Appreciating some quiet time

Andrew left early this afternoon to take his mom back home.  He'll be back tomorrow afternoon.  Catherine and Thomas both left about 45 minutes ago; Catherine for work and Thomas for swim workouts.  I had taken my grandmother to an appointment, and had returned just a few minutes before the kids left.  The appointment didn't go well (a different post), and I am so, so grateful for the peace and especially the quiet of these moments.  I enjoyed having my mother-in-law here, but it was a lengthy visit.  She didn't bring anything to read of occupy her time, so I felt obligated to entertain her.  While we get along fine, it was just a lot of days of togetherness.  I am grateful to be able to sit here and not feel guilty for enjoying the quiet!

Christmas 2021 was fabulous

Christmas is over in just over an hour.  I had my concerns about how things would be today, and I must say, it was really a fabulous day.  The kids really enjoyed opening their gifts this morning, and so did the adults.  Just after noon we headed north to my mom's house, and we were surprised by a visit with two of my cousins and their four kids.  It was the BEST Christmas present!  I loved seeing them and that my kids got to see their kids.  It was truly special, and I am so, so grateful they came over today.  My sister was even in a very good mood.  After exchanging gifts with my mom, we came home and watched a movie together.  It was truly a very lovely day.

The fun actually began last evening.  Jen and I had a lot of fun driving to Indy to retrieve their oldest, and then we had an absolutely wonderful time sharing dinner with their family.  I am so incredibly grateful for their friendships.  We love them so much and they are a blessing to our family!

I know today was probably a little rough for my mother-in-law, but I think we've kept her fairly busy.  I know that we've had her laughing and she appreciated being with us.  It's been a truly lovely holiday.  Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve 2021

It's Christmas Eve once again.  It doesn't feel like it though.  For one thing, the temp outside is in the upper 50's.  For another thing, Catherine is working today.  She'll be off at 3:00 and should be able to make it to church with the family at 3:30.  I'm not going to church though.  I'm traveling to Indianapolis with our best friend in order to pick up their oldest who is flying in from California, if his flight out of Vegas can ever get in the air.  It's scheduled to be an hour late, but still in time for our families to join together for dinner this evening.  When I was a kid, Christmas Eve was always when we got together with my dad's family and did our Christmas.  We had a 1:00 meal, and spent the afternoon together.  Those are my memories of childhood.  Because we weren't a religious family, we rarely worried about church, although I enjoyed going as I got older, and I enjoy the tradition of attending with my family now.  This year though, it's all a little annoying that our church won't "count" at all this weekend, so I'm making the trip west to the airport.

He is in the air...looking forward to a lovely dinner with our dear friends!

Very full days

It's been a very busy first week of break, but a lovely busy.  Thomas and Andrew left Saturday to go get Andrew's mom and bring her back for the week.  But first, Steelers game on Sunday with a victory!  Meanwhile, Catherine was home "helping" me get things ready for the week.  I used quotes because her enthusiasm was lacking, but her attitude was not.  We've definitely reached the phase where she is accustomed to being on her own and doing very, very little (as evidenced by the status of her apartment often).  The travelers arrived back mid-afternoon Monday so Thomas could attend swim practice, and our week together was beginning!

Tuesday our family spent literally all day at our team's swim invitational...as in we arrived by 10:30 and the last of us finally arrived home at 6PM. Pizza for dinner.  Our former school was there, and that is always a treat to see old familiar faces, especially for Thomas.  We also have friends who have a swimmer son, and we enjoy the opportunity to catch up.  Thomas didn't have his best swims and was frustrated, but we pointed out that was going to happen given that he isn't practicing as much this year.

Yesterday I had to take my grandmother to another appointment.  Her wound from surgery is finally completely healing, now that it is being correctly dressed.  It's making life much better for her.  I was able to do some shopping on the way home, as well as help deal with the fact that Thomas ran out of gas on his way to a doctor appointment.  Ugh!  After the appointment and his swim workout, our family ventured over to see some gorgeous Christmas lights.  We enjoyed the time together.

Unfortunately as we were walking back into the house, Andrew's mother took a nasty fall.  Her wrist is pretty swollen today.  We'll definitely need to keep an eye on it, but today they are venturing out to do some shopping.  Fortunately it is her left wrist, but oh dear!

Our evenings have been quiet and have been full of binge watching the 'Big Bang Theory' on DVD.  Even though we see these episodes frequently, hearing his mother laugh so heartily at them makes us laugh as well!  It's truly delightful having her here.  I am especially grateful we still have another week of break to go, and of course we still have Christmas itself!

I miss these kinds of mornings

Andrew and Thomas are finishing up finals today.  That means it is only 1/2 day for Thomas, and he'll be home by Noon.  These are the two most challenging finals, and I wanted to get up before he left (even though my school is closed) so that I'd be able to pray for him.  It was still sleeping in an extra 45 minutes.  After they both left, I took a shower, and then I came out to enjoy my quiet morning.

When I was subbing, there would occasionally be days where I didn't work, and I'd have these beautifully quiet mornings.  Having one this time of year is especially awesome.  I made my coffee, and brought it into our living room where our larger tree is lit, and the crackling fireplace with Christmas music App is on the TV.  I lit a candle, and enjoyed the frosty views outside.  Catherine is even home, although she is still in bed (probably for another hours, given what I know about college kids!), and it's so peaceful.  I miss these peaceful mornings, and it is a beautiful way to begin our two week break!

Just in case I loved it so much once wasn't enough

The day after Thanksgiving, we put up our Christmas trees.  We have a decent sized tree that goes in our living room, and then we have a smaller tree that goes in our family room.  It was tougher to find a place to put the tree since we've rearranged the room, but I was insistent that we have a tree since this is where we spend the majority of our time.  I am the person who puts all the lights on the tree.  It is definitely not my favorite thing, but I want it to look nice.

About a week ago, I was sitting on the couch in our family room, and I saw some lights on the tree flicker, and then the strand went out.  And of course, not the strand on top, not the strand on the bottom, but the MIDDLE strand on the tree.  Ugh.  I put it off for a week, but today I decided I couldn't take it any more.  I had to undecorate the middle of the tree, and then try to get the lights "fit" between the two strands.  It doesn't look as nice as I think it looked before, but it's done.  Ah the joys...just in case put the lights on was so much fun that once was enough, I got to do it again!

Half-way through December but done for the year

With today being the 15th, it is essentially 1/2 way through the month.  However, I am finished with work until January 3!  Public schools here go until Friday, but my school's last day is tomorrow.  However, I am taking my grandmother to a doctor appointment in the middle of the day, so I had asked if I could be off for the entire day.  Also, I only work a few hours on Wednesday, at least for right now, so when I left shortly after 11AM this morning, I was finished for the year.  I'll still need to get some payrolls processed and progress reports edited, but I can do that (in some cases from home) on my own schedule.  It is delightful, and I'm grateful!

