Candidacy

We have reached a new step (tier) in Andrew's formation process. As you all are aware by now he has been attending the Kino Institute studying Theology as well as attending formation sessions, discernment circles and other events in his/our journey towards the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Phoenix. On the one hand it's just the beginning of a new formation year. On the other it's a halfway point (pre-ordination anyways) and so it's a big deal! We attended Mass along with family, friends, other men in Andy's Cohort as well as other Deacons, Priests and Bishop Olmstead was the Celebrant. It was beautiful as Mass always is and the Rite of Installation of Candidacy for the Permanent Diaconte was also beautiful. 

Being very pregnant I was grateful to have Andrew's parents, as well as my own mom in attendance. Not only to celebrate this step with us but also (for practical reasons) to help me with the boys. I cried through almost the whole thing and just kept thinking, "How blessed am I that this man is my spouse, how blessed are we as a family, and Praise God for all that he has given to us!"

Before everything gets started we gather, the men do a run-through of the rite and then we head into the Chapel.

 

For this rite I was assigned as a Lector.

 

Each of the eight men were called forth individually and stood side by side in front of Bishop Olmstead.

 

 

 

After Mass a lovely reception was held and Bishop joined us to congratulate the men on being called forth. Again I cried...ah, love and embrace my hormones. :-)

 

 

 I can never pass up the opportunity to be a goof!

Back at home everyone is wiped but we all feel the peace and Graces that we all just shared in. Congratulations to my husband on this achievement and his YES to God's call. Keep us in prayer as we continue on the journey.

A Visit from Nana

It's September and Nana came to visit. Her and Compa (grandpa) actually came to celebrate Andy's next step in formation. I'll get to that in a minute but for this post Lets just enjoy all of the playing/visiting that commenced before the celebration.

Liam loves Nana visits because he gets to eat the WHOLE time...only a slight exaggeration.

Hadrien enjoys sitting on the kitchen bar stools like a "big boy".

Even Liam gets up on the stools (when his momma lets him).

Nana loves showing them all of the wonders outside...even when they need to stay in due to not being dressed. :-)

 My boys are just too cute sometimes!

Jess 8 1/2 months pregnant

Daddy pulled out a very cool G.I Joe jet and let's Hadrien assist him with the build before getting to play with it.

 He's pouting because he wanted to put the stickers on, but Daddy is a perfectionist about the stickers. 

Andy enjoys when he can just sit for a few minutes, especially next to the kids.

 Nana too enjoys a good sit.

The kids on the other hand....they love climbing and doing anything other than sitting still.

LOVE THIS...."Camera?....What camera?"

 

Play time with mom

 

 

 A brief time-out and then

 It's a mommy dog-pile....

 

 

 Liam thinks that he has won....but, haha....I got him!