To Eat or not to Eat

I have recently tried to identify a berry tree in our backyard. It's actually growing between our back fence and the fence of our backdoor neighbors, though it hangs mostly into our yard.

 I am fairy certain it is a mulberry tree, but I'm not sure enough to start munching on the berries.

The leaves and berries seem to match the descriptions I've found.  Has anyone ever come across one of these trees before?

Da Woad Be Wiff You

I've had my first official request for vestments.  Gabe came up to me this morning and said he wanted to be the Priest, wearing the green cape with the cross.

They're doing a decent job of taking turns playing Mass this morning. They switch roles during the Mass, going from being an altar server, to a cantor, an usher, and a deacon.  Gabe says some prayers, hand clasped and eyes shut tight, while Addie sings a very passable Alleluia.  Later, cantor Ana leads the congregation in the song, "Dora, the Explorer."

Happy Easter!

We had a wonderful Easter day celebration this year.  Mom and dad had commitments with their Church choir so we went to an 11:30 Mass at our Church.  This later Mass time allowed for a leisurely morning of hunting for hidden baskets, acting out the resurrection story, sampling some candy (Peeps were a hit with Gabe and Ana, Addie was not impressed), and sitting down together for a pancake breakfast.

We were ready for Church in record time but it still didn't get us there early enough to sit in the Church.  It had reached capacity 20 minutes before the service and they were filling up the reception hall for a separate Mass.  We managed to snag a window sill in the very back, others simply had to stand outside in the courtyard and listen. The kids did pretty well considering they couldn't see.  It was nice to see so many people.

We continued on to Mom and Dad's house for an egg hunt and early dinner.  We took some pictures right away, before play and candy could stain dress clothes.

A great shot of the kids with all their grandparents and great-grandfather.

There were a few more traditional pictures but ultimately this is the real us.

The kids couldn't wait to start the hunt!  

They were simply gleeful as they ran around exclaiming, "I found one!" at every egg.

 Afterwards, they examined their goodies and sampled a few.

The girls actually managed some self control.  Gabe, however, was stuffing them in his mouth as fast as he could open them.  They repeated the hunt themselves, taking turns "hiding" them.  Throwing them up in the air as they walk in a circle is a more accurate description.

Both grandmothers got the kids baskets and some fun toys like bubbles, flashcards, garden tools, flower bulbs, chalk eggs, and dress up gloves. Plenty to keep the kids entertained while food was being prepared.  Dinner was wonderful; ham, deviled eggs, quinoa cakes, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, pineapple casserole, and rolls.  Followed by strawberry pie for dessert.

It was a wonderful day and we were all ready for bed by the time we got home.  We are so blessed.

He is risen! Let the 50 days of celebrating commence!!

Holy Thursday

I made a mini Last Supper for the kids to look at while I read the story from the Bible.

This great little craft came from Catholic Icing, of course.  ;)

We talked about how Jesus instituted the Eucharist, (Daddy's bringing home some pita bread for dinner and we'll have a little bit of wine, too.)  Also, how he knew this was his last meal and that one of his friends would betray him. This craft is based on Da Vinci's Last Supper painting, and is supposed to capture the disciples reaction after Jesus tells them that one of them will betray Him. 

We continued on in the story to the washing of the feet, talking about how Jesus wants us to care for others, even doing the dirty things that aren't very nice.  After that we had a foot washing!  Mommy went first to demonstrate, washing six little feet with a wet wipe and a small bowl of water.  

They were eager to try and took turns kneeling down, with a towel over their shoulder, to wash their siblings feet. 

There was a bit of spilled water but it was not for lack of being gentle.

The kids have said they want to wash daddy's feet when he comes home.  I'm sure he'll be... surprised.  ;)