Then I rushed home to shower and get myself and the kiddos ready for 1st Friday Mass. I was really nervous as I've not brought the rugrats to Mass by myself before. I sit down in the pews with the boy, and the husband sits in the old choir loft with the girl. She's so wiggly and can't whisper without yelling so the choir loft is perfect for her.
The boy was fantastic! He nursed a little and dozed off with some jiggling. The girl was pretty darn good as well. I'm proud of her. She kept wanting to show the boy sitting beside her the picture she drew and wanted to make friends with him. She doesn't quite get it that Mass isn't the time to make friends lol. Some random times she was ripping paper or bouncing on the pew..being a typical 4 year old. It happens. I was expecting drama-pocalypse so this was a pleasant surprise. Perhaps the children are better when the husband is not present? A thought to ponder...
A few months ago I joined a Catholic homeschooling group on Facebook. A woman messaged me informing me that she was fairly close to us and that there's a group of Catholic homeschooling moms in my area. The wonder! I could use some good role models in that area so I was pretty stoked. And nervous.
We arrived at the house (after having to turn around numerous times and following Map Quest's directions that took me the back way) and it was a gorgeous house. They let us in (yay!) and the house/yard was filled children with the moms in the kitchen. I was a little out of my element since I knew no one there and I'm such a newbie with the whole Catholic thing. I don't make friends easily and it's even harder for me to keep friends. I'm the classic introvert that longs to be an extrovert. I'm not shy around people I know really well.
The women were very welcoming and nice. It was nice to hear them talk even though I didn't have much to contribute.
The children! My goodness, the children. They were wonderful, absolutely wonderful. All these kids from different families just playing together and having fun. They were all so unique, individual....and SMART! Several children came up to me just to talk. I was so impressed with how they carry themselves. All the different ages were talking, sitting, and playing together. As soon as we walked in, an older girl grabbed my girl's hand and wanted her to play. There were always big boys/girls around to help the littles out.
Over the course of the day, the girl learned how to shoot a bow and arrow. She is now obsessed and the hubby and I are trying to think of a way she can earn one. The hubby suggested having her go through her toys and getting the ones she wanted to throw out or donate. I'm thinking I need someone to clean my van lol.
About 30 minutes before we were going to leave, the girl discovered SECRET PASSAGES in the house! This was the thrill of a lifetime! Her and another boy (ironically the one she sat beside during Mass) ran through the little doors (storage areas). They were so cute, like little hamsters.
We had a wonderful time. I wish I hadn't been as quiet. I hope no one didn't think I don't like them or anything. I'm just awkward like that. Sigh.
We didn't really do school today, but after I reflect...I realize that we did:
*We went to Mass
*We played
*We just finished our cursive "a's" after dinner (meatless by the way, go me!)
If you would like an idea for a FREE St. Valentine's Day craft, we did this:
CLICK HERE TO GO TO SOURCE!!!
Ours didn't turn out as cool, but I like it. I'll have more St. Valentine's Day crafts for Saint Valentine's Feast Day. The girl is stoked about it.
