Happy Birthday Mike Murphy!

Forty is the new thirty... or something like that.

Would Johnny have been next?

After the great joy of last weekend's wedding, it seems appropriate to post a funny picture of Johnny.

Here he is with a "friend" he made in Europe. Had he not left us, might Johnny have been the next one to be married?

We'll never know, but we can be sure that Johnny is enjoying a laugh at his expense - he did, after all, pose for this picture!

Johnny relaxes with his new friend "Olaf".

Well, my thesis defense is over

My friend, James Pauley teaches at Franciscan in the theology departament and was able to come to my defense. He took this picture during the proceedings. That's me in the bottom right hand corner as the three professor panel discusses my work. I'll leave you to guess as to whether I passed or not.

The day of reckoning approaches...

Well, after several long years, I'm off Franciscan University to defend my thesis entitled, "A Proposal to Unify Dietrich Von Hildebrand's Philosophy of Value Response with a type of Aristotle's Eudaimonism". I have a hunch that neither the VonHildebrandians nor the Aristotelians are going to like it. Maybe they'll just feel so much pity they'll pass me anyway. This is a pretty stressful time. I welcome your prayers.

There is a good chance that the blog will be neglected for the next week or so - unless I'm at a computer and I need some relaxing amusement and diversion.

From sorrow to joy!

This group of people is closest in age to Johnny. Next to Mom and Dad, they have probably been the group hit the hardest by his passing. What a wonderful thing to see smiles and laughter after the darkness of the past few months. I know that one of Johnny's favorite days on earth was Lisa and Nick's wedding. He loved to dance and flirt with women and enjoy all the festivities with our family. I'm sure Johnny approves of this picture.

These people enjoyed themselves too

Gaining some new parents

Congratulations Kathy and Kevin!

I only have a few pictures, so I'll post the best of what I've got.

The wedding was very beautiful - I especially heard nice things about Letherman's schola. The reception was not too shabby either. Anyone who has any pictures of the actual wedding and reception, please send them to me.

Happy 3rd Birthday Mary Clare!

What a cutie!