Monday February 24 Monday ushered us into the vibrant world of
World Changers at Lavretta, where we were swept into the magic and history of
Mardi Gras by the ever-knowledgeable Mrs. Lee. She taught us that to truly
understand people, one must first understand the roots of culture—because it is
culture that shapes every unique people group. And Mardi Gras, with all its
festive chaos and mystery, is a living example of how culture and identity
intertwine.
To glimpse the heart of Mardi Gras, we learned that it’s not
just about the beads and floats—it’s about the secret societies, the hidden
history, and the traditions that go back centuries. Mrs. Lee revealed that the
very essence of Mardi Gras is rooted in Mobile, where it all began in 1703, a
city that holds the honor of hosting the first celebration of its kind. But it
wasn’t until Joe Cain, years later, revived the festivities after the Civil War
that Mardi Gras truly reclaimed its spirit.
We also got a peek into the playful side of this rich tradition as the kids formed their own “rooms”—small groups, and then as a group choosing a king and queen for their celebration. The excitement bubbled up as they began to plan their grand parade, set to roll on Friday, followed by the unforgettable Ball. It was a day filled with stories, creativity, and the reminder that Mardi Gras is more than a party—it's a living, breathing celebration of history, culture, and community.
Tuesday, February 25 With
a broken wrist keeping me a bit sidelined this Mardi Gras, I’m not diving in as
deep as usual. But that’s okay—I've already moved on to decking the halls for
St. Patty’s Day! There’s something about that sea of green that just makes me
giddy. Now, the real fun begins—time to brainstorm all the deliciously festive
foods to serve and make this day extra special!
Wednesday, February Barrett is back on his ballet journey! Though he's tired and sore, every minute of the precision and balance required has been worth it. Now, it's all about easing back into shape—stretching and walking will be the focus for the next few weeks as he regains his strength and grace.
Thursday February 27
Today was all about the kids. At our Optimist Club meeting, we honored
the Student of the Month with a special award and treated everyone to a
delicious lunch. After school, we hosted the Oratorical Contest at St.
Ignatius, where the most precious 6th grader delivered a heartfelt speech on
the power of optimism during tough times. The day wrapped up with Barrett,
Darrin, and me hopping into the car, hunting for the perfect open field to
watch the planets align. It was truly awe-inspiring to witness such a rare and
beautiful event.
Friday February 28 Barrett
took the lead as the grand marshal of the Krewe de Astronauts parade playing
his trumpet, guiding the procession through Lavretta Park. After the parade,
the court was introduced to the parents, and the three "rooms"
showcased their talents, dancing to songs of their choice. Then, in a moment of
pure celebration, Barrett was crowned King, with the Queen, in her stunning
pink gown, gracefully dancing and waving to the crowd.
The festivities didn’t stop there. It was a day filled with joy for the kids. At our Optimist Club meeting, we honored the Student of the Month with a special award and served up a delicious lunch. After school, the Oratorical Contest at St. Ignatius took center stage, where the sweetest 6th grader gave a moving speech on the power of optimism during tough times. The evening wrapped up with Barrett, Darrin, and me chasing down the perfect spot in the car to catch the awe-inspiring sight of the planets aligning in the night sky. It was truly a rare and beautiful experience. Afterward, the entire group gathered for snacks and danced the night away, capping off a day full of memories.
Saturday March 1 The
Joy of Life Mardi Gras parade was a beautiful, heartfelt conclusion to a year
of fundraising efforts, and it truly reflects the compassion and dedication of
everyone involved. Between the golf tournament, the Mardi Gras ball, and the
parade, we are blessed to raise an incredible $200,000 for St. Jude. What’s
even more incredible is the countless hours of love and effort volunteers have
given to bring these events to life—it’s a labor of love that speaks volumes
about the kindness in our community.
But beyond the fundraising, what really fills my heart is that our King, Queen, and court members are all children bravely battling cancer. Each of these events is a chance for these kids to simply be kids, to laugh, dance, and feel celebrated, without the weight of their struggles. It’s a reminder of the power of community, and the difference we can make when we come together with compassion and care. Truly, it’s an honor to be part of something that brings joy, hope, and light to these precious families.
Sunday March 2 Pete's Camellias.
Years ago, Pete gifted me three Camellias, precious blooms
he had received from the Camellia Club here in Mobile. Pete was a one-of-a-kind
soul—eccentric, generous, and unforgettable. Those flowers, with their soft
petals and timeless beauty, felt like a piece of him, quietly thriving in the
garden as a reminder of his spirit.
Camellias, after all, have been cherished for centuries,
their graceful blossoms unfolding with elegance, resilience, and an undeniable
connection to history. These flowers, much like Pete, have stood the test of
time, enduring through seasons and generations, always flourishing in their
quiet, steadfast way.
