Starbase 2018

Today marked the end of Lily Grace's first official week out of school.   What better way to kick summer off than Starbase Camp? (STEM- science, technology, engineering and math camp). This year Gracie got into the Advanced Camp. 

The highlights of this years camp included, learning to use Raspberry Pi to code and program a camera to be used in the launch of a weather balloon, meeting a college student who built R2D2 using circuits, a few experiments with liquid nitrogen and getting to see how weather satellites are made. 

Starbase is such a remarkable opportunity and we are most thankful that Gracie got to be a part of it.

Working on programming and coding their team's Raspberry Pi to take pictures of the weather balloon as it traveled through the atmosphere, popped and then landed.  

Inflating the balloon before release

Each of the 8 teams had a camera attached.  Gracie's team was one of 3 teams to capture photos and video.  The balloon reached an altitude of 95,952.2 ft.  It traveled for 3 hrs 38 min before popping and landing in Ohio.  

Experimenting with liquid nitrogen

This young lady is a college student who built this R2D2 which can also function much like the one in the movie. Lily Grace loved meeting her, seeing R2 and hearing all about how she did it.

Graduation Day!  Her call sign this year was, "Bacon!"  Each graduate was also given their very own Raspberry Pi to keep.  Gracie was super excited and rushed right home to get it set up so she can start coding and programming among other fun things.  

STARBASE Indiana is a premier educational program, sponsored by the Department of Defense. At STARBASE Indiana students participate in challenging "hands-on, minds-on" activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Students interact with STEM professionals to explore careers and observe STEM applications in the real world. The program encourages students to set goals and achieve them.

http://www.starbasein.org/index.html

Last Day of 6th Grade!

 Today was Lily Grace's last day of school.  She finished 6th grade and her first year of middle school.  She did amazing!!!  She finished with all A+'s for this nine weeks as well as the school year (no lower than a 98 average in any subject) which earned her 11 Academic Excellence awards and awards for Excellence in Service, Cantoring, Lectoring and Serving at school mass.  She also finished the year as only one of two and the youngest to complete the Lifetime Achievement in Accelerated Reader.  That's right, in 6th grade she has earned the total number points that are required through 8th grade so she is now exempt from Accelerated Reader for the rest of middle school.  We are so proud of her!
The kids started the day with an all schools mass and she was all smiles as she exited this afternoon. 
Gracie Cakes, your daddy and I are so proud of you.  We can't wait to see all that you achieve next year when you take on your new responsibilities as a member of National Junior Honor Society and the Commissioner of Finance on Student Council.  
Remember to keep that contagious smile and always put God and others first!  We love you Gracie!!!

All smiles with her best buddy before leaving home for her last day of 6th grade.

After attending the All Schools Mass, Matt and I spent a cool and cloudy day on the golf course together while Gracie was at school.  I damaged my rotator cuff so I had to just ride along today, but we still enjoyed a wonderful day together. 

She was all smiles as she exited at dismissal this afternoon!  Father Jay was there to see the kids off, give high fives and as he said, "serve as a reminder."  Too cute!

She's officially on her way to 7th grade now!

Another year of memories for these best friends!

Gracie asked to get in nine holes of her own after school to top off her special day.

Commissioner of Finance

Lily Grace ran for Student Council last week. She created posters, wrote and gave a great speech before the middle school on Friday morning.
On Friday afternoon after the votes were counted, she was declared the Commissioner of Finance for next school year's Student Council.  

Making her speech:

2-4-6-8, Cast a vote for Lily Grace! 

My name is Lily Grace, and I am running for Commissioner of Finance.  I would like to generate  more income so that Student Council is able to invest in more activities for the students.  If we can do this, then we all benefit!  We would be able to afford to put on more social activities and increase school spirit.

I am blessed that one of my talents is being adept at Math.  I have received all A pluses in Math this entire school year. I am also good at keeping a ledger, which is essential for being an efficient Commissioner of Finance.

I aim to keep Student Council’s debts and expenses as low as possible while still being able to host fun activities for everyone of all ages.

I am fun and I can think of good ideas for activities.  I am an outstanding listener.  I welcome your suggestions and I would recommend them to the council.   I am reliable and trustworthy.  I would contribute to St. Elizabeth as a part of Student Council.  You do not have to worry if you vote for me!

Saint E needs me!  Vote for me for Student Council! 

