7 Quick Takes {Home birth, Poison, Fog, and Fire}

Necessity: mother of invention...

1

Modern appliances cannot withstand the force of masculine teenage energy around here.  Thus, there are a few appliances under our roof with missing or damaged handles.  We now operate the injured microwave door with a butter knife.  The shower's faucet handle was pulled right off in an attempt to turn it on one day, but this required immediate and proper replacement, no butter knife bandage.  Dad and lad plumbing project ensued.  Note: these are not the result of any angry outbursts or reckless behavior; merely the aftereffects of super-human teenage strength vs. plastic parts.

Rural firefighting action

2

The three hour crawl transporting Peter back to school after his (Canadian) Thanksgiving break included a dramatic, fiery scene along the two lane highway leading to the US/Canadian border.
A pile of flaming debris blocking all lanes of traffic was beaten back and shoved aside by a farmer with his tractor, while the sounds of the volunteer firefighting crews' sirens were heard nearing the scene.  Oddly, the day we drove Peter to high school seminary for day one, there was also wildfire along the side of the road, but on the BC side.  Explosive commutes.

Seattle, smothered in fog.

3

We are experiencing a string of extremely foggy days in the great Northwest.  We get the occasional bursts of fog from time to time, but this season seems especially foggy for some reason.  As a result, Joseph's student driving experiences have included a few extra foggy sessions.

Cathy!

4

Our dear friend and old neighbors' nanny Cathy returned for a quick stop over in Bellingham recently, and blessed us with a morning visit at the house.  She left covered in Rocky fur, and promised to come back again some day.  Who knew we'd be competing with the likes of Philadelphia for Cathy's home town allegiance?  A very talented musician, Cathy can be heard on occasion accompanying the choir on her violin at Masses at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philly.  Not a bad gig, Cathy!  Keep the faith!

Homegrown goodies for Grandma Patty's birthday present

5

Gifting our homegrown produce completed the cycle of farming joy.  The boys' determination in planting and tending to their gardens this year resulted in a fine harvest of a variety of fruits and vegetables.  An odd 'no squash' yield has us a bit puzzled, as does the low turnout of sugar pumpkins.
But the super-sized (perfect for pie) apples from Joseph's tree, and the phenomenal green bean crop took the sting out of the lesser reapings.

Grandma Patty and Great Grandma O'D

Farmer Joseph with his Grandma Patty on her birthday

 

Poison in progress

Look out below!

Judah and Joseph compete in the final round of poison.

6

Joseph's days as Senior Patrol Leader are numbered as his term draws to a close. A final 'hoorah' will happen as the troop gathers for the semi-annual boy led Junior Leader Training (JLT).  Joseph, as the outgoing SPL, plans this JLT to coincide with a day hike in the glorious Chuckanut Range.  No use sitting in a church basement on a Saturday when you could be outside on an adventure laden with leadership lessons along the way.

 

Nuptial Mass at Sacred Heart

7

Marriage and childbirth!

I had the great pleasure of assisting behind the scenes at a holy wedding and a home birth this week.  My role was very minor in both events, but opportunities to be up close and personal in these moments of profound grace are blessings beyond description.  The union of Mark and Katy and the birth of Janell and Alain's little Lucia are signs of Christ's light in our local community and throughout our Universal Church.  What a privilege to be a witness to these blessed events!

Samuel (3) meets his little sister, Lucia, on her birth day.

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Life Goes On {New School Year at Home}

Joseph hits the books

-1-

New room assignments took effect at home after a newly vacated bedroom provided an opportunity for Joseph and Peter to spread out.  Their bunk bed dissembled, mattresses on the floor temporarily (while plans for loft beds are in the works), the extra space and brotherly separation reinvigorated spirits at this time of family transition.  A fresh paint scheme and new carpet in Joseph's room help mark the beginning of high school and signify a dream come true in having his own room (again) after so many years of sharing with his younger brother.

Peter sits at Zac's old desk, working on pre-algebra homework.

-2-

Home school is back in session after our two week journey to and from Notre Dame.  Our home school now sports a dress code; Joseph and Peter are looking sharp during school hours.  A renewed emphasis on discipline this year also extends to keeping order in the classroom/bedroom environments.   These upgrades are due in large part to a few comments made by our first graduate about "sleeping through most of his freshman year."  His younger brothers can thank Zac for their new and improved code of conduct and environmental regulations. 

