Kind of wishing it was last week

At this time last week, I was surrounded by family at my aunt & uncle's house.  In just a few hours we would be home, and the five of us had a fabulous evening snuggled up in our home.  Everyone got on pajamas, we were so stuffed that we just made a big bowl of popcorn for dinner, and our family binged watched Season 10 of The Big Bang Theory.  I actually took a picture of the kids and me because I knew I would always want to remember it.  And the best part...I got to sleep in for the next three mornings!  Even though it wasn't as relaxing as I like my Thanksgiving break to be, it was still more relaxing than our current every day lives!

This was the "easy" part of the week

I feel like all I do is complain on here these days.  I'm just so tired.  I was off yesterday and Monday...but they were hardly "off" days.  Robert had a navy commitment that required us to be out the door at 5:30 Monday morning.  On the upside, by 8:30 Monday morning I had completed my grocery shopping for the week.  Catherine also had a doctor appointment that afternoon.  Yesterday I had a two hour meeting in the morning at school, then drove to my cousin's house in northern Kentucky to deliver an item they ordered from us, then ran errands the rest of the afternoon for our band fundraiser.  Today I worked at school in the morning, then made more deliveries, then went to my church job.  This evening is more deliveries again...and then I work for the next two days.  In addition to all of the normal chaos of life, tomorrow evening is parent/teacher conferences, and we have additional swim responsibilities Friday evening.  I still need to find time to get to work for the monthly church statements, but Saturday morning Catherine is volunteering for a Secret Santa workshop at one of the elementaries, then she and I are volunteering at another band fundraiser that afternoon.  Thomas has honor band auditions Saturday morning, and Robert works until close both Saturday and Sunday nights.  Andrew is leaving Sunday morning for a school trip and won't be back until sometime Tuesday...maybe in time to attend a meeting he is supposed to be at after school on Tuesday.  I'll be parent soloing beginning Sunday morning  which really just means most of those days I'll be in my car.  To be honest, I haven't even looked to see what the middle of next week brings, because there is too much between now and then.

I don't mind the go-go-go so much.  What I do mind is the staying up late, and then being up early the next morning for a different child.  I just need to sleep!!!!

I'm not feeling it

Sadly, I don't really feel like I'm "feeling" the holiday season.  I enjoyed our time with family last week, but there was also a lot more going on then I usually prefer over Thanksgiving.  Robert had to work both Friday and Saturday night, and Thomas had basketball practice on Saturday.  In addition, we had people stopping by all weekend to retrieve the wreaths that were delivered to my house after the mixup of last week.  To be honest, it was a bigger hassle than I expected, and it kind of led to everything being a hassle.  I felt like we were in a huge rush to get the trees and decorations up Sunday, and it just wasn't the feeling I had hoped it would be.  On the upside, everything looks nice!

I'll be honest, I think a lot of my feelings have to do with feeling completely overwhelmed.  I want my kids to have opportunities and I want them to take advantage of those opportunities and to try different things.  At the same time, I'm exhausted.  Last night, Robert was up until 10:30 doing homework and then we had to be up at 5 this morning for him to catch the bus.  Less than eight hours, and definitely less than seven hours of sleep doesn't work for me.  I'm sure that sounds selfish, but it's not like I'm refusing to have these things happen.  I know we will figure it all out, but I just don't want to get to Christmas and be too exhausted and worn out (or even sick!) to enjoy the time together.  Don't get me started on how LITTLE time we will actually have together...that is another post!

It was a nice evening at home

The kids were disappointed about not seeing their grandparents last night and I know my in-laws were disappointed as well.  Honestly, it makes things a little crazy to be here for only 18 hours, but we are here, and that is the important thing.  They took us out to an amazing dinner, and I'm grateful we made the trip.  The car was TIGHT, but we all made it.  My goal was to sleep as much as possible so the time just went quickly...and I needed the sleep!

Last evening we decided to watch some of our favorite Thanksgiving episodes from the Friends television series.  Those shows don't disappoint!  I was grateful that we were still able to make a fun memory in spite of having to scrap our original plans!

