Chili Cooking {Contestants}

Placing first in 2010 and second in 2009, Peter and Joseph set their sights on reclaiming the Knights of Columbus Chili Cook-off trophy for Sacred Heart.  Their best efforts and buffalo-themed entry earned them second place and the trophy headed away with long-time Assumption chili cook-competitor, Kathy St. H.  One of sixteen entries in this year's contest, the boys' chili earned many compliments. Quite a few expressed surprise to learn that the buffalo chili entry was entirely their doing (save the earning of the dollars to purchase the ingredients). 

From the shopping and chopping to the serving and promoting, this cooking competition thoroughly engaged their imaginations and super competitive genes.  Peter made an extra effort to work the crowd prior to the close of voting, and confidently chanted out "number five" to encourage votes.  Of course, they counted on five family votes, plus two from Grandma Billie and Grandpa Cliff.  Winning over a few extra votes could have made the difference between second and first, but somehow the competition gained the lead.  Somewhat satisfied with second place, the boys considered it a hard-fought challenge against worthy opponents, all for a good cause.  Let the (buffalo) chips fall where they may!

Strategizing

 Peter takes a brief break from his chili station to visit at the table.

 Grand Knight, Tim introduces a visitor from Idaho.

Tim and Harvey count the votes at the annual chili cook-off. 

Happy with second place, though not thrilled, Peter and Joseph celebrate.

Joseph and Peter are congratulated by our pastor, Father Qui Thac Nguyen.

Archbishop J. Peter Sartain {Local Shepherd}

Joseph, Tim, Bridget, Zachary, Archbishop Sartain, and Peter

 
Our family is so blessed to be in the care of such a good and holy archbishop.  A member of the sacred hierarchy established by Christ Himself, our archbishop comes from a long line of exceptional men of God.  A prayerful man, a gentle soul, a truly personable and engaging bishop, our family, our priests and our local diocese is in very capable and caring hands.

Archbishop Sartain traveled to Bellingham to celebrate the sacrament of confirmation for our local teens and adults Sunday at a beautiful evening Mass at the Church of the Assumption.  As a 4th Degree Knight, Tim served in the honor guard and the rest of us joined the congregation, graced with amazing music by our dear and talented friend Angus McDonell with his family and choir.  Archbishop Sartain's powerful message for the youth being confirmed concluded with a strong reminder that "Confirmation is not the same thing as graduation."  So many teens mistakenly believe that their confirmation signals the end of their formal training in the Catholic faith, rather than a powerful beginning with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to empower, embolden and encourage them.  He also reminded them in no uncertain terms that attending Mass on Sunday, EVERY Sunday is their duty and privilege.  


In a characteristically powerful homily (sermon), Archbishop Sartain reminded us all to heed the voice of Jesus. "The time of fulfillment is NOW.  Be filled with the Holy Spirit," he added, "be a living Christ - in every now.  Think of what God can do for you when you put these gifts to work.... we need you to put these gifts to work... Be sent forth as disciples and prophets.  NOW is the time of fulfillment."

We can expect good things from our newly confirmed, who were sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and from every one of us present and inspired by our dear Archbishop Sartain. 

Through Grief Into Action {3 Tremendous Catholic Mothers}

Anna's family~Sam, Rob, Alice, and Melissa, with Tim 

Presentation of the Family of the Month Award

(News release below)

Turning tragedy into inspiration and positive change, Anna's family is coordinating an effort to improve awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, the cause of little Anna's sudden death while crossing a sidewalk last year.  A new foundation established in Anna's honor will benefit from a Lake Padden walk and a half marathon on October 22, 2011.  Come out and join the walk or run if you're in the neighborhood and need a little exercise for a great cause!   Super-great news from Anna's family: they are expecting a new baby in the spring!!!  Please pray for a healthy pregnancy and safe birthing.

My dear friend Aileen, whose daughter Lucy died of SIDS almost ten years ago, turned her energy toward teaching how to protect infants during sleep and providing comfort and support to families affected by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).  She now serves as the President on the Northwest Infant Survival & SIDS Alliance Board of Trustees. AWESOME.  But she might miss the annual auction... because SHE'S EXPECTING and will likely be giving birth around that very date in November!!

More prayer requests here...

Another dear friend and heroic mother of many, Ann Marie, continues to inspire me with her courage and unbelievable ministry to many despite the loss of her daughter Gianna; born on Tim's birthday almost one year ago, and died on my birthday two weeks later.  Ann Marie's experience with being a foster mom has proved to be an invaluable resource for me in these past few months.  Is she ever quick to reply to my various e-cries for help!  Add more prayers...

The following news release was sent to the Knights of Columbus State Bulletin and to Columbia:

BELLINGHAM COUNCIL 829 PRESENTS AWARD AND SCHOLARSHIP CHECK 
TO FELLOW KNIGHT WHOSE DAUGHTER WAS KILLED IN TRAGIC ACCIDENT

Bellingham Council 829 presented the Family of the Month Award and a $1,000 scholarship check to Brother Robert Brulotte, his wife Melissa, and their children Alice and Sam at a ceremony October 11.

The presentation was made just a year after the tragic death of the Brulottes' two-year-old daughter Anna.  Little Anna was killed when she was crossing a street next to Assumption Catholic School September 30, 2010.  A speeding car slammed into the rear of a stopped car which was waiting for Melissa and her three children to cross.  The stopped auto then hit Anna, who was killed instantly, and her mother, who was seriously injured.  Alice and Sam were unharmed.

In the past year, the Brulottes have established a memorial fund and a program to increase driver awareness.  A fund-raising marathon and walk, to be held October 22, has as its goal to increase drivers' attention, especially when pedestrians are present.   The family also is very active in the school and parish. 

The annual scholarship will help pay tuition for the two Brulotte children until they graduate from Assumption School, then will be given to other deserving students.

4th Degree

Normally, giving someone the 4th degree is seen as a rather unpleasant thing,

like giving someone a hard time.  Not so, this time, not so!

Tim and a group of other men from several other parishes received his 4th Degree Exemplification in the Knights of Columbus last weekend. 

I am very proud to be married to a Knight! 

Celebrating 128 years, the Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.

The charitable works, fellowship, worship, and devotion of these men is truly inspiring.

Fathers for Good is a program for men (especially dads) through the KofC which is outright amazing.