Brotherly love at Great Grandma's house

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Benefiting Joseph (grade 9) in a special way, our new home school dress code gives him super incentive to complete his day's assignments without delay, thereby freeing him to change into shorts and T-shirt.  Known to linger at his desk, easily captivated by long readings (not assigned) in a history book, Joseph now feels a more urgent desire to stay on track and finish assigned work.  Peter (grade 7), greatly enjoys the moment of completion when the books are closed and the collared shirt and slacks are dispensed with for the day.

-4-

  Breaking News from our freshman at Notre Dame:

• classes are challenging, interesting and demanding
• weather is beautiful; insects are loud
• football games are extremely exciting; for standing fans only, except during half-time
• dorm's dryers hot; shrinking clothes left tumbling for full cycle

-5-

Maybe a few readers will remember our story of an eventful emergency landing on our journey home from New Hampshire when Zachary was discerning his choice of university.   It's a powerful story, and one that I have posted about in greater detail over at Discerning Daily.  Go check it out if you are interested.

-6-

The expected life span of a lawnmower parked at our house is under one year.  This could be due in large part to the fact that these machines come home from our pawn shop, where customers sometimes pawn their broken things and walk away with the money and no intent of returning to claim their goods.  This is the cost of doing business as pawnbrokers, for sure.  So, we keep replacing broken lawnmowers, one after another.  

Art and science with Nerf guns

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We may issue course credit for the science of Nerf gun modification, recognizing the educational value in the ongoing series of scientific and artistic projects involved.  Youtube instructions taught the method:  dissemble, remove air restricter, upgrade springs, make minor aesthetic changes to gun's appearance, reassemble.  Shoot.  One thing we didn't see coming, Joseph getting the third degree from the clerk at the hardware store as he purchased a few cans of spray paint for his Nerf modding project. 

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How to Grow an Eagle Scout {7 Easy Steps}

Zachary salutes the US flag at his Eagle Court of Honor, held on his 18th birthday.

1

Begin with a rambunctious boy who loves adventures in the outdoors and reaching for the stars.

Cub Scouts Ryan, Zac, Canon, and AJ enjoy the muddy shores of Baker Lake, with Mt. Baker looming beyond (2003).

2008 hike on Galbraith Mountain with Zachary in charge of the crew as a den chief in action.

2

Add a uniform, an oath and law, teach him to live up to his promises, to be a patriot, 

and to be obedient to rightful authority.

Zachary in his new Cub Scout uniform (2001) sporting his first lost tooth.

3

Focus on his extracurricular interests and hobbies, encourage him to discover new ones and teach others.

Riding on two wheels, Zachary on his first bicycle (2000).

Zachary steers Peter along the length of Lanezi Lake on an 80 mile canoe trip in the Canadian wilderness (2011).

 4

Stay close to God and help him deepen his faith, grow in personal holiness and foster a servant's heart.

Zachary serves at the altar as acolyte on Easter Sunday 2011.

5

Explore the heights, but stay grounded in day to day requirements and chores; let him pack his own gear.

Zac crossing the Chilliwack River in style with AJ on our 50 mile hike in the North Cascades, 2008.

6

Encourage him to persevere and work diligently, connect him with virtuous mentors who can further his skills and help him fulfill his ambitions.

Zachary works on the historic carpentry merit badge with Mr. L as his guide, 2010.

7

Be his home base as he grows into a leader, pray unceasingly for him to realize and fulfill the unique mission for which he was created.

Zachary works on the roof of his Eagle {carport for our priests} project (2012).

Proud mama (Bridget), Eagle Scout (Zachary), Scoutmaster (Tim), First Class Scout (Peter), Life Scout (Joseph) 2012.

Congratulations on reaching Eagle Scout Rank, Zachary!



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Independent Indeed {+6}

Moon over Bellingham Bay, July 4, 2012

This was the most independent Independence Day of my entire life, with all the family away (excepting maybe the July 4th I spent in Brisbane, Australia, in 1990).  Dear friends from Church invited me to spend the holiday evening aboard their vessel, moored on Bellingham Bay, where I was treated to a delicious dinner, delightful company and amazing views.  What a needed and appreciated break from Charlie's incessant 4th of July berzerk barking. {Spoiler Alert} Though I departed for home before the city's grand fire works display, the lunar lights visible at sundown beat any man-made production hands down. True beauty, something to celebrate!
 

