Orlando Recap

I realized with all the busyness of our move that I never posted any pictures from our jaunt to Orlando.

The Older Girl and I had a great trip. Our flights were without incident. Our accommodations at Walt Disney World's Coronado Springs Resort were fabulous. It rained quite a bit the first two days, but it didn't bother us at all -- it was very warm and the grounds were beautiful.

We both had fun at the pool and on the water slide.

The Girl even got to spend some time swimming with her friends from her old dance school in Milwaukee, who were also in Orlando for Nationals.

Though she didn't place as well as she had hoped in her competition, competing at the national level as a nine-year-old is a big deal.

And Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom was a good distraction after her disappointment. Her favorite rides were the Tomorrowland Speedway, which we did twice.

And Splash Mountain, which we got to ride three times -- the last time because the park was closing in five minutes and there was no one else in line, so they let us ride twice in a row!

Other than the stress of a daughter competing in a major competition, which really was stressful for me, the rest of the trip was quite relaxing. I didn't have to cut anyone's food or wash anyone's hair or make a meal or make a bed. I had the most self-sufficient of my children with me, so it was more a vacation than a family trip.

And, as you parents of many children realize, it is rare to have the opportunity to spend an extended period of time with any one child. My four days with my oldest daughter will be a time I will always treasure.

Catch-Up Number Five - Planes, Tractors, and Pinatas

Man ... time flies. I can't believe it's been over a week since I've posted anything. DH has finished teaching for the year and is busy working on his dissertation full time (or more). The kids and I are trying to finish our schoolwork this week. Then we concentrate on packing. Yikes.

In the meantime, we've had some fun weekends in the last month -- I've just been too busy to share them with you, and so I'm still playing catch-up. Way back on April 11th, we spent a splendid Sunday at my sister-in-law's. She got married this past September and Uncle Norb is quickly becoming the uncle with the coolest toys -- a tractor AND a plane!

Look at that big bright cloudless blue sky!
Thank you for the rides, Uncle Norb! Come visit us in Bismarck!

And all that excitement was after the pinata!

A little higher, a little higher ...

Watch out! Behind you!

Did she peek!?!

Treats! Money! Yeah!
Thank you, Aunt Annette, for all the fun!

Wordless Wednesday - Dad Meets Ladder

Catch-Up Number Three - Old Friends, New Sisters

On March 24, the eve of the Annunciation, Bishop John LeVoir of the Diocese of New Ulm established the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus as a Public Association of the Faithful -- the first step toward becoming a religious community of diocesan right. Four sisters received their new habits and new names; one professed her simple vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Before moving to New Ulm, these young women were residents of our parish convent. They brought us soup when I was on bed-rest with The Baby last winter. They took the older kids over to the convent to do schoolwork and go on rosary walks. They hosted The Girls First Communion reception when I was overwhelmed with a new baby and the lack of space in our rental house.


My girls just adore them.

at Bishop Sirba's ordination in December

I have attended diaconate ordinations and priestly ordinations and even several episcopal consecrations, but I had never attended an investiture and profession of vows. It was a beautiful event. What made it even better is that The Girls were able to attend with me (my DH was out of town, my dad came to watch the younger two, and the three of us rode to New Ulm with our friend, Fr. B.).

It is rare that our daughters have the opportunity to see young women making this choice. Growing up, I saw primarily elderly nuns (God bless them!). Indeed, this has been the norm in America. But these wonderful women are young and alive and fun and, most importantly, they love our Lord. What a blessing for the Church that these women feel called to serve in diocesan schools and churches, being visible, so that more of our daughters will be exposed to this vocation and have occasion to discern whether this may be the life our Lord is calling them to as well. I am grateful for their presence in our lives, and especially in the lives of my girls. Please say a little prayer for them and for your own daughters. Give your daughters opportunity to witness the beauty of the religious life when you can and encourage them in their own discernment.

with Mother Mary Clare of the Heart of the Father

with Sister Regina Marie of the Holy Sacrifice of the Altar

with Sister Miriam Rose of the Incarnate Word

(We didn't get a picture with Sister Magdalena Marie of the Trinity -- this time.)

Catch-Up Number Two - First Family Hike and Picnic of the Year

... happened on March 21. Hopefully, this was the first of many! Here are some highlights:

walking in the woods

Mr. Beaver -- spotted on our hike

bocce

naps in the sun and first Oreo cookies

ladderball

dancing on a picnic table

follow-the-leader

Spring has sprung! Get out and enjoy it!

Then and Now - Concert Edition

Last night I went to a concert with my bestest friend.

I really like concerts, but with four kids and a husband in graduate school ... I was trying to remember the last time I went to a real, pay-for-your-tickets kind of concert (although these tickets were free to me, someone had to pay for them). I've been to Handel's Messiah with my DH and kids, but that doesn't count, so I think the last time I went to a concert was with this same bestest friend. in college!

Then: Michael W. Smith concert with our little sisters
(sorry for the picture quality -- it's a picture of a picture)

Now: Casting Crowns concert

BTW, another interesting then-and-now: Last concert I went to people lit lighters; this concert, people lit their cell phones!

Lifesong

Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight

May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You

Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You

Lord I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet

So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You

Lunch Conversation

The Boy: I wish I could hear God's voice.

Me: That's why we're working on being quieter around here during Lent -- so we can hear God better. It's hard to hear Him when everything is so loud around us.

The Boy: Oh. Shhhh ... I hear God's voice.

Me: What's He telling you?

The Boy: Listen to your mom.

Me: That must be God.

The Boy: And don't go to hell.

Field Trip to the Zoo

It is FREEZING (actually colder than freezing) here in Minnesota. And my kiddos are driving me crazy with their pent up energy. It was time for a field trip -- somewhere with lots of room to move. So, after Mass and Science Friday with Papa, we picked up Subway and went to the Minnesota Zoo yesterday.

This was The Baby's first trip to the zoo (that she was awake and alert for) and, after the initial shock, she seemed to really like the aquaria (thanks for the Latin grammar review, Father B!), both the one in the tropics area ...

... and, especially, the dolphin tank.

My older kids love the Ocean Trail and spent quite a bit of time trying to touch the sharks and rays.

By far the coolest thing we saw was a new animal to the Minnesota Zoo -- the leafy sea-dragon.

Thanks, Papa, for joining us for a fun afternoon at the zoo. (Seriously, this is the best picture I could get of these five at the end of the day! Mission accomplished.)