Dear God,

Thank you for the wonderful gifts you have given me in my husband and my children. Please help them to always know how much I love and appreciate them.

I couldn’t help but marvel at the miracle of a growing baby on August 25 when Patrick inadvertently took two steps to me. He is the fifth child who I have seen smile for the first time, roll over for the first time, crawl for the first time, etc. and I am truly in awe of your wonderful goodness in blessing us with our children.

The joy that children bring to our lives is incredible. As I was making dinner tonight, my oldest son was trying to catch a fly using saran wrap. Upon catching it, Theresa made exclamations regarding her brother’s success. Brendan’s “I caught it” was followed by, “Oh, I wet my pants.” I smiled and marveled at my little boy whose attention is often so focused on the creatures and plants God has blessed us with that he forgets all about this basic need.

Theresa surprised me tonight as I was reading the first Treasure Box book. At one point in the story, Mr. Martin asks St. Therese if she knows who made her. Before I could read any further Theresa piped up, “I know who made me, God.” My heart was overjoyed.

Thank you.