This time last year we were driving east to visit my in-laws for the new year. I never would've imagined then that I would be sitting in a different house in a different town, and that my father would not longer be with us. Either of those scenarios is more change than I like in a year, let alone having them both occur this year.
As much as I'm ready to start the new year with much happiness, there is a part of me that doesn't want 2013 to end. One reason is that a very dear friend of the family is expected to pass at any moment, and I don't look forward to starting 2014 in that way. The other is that by moving into 2014, I feel like I am leaving my dad behind. No matter what happens this year, my dad won't be here to be a part of any of it, and that is tough.
I am so grateful that we still have until next week for reality to set back in for my family. I am looking forward to a couple of days of hanging out and down time!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
It was very lovely
In spite of the fact that my father passed away six weeks ago today, I really enjoyed Christmas. I am not at all certain that my mother, grandmother, and sister would agree with my assessment, but having kids helps tremendously. They keep the magic and wonder in the holiday...and keep this mom smiling.
Christmas Eve ended up being almost exactly what I wanted, although there were parts of the day that were tough. Not only did I miss Dad, I was feeling so very alone and a little "lost" in our new town where we really don't know anyone. We went to 3:30 Mass, followed by our annual Chinese food for dinner. After we ate, we drove around neighborhoods in our new town. We loved the fact that in the community park we were able to watch some deer...it was so quiet and there was literally not another vehicle around. When came home, and the kids were able to open their gifts from out-of-town friends, and we gave them the one gift they receive each year from "Mom & Dad"...pajamas! We all curled up on the couch (we recently purchased a new, very large couch) and settled into watch our DVD of "Charlie Brown's Christmas" and the animated "Grinch who Stole Christmas" was on as that ended. I then read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to everyone and Thomas and Catherine especially, were eager to get to bed.
Everyone was up and at 'em about 8:00 on Christmas morning. The kids were very thrilled with their gifts, and Andrew and I also received so many fun presents. We were able to have a somewhat lazy morning before making the 75 minute drive to my sister's house. Our little immediate family exchanged gifts before aunts/uncles/cousins arrived for dinner. It was pretty much bed time by the time we arrived home, and to be honest, I was equally exhausted.
There were definitely times that I missed Dad and tears would start to form, but overall it was nice. I also know that each day and each year will get easier in terms of him being gone, so this was the toughest one.
Today we are trying to get some things taken care of before we head east to visit Andrew's parents, but we just found out before we leave town we get to sign papers to close the sale on the house tomorrow!
Christmas Eve ended up being almost exactly what I wanted, although there were parts of the day that were tough. Not only did I miss Dad, I was feeling so very alone and a little "lost" in our new town where we really don't know anyone. We went to 3:30 Mass, followed by our annual Chinese food for dinner. After we ate, we drove around neighborhoods in our new town. We loved the fact that in the community park we were able to watch some deer...it was so quiet and there was literally not another vehicle around. When came home, and the kids were able to open their gifts from out-of-town friends, and we gave them the one gift they receive each year from "Mom & Dad"...pajamas! We all curled up on the couch (we recently purchased a new, very large couch) and settled into watch our DVD of "Charlie Brown's Christmas" and the animated "Grinch who Stole Christmas" was on as that ended. I then read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to everyone and Thomas and Catherine especially, were eager to get to bed.
Everyone was up and at 'em about 8:00 on Christmas morning. The kids were very thrilled with their gifts, and Andrew and I also received so many fun presents. We were able to have a somewhat lazy morning before making the 75 minute drive to my sister's house. Our little immediate family exchanged gifts before aunts/uncles/cousins arrived for dinner. It was pretty much bed time by the time we arrived home, and to be honest, I was equally exhausted.
There were definitely times that I missed Dad and tears would start to form, but overall it was nice. I also know that each day and each year will get easier in terms of him being gone, so this was the toughest one.
