Our special family day

Today is the day we celebrate being a family.  I love that the four of us are home today.  The kids have swim this evening, but otherwise we get to hang out together.  Of course, we aren't all together because Robert is on his own doing his own thing, but we will take what we can get.  Andrew and I have commented how much we are going to miss these days.  Our family is an amazing blessing...I have no idea how I got so lucky!

Another day at home tomorrow

We received word at about 1:30 this afternoon that we are going to be closed again tomorrow.  While it is disappointing that I was scheduled to work tomorrow, I can not be sad that we already know tonight that we get to sleep in tomorrow.  And looking ahead...1-3" of snow overnight Thursday into Friday morning!

Our lives at the end of January

Only one day left in January.  Is it too early to say that the year is flying by?  I happen to know there are only 72 school days remaining this year.  Not ready to wish away time though.

Our weekend was every bit as busy as we knew it would be.  I loved being able to enjoy our ladies lunch Saturday.  I am blessed with an amazing group of friends.  We love each other, and make time for each other a priority.  Granted, it requires scheduling months in advance, but we make it happen.

Thomas completed a 500m swim Sunday at his meet!  His attempt in December ended with him not finishing the race, but this Sunday he did it.  He was so proud of himself, and his time was pretty decent.  I hated I couldn't see it, but we are so proud of him.

I haven't worked this week.  I am scheduled for tomorrow, and then again Friday afternoon only.  Tomorrow is cold again although not as cold as today so I'm not sure if there will be school or not.  We are due to get snow overnight into Friday morning, so there is no guarantee of that day either.  I am scheduled four days next week, and there is just nothing I can do about it.  And goodness knows as cold as it is right now, none of us want to be out and about.  I suspect the buses wouldn't start even if they had tried.

We've also had a major household issue.  Our crawlspace had nearly a foot of standing water in it.  We have no idea where it came from, but that is where our furnace is located.  Fortunately, we realized it and have had it pumped out, but the plumbers were here all day.  The bill is being sent, but I am sure that is NOT going to be inexpensive.  Everything will work out.

Temps this weekend are going to be in the 50's.  It's crazy!

Already closed for tomorrow

Our school district closed for tomorrow by 10AM this morning.  Not at all surprising, as I had been saying since Saturday we were going to be closed.  While it was forecasted to be frigid all along, we have now been projected to have wind chills between -25 and -40.  This is definitely the earliest I can ever recall a closing being made, but it is best to allow for people to plan, especially those with young children.  I am already looking forward to some carefree time this evening, and having all day tomorrow to just kind of hang out!

It's going to be a busy weekend

We have a pretty busy weekend happening here, and I'm not crazy about it.  I'm just a homebody at heart, and the weather around here definitely makes it even more so!

This evening, the kids have a swim meet, and I'm working the doors.  It shouldn't be a terribly late evening, and hopefully it won't be because I have to get the swim towels washed before bed.  Tomorrow Andrew and I are attending a reception in our former town for a young man who is receiving his Eagle Scout, and then I have plans for a ladies lunch.  Thomas and Catherine are attending an away swim meet.  Andrew has to work at the hockey game tomorrow evening, then we are meeting my cousin and his wife for dinner and drinks.  Sunday morning I have to be at church a little early to hand out some paperwork and after church is our annual meeting.  It is pretty much one of my least favorite things of the year, but not only do I need to attend because of my job, I've also agreed to take on some additional volunteer responsibilities as well.  I'm hoping to stay even after the meeting to get some work done (even though I've already done church work nearly six hours this week...'tis the time of year!) and then Sunday evening I am the volunteer at the youth group.  Of course, Thomas won't actually be at Youth group because he will be gone all day at a swim meet.  Catherine can't attend the meet because she has to work late afternoon into the evening.  And when all of this is done...it's Monday and we get to start all over again!  I am grateful though, that we have so many opportunities and blessings in our lives!

An unexpected beginning to our morning

I've written before about the outdoor cats we began caring for nearly four years ago.  We know these are not particularly young cats.  There have been a couple of times one has disappeared for some time, and I've worried that the four might be down to three.  There is one female in particular that often spends time away, and I'm always grateful to see her again when she returns.  This summer, the male alpha appeared to have a stroke.  These cats still won't allow us to touch them or get too close, so we knew a vet trip was not an option.  Honestly, we were planning to allow nature to take its course.

