So Helen Keller Does Exist...

For all those from back in my "college days" would remember, didn't learn about Helen Keller until I was at least 20 years of age - she definitely was dealt with a tough hand of cards in life, but this quote is spot on!

Congratulations Father Mark Stang!

Congratulations to Jake's uncle, Father Mark Stang, who celebrated 25 years of priesthood last weekend.

Mark is an inspiration for all!

Was a beautiful day for Mark's mass and celebration.

Mark's homily was incredible and spot on! Trust in the Lord, be Patient and Thankful for God's Grace.

A two-time survivor of cancer, Mark is truly a living miracle.

Was neat to see all the other priests come to celebrate with Mark as well.

God's Grace...

The music was beautiful for mass...

Aunt Lori and Jake's dad Steve presented a special cross to Mark before the final prayer.

Mark said Lori is the first in 25 years to interrupt him in his liturgy :)

Not a dry eye in the church!

What an incredible tribute to Mark!

The wood used for the cross comes from the Dairy Barn that Jake's Gpa Andy built himself nearly 70 years ago. The barn had to be taken down this summer on the home farm. The crown of thorns is barbed wire from the farm. And the words surrounding the cross are taken from Mark's Caring Bridge site when he survived his second bout of cancer.

A well-deserved standing ovation at the end of mass.

Grandma Stang has lots to be proud of in her children.

So glad Sr. Perpetua made it home for the celebration. 

She truly is the BEST!

There was time for dancing!

and of course time for napping at Great Gma Stang's!

Sibling and cousin fun in the cafeteria...

Taking a ride around the gym with Papa!

Was fun to catch up with family members from out of state.

The Stang Crew...20 in all.

Father Mark's journey in this life has been incredible. 

Very thankful to have Sr. P and Fr. Mark in our lives.

Same to you Fr. Mark...same to you!

Honored to know these two...what a sacrifice these two have made in their life's journey and commitment to Christ.

What an amazing day.

Life...

And They're Off to 1st & 2nd Grade!!

Hard to believe we sent a 2nd grader and 1st grader out our front door this morning.

These two are way too grown up!

The night before school...

2nd grade preparations...

1st grade preparations...

Dad's "special" pancakes for breakfast...

Happy signs to read in the bathroom while getting ready for school...

What a year it's going to be for this 2nd grader!

First Reconciliation and 1st Holy Communion on the docket for this lil' man!

And our newest 1 grader...

 

She loves her new Frozen light-up tennis shoes!

Ready for the school year, complete with a DUKE back-pack, Duke lunch box and Frozen back-pack.

Each year gets a little easier sending them off to a new grade.

Still heart wrenching as a mom but too dang excited for them!

Oh the places you'll go...

and I know for the time being we're in the right place!

After holding it together on the outside at school drop-off, I got to come home to this sleeping beauty!

We had a great day together!

But the first thing Carrine asked, "Where'd Andray and Rozzy go?!"

I told her to school.

Carrine's response, "I go to school too!"

In due time child, in due time.

Big kids had a great first day back to school!

Lots to talk about, homework to do, and to bed early!

We're back on a routine!

Praying for a safe and fun school year for all of you!