St. Mark and Rogation Day and other Things

A charming trio after Mass. I'm all for arranged marriages with like minded people.

Getting ready for our procession and the banner to fly high!

Playing with the lambs.

Last minute van oil change and check before we head out for the Feast of St. Mark with the Rogation Day procession.

St. Mary's, Fennimore

The pictures don't do justice! The church is gorgeous!

Warming up!

I was intrigued by the knives, which are obvious symbols of torment and martyrdom. But the next one over was of a windmill. In doing a little, very little, research, it is actually a millstone windmill whereby grain is ground. I wish I had looked at all the symbolism and taken more pictures of it.

Merry and Pippin carrying the statue of Our Lady of Fatima.

The procession went around the blocks of the church, it was about 1/2 hour including 4 blessings to the North, South, East, and West.

 It was intended that Kili would be in the procession and somehow he got in the procession into the church before Mass situated between 2 boys he did not know. He started to cry before Mass even began and one of his brothers, Bilbo, took him back to an older brother who was usher.  He was really crying, poor little guy.  But he was still proud as ever sporting his cassock and surplice.

 After the potluck luncheon (which I see I took no pictures) we went over to the cemetery.

 A friend's son... a saint in Heaven as he was baptized!... is buried here. He was buried on the day Kili was born so this wee saint is very close to my heart.  I was able to hold him even. Imagine, holding a saint. 

 Baby Alex is buried at the foot of his great uncle Fr. Alfred Kunz who was murdered in 1998, as mentioned in a previous post.  This marks the 20th anniversary of his death. May he rest in the Peace of Christ. 

 This is where Fr. Kunz's parents are buried. I remember singing in the choir for his mom's funeral in 1993.

Also sang for his brother's funeral.

May they all rest in Peace. 

 Afterwards we went to the Dickeyville Grotto.  Absolutely beautiful!

 The first work is at the "bottom" of the cemetry.

 The priest who built the grotto is buried here. Eternal Rest...

 These round balls were gear shift knobs donated to the grotto project by Henry Ford. I thought that was a neat tidbit.

 You can see a bit of a close-up here, these are all rocks, china, shells, wood, coral and other rocky like hard substances. 

 Even antlers

 Marigold enjoyed looking for the round balls best.

 Our little group

I found this rock in one of the gardens so... pray for Debi Dyment. After a quick google search, I believe she had been in an accident and had serious injuries, so, please pray for her. Never miss an opportunity to pray for someone in need!

 Afterwards we went and took a look around this former cargo airplane.

 I remember when we used to fly when I was a little girl and we actually were able to go into the cockpit. Much different flying experience nowadays!

 That night we had color belt testing.

 I loathe planking. They called parents out to the floor. Not sure why I didn't just cheer them on, I guess I was feeling the need for penance.

 Now graduated to the Viking Belt - purple with gold.   7 more belt tests to red with black and they can join the black belts. (of course that is still 14 more months!)

 Great job!!

 Samwise as a "new to him" truck.

 Then it was Frodo's turn for his black belt mid term. Just 2 more midterms and he is eligible for second degree black belt (though most, I believe take longer than that, but we'll see)

During a sparring match Frodo did a flip, seriously!

(rolling my eyes and laughing)

 I have to say that Frodo's board breaks are pretty fun to watch.

 Flying front kick.

 Great job everyone, especially Sara who struggled to break a board and finally did it! Very special moment for a 2nd degree black belt!

 Later that day was a piano recital. The kids did a great job!

 So I have tried ever so many cups and my kids always break them or they are too tall and tippy. I was at Walmart and found these tumbers: 4 for 78c. Can't beat that and they are unbreakable (of course one of my smarty pants said, "Wanna make a bet?" (haha)

Kili with his pretend sword to ward of "monster max" as they call him. I named him Napolean because he is short and tiny but he is tough. Watch your ankles.