That happened this morning.  I went outside to feed them, and found the male alpha half in and half out of the shelter.  It was dark, and had it not been for some light coming through the window I wouldn't have seen him.  Honestly, I have a pretty serious phobia about dead things.  I turned around and went inside and informed the family that one of the cats had passed.  They asked which one, and I couldn't tell them because I didn't know.  As soon as I realized it I was out of there.  Catherine, my sweet girl who really should work with pets someday, went out to investigate and determined it was Abraham, the male alpha (we did not name them...the woman caring for them for years before us did so).  Of all the cats, this one was the one I would be least emotionally attached to, but I am always saddened when an animal passes.  I emailed their previous caretaker, and she confirmed he was definitely an elderly cat.  As I told Andrew, I'm grateful that we know for certain, and aren't just left wondering if he was alive or dead, or if there was some awful ending.  His time just ran out, and I'm sure the single digit temperatures didn't help.

It was definitely a startling and unexpectedly sad beginning to my day!

I could really use a nap

I'll be honest, I could really use a nap.  I'm pretty darn tired, and my lack of restful sleep is not from lack of trying.  Yesterday I had just closed my eyes for a quick nap when Andrew got home, and then I tried going to be nearly an hour early last night, but my kids had other plans...and they are part of the problem as well.

I actually did say good night to the kids and go to bed an hour early.  But Andrew wasn't home yet, and all hell broke lose after I went to my room.  About five minutes after going to bed I heard screaming.  They were physically fighting.  It infuriates me.

To a certain extent, these two have always been this way.  Thomas finds ways to push her buttons, and Catherine reacts with physical pushing.  Andrew and I actually suspended them from the swim team for three days a week before Christmas.  It doesn't seem right now as if they have learned much.  We have currently taken away all cell phones and driving privileges, and they will have to earn the right to participate in marching band together.  We've explained if they can't behave together, than they can't be together at events.  No more bus riding...they will have to hang out with me while I run errands.  And spare time?  It will be spent scrubbing and cleaning.  Maybe they will figure out it's just easier to get along.

Parenting teens takes more mental and emotional strength than I ever imagined.  At the same time, it is so important not to give in and just let them be monsters and get their way.  I am exhausted.

Bringing joy

Lately, it seems as though the whole "does it bring you joy when you touch it" movement has been surrounding me.  I get it...I really do.  Life being less cluttered certainly can be advantageous.  I don't think people would consider my house cluttered though, and I'll be honest, I love the things around me.  Yes, they bring me joy.

I love the pictures hanging on my wall.  Many of them are from the last family portrait session we had done a little over two years ago.  I also so love the pictures sitting around my house on shelves and elsewhere.  I love the picture of our family at Disney, and I love the picture of my kids decked out in their Notre Dame clothing when they were very young.  I love the photos of my grandparents' high school graduations, and I love the photo of my mother with her mother, brother, and sister.  These are only a few of the photos, and they all bring me great joy.

I also love some of the "things" around my house.  I love the building cut outs from the towns in which I've lived, as well as some of our vacations.  I love the rock on my shelf that is painted red and has the word "peace" etched on it.  Not only is that a lovely visual in itself, but Thomas made that for me at a church activity.  I love the kids' ceramic projects sitting on the shelf, as well as some of our word blocks.  I love the reminders that "the time to be happy is now", as well as "We are so blessed" in front of our kids' pics.  These things, yes, they bring me joy.

Maybe I am way too sentimental.  Maybe I am ridiculous.  But for right now, that's fine with me.  I have room, my house isn't crazy, and I have much joy in my life.

Cleaning differently

I have been very pleased with the fact that our house has remained picked up since after the New Year.  It has taken some effort, but not overly so.  I'm sure part of it is the fact that I LOVE my new vacuum cleaner, and I'm sure part of it is the fact that only four people are living in my house instead of five (although theoretically he should've been more help than work).  I think the biggest thing though, has just been my perspective.  If something needs done, I do it.  Even if I don't want to, and even there is something else I would rather do.  And then I PUT IT AWAY.  I don't just take care of something and then stack it in a pile to take care of it later.  That honestly has been huge.