We didn't make it very far

We left earlier than I had expected for my in-laws.  Everyone did a great job finishing their packing, and Catherine did a fabulous job of packing the dog (Abby gets to go with us).  I was doing the driving because Andrew wasn't feeling very well.  We had made it around the corner when I asked if the kids had packed their dress shoes.  Nope...so back around the block we went.  It only cost us a few minutes.  As we continued driving, Andrew mentioned he wasn't feeling well at all.  We stopped to fill the gas tank and to get candy bars for everyone.  We hoped something in his stomach might help.  We continued on, and the van began shaking violently.  I had the same problem last week, and we had taken it in to have the tires aligned, but the problem was still there.  We drove about 35 minutes away, and decided we just couldn't continue in the van.  We turned around to head home, and began discussing our various options.  Making everyone fit in the car could be a tight fit, although it could be done.  We have to take Abby though, and that presents some complications.  We still aren't exactly sure what we are going to do, but we decided for tonight we are just going to stay home.  Andrew felt worse the more we drove (although it could've had something to do with the violent shaking of the van) and not making the trip was a good thing.  We were less than five minutes from home when a bat (I HATE BATS) flew in front of us and hit the windshield.  Yuck and yuck!  Just another minute or so down the road, a deer ran right in front of us.  I slammed on the brakes and I have no idea how we managed not to hit the deer.  At that point, I turned to Andrew and mentioned that this trip could not end soon enough.  We did finally make it home safely, and unloaded the vehicle.  We still aren't exactly sure how we are going to handle tomorrow.  Andrew and I could each drive a car, but that is less than ideal.  Trying to squeeze into one vehicle is less than ideal as well.  If Andrew doesn't feel well enough, I might take the kids and go, because I know the kids want to see their grandparents.  We'll just see what tomorrow brings.

It's been a little crazy

Life has been crazy, but nothing we can't handle!  Friday evening Robert came home from school not feeling well.  There was no swim practice, and I had a couple of hours of work to do in order to get the band fundraiser ready for Saturday morning.  First after I worked at the school though, I ran to the grocery...desperately needed after not going for over two weeks!  We ordered pizza that evening, I had things ready to go, and although I had to be up at 7 on Saturday, I had a decent night sleep.

Saturday I was at the fundraiser by 8:30 to hand over the materials, then I dashed to Thomas's art finale.  He then had basketball practice, so Robert and I came home to work on cleaning the house since we were having overnight guests.  We had a blast with everyone, but didn't get nearly enough sleep Saturday night.

Sunday morning our guests had to leave early, and I drove to my hometown for a quick brunch with my mother and quick visit with my grandmother.  As I was driving back to town, I received a call from the person handling the fundraiser pickup.  We were severely short on items.  I came home and checked my spreadsheet, and the totals were WRONG!  The formulas hadn't calculated correctly.  I was just sick about the entire thing.  There just weren't words.  I spent Sunday evening at a church commitment and just couldn't stop thinking about it.  I wanted to cry and vomit at the same time.  Our vendor did tell me that evening he thought he could get more inventory in, but I needed a specific total of what was needed.  I spent a couple of hours working on that Sunday night, before I continued working on a church project that needed finished by yesterday.  Robert worked until after 10:30 Sunday night, and we were tired people yesterday.

I worked in the morning in first grade, and received a phone call that Robert needed to go home sick.  I sent Andrew to get him.  I went to church after being done at school, and I also began finalizing details for the additional inventory coming in later this week.  I also needed to be working on laundry since we are leaving this evening for my in-laws.

I am so grateful to be off work today.  I had so much I needed to take care of for the band, and I still needed to pack.  I have so enjoyed this day, and this quiet.  It's been a very nice beginning to a few days off, and hopefully we can enjoy some family time!

This year's gratitude

I didn't do a very good job of continuing my daily gratitude posts.  At first it really bothered me, but then I decided that was a little ridiculous.  I know how grateful I am every day, regardless of whether or not I post it here.

I am really looking forward to the holidays, and they kick off in just six days with my favorite...Thanksgiving!  We will be heading to my in-laws on Tuesday and plan to return to my aunt & uncle's house on Thursday for the meal.  In the past couple of years, we've had a fabulously unscheduled weekend afterwards, but I don't think it is going to work out that way.  I am grateful for the time we are going to be able to spend with family.  I am trying so hard to remember to keep things peaceful!

