Happy Birthday Nanny!

Today is Nanny Chelles's birthday. We pray your day has been filled with many blessings. Thank you for choosing to be Emma's godmother. You are a wonderful example of a christian wife and mother. Thank you for your thoughtfulness & all the little things you do that make everything extra special.

Be anxious for nothing

"Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto Christ. And the peace of Christ, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." --Philippians 4:6-7

This bible verse was included in an email sent this morning. It could not have hit the nail on the head any harder. As many of you know Mom is going to have a heart cath done tomorrow morning. Yes, she has had one before, and people have them everyday, but it doesn't seem to comfort me much. I know God has a plan for everything and it's in His Will, it's just hard for me to give my 'yes' to Him sometimes. I feel in my heart all will go well, but it's still scary. I continue to ask you guys to be in prayer for her. I pray the Lord guides the doctors through the procedure and gives them the gift of discernment on how to make mom better. I also pray that we as her family and friends can be supportive and helpful in the way she needs us to be. I ask for forgiveness and prayer that I do not become mother hen and smother her. Most of all I pray in thanksgiving for all those who surround mom in love, prayer, and take the time out of their busy lives to be there for her.

Thank you Emma & Madeline for being patient with me as I am stressed. Eric, thank you for being my rock. In the midst of stressing about Mom and Gustav, you keep reminding me that God always has our best interests at heart, and no matter what happens He is there.

Slowing Down

This morning on the way back from paying the utility bill we got stopped by a train. Normally if we were in a rush I would usually start planning alternate routes in my head or get a little impatient. Today was one of those have all the time in the world days. We were able to watch the train go back and forth several times to adjust to the narrow opening. For all those who are not familiar with our neighborhood, there are large bins where rice is dried(formally Riviana Rice Mill) so trains frequently come and go. It was so nice because the girls were laughing and having a good time. I felt God was showing me the many blessings I miss each day because I either don't pay attention, think negatively, or don't take the time to see them.

Later that afternoon we had family night at Didi's. It was so nice to be with everyone. When life is passing so fast, it's nice to take time out to be with family and friends. Thanks Didi once again for making it such a fun night.

Very 'Fay'-nkful

Lately it is hard to spend long periods of time outside. It's either raining or hot as a sauna. This morning it was absolutely beautiful. We were able to take a walk through our beautiful neighborhood. There was even a nice breeze courtesy of T.S. Fay. We spent some time also at the park. The girls had a great time swinging, playing on the see-saw, "flying", and the bouncy horses. It was so nice being outside. It felt like our very own nature walk with beautiful flowers, birds chirping, and squirrels running. We even met up with our neighbor Ms. Stella and her dog Blanche. What a treat, and for that we are very 'Fay'-nkful.

First Trip to the Library!

Today was Emma and Madeline's first trip to the Library. We had a fun time and Emma went around searching everything around her.

Books of the Week:

• B (Elmo)
• Witzy Wonders
• Let's Count
  

Daddy-Daughter Day

Daddy had been wanting to go to the Outdoor Expo this weekend. This would be a perfect Daddy/Daughter outing. This gave Emma a chance to be with a "few of her favorite things", her daddy for starters, fishies, boats, deer, & water. Dad did such a great job taking care of Emma. They were able to look through all the exhibits, drink yummy lemonade, and sample tons of free pecans. This also gave time for mommy/Maddie time and we were able to stay home and catch up on a little housework.

Congrats Andre!!

Andre and his team won their first football game Sat.! We are so proud of you, and can't wait till we can go to your next game.

A Ladies' Brunch

Friday morning starting off by picking up Didi. It's so cute how well Emma knows the way to her grandparents' houses. We get probably 2 miles away and she was already calling for Didi.

First on our list was getting Madda-me's shots. Madeline did so well, and barely cried. Mommy was so proud of you! The good news is she is done until she turns 1 ( what a nice birthday present huh?). Thank you Didi for coming early to help mom. Emma(a.k.a Tigger) decided she wanted to entertain the whole waiting room. She even met a "boyfriend" who amusingly played handsies with her. And of course what is a girl to do...reward him with a hug...no kisses allowed at this age.

Once vaxed, we wanted to take Didi to a ladies' brunch. The four ladies hopped into a booth at Hub City, and had a delicious breakfast. Madeline was so cheerful, playing with her toys. Emma and Didi even got up to do a little dancing at the Jukebox. You can tell Emma is both her grandmothers' girl...what did she want... coffee, "I drink too, Didi". It was a nice time spent together.

After brunch, we went stop at a nearby resale shop looking for goodies. The girls got a couple of dresses, pink boots, and a book. Didi found a few beautiful things too.

We then headed home so we could give Didi time to rest before going to work. Didi, thank you for being part of our beautiful day!

Happy Birthday Didi!

What a beautiful life you have and continue to live. I am so blessed to have you as my mother. You are such an amazing, loving woman, and you have been an awesome example of a wife and mother for me. You have worked so hard and given so completely to provide Carey and I the best possible. I'm sorry for the times I have not appreciated you as much as you deserved.

