December 2012 Dear Family and Friends,

For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
(2 Cor. 4:11)

Happy Advent and Christmas greetings from our new home in Gaylord, MI! This year has been full of changes for our growing family. Last Spring we took a leap of faith as God made it clear that He was calling us away from our beloved home in Wisconsin. In June, Phil accepted a position as the Pastoral Associate at St. Marys Cathedral in Gaylord, MI. Its been a challenge, and there have beenand continue to be---many opportunities to trust in Gods Providence. Yet there are also many blessings and the parish has very warmly embraced us. Indeed, the kindness we have received will never be forgotten. On September 21st we welcomed Thomas Ignatius to our family. Either we are getting to be more capable parents, or more likely Thomas is just naturally the most mellow of our babies. He even starred as baby Jesus in our homeschool groups Christmas Program. At 2 months, he is a joy to have around, is quick to smile and, following in his siblings footsteps, is growing quickly and is already in the 14lb range. Luke, now 2, is speaking in full sentences. He loves doing everything his siblings do, with the wisdom to sit on the sideline and safely watch when Dad plays tackle football with the older kids. His favorite prayer is the litany of our patron saints we say each night to which he includes: Saint Lukey, pray for usSaint Mama, pray for usSaint Dah-wee(Daddy), pray for us. Precious and no doubt brings a smile to our heavenly intercessorsalong with further motivation for Mom and Dad to continue striving for sainthood! Miriam is 4 and continues to bring great joy to all she meets. While actively hoping child #4 would be a girl, at Thomass birth she embraced her role as a big sister with the words, Hes so cute! Though technically in preschool for her homeschooling, she is doing many of the same things William does as part of the 1st grade curriculum. She relishes the spotlight and recently lead her siblings in reciting the Candy Cane Poem at the local Christmas Regale (to watch a recording of
their theatrical debut check out Pattys blog: www.sicutcervusdesiderat.blogspot.com).

William at age 6, has had the most adventures with this move. Hes been back and forth to Wisconsin several times with Dad including one day when they traveled there and back (760 miles and 14 hours)! He calls it his special Daddy time. He also traveled back with Phil for the diaconal ordination of Grandpa Ray Heitzinger in La Crosse. William has taken a real interest in building things and fixing things, he is especially fascinated with cars and trucks. Mom and Dad are hoping this skill continues to develop! This past year we also bid farewell to Pattys grandfather, Papa Leonard Chicoine who just after his 102nd birthday left us to go home. Patty was blessed to go back to San Diego for his funeral and enjoyed the precious time spent with family (the first time all 10 children have been together for many years) praying for Papa and giving thanks for the many precious years we had with him. Over the summer we had some visitors who ventured out to see us from Wisconsin including the Rasmussens, Pehoskis, and Rosenthals we loved seeing you! Weve enjoyed seeing some of our Michigan friends Jeremy and Genevieve, Maureen, the Yamins, and Sister Rose Anthony and all of the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Our door is always open and we love to welcome visitors so if youre passing through we have an extra bed or two! We continue to be grateful for our family and Gods Care for us...and days that are filled with sweet kisses from a little girl, a 2 year old falling asleep holding dads hand, a mellow new-born and a 6 year old who treasures his special Daddy time and a wife who provides the love, faith, and heart to make wherever we are a beautiful home. -Phil, Patty, William, Miriam, Luke & Thomas