An eleven hour work day

Today I worked nearly eight hours at my job, then worked over three hours at my church job.  That's a pretty darn long day.  I'm grateful though, that Andrew handled dinner for all of us.  And since Thomas had both dryland workout and swim practice, he was gone the entire time as well.  So, so grateful for those things, and for the opportunity of my income.

I also appreciated the weather today.  We received our first snowfall.  Although it snowed most of the day, the ground was too warm for anything to accumulate.  I'll be honest, it was a little disappointing.  I love winter weather, but I've still got all winter for it to happen

Tomorrow is December.  Yay!  Bring on the joy of Christmas!

It was so wonderful to have her around

Catherine went back to her apartment this afternoon.  We had her under our roof for six whole nights.  It was wonderful beyond words.  I can't even describe it.  I am grateful that Andrew cherishes the time as much as I do.  I would've loved for her to stay longer, but I know she has things she wants to take care of at her place.  I am (selfishly, perhaps) hoping she will join us sometime soon to watch a Christmas movie!

Christmas decorating 2020

Decorating has happened much more quickly this year.  No one had a job, and Andrew wasn't traveling with his parents.  That means everyone was around to help, and I absolutely let them.  There are only a few more things that need to get put out.  For everyone, our favorite part was decorating the tree with all of the ornaments.  I am so grateful that everyone else enjoys and cherishes as much as I do.  

I've realized, our house does not have any kind of specific them in decorating.  What I do have though, is memories.  So many memories are in all of our decorations.  We have the ceramic Christmas village that was painted by Andrew's grandmother.  Catherine was thrilled to put that together.  We also have a couple of ceramic houses painted by my paternal grandmother.  We had to find a new home for them because they could no longer go with the Dickens houses.  We have added to that village from houses that belonged to my maternal grandmother.  We each have a house, and that is all that fits where I put them.  There are many other decorations painted by Andrew's grandmother, and so many photos that I put out each year.  There are many decorations that are gifts from my grandmother and my aunt & uncle..  I love how cozy our house feels as I am surrounded by so many lovely memories!

The day after Thanksgiving

We will be leaving here in a couple of hours and making the five hour drive west.  I am so excited to be getting home and having the weekend with my little family of four!  I can decorate, and do Christmas cards, and even begin to wrap gifts!  And with no one having any schedules, it will be awesome to just hang out the four of us.  I will treasure this weekend more than I can put into words!

Thanksgiving 2020

In all honesty, our Thanksgiving is not really different then what it would have been without COVID.  Because of my father-in-law's precarious health, we were going to spend it in their home anyway.  They aren't seeing anyone other than the nursing aides who come each day, and we aren't leaving the house.  Other than those restrictions, it would've been just the six of us anyway.

My mother-in-law has spent some of the day putting out a very few Christmas decorations.  Andrew and I have each done a little bit of Christmas shopping (online), and we've been texting with a few friends.  The food (catered in) was good, and it's been a lovely day in spite of the craziness in the world.

Tomorrow we venture back home and start our own decorating.  This is the first Thanksgiving weekend in many years that none of our kids have had jobs, and I can't say I'm sad about it.  I'll miss the annual OSU/Michigan game, but there will still be plenty of college football to happen.  I am looking forward to so very much family time!

The day before Thanksgiving

I had to drop a wreath off at my grandmother's house today.  She had ordered one from our band fundraiser and I wanted to make sure that she got it.  I became emotional even before we got there, and it was so hard to be so close and not really be able to visit.  I put it on the porch, rang the doorbell, and then stepped back so she could step outside.  It could tell she was fighting tears as well.  It was raining, so we couldn't even really visit outside.  Praying this all ends so soon, and that she is around when it does.  She turns 90 two weeks after Christmas, and we all know nothing is guaranteed.

The tradition is continuing

I think we can all agree that this Thanksgiving is pretty much going to be unlike any other Thanksgivings in our lifetimes.  Our family though, is continuing one of our favorite traditions.  We are watching some of the Thanksgiving episodes of Friends.  They are some of the best TV episodes of all time.  This is a tradition that Andrew and I began years ago.  At the time it was just the two of us.  We would have some wine after the kids went to bed and binge watch the episodes.  Now though, all four of us look forward to our evening together.  I loved the times it was just the two of us, but I love this even more.  With Catherine not living here most of the time, I am especially treasuring this! 

