The Windows Were Mornings and Evenings

Today was the first Sunday that St. Theresa's was closed. No getting around it - today I was going to have to drive to church. The parish of St. Theresa's was going to be meeting at Trinity High School, and Fr. McFadden has spent the last three weeks asking people to meet there instead of doing exactly what I was getting ready to do...

I got up at 6:30 so that I would be rady to drive in plenty of time. I hate to be late anywhere, and I would rather sit in my car for twenty minutes of earliness than feel rushed. The Church of the Good Shepherd is a ten minute drive from my house, so by 7:00 am (for the 7:30am Mass) I was out the door. One small snag - at 7:01 a crazy-haired fuzzy-eyed handsome face popped out of the bedroom door. He wasn't dressed... or even clean... but he wanted to go with me. So I threw an outfit together and sponge bath-ed every bit of him that was still showing (lol), and got out the door by 7:12. The parking lot was packed. Of course the problem with taking a child with me is the absolute necessity of popping into the bathroom before the service starts. I asked a stranger where the bathroom was
(oh the agony of breaking out of the comfort zone!). We did manage to find a seat before the service actually started, just as the announcements were being made.

I managed not to giggle as Fr. "Mike" Weiss was introduced. I was really happy that Fr. Mark was celebrating, as it made me feel so much more comfortable to see a familiar face. I would have been fine either way, though. One of the nice things about the Mass is that you pretty much know what to expect. You sit, kneel, stand at the same times, and say the same or similar prayers every time, though some of the intentions are different. The scripture readings (large chunks of scripture, never just a single verse) and the homilies are different, but rotated through the a three year cycle so that the whole Bible is covered, rather than missing some books that aren't as easy to understand or as immediately interesting.

The sanctuary was beautiful. There are stained glass windows up high that are the colors of day and night - starting with a sunrise blue green, progressing through the hot red and orange of noon, all the way to a dark blue in the back. It is a very beautiful effect. There is a trickling water fountain by the baptismal font, a relief of Jesus as the Good Shepherd on the side walls. I was so surprised when the cantor (the lead singer) started singing, because I could not find him - then realized he was on a loft behind and above the whole sanctuary. There is a large pipe organ there, too.

I was afraid that getting out of the parking lot would be a huge challenge - I remember driving by the church many times and seeing long processions of people trying to get out of the church. I remember thinking it was interesting that SO many people would be there - even on a Saturday night! But really it was not so bad - though I bet one of the later services (or even the Saturday night vigil) would be much worse.

Doing something the first time is always so hard, going there again will be much easier.

Celtic Fling

Traffic was backed up on the turnpike, so it took use 2 hours to get to the Faire grounds - a trip that usually takes twenty-thirty minutes. But though we were annoyed, it barely put a damper on the day.




Elijah took the wooden practice sword Lee bought him at the Faire last year. It stayed in my purse for most of the day, but he and Livvy enjoyed "sparring" while we watched "Enter the Haggis" on the chess board stage. If you think they look dirty here, you should have seen them by the end of the day.



Olivia is still wearing the beads Nana bought her at Jubilee day. They went so beautifully with her princess dress. I loved wearing my dress, too. Elijah felt a little left out that he didn't have a kilt like Daddy. Olivia's initial reaction to the kilt: "Ooh, Daddy, you're a princess!" I am not sure if Lee heard that or not, but I quickly corrected her - "No, Liv, Daddy's a warrior." "He's a princess mom." "He's a warrior, Liv." "Oh.... you're a Wardior, Daddy!"

There were so many guys wearing kilts there that Lee ended up feeling great about it - he's even going to get one of those awesome "Real Men Wear Kilts" shirts *swoon* I did NOT get a picture of him in the kilt, but he promises I will, soon. I think he is a little proud of it, now. YAY!

Jon came, too. He needed some Lee-time. He enjoyed the day almost as much as we did. He really enjoys the musical acts and the comedy. At the end of the day, when I was debating whether or not to take Boo to mass the next day (yes, I admit it, I mused out loud on purpose to annoy Jon), Boo enthusiastically invited Jon to join us. "Jon, you should come to Mass with us. It's very, very fun. We pray and we sing..." Yeaup, my fearless four year old, I love him so much :) Jon, of course, pretended not to hear him, then invited him to VBS at their church, instead. Yeah, I'm soooo going to drive to Hershey for a Vacation Bible School. Nice try, Jon!



It was a WONDERFUL day!!! During the closing concert, the kids just about fell asleep on me and hurt my back and arms, but basically they were really good all day. I am proud of them. We had so much fun.

Jubilee Day

We had a wonderful, relaxing Jubilee Day. Jubilee Day is the "largest single day street fair on the east coast". It takes up a big chunk of the downtown where my parents live. The main drag is lined with food vendors, crafts vendors, political parties, religious groups, and local music. The best thing about it is the food (although honestly I skimped on food a bit this year)

To start the day off, when Lee and I got to my parents house, Elijah wanted to hang out with his uncles and aunties rather than go down to the fair. So Lee and I took Livvy down and had a snack together. Then it was time for Lee to go to work.

