Busy Week

Meeting updates:

I had a second meeting with Father and the woman who is leaving that currently maintains the church website.  It was great to get started and can't wait to really get my hands on the system and learn the ropes.
I hope I won't make Fr. crazy but I then did follow up emails to him and then to this woman the next day.  I just wanted to make sure I was on the same page as they were after the meeting plus Fr. and I have a lot of other items we are going to be working on. 

It was funny, though, at this meeting he was sitting somewhat next to me but over and behind a bit while we were both facing this woman's desk.  I kept seeing him watching me out of the corner of my eye.  I think he kept waiting for me to say this was all too much, never mind, or something to that effect.  Needless to say it didn't happen.  :-)

Bible update:

I am still reading the Bible but it is a bit tedious right now.  I am in Leviticus and so much of Exodus and so far Leviticus is the procedures for what to do with each part of the animal offerings.

So I am still hanging in there but this part is dragging.  I can't wait to be on to the next stories.

This Week

This has been one of those weeks you feel like you can do it all and actually do everything you set your mind to.

We volunteered to help serve breakfast and lunch for the children's retreat for those making their 1st communions this coming weekend.  I also made sugar cookies in the shape of crosses which I covered in white royal icing and white sparkly sanding sugar.  It was really sweet how Sister made a big deal out of them and of course I was a bit shy standing in front of everyone while she did.   But the fun part is one of the moms asked me to make her 50 for her child's communion party this weekend.  Of course I said yes.  She came and picked them up yesterday and was so happy she said she would order more next year for her next child.  That is really cool.

One of our friend's daughter is also making her 1st communion Saturday and they asked me to make her cake.  And again I of course said yes.  I only need to frost it and apply the decorations that I pre-made.

I have been doing a lot of research and reading for the church projects I will be working on.  Plus all of my normal family items.

Tomorrow will be a communion and mass infused day.  And then mass again on Sunday.

What a great week!

Meeting Update

As I was driving to the meeting I was getting more and more nervous.  It was almost comical. 

I kept thinking "Don't be a dork.  You are not interviewing for a job.  You are simply trying to volunteer."

My chant worked.  Mostly. 

I was awkward the first 5 minutes but then I relaxed and went through the outline I put together along with prints of samples for reference.  I was well prepared and my thoughts were well organized. 

It went really well. 

He was excited to have these offers coming and the timing probably couldn't have been better.  In fact he told me I was a blessing.  Thank goodness because I would much rather be a blessing than a pesky fly.  lol

Anyway, one of my main points was the website and he was very receptive to my ideas.  The person who currently updates the website is one of the people leaving so that duty was going to fall to the secretary if need be.  We are going to meet again next week with the woman who is leaving to get more details on what is currently in place and then we will go from there as far as redesigning it and maintaining it.  And that most likely will include helping him start a blog and updating Facebook.  So that is all exciting.

In addition to that I said I would volunteer at the rectory office when needed and solicit and organize all those volunteers. 

Did I say I am really excited to be doing something helpful for the church?

I did?

Oh.  Sorry.  But I am really excited.  :-)

Meeting Day

I have been trying to get more involved at our church over the past couple of months and not much has happened.

I have reached out to several people on the staff to no avail.

In one of my emails to Father about another subject I made the comment that if they need help to please let me know.  And that I have so many ideas rattling around in my head.  Why I never see these things coming I don't know but he said we should sit down and talk about these ideas.  He said I should make an appointment with him through his secretary.  That was a few weeks ago.

I figured with Easter coming up and all that goes with it I would meet with him in May.  Fast forward to today and we are meeting this afternoon. 

I took all of my jumbled thoughts and typed them up in an outline format.  It is 4 pages long.  But 2 of those pages is about the website and using facebook.  Our current website is very boring and difficult to maneuver.  Some of the items should be more detailed.  While other things are non-existent.  I printed samples of other local church websites for reference.  If nothing else he will know I was well prepared.

I hope it goes well. 

