Polar vortex (that is the legitimate meteorologic term) round two has hit us. We really haven't had much snow since Saturday (Sunday was a surprise "break" in the ridiculous pattern) but temps started falling (plummeting) yesterday. It literally was 35 degrees colder yesterday afternoon then Sunday afternoon. Because wind chills were forecasted to be in the -30 range, we were pretty sure there would be no school today...and sure enough we got the call around 7:00 last evening.
We've all worked out on the wii and are keeping a close eye on the forecast for this week. Should be school the rest of the week, although tomorrow might very well be a delay. Thomas was supposed to begin his foreign language classes today and the basketball team from our old community was supposed to be coming here to play, but none of that is happening. Instead, we are staying warm with good books and will be having quiche for dinner this evening...a nice HOT meal! And as a friend pointed out in the comments of my last post, every day brings us closer to SPRING training for major league baseball. SPRING...it will happen!
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Friday, January 24, 2014
Winter has to end eventually...right?
After being off Monday for MLK, Jr. day and having the schools closed Tuesday due to the timing of the two or so inches we received, we never did make it to school on time this week. Oh no, my family wasn't running late, it's just been THAT cold. The wind chill has been in the single digits and below zero pretty much all week, so there has been a two-hour delay every day. Must say, we are all enjoying sleeping in! Wednesday evening when I ventured back from the wrestling meet we also received another inch and then probably another inch overnight, but enough to do any more than delay Thursday. It is so cold outside it is literally almost painful.
But winter doesn't last forever right? It does if you look at the forecast! This weekend we might have one day that gets above freezing (Sunday) but we are expected to receive another two to four inches of snow tonight into tomorrow morning, and then starting mid-day Sunday temps are going to plummet again so that the lows overnight are below zero...not counting windchill. I LOVE winter weather, and honestly it really plays into my true nature of being an introvert by justifying my wanting to be home so much...but this is becoming ridiculous!!!!!
I am beginning to feel as though I am living one of my favorite children's books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The Long Winter tells (I believe) of their first winter in DeSmet, SD and how they had blizzard after blizzard...starting in October and lasting until April. I am planning to re-read it on our next snow day to remind myself that it could be worse!
But winter doesn't last forever right? It does if you look at the forecast! This weekend we might have one day that gets above freezing (Sunday) but we are expected to receive another two to four inches of snow tonight into tomorrow morning, and then starting mid-day Sunday temps are going to plummet again so that the lows overnight are below zero...not counting windchill. I LOVE winter weather, and honestly it really plays into my true nature of being an introvert by justifying my wanting to be home so much...but this is becoming ridiculous!!!!!
I am beginning to feel as though I am living one of my favorite children's books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The Long Winter tells (I believe) of their first winter in DeSmet, SD and how they had blizzard after blizzard...starting in October and lasting until April. I am planning to re-read it on our next snow day to remind myself that it could be worse!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Friendly familar faces
Tuesday evening I had received a message that the jr. high wrestling team where we used to live was coming to our new town for a meet. I was SO EXCITED! I looked forward to it literally all day, and I don't even overly like wrestling. But I was so excited to be able to go and see people I know who know me! That probably sounds a little ridiculous, but as I looked at the crowd from the "home" team, I literally knew not one single person...not the coaches, none of the parents, none of the wrestlers. Yet on the visiting side, I could name every wrestler, the coach was our former neighbor, and I got to sit and visit with the parents...people I used to see frequently. It was so fabulous to be able to do so.
When I came home and told Andrew about it, I began to cry. I didn't want to, but I did. It was just so nice to be known and recognized again...everyone needs that. I know that it will eventually happen here as well. I've become involved in band boosters, and eventually we will meet people through our kids and hopefully once we settle on a church that will also help. Andrew felt so badly last night about me crying, and I reassured him that I was still glad we made this move. I have never once questioned that this was the best decision for our family as a whole, and I know that eventually I will feel comfortable again. In the meantime, it was such an absolute treat to be able to see friendly familiar faces last evening!
