Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Week 12--Lots of Rehearsal

Monday,  Mar. 16th

No picture, but Lisa sent me this one of Renna at their old Bellevue house.  That swing got lots of use, as did Renna's "Passion sandals."

Tuesday, Mar. 17th

An impromptu 'hello' turned into almost an hour of playdoh, blocks, and chatting with Maddy.  Fills my heart.

I had rehearsal and Renna had hockey so a quick Moe's was the answer for Taco Tuesday.  It was on Trevor's spring break menu wish list anyway.


Wednesday, Mar. 18th
We were up and out early, spending the day trying to get a handle on Lisa's pain.  We feel like we're one step closer.

Isn't she the cutest?!?!?

As soon as I was home from NY, I had to run to the apartment to meet the gas guy to deal with a no-heat situation, Then rehearsal all evening.

Thursday, Mar. 19th
Filming for Ezra.
We asked Trevor what he wanted for his last meal home.



Friday, Mar. 20th
Fridays with Bo!


After waiting on laundry, Trevor finally hit the road around 5:30.  I followed him to fill his tank before one last goodbye.  Rocco jumped in with Trevor just to get 5 more minutes with him.  I love how close they are.

And then he was off!  The plan was to drive to Pennsylvania to spend a couple nights at a classmate's home before heading back to school.  It was such a sweet time to have him home.  It felt like we got some good family time in and some good one-on-one time, too.  And this goodbye wan't too hard, knowing he'd be back in just one week.

Saturday, Mar. 21st
Also part of Trevor's weekend plan was spending the day with Amanda!!!!  I'm so grateful they have each other!
I spent a good chunk of the day at rehearsal.
Then I snagged Harley for church.



Sunday, Mar. 22nd
This was a long day.  First finance office then home for a short window so I spent some time cleaning my bedroom and closet.  I dropped some donations at Savers on my way to a 2:30-9:30 rehearsal.  Renna had stayed through all the morning services and wanted to stay longer.  Pastor Mitch put her to work and made sure to tell me how helpful she was.  When I went to find her and say hi, I was struck by how poised and grown and mature she looked!
It's a big cast this year!  105 adults and 55 kids.
Rehearsal wrapped up at 8:45, making UConn fans very excited to be able to get home for the game.  The crew was at my house watching. (Rocco's throne!!)

Friday, March 20, 2026

Week 11--Trevor's Spring Break

Monday, Mar. 9th
TREVOR MADE IT HOME for spring break.  He's been gone since Jan. 12th.  He accidentally took the long way home, but he made it!
He showed us his latest work project.  Amazing!
For the hockey team.

Tuesday, Mar. 10th
Round #1 of the State tournament.  We were up against the #2 team.  The whole gang (even Jack) came out for the 0-8 loss.  The end of a very difficult season.  Hopefully the cookies and lunch bags helped morale on the bus ride home.


We gave Trevor the choice of where to stop for dinner- ChickFilA on Taco Tuesday.

Wednesday, Mar. 11th--no picture

Thursday, Mar. 12th
A string of warm days melted most of the snow and made it possible to be outside for my walks again.  So lovely!

Friday, Mar. 13th
Fridays!
Renna's POV

Saturday, Mar. 14th
The church lost power for an hour and a half during a crucial rehearsal.  We rolled with it and made it work without mics and off the stage.
We went to Saturday night service and the 'boys' sat together.  It reminded me of my youth group days when all the teens sat together in a section every service.  I'm not sure why that doesn't happen anymore.

Sunday, Mar. 15th
Long day at church.  I got a crash course on the lighting board and ran cues for the afternoon.  I giggled when I saw the "RIP" when Jesus dies.  I'm confident that was Justin.
Then Renna's birthday dinner.  Thankful to have this guy kickin' around.

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Happy 14th, Renna!

 March 6th  ~  Renna turns 14!

Happy 14th to my hockey-playin’, muffin-bakin’, Needoh-collectin’, nail-designin’, lashes-obsessin’, bedroom-rearrangin’, Auntie-rockin’, sweets-consumin’, dog-lovin’, young lady-becomin’, beautiful Renna Marie!