Honor roll

Yesterday morning I was able to attend the high school honor roll breakfast because Catherine made the honor roll!  She had done so in the first quarter of last year as well, but that breakfast was held the morning she had her oral surgery.  She struggled in science the rest of the year, and worked so very hard on her grades this quarter.  I was so honored to sit there and see her walk across the stage.  I am so proud of my girl.

Andrew and I commented that we have seen a little bit of maturity occur in her the last couple of weeks.  I know she has also struggled with some relationships, and because her brother has been challenging at home, it has caused her to struggle a little more.  Overall though, she is an amazing young person.

Unfortunately, her day did not go as she wanted in the afternoon.  Andrew took her to take her test for her temporary driving permit, and she did not pass.  She was so upset and cried for quite a bit.  She had waited so long, because after her grades in the second semester of last year we told her she had to wait.  She came home more determined then ever to study and be successful next time.  I am proud of her determination, and I know she'll be fine.

Our calendar makes me want to cry a little

Our schedule has been insane, and I'm not sure how much longer we can keep this up.  I know though, that it is what working families with busy teens deal with all the time.  I'm just a person who needs my sleep, and right now that isn't happening.  I'm going to assume most people are not interested in this post, and that is okay.  I'm writing this because one day I'm going to think I'm so busy, and I want to be able to look back and realize that isn't really the case.

It all began Saturday morning...yep, on the weekend!  Andrew had to be at church at 8AM to help set up for a memorial service.  Catherine had to be at the senior's center at 9 to volunteer to rake leaves for seniors.  Andrew came home long enough to grab Robert so they could attend the beginning of the service and then duck out to get to a Veteran's Day ceremony.  Thomas had to be at basketball practice (he is managing for the 8th grade team...all of the responsibilities with no playing time) at 10:30.  Catherine needed picked up at Noon.  Andrew and Robert were able to pick up Thomas at 1:00 from his practice.  Andrew then took Catherine to urgent care because she had a grossly infected toe.  He also picked up things we needed for friends who were coming over that evening.  Obviously, I was cleaning the house while all of this was happening because it had been forever, and I also had to tabulate totals for a band fundraiser that had to be submitted that morning.  Catherine had a friend over to spend the night, and some adult friends came over as well.  Robert ended up being called into work and he was picked up about 9.  It was a crazy Saturday.

On Sunday I had to be up earlier than normal because I was the Sunday School volunteer.  After church, I needed to help with the high school youth service project, and Andrew had a church council meeting.  Robert worked until about 2:30.  It was by far our easiest day, except that the emotions of family tensions and poor decisions made for a very draining evening.

Yesterday we all got up and set off on our Mondays.  After working, I had to run several band errands because this evening is a chili supper fundraiser.  Andrew took Catherine to swim work out, and I took Robert to his recruiter's office for a meeting.  I was also able take care of some more band items while waiting on Robert, then I dropped his off at the work out, ran another band errand, and picked Thomas up from basketball practice.  Andrew took the other two from swim workout to the pool, and when he picked him up two hours later I was working on band paperwork that has to be finished by 8:00 Saturday morning.

Today we are all back to work and school again.  Robert has another Navy meeting after school today, and Catherine has to go with him because they need to go straight from there to swim uniform fitting that occurs right before swim practice.  I have a few more band errands to run.  Andrew has professional development until 7:30 this evening.  At 5:00 I will pick Thomas up from basketball and we will book it across town to get to the high school to set up for the band fundraiser.  I also need to get a batch of brownies baked before I go.  I have begged out of staying at the chili fundraiser because I still have a significant amount of paperwork to have ready for Saturday morning (and I'm not attending a 6:30 meeting), and everyone else should be home by 8PM.

