Chichen Itza toddles

Baby has been walking for a couple weeks now.  She is big stuff.  How does she go from a helpless newborn 11 months ago to walking all over our home babbling her favorite two syllable phrase.  We are studying Mesoamerica so it is fitting baby gets named Chichen Itza which sounds a lot like Chicken Pizza.



The older kids shriek every time she walks which usually makes her tumble because of being spooked.  I usually jump because I hear, "MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (pause) SHE'S WALKING!!!!!!"

Today was awesome.  We have been waiting the announcement of our new Pope and watching diligently every time smoke is released.  We happened to be out late morning and I thought we missed the noonish announcement.  I was making lunch around 1:10 and heard the church bells ringing across the street.  I looked up at the clock and realized the bells never ring at this time so we quick logged onto EWTN and saw the white smoke coming out.  I started calling everyone I knew which made the kids laugh.  "Mom, you are calling everybody we know!!"  We sat glued to the TV for a couple hours watching, waiting, hoping, and praying.

What a good man Pope Francis seems to be!  I read so many great tidbits about his past and am so grateful he will be stronghold for the Church.  Today, so many were filled with great hope and joy in our future.  As our friend Thomas put in perfectly, "For five minutes I forgot Obama was President.  That was a great five minutes."

My favorites from today include:

*As Cardinal, Bergoglio became known for personal humility, doctrinal conservatism and a commitment to social justice. A simple lifestyle contributed to his reputation for humility. He lived in a small apartment, rather than in the palatial bishop's residence. He gave up his chauffeured limousine in favor of public transportation, and he reportedly cooked his own meals. 

*Pope Francis took the bus with the other cardinal back to Sancta Marta tonight!




*Abortion is the death penalty for the unborn. – Pope Francis.  He is ardently Pro-Life and Pro-Family.

*Pope Francis' episcopal motto is "miserando atque eligendo" (lowly, yet chosen).

Back in 2005, he washed and kissed the feet of 12 AIDS patients.  He is a servant.
 

 I am grateful for the these hopeful days!  I know God is always present and guiding, but days like today His presence is felt so strong.