Tag: uncles

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Christmas 2022

Our plans for Christmas break changed from road trip to homebound thanks to snow, sub-zero wind chills, and poor road conditions.

We had originally planned on traveling to STL on 12/23 to visit Shecklet #3’s godfather, then on to GA to visit family, and finally to FL to visit friends. On 12/21, the house was minimally decorated for Christmas, I was caught up on laundry, and we had minimal items left in the fridge.

If you’re wondering why there is an “M” on the tree on the right, Shecklet #4 asked if we could get an ornament for the baby we lost between Shecklet #2 and Shecklet #3. (I had a very early miscarriage in August of 2009.) We never named the baby until #4 started referring to him as the “microscopic baby.” That turned into the formal name, Mike. So the “M” on the tree is in honor of our other little saint in heaven, Mike.

School ended up being cancelled for Shecklet #2 on 12/22, so we we considered getting on the road a day early. However, IA looked like this:

We made the adult decision to stay safe and not risk the stress or potential car trouble while in a “towing not recommended” zone. Our cancelled plans meant we were able to play games as a family, decorate sugar cookies, and shovel lots of snow.

We were also able to attend Christmas Eve Mass at our parish.

Jake shopped for heavy appetizers earlier in the day for our after-mass Christmas Eve meal.

Christmas morning we opened gifts and relaxed for a few hours. Shecklet #1 assembled his LEGO set, we hung Shecklet #4’s new cork board, and Shecklet #3 got to work figuring out classic rock melodies on her guitar. Shecklet #2 had to wait to try his new goggles.

We headed to Jake’s parents house around 3pm for dinner and opening gifts. The Shecklets enjoyed getting to see their cousins.

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Father’s Day 2022

This baby was placed in my Walmart cart, so I took that as a hint that it was supposed to find it’s way to our home. I don’t often surprise Jake, but this time I did. I’m not sure he imagined I would actually purchase it for him. Surprise!

Three of the kids helped assemble it.

Then it had to be out to use! (The kids figured out the air fryer pretty quickly.)

We also celebrated Grandpa Dave’s and Aunt Bri’s birthdays.

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What’s in the locker?

Jake and I were at the kids’ school today for a conference and checked Shecklet #4’s locker. Totally empty except for this:

Her dad and Uncle Jason were pretty proud.

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HBD #9 to #4! 🎉

Our Shecklet #4 had her final single-digit birthday today! She requested mini hamburgers on Hawaiian rolls. We had a few family members over to celebrate with us on the 19th and then she skied on her actual birthday. Year #9 seems to be off to a great start!

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Feeding a family

I never know just how much I’m going to need when it comes to making dinner. I try to always error on a bit too much. I’m a fan of leftovers, so extra food means lunch the next day is easy.

I caught up with one of my uncles last week and during our conversation, he asked what I make for dinner (since there are 6 of us to feed.) I told him sheet pan dinners are a favorite of mine since they’re often so easy to put together.

I made one tonight, so I decided to send him a picture.

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Christmas Day 2021

Christmas morning was spent at home.

Here are the “read” gifts they received. This year we opted for “practical use” material.

The “want” gifts.

ETA 12/27/21: Shecklet #1 finished his LEGO set in no time, Shecklet #2 can’t wait to use his new ski gloves (he wore a hole in his old ones,) Shecklet #3 found the perfect place in her room for the fuzzy purple rug, and Shecklet #3 has been having fun taking pictures with her camera.

The “share” gift. I may or may not have gone a little overboard here, but the deal I got on Perler beads was too good. 40,000 beads should keep them busy for a while, right?!?

After lunch, we headed south to spend the afternoon/evening with Jake’s family. Everyone was there – including Tippi!

Merry Christmas!!

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Gingerbread houses – 2021

We decided to try something new and hot glue our gingerbread houses together before decorating them. Since we didn’t plan on eating them, it saved in frosting and time! Win-win!

After the decorating was completed, we polled several family members and here’s how the results came out:

Best use of frosting: #4 (Shecklet #3)
Best use of candy: # 1 (Shecklet #2)
Best traditional house: #3 (Shecklet #4)
Best whimsical house: #2 (Shecklet #1)

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Duluth day trip

I haven’t seen my aunt and uncle (my godparents) in over two years. A lot has happened to all of us during those two years. Seeing them today and being able to catch up in person was so good for my heart.

My aunt Deb gifted me a cedar chest that my grandfather made and several knitted items that my grandma and her twin sister made. I had asked her to write up a brief history of the piece, which will be a treasured piece of information about the chest that I will keep with it.

Here it is in its new location in our home.

Aunt Deb introduced me and the girls to diamond dots. (The peacock in the photo of the two of us was done by her.) She sent home three mini kits for us to try.

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Tahoe trip 2021

Shecklet #2 had the trip of the summer thanks to his grandparents, uncle & aunt. This kid got to experience everything from flying high (literally) to getting down and dirty. His aunt wrote an amazing recap of his week with them on her blog. I’m so grateful she took the time to document the things that they did. She provided us with WAY more detail than our 13 year old! Bri included numerous photos of their adventures on her post, but here are a few of them as well.

Before he left for his trip, he needed a pair of shoes that would grip, not slip. These fit the bill.

The travelers had an early morning flight. I dropped them off before 4am.

The kitties made sure to warm up the bed for Shecklet #2. First day they hit the bike trails.

Day 2. The first 4 miles of this bike ride were up hill. But they made it!

Always the jokester!

They had clear skies to start the trip, but the fires eventually impacted the views.

Ride stats:

Parasailing with his aunt and grandma. Shecklet #2 got to go twice!

Camping with Uncle Jason and Grandpa.

Hiking with Jason and Bri. The views are amazing!

This terrain area was inspiration for making a track back home at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. The picture of Shecklet #2 launching off the jump is one of my favorites from the week.

Check out the size of those pine cones!

Heading out for another ride. It’s awesome to have an uncle that can tire a teenager out!

Per the stats: Lunch Walk

Off road drive with Jason and Grandma.

Like I said, Shecklet #2 had an amazing summer adventure! He’s already talking about going back during the winter to experience the ski runs with snow. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of family for giving this kid a vacation to remember!

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Father’s Day 2021

Celebrating this guy today.

And gathering with family to also celebrate Dave’s birthday. (Missing Aunt Bri – Uncle Jason made a solo ling weekend trip this time.)