The last first meet of the season

This evening was the first swim meet of the high school season.  Swim has been a challenge for Thomas this year for a variety of reasons, and in fact we weren't sure he was going to want to swim this season.  We were okay with that, but the coach talked him back in doing swim.  Thomas decided to add dive, but he isn't successful enough to actually compete as a diver yet.  He swam in four events, and did not come in last in his individual events, so that is progress.

This is our eighth season of winter swim/dive, and this is the last season in this house.  Hard to believe!

Saturday morning

Today is the morning we wake up to news of a tornado destroying a factory in Kentucky, leading to dozens of deaths, as well as deaths from a tornado at an Arkansas Amazon warehouse and a Missouri nursing home.  It's two weeks before Christmas.  It shouldn't be this way.

I'm trying to bring the peace back into my heart, and I'm sitting in our living room with the TV fireplace playing Christmas music.  The trees are lit (I'm in the front room because the lights in the middle of the tree in the back room...ugh!) and I'm enjoying the decorations.  The weather is still dreary, but we have some fun family time planned.  I'm praying for everyone today!

Friday feelings

I love Fridays in December.  Often, there is a good amount of family time and it's a good time to watch Christmas movies.  They are often peaceful.  And of course they are decorated, which makes it lovely.

Today was not peaceful.  As a whole, this week has had some challenges.  Thomas has struggled, and work has been challenging.  Today though, oh it was rough.  The high school had a threat.  Not many details have been released (understandably), but what we do know is that school ended up being released a couple of hours early and all evening events were cancelled.  It took me back to that Friday in 2012 when so many little children were killed at Sandy Hook.  While I knew in my heart it was likely okay, it's beyond unsettling.  It's a little sickening to hear Thomas talk about the "plans" he and his classmates were making in the case of an active shooter.

I had some errands to run, but I just wanted to be home at the end of the day.  I just wanted to hug my family.  And there is a big part of me who wanted to throttle whomever decided it would be "funny" to make the threat.

I started this blog thirteen years ago

 It was thirteen years ago on this date that I started blogging.  My senior was a preschooler.  It's gone by in the blink of an eye.  It feels more poignant this year as the "baby" is a senior.  He'll always be my baby though.  While there are certain things I don't miss about having little kids, I feel more emotional about it here at the holidays.  One never knows how many holidays are left with the kids spending time at home.  I only have six more work days until I get two weeks off (mostly) and I'm looking forward to fun times with my family.  I'm grateful for the thirteen years (and more!) that we've all had together, and I plan to soak up fun times this year!

The music moved me to tears

Ugh...this was supposed to be posted last night.  I am more distracted than I even realize!

Tonight was the final December band concert in our family.  It's often one of my favorite concerts each year, because I especially love the holiday music and my favorite years are the ones where the orchestra is also included.  This year, our band director is also responsible for directing the orchestra.  The final number was Christmas Eve 24/7 Sarajevo, a song made well-known by the Trans Siberian Orchestra.  It was moving, and then about 1/2 way through the back curtain was pulled up and all the instrumentalists joined in.  I was moved to tears.  I was touched visually and audibly.   

An early December weekend

Another weekend is drawing to a close.  It's hard to believe that there is only one more Sunday night where I have to work the next day for all of 2021.  I really don't know where the time has gone.

Overall, it was truly a lovely weekend.  Catherine had a rough week last week, and we loved having her home Friday night.  We loved how her best friend Belle, the daughter of our best friends, helped her to laugh and made her feel better, even if it meant Catherine went back to her apartment yesterday instead of today.  I loved watching a cheesy Christmas movie with our family Friday evening.  We even included Thomas's girlfriend.

My day began early yesterday and was busy, but we got to spend the bulk of the day with our dear friends.  We had not been together to just hang out since JULY!  Four times we had plans that had to be rescheduled, but yesterday it all finally came together!  We hung out at a winery, where I fell in love with their holiday wines!  We spent about nine hours together and loved every minute.  So much catching up, and so much laughter.  While we were gone, Thomas volunteered with a band activity, and then had a pep band scheduled for last evening.  We had found out at the end of the week that our former town was playing our school here in town.  Thomas enjoyed getting to see some familiar faces from long ago.

Today our day began at church, then Andrew had to work at the high school hockey game.  I had a very productive day working on many different things, but it was a fairly peaceful day.  I'm finding so much peace in the view of my family room, with a candle lit that has a wonderful scent, and the view of so many decorations.  I'm truly enjoying the season!

I would have been okay with one-and-done

Last year at this time, I purchased several sets of masks at Old Navy.  I loved the style of the masks, and I was allowing myself to make a splurge by buying Christmas fabrics.  While some of them were solid colors or patterns that could be worn year-round, many of them were clearly Christmas.  As I put them away last year, I remember thinking that I was totally fine if they weren't used again.

Sadly, of course, that is not how it turned out.  The masks came back out this year, and we are wearing them.  While we are all vaccinated, it doesn't mean that people aren't getting sick.  It's sad.

With concerns ramping up again, I'm working on finding peace in my heart and maintaining peace in my heart.  To that end, although I have a very busy day that started way too early, I am enjoying a few moments in front of the the TV fireplace with carols.  It's lovely.

December sure came around quickly

We've arrived at December 1.  Just thirty days remain in this entire year.  Not at all sure how that is even possible.  This is our final December with a kiddo in school.  No more swim, no more band concerts we need to attend after this year.  Wow.

I've had a bit of a work schedule adjustment.  I now only work a few hours on Wednesday mornings.  Now I'm off by 11 each week.  I don't mind having to go in for a few hours and get things done.  Today, I ran several errands after getting off work and I was still home shortly after Noon.  I didn't feel well, so I allowed myself to sleep.  Unfortunately, the headache just won't leave, but hopefully I can get some things done this afternoon at some point.  I have to attend a band even this evening, but am hoping it will only be about an hour.

Thomas should be home within the next twenty minutes.  Having a little bit of extra time with him never makes me sad.  I'm so grateful for the quiet right now, and grateful for some extra time with him!

It's been a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend

Andrew left about 45 minutes ago to drive east and return his mother to the neighbor who will take her the rest of the way.  We are so very grateful for the neighbors who were willing to help out with this trip, and we are so very grateful that my mother-in-law was willing to come for the week.  I know that she was fairly emotional about things, but I also know that being here was good medicine for her soul.

While the day of Thanksgiving itself was not my most favorite, I'm grateful the weekend overall was one of my most favorites.  The house is decorated and picked up...fingers crossed it stays that way!  We decorated the trees first to make certain we could get them done while everyone was around.  Andrew's mother thoroughly enjoyed watching us unwrap all of the memories that we hang on the tree each year, as well as the memories that we place throughout our home.  We have many decorations that were made by my mother-in-law or even her mother, we have many that were made by my grandmother, and we even have one that was hand-carved by my great-uncle.  We have decorations that were gifts to my grandmothers and now we get to enjoy them as well.  And we have decorations that are just fun.