I recently read a "cleaning tip" that suggested cleaning as you go.  Honestly, I've started doing that, but it also triggered a perspective for me.  It suggested stashing dusting cloths in each room for a quick swipe.  I'm not going to do that.  However, I did realize that just because I might not be able to dust an entire room doesn't mean I have to keep staring at the dust around my TV.  Go ahead and dust!  Part of my issue is that I keep a chore chart, and I can't check it off each week if I don't do the entire room.  So what?  If I don't do ANYTHING, I certainly can't check it off either.  And really, who cares about the checkmark???  Stop staring at the dust, and just give the TV table a quick swipe!

Little things

It was really nice to have a three day weekend.  Everyone got a decent amount of sleep, but of course 5AM came awfully early again this morning.  It's a busy day with meetings, appointments, school, and work, but it was nice to have some down time over the weekend.

There were several sweet little things that will stick in my memory from the weekend.  One happened Sunday late afternoon.  About a week ago I had dumped brownie mix into a bowl, but then got called into work and decided I would just purchase some brownies at the grocery because I wouldn't have time to bake.  The bowl with just the power mix had sat there, and Thomas had asked before when I was going to make the brownies.  Sunday afternoon he asked again, and I told him to go ahead.  He is in high school after all!  He was thrilled!  It was so neat to see him be so pleased and so excited to make the brownies himself.  Andrew kept offering to help and he was insistent on doing it himself...and he did great . Catherine was thrilled to come home from work to a pan of freshly baked brownies!

Another thing was earlier Sunday afternoon.  Catherine had called and asked that I drive to the meet to pick her and Thomas up since they were finished and Andrew was still timing.  I mentioned I had a migraine, but that I would try.  Catherine was concerned by this, and said if I could make it there, she would drive home.  Very shortly after, she texted and said that Andrew was finished, and that I should, "Stay home and rest please."  It was so very thoughtful of her.

Sunday evening we played a game of Uno while watching the AFC championship game.  Oh goodness, there was so much laughter and fun.  The kids went to bed early, and Andrew and I enjoyed a little more time together before heading to bed ourselves.

I am so grateful for the little things in our lives!

I am loving this weekend

I am so enjoying this weekend.  I'm sure part of the reason is simply that we have an extra day.  Honestly though, it has just been a really nice weekend.

Friday evening Andrew and I were a little irritated that the kids couldn't get along.  When that happens, we don't trust them to drive to swim practice and work out by themselves.  It was still pleasant though.  I made an simple dinner for Andrew and myself, and we took our sweet dog with us when it was time to pick up the kids for the evening.  We came home and spent some family time before most of us went to bed early.

Catherine and Thomas had to be at the pool at 7:15 yesterday.  I had just returned home from dropping them off when Catherine let me know she had forgotten her swim suit.  Ugh!  I enjoyed the quiet time after the second trip to the pool (although I would've preferred a little extra sleep) before I had to report for my volunteer shift.  The kids were done swimming before my shift was over, and since Catherine had to work Andrew picked them up.  Shortly after I was home, I took Catherine to work because the weather forecast was dreadful.  It was fine at the time but she had a four hour shift.  We made a good decision too, because we definitely would not have wanted her driving home in the weather later.

After Andrew retrieved Catherine from work, he and I headed out to an Athletic Boosters fundraiser.  The roads were really starting to get dicey and the wind was howling.  We knew it was only going to get worse throughout the night so we didn't plan to stay very late.  I appreciated that we had an opportunity to visit a little but were home a little after 10:00.  We spent some more time binge watching TV as a family, and we all loved the fact that we got to sleep in today.  Because of the overnight weather, today's swim meet was delayed.  The kids didn't have to be there until 9:45, and we were grateful for some extra sleep!

Today Andrew volunteered to time during the meet, and I got some things done around the house while everyone was gone.  Catherine is working again right now, but should be home in about an hour.  We are watching football, and I made potato soup for dinner.  It is an excellent dinner considering our temps are single digits with even colder wind chills.  I am so enjoying this weekend!

How I spent my snow day

Honestly, I didn't love that we had a snow day yesterday.  For one thing, because of Catherine's fever, I just didn't sleep well on the couch the night before, and I didn't really go back to sleep after the delay was announced.  For another, I had actually already taken a shower by the time we knew we were closed, and it seemed ridiculous to go back to sleep after 7:30.  Andrew and I were up, and we just decided to make ourselves some coffee.  Andrew was chatty and honestly, I just wanted to have some quiet time.  Our evening activities didn't change either since it was really just a snow burst in the morning that closed our school.

