The DC Trip!

Like most of the nation, Nebraska has been caught up in

the POLAR VORTEX!

Things are looking up though as temps tomorrow

are supposed to be in the 40s and potential 50s

on the weekend!

Yippee Skippee!

Their Beacon of Light stocking caps

Maddie's trip to Washington DC

for the March for Life was an amazing experience for her!

The March for Life topped her list of cool things about the trip.

Riding the Metro in DC was at the bottom of the list!

Maddie and one of her roomies on the trip

Having been totally clueless about mass transit when we lived in

Philadelphia 30 years ago, I sympathized.

I walked around in a daze trying to navigate the el system.

The Pius students didn't know how to pay for the Metro, how to get

through to get on the Metro, where to
 get off and where to go once they got to their stops AND hearing 

other riders complain about all these students

did not help!

They were on the go from 5:30 AM until 8:30 or 9 or later

every single night!

Once they left the hotel at 6:30 or 7 AM, they didn't return

until at least 8:30 PM.

They attended Mass every day at the largest and most 

beautiful Cathedrals!

They visited Arlington cemetery and chatted with our

own Representative Fortenberry at the Capitol

and most importantly, they stood up and

marched for life!

Due to impending bad weather and road closures

in Pennsylvania, they skipped sightseeing in Gettysburg and
departed for home early!

The buses were able to make it through PA before the

interstate closed and arrived home a mere 24 hours

after departing Washington DC.

The bus ride was long!

It was great trip for her in so many ways

and she wants to go again next year!

PLUS -- she wants me to go along as a chaperone!

Hmmm- just wondering - do you think I could fly out and meet them there?

On a Bus For Days!

Last night, Maddie and 267 other students from the

Lincoln diocese boarded buses to Washington, D.C.

to participate in the 46th Annual March for Life!

 There are 81 students from Maddie's high school

on this pilgrimage.

We are so proud of her for joining in and being a part of the March for Life!
Such a wonderful way for her to grow in her faith.

And hey, it's a long bus ride from Nebraska to Washington DC!

They are supposed to arrive around dinner time tonight - 

so approximately 24+ hours on a bus!

They have numerous events on the agenda and some sightseeing.
The actual March for Life on the National Mall takes place on

Friday afternoon.

They will jump back on the buses on Saturday, 

arriving home on Sunday in the late afternoon.

She is so excited to be a part of the March

and go on this trip!

Please pray for the students and others participating 

in this year's March for Life.

Stay tuned for reports from M when she returns!

Clutter Be Gone!

While I have had good intentions 

every single year of decluttering and getting rid

of STUFF,

 I admit I have failed at the 

follow-through. 

The stuff piled up here and 

there in my house alternates between

 taunting and haunting me!

This year, I'm really going to try and

make an effort to declutter the house!

The effort is good enough.

I don't have to and don't want to beat myself

up for not having a picture-perfect

house or closet.

Source:  Facebook

Mr. Tennis bought me the Marie Kondo book

a few years ago and I started it, but stuck it 

somewhere to read later.  

Hmmm - how appropriate - it's now lost in the clutter somewhere!

But, I watched some of the Netflix series,

Tidying Up with Marie Kondo!

I thought it would be another one of those

shows where hoarders are shamed into getting rid of

just about everything they own

and given dirty looks by the organizer.

But it's not.

Marie is so sweet and non-judgmental and

provides tips and advice

on how to tidy up, fold things and

generally live happier without so much stuff!

Last weekend, I tackled my closet

and ended up with 6 large bags to donate and 

a couple bags of trash.

Plus a few hundred hangers (it seemed like that many) -

no need to buy hangers anymore!

I can now get into my closet better and

see what I have.

I didn't force myself to get rid of anything that I haven't worn

in a while, but still sparks joy anyway, such as this
fabulous faux fur vest that I wore 7 or 8 years ago.
It was in the very last spot in the closet way in back.
I love that vest -- I may never wear it again
but it sparks joy . . . so it stays!

This will, no doubt, be a long process 

but it's good to get started!

Catching Up - the Birthday Post!

Attempting to catch up a little bit!

Even though Maddie and I loved our part-time

jobs as Christmas gift wrappers, it did

put us a bit behind and the poor old blog

suffered!  

As did my housekeeping and laundry!

Miss Maddie turned 17 in December!

Yay for a birthday and the start of Christmas break! :)

Bummer that she had finals on her birthday! :(

We celebrated at one of her favorite places with the

whole family - Olive Garden!

Can you say YUM!!

We brought our own birthday cookie cake

and it was delish!

It had just enough frosting to keep me happy!

She's such a sweet and special girl!

Happy No. 17 Maddie!