Happy Easter

Here's all the cool stuff my mom brought over for Lucas' Easter:


He is really liking Toy Story & Toy Story 2. He was most excited about the pajamas..he likes wearing toy story PJ's.



My mom came over to babysit him (he slept) while I took Olivia to mass. I got there a half hour early, thinking it would be packed...well, at least I got good parking. it was the least crowded I have seen it! Olivia did well for the most part, but started whining during the homily. I appreciated the homily--essentially we shouldn't feel like there has to be a divide between being 'religious' and being 'spiritual'. We should be both. And when you feel people questioning your faith or even attacking you, to know Christ is your guide and to be proud to proclaim that. To be honest, this and the last blog were kind of uncomfortable for me to post; I know many who might read this will mock me or roll their eyes, or discredit me. But I am proud of my faith and I know it shouldn't offend anyone. I acknowledge that my life is not just me. God is great!


After mass I saw some friends I knew when I used to go to the Young Adults Group a few years ago when we moved here. One guy used to be a nuke like John. He's really nice and quick-witted. And another works for NASA and is a reserve in the Marine corp. Very ambitious guys--I secretly wish Susan would get together with one of them!

We were catching up a bit, and I found out one of them used to live in Pocatello, ID. Since we are probably going there next, I decided to ask him and his mom about it.
They said it's nice to visit, but it's different to live in. Basically they said most of the people there are Mormon, which they didn't have anything against...but the Mormons there don't associate with non-Mormons, and don't let their kids play with non-Mormons. I thought that was sad. They said that from what they witnessed, the Mormons seemed to be kind of racist, and didn't even like dark-hair! I know there are people that spoil the reputation of good causes, and that not all Mormons live in polygamist compounds and wear long pastel dresses etc. I mean, look at the Catholic priest Child abuse scandal. Somebody always has to spoil it for the bunch--and it's so hard to disassociate a negative past. So I am trying not to pre-judge or assume anything. But this is something we have been warned about by other military people who have lived there....when I first heard it, I thought "well hey, if that's the worst thing about Idaho, I don't care. They have low crime rates, and the houses are big and cheap." But the more I think about it, the more concerned I am about Lucas not being allowed to have friends...i hope this is not accurate, BUT the good thing is that John will be out of the Navy, so we can always pick up and move if we feel like it--we will still have this house if we wanted.

As we were talking Father Abe came over to see Olivia and then said he can't wait to go home and take off his formal wear, "put on a tshirt and shorts and veg-out!" He'd had a long day! He is leaving the parish in a few months to be reassigned somewhere yet to be determined. He contemplated accepting the move for a while, but knew he had to go where he was needed. It's kind of sad because I have talked to him privately about many issues and had a great relationship with him--I never have previously been so open to a priest. He was the one that convalidated our marriage, and celebrated our confirmation, and John's first Holy Communion/Confession. I am going to see if he can baptize Olivia this month too.

And just before we left, our family doctor--Dr. Rauchwarg came to say hi! I never even knew he was Catholic or went to my church! But I typically go in the morning, I guess he goes in the evening. I did talk to him about abortion when I first took Lucas to him, and he said he tries to discourage patients from them. Then I decided to make him my doctor, and eventually Olivia's. He has been a very good doctor, even though we but heads a little over my selective vaccination of the babies. He's a good guy- and I was so happy he saw me and came over to say Happy Easter!

Today made me realize that although I am excited for the next part of our journey, I will truly miss Williamsburg. Great place to live.