We've reached the end of another year

Here we are...New Year's Eve yet again.  Generally speaking, 2016 was a good year.  It began as the year from you-know-where with Robert, but we are praying that was the low point and we've turned the corner.  We will take each good day that we can get.  It's truly hard to believe that we are beginning the last full year that all of my children will be home with me.  This time next year we will be staring at the year in which Robert will graduate.  I would say that this year was the fastest yet, but honestly at this point they all just fly by at lightning speed.  I am so grateful for all of the blessings of this year, and look forward to each day of 2017!

So much fun

Last evening, Thomas had a great time spending the night at a youth group lock-in.  We are so grateful for this group at a church in town.  It isn't at the one we attend, but there are several other Lutheran youth who have joined as well.  It's a great opportunity for Thomas to be involved with such a positive group.

Andrew and I had a blast as well.  Our friends who moved away years ago are in town, and originally we thought we would only get to see them tonight, and we are absolutely looking forward to that.  However, our friends asked if the three "original" couples of our group could get together last night since there will be lots of others at their house tonight.  They were willing to drive here since we had to transport kids from swim practice.  We had dinner and then they came here to play a game.  We laughed so hard we were crying.  We roared with laughter so much that my voice is hoarse today.  You just can't find friendships like that everyday.  It doesn't matter how long since we've seen each other, we always pick right up and laugh again.  It was so much fun, and there is nothing like laughter to bring peace to the soul!

Getting home was an adventure

It seems as though I rarely write much in the days after Christmas.  Generally we are traveling (as we did this year), and generally we are spending time as a family having fun.  Swim practices have made the family fun part a little more challenging, but we are still enjoying life together.  We haven't been able to do anything "big", but we did make the trip to visit my in-laws.  We were only there for about 40 hours but it was a nice visit.  The trip home however, was a bit of an adventure.  I had fallen asleep shortly after leaving, but woke up when we stopped for gas about 75 minutes into the trip.  As Andrew was cleaning the back window, I noticed smoke coming from under the hood and smelled an absolutely horrible smell.  Andrew raised the hood and we noticed something that seemed to be leaking.  He checked the oil which was dangerously low, so we filled it, and then decided since things weren't running hot, the rpm's were in the normal range and no "check engine" light was on, we'd try to venture further.  We stopped again about a half hour later and while there was still some smoke and smell, the oil was still fine and the van was running fine.  We drove another 90 minutes, and this time when we stopped there was no smoke at all, and only a slight smell.  We were feeling pretty good about life and knew we were about 90 minutes from home...almost there!  We were cruising right along until about 30 miles away when the "check engine" light came on.  We pulled into a parking lot, and sure enough the smell and smoke had returned.  The oil was still fine, so we decided to try to make it home.  The van began sputtering as we continued, and I really didn't think we were going to make it.  As it turns out though, it was fine out of town where it was able to maintain a more constant speed.  We got home, unloaded, and drove straight to the mechanic.  They were able to diagnose the problem and fortunately it was a relatively inexpensive hose assembly that needed replaced.  We are still concerned as to why the oil was so low, but we'll keep an eye on that.  Very grateful that we've purchased that third vehicle so we haven't had to be down to one vehicle since the van is still in the shop.  That drive home was much more of an adventure that I had been wanting!

A really nice Christmas day

Today was really a very nice Christmas day.  My sister was unusually pleasant and we all got along very nicely.  Unfortunately, my uncle wasn't feeling well, and since he is currently battling leukemia it's important that he conserve his energy and keep his weakened immune system focused on fighting his current cold and not pick up anything else.  We all enjoyed the day with baby Ava who is 16 months old and my sister's Old English Sheepdog Rockne was so very well behaved.  In fact, Andrew took her for a walk a couple of times and we all just really enjoyed the day.

I'm battling a migraine and we need to head east tomorrow to my in-laws, so it's time for bed.  I'm so grateful to get to go to bed feeling so blessed!

Merry Christmas 2016!

We are soon headed out to my sister's house.  We will exchange gifts with my sister, mother, & grandmother, and then some aunts, uncles, cousins (& possibly family friends) will join us for a meal, and then some others will join for a visit even later.  I'm looking forward to this and visiting.  I'm just hoping everyone in the family can check their attitudes at the door...we aren't always good at that.