When I came home and told Andrew about it, I began to cry. I didn't want to, but I did. It was just so nice to be known and recognized again...everyone needs that. I know that it will eventually happen here as well. I've become involved in band boosters, and eventually we will meet people through our kids and hopefully once we settle on a church that will also help. Andrew felt so badly last night about me crying, and I reassured him that I was still glad we made this move. I have never once questioned that this was the best decision for our family as a whole, and I know that eventually I will feel comfortable again. In the meantime, it was such an absolute treat to be able to see friendly familiar faces last evening!
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Yet another snow day
We are home with yet another day off of school. This is really beginning to get a little ridiculous...and we are only a month into the "official" season of winter! This one actually isn't that much snow, but it fell at EXACTLY the time needed to create a day off of school.
Of course everyone was off yesterday for Martin Luther King, Jr. day, so we are all on day four of being home together. The hard part about this snow is that the temps are in the single digits (and going to be getting colder) so the kids can't even get outside and enjoy the snow. We are all STUCK inside for another day. This is also our last "free" snow day of the year before we have to start making them up. Fortunately we are scheduled to be out in May anyway, so regardless of how many more we take we shouldn't have to go too far into June.
Maybe some board games and cooking baking in our future today? I know that our day will include some praying. I've just learned my grandmother's sister has been rushed to the e/r with stroke symptoms. I adore Aunt Margie, and she and my grandmother are so much alike. In fact, their birthdays are only two days apart with Aunt Margie being four years older...she just turned 87 two weeks ago. They lost their brother nearly 20 years ago, and both have lost their husbands. I just can't stand the thought that Grandma should have to grieve again so soon after losing her son so recently.
Of course everyone was off yesterday for Martin Luther King, Jr. day, so we are all on day four of being home together. The hard part about this snow is that the temps are in the single digits (and going to be getting colder) so the kids can't even get outside and enjoy the snow. We are all STUCK inside for another day. This is also our last "free" snow day of the year before we have to start making them up. Fortunately we are scheduled to be out in May anyway, so regardless of how many more we take we shouldn't have to go too far into June.
Maybe some board games and cooking baking in our future today? I know that our day will include some praying. I've just learned my grandmother's sister has been rushed to the e/r with stroke symptoms. I adore Aunt Margie, and she and my grandmother are so much alike. In fact, their birthdays are only two days apart with Aunt Margie being four years older...she just turned 87 two weeks ago. They lost their brother nearly 20 years ago, and both have lost their husbands. I just can't stand the thought that Grandma should have to grieve again so soon after losing her son so recently.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Basketball has begun
Last week Catherine was able to play in her first basketball game of the season. She has a fabulous coach, and we could not be more thrilled with the experience she is having. She did fine, although it was evident that she was playing in her first game of the season.
Yesterday Thomas had his first game. There are nine kids on the team so each child only gets to play about half the game. There is a child on his team that is a phenomenal player and scored 25 of the teams 40 points. I didn't even think it was possible for kids to score that many points at this age. This kid is so impressive...and then there is Thomas. He was out there playing his position and trying to stay on top of his defense stance, and when the ball was passed to him...he ducked. A chuckle could be heard throughout the room. My, oh my.
Catherine then followed with her second game, and she played well....she even managed to score yesterday. The thing that amused me the most was the way each child attempted to coach the other after the game. It's nice to see them being supportive, but it is also a little comical in the way they handle it! While basketball is not my favorite sport generally speaking, it is definitely my favorite one to watch my kids play!
Yesterday Thomas had his first game. There are nine kids on the team so each child only gets to play about half the game. There is a child on his team that is a phenomenal player and scored 25 of the teams 40 points. I didn't even think it was possible for kids to score that many points at this age. This kid is so impressive...and then there is Thomas. He was out there playing his position and trying to stay on top of his defense stance, and when the ball was passed to him...he ducked. A chuckle could be heard throughout the room. My, oh my.
Catherine then followed with her second game, and she played well....she even managed to score yesterday. The thing that amused me the most was the way each child attempted to coach the other after the game. It's nice to see them being supportive, but it is also a little comical in the way they handle it! While basketball is not my favorite sport generally speaking, it is definitely my favorite one to watch my kids play!
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Date night!
Andrew and I had a much needed date night last evening. We realized it had been since Labor Day weekend that we had done that, and I'm so glad we took the time to do so...especially since the college kids come back in a week and it will be crazier uptown again.
