You can't handle the truth.

In a wonderful turn of events, we were lucky enough to be at Notre Dame this weekend for an Irish victory AND our nephew, Charlie's, commissioning ceremony. Charlie is a 3rd year law student at ND - and he was commissioned this Saturday as an Navy JAG Ensign.

While the ceremony was devoid of pomp and circumstance (Charlie doesn't even have a uniform yet, there were no no 21 gun salutes, color guard, etc) and lasted less than 15 minutes - it was incredibly moving and impressive. Anne and I felt truly privileged to get to share this with Charlie, his friends, and his parents.

The commissioning oath -

"I, (state your full name), do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."

I've known Charlie for about 10 years - so we'll count that as always. Perhaps knowing the intensity of his conviction and loyalty is what made the oath so moving. I'm proud and happy that Charlie is now officially protecting Doughertys from all enemies (foreign and domestic) - we're feeling pretty safe these days. Thanks, Charlie, and Congratulations! Thanks for including us!

P.S. By the way - for you military novices - Navy JAG is the Judge Advocate Generals group - in a nutshell, the lawyers for the Navy. They were made famous by that blockbuster hit "A Few Good Men". That should give you an accurate picture of the world Charlie has just joined. That's correct - In addition to defending our constitution - Charlie will be playing LOTS of softball. I'm also hopeful that someday he'll be in a courtroom and say, "You're out of order, he's out of order - THIS WHOLE COURT is out of order". But I'm kind of a dreamer.

Seamus, Today is Your Day.

Happy 5th Birthday, Mr. Man. It's early morning, we've got a busy day, but I am thinking and wishing so much for you that I couldn't sleep. When I kissed you last night, I said I'd tell you the story of the day you were born tomorrow, even though I think you already know it by heart. We'll do that this morning, maybe for the last time with you in my lap, you seem to be growing faster than truly possible.

You are gregarious, extroverted. You make friends quickly and you love action. Your school days are hysterical to me because you always have stories about them (the truthfulness of which is unclear). For example you told me yesterday that you are the blue group leader, when I asked you more about it, you said "Jack was the green group leader" and that everyone followed you around. Do they? I'm not sure, but I will, I love your stories. We often say to you "is this the truth or a story?" and now that I'm back in school, I find myself asking the same questions all the time.

You are very interested in politics - mostly because of these large signs in our neighborhood. You tell us all the time that you are voting for Barack Obama (whose name you can spell because of all the signage) because you think his name is cool. You were disappointed that he didn't fly planes and crash while he was a soldier (to a 5 year old, I think its almost impossible to vote against a soldier). In your mind you had morphed your favorite parts of both the candidates (you're not the only one who wishes he/she could do that) into one super candidate.

Your enthusiasm caused me a bit of pain the other day when the FedEx guy came to the front door. He was a younger, black man with a short haircut, you saw him through the glass and yelled, "Mom! Barack Obama's at the door!" I'm not sure how to explain all my mortification. So, clearly there is not enough diversity in your 5 year old life, but nothing seems to frighten you, you take everything and everyone with wonderful exuberance. You were so excited to meet him.

Your dad bought you new cereal bowls and batteries for the old camera for your birthday. One thing that I love about you, is that these gifts will thrill you. You won't expect anything else. When you and dad were talking about needing new bowls last week, dad said to you that they were probably really expensive, so we couldn't get more. You told him, "No, dad, I bet they're only about two dollars. I've got two dollars in my piggie bank." Dad told you that you'd better save all your money, save it and if you didn't spend it, it would grow. He was telling me this the other night and I could hear your grandpa and your great grandpa saying the same things to their sons (which they did over and over again).

Here is what we know, what we believe to be true about how we want to live our lives, these are the things that we absorbed from our parents, our siblings, our experiences:

Save for the future. Treasure what you have. Take care of the things that are important to you.

I am eager to find out what it is you will believe to be true, what beliefs you will use to live your life by. If the last 5 years are any indicator, maybe it will be something like:

Smile. Run. Embrace.

Seamus, as I said, today is going to be a busy day. I hope you feel loved. I hope you have fun. We've learned so much together over these last, fast 5 years, I look forward to everyday because you make every moment shine. Happy Birthday, Buddy.

Happy Birthday Mom/Grandma Barbara!

Thanks Sarah for the great apple orchard suggestion!

Buddies

Seamus and Finn have made two good friend - conveniently - brothers exactly the same ages as the boys. Jack and Will, Seamus and Finn. The symmetry is almost a little too much. There is also another little boy MJ's age, named Charlie and they even play well together (I hate to admit that MJ can play). This is from Monday's play date. The boys are in school together, and they live close by, they'll probably go to grade school together, it's just such a funny thing picturing the relationship that these kids could have.

Whenever Finn see's Will, he says "Hey, Buddy." When I picked them both up from school last week, the teacher told me they had to be separated. She said they both took off their socks during circle time and made puppets...

The thing I think I like best is that Jack and Will are very good to each other, and for the most part, I think Seamus and Finn are very good brothers. I think this little friendship will be a good thing for them as they are learning about independence and non-family relationships.

Grandma & Grandpa Schneeman

The kids and I spent some time at the lake this summer without dad - who was home "making money" - I actually think the kids think he works in a money making factory, printing greenbacks. My parents took us out for dinner one night (Companeros) and while we had a nice time, the kids were squirmier than usual and it didn't prove to be a terribly peaceful meal. When we got home we "walked the property" with my dad (he does this every night), and the kids convinced my parents to have a little swing. Here's what it looked like:

Some Fun Photos From Summer