21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Anger (Day 18)

"So much of the Christian life is a choice. Every day (multiple times a day) we're presented with a choice to choose God or choose ourselves. Anger is a perfect example."(from the Leader's Guide by Brook Mcglothlin) This is so true. I often have to "counsel" my children to choose not to get angry with their siblings, or at least not act in anger. How often do we all get in trouble by acting out in anger? Wouldn't things be smoother if we chose to turn the other cheek, forgive and move on? 
Yesterday afternoon, shortly after we got home from VBS, the kids were supposed to be getting themselves sandwiches for lunch and I went upstairs to the bathroom. During the following 5 minutes, I heard yelling, scuffling, the front door slamming shut, and then a little knock at the door and Luca's plaintive voice. When I opened the bathroom door, there was Luca, in tears, telling me about Rocky and Antonio's fight. "Are you okay, are you hurt?" I asked him. "No, it's Rocky, my buddy. He's bleeding." "You weren't in the fight?" "No, it's Rocky my buddy."
I was moved by his concern for his big brother and buddy. I've never seen him like that. In a fleeting moment, I rejoiced that he was showing maturity in his feelings of concern for someone else.
Anyway, there was Rocky on my bed: upset, still angry, tears in his eyes. The whole story tumbled out. He was in the kitchen making a sandwich for Luca and himself and Sabina was trying to open the dishwasher to get a plate. "The dishes are dirty." "I need a plate," Sabina said. "They're dirty." "I need a plate!" "These plates are dirty. Cecelia! Get a plate for your buddy!" Sabina, enraged, yelled,"AAH! Stupid Rocky!" So, yes, already the anger had begun. Out of frustration with the rising level of noise and craziness, Rocky vented, "Everybody SHUT UP!" Then, Antonio felt that he had to step in and control the situation AKA put his hand on Rocky and control HIM. This turned into one of the epic physical fights that they've been getting into since they were 1 and 2. Nobody was hurt, but Antonio stormed out of the house and took off on his bike. I didn't even get a chance to talk to him. Luca and Sabina were watching Rocky as he told me the story. I looked at the three of them, my own anger rising up that I couldn't even go to the bathroom without this happening. I noticed Luca still had tears next to his eyes and pointed it out to Rocky that he was so concerned for him. Rocky didn't actually have any blood, but a scab on his shoulder had partially ripped off earlier in the day and I told Luca that's what it was. Then, I turned to Sabina because I saw how it all had stemmed from her fit of anger. She is little (only 3) and angelically cute; she needed to know how her anger affected her brother. I told her that she needs to listen to what Rocky says to her and told her she needed to apologize for the mean words she said to him. Now, as God's child (we dubbed her thus while I was pregnant with her), she seems unnaturally capable of understanding when she needs to apologize and go all the way with it. She sweetly said sorry to Rocky for the way she treated him and they hugged. Then I wanted Rocky to comfort Luca and the other way around. I tried to explain how when we show love toward one another it can diffuse anger. They ended up hugging too. 
I spoke to Rocky, "I know you feel upset when things are noisy and crazy sometimes, but you have to use your self-control and calm down. Remove yourself from the situation so you don't get angry." He agreed and then left to find Antonio. At the park nearby, he found him to apologize. It took another half-hour for Antonio to come home. The anger was still all over him. Some of the kids had said to him, "It's better when you're gone." (He'd spent the night at a friend's house the night before.) His feelings were hurt and he was in the middle of a "poor me. No one understands or likes me anymore because I'm a teen now, but I'm the same kid." adolescent mood swing. I had to choose to step away from my own anger at him for treating his brother badly and then taking off. I saw how hurt he was, and took a moment to pray and hug him after cracking through his anger shell. This motherhood business is a constant challenge.
I had the other kids apologize to him for saying that. I think they understood that it was pretty mean. I also think Antonio grew to understand that they only said it to hurt him, just like he sometimes says mean things out of anger. This was a pretty big lesson for me in how one little seed of temper/anger can grow into a storm of junk for the whole family. We have a choice in how to react to others' anger. Do we let them affect us? Do we let them control our emotions and actions? No, we use our fruits to love, to be patient, to use self-control, to be kind. We let God, and sometimes Mom, handle the situation.
 

