Halloween 2021

2021 brought a bunch of almost normal events, Halloween included.

Most of our girls are leaving or have left the Trick or Treat stage but Johanna is prime candy gathering age.  Because of the split we were a little unsure how we were going to approach the holiday. We knew we wanted to have our friends over: The Brinks, Arciagas, Shumakers and Arnolds. These families have become intertwined in our lives and I am so grateful. And at the same time Halloween really is focused around our kids and they were heading in multiple directions. Bridget wanted to hang out with friends from middle school, Megan had a few parties to attend, and Johanna didn't quite have a direction but wanted to be social. She's the youngest child out of all of our friends kids, so there isn't a built in playmate when we get together. In the end it all worked out.

We carved pumpkins on Saturday and I got the seeds roasted. Megan had a Halloween/birthday party that night so she did a quick change into Megara from the Hercules movie, as we finished out carving.

Halloween Day, Johanna had a soccer game right after church and she was put into goal, where she did a great job. I was glad Jim and the sister were able to see the end of the game and cheer her on. 

Bridget began sewing a gown weeks earlier, inspired by the Barbie Princess and the Pauper movie, and then decided to sew one for Sarah as well so they could go together. Becky purchased hoop skirts and they were all set.  Bridget decided to invite a few people over to our house where they met before going trick or treating, then hung out in our basement.  

Johanna was dressing up as a Hogwarts student this year.  Megan volunteered to take Johanna around trick or treating and Jo was thrilled. Megan grabbed one of the robes and joined her in costume. Megan asked to have a few people in the backyard for a fire pit after taking Johanna around. The adults would be in the driveway for a firepit and handing out candy. The weather was great, a little chilly but not bad. Johanna finished up trick or treating sooner than we expected but was happy with her haul and had enjoyed herself. She would hang out a little with each group and watched a movie before heading to bed. Johanna also participated in the Trunk or Treat at St. Mark's the weekend before and got to see school friends there. We were stocked with candy. 

Each year as they grow up holidays shift a little bit more to something new. Each year I savor the traditions but enjoy the new moments that our current situation provide.  

Bridget's Confirmation

 Bridget received the Sacrament of Confirmation on October 8, 2021

After the pandemic derailed the normal Confirmation programs in parishes and the Religious ed programs in whole there was a bit of confusion over where Bridget would prepare for her Confirmation. Bridget had decided to finish her Religious Education through 8th grade at St. Mark's since this had been the program she had attended all the way through elementary school, but the pandemic ended that prematurely.  When OLV, our parish, opened registration for Confirmation, we signed Bridget up. Sarah was also in the program and that made it even more enjoyable for Bridget. The Confirmandi were able to meet and do service on site, and the small group of high schoolers shared their faith and instruction.

Bridget asked Aunt Heather, her Godmother, to be her sponsor. They didn't have a lot of sponsor activities but they were able to have a retreat downtown with their sponsors and opportunities for prayer and reflection. Bridget chose St. Kateria as her Confirmation name, in honor of the first Native America Saint. 

Bridget then needed an outfit and we were so surprised to find clothing that matched exactly what she was thinking on our first outing. In fact the dress we bought was the first she tried on. It was a blessing to get to go out with her to shop. 

On Confirmation Day we were a little freaked out when Bridget was not feeling well, but after a visit to the pediatrician an hour before needing to leave for church we were feeling like it was only a cold. She took a covid test too, which came back negative a few days later. 

Bridget and her Godparents, Uncle Erik and Aunt Heather

Bishop Madden would be celebrating the Confirmation and we found out that it was his last scheduled Confirmation. He officially retired back in 2015 but had continued as urban vicar for the Archdiocese. He had confirmed Emma, Rachael, and Megan as well and he has a joyous personable approach that makes for a personal Sacramental experience. He delivered his familiar formatted Confirmation homily and he read a portion of Bridget's letter in which she explained her service projects and the meaning of being a Catholic being tied to loving one another.

I love that it was a small group. It made the laying on of hands and anointing very personal, and as a participant in the celebration it was easier to stay prayerful and connected. The music also helped set the reverent atmosphere

After Mass was over we gathered for pictures. Bishop Madden is always great about being available for pictures but somehow my Dad disappeared and had taken off his alb before we could get him in his vestments.

Afterward there was a nice reception in the hall. By then I was struggling with talking and smiling, because I had gum surgery a few days earlier but I was happy to celebrate with the family. I pray that the Holy Spirit pours abundantly out upon Bridget and Sarah and that they respond generously.