I met the self proclaimed protégé of Martin Luther at a funeral Mass this week.  A friendly gentleman introduced himself, "I'm just like Martin Luther; I used to be Catholic."   I replied with the same greeting I would extend to Mr. Luther himself, should he wander into our Church for Mass, "Welcome home."

Father Joseph Altenhofen preaches at a funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Only one person passed out during our new priest's first funeral Mass at our Church, and she recovered in no time with a little fresh air and a drink of cold water, plus a lot of TLC from one of our dear nurses and home-bound ministers, Sheila.  Not long after her loss of consciousness, another elderly lady in the congregation asked me for some water.  This is what happens when the temperature creeps into the low 70's here in Washington State, we just can't take the heat.

I don't know how to read our new priest's sign language yet, and this led to another pretty embarrassing-sacristan-moment fine opportunity to grow in humility.  I completely missed Father Joseph's cue when he signaled to me that someone had passed out in the pew.  Somehow I interpreted this to mean that he needed me....in the sanctuary (absurd!).  I can't believe I actually raced around to the sacristy and approached the presider's chair during the responsorial psalm.  By that time, the fainting lady had already been aided by several competent, attentive and timely helpers, and escorted to the narthex to recover.  (When I told the guys this story upon their return from camp, it was almost more than my Joseph could bear to hear, "Stop!" he begged.  It's safe to say he's very glad he missed this fine moment in the life of his impetuous mother.)

Luke on wheels

Although my three boys were away at Boy Scout Camp this week, with Tim as Scoutmaster, I had the pleasure of keeping our weekly Luke & Leia visit on Thursday.  I took the twins for a visit to the Baker's Dozen and Apollo XIV headquarters.  Our arrival there wasn't nearly as exciting for the older boys as when my guys (their preferred guests) pile out of the van, but the younger females in the crew joyfully helped Luke & Leia feel right at home.  Someone took the opportunity to compliment me on the fact that Leia's shoes matched, but I couldn't take credit for it, as their mother had brought them all ready to go. 

Someone brought me freshly picked flowers this week!  In a moment of pure sweet-ness, and not-prompted by anyone as far as I know, Luke (almost 2 yrs.) wandered up to me while we were visiting Apollo's place and brought me a little butter cup AND a tiny daisy.  Too cute.  

Paul with the grilled delicacies

Admittedly spoiled by my daily Mass friends while the boys were away this week, I was an invited guest at a dinner party held in a local palace with a view of the world.  A humble hostess, my friend absolutely set the mark for a hostesses' how-to.  Unfortunately, I forgot my notepad, so I'm going to need to go back sometime soon for another training session!

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Farewell Father Qui Thac {Rest in Peace Marian}

 Zachary incenses Father Qui Thac at the preparation of the altar during Marian's funeral Mass.

As our Holy Universal Church enters into the celebrations of the Ascension followed by Pentecost, the selected readings recount Jesus' readying his disciples to let Him go and preparing them for life after his ascension: 

Jesus said to his disciples:d
"Now I am going to the one who sent me,
and not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'
But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts.
But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go.
For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send him to you.
And when he comes he will convict the world
in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation:
sin, because they do not believe in me;
righteousness, because I am going to the Father
and you will no longer see me;
condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned."
~John 6: 5-11

As we hear these Words proclaimed today by our beloved pastor Father Qui Thac, they are especially meaningful.  For he, too, is going to the Father (in a manner of speaking).  Discerning a call to monastic life, our cherished priest will enter the Benedictine Monastery, St. Martin's Abbey in Lacey, WA, in July.  We celebrate his devotion to our Lord and his willingness to follow wherever God's call may take him.  What a gift for our community to witness our pastor take this plunge into discerning life as a monk, serving God in a profoundly counter-cultural priestly lifestyle at the Abbey.  We will be sad to see him go, and we shall miss him terribly.  Yet knowing that he is so faithfully following the promptings of the Holy Spirit gives us great consolation in our sorrow at saying farewell.