Today we are trying to get some things taken care of before we head east to visit Andrew's parents, but we just found out before we leave town we get to sign papers to close the sale on the house tomorrow!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
All wrapped up
For the first time in probably a decade, every present is wrapped and ready to go. I had to stay up really, really late last night to make that happen, but I am very glad that I did. Andrew was up making a cheesecake for tomorrow's meal at my sister's house, so it isn't like we would've been able to sit and just hang out anyway. I am so very looking forward to our evening tonight when we will both be able to do exactly that!
Christmas Eve
It truly seems unbelievable to me that Christmas Eve is here. This time next week it will be the last day of 2013. As much as I am so very ready to put 2013 behind me, there is also a huge part of me that doesn't want to see it end. There is a part of me that feels like I'm leaving my dad behind by moving on. I know that doesn't make any rational sense, but I also know it's pretty normal.
We started our Christmas on Sunday at my grandmother's house. We had a very nice visit with everyone. My aunt and cousins all live here in our new town (or the next town over), but the 14 of us drove the 75 minutes to my hometown. We understand Grandma wanting to have it at her house, but we have much more room, and it really would make sense for my my sister, mom and grandmother to drive down here in one car instead of the four vehicles it takes for us to go north. Maybe next year!
I think Mom, Grandma, and my sister had a rough day, but I enjoyed the magic of watching my kids enjoy their gifts. It truly is soothing and comforting watching children and the magic of Christmas. Yesterday though, oh yesterday was a tough day. My dad was a very last minute shopper and I remember many phones calls on the 23rd and 24th as he was out searching for the perfect gift. This was especially true once he had grandkids. He loved finding something special that he knew would absolutely delight them.
Today my husband has headed back to my hometown to get pick up something to complete the kids' gifts. Later we are headed to church, and then we are hanging out here at home. We are hoping to watch Charlie Brown and read a few Christmas books. I am so grateful for these amazing children who bring such magic to the holiday!
We started our Christmas on Sunday at my grandmother's house. We had a very nice visit with everyone. My aunt and cousins all live here in our new town (or the next town over), but the 14 of us drove the 75 minutes to my hometown. We understand Grandma wanting to have it at her house, but we have much more room, and it really would make sense for my my sister, mom and grandmother to drive down here in one car instead of the four vehicles it takes for us to go north. Maybe next year!
I think Mom, Grandma, and my sister had a rough day, but I enjoyed the magic of watching my kids enjoy their gifts. It truly is soothing and comforting watching children and the magic of Christmas. Yesterday though, oh yesterday was a tough day. My dad was a very last minute shopper and I remember many phones calls on the 23rd and 24th as he was out searching for the perfect gift. This was especially true once he had grandkids. He loved finding something special that he knew would absolutely delight them.
Today my husband has headed back to my hometown to get pick up something to complete the kids' gifts. Later we are headed to church, and then we are hanging out here at home. We are hoping to watch Charlie Brown and read a few Christmas books. I am so grateful for these amazing children who bring such magic to the holiday!
Friday, December 20, 2013
What we decided about work
Back at the beginning of September, I remember thinking to myself that I couldn't believe I was going to have "four entire months" of being a stay-at-home mom while the kids were at school. I had visions of an amazingly relaxing fall and peace-filled days. Clearly, I was delusional.
In October, I also had a conversation with a friend's mother. She was asking if I had a job here. I explained I would probably go back in January. She mentioned that while everyone talks about being home with the kids when they are little, she feels it is actually more important when they are teens. She had a daughter that was quite a rebellious little thing, and I remember thinking she must know what she's talking about. I didn't though...we weren't really there yet.
Now though, now I get it. I want to be here when the teenagers walk though the door each day. I want them to know that I am here, be it because they need me, need to talk to me, or just so that I'm here and they can't get away with anything.
I really started thinking about this after my father passed away. At that time I was going to talk to Andrew about waiting until February. This has been a tough, tough few months on our family, and I didn't want to add more to our plates. However, after these last couple of weeks with Robert, I changed my mind (and I do not want everyone to be overly concerned...Andrew assures me that he still sees much worse every day from teens, and that part of this is the fact that he is very emotionally immature for his age). I talked to Andrew about staying home for the entire year, and he agreed it might be a good idea. We both know that it means some belt tightening (we can not do a spring break trip and a summer vacation, less eating out, etc.) but since the house sale should be closed within the next few weeks, we can do this. I honestly think this is the best decision for our family!