There are so many things you do for others out of complete selflessness. They say if you give to others, blessings will be returned to you. Well, you live a very blessed life. People are always telling me good things about you, and it makes me so proud to know that is my mom.

You make life fun, exciting, and extremely spontaneous. There are hardly any dull moments when we are around you. Thank you for always being there for Eric, the girls, and I. You always say your children & grandchildren are your gems, I think it's the other way around.

Thank you for being you. We love You!!

Prayers for Didi

We pray as Didi goes to the doctors today. We pray everything will be well and there are good results. We also pray God will guide the doctors to make the right decisions to help her feel her best.

A Mom & Dad Proud of Their Girls

We are so proud of both of you. Madeline, tonight you sat up from being on your back all by yourself! Emma, you have been learning all kinds of new words, animals, letters, numbers & shapes! Mom and Dad are so proud of you and lucky we are your parents. Thank you Daddy for working so hard so Mom can stay home to help & watch you two grow.

Poppie's Memory

Today, is Poppie's Heavenly Birthday. Boy, does time fly by. The Chopuycorm family:) spent time remembering how Poppie has touched our lives. Even though some of our family has not "met" Poppie, I feel we have all been touched by his life. We had a great time as a family, laughing, tearing, and playing at his grave. I'm sure he is looking on us from Heaven laughing and smiling at his little ones. On the way back to our cars, Didi played a game of Grandmother May I, a spin-off of a game we so treasured to play with Dad as kids. So Poppie, does that make you 9 in Heaven years? You are missed and loved daily!

A Beautiful Day For Didi!

Thank you Carey and Cindy for all you did to surprise Didi with such a wonderful, memorable day. Today, even rain, could not damper the wonderful spirits in the Chopin household. It was a celebration of Didi's wonderful life. There were many people who came to celebrate the gift she is in their life. Didi, completely surprised, entered into a room filled with warm smiles and hearts. There was a beautiful video made with pictures from her decorative life, as well as a scrapbook filled with pictures and heartfelt letters from those she holds dear. It was also nice to see family and friends, and play catch-up on life. Every detail was so beautiful. From the cake, food, banner, scrapbook, and video, nothing was left out. Thank you once again for making this a day mom will cherish for a lifetime! Thank you too to Caleb, Ben, Gracie, and Elijah for sharing your time and toys with Emma and Madeline.

Tub Time

This past week we ordered a new tub for "Madda-me". It would definitely help mom bathe both of her beauties at one time. It came in earlier than expected! Well it was a hit for Mad, mom, and EVEN Emma. It was so fun watching you two play together.

Look Hands, No Mom!

Security Box

Some have blankets, some have toys, I'm starting to think this might be Emma's

Security Box

Fun at Maw Maw & Paw Paw's

Tonight after supper we went spend some time with Maw Maw and Paw Paw. It had been about a week and we were already lonely. It was such a good visit. Paw Paw was doing a good job making Madeline laugh. Maw Maw and Emma had a lot of fun playing with the toys together. Madeline, you were busy moving and a shaking all over the place. Emma, you too were busy stacking the blocks high high.

Thank you Maw Maw and Paw Paw for being great grandparents to the girls. Maw Maw, thank you for always thinking of those little things Emma likes. We are so blessed.

Refreshed

Tonight was wonderful for each of us. We each went our separate ways (except for Madeline and mommy of course), and had a blast. Aunt/ Nanny Cindy had invited mommy to go to a prayer group called Women of Joy. It was such a blessing beyond words...Thank you Cindy. Not only did I feel renewed, but Emma got to spend special time with Didi and daddy with Uncle Stephen. We all seemed to have felt refreshed, and excited. Didi, thank you again from the bottom of my heart. Emma has not wanted to put her fowder( that's flower for all those who do not know Emmaonics) balloon down. She could not have had a better time. I thank you Stephen for spending good quality time with Eric, allowing him to have a break from me:)! I thank you Emma & Eric for allowing me time for myself. Madeline, thank you for being so cheerful and good. Once again I thank you Cindy, it was very thoughtful of you to invite me into such a great group of women. Most of all I thank God for always being our Rock and our Hope!

Chopuy Family Night

Tonight we had a lovely family night at Bj's Pizza. This was a special treat because Emma loves pizzie and Bj's is mom's favorite pizza. It was nice to spend time with the all the Chopins, we had missed them very much. Emma & Madeline had missed their cousins and Didi. It was also a nice chance for the adults to chat too. Gracie, Gus, and Emma had fun playing hide-n-go-seek in the booth. James, Beedle, and Madeline even got caught up with cousin chat. Afterwards, we even went to spend some more time with Didi at her house. Thank you DiDi for providing us with awesome Family Nights, and to all the Chopins for good company and fun!

St Clare

Today is Emma's Patron Saint's feast day. Thank you Lord for such a beautiful example for our little Emma.