If Sister wasn't leaving I would have brought all of this up with her since she runs a lot of the educational programs I have observations on.  But she is leaving so I need to pass on to those that will be there.  I briefly mentioned some things to her because I didn't want her to think I was going behind her back.  Have I said how much I am going to miss her.  :-(

Anyway, I am starting to get a little nervous.  That is the shyness in me coming out because I know what I have to say is valid and from the heart.

Wish me luck....

Religious Clothing

Just an observation today. 

It always strikes me funny that if our pastor or Sister were in a store or wherever no one would know they were a priest or a nun based on how they dress.  Even sometimes at church they are not dressed in their "uniforms".

Sister always has on a nice shirt or sweater in any color.  And Father was sporting dress pants, shirt and sport coat the other day during rehearsal for the vigil.   :-)

Reflecting on Easter

This is the first time I fully participated in all that Holy Week had to offer.  In the past I had to work and didn't think much of going to church outside of the expected Sunday.

Since my eyes are wide open now I wanted to really take part in everything I could.  I was off work so there was no conflict for Thursday or Friday mass. 

We went to the potluck dinner prior to Holy Thursday mass.  It was nice enough but I don't know that I feel compelled to do that every year.  Time will tell on that one.  But mass was very moving.  I didn't get my feet washed but my 9 year old daughter wanted to and did.  I will definitely next year.  We were set to carry the Chrism oil and I had nylons on and I wasn't sure if I could get myself back together in time otherwise I think I would have done it this year too.  As the hosts were locked up and the incense placed it truly felt as if Jesus' presence was there more than ever. 

At the Good Friday mass it again was very moving.  I loved the Veneration of the Cross.  I couldn't bring myself to actually place my lips on it to kiss the cross but I did as many others did by kissing my hand and touching the cross.  And while you know it isn't the actual cross you feel like it is.

Then Saturday morning we had the rehearsal for the Vigil service that night.  My husband made his first communion and confirmation at the Vigil.  It was funny because Father told them first to please not burn him with their candles as he is anointing them.  But also that depending on his mood he will shake their hand or if he is feeling moved he may even hug them.  But of course my husband was first in line and nearly burned Father with his candle.  And no one got hugs.  I am not saying he is the reason but just that no one did.  Part of me was sad for them because I have really come to realize after Saturday that the hug was powerful for me.  That this man of God, one of God's teachers, felt moved as much as I was and passed on God's love in that moment.  As usual I am not explaining this properly but that is often the case when I feel emotional.  And of course there is the part of me that is nanna nanna boo boo to my husband for not getting that experience.  But of course that is the silly part of me.

This was the first time we attended the Easter Vigil at this church and probably the first time since I was an adult.  And I am hooked.  It was so incredible.  Starting outside in the dark with the fire and moving into the church with only the candle light.  And then the baptisms, communions, and confirmations.  All so amazing.

I even got up early and went to 8am mass on Easter Sunday.  Sister laughed when she saw me.  I told her that the people in my house woke up a bit crabby and then went back to bed so I decided to come to mass.  She laughed and said she is just going to give me the keys to open up next time.  It wasn't our regular Father for this mass.  I am sure he did the 10am and noon masses but that was ok.  I really missed his services but seeing him wasn't my reason for going.  I am just glad I sat closer than usual because this guy was so quiet it was a struggle to hear him.  I will definitely be going to the Vigil from now on. 

I can't believe it is all over already.  I was so excited to go to church that much and it went by so quickly.

I went home and began the Easter festivities at my house once all of the family came over at 10:30.  The weather was beautiful Saturday and rainy Sunday so all egg hunts and such were inside but we still had fun.

Happy Easter!!

RCIA Meeting

We had our last RCIA meeting this past Saturday.

I had asked Sister a few weeks ago if I could bring a cake to share with everyone to thank the team and staff as well as congratulate all of us for becoming fully initiated catholics.

This is the cake I made and brought:

The lighting is really bad in this picture but it was all white and shimmery.  Everyone seemed to like it too.

