First Communion

A weekend for the history books. A coronation. (I absolutely did wake up at 4 to watch.) A derby in which yet again C picked the winning horse. (How?!)

And three special Masses, my first First Communion Masses in my role at St. Paul's. Each was a beautiful and special occasion.

But oh that final Mass. When I took off my "staff" hat and put on my "parent" one. I am so proud of my sweet girl and also so glad we did a photoshoot weeks ago since I didn't have time yesterday. I cried the happiest tears as she received Jesus for the first time and it was made even more special because of the dear and faithful men of God who gave it to her. Oh and the friends who surrounded her as well. What a fantastic community we have.

Then to follow it up with time with people who love her including her great grandma just was the cherry on top. God bless you, M! May you always love and serve the Lord in whatever way you're called.

Here is the whole group ready to go up for their processional. 

Later last night, we had some special time just the two of us watching a storm from a covered porch outside. It was the best. 

And as we drove home, we saw a DOUBLE rainbow and it was so cool. A perfect ending to a practically perfect weekend! 

 

A Weekend Preview

This weekend is going to be jammed packed. We (okay I) have the coronation tomorrow morning. 

Then a soccer game. Plus cleaning the house. 

And then I have the privilege of attending all three Masses at our parish this weekend to help a group of 42 second graders receive their first Eucharist. (We prepped 45 kids, 2 are next weekend due to scheduling conflicts and 1 is receiving in Washington DC this weekend at an ordination Mass.) 

The actual highlight will be the final Mass on Sunday because I get to take off my "staff" hat and put on my "parent" hat. Here are two of the sneak peek pictures taken at her photo shoot. So spoiler alert, this is what it will look like this weekend! 

I am so thankful we took these pictures. I am sort've hoping for a picture with her teacher and father on Sunday but they'll be busy and I will get over it if it doesn't happen. 

It's going to be a beautiful weekend and I am so excited! (And my excitement is nothing compared to the second graders, M especially.) We have a final rehearsal today to practice the processions. "Fingers pointed to Jesus!" 

Even still, someone will sprint down the aisle but it will be adorable and sweet anyway. 

Pray for them! That they never lose the joy of the Eucharist and always remember what a gift it is. 

Field Trip!

On Tuesday, I was lucky enough to get to accompany C and the rest of the 4th and 5th graders to visit the science center and state capitol! We had to be at school by 6:00 am for the kids to get on the coach buses. (It's a 2.5 hour drive for us, bathrooms are essential.) 

We first hit the science center and that was a lot of fun! I had a group of six kids including C in my group. This first yellow room was the only room that wasn't super crowded because we were the first ones in there!

The science center was cool. But it was crowded. Apparently, they only allow field trips on Tuesdays. And also apparently they don't have any idea how to limit the number of kids on a field trip because it was wall-to-wall kids. I was so glad our kids were in uniform because it truly made it so much easier to spot them! 

It was also very clear how academically adept they were. We had a show with a scientist teaching us about fire. And she was a bit flummoxed because for the most part, any time she asked a question the kids knew the answer. For example, she had them all rub their hands together and one kid shouted out "Friction!" They also knew the three elements of fire are heat, fuel, and oxygen. 

After a lunch break, we headed to the capitol. I didn't grow up in Iowa so I had never been there. It was actually really cool and I learned a lot. 

We had a really fun time and I am so glad I was able to attend! Again, the kids looked so darling in their uniforms walking through the building. The neon shirts and activewear of the public school groups felt nearly out of place with all the suits and ties. 

We got back to school at 5:30 so it was a long day, but a fun and educational one! 

Beauty and the Beast

This past weekend was the kid's performances of Beauty and the Beast. They did such a great job. I am so very proud of them!

C was Maurice, Belle's dad. And he was just fantastic. I am not just saying that because he's my kid. The role worked well for him and all his little quirks and people were coming up to him to tell him how great he was. It was actually too much for him and he burst into tears on Saturday night because he was a combination of overtired, happy, proud, and overwhelmed. (He's a total introvert so strangers coming to talk to him is his personal nightmare.) 