So Mommi and I took the littles - Liv, Lij, Jonah, and James - down to walk the walk. It was very hot, and we shared a big lemonade and a big smoothie. We toured up and down the booths and got a few little things for the kids - balloons, beads, and little watches.

I took a detour to the library book sale. Mommi had already gone last night so she wheeled all four kids home on her own (brave) while I hiked over to the sale. Bad idea! I ended up lugging 15 pounds of used books by myself on a twenty minute walk home. Of course one of the bags broke!

Of course the books were worth it.

After Mommi fed tacos to everybody (making tacos for that many people is an incredible feat), we decided we wanted to go down to the fair one last time. So Mommi and walked down together to get ice cream cones. It was really nice, the end to a perfect day.


This is my personal rosary. It has been broken for a couple of months. Today Mommi mended it for me. You can barely even tell it was broken. That was so awesome. Thanks Mommi!!!

Countdown - 6 Days to the Fling

6 days until I see Lee in his kilt.

And enjoy these performers all day long for two days straight.

The girls at work are already tired of hearing me bubble with enthusiasm.

I will post a description of the book club tomorrow.

Father's Day

Here's a "shout-out" to the two Dads in my life.

First, to Lee, who will never read this, I'm sure. Lee, you are a phenomenal father. I am so proud of you. You have had to learn as you go, and you are doing great. I love that you tell your daughter how beautiful she is, every day. She is going to grow up strong and happy because of you.

And second to my Daddy. I love my Dad, and I wish all girls could have a Dad like mine. Daddy, I am glad you have so many daughters. thanks for making me who I am.

I'm going to stop now because I dun wanna cry today.

...

I am kicking off a reading program at work tomorrow. It's pretty much all on my shoulders so I am nervous and also excited.

Olivia scolded me for calling her "buddy". She said, "I'm a girl, mom." That's pretty darn subtle for a two year old.

Elijah is getting way too smart way too fast. I gave him a box of crayons and a sheet of white paper and walked out of the room - he brought me a sheet of letters - w, p, r, s, a. All capitals. All very well formed. He doesn't get writing in a straight line but hey - neither do I.

Lee and I sat down this week and figured our work/school/work/kids/church schedule for next semester. It's going to be bloody awful :)

Lee is working so hard right now, and really having to step into his role of a manager - as in dealing with people who are not always motivated or respectful. Because I work with adorable Christian girls all the time, I so do not have that problem. Lee had to send someone home from work yesterday, basically for not respecting his authority. I totally admire that he had to do that.

One week from today will be the Celtic Fling/Highland Games. I think everyone is tired of hearing me say it, but it bears repeating: I will finally get to see Lee in his kilt. And I will get to strut around in my dress [ridiculously overheated, but nevermind that].

If you think of it, pray for me tomorrow. I am noivous.

Lee and I watched Apocalytpo together on Tuesday night. Um, it was good, oh yeah except for the small fact that I cried during the entire movie, including some outright sobbing under the blanket and don't you dare try to talk to me or get me to come out. There was a water birth in it *snicker* I would not watch it again.

I couldn't find any yard sales on my bike this morning so I went to church and prayed in the garden instead. That was nice.

Cheers.

Eight Random Facts About Me

Wow, this is really hard. Michelle tagged me for this thing, so here it is.... since it is basically my family that reads this, I tried not to include any about my family which is certainly one of my most distinctive qualities. You'll still probably know them all. Here goes...

1. My favorite kinds of books are children stories and non-fiction about whatever my current obsession is. There are about 2000 books in our little apartment.

2. My favorite restaurant is Olive Garden. We go there for Nan's birthday every year. It is a real treat. Incidentally, Nan's favorite restaurant is Hoss's, but we go there with her throughout the year.

3. I asked Jesus into my heart when I was three years old and have been intimate with Him for my entire life.

4. I think bare feet are precious, even on a man.

5. I stick to things. I will listen to the same 3 songs over and over, will read the same books over and over, and once I commit to something, I don't let go of it. I don't like to quit jobs, I don't give up on people, and I don't change my mind unless forced to do so.

6. I read books in a weird way. The first time I read really fast, just to get the gist of the plot. The second time I read a little slow to get more of the details. I do not read every word. Then I can read and reread and reread, and find something new every time. It's not something I do intentionally, but it is something I do consistently.

7. If somebody wants me to read a book, 95% of the time, I can't and won't. I actually think (hard) about what percentage to use when I say something like that. Which I do often.

8. I like costumes and can't wait to dress up for the Ren Faire.

Why do half of my random facts involve books? At work, it is almost a pass phrase when assigning me certain tasks - "The best person for this task is Rachel-" "-because it involves books."

I tag Mommi (please really do it pretty please :) ), Sarah, David if you have time, Grandma, if you happen to get over here, Lisa, Daddy, geez I don't actually know eight people that are on here!!! Since none of you except Mommi have blogs any of you that actually do this please e-mail it to bostwick@gmail.com .