The OSU/*ichigan game (you understand if you're from here) did not at all go the way we wanted, and my mother-in-law laughed at the exuberance with which we watch the game.  I wasn't too happy about the outcome of the Iron Bowl either, but I think our Irish still have a shot at making the playoffs this year!

More than anything, we made sure Andrew's mom laughed.  We began watching some of our favorite episodes of our favorite shows, and she would just laugh and laugh.  She even said her sides hurt from laughing so hard.  I know she especially enjoyed all of the laughter.

We are hoping to get up to see my grandmother today since she didn't feel well when we hoped to see her the other day, and real life begins again tomorrow.  It's a little hard not to wish it was a week ago when all of the fun was beginning, but I'm just going to take the full and peaceful feeling in my heart, and remember to enjoy even the crazy busy days!

Thanksgiving break 2021

We aren't even half way through this amazing Thanksgiving break, and I'm so glad we still have the weekend ahead of us.  Honestly, I've been looking forward to the next three days even more than today.  My mother and her good friend (who was also my high school choir director) came down for a wonderful meal prepared by my mother-in-law and Andrew.  It was a nice meal, and I'm grateful we could be together, but I sure did miss the big family gatherings that used to happen.  It was a nice day though.

Tomorrow we get to start decorating for Christmas!  I've been so very excited about this!  I'm grateful that we have three full days to make this happen.  The big goal will be to get the trees up tomorrow because Thomas has some plans on Saturday.  We are so looking forward to a few more days of downtime!

Steel drums

I'm late in posting this, but that is the way life is right now.  A week ago we had the annual chili supper for our bands.  It's a fun fundraiser, but it was often an evening I was a little resentful as I never had a child performing, but there I was for hours anyway.  Not this year though!  I was still there, but this year I had a performer!  Thomas has is participating in the steel drum band for the first time this year.  It was fun to be able to see him perform, but also a little comical.  Part of the "performance" is the dancing/movement of the kids who are playing, but we will just be referring to my son as the "statue on the left".  I give him credit for wanting to do it at all though, because he doesn't really like people looking at him.  We actually had a decent amount of help to set up and tear down this evening, so it was a pleasant evening!

If she doesn't care, I shouldn't either

My mother decided she didn't think she would be hope to hosting any kind of Thanksgiving meal.  She wanted to because it would be easier for everyone to have it in my hometown and have the four of us and my mother-in-law (Andrew is going to get her this weekend) drive there.  We were happy to do whatever was easiest for my mother.  Mom decided this past weekend that there was no way she could do it.  She has some compressed nerves and is in a lot of pain.  My aunt had sent the same email to my late aunt's kids, so we sent them messages letting them know they are welcome as well, and my mom has a friend who will be joining us.  Andrew and I began to discuss the menu, and I was carefully planning to make sure my sister, who has dietary restrictions, could eat what we were serving.  Keep in mind of course, my sister at no point over the years told me about her dietary restrictions, but I learned about them over the years at meals.  Today, I sent my sister a text asking if her "significant friend", or anyone else would be joining us.  She let me know that not only would there be no guests, but she wasn't interested in making the trip down and would rather spend the day at home along with the dog.  Those were actually her words.  While it felt like a slap in the face to me, I hurt more for my mother.  I know my mother feels as though she's lost so much of her family, and my sister being so blunt about not wanting to be with us is bound to be hurtful.  I know I felt hurt by it.

It reminds me of one year shortly after I was married, and my sister was in town on a grad school break.  I had been out of town on my honeymoon during most of the break, but I arrived home three days before she returned to school.  We had plans to see each other one of those nights, but I had a bad cold.  We were supposed to drive to my parents' house to see her, but I asked if she would mind coming to my house instead (about a 40 minute) drive.  My dad offered to bring her down to my house.  I remember being at work and talking to her on the phone asking if we could adjust the plans.  I remember explaining to her that if she didn't come down I wouldn't get to see her while she was on break, and I vividly remember her response being, "I don't really care if I see you or not."  I remember crying and saying to my dad, "If she doesn't care if we see each other, I shouldn't either."  Dad responded that isn't really who I am.  It's true.  Family is so important to me.  I'm grateful for those that I do get to spend the holiday with!

A perfect November weekend

In so many ways, this was a perfect November weekend.  For one thing, I had Friday off work, so it as a longer-than-normal weekend.  I made a quick trip to my hometown for a winter shopping event.  It was a bright sunny day, just as it had been the previous Sunday when I went to visit my grandmother.  The leaves that are still on the trees had some pretty colors (although I still think there is too much green).  It was very peaceful.

Catherine came home Friday afternoon, and we allowed Thomas to skip swim practice so Andrew could take the kids to dinner with a college friend.  I was able to accomplish a few things, and it was lovely to know we got to sleep in yesterday (except Andrew, who had baseball conditioning).

I didn't leave the house yesterday.  I worked and worked on things in the house because my mother-in-law is coming next weekend and staying for a week.  Andrew worked outside, and the kids worked on some things as well.  We ordered dinner in, and then our family sat together and watched two Hallmark Christmas movies.  We love watching those together.  Some are sweet, some are goofy, some are ridiculous, but they all bring out the Christmas magic that we love each year.  So very rarely do we get to sit around and all be entertained by the same program, and I went to bed last night full of more gratitude than I can even express.

This morning I got up and found the YouTube channel that shows a fireplace and plays Christmas music.  I don't want to decorate for Christmas yet, but I'm totally fine with playing the music, especially with the scenery of the snow that is falling!  It isn't just flurrying either...it's all out snowing!  It's been too warm to stick on the roads, but the grass could see up to an inch of accumulation.  It is such an incredibly peaceful and beautiful morning.  My heart could not be more full.

The end of the marching band years

This evening Thomas is in Indianapolis performing in his final marching band competition.  I'll be honest, I never understood the appeal of marching band, nor did I particularly enjoy watching marching bands.  However, for the last eight years I have poured a significant amount of blood, sweat, tears (yep, there have been some) and TIME into our marching band program.  I've had a marching band student for eight consecutive seasons, and this is the end.  This is the last time one of my kiddos takes the field in a high school marching band.  I'm so grateful for how much Catherine and Thomas enjoyed it, and my favorite were the two years they were able to participate together.  Having said that, I know there are SO many things about marching band season that I won't miss.  I wouldn't have traded one second though, because it was so important to the kids.  It's the end of an era!

First weekend in November

This was a really nice weekend.  We had gorgeous weather the entire weekend.  November means no athletic events for Andrew to supervise.  With the situation with his dad falling into three weekends, it had been nearly a months since we'd had an entire weekend together here at home.  We appreciated it immensely.

