Wacky weather

All after school activities were cancelled. Wacky and somewhat dangerous weather all over TN. Lots of wind, rain and hail. Not too big hail around here, but about 2 hours south, it's supposed to be baseball-sized hail!!

The kids are huddled in the basement!

He is Risen

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday, the 'day of the entombed Christ', is the Lord's day of rest, for on that day Christ's body lay in His tomb. We recall the Apostle's Creed, which says "He descended unto the dead." It is a day of suspense between two worlds, that of darkness, sin and death, and that of the Resurrection and the restoration of the Light of the World. For this reason no divine services are held until the Easter Vigil begins that night. This day between Good Friday and Easter Day makes present to us the end of one world and the complete newness of the era of salvation inaugurated by the Resurrection of Christ.

Ideally, Holy Saturday should be the quietest day of the year (although this is not as easy in a busy household with children as it might be in a convent or monastery). Nightfall on Holy Saturday is time for joy and greatest expectation because of the beautiful liturgy of the Easter Vigil, often referred to as the Mother of all Holy Vigils, or the Great Service of Light.

Good Friday

My Lord,
your son has suffered so much, shed so much blood.
I was born with so many faults
and my nature is so full of weakness,
and yet your son Jesus has died on the cross.
For me.
I know your grace has the power
to cleanse me of my many sins
and to make me more like your Son.
Thank you for your goodness and love for me.
I ask you, Father, to watch over me -- always.

Our new cat and Gabriel's new obsession

How to have a cat, but not have a cat in 2 easy steps
1. Have neighbor's cat come to your door.
2. Have your 8 year-old give it milk and pet it saying "Look my kitty's back"

Gabriel's new obsession: poker (fueled by his yard sale find of over 200 poker chips, cards, etc. for $3)

Prayer for Palm Sunday

Almighty, ever-living God,
You have given the human race Jesus Christ our Savior
as a model of humility.
He fulfilled your will
by becoming man and giving his life on the cross.
Help us to bear witness to you
by following his example of suffering
and make us worthy to share in his resurrection.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from prayers at today's mass, as we enter Holy Week)

Back in the spring of things

The kids have only 6 more weeks of school (Gabriel made me count today) and are eager for our summer adventures.

Gabriel has a few spring regattas in the meantime, Marian has softball starting this week and Anna has "The Great Gatsby" (the spring play).

Bogdan heads to Los Alamos (NM) for a business trip all next week, and home just before Easter. He hopes to connect with a friend down there for some good Mexican food. The highlight of last week was spending $25,000 on equipment for lab projects. (Actually, thanks to all of you who are reading this who are paying taxes!)