Signs you might be Catholic…
Peg doll saints lined up on the window sill.
Tag: Catholic
2016 Vacation – Day 5
All good things must come to an end, isn’t that how the saying goes? We packed a ton of fun-ness into a few short days and made a ton of fantastic memories. One final one was a visit to the Cathedral Basilica, complete with a tour given by our friend. We had been in the Cathedral before, but this time we had a chance to take in the beauty and detail of this amazing church.
2016 Vacation – Day 4
We had mass as a family in a very special chapel this morning, with our friend presiding. The boys read the readings and assisted as servers. As a mom, it was an awesome experience to watch. And I hope they realize just how special it was for them to be part of it.
After mass, we ate breakfast and went to what I can only describe as one of the craziest places I have ever been – the City Museum. We had been told wearing pants was smarter than wearing shorts and that you could spend an entire day at the place. Both statements are true. We spent all afternoon there (again closing the place down) and still didn’t see it all. The photos we took don’t do the place justice, but they do give you an idea as to how unreal it is.
After one final side, we headed to the house of our friend’s friends, on The Hill. There was a bike race going on and they were hosting a pig roast. They kindly invited us to join them. Afterward, we went out for frown custard at Ted Drewes. Yummy stuff! (The boys played “Statue of Liberty” with the dry ice that was keeping the custard cold.)
Christmas Eve 2015
My parents joined us for Christmas Eve mass and dinner afterward.
Note to self for next year – arriving 30 minutes before mass starts is not advised if 8 people would like to sit in the same pew. Thankfully, we were able to find 8 folding chair spots with unobstructed views. The church was packed – which is an awesome thing! So happy to see joy and excitement in people – especially in the faces of the little ones.
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.
Christmas Eve 2013
Today was the start of our Christmas celebrations. My parents went to Christmas Eve mass with us and then came over to the house for dinner. They left just before we put he Shecklets to bed so the house could get prepped for Christmas morning.
Happy 5th birthday, Nolan!
Dear Nolan,
Wow, 5 years! I can’t believe how fast time has gone. I suppose I may say that with each passing year, but it’s the truth every time. You have grown so much this year I can hardly believe it. You continue to grow in confidence and compassion and are such a funny and loving young boy. I am amazed at how much you absorb throughout the day and am grateful to be able to experience life through your eyes. I am so thankful to be your mother.
Today we began the day in the best way possible, thanking God for the gift of you at mass. When word got out afterward that it was your birthday, you proudly told people that you were now 5! And you held up your fingers to prove it 🙂 We stopped to pick up donuts (which has become a bit of a Sunday tradition) and a cappuccino (for me) and brought them home to share. Then I got started with frosting your cake. This year, I asked if you wanted a caterpillar cake (like the one we saw in a magazine) and you said yes. While I was frosting the cake, Daddy went to the garage to get your present ready. The look on your face when you saw your new red bike in the garage pure joy! Lincoln helped you check out every detail of it and you hopped on to check out the size. I think you have a great summer in store!
Our family & friends arrived around 2:30 for cake and ice cream. After singing to you, we dug in to the tasty caterpillar and then you went outside with Lincoln and our friend, I. A little while later, you asked if everyone could come outside to watch you open your presents. You did a great job sharing your new things. Your uncles helped you break in your new bat, glove & baseball and you also played a round of croquet with Nana.
I pray you always share that wonderful smile and welcoming personality with the world. Your Daddy & I love you very much and look forward to seeing what God has in store for you this coming year.
XOXO
Mommy
Cousins
Jake and I got up this morning and went to mass with Ingrid, letting the rest of the house sleep in. My dad was there as well. Afterward, my dad offered to take us to breakfast on main street. Jake told me to go and he would head back to the house to check on the boys. When we walked into the restaurant we found my brother and cousin Jared sitting at a table. We sat down and shortly after, Josh and his girlfriend, Jordan, joined us. My mom eventually joined us as well. Good food and good conversation.
After breakfast Jared took Tony & me to see Josh’s new house and dogs. Then we went back to Jared & Kyla’s to pack up, have lunch, and try to get a few pics of the cousins. Emphasis on try. (You may notice that Lincoln is missing from the little cousins photo – he wasn’t in the photo taking mood.)
I don’t know which group was more challenging to capture, the younger cousins or the older!
Finally, as we left town this afternoon we stopped to say one final goodbye to Uncle Joe. As we were pulling into the cemetery, Lincoln said to me, “Mommy, that sleepover was a blast!” It was really good to be with family.
Goodbye Joe
Saturday morning we got ready for the funeral and again, had the boys stay home with a babysitter. The funeral was a beautiful good-bye to Uncle Joe. My brother, cousin Kerri and I were asked to read the readings during the mass and we were also pall bearers along with Jake, Jared & Kyla, and Josh & Jordan.
After we returned from the cemetery, the church ladies provided us with a wonderful luncheon. We were able to visit with many of our extended relatives, many of whom we had not seen for several years. “Why is it that we only get together at weddings and funerals?” was a question that was asked many times over.
Jake and Jared brought the boys to the church after we were finished eating so we could introduce them to family members who had only seen them in pictures. At that point we also selected a few items of Joe’s to remember him by.
After a long & emotional morning/afternoon, we returned to Jared & Kyla’s for the evening. We had dinner and sat around the table reminiscing and looking at photos.
Uncle Joe ended up having the last laugh tonight. My cousin, Josh, had brought home a humidifier box (after the encouragement of my mom). When he opened it at home that night, he had to drive back to Jared & Kyla’s to show us what he had found. Apparently my mom had used the box to send Joe a care package for his birthday back in what we think must have been 2004! The birthday card and treats inside the box were never opened! Little Debbie cakes were hard as rocks and Hershey Kisses exploded while Hershey Miniatures disintegrated. From what we can figure, Uncle Joe must have thought he was getting a humidifier for his birthday and didn’t even bother to open the box. So funny & yet, not surprising 🙂