Spring Recital

This past week, Lily Grace performed at her Spring Recital.  She did a beautiful job!  She played "Secrets," by One Republic.

2nd Best Mom in the World!

Today, I woke to a special treat from my Gracie.  I often make scavenger hunts for her at Christmas and today she made one for me.  It was so fun to read each clue and then run around the house to find my "treasure."  

At the end of my journey I found a book LG and Matt had put together for me.  It was called, " The Small Book of Mom."  While the book was folded small, the sentiments inside were huge!!

Lily Grace has been taught that Mary, the Mother of our Savior is the BEST mom.  She certainly is.  So when Gracie says, I love you mom!  You are the second best mom in the world,"  it means so much to me.  

Lily Grace, you are the absolute best part of me.  You are a blessing greater than anything I deserve.  

 I love you soooooooooooooooo much!

Thank you Blessed Mary for being an example to all mothers.  Thank you God for this wonderful little girl who calls me mom.  

A couple of excerpts from The Small Book of Mom

by: Lily Grace

LOVE

My Mom makes me laugh,

My Mom makes me smile. 

Every time I need something,

She goes the extra mile. 

I love her a lot,

And she loves me.

Forever and ever,

And that's how it should be.

Rainbow

My Mom is like a rainbow.

Sheltering after a storm.

Winds and currents can batter me,

But my Mom keeps me warm.

He did it!

Today we headed to Lafayette for Matt to graduate and receive his EMBA from Purdue University.  Gracie and I are so proud of him!  

National Junior Honor Society Induction

Lily Grace has always enjoyed school and learning.  She has worked hard and maintained straight A's throughout school and middle school hasn't stopped her.  Her favorite subject is Math where her average has yet to go below a 99 this school year. And reading is her passion.  Today, her dedication and hard work were recognized in a very special way.  
This morning after mass, Lily Grace was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society.  Only a select number of students are asked to apply and the criteria includes academics, service, character, leadership and citizenship.  I love that while the grades are very important part of the criteria, so are being a good person and serving others. 
Lily Grace, your daddy and I are so very proud of you.  Not because you have great grades, but because of the reason that matters, you are a great girl, a wonderful and caring person.  
Thank you God for the blessing of Lily Grace.  Thank you for her Catholic education.  How special it is that she was inducted in the very place that she goes to sit with and worship you!  Thank you for seeing her through each and every day.  Thanks be to God!

All smiles after receiving her NJHS shirt, pin, membership certificate, signing the membership book and taking the pledge.  Outgoing 8th graders presented to the incoming 6th graders.

All of the NJHS Members- now including LG!

12 Happy Birthday! 12

This past week Lily Grace turned 12 years old.  It was one of the most fun birthdays and really special.  
She kicked the week off with a sleepover with her best friend Pearl.  Those two giggled, ate, giggled, watched a movie, giggled, ate, played and giggled some more.  
The big day started with a requested breakfast of herb baked eggs, prosciutto and a strawberry smoothie. She woke to gifts ( a new unexpected set of golf clubs from mama and daddy), decorations and of course one excited dog!
She took in cinnamon caramel donuts to celebrate with her class and I carried her and Pearl Chick-fil-A for lunch.
She arrived home to a cute little spread for snack and a few more gifts.  
Once her homework was complete and she had eaten a little snack, she was off to the course with her daddy to try out those new clubs.  After working up an appetite we prepared her requested dinner and celebrated some more. 
Thank you to everyone who called, text, emailed, sent cards, gifts and wishes.  You were so sweet to think of Lily Grace on her birthday and I assure you she was blessed and touched by your kindness.
Daddy and I had so much fun celebrating with you, and we are enjoying watching you grow Gracie Cakes.  We are so proud of all that you do and all that you are becoming!  You are bigger than any birthday wish.  You are a cherished blessing!  We love you!

Gracie requested tacos for dinner when P slept over.  Pearl came the day before and brought LG a matching shirt for them to wear and celebrate.  Too funny! And yes, Molly was all up in the mix of things.

A fresh little island centerpiece for breakfast

So excited to come downstairs and find decorations and a new set of clubs.  (She had to forego breakfast in bed this year because her breakfast request  is baked and served in very hot individual gratin dishes.)

We loved these new candles.  You light the center wick and it shoots sparks and ignites 13 other candles on petals that open, spin and play Happy Birthday. Actually, they were so much fun, we did again at dinner. 