Anger

May all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from __________, along with all malice (Ephesians 4:31)

May__________ put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from his mouth (Colossians 3:8)

May__________ give a soft answer, which turns away wrath, and avoid harsh words which stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1)

May__________ not be quick in his spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

May__________ never avenge himself, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written,"Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." (Romans 12:19) 

May__________ know that God himself is our peace (Ephesians 2:14) 

May__________ make peace, and so have a harvest of righteousness (James 3:18) 

And let the peace of Christ rule in __________ heart, to which indeed he was called in one body. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15)

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard __________ heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7)

May__________turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it (1 Peter 3:11)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Kindness (Day 13)

Rocky showing kindness to Luca (at the end of a long birthday)

One of my main directions to my older sons is to be loving and KIND to their siblings. I think a lot of times they get caught up in trying to control or "boss" the others and forget to treat others as they want to be treated. When Antonio and Rocky were little, the ages that Carlo and Luca are now, they were pretty self-sufficient boys. However, there were times when they lost control of their tempers or forgot the rules (just as their brothers do.) I found then, and it still holds true, that boys need kindness and a strong hand. Discipline is not about bossing or punishing, but training with love.

As Sally Clarkson wrote on the M.O.B. Society blog, "I noticed that when I treated my boys in a gentle way, with respect and spoke directly to them, at eye level, and touched their little backs or shoulders, they were much more attentive.'A gentle answer turns away wrath,' from Proverbs became the pattern for my speech to my boys. Treating them with gentleness and patience created a desire in them to become civil with me. I was firm and consistent, but honored their desire for kindness."

This is such wisdom. Even now, at 13 and almost 12, my older boys respond much better to me if I look them in the eye (almost eye-to-eye! Yikes!), touch their arm or hand, and speak to them in a gentle, firm manner.  We all want to be treated with respect as well as kindness; it pays to honor your sons in this way.

Kindness

May the LORD now show__________kindness and faithfulness (2 Samuel 2:6) 

May__________be kind and compassionate to others, forgiving, just as in Christ God forgave him (Ephesians 4:32)

May__________, as the Lord's servant, not be quarrelsome, but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil (2 Timothy 2:24)

May__________never repay anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to others and to everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

Let__________speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that he may know how he ought to answer each person (Colossians 4:6)

May__________love others with brotherly affection, outdo others in showing honor (Romans 12:10)

May the the Lord bless__________and keep him. May the Lord make his face shine upon him and be gracious to him; the Lord turn his face toward him and give him peace (Numbers 6:23-26)

May__________not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2)

May__________be kind to others, tenderhearted, forgiving others, as God in Christ forgave Him (Ephesians 4:32)

May__________live in harmony with others; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble (1 Peter 3:8)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Pride (Day 5)

I wanted to share a golden tidbit from the Leader's Guide for Warrior Prayers. Brooke just knows how to be real, to speak to the heart and be an encourager. This part deals with the pride we may have in our sons. "We take such pride in our sons, don't we? When we see one with a natural bent toward academics we call him gifted. When we see one who excels in sports we call him an exceptional athlete — bound for the pros. Sometimes we even place pressure on our sons to be who we wish we could've been. And this can be a form of pride. Sometimes, we have to let go of our dreams for our sons, and deliberately choose to pick up God's dreams for them instead." 

When it comes down to it, we have to put our hopes and dreams in what God has for our boys. We are after all just "foster" parents in the greater scheme of things. God is their Heavenly Father, the One who will be with them after they leave home, with them when they make choices without us, with them when they are to confused or afraid to come to us. Melissa Smallwood from Multitasking Mama reminds us that "Prayers for our sons must be individual to that child, and sensitive to the one of a kind man God has designed each of them to be. Whether my boys grow to be doctors, pastors, or drive a milk truck, as long as they are living their lives for God's glory, my mama heart should be pleased and satisfied."