Almost time for the Holidays

Catherine was planning to come home tomorrow, but I asked if she would come today.  She doesn't have any classes this week, and we could use some assistance around the house.  She got home in the middle of the afternoon, and I must say it is wonderful to have her here!  So very wonderful.

This past weekend was the culmination of the fall band fundraiser that required I spend 13 hours at the nursery with wreath disbursements.  That doesn't count the paperwork or driving around to handle deliveries.  Because of so many circumstances, we sold less than half than we normally do.  I'm not sad though, because overall it made things go more smoothly.

Now, time to finish up band stuff, try to work on some church stuff, and then have Thanksgiving so we can decorate for Christmas.  It's pretty crazy! 

It's a busy week

The week before Thanksgiving is crazy again this year.  My new job has started, and I like it well enough.  I know it will get better with each day, as the job and responsibilities become mine.  I've also got craziness happening with the end of the year at church, and we also had to get a new computer, which means reloading everything.  I'm not excited about that, but we'll get through.  Thomas has swim, Andrew is also dealing with church craziness as council President, my mom has moved, and Andrew is helping as much as he can with his parent's issues.  Plenty happening.

Today was laughably crazy at work.  We had a broken lock crisis, and we had a waterfall crisis.  Some young child neglected to turn off the upstairs sink and it created a waterfall in a downstairs room.  Of course today was the day the Head of School decided to let me handle duties today...on my third day on the job.  Considering everything, I did pretty darn good.

This weekend is the culmination of our annual band fundraiser.  One of my least favorite weekends of the year, as I have to spend twelve hours waiting for students and families to pick up their items.  Yippee.

Only eight days until my favorite holiday.  I know it's going to be different for everyone, and honestly, even without a pandemic it would be very different for us.  Not only are we doing to my in-laws instead of being with my large extended family, but since my uncle seems to have lost his mind, we wouldn't have gone there anyway.  Catherine will be with us for the entire five day break though, and I'm so very excited about that.

Lots going on, but we are headed into the most wonderful time of year!

So much happening, so many emotions, so much changing

It's been quite a few days around here.  I wrapped up my job on Thursday with no regrets at all.  Andrew pointed out that was when I would've felt it if it was going to happen.  I'm grateful for my time there and I will miss the daily chats with my friend and his daughter M, but I'm not going to miss that job.  

I went straight from school to my mom's new house to work on getting it ready for her move yesterday.  The place really looks nice and I know my mom will enjoy being there.  I know that she is looking forward to being there.  I can't help but feel some emotions though, that my grandparents are gone, and we all miss them.  So many memories in that house.  And of course, my uncle's unbelievable behavior and actions cloud things as well.

Yesterday I first went to church to get some work done before our computer is torn apart and a new one put together.  Not the best time of year, but we'll get it done.  The rest of the day Catherine and I spent the entire day at my mother's new place helping her unpack.  So much work to do.  So, so much work to do.  With her physical mobility issues, I continue to question this decision, but I respect her ability to make her own choices.

Meanwhile, Andrew and Thomas were doing school from home.  Yep, they are back at home for school.  We were initially told it was these past two days, but (as suspected) the announcement was made that it would be until January 19.  We were again a little shocked by the length, but the district is doing everything it can to keep the elementary schools open. The older students are better able to learn remotely and to be home alone, so this is the current set-up.  I wouldn't be surprised if the elementary schools don't make it to Christmas though.

Last evening our family sat around (with Catherine still home) and enjoyed our home-made potato pizza and watched a Hallmark movie.  We LOVED our evening.  I was exhausted and had to force myself to stay awake, but I didn't want to miss a minute of my children's laugher.  To say that my heart was full and life felt complete last evening is an understatement.  It was an awesome Friday evening.