I did, however, make tremendous headway in getting the house really picked up.  There are still some frustrations, like the fact that there is still an extra mattress in Thomas's room because we aren't going to hike through all the snow from last weekend to put it away in the detached garage. Not looking promising as another 4-7" of snow is forecasted for tomorrow, and this with ice and gusty winds.  We also still have Christmas stacked in our sun room because the ladder is behind the detached garage.  The cot Robert slept on is still in there as well, so Thomas just has the tiniest bit of room to hang out with his Lego creations.  That room also has a tile floor so it kind of becomes our "mud room" this time of year.  The rest of the house though, is in pretty good shape!  I am looking forward to having three days off of school, and continuing to organize and pick things up!

A last minute snow day

We are home from school today.  We knew there was a chance, but it seemed pretty unlikely.  It was supposed to begin precipitating around 4, but there was no guarantee it was going to be cold precipitation.  I slept on the couch last night so that I could wake during the night to check on Catherine's temperature.  At 5AM we received a text that school was on a delay.  I wasn't going to complain about another two hours of sleep!  Of course, that isn't actually what happened.  I think I got about another 20-30 minutes.  At 7, I checked Catherine's temp (no fever), woke up Andrew so he could take the dog on a walk, and hopped in the shower.  I was stunned when 1/2 hour later the district decided to close.  I was disappointed in losing a day of pay, but nothing can be done about it.  When Andrew returned from his walk, he mentioned it was coming down as ice.

I've enjoyed sitting here on my computer looking out our big front window.  Andrew had made himself some coffee and worked a little in the kitchen.  I'm enjoying the peace and quiet.  I'm grateful tomorrow is Friday, and we have a long weekend!

Regular life

We are in the middle of just regular days.  Busy days, but generally nothing out of the ordinary.  Catherine is home sick today, and Andrew is with her, but that is about it.  Hopefully he gets her to the doctor sooner rather than later.  She woke up with a fever of 101.5 this morning, and I would really like to be home with her, but I don't get paid if I'm not here.  Hopefully her fever isn't so high tomorrow, and if she needs to be home hopefully she can hang in there by herself.

My motivation to have a clean house plummeted yesterday.  I hate the fact that my house is not picked up as much as I would like.  Since Catherine didn't feel well, I had to do the transporting for Thomas.  Andrew was working at the boys' basketball game.  I had awakened with a migraine yesterday, but fortunately was scheduled at the elementary so I could lay in bed for awhile which helped it go away (along with meds).  I only worked half a day, but then spend another couple of hours at my church job.  I then worked on my taxes last evening, which honestly was depressing.  We don't owe anything this year, but the new tax laws were not in our favor.

Andrew and I also discussed that there was a little bit of sadness regarding Robert as well.  He officially graduated from his training yesterday, and is being stationed in the Pacific for three year.  I texted yesterday to confirm it was his graduation, congratulate him, and ask when he was departing.  He literally was leaving in only a couple of hours.  The fact that he is leaving the country for years and didn't think to contact us was hurtful.  We understand he is 19 and this may not be personal, but it hurts none-the-less.

On the upside, our house functions very well as a little family of four.  I am so, so grateful for this life that I have and for the family with whom I share it.  The days are flying by so incredibly quickly, and I'm wanting to cherish the times!

Unexpected sad news

I was subbing at the high school this morning.  It was an extraordinarily easy morning, as I had first period off, was monitoring a small study hall 4th period, and in between our guidance counselor was introducing scheduling to the students.  I had Catherine in the second of those classes.  I was talking to her about next year's classes, when another students told me he just received a text that our school's baseball coach (also our ISA monitor and last year's basketball coach) had passed away from a heart attack.  I don't have a school email account so I really had no way to confirm the information.  Shortly after the basketball and baseball teams were called to the PAC.  There were some visibly upset students, and even more upset adults.  I only had to work this morning, and there didn't seem to be anything more that was needed of me.  It was such a sad way to begin the morning.

