Kids say the funniest things....

Yesterday, I was at the pet store with our daughter buying our puppy a bed to keep in my classroom since he's coming up to school with me everyday.  Yes, I have an awesome principal!  ;)  When I asked her if she was going to pay for the bed, she said no.  I jokingly said, "You need to get a job!"  Her response?  "I have a job, but I don't get paid.  You know, I go to school.  It's like an internship."  Haha!  She's nine, going on fifteen and keeps us laughing. 

What has one of your kids said lately that had you smiling? 

Mother's Day Tributes

Well, this Sunday is Mother's Day, so I thought we could share stories of our moms.  My mom was a teenage mother, yet did everything in her power to make a great life for her and her girls.  She sacrificed much so that all four of us could have what we needed and, most of the time, what we wanted.  She wiped countless tears, sewed hundreds of dance costumes, and fed us delicious food.  There has never been a moment when I doubted her love for me and I just hope that I make her proud every single day.  I'm blessed to still have her on this earth and can't wait to see her at the end of May when her and my dad are coming for a visit.

Do you have a special story about your mom?  And happy early Mother's Day to each of you!

Confirmation

Tonight, forty-seven of our young people will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.  I remember my Confirmation being one of the first times I can remember really being moved by the Spirit.  I knew it was an important milestone, but it was a surprise that it touched me so deeply. 

What do you remember about your Confirmation?  What saint name did you choose and why?

The Gift of Grandparents

Today would have been my grandpa's birthday.  I'm sure he's having a glorious celebration in heaven with my grandma.  He died in 2000, but I still miss him like he was here yesterday.  My grandparents lived only five houses down from us so they were our second set of parents.  We spent just as much time, or even more, at their house than our own.  I could list for days the things I learned from him.  I still remember the day we sat on the swing set in the backyard and he taught me how to whistle.  He taught me that even when I did something I wasn't supposed to, he still loved me like crazy.  I knew that when he got home from work at the end of the day, I could reach into his chest pocket and find a pack of gum.  But most importantly, he showed me how a husband should treat his wife.  He wasn't an overly affectionate man, but I would sometimes walk into the kitchen and find him sneaking up behind my grandma at the stove and kissing her neck.  And when my grandma backed through not one, but two new garage doors, he never raised his voice or made her feel bad.  He simply got in the car, went back to Sears, and ordered a new one.  He worked hard to provide for his family and he never met a stranger.  He was known to send a certain granddaughter (I won't name any names) into the bathroom for a "time-out" and bring her a chair to sit on so she'd be comfortable.  Dang, I miss that man!

What memories do you have of your grandparents? 

Gospel Reflection

This weekend, we see Jesus meet two of the disciples on the road to Emmaus.  My favorite passage is after the disciples ask Jesus to stay with them in the village since nightfall is near.  As Jesus blesses and breaks bread with them, "their eyes were opened and they recognized him."  I love this!  Fr. Andy, just last weekend, told our second graders that during the Eucharistic prayer, their eyes should always be on Jesus.  And when the bells ring, they should look to the Blessed Sacrament and pray silently, "My Lord and my God!"  How beautiful! 

What stands out for you?

Friday Fun Day

What does your weekend look like?  Our second graders are making their First Communion on Sunday afternoon and I'm speaking at a neighboring parish on Saturday evening.  Other than that, I'm hoping that our family will have some time to relax.  What about you?

All Praise and Thanksgiving

Today is an exciting day for our diocese!  Our new bishop will be ordained at 2 p.m. this afternoon.  We've been without a Shepherd for a year now and we are all so very thankful to once again have a leader.  Welcome to Kansas, Bishop Carl Kemme!

In celebration of his ordination, he has proclaimed Friday a day of praise and thanksgiving in our diocese.  So all Catholic schools, diocesan offices, and parish offices are closed.  Can you tell we love him to pieces already???  ;) 

What are you thankful for today?  What in your life does God deserve praise for?