The Age of Holy Angels

 “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.” (1 Chronicles 16:34)

Wrapping up an unprecedented school year and celebrating our bunso's (youngest child's) high school graduation have inspired me to look back and pick up where we've left off. My last blog was posted in April 2011 to commemorate Alison's First Communion. Since then:

1. Edison has graduated from business school and was no longer taking night classes that previously left my evenings free for blogging;

2. Social media has taken off and has become my primary mode of updating you about my mommy (and personal) journey; and

3. We were in the thick of our jam-packed schedule of what I now dub "The Age of Holy Angels," as Edward and Alison attended Holy Angels School during their formative years of Kindergarten through 8th Grade.

In his book Family First, Dr. Phil writes:

Life begins with rhythm… the comforting sound of the mother’s heartbeat provides security to the unborn child. It’s this beat of life that connects us to a deeper rhythm of life… Children need this rhythm in their lives, and it is unsettling to them when they don’t have it.

He also outlines “The Five Factors for a Phenomenal Family.” Factor #s 2 and 3 are:

• Promote Rhythm in Your Family Life

• Establish Meaningful Rituals and Traditions

And just like the greatest partner in education it’s been for us, Holy Angels School has reinforced the heartbeat of our family with its annual traditions that developed Edward and Alison’s Performing Arts Skills:

• Parish Fiesta in September;

• Christmas Musical in December; and

• Spring Celebration in April

Besides learning about our Catholic faith every single day, they also had Visual Arts, Music, and Physical Education embedded in their weekly schedule. They also had opportunities to join CYO Basketball (Alison in 3rd Grade and Edward from 3rd Grade to 8th Grade); CYO Flag Football (Edward in 6th Grade); the school dance club called “Liturgy in Motion” (Alison from 5th Grade to 8th Grade); and Student Council (Alison in 7th and 8th Grade).

I am very much aware that it takes a village to raise children. I couldn’t be more grateful to our family, our friends (who are our chosen family), Edward’s and Alison’s teachers (both at Judith Baker Child Development Center and at Holy Angels School) for helping Edison and me raise them into who they are now.

To be continued…

Dear Lord, thank You for Your faithful love and guidance through the formative years of Edward and Alison. Continue to send Your Spirit to help Edison and me throughout our journey as parents. Amen.