Feastday: August 11 Patron of sore eyes

Clare was a beautiful Italian noblewoman who became the Foundress of an order of nuns now called "Poor Clares." When she heard St. Francis of Assisi preach, her heart burned with a great desire to imitate Francis and to live a poor humble life for Jesus. So one evening, she ran away from home, and in a little chapel outside Assisi, gave herself to God. St. Francis cut off her hair and gave her a rough brown habit to wear, tied with a plain cord around her waist. Her parents tried in every way to make her return home, but Clare would not. Soon her sister, St. Agnes joined her, as well as other young women who wanted to be brides of Jesus, and live without any money. St. Clare and her sisters wore no shoes, ate no meat, lived in a poor house, and kept silent most of the time. Yet they were very happy, because Our Lord was close to them all the time. Once, He saved them from a great danger in answer to St. Clare's prayer. An army of rough soldiers came to attack Assisi and they planned to raid the convent first. Although very sick, St. Clare had herself carried to the wall and right there, where the enemies could see it, she had the Blessed Sacrament placed. Then on her knees, she begged God to save the Sisters. "O Lord, protect these Sisters whom I cannot protect now," she prayed. A voice seemed to answer: "I will keep them always in My care." At the same time a sudden fright struck the attackers and they fled as fast as they could. St. Clare was sick and suffered great pains for many years, but she said that no pain could trouble her. So great was her joy in serving the Lord that she once exclaimed: "They say that we are too poor, but can a heart which possesses the infinite God be truly called poor?" We should remember this miracle of the Blessed Sacrament when in Church. Then we will pray with great Faith to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist: "Save me, O Lord, from every evil - of soul and body."

The Wonders of Imagination

“As great scientists have said and as all children know, it is above all by the imagination that we achieve perception, and compassion, and hope.”
Ursula K. LeGuin quotes (American Writer best known for tales of science fiction, b.1929)


Emma & Madeline, there are so many things I love about you! You girls and your Daddy are two (actually three) of the most beautiful gifts in my life. My life is so full with you three in it, and every day is a new adventure. I'm in awe of the three of you. You make life fun, exciting, and full of laughter.

Today, Madeline "imagined" she was G.I. Jane with her new-found army crawl. Emma, on the other hand, imagined she was driving Paw Paw's boat. Daddy helped Emma imagine she was camping in her new tent (woohhhhoooooo she finally slept in her big bed again!). It is truly so much fun seeing what you guys will come up with next.

Happy Birthday Parrain!

Today is Parrain Scott's birthday.Thank you for choosing to be Madeline's godfather. We hope you too have a great birthday and wonderful weekend to celebrate it.

Yummy Yummy Goodness

Tonight Maw Maw and Paw Paw had us over for fish sauce piquant. Yummy yummy. It was so delicious! We even had entertainment after supper. The guys left to go pick up Hunter from football practice. Maw Maw, Aunt Nicole, Brylie, Emma, Madeline & I all got to play. The girls had a fun time, and played very well together. Emma and Brylie even played the drums on Maw Maw's floor. The guys came back and Emma got to spend time with her other cousins Andre and Hunter. It was a very nice night, and I think we all enjoyed it. Thank you Maw Maw & Paw Paw for having us all over.

Happy Birthday Uncle Shannon!

Today is Uncle Shannon's birthday. We are sorry we weren't able to see you for you birthday. We hope you had a wonderful day!

What a Waterful World it Could Be!!!

This weekend was FUN, FUN, FUN! Friday started off a little frustrating, but showed us God's blessings. Eric went to pick us up some burgers at a local drive-in restaurant named Franks, I'm sure most of you are familiar with it. Eric had been taking quite a while, and I got a little worried. After about 30 mins later he drove up, a little frustrated, but okay. It turns out someone ran him off the side of the road and on to the curb, except at that particular part of the curb there was a drain. Well needless to say, there was a tire blowout. That's not the frustrating part...the individual drove off not even looking back to make sure Eric was ok. Our first blessing came from the fact that Eric was not hurt in any manner. This means we would have to purchase a new tire uuugggghhhhh, hence our second blessing.... We recently purchased 4 new tires, Eric had explained what happened and the lady gave us a $30 discount, yay! Eric mentioned how blessed we were, and how this was just a bump(literally) in the road.

Once the tire was fixed we decided to take the girls to the movies. This was our first time as a family. We went to see Space Chimps. Maw-Maw you were right Emma did love it. Emma's favorite word, Taadddaaa, was said throughout the movie. Madeline's legs were kicking with excitement for most of the movie. The girls did fairly well, and we all enjoyed the movie. We were going to go to the water fountain once again, but when we passed it was quite full. We decided to go visit Didi instead.

Saturday, we decided to barbecue. It was so delicious. Daddy watched the bbq, and the girls and I made potato salad & rice dressing. We ate until we almost popped. Wouldn't you know it, the day ended in the pool. Emma, Madeline , and I decided to play in the baby pool. Madeline had so much fun kicking her legs in the water, Emma sliding into the water, and I getting sprayed by Daddy.

Sunday started with morning Mass. After mass we went home for lunch. The bbq was so good we had it again for lunch. After naps we decided to head out to what else.....the water fountain! We had lots of fun, and were able to test out our new water sponge balls we made.