Digging out of my little hole

Whew. Sick kids for the last month and a half and I am one lousy blogger (please don't remind me that I wasn't much of one before, I haven't forgotten). To make myself look even more pathetic, we're going with some reposts from good old Instagram to add a little color to this post.

Things are looking up now, though, and Zach is on summer break, which always makes life better. Since we have been sick for so long, we decided to stay home for the break, and do what we have never really done before - explore more of our area. Almost every break we are driving here and there, and during the trimester Zach is really too busy to do much besides study and take a thirty minute break with us at the playground (I would say that that is an exaggeration, but if you averaged it all out, I think it might even be being generous). Last summer break we stayed home, but a brand spanking new baby kind of put the kibosh on much going out and about.

Speaking of, we have the big numero uno to celebrate on Tuesday! I can't believe this sweet thing has been with us a whole year. 

Her fine, blonde hair.

 On Friday we had the great blessing of attending a Solemn Mass said by our Bishop at a nearby parish. We went there for the Ascension and the music was absolutely beautiful, so you can imagine my excitement at the prospect of a "Solemn Mass" with two choirs and two organs! 

I have never seen Bishop Matano before, and am really grateful that we had this opportunity. He gave the best homily I have heard in a long time, and at the end of Mass gave the most beautiful speech, begging for vocations, and reminding the congregation that the priesthood is irreplaceable, and without priests we will not have the Eucharist, and without the Eucharist we will become a Godless nation. Zach and I are still talking about it. You can tell that he is a true shepherd; he has that charisma that draws people to him, and inspires them. There were many priests and seminarians in attendance, which gives me such hope for the future of the Church. It was wonderful. In the music department we were treated to Gregorian chant. They sang Lotti's Regina Caeli, which I absolutely love. Even Tony could tell that something was special. Mass was just under two hours long and he was very good (I think that the Knights of Columbus in their regalia was a good distraction, too). 

When we got home we enjoyed roast beef, a potato-tomato-squash dish, and zucchini lime spelt flour cupcakes. The cupcakes were excellent, though I will admit that the best part was the frosting - cream cheese based frosting is weakness of mine.

Climbing stairs. In big girl pajamas. I can't handle it.

In case anyone reads this soon, my Mom is at the hospital right now with complications from a miscarriage, and I would appreciate prayers for her, please.

Love,

Jess