Without their knowledge I also made goodie bags for everyone.  For Sister, Father, and D I made bigger, more personal bags for several reasons but since 2 of them are leaving the parish I wanted it to also be a going away gift.

The fun items that I included in every ones bags were:  a Jesus band aid (we swear they heal faster than any other), scripture mints, bible verse fortune cookies, religious bookmark, religious magnet, and chocolate crosses I made.

It was sort of sad for this group to end.  But it is exciting to see what the future will hold.

Techy Church

I have been looking at several church websites in my quest for information.   Some are better than others obviously but I wonder if what I think makes a good website for a church is different than what others think would be good.

I like the more info there the better.  If there are committees than link them to a more detailed description of what the committee is, what their goal is and how they would like to meet it, who to contact if you can and are interested in getting involved, when do they typically meet, etc.  Rather than we have committee A.

Or if the church would like people to volunteer than give the people the proper tools to find out how to volunteer and all of the different possibilities. 

Since we are adopting the new Roman Missile in November why not link to that or at the very least give the info on your website. 

Details, details, details as far as I am concerned. 

I think if you provide the details on your own website people won't go hunting on the Internet for it.  You can control the accuracy of what people are reading a bit more if you give it to them.  Plus what an opportunity to reach more members of the church and get them excited to get involved. 

What about Facebook?  Should a church have an account?  I say why not as long as what is posted by the admins is relevant to the church.  Again, get the people notified and excited.  The younger people are the more into technology they may be and if you use that technology to reach them the earlier you can get them excited and motivated. 

Another thing I liked about one of the websites I saw was that it showed pictures of all of the parish staff and if you clicked on it you saw their "profile".  How to contact them, but also who they are, where they came from and their background, as well as fun hobby type tidbits.  Again, let the masses know you.  They may be more likely to approach you.

I have always felt a bit intimidated by the staff.  I know they know more about the church than I do and while that is OK the shy factor in me would take over.  I am really trying hard to break out of the shy factor at church and get to know people and get involved but it is somewhat frustrating since I can't find the info I am looking for and who exactly to contact. 

What about a church utilizing a blog?  Again, I think if done properly could be a great tool.

One website even records the pastor's homilies and puts those on the website.  I love that too. 

And pictures.  Put pictures of the different events or services out there.

So many possibilities.

What do you think about using the available technology outlets for the church and its mission?

Out

Did you ever put yourself out there to others and then worry you are an annoyance?

You are so excited for whatever it may be but the others may not be on the same page?

That is how I am feeling right now.

Sunday Mass

I have a friend who was trying to sell her house.  She still is actually but she has stopped trying to buy a house until hers sells. 

At one point in November and December she had a bid in on a house and put hers on the market and it all happened so quickly.  She was extremely stressed out and was at the point of needing help for her stress.

She decided she didn't want any medications to help her with her mental well being.  She decided she would go to church daily.  At the time I remember thinking that was a great idea knowing her but I couldn't see going daily myself.

But now I would love to be able to go to mass at my church daily.  I don't know exactly what changed my perspective.  I still think how moving my confirmation was for me is what changed me so much.  I wonder if my husband will feel a fraction of what I felt when he gets his first communion and confirmation at the Easter Vigil service.

Yesterday we had mass, our RCIA meeting and was there for 2 hours and it felt like 2 minutes.  I was actually kind of bummed when it was time to leave.  Sister sat with us for the whole RCIA meeting and I was struck again how much I am going to miss her when she leaves.  At least we will still have Father there.  That is a saving grace!

I plan on going to Holy Thursday (and I would like to go to the potluck dinner before) mass at which point I will carry up the Chrism.  Boy I hope I do it properly and bow at the right time if I am supposed to and so forth.  But I digress, I also plan on going on Good Friday and then again for hours at the Easter Vigil.  If I still feel this enthusiastic after all of that than I know it isn't some fleeting feeling.  I suspect I will love it all.  Well except for the part where everyone will be looking at me carrying up the Chrism.

Bible

I have decided I am going to read the bible cover to cover.  It may take me forever to do it but I am.

