Ash Wednesday, Doctor Thursday

Our Tuesday morning started off with a bit of fun. Chick-Fil-A is offering free breakfasts on Tuesdays in March, and my friend Sara planned to take her kids early, before school started.

I presented the idea to the girls, who were very excited and eager. So, they were up and at 'em by 6:30 so we could leave a little after 7. We enjoyed our chicken biscuits and a little play time before school.

Also this week, we attended the Ash Wednesday service at Valencia Methodist, which took place right before Pioneer Clubs this week.

Since our church doesn't observe Lent, this was my first Ash Wednesday experience since I was in college, visiting my Grandma at her Lutheran church.

I explained to the girls what would be happening, and true to form, Violet was excited, and Cora said flatly she didn't want ashes put on her forehead. But when it came time to go up front, and she saw that her friends and their parents were all lining up, she was happy to go.

Our own church did talk this weekend about giving up something, or fasting, through to Easter to free up time for prayer. I decided to give up Facebook, and Stace is giving up eating junk food after dinner. When we told the girls about this, Violet shouted happily, "I can give up my money!" (She has several dimes that Cora gave her, and believes them to be quite important.)
Cora said, "I don't want to do that!" Later, we joked that she could give up school.

On Monday morning, grumpy from losing an hour due to the clocks moving forward, she said, "I don't have to get up! I'm giving up school for Lent!"

 On Thursday, Cora had her seven-year well-check appointment. She is growing well: she's now 47.4 pounds, in the 32nd percentile, and 46 inches, or the 15th percentile. Since her well check last year, she's gained three inches and six pounds.

On Saturday evening, Cora and several of her school friends went to a birthday party for one of their classmates. It was held at the Swim Academy, and Cora had a great time swimming for the first time since September. Here she is with her sweet friend Cami.