We had a nice morning.  I enjoyed that Robert was actually the first one awake.  He was able to visit with his girlfriend and her family last evening and then he came home and helped Andrew wrap gifts for me after we did the gifts from out-of-town.  I really wanted a trash can, and Andrew was annoyed I wanted something so practical.  He decided to throw me off the trail by wrapping it in light up garland and bringing in the extension cord last night to plug it in.  I was surprised and thrilled this morning.  The kids also enjoyed their gifts, and I was so pleased that they enjoyed even the little things because that is mostly what they received this year.  I love how Thomas was still so surprised and shocked that Santa knew exactly what he wanted.  Andrew fried up some mush and made diced potatoes, and mostly we just hung out.

I'm so grateful for this day, and for the time we are together!

I would love to get that phone call

My dad was a last minute shopper.  The 23rd & 24th were his favorite times to shop, and that is why my sister and I often received gift cards.  My mom did the shopping from "them", but Dad wanted things that were just from him.  In fact, the year he died my mom still went out and purchased a few gift cards for us just so he could be a part of our Christmas one last time.

This style of shopping continued with the kids.  He wanted to find something that would be "fun" and that the kids would really want.  This prompted last minute phone calls and sometimes I would struggle to think of something just right at the last minute...let alone if he could actually find it.  The last year he was alive he called as we were waiting for church to begin.  That means it was mid-afternoon on Christmas Eve...definitely waiting until the last minute.  I remember being marginally annoyed that he was calling at that point as I was in church.  And yet, I sure would've loved to get that phone call today.  I'm so grateful for the memories, and so grateful for the blessings in life.

Today is Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve is a little different this year, but I'm okay with that.  Robert wants to spend a couple of hours this evening with his girlfriend and her family, and I don't blame him for that.  I will however, be grateful when he can drive before too long.  We are attending 4:00 church and then he'll go to her house for a while.  We will do some of our traditional things afterwards, and I'm grateful that he still wants to be a part of it.  Right now I'm spending the afternoon working on getting us packed for our trip to in-laws next week (which means laundry...see earlier post!) and enjoying some football on TV.  The temps are in the upper 40's and tomorrow in the 50's, so it doesn't feel like Christmas, but we are enjoying being together!

Swim season and laundry

So far, the kids have had two swim meets.  Thursday showed a great deal of improvement, particularly for Robert.  They are enjoying the season, although they are very, very tired.

I am particularly astounded by the amount of laundry swim season is bringing into our lives.  The kids practice twice a day, so that right there is four swim towels.  In addition, three times a week they work out, so there are those clothes as well, on top of all the normal clothes that are bulkier this time of year.  It feels like the dirty laundry is literally exploding around me!

Break is officially beginning!

I am so happy to report that break is officially beginning!  Andrew is still at work, but as of about three minutes ago all three kids are home.  Yippeeeeeeeeee!  Unfortunately, there is still swim tonight and it includes the dryland workout as well (weightlifting).  I think everyone would prefer to just hang out here at the house, but they need to do this.

We are well aware it is probably going to be a crazy couple of weeks and the days are going to fly by, but we are looking forward to this break!

Looks like three weeks off work

It looks as though I'm going to get about three weeks off work.  I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty excited about that!  I'll still have my church job, and it's going to be very, very busy for the next five-six weeks, but I can work those hours around my schedule for the most part.  And at no point, do I need to be there by 7AM which I need to do when I am subbing at the high school.  The kids have two weeks off, and with two partial weeks, it looks as though I'll have three weeks off.  I am so really looking forward to the down time together with our family.

In some ways, things are even slowing down as of this evening.  Both Thomas and Robert will have "hang out days" at school tomorrow, although Catherine will still have two finals.  Of course there is still swim practice this evening, but generally speaking, we are heading into the down time of the holiday break!

New-to-us vehicle

Yesterday, after months of wondering if it was actually going to happen, we brought home the vehicle we are purchasing from my sister.  I had gone up last week to give her the check and she gave me the title, and that way I could get the plates and be totally legal driving home yesterday.  My sister had thought yesterday would be a good day because we'd be there anyway, and since Robert had to get back for work we didn't all have to leave at the same time.  It was kind of a messy ride home with the wet (and sometimes slippery) weather, but we made it.  I am really enjoying having the vehicle, and I'm so grateful this worked out!

