Fun with GodTeens

It's hard to believe that it's already been three years we've spent with our GodTeens.  Time flies by so fast!  I'm not nearly as good now as I was when they were Freshmen about taking photos, but I'm trying not to miss how our time together has changed.  For example, a few weeks ago when we had a smaller than usual crowd they decided to break out some of our two person games like chess & Connect Four for our rec time at the end instead of a big group game.  Nice glasses (& fake nose), Myra!

(It all started when Andrew wanted to show off his new LEGO chess set that he built.  Isn't it awesome?)

Then we were in charge of hosting the GodTeen Senior Brunch together.  These kids (& their parents) were fantastic!  Everything went off without a hitch, we all had fun, & I unexpectedly was even able to sit down & enjoy my brunch!  What a deal.

 

 This week we had our last "meeting" at LaserQuest.  Andrew was thrilled!  Our big winner was Zach... our trapshooter extraordinaire, but they all had fun.

 Teresa & Rebecca were too little to play laser tag, but they sure enjoyed "playing" all of the arcade games in the lobby.  I LOVE that they still think it's fun even though we never dropped in a single quarter!  Know that won't last forever.

Afterwards, we went out for fried ice cream at Mazatlan.  Almost all that were along are taking Spanish right now & were having fun trying to use it.  I couldn't help but reminisce about the days of bringing my students out for "mesa espanola".  It was awesome. 

Such awesome kids.  Hope that we get to enjoy bumping into them all this summer!

Creativity takes time!

Rebecca has always been the most intense artist in our house.  Lately, she will not make anything that doesn't take at least 20 minutes.  When we started to make birthday cards for my little sis, Andrew & Teresa were done in less than ten.  Rebecca took almost 40 minutes to create this three page tree masterpiece complete with roots, leaves, & a mommy bird with eggs in her nest.  What I love is that she just comes up with these ideas on her own, rarely asks for help, & just keeps working at it until she gets it perfect.  For having one of the shortest attention spans out of all three in most other areas, that certainly does not apply to art!  Makes me wonder about the plans God has for her.  :)

Rebecca Marie is 6!

 Our little Rebecca Marie turned the big 6!  She requested a pony birthday.

 Teresa helped me set the table for her post-school birthday playdate a few days early with a couple of friends.

 They played house, ponies, "hairstyle", school, & even made their own cupcakes... heavy on the M&Ms.

 Andrew did his best to steer clear of the girliness until it involved cake.

 They were all so cute together & I think that Teresa had just as much fun as Rebecca!

 Our whole weekend was full of festivities (to be posted later) but it wasn't until Sunday morning that we had another celebration just for her birthday.  She woke up to a full table & enjoyed looking at cards, pictures, & presents.  Then we enjoyed some fruit & lemon coffee cake.  This girl is crazy for lemons!

 After Mass, brunch, & some quiet time, we devoured her pony cake

 and made a stop to visit baby Zachary's grave.

 She was picking all the little violet flowers out of the weeds & putting them by his headstone.  That girl is always finding something sweet to do.

 After the cemetery we enjoyed the gorgeous spring day at the big park.

Then we had supper at Val's with Uncle Fr. Jon.  When I told her that he could come she said, "One of my birthday wishes came true!"  She sure loves him a lot.  It was a fun birthday weekend & we are so thankful for the gift that is Rebecca. 

Love you, Becca Boo! 

Happy Birthday!

Growth spurt?

Teresa has been quite the little lady lately.  She can go from her giggly, bubbly, bouncy self to a screaming tantrum-throwing monster in about 2 seconds flat.  We thought maybe it was her impending loss of the role of baby just around the corner, but now I'm wondering if it's not simply another growth spurt. 

She BEGGED me to get the "princess soup" at the store, then BEGGED me to make it for lunch, & then after looking at all the fun noodle shapes REFUSED to eat more than a bite.  She's a stubborn one!  After Darren & I had both finished lunch & cleaned up the kitchen, she still wasn't really even close to done.  So, she was told, "Don't leave that chair until you finish your soup."  After almost 10 minutes of quiet from the kitchen I went to check out the situation & found this.  Well, she obeyed that last part anyway!  

Babymoon

 We've made it a tradition to take a weekend "babymoon" before we welcome a new little one into our home.   Darren's parents generously offered to watch the kiddos while we enjoyed a quick weekend in Nebraska City at the Lied Lodge.  It was a little more brisk outside than we were hoping for, but beautiful nonetheless.  Lots of hiking, reading, eating, laying around & talking without constant interruption... just the break we needed.

Now I feel ready for the busy next month followed by a few semi-quiet summer weeks waiting to meet this little one.  :)



Passing through

 We were so glad for a quick but special visit with my sister Denise & her family last week!  We met for Chinese at Hy-Vee & lots of time to chat. 

Cara:  "No.  Smile NICE, Jonny."

 Yep, that's better.  ;)

 I can't believe how much Julia grows up in-between visits.  I still look at her & expect to see my tiny little Goddaughter.

Teresa was the lucky one not to be at school & SO THRILLED to get to see her cousins.  She loves her Godmama Auntie Neece, too.

In uniform

Our Wolf Cub & our Little Flower

Been there

The tradition continues

1st Communion

 Andrew Joseph received his 1st Holy Communion on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7, 2013.  He was SO very excited!

 profession of faith

receiving Jesus for the first time

 

 2nd graders singing a special Communion meditation:

The Cup of Life Outpoured 

He did it!  We enjoyed cookies & punch down in the gym afterwards.

Then we came home to relax & celebrate with all of the great family who was able to join us!

 My friend Amber made him this beautiful stained glass window cake.  He thought it was awesome... even with pink on it. 

 We played & chatted & munched & just enjoyed each other.

 The weather was perfect; another blessing.

 Special surprise visitor Fr. J

"Hey, fold your hands so you look holy."

 kiddos with the grands

Andrew with his Godparents Aunt Cara & Uncle Fr. Jon

Such a special day & exciting step. 

Congratulations, Andrew!  We love you!

Tuckered out

That's what cousins will do to you...

& your dolly