Future arranged marriage

We joke, that we have enough friends, that we can arrange marriages for our sons. That way we get the best of both worlds...great Catholic girls, and great future in-laws. Simeon is already starting to woo Emma DiNuzzo, our god-daughter. I think it might be a match made in heaven...

Here my love, let me feed you
Say cheese! (literally)

Buddies

Puppy Dog Kisses

In loving memory of my grandma, Shirley Piraino, the Cassidy family has brought back puppy dog kisses. Recently, I decided to give Simeon a puppy dog kiss on the cheek, and man did it make him giggle. After wiping his cheek off with his sleeve, he came right back at me with his own puppy dog kiss! Now just about every time he goes to give daddy kisses, he sneakily tries to slip his tongue out right before daddy can land one on him! So watch out when you come to visit the Cassidy family, because you just might get wet one!

Come on Mom, let me get you...
What an excellent tounge for puppy dog kisses.
Joe can't get me back yet. What goes around comes around....

Rolling Over

Imitation

A couple of weeks I felt as though I was was always frustrated with Simeon, but lately, he is back to melting my heart. He is our little imitator. Some of the best moments include:

1. Sitting down to eat his snack and making the sign of the cross and pausing for prayer.
2. Seeing a crucifix on the wall and genuflecting to it (squatting).
3. Putting his arms around his brother when they are sitting on the couch together.
4. Blowing me kisses, and waiving goodnight to me as he goes to do bedtime routine with Daddy.
5. When asked a question he always starts out with saying "ummm..."
6. Holding toys over Joe's head so he can have something to look at.
7. Trying to tickle Joe the way Daddy does.
8. Really tight squeezes when he gives hugs.
9. Making the kiss sound when he blows kisses.
10. Cooking in the kitchen with all his bowls and measuring cups, and spoons.

Joe Smiling and Rolling Over

All of sudden it seems as though Joe is turning into little man number two! He is now responding and smiling at Jeremy and myself, but mostly Simeon who loves entertaining him, and having lots of conversations with him! Joe is smiling, turning over, squealing, cooing, and is just a joy to have as part of our family.











Our new sitter, Whitney. I think she is Simeon's favorite right now. She is so wonderful, and now I dont' have to take the kids anywhere as she comes to us!

NC Conference Highlights!

Conference turned out better than I could have ever imagined. But pictures speak louder than words so I wanted to include a couple below that tells the story better than I ever could! Thank you for praying for everyone in attendance! Some of the highlights include:

• Over 4,000 attendees-our largest turn out yet!
• A truly exciting New Year's Eve party, with Catholic artist Matt Maher, comedian Tim Hawkins, a balloon drop at the stroke of midnight, and an after party in the hotel lounge till nearly 3am!
• 24 hour Adoration that always was always packed by students, staff, religious and more!
• Nearly 2,500 students went to confession in one night (Friday), and many more confessions were heard every day!
• Mass with over 4,000 people each day including several bishops from around the nation: Bishop Finn of Kansas City, Missouri, Archbishop Chaput of Denver, Bishop Dewane of Venice, FL, Bishop Wenski of Orlando, and Sean Cardinal O'Malley of Boston.
• The founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR’s), Father Benedict Groeschel was one of our five keynotes speakers. He was mobbed by students just about everywhere he went!

More highlights to come! Check our FOCUS Conference site at www.focusconference.org to see highlights or click on this link to see a YouTube video of our New Year’s Eve Video! (Taken by a student)

The line for Confession Friday night...started at nine and went to nearly midnight!

Father Benedict Groeschel...couldn't hardly get anywhere around the conference center.

Some Franciscans, OFMCap enjoying the swing dance party Saturday night.

Father Benedict and Father Victor celebrating there 50th anniversary of their ordination.

The balloon drop at the stroke of midnight!

Celebrating the Mass with Bishop Finn.

Curtis Martin (our President and Founder) during his keynote address Friday Evening. Curtis continually posed this question for the college students, "Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?" The opening concert with Matthew West during Wednesday nights' entertainment.

Student registration at conference...let it begin!

In anticipation of students arriving...