I was really proud going to church yesterday. Not because I hadn't been there in months and I finally managed to wake myself up for the 9 o'clock mass. Not because my mom came too and she's even worse about attending than I. I was proud because our five-person family swelled to eight this weekend and all eight of us went to church. I was only responsible for one of the people, but somehow I think that bringing a few extra folks to church with us on Easter (especially if they're not Catholic..let's not mention that one was an athiest...) will make up for all those weeks I failed to make it to church.

Among other highlights this weekend: Junior winning the Hobey Baker Award. Darren coming to Duluth on Thursday (and Green Mill wings on Thursday). Going to my parents' on Friday. The year's first trip out to the shack (it's everything I rememebered it to be). Witnessing the large-and-in-charge Lucy kick Lillie the wee pup's ass. Seeing my sister and her boyfriend, Chuck or Jess or Larry or whatever you want to call him. Blessed food at my grandma's for Easter. Board games. Getting hugs and kisses whenever I damn well pleased. My mom filling us up with unhealthy amounts of jelly beans, Cadbury mini eggs, Doritos and pop all weekend. (I may never recover.)

The less happy parts of the weekend: the ice that slickened the trail behind my parents' house, making walking nearly impossible. Cleaning up Lillie pee. Saying goodbye to Darren. Worst of all was the fact that the weekend ended and I have to wait another five days before I can have another.