will be just fine living off unemployment checks, and their skills are not important right now. That low income, unskilled minorities should benefit from the stimulus package more and work on our infrastructure instead of my husband, (because he's skilled, white and male.)

Lets reflect on I-35W Bridge....

Okay, there were hundreds if not thousands of qualified construction workers (all races)in MN that were unemployed for 3 months - some 6 months - some even longer. That ridiculous company that won the bid not only charged more than the local companies that bid, but they brought mostly guys from California instead of hiring qualified locals. (Way to help the community) And in some cases, they grabbed people who stopped by to look for work, instead of choosing from those hundreds who had been on waiting on lists for that job for weeks and months. One of them was my husband!

That's the kind of government decisions being made already. What ridiculousness will this administration bring?! Does Obama agree with this weirdo?

Do you really care what the person building your bridges looks like,

or do you care how well he or she does it?

Do Americans really want local, skilled construction workers who've been entrusted to these projects for years with regular training to hand off their much needed jobs to otheres just because they're minorities without proper skills? What happened to equality? What happened to wanting quality work? Will you really want to drive over those bridges? And will infrastructure in low income areas boost our economy?

Because, really, who needs high quality infrastructure in middle income neighborhoods that have a majority of the businesses on their streets.... right? Who wants skilled workers that can complete jobs quickly with accuracy, when you can spend half the time training in new people who WILL most likely mess up something on the job - costing taxpayers more money?

What do you think? Will our government settle for less? I think this is worth screaming to the world. I think that those thousands of construction workers that pushed and pushed us to vote for Obama, are going to be very upset at this news! They voted for him simply because he is democrat, democrats who say they are union (skilled) worker supporters. I think these workers, some who happen to be white and male, deserve a chance at this work as much as any other person who's worked their butt off going to school, training, and showing up for their job. I think those low income minorities shouldn't get a handout, just because of their race, sex or disability. If my husband doesn't get on those jobs because of his race and sex, we'll be just as poor and desperate as them. - We're already borderline on our way!

Interestingly enough, Robert Reich, this Chief Economic Advisor, wrote on his own blog today:
"The way to get the economy back on track is to boost the purchasing power of the middle class. One major way to do this is to expand the percentage of working Americans in unions."

Climbing down off my pedestal for the day...

Thank you for your time,
Melissa & Tom

ADDITIONAL INFO: WHITE MALES NEED NOT APPLY

How Canada did this back in 2005.

Here's what the Contributing Editor for career issues at U.S. News & World Report has to say.

Please pray for...

Please pray for these suffering but courageous children of God:

A fellow homeschool mom battling level 3 brain cancer.

An old family friend diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.

May God hold them in His tender care!

March for Life - Bush's Declaration

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all human beings are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, among which is the right to life..."

A special thought for all of you who are taking time out of your day this THURSDAY JAN 22, 2009 - to MARCH FOR LIFE! I see it's supposed to be warmer, so happy trails.

Did you know that Former President George W Bush left us with an incredible gift...

National Sanctity of Human Life Day (Jan 18)

"All human life is a gift from our Creator that is sacred, unique, and worthy of protection. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, our country recognizes that each person, including every person waiting to be born, has a special place and purpose in this world. We also underscore our dedication to heeding this message of conscience by speaking up for the weak and voiceless among us. ..."

You can read the rest here on the Catholic Online website, because the White House has removed this press release from their website.


>I also encourage you to read Margaret's blog discussion on Pro-Life.

Entering the Better Days

I've recently had a change in pace with my pregnancy symptoms that convinces me that I am most certainly entering week 13 of my pregnancy. The food cravings are down (darn), the nauseau is infrequent. For me dreams became mostly nightmares these past 3 months. But after last night, I think they're going give me a little break too.

My evenings from 4pm on are still rough, recently filled with migraine level headaches that do not flinch at extra strength acetomeniphin. While bedridden with those aches last night, I somehow managed to smack my toes against the bed post - really hard. So in addition to my slight nausea, plantar faciitis pain in my right heel and throbbing head, I've bruised the middle toes on the same foot. - Yes, I'm offering it up, but can't help whining a little.

Yesterday, after spending all day watching the Inaguration speeches (not bad), parade (mad he turned away when MN marched by), and a little bit of NCIS (woah)... I figured I was in for a rough night of dreams. Surprisingly, last night was more refreshing, full of quirky things like me eating Chicken Pot Pie and doughnuts. {Upset this morning we don't have any doughnuts} Those nummies were given to me by my loyal friend Hyde (pictured) from That 70's Show. I also did some back seat driving, literally. Believe it or not, that dream was a relief, because for the past months I've had nightmares about my youngest daughter dying or getting injured in many ways. Waking up in a state of tramatic shock, having to reconvince myself everyone is okay.