We sat and talked and laughed and I even learned some things about him that I didn't know...hard to believe after all of these years of marriage! After dinner we ventured to the grocery and purchased a couple of bottles of wine, and came home to fall asleep. That's right! We are such exciting people that we were in bed sound asleep by 10PM! Maybe a bottle of wine will be shared tonight...maybe not, but we really enjoyed our time together last evening!
We sat and talked and laughed and I even learned some things about him that I didn't know...hard to believe after all of these years of marriage! After dinner we ventured to the grocery and purchased a couple of bottles of wine, and came home to fall asleep. That's right! We are such exciting people that we were in bed sound asleep by 10PM! Maybe a bottle of wine will be shared tonight...maybe not, but we really enjoyed our time together last evening!
Friday, January 17, 2014
It all hit me
Last night, I was sad. Really, really sad. I cried and cried. I cried more last evening than I did the evening my dad passed away. I think it was nine weeks of tears built up that finally just came out. It didn't help that it was a Thursday evening which is when Dad passed, nor did it help that I was edgy because Andrew had taken Thomas to scouts in our old town and the roads were bad. Normally we would just consider not going, but last evening was Andrew's turn to run the meeting so off they went.
I've really been pretty okay for the most part. I have my kids and Andrew to distract me and keep me busy (and oh my, have I been distracted...the stories I could tell of some of the things I've done! But perhaps that is another post). My father's passing was not a tragedy, and I refuse to allow anyone to say otherwise. Dad getting sick at 42, that might be a tragedy, but his passing after suffering for 17 years and failing quickly in the last year, regardless of how young he might have been, was not a tragedy. I was at the time, and have continued to be, grateful that he did not pass any closer to the holidays, that my kids were settled in school and our new home, that he didn't pass in the hospital, that my parents never had to make the excruciating decision to put him in a nursing home, and that his passing seemed peaceful and was not some violent incident. I was grateful that I was not under the stress of "trying to get home" before he passed. There was nothing I could have done to have been there, and because of conversations my dad and I had over the years I know that was okay. I am very, very grateful that he is no longer suffering...no longer struggling to breathe or in any pain.
There are so many people who are dealing with things far greater than my father's peaceful and merciful passing. Any time I have felt sad I have reminded myself that I have so many things for which to be grateful. I think there has been part of me that feels guilty for feeling sad, and I've simply willed myself to just get through. There is nothing wrong with that, but I also recognize that pretending I'm not sad, doesn't mean that I'm not sad, and when one loses her father, it is okay to be sad and to cry. That was me last night, and hopefully it's a step forward.
I've really been pretty okay for the most part. I have my kids and Andrew to distract me and keep me busy (and oh my, have I been distracted...the stories I could tell of some of the things I've done! But perhaps that is another post). My father's passing was not a tragedy, and I refuse to allow anyone to say otherwise. Dad getting sick at 42, that might be a tragedy, but his passing after suffering for 17 years and failing quickly in the last year, regardless of how young he might have been, was not a tragedy. I was at the time, and have continued to be, grateful that he did not pass any closer to the holidays, that my kids were settled in school and our new home, that he didn't pass in the hospital, that my parents never had to make the excruciating decision to put him in a nursing home, and that his passing seemed peaceful and was not some violent incident. I was grateful that I was not under the stress of "trying to get home" before he passed. There was nothing I could have done to have been there, and because of conversations my dad and I had over the years I know that was okay. I am very, very grateful that he is no longer suffering...no longer struggling to breathe or in any pain.
There are so many people who are dealing with things far greater than my father's peaceful and merciful passing. Any time I have felt sad I have reminded myself that I have so many things for which to be grateful. I think there has been part of me that feels guilty for feeling sad, and I've simply willed myself to just get through. There is nothing wrong with that, but I also recognize that pretending I'm not sad, doesn't mean that I'm not sad, and when one loses her father, it is okay to be sad and to cry. That was me last night, and hopefully it's a step forward.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Beautiful sunrises
I have been absolutely amazed by some of the beautiful sunrises that I've witnessed in the last few months. At our old house, we lived in town surrounded by houses and buildings, and our windows, while allowing in plenty of natural light, were not designed in a way that made looking outside overly easy. Being surrounded by neighbors means lots of curtains! Here though, houses are much more spaced apart, and curtains aren't as necessary. And there is the added fact that thanks to Robert and Catherine having to be on the bus at 6:40 in the morning, I am awake before the sun comes up...that rarely happened last year! We have a beautiful bay picture window that faces the southeast in our living room, which is where we also have my computer. It has made for some absolutely gorgeous mornings as I've looked out and watched the sun come up. It's been some good medicine for my soul...and a wonderful reminder of my faith.
