Week in Review: Spring Concert, Spoiled Dog, Socks Hidden, Smarty Pants and Spiritual Guidance

Happy Last Friday in May!  Did you all survive that crazy month?  This week was like the eye of the hurricane for us, with lots of events the week before and next week too.  We enjoyed the relative calm while it lasted.

It was a big movie weekend, and The Cottage got in on the action:

The little guys had their Spring Concert/Art Show on Wednesday night, and let's just say it is one event I think could be pulled from the school calendar.  Having yet another event at the end of May with all the graduations going on does not seem like the best idea.  They have a Christmas concert that features singing, and the kids art projects could be put up at the benefit dinner in April.  

(These are the moments I think I am a curmudgeon because other parents and extended family members go to these events and seem to enjoy themselves.  Maybe it's because it's my 11th year of attending? Perhaps it's because the kids need a lot more practice to sound impressive? Or maybe it's because singing and art aren't exactly my children's talents?)

  In any case, Declan and Brendan were happy to have us there, they got ice cream after, and that made it worth it.

Declan's turtle

Brendan's sloth

This was Declan's 5th Grade class project and I could tell right away which hands were his because he always wears a watch:

On Memorial Day, after watching the parade go by our house, Phil and I walked the dog 7.5 miles.  

I didn't mean to make the walk that long, but I sort of did the math wrong (scary since I'm an accountant) as I was adding up loops.  We were all pooped after.  Lucy didn't even have the energy to pretend like she cared when I caught her on the couch, where she is not allowed:

And honestly, I didn't have the energy to tell her to move.

Tired parents = how spoiled kids and pets are made.

I've mentioned before that I don't like wearing socks with my shoes, but I found Flat Socks that are machine washable flat socks so I can wear my beloved slip-in shoes without socks making them look weird.  Plus the designs are cute, like a secret treat every time I put my shoes on.

My little guys love wearing their crocs with Flat Socks too, and I like that it helps keep their feet dry.

We went to an Indian restaurant on this week's date after Mass, and they serve fancy drinks!

Eamon's final report card came out this week, and I am just so proud of his hard work.  He made it a point to excel academically when he started high school and he has amazed us all.  Keep it up in college, buddy!

Can you believe that with grades like this for all four years of high school, six AP courses, and a gpa of 4.61, he still wasn't in the Top Ten of his senior class?  They are such smarties!

Our parish gave out copies of 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory and we started going through the book in order to finish by Corpus Christi on June 22.  It's been so nice to journey through this with my family because it feeds us all spiritually, gives us time to unwind together and cuddle with those who like to, and the kids take turns reading parts.  We have done the Consecration to St. Joseph a few years ago as a family, and I strongly suggest that one as well.  And of course the OG in consecrations, True Devotion to Mary, which Phil and I did while dating in college.

When it comes to consecrations, or family prayer time, and you are feeling like you wouldn't know where to start, or your family wouldn't respond well...just pray for the grace and try it.  As holy as Brendan looks here reading his part, please know that he and Declan fought over which part they got to read that day just moments before.  We are practicing Catholics, and loving families, but far from perfect (as you well know if you read this blog!)  Don't let perfect be the enemy of good.  I learned so much about prayer and my faith through family rosaries and discussions.  Don't keep your prayer life hidden from your family, share it even when it's lacking and messy.  God certainly appreciates your efforts!