Tomorrow is another full day!  I am working again, and then right after school I have to head to my church job for a meeting.  I have also been requested to get interim giving statements mailed out this week.  Andrew and Robert are volunteering at the college football game for the youth group, and I will need to get Catherine to swim workout at 4:00.  I got her a ride from there to swim practice because I have to pick Thomas up at 5 from basketball practice.  I also need to make a trip to the church accountant's office.  It will be a late night for Andrew and Robert, but hopefully I will be able to finish up fundraiser paperwork.

Thursday is a day off for me...right!!!  Catherine is being recognized at the honor roll breakfast at 8AM, and then I need to drive 90 minutes (each way) to pick up pies sold by our church youth group.  Upon returning I have a hair cut, and after school Robert has a dentist appointment because his tooth shattered over the weekend.  Thomas has a basketball scrimmage after school, so we aren't certain if he will be able to attend youth group that evening.  It doesn't matter though, because I am the adult volunteer and providing snacks for that evening.  Catherine and Robert still have swim practice that evening from 5:30 - 7:30.

On Friday I will be working again at school.  Thomas has basketball practice right after school until 6:00, and Robert and Catherine have swim work out from 4-5...and that is ALL.  Hopefully all of the band paperwork and church statements are finished, because we are having out-of-town company stay over on Saturday and I would like to clean the house!

Saturday brings Catherine volunteering for the band fundraiser, and I have to be there earlier in order to get things set up.  I did beg some other parents to take over from there though so I won't be spending the day.  Thomas has an art exhibit at 9:00, and then has basketball practice from 11-1.  Catherine will need picked up at noon, and Robert works that evening from 5-11:30.

Sunday our friends have to be out the door by 7:30AM so we will all be up early!  We have church in the morning, but then nothing until the evening when our family agreed to help at Family Advent Night.  Robert works from 5-11:30 again, and I'm just not sure how I am going to be able to stay up late enough to get him!  I work again Monday, but only in the morning, although we are leaving Tuesday after school to drive to Andrew's parents so I need to get laundry accomplished at some point, and I also need to make sure that the church payroll is submitted before we leave town.

I'm not sure how we got to this point.  I don't feel my kids are overscheduled...there are just more of them than there are of us!  I also don't mind helping out with all of the volunteer activities, it's just that everything seems to be coming together all at the same time!  I am a tired, tired person.  Better take my vitamins so I don't get sick at the holidays!

2017 Grateful post #12

I am grateful for my extended family.  I loved growing up with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, & cousins living within two miles of my house.  I remember being a kid and being jealous of people who traveled at the holidays because that seemed like fun.  Now I completely understand how blessed we were to so easily be able to gather not only then, but any time we really wanted to do so.  It's probably the reason Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  For the last 20 years my aunt & uncle have opened their large home and welcomed us all for lunch.  Most of us always attended, but once my dad passed away it seems as though EVERYONE makes more of an effort.  Last year, every single family member was there.

I'm grateful for the family beyond that though.  My dad had first cousins, who are now grandparents (and even great-grandparents) themselves, and they are all so quick to share their blessings with us.  We are so lucky to have all of these people in our lives, and to get to share so many things with them over the years!

Dad has been gone four years

Four years ago this evening came the call that Dad was gone.  The strangest thing is that I had talked to my mom earlier in the day and he was having a really good day.  It seems so odd that his obituary stated he passed away unexpectedly after a seventeen year illness, but that honestly was the case.  I will never forget receiving that phone call.  It is strange to me how much of that evening is so very distinct in my mind, when it seems as though it should have been a blur.  I am so grateful that I was able to have my dad, such an amazing man, in my life for forty years.

I needed to be here today

Our family had a really rough weekend.  With three teens, there are lots of emotions and a great deal of drama, and sometimes things just get tough.  Yesterday I kind of reached my breaking point, and to be honest, I was more hurt, and cried more tears, than the day my dad died four years ago (tomorrow).  There needs to be some healing take place, and I'm just not sure I know how to make that happen for everyone.  It was just a really tough day.

Earlier in the day I had accepted a job at the high school for today.  After the way our evening went, I thought about cancelling and taking the day for myself.  I didn't though, and I am so glad that I didn't.  This classroom is two doors down from my husband, and we had the same plan period and the same lunch.  It allowed us to spend some time together, and to get some things handled.  And I can't even begin to describe how amazing my husband has been at handling things.  It also allowed me to be distracted by fabulous students, and not think about how upset I had been yesterday.  I am still exhausted from being drained and not sleeping well last night, but I needed to be here!