But the thing that stikes me most about my dream last night was someone who appeared and told me something profound. It's almost 2 years since my Dad's mom and brother died about a week apart. My Grandma has been in my dreams off and on since then. Last night, however, my Uncle Gary showed up in my dream when I was [researching recreation centers in the area.] He looked right at me, holding a soup laddle (of all things?) in his hand, reached his arms back in a golf swing position and said,

"If you're going to play the game, STOP fidgeting, and swing already!" as he took a full swing straight at me - and I awoke.

Shortly after my husband came in to kiss me goodbye before he left for work. I told him what I heard from Gary in my dream, and he too thought it profound - and possibly something to ponder. So I have. If you know me, you know that I am a procrastinator. So this comment fits me perfectly.

There are many things in my life that I consider "my game" - such as homeschooling. If I really want to make this work for my family and me, I need to stop figeting with the setbacks of my pregnancy symptoms and get my kids back to school! For the past two weeks we've cut back to reading, playing and flashcards. Not bad, but not enough - heck - last week was quarter 2 test week and we're not ready! Thank goodness for flexibility.

Now that I am feeling somewhat better, reaching the 2nd Trimester which is usually great for me - NOW is the time to "swing already." As well as with anything else I've been holding off on.

Is there anything you want to do that you've been fidgeting around for awhile? Are you going to take a swing already?


I read that Sarah has with some sewing
Laura is getting ready to run
Tracy is detoxing
and Margaret is getting ready for a second conversion! Good for you!

Paula had a great quote on her blog:
"Take care not to meddle in things which do not concern you, nor even allow them to pass through your mind; for perhaps you will not then be able to fulfill your own task."

- St. John of the Cross

Getting back into the "swing" of things!

PRAYER TO ST. GERARD

O Almighty and everlasting God, Who, through the operation of the Holy Spirit, prepared the body and soul of the glorious Virgin Mary to be a worthy dwelling place of Your Divine Son; and, through the operation of the same Holy Spirit, sanctified St. John the Baptist, while still in his mother’s womb; hearken to the prayers of Your humble servant who implores You, through the intercession of St. Gerard, to protect her amid the dangers of childbirth and to watch over the child with which You have deigned to bless her; that it may be cleansed by the saving water of Baptism and, after a Christian life on earth, it may with its mother attain everlasting bliss in heaven. Amen.


A PRAYER FOR AN EXPECTANT MOTHER

Lord, may the child that lies close to my heart grow strong and perfect.
Give me the grace Dear Lord, to be a wise and loving mother.
Mother of all mothers, guide and protect me in my pregnancy.
Help me to keep my mind pure and free from sin so that I may breathe
and weave holiness and lovingness into the soul of my child. Amen

A way to save in 2009!

This new year is definately going be focusing on ways to save money, as most people are realizing. I personally am not a coupon clipper, but even if I was - wouldn't have to, and I want to take one post to share with you why. I'll just say ahead of time, I'm not very good at writing about this breifly - when there is so much to say. But I really want to tell you the best I can!!!

I hope you will read along to get in on how you can save hundreds, go green, and possibly make money all at the same time.

How - you ask!?

IDEA/PRODUCT REVIEW:

I have been a part of a family for the past 12 years that does just this - the Melaleuca family. Melaleuca, Inc is a wellness company which creates products that are on the leading edge of effective, eco-safe and eco-nomically friendly. We have the best patented and high quality products when it comes to supplements, cleaners, and personal care products. That's just a pebble on the mountain!

How advanced are we?



Of course right now, the main staple I buy from them is my prenatal vitamins and supplements. As you can see, they also contain a Prental Omega 3 which has DHA and EPA. I love to brag these supplements because they really work, and they're the best you can buy. You can read about their first real success story with the septuplets born to Kenneth and Bobbi McCoughey! This was back in 1997, and as great as it was back then - prenatals have come a long way. Tom and the kids use the other supplements available, from which they also obtain many benefits.

We also can't live without our Melaleuca laundry detergent, brightener, softner, pre-spot, mouthwash, surface cleaners, medical grade lotion, fat-bruning bars, dish detergent and everything else you'd find at your convenience stores. Best working, scientifically tested and compared, non-caustic, formeldahyde free, biodegradible, highly concentrated, cost effective - awesome!

