Mardi Gras

Just a quick update before going to bed and bidding adieu for 40 days...
Went to our parish Mardi Gras party with some other homeschool friends and had a good time. Boiled crawfish "nawlins-style" and "memphis style" were both offered (spicy vs. bbq)! Potatoes, corn, red beans and rice, toast, coleslaw, moon pies and king cake...oh, I am so stuffed! They gave out beads, dubloons, and "babies." and the kids also seemed to have a good time....although I made the mistake of going to the library right before, so the older five sat and read...such the party bunch they are!!! NOT.
They were all tired though and hit the sack the minute we walked in the door. I'm hoping to make this a productive Lent, as I've been feeling much like I've let stuff slide this year....EVERYTHING. We made a sacrifice jar today, the kids created their 10 Commandments "tablets" and posted them above their desks. We discussed mortification, self denial, temperance...all in all a good day. A friend of mine added, "learn new prayer a week" and I think that is a good goal as well, so we will probably add that as well.
Please keep in mind my m-i-l who is recovering from a broken femur and a neighbor friend, "Mr. John" who has come to the decision to remove his elderly bride from the ventillator...she was somewhat alert yesterday and told them to do it...it took him until this afternoon to finally agree. This will be hard on him as the doctor told him it could still be a week or two before she actually dies, so please remember this dear sweet man in your prayers! Thank you!