A really fun family evening
Last night was such a fun family evening, and I'm so glad that we made it a point to make it happen. One of the advantages of living in a college town is college basketball. Granted, my alma mater is no where near the status of UD when it comes to basketball, but it's right here. Several times a year, the women have "dollar days" where each person gets in for $1, and there are discounted concessions as well. Originally we didn't think we would be able to make it to any of them, but this week the kids had mentioned they would really like to go. Thomas's coach scheduled an extra two hour practice this week, so we decided to invoke "family time" for last night and go to the game.
It was a really good game with our team coming out on top! I loved listening to Catherine and Thomas compare it to the things they do with their teams. About half way through the first quarter, a young lady (employee) approached the kids and asked if they wanted to go out to half court during the next time out and do the chicken dance. Thomas was NOT on board, but Catherine definitely was. She had a blast, and I loved seeing that she knew several other people as well. Catherine came back to tell us that she had been selected, along with a teammate from her basketball team and two others, to participate in a lay-up contest at halftime. I was shocked by how well she was shooting and she and her partner won! She received a gift certificate to a local coffee shop (maybe they sell ice cream?) and a t-shirt, and Thomas had received a t-shirt given to us by a gentleman who caught one that was thrown into the stands.
It was such a fun evening, and I'm so grateful that our family was able to share it together...yet another advantage of our move!
It was a really good game with our team coming out on top! I loved listening to Catherine and Thomas compare it to the things they do with their teams. About half way through the first quarter, a young lady (employee) approached the kids and asked if they wanted to go out to half court during the next time out and do the chicken dance. Thomas was NOT on board, but Catherine definitely was. She had a blast, and I loved seeing that she knew several other people as well. Catherine came back to tell us that she had been selected, along with a teammate from her basketball team and two others, to participate in a lay-up contest at halftime. I was shocked by how well she was shooting and she and her partner won! She received a gift certificate to a local coffee shop (maybe they sell ice cream?) and a t-shirt, and Thomas had received a t-shirt given to us by a gentleman who caught one that was thrown into the stands.
It was such a fun evening, and I'm so grateful that our family was able to share it together...yet another advantage of our move!
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Two months
Two months ago today my dad passed. Strangely, the holidays weren't that difficult, but there are so many other times that I miss him. There is a big part of me that wishes I had written down all the things he ever told me in life because I've forgotten some of them and wish I could ask questions. I know that he is with me every day though, and I'm so grateful for the sun shining today...it makes me happy.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Life happens
January is always a strange month to me. In many ways it is so full of promise as there is an entire new year ahead and so many unknowns and possibilities. At the same time, the "fun" part of winter is over, and yet the bulk of it is still ahead. It's often filled with dark and dreary days, except for a few playoff games each week there isn't even much good football on to watch!
We are moving along though. The kids had three full days of school last week. This morning begins the a full five-day week...the first in our family since the week of Halloween! Not to worry though, we have a three-day-weekend to look forward to this weekend. Our weekend consisted of Catherine's first basketball game. Defensively, she is picking up where she left off last year and plays well. She still struggles offensively though, and her size certainly doesn't help in that regard. I also had to attend yet another visitation yesterday. On the "upside" though, it was not someone I knew personally, but the daughter is a friend, and after what I've been through felt it was important to be there for support.
I've been fighting a migraine since driving back from the visitation yesterday, and even though I took the prescription meds last night, it's still there this morning. I have so much to do, but there is definitely some more sleep in my future today!