All of these products you can buy direct, but if you understand that this is a replacement shopping system - and a way to improve your health... you can become a preferred customer when you register through a Marketing Executive like myself... and save 30%! Compared to National Brands - you'd be saving hundreds.

Watch this cute video at www.melaleuca.com/6x

about the 6x concentrated laundry detergent

in comparison to leading store brands.

Also, when you register as a preferred customer and place your first order - you can buy a starter Value Pack for an additional $100 off - plus Every New Customer gets $100 in Loyalty Shopping Dollars. Plus, when you order online every month, you will get 15% of your order in Advantage Dollars that you can use on future purchases. Plus, if you enroll new customers you can earn commission bonuses.

How can they do all this? Because they've been a reputable, growing (INC 500) company for the past 20 years, and they know what they're doing! They don't do any advertising in the mainstream market. It's called Direct Marketing. It's a word of mouth company that has thousands of satisfied customers - who all order online or by phone, and have their products shipped UPS. What if you're not one of the satisfied customers - well, that's okay and unlikely - but they have a 100% Guarantee on all their products.

If you want to learn more, click on any of these links or ask me a question! For those close by, I'd love to do a sit down presentation with our catalog.

Melaleuca Links
http://www.melaleuca.com/
http://www.oligofructosecomplex.net/
http://www.vitalityforlife.com/
http://www.melaleuca.org/
http://www.saferforyourhome.com/
http://www.nicolemillerskincare.com/

Thank you for your time!

Let the countdown begin!

A quick update:

I have NOT been feeling well, and of course everyone says that should be of some comfort. It was just Monday that I officially let the nauciousness get to me, and let the toilet have it. But since then I've felt so much better. I'm nearing the end of the 1st trimester, and after hearing our baby's heartbeat yesterday at the clinic - I feel so relieved to have made it this far. If all goes like usual, I should be feeling much better in the next 1-2 weeks. Goodbye nausea, hello maternity clothes!

My Prescription: Take two of these and call... Tom to make some more!

Mmmm! My pregnancy craving that won't go away.

It was just weeks ago we thought we were losing our little baby. And now we're so positive that God is preparing us for the arrival of him or her. Thank you for your continued prayers. Some of you participated in my online poll for naming our baby. The results are way at the bottom-left of my blog page. So I took the results and narrowed it down to just a few names. Please re-vote if you can! (on the right side-bar)It's really that boy name that we just can't decide!

I am sending a special hug out to all the pregnant bloggers out there, especially Jamie and Margaret. Sending a loving prayer to all those who have recently lost a loved one. Then a fertile kiss blown to all those hoping to concieve or adopt!

God Bless you and yours!


PS - Notice that my doctor let me keep my original due date of July 29, 2009 (instead of Aug 7). He says we'll probably just deliver on my due date, to avoid delivering by c-section too early. YEAH - one less week!

Our Blog Saint(s) for 2009

Allison, on her family blog, graciously invited readers to request a Saint for the year. She says that the Saint picks you, not the other way around. From the little things I read from other bloggers, it's really something worth trying. Thank you Allison for taking the time to pray for me!

She wrote me today:

In prayer, my hand was led to
Blessed Luigi & Maria Quattrocchi
They sound like St. Gianna Beretta Molla and her husband.

Pray for strong, virtuous, holy families.

Well...
My dad just posted his excellent homily about Marriage. My husband and I have been working on improving our own Marriage. We have been telling people about Fireproof and the Love Dare for a few months now. Marriage has been a common subject in my families discussions lately. I think this topic of marriage is my current calling - and topping it off with this recommendation of a Saint.... wow.

God's really telling me something important!

What I then found about these two:

-Blessed Luigi and Maria Quattrocchi currently await sainthood. At the end of 1913, Maria was advised to abort her unborn child to save her own life. The couple graciously relied on their trust in divine providence and were blessed with a healthy baby girl "Enrichetta". They also raised their family to be just as virtuous; three of four children joined religious orders.

Luigi and Maria supplemented their faith by attending daily Mass, receiving Holy Communion, and praying the rosary. The couple also opened their home to refugees during WWII. Maria worked as a volunteer nurse for the Red Cross and was a catechist to fellow women parishoners. Luigi, a lawyer and honorary deputy attorney general, was a devoted family man who along with Maria, is said by Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, (Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints) to have made the family into a "domestic church" open to prayer life, solidarity with the poor, and the social apostolate.

Their beatification miracle involved the healing of a young man in Italy with a severe illness who is said to have recovered shortly after their prayers. More miracles await them as devotion continues to grow. May our prayers assist them in their cause and bring them closer to sainthood.

