Sacraments

We enjoyed a relaxing and fun Thanksgiving this year. The girls woke up on their regular schedule so I didn't get to sleep in, but we let Papa sleep until Megan and I left for Mass. Rachael is really into the parade every year and gets excited for it to start. She parked herself on the sofa in anticipation at 7:00 AM. It is a good thing we don't live on the west coast.


We had a smaller scale Thanksgiving Dinner this year. None of our extended family could attend and Will, Heather and the kids were with her family. But still we had 14 kids and 10 adults. The adults gathered in the dining room and the big kids in the den. Apparently there were spies doing reconnaissance while we the adults ate, talked and enjoyed a glass of wine.


That weekend my dad baptized the 2 newest members of the family, Benjamin Shumaker and Lillian Jauquet at Our Lady of Victory Church. We ran late and showed up just as they were get doing the entrance song. This meant we were not able to find a seat up front that would accommodate our family of 6. Emma was full of suggestions of how one of us to go up to look or maybe squeeze in a few rows ahead. She has great ideas but frequently isn't aware of when to defer to Jim and I or that timing them during the opening prayer isn't going to help her cause. Luckily she was tall enough to see some of the baptism. The rest of the girls were not. I held Bridget up to see and she spotted Sarah on the altar being held by Uncle Erik. I think the whole congregation heard Bridget saying "Sarah" over and over.

After the baptism Will and Heather and Becky and Erik had a reception dinner. The food was yummy and it was nice to visit with so many friends and to catch up with some of my relatives. They set up a kids table full of games and toys so the kids were all very happy. We ended the evening by taking the annual Cousin picture. That is such a feat.




Then on Saturday 12/6, Rachael received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The 6 of us went and Rachael's godmother Dawn joined us. The service was good and Father Whatley spoke directly to the kids. Rachael was serious about the event. She decided to go to Father Whatley to hear her confession and so did most of the other children. Jim got in line with her and they waited for over an hour. Emma and I were able to receive the sacrament from other priests. Rachael was dedicated and after her confession went off by herself to pray.



Dawn came back to the house with us and we shared girl scout cookies. Rachael then took her down to the computer to show her the world of Webkinz. All of us enjoy playing the games that earn them kinz cash. Rachael loves to spend every cent, while Emma saves hers up for thought out purchases.