Tag: Veronica

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Gnome Restoration – part 3

I brought home 5 more gnomes from Nissedalen to (hopefully) bring back to life.

These two solid concrete ones were in pretty rough shape. The boy, more so than the girl. In spite of his chipped nose, I think he still turned out pretty well.

And I love how the girl now has colorful flowers in her basket.

A clear coat sealed them up and they headed back to Nissedalen to be stored for the winter. I plan to work on the remaining three and the Nissedalen sign over the winter and return them in the spring.

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Fr. Joseph visit!

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!

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Gnome restoration – part 2

Two more gnomes came home from Nissedalen last month. I finally had time to freshen up their paint over the last few days – while the girls were at school.

Now they just need a few coats of clear sealant and they will be ready to return to their home up north!

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Bulletin boards

The girls and I volunteered to freshen up four of the bulletin boards at school. I found some templates on the Teachers Pay Teachers website and found inspiration for another idea on Pinterest. I am so excited with how they turned out – and apparently they are getting rave reviews from the staff as well 😊

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PPFL Banquet 2022

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.

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Zoo field trip

We continue to return to “normal” after two years of abnormal. I was able to chaperone a school field trip to the zoo with Shecklet #4’s class. The group of girls I followed around had a mix of “run and see everything” and “read every single sign at every exhibit” kids. I didn’t have a problem getting my steps in today.

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Shecklet #1’s Confirmation 2022

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!

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Plasma car

Had some fun on my kids’ plasma car. I needed some help up the sidewalk 😆

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Saying goodbye

I made a trip to Duluth today to spend time with my Aunt Deb who was placed on hospice on this past Monday. The drive was gloomy and wet, which fit the heaviness of the reason behind my visit.

Once at the hospital, I was able to spend about five hours beside Deb’s hospital bed. For most of the afternoon, she rested peacefully. Toward the end of my stay, she began getting restless. The nurses who cared for her were kind and worked to get her comfortable again by administering enough pain meds to calm her down.

Cancer is a horrible disease. It has taken a vibrant, sharp, kind, and confident woman from her friends and family. Her presence in our lives will be missed tremendously.

Before I left, I whispered to my aunt that I loved her and asked her to hug my sweet Astrid when she gets to heaven. I know she will be welcomed by a host of family and friends who are waiting for her when it is her time to pass from this life to the next.