Listen carefully, my son, to the master's instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart.  - Prologue of the Rule of St. Benedict

Our Holy Archbishop Peter Sartain wrote a letter which was read aloud at each of the Masses last Sunday to inform us of Father Qui Thac's departure.  Our incoming priest is Father Joseph Altenhofen, ordained June 12, 2010, serving currently at St. Joseph in Vancouver, Washington.  Fr. Altenhofen is in our daily prayers as he prepares to come lead our Sacred Heart parish and serve as the chaplain for our mission, Western Washington University's Newman Catholic Campus Ministry.  Zachary remembers Fr. Altenhofen as a well spoken, outgoing seminarian who helped lead, rally and inspire Quo Vadis campers.  Our future looks bright.

Father Qui Thac elevates Jesus, Truly Present in the Eucharist

Our friend and faithful parishioner, Marian Main, died on Mother's Day, and was buried on Ascension Thursday (yesterday).  Marian's funeral Mass may be the final funeral our boys have the privilege of serving with Father Qui Thac before his entrance into the monastery.  Over the past six years, Zachary, Joseph and Peter have served dozens of funerals with Father, and Marian's funeral was especially meaningful for many reasons.  Marian had a profound impact on those who knew her and her husband, Jerry.  Our church was packed with people from many denominations, who respectfully witnessed Benediction before the Mass of Christian Burial for Marian.  Normally the Blessed Sacrament (Jesus) is not displayed on the altar for adoration before a funeral.  But Marian's husband, Jerry, fostered a special devotion to adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament (every Saturday from 2-3AM to be exact) during her extended illness.  Jerry found profound peace and consolation in spending time with Jesus even as his heart yearned for the love of his life as dementia took Marian further and further away.

Pall bearers carry Marian's body from the church to the hearse.

Preaching with a gentle passion, Fr. Qui Thac spoke lovingly about Marian and Jerry, sharing the touching stories spoken by family and friends during the previous night's vigil service.  Preaching zealously, he called us out, exhorting all who loved Marian to follow Christ more faithfully and live in Him, in the Eucharist.  Father boldly exclaimed that anyone not moved to live their life more fully in Christ by Marian's example is simply a fool. 

Immediately following the heartfelt, impassioned sermon, a woman in the back began to complain out-loud to those near her about the (exact) number of minutes Father spent speaking. And so it goes.

Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and discipline.

~Proverbs 1:7

 Jerry thanks Father Qui Thac following the funeral Mass for Marian, his wife of 59 and three quarter years.

 Jerry sprinkles holy water, a blessing upon his wife's casket as it is loaded into the hearse.

Jesus said to his disciples:
"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you the things that are coming.
~ John 16:12-13

 COME HOLY SPIRIT!

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Jello Shooters Served to Minors {and other tidbits}

Logos Bible Software for Catholics continues a generous e-book give-a-way each week during the Easter season.  This local company employs a few of my favorite Catholics, and many faithful Protestant friends, and is rocking the world with holiness in e-form.  I have downloaded each of the first 3 free books, the most recent, Explanation of the Apocalypse by Venerable Bede.  (Don't be concerned when Logos checkout requires your credit card information to proceed; the give-a-way is totally FREE, it's just a mandatory step in the process.)  There are i-apps available for reading on i-devices, or you can download free Logos software for reading on your windows system.   Now if I can somehow figure out how to transfer the free books to my Kindle...

Zac and Tim up on the roof of the carport, Zachary's nearly complete Eagle Project.

Even as son #1 prepares for his first year at the University of Notre Dame, son #2 receives outside counsel to convince us to let him attend public high school.  When he stated the primary reason for our refusal to consider public high school, "My mom and dad are worried about the immoral environment," the reply, "That's just propaganda," was offered in rebuttal.  Talk about an opportunity to grow in humility:  Your home school just doesn't seem to be measuring up, does it?  Maybe your kids would be better off in the local public high school? (This caring soul has yet to approach us directly to offer this suggestion; I pray that I/we can be charitable in hearing the concerns/suggestions.)  We are convinced that even if our children's academic experience in home school should fall short, their love of learning and passion for their areas of interest will lead them to deeper knowledge in higher education.  The fact is, we are putting the primary focus on the formation of their eternal souls; we trust that all other pieces will fall into place as they should. 

Have you read Raising Pure Teens yet? 

Tucker in character

Ezra's little brother Apollo's surgery was successful, and he's home from the hospital with a new g-tube for feeding.  Apollo and his family are in our daily prayers; please pray for his ongoing medical issues and for his family.  We had the outrageously awesome opportunity to hang out with Apollo's siblings while he was in hospital, and sang happy birthday to his eight year old brother, Hezekiah.  Avi and Tucker delighted us with their costume play, and lively spirits. 