In October, I also had a conversation with a friend's mother. She was asking if I had a job here. I explained I would probably go back in January. She mentioned that while everyone talks about being home with the kids when they are little, she feels it is actually more important when they are teens. She had a daughter that was quite a rebellious little thing, and I remember thinking she must know what she's talking about. I didn't though...we weren't really there yet.
Now though, now I get it. I want to be here when the teenagers walk though the door each day. I want them to know that I am here, be it because they need me, need to talk to me, or just so that I'm here and they can't get away with anything.
I really started thinking about this after my father passed away. At that time I was going to talk to Andrew about waiting until February. This has been a tough, tough few months on our family, and I didn't want to add more to our plates. However, after these last couple of weeks with Robert, I changed my mind (and I do not want everyone to be overly concerned...Andrew assures me that he still sees much worse every day from teens, and that part of this is the fact that he is very emotionally immature for his age). I talked to Andrew about staying home for the entire year, and he agreed it might be a good idea. We both know that it means some belt tightening (we can not do a spring break trip and a summer vacation, less eating out, etc.) but since the house sale should be closed within the next few weeks, we can do this. I honestly think this is the best decision for our family!
We are on Winter break!
We are all so excited that today is the first day of break...well, almost "all". Andrew still has to work today, but only expects to be there a half day. This family could use some serious down time!
I have never in my life referred to this as "winter" break before. In my childhood hometown and the town from which we just moved it was clearly a "Christmas" break. This town though, is much more diverse and I am grateful that my children experience that.
Sunday begins our official family Christmas celebrations. I am so ready for the holidays!
I have never in my life referred to this as "winter" break before. In my childhood hometown and the town from which we just moved it was clearly a "Christmas" break. This town though, is much more diverse and I am grateful that my children experience that.
Sunday begins our official family Christmas celebrations. I am so ready for the holidays!
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Helluva day
Yesterday was a day, that no matter how much we might like, we aren't going to forget anytime soon. I shall recap.
My day started with catching Robert in a lie. This, sadly, is absolutely nothing new. It has become extreme...lying is more natural to him than telling the truth, and as a parent that scares me. As the day progressed and I was doing some digging into his lie, I found even more deceptions. I called Andrew to ask him if he would make sure he was here when Robert got off the bus so we could discuss it with him together. While I was on the phone with Andrew, I received a call from the realtor that while closing was originally supposed to be yesterday, the loan processing had hit a snag. Remember when I said this particular offer carried more risk? Yepper. Fortunately, this snag is able to over come, but it is delaying the process and is also going to cost us about $1000.
As Andrew walked in the door yesterday, he was on his cell phone with his dad. Andrew's mother had been taken to the local hospital and was being admitted for severe abdominal pain. The "good news" is that she was only a few rooms away from Andrew's brother who has been in the hospital over a month recovering and rehabbing from a stroke he suffered the day after my father passed away. It paralyzed the left side of his body, but fortunately he is making progress. It appears as though my mother-in-law is suffering from a severe kidney infection which required them to go in and attempt to drain the infection, and she also has a kidney stone.
When Robert arrived home, we had a talk, and I honestly felt the situation went as well as it could be expected as that point. He basically understands that we simply have zero tolerance for lying, and he has to figure out a way to start telling the truth. He also understands that he has a long road to go in building trust with us again.