The middle of January

I really, really enjoyed our weekend.  Of course, I love a good snowstorm like no one else!  It just seems so magical.  I can't even describe it.  I think one of the things I love most is that it cancelled most of our plans, which gave us tons of family time.

The kids' swim meet did not happen Saturday.  Andrew had received vouchers to go to the women's basketball game at the local university...and knowing the weather forecast he had thought ahead and got four of them!  Of course Catherine and Thomas would rather have been on electronic devices, but we made them put them away for the game.  One of the assistance coaches on the women's team was the coach during my high school days.  It was very strange to be at a college basketball game and to personally know someone on the bench!  The weather and roads had very much deteriorated by the time we left, but we were only about two miles from home.  That evening we enjoyed wings and pizza for supper.  I didn't particularly care about the football games, so we spent the evening binge watching our favorite TV shows.

Yesterday morning we were up at 7 because Catherine had to be at work at 8.  Apparently, the forecast for overnight had changed, because we were astounded at all the snow that had fallen!  In spite of the fact that Andrew worked for an hour and I joined him for 1/2 hour, Catherine was late to work.  We had planned to attend church as I had several volunteer responsibilities, however we learned that the town was under a Level 2 snow emergency.  We decided that meant we had no business being out on the roads.  Sure enough, by the time Catherine was picked up from work (we obviously weren't going to allow her to drive herself in that weather) things were looking much better.  Our afternoon was spent watching the only football game I remotely cared about (which didn't go the way I wanted) and cleaning the house.  Andrew made dinner, and after everyone had showered we watched a little more TV together as a family.

I was REALLY hoping for a delay this morning.  After all, we had 10" of snow on the ground!  Other areas that had much less were delaying...why not us?  Sure enough everyone is in school right on time today around here.  Snow is so much better when it cancels school!

Lots of snow

All week there had been talk about the snow storm that was headed our way for the weekend.  Initially the forecast was for about 5" of snow, then it was a 3-6" range, then a 4-7" range.  It sounded as though our particular part of the region was going to have the upper end as we seem to be right in the heaviest snow on all the models.  I had measured before it got dark yesterday and we had just over 5".  I did notice later in the evening that it had started snowing again.  I wasn't really prepared though, for the snow when we got up this morning!  We had almost 10", and that wasn't the end of the snow!  Our county definitely was the "winner" of the snow totals.  Honestly, I love it!

I will write more soon, but I wanted to get on here this evening and share my excitement.  Now if only we could get a school delay for tomorrow morning!

Just about to another weekend.

We are almost there...really just an hour away...to another weekend.  This week went more quickly than I thought it would considering we just had two weeks off.  Honestly though, other than the awful 5AM wake-up time (and I am NOT a morning person), my life is so blessed and I'm grateful for our days!

We had a lot going on, although I was fortunate enough to have an entire day off Tuesday.  I had a meeting that evening, then another meeting after school Wednesday, then another meeting Wednesday evening, and then the kids had a swim meet last evening and I was a door worker.  I'm writing this not to sound as though I am so wonderful and take care of so many things.  No, no...I'm writing all of this to justify the fact that the clean dishes are still in the dishwasher after washing them earlier this week, and the dirty dishes are starting to pile up on the counter.  Most (but not all) of Christmas is put away, but other chores are lacking.  That is going to have to be okay too.  And I'll be honest, although we have only one thing to do this evening, the house will probably be in pretty similar shape when I wake up tomorrow.  Friday evenings are for couch sitting (at least after we replace the microwave that has suddenly stopped heating food.  Ugh).

As of right now, the kids have a swim meet tomorrow (and one tonight...no couch sitting for them), but we aren't sure.  The forecast for our area tomorrow is a good amount of snow.  The last report I saw was 4-6" for our area.  We are kind of disappointed that it is falling on a Saturday.  I'll be honest, I have some concerns about my kids being on a school bus tomorrow, and since it is the third day in a row with a meet, I don't think the kids would be disappointed either if we were home all day.  Both Catherine and Thomas are hurting, and an unexpected day off would be fine with us.

Sunday will be another full day as Catherine has to work at 8AM, and then I am both the nursery volunteer during church on Sunday and the Sunday School volunteer after.  But for right now, that is hours and hours away, and I'm just going to enjoy the impending weekend!

