Merry Christmas to all

Some more pics of Simom and the Family. Wishing all a peaceful Chirstmas.

Well you know my name is...

I am writing this post while staring at the bottom of an empty stein of German Hefe Weizen. The occasion for such a celebratory drink...the birth of Simon Michael! At 14:14 this afternoon Manuela gave birth to a whopping 8.15 pound strapping lad. Everyone is doing great. Here are a few pics. O' Bonitas!

tap...tap...tap...

Manuela is now three days past her due date. The family is all prepared to welcome the latest addition; however, the little fella is trying our patience. Perhaps the lad is revealing his innate devotion to Our Blessed Virgin Mother and is waiting for the feast day of the Immaculate Conception to be born (Dec. 8). If such is the case we shall have to name him "Marie". O Immaculate Virgin, intercede for us!

If they don't find you handsome...

Here a few pics of my handiwork. Manuela had me hang some shutters and paint and repaint the exterior over the summer. After 8 months of academics it feels good to swing a hammer and breathe in sawdust.

Mila's Big 04!

It is difficult to believe that Mila turned 4 last Sunday. These years have sadly slid by all too quickly...here are a few pics of my lil' girl on her birthday.

amo, amas, amat...

After she conquers English prose, it is on to Latin and from thence Greek.

Pinky and Nibble

According to Aquinas the father is not only the principle of generation but also of upbringing and teaching. Consequently, I decided to give my children a hands-on 'instructio' in the art of poultryology - the discipline of raising chickens. The family constructed the hen house and the other day we went out to a local farm and Mila picked out these two fine chicks from the brood. She has subsequently named them Pinky (the large white one) and Nibbles (the brownish colored one). The kids are already quite attached to the chicks - the wake up every morn wanting to go feed them. It should be interesting to see their response in 8 months when they end up on the kitchen table coated in a Cajun rub. Some lessons can be painful...