Peter and Brendan with their jello shooters on Cinco de Mayo 2012.

I'm a monkey's aunt, according to our delightful nephew, Jacob, who was in town for the day yesterday.  Peter and I had the pleasure of joining him and his brother, Brendan, and my brother Peter John for a Cinco de Mayo dinner in downtown Burlington.  Somehow the children were served jello shooters, which they had barely tasted before declaring them un-edible.  Peter John confirmed that they were alcohol-laden, and we wondered if the memo from the bar to the wait-staff somehow got lost in translation.  No harm, no foul; just lots of laughs and a few funny photos of middle school aged boys pretending to be drunk.  We love our time with cousins...

"Mom, do NOT take my picture!"

 
Inheriting Tim's extremely wide feet, Joseph recently endured over an hour of torture to find a pair of hiking boots at the last minute before this weekend's journey into the wild.  The poor child nearly died of embarrassment at having over 8 rejected pairs of hiking boots piled up behind him on the bench at REI.  At long last, however, a pair was found to be endurable, and we proceeded to the check out.  The cost of the boots exceeded our wildest expectations, but since they are the same size Tim wears, we consider them to be future hand-me-ups when Joseph is ready for the next size in a few (weeks?) months.

Caleb, Isaac, Christian, Zachary, Judah and Joseph at departure for a 2-night 15+mile trek in the foothills of the North Cascades.

Texting from the wildnerness while on a 2-night backpacking trek with Scouts, Zachary requested the lyrics to "Light My Fire" by the Doors.  I imagine there was some fire-side skit being hatched, or perhaps his dream of lighting a funeral pyre on a Scout outing on the shores of Baker Lake were finally realized?  In any event, I texted him the lyrics in a reply, which may or may not have arrived in time to be employed in the night's entertainment. (Yes, this is against troop policy to use electronic devices on a camp-out, shame on us!)  Zac, Tim and Joseph will arrive home tonight in time to attend 5th Sunday of Easter Mass with Archbishop Sartain on the WWU campus with the NCCM.  Yours truly shall serve as liturgical photographer...I can't wait!

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17 March {St. Patrick's Day feast}

1

Many Irish (and Scottish) ancestors on my mac-side of the family means St. Patrick's Day has always been celebrated in fine style.  Adding to the cause for festivities, Zachary chose St. Patrick for his patron at confirmation.  Although I don't dye the milk green as my mom always did, we're whipping up a great feast for supper tonight.  Tim and Joseph spent the day in 9 feet of fresh powder on Mt. Baker, and will most likely return very hungry and worn out.

On our St. Patrick's Day menu: Potato Leek Soup (thanks, Kim!); Corned Beef and Cabbage; deviled eggs (a la Peter); Irish soda bread and green (mint) ice cream for dessert.  If only my Grandad Michael O'D were still alive to teach our boys how to dance a jig! 

2

More university correspondence arrived in the mail for Zachary this week, sent by a state school {a fall-back choice} requiring a few forgotten items.  Somehow the sending of Zac's official SAT scores to this school was overlooked in the last minute dash to complete the application before the deadline.  Oh, and they also want his home schooling teacher to submit an academic resume "detailing how your home-based instructions fulfill the College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR's)."

The list of CADR's included the standard English, math, lab science, etc.  But one of the CADR's caught my attention, as I didn't know exactly what was meant by "2 credits-single world language."  I Googled it, and was shocked to read this freaky article on single world language.  Zac interpreted 'single world language' to mean one language, not two years of Esperanto.  However, this all leaves me to wonder if Zachary's 2+ years of Latin will be acceptable for the state institution.  More will be revealed...

3

With the Job Corps start date quickly approaching (March 20) we still do not know if Ezra will go or not.  He has not called to make arrangements to collect his belongings or to ask for a ride to the JC center, which is about one hour south.  We are still holding out hope, but his sister Keziah (already at Job Corps) worries that he'll back out, and she admitted Ezra's famous for changing his mind and bailing at the last minute. Perhaps God's plan for Ezra doesn't include Job Corps?  The high school student who's hosted him these past few weeks agreed to let him stay until March 20th, so if Ezra does decline the JC offer, he may need to find another place to stay.

