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.
Two years since we said goodbye. It feels like yesterday and forever ago all at the same time. A friend posted this quote from St. Oscar Romero on social media and felt it was a accurate description for what I often feel when I shed tears about not having Astrid physically present with us.
We visited the cemetery tonight after dinner and brought flowers and mini cupcakes to celebrate our sweet little saint. Happy Birth Day, Astrid! We love and miss you so much!
I’m sure I say this with every birthday the kids have. How can they be [insert number here] years old?!? Well I’m finding myself saying those words today. How can Shecklet #1 be 16?!? And what an awesome day to have a birthday – on his Confirmation day!
He has had a great first year of high school, has been part of politics club, is an assistant catechist for a 3rd grade class at church, helps with video streaming volunteer at mass, and is an ultimate frisbee player on a high school team. Jake and I are excited to see what the coming year has in store for him.
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!
K-5 got to dress as a favorite book character for school today. Shecklet #3 is from the House of Slytherin (Harry Potter) and Shecklet #4 is Fancy Nancy. (Extra special thanks to Grandma Patti who made #3’s cape on short notice!)
For the middle school, it’s “Read my shirt” day. Shecklet #2 had several to choose from and chose his “Tyrannosaurus Deer” one. He told me he wore it because his science teacher (one of his favorite teachers this year) likes dinosaurs and so do her kids, who he has a sweet connection with as well.
We realized that several Shecklets had significant growth spurts this past year. That, coupled with bikes that had seen many miles, prompted Jake to go on the hunt for some upgraded equipment. We’re looking forward to hitting the paved and single track trails!
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 💗💗
Shecklet #2’s science teacher sent me this picture of the fan that #2 built in class. He has had a great year in this class. The next project they are doing is building a mini golf course. I can’t wait to see what the kids design!
We attended 8:30 mass this morning to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. The church was full – it was great to see! Shecklet #1 ran the cameras for the livestream and we sat in the pew directly in front of him (at the back of the church.)
After coming home, the kids got changed and hunted for their Easter baskets. Shecklet #4 found hers before mass. We then headed to Grandma Lois’ house to join a few other family members for Easter lunch/dinner. The kids had fun playing with one of their littlest cousins – hunting for eggs, going to the park, and just making her giggle.
The egg hunt this year was full of laughs. Some of the plastic eggs that were hidden in the backyard were found by squirrels who managed to gnaw their way through the plastic and eat the chocolate candy inside!
We even got to see one of Jake’s younger cousins (who was our flower girl almost 20 years ago.) Yes, 2022 is the year of our 20th anniversary! It doesn’t seem possible.)
