Deathbed Conversion

My mother is nearing the end of her life.  To be honest, we are all surprised that she's still with us.  She's nearing her end, and, a few days ago, she decided that she would not put off her spiritual life any more. 

She was Chrismated into the Eastern Orthodox Church.  I was floored.  This woman, who had been an atheist, was now embracing Christ.  This followed other severe changes for the good.  In the past few years she's embraced The Culture of Life, released pride and prejudice, showered forgiveness and asked for it too.  Her soul is a glistening diamond now, ready for Heaven.  I am just so floored by this transformation, I cannot tell you. 

When Carol George dies,she will be in a state of complete, spiritual health, cured of all ailments that really matter. 

God be with her always.  Mom, I'm looking forward to your intercessions.  Thank you for forgiving my lack of faith in you.  You are so dear.  I will miss you.

Audio clips of 15 month old Miriam

Miriam reading books
Singing during a diaper change

First Birthday Party!

First Cake

Guess who's turning 1?  Little Miriam!  What a lovely day.  We went to the Gertrude Boyden bird sanctuary and it was a lovely day.  The temperature held in the mid 70s, the sun was shining, the wind blew the bubbles far and the charcoal hot. 

The burgers were really good and the sides were wonderful.  Auntie Dorinda made fresh goofond and jag.  So nice to have those Cape Verdean classics at the party! 

Miss Miriam is crawling around and almost ready to walk. 

She's been eating organic food and very limited exposure to refined flour or sugar.  We set the cake before her and she didn't quite know what to do with it.  She enjoyed squishing the frosting between her fingers.  She ate a little of it. 

Which Costume?

We weren't sure weather to take Miriam out for Halloween or not.  My chorus has a fund raiser at the end of October that I can bring the family to.  That would involve dressing her up.  We are considering costumes.  Which do you like?  Vote in the poll!

Pebbles Flintstone with her curl on top of her head

Ladybug

Unicorn

Stanford Nutting

We saw this on "A Deacon's Wife" blog and loved it.  Enjoy.

10 Month old Maestra

I think you will agree that Miriam is a budding artist.  She chose to play organ instead of piano.  I can respect that, though it would not have been my choice.  She seems to be channeling Vincent Price at one point.  Her little hand and head raise toward heaven as she plays very crunchy chords.  

Buffalo Soldier

Every once in a while, Tyrone and I will break into song singing Bob Marley's "Buffalo Soldier." Buffalo Soldiers were black members of the US military.  When Tyrone saw the video below, he got all excited about going to Yosemite National Park.  Anyone who reads this post who is African-American might want to do the same thing after you see this video.