Thank Goodness for that Leap Day

All the things, and nearly all at once

I was just commenting to a friend that things tend to calm down after the holidays, but that doesn’t seem to be the case this year. In the upcoming week alone, our calendar holds a trivia night, father-daughter dance, Chinese New Year celebration, birthday party, the Super Bowl, Ash Wednesday, and Valentine’s Day. Lots of appetizers, lots of treats, lots of cause to be together and celebrate life.

It’s a good thing this February has an extra day in it. Looks like we’re going to need it.

1. Some updates

We took our oldest three kids to see the first three episodes of Season Four of The Chosen in theaters. The kids have seen almost every episode, so they were as prepared as they could be for it (there is a shocker in one of the episodes, for which none of us was prepared). I’m so, so grateful that they had the experience of their faith, of the reality of their being children of God being part of something as mainstream as seeing a movie in a theater.

One of the boys, in looking forward to going, remarked that it was going to be cool to be in a theater with people who were all there for similar reasons. It would feel different, he thought, than seeing Wonka a few weeks before. He was right! This kid amazes me regularly.

In our school, Catholic Schools Week is the week of the bees. Two of our kids were in spelling bees. In helping them study, I was delighted to find “hobbit” on the list just a few lines above “precious.”

One more reminder that registration is open for Catholic Literary Art's Meet-the-Editor: Catholic Children's Lit Edition, featuring Haley Stewart, Spark; Kate Camden, OSV Kids; and Sr. Maria Grace Dateno, Pauline Books & Media next month. I'm thrilled to moderate. This is going to be so. much. fun. Snag your seat now! 

2. What I’m reading

I’ve recently read and really, really enjoyed T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets. It’s been one of those wild experiences where once you’re aware of it, you see it so many other places. I’m adding his poem “Ash Wednesday” to my reading list for this week and next, as we enter into Lent. 

3. What my kids are reading

My older three are all voracious readers, and one in particular routinely complains there’s nothing left in the house to read. After the most recent such episode, he discovered his brother’s copy of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. He asked if he could tell us about it at dinner the other night, and the rest of us were totally intrigued. I’ve not read it, but he pitched it really well!

4. Something I love

I love ThriftBooks. I have the app on my phone and use it to buy books for class, for the kids, and occasionally as gifts, as you can order new books as well as used. The rewards system is generous, and I’ve gotten a number of free books over time. (That link is a referral code!)

5. What I’m creating (knitting, lettering, embroidery, etc.)

I’m making my way toward the finish line on this sweater (the color of the yarn is Narwhal, which brings me great delight). Bag is by Studio Senn. I bought it as a Mass bag, but quickly realized it would better serve as a knitting bag.

In the meantime, I spent a few hours making this balloon arch last week. In addition to being an editor and writer, I am also proud of my role as middle school dance chair.

6. Where my work is 

CatholicMom.com: “A Letter to the New Allergy Mom” (or a mom navigating another restrictive diagnosis)

Radiant: “The 90-Day Lenten Challenge for Women” (yes, I know Lent is 40 days)

Verily: “Winter Survival Guide: 5 Recipes to Savor on a Snow Day”

7. What I’m working on

As much fun as the dances are, my favorite volunteer post at my kids’ school is writing the basket descriptions for our annual Tricky Tray. I’m in the thick of it now. We have eighty-plus baskets of donated items that I get to name with altered song lyrics, puns, and other silliness, all in the name of furthering Catholic education. 

How recently have you considered how your gifts might be put to use for your community?

8. A quote to sit and sip with

“Faith is rarely a leap. It’s almost always a simple step.”

—Fr. Mike Schmitz, homily for 1/14