Pray, Pray, Pray

Thank you so much for taking time to pray for National Conference 2010. We have been fortunate enough to have about 3,700 registrants, making it our biggest event ever! Please pray December 30-January 3rd for our college students who will be gathering in sunny Orlando, FL from all across the US to gather and be enriched in the faith. Please pray for FOCUS as we look to host students all across the nation as we help them to see they are Made for More. Check out www.focusconference.org to see conference highlights afterward!

Washed Clean as Snow

"O purify me, then I shall be clean; o wash me, I shall be whiter than snow."
Psalm 51:7

What better day for Joseph James to come into the Church, than a gorgeous snowy day! It was a beautiful ceremony, and Joseph was such a gem (hardly crying for once, thanks to Father letting me feed him first, and change him). We were blessed by the presence of many families that have become dear to us here in Denver, and enjoyed an intimate Baptism St. Joseph's Chapel in the Pastoral center at St. Mary's Parish. It was a joy to have about a dozen children present as they got to partake in the event, helping with the readings, the chrism oils, prayers, and the lighting of the candle. Something that I have never seen before, but brought a tear to my eye was at the end of the Baptism, where Father prayed over Joesph, and asked for the protection of our precious son. What a blessing it has been to be apart of the St. Mary's community!

Getting ready for my big day
Don't forget me...I need to give a cheese smile for Joe's big dayThis is what it looks like to have original sinPlacement of the first chrism oilsI baptize you in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy SpiritWashed clean as snow...being clothed as a new creationThe presentation to Mary by Father Alvaro
My two minutes of fame
Proud new Godparents...Brian Lager a good friend, and future Priest, and Anne Wolpert, a dear friend from FOCUS who lives close to us in DenverWelcome Joseph to our Christian FamilyProud parents...and big brother

Please pray for FOCUS National Conference

I am writing to ask for special prayers this week. Our registration for National Conference 2010 ends this Friday, Dec. 11th, at 11:59 MST! We are continuing to beg our Lord to bring thousands more to come and experience our Lord, and the young Catholic Church, in a way so totally different than ever before! Two years ago, we needed 750 people to register in the final week to help FOCUS avoid losing a significant chunk of change. In one week we had over a 1000 registrants! We are coming to see that this is just how college students work...last minute, but boy does it make us sweat! Please pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for a college student who may need to meet our Lord most! I truly believe that this conference could help a person meet our Lord Jesus Christ, and radically change our culture. We are offering all prayers for this conference, through Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the late great, Pope John Paul II.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!
Pope John Paul II, pray for us!

To see more, check out the NC 10 conference website here!

Just so you can see Joe change...

Just to make you laugh...Jeremy and I just about died when we saw that we caught this on camera!
We got our first smile this Saturday after bath time. He is becoming much more content with bath time...thank heavens!

Precious sleeping little one


Yeah Mom, we're buds...


Hi Mom
That's the truth...so far I don't know what is going to happen with his poo-pooh's, but it appears that he might be storing it up just like Simeon did, and then wamoooooooooo, big explosion!

Joe's First Thanksgiving

This year we got the chance to spend Thanksgiving with some close friends, Stephanie Demboski and her new husband Dave, her parents and sister (and even boyfriend from Ireland). :) Since we couldn't be with family, I would say this was second best. We were also joined by our long lost son, Chris Amaties who shows up in our lives life a college student: we don't hear from him for several months on end, and then all of sudden he's sleep in on our couch! The Parnow's and Demboski's took care of all the cooking (minus a couple of pies), and man was it quite a feast. Mrs. Parnow even bought black olives so that Simeon could put them on his fingers!

Simeon took care of entertaining just about anyone who would play with him. We were in the new Catholic Newman Center at CU in Boulder, and it was the perfect place for us to lounge. We got to watch some Bronco football, play darts, cards, toss the beach ball for Simeon, chase Simeon, and more, at our own leisure! If Jeremy could have it his way, he would hang out there every weekend if he could!

We have a lot to be thankful for this year with the arrival of Joseph James, and especially with economy being the way it is, and both of us working for the Church. We continue to ask for prayers for our family as we continue to shower love on Joseph James, and adapt to our growing family. Thank you for touching our lives, and know that even though we are far away, we think of you all often and miss you dearly!

I promise I ill bring him back
We can't feast anymore!
Ummmmmmmmmmmmm...olives!
What are these black things?
Mom, what are you doing to me?
Practicing...
What can I cook up in this kitchen?
You are so fun Dave...
Go get it Simeon!
Our long lost son with our second born.

Hagen Daz Milk

We are getting closer to feeling adjusted to the life of two. I have slowly been trying to do day ventures with the kiddos whether it be running to the park, going to the store, visiting a friend, or making a run to see Jesus at the Church. The other must do of a day is to catch some zzzzzzzzzzzzz. We have been having long nights with Joseph as he is struggling with reflux. We went to the doctor yesterday to see if we could help our little guy get some rest, and the Dr. said he has all of the classic signs of reflux. But the good news is that I have Hagen Daz milk as our little guy has gained11 ounces in 6 days now weighing in at 9 lbs 8 ounces! So minus the reflux he is a healthy little chow hound. Please just keep praying for our sanity!

Hey Mom, I will give you a break and feed Joseph!
Praying as I fall asleep
Snug as a bug in a rug
I will keep you close to my heart always
I want to play football dad
Early mornings...waking up still
Okay Mom, now really that I have this pillow the right way, hand him over!

My New Ride

Coming to Reality

Joseph at 11 Days
Simeon cooking his bananas

Well, we are officially in the state of reality. We were blessed to have a week stint with Jeremy's Dad and Step-mom Lorene, and then another week of fun with Grandma Piraino. I think the one who is in the most shell shock is Simeon as his buddies have left and he's stuck with boring old Mom. Thank you family so much for your help. It was such a joy to share our family life with you all!

Joseph is growing before our eyes. Literally it seems as though we see him change each and every day. He is becoming such a content little one, eating well and already gaining weight! He had his first well-baby check up yesterday and is now 8lbs 13oz! He hasn't grown in length, and his head circumference is now 14.5. He is in the 50th percentile for all three, but mostly just looks really healthy as he is gaining some roundness to his cheeks, and starting to get some leg and arm chubs. He is getting used to Papa and is turning to hear both of our voices. He is such a cuddler and is very alert when he's not in milk comatose.

Simeon is adjusting but is definitely pushing the boundaries. Yesterday was our first outing to the park as I tried my new Moby wrap, and carried Joseph, and Simeon rode in the stroller (well he pushed it as well). It was so good to see him get out his energy as he has so much of it! He's all boy and I love every ounce of it. I think the favorite part of his day is when Daddy comes home and rough's him up. He squeals "Daddy" in such an endearing tone, and runs for a hug. What can I say, I love the men in my life.

Have to stop to share some of his cheese
I think I will try my banana creation
So intent on our faces
Simeon checking to make sure Joseph is taking his nap(s)
One proud Papa
The science teacher making static electricity
Joseph Day 8
I'm watching you!
Morning giggles
Hi Grandma. You are in such a great mood after I kept you up all night...
...now it's my turn to sleep.
No rest for the wicked
Mom, can you please share your lap
My name is Mr. Adorable
Looking this cute wears you out
Say cheese again
Mom I am getting squished
Bath time...One lover, one fighter...I'll let you guess which one...
Sunday visitors...the Harpole family is who watched Simeon while we were in the hospital.
They think I'm cute...
I'll show you who is the boss
I fit, can I have this?
Joseph at 7 days