Search for Church and Baby Steps

I'm sorry to say that the Augustine family hasn't been to church regularly since we left Japan a little over two months ago. But now that we're starting to settle down, it's time to go back to church. Today marked the beginning of our search for a church in Jacksonville.

As we were driving around downtown Jacksonville Saturday night, I spotted a gorgeous old church that also happened to be a Catholic one. The moment we got home, we looked up the mass schedule online and decided that we would check it out for Sunday Mass. We also discovered that it's the oldest church in Jacksonville! A bonus: it's named the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and my birthday is the feast day of the Immaculate Conception. It seems meant to be.

Grace was antsy during the service, but I was in awe of all the old-fashioned tradition that I have sorely missed. An angelic choir singing to a pipe organ in a choir loft, beautiful stained glass windows, and confessions heard in confessionals before mass.

Even though there are several churches closer to home, this one may be worth the drive.


Grace has three Christmas dresses. I got her one and so did Lola and Grandma. So she wore one of them to church today. I think my girl looks pretty good in red.



Grace has been on the verge of walking for a couple weeks now, but tonight was a real breakthrough. She took four baby steps this evening after dinner. Her motivation- trying to get a taste of my popsicle dessert. If I have to keep eating sweets to encourage her to continue walking, then so be it. It's my responsibility as a good mother.