Day 48: Parish Wide Lenten prep

Dear Fabulous Spouse,

Today we lucked out with no morning CCD.  However that meant that there was an afternoon of liturgy and Lenten preparation.  Since we accidentally showed up early, that means we HAD to go get milkshakes to kill time.

We miss you.

Love,

Me

Translation: Why to church functions make me feel like I need penance when I am done?

This morning, we started with making Valentine’s Day cards.  As Girl Friday is as crafty as her mother, that meant 25 from scratch cards for her classroom.  Unlike basketball from yesterday, this was something that she was totally into.

After our morning crafty fun, it was time to head out to church for the Parish wide Lenten prep event.  Of course, I had 1PM on my schedule, and they had 1:30 on theirs.  I figured that it was too cold to hang out, and it would be a waste to go home to turn around and come right back, so we went to Jack in the Box for Oreo milkshakes instead.

I do not know what I expected (something fun and Mardi Gras-ish), but what we got was definitely not it.  We started with a lay-led micro service (complete with readings and music…and the annoying Tammy Faye music lady).  Then the kids were separated 4^th Grade and under (about 5 kids including Girl Friday and Illusive Middle Child)) and 5^th Grade and above (2 kids including Oldest Child), and the adults stayed in the church to be “inspired” about lent.

Then we went to the education center to make a micro-rosary/ good deed abacus.  (they were actually kind of neat) and a Lenten calendar that looked like a board game.  Of course, the kids were bored, wanted to go home, and started getting obnoxious by 3:30.  So they made for the car with our stuff, lost the micro rosaries, and did their best to put me in an unholy and un-Lenten mood.

However, by dinner, it was going much better, and Illusive Middle Child cuddled up as we watched Once Upon a Time and got ready for bed.

Day 30: Back to normal

Dear Fabulous Spouse,

Sorry that internet is not cooperating.  We are back in the routine.  I even convinced Illusive Middle Child to paint his Pinewood derby car due tomorrow.

Hope you reach your endpoint soon!

We miss you!

Love,

Me

Translation: To shop or not to shop?

Ok, we have emptied the refrigerator.  Now, with another windy weekend, we are unsure as to whether or not we should power shop to restore our fridge, or go day by day to make sure that we do not have to pitch yet more food.

Oldest Child went back to CCD today.  He is all excited about the upcoming retreat day with the Archbishop (He was willing to use his savings if we could not afford).  I guess, if there is one thing that we have done right with our kids, it has been to instill a sense of worship and faith in them… especially in our oldest.

Also, Girl Friday is channeling her inner Martha Stewart.  Either she has done something supremely naughty and we are just waiting for the other shoe to drop, or she has become supremely helpful in a wonderful, desperate plea for positive attention.  Today she put the dishes away, set the table, and helped me make breaded chicken strips and tater tots.  Not was asked, but she volunteered.

We have good kids.

Day 16: For the love of God!

Dear Fabulous Spouse,

Today was a Church day.  Oldest Child had Faith Formation and the little guys hung out with me while I attended the Parish Planning meeting.  We made a dent in the leftovers tonight. Woo Hoo!  We even have clean teeth (and I have proof!).

We Miss You!

 Love,

Me

Translation: When in doubt, check with the Church.

I love our church.  I have to.  I am member of the Church Ladies Mafia (in good standing).  It is the place where we go for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Faith formation (formerly known as CCD), Mass, and assorted other activities.  How many days are there in a week?  It has had a positive impact on my kids, filling their faith cups and making them want more.  That is why it makes me proud that they do not mind spending two hours with their Gameboys while their Mom works on the Parish 5 year plan.

However, with a late night, comes late bedtime routines.  However, when I popped upstairs, I found that they were actually brushing their teeth!  Wow. The Lord works in mysterious ways.