Ciao

We're on a train from Rome to Florence and it feels very normal. We sat on a bench eating pizza this afternoon directly across from the site where Brutus killed Julius Caesar. We have walked on avenues that show marks of where chariots raced down them thousands of years ago and are now racing through Tuscany on a high speed train.

Real?

Surreal.

It's hot in Italy. Really, really hot. That might be the only downer of the trip so far. We're trying to be sure to eat enough gelato to stay cool. Wish us luck.

Ciao!




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Via Morlupo,Capena,Italy

Blowing kisses

"As Christians we are only here to learn to love and learn how to love. All of the math and composition are just extra." 

Our pastor is charismatic and very charming and got the stink eye from every teacher in the sanctuary as he delivered that line in this morning's homily.  The kids hung on every word and every parent was wistful as he spoke about what he hoped our students took with them from the school year.  It seems so bittersweet to sit in the sanctuary year after year and watch our students grow in their faith and in life.  It's astonishing how quickly the time is passing and how many end of year masses I have been to.

The high point of Father's homily was his reference to a time when he was in second grade and got caught throwing gravel on the playground.  His teacher, Mrs. Parks, made him and his two accomplices sit on the steps outside for 15 minutes as their punishment.  He said though, as she exiled them outside the classroom that

"as she closed the door she winked at us and blew us a kiss.  As a second grader I didn't really know what she meant by that but in that moment I knew it would all be OK."

He went on to talk about how quickly we move between tasks and events and sometimes forget to show our gratitude or support for someone that we care about.  He reminded us that we should always blow kisses to each other and remember that, in his own way, God is always blowing kisses to us as a reminder of his love and support for us.  He encouraged the students to blow kisses to their teachers, aides and friends as a thank you and it was darling to see hundreds of children blowing kisses around the sanctuary.

My girlfriend and I cried most of the way through mass this morning but we were super careful to be sure and blow kisses as we left with our children who had just been promoted to the next grade.  Today was such a sweet reminder of how quickly time passes and how easily we can forget to be warm, generous and loving to each other.

For the rest of the summer I will try to remember to blow plenty of kisses at these two.  My second grader and my fifth grader.  I don't know when I will be OK with them growing so fast.

Ten Things to Smile About

As my youngest child tells me every day - she will be eight in 27 days.  Last week it was 34 days and on it goes . . . Time is marching on and on.  As is tradition, I'm linking with Emmy for this month's ten things to smile about.

Ten Things to Smile About in May

A wonderful Mother's Day with E and my babies and enjoying time with family

Caramel drizzle coffee

The Princess running in her first track meet.  Healthy, energetic kids are truly a gift.  And so is a family that cheers loud, smiles big and buys snow cones.

Lunch with my bestie, an hour by the pool with one girlfriend and endless hours at the baseball field with others. Girlfriend time is one of my favorite things in any month.

These two boys matching jerseys and hats

Annual spirit week at school.  Any week that starts with crazy hair day and ends with a carnival is bound to be good.

The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy

The Athlete's first all star tournament of the summer.  He was nominated and voted for by coaches of every regular season team in his league.  It's an honor he truly deserves.

Reorganizing some priorities and being able to see The Princess "bridge" from Daisies to Brownies

Making plans with E for our summer getaway to Italy

You can see Emmy and her friends favorite things from May, too.  Don't forget to count your blessings