Shecklet #3’s godfather came to visit us today!
The kids did some biking at Carver Lake Park while we caught up with Fr. Joseph. We then headed for lunch before having to bring him back to the airport. It was a very quick trip, but it was SO good to see him!
Jake took the girls and one of his sisters out west to the Orange Spectacular this evening, complete with a tractor pull. Shecklet #4 even found a chainsaw 😆 (Yes, I know my tractor emoji is John Deere-colored. I apologize to the Allis-Chalmers devotees.)
This baby was placed in my Walmart cart, so I took that as a hint that it was supposed to find it’s way to our home. I don’t often surprise Jake, but this time I did. I’m not sure he imagined I would actually purchase it for him. Surprise!
Three of the kids helped assemble it.
Then it had to be out to use! (The kids figured out the air fryer pretty quickly.)
We also celebrated Grandpa Dave’s and Aunt Bri’s birthdays.
After a multi-year hunt, I finally found a replacement for the mini popsicle tree we used to have in the front garden. My initial thought was that it was going to be too large, but it ended up being the perfect size. The guys ended up planting it for me. I love it!
We were invited to attend the 2002 Prenatal Partners for Life banquet this evening. Mary Kellett contacted us to see if we were available to use three of the tickets purchased by a group who was no longer able to attend and wanted to offer them to someone else. We were able to take Shecklet #3 with us. It was her first “fancy” dinner.
During the presentation part of the event, we heard the story of a family who lost their little girl due to a chromosome defect. They were blessed to have a few days with her prior to her passing. It turned out that the little girl is the sweet baby who is buried next to Astrid. I ran into her mom while exiting the restroom and introduced myself. She told me that it is her MIL who will leave flowers at Astrid’s grave when she visits her granddaughter. I have often wondered who is behind the heart-warming gesture – now I know.
It was a big day in Shecklet #1’s life! He turned 16 and was Confirmed on the same day!
His sponsor was a gentleman from our parish who he met back in 2nd grade.
A little history of their friendship…Prior to his First Communion, Shecklet #1 gave a loaf of banana bread to a man (Mr. M.) on Bread Sunday. Bread Sunday is a parish tradition where First Communicants help make a loaf of any type of bread and then give it to someone they don’t know at the end of mass. Little did we know then how Mr. M. would become such a strong, prayerful supporter of Shecklet #1 over the coming years. God’s hand in their initial meeting and continued connection is very clear.
When it came time to select a sponsor, there was little hesitation on Shecklet #1’s part as to who he would choose.
It was a beautiful day for a beautiful mass, and we are grateful to have witnessed Shecklet #1 take the next step in his faith. God is doing amazing things in his life!
There’s a local restaurant that Jake has taken Helena to in the past. This morning, he had a breakfast date with both of the girls 💗💗
Jake entered our city’s winter photo contest and thanks to a little help from our friends and family who voted, he won! How fun is that?!?
Update: His picture was later published in the local newspaper as well.
Part of Shecklet #2’s birthday present from Aunt Larissa was a trip to Bad Axe for some axe throwing. They reserved a lane that held enough people to bring Grandpa Dave, Jake, and Shecklet #1 along, too. It looked like a lot of fun. I want to join them next time!
The Handmaidens of the Lord group that Shecklet #3 is part of planned and hosted a father/daughter dance for the 3-12th grade young ladies and their dads/father figures. Shecklets #3 & #4 accompanied their dad to the event. Shecklet #3 also invited a friend of hers from school to bring her dad too, which she did.
Shecklet #1 was asked to be the DJ for the event and was definitely in his element. He did a great job keeping the music going – because you can’t have a dance without music!