2017 Thankful post #11

I am now two days behind.  I will try to catch up, but honestly, life is just a little tough right now.

I wrote last about the lifelong friends for whom I am grateful.  I also have amazing "couple" friends that we developed in our former town.  Two couples specifically...Bob & Jen and Digger & Amanda.  Digger and Manda are friends who are just amazing people and are always there for us in so many ways, just like they are for others which can make it extra challenging to schedule fun time with them.  I'm not complaining, that is just a fact.  They are inspiring and such solid people and I can't imagine my life without them.

Bob and Jen have not always been the best friends and there have been hurt feelings and challenges.  At the same time, there has been lots of forgiveness, and more laughs and more memories than we can even put into words.  Our kids have grown up together, and they are a special part of our lives as well.

I am so grateful for friendships.

2017 Thankful post #10

I missed yesterday again.  I will do my best to make that up somewhere.

I am grateful for my best friends in the world: Stephanie, Chad, & Andy.  I can't imagine my life without the three of them.  I haven't seen Steph since July, Chad since February, and Andy since April 2015, but that doesn't matter.  They were all at my high school graduation and wedding, Steph & Andy were at my college graduation, and all three were at my dad's funeral and I spent the evening prior with them.  I can't imagine I have been as good a friend to them as they have been to me, and I love them all with all my heart.

I didn't cry this year

Today, our school held the annual Veteran's Day assembly.  Last year, I cried like a baby during a lot of it.  Given that my son has enlisted in the Navy, I honestly thought I would be even more emotional.  The guest speaker was also my husband's student teacher, and is a friend of ours, which I thought would add even more to the emotion.  And four years ago today was the last time I ever heard my dad's voice, so I'm a little emotional about things anyway!

I was just as amazed this year as I was last year about how fabulous the students are during this ceremony.  The principal explains his expectations, and there is no question that everyone will do as expected...and they do.  That alone makes me emotional!  There was a 2017 grad in attendance who has just returned from his basic training in the USMC.  Because Robert has missed so much school lately and has been having some issues, we decided he wasn't going to attend this year's ceremony.  I couldn't help but think that maybe he'll get to be home and in uniform next year.  I was very focused on getting pictures and videos of Kyle (student teacher) so that I could send to his wife.  Maybe that would explain the lack of tears, but I didn't cry this year!  Our school does an amazing job of putting on this assembly!

2017 Thankful post #9

I am so very thankful for my health.  I know that I should take better care of myself, and some days I truly strive to do that.  Many days though, especially right now with three teenagers, I feel like I'm in survival mode and dinner (and sometimes breakfast and lunch too!) is what I can find to grab as I'm trying to get from one thing to another.  I know how expensive medicine and treatments can be, and I need to remember that and work harder on being a healthier person.  But in the meantime, I am grateful to be as healthy as I am!

2017 Thankful post #8

I am so thankful for my job.  I've never been shy about that.  I'm so grateful I have the opportunity to add to our family income, and some months it is a somewhat significant amount.  At the same time, I am so grateful for the days I am able to be off and accomplish other things in life.  I love the fact that I often get to see my kids at school, and that I have the opportunity to know so many fabulous teenagers who are the next generation of leaders.  As an aside, I don't know that I would've been this excited about this at our old school, but here there are some truly amazing teenagers.  I'm so grateful that at this point in our lives we are able to do make this happen!

2017 Thankful post #7

I know this might sound odd, but I am so thankful for the schools.  While we miss our former town tremendously, both Andrew and I have never regretted our move in terms of the schools.  We are so grateful not only for the education and opportunities that are available to my kids, but we are grateful for the emotional support that is so readily available.  As a parent of three teens, that support is invaluable!  We could not be happier that our kids are in these schools.  I am constantly amazed by how wonderful they are!

2017 Thankful Post #6

I made it on here to catch up from yesterday's missed post!

I am grateful for my pets in life.  My parents bought a dog when I was three, and Munchkin was with us until I was a senior in high school.  She was a sweet dog, and perfect for our family.

