Gumdrop cookies

While Shecklet #2 and Shecklet #3 went to ski/snowboard, Shecklet #1 and Shecklet #4 helped me in the kitchen. We made a batch of one of my favorite cookies from childhood – my Grandma Fran’s gumdrop cookies.

Grouchy Zero 😠

One of the “tricks” to learning how to borrow when subtracting is remembering the “Grouchy Zero.” Shecklet #4’s teacher had her students draw a picture to help them with this new skill.

Teacup ☕️

December’s Handmaidens meeting was in person for Shecklet #3. This month she learned about St. Kateri, spent time in the chapel in prayer using Lexio Divina, heard a talk from a high school senior at our church, and decorated her own teacup. (Part of the project involved baking the cup and saucer after she decorated it, so we did that step this morning.)

She came home from last night’s meeting so excited about everything she did. She even volunteered to give next month’s saint presentation on St. Teresa of Avila!

Suprise Sundaes 🍨

My Aunt Ann, surprised us with a box full of sundae toppings for Christmas! The kids were SO excited to see all of the options!

We didn’t have any ice cream in the house on Monday, so they had to wait a day to make their sugary creations. I think they would all tell you they were worth the wait.

Haircut 2020 💇🏻‍♂️

This guy hasn’t had a full-on haircut in over a year and a half. My friend (who dyed my hair last month,) trimmed him up a bit prior to Astrid’s funeral, but other than that, he has let his locks grow non-stop since mid-2019. After scrolling through some ideas on Pinterest, we came up with a few options for him to show the same friend/stylist. She was thrilled to have the opportunity to give him such a major transformation. He looks like a new kid! I mean, teenager 🙂

Treats from school

The PTO at the kids’ school put together treat bags for all of the students prior to going on winter break. We really are grateful to be part of a school community who has worked so hard to keep the kids engaged and connected during the pandemic.

Watercolor tribute 🎨

During the month of October, a local artist, Bernadette Gockowski, offered to paint watercolor cards with the name (or names) for mothers of a baby (or babies) who died before they were born. I received our name card during Advent, which was a beautiful gift.

St. Nicholas at FF 🎅🏻

We’re thankful to still be able to meet monthly for Family Formation at church. As we left this month’s meeting, the girls were able to get their picture taken with St. Nicholas.

Decorating the tree 2020 🎄

The Shecklets decorated our Christmas tree tonight. They hung Astrid’s “A” ornament first.

The finished tree got two thumbs up from Shecklet #4.

Shecklet #3 also asked if we could hang a stocking for Astrid. We had an extra one (the white bear) that someone had given us the Christmas prior to Shecklet #1 joining us – but we ended up using a different one for him. It turns out it’s the perfect addition to our mantle this year.