February 2021

I was blessed with a lovely birthday celebration this year.  Shawn and the kids made dinner and my favorite, carrot cake.

Henry and Samuel dressed up in their sport coats to conduct a very official presentation of my birthday crown and banner as well as the gift opening ceremony :-)

As always Grace had an assortment of very sweet and thoughtful gifts she had made :-)

A lovely picture frame from Samuel

And a super cool "Top Chef" kitchen decoration from Nicholas

Catholic School's week is always a fun time for the kids!

This year, Nicholas' class was in quarantine and he home learned from the Schoenecke home a few days - but of course Libby made sure they still got their Friday Catholic School week ice cream treat!

Libby and Phil Schoenecke helped us out tremendously this year - not only did they allow our kids to home learn from their house when in quarantine (twice all year for N and G and once for H), but since the school had late start with no early morning drop-off every Wednesday, they let our kids play at their house for an hour each Wednesday morning and then took the whole crew to school for us!  That is true friendship!!!

Wednesday morning treats

The 2021 Wednesday morning crew

What a lovely sunrise!

I made a King Cake for Mardi Gras this year

Sometimes, out of the blue, Samuel like to surprise us with Breakfast in Bed (cinnamon sugar toast and water) :-)

Nan Whitty is 105 years old and still keeping up with the times - here we are on a family zoom event with her!

Nicholas and Shawn went on their first Hike in/out Camping trip with the Scout Troop to Ravencliff Falls.

Hiking in

Is he cute or what!!?? :-)

Nicholas was the Grubmeister for the first time so had to plan and prepare all the meals, including keeping the food supplies safe in a bear bag.

Cooking a meal for the whole group

This girl loves her puzzles!

Samuel played basketball with Fellowship Christian School this year.

He had a blast!

Happy 9th Birthday Henry!

Dear Henry,

Wow - 9 years old already!  You are one very special and unique little boy.  You are a talkative, witty, funny, passionate, emotional, and loving child.  You happily march to the beat of our own drum!  Your biggest passion remains yard work!  You are happiest when you are outside working hard in the yard.  You also really love spending one on one time with Dad whether it is in the yard, scouting, or just watching TV.  You work hard in school and usually earn all A's.  You are a talented little writer and we are impressed how well you write straight from the heart.  You love religion class and learning about your Catholic faith.  You have been really into planning and leading our family prayers, often creating google slide shows for this.  You enojoy playing in the "forest" behind the fence in the back yard and often create all sorts of paths and cool "places" with Samuel.  We are happy to see you have a group of great friends.  You are playing soccer this spring, and liking it, but still haven't really found a sport you are passionate about.  You love Cub Scouts though!  At home you enjoy playing in the attic with your siblings or working in the yard.  You still enjoy cooking as well.  Your temper can be hot at times, but your sweet love for your family can be just as strong!  You bring a new level of love and joy to each of us and we are so grateful for every moment God has blessed us with you. Henry, may God shower his love and graces upon you this upcoming year,  and help you to continue to discover the gifts he has blessed you with and may you use them to glorify His name!  God bless you Henry!  We love you so very much!

Love,  Mom and Dad

I finally gave in and made the Yard Work cake he's been asking for

First pocket knife!

Fishing set from gray family

Home Depot gift card and money in his account from Grandma

His actual birthday was on a school day that he'd normally go to EDP after school since we are working,  but Mrs Schoenecke and Colin picked him up from school and took him out for ice cream instead

cool metal detector from Colin!

HENRY'S FAVORITES AT AGE 9

Doll/Stuffed Animal -     Baby David 

Food -       Chicken Potpie

Movie -     Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Show -     The Bad Batch

Clothes to Wear -     Shorts and a T shirt

Game -     Checkers

Snack -     Pringles

Animal -     Bobcat

Song -     The Little Drummer Boy by King and Country

Book -     Keeping a Healthy Lawn

Friends -     Colin, Matthew E., Nathan

Drink -     Apple juice

Outside Activity -     Yard work

Sport -     Soccer to watch and basketball to play

Park Activity -     Hide and Seek

Inside Activity -     Play in the attic

Place to go - Home Depot

Fruit -     Watermelon

Vegetable -     Roasted Okra

What do you want to be when you grow up?    A missionary that helps people grow crops and learn about God

What brings you joy?    The outdoors

What makes you sad?    When I see people hurt or sick

What do you think Heaven is like?    Never ending mist of clouds where everyone is happy based on what each person likes

Happy Valentine's Day

For Valentine's Day this year, we had a party to celebrate God's great love for us and our love for each other!  The kids planned it all - from decorations, to games, to valentine exchange.

Homemade games created by the kids

Custom Valentine's boat given to the family from Samuel :-)

To each family member from Samuel - bracelet, keychain and word about what he admires in that person.

To each family member from Dad

To each family member from Nicholas

To each family member from Mom

To Each family member from Grace

To the whole family from Henry - a google slide presentation "What I Love About You."