I made a quick dinner of spaghetti because we had some other issues to deal with. I really wanted to do laundry, especially since Thomas had been sick (he stayed home from school yesterday), but our washer had stopped working Friday. I called the people who had been out to repair it Friday (they fixed it, but after two loads Friday evening it stopped working again) and they gave me some suggestions I might try that wouldn't require them coming out again. Andrew started to disconnect the hoses right before dinner, during which Catherine had such a tantrum over being asked to feed the cats that she picked up her stoneware dinner plate of spaghetti and through it across the room, smashing it in to many pieces, but fortunately not hurting anyone or anything else. We informed her that she was going to clean it up which included mopping the floor, and this sent her spiraling into a further tantrum. She did this often as a child, but we rarely see this behavior anymore. Because we were so focused on dealing with that, Andrew forgot about the washing machine. This would not have been a big deal except that when he went back it after we put the kids to bed, we realized that the water to the hoses had not been turned completely off, and therefore we now had standing water in the laundry room. Awesome. We started cleaning that up and I crawled back behind the washer in an attempt to implement some of the suggestions we were given to fix the washer. As I was there, I noticed that I heard dripping in the sunroom. Andrew went to investigate, and sure enough, it seems as though we had an ice jam and water was leaking into the sunroom through the door. We had another little flood in there. Fortunately the room has a tiled floor, but we still had things to clean up in there as well...and we still hadn't finished the laundry room! Andrew went up on the roof to try to clear and clean things (at 9:30!), and I stayed inside to work on clean up.
It was nearly 11:00 when Andrew and I finally sat down last evening to relax with a glass of wine. We both agreed it was a VERY long and trying day, but we also know that most of this was short term stress and that overall life is still pretty good. Still, given the way things had gone, it seemed only fitting that Andrew broke a wine glass as he was turning off the lights in the family room to go to bed!
My day started with catching Robert in a lie. This, sadly, is absolutely nothing new. It has become extreme...lying is more natural to him than telling the truth, and as a parent that scares me. As the day progressed and I was doing some digging into his lie, I found even more deceptions. I called Andrew to ask him if he would make sure he was here when Robert got off the bus so we could discuss it with him together. While I was on the phone with Andrew, I received a call from the realtor that while closing was originally supposed to be yesterday, the loan processing had hit a snag. Remember when I said this particular offer carried more risk? Yepper. Fortunately, this snag is able to over come, but it is delaying the process and is also going to cost us about $1000.
As Andrew walked in the door yesterday, he was on his cell phone with his dad. Andrew's mother had been taken to the local hospital and was being admitted for severe abdominal pain. The "good news" is that she was only a few rooms away from Andrew's brother who has been in the hospital over a month recovering and rehabbing from a stroke he suffered the day after my father passed away. It paralyzed the left side of his body, but fortunately he is making progress. It appears as though my mother-in-law is suffering from a severe kidney infection which required them to go in and attempt to drain the infection, and she also has a kidney stone.
When Robert arrived home, we had a talk, and I honestly felt the situation went as well as it could be expected as that point. He basically understands that we simply have zero tolerance for lying, and he has to figure out a way to start telling the truth. He also understands that he has a long road to go in building trust with us again.
I made a quick dinner of spaghetti because we had some other issues to deal with. I really wanted to do laundry, especially since Thomas had been sick (he stayed home from school yesterday), but our washer had stopped working Friday. I called the people who had been out to repair it Friday (they fixed it, but after two loads Friday evening it stopped working again) and they gave me some suggestions I might try that wouldn't require them coming out again. Andrew started to disconnect the hoses right before dinner, during which Catherine had such a tantrum over being asked to feed the cats that she picked up her stoneware dinner plate of spaghetti and through it across the room, smashing it in to many pieces, but fortunately not hurting anyone or anything else. We informed her that she was going to clean it up which included mopping the floor, and this sent her spiraling into a further tantrum. She did this often as a child, but we rarely see this behavior anymore. Because we were so focused on dealing with that, Andrew forgot about the washing machine. This would not have been a big deal except that when he went back it after we put the kids to bed, we realized that the water to the hoses had not been turned completely off, and therefore we now had standing water in the laundry room. Awesome. We started cleaning that up and I crawled back behind the washer in an attempt to implement some of the suggestions we were given to fix the washer. As I was there, I noticed that I heard dripping in the sunroom. Andrew went to investigate, and sure enough, it seems as though we had an ice jam and water was leaking into the sunroom through the door. We had another little flood in there. Fortunately the room has a tiled floor, but we still had things to clean up in there as well...and we still hadn't finished the laundry room! Andrew went up on the roof to try to clear and clean things (at 9:30!), and I stayed inside to work on clean up.