A hug in a mug

Living where I live, winter is often cold.  I'll be honest, this is the time of year I can really enjoy and look forward to the steaming hot beverages from a national coffee shop.  I don't need either the calories, or the hit to the budget, but I do allow myself to an occasional treat.  This is especially true on Fridays (thinking there is one in my future today!), or on days where I have to go from school to working at my church job.

We also gave gift cards to this coffee place to each of the kids' teachers before the holidays.  As one teacher thanked me, she mentioned how much she had enjoyed partaking.  I told her I often think of it as a "hug in a mug", especially on particularly cold and unpleasant weather days.  She agreed with my description.

Today, I am subbing in a class I've been in before, and I suddenly remembered that this teacher subscribes to the coffee cart and receives hot chocolate.  Often they will offer the beverage to the sub as it is already paid for and made in advance.  One of the adults who helps with the coffee cart is also well aware that I love their hot chocolate.  I was excited about the prospect and Andrew kind of chuckled at me.   I explained though, that it was really good, and again, like a hug in a mug!

I knew I would be emotional again

Yesterday afternoon I received a text from Catherine.  She was swimming the 500m race last evening.  I know it is hard on her.  No one really enjoys doing it, and coach tries to spread it around.  However, Catherine takes great pride in completing her assignments in whatever she is doing. 

Before the race started I attempted to locate Thomas to make sure he was supporting his sister.  I didn't need to though, because he was at the end of her lane to cheer her on.  I could tell that she was struggling, but she never stopped.  She just kept going, even though at one point I wasn't sure that she was going to be able.  The winner of the race finished 3-1/3 minutes ahead of her, and even when next-to-last finished, she still had 75m remaining.  She just kept moving along, and as she flipped for her last 25m, Andrew pointed out she could be under 10 minutes if she had some pep left her in tank.  I didn't think she could do it, but she sure did!  She was still able to get herself out of the pool, and she was very pleased with herself.  It was so cute how she beamed as each parent congratulated her on finishing.  I was so happy for her, and tears fell just as they did last year when she completed her first one.  I love that even though she knows she isn't anywhere near the best, she pushes and pushes herself to get better, because it isn't just about being the best.  It's about being better than before, and she gets that.  I am so proud of my girl!

Year end purchases

I neglected to write about some purchases we made at the end of year.  I am ridiculously excited about them.  I mean absolutely ridiculous!

I have to provide a little bit of background.  We put up two Christmas trees each year.  In our front room is a large tree we purchased seven years ago.  I had never loved the tree, but it suited our purpose and was pretty much the only thing we could find at the time we purchased it.  The other tree is in our family room.  It is only a little shorter, but much thinner.  I brought the tree into our marriage and it is every bit of twenty years old, but still looks wonderful.  It doesn't begin to look real, but I love that the tree is a very green tree.  I love this tree.

This year, the cats really did a job on the tree in our front room.  They never actually climbed the tree, but they sure did enjoy bending the bottom branches.  Because of how the tree was put together, bending them back wasn't really an option.  They were especially destructive on one side of the tree, and the tree looked ridiculous by the end of the season.  I really wanted a new tree, but refused to spend a lot of money.  I checked online the day after Christmas, but I still thought the prices were ridiculous.  I didn't want anything fancy, and I didn't want anything pre-lit.  I didn't really have time to go out and look because we had things happening.  It just didn't seem meant to be, and I really didn't worry about it.

On New Year's eve, Andrew and I needed to run some errands.  We found a tree that was $89 originally, and was 75% off!  And the best part was, it was a very green tree just like I wanted!  As you can imagine, we were both absolutely thrilled!  When I took down Christmas this year, it was really nice to just take the crappy tree out to the curb.

We were also able to purchase a new vacuum cleaner.  I had asked for money from my in-laws for Christmas so I could buy a new one.  I bought it the same day as the tree, and I am suddenly in love with vacuuming.  I want to vacuum everything!  Honestly, I am a little ridiculous about it.  These were some awesome year-end purchases we were able to make!

A great day to be off work

Today is really a great day to be off work.  Although, I don't necessarily think there is a "bad" time to have a day off!  Regardless, it's been a great day to our house put back together and try to live with some normalcy in our home.  The timing is great in that regard.

