Ash Wednesday

Yesterday I decided I would take the girls to the noon mass because the 7 pm gets a little too late sometimes. So we got all ready and in the car and to the church 15 minutes ahead of schedule (have to schedule in diaper checking time)....only to have it raining and no parking within easy walking distance with two little ones. So after circling the parking lot and streets several times and realizing I was probably going to be late (and for those of you that know me, know that that is not a good thing that I enjoy)....I just took a deep breath and drove back home. Angel was very upset and it was a cranky car ride home as she kept telling me "Mama...try again ...please mama find a spot...it's your birthday, I want ashes!" So I had to console her with a Capri Sun and the knowledge that we would go later with Papa and get a parking spot and ashes. And we did....Hard to believe the season of Lent is upon us as I feel we just ended the Christmas season!! I made (also what I think might be a good tradition) this new recipe of Black Beans over brown rice....the only thing I changed was I finely chopped all the veggies including the peppers and sauteed in olive oil for a few minutes...I added the white wine immediately with all the other liquids...did not add the Tabasco sauce...and then we put some shredded cheddar cheese and a spoonful of sour cream on top.....VERY YUMMY. When I was "trying" to explain Ash Wednesday to Angelica...I had said something about Jesus died on the cross for us and she responded with "PopPop had a bad boo boo and he got sick and died..." Yes he did, I said and we miss him a lot! Then Angel said "But it's ok mama...PopPop is in heaven with Jesus and Mamasan" So sweet...and amazing how such a little mind can make those connections. At Church, after we received Ashes...Emma kept rubbing hers off (why you can't see much left in the picture) and then she kept pointing to my head and saying "Messy"...very loudly over and over again. It was a little hard to keep her quiet when she was making so many around her chuckle!! We survived the late mass with two very tired girls and I am just glad I receive graces just by being there because tonight I didn't hear too much of what was said! I always find it amusing how incredibly hungry I am when it is a day of fasting and wanting things I usually don't even eat....such a mental thing I think! Emma received her first ashes this year as last year she was feeling a little sick....so Happy Ash Wednesday to everyone and hope you have a blessed Lenten season. If you haven't read Pope Benedict's message for Lent 2009, check it out!!