13th Birthday Party! No Escaping the Fun!

Yesterday, Lily Grace had her 13th birthday party. We had to put it off since all the girls are involved in weekend activities right now.  The delay didn't damper the fun!  With this being the last weekend before the end of school on Tuesday, it only added to the excitement.  
These girls went strong from 11:30 until 8:00 in the evening.  They were inside, outside and all over the house playing, singing dancing, eating and giggling. 
One of the highlights of the day was our visit to the Escapee's Room.  We did a Deep Space themed room.  Matt and I weren't sure how well it would go but boy did these girls surprise us.  We were soooo close.  According to our game master, we were only about 5 minutes from escaping.  oh well!  The girls were bummed we didn't make it out in the allotted 60 minutes, but were asking to go back before we even left.  We really did have a lot of fun.  
Thank you so much to all of the girls for making LG's 13th birthday party so special and memorable!  Gracie, daddy and I had the best time and hope you did as well!  We love you!

Lily Grace wanted the party to be pink, gold and black.  She and I got busy making all these flowers for our little Kate Spade theme and I have to say, it turned out even better than we could have expected.

The girls made a really cute initial canvas.

Each girl received a tee that read, "Live each day like it's your birthday."  We also sent everybody home with a gold glitter framed picture of the girls in front of the backdrop.

This is the fun picture we placed in the glitter frames.

We made confetti poppers which I actually let them pop in the house.  

Loved the color scheme

We were so close.  Gracie had decided before we went to the Escape Room that we were totally blaming Matt if we didn't make it out.  ha! 

The cake was chocolate on top and vanilla on bottom and very good! 

These girls were all over the place.  I was asked to come up to LG's room and snap this pic.  How they all managed to get on the bean bag I will never know.

 

While we sang Happy Birthday the girls performed a dance they had made up for LG and she thought it was hilarious.  So fun and sweet!

In Full Swing

Lily Grace and team Coyote had their first Jr League match this past week.  It was a very damp and cool 53 degrees but they did a great job!  
We are so proud of Lily Grace and it's always so much fun watching her play. 
Her group held their own and tied their opponents.  
She is loving it and that is all that matters!

All smiles as they make their way to the second hole

Lily Grace made this beautiful drive off the tee and then went on to putt it in to help her team win the hole. 

With hybrid in hand, she was the only one to make it over the water.  She was really proud of this shot because even the boys fell short.  

Accolade Ceremnony

Last night, Lily Grace along with her Fidelis sisters had their Accolade Ceremony.  It was a very special way to close out the year.  
The girls each received a new charm for their Fidelis bracelet reminding them to keep the fire of Christ in their hearts and to lean on Him in times of need.  They also received a white rose to represent the purity and chastity to which they are called to live.  
The ceremony ended as the girls end each week's meeting, a hymn.  They sang Hail Mary Gentle Woman and it was beautiful.
Matt and I can't express what a blessing this ministry is.  We are thrilled that Lily Grace is a part of something so wonderful.  The ladies who oversee the girls and mentor them are just amazing and truly God sent. 

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”

                                                                                                                                   St. Catherine of Siena

The Best Part of Me

Mother's Day!  

LG is a Teenager!

This morning Lily Grace woke to her 13th birthday!  I can't believe she's a teenager!  
She started her special day with her requested breakfast, homemade waffles with whipped cream, strawberries and bacon.  
After breakfast, she opened gifts from family and found herself with money in her pockets.  
Matt and I surprised her with her very own laptop.  She was very excited and she and Matt got busy setting it up.
The fun didn't stop there just because it's a school day.  Her best friend Pearl went to school early and surprised her by decorating her locker and seat.  What a wonderfully thoughtful friend. Matt and I made our way to school later in the day to drop off lunch from Panera for LG and Pearl.  
Once home, Pearl joined us for Gracie's dinner pick, grilled cheeseburgers and fries.  Later on it was off to Middle School Youth group.  I'd say she's had quite the fun filled day!
She's having a birthday party on June 2.  With the end of school and so many activities going on, it's the first chance everyone could get together.  That's just fine with her since the last day of school is June 4.   She's looking at it like a two for one party- 13th birthday and the end of school.  Why stop celebrating such a big birthday at just one day.  Looks like we are carrying on until June 2.  ha!  
Thank you so much to everyone for making her birthday so very special.  
Gracie you are such a blessing.  Your daddy and I love and adore you.  We are so proud of you!  At 13, you are kind and thoughtful, God fearing and a complete joy to raise.  
Happy Birthday Gracie Cakes!!!!  We love you soooooooooo VERY much!  
And remember...you may be a teenager, but you will always be my baby!  Peace be with you always Gracie!

Every morning as soon as Lily's feet hit the stairs, Molly's tail starts hitting the floor and she throws herself at LG's feet for a belly rub.  Gracie can't even walk into the kitchen until she stops and pets her.  Well, this morning was no different, only Molly was extra excited too!