Friday evening Thomas had swim practice, so Andrew and I went to the state park to eat at the lodge.  Honestly, I just wanted to be in a wooded area to enjoy some changing leaves.  We have some yellows and a little bit of orange, but honestly, everything is still entirely too green!  It was still lovely to look out over the lake though.

Saturday was sleeping in, then Andrew took Thomas out to breakfast to congratulate him on his grades.  I met up with a friend for a quick outlet mall walk (and a little shopping) and then we were home for the day.  We made our potato bacon pizza that our family loves, and hung out watching college football and old TV shows.  It was a fabulous evening to recharge ourselves.

Yesterday we made it to church and Andrew had a meeting after.  My grandma's assisted living facility was finally allowing visitors again, so I made the trip to see her.  She's doing fairly well, although there are still some issues.  I was gone the bulk of the day, and came home to get some church things ready for a meeting this evening.  Tomorrow is a band meeting, so that will be tonight's project.

As I was out and about this weekend, I just tried to soak up all of the beautiful scenery.  We are getting close to the holidays, and things will be different, but we still get to spend it with family.  November is the month of gratitude, and I'm feeling very grateful!

Officially the end of family celebrations

I received an email this week from my aunt, the wife of my mom's brother.  She was letting us know that they would no longer being hosting a big family Thanksgiving.  I'm certainly not surprised, and of course given the way my aunt & uncle have treated my mother, we wouldn't have gone anyway.  But this truly means the end of the big family gatherings.  Even if there is some reconciliation somewhere down the road (unexpected, but never say never), there won't be 30 family members gathering together for a holiday.  It makes me sad.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and the meals hosted by my aunt & uncle are a big part of that.

It had already been decided that my mother-in-law would be coming here for Thanksgiving.  The five of us will be joined by my mother & sister for a meal.  Seven of us sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner.  I try to remember to be grateful for that, but it's a little tough.  I feel sad that my family feels as though it is getting smaller.  We have Robert who has essentially left the family, and of course both my dad and father-in-law have passed away.  I know there may even come years when we can't be together at all on Thanksgiving and need to choose another date.  This is absolutely our reality and I accept that, which encourages me to be grateful even for just the seven gathering around the table this year!

Acceptance

In the mail today arrived the news Thomas had been waiting for...he'd been waiting for weeks.  He was accepted to Wright St.  He had visited in July.  It's about 90 minutes from home, and right now it is his first choice.  He was also accepted to Bowling Green, which is about three hours away.  He says he would prefer to be closer to home.  I would like to visit both of them again so he can make sure that is how he feels.

I also have to mention that Thomas had an amazing first quarter of his senior year.  In seven classes, he had six A's and one B.  It is the best quarter of schooling that he has ever had.  We are so very proud of him!  The disappointing part is that there is still no Honor Roll breakfast because of COVID, but Andrew plans to take him out to breakfast tomorrow.  We are so proud of Thomas!

Grateful for today

I am so grateful for this day.  Don't get me wrong, I am always grateful for each day, but sometimes I forget to be truly grateful.  After this past week, I am especially grateful for today.

The kids and I were on the road home yesterday by 6AM.  Ugh!  With it being Thomas's senior year, I had promised him that I would get him home if he wanted to attend his band competition yesterday.  He had to leave for the high school by Noon, and I didn't want to cut it closer than necessary.  Andrew got home about 6PM last night.  His mother send tons of food, so we ate some of the pasta that was sent.  Tonight's dinner is chili, also complements of his mother.

Today is bright and sunny, which is much appreciated.  It's cool though, and in fact there are no high's in the forecast higher than the 50's.  Our woods are still very green, but the town is gorgeous.  Since it is Halloween, I bought some candy apples for our dessert this evening.

It was a tough, tough week, but I am so incredibly grateful our family has today before things get too crazy again!

I will always remember this birthday

This has definitely been a birthday that is not all about me, and I'm completely okay with that.  The kids and I arrived at Andrew's parents last night, and we've been as helpful as we can be today.  I'm not going to complain about having us all together.  I had wanted to go out to dinner, but my mother-in-law didn't, and honestly, there is a ridiculous amount of food here, so we just ate at home.  I asked for ice cream, and I enjoyed the meal.

Additionally, my grandmother was taken to the hospital overnight.  I'm still not entirely certain what has happened, but although they are keeping her tonight for observation, they expect she will be sent home tomorrow.

It feels strange to say that I'm 48 now.  It doesn't feel that anything has changed, but this is definitely a birthday I won't forget!

Too much sadness

My heart is beyond broken.  I learned this morning that a schoolmate who had been fighting cancer was called home to Heaven last night.  I knew she'd had a rough summer, but I didn't realize the end was in sight.  Her husband said she fought to the end, and I have no doubt.  Lynda was my sister's age, and her sister and I were in classes together all through school.  We had lots of playdates with the four of us!  Lynda and I worked together at summer camps a few years, and she was truly the nicest, most genuinely kind person I've ever met.  She ALWAYS had a smile on her face, and she was grateful for every moment.  Her three children range in age from 16-11, and this just doesn't seem fair.  It doesn't seem fair at all.  When I called this morning to tell my mom, she began to weep.  This is just a day of sadness.

Random Tuesday thoughts

It's been a long week, and an even longer 14 hours.  My original plan was for us to attend school today, but that is only happening for Catherine.  Thomas didn't get home until almost 9:00 last night, so his grieving didn't begin until then.  He was distraught, and I wasn't going to let him be alone.  That meant a late night for us. Since I have to drive today, being exhausted didn't seem a good idea, so we are both home.  I regret that Thomas will miss four days of school, but I don't regret my decision. 

Last evening Andrew and I were on the phone (before the passing) and he was out walking with the dog.  He mentioned during the conversation that he saw a shooting star.  I remembered thinking, "this is it."  Sure enough, when he got back to his parents' house, his dad had passed.

Today is an absolutely beautiful day.  If we had needed to travel yesterday, it was raining (heavily at times) and just absolutely yucky.  I'm grateful we get to travel today instead of yesterday.  Not only is the weather better, but we should be able to see gorgeous scenery as leaves should be changing.  Strangely enough, it is still VERY green outside my window, but that should be changing this week.

I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to hugging my husband and having our family together this evening.  It's been a really tough week of separation and waiting and emotions.  I'm grateful there is no more suffering, and I'm grateful for family.

RIP Tom

My father-in-law passed away this evening.  I'm so grateful that Andrew was there with his parents, but it is awful not being with him.  I completely underestimated Thomas's emotional reaction.  He is devastated.  I am so grateful that my father-in-law is not longer suffering.  I'm looking forward to hugging my husband tomorrow.

Still waiting

I talked to Andrew about 45 minutes ago.  His dad is still holding on, and still seems to be fighting.  As Catherine said, the marine in him doesn't quit.  If he were simply fighting an infection or something from which he could recover, we would be thrilled.  Unfortunately, in this case it is just prolonging the inevitable, and it's really hard on everyone.  If it weren't for the kids, I would have headed over to spend the weekend, but we don't want them to have to miss more school than necessary.   I also don't receive any paid time off, so it's not helpful for me to miss a bunch of work either.  Andrew is very worried that his dad is suffering.  Praying for peace and comfort for our family.

