Samantha - Go Lebron!

David actually spent several minutes trying to get her say, "Go Celtics!", but that was too much of a challenge, so he gave in and tried the second most popular NBA Team in the Algood Household.

This was the result....(if you listen closely, the second thing she tries to say is "Go Cavs!")

And this was Take Two.....

Hurt Feelings

While whimpering, AJ says, "I hurt my feelings". And he points to his wrist.

I reply, "AJ, I don't think you even know what feelings are." (He sure has heard about 'hurt feelings' from his 4 going on 12 year old Samantha) Realizing that wasn't very loving of me, I follow up my remark with, "AJ, where are your feelings?"

AJ whimpering, "Right here" (again, pointing to his wrist).

Samantha, pondering my question and thinking AJ must not be right, says, "Mommy, where are your feelings?"

"Where do you think?"

Samantha, "I think they are in my stomach."

I am thinking, 'not a bad assessment', but reply, "Why do you think that?"

Samantha, "Well, when my feelings get hurt, it makes me want to cry. So, they must be in my head too. There are 2 feelings. One in your stomach and one in your head."

One day she'll publish her findings.

Serenity

Bright week at the beach! (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) Sand, salt water, waves, sun, & mountains. Reading, sleeping, exercising, eating & reflecting.

Meanwhile, the grandparents (yes, all 4, in rotation) enjoyed time with AJ and Samantha. They have many stories to tell! We are all still adjusting back to 'reality'.

Christ is Risen!

What a Pascha! I am not sure I've ever been so physically exhausted, yet wired at the same time.

Here are a few pictures from Holy Week. Poor Samantha got sick on Lazarus Saturday and missed Palm Sunday but she still enjoyed celebrating the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem at home with her craft. We made "resurrection cookies" and dyed eggs on Holy Saturday.

While I brought my camera to church for the Pascha service, I didn't get it out. Next year I will. Andrew stayed awake the entire service which meant we were exhausted from holding him and trying to keep him calm. David and I each spent time with him outside counting stars and talking about the lion in the bushes. Even while outside the service was beautiful. You could hear all the hymns with the doors wide open.

Sunday morning, the kids enjoyed finding their baskets of goodies and sharing a few moments.

We didn't get much sleep, so it was a challenge to keep the kids happy during the day but after Agape Vespers the enjoyed their Egg Hunts and some play time with friends.

Christ is Risen! He is risen, indeed!

The last few months we have mourned with friends and family over the losses of loved ones and its on Pascha that we can reflect and truly feel the joy of what the resurrection accomplished for us.

"Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!"

Holy Friday...

Reflecting.

I am 34 years old today. It is a solemn day in my faith- a day where we sing (chant) hymns focusing on the crucifixion of Christ Jesus, the Teacher. His sacrifice is a gift to me - a gift to all of us. How humbling it is for my birthday to be the same day as Holy Friday this year. I couldn't feel more loved.

I listen to this hymn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn78x3gY-2Q:
Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross. Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross. Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross.
He who is King of the angels is arrayed in a crown of thorns.
He who wraps the heaven in clouds is wrapped in the purple of mockery.
He who in the Jordan set Adam free receives blows upon His face.
The Bridegroom of the Church is transfixed with nails.
The Son of the Virgin is pierced with a spear.
We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ, we venerate Thy Passion, O Christ. We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ.