Ra ra sis boom ba

Today we celebrated Andy's birthday, even though technically it's tomorrow. He is now seventeen years old. I can't believe it! He's my little brother, he's not allowed to be that old ... he and Arthur are also growing like weeds. Inconveniently rude and boorish-mannered weeds. Andy is already taller than me and Arthur is well on his way. How disturbing! I am much too used to towering over them. My reign of tyranny is drawing to an end. Nooooooooooooo.

I didn't go to Confession this week. Again. I am going Monday or Tuesday at the Cathedral, even if it kills me, simply because I am rapidly becoming frustrated with myself and my tremendously impressive ability to invent reasons not to go on Saturdays. It's Advent, for goodness sakes! I should be going even more often than usual, not trying my best to wriggle out of even my usual once-a-month schedule.

We've decided to go to the noon Tridentine Mass at Immaculate Conception tomorrow, instead of the 5:30 Mass which is in English but has a Bishop, Benediction, and a procession - the opening of the parish's 40 Hours Devotion. It would be dark by the time we left home and even darker by the time it was all through, and I am a bit too nervous about driving on the highways at night. We are going to the 6:30 Mass on Wednesday for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and I am sure that will be nice. Papa is going to drive us. So you won't be treated to any stories of me driving off the side of Rt. 271 at 80 miles an hour!