Vavomena!

My mother is the cute little girl in the right bottom corner.   Resemblance to her granddaughter???

Catholic Culture

The Jacobs family had a nice little vacation in Winona, Minnesota over a week ago.   We stayed in a cozy hotel room.  Hotel room equates extreme fun for the children!  We believe it was one of the most successful and peaceful trips staying in a hotel room of all time, but it also helped that kind friends allowed us to use their air mattresses.

It's not often you are surrounded by like-minded people for an extended weekend!  We had the honor of attending the last ordinations ceremony at one of the places we travel to for Mass twice a month.  St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary will be relocating to Virginia in October of 2016.  God willing, Jordan's twin brother will be part of the first group to be ordained priests in the new location.  Please keep him and his fellow classmates in your prayers.  

I still remember the first ordinations we attended while I was pregnant with Magdalene.  I was amazed by the amount of people who traveled so far to attend the ceremony.  I watched all the beautiful Catholic families bring their children to Mass each day, and saw all the eager children running and playing throughout the weekend.  It's always fun to reunite with friends!  

This was the first year we had reserved seats, and it was so nice to be up close so we could watch some details of the ceremony.  It is not a short ceremony by any means, but it is very beautiful and touching to see a family member give his life to God.  

I was really touched by the sermon Fr. Matthew gave on the Sunday following ordinations.  The sacrifice is not only on part of the priest, but also of the family who loves the dear soul!  The dear grandmothers and grandfathers who doted on the little boy as a child, and who loved every visit and cookie they could give him.  The brothers and sisters of the priest who helped in the formation of his character.  They were his best friends, his playmates, and the ones who helped him learn how to sacrifice in the first place.  (It's not always easy to share toys, books, space, etc.)  The dear fathers and mothers who give their precious child back to God to help save souls!   The sacrifice can almost seem so difficult for some.  There is joy knowing that society will step by step be restored by one more holy priest.  

Throughout the weekend we were able to witness beautiful, smiley Sisters.  Yes, they do smile contrary to what the public thinks!  I don't think I saw one nun walking around without a smile.  I think that struck Magdalene throughout the weekend.  Whether or not one or all of our children will be called to the religious life, they witnessed joyfulness and sincerity by each religious we passed.  

There were special highlights to the weekend, such as Papa and Grandma buying some sweet dolls and knight toys.  We were able to eat in the tent this year!  The food was delicious!  We visited with friends, seminarians, priests, and Sisters.  

We look forward to our travels for next year, and be a witness to our dear brother, uncle, son, grandson, and nephew completely and willingly give his life to God to help save precious souls! 

The Beautiful Hands of a Priest  

We need them in life's early morning,
we need them again at its close;
We feel their warm clasp of friendship,
we seek them when tasting life's woes.
At the altar each day we behold them,
and the hands of a king on his throne
Are not equal to them in their
greatness; their dignity stands all alone;
And when we are tempted and wander
to pathways of shame and sin,
It's the hand of a priest that will absolve
us----not once, but again and again;
And when we are taking life's partner,
other hands may prepare us a feast,
But the hand that will bless and unite
us is the beautiful hand of a priest.
God bless them  and keep them all holy
For the Host which their fingers caress;
When can a poor sinner do better than
to ask Him to guide thee and bless?
When the hour of death comes upon us
may our courage and strength be increased.
By seeing raised over us in anointing the
beautiful hands of a priest!

Author Unknown

Happy Birthday Donut!

Dear Philomena,

You truly live up to your name!  You have been and continue to be such a beautiful and loving little girl.  I think we were amazed by how affectionate you were so early on, and we continue to love your sweet embraces and kisses.  

You were definitely the quietest baby after delivery.  I almost wondered if something was wrong, but you were unaware that you were brought into this world.  You were our smallest baby.  How tiny your features were compared to Tobias and Magdalene, but you definitely did not stay tiny for long.  I prayed for a chubby baby, and God granted that wish!  

Your first day home was such a joyful day!  You had an older brother and older sister awaiting your arrival.  Tobias was only 18 months old when you were born, and Magdalene was a little over 2 1/2 years old.  They took their jobs very seriously!  Your madrinha (godmother), grandparents, tias, uncles, other family members, and friends were awaiting your arrival.  

Daddy laughed when he saw how much hair you had.  Hairy and Portuguese just go together.  Sorry!

We were so excited for your baptism later that week!

Like I mentioned earlier, it didn't take long for baby Mena to get her chub!

"What do you mean I'm in the 100th percentile for weight?  Well, at least I'm only in the 15 percentile for height."

Mommy was a little too excited to make you a tutu for your first birthday like your big sister.

Nothing has changed.  You still like the frosting and cream....you don't really eat the cake.

This picture perfectly describes your first reaction to new people or situations.

First tea party with your madrinha (godmother)!

Thank you Daddy for taking me to Disneyland.

Daddy loves to call you donut, and you love it as well.  So why not have a donut party!  

By the way, you had the easiest party ever.  Thank you sweet girl!

Map from Dora was taking you on an adventure on your birthday.  You had clues to presents or destinations to get you to your donut party!

Sure you can have mini donuts for breakfast!

First part of the adventure was talking to Vavo through videochat.

Poor Mena has a hard time pedaling so her birthday present this year from Vavo was a trike that Mommy or Daddy could help push from behind.

She was so excited!  It was like watching her on an exercise bike.  She was pedaling away.

 And she could park her trike like big sissy and brother.

Part 2 of her adventure was hearing a riddle from Daddy the Troll (Dora character).  She had to find a present in the dryer.

Hello Sheriff Callie!  Now on to adventure party three to the new house!  She was going to find her "horse" there.

Daddy traded firewood for a little girl's adventure bike.  He even spray painted some details to make it more fun.

We take a break in this post to write an update on the house.  Our new front door has been added.  Thank you to the wonderful carpenter who placed it in!

Now onto the last part of the adventure.  Donut party!

We had some really excited children!

Happy Birthday Donut!  We could not imagine our lives without your sweet smile, laugh, and personality.  We are blessed to be your parents!

*Thank you to everyone for your birthday treats, calls, cards, and gifts.  You are all so sweet!  She loved opening each card, and then she immediately wanted to draw a picture in each card except for the one she received from Texas.  She wanted to keep opening it over and over and over.  It was sweet to watch her.

*It will be a surprise when Tia Brenda comes to visit.  We plan on doing a party with extended family during her trip so Tia Brenda can have fun too!  I think Brenda and I will be busy baking some donut inspired flavored cakes!

Magdalene's donut decoration for Philomena!