First Communion – Shecklet #4

Today was a day that Shecklet #4 has been counting down to for several weeks! Her godparents came to town to witness her First Communion with us. We were also joined by Grandma Patti, Grandpa Dave, Great Grandma Lois, Aunt Kari, Aunt Larissa, and several friends. Our little girl is definitely loved!

In his homily, Fr. Jim asked the kids if any of them had thought about what they wanted to be when they grew up. (He was relating his question to the call the apostles had once Jesus ascended to Heaven.) Shecklet #4 volunteered her answer last. She said she wants to be a saint! This sweet girl has always had an extra special dose of compassion for others and deep feeling of God’s presence in her life. I look forward to continuing to watch her grow in her faith.

One of my friends was able to capture some beautiful pictures of Shecklet #4 receiving the Eucharist. And Jake recorded a video. After mass, we had an opportunity to take a photo with our pastor, Fr. Jim.

We continued our celebration with a reception at our house. Huge thanks to M&M for helping set out/prep the food for everyone after mass. And special thanks to Shecklet #1 for sharing his ice cream cake for dessert – it was a popular choice with our friends and family!

Congratulations, Shecklet #4! We are so happy for you! What a beautiful day!

May Day

It was a gorgeous day today – full of activities, family, and friends.

Shecklet #1 went north last night and has been working at Nissedalen – doing with manual labor. Grandma Patti has kept us in the loop by sending photos of their progress.

The girls had track meets this morning and did a great job! The weather was a million times better today than last week. It was so much fun seeing the encouragement the girls had for each other as well as the fans in the stands cheering for the kids as they ran towards the finish line.

After track, Shecklet #4 went to her Aunt Larissa’s for her birthday overnight. (The kids look forward to this opportunity every year!) One of their projects was a fairy garden 🧚‍♂️

Shecklets #3 and 2 hung out at home while Jake and I attended the First Communion mass of our goddaughter. It was so good to see her and her family! It had been about a year and a half since we last saw them in person.

On our way home, we picked up take-out from a local Mexican place. Delish! And so nice to not have to cook or clean up any dishes!

I had a nice call with one of my aunts this evening – we got caught up in life and tried to solve a few of the world’s problems in the process 😊

Today has been a great start to May!

Growing friends

Group picture of these kiddos – missing Shecklet #3 because she had to leave for track. Our kids don’t get to see all of them very often, but when they get together, they fall right back in to their friendship. It is so fun to see them growing up.

And here are the mamas who are never in photos, let alone photos together.

Ash Wednesday 2021

The local paper was at our parish tonight and took pictures of parishioners receiving ashes on their foreheads for Ash Wednesday. This year was unique in that the ashes were distributed using q-tips. The online article contained a gallery of 10 photos and one of them was of three of the Shecklets!

Photo credit: Paige Kieffer – hometownsource.com

Teacup ☕️

December’s Handmaidens meeting was in person for Shecklet #3. This month she learned about St. Kateri, spent time in the chapel in prayer using Lexio Divina, heard a talk from a high school senior at our church, and decorated her own teacup. (Part of the project involved baking the cup and saucer after she decorated it, so we did that step this morning.)

She came home from last night’s meeting so excited about everything she did. She even volunteered to give next month’s saint presentation on St. Teresa of Avila!

St. Nicholas at FF 🎅🏻

We’re thankful to still be able to meet monthly for Family Formation at church. As we left this month’s meeting, the girls were able to get their picture taken with St. Nicholas.

All Souls Day 2020

We went to mass this morning to remember Astrid and hear her name read as part of the intentions during mass. Two of my girlfriends surprised us and joined us. Another friend sent me a photo of their family remembrance table where they pray for family and friends who have died. I am so grateful for the people who continue to pray for us and remember our sweet little girl.

Our parish gave us a candle with Astrid’s name on it after mass. I placed it alongside the Hope cross that my friend, Heidi, gave me after our miscarriage in 2009.

All Saints Day

November is a month when we remember our loved ones who have died. Trusting in God’s goodness, we believe our little girl is a saint in heaven and is waiting and praying for us until we can meet her again one day.

There’s a saying I’ve seen on the internet that has brought me comfort when I find myself missing Astrid.

“…and to think, the first thing she saw when her little eyes opened was the face of Jesus.” 💕

The ache of missing her doesn’t go away, but there is no sadness or worry about her being alone. I know she is in the best company possible and I look forward to joining her one day.

Astrid’s photo is part of the display of members of the parish who died in the past year.

Halloween 2020 🎃

As with almost everything else 2020, Halloween is a bit different this year. The Shecklets did different activities today. (We opted to skip door to door trick-or-treating this year.)

Shecklet #2 did this with his friend:

Shecklet #1 and Shecklet #3 did this with Grandma & Grandpa:

And Shecklet #4 went trunk or treating at our church. Kids typically dress up as a saint for our parish’s annual All Saints Day party. This year, all on her own, #4 said she wanted to be St. Philomena in honor of her baby sister. I may or may not have gotten a little misty-eyed when she told me her plan.

Family Formation kickoff

It was a beautiful (and windy) day to kickoff the start of our new Family Formation year at our parish.

Outside activities were enjoyed by all of the Shecklets – including the pie eating contest, egg breaking contest, scooter racing, and rock painting.