Final Friday night marching

Tonight was the very last evening I'll have a kiddo perform during the halftime of the high school football game.  My goodness.  It's so, so hard to believe.  It's hard that Andrew can't be here, but I wasn't going to miss my kiddo in his last Friday night performance.

I won't miss marching band and my responsibilities, but I will miss how much my kiddos have enjoyed band.  It's been a great experience and I'm grateful. 

I was very emotional as I drove up to the game.  It sounds as though Andrew's dad is down to hours.  That is hard, and it's hard that we can't all be together.  It's also hard that Andrew can't be here for the end of the season.

Looking forward to sleeping well tonight!

It's been a long week, but it's not over yet

This has been a long, and very draining week.  Andrew's dad is still with us.  He's actually been fairly cognizant and responsive.  While we are grateful in many regards, no one is interested in this being prolonged.

Additionally, my mother called this evening to let me know the husband of one of her friends passed was found unresponsive and passed away this morning.  A co-worker at the church lost her dog today, and as it was a beagle it broke my heart (I am missing our sweet girl who is with Andrew right now).  This same co-worker had a daughter who was in a terrible car accident this week and was seriously injured.  We also know that Thomas is struggling with emotions of everything.  My heart hurts about all of this, and to be honest, the worst is yet to come.  I continue to pray for a peaceful passing for Andrew's father, and I hope I can be with Andrew soon.  I hate not being with him, but we need to minimize the amount of time the kids miss school.   This has been a really tough week.

An unexpected trip

Yesterday morning I received a call from Andrew.  Overnight Sunday, Andrew's dad took a significant turn.  The hospice nurse yesterday was concerned that it was the end, and recommended that Andrew not leave.  I worked 1/2 day, and then I headed over.  We couldn't have Thomas missing an unlimited amount of school.  Our sweet pup and I loaded up the car and arrived around 8:00.  Andrew's dad was asleep the entire evening, although I did get to see him open his eyes this morning.  It was heart wrenching to watch Thomas say goodbye this morning.  I was grateful to hear that Andrew FaceTimed with Catherine so that she could also say good bye.

Thomas and I were on the road home by 9:00 this morning.  Thomas had a doctor appointment scheduled this afternoon.  That ended up being what pushed my emotions over the edge...we forgot to take the necessary forms with us!  This is a new doctor, and I'm sure they wondered about the crazy woman standing there in tears over forms!  In addition to being emotionally drained, I hadn't slept well Sunday night while Andrew and Thomas were at the game, so I was just exhausted.

I'm grateful that we didn't have to worry about Andrew getting there and trying to see his dad.  I'm grateful we had the opportunity to say goodbye, and I'm grateful for all of the memories.  The hospice nurse confirmed this morning that it could be today, it could be next week.   I'm sending prayers it will be peaceful, and that it is sooner rather than later.  I know how hard it is on Andrew and his mom to see his dad suffer.  I'm also hoping everyone can get a good night sleep tonight!

This isn't the weekend I wanted

 The weekend is drawing to an end.  To be honest, I really don't mind.  This is the not the weekend that I would have chosen, but it is the weekend that needed to happen.  Andrew and Thomas don't have school tomorrow, so they are at Andrew's parents...and actually right now, they are at the football game.  I don't mind.  It's just that the timing is really tough.  Normally, I enjoy an expanse of time completely to myself.  However, it was just six weeks ago that Andrew and the kids were there for the weekend.  Also, a week ago this past Friday my school was closed so I had that entire day to myself.

And honestly, this past week I didn't get to see my family much, especially Andrew.  Monday I went straight from school to church, and it was nearly 7:30 before I got home.  Thomas was still at band practice for another hour.  Tuesday Thomas worked, but Andrew and I did get to spend the evening together with our friends at their daughter's volleyball game.  Wednesday Andrew played frisbee golf after school and I had a band meeting.  Thursday was the worst.  Andrew had to work an athletic event and didn't get home until nearly 11.  Friday was a home football game.  Thomas went out with friends after, so he was home at 11:30, and Andrew helped to get ready for the league cross country meet so it was 10:30 before he was home.  Yesterday Andrew was out the door by 7:30 to work the meet.  Thomas had to be at school mid-afternoon for a band competition, then Andrew left late afternoon to go as well.  They left directly from the competition to head east.  It's a good thing, I know this.  I love that they get to do this together, but I'm a little lonely and I miss them.  I've been able to be productive, but I would've preferred having the family around.

I've truly appreciated the cooler weather this weekend.  I love fall!

This has been a bit extreme

We had a ridiculously warm week here.  We were able to turn the a/c off overnight for a few days because the humidity had dropped.  By the end of the week though, the humidity had made things muggy again.  I know though, that overnight last night a cold front was coming through.  It sure did, and there were even some tornadoes in the region.  We got lucky though, the rain didn't really start until after the game, and by this morning, it was beyond gorgeous.  I ventured out to our high school to watch the league cross country meet, and it was actually very chilly.  When I got home, I thought I might even want to turn on the furnace.  That was NOT going to happen though.  It is bad enough to have the a/c and furnace on within the same week.  I sure as heck was not going to have it on within the same twenty-four hours!

I am loving the chill in the air and the arrival of the fall weather!  It's especially awesome on a weekend!

I hate everything about having the a/c on in October

 It is entirely too warm for any point of October, but especially as we enter the double digits tomorrow.  I should not have to have the a/c on at any point in October, let alone at this point.  And the worst part is, this isn't the worst!  It's going to be warmer tomorrow and again on Monday.  Granted, the humidity is not "August like" and it does cool down in the evenings, but ugh.  I want my cozy sweatshirts and changing leaves.  Next weekend will be in the 60's...finally!  

I remember many years ago when my husband and I were refusing to turn the heat on early in October because it was so chilly.  Definitely not the situation these days!

The best kind of Thursday

I don't have to work tomorrow!  There is no school at the private school where I work.  This break is coming at a good time.  There has been some drama and some stress, and I'm grateful for an opportunity to sleep in.  Andrew and Thomas not only have school, but they also have an away football game tomorrow evening.  My plan is to pick up the house this evening, and then spend tomorrow scrapbooking.  This is the best kind of Thursday!! 

My world

Tonight we met Catherine for dinner.  As we were leaving, I took a picture of Catherine and Thomas.  They are so grown up, and it made my heart hurt.  They are my world, and I just can't believe I don't get to spend every day with them under my roof.  I'm still soaking up the time with Thomas that I can, but I know that there is year is going to go very, very quickly.  I know that I should be grateful and not sad, but I fought some tears as we left her.

