A Joyful Weekend

The weekend has come and gone... and we are extremely grateful for such a fun time *squeezed* into a mere 24 hours! What a blessing it was for GG and I to see our dear friends, rejoice in our godson, drink in thoughts and excitement for our next little Gasperini, revel in our friends' children and their growth, enjoy hugs from dear ones we haven't been able to hug for a good while... and just enjoy each other! Such fun. As we journeyed home last night, our hearts were light after a wonderful time in New Jersey (and a little heavy knowing we'd be getting back on the heels of a busy Monday! Oh well, such is life! :)

The little angel before his baptismal debut.

Cutie Gus in his tux at the post-baptism party!

The Princeton gang at the party. What joy to be together!

The trip couldn't have gone any smoother. Thank you for your prayers. One never knows how travels will go! Thank goodness our flights were on-schedule (and even early to arrive Saturday night!) We had no trouble meeting up with Red at the airport and driving back to her new and beautiful home! Seeing her kiddos upon arrival was such a treat--they are the sweetest, most calm kids I know. They were quick to bed after our home tour--LOVED the new place, Red! What a blessing that God has provided them such an amazing home in which to raise and grow their family!! Afterward, Red made us a wonderful dinner, also enjoyed by Red's hubby and two other dear friends, Geoff and Lauren (shown below holding baby Gus!)

We chatted until... oh 11pm or so! before breaking off into the kitchen crew (the ladies) and pontificate-at-the- table club (the gents, who incidentally were very grateful for our service, just to let you know!) How much I enjoyed cleaning up with Lauren and Red, two wonderful Catholic women, who desire to love and serve their families (future ones in Lauren's case--the wedding's in May! :) At some point the whole gang reassembled, talked some more, and then headed to bed after 1am. GG and I were zonked but so happy...

Sunday morning brought with it the joy of bagel feasting, party preparation, baby washing and dressing(!)--too precious, worshiping at aTridentine Mass, and participating in our godson's baptism! Welcome to the Church, dear Augustine! Of the three babies being baptised, baby Gus was hands-down the best-behaved. We were so proud of our little man... :) One of the little ones cried the entire time (poor thing)! lol.

The post-baptism party back at Red's was a ball. The food was wonderful, company excellent, and conversation lively (as usual). How heartwarming it is to be with friends who know us well... and love us exactly how we are. Praise God for the union we have in Christ. There's truly nothing like it. It's as if time has stood still since we were last together. No awkwardness, no small talk... just goodness.

And now here we are, back again in Gasperini-Ville. We awoke this morning to ample hugs from our little M and T-baby. They surely made this mama feel very missed and loved. Unfortunately, M took out his Mommy-and-Daddy-are-gone stress on his pottytraining habits (and my poor parents) while we were away! After a month of very few accidents, he had 4 in one day! Yikes! Thankfully, we seem to be back on track today!! The boys and I had a very quiet morning together followed by a peaceful naptime. Love it.

And don't hold your breath too long... because we're off again in another 4 days! Our VA house-hunting extravaganza trip commences Friday!! Lots of prayers needed there! Dear Lord, help us find a home to bless our growing family...

In the meantime, hope you are well, dear friends, and that your week has gotten off to a brilliant start. I recommend making a list today of all the little, nagging things you need to get done and start CROSSING OFF! Nothing like it. I've been scribbling and crossing all day.

God bless you and be well.