Tag: kids

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Valentine’s Day Box

I have been feeling the pressure of Shecklet #3’s fast-approaching Valentine’s Day party at preschool and was planning on having her bring a decorated brown paper lunch bag instead of a decorated box.  Bad mom, I know. However, I quickly redeemed myself when I had a brief moment of mom-awesomeness.  I’m sure the idea exists somewhere on Pinterest, but I didn’t even think to look there.  (Probably a good idea since I was already in a time crunch.  I didn’t need to make things more complicated.)

I took an empty Kleenex box, removed the thin plastic surrounding the hole on the top and wrapped it in wrapping paper. Then Shecklet #3 put her name and stickers on the box.  Voilà!  Valentine’s Day box project success!

2015 - 02 February 11 -3's Vday box2

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Christmas #2

We spent Christmas morning & afternoon at home. It was so nice to start the day at a relaxing pace.

2014 - 12 December 25 - Xmas Morning

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Christmas Eve 2014

We attended our first Christmas Eve mass at our new parish this evening.  (We made the change back in July and have gradually been experiencing several “firsts.”)  My parents joined us again this year.  We have been able to attend mass with them on Christmas Eve for at least the last 3 years.  It’s a tradition I hope we’re able to continue.

After mass, we attempted to get group shots of everyone in their Christmas attire.  We gave it our best shot!

2014 - 12 December 24 - Xmas Eve 2014 - 12 December 24 - Xmas Eve2 DSC_3061b DSC_3116b

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Christmas #1 2014

After Shecklet #2 lost his tooth, we loaded up into the suburban and headed for Grandma & Grandpa’s house. We gathered early this year since Jason and Bri were in town from out west.  Great Grandma Lois and Papa Dale also joined us for the evening’s festivities.  (Unfortunately, Stacie couldn’t make it home to be with us.)  We had a delicious ham dinner with tasty side dishes and wine – just the adults 😉  After dining, we gathered in the family room to open presents.  This year, Shecklet #4 had a much better idea as to what was going on.  She was more than willing to help everyone with their gift opening!  Once the kids had a chance to check out/play with their new things, we had desert – peppermint ice cream pie – delish!

2014 - 12 December 12 - Xmas in Hastings

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Bartering Fair

Shecklet #2 has been learning about ancient Egypt at school.  The culmination of their Egyptian unit was a bartering fair.  The kids created Egyptian items in class that they used to barter with parents.  They each had a “keep” and “trade” pile in front of them.  I brought an assortment of trinkets, stickers & pencils to barter with.  Some kids were bartering pros – I’m guessing their parents really enjoy that at home!

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After everyone finished trading items, the kids had a Egyptian-inspired snack (figs, pomegranate seeds, “mummy wraps,” grapes, apples and pitas.)

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All Saints Party

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.

2014 - 10 October 31 - All Saint's Party costumes

2014 - 10 October 31 - All Saint's Party costumes1

2014 - 10 October 31 - All Saint's Party costumes2

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Birthday celebration – part 2

Shecklet #3’s birthday party took place a few days after her “official” birthday.  She requested a tornado cake and wanted to go bowling (like her older brothers had done.)  She had also been asking for a Barbie house for quite some time.  Jake and I talked and thought it would be a fun surprise to pass along the house that my parents gave to me when I was a little girl – complete with furniture & accessories.  (My were kind enough to dig it out, dust it off and decorate it for the big surprise.)  The look on her face when we presented her with the house was absolutely priceless.  She gave me a huge hug, which was the sweetest response I could have asked for.  It brought a smile to not only me, but my parents as well.  I am sure she has hours of make-believe play time in store!

2014 - 10 October 05 - Ingrid's bday party2

2014 - 10 October 05 - Ingrid's bday party

2014 - 10 October 05 -Barbie house

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Big smiles

Mother/daughter photo op while we were waiting for the end of the preschool day for Shecklet #3.

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40 Years

Many moons ago, (enough to total 40 years,) two twenty-somethings started their life together as husband and wife. Together, they made a wonderful, loving home in which they raised their two children.

Today, 40 years later, their family has grow five-fold.

Mom & Dad – today we celebrate the commitment you made to one another back on September 7, 1974, and have lived out every day since then.  Thank you for saying “I Do!”

We love you!

2014 - 09 September 07 - Mary & Bill's 40th Anniversary2