We had a surprise at dinner as well.  One of the waiters at the restaurant had graduated with Catherine, and Andrew had him class.  I also had a good relationship with him as he was an Ag kid.  His family moved away last year.  It was so cool to see him.   He came over later and told us if anyone asks, we are his aunt & uncle because he applied his family discount to our bill.  What a fabulous surprise!  It was truly just to be kind, because he wasn't our waiter so he got nothing out of it.

It's been a lovely evening.  I'm so grateful to share it with my little family.

Not loving the 80's

Sadly, this isn't about the decade...nope.  I was pretty much fine with the 80's, especially the music!  No, this is about the weather and the forecasted temps.  I am not okay with seeing highs in the 80's at this point in October.  I don't care that it is the low 80's!  I am ready for highs in the 60's!  There has been exactly ONE of those days this entire fall.  I want my sweatshirts and cozy flannel pajamas and a fire in the fireplace.  Where are my cooler temps??? 

The first weekend in October

Sunday evening has arrived, and the weekend is drawing to a close.  It was a very nice weekend...I don't think October can have bad weekends!  

Friday evening Andrew and I attempted to eat dinner at the state park lodge dining hall.  I'd been wanting to go ever since we'd had our ladies night away in July.  The lodge overlooks the lake and it's truly lovely walking.  Unfortunately, between it being Family weekend for the university and a festival that was being held at the state park, the restaurant couldn't accommodate us.  I asked Andrew to walk with me though so we could at least enjoy the view for a bit.  We ended up ordering Mexican take out and sharing a few episodes of a family favorite TV show.  Thomas was in the pep band for the the away football game, and I was grateful that Andrew waited up for him so I could get to bed early.  It had been a truly rough week at work.

Yesterday it was blissful to sleep in, although Andrew had to work an athletic event.  I spent the entire day picking up the house, and was counting down to the UC/Notre Dame football game.  That sure ended up not going the way I wanted it to!!!  I never like it when Notre Dame loses, but I especially detest losing to the Bearcats.  UGH!!!

The evening was definitely the highlight of the weekend.  Thomas attended a band competition, so it was just Andrew and me hosting my lifelong friend who currently lives in NYC.  Although we had done some virtual cocktails, it had been two years since we were able to visit with him in person.  We are so grateful for the few hours we were able to spend together.

This morning I was up and headed to my hometown to get my grandmother to a COVID test.  She is scheduled for surgery this week that should alleviate some hip pain.  I returned to town and went straight to church to work.  I made sure I was home in time to watch the Steelers matchup against the Packers...which also is not going the way I would want it to go.

Another busy week is coming up, but I have no school on Friday!  Nothing better than an extra long weekend in October!

The end of September

My goodness, this month flew by!  If the entire year goes this fast, I'm going to be absolutely exhausted.  Work is crazy, and I love crazy!  The last two weeks have been especially insane, but I'm finding I thrive on that.  It helps though, that my evenings have been mostly unscheduled so I'm able to come home and just "be".  That isn't the case for the rest of the family, and I'm sure our sweet pup is sad that she is alone so much.  We are doing the best we can though, and fortunately we are able to not put her in the crate when we have to run out for short trips.

So if today is the end of September, that means tomorrow is October!  Yippee!  It's pretty much my favorite month of the year.  The weather is often gorgeous with beautiful scenery, lots of great college football, and it doesn't hurt that my birthday happens in October as well! There is also the joy that after this month, we lead right into the holidays, which is definitely a fabulous time of year as well.  It is so very easy to feel so blessed and at peace during this part of the year!

Homecoming 2021

Yesterday was the final Homecoming in our house.  The differences between having a boy and a girl are pretty significant.  Thomas already had a sport coat and dress pants, so we were pretty ready to go.  The biggest stress was getting the corsage for Thomas's girlfriend, only because I never think of those things.  Thomas and T went with a group of friends, and they all came over after the dance to hang out here at the. house.  They had a bonfire for a bit then came in to play some video games.  Even Catherine joined in some fun here at the house.  Everyone seemed to have a nice time.

I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of formal dances.  When I was a kid, Homecoming was a dance where you could wear a dress to the dance on Saturday evening and then wear that same dress to church Sunday morning.  My, how times have changed!  Dresses are now cocktail dresses, and I hope some of the young ladies didn't bend over at any point.  Pictures are no longer on the porches or in the yards, but often are taken as group pics at a park or some "on location" shoot.  I'm not a fancy person, and I don't really know how to be fancy.  Even my wedding was not fancy.  If not for my mother, there would not have been cakes or center pieces or other things like that.  It's just who I am.  But because of that, I often feel like my kids experiences with dances are not as special as others.  Overall, they don't really seem to mind.  It's hard to believe our days parenting these events are drawing to a close!

Complete dinner failure

I'll be honest, dinner has been less than exciting in this house lately.  For one thing, the chances of all three of us being home at dinner time is pretty low.  The chances of two of us being around for dinner is probably around 50%.  Secondly, when it is warm outside, I don't want anyone using the oven and heating up our house.  Not much sounds good either.  And of course there is the fact that I am usually the last one home each day, but that doesn't usually mean that anyone else has done anything about dinner.

With the temps finally dropping, oven usage is allowed again.  Wednesday was an incredibly dreary day, but I made a wonderful chicken stuffing casserole for dinner.  It was the kind of meal that is filling and sticks to you.  I had decided that today was a wonderful day for potato soup.  I had gone to the grocery after watching halftime last evening to make sure I had the ingredients.  Even though I wasn't home this morning, I left the "recipe" available and even called to make sure it had been started since it needs to be in the crock pot all day.  Catherine cheered when she heard we were having it for dinner.  An hour before it was ready, I added the cream cheese.  When it was supposed to be ready, it just didn't look right.  I let it cook for a little more, but the cream cheese just didn't seem to be right.  I found the box, and was so upset to realize the cream cheese had expired months ago.  While it was certainly no one's fault, Catherine and I were so disappointed!  She mentioned it had been smelling so good all day.  We ordered dinner in which usually makes me very happy, but it wasn't at all what I was going for.  It was a complete dinner failure in spite of my best efforts and planning!

An historic football game this first weekend of fall

This is an absolutely GORGEOUS weekend.  Fall has arrived, and it's delightful.  It is just the right temp to have the windows open, and the awesome fall scents of our candles are wafting through the air.  The potato soup is in the crockpot for dinner, and it's really just awesome right now.

I had an early morning as I had to be at my grandmother's place at 8;30 to take her for a COVID test before her surgery on Wednesday.  It was an overcast morning with some rain drops, but I couldn't help but think of many early fall Saturday mornings when we were on our way to cross country meets.  Those are some really great memories.  I was grateful to be home just before Noon so I get some things done around the house.

