Strawberry season

Hard to believe July is almost here and that summer is going by so fast. So far, so good! Mike is taking this week off which is nice. He is working  (so, actually, not much of a break!) on finishing up the kitchen details and main floor bathroom.

We couldn't let June pass without going berry picking. It was a beautiful morning when we went last week on Tuesday and the kids loved it. I did have sticker shock when we checked out, but it was worth it. 30 lbs of strawberries later we were home and had a solid week of good berry eating. I must say, I did not get sick of them and they are gone as of today!

Veronica was only helpful in eating the berries on site. She thoroughly enjoyed them.

Our graduate!

Sarah Anderson is our Saint Agnes graduate! This last month has been a month filled with busyness for her of finishing up school work followed by many different fun celebrations. Our family went to her graduation ceremony June 3rd to see her receive her diploma. Sarah has lived with us this school year and we have been blessed by her presence. She is a talented young woman and is headed off to the University of Minnesota next year; thankfully, not too far! Last Tuesday night Mike and I treated Sarah and Anna Knier to a fancy dinner at the restaraunt Meritage in downtown St. Paul. We had fun peppering her with college advice. Oh, the fun four years of college! On Saturday night we had a graduation party here at our house for Sarah with her friends coming to celebrate with her. Good luck next year, Sarah! Don't be a stranger!

Loosing Teeth

Jude was so thrilled on Wednesday evening when his FIRST tooth fell out. He thought it was just the coolest thing to ever happen. He put it in a jar and brought it to school the next day. Faustina was coaching him the whole time as he yanked it out - she is the expert having now lost 6 teeth. Jude's face is vastly improved from February when he developed Bell's Palsy from an awful earache he had. After an MRI, being tested for Lyme's Disease and going to the ENT and physical therapist, everything looked fine from tests and we hoped it was just a matter of time. And it was. His face is still not 100% back to normal, but we are confident it will get there!

Time outside

It really has been beautiful the last couple days. Even a bit hot - but, no one is complaining! I've been spending quite a bit of time in the garden. Gardening is addicting. I am learning more each year, each season and getting a bit more bold with what I want to do. Very fun. Especially with my helpers.

Faustina's First Communion!

On May 14th, Faustina received her First Holy Communion. It was a beautiful mass and I must say, Faustina was stunning in her dress. Mike bought her a book about St. Therese and Faustina said a 40 day novena leading up to her big day. Afterwards, we came back to the house to celebrate with Uncle Travis, Faustina's godmother and her cousins. Jude was very sweet; he looked and me and gently put his hand on my arm and said, "Mom, this is the best day ever! I can't wait until I can get my First Communion."