Tommy's Confirmation

A few days ago, I had the honor of returning to Pittsburgh as the sponsor for another Confirmation -- this time, Tommy's. I couldn't wait to get up there and see all the Pohls again. I was only there for two nights, but as always, we packed a lot of love into that time!

Carol picked me up from the airport and we got stuck in traffic on the way home, which was fine with me and Carol, because we were catching up the whole time. I hung out with Patrick, Kaya and Tommy, met their new bunny, Sugarplum, and (of course) rode Winn. He's so handsome! I love his dappled grey coat. We also visited Oakmont Bakery, where I picked out a selection of yummy cupcakes to bring home.

Patrick just got his permit, and I rode in the back seat for one of his first drives. He did great! Very careful and conscientious, especially on all those small, twisty roads near their house.

On the big day, Tommy looked dashing -- and tall! -- all dressed up for his Confirmation, and we took pictures in the backyard that Carol so beautifully landscaped and hardscaped. Then it was off to the church for the Confirmation. Bishop Zubik was amazing! The parish had warned us that he had a bad back and would have to sit during the ceremony, so I was expecting a decrepit old man. But although he needed assistance walking, his voice was strong and his delivery was impeccable. He had all the kids in stitches, talking in their "Gen Z language" for part of his homily. It's a ceremony that I definitely won't forget.

Congrats, Tommy! And thanks, as always, to the Pohls for being such wonderful hosts. Carol is a holy angel. 

Catholic Camp

(I just realized I never posted this update on the second camp the kids went to in August ...)

After less than 48 hours to rest and repack, the kids headed back to a different camp. This one was with the youth group at church, and they'd never been before. CC was so excited, because she really loves going to all the youth group meetings, and she idolizes the adult leaders of the group. But Sweet Pea and Little Man hadn't met many kids yet, so they were a little nervous. 

One of the great things about this camp was that MJ and I didn't have to drive them. Praise the Lord! We just dropped them off at church on Monday morning, and they got on a bus with the rest of the group. It couldn't have been easier!

But because the kids had never been to this camp before, we had no idea how Catholic it was! I mean, the summer camp they've gone to for years now is Methodist, so they sing some Bible songs and have a pastor tell them some Bible stories a few times. I expected the same kind of thing with this camp. But that couldn't have been further from the truth.

The first day, we clicked on the photo link to see what the kids had been up to. Hundreds of kids were there that week, from parishes all over the country, but one of the largest groups was our parish: about 60 kids. Some of the first pictures posted were of the group carrying giant crosses around the campus. Wow. Okay. 

During the rest of the week, we saw pictures of them at Confession, daily Mass, Adoration, veneration, and small group meetings. Of course there were also pictures of everyone swimming in the lake, playing games, making crafts, sliding on a slip-n-slide, climbing ropes, rappelling off a tower, doing color wars, boating, etc. The kids tell me that every morning started with (optional) Confession, then Mass, then breakfast and religious meetings and activities. The afternoons were for non-religious events.

Unfortunately there weren't many pics of our kids. But we got the occasional glimpse of them! And after the kids returned, they wanted to see all the online photos. They explained each picture to us, even if they weren't in it. It was nice to get that much detail about what they'd been doing. The camp clearly employs a very talented photographer, because the pictures were wonderful, and some of them (unfortunately none of my kids) were works of art.

There were so many pictures of all the Catholic traditions they were participating in, MJ and I were pretty shocked. All week, we wondered (and worried) about what the kids were thinking. They had definitely not been expecting it to be so religious!

But we shouldn't have worried. All three came back gushing about how wonderful it was, and how they want to go back next year. They even said they liked it better than the camp they usually go to! I am so thankful they had such a wonderful time, and I definitely plan to send them every year in the future. Praise God for such incredible, engaging youth leaders who inspire our children, and introduce them to our faith in such a vibrant way!

VBS

We've barely had a chance to start our summer break! School ended last Friday, and this Monday we rolled right into Vacation Bible School at our church. So it's another week of early wakeups, although the days are done at noon.

CC and I are helping out at VBS, while Sweet Pea and Little Man are campers. They are not entirely thrilled about it, since they are the oldest kids there and much of it is aimed at younger children. Still, I do see them actually having fun on occasion, when they think I'm not looking -- especially during the sports and science stations. And although Little Man refuses to sing or dance to any of the music, I have caught Sweet Pea humming some of the songs in the afternoons.

Next year all 3 will be old enough to volunteer. CC is really excited to be a counselor, but we'll see if Sweet Pea and Little Man get on board.

Patrick's Confirmation

Last week I had the pleasure of standing up for our godson, Patrick, at his Confirmation. I was so touched that he asked me to be his sponsor, and it was a wonderful opportunity to see Carol and the rest of the Pohl family.

Of course Carol and I had to go out to see Winter! Carol gave me a little lesson, and I was reminded of how exhausting it can be to ride English! My legs were sore for days.

The Confirmation ceremony was beautiful; the bishop was entertaining; and Patrick looked so grown up and handsome. 

How lucky am I, that I was able to see the Pohls twice within a year? 

Dane's Confirmation

Congratulations to Dane!