We are moving along though. The kids had three full days of school last week. This morning begins the a full five-day week...the first in our family since the week of Halloween! Not to worry though, we have a three-day-weekend to look forward to this weekend. Our weekend consisted of Catherine's first basketball game. Defensively, she is picking up where she left off last year and plays well. She still struggles offensively though, and her size certainly doesn't help in that regard. I also had to attend yet another visitation yesterday. On the "upside" though, it was not someone I knew personally, but the daughter is a friend, and after what I've been through felt it was important to be there for support.
I've been fighting a migraine since driving back from the visitation yesterday, and even though I took the prescription meds last night, it's still there this morning. I have so much to do, but there is definitely some more sleep in my future today!
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
A minimalist I am not
One thing that decorating (and undecorating) for Christmas always reminds me...I am NOT a minimalist. I always see these beautifully decorated homes in magazines and catalogs and think how much I love the look...but it will never be replicated in my home. I have had many people tell me my home is cozy, and I hope that is the case. And while I would not consider my house cluttered, there are certain things I will not do without...I want them on display where I can see them everyday. Most of these things are pictures. I don't remember my mother having any pictures throughout our house when we were growing up...none hanging on the walls or in tabletop frames. When I left for college I bought tons of frames and my dorm room was filled with pictures. This is true now...I love having pictures of various loved ones and various important events surrounding me every day.
There are also several knick-knacks I want to have out. I love the geese and ducks that my grandmother carved herself shortly after her brother passed. Carving had been a hobby for him and she took it up as a way to feel connected to him even though he was gone. I love having our collectable (or just important to us) sports items out, and I'm very grateful that we now have a room where they can be. I have furniture that was important to various members of my family, and I want them where I can see them.
I have accepted that this is the way I am, and I don't think it is overwhelmingly so. I recognize my house is never going to look like a magazine, and I've decided that I don't care. My house makes me happy...and that's all that really matters!
There are also several knick-knacks I want to have out. I love the geese and ducks that my grandmother carved herself shortly after her brother passed. Carving had been a hobby for him and she took it up as a way to feel connected to him even though he was gone. I love having our collectable (or just important to us) sports items out, and I'm very grateful that we now have a room where they can be. I have furniture that was important to various members of my family, and I want them where I can see them.
I have accepted that this is the way I am, and I don't think it is overwhelmingly so. I recognize my house is never going to look like a magazine, and I've decided that I don't care. My house makes me happy...and that's all that really matters!
Monday, January 6, 2014
Operation Christmas dismantle
I am finally getting around to taking down the Christmas decorations. Andrew always prefers I wait until the 6th anyway, so he was happy they were up all weekend. I don't mind that they've been up either, but I'm ready to get the house back to "normal".
Normal? I am not sure that I even have a clue what that might be anymore! As I knew would happen, I am having a difficult time putting the house "back together" because frankly, it had only been "together" for about two weeks (two difficult weeks!) before we decorated for Christmas. I am taking things out of the tubs to put them back and thinking to myself, "Hm, I wonder where I had this?" The good news is that I have no deadline and it will be finished when it is finished.
Not helping either is the temperature. Currently weather.com says that we are at -5 degrees with a windchill of -29. Pretty darn cold out there. This wouldn't be an issue, except the tubs where we store our Christmas decorations are in the DETACHED garage. I had to laugh at my husband this morning, who reminded me that if I did feel the need to go in and out to that garage that I should put a coat on. That man definitely knows who he married...not a big fan of wearing coats!
Normal? I am not sure that I even have a clue what that might be anymore! As I knew would happen, I am having a difficult time putting the house "back together" because frankly, it had only been "together" for about two weeks (two difficult weeks!) before we decorated for Christmas. I am taking things out of the tubs to put them back and thinking to myself, "Hm, I wonder where I had this?" The good news is that I have no deadline and it will be finished when it is finished.
Not helping either is the temperature. Currently weather.com says that we are at -5 degrees with a windchill of -29. Pretty darn cold out there. This wouldn't be an issue, except the tubs where we store our Christmas decorations are in the DETACHED garage. I had to laugh at my husband this morning, who reminded me that if I did feel the need to go in and out to that garage that I should put a coat on. That man definitely knows who he married...not a big fan of wearing coats!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Emotionally drained
I'll be honest, today was much tougher than I thought it would be. I had to drive back to my hometown, to the exact same funeral home where we celebrated my father's life just over six weeks ago...and just six weeks before that it had been his best friend. I didn't expect to be so emotional about it, but it wasn't just the location...it was the people. I saw so many of the very same people I had just seen and it was a little overwhelming.
