William was helping me close the door in the car, and he looks at me and says "Be safe!"

Emma came home from school and had a special hat on with the words "Angel of the Day." She was the best behaved at Mass today. I am so proud of her!

Patrick just came up to me and asked to go to confession again. It's only been a few weeks, but I am proud of him for not being afraid or too nervous. Grace is so awesome!

William has decided to name the baby. He comes up to my belly and talks to him, saying "Good night, Mario." We keep telling him we are not going to name our baby after a video game character, but I don't think he quite gets it.

We happened upon a yard sale the other day, and William very excitedly brought me something. He was in the baby toy section and said "Look, Mommy, Angry Birds!"

• Patrick has been so generous lately. Without any prompting he shared his special St. Patrick's day treasures with his brother and sister, and gave up a very special toy to his cousin. I was SUPER proud of how unselfish he's been, and I *hope* it will continue.


• Emma told me that they did a volcano drill at school today. Patrick rolled his eyes and said "tor-na-do" drill. I thought it was so funny that she called it that, but Patrick was not going to let anyone say that without correction. Silly boy.

Parade Pictures

Tommy had the kids for the St. Patrick's Day parade. Patrick was to march with the Cub Scouts, and we bundled the other kids up for their walk/ride with Daddy. It was VERY cold that morning and as it turned out, Grandpa was driving his van, so Emma and William stayed warm and enjoyed a ride.

He looks so darn cute, doesn't he?

Today was the big day. First Confession for Patrick. All week I have been hoping to go as a family so I could get to confession with him. My plans were changed by my 2 sick kids who needed some extra TLC and a doctor's visit to say we have and ear infection, and watching for strep. It's always hard to go to the doctor's on a Saturday, but there is one doctor in particular with whom I don't have the best appointments. I usually feel very small and frustrated, largely in part due to temperment (mine) and personality (the doctor's). Unfortunately, this doctor was the only one there, and Tommy wanted to take Patrick, so it was my job to take the 2 sickies. I am so happy to tell you that the appointment went well. I am so grateful to God for such a good visit, with smiles, laughter and well-behaved kids. I know God was taking care of me because He knows how tough it was to miss Patrick's big day, and to deal with this doctor. I also know that Patrick did really well at his confession. He even went to a retired priest (the one with the shortest line) who has an accent. As we were going through the steps to confession, I asked what kind of penance he thought he would get. His response was that only grown-ups with big sins get big penances (like 5 rosaries) and he only has small sins so he won't get a big one. He was right! :) I am so proud of him, and I think he did a great job. I can't wait to take him for his next time!

I love it when I can feel like a "cool mom." Patrick has been coming home making these "fortune teller" thingys, which are just paper folded over, with dots and things all over it. I found those cootie catchers and made one for each kid and you would have thought it was Christmas for these kids. I love that something so simple would bring them such joy!