Today we are getting things accomplished.  Today has also been seven years since my dad passed away.  I miss him so much, but I am so grateful for fabulous memories.  We are spending the evening with friends are part of our "social bubble".  They've also already had COVID, so we feel comfortable being with them.  We are looking forward to socializing for a while.

Tomorrow will probably be more packing, and then Monday I begin my new job.  So much going on!

My last day

Today is my last day in my current job.  I had kind of been dreading this because I really hate saying good-bye.  However, I can't explain the almost-giddy feeling I had as I was leaving the house this morning.  It feels very freeing to be able to let this go.  It is time for a different experience altogether (not just subbing at a different school), and I am looking forward to it.  It was a lovely drive to work this morning.  In fact, it was one of the most peaceful I've had all year.  We had a touch of frost last night so the landscape glistened as the sun began to peek over the horizon, and there seemed to be fewer cars than normal on the roads.  It was a lovely way to spend the last morning of driving!

Ready to move on

For the past three weeks I was subbing in the same room due to a teacher's absence, and there was a student teacher.  It was a fabulous way to spend my days.  I really appreciated knowing where I was going each morning, but I didn't have a whole lot of responsibility.  It was nice while it lasted.

This week, I am back as a roving sub.  This is exactly what I needed to remind myself that I am ready to move on from this.  Not only do I arrive to work each day not knowing exactly where I'll be needed and what I'll be doing, but I've also had to cover other classes so there has been no free time.  I understand my new job won't have any free time either but I'll be doing something productive with my time.  For the first time this year, I sat on the couch this morning and said to Andrew, "I really don't want to do this."  He pointed out I am almost done.

Yesterday I was able to help our home district with interview judging for the Ag kids.  Oh my goodness, it was wonderful and made my heart hurt all at the same time.  It was so wonderful to see so many kids, and it made me sad that I won't be getting to work at the high school anymore.  I am very excited about my new job, but it's going to take me a long time to get over being bitter that I didn't get the office job at the high school.  It would've allowed me to still see those kiddos.

Seven years ago today was the last time I ever heard my dad's voice.  I'll never stop missing him.  Mom is moving this week (just in case we needed more changes).  I never lived in the house in which she lives, so I have no attachment to it, although that is the last place my dad was.

So many changes...but time to move on.

A winning weekend

I told Andrew last evening that we should have purchased a lottery ticket this past weekend.  Everything we rooted for turned into a winner.  Notre Dame winning in Double OT?  Check!  OSU taking out Rutgers?  Check!  Big Ben staging a comeback against the Cowboys?  Check!  There were other victories as well, but I try to keep politics out of my blog.  I told Andrew last night as we began watching Sunday night football that the state of Louisiana should be grateful for me.  He asked why, and I responded that everything was winners for us this weekend, and I was definitely rooting for the Saints against the Buccs (and Tom Brady).  And the Saints trounced them!  My high school soccer team and volleyball teams even qualified for state.  It was definitely a winning weekend in my world!

Whatever brings joy

Yesterday Thomas and I made a trip to my hometown to continue to help my mother.  One of the local stations is playing continuous Christmas music.  Thomas groaned, and said, "It's too early!"  I get it.  I myself am a stickler for the holiday decorating calendar. 

As I've driven to work, there are a few people who already have their Christmas lights up and on.  It's a little hard to feel "Chrismasy" with our current record setting temps, but the lights are on.

And I am NOT about to judge.  If Christmas makes people feel better, BRING IT.  I'll be honest, hearing Christmas tunes fills me with hope and joy.   I'm working very hard at not feeling overwhelmed by the holidays this year.  First of all, gatherings will be small (at best) and many are simply not happening.  I also know that while I get the two weeks off, I don't get a few days before the break and a few days after.  No extra time for me.  And of course there is the fact that Catherine doesn't actually live with us, and I'm not sure how much time she'll choose to spend with us.  Just so many changes this year.

So yes, people.  Christmas lights bring joy?  Shine them brightly!  Christmas music brings joy?  Play it loudly!  May we all find the joy!

