Month: December 2019

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Playing solo in the snow

This kid. This independent, carefree, confident, and loving kid.

She is currently playing in the snow by herself (because her siblings didn’t want to go outside) and she is having no problem entertaining herself. Maybe it’s personality or maybe it’s the practice she had during the two years when her other three siblings were off at school.  I don’t know what it is, but she’s great at it.

I love to just sit and watch her play, to listen to the stories she tells as she “teaches” or plays with her dolls. Her imagination is beautiful. I’m so thankful that I am her mom.

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Christmas Day 2019

We started the day by attending Christmas Day mass. One of our friends was able to capture a great photo of us (she’s our go-to Easter picture taker, too.)

After we returned home (and changed into comfy clothes) we opened gifts.  The kids each opened their “read” gift first, then their “need” gift.

Followed by their “want” gift.

There were a few extra special gifts from Great Aunt Deb & Uncle Steve as well as Shecklet #1’s tutor, and Shecklet #2 & #4’s godparents.  Then the kids opened their “shared” gifts – things to do together or share with each other.

Lego set building lasted throughout the day.

Shecklet #4 worked on one of her craft projects from Grandma & Grandpa.

Christmas “dinner” wasn’t anything fancy.  We decided to keep it simple and just to heavy appetizers.  The kids didn’t seem to mind.  After dinner, we opened the Shecklets’ new game, Dixit, and played and laughed together.  We ended the evening by finishing the newer animated version of the Grinch.  It was a perfectly peaceful Christmas Day!

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Christmas Eve 2019

Over the hills and through St. Paul, to Grandma Patti and Grandpa Dave’s house we go!

This photo of Jake & Jason sums up the personalities of these two, perfectly.

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Ninja bread cookies

That’s not a typo in the title.

The Shecklets made ninja bread cookies (with a gingerbread mix) and decorated them for Grandma Lois’ Christmas today. They also cut out dog bones and dinosaurs because they totally make you think of Christmas, right? 😂🎄🦕

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Star Wars Escape Room

The county library had an opportunity to try a Star Wars themed escape room activity this afternoon. I registered the boys several weeks ago thinking it was SO far off…and here it is today! They were part of a group of 6 who escaped in 25 minutes – the fastest time thus far! They humored me by taking a photo after their escape.

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Kid quotes – 12/18

I was shopping with the boys and we grabbed dinner out, so Jake had a father-daughter dinner out with the girls. While waiting for their food, this was part of the conversation with Shecklet #4:

“A lot of people get the flu this time of year.” She then looked right at Jake and said, “I didn’t get the flu, I got strep.”

Jake said her delivery of the comment was what made it so funny. Knowing this kiddo, I believe it 😂

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Final game of the season 🏀

It’s the final day of basketball for the 3rd grade girls today. Shecklet #3 requested a fishtail braid into stead of a plain pony tail. I’m surprised at how easy it is!

The girls played a hard-fought game against Anoka. They didn’t come out on top, but should be proud of how well they played!

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Cheering section

Shecklet #3 played 4 games of basketball this weekend. Saturday, her great grandma, one of her great aunts and future wife of Jake’s cousins came to watch her play. Then on Sunday, Grandma and Grandpa cheered her on. 🏀

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Feast of St. Nicholas 2019

Each Shecklet gets an ornament, chocolate coins, mini jars of Nutella (because they are so cute!) and cereal and orange gum to share. I know oranges are what St. Nick actually is known for, but my kids are hit or miss with them. So I stuck with what I know they’ll all enjoy.