Also, it is a lovely spring day here.  I know January 8 is not "spring", but let me assure you it is a bright sunny day in the 50's.  However, the temp is going to plummet and tomorrow it may not even hit 30.  I am working tomorrow afternoon, so I am grateful I get to be off today!

My grandmother's birthday

Today my paternal grandmother turns 88.  She is an absolutely amazing woman.  When my dad died, her son, she was amazingly strong.  Only once did I see her really break down.  Yes there were tears, but only once did she really break down.  Two years later, her sister passed away just days after her brother's wife, and that left her as the last remaining member of her generation.  She had outlived her siblings and spouses, her husband, his siblings and their spouses.  I remember her niece talking about how much she was worried about Grandma, and Grandma just dismissed her.  She was fairly close to her sister and I am certain she misses her, but she is amazingly strong.  She has kept my kids over night, and is just astounding.  I am more grateful than I can put into words that I have had her in my life all these years!

Memories from over break

Overall, I tremendously enjoyed our time over the last two weeks.  It's definitely not the same as it was when the kids were younger because there are still swim schedules and teen job responsibilities.  In fact, poor Catherine had to be at work yesterday at 7AM!  In some ways, getting up at 6AM yesterday was a good transition because I was up but relaxing, and it made the 5AM this morning not quite so awful...but still not awesome. 😀

Several specific, very special memories stick out from over the last two weeks.  The first was on Christmas Eve.  Our church changed to only one service for the evening, and honestly, it was wonderful.  It was dark (we had always gone late afternoon in the past) which made the candlelight part of the service almost magical.  It was also very nice to get to see so many of the teens who are away at college, and I thought it was very nice that it was full.  It was a wonderful way to bring in Christmas.

Another very special memory came on the first Thursday, when everyone was still at our house.  I had given Andrew Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation and we all sat around and watched it.  The kids and I had never seen it before, and it had been years since my in-laws had seen it.  Andrew and I both commented that not only did we enjoy watching it, but we enjoyed watching the reactions from the rest of the family.

We had an entire week on our own as well.  Robert left his four-month-old puppy here, and we had to care for him until we could get him to my mom's house.  She is going to care for him until Robert is able to make arrangements to have the dog with him.  He is a sweet dog, but we aren't in the market for caring for a dog.  Most of this past week involved caring for the dog, double swim practices, and family bonding around the TV.  It's not my most favorite way of bonding, but I do appreciate that we are doing it together.

So many, many times over the break I couldn't help but think how amazingly blessed our lives are.  I even told Andrew how grateful I am for this life we have created together.  My heart is more full than I can describe.

My husband's birthday

Today Andrew turns 45.  I'll be honest, his birthday often sneaks up on me.  Part of it is because he is always home in the days leading up to it, so it can be difficult to get out and get his presents and cards.  Part of it is that it is always next month/year, and then all of a sudden here it is.  We did go out to dinner though, and although I had to run some errands this morning, I made the decision not to go in and work at the church today.  Instead, we ran a few errands together, and I love getting to spend time with my husband.  I am so incredibly blessed to get to share life with this man!

The beginning of 2019

The first day of 2019 is upon us.  As our friend Bob said last night, every year seems to go by faster.  He is right about that.  Time is moving by at warp speed.  Several of our friends were commenting that in a year, we will in the middle of Catherine's and Cameron's (a good friend) senior years.  Just a year ago we were there with Robert and Michael.  It definitely goes unbelievably fast.

It was very nice to ring out the year with so many good friends.  Catherine was also there with her best friend, while Thomas ended up getting to spend the night at the house of his best friend.  Overall, it was just a fun evening.

Now today is 2019.  I'm not a fan of odd-numbered years.  I know that is pretty ridiculous, and I'm trying to just let it go.  It doesn't help though, that 2013 was one of the worst years of my life.  However, I am looking forward to everything 2019 is going to bring.

I love how each new year begins.  January 1 is one of my favorite days of the year.  There are very few (if any) commitments, and although Catherine is working today she will be home around 2.  Andrew is picking up Thomas from his friend's house and then is running a quick errand, and then we will all be home with no place to be the rest of the day.  Those are my favorite moments as a family.  There will be football pretty much all day (including our OSU in the Rose Bowl), and Andrew has made chili in the crock pot.  I will make some chip dip and we have some shrimp cocktail.  I absolutely love this day!