It was nearly 11:00 when Andrew and I finally sat down last evening to relax with a glass of wine. We both agreed it was a VERY long and trying day, but we also know that most of this was short term stress and that overall life is still pretty good. Still, given the way things had gone, it seemed only fitting that Andrew broke a wine glass as he was turning off the lights in the family room to go to bed!
Monday, December 16, 2013
Yet another snow day
This is the first time I can ever remember using three snow days before Winter has even had its official beginning! Andrew had mentioned last night he thought there might be a delay, and that was the first call. They waited as long as they possibly could to decide to close, but that was the final verdict. It appears as though it was a good idea too, based on the roads.
I'm very grateful it worked out that the schools are closed. Thomas is a sick little guy. He has an absolutely horrible cough and has vomited twice. I am pretty sure that the vomiting is due to phlegm and gagging from the cough. He is currently resting comfortably on the couch watching TV and sipping some liquids. I am glad that he is able to stay home and just "be" today. Because of the school policy it is very difficult to keep a child home without a doctor note, but I am not a person who rushes to the doctor at the first sign of an issue, especially when it is starting as a cold. Just grateful that I didn't have to make that decision!
I'm very grateful it worked out that the schools are closed. Thomas is a sick little guy. He has an absolutely horrible cough and has vomited twice. I am pretty sure that the vomiting is due to phlegm and gagging from the cough. He is currently resting comfortably on the couch watching TV and sipping some liquids. I am glad that he is able to stay home and just "be" today. Because of the school policy it is very difficult to keep a child home without a doctor note, but I am not a person who rushes to the doctor at the first sign of an issue, especially when it is starting as a cold. Just grateful that I didn't have to make that decision!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
There just seem to be so many
The evening that my father passed away, Mom's very dear friend, Deb, was with her almost instantaneously. She was at the house for hours with my mom that evening, and took over answering phone calls and helped to notify other friends and family. Today, she lost another dear friend. My mom's life long best friend, Marilyn, rushed in to be with my mother when Deb called her. Marilyn and her husband John took care of so many things for my family over that weekend. Marilyn's mother is currently in the hospital (in her 80's) battling pneumonia and struggling. In addition, the weekend after my father passed, Marilyn's daughter Sarah stood with her best friend as they buried the best friend's father. Sarah refers to us as her "other family", and dealing with both the death of my father and her best friend's father was so tough on her...now she prays (as we all do) for her grandmother.
And of course, there is also my dad's "other family"...the Allen family with whom he worked for over 30 years. He was a second father to the kids, and just six weeks after they buried their own father they mourned my dad as well.
It just seems as though so many who mourned and grieved with us, and supported us day and night, keep hurting. It just seems as though there are so many hurting...so much hurt going around at the holidays just doesn't seem right.
And of course, there is also my dad's "other family"...the Allen family with whom he worked for over 30 years. He was a second father to the kids, and just six weeks after they buried their own father they mourned my dad as well.
It just seems as though so many who mourned and grieved with us, and supported us day and night, keep hurting. It just seems as though there are so many hurting...so much hurt going around at the holidays just doesn't seem right.
Random Wednesday thoughts
Everyone is back at school again today, although it is early release day. I, as always, should be productive, and yet here, again, I sit on the computer. It is called denial...and I am currently okay with it.
Our washing machine has stopped working. This in itself is a pain, but the stoppage occurred with a leak...or more like a gushing as the entire drum of water ended up all over our laundry room floor. Not good! The service man is coming out on Friday. We should be able to hold out on laundry until then, and if for some reason we can not, the students are leaving town this week so the laundry mat should be less crowded. There is also my aunt's house if I get really desperate.
I currently have the TV on the other room...to some children's cartoon that Thomas was watching before we caught the bus (and man is it COLD out there!). Normally I prefer silence, but today I find goofy little voices to be comforting. Ever since my dad died, my mother has had the TV on and her days seem to consist of NCIS marathons. She isn't watching them, but she enjoys the noise in the house. It was also my dad's favorite show, and I think it's what she's used to hearing during the days.
