Clare and the Potbellied Pigs

On Saturday, April 18, we went to Enid, Oklahoma, to the rural home of Clare's Godparents, Kent and Paige Keithly. Among other "critters" they have two potbellied pigs named Goodness and Mercy. We had so much fun that we will have to break up our photos into categories.

Goodness Keithly getting her belly scratched. This is as close as Clare got to either of the pigs.

Oh, my Goodness!!!

Jim is a pig lover from way back.

A face only a mother could love.

Goodness getting some more lovin' from mother Keithly.

A mother-daughter heart-to-heart talk.

Clare Visits Auntie Di

After school today Mama and Daddy took Clare to see Auntie Di. Our dear friend, Diane Culbertson, is proprietor of Sacred Relics, which is the most fabulous place for miles around to purchase religious art, icons, relics, antiques and books. When Clare arrived home, Auntie Di gave her a beautiful Rosary bracelet with antique beads, a Catholic book, The Genesis of It All, about the Creation story, and a book, Praying In Color. Thank you so much. We love you. And, by the way, Happy Birthday!!!

Auntie Di and Clare

Clare writing her name in English and Chinese.

Clare writing her name in Chinese.

Clare Goes To Villa Teresa Catholic School

We are excited to announce that Clare began school today at Villa Teresa Catholic School. This school is located here in Oklahoma City and is run by Carmelite nuns. It is for children from pre-school through fourth grade. It is very important to us that Clare receive a Catholic education and we feel that Villa Teresa will be a wonderful beginning for her. When Clare arrived in Oklahoma from China last November we had all the adjustment and language issues to deal with, along with her health issues. Clare had the opportunity to jump right into a learning environment at Abundant Life home school run by Miss Linda. We will be forever grateful to Miss Linda for the great start she gave our little Clare, but we now feel that Clare is ready to take the next step. Thank you Miss Linda.

Villa Teresa campus

This is what you get to see in a Catholic school. Thank you, Jesus.

This is Clare's new teacher, Miss Mary.

Miss Mary introduces Clare to another student.

Clare, Mama, and Villa Teresa secretary.

Here we go.

A new start for Clare.

Clare and Miss Linda.

Brycie's OCU Law Review Banquet 2009

On March 27, 2009, I was honored to join Brycie in attending the Oklahoma City University School of Law banquet honoring the OCU Law Review editors and staff. They publish a law review journal which is circulated to law schools, law firms, law libraries, banks, corporations, and government entities worldwide. The journal publishes scholarly articles, notes and comments, and is very helpful in researching highly specialized areas of the law. Most law schools publish a law review journal. In 2008 Brycie was honored by having her law review article published. Quite an accomplishment, I must say. Brycie won't brag on herself, but I sure don't mind bragging on her. I am extremely proud of her. In mid-May, Brycie will graduate with honors from OCU School of Law and will sit for the Oklahoma Bar Exam in July.

My wonderful wife, Brycie. She is also a fabulous mother. Just ask Clare.

Brycie receiving her award as Staff Editor from Dean Lawrence Hellman, Dean of OCU School of Law and Professor Vicki MacDougall, Law Review Faculty Advisor

This is one of Brycie's dear friends, Julia Dittberner, receiving her award as Resource Editor. Brycie met Julia during the summer before they began law school in 2006. They became, and have remained, great friends, and both will graduate at the top of their class.

Dean Hellman introducing the guest speaker

The guest speaker was Honorable Debbie Barnes, one of the justices on the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals. She graduated number one in her class from OCU School of Law in the 1980's.

Clare's First Easter!!!

Lent and the Easter season is our favorite time of year. We are so thankful that God sent his Son to live among us and to die so that our sins may be forgiven! He is risen!!! Clare has eagerly participated in this holy season. She received ashes on Ash Wednesday, abstained from meat on Fridays, prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary, attended Mass on Holy Thursday, communion and veneration of the cross on Good Friday, and the 3-hour Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. She was able to witness the baptism of 5 people, and we explained to her that she too would be baptized soon. Thank you God for guiding us as we help Clare learn more about you and your Church!!

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

Jim was a lector at the Easter Vigil.

Clare's first Easter basket

We celebrated Easter with the Ventrescas.

Daniela and Brycie play Mario Kart

Angelo is so attentive to Clare!!

Visit from Darcy, Uncle Dave & Aunt Jan

Clare's cousin Darcy flew in from Illinois in late March so that she could meet Clare and visit Grandad. Aunt Jan and Uncle Dave drove in the next day. Clare enjoyed her time with Cousin Darcy!!

Darcy and Clare made a red velvet cake.

Clare decided it would be fun to have a dot of red batter on her nose!

Grandad's lookin' good at 92!!

Which one's the China girl?!?!

Aunt Jan, Grandad, Daddy & Clare

Carson's 8th Birthday

On March 23, we went to Carson's house to celebrate her 8th Birthday. Clare's sister, Kelsey, made a wonderful Italian supper, and we got to visit and play Wii!! Kelsey appliquéd a fleur-de-lis on t-shirts for Carson's birthday. Carson gave one to Clare, and she loves it!! Thanks for a great time!!!

Carson picked out 2 special cookies - Elmo for Carson & the ladybug for Clare - Yummy!!

Goofy girls in their pretty t-shirts

Bret

Carson & Kelsey