Wally and Piper came into my life at a very lonely time.  They were only six weeks old, and they became my everything.  I can't even begin to explain how much I needed them in my life at that point in time.  They were, and always will be, my first babies.  As the twinsies (as I called them) aged, I knew we needed to add to our family.  Lincoln and Rosie joined us almost five years ago.  It's so hard to believe it has been that long.  The kids adore them.

And of course we now have Abby.  As my husband loves to point out, she has brought so much joy and so many smiles to our family.  She is absolutely a perfect dog to have in our family.  I love watching the kids interact with Abby.  I'm so grateful for the pets and how much they've added to our family!

An early November weekend

We had a busy weekend, but overall I definitely enjoyed it.  It seems so hard to believe that we are already six days into November!

On Friday, Thomas had and after school activity.  I picked him up, then dropped the other two off at their first swim practice of the season.  I dropped Thomas off at home, and he and Andrew left for our former town to take in a football game.  I went to the church office to work for a couple of hours before picking the other two up and dropping them off at a team dinner.  Because we don't trust Robert's choices right now, we don't trust him to drive very much.  I stayed in town and grabbed myself something to eat and the three of us finally made it home around 9:00.  Andrew and Thomas got home a little over an hour later.  It was Midnight before we tumbled into bed, and although we were able to sleep in Saturday, we all had places to be in the morning.

Andrew took Robert to a Navy required activity that lasted until late morning.  Catherine needed to be at school to attend her final marching band event of the season, and Thomas had art lessons.  After getting Thomas home, I took care of a few things, and then headed out the door for a weekly grocery trip.  We learned early afternoon that Catherine's band had not made finals (which we suspected would be the case).  We had all decided on Friday that after that the football games on Saturday we would all sit around and watch new episodes of "Big Bang Theory, Season 10" which had arrived earlier in the week.  We were extremely disappointed in the Ohio State game, but our Notre Dame Irish continued to roll along.  Then we sat and laughed together for a couple of hours while we watched several episodes.  It was so much fun.  Even though the kids chose to stay up, Andrew and I were in bed at 10:30.  With gaining that extra hour, we were able to sleep for 10-1/2 hours!  It honestly felt a little bit like a dream come true! 

Church lasted longer than normal yesterday and then Andrew had a meeting following.  We had lunch plans with some good friends and spent two hours visiting with their family.  We are so grateful for these people in our lives!  The kids all get along so well and honestly, they are really like family.  In the evening, the kids had a church youth group function, and I worked, and worked, and worked on my volunteer activities.

It was such a full weekend, and Monday morning came around so quickly again.  Tomorrow though, is not a school day for students (Andrew still has to be there) so even though there are tons of appointments happening, we get to sleep in!

2017 Thankful post #5

I missed yesterday because it was such a busy day.  If I get a chance somewhere along the line to do a catch-up, I will.

I am grateful for my home.  I loved our first home and have wonderful memories of the time spent there.  It was a beautiful little historic house, and Andrew and I fell in love with it pretty much the first time we saw it.  It was our first home together, and where we brought our children home to, but it was never meant for a family of five in this age.  We literally outgrew the home overnight, but remained another 7-1/2 years.

Finding our current home was such an amazing blessing.  With the exception of the boys' room, our new house is so much more perfect for us.  Our outdoor space is even more amazing then the indoor space, especially compared to our first home.  We absolutely love our house.

Most importantly though, I am simply grateful for having a home.  I am grateful for knowing where I am going to lay my head each evening, and especially grateful for the family that fills our home each day.

2017 Thankful post #4

I am thankful for my parents.  I had amazing role models growing up.  My parents were very young when I was born...just 19 and 20.  We had almost nothing when I was really little, but I didn't realize it.  It wasn't until later when my Dad began to advance in his career that I realized how little we had when I was a child.  My parents always made sure we had what we needed, and many times it was even what we wanted.

Both of my parents have an amazing work ethic.  My mom was a stay-at-home mom and took on just about any volunteer project that came along.  I don't remember many weeks when my dad didn't work on Saturday, and he worked many Sundays as well.  They were always there for us though.

