Tax Day Tea Party at the Alamo

Some snapshots of our entertaining protest of big government.

Don't know these ladies but got a kick out of their tea bags.

Don't know him either - but very patriotic.

ALLELUIA! HE IS RISEN

We spent a lovely Easter weekend at the Ranch with my Mom, Dad, Kim and Nathan.

Easter Triduum

We sang a song to this melody at the "Spy Wednesday" Mass yesterday (the day we recall Judas' betrayal of Jesus). I knew I recognized the tune, but it took me a while to realize that it is a song from one of our favorite movies and soundtracks, "Master and Commander."

Take a few minutes to listen and meditate on the next few days. It is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful and moving pieces of music ever written.

There can be no Easter Sunday without a Good Friday.

New Dresses

John's sweet aunt Anna made these dresses for the girls for Christmas. Since our camera broke during that time I didn't have authentic Christmas poses of them. They wore the dresses to Mass today for the last official feast of Christmas - The Baptism of Jesus.

Please overlook the condition of my house in the background - sigh.

Poor Leah's been sick with fever for days. She really tried to smile.

Treasure hunt

Anyone who knows me well is aware of what a garage sale/Goodwill/Salvation Army fanatic I am. I just love hunting for bargains and can't bear to pay retail for anything. Yesterday I was looking for bunk beds for 2 of my boys and didn't find them but found these pretty winter dishes. I've been using plain white for several years now - boring but practical. I'm so excited to have found 8 place settings for $0.79 each piece. They're not too Christmas-y so I can use them through winter. It was such fun to set the table tonight.

JUST TESTING

John got me a really cool camera for my birthday. My son Josh is helping me figure out how to upload pictures. "WHY SO SERIOUS???"

Thanksgiving at the Ranch

Our family has a ranch in the Texas Hill Country which my generous brother, Chris, purchased for our use over 10 years ago. It's a peaceful, relaxing place to get away from the world. I actually read a book while we were there over Thanksgiving weekend!

Grandpa Tommie (Vietnam vet) taught the boys some shooting and gun safety.

We did a lot of sleeping.

Grandma Pat helped Josh with an architecture program.