An exciting couple of days...

A long post today, to catch up with all the cool things that have been happening around here. For starters, my parents and Isa arrived on Monday for Christy’s confirmation (last night). It became a mad dash to get them settled in, and then to the church for the rehearsal. Dinner was on the fly--sub sandwiches from Publix (aren't they awesome?) and something my mother whipped up for my father because he is on a special diet.

Then, Tuesday morning we took a little field trip to the monastery. It was a lovely morning--cool and refreshing, but the old folks and Isa were freezing. What a bunch of lightweights. As John would say, "Their hearts pump Kool-Aid."

Another mad dash home--this time for Pop to eat and take his medicine, and me to get ready to teach an afternoon class. I would have cancelled, but I just took over for another teacher so I didn't want the disservice to the students. Isa sat in to watch. She fell asleep. Am I that boring? Sheesh.

Yet another mad dash to pick up Christy to get her nails done, and then flying home to get ready. Somehow with only two bathrooms in the house 8 people took their showers, got dressed, and made it to the church on time. There are large and small miracles every day.

The Confirmation was absolutely awesome! The Holy Spirit always comes through. I will publicly thank Linda, Michael and Jules for such a well-organized and lovely event. Truly magnificent. Captain Astonishing, as always, made an appearance--one that in the big picture was not a big deal, but hey, it's kinda hard to take up the gifts when they weren't set out by the sacristan. Oh, yeah. Captain A, whose job is that? HA!!! A little bit of organized chaos ensued (like that Christy?—a little maternal plagiarism from a yearbook theme?). It didn’t help that Jonathan left so quickly that he wasn't wearing his contacts. A nearsighted cross bearer made for some excitement during that little crisis. Way to go, boy!

Anyway, Archbishop Wilton Gregory rocks! That was the BEST confirmation I’ve ever been to. Ever. He was so engaging, so connected to the kids, and a wonderful homilist to boot. He is very much a people person.

So in spite of the inconvenience of a sacrament on a Tuesday evening (is it proper to complain? I think not) the Mass was wonderful-you'll be relieved to know there was communion after all.

Afterwards, again props to Linda. There was a reception that had lots of food. Iris, you are my hero. You can imagine that by 8:30 when Mass was over we were all starving, and there were mountains of sandwiches from Schlotzsky’s and Publix and chips and fruit salad, and of course the obligatory cake. It was delightful. There was time to sit down at a table and stuff our faces and then visit with good friends. (Incidentally, Jeff looking very good, like himself again).

It was close to 10 when we got home, and Jules and Baker joined the kids to wind down (or up!) but us old folks had other plans. Bedtime for the old folks, as John and I were out of the house by 6:45 this morning. There will be time enough for parties next weekend when the rest of the party animals get here.

I’m posting text only from work, but check out the blog later today for a photo recap of Christy’s big day.