Shecklet #2 has had a loose tooth for weeks. He finally made decent wiggling progress this week and it was primed for pulling. He let me grab on to it and it popped right out. He was one proud kid! (And excited to have the tooth fairy visit.)
Why use the pillow bed we have for you when you can sleep in a laundry basket of towels in need of washing?
We opted to try something different on October 31st this year. Our new parish holds an All Saints party with a hot dog dinner, games for the kids, entertainment (this year it was a juggler) and the option to also bring home candy. With temperatures dipping low, the added bonus of the event being indoors was great. We had two shepherds, St. Gianna (a doctor) and a monkey from Noah’s ark. The kids had a lot of fun and Shecklet #3 was also an assistant for one of the juggler’s tricks.
My morning routine consists of making a cup of coffee using my Keurig. This morning I placed the coconut mocha pod in the Keurig, pushed brew, and went to the laundry room to start a load of wash. When I returned, I couldn’t find my coffee cup. I smelled the coconut aroma, but my mug was nowhere to be found. I looked around the kitchen, thinking I had moved it somewhere.
Nope.
The whole 12 ounces brewed into the collection base of the Keurig.
On the up side, at least I didn’t have to clean up hot coffee from the surrounding countertop and floor.
Growing up, it always felt like I had two grandmas on my dad’s side. My Grandma Fran was a twin, which made us the recipients of double the love, homemade bread, and prayers.
We were able to make a trip up to see my Great Aunt Helen (and introduce her to Shecklet #4) today. Jake and I got to spend almost 2 hours with her, listening to stories about the early years of her marriage and motherhood. Meanwhile, my dad’s cousins, Mary & Helen, were kind enough to keep the Shecklets entertained – such a gift!
After visiting Auntie Helen, we called and left a message for my Aunt Ann and Uncle Gene to see if they wanted to meet us for dinner. After attempting to decode the message we left, (apparently the background noise of the wind made the message nearly impossible to understand) my uncle called back and invited us to their house for dinner. We had a great time catching up and eating together as a family!
I am so thankful for this day and the memories we made!
Our oldest Shecklet has had his top right tooth dangling from it’s spot for what seems like forever. Today we were out in the driveway and I finally convinced him that he needed to pop it out or else I was going to give in to the temptation to do it myself. Anyway, after a little hesitation on his part, he went inside and five minutes later he returned with the tooth in his hand!
Jake has been extra busy at work, so his time with the kids has been limited. With the temps so low and snow piles so high, he opted to take the Big 3 Littles to a movie this afternoon.
It’s Little #3’s first experience in a movie theater.
He texted me these pictures and said, “They’re so excited, they won’t let go of their tickets.”
Little #4 had no problem with her birthday cake. In fact, looking at photos from her siblings’ first birthdays, she was clearly the cleanest after she was done. The boys were probably at a disadvantage since their frosting was chocolate… 
She took handfuls of cake with such skill and intention, she has clearly been watching her older siblings over the last 12 months. We had a ton of fun with family and friends who were able to join us for cupcakes and ice cream.
Happy 1st birthday, sweetheart! We love you!
Happy 1st birthday to our Little #4!
My sweet girl, you have brought so much excitement and joy to our house since you arrived a year ago. Even after witnessing it happen four times now, I cannot believe how much growth and development takes place during the first year. Your grin of 8 teeth always brings a smile to my face and your now trademark scowl never fails to make me giggle.
Music brings out your grooving side – you bounce up and down if you’re sitting and you shake side-to-side if you’re standing next to something. You’re not quite interested in walking or running, but that’s ok with me – I’m not ready for you to be doing that quite yet either! You have become quite skilled at crawling up the stairs though, so we definitely have to keep an eye on you – you’re fast!
Your siblings are both a source of entertainment for you as well as playmates and protectors. They love you so much and would do anything to help you, keep you safe, and make you smile. As your mom, I pray that the four of you will always remain close. The bonds you already have at such a young age are incredibly precious.
Daddy and I love you very much and are extremely grateful that God chose us to be your parents. May He bless you with many more happy birthdays!
Love,
Mommy
