Ash Wednesday

Let's show some ash!!

Mommy and her PRECIOUS Ash Wednesday crew

Before Mass started (notice, I picked the back with the little ones)

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Sweet Valiant

Sweet Sisters - Lovely and Valiant

Gift's 1st Ash :)

Heading home...crazy kids!

I wish I could write up some profound post about how great the service was. The music was so peaceful (Hubby played!) because this Mass was the more folkish/Celtic choir, and they are VERY good. But, as for the rest of the Mass - I was a bit busy. Valiant was in very rare form for her - and I mean RARE - for Mass behavior (trying to walk everywhere and dance - usually she sits still and participates. Thankfully, she was silent as she danced, lol). And Gift, well...Gift goes to the nursery now a lot for my sanity and to help give Lovely focus in Mass as she preps for 1st Communion - and there was no nursery tonight at the cathedral. He actually was pretty good - he just likes to chirp and talk some that echoes in an old stone sanctuary. I finally had to take them outside before communion, and back out after receiving. At my parish - I don't feel the need to take them out ever. Their little voices are welcome in a family friendly church. Tonight, I was surrounded by young professionals (bless them for being at Mass!) who don't have children and kept turning around and looking at me. So...I felt badly for them.So, I don't remember the homily, the readings, or praying much- ha! Ok, I admit praying for some Mass only laryngitis for Gift..ahem.

But, just being there was worship enough for my loving Father, and getting my kids there was offering enough. You can get so much out of worship if you allow yourself to be blessed by just trying and being "there".  I know I'm doing exactly what God wants me to at this point with them at church, and I love attending as a family unit. It's how Mass is meant to be, and I value that. Jesus said, "Let the Children Come to me..."

...and tonight - mine sure came to Him! (And gave mommy some real sacrificing and offering up!) And, like God said (Gen 1:10), it was GOOD.

I hope you had a blessed start to Lent this Ash Wednesday. Much love!!