Saturday we held a fairly impromptu birthday party at a hotel in Fargo for #1, who will be turning 6 in a couple of weeks. The cousins I mentioned in 295 were there and we were joined by a friend family, grandma, grandpa and Auntie Kathy. I managed to forget all the things at our apartment, including my sanity, and I had a mini-meltdown. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law swooped in and saved the day by actually remembering stuff and thinking about things we might need. Details.
So often my pride tricks me into thinking that I'm the only one who can do the things correctly and that everything will fall apart without me. It turns out that it's possible to pull off a casual sixth birthday party without super detailed plans. It worked out and he and his guests seemed to have a great time. We only broke one planter at the hotel, so that's a victory, I guess. As it usually does, hindsight proved that it was actually a pretty great day.
AND
Saturday was the feast day for my favorite saint, Pope John Paul II! As usual, I didn't remember in advance or plan anything special. I managed to squeal "St. John Paul the Great, pray for us!" after our meal prayers, so someone write me in for Liturgical Mom of the Year. JPII is just so great; just thinking of him makes me smile.
He was the pope of my childhood. Of my whole life, really, up until the month before my college graduation. I felt drawn to him even before my faith played a major role in my life. What he encountered, survived and accomplished in his lifetime astounds me. If you don't have the time or energy to read one of the massive biographies (I read this one, but I really want to read this one), check out Saint John Paul the Great: His Five Loves. It's a really quick and easy read that highlights some of the most interesting aspects of this great man. He could read a book and dictate a book or encyclical at the same time. Like at the very same moment. He could sniff out an adoration chapel behind closed doors. He could remember dates and places where met ordinary people, and recall them years later. He personally visited and forgave the man who shot him. So, yeah.
Also #grateful for the Internet, because this video exists:
And also this one, if you're a grown-up and not so easily amused and actually want to learn something:
I just love him so.
So often my pride tricks me into thinking that I'm the only one who can do the things correctly and that everything will fall apart without me. It turns out that it's possible to pull off a casual sixth birthday party without super detailed plans. It worked out and he and his guests seemed to have a great time. We only broke one planter at the hotel, so that's a victory, I guess. As it usually does, hindsight proved that it was actually a pretty great day.
AND
Saturday was the feast day for my favorite saint, Pope John Paul II! As usual, I didn't remember in advance or plan anything special. I managed to squeal "St. John Paul the Great, pray for us!" after our meal prayers, so someone write me in for Liturgical Mom of the Year. JPII is just so great; just thinking of him makes me smile.
He was the pope of my childhood. Of my whole life, really, up until the month before my college graduation. I felt drawn to him even before my faith played a major role in my life. What he encountered, survived and accomplished in his lifetime astounds me. If you don't have the time or energy to read one of the massive biographies (I read this one, but I really want to read this one), check out Saint John Paul the Great: His Five Loves. It's a really quick and easy read that highlights some of the most interesting aspects of this great man. He could read a book and dictate a book or encyclical at the same time. Like at the very same moment. He could sniff out an adoration chapel behind closed doors. He could remember dates and places where met ordinary people, and recall them years later. He personally visited and forgave the man who shot him. So, yeah.
Also #grateful for the Internet, because this video exists:
And also this one, if you're a grown-up and not so easily amused and actually want to learn something:
I just love him so.
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