I love being Catholic!

Last night, I had the pleasure of participating in Eucharistic Adoration and confession with a group of about 20 high school kids. I am always amazed at the reverence shown by that age group. From the outside, they seem aloof, maybe even unconnected. But put them in front of the monstrance and they change before your eyes. Fr. Roger began the Exposition and out came the incense. Now I have a love-hate relationship with incense. I really love incense, but my allergies don't like it a bit. But as I prayed in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I noticed that the incense "fog" was lingering in the air. It wasn't moving. At first, I thought, "Wow! Just another visible sign that Christ is present here with us." Then it hit me.

We were all gathered to pray and adore our Lord, but also to cleanse ourselves in the confessional. As each one of us made our way to Fr. Roger to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the fog seemed to lift just a little more. After about an hour and a half, most of the kids had gone to confession, so I headed for my place in line. I was the last person to go in, and when I came out, there was no fog left. We had each shed our ugly, sinful selves and been clothed in the light of Christ once again. Satan's fog had been prayed away and all that was left was the sweet smell of forgiveness.

When was the last time you met our Lord in Adoration? Confession? Maybe it's time to mosey on back. Christ is waiting!

What's in your purse?

I've been holding on to some money I was given at Christmas, just waiting for the perfect "something" to buy JUST FOR ME. All you moms out there know how hard that is. There were so many things I could have used it for around the house--new bikes for the kids, a mini-vacation for the weekend--the list goes on and on. But my wonderful husband talked me into using it on something that I wanted, not needed. So I finally splurged on my dream purse, the one I would never walk into the store and purchase, the one that costs more than my electric bill. I found it new but much more reasonably priced on ebay (who doesn't LOVE ebay???) and just bought it. Some may say I'm crazy, maybe wasteful, but it was quite exhilarating to open the box today and unpack the gift I gave myself. My hubby's first reaction? "That's a beach bag!" My reply? "No, honey, it's a mom bag!"

So what's in your purse? I carry the obvious wallet, cell phone, checkbook, etc. But I also find miscellaneous items from time to time. I seem to have an unending supply of ponytail holders, loose change, and straw wrappers. And my wallet is ALWAYS overflowing with receipts--grocery store receipts, post office receipts, restaurant receipts.... I usually have my digital camera for those candid moments and my rosary is always in the front pocket, ready for action. I could write pages about stuff I carry, just in case I need it (hand sanitizer, nail clippers, female products, lip balm, dental floss....).

As I prepare to "move into" my new purse, I realize just how much I carry with me day in and day out. No wonder my shoulder always hurts! So believe me when I say that I will be purging so my beautiful new purse won't be stuffed to the gills. Which leads me to wonder about other things in my life that need to be purged. My dear husband would say Facebook would be a good start, but he knows that will never happen. But I do see where the laptop robs me of time. And as much as I love my DVR, it allows me to record too much too easily, thus also stealing my time. Will there ever be a day when I won't be connected to the internet or stop watching TV? Ummm, no. But I can strive to find a little balance. I can use a little self-control. I can edit those things into less of a priority. God help me as I try to purge the straw wrappers out of my life! ;)

Happy Father's Day!

What a day we've had! The kids jumped in bed with us this morning to give hubby his gift--an Eat-Sleep-PS3 t-shirt, a new Wii game (that they really wanted!), and some candy. And of course, there was the card with the required fart joke. LOL He made such a fuss over everything. They were so proud of themselves. Then we headed to Mass, got takeout from Abuelo's, and put together our new TV stand for upstairs. The kids absolutely love "helping" him do a project around the house. I could not have asked for a better father for my children! I love you, sweetie!

Now we're just relaxing, giving me an opportunity to think of my own dad. He is one of the funniest people I know. He would hang a lantern from the ceiling fan in the living room so we could play Monopoly when the electricity would go out in the middle of a hurricane. He once took a nap during an IMAX movie on a field trip with my class. And he was always the one getting in trouble during Mass! ;) But more importantly, he was always there when I needed him and still is. When I needed someone to talk to late at night, he was there. When I was devastated by a break-up in high school, he was there. And when I wanted to gush over the incredible man I met that I knew would be my future husband, he was there, too. I cherish every memory I have and look forward to many more!

Daddy, I will never forget the way you took my face into your hands at the altar and gently kissed me before giving me away at our wedding. You made me feel so precious--just the way I feel about you! I love you, Daddy and Happy Father's Day!

Yes, Dorothy, we are in Kansas!

Summer has officially arrived. It's steamin' hot outside and we're spending four nights a week at the baseball park. One child is in summer school and the other is in swimming lessons. And worst of all, I had to shop for a swimsuit this morning. The kids are begging to swim, so it had to be done. And it wasn't fun!

I arrived at Kohl's with a suit in mind. You know, a cute tankini that would at least tame the tummy. Umm, apparently there is no such thing! After trying on numerous suits, all the while enduring the opinion of a five-year-old girl, I finally decided on a one-piece that was somewhat flattering. Is it just me or does it seem that only men design those darn things?

Lesson learned? Even though in my mind I'm still 21, my body is not! It has lovingly produced two beautiful children and bears the stretch marks to prove it. While I wouldn't trade those stretch marks and the reasons they appeared for anything in the world, I do look forward to the day when Jesus will restore my body to its former glory! ;)