Sunday Off

It was so weird to have Sunday completely free. Lee really liked it. Not that it was a relaxing day. I got up, cleaned the house, watered the garden. Then Lee got up and we went to the bank, went to Barnes and Noble, dropped off our on-line rentals at Blockbuster and got our corresponding free rentals - Epic Movie (yucky) and Happily N'Ever After (not too bad).

Went home for a five minute breather, took dinner over to Nan, hung out for two hours with her while clipping coupons and reading the paper. Then we went home and watched Epic Movie. (Did I mention Yucky.)

Went to bed late, got up early. Scratch that. Tried to get up early to pray, kept falling back asleep. Going to be late and getting up early don't combine well. Set out the kids clothes for tonight's birthday party, then hopped off to work.

Had a nice surprise by seeing [a significant portion of] Michelle's family. Michelle brought me some books to borrow (thanks again!! :) ). That great. The rest of the day was fairly blah with the usual work ups and downs that seem really important at the time but won't even bring themselves to mind when I get home.

After work picked up the kids and Nan to go to a birthday party for Nick and Carly - twin cousins of the kids (3rd cousins I think) who are turning five. It was a nice party with a trampoline and good barbecue food. This is funny - Olivia was almost a social butterfly, and Elijah was a mess. He cried three or four times at trivial things, like being told to back up so he wouldn't get hit with a pinata stick. I couldn't blame the poor boy, it was overstimulating for me, too.

Tomorrow is my ten hour shift, so I'll be shot.

Saturday Night Vigil

Work was easy and calm yesterday, and afterwards I went grocery shopping. A dear friend gave me a copy of the new Relient K CD, so when I got home I popped it in. For lunch, I made Ultimate Grilled cheese (as detailed on Michelle's Blog). It was a BIG hit. Lee just loved it. Then we had a nice calm afternoon with me and the kids playing out in the yard.



We decided to go to the Saturday night vigil - aside from Easter, I have never gone to a Saturday night service before. I was in a daring mood, so I decided to take Livvy, too. I took both kids into the "infant chapel" - aka, the "cry room", a quiet room off the sanctuary where you can hear and participate in the Mass, but not disturb anyone with little outbreaks or wriggly bodies.

Livvy was quite good. Boo was actually more wiggly. He is used to sitting in the pew and paying attention. The other dear mom in there has two beautiful children, and when I told her that we were "training" she said she's been "training" for seven years with three different kids. I think having the infant chapel is nice, but even for older toddlers or preschoolers, it's really an artificial environment, safe and non-intimidating, but not really conducive to learning to behave in the actual service. Olivia knew that we were in the wrong place. She wanted to go in and sing and pray with everybody else. I trust now that she will be "okay" in the service - I think next week I will take her to the 9:00am service, which has a children's Liturgy of the Word, so its full of families with kids. You hear kids the whole way through, and people have the expectation of little noises. Either that, or I will take her to the 7:30 am service by herself sometime, so we can practice being quiet in our own pew, and I can leave somewhat discreetly if we need to. With Boo I always sit way up front - because yeah those pews tend to be emptier - and we can see all the "action". I love to watch the wine and bread being prepared.

Oh, and the cry room had little plastic chairs and no kneelers. Kneeling on the floor - not fun. The other mom didn't bother. I can only guess that its not really expected. it would be way better for training if there were actual pews so the little ones can learn to sit in a pew.

When I first found out that not every service at St. Theresa's has a nursery available, I was appalled. What did they expect people to do with their kids? Did people with kids just not go to church? Was the Catholic church so non-supportive of people with kids? Now I realize it's a cultural difference. Children are a part of faith from their birth, and they're included, rather than separated until their old enough to understand. What I used to see as a deficiency, I now see as something beautiful, and something that fits better with my worldview.

Now waking up this morning and realizing I have already gone to church - that's weird. I'd probably be happy to just go again this morning, but I think Lee is going to love having a whole day to ourselves :)

Chaos Unleashed

Spent time in the chapel again this morning, then rounded up Boo to go yard sail-ing. I got about 200 incense cones for $1.00 - they are literally from the 70s, but they burn just fine :) Lee and I both like incense, and this is significantly cheaper than the Ren Faire! :) I also got a popsicle mold for 25 cents. I filled it up with half water - half root beer as soon as I got home. I got a DuckTales movie for the kids (from my childhood) and a few stupid little toys like a pop gun for less than a dollar total. I got a 1978 Tolkien Calendar illustrated by The Brothers Hildebrandt for (drum roll please) 10 cents. Wow. That will be so cool. I will pick up some cool frames from the dollar store and finish the living room fantasy style :) Finally I got a box of 50 Burger King toys for $3.00. Don't laugh - I am now basically done with the kids stockings for next Christmas!

Got my paycheck deposit from work and there was more than we expected - having some hours from home is helping out a lot. So we went to Toys R Us and got a few very cheaper water guns and a sprinkler, then unleashed chaos on the back yard. Now we are chilling because Lee has to go to work soon. The kids and I will have dinner and then they'll watch a movie while I clean the house - it's Friday, and it needs it.








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