I have been encouraged by the Lord to "keep up the good work" I've begun this week on this prayer journey. He's been reminding me of how certain prayers mean more in regards to Carlo or Rocky. God's been showing how Antonio or Luca will benefit from the prayers. What has the Lord been speaking to you this week? I am lifting you all up in prayer - don't forget to leave a comment hear so we can pray specifically for you and your sons or celebrate victories with you!

Can I add an additional challenge to your plate? I want to ask you to remember the single moms you know in your prayers. Please pray that God will bring a godly man into her son's life to show him what a holy laying down of pride looks like. Thank you!

I am so happy to be doing this with all of you! This has been exciting, uplifting and convicting. My sons deserve the seeds I'm sowing for them. They need me to be a praying mom. Lord, give me Your heart for my sons! 

Pride

May__________not have a haughty spirit, for pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18)

May__________be lowly in spirit and obtain honor, for one's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor (Proverbs 29:23

Lord, make__________turn from doing wrong and keep him from pride (Job 33:17) 

Lord, please break__________'s proud spirit (Leviticus 26:19) 

May__________take advice and gain wisdom, for with insolence comes nothing but strife (Proverbs 13:10)

May__________not be a "Scoffer"- the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride (Proverbs 21:24)

Lord, give us the pleasure of taking great pride in__________, being filled with comfort (2 Corinthians 7:4)

Let__________test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor (Galatians 6:4)

Let not the foot of arrogance come upon__________, nor the hand of the wicked drive him away (Psalm 36:11)

Let__________talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from his mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed (1 Samuel 2:3)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Integrity (Day 3)

Rocky when he got the Terrific Kids citizenship award

I love this quote from the Warrior Prayers book: "If you're anything like me, the greatest desire of your heart is for your son to be a mighty man of God. You dream of him being a man of integrity, a man of principle, and a man who loves Jesus. You dare to hope that when the day of temptation comes, he will stand strong and fight for Truth." This IS my deepest longing for my boys! This is what I'm praying over their lives. I hope that they will be successful in their endeavors, that they find love and have happy families. I hope that their hearts are never broken and they will be protected from pain. But I am PRAYING that they will be mighty men of God.


I'm really enjoying spending this time with God, talking to Him about my sons, agreeing with His Word over their lives. How is it going with all of you? I spent some time praying for you last night before bedtime. I needed the quiet to concentrate! Let me know how I can pray for you specifically. I know my sons are benefiting from the prayers, but I feel kind of drained. Warfare can be tiring, we've got to make sure we're getting refreshed in the Lord. Put some worship music on and sing, or dance! Tickle you son till he starts giggling; that makes me smile every time! Find a JOYFUL Psalm and pray it out while you soak in a bubble bath. Find what works for you and take that time for yourself so you can have the strength to go back to those warrior prayers!
If there's anyone following along with us who hasn't left a comment on this, please let me know the first names and ages of your sons. On Monday, I'll post a complete list of the sons we're fighting for. That will give us a great idea of how awesome the army of the Lord will be as they grow into men.
I just love these prayers for integrity today; they cover so much of what it means to be a man of God. I think we can all agree that our desire is for our sons to be righteous, to resist the flesh and keep their eyes set on the Lord. The chapter on Daniel is great; it got me thinking about how he didn't conform to the king's ways, but he did this not in a critical or rebellious way, but respectful and keeping God foremost. He didn't succumb to temptation, he didn't conform, he chose God. And Daniel was honored by God. Another great quote by Brooke, "So I'm praying that the Lord will give my boys a heart like Daniel. A warrior's heart that is set apart."

Integrity

May__________walk before You, as David his father walked, with integrity of heart and upright-ness, doing according to all that God has commanded him, and keeping His statutes and His rules (1 Kings 9:4)

Till he dies, may__________never put away his integrity (Job 27:5)

May__________ponder the way that is blameless and walk with integrity of heart within God?s house (Psalm 101:2)

May__________show himself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in his teaching show integrity, dignity (Titus 2:7)

Like Joseph, may__________hear the word of the Lord and obey (from Luke 1:27) 

Like Daniel, may__________resolve not to defile himself (from Daniel 1:8) 

Like Paul, may__________learn to be content in any situation (Philippians 4:11) 

Like Timothy, may__________set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12)

Like David with Goliath, may__________stand up for the living God (1 Samuel 17) 

Like Abraham, may__________obey God in faith (Genesis 12)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Obedience (Day 1)

Carlo - 6

Antonio -13

Rocky - 11

My 4 Blessed BOYS!