The Christmas celebrations have begun

Today we celebrated the first of our many Christmases.  My paternal grandmother has always made sure we get together the Sunday before Christmas.  There is still a cousin and a daughter who don't attend, but the rest of the family made a point to be there.  It was especially exciting with the addition of Bella, Grandma's first great-great-granddaughter who arrived on February 24.  We took pictures this year, and even took an entire group photo.  The kids loved opening their presents, and we had a fun afternoon.

The only downside is that the kids still have three days of school.  It's a little hard to motivate when we've begun our Christmas, but it's especially important for Catherine who has finals this week and doesn't really know what she's in for.  She did spend some time studying, but I'm not sure it is enough...I guess we'll see.

Regardless, it was such a fun afternoon.  I'm so grateful to have my grandmother, who in three weeks will be turning 86, in my life.  I'm so grateful my family makes the effort to get together, and that there were five generations of family members present in that room today!

Winter arrived with a bang

We are still technically about a week from the official beginning of winter.  It has already arrived here though...no question!  I wrote Tuesday about the unexpected snow fall that had arrived that morning.  When the day was done, we had received nearly four inches of snow.  It was one of the most gorgeous snows I've ever seen.  The kids' swim meet ended up being canceled for the evening.  The main roads were fine, but the side roads were a mess.  I wasn't sad that we ended up having an evening at home, although there was still swim practice.

Yesterday morning I drove north to run a quick errand and have breakfast with my mom.  I was out the door just after 7:00 in the morning so it was still pretty much dark.  There was a full moon though, and with the fallen snow I really can't put into words how absolutely gorgeous it is.  It definitely helped to get into the Christmas spirit.  I can't put into words how absolutely peaceful it was.

We knew we'd be waking up this morning to wind chills below zero.  Most schools to the north went on a delay last night, and even a few down around us.  By this morning, we work up to wind chill in the -9 range, and although nearly all of the neighboring schools were delayed, not us!  At 5:40 Robert and I were waiting for his bus.  It was brutal out!  We had all really, really hoped there would be a delay, but no such luck.

This is going to pass quickly though.  After freezing rain arrives tomorrow evening (my least favorite form of all winter precipitation) we will be in the upper 40's to lower 50's on Saturday.  That's a recipe for sickness!

Ten days until Christmas

We are down to ten days until Christmas.  Where did the year go?  Only ten days????  Tuesday evening I pointed out on December 14, 2015 I had every single gift purchased, wrapped, and under the tree.  At that point Robert looked and noticed there was not one present under the tree...not a single one.  Technically, I had one wrapped, but literally just one.  In fact, I didn't even have everything purchased.  I still had a significant amount to purchase for Catherine, and I hate it when I don't have things ready to go for the kids.

I completely acknowledge this is life now that I am working.  Even though I was off Tuesday and Wednesday, I had kids with doctor appointments and I also had to make a trip to my hometown.  That right there is four hours out of my day.  There is just a lot going on in life.

Yesterday though, while out and about to accomplish this week's grocery list, I got several things purchased for Catherine.  I'm glad to have that handled, and I'm really ready to start wrapping.  I'm working today and tomorrow, but next week I plan to be home (other than several hours I have to put in at my church job).  The high school is on exam schedule, so Catherine will be ready to come home each day before lunch.  I'm going to allow myself to be home next week, and I'm looking forward to really being ready for the holidays!

Winter wonderland

It is absolutely gorgeous outside right now.  It got really cold really fast around here, and now it's really, really pretty.  We were expected to get some snow this morning, but not in time to get us a snow day.  It didn't begin until around 8ish, and it's really come down since then.  We were forecasted to get about half an inch, but when I just went out to measure it was nearly 1.5 inches of snow!  It's definitely not going to get warm enough to melt anytime soon either.  Thursday's high is going to be in the teens with nearly dangerous wind chills in the overnight.  I'm so glad winter has arrived, although a little more of a transition in the temps might have been nice.  In the meantime, I'm enjoying the gorgeous scenery of the snow!

I love our church

This post could be alternately titled: "You never know how one decision will affect so many other things in life."

I can't help but think back to 4-1/2 years ago when Robert was finishing up his sixth grade year.  He decided he wanted to switch schools and come to school with his dad.  Because of that, we learned how fabulous the schools really were here and while we weren't unhappy with our old district, this district was far more amazing.  Once we found out how fabulous, we decided all the kids needed to be attending here and we moved.