Two weeks from today is Christmas. For the most part, I am ready, but I have just a few more gifts that need to be purchased. I had thought about venturing out today, but clearly it is going to be an on-line day if anything at all. And tomorrow will be colder so I definitely won't be going out tomorrow. It will all work out...I refuse to allow myself to worry about it.
I am so grateful that Andrew's commute is now only ten minutes. It is one less thing for me to worry about, and these days I just seem full in the worry and stress department
Our washing machine has stopped working. This in itself is a pain, but the stoppage occurred with a leak...or more like a gushing as the entire drum of water ended up all over our laundry room floor. Not good! The service man is coming out on Friday. We should be able to hold out on laundry until then, and if for some reason we can not, the students are leaving town this week so the laundry mat should be less crowded. There is also my aunt's house if I get really desperate.
I currently have the TV on the other room...to some children's cartoon that Thomas was watching before we caught the bus (and man is it COLD out there!). Normally I prefer silence, but today I find goofy little voices to be comforting. Ever since my dad died, my mother has had the TV on and her days seem to consist of NCIS marathons. She isn't watching them, but she enjoys the noise in the house. It was also my dad's favorite show, and I think it's what she's used to hearing during the days.
Two weeks from today is Christmas. For the most part, I am ready, but I have just a few more gifts that need to be purchased. I had thought about venturing out today, but clearly it is going to be an on-line day if anything at all. And tomorrow will be colder so I definitely won't be going out tomorrow. It will all work out...I refuse to allow myself to worry about it.
I am so grateful that Andrew's commute is now only ten minutes. It is one less thing for me to worry about, and these days I just seem full in the worry and stress department
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
A very unexpected snow day
We are all home again today. Apparently Andrew and I need to learn to pay more attention to the weather because we were rather stunned. We aren't complaining though...as we've said before...snow days are like having the gift of time!
I really should be productive, but to be totally honest, I tend to be much more productive with an empty house. Laundry, however, is not optional today so I better get started!
I really should be productive, but to be totally honest, I tend to be much more productive with an empty house. Laundry, however, is not optional today so I better get started!
Monday, December 9, 2013
Feeling blessed...and praying
I have been doing lots of extra praying right now. I know that God never gives you more than you can handle, but I just don't feel that I (or several people I know and love) have a lot of extra emotional reserve right now.
Early last week the mother of one of our very dear family friends entered the hospital. At first it didn't seem to be a big deal, but by Wednesday she was diagnosed with pneumonia and transferred to the ICU. She seemed to be progressing, little by little, and we were grateful for any progress regardless of how little. Yesterday though, wasn't as good, and I'm a little worried. Not only is it the holiday season, but losing my Dad was so hard on all of them, especially since it was the second dear friend they lost that week. I can't imagine losing Granny right now as well.
I've just learned about another family member though. My (paternal) grandmother's sister was admitted to the hospital yesterday with congestive heart failure and fluid in the lungs. I understand that she is 86 and has lived a good life. However, my grandmother just buried her son three weeks ago (which no mother should have to endure). She should not have to suffer another great loss so soon, and again, not here at the holidays.
While praying for these extended family members, I've also felt so very blessed, and extremely grateful. While I miss my dad a lot, I'm also so very grateful that he is no longer suffering, and I'm grateful that he passed peacefully. I am grateful that experiences over our lives allowed he and I to have conversations that helped me to know how he would want us to live on, and I'm grateful to know that we were absolutely loved unconditionally. Our move has been so beneficial for the kids (even if tough on me, it's been very good for Andrew & the kids, and I am grateful for that), and our new home provides many advantages over our old one. I am truly amazed at how things have come together over the last six months, and it has strengthened my faith tremendously. I have no doubt that we are exactly where we are supposed to be, and I'm grateful for that feeling of peace.
Counting today, only nine more school days until Christmas break. Goodness, it's all gone so very fast!
