The Shecklets’ got a sewing craft as a part of their “share” gift for Christmas. They started making their donuts. Shecklet #4’s is completed, two are in progress, and one hasn’t been started yet.
The kids are learning how to backstitch, whip stitch, and stuff. It’s fun to see some of their creativity come out in their designs.
Three years ago I laid down on an operating table and put complete trust in my surgical team to remove the tumor pushing on my brain.
Today, I celebrated my 3rd ANniversary (AN=acoustic neuroma) on the slopes with my family, snowboarding for the first time post-op. (And first time in 11 years!)
Post-op life continues to be a blessing – in spite of many challenges that have taken place. (Not just surgery side-effects.) As a simple reminder note to myself: some of the things I still deal with are the same as what I faced immediately after surgery – SSD, sense of taste gone on half of my tongue, and my right eye doesn’t close as much as my left when I smile. Fatigue is still present and I take naps several days a week. I think a lot of it has to do with my brain filtering noise – tinnitus as well as household noise. I’m grateful to have a family that continues to understand that resting is something I simply need in order to have the energy to make it through the day.
A few individuals remembered this ANniversary and reached out to me this year. I’m grateful that they have done so. 01/23/2018 was a life-changing day for me and the support my family received leading up to it and after it will never be forgotten.
The fourth Shecklet hit the slopes for the first time today!
The tow rope wasn’t of interest to her, so they stuck to the chairlifts. That meant they could explore more terrain than just the bunny hill.
Jake said the jumps call to her. Sounds like she’s following in her older brother’s (Shecklet #2’s) footsteps. Or maybe I should say, ski tracks ⛷
Two of Shecklet #3’s classmates/friends/basketball teammates invited her to go tubing yesterday. The hill was about an hour drive from our house, but worth it to hear the giggles and see the smiles. I also got a much-needed catch-up conversation with one of the girls’ moms. Two hours of fun and fresh air made everyone hungry, so we had tacos at a local restaurant before driving home.
During a brief shopping date to Fleet Farm, Jake came across this bowl and it reminded him of a photo of our nephew from last year.
We also have this photo of Shecklet #1 from when he was a similar age to our nephew. ☺️
And this one from Shecklet #3 taken when she was about 8 months old.
Shecklet #1 was chosen as his school’s Distance Learner of the Week. Here’s what his corhort/Social Studies teacher said about him:
“There are a lot of middle school students who have figured out how to make distance learning successful but [Shecklet #1] stands out above the rest. [Shecklet #1] logs into class 10 minutes early every school day. He has an organized work space, he greets people as they join, he uses his camera, and he has mastered the most important skill for distance learning: communication. I always know how he is doing and what he needs because he is great at sharing that either through email or face-to-face interaction through our screens. He is making the most out of distance learning and we are proud of him! Great job, [Shecklet #1]!
Jake asked him what he would like to do to celebrate his award and he said he wanted a DQ ice cream cake. He chose a cookie dough one – like he had for his birthday.
I took the roses I dried from Papa Dale’s and Astrid’s funerals and put them together in a shadow box. Not only will they no longer collect dust, but I don’t have to worry about them crumbling every time they get bumped.
There is a group of three mini roses in the corner that makes me think of my three girls 🌹🌹🌹
We went to visit Great Grandma Lois and have pizza (her request.) She us had visits from family throughout the month and we were the last ones on the list.
Shecklets #1 & #3 spent the night at their aunt’s house and rung in the new year with cookies, movies, and confetti poppers!
Shecklet #4 went to Grandma and Grandpa’s for the night and sledded on New Year’s Day.
Shecklet #2 stayed with Jake and me and hung out with our friends for the evening. We had a delicious smoked chicken dinner with salad, cheesy potatoes, and dessert. So good! The adults played a game while the boys all watched a movie. We ended the festivities around 10:30, but the three of us ended up making it ‘til midnight once we got home.
We went to Jake’s parents’ house for Christmas dinner. Two of his sisters, one BIL, and our nephew were able to join us there as well. The ham dinner was delicious and afterwards we played a few games before opening presents. It was so much fun to have a toddler in the mix again – they bring such joy to the holiday and are very helpful with tearing wrapping paper.
Shecklet #4 gave out massage certificates at the end of the night. They never expire and can be used an infinite number of times!
The Shecklets were up before the sun this morning and discovered the surprises in their stockings. After a breakfast of eggbake (Grandma Patti’s recipe,) muffins, and juice, we opened gifts as a family.