Her dad got her favorite pink drink and a cake pop.
She got to see her nephew and her niece.




We marveled at the side-by-side from exactly two years ago with babies exactly the same age.

Sienna has skipped school many years to spend the day with Renna, so we snagged her from school early and we started the fun at Renna's choice of Cane's.
Also, for many years she has opened gifts in the back of the car.  Sienna nailed it with her gift.
Trevor was sweet to call his sister.
A quick stop for theater candy and snacks.
I dropped them off and they loved the movie.
Arriving home, we were surprised by Alberto who stopped by with a gift.

Then youth group.  I made sure it was okay with Pastor Mitch to drop off cupcakes for everyone,
Alayna spent the night.


A little over a week later, we did our family dinner at Outback.  For the past few years, we've combined Renna and Maddy for birthday dinner, but this year, it was all for Renna.  It was a bonus to have Trevor join us as he was home for spring break.














What was your favorite gift you received throughout the year?

My Kendra Scott necklace.


What's the last thing you were sad about?

Flunking my math exam- entrance exam for East Catholic.


What makes you happy?

When I'm with my niece and nephew / family.


Are you scared of anything?  

Probably like being left behind.


What do you want to be when you grow up?  

Oof.  Either D2 hockey player or a personal finance person like Nathanael.


Who's the last person you kissed?  

Probably Bauer.


What does Dad do at work all day?

He sells telecoms.  He's like the middle man for companies and sells a lot of tech.


What is something you dislike about yourself?  

My teeth and being skinny.


What is something you do well?  

Athletics, school, and I'm pretty good at friendships.


What is something that really bugs you?  

When somebody will say they have to tell you something but then say "never mind" and walk away.


What is your favorite holiday and why?  Easter, for Easter brunch. 

Specifically Auntie Lisa's ham casserole.


What makes you feel sad?  

Just hearing bad news.


What is the best advice you've ever received? 

Everything that happens in the dark always comes to light.


What is your favorite day of the week?  

Friday.


What makes a happy family?  

Honesty and time together.


What makes a good friend?  

Somebody you can trust and someone who is extroverted and outgoing.


If you could be someone in history who would you be?  

Hillary Knight.


What makes you laugh?  

Sienna and soon-to-be TV-14 shows.


What do you think the world needs now?  

Assurance and I think it needs to just chill out.


Which room is your favorite?  

My room- I like to rearrange it.


What are your nicknames?  

Reena, Raina, Red-Dog


What do you like to do? 

Needohs, I like to eat bacon, play hockey, listen to music, watch TV shows and movies.


What's your favorite:

ice cream?  chocolate peanut butter sauce cookie dough Blizzard

character?  Bingo and Luke from Modern Family

thing to eat?  burnt bacon 

thing to drink?  Dr. Pepper

candy?  freeze-dry Skittles

movie? The Notebook 

show?  Modern Family

color?  maroon 

artist?  Harry Styles

song?  You Stole the Show by Sienna Spiro

snack?  Dots cinnamon and sugar pretzels / double-stuffed Oreos


What's your favorite memory from the past year?

Maine was a really good memory.


What do you want to accomplish in the upcoming year?

Watch TV-14 shows, get a stamp in my passport, start high school, make Mid-Fairfield Stars, and get good grades.


Who are your best friends?  Alayna, Sienna, Mia, Joy, Ally, Emmi

Give me 3 words to describe yourself:  athletic, good-looking, funny

If I were 5 I would...   ...watch Bluey all day.

If I were 40 I would...   ...be a good mom to my children and I would watch all of the RomComs.

I wish I never...   ...let Ezra leave the country.

I'm happiest when...   ...I'm with family / friends.


Tell me what you think of when I say these words:

home: pineapple   ~   love: companionship

bedtime: sleep   ~   school: jail


Renna compared her new birthday book to Maddy's at the same age (14).  A couple of Maddy's answers were shockingly prophetic.

Are you scared of anything?

The chaos going on overseas with all the Muslims.


What do you want to be when you grow up?

A professional dancer and do missionary work.