God's a Showman

Nothing is quite as dramatic as a Homily where the Priest's point is immediately followed by a clap of thunder so intense it shakes the windows. That's darn good theater. 

Mass on a Rainy Sunday Morning

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Last night, knowing it was a Holy Day of Obligation in the Catholic Church, I attended a 6pm Mass. 

I was squeamish about going. My church attendance has been non-existent lately, not from a lack of Faith but just scheduling and old-fashioned human laziness. I was running a couple minutes late but thought I could easily sneak in; after all, there wouldn't be much of a crowd on a Tuesday night and they'd be grateful to have another guest. 

I was right, I easily snuck in, but for the opposite reason - it was so crowded no one noticed. 

Young and old, from infants to elderly; singles and couples, whole families, you name it, they were there. Heck, the parking lot was full, and I had to park "illegally" along the perimeter of the lot. 

I'm not sure why I miss Mass so often, aside from the before-mentioned laziness, because not only don't I find it boring (granted, I have a high tolerance for boredom, as my mind is always running) but I find it very moving and comforting. 

Anyway, $4 a pound. 

 I was super excited to see that Ash Wednesday Mass was a full house, and even happier to see Parker put on a dress shirt and pants without even being asked. May your Lent be a time of reflection and prayer.

Smiley and I went to Mass, and afterwards we lit two candles. One for his health, and one for YaYa's travels. It is what Lisa endearingly calls "Catholic Voodo," but I'll take all the help I can get.

So Disrespectful

I saw something at Mass today I never have before: a few pews in front of me was a young woman and her son. She spent a chunk of the Mass on her phone, then abruptly got up to leave. Rather than ask the lady beside her to move, she stood on the pew bench and climbed over the pew. It was so unexpected that I found myself saying "No No No."

Today

The family went to evening Mass, then for a quick bite to eat - #KneelThenMeal - but otherwise nothing much happened today.

Midnight Mass

I returned (solo) to listen to the choir concert, then stuck around for some of Midnight Mass. Later, I watched the time delayed Midnight Mass from the Vatican. 

Christmas Eve 2016

Christmas Eve began with a visit to my parent's place, where a casual drop-in developed into a full blown family get together.

Meanwhile, YaYa was at the Mall with friends, but we all returned in time for a catered dinner of Buca Di Beppo, courtesy of JJ! Then it was off to Mass, where two of YaYa's friends joined us.

Kneel Then Meal

Lighting candles for my stepfather-in-law after Mass

Then post-Mass breakfast with #TeamSlap. Kneel then meal baby, kneel then meal.

LuLu serves Mass!

This afternoon LuLu served Mass for the first time. You can't tell from the pictures, but she was suppressing a smile. The Priest thanked her, people in the congregation congratulated her, and we're very proud of her.

 Getting ready for Easter Vigil, the ONLY Mass I don't have to threaten violence to get the kids to attend. Holding a candle in a dark church and betting on whether someone's hairspray catches fire really seems to inspire their Faith.

My 42nd Birthday

Thanks for all the birthday wishes! 

To celebrate my 42nd we attended evening Mass together (although if I'd remembered it was Palm Sunday, I would have thought twice - as always, a long service LOL). 

Then #TeamSlap  headed over to TGI Friday's at Miller Park for dinner. We went all out, even letting the kids order Smoothies and appetizers. I ordered salmon and lobster, but was a little disappointed in both the serving size and the flavor. 

Once we got home I was serenaded with Happy Birthday and had some cake. My gifts (other than family time): a Gene Rayburn biography from Jennifer J, a wireless mouse for my laptop, workout shorts, a new wallet, and best of all: two packages of Peeps!  The kids then volunteered to go to the gym with me, but I was pooped.

 A fine birthday

Kneel Then Meal

Post-Mass dinner of homemade french fries, ground round hamburgers infused with Worcestershire sauce, topped by lettuce, mushrooms, pepper jack cheese, pickles and 1000 island dressing on a butter grilled sesame seed bun.

Christmas Mass

Merry Christmas one and all!

Can't sleep. The hip is crazy, and Lisa keeps having nightmares and talking in her sleep. Not the best combination for a restful night. NOTE: this is not to be used by anyone as an excuse to cxl plans. If I can deal, so can you :)

Went to Mass yesterday night, my first trip out in crutches. Lisa yelled at me when I tried to stand for the processional so I spent the service sitting like an old ninny. Nice carols, and as usual a great Homily by Fr Ron - the guy has the knack. At Communion the man in the pew behind us had Fr. bring me Communion, which was very nice of a stranger.

YaYa's First Job

Thanks to her cousin Caitlin, YaYa landed a one night job at a local restaurant, filling in for someone that called in sick. While she worked her butt off babysitting over the summer, this marks my oldest' s first day at a "real" job. #ProudDad #ProudMom

Because she was working, YaYa got out of Mass tonight. Because I messed up the time, the rest of #TeamSlap (and LK's friend Alyssa) showed up for church after it was half over, so . . . you're welcome kids. Following Mass we treated everyone to a chicken dinner at the church. It was pricey, and may curtail some weekend activities, but church should be followed by a good meal. :)

Darn Right

At Mass this evening the Priest gave a homily centered around the life of Vincent Willem van Gogh. As the story progressed he went on about how "a doctor" helped van Gogh, about how "a doctor" saved his life in his hour of need, about how "a doctor" was there for him, etc. 

I elbowed YaYa and leaned over. "Not *a* doctor," I whispered, "THE Doctor"

A Great Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve made a rapid 180. 

There was a pleasant afternoon visit to my parents, followed immediately by a crowded but love filled get together with family and friends, and capped off by a wonderful nighttime Mass. 

I'm feeling very full of Christmas cheer and a love of God. Looking across the pew at Yaya and Lisa holding hands, and YaYa embracing Junie . . . man, I was soooooooo grateful for Team Slap. 

 Anyhow, I'm going to sign off before I become all ZhuZhu's petals-y, as I fear hitting the stash of Irish Cream after Mass may have been an error. :) Have a great Christmas morning folks!

A great day

A good day overall, and a happy opposite to Friday's misery. Dance in the morning, then a nap, followed by Mass (the priest led off the sermon with a discussion about Aaron Rodgers' injury), then dinner with the family and two of Lu's friends. :)

Attended Vern S's funeral Mass with YaYa and paid our respects, then in an abrupt about face took Smiley to his first ever trip to the batting cages. More on that last part later.