Luca - 5

I'm so excited to start the 21 Days of Prayer for Sons today, and so grateful to Brooke for her amazing book inspiring us to be Warrior Moms! Already this morning, I've dealt with obedience issues, broken up a fight, and dealt with brothers torturing their sisters. So, I definitely need God to change these little hearts! For those of you joining me here for the first time, for this timely purpose, I'll give you a little background on my family. I've been married for 15 years, and I am the happy, proud and frazzled mom to 7 amazing children. Four of which are boys. My oldest 2 are boys (only 18-months apart) and then 2 girls, 2 more boys (20-months apart), and the littlest is a girl. My husband and I have been involved in ministry for more than 13 years - from music ministry to youth ministry to prayer ministry. There have been ups and downs, but it's natural to have an ebb and flow in life. Currently, we are involved with a House of Prayer, including the children. On paper, it sounds awesome, but in life it is HARD and there are days when we fight to stay on the path the Lord has placed us on - feeling our way in the dark with just that spark of Love leading us on. God is always faithful.

I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you. Your stories of family, struggles, prayer requests and praise reports! I'm here to encourage you during this dedicated time of prayer for your sons and if there is anything you need prayer for, please don't hesitate to ask. You can leave a comment on here for me and the others, send me an email for more private correspondence (dixiecanuso@hotmail.com), or if you're linking up with us on Facebook you can send me a message on there too.

So, as I said, I've already been struggling with obedience at home today - let's get started! If you purchased the Warrior Prayers book, you know the layout. We'll be saying 8 specific and biblical prayers over our sons each day. Focus on that issue, the face of your son(s), his name, his future. Let him see you, hear you praying over him. If you have a grown son, I thought it was a great idea to write a short letter to him including the prayers you spoke over him each day. Imagine what an impact that would make! I'm going to keep a journal during this time to keep track of the days, prayers, and personal breakthroughs. Do you guys have any other ideas?

As you say these prayers, inserting your sons' names, hold them up to the Lord. Only He can change hearts. I encourage you to look up the Bible verses and read them, meditate upon them as you pray throughout the day. Remember, as Brooke says, "I have no idea how to raise men who will be different, respecters of women, lovers of God. I have no idea how to teach little men to work with their hands, take commitments seriously and protect the least of these. And I certainly have no idea how to raise warriors, protectors, worshippers, peacemakers and friends by myself." THE BATTLE IS BEST FOUGHT ON OUR KNEES! I've been working on Cheerful Obedience here, at home, but there are days when I'll settle for simply "no fights" when I ask them to do something. I'm hoping for "yes, Mom, I'd be happy to" when I would settle for them just walking off to DO IT! I guess you could say the training isn't going too well. I'm looking forward to the results of these prayers. Good luck, everyone! I'll be holding you up in prayer as well.

OBEDIENCE

Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, may ___________ obey the LORD our God...so that it will go well with him (Jeremiah 42:6).

May __________ obey his parents in the Lord, for this is right (Ephesians 6:1).

May __________ obey his leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over his soul, as those who will have to give an account. Let __________ do this with joy and not with groaning (Hebrews 13:17).

May __________ obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

May __________ return to the LORD His God, and obey with all his heart and all his soul all the commands God has given (Deuteronomy 30:2).

May __________ walk after the LORD His God and fear Him and keep His commandments and obey His voice. May he serve Him and hold fast to Him (Deuteronomy 13:4).

May __________ stop his sinning and begin to obey the LORD his God (Jeremiah 26:13).

May __________ obey Jesus' commandments, and remain in His love (John 15:10).

May __________ show his love for Christ by obeying His commands (John 14:15).

May we be full of joy at __________'s obedience (Romans 16:19).