4

In a random drawing to reward great tooth brushing efforts, the orthodontist pulled Joseph's name out of the hat.  The good doctor himself called to congratulate Joseph and ask him to please come collect the movie-themed prize basket and pose for a photo holding the   With great cheer (not always easy to spot on a 14-year-old face) Joseph carried away the loot: a variety of salty and sweet snack foods; a DVD; movie theater passes; gift card to rent movies; all packaged in a plastic popcorn bucket.  Fun!

5

Our favorite (former) foster twins have spent four nights here in the past few weeks, and their growth and development at this age (19+mos) comes in rapid bursts.  We now have a little boy who will throw his head to the floor in anger (a little head-banger!) and a little girl who will throw her whole body down for a good tantrum should the need arise.  "Leia" brought her high chair to me as I cooked in the kitchen, and climbed in (hint hint), saying "eat! eat!"  Bath terrors are back, although today with maximum bubble action and Peter in a bathing suit to show them how much fun it could be, they decided to give it a try.  "Luke" wanted out immediately, but held it together until hair washing time.  We love having them come visit, and truly enjoy being able to help their mom as needed. 

6 

Zachary's Eagle Project... look for another post coming soon...
Good news to report!

7

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of an invocation of the Trinity,
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.

~ from St. Patrick's prayer

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Lawyer Visits {Pawn Shop Stop}

My husband Tim and my brother (our lawyer) Peter exchange goods for services at our pawn shop. 

 

-1-

In order to get my little brother to drive north for a visit, we required his legal assistance for a matter plaguing one of our pawn shops.  We tried all the usual avenues for enticing him and his family to drive the full two and a half hours up Interstate 5 to see us, but none brought us a victory like needing his legal help.  Now we know the secret to getting a piece of "Uncle Pie" as we lovingly call my little brother Peter John. 

 A little glimpse into Tim's work life

 -2-

Visiting our pawn shop(s) is never dull.  On this occasion, we were showing my brother Peter one of our "new" locations (been doing business there for 3 years now, but hey, it's new to him).  While there, we found the perfect 'payment' for his legal services.  Peter so generously donates his time and talent for our benefit, and it's a pleasure to be able to find a tangible way to show him our appreciation.  Peter drove home with 250+ pounds of weight lifting equipment, bars, plates and accessories to make it happen.  He had a bench at home, and just needed the hardware to seal the deal.  Probably hoping his boys will beat our boys at arm wrestling

 -3-

Did I mention we opened a new music shop?  With lesson rooms in the back?  Here's proof. 

'Luke' and 'Leia' in the (constant) act of climbing

 -4-

Our former foster twins spent the weekend with us, and we thoroughly enjoyed their company.  They have mastered the art of climbing, and found every occasion to stretch their vertical limits.  Leia took a few steps, but still defaults to crawling and begging to be held.  Luke runs, and says "car" every three seconds.   Their mom needs help with occasional babysitting, so we are blessed to be included on her list of helpful and willing twin-sitters. We do miss them dearly.

-5-

Joseph made a 'gold' time in the 50 free at his swim meet Saturday.  This means... he swam fast.  His teammates had a sharpie war on deck, and Joseph's back was decorated to look like abs (as in abdominal muscles).  Beats having a pig on his belly, like one of his (very thin) friends; or a handle-bar mustache on his face, like one of his (goofy) teammates.  Who says swim meets aren't entertaining? 

Goofy hat (Chris) with wild hair (Zac)

-6-

Zachary's psyche sheet is posted and he's heading into his final 2 weeks of varsity swimming.  Although I am excited to cheer for him at the district meet and (hopefully, if he qualifies) the state meet, I am most eagerly anticipating the return of my clean-cut son after the big shave later this week.  We are hosting his pre-district team dinner this week at Grandma Billie & Grandpa Cliff's place, which is much bigger and more awesome for entertaining than our humble abode.   The menu calls for tons of pasta and a several baskets of bread.  Nothing like a good carb-loading fest to kick off the post-season competitions.

me

-7-

When given the choice today between the Knights' big screen Super Bowl party or a quiet afternoon at home followed by evening Mass on campus with a friend (who missed our morning Mass with a sick kid), which do you think I chose?  Not a bad way to begin the week!  May your week be blessed.  Thanks for stopping by.

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