Choir Concert

After speech meet is complete, we head into the season of concerts and shows. Both girls had leadership roles for the choir concert this spring. Analise did a quartet with Fiona and two seventh graders to a song from "Neverending Story."

Emma did a duet with Lilynn called "Gratitude." Both girls had to try out for their parts. It was nice to see them stepping out and sharing their talents with others.

Emma's group also did a song from the Greatest Showman and the full 3-8th grade group finished the night off with "When You Believe" from the Prince of Egypt.

St. Thomas Track Meet

This must just be Emma's week for first place wins. At the track meet she came in 1st for the 800 m and she worked as the anchor for her teams 4x400 race. The team was in sixth but Emma got them up to third in the last leg of the relay. The weather was a bit chilly but the sun came out later in the day. It was fun to see St. Thomas Academy and Visitation where Analise's friend Ellie will be going next year. Way to go Emma!

Speech Meet and the Winner Is...

This year Analise presented The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde to her 6th grade class and Emma presented "Just Say No to Drugs" by Nancy Raegan to her 8th grade group. Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Mark were there to cheer the girls on. They said that both girls spoke clearly, used good expression and had impressive stage presence. We are very proud of their efforts. What both girls love most about speech meet is when it is over.

Here is Analise with her friends Ella, Fiona, Tessa and Ellie. Every single one of them did a great job presenting!

Here is Emma and her friend group. This is one of the last times they will all be together in school. Nevaeh will be going to Heritage School next year, Lily will be off to Mahtomedi and Emma will be joining St. Croix Prep. Lilynn will have to keep them in the loop as to what is happening at Liberty.

This year Emma got first place for the eighth grade group. Grandma and Grandpa made another special trip to see the award ceremony. As usual, grandma got some good photos.

This was the full school photo of the winners. In Emma's group, Emma took first, Sawyer was 2nd and Olivia was 3rd.

Both Emma and her good friend Lily got first place this year. They were excited to stand up in front of the school together.

Emma's Confirmation

On April 20th, Emma was confirmed at the Cathedral of St. Paul. She was part of a group of 190 confirmants from 8 different parishes in the area.

Emma chose St. Therese as her confirmation saint. As a result, we took many of our pictures at St. Therese's spot behind the altar in the cathedral.

Carolyn, Emma's sponsor, is a parishoner at the cathedral and new the location well. She helped us find good spots for photos, bathrooms before everyone else found them and good parking spots.

Grandma Kathy, Grandpa Mark, Aunt Joan (Erin's Godmother) and Uncle Don attended the service as well as Emma's mentor, Theresa. It was great to see everyone able to come and support Emma at this pivital time in her life. Lots of big decisions will need to be made by her in the next few years.

We got pictures with my dad and mom at the St. Mark statue. The statue reminds me of my dad in terms of his faith. He won't let anything get between Him and God. He also helped pass the faith onto me and my girls as well.

Emma received her second name tonight and her soul is now connected to the group of souls related to St. Therese. As Catholics we believe that God gives us two names. One at our baptism and one at our confirmation. Emma's name comes from Emmanuel meaning God with us. She received this at her baptism. Her confirmation name, Therese means seeking to find God in the ordinary "daily grind" of life, focusing on humility over personal glory.

Bishop Kenny was in charge of leading the sacramental event. He had a great homily where he told the confirmants that this is just the beginning. They have received the gifts of the spirit tonight but it is their job to pray and ask God how He wants the spirit to be working within them. We hope that Emma will be guided in her vocation here on earth and that she can find a path that leads to great service of others.

Lots of big decisions will need to be made by Emma in the next few years. We hope that the spirit helps to guide her and that she impacts many people throughout her life with her "little acts of love" just like St. Therese.

The Joy of Easter

Easter allowed us time to slow down and just enjoy the moment. It was a quiet, peaceful day. The weather was nice for walking and playing outside. Grandma and Grandpa Walczynski visited. We had an egg bake, sweet potatoes and fruit. The girls wore their new sandals to church even though it was still a bit cold. Only a few more weeks until Emma's confirmation at the cathedral.

Library Gallery Walk

We walked around the library looking at local artists' works on display. Emma was a part of the art scene this year with her drawing of St. Therese. We are thankful that the library offered the ability to show off hard work and talent present in the local community. Artwork will be on display for the month of April.

Basketball Team is Going to State

What happens when you go to a small school and your basketball team makes it to state finals? Your whole school goes wild. Today Emma and Ani had a pep rally. Somehow Emma's friends braided her hair and she got some nice face painting done as well. So much for the learning at the end of the day. We hope they had fun getting in the spirit and that the team does well.