I haven't read it like that since I was still in school.  Which seems like forever ago.  Funny thing is I have recently seen a guy at church who I used to hang out with (in a group of us) back in high school.  I haven't been able to catch up to him to see if he remembers me.  Plus I am always a bit shy in those situations. 

Back to the bible.  I have only gotten a little ways through Genesis and I can't believe I didn't remember that the early people discussed lived for hundreds of years each.  Crazy.

This is probably so not politically correct but if I am going to be honest about what crosses my mind I have to say this.   When someone is said to live for hundreds of years it makes you think immortality which then sends my mind to vampires.  Now make no mistake I am not saying in any way shape or form that people in the bible were vampires.   Because I am not saying that at all.  It is just that since I was a kid I have always liked a good vampire story and immortality links to vampire in my mind. 

Again totally out of context of what the real understanding (which I did absorb) is from Genesis. 

It is just funny how a persons mind works.  Just don't think less of me.  lol

Explain

I want to explain a little bit about why now.  And to answer that question is very difficult.  I think there are many reasons I can think of and I am sure there are others that I don't even realize.

First, I just think this was God's time for me.  I have always wanted to have my confirmation but never did it.  Sometimes I didn't do it simply because I didn't want to take the time to go through classes and such.  Which is even the reason I inquired when I did.  I figured I had already spent all that time at the family classes for my daughters communion/confirmation that those should count for something.  They didn't but as it turns out I am glad they didn't. 

Since around last September we have pretty much had a weekly meeting after mass.  Some longer than others but all pretty informal.  I have made some great friends from those meetings. 

But back to the question at hand.  Why now... 
Even up to the day of my confirmation I was not prepared for how I would feel. 

After much reflection on that event I think all of my thoughts about our church and where it is today, our new pastor and how I love how he leads us, and the fact that I have always wanted to feel like I truly belonged to be there all came together in that moment.  Sister said it is the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Since I was young I always wanted a church where the pastor didn't just preach to you but could speak to you according to the times.  He does that.  He can quote a movie during a homily that I know and I think he found the spiritual meaning in a movie that I remember most for some of the stand out lines.  He is so in tune with the parish and how many are still struggling with the merger and the fact that he is there that he addresses this in a manner of grace.  I find him very inspiring and feeling like I should do more and be more.  Not because I feel pressure but because I feel inspired.  Haven't you ever met or seen someone who inspires you simply by being themselves? It is a rare quality that some people have to truly inspire others.  And I feel he has it and is able to inspire the congregation through God.  Believe me there are plenty of people who don't like him at all and tell him that all the time.  But most of those people are still mad that our prior pastor is no longer there.  And I understand that but I also think if our parish is ever going to be able to move forward those people need to let go of the hate and move back to why we are at church in the first place.

Sister that is there is simply amazing.  She is also a wonderful person who can relate to all of us.  You never feel like you are not up to par.  I speak/email with her sometimes several times a week.  She will sometimes say things and you think she is a nun she can't say that but that is very old school of me.  She is never disrespectful especially concerning faith.  But because of this merger she is leaving soon.  I cannot imagine our church without her but I am trying to focus only on the positive right now.  We will see once she is gone.  Change isn't always easy.

Why now?  I guess I don't fully know myself.  It just is.  For so many reasons.  More than I have even stated.  Maybe it is now thanks to the grace of God...

Being Catholic

Once again I can't believe how long it has been since the last time I posted anything here.  Almost a year is simply crazy.  I hope I will post more often since I have a focus for my posts more than ever.  I may still post about cakes or other such life stuff but I think my main posts will be about what I am learning about being Catholic and why now. 

It won't be preachy but more my very personal thoughts that I can't say to those I know in real life because they don't understand.  I don't know if anyone will ever really understand but I just needed an outlet for these thoughts even if no one reads them.

As a lot of places across the country have seen this past year there has been a lot of change in our church.  Some parishes have closed while others have merged.  And to top it all off the pastors have all been moved around.