5 Guys Burgers and Fries ;)

Lego is having a contest in which younger kids are supposed to make creations of their favorite foods and then send in a photo. My kids all love playing with Legos, and Rocky encouraged Luca to enter. He created "5 Guys Burgers and Fries." Considering he's only 5-years-old, I thought he did an amazing job - he even included the peanuts (foreground) that the restaurant serves while you're waiting for them to make your custom burger. I thought this was so cute, I had to feature it here!

 
P.S. I did not get any compensation for mentioning Legos or 5 Guys. Just having fun.

My Big Girl is 10!

A week ago, we celebrated Cecelia's 10th birthday. I was overwhelmed by the realization that my big/little girl is growing up and out of childhood. She didn't even get any toys for presents. (She didn't ask for any either.) She had wanted to have a sleepover, but one of her friends wasn't able to spend the night and the other is allergic to our pets. The best alternative was THE BEACH! 

Rocky, Keliah, Cecelia, Carlo, Antonio and Luca

We drove out to Ft. Desoto park on the gulf coast and shared a picnic lunch with seagulls and had a great time swimming, exploring, and playing. Because of the long road trip and extended time on the beach (as evidenced by the pink shoulders of some of us), we had cake, ice cream and presents the next day.

Happy Birthday Cecelia!!!

I was touched when Keliah (8) wanted to pray for Cecelia to bless her birthday.
Sweet Cecelia, you may not always hear me say all I feel for you. I love you - you know that - but do you know how much I treasure and cherish you? You are the delight of my heart and everyday my respect for you and my pride in you grows. You are an amazing lover of the Lord, a girl who desires the things of God with your whole heart! I pray that you are continually blessed and amazed by the goodness of your Heavenly Father and that we as your family will always lift you up on your journey.

Keliah praying a blessing over Cecelia

Proud Momma Moments...

On Sunday, big changes were announced for the Children's Equipping Center at OHOP. Of course, I already knew about them because I was almost finished with the CEC newsletter coming out this week. ;)  There was a great moment when the talking was over and they showed a quick promo video put together during the week. Jessica, CEC's interim director, really wanted to show what we're growing here. The fastest way to show that is by letting the kid's do what they do best - PRAY! Friday mornings Nick teaches a group of kids 9 and up music and the Harp and Bowl model of the prayer room, after class they do a full intercession watch in the prayer room. Recently, a friend and I began a short class to equip the younger kids to participate as well. The older kids have done a great job and have grown immensely over the past 2 years; they are patient and kind to the little ones too. The "newbies" are so excited to participate in the prayer room. They are blossoming with the Joy of the Lord! Many of these kids got together for the filming of a short version of what we do on Fridays. This is the resulting video – props to Luke Schepler who did an amazing job with this!

A Time to Laugh

After such a sobering week dealing with my Grandpa's illness and his move into a nursing home, accompanied by Gram (and I'm so far away, so far...), I needed a little laughter.

Rocky's favorite books are the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series of "graphic" novels. I have to say this is genious! Simple, fun "kid's life" stories with doodle-style cartoons to illustrate the most serious or funniest moments. Last year, when the movie came out, Rocky and I had a "date" and went to see it. It was way funnier than I thought it would be. This year, they came out with a sequel, and you know we'll have to go see it!

I found a great link on Facebook to "Wimp Yourself" promoting the movie. I couldn't resist. So here's my version of myself in the Wimpy universe. ;)

The Teen Years

That's right, we've entered the teen years in our home. And, I gotta tell ya, it's not all bad. Sure, Antonio is now officially taller than I am and he has this cute shadow over his top lip, but he's also a really great kid! Not only is he willing to watch his little brothers and sisters while Nick & I take a coffee date, but he actually makes sure stuff is cleaned up and the dog is taken out. (I've gotten a few complaints about his bossiness, but I think that's okay considering he's the oldest.) We've really been blessed by our firstborn and he continues to bless others as well.
As heartbroken as I am to realize my little blond-haired angelic baby is growing up, I am also happy that he is becoming a man after God's heart.
We didn't have a big party, but Antonio did invite a friend over to spend the night for the first time. The two of them, Rocky, and Nick went and played a couple sessions of laser tag, we shared a meal, and pigged out on my creation of a S'More Cake. It was messy, gooey, and yummy + ice cream. Later, they played Wii and PS3 till about midnight and crashed out on couches in the living room. Church time came too early the next day. ;) 
Happy Birthday Antonio! You bring joy to my heart and love to my life. I expect your teen years to be amazing!