The toughest part though, was the people I hadn't seen six weeks ago. Three of Granny's grandchildren live out of state, and I certainly thought nothing of the fact that they hadn't come in for Dad's services. However, they all made sure to talk to me about my dad and how much they adored him, and that made the tears flow. I love this family so much, and we've all just experienced so much hurt lately.
It didn't help that it was also a very stressful drive. While the snow has not yet happened, it has been raining, and raining hard, most of the day. There was no way to use the cruise control and visibility was minimal. There was also so much rain that it was starting to create currents in the ruts on the road and it was just a tough drive.
Looking forward to a very good night's sleep tonight!
The toughest part though, was the people I hadn't seen six weeks ago. Three of Granny's grandchildren live out of state, and I certainly thought nothing of the fact that they hadn't come in for Dad's services. However, they all made sure to talk to me about my dad and how much they adored him, and that made the tears flow. I love this family so much, and we've all just experienced so much hurt lately.
It didn't help that it was also a very stressful drive. While the snow has not yet happened, it has been raining, and raining hard, most of the day. There was no way to use the cruise control and visibility was minimal. There was also so much rain that it was starting to create currents in the ruts on the road and it was just a tough drive.
Looking forward to a very good night's sleep tonight!
Sunday...and almost back to the routine
This weekend many of the kids' normally scheduled activities returned. We are finding it somewhat less convenient to take the kids back to our old town for scouts since we've sold our house...no built in place to hang out while waiting! It's only the rest of this school year for Catherine though, and then through February of 2015 for Thomas.
The weather was supposed to be down right nasty today. It still isn't going to be pleasant, but not until later tonight. I am grateful, as I had been wanting to return to my hometown for the funeral visitation of Granny. I know her family would've understood if I hadn't been able to get there because of the weather, but I'm grateful it should hold off long enough for me to get there and back.
In the meantime, we are hoping that Andrew can get Thomas a flu shot. I am usually all over this and don't wait this long, but life happened this fall. We are having trouble finding a doctor that will take the kids' insurance, and then when Dad died in the middle of November everything else kind of fell off the radar. However, I am beginning to hear of deaths resulting from the H1N1 strain, and since Thomas doesn't handle respiratory illnesses well the little mini-panic in me is beginning. We think we have a solution and can get him a shot today.
Tomorrow and Tuesday the temps in our area are supposed to be the coldest they have been in 20 years. Andrew has to work tomorrow but no students so we don't have to worry about school tomorrow, but I'm becoming less optimistic about everyone being out of the house on Tuesday. Don't get me wrong, sleeping in is always very nice, but we've just had 2-1/2 weeks off...let's get everyone back to school!
The weather was supposed to be down right nasty today. It still isn't going to be pleasant, but not until later tonight. I am grateful, as I had been wanting to return to my hometown for the funeral visitation of Granny. I know her family would've understood if I hadn't been able to get there because of the weather, but I'm grateful it should hold off long enough for me to get there and back.
In the meantime, we are hoping that Andrew can get Thomas a flu shot. I am usually all over this and don't wait this long, but life happened this fall. We are having trouble finding a doctor that will take the kids' insurance, and then when Dad died in the middle of November everything else kind of fell off the radar. However, I am beginning to hear of deaths resulting from the H1N1 strain, and since Thomas doesn't handle respiratory illnesses well the little mini-panic in me is beginning. We think we have a solution and can get him a shot today.
Tomorrow and Tuesday the temps in our area are supposed to be the coldest they have been in 20 years. Andrew has to work tomorrow but no students so we don't have to worry about school tomorrow, but I'm becoming less optimistic about everyone being out of the house on Tuesday. Don't get me wrong, sleeping in is always very nice, but we've just had 2-1/2 weeks off...let's get everyone back to school!
Friday, January 3, 2014
My husband's 40th
Today Andrew turns 40! It is so hard to believe we are both now living life in our 40's. That might sound like a strange statement, but again, I was in college when my parents turned 40 so this just doesn't seem possible.
And of course there is the fact that my dad first became ill when he was 42. In retrospect I realize how difficult it must have been for him to have to slow down and change his lifestyle at such a relatively young age. I am grateful that I had graduated from college and my sister was half-way through undergrad...at least they did not have the stress of raising children on top of dealing with Dad's illness.
Not entirely sure how we are going to celebrate today. We received about five inches of snow yesterday, and then the temps last night fell below zero with even colder wind chills. I checked weather.com about five minutes ago and the wind chill has stopped, but we are currently at five degrees. Not exactly looking forward to being out, but hopefully we will at least go out to dinner!
And of course there is the fact that my dad first became ill when he was 42. In retrospect I realize how difficult it must have been for him to have to slow down and change his lifestyle at such a relatively young age. I am grateful that I had graduated from college and my sister was half-way through undergrad...at least they did not have the stress of raising children on top of dealing with Dad's illness.
Not entirely sure how we are going to celebrate today. We received about five inches of snow yesterday, and then the temps last night fell below zero with even colder wind chills. I checked weather.com about five minutes ago and the wind chill has stopped, but we are currently at five degrees. Not exactly looking forward to being out, but hopefully we will at least go out to dinner!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Beginning anew
Yesterday was exactly the day I wanted it to be. We did absolutely nothing. Andrew had made a pot of chili the day before so we didn't even need to cook. We got to watch some great football games and just sat...loved every minute!
Unfortunately, we have learned this morning that Granny, our dear family friend, passed away this morning. She lived a full life and has been ready to go see Poppy again, but it's not the way we wanted to begin the year.
I am absolutely ready to get this house, and our lives, going in the right direction. We closed on the sale of our house Friday before we left town. It was so very nice to have that all taken care of, especially before the end of the year. Andrew and I are beginning to prioritize the things that we want to do in this house to make it really feel like our home. I am really "chomping at the bit", but I kind of need to take a step back. For one thing, I need to get the Christmas decorations put away (and thanks to the 3" of snow already outside and more falling, that may not happen today) but I need to make sure I am doing things in the correct order. I really want to get rid of the awful curtains that are in our living room, but I need to make sure that I have decided on the paint color for the walls before I do that. I am also really anxious to purchase new bedding for our bedroom, but we need to decide whether or not we are upgrading to a larger bed. And of course I need to make sure I can pay for everything as well! One thing that I know we will be doing is updating the hall bathroom. It is AWFUL!
I am also hoping that our new year can bring some calm, and that has to begin with me. I am planning to be better about exercising and watching what I eat, and hopefully that will also give me the strength and energy to not only be calm, but a better mom and person overall.
We are looking forward to all of the opportunities that this new year can bring!
Unfortunately, we have learned this morning that Granny, our dear family friend, passed away this morning. She lived a full life and has been ready to go see Poppy again, but it's not the way we wanted to begin the year.
I am absolutely ready to get this house, and our lives, going in the right direction. We closed on the sale of our house Friday before we left town. It was so very nice to have that all taken care of, especially before the end of the year. Andrew and I are beginning to prioritize the things that we want to do in this house to make it really feel like our home. I am really "chomping at the bit", but I kind of need to take a step back. For one thing, I need to get the Christmas decorations put away (and thanks to the 3" of snow already outside and more falling, that may not happen today) but I need to make sure I am doing things in the correct order. I really want to get rid of the awful curtains that are in our living room, but I need to make sure that I have decided on the paint color for the walls before I do that. I am also really anxious to purchase new bedding for our bedroom, but we need to decide whether or not we are upgrading to a larger bed. And of course I need to make sure I can pay for everything as well! One thing that I know we will be doing is updating the hall bathroom. It is AWFUL!
I am also hoping that our new year can bring some calm, and that has to begin with me. I am planning to be better about exercising and watching what I eat, and hopefully that will also give me the strength and energy to not only be calm, but a better mom and person overall.
We are looking forward to all of the opportunities that this new year can bring!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Maybe my favorite day of the year
Happy New Year! January 1 has always been one of my favorite days of the year! It is a day where we pretty much never have any commitments, and there is pretty much good college football on. ALL. DAY. And to top it off, reality almost never kicks back in on the second, so it is truly a day where we can just mindlessly exist. Sounds like an absolutely perfect day to me!
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