- On October 21, 2001, Pope John Paul II beatified the first married couple. Other couples have been beatified separately for their heroic witness but the married life of Luigi Beltrame Quattrocchi and Maria Corsini vedova Beltrame Quattrocchi provides heroic witness to inspire other Catholic spouses to do the same.

-November 25th was designated the Feast Day for the couple, to commemorate the anniversary of the date of their marriage in 1905.

-I urge you to read the Homily of Pope John Paul II during this beatification. This part caught my eye...

This couple lived married love and service to life in the light of the Gospel
and with great human intensity. With full responsibility they assumed the task
of collaborating with God in procreation, dedicating themselves generously to
their children, to teach them, guide them and direct them to discovering his
plan of love. ... Drawing on the word of God and the witness of the saints, the
blessed couple lived an ordinary life in an extraordinary way. Among the joys
and anxieties of a normal family, they knew how to live an extraordinarily rich
spiritual life.

I am however having trouble finding a specific prayer to them. If I don't get any suggestions, I'll look for a prayer for marriages and the domestic church.

God Bless you and yours!

Here people, people, people!

I've never been one to attract many readers, friends, whatever... so I'm just going to write this simple blog asking you to go look at my new post on my personal blog "Growing in Grace" called:


New & Old Catholic Traditions - it's about the American Mass changing in 2010, as well as the subject of veiling and fasting. This seems to be of some interest in my little world lately.


Also, my dad posted another homily on his wonderful blog called "A Wealth of Wisdom." This one is about the intentions of the Sacrament of Marriage.

I don't blog as much as I did last summer, but I would like to know from my readers, if any, what you would like to read on my blog... what do you like or not like about my posts. Any comments would be appreciated!



God Bless you and yours!

The 12 Days of Christmas

Most of you already know, there really are 12 days of Christmas which begin on Christmas Day and end around the feast of the Epiphany. Well, tomorrow is Day 12. I've been on break from just about everything lately, so I am taking tomorrow to help my children learn about what those 12 days mean for Christians - and why the song is so much more than learning to count backwards.

(JUST FOR FUN - SING ALONG WITH THIS ONE)


As taken from this website:

On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me...A Partridge in a Pear Tree
The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on December 25, the first day of Christmas. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . ." (Luke 13:34)

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Two Turtle Doves
The Old and New Testaments, which together bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the world.

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Three French Hens
The Three Theological Virtues: 1) Faith, 2) Hope, and 3) Love (1 Corinthians 13:13)

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Four Calling Birds
The Four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke, and 4) John, which proclaim the Good News of God's reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ.

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Five Gold Rings
The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity's sinful failure and God's response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world.

On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Six Geese A-laying
The six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1).

On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Seven Swans A-swimming
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Eight Maids A-milking
The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Nine Ladies Dancing
The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness,6) generosity, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Ten Lords A-leaping
The ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God's name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Eleven Pipers Piping
The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Twelve Drummers Drumming
The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Dearest friends and family,
We hope that this letter finds you healthy and happy - and full of the Christmas spirit. You have been on our minds and in our prayers this past year. Many of your prayers and kind words helped us through a difficult yet most blessed year. So thank you very much for being a part of that. We have barely begun to repay the kindness so many showed us.

Most of our year was consumed with one financial stress after another, with periods of good times. Stress mainly due to Tom’s unexpected layoff which lasted nearly five months. Those months seemed like years, unsure if Tom would ever find work. We emptied our savings, reached out to various financial assistance programs, and even made a trip to our local food shelf. Friends and strangers donated groceries and gift cards. All were appreciated. It taught us and our children the value of being a good and humble receiver. It strengthened our faith in God, accepting that His Will for us is stronger and better than our own. It taught us the value of friendships. Also, that the words “Thank You” can never be said enough.

When it was really rough, Melissa decided to go apply for a full time work until Tom found something - anything. The testing and interviews gave her a real boost, realizing she still had the skills to make it in the business world. The day she got a call for two jobs, Tom got his call too. We had to decide all over again if we could manage on just one income. We prayed, and it was clear.

We prayed to the Holy Family, since Joseph was a carpenter and sole provider for the family, Mary was a homeschool mom dedicating her entire life to her child, and Jesus is a great example for our children - one who lived His entire life doing God the Father’s will! As I’ve said before, our sole purpose on earth is to live our lives in service to God - anything else is just extra curricular activities. That’s what we wanted to be - a family who’s focus was not on financial stability, rather on family and our faith lives. With Tom back to work, we can focus on the virtue of Charity. Now we donate our time and money to those organizations, and cherish those friendships deeply. We’ve increased our prayer life. We hope to help and inspire many.