Before leaving for school

She had a putt off with her daddy before leaving for school.

Enjoying lunch with Pearl

Instead of cake, LG requested homemade mini lemon cheesecakes.

The snack spread she came home to after school.

Trying out her new clubs (even though it's still chilly here) after school with Daddy.

Easter in Erie!

Good Friday we left Indiana for Easter in Erie, PA.  Erie, PA is the home of St. Joseph's Bread of Life Catholic Church where Father Larry Richards is the pastor.  Father Larry is well known from the books he has authored, his talks that take him all over, his podcast and radio show and more importantly, for telling it like it is.  He's not your typical priest.  He may even make you uncomfortable and he's happy to do so and you end up better off because of it.  He doesn't shy away from reminding you that it's all about serving God through serving  others, how have you helped the poor and needy?  We are made in the image of Christ and the way you treat others is the way you are treating Christ.  He will remind you that Christ forgives anything if you just ask.  He's not one to sugar-coat things and his humor and catch phrases help him relay how very much Christ loves us.  Father Larry's keep it real approach is extremely relatable.  

Upon arriving Friday, we met this very nice gentleman, Tommy.   He was all smiles and told us that church would start in an hour.  He asked where we were from and made sure we signed the guest book.  He shared something funny Father Larry had said to him (which was priceless) and made us feel most welcome.  It was priceless.  Without him saying so, you could tell that Tommy truly loved Father Larry and that serving Christ and the church means the world to him.  Tommy also serves the church as an usher and greeter.  He was one of the kindest souls we have ever met.  

Lily Grace and I listen to Father Larry's homilies every day on the way to school.  There are years of homilies on his podcast and we are working our way through.  

With PA only 5 hours away, this year, LG requested a trip to see Father Larry and hear a homily in person instead of a birthday party.  We chose Easter weekend so we could attend Good Friday service and the Easter Vigil on Saturday.  

We made it to the Good Friday Easter service and Lily Grace was so excited.   Father Larry gave a wonderful homily and we couldn't wait to return for the Easter vigil.  

While in Erie, we drove the short two hours on Saturday into Canada to take in Niagara Falls.  The Falls were beautiful and we had a lovely day.

Saturday evening we returned to the church for the 9:00 pm Easter Vigil.  It was one of the best Easter services we have attended, a true celebration of the Resurrection   Father Larry once again gave an amazing homily and the people of the congregation were among some of the most welcoming and delightful.  A sweet couple Donna and Ron took us under their wings and honestly, it felt like meeting your grandparents to sit with them at church on Sunday morning.  The church secretary, Cheryl came over having remembered me calling the church and introduced herself, shared stories and promised Lily Grace that she'd help her get a moment with Father Larry.  

I can't begin to explain how special this trip was.  We will forever be better for having met all of the people that we did and the impression they left on our hearts will remain there always.  Having Lily Grace ask to visit a priest...well, I am most thankful to Father Larry for being so relatable, for continuing to help foster a love of faith and Jesus in Lily Grace.  I am so thankful for a parish that listens about service and then served Christ by treating us as He would, with kindness, grace and genuine interest.  I am so thankful that we were able to spend Easter in Erie and for a God that speaks to us in ways that our hearts need and for the unexpected ways we never imagined.  

Jesus has risen!  He has risen indeed!  

Our view of Lake Erie from our hotel room

Crossing the border

Looking across to NY from Canada

Niagara Falls from the Canadian side

Rainbow bridge connects NY and Canada

Hilarious

Gracie and I thought this upside down house in downtown Ontario was pretty cool.  

  Poutine is a popular Canadian dish and we had to try if before leaving.  It's fries with gravy and melted cheese on them.  

Lily Grace and Tommy- See that crucifix around Gracie's neck.  It belonged to Tommy and he gave it to Lily Grace and told her Happy Birthday.  He was so happy to give it to her.  Father Larry said it was quite special to Tommy.  I hope Tommy knows that he will always be special to us. 

The church ( which is 150 years old) was decorated beautifully for  Easter.  

And yes! She got to meet Father Larry, give him a hug and get her picture made with him.  She was super excited.  He left her with,  "Be a good girl and be a nun."  He then gave our family a blessing  for safe travels home.  We spent a few moments with Christ in the adoration chapel before heading back to the hotel.  Thanks be to God!