And of course the best part about Saturdays in the fall is college football.  Today was a big Notre Dame match up for the Irish against Wisconsin at Soldier Field in Chicago.  I told Andrew that the hard part of being a Notre Dame fan is that they always play a tough schedule and it's exhausting each week!  Today, they had fabulous fourth quarter and pulled out a victory.  And it was a history making victory as Brian Kelly passed Knute Rockne for the winningest coach in ND history.  Such an exciting game.  Go Irish!

I read a book

One of the things I always had plenty of time for as a substitute teacher was reading books.  I would read them on my laptop which I didn't love, but I did enjoy reading them.  Rarely was my reading ever "heavy".  I preferred the sweet little Maine mysteries.  I could generally churn one out within a week.

Then I changed jobs.  Instead of sitting at a desk all day doing almost whatever I wanted, I was responsible to actually accomplish things.  On top of that, I am supposed to be digitizing tubs and tubs worth of photos from both sides of my family.  I've probably got about 1% done, and I feel it hanging over my head.  Reading a book seemed like a luxury that I simply shouldn't do.  There was ALWAYS something more important to be doing.

While everyone was gone for Labor Day though, I allowed myself to begin a book.  Loans are only three weeks, and I went almost two weeks without getting back to it.  Earlier this week though, I knew it would be running out, so I allowed myself to finish the book.  Honestly, it kind of buoyed my entire motivation.  It was really wonderful to allow myself just a little bit of time to read a book!

Fall has arrived

Fall became official today, and the weather followed right along.  Unfortunately, the cold front made it rain all day, but the temps have been absolutely delightful.  Everything is still very green, although we are starting to see a little bit of yellow creep in.  Looking forward to the leaves changing, being able to wear cozy clothes, enjoying warm beverages, and lighting awesome candles.  I love this time of year!

Monday on steroids

Today was a ridiculously crazy day at work.  It was roadblock after roadblock.  Things that normally happen first thing on Mondays didn't happen until after noon...in some cases until school was almost out.  Everything was just strange today.  The all day rain didn't help anything either.

I found out later in the day that there is a full moon tonight.  I hate to be superstitious and say there is a connection, but it does seem likely at this point.  Hoping Tuesday is not "Monday part II"!

The weekend is ending

I'm tired, but I just told Andrew I didn't want to go to bed because it would mean the weekend is over.  It's not that it was such a spectacular weekend, but it was still a weekend, and I treasure each moment of it.  

My part of the weekend was fairly uneventful.  I did lots of cleaning yesterday.  Today I worked on lots of volunteer responsibilities and allowed myself to read a book (I've missed that).  This evening I met my mom and together we drove to have dinner with Catherine.  My mom really enjoyed the opportunity to have dinner with her granddaughter, especially given everything that happened with Catherine in the last week.  It was nice "girl time."

Andrew and Thomas both had to attend the away football game Friday evening.  Our team won (and it might be the only one of the season).  I was already in bed before Andrew arrived home because he stopped for a bite to eat with friends.  Yesterday morning Andrew had to work, then he and Thomas attended the football game for the local university.  Today after church, the two of them attended the Reds' game.  Andrew had been wanting to go all summer, and it was really the last viable option.  I love that he is soaking up these opportunities while he can.

Another busy week is coming along.  Fall weather will be arriving, and I love this time of year!

What's happening

I wanted to take an opportunity to update what is actually happening in our lives...not just my thoughts and (very) scattered emotions.  As the parent of a senior, my last senior, I understand we are leaving behind a phase of live that has brought me immense joy.  Parenting is exhausting, but more rewarding than I could ever imagine.  I know that I will enjoy this next phase (and already do) of having my children be adults, and hopefully someday adding to our family, but I will always miss the days that came before.

Anyway, after the drama of Catherine's breakup last week, things seem to have settled.  I had a "raw" week and would panic anytime she didn't answer her text, but I'm feeling better after having gotten through this weekend.  The daughters of our dear friends when over to stay with her, and I have no doubt they had an absolute blast.  I also know (because they sent Thomas a picture) that they took her a little care package.  So sweet!  I am so grateful for those friendships.  She is enjoying her campus job, although I think she is finding it a little more physically taxing than she had anticipated.  She is so tiny, and therefore not terribly strong, and it has proven to be problematic for her.  The manager clearly doesn't love her, but overall Catherine enjoys her co-workers.  She also has a new room mate this year and we are thrilled!  She and Catherine get along fabulously.

Thomas is moving right along through his senior year.  He has already applied to two colleges that he and Andrew visited this summer, and has been accepted by one so far.  It's three hours away which hurts my heart a bit, but I know it's not about me!  He's leading his saxophone section in band, and looking forward to swimming.  He had to go on "break" status for lifeguarding which means he doesn't get scheduled, but he is picking up shifts as they become available.  In some ways, that is even better for him because we don't have to worry about him not being able to attend a scheduled shift.  He has a girlfriend who is a pleasant young lady, although they had some drama this week as well.  He's getting involved with FFA at school as well, and enjoys making new friends that way.

Andrew is still working at sporting events as well as teaching, and I'm still working my church job along with my significant volunteer duties in addition to my job.  Andrew and I have sometimes not had much time to chat with each other, but overall things are going well.

I really do hope I'm able to get on here and write a little more.  I want to continue to record our memories, even if my kids are grown!

The break up

For a variety of reasons, Catherine decided Saturday evening that it was time to end her relationship with her boyfriend.  I've not written much here about it, because we had only ever met him once about two months ago.  In spite of invitations, he had not wanted to meet us.  I'd had my concerns about him all along, but kept them to myself.  Anyway, on Saturday evening she let him know that the relationship was over due to incredibly hurtful and immature behavior that day.  We also came to find out that evening that anytime she had been with us he was angry, he didn't want her hanging out with any of her guy friends (or really any of her friends) and he had her share her location with him so that he always knew where she was.  As I explained to her, those are some red flags in a relationship, although he had never been violent or threatened her.  After she broke up, he attempted to text and call repeatedly so she blocked him.  He then tried to contact her on social media, so she blocked all of those platforms.  Yesterday morning she woke up to emails so she blocked him there (we didn't even know it could be done!).  She spent the morning at home doing homework and we shared lunch together before she headed back to her apartment.  When she arrived back at her apartment, he was in the parking lot waiting for her.  She closed the door on him, but he kept knocking saying he wanted to talk to her.  Her roommate told him Catherine didn't want to talk to him.  The roommate when out to check and he was still in the parking lot.  This was when we told Catherine to call the police and we were on our way.  The policed reported that he had been nervous when they talked to him, and he left.  We arrived shortly after and were there for about 45 minutes or so.  There was no more sign of him.  One of Catherine's roommates went through the police academy this summer and is making sure everything is being covered.  Again, at no point has he been threatening, but he just doesn't get it!  It was a much more draining day than we had anticipated, but it could've been much worse.  Catherine is prepared, she has plenty of pepper spray, and good roommates who are looking out for her!