I have been going to my church off and on since we discovered it 10 years ago.  We were welcomed with open arms at this parish and went consistently until my daughter was too loud and fidgety.  Once we were out of the habit it was difficult to start back up 3 years ago.  But we did and I am so grateful for that.  Last year she made her first communion and confirmation all at the same time.  In many ways I was soooo happy to have them both done at once.  It was great from a busy parent perspective but really she didn't learn as much as I had hoped she would.  While going through this with her I thought I should see about making my confirmation.  I had been baptized Catholic, first communion Catholic & Lutheran, confirmation Lutheran but never confirmed Catholic which is as an adult I chose to be. 

For the past year I had been working towards that and was able to convince my husband to make his communion and confirmation.  At the time I just didn't want to go by myself. 

This process has brought out more in me than what I ever knew to be there.  While all this was going on our church became the location of 2 merged parishes (ours and another), our pastor was moved out and a new pastor was brought in.  At first I was really upset that the previous pastor would not be the one to do my daughters 1st communion and confirmation since they changed 2 months prior to her sacraments.  But I decided to give the new guy a chance on his own merits. 

Also during this past year my sister finally was able to get pregnant and had twin girls.  And she asked me to be the godmother for the oldest.  I now had to speed up my process so that I could be a fully initiated Catholic by March 13th. 

I spoke to Sister about this and our new Father and we were able to perform my confirmation on March 5th.  I knew I already loved our new pastor better than our old and far better than I could have imagined but what transpired during my confirmation was something I was not at all ready for.  Something truly transformed in me during that mass.  While I was standing up there in front of the whole church all I could do was look at him.  I was too nervous with everyone looking at me.  And then at the end he gave me a hug that I say sealed the Holy Spirit and love for our church in me.  I really was changed and I wasn't ready for it to be such a powerful thing.  I thought OK, finally, I will have everything done.  At 41.  But it was so much more than that.

Over this past year I have really listened to his homilies like I have never before.  I have been searching for a church and pastor that I could completely relate and connect with.  I know I have found it finally. 

I am now obsessed with wanting to do more at the church, be more personally.  These are things I think about all the time now.  And things that I have tried to say on a small scale to people close to me but they don't really understand.  Even my husband is not understanding so here is where my rambling mind will express all that is in me. 

I think I will be posting quite often now....

Ordering a Cake

It is difficult for people who don't decorate cakes to understand the ordering and pricing of a specialty cake.



Melanie of Cake Walk could not have explained it better. See below excerpt. To see the full post with her pictures go here.



A clean, pure design but it still looks regal enough for a 4-year-old's birthday party.It's a perfect example that you can get a cake for any budget. Of course, the more you're willing to spend, the more out-of-the-box and show-stopping your cake will be! But this is a great cake, don't you agree?



How to keep costs down if you've already blown your party budget:

-Avoid sugar work. Use plastic figures or silk flowers wherever possible, but don't compromise on the appearance! For example, this is a cute crown. Don't get a cheap-y looking one that will ruin your cake.

-Stick with minimal decorating. While it's definitely more boring for us decorators, keep the decorating simple. The less time a decorator spends on a cake, the less money you'll probably spend on it.

-Avoid fondant. Many decorators, though not all, charge slightly more for a fondant-covered cake. Why do they charge extra? It's logical really. Covering a cake in fondant requires both more time and more material - they've got to cover those costs.

-Tell your decorator your budget. Yes, really! Many decorators are willing to try to work within your budget. They can give you options on your cake to show you what you can get for your money. Just ask! But don't insult your decorator by trying to get a cake dirt cheap - respect her time and effort. If you realize that you just can't afford the cakes, be "man" enough to tell the decorator and order a cake in the future when you can.



*Now, having said all that, I also have to add that cake decorating is an art form. If you can afford it, set aside a little extra money for the cake. Many decorators will really amaze you with what they can do in sugar!



*I'm giving you this advice because it's truly what I believe. I do not take cake orders so none of this is inspired from a particular experience. It's just a little bit of insider information on how to get an adorable custom cake if you can't afford to get the kind of cakes you see on TV.

