Ash Wednesday

Two days prior to Lent, my sister Stefanie and I began explaining (to the best of our ability) the significance of Ash Wednesday to Kaylee and how she would be receiving ashes on Wednesday from Father Len at school. Much to my surprise, Kaylee recalled receiving ashes along with her baby sister on her forehead last year, and seemed excited to repeat the process this year.

Considering Kaylee was getting ashes early on, I made it a point for Stefanie, Madison, and I to attend Ash Wednesday mass immediately after we dropped off Kaylee at school. That way we would all have ashes when Kaylee came home. I figured it would be a topic of discussion for our very boisterous and inquisitive three year old.

Later on I went to pick up Kaylee only to discover she was one of the very few children without ashes on her forehead. I was shocked. "Kaylee, why didn't you get any ashes?" I asked. "Mommy, I opted not to get any ashes." was her exact reply. I decided to press the issue. "Kaylee, why would you opt out of getting ashes? I see the other kids in your class all opted to get them." "Well, I really wanted pink ashes Mommy. They only had the color black, and that is not my favorite color."

As disappointed as I was, I spent the next hour holding in laughter as she explained her logic of not receiving ashes to the rest of the family. She had her reasons. And I had to remember she is only three years old.

After nap time, Kaylee and I went back to church. She received ashes all on her own. It made me so much happier.

Jon came home from work as we were eating dinner. Stefanie glanced over at him and smiled. "I see you elected to get the standard color ashes this year."

Kaylee excited about her ashes after mass

No More Facebook

Last year for lent I gave up internet at night and in lieu of, decided to spend my nights training our new dog Brooke. Being that she can only 'sit' and 'give paw', it's safe to say I put in the absolute minimum to follow through on my 40 day sacrifice. I am not exactly proud of this.

This year, as you all know, Jonny and I have taken religion somewhat seriously. We are introducing our children into the church and have become active members of our parish. So this year I put in a lot of effort contemplating what exactly I should give up that would have a significant meaning- something I would actually feel was a true sacrifice. And so I am giving up Facebook.

In the past I have given up soda, candy, fried foods. While these are all perfectly acceptable to pass on during lent, I feel like I am capable of sacrificing something more. To me those items- soda, candy, fried foods- are just things I tend to like, and probably shouldn't consume anyways. Giving up Facebook is something completely different for me. All my friendships and connections to many people in my life are all tied up to this one networking site, so giving it up for 46 days is like give up a little part of me. As silly as it might seem.

I'm one week in on my personal ban on Facebook and it has been pretty difficult since I feel like I run on autopilot when I sit in front of my computer. Typing the address into the browser requires very little thought. It has become so routine for me. But I know I can do this. Lent should be a time for us to reflect upon our lives, accept everything Jesus has selflessly done for us, and try to give back as much as possible. That is not something I can do while checking out a status update.

Our Beautiful Daughters

Madison is becoming a little love bug lately. She is very affectionate, but on her terms. You can't force her to give hugs and kisses, but if she is in the mood, they are free-flowing around here.

Madison is also starting to use more and more of her words over constant whining, which has had a major impact on the girls' relationship. Kaylee understands her sister that much better and the girls even have brief moments of beautiful, effortless sharing.

Sisterly love

Kaylee was able to climb in her closet to discover the hat bin. Surprisingly, the hats matched their respective outfits.

Playing freeze dance

Kaylee goes to school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays till noon. This gives Madison some one-on-one time with Jon and I, which really benefits her. Madison has grown up so much over the past few months. Now that Madison is developing her own personality, she is turning out to be quite the funny one.

:)

Wearing her Elmo gloves to push Elmo around in the stroller

More freeze dancing

Kaylee is still the same inquisitive three year old. She loves to go to school and learn new things. She is extremely excited they are having a mailman visit her class on Friday and she will get to purchase a stamp and mail a letter that she will be making in class that day. She keeps asking me for "45 cent dollars" to purchase her precious stamp.

Playing hide-and-seek with Madison

Mmm... muffins

Chocolate muffin face

Showing each other their muffin faces

Jon and I are very, very lucky :)

Don't Raise Ungrateful Children

About a month ago Kaylee's friend turned four. We all went to the party, gave the birthday girl a present, and haven't heard anything since. What I'm wondering is what happened to the thank you note? Before you think "Well, it has only been a month," I already know I won't be receiving one because I'm still waiting on ones from the past three birthdays.

We live in a society that breathes entitlement. Children learn early on that they deserve presents for birthdays, holidays, and "just because." Not spending the extra time with your child to write a simple thank you note doesn't help when teaching them the values of appreciation, generosity, and respect.

I know the thank you note might seem old fashioned, but when they are received, it's a great feeling. If I can take the time out of my day to drag my kids to Target to buy someone else's kid a toy (all parents know this is no easy task), I expect some form of acknowledgement in return. Is that too much to ask?