Our house

Our house is for sale again.  Not the house we currently live in, nor the one in our former town.  The "our" is not my sweet little family, it is the "our" of my parents' family.  My parents moved out of that house sixteen years ago, when my father desperately needed to live in a house without stairs.  We had moved into that house when I was fifteen, right after school ended my freshman year.  It was a beautiful old victorian home on Main St., which was lined with gorgeous old homes.  My father spent three years making it into the gorgeous home that it became for our family.  There was even an enclosed back porch he built on the back.  It became "his" spot, and was his sanctuary when he became ill.  In fact, I vividly remember him sitting on that back porch when I got home from work the day we first realized he was ill.

These are the second owners after my parents, but very few changes have ben made in the sixteen years since they moved, with the exception of a complete kitchen reno.  I had mentioned the house being for sale in group text chat with my mother and sister.  My mother began reminiscing, and mentioned how many great memories she had in that house.  The high school and college graduation parties for both my sister and myself were in that house.  My mother hosted so many holidays and other gatherings in that house, and I had friends over often during my teenage years.  It was a large home that could accommodate a good number of people.  Because it was on Main St. my parents made a celebration out of the town festival parade.  Many friends and family were invited to watch from the porch each year.  I remember even after being married and moving away, Andrew and I would often go up the night before and stay over so we could be there bright and early for the festivities.  We didn't even really care about the parade, but we loved seeing the people!

I share my mother's good memories.  The part I am struggling with right now is having the good memories make me smile and not cry.  My emotions are pretty ramped up right now.  Regardless, I am very grateful for all those wonderful memories made in that house.

Twenty years

We all remember twenty years ago.  We remember where we were, who we were with, and we definitely remember how we felt.  So many memories from that day are so very, very vivid, including that beautiful blue sky that should have been clear, but filled with smoke in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.  Twenty years later, I still want to vomit.  I don't even have words, but this year it just feels like it is all too much.  Prayers for so many people.

The kind of Monday morning I can really enjoy

It is the most incredibly peaceful Monday morning...pretty much ever.  I had grand plans for all the things I was going to do while Andrew, the kids, and the dog were gone and I had no responsibilities.  Reality though, is that is not what I did.  I still cleaned and worked and ran errands.  It's okay though.  I also watched lots of college football, especially Notre Dame's OT win last evening.

The weather has turned absolutely gorgeous, at least for this morning.  I love the way our family room furniture is currently arranged so that I can enjoy the view into my backyard.  There is not a cloud in the sky and it's almost chilly.  I was watching the two outdoor cats wander around earlier.  Yesterday a deer was standing along the edge of the woods chomping on leaves.  It is really lovely.

I'm so grateful for the quiet and peaceful feeling of this morning.  I feel as though life has been anything but peaceful lately, and it bothers me greatly.  I'm so grateful for even just a few hours of this calming, and I appreciate one of the cats wanting to curl up and share it with me!  The weekend has gone too fast, but it isn't over yet! 

So much to enjoy about today

I have to start with the fact that the best thing about today is definitely the weather!  It is beyond awesome around here!  It will be up into the 80's again this weekend, but the humidity has dropped.  It is fabulous.

The next thing to enjoy about today is that I took tomorrow off of work, which means I have a FOUR DAY WEEKEND!  I am so grateful it wasn't an issue to be off tomorrow.  Andrew has to work as a teacher work day, but not only will Thomas be home, Catherine is also home.  She came home for the weekend because tomorrow evening will be the senior recognition of Thomas's marching band season, and then Saturday Andrew and the kids are going to my in-laws.  I very much appreciate that I'll have tomorrow to spend with the kids since they will be gone during the bulk of the weekend.

And another very fun thing to enjoy about today is that college football returns this evening!  Not only is college football back, but OSU plays tonight.  Go Buckeyes!!!!  I will miss my family this weekend, but I at least I know that I'll have plenty of football on TV to keep me entertained!

In spite of some rough emotions lately, I am very, very grateful for these moments of peace.  Life is full of many blessings!

August did not fly by

August usually flies by.  I can't say the same about this month.  This month felt like it took forever.  I think part of that had to do with working.  While school started August 18th, my craziness really started August 9th.  It was just different.

World events also made this a difficult month.  COVID ramping back up, Louisiana hurricanes, Afghanistan, Tennessee...all really tough situations.  While I am grateful to count my blessings, so many people are facing so many difficult realities, and sometimes I feel guilty for the blessings.  August was also very, very hot, and I just don't handle heat well.

I look forward to September and cooler weather, and definitely college football.  OSU plays Thursday evening, and then lots of football all weekend.  Looking forward to a long weekend!

The last weekend in August

In just a few days it will be September.  I am never sad to see August in the rear view mirror.  I don't like to wish away time, but this month has been forever.  Hopefully September will be cooler!  

Friday night, I slept like a baby.  Andrew and Thomas were at the away football game that was delayed due to storms.  I fell asleep about Midnight, woke up at 1 when they got home, and slept soundly until nearly 10:00 Saturday morning.  I had spent Friday picking up the house, so I was able to just get a few things done and relax yesterday.

Today we attended church, I worked at church in the afternoon, and then Catherine joined us for dinner and brought some laundry to do.  We loved, loved, loved having her around for a few hours.  Thomas had a couple of shifts, and Andrew had to work the cross country meet last night.  I had planned to go, but the weather was just too much.  I miss those meets!

This time next week, there will be no work tomorrow!  And college football begins this week!  So many fun things to look forward to within the next week!

A full week

It was our first five day week of the school year, although since I stayed home sick, it was still only four days for me.  That doesn't make it any less "full" though.  I had lots of band responsibilities, Andrew had to work two evenings (and tomorrow evening also) at athletic events, Thomas had band practices, piano lessons, and work shifts...lots of life happened.  I really hate the feeling that we are moving in three different directions, but I acknowledge Thomas is almost an adult, and this is all appropriate for this phase of our life.

It has been unbelievably (and miserably) hot.  The humidity has been wretched, and we've had crazy downpours the last two days.  I'm ready for September and what I hope will be cooler weather.  The storms led to the high school football game being delayed this evening, and it's already an hour drive home after it eventually ends.  I'm very grateful that we get to sleep in tomorrow morning.

As I've written many times, August has been an emotional month much of my life.  This year, for a variety of reasons, I'm reflecting on lots of Augusts, especially recent ones.  When added to what is happening in the world from a health stand point, and from our country's standpoint, it just really ramps up the emotions.  

Lifting up lots of prayers for so many things!

I was home sick today

Last night I had a bit of a rough night.  I had a terrible stomach ache, and I was just a little bit achy all over.  When I woke up, I decided that I didn't believe I could be sick.  However, after giving myself a little more time to sleep, I woke up and had a low grade fever.  My temp proceeded to go up until the early afternoon.  I slept on and off all day.  While it would have been lovely to actually enjoy a day to myself, that is