Shopping during a pandemic

I decided I was going to do some shopping this weekend.  There were a few stores I knew I definitely wanted to hit.  Both Ohio State and Notre Dame weren't playing until the evening so I knew I had all day, and it was a beautiful day outside.  With me working full time this year, I wanted to knock out as much Christmas shopping as I possibly could.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I HATE shopping.  I knew that because it was a Saturday in November with gorgeous weather, it was going to be more crowded then I prefer.  What I was NOT prepared for was the fact that because of occupancy limits due to COVID.  The very first store I passed had about 15-20 people in line just to get INTO the store.  Oh goodness!  I barely have patience enough to stand in line to purchase the items I want, I am not about to wait in line just to be allowed into the store!

When I came home and told Andrew, he mentioned that it was important to go into stores because they need our business.  The fact that these were national chains means I wasn't concerned about the long-term success.  It just reinforced what I am already trying to do, which is to shop local small businesses, which I think is a good thing!

We have arrived at another weekend

It's another Friday, and my last Friday here in this job.  There are definitely things I am going to miss when I leave here, but I also know that switching jobs has many benefits.

I was pretty excited about today being Friday, although my enthusiasm was tempered a bit when I arrived here at school.  They have asked me to supervise another class at the end of the day, which generally I don't mind.  However, it is my least favorite group of young people here.  It isn't the most pleasant way to end the week, but it is what it is.

My plan for the weekend is to do lots of shopping.  Not my favorite thing in the world, but definitely needs to be done this time of year!

Only seven more mornings with a "5"

After today, there are only seven more mornings when I have to get up with a "5" as the first number on the clock.  Of course, in the summer, those glorious numbers I'm used to seeing will still be replaced with a "6" on the clock, but I guess I'll deal with that.

Since the time change happened this weekend, it was glorious to leave for work this morning.  As I was walking out the door, the sun was beginning to come up in the east.  By the time I arrived to work, it was actually light outside.  It was wonderful.  It makes the drive so much more pleasant.

I have a feeling that November is just going to fly by!

A beautiful day to be off, and the last visit was seven years ago

Seven years ago today was the very last time I visited with my father.  It is a day that is forever engrained in my memory, and it was a very fun and happy day.  I am so incredibly grateful for both of those things.

I am off today, and it's a gorgeous, blue-sky fall day.  I am a little sad that this is really the end of this for many years.  My job is full-time, and the days I will take off will be either to handle something that needs to be handled, or to have time with my family.  So a day at home alone will be virtually unheard of.  I am grateful for the opportunity for income.  I sincerely hope I enjoy the job.

I think it is time to go out and enjoy a little sunshine!

The end of the weekend, and into November

It is very late Sunday evening because Thomas is up doing homework.  Thank goodness I don't have to work tomorrow!  I'm having flashbacks to Robert's senior year and how he would work until after 11 on Sunday nights, then need to shower, and we both had to be up at 5.  Those were not fun nights, and a pretty crappy way to begin the weeks.  Anyway, Thomas and I are up late, which feels even later because of the time change.

I spent some time at my mom's place today finishing up painting.  I'll need to make a quick trip up this week so that I can finish the shelves.  There was no where to flip them.  She's calmer than yesterday, but still so very full of hurt.  After she left, I found a box of memories that brought me to tears.  Many cards from myself and kids, and even a letter I had written to her just about this time of year when I was a freshman in college.  There were tons of newspaper clippings of my mother.  How proud my grandmother must have been of her daughter!  There was a lovely card from my aunt that was given to G.G. on Mother's day.  I know I'm a lot like my grandmother because I love to hold on to those memories as well.

There wasn't much Halloween in our house.  We had very few trick-or-treaters, but Thomas was out on the porch all evening to hand out candy.  I'm grateful he was very generous so that we don't have much leftover.  Andrew and I enjoyed the Ohio State/Penn State game last night while Thomas video chatted with others.

I am so excited that November has arrived!  I love October more than November because November starts to get really cold, and for the most part the leaves are done.  But it is also the beginning of all things holiday, and it ends with Thanksgiving.  A post about this year's holidays, however, is for another day.

Thomas has just finished and we can head off to bed.  Feeling peaceful and grateful tonight!