We had the word AMEN in big wooden letters hanging in our kitchen growing up. I was always embarrassed by it. I worried that everyone would think we were freaky bible beaters and I always felt the need to explain it. (I should have known everyone already knew we were just loud Irish Catholics...)

The word AMEN is found in lots of religions and means "So be it."  It seems to be the Padden theme. And it really doesn't have any connection to religion for me.

The reason I'm even thinking about is because there is a little application on my desktop that randomly flips through all of my pictures and one popped up just now that struck me.

This is what AMEN means to me. Andrew, Meghan, Emily and Neil. I love these 3 ferociously and proudly. AMEN means family, joy, strength, honesty and love. Oh and throw in a few bottles of wine, much hilarity and inappropriate language for good measure.

I love you sibs. You make me proud.