What a beautiful ceremony we had today at Joshua’s school – I had gone in early to help the other moms in setting up. As usual, I felt inadequate. The cafeteria was beautifully decorated with caricatures of the children and there were pictures with each kid with their families on the walls. There were huge cookie favors as place setters and LOADS of food. Mom and Kennedy arrived before mass and we proceeded to church. Each mom and grandmom was handed a white carnation (in honor of mother’s day on Sunday) and then we went in to mass. The kids were so well behaved and Joshua took in the offertory. His brother had been allowed to attend the special day as all 2nd grader siblings were invited too. After mass, the kids rushed to the treats while I chatted with Fr. Tom and a few other moms for a bit. All in all it was great fun.

Joshua began his novena of flowers last night  – we are counting down. The excitement cannot be contained in our house.

Joshua and Jordan’s mom and Nana were over the moon that Pope Benedict was coming. Of course, they didn’t understand what the fuss was all about. Each time I said to Joshua, “Hey, honey, look the Pope is in D.C., at the church we go to all the time.”, he would look at the TV screen and go “OK, mom”. Then on Thursday, Jordan surprised me. He came over and said, “Do you want to listen to something?” and then went in a singsong voice ”watch the pope . com”. I was cracking up. I asked him where he heard it and Kennedy said to me they loved the Brooklyn diocese ads that were playing on Star 99.1 FM. for the week. Anyway, I couldn’t get Jordan to stop that day…. “watchthepope.com, watchthepope.com, watchthepope.com” HAHA!

Joshua and Jordan (together with Kennedy and I) were honored to be part of washing of the feet at the Lord’s Supper on Thursday. Jordan found it very hard to sit still while Fr. Thomas went around washing feet. He kept waving his foot in the air which made his older brother furiously whisper, “Stop Jordie” – haha – I don’t think he was aware that the entire church was watching the tableau.

Anyway, I hope they will remember this day forever – that Jesus wants each of us to be servants and treat every human being with respect and love. That Jesus calls them and each one of us to be his disciples and to spread his word far and wide. That Jesus loves us…….always!

The boys pounced on the palms this morning and then wanted me to fashion them into crosses. When Monsignor walked down the aisle to bless the palms Jordan had his cross upside down, it looked like a sword It was quite funny. They were a little down today at mass as they are recovering from their illness but Joshua did sing his favorite communion hymn, “Take and eat”. I wonder what goes on his mind about his upcoming First Eucharist. I don’t remember too much of mine, except that I had a very simple dress (which I thought made me look like a princess) and brand new knee high socks. Oh, and I also remember that I was worried about sticking my toungue out; what if I didn’t have it far out enough and the host dropped. Fr. Michael would’ve been so mad at me; he was a cranky priest. Joshua need have no fear on that account. All the priests are wonderful here and they receive communion on their palm.

They will not be going to school tomorrow and I’m a little sad because they will miss the St. Patrick’s Day “green day” – they are not celebrating much as the day falls in Holy Week. Oh well, I’ll ask them to wear a little green tomorrow, for the Irish in us

The guys came down with a nasty form of viral fever and missed their last way of the cross. I missed them at mass and so did a lot of the folks at church who had seen them come diligently every Friday for mass. This week, there have been mini-retreats for the children receiving First Holy Communion (Joshua did his on Monday). Yesterday was the last one. During the homily Fr. Tom said something funny that made me laugh. He related a funny quip a little girl who attended the retreat made. Walking into church she went, “Is today my First Holy Communion? But I’m not wearing my dress!” lol. Girls/women have their priorities in place, don’t they?

Which also made me realize (my favorite topic/gripe) how much fun a girl would’ve been – the frothy dresses, veils, up-do’s.. oh well, will make do with a very jazzy tie for the guys, pink and yellow anyone??