Child of God

Happy New Year everyone! I pray that 2010 has started off kindly for all. Ariel and I ushered in the new decade by getting colds. Hooray! We're just now feeling better, so I figured that it was time to update the blog. Ya'll like new stuff, right?

Back in November (shame on me for taking so long to write about this), we had Ariel baptised. As is the funky weather patterns in Colorado, Saturday was warm and sunny and Sunday morning it snowed. All of our guests (about 20 or so) braved the slick conditions to witness the ceremony. My grandfather (who is 80) flew from Ohio to be apart of Ariel's big day. It was a real treat to have him in our house for a few days. We even coerced him to partake of Wii bowling, which he did very well in. I'm pretty sure he beat me!

ariel and all the 'rents

At our church, they perform the baptisms during service. This is nice as the congregation gets to participate and take ownership of their newest Christian brother or sister. Ariel lucked out this week, and was the only baby during the late morning service. Father Pat is good about juggling two babies, but it was nice to have all the attention on our little one.
prepping for the dunk

If I haven't mentioned before, Ariel loves going to church. I think she just enjoys the people. Sometimes, she'll even sing along with the choir. The water in the baptism font is heated, to encourage the babies to smile instead of cry. When Father Pat dunked her in, she smiled and laughed and probably wondered why she was still in a diaper for bath time. The ceremony was short and sweet and Ariel truly enjoyed all the attention. Eric's cousin Kevin is the godfather, and my sister is the godmother. Ariel is one lucky kid.

ariel and godparents

Afterwards, we held a reception at the house with the usual food fare. I found some time to make and decorate Ariel's cake. My skills are bit rusty, but I think it turned out just fine. Here are some pics of the big day. We even took her to Portrait Innovations for her official baptism pics. Auntie Vicki was very gracious to take some pics as well. We don't have the best pictures of the event, as photographer Vicki was in the ceremony. Oh well. Enjoy!

reception lunch (by vicki)

honored guest (by vicki)

can you find the baby? (by vicki)

flirty angel

sweet smile

The Triduum (Easter and its Holy Days)

This year, Eric and I decided to switch things up for Easter. This year we were going to participate in the Triduum. In the Catholic church, it is the three holy days of Easter: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday. Holy Saturday actually melds into Easter Sunday.

Anyway, Thursday was the washing of the feet. As Jesus washed his disciples feet, we were invited to do the same with each other, as we are servants to our community. I had never been to service like this, so I just wanted to watch. It was pretty amazing to see all the friends and family go up together to do as Jesus did. I kinda regret not doing it now. But I hadn't shaved or clipped my toenails, so I wasn't feeling so comfortable with people touching my pregnant feet.

Friday was there was the Stations of the Cross in the park, which I had to miss because I was at work. The main part of service was the Passion of Jesus, which began with his arrest in the garden until his death on the cross. Our priest is a musical genius and wrote an entire composition for the reading. It was about an hour, but my goodness! I don't think there was a dry eye in the whole church. It was so beautifully written with all the intricate harmonies and melodies. But the main theme song was what got me. At the end, a single female choir member sang a solo and then a children's choir echoed her. Talking about haunting and moving. It was fabulous especially with the choir we have.

Saturday marked the Easter Vigil. We got up early for morning prayer to prepare our hearts for the evening service. We started outside were there was a blessing of the Easter candle. then the congregation moved into a darkened church to symbolize a world without Jesus. Each church member had a candle and we lit the church with only the light of Christ. There were a handful of readings and once we reached the point where Jesus had conquered death, all the lights flickered on and the choir erupted in this awesome song of praise and Hallelujah.

While the Triduum was tiring, I'm so glad we were able to participate this year. What a wonderful experience. It was very special to share it with my husband.