Early last week the mother of one of our very dear family friends entered the hospital. At first it didn't seem to be a big deal, but by Wednesday she was diagnosed with pneumonia and transferred to the ICU. She seemed to be progressing, little by little, and we were grateful for any progress regardless of how little. Yesterday though, wasn't as good, and I'm a little worried. Not only is it the holiday season, but losing my Dad was so hard on all of them, especially since it was the second dear friend they lost that week. I can't imagine losing Granny right now as well.
I've just learned about another family member though. My (paternal) grandmother's sister was admitted to the hospital yesterday with congestive heart failure and fluid in the lungs. I understand that she is 86 and has lived a good life. However, my grandmother just buried her son three weeks ago (which no mother should have to endure). She should not have to suffer another great loss so soon, and again, not here at the holidays.
While praying for these extended family members, I've also felt so very blessed, and extremely grateful. While I miss my dad a lot, I'm also so very grateful that he is no longer suffering, and I'm grateful that he passed peacefully. I am grateful that experiences over our lives allowed he and I to have conversations that helped me to know how he would want us to live on, and I'm grateful to know that we were absolutely loved unconditionally. Our move has been so beneficial for the kids (even if tough on me, it's been very good for Andrew & the kids, and I am grateful for that), and our new home provides many advantages over our old one. I am truly amazed at how things have come together over the last six months, and it has strengthened my faith tremendously. I have no doubt that we are exactly where we are supposed to be, and I'm grateful for that feeling of peace.
Counting today, only nine more school days until Christmas break. Goodness, it's all gone so very fast!
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Five years of blogging
Five years ago today I began this blog. I love that there are so many fun little memories recorded here. It's fun to look back and read them.
Friday was a fun day in this house. We were the "big winners" according to the local news with 7" of snow. The kids played outside for hours. I wish I had taken some pics of them having so much fun.
We found out this week that our buyer's loan has been approved. We had a few things still at the old house so we borrowed my uncle's truck and made the trip over. We got almost everything out, and I'm confidant it will work out in the next nine days to go get the rest, although it won't be today as it is flurrying again and we are all going to stay home.
I am pretty sure that life if feeling as peaceful as it possibly can right now!
Friday was a fun day in this house. We were the "big winners" according to the local news with 7" of snow. The kids played outside for hours. I wish I had taken some pics of them having so much fun.
We found out this week that our buyer's loan has been approved. We had a few things still at the old house so we borrowed my uncle's truck and made the trip over. We got almost everything out, and I'm confidant it will work out in the next nine days to go get the rest, although it won't be today as it is flurrying again and we are all going to stay home.
I am pretty sure that life if feeling as peaceful as it possibly can right now!
Friday, December 6, 2013
Our first snowday in this house
At 5:00 the phone call came that there would be no school today. I was very pleased! It actually wasn't that bad at that time, but it was supposed to get much worse as the day progressed. Even trying to get a day in and having the kids go home on a two hour early release would mean Thomas was on the bus until at least 2:30. Based on the conditions now, still four hours prior, I am very grateful that everyone is home! The snow is really starting to pick up, and I will admit, this is one of the nicer things about not living in town...it is very pretty here!
The downside, of course, to not living in town is that we can no long walk to the nearby diner for breakfast on snow day. Andrew is hoping to make pancakes, but honestly, no one is really in a hurry to start the day. I can't blame them. The nice thing about a snow day on Friday is that it leads right into the weekend!
The downside, of course, to not living in town is that we can no long walk to the nearby diner for breakfast on snow day. Andrew is hoping to make pancakes, but honestly, no one is really in a hurry to start the day. I can't blame them. The nice thing about a snow day on Friday is that it leads right into the weekend!
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Waiting for the storm
We are under a winter storm warning here...the first of the season! We are forecasted to receive anywhere from 1 to 12 inches of snow. You read that correctly...that is exactly what the local meteorologist told us at the 5:00 news! It all boils down to at what point the freezing rain/sleet turns over to snow. Regardless, I am optimistic there will be a snow day tomorrow. My family could certainly used some unscheduled down time.