Even when we became adults, my parents were always there.  We shared so many things as a family, and I can't even begin to come up with the words to describe what a blessing my parents have been!

2017 Thankful post #3

I am so thankful for my faith.  I can't imagine where I would be or how I would handle things without it.  It is just such a comfort to me, and brings me peace in both good times and bad...but especially in the rough ones!  I'm grateful for the church we attend, and that Andrew and I have found a way to come together and share our faith with our kids.  My faith is truly a blessing!

Our last visit four years ago

It was four years ago today that I last visited with my dad.  There are so many things from that visit that I so vividly remember from that day.  The weather was very similar to today...cloudy but not terribly cool.  We were moving furniture for my parents, and although Dad was very weak by then, he sat in the room with us for awhile.  We laughed so hard that afternoon about how my mom and I couldn't seem to put some desk drawers back together.  I will always remember that laughter, and I'm so incredibly grateful that was how I remember our last visit.  I also remember as we were leaving looking into the room and seeing him sound asleep on his side.  It is all so very, very vivid.  As we head into November, I feel a little sad.  At the same time, I'm grateful he is at peace.

2017 Thankful post #2

I am grateful for my three children.  Parenting is not for the weak of heart, that is for certain, but I wouldn't trade them for anything.  I can't imagine my life without these three amazing people in my life.  They make me laugh, they make me cry, and there are just so many other things to say, but yet I don't seem to have the words.  I am so grateful that God chose me to be their mother.  I have learned so much by being their mother and it has completely me changed me as a human being.  They are the biggest blessing ever!

A full five day week

This is the first five day week I've worked since 4-1/2 years ago at our former district.  Last year there were a couple of weeks where I would have a 1/2 day off, but none where I worked all five full days.  This is this week though.  It's been classes I've really enjoyed though, and I'm so grateful for it.  The tough part is that it is the beginning of the month so I have reports due at my church job and also for band, but I'm grateful for these five days, as right now there isn't much on my work chart for the rest of the month.

I'm tired though.  Monday I spent three hours here at the high school ironing uniforms before this weekend's band competition, the last of the year.  Tuesday was Halloween, and Catherine had a friend come over who needed a ride home later in the evening.  Last night, Catherine's band practice was cancelled due to the weather.  Thomas hasn't been feeling well, and we gave him NyQuil and put him to bed at 7.  We all commented on how it felt so much later than it really was, and I finally decided I was done and went to bed at 8:30.  It has been YEARS since I went to bed that early, but I am so glad that I did.  I woke up feeling so almost rested this morning!  It's going to be a crazy long day because Robert has a doctor appointment after school, and Catherine has band practice and then a community performance.  Tomorrow swim practice begins for both of the older ones, and then we are at the weekend!  Time flies by!

2017 Thankful post #1

I am planning to post each day about something for which I am grateful.  I almost hate to begin with someone other than my children, but I've decided to go chronologically by age, and I am so incredibly grateful for my husband.

Honestly, I don't feel there are words to describe how I feel about him.  He is absolutely amazing.  He is incredibly patient, and I'm pretty sure he is the most loyal person on the face of the earth.  He makes me want to be a better person, and by being with him, he does make me a better person.  He is incredibly helpful and supportive, and not just with our family, but with everything in which he is involved.  He is an amazing father.  I can't not even begin to fathom doing this parenting thing without him.  I hit the jackpot when I found my husband, and I'm so grateful for the life we have made together.

Excited about November

I can't believe how quickly October flew by.  Today is November 1...just two more months left this year!  I'm a little sad that October flew by so quickly because it is one of my favorite months.  It was warm for the early part which was disappointing, but the last week was definitely fall like.  And as always, it was absolutely gorgeous.  In fact, the leaves changed late, but we haven't had a really big wind storm so most of the leaves are still on the trees.  It is so peaceful and lovely.

October had a great deal of stress in our family, and I don't necessarily see November being better in terms of that.  But at the same time, it is the month of Thanksgiving, and that is something I absolutely love.  In fact, my goal is to write one post a day on the things for which I am grateful.  I wish peace for everyone this month!