Because we moved, it was an opportunity to find a church for our family.  My husband was willing to look outside the Catholic denomination so that we could all feel comfortable and attend church together.  We were so amazingly blessed to find our Lutheran church which has been such a fabulous fit for our family.

Because we found this church, two great things happened.  First, I was baptized and am able to participate as a full member.  That means so very much to me.  Secondly, I was able to have my part-time job there that works absolutely fabulously for us as a family.  It provides just a little bit of extra income, and even though it is year-round, it doesn't get in the way of our care-free summers.  It's been such a blessing.

Yesterday was one of the most fun things about attending our church.  It was the Christmas program put on by the youth of the church.  It is primarily for the younger members, but the include anyone up through high school who wishes to participate.  Thomas was the acolyte, and Catherine was an usher.  Robert did a reading and was also an usher.  Andrew was in charge of assisting with the ushers and greeters, and I was helping out with costumes.  I love that we know so many of the families, and it just truly fills my heart with joy that we are where we are supposed to be!

Too much sadness for this time of year

To me, December is just a month where sad things shouldn't happen.  The holidays are too magical and special, and only come around once a year.  Reality tells us otherwise though.

The friend of a friend has been in hospice for breast cancer.  We found out Thanksgiving weekend as they were on their way out of state for one last visit.  They were planning to head back up this weekend, but Julie passed away Saturday.  She is younger than me, and leaves behind three very young boys.  It just isn't supposed to happen like that.

My best friend's sister-in-law lost both of her parents in a car accident Saturday morning.  We were hanging out with Steph & Pat Saturday afternoon and they didn't know yet.  Again, things like that just aren't supposed to happen this time of year.

There was also a horrible tragedy up near my home town.  A middle school student and her grandmother were killed on icy roads in a head-on collision that was witnessed by the girl's father (and grandmother's son).  I can't even imagine experiencing that horror.

Christmas in is 13 days.  I'm so grateful for the health and well-being of my family, and that we are able to make such wonderful memories each year.

I had forgotten how exhausting it can be...but so much fun!

Yesterday I was in first grade.  On a Friday in December.  Where we decorate gingerbread houses in the morning and taped the principal to the wall in the afternoon as a fundraising reward.  It was an absolutely crazy day.  I had forgotten about physically and mentally exhausting it can be to be with the little ones.  There really is very little down time and there is lots of hands on time.  I had just really forgotten how involved it can be.

At the same time, I had forgotten how much fun it can be.  The little ones have such interesting perspectives on life and they are often very comical.  The days go by so fast and it's almost as though it's over shortly after it begins.

I'm so incredibly grateful for a job that allows me to have the flexibility to be around when my family needs me, that allows me to earn a little extra money, and that has so much variety and fun!

Family fun Friday

Last evening was one of the few Friday evenings where the kids didn't have swim practice.  Originally Robert's girlfriend was going to come over, but he made some choices that made him lose that privilege.  Fortunately it is just typical teen stuff, but not okay none-the-less.  Andrew met a friend for dinner, but was still home fairly early.  I had worked in first grade (I'll make a separate post about that) and was pretty darn tired.  After Andrew arrived home, we were all sitting squeezed into the family room.  It was almost 8:00 and I was seriously considering how early I could go to bed and not be considered pathetic, when I realized that American Ninja Warrior was on.  I had caught a few moments when Robert was watching a week earlier, and was telling Andrew all about it.  He was kind of teasing me about how I seemed to enjoy it, and we all sat to watch it.  I loved that for the next two hours our family sat together, ate some snacks together and all hung out in the same room.  So many times, the kids will want to watch something different in another room, and I don't really blame them.  But I absolutely love the fact that last evening we all hung out as a family together even doing something so simple.

Eight years of blogging

I've officially reached eight years of blogging.  So many memories are preserved here and I'm so grateful for that.  I truly enjoy re-reading some of the old memories, especially here at the holidays.  It makes me kind of miss the quieter and less chaotic days, but I'm grateful for the new memories we make as well.  Life is full of so many blessings!

She has her braces

Today Catherine had her braces put on.  Strangely enough, she has actually been excited this.  I think it mostly boils down to the fact that she is excited to get the process started so that it can be finished and she can have great teeth....at least we certainly hope so!  So far she has only been a little uncomfortable, but not too terribly much so.  Robert thinks tomorrow will be worse...I guess we'll see!