I went and visited my mom again today. I am trying to make sure that I see her once a week or so. She is an incredibly strong person, and I know that she is surrounded by friends and family, all of whom are very supportive. But I want her to know that I'm here too, and I am enjoying sharing memories of Dad.
I think we both had a bit of a rough day. She is mired in the chores/errands that are required in terms of delivering death certificates, etc. I just sometimes don't know how I'm supposed to feel about things. I visited the cemetery, and was somewhat sorry that I did. My faith tells me that my Dad isn't really there, and yet the thought that he was buried under that pile of dirt made me want to vomit. I think it will be easier as grass grows over it and time has passed.
Since we've known this storm is coming, I got LOTS of Christmas shopping done this week. I am almost completely done and am looking forward to moving onto wrapping and enjoying the season!
I went and visited my mom again today. I am trying to make sure that I see her once a week or so. She is an incredibly strong person, and I know that she is surrounded by friends and family, all of whom are very supportive. But I want her to know that I'm here too, and I am enjoying sharing memories of Dad.
I think we both had a bit of a rough day. She is mired in the chores/errands that are required in terms of delivering death certificates, etc. I just sometimes don't know how I'm supposed to feel about things. I visited the cemetery, and was somewhat sorry that I did. My faith tells me that my Dad isn't really there, and yet the thought that he was buried under that pile of dirt made me want to vomit. I think it will be easier as grass grows over it and time has passed.
Since we've known this storm is coming, I got LOTS of Christmas shopping done this week. I am almost completely done and am looking forward to moving onto wrapping and enjoying the season!
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Weekend family fun
We had a very nice weekend here. Friday after my in-laws left my husband spent hours getting an antique toy Lionel train to work. He was finally successful (after three trips to a hobby store) and we got the trees put up that evening. With my horrible head cold, that was all I could manage and we called it an early evening...until we realized Garth Brooks was on TV. He is pretty much my all-time favorite singer! The kids stayed up with us and we all sat and watched the show...I loved sharing it with them.
Yesterday was our favorite football game of the year...Ohio State vs. Michigan. We expected a blow-out and got exactly the opposite. OSU won a one point game when Michigan elected to go for the win on a two point conversion at the end and didn't make it. I thought that was a great finish until I was watching the end of the Auburn vs. Alabama game. HOLY SH*T! As OSU fans we are almost as happy as Auburn fans! The BCS just got interesting!!!
Today Andrew is leaving for school trip. I was livid when I realized (just last weekend) that it was this weekend. Who takes people away from their families at the end of the holiday? I always thought it was bad enough that they did it in December, but this is ridiculous. The fact that there was a miscommunication and didn't learn until last week that it was this weekend made it tremendously much worse. As I've explained to Andrew, there just isn't a lot of leeway in my emotions. I'm not constantly sad, but I just don't have a lot of emotional stamina to deal with other things. He's been gone 45 minutes and I'm ready for him to come home.
My cold is better, and the house is mostly decorated. Time to start putting stuff away and getting back to reality of school days!
Yesterday was our favorite football game of the year...Ohio State vs. Michigan. We expected a blow-out and got exactly the opposite. OSU won a one point game when Michigan elected to go for the win on a two point conversion at the end and didn't make it. I thought that was a great finish until I was watching the end of the Auburn vs. Alabama game. HOLY SH*T! As OSU fans we are almost as happy as Auburn fans! The BCS just got interesting!!!
Today Andrew is leaving for school trip. I was livid when I realized (just last weekend) that it was this weekend. Who takes people away from their families at the end of the holiday? I always thought it was bad enough that they did it in December, but this is ridiculous. The fact that there was a miscommunication and didn't learn until last week that it was this weekend made it tremendously much worse. As I've explained to Andrew, there just isn't a lot of leeway in my emotions. I'm not constantly sad, but I just don't have a lot of emotional stamina to deal with other things. He's been gone 45 minutes and I'm ready for him to come home.
My cold is better, and the house is mostly decorated. Time to start putting stuff away and getting back to reality of school days!
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