Birthday Breakfast

Wishes made 

Lots of cards and gift cards from family

A surprise from mama and daddy

Beautiful, inside and out

Who says that having to go to school on your birthday isn't fun?  Pearl, thank you for making today special for LG!  You are such a sweet and thoughtful friend!  Her locker looked so festive and fun!

Panera for a birthday lunch 

Pearl joined us for dinner and these two wound down the day giggling, singing, dancing and just having fun!

Happy Easter!

We have had a wonderfully blessed Easter weekend.  We've enjoyed spending time together as a family.  Especially since Matt is returning home after two weeks away on business in Europe and India.  
Gracie and I have enjoyed some cooking time together, (We tackled gluten free homemade Tiramisu, right down to homemade ladyfingers and I have to say, we did good!) we've watched a couple of movies and just enjoyed being a family and reflecting together.  
We started with one of my favorite services on Holy Thursday, the washing of the feet.  Each year as I sit and watch one of our priest wash the feet of some parishioners, I am always struck by the humility of that act.  Just think, Jesus, the King of Kings knelt down himself and did that.  
Good Friday brought with it a mass for reflection.  There is no pomp and circumstance, no celebration, just a somber reminder of how Jesus suffered for us.  How great His love.
Last night we attended the Easter Vigil mass where the new fire was lit, lighting a new Easter candle, three people were baptized, we renewed our own baptism and several were confirmed into the church.  There's nothing quite like starting that beautiful celebration in the dark to remind us of Christ in the tomb only to eventually make it to the Gloria and have the church slowly come to light and shine on all the Easter decorations and smiling faces as the bells sound, reminding us that Christ did rise from the dead!
Lily Grace served along with the seminarians as an alter server for this special mass and watching her share her love of Christ through service was also quite special.  God is certainly good!  
Easter Sunday has brought with it a beautiful sunny day here in the midwest and another reminder that through all darkness, Christ is the light and is always with us.  Thanks be to God!  Easter Blessings to everyone!

On Friday while Gracie was out of school, she got fitted for a new pair of Ping golf clubs.  She has been so excited about getting these things, not even the cold rainy day could dampen her excitement.  PGA Jr. League practice starts in a couple of weeks. 

Putting out the candle as Father Dave looks on at the end of the Easter Vigil mass. 

As always, Aunt Vel sent our Easter Jelly Beans.  We tore into them at midnight after the vigil mass Saturday.  And yes, she still labels because we all get a little protective.  ha! ha!

Molly and Gracie got a few Easter basket treats.  You are never too old for that!

Happy Easter from LG!

Spring Break down South

Lily Grace was out of school last week for Spring Break.  She and I took a girl's trip down south to visit family and warm up.  
We had a good time hanging out and visiting family, celebrating Honey's 89th birthday and soaking in some sun at the pond. 
We missed Matt who sent us a video of it snowing back home in IN while Gracie and I laughed and enjoyed 80 degrees in flip flops.  ha!
Gracie and I always have a great time together from laughing at our rental car which was way smarter than us (kudos to you Grace you did figure out Car Play) to laughing at (me) always walking past the elevator in our hotel and always looking for the key (me again).  Clearly, Gracie is the more responsible one.  ha! ha!  
Thanks to family for hosting us and spending time with us.  Thank you Gracie for memories made and tons of fun! You are my girl!

Apparently you can still find a payphone.  Gracie informed me upon seeing this in the airport that she had heard about these and seen one on TV.  Funny!  

Gracie and Honey out by the pond.  For the record, at 89 my Honey caught the most fish and she didn't move from this spot and only had a cane pole.  

Being more a fly fisher and being used to casting a fly rod, I have to say, I got quite the laugh at watching her use a rod and reel with live bait.  It was down right hilarious at times.  She still managed to land a brim.  

Gracie and Gran cooked for Honey's birthday lunch.  And yes, I shamelessly just sat there and watched.  

Gracie loves Honey so much.  I'm so glad she has gotten the time she has with her.  I grew up with her so I know the feeling.  

Lily Grace had so much fun playing with and entertaining her cousin Wilder.

And she got in some love with cousin Henry too. 

Into the Woods

This year Lily Grace tried our for a part in her school musical, Into the Woods Jr.  She was given the part of Cinderella's mother.  
She did an amazing job.  She even had a solo and I have to tell you, it brought tears to my eyes to hear her sweet voice. (Matt was all smiles himself at hearing his little girl.) It was absolutely beautiful!  
The entire musical was really fun and entertaining.  The kids did a fantastic job! They performed two nights with three shows.
Gracie, daddy and I are so proud of you for trying out, for all the practice time you put in while juggling school work and other obligations and for the wonderful performance you gave!

I think Matt and I held our breaths the first couple of seconds since it was the first time Gracie had done a solo and it turned out to be breathtaking.  

These kids shined!

Curtain Call

Some of the cast and crew...these kids put in so much time and effort and it truly showed.

Friends and fellow cast members

There isn't a bouquet around to express mine and Matt's pride.