Vacation

So we finally decided on a vacation destination.

Unfortunately we decided we were not going to go to the happiest place on earth.

We decided to go to the sweetest place on earth.

We are only going to go for a few days but it will be good to get away and have a change of scenery for a bit.

I can't wait.

Now I just need to do some research and find out where to stay and what to do while there.
I have some time, though, since we are not going tomorrow or even the next day or even the day after that. lol

Same Ole Same Ole

Not much has changed around here. Other than it is now June. And once again I am wondering where the previous month has gone. I swear time is speeding up the older I get.

I have made a couple more cakes...

I have done a couple others but I don't have those photos handy. These pictures were bad cell phone pictures but you get the idea. They came out ok. And I am still having so much fun doing them. The people they were for seemed to really like them so that is what really counts.
Tomorrow is Belle's last day of school. I am shocked she will be in 3rd grade next year. She continues to grow up too fast but she really is so smart and beautiful inside and out. I don't know how I got so lucky to have a daughter like her.
I am trying to figure out where we can go on a mini vacation this summer. We want to be able to drive there and spend a couple days (or at least that is what I am hoping for).
This afternoon I get to go help serve Belle's class an ice cream social. This is either going to be really cute or really a hot sticky mess (85 degrees today and t-storms).
I guess that is it for now. On to next month. lol

Where Did April Go?

My goodness how did it become May so soon?

Where did April go? My birthday is in April and it usually seems to take forever to get here. I am not sure why I am always anxious for it to be my birthday but I usually am. Not this year. Maybe it is because I am now over 40 officially. For my 40th I went to Disney and spent that day near and at the castle so it couldn't get too much better than that. Oh well. I want to get old but just not so quickly. This was my birthday cake I made:

My sister is still pregnant which is great! She has had some minor complications that we hope remain minor and in the end will not affect anything. But this week she is officially 3 months pregnant. With TWINS!! Oh my oh my...

She had been on such a long infertility road I am just so happy for her. And as she puts it she was able to buy 1 and get 1 free. She is too funny.

Anyone with tips and tricks for twins send them my way and I will pass them on. She will definitely be able to use them.

Belle also made her first communion and confirmation yesterday so I had been busy planning her party and making her cake as well as a cake for one of her friends who also made her 1st communion on Saturday.

This is her friend's cake. She asked for white cake and frosting that had flowers and was pretty. I hopefully met her criteria.

I guess that is pretty much it. I am going to make a cake for next Monday for a graduation for a coworker who just got her degree. And hopefully I will get some more cake orders soon.

Good News

I know I have posted in the past about my sister and her infertility problems.

She has done countless IUI's.

On February 27 she had invitro done.

AND IT WORKED!!!

I am so happy to say my sister is finally pregnant.

She is still on eggshells until she is 3 months and it still feels a bit surreal for her.

But today she is 5 weeks.

I get to plan a baby shower. I can't wait.

Check This Out

I was reading other blogs as I typically do. I read others far more than I post to my own.

But this I just had to do. I love good bake ware. But this this is far too cute.

I love that it is pink.

I love that it is helping raise funds for breast cancer.

If you would like a chance (or 4) to win this lovely pie plate pop on over to Joyously Living Life for your chance to win this beautiful Emile Henry pink pie plate.

New Moon

My bestest friend (who is not related to me) name dropped her brother-in-law (who is a catholic priest) to our local radio station to get passes to see an advanced screening for New Moon which was last night.

Wow that was a long sentence.

Anyway, I have been purposely not re-reading the books again so that this time I could not be as close to the book when I saw the movie. And I have to tell you I still knew what was or should happen when but it was ok this time. With Twilight the movie I was disappointed. I still love the movie from the sheer fact that I love the book but the movie wasn't nearly as good if you hadn't known the story.

But New Moon was sooooooooooooo much better. So much better.

I can't wait to see it again on Saturday when a bunch of us girls planned to go originally.

The only thing I can't stand is all of the screaming and talking to the screen from the audience. Really, can't we just watch and not feel the need to be loud???