More Birthday Props! Rocky's 11th

It's a crazy busy month in August. Ryan "Rocky" James turned 11 on Aug. 9th. We had invitations created and given out about a week before the big day, however the party didn't really come together. 2 of his good friends moved THAT DAY, so we had them over to play hang out a few days earlier. The other friend he invited is a girl, and I think her parents are just not cool with her coming over for a boy's party. Not sure why, but we decided to do something else to make up for the disappointment. Since Rocky had decided on a Lego Beach Party as the theme, we thought it would be appropriate to go to Downtown Disney to the big Lego store. We got there kind of late in the day, but managed to cram in the maximum amount of fun (with Nick on crutches.) Then, after losing and finding Luca in the meandering Disney store, we came home for cake and presents.

Rocky, Luca, Carlo & Sabina greet the Lego family & dogs.

Non-edible Lego cake with Lego flies! Ew.

Keliah with Lego Woody

Sabina & Luca checking out the Lego water serpent.

Rocky creating a car (Luca watching) to race outside of Lego store

We shared the super mega sundae at Ghirardelli soda fountain. YUM

Rocky had a high-concept for his cake. He loves Legos and likes baking, so I provided the goodies, created the water/beach cake and he decorated with the Legos he'd picked out for this purpose. It came out really awesome & showed what a great, creative kid he is. I can still call him a kid for at least the next year, can't I?

Finishing touches by Rocky.

Make a wish! He looks so proud!

Only a small part of the Lego-heavy presents

Happy 11th, Rocky! I love you!

Baby Picture Sunday - Father & Child

In honor of almost Father's Day (okay it's still 2 weeks away), I posted some of my favorite pictures of Nick with some of the kids. As you can see, he is a great Daddy full of fun and love. I'm so blessed!

First, from a recent trip to the Orlando Science Center - the big boys figured out how to make that tricky cube! (Antonio, Rocky, Nick)

Nick & Cecelia snacking on the Russian Tea Cakes they made together (last year) 

Nick shadowing Sabina this Easter. So cute!

 

This is the closest I got to a "Baby Picture": Nick returning to the car while Sabina was "driving." I think she's almost 1 here.

Who likes swords?

How long can you spend in a sword shop without buying anything? 

That's the question we seemed to be asking on a recent trip to St. Augustine (possibly our favorite city ever.) The kids (and Nick) would have been happy to spend another half-hour trying out the merchandise, but I felt we'd reached the limit. For the record, no sales person bothered us or asked us to leave; we had a great time. I was getting a little nervous, though, about whether Luca would pick up something and smash it over his little sister's head. He only got to try the wooden swords. ;)

Thankful Thursday

Antonio, Rocky & Nick with their CUBE

Yes. I am back again. FINALLY!

I have been thinking and percolating and juicing up good thoughts for my blog home.

Today, I am thankful for my beautiful new iMac. It's a HUGE blessing!

I am also thankful that God is ever-present and ever-lovely to me. I don't deserve His attention. (But, He thinks I do.)

I am thankful for a longsuffering husband and loud crazy children.

I am thankful for the IHOP-KC webstream. What could be better than sitting at the feet of Jesus?

I am thankful to have this blog to pour out my thoughtstream before it escapes entirely.

Blessings!

Baby Picture Sunday - My Reason for Breathing is You

I am lucky to have many reasons to breathe.
Namely: Nick and Antonio (in silent contemplation of cupcake goodness.)


Rocky, sweet & funny





Cecelia with her cupcake art.





Keliah and her lovely, gappy smile.



Carlo in joy and passion.


Luca of hilarity.


And the "baby" Sabina who manages to pull off the whole frosting mustache and still be gorgeous.



All my babies. My cup runneth over.