When Mikayla turned six this year, now in first grade, she personally opted out of the traditional gifts, and requested from her party guests donations to the food shelf. We filled over two laundry baskets full that day. Stanley, now four years old, has even made contributions by sending some of his toys for the kids who might enjoy them. Sabrina, at just only one year old, has no clue what has been going on, but her smiles have warmed our hearts and others. We’ve shared in her simple joys and spent more family time than ever before. She reminds us of the simplicity of living and giving.

Homeschooling our children has been a real delight, with a smidgen of challenges any teacher or mother would face. It has been incredible to see for ourselves the faith they are immersed in with every lesson, and to be a part of the milestones each child reaches. Mikayla is reading and writing, and she is a math wiz like her father. Stanley often sits and learns right along with Mikayla. School time usually occurs during Sabrina’s naptime. But if she decides to join us, she has her little corner of the school room filled with learning toys and books. They really enjoyed our science session which focused on growing crystals and edible crafts. Bookwork is just fine, but we get so much more out of the hands on experiences we’re having every day.

In the spring, the kids had fun at T-ball. Melissa kept us busy in the summer by organizing the “Healthy Homeschoolers Walk Wednesdays” walk to local parks. Our family organized this year’s All Saints Party, where Mikayla was St. Bernadette, Stanley was St. Francis of Assisi, and Sabrina was Jesus’ little sheep. We are enjoying our new co-op of homeschoolers for playtime and show ‘n tell. Mikayla still enjoys being a part of Mary’s Little Flowers - Schoenstatt Girls Club which this school year is focusing on the virtues of Mary. We’ve been warned this busy lifestyle has no end!

Most have already heard from someone or through our family blog that we are expecting another bundle of joy due August 2009. We ask for your prayers during this pregnancy and as we prepare for all the changes that come with having a family of six! There will possibly be new room assignments, a stricter schedule, a tighter budget, and new little helpers for household chores.. just to mention a few.


Our marriage is fireproof!
We hope you got a chance to see the new hit movie “Fireproof.” If not - please do! We went on a date night to see this highly recommended movie and it has changed our marriage substantially. A book called the Love Dare evolved from the film, and we have challenged ourselves to take this Love Dare which presents a daily lesson about love as well as a daily challenge. It has been such a revealing process, We ask that you join us by visiting www.FireproofMyMarriage.com to learn more about the film and book. We purchased several books to hand out to friends and family, because we truly believe it is beneficial to ALL couples who are struggling as well as those who want to improve their happiness.

Highlights of this year:· Hosting Grandma Doris’ 80th B-day 1940s Cocktail Party.
· Spring Homeschoolers Barn Dance
· Melissa starts our family blog online.
· MN Catholic Homeschool Conference
· Vacation Bible School
· A second homeschool yearbook published by Melissa
· Trip to Lake Geneva, WI / Lake Michigan with Maltzen’s
· Tom joins Bruce & Michael for golfing and does very well!
· Melissa’s first Mani/Pedicure - oh wow!
· Kids Prolife Club marches in the St. Joseph Parade
· The new sandbox is finally assembled!
· Sabrina is walking and loves to dance the night away!
· Mikayla’s 6th Birthday Bash of a lifetime
· Mikayla lost her first tooth! (and more)
· Incredible fall days at the Michalek and Wicks farms.
· Thanksgiving at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria, MN.
· Tom & Melissa get pregnant for the 6th time at age 32 & 29 - after deciding to be true to their desire to be fully open to life. We trust God thinks we’re ready to share our incredible life and faith with another sou l!

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We are so privileged to have such wonderful friends to share these thoughts and special moments with. We hope to hear from or see you very soon. Until then, may God continue to bless you and your family!

Read up on our family life, school projects and more at - http://StBrigidsAcademy.blogspot.com

God Bless you and yours!

Tom, Melissa, Mikayla, Stanley, Sabrina and Baby

Quick Update!

Sorry - It's been so long since I last posted or read any posts. I've been enduring pregnancy nausea for the past 3 weeks or so, plus pregnancy related congestion, along side the craziness of the holiday season! I still feel really sick, so I'm going to keep this short. Hopefully I'll get caught up with the blog world soon.

Everything is going well with our family and the baby. We had a wonderful Christmas week. Thank you to those who send cards and e-greetings! It was wonderful hearing from you. If you haven't recieved our card yet, I am also going to post it here for all to read.

God Bless you and yours!