We all got together to witness and celebrate his Confirmation this weekend, and it was lovely. His grandparents from both sides, uncles and aunts and cousins all gathered to support him. 

I was most touched by the fact that Dane asked me to be his Sponsor, so as his "coach" I sat with him at Mass and stood behind him, with my hand on his shoulder, when the bishop anointed him. It was so special, and he was so sweet. He kept saying, "Thank you for being here!" and "This is so special!" and it warmed my heart. I agreed with him!

He picked St Albert the Great as his saint, because St Albert is the patron saint of scientists. A perfect fit for Dane!

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend. And bonus: because of my parents' long drive, they spent the night at our house on the way there and the way back. So we got two extra nights with Memere and Pepere! The kids loved it. There was tickling, and piano performances, and puzzling.

Ash Wednesday

Our Lenten journey has begun.

A Season of Preparation

Advent has begun, and the Morrisons are here for it. There's been a scurry of activity lately to get the house ready, thanks to a few new additions from Memere. We're hanging a new symbol every day on the Jesse Tree; we've put out the nativity set; and we rolled candles to fit in our Advent wreath. 

All is beautiful! Rejoice!

Ash Wednesday

Our Lenten journey begins!

The kids were really great about reminding each other (and us) not to snack or eat meat. They were proud of themselves for picking yogurt bags for lunch instead of the cheeseburgers that were served at school.

After Mass, we had a simple dinner of pancakes and eggs. And we had some good discussions about the history and symbols of Lent. I think we're off to a good start!

CC Altar Serving

CC's finally old enough to be an altar server! Last night she attended her first training session, and afterwards she served for the first time. I was so proud of her! She's typically a little nervous with new things, but she jumped right in. She already wants to serve at Sunday Mass this weekend. 

I snuck a quick picture while the priest and deacon were cleaning up after Communion.

(Interesting coincidence: Deacon Larry, who assisted at Mass last night, was the one who baptized CC ten years ago. He was so excited to be there the first time she served, too!)

Hayden's First Communion

Last weekend Hayden made her First Holy Communion, and we were on hand to celebrate it with her! It was a truly happy occasion, and a wonderful visit with family.

After Mass, we went back to their house for the party. Unfortunately, after we arrived, we heard their alarm going off and discovered that the upstairs tub had overflowed while we were at Mass, and leaked down into the kitchen ceiling. I feel bad that they have (yet another) repair to handle at their new house!

But Jon was a champ and grilled burgers and hot dogs for everyone -- with a pink ballerina umbrella to protect him from the sudden rainstorm (to no end of giggles from the kids).

We opened gifts and ate cake and showered Hayden with love. 

God bless Hayden!

Little Man and Sweet Pea's First Communion

I didn't realize May 23 was Pentecost when I scheduled Sweet Pea and Little Man's First Communion, but what a beautifully appropriate day to celebrate such an occasion!

The weather was perfect. Grandma and Grandpa, Memere and Pepere,  Aunt Susan, Uncle Jon, and Dane and Hayden were there. Little Man and Sweet Pea had been preparing all year for this special day. Yet it almost didn't happen.

You wouldn't know it from the pictures, but Little Man threw such a temper tantrum that morning about the clothes he had to wear, that I didn't think we could get to Mass in time. Ten minutes before we were supposed to leave, he was still stark naked, screaming, "NEVER! I'M NOT WEARING THAT!!" and MJ and I were at our wits' end. (An unforeseen consequence of the pandemic: he hasn't had to wear "nice" clothes or shoes for over a year.) Finally I had to resort to threatening him in my nasty Dragon-Mommy voice. It wasn't the best way to start off his First Communion, but fortunately the rest of the day went smoothly.

Like CC, Sweet Pea wore the dress my mom made for my First Communion, but picked yellow for her ribbon color. Little Man had a coordinating yellow shirt, and wore the tie MJ wore for his First Communion. I had it embroidered with MJ and Little Man's initials to make it even more special, and believe me, Little Man was a big fan.

I am thrilled that both Little Man and Sweet Pea had something special to wear from us. And because their First Communion happened during the pandemic, naturally they had special masks to wear.

We came home afterwards to relax and celebrate. After lunch we enjoyed the lemon cake Memere made, and it's a good thing, too -- because shortly afterwards, Amber ate the rest. 

Among their special gifts were beautiful name signs to hang on their walls, Bibles, rosaries, and books. Grandma gave Sweet Pea the pearl necklace that her godmother -- with the same name -- gave her when she was young! 

Congratulations, Sweet Pea and Little Man! We are so blessed.

Pretzels

We made pretzels this week -- the perfect food for Holy Week! "Pretzel" comes from a word that means "Little Arms," because their shape is like arms crossed in prayer. Did you know that pretzels used to only be made and eaten during Lent? Pretzels contain no dairy products (which early Christians abstained from during Lent), and their simple ingredients reminded people of sacrifice and commitment.

But honestly, we'll take any excuse to bake! Especially when we can use yeast, watch the dough rise, and smell the pretzels baking.

Today was the last day of school before spring break, so there was much celebration. Eleven days off from school now! We have a wonderful Easter weekend to look forward to, and then another much-anticipated trip to the mountains.