Campers (One Final Time Together)

 

In which these three attend PL as campers together one final time! Wishing them the most fabulous week, but especially so for Grace and August as it is their last one as campers. Have an amazing time, y'all! xo 

Scenes From This Morning

 

Faith Community Family together in the pew (missing David and Everleigh). 

A song that feels even more important now. 

and candles lit for all the trans people killed over the course of 2024 in honor of the Trans Day of Rememberance (to be held later this week). 

This is the UCC. 
I am grateful. xo 

During the Festive Season

 

This year was easily the least I have ever blogged. Here is it, Decemebr 30th, and I have (including this post) blogged a total of 39 times. Before this year, the lowest number of posts in this space of ours was 127 (in 2022). This isn't to say that there have not been blog worthy events that would total in the hundreds, but it does speak to how full life is with two teenagers, a full time (paid) job, my full time unpaid job (as mama of those two amazing girls), as well as life as a wife and doctoral student. In early November I ended up resigning from my job as the Director of Children's Ministry at the church in Holliston, and we have fully returned to our church home/family in Framingham. That brought with it more downtime than I have had in a long while, though that will be short lived as I move into the proposal and disseration phase of my program starting in January. 

Our December was full of wonderful traditions. The Advent Spiral, Saint Nichoas Day, Winter Solstice (my most favorite Deemebr holiday!), cinnamon roll making (and delivering), and of, course, the Christmas Eve service. It was so lovely to be there, with a pew full of my church children, all of whom have grown into the most incredible young women and men. 

The bunnies have loved sitting by the tree as much as we do, and we are all so sure that they will be very sad when the tree comes down. Truly, is there anything more relaxing than sitting by the light of the tree before the sun comes up or after it goes down? 

It was quite a year for this family of ours. But more about that tomororw. Tonight is all about getting this blog updated so that we can go into 2024 and this next chapter, fresh and ready to go! xo 

On Grace And Emma's Confirmation Day!

What an absolutely wonderful day! The weather was gorgeous, the service incredible, and hte fact that Bonnie spoke about each of the confirmands during their actual confirmation was beyond special! Thank you to everyone who was there, be it in-person or online, to celebrate this special day! Our girls are so incredibly lucky to be surrounded by so much love! xo  

Today At Church

 

When you have pointe shoes to sew for a friend but also want to attend worship. xo

On Sunday In Holliston

 

On Sunday, the youth group packed care packages for those in college or in the military! It was another gorgeous day on the common with this incredible group of kids! xo 

We're Back!

 

In which we return to church after eighteen months of virtual church! xo 

On Easter Sunday

 

Our Easter Sunday was absolutely lovely. Since our church is still virtual and we didn't need to be there super early (like non-Covid years) we started with Easter baskets. This as a first as we usually wait to check them out until after we get home from church! 

Our very own Easter bunny really enjoyed seeing what was in the baskets. 

And she looked so cute inside one! 

All dressed up and ready for breakfast (followed by church). 

It should be noted that Grace is wearing my glittery shoes! 

After our yummy breakfast we headed home for church. 

Putting the girls' Easter baskets together every year is one of my most favorite things (right up there with May Day baskets)! And the centerpiece on the table is another favorite too. 

This beautiful bunting was made by my super talented Aunt Gail. It  was for Lily-Rose's house but Emma chose a different house design so could only use one piece. It looks so great in the kitchen so I'm glad she didn't need to use both pieces! 

That afternoon the girls and I headed over to church for the flowering of the cross. It had been over a year since we had seen most of our church family. It was so fabulous to be gathered there, on a gorgeous Easter Sunday participating in one of our most favorite traditions. And though we didn't get to see the cross transform (which is so very powerful and magical) it was special nonetheless and a balm to the soul! 

It felt very weird to take this picture without David. We really missed him/

As he was the one who made the cross it was as if he was still there. 

Meanwhile, at Wachusett....

It was closing day (and Dave's last day as a Ranger as he'll be ski patrol next year)! 

According to Dave spring skiing was in full effect and there weren't many people there but they still had a blast nonetheless! The Rangers and Ski Patrollers grilled and enjoyed treats (I sent along our favorite peanut butter cup cookies and brownies). All in all, a fun filled Easter day for all and a wonderful ending to the ski season! Happy Easter, friends! May this Eastertide be full of blessings and joy! xo