On Good Friday

I wanted to post a few pictures of the Living Stations of the Cross that Emily and Zachary participated in last Friday. They were very moving. We are lucky to have a wonderful woman as part of our homeschool group who directs these stations each year. She is fantastic in her ability to work with the kids and she is an excellent director. The children who participated were from the Our Lady of Perpetual Help homeschool group and St. John Neumann school.

 

Each station began with a scripture reading. This was followed by instrumental music while the participants prayerfully acted out the scene. When the music stopped, the actors froze while a prayer was read by the congregation and another by the narrator.

 

The kids met every week for 5 weeks to prepare. Emily was St. Batholomew and one of the women of Jerusalem. Zachary was very privileged to be chosen to portray Jesus.

 

Jesus falls the first time

Jesus meets his mother

Jesus is nailed to the cross

 

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,

because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

For Dexter

Dex, just so you know...

 

 

 

coffee cake just isn't the same without you.

Missing in Action

And I do mean action! Sorry I've been gone for awhile, but hey, life has been B.U.S.Y.

I've had a new pope to meet and greet (virtually, of course), children to teach the conclave process to, a homeschool conference to attend in Nashville, a brother to visit with, and family from North Carolina to catch up with. Those are just the extras people:)

The whole conclave process had me captivated. Beth and I decided to have pope week and did a unit study on the Primacy of Peter, and the Papal election process with our kids. It was lots of fun, very informative, and the kids were all so excited to see white smoke and know what that meant.

 

Working on lapbooks

 

 

 

 

 

 

We made Blessed John Paul II puppets. I had no idea what a hit they would be!

 

Reading a story about Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

(note the JPII puppets)

 

Baking "keys to the kingdom" bread

 

 

 

When I saw the white smoke, I almost broke my neck running upstairs to announce the news. I don't have a picture of that:)

 

Watching and waiting...such excitement!

 

 

We were at Beth's house over the weekend and I overheard Danny telling one of his new friends, "We have a new pope! Did you know that? His name is Pope Francis." Just another conversation in the life of a three year old.

 

 

Last weekend my brother, Casey, came up from Florida for a visit. We all loved seeing him and will get to see him again in May for his birthday.

While Case was here my Uncle John, Aunt Barb, and cousin Julie came over from North Carolina. Julie was the flower girl in our wedding. I have not seen her since 2000, when our grandma died. Well, she's all growed up now;) She brought her two darling little boys with her and we had such a fantastic visit. I must admit, it is really wonderful being so close to family. I have missed out for the past 20 years.

 

 

 In other earth shattering news, The Hobbit became available on DVD Tuesday. We spent the past two evenings being absorbed in Middle Earth. I can't stand waiting until the next movie to see what happens...oh, wait, I could read the book...(I will - it's on my nightstand) Speaking of books, if you haven't you should read Bilbo's Journey by Professor Joseph Pierce. In it he discusses the Christian/Catholic themes that Tolkien wove into the story, really great!

 

I could have written a separate post for each event, but I knew I never would, so, you are getting the "quick takes" version.

 

 

 

Salve et Deo Gratias - Francis!

Hello Holy Father! It's so wonderful to meet you!

 

We love you already, you will always be in our prayers!

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be...