Bye To The Pity Party?

One of the things on my list this week was to receive the sacrament of Confession. I hate to say it like this, but I guess I can check that one off. Last night, Lance and I went to Confession together. There were twelve different priests to choose from, both face to face or behind the screen. We got there super late, which actually worked in our favor because I only had a few people in front of me. Lance and I don't go to the same priest because I normally go face to face and he goes behind the screen. He always wonders what the heck I say during confession because I seem to take a long time. Last night was no exception.

Here is what I got from the priest last night. And yes, I know that by talking about it or rather him, I already need to get my butt back to confession again, but then, I am always in need of confession. So...I confessed my sins, one of my larger ones being my anger towards God right now. I know it's not right, but it doesn't change my feelings. I am HUMAN, and I feel the need to relish in my failings right now despite knowing I shouldn't think this way. After I was done, the priest began to give counsel, something I was very happy about because often you can leave confession wanting something more from the priest. He told me "things could be much worse, I should hear what he hears in his office." And my favorite, say "good-bye to the pity party." Honestly, I could have gotten that advice from my brother. In fact, now that he knows a priest has told me that he probably feels he has free reign to do so anytime I complain.

I understand to some degree what the priest was saying, but I am not a huge fan of the "things could be worse" line from anyone. I know that, but the fact that something could be worse has never once made me feel better. Not when I was kid hearing about starving children in Africa or now as an adult when people say things like "at least you weren't further along". I get it, life can suck sometimes.

So where am I? Back to Confession again before next week. I was telling a friend that I am sticking with the same priest from now on during Confession, and she agreed that was probably the best thing to do.

I did get something good from last night though. (Actually, my full unloading was very good for me!) I was confessing my not too pretty tongue with regard to my language and gossip. He told me what a shame it would be if that kept me from entering the Kingdom of Heaven one day. I think I did a better job today than yesterday. Now that is something to be happy about!

Wordless Wednesday~ Indoor Picnic

My Daybook~Back To School

For Today...March 23, 2010

Outside my window...it's beautiful outside. The sun is shining and it will be in the 70's soon. I love this weather and plan to take full advantage with the boys.

I am wearing...black workout shorts and a red t-shirt. Getting ready to go to the gym soon.

I am listening to...BH and Kobra scream at each other. It goes like this...Kobra screams and it upsets BH so much that he starts shaking and screaming. It's kind of funny because Kobra has a smile on his face the entire time.

I am praying for...my friend's son who was bit by a dog. All those in RCIA. AND me.

I am thankful for...last week and the fact that despite my own personal misery, I was able to really enjoy the boys.

From the kitchen...Lance and I were planning the menu and it went nowhere. He's on a diet and nothing sounded good to me. Last night we had chili dogs and tonight I have dinner plans so the kids get something super easy again. I will try and make up for it the rest of the week.

I am creating...plans for next week. Holy Week starts this Sunday and I want it to be special for the kids.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty...I'm having a bad year. It started in August and keeps getting worse. There are pockets of good, but not many. The fact of life is that there are ups and downs, moments to earn Grace. The problem is I don't want the Grace right now. Here's hoping I can open up to start living again.

Around the house...I finally did a good clean and have started on the Lenten cleaning. Lance cleaned out his side of the closet and the blinds are looking really good. I think we're avoiding the desk and baseboards.

One of my favorite things...Scones and Pistachio muffins. I love cranberry orange scones. I need to learn how to bake these because I am going to go broke buying them from Starbucks. I have been eyeing these Pistachio muffins for the past two weeks at the store. I finally broke down and bought a few for yesterday's Super Saints meeting. I thought the green would go with Saint Patrick as a snack for the adults. I ate one before anyone even showed up. The problem is they are the size of a softball. Afterwards, I ate another one.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

• dinner for Carter and Cindy
• confession
• swim lessons
• doctor appointments for the boys
• art festival
• movies for Goose
• play outside

A picture thought I am sharing...

My handsome boy last week

HOW???

I had one more post for today, as if I needed to write anymore. It was going to be about how Squirt and I went to see Diary of a Wimpy Kid and loved it. What's even better, he chose me to go to the movie with over Lance. Ha! Then, I walked into his room to find a toy and it was a mess. As I checked out the mess, I saw his glasses. THEY. ARE. BROKEN. AGAIN. And he doesn't even wear his glasses anymore unless his contacts are bothering him, which is never. HOW, I asked, did this happen? Why weren't they put away? How is it that he can break his glasses more than twice a year, every year since he was six? I finally see the good part of the most recent miscarriage : I can have a XANAX. God knows I need one because I am livid. I think he's happy he's at CCE at this point.

Chillin'

My bet, this will be Squirt's FB profile picture soon.

Scenes From A Week

We didn't go out of town this week, but instead relaxed and took it easy. I even took a couple of days off from the gym so we wouldn't be rushed in the morning. We had park time, play dates, the middle boys went to the Rodeo carnival, Squirt got to see a friend who lives on the other side of town and we went to the Arboretum. Just the right amount of fun for the boys. The big boys are still playing, enjoying these last few hours of freedom. They have been outside all afternoon and haven't fussed once. They have really enjoyed their time together this week. I am so sad for them to go back to school. Sigh. Here are a few (okay, a lot!) of pictures from our week. Enjoy, mom and dad.

Painting ladybugs with dad.

Playing with the twins. I love that my boys love my best friend's kids.

Daddy hard at work on our Easter platter

Is that paint in my house twice in one week, Jaclyn?!

Not sure what I am thinking.

Learning about the Trinity

One of four reasons we keep this damn dog!

Enjoying time with mom

And dad

Dad showing off. Notice BH taking the ball from Kobra in the background.

Judgement

Here it is...the real me. The one that is completely judgemental of others. On Friday, all these people found out that their Lenten obligations were set aside due to the Solemnity of St. Joseph falling on a Friday. The celebration takes precedence over fasting. Yay! I was happy since I was going to Double Daves and that meant I could feast on something other than cheese pizza. BUT, I actually took the time to celebrate St. Joseph last Friday. I have yet to hear any other stories of certain people doing the same. It drives me crazy, like everyone thinking going to Mass on Ash Wednesday is the end all, but then they don't fast that day and they miss every Mass during the Triduum.

Of course, being the judgemental one, I probably need the prayers of St. Joseph more than anyone else. Except maybe Pelosi who referenced the wrong feast day on Friday. Does anyone see Confession in my near future? Yes, me too.