Six years ago
1/23/18 – brain surgery
1/23/24 – sent kids off to school, going grocery shopping this morning, and I get to play volleyball tonight.
Today looks very different from six years ago. š©¶
Tag: Shecklet #2
Motherās Day 2023
5/14/23
Today is sandwiched between a day I remember as a painfully low day and one that brought immense joy. Three years ago on 5/13/20, we found out that Astrid had died. Tomorrow is her older brotherās birthday. And though it will get its own post, I will briefly mention that Astridās birth day is the next day, 5/16.
Next year it looks like I will be spared the aligning of her non-heartbeat day with Motherās Day. Iām grateful for that. As the parent of a child who died before they āshouldā have, these Hallmark holidays can be especially difficult. Itās a fine line to walk being excited to have kids around and yet recognizing things are not complete. Someone is missing. (Two someones, actually.) And while I do want to be upbeat and cheery for my four Shecklets, my melancholic self tends to notice who is missing. And that makes me sad.
I canāt believe it has been three years since we lost Astrid. The times I imagine her as the age she āshouldā be are fewer than in the past, but I do tend to picture her as an almost three year old around this time of year. I see my four kids getting older, growing in independence, and I enjoy each one of the so much. And yet, when I stop and look, I realize my picture is not complete. Someone is missing.
NDSU visit
Trying to learn from my mistakes growing up, I want my kids to visit different colleges to help figure out what the best fit is for them.
Jakeās youngest cousin and her fiancĆ© were open to Lincoln and me visiting them at NDSU this weekend. (Unfortunately, Jake wasnāt feeling well, so he didnāt make the trip.)
S&J gave us a personal tour, we saw the engineering buildings, the union, the health complex, one of the dining halls, and the main dorms for freshmen and sophomores. The first hand knowledge they were willing to share about their experiences was fantastic. Mom and Dad can tell their kids about how things were 20 years ago when they were in school, but to have someone closer in age share has a different impact.
After our tour, we went back to Sās apartment and chatted before heading downtown for dinner at Pounds and dessert at T and Crepe. Both were delicious!
We ended our Fargo tour with a stop at Scheels and a drive by the mall and shopping of West Fargo.
Ultimate game #3
Ultimate frisbee game at MG this afternoon. The field was pretty soggy as evidenced by the playersā backs and legs.
Come Holy Spirit!
Shecklet #2 received the sacrament of Confirmation this morning at the Cathedral of St. Paul. It was a cool, rainy day but beautiful Iām spite of the weather.
I am so proud of this kid and how he has taken this next step in his faith. His sponsor, a young man from the parish who he has connected with over the years thanks to frisbee and his overall involvement with teens at church, has been a positive role model for #2 in many ways.
Grandma Patti and Grandpa Dave joined us along with Michelle (#2ās godmother). We celebrated after mass by gathering at the Rusty Taco.
HBD Shecklet #2 – 15!
We have two kids solidly in their teens. Shecklet #2 turns 15 today. Yowzers! He has grown and changed SO much in the last year. Definitely looks more like a young man than an older boy. He’s our witty jokester who is adventurous, yet kind. He’s great with kids and isn’t afraid to hold a baby. His passion is skiing – mostly the terrain park – and he also enjoys mountain biking and ultimate frisbee. He’s a positive example at his high school and stays true to his values. He is active in his faith and has made good friends who support each other in it. His sights are set on pursuing a career in engineering and I have no doubt that he will do great!
Happy birthday Shecklet #2! We love you and are so proud of who you are becoming!
HBD Gma Patti! š
All of the grandkids were able to help Grandma Patti celebrate her birthday today! šš
New snowboard š
February 2023
I have never owned my own brand new snowboard. Until now. Gave the new equipment a go after demo-ing a Solomon board a few weeks ago. I went with a basic K2 one and really like it!
Unfortunately, my second time out on it, I took a hard fall to my lower back and was done for the season. š Until next year!
2nd Snow Day of 2023!
Day 2 of school being cancelled for the girls and this time Shecklet #2’s district cancelled as well. Shecklet #1’s school won’t ever cancel due to weather since he’s online, but Wednesdays are not usually a heavy day for him, so he got to enjoy the snow along with his siblings.
I think the final total from this latest snowstorm ended up being around 14 inches.
The snow was perfect for packing, so naturally, Jake and the kids built a sledding track. And not just any sledding track, but one that has been talked about for years. They piled the snow up and over the back fence.
