Fun lunch Friday – Jimmy John’s
The Shecklets have various sized appetites lately.
Tag: Shecklet #4
First Communion – Shecklet #4
Today was a day that Shecklet #4 has been counting down to for several weeks! Her godparents came to town to witness her First Communion with us. We were also joined by Grandma Patti, Grandpa Dave, Great Grandma Lois, Aunt Kari, Aunt Larissa, and several friends. Our little girl is definitely loved!
In his homily, Fr. Jim asked the kids if any of them had thought about what they wanted to be when they grew up. (He was relating his question to the call the apostles had once Jesus ascended to Heaven.) Shecklet #4 volunteered her answer last. She said she wants to be a saint! This sweet girl has always had an extra special dose of compassion for others and deep feeling of God’s presence in her life. I look forward to continuing to watch her grow in her faith.
One of my friends was able to capture some beautiful pictures of Shecklet #4 receiving the Eucharist. And Jake recorded a video. After mass, we had an opportunity to take a photo with our pastor, Fr. Jim.
We continued our celebration with a reception at our house. Huge thanks to M&M for helping set out/prep the food for everyone after mass. And special thanks to Shecklet #1 for sharing his ice cream cake for dessert – it was a popular choice with our friends and family!
Congratulations, Shecklet #4! We are so happy for you! What a beautiful day!
Golden birthday – Shecklet #1
How can this kid be 15?!?
He is a kind, compassionate, and easy-going teenager. We have watched him grow so much over the last 15 years – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I look forward to what the coming year (and start of high school in the fall) have in store for him!
Today he shared his birthday with his younger sister, who received her First Holy Communion at 5:30 mass. As a follow-up to his practice golden birthday, we had him open his gifts mid-afternoon, before we headed to church. He also requested a cookie dough ice cream cake, which was a very popular dessert at his sister’s reception!
Solo Heartbeat Anniversary
1 year ago we were told Astrid’s heart was no longer beating.
I will never forget searching the screen for a blip during the ultrasound but only seeing flat lines. I still can’t believe I had to hear those words alone, while wearing a mask, and then call Jake (who was waiting in the car outside) to tell him the news.
Today is the first of the last painful 1-year anniversaries of the past year. The trio of them (13, 16, 21) is something I have been avoiding thinking too much about. I went to mass by myself this morning. It’s the Feast of the Ascension. I needed a reminder that my baby is with Jesus.
Friends (one known and one unknown) gave us flowers today. (And a gift card to DQ that we will use on Astrid’s birthday when we visit her grave.) Shecklet #4 also picked out mini roses to leave by her marker when we visit.
May Day
It was a gorgeous day today – full of activities, family, and friends.
Shecklet #1 went north last night and has been working at Nissedalen – doing with manual labor. Grandma Patti has kept us in the loop by sending photos of their progress.
The girls had track meets this morning and did a great job! The weather was a million times better today than last week. It was so much fun seeing the encouragement the girls had for each other as well as the fans in the stands cheering for the kids as they ran towards the finish line.
After track, Shecklet #4 went to her Aunt Larissa’s for her birthday overnight. (The kids look forward to this opportunity every year!) One of their projects was a fairy garden 🧚♂️
Shecklets #3 and 2 hung out at home while Jake and I attended the First Communion mass of our goddaughter. It was so good to see her and her family! It had been about a year and a half since we last saw them in person.
On our way home, we picked up take-out from a local Mexican place. Delish! And so nice to not have to cook or clean up any dishes!
I had a nice call with one of my aunts this evening – we got caught up in life and tried to solve a few of the world’s problems in the process 😊
Today has been a great start to May!
Growing friends
Group picture of these kiddos – missing Shecklet #3 because she had to leave for track. Our kids don’t get to see all of them very often, but when they get together, they fall right back in to their friendship. It is so fun to see them growing up.
And here are the mamas who are never in photos, let alone photos together.
Sir Gus
The final activity for one of Shecklet #4’s ELA units was making a tin foil version of the main character, Sir Gus.
2nd park day
Two days. Two parks. Two moms. 8 kids. The fact that this group of kiddos get along so well is a rare feat we don’t take for granted!
The last time this crew was together was back in July 2020. Needless to say, they’ve all grown a bit since then!
Chainsaw
For some reason, this kid finds chainsaws extremely interesting. (The way she says the word itself is hilarious.) Grandpa Dave let her rev his up today. I wonder if she has a future in tree care or firewood sales.
