St. Albert the Great

Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church (III Class)

St. Albert was a famous member of the Order of Preachers, noted for his universal learning and his apostolic zeal and devotion. He had for his pupil the celebrated St. Thomas Aquinas of the same Order, and left numerous writings. He became Bishop of Ratisbon, and died in 1280, being canonized and declared Doctor of the Church in 1931.

Happy 25th Birthday, John!

We began the celebrations yesterday. I had a doctor's appointment in a town about 30 minutes away, where there is also a large shopping center. John picked up several new, fun kinds of beer. Last night after dinner he opened his presents, which was a tradition the Joys started for John when he was young. Because John could not decide if he wanted beer food or wine food for dinner, we had spicy chicken wings for lunch with his beer, and wine, cheese and hors d'oeuvres for dinner with three friends, with carrot cake and ice-cream for dessert. I was going to take pictures of the festivities, but the conversation was so riveting I forgot. So this one will have to do, it was taken before we began dinner.

P.S. We opted not to find out if I'm having a boy or girl, but everything looks good so far.