Holy Times

Holy week really is such an amazing time in our Church and I REALLY want to make it just as amazing for our little family. However, it doesn't always seem to feel that way.

We tried the Wednesday penance service with all 4 kids this year. After being there for a mere 5 minutes I thought to myself, "What in the world were you thinking?" The kids were not good, I couldn't focus, Isaac talked too loud and then continued to talk TOO loud, Grace screamed and wanted water and then the water got on her dress making her scream more.

I do have to say though that Isaiah was very good, and seemed to be even praying in the midst of our Boda chaos, which made this Momma bear very proud.

Of course, our Hopey girl was perfect.  But alas with 2 out of the 4 being not so good, we ended up moving our crew into the lobby/entrance/back part (you know what I mean) and then after 10 minutes of this action we had to move them again to outside of the church with Matt on kid duty, while I tried to pray in the back of the Church. Still the kids were too loud, so they and Matt were sequestered to the car while I waited to be first in line for confession. Saintly Matt then drove us all home, made sure I was somewhat settled in with the troops and then headed back to church for his confession. Cray to the Z.

So last night we did the only logically thing that I could think of, we got a babysitter and went to Holy Thursday mass with just Hope. Matt had to leave early, because he was getting his feet washed, lucky dog :). And I had quite an adventure of a time getting out of our house and then out of our driveway with Grace running our the front door yelling "MOMMYYY," which really did totally rip on my heartstrings. But once we got her settled (with the help of a sucker) and I was at Mass with Hope (20 minutes late)-- it was a slice of Heaven. I love having my sweet babe with me at Church. And honestly I love having all my peeps (code for other kids) with me at Mass too. I just wish they would behave perfectly, but since that is a tad bit unrealistic at this stage in our life, I will take the moments of peace and serenity that I can get in our beautiful Haven of a Church.

Every year on Good Friday Matt and I try to make it as much of a retreat day as we can. Each year presents a new challenge, while he still balances work and I the kids, but I love how we make this a day of prayer. Please know that family, friends, and blogosphere friends that we are praying for you!

"Stay where you are. Find your own Calcutta. Find the sick, the suffering and the lonely right there where you are -- in your own homes and in your own families, in your workplaces and in your schools. ... You can find Calcutta all over the world, if you have the eyes to see. Everywhere, wherever you go, you find people who are unwanted, unloved, uncared for, just rejected by society -- completely forgotten, completely left alone."