I didn't plan on writing this...

I didn't plan on writing this, but was reading Cari's blog "Clan Donaldson" this morning and after crying like a baby over this video, felt compelled to give a shout out to my cousin "Eddy" who is everyone's favorite member of the family... everyone's! 

Eddy is a cancer survivor, and when he was going through treatment would sit down in his chair and instead of complaining would probe around to find a "good vein" for the nurses and then visit each of the other patients to spread his good attitude around.  He truly transformed the place! 

Eddy does that.  He transforms wherever he goes. 

Eddy is also an Olympic Gold Medalist with the Special Olympics.  His Father says that it's Eddy who keeps him in shape and gets his to take care of his health.  Our family is Lithuanian and My Auntie Leone & Uncle Ed always wanted to go to Lithuania.  They never suspected it would be Eddy who would bring them there.  When he placed in the Special Olympics and they traveled to Lithuania for the competitions held there that year, they were able to make connections with friends and distant family members that they may never have been able to had it not be for this beautiful child.

Eddy has always brought joy wherever he is.  I have memories of him throughout my childhood and now into my adulthood that always bring a smile to my face.  Here are some photos of him visiting over my pregnancy.  It was a wonderful visit.  Can't wait till the next one!

Now break out the kleenex and watch the video that inspired this post.  Love you Eddy.  The world would not be the same without you!

7 Quick takes Friday

1. Shaun will be no longer working nights... soon!  I've enjoyed having him home for part of the day (even if he is unconcious most of the time he's here) and yet, I'll enjoy having a similar sleep schedule with him again.  Thank God for the gift of work when your husband works in construction and it's winter!  I'm so proud to have a husband who works SO hard without complaint (even with sciatica and an injured back for the past 2months) to provide for our family.

(here's a pic right before he heads back into work)

These are the notes that hung on the door since St. Valentine's day, so he'd see them every time he headed out to work.

2.  On Saturday we had a "Day with Mary" at our parish.  It's a beautiful day of prayer and devotion to Our Lady.  Our pastor gave a great homily on Our Lady of Perpetual Help and consecrated the parish to her Immaculate Heart.  Here are some pics of the day:

At the end of the "Day" there is a procession with Our Lady of Fatima where she is carried surrounded by flowers and the church sings a traditional song "Fatima Farewell" while waving handkerchiefs to Our Lady.

Shaun held Ava as they waved goodbye to Mary...

 Ava sang...

 Fr. Conrad & Ava Marie

An opportunity for a family shot.

3.  I am so appreciative of a husband who comes home with these for no reason.  Especially after I kept saying "are you sure you don't want me to go to the grocery store?  Are you sure?  I can get ready quick!  Why do you want to go by yourself?  Nag nag nag..."  All the while he meant to come home with these!

4. The house may be untidy at times, but I'm thankful for these signs of a "happy" home:

5. Our good friend Fr. Marcello came to visit on Monday.  It was wonderful to have him!  Unfortunately the day went by much too quickly...

Kisses for Father...

 Kisses for Ava...

6. Ava has been cooped up most of her life inside because of the cold weather, but yesterday the weather was so beautiful, so Daddy took her out on the porch with him.  Here are some beautiful shots of them:

7.  Here's another favorite from this week.  Can't believe she's 5 1/2months old already!