Hello Again!

Between my new resolve of "living in the present" and a few other things going on like...a very sick grandma, Cole's First Communion, kids' activities (yadayadayada), a couple of really awesome books I'm reading, and, oh yeah, my job, I've hardly been able to carve out any blogging time. Not that I haven't had any material. Boy, have I had material...but most of it has slipped which is a bummer because I'm sure it was quite clever. Anyway, to get back into the groove, I have First Communion to work with. Anyone recognize this handsome young fella? (The one on the left is Cole)

First of all, hint to all of you mothers for next year - don't purchase pants too far ahead of time. Incredibly, length wasn't the problem. Cole had to suck in with all his might to get it snapped! Maybe we should limit his three-cheeseburger-a-day diet? His new belt still has the tag. Wish I was better at saving receipts.

But the day was truly blessed. At Communion, we eat the body and blood of Christ to become Him and carry on His love. Cole has been studying much about this holy ceremony and, of course, it was a very special day. (He particularly liked the wine.)

After the wonderful Mass and great party, we were finally winding down for the weekend. As usual, we were determining what DVD to pop in. Cole had narrowed the search to Sherlock Holmes and Star Wars 3. Apparently Sherlock Homes was winning votes and his head dropped down into a pout. So I quickly reminded him that he ate the bread of Christ today and asked, "Is that how Jesus would act?"

Cole looked up at me with his baby blues and said, "Jesus would want to see Star Wars 3. He would understand."

And God definitely has a sense of humor.

Cole's Spiritual Journey

Cole is approaching his First Communion. So we’ve been preparing him for the big event by studying his “little golden book” and yesterday we participated in a retreat together…Admittedly, I wasn’t too thrilled leaving work early to attend a two-hour spiritual event with my son. Isn't that a pitiful statement?…If there is one true purpose for my existence here on earth, it is most certainly to be a good mom. And there I was, complaining about spending two hours of quality time with my youngest offspring. Yes, shame on me. Because I needed the retreat more than Cole.

Anyway, enough of my confessional… on to a few little tidbits to make you smile. Cole, as we all know, has an interesting mind – as do many kids. But somehow the kid rouses a smile in me when I least expect it.

1) Worksheet exercise: In what ways does your family show their love for you? Cole’s response: "They feed and water me."
2) Worksheet exercise: Write an example of different types of prayer (praise, contrition, petition, etc). For thanksgiving? Cole's response, “I’m thankful for this bountiful turkey.” Okay, thanksgiving. I get it.
3) On discussing the importance of meditation and listening to God as Eli was called by God, Cole nods in understanding. Then he says, “Do you suppose we get to eat the bread we made today?”

Apparently God was speaking through Cole’s tummy.

No matter, Cole is showing signs of spiritual development as he is quite a caring little boy…and he can’t wait for his First Communion. He is especially looking forward to the wine. Good sign. Good sign.