He had wanted to be Cogsworth. I do truly think he would have been a good Cogsworth and would have even done a better job than the person who played the role, but he really was an excellent Maurice! 

M rocked her little bits and the chorus role beautifully. She's a real hoot to see on stage. 

There were nine friends from school in the show and we took a group picture on Sunday. These sweet kids did such a nice job and I am so happy for them to have had that experience together! 

What's Up Wednesday?

 A lot has happened since I've checked in here but also not a lot at the same moment. 

Last week M face-planted on the sidewalk after school. She got to my office a bloody screaming mess. 

I thought she broke her nose and knocked out some teeth. She didn't. Just some good decent scrapes. 

But now a full week later she has healed very well! Her lip is back to normal and the tip of her nose. The bridge, under her nose and philtrum, still has some healing to do but she is much improved. 

I went to Wisconsin for my annual girl's trip and took very few pictures except my Magners that was on tap on the way up. 

And this picture off the sun porch. 

Spring has done that terrible thing where it was 80 last week then it got cold and snowy again. Now it's trending back up but still annoying and not yet warm. 

While I was gone the kids went to see the Mario movie. They really liked it. And now we sing the Peaches song all day. 

Husband had a birthday! 

We went out to dinner and had DQ Ice Cream Cake to celebrate. 

First off, these flowers are delightfully MN Vikings colors. And secondly, I just love their name. Frizzle Sizzle Lemonberry Pansy. 

Yesterday M had her first communion photo shoot. Because I know I am going to be BUSY that day and weekend and I want nice pictures. I can't wait to see them! (We decided to go ahead with the photo shoot and knew Photoshop could help fix her face.) 

Here's a selfie she took when we got home. You can see how her face has improved quite a bit! 

And that's what's going on with us! Busy weekend ahead with First Communion Retreat and the kid's show! 

Blue, Yellow, Red, Come Get Fed!

 Friday was the STEM fair! C's project was called Blue, Yellow, Red Come Get Fed: Which Color Bird Feeder Attracts the Most Birds.

He did a nice job on his project and we are very proud of him! 

We bought 3 identical bird feeders in three colors. He hypothesized blue would be the most popular because everyone talks about blue light from screens. 

Each feeder was filled with black oil sunflower seed and hung on the garage in a spot where squirrels could not get to them. 

He weighed them periodically and rotated them too. Blue actually was the most popular color but not by a ton... turns out birds just like to eat. 

But the project was fun because we got to watch birds and now we have a ton of birdseed for the season and some cheerful feeders!

I am not going to lie, I am not sad this project is over. It was a lot of work honestly. But hey, he got a good grade and all is well! 

The Longest Short Week

This was the longest short week right?! 

Well, it was for us. The next few weeks are a whirlwind over my way. But the weather is gorgeous for now and I am incredibly thankful for that. 

Monday was a day off for most of us. So we went to visit Husband at work. 

And we finally got to see the Arctic 3D movie we had promised for Spring Break. 

Later that evening we drove to visit some old blogger friends! Marie! (From Joy Beyond the Cross) And she was just as delightful as she was in 2015!

Bonus! The kids got on thick as thieves. M and K are going to be pen pals! Which I love. 

Tuesday M had her first soccer practice. 

C finished up his STEM fair project so we had to order all the pictures. Here's a preview. The fair is today so expect some pictures and a recap of his project soon. 

Wednesday was chalice painting day. For the past 28 years or something dramatic, the second graders paint a keepsake chalice for First Communion. I was not about to let that tradition die on my first year on staff! 

And it was a success. 46 chalices were painted. None broke when they were in my care. And now after they're glazed and fired I just have to get Father to bless them and they'll be ready for pickup! Well... actually one guy wasn't feeling well so he has to go to the pottery place and do his and then we will be all set. 

Yesterday was our staff retreat. The views couldn't be beaten. 

The company was fantastic. But I didn't think we were as productive as we could have been. 

And now it's Friday. This weekend is going to be a busy one but that's okay.