Special Olympics, The Eucharist, and Happy Mothers Day!

Dear Friends and Family, Chris and I had a fun and relaxing weekend! We spent time hanging out with friends and just doing whatever we wanted. We watched the Derby on Saturday and on Sunday I went to see my friend Nan compete in the Special Olympics bocce competition, hosted by the Naval Academy! Nan loves bocce season so I usually go as her cheerleader. She won silver at her regional competition, and bronze at the Naval Academy games so she is now qualified to compete at State! We were all very excited for her. On Sunday evening Chris and I attended our normal Mass time, but the group that does music was invited to another Mass. As a result, our normal Mass was less attended so our Priest began by asking those present to help with the liturgy and the Eucharist. No one was volunteering for the Eucharist, and I just can't help but feel compelled to volunteer for most things so my hand flew up in the air and the Priest smiled and thanked me. Just as I was getting the warm fuzzy feeling of appreciation for my willingness to help out, Chris nudged me back into reality and said, "I think you have to be trained to do the Eucharist!" I felt my face go red and I whispered, "Oh no!" and stammered "...well don't you just hold up the body and say, 'Body of Christ?'" He smiled and shook his head at my ability to jump into things with the "ignorance is bliss" mentality. I then said in a pleading voice, "Well you have to help me! Do you know when I'm supposed to go up?" He said, "Yes, I'll tell you when to go up." The rest of the Mass I prayed to God and asked that the Holy Spirit please help me do the Eucharist right. After the exchange of "Peace be with you", Chris gave me the nudge and I followed the lead of two other parishioners who looked like they knew what they were doing. I greeted the altar boys with "Peace be with you," got some hand sanitizer and waited for the priest to give me communion. Next, I was directed to the mid point of the church. Chris was one of my first "Eucharist recipients!" I held up the body and said, "Body of Christ" he said, "Amen" and gave me an encouraging smile. A few recipients later a person came up who wanted it put in their mouth - I forgot that some people like to receive it that way so I tried to be as gentle as possible when placing it in their mouth. In the end everything went well, and I felt really inspired by this part of the Mass. (Thank you God and Chris for helping me out!) On Monday, Chris and I decided that we were ready to put an offer on the house we like best from our home search. The offer we are making is pretty low though so we'll see how it goes! Hopefully they'll be willing to negotiate with us. We'll be sure to keep you posted on that as news develops! Finally, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day weekend this weekend! Especially my Mom and Mother-in-law! I feel so blessed to be loved by two amazing, loving, caring, fun, and creative women! You both are constantly an inspiration to me. Mom, you taught me so many important lessons growing up about self-value, a positive attitude, making friends, and giving back to the community through charity. I'm a happy, affectionate, and giving person today because of you. Ellen thank you for bringing Chris into this world for me to love and for him to love me! You have raised such a smart and loving son. When I first met you and the rest of the Supple clan, I knew I had found the other part of my family. Thank you for making me feel like one of your children. I hope everyone is having a great week! I love you and Miss you! xoxoxo Bethie