It's the crazy time of the year!

Our days are crazy, and I know that is pretty much true for everyone this time of year.  Being an accountant, year-end is crazy and I expect that.  Even though the church doesn't generally require many hours, there are still certain things that need to be prepared for the end of the year.  Fortunately, I'm able to generally work around the rest of our life, but certain things need to happen at the office.

It's also the time of year for concerts, parties, and just general holiday activities.  Our big band fundraiser wrapped up this weekend, and I had things that had to be compiled by last evening.  The Sunday School program is this coming weekend, and I am on the religious ed committee.  Not a lot to do, but still time commitments.  And of course, all of the things that go along with the holidays in our lives...along with parenting three teens!

I'm trying very hard to remember to be thankful and grateful and to feel at peace in each moment...but some moments are better than others!

Working next door

Today I am in the classroom next door to Andrew.  To be honest, I am really enjoying it.  For one thing, I got to have Catherine in class this morning.  Sadly, she is in an absolutely rotten class, and I couldn't wait for it to end.  He is testing today, so I am grading papers for him.  I'm enjoying the day.

At the same time, I don't think we could do this every day.  I think too much togetherness is not always a good thing.  I am grateful though, for so many different opportunities!

First weekend in December

It's Friday of the first weekend in December.  After today, only 13 more days of school until the end of the semester and Christmas break.  I am looking forward to that, but I also want to try to remember to enjoy the entire month.  This evening, Robert & Catherine have swim work-out, then Catherine is playing in the pep band at the high school basketball game.  Thomas is returning to our former town to visit a friend overnight so I'm driving him there.  Tomorrow, other than picking up Thomas there is nothing on our calendar until we take Robert to his girlfriend's house.  They offered to bring him home later than we were willing to pick him up so we'll be home early.  Sunday we have a bunch of stuff at church, Robert has to work and has a driving lesson, and Andrew has a meeting.  Doesn't seem very festive, but I'm looking forward to knowing that a break is coming up!

Pros and cons of different subbing

When I was a substitute teacher before we moved, I always worked with the younger kids.  I absolutely loved Pre-k through 3rd grade, and I didn't mind fourth grade either.  By fifth grade the attitudes had kicked in, and they were full-blown by sixth grade.  I was only at the middle school twice and high school once, and that was exactly the way I loved it.  The younger the better as far as I was concerned.

Things have changed though.  Now my kids are in high school and middle school, and my husband is at the high school as well.  I still won't touch middle school with a ten-foot pole, but I really enjoy being at the high school.  I enjoy knowing the kids when they walk in the door, and it's certainly easy work.  Our high school is full of amazingly respectful kids and I've been lucky in that I've had very few problems.  Most of the kids are fabulously respectful and so many are self-driven.  It makes a day full of reading for me for the most part since they handle things on their own without being disruptive.

Sometimes I miss the little ones though.  I miss really having an opportunity to instruct and interact with the kids.  I enjoy being able to read and not have to really think for hours on end, but it can actually get a little boring.  At the same time, after being part of a third-grade classroom yesterday, I'm reminded how physically exhausting the younger ones can be.  I'll be in a first-grade classroom next Friday, and I'm sure I'll really remember then!  Ultimately, I'm just grateful for the opportunities to earn some extra money, regardless of which form they take!

I wish it was a week ago

I can't help but wish it was a week ago.  Exactly one week ago right now, we would be in the car on Thanksgiving morning driving from my in-laws in PA to my aunt & uncle's house.  We would get to spend the day with family, and we'd have several relaxing days in front of us.  Right now, those relaxing days feel so long ago.  I didn't take them for granted though when they occurred, because I know how rare and special they are.  So grateful for those days, even if I don't feel they last long enough!

December yet again

Last evening I was sitting in the living room with my youngest.  He suddenly looked at his watch and said, "I can't believe it is already November 30."  It's always a sign that they are getting older when they start to recognize and understand the speedy passage of time.

And yet, here we are again at another December.  Only 24 days until Christmas, and in 31 days we will have to write "2017" on our checks.  I know I say this all the time, but I'm not at all certain how we got here this quickly.  I can't help but think of how "The days are long but the years are short"...oh so true!  We are tired people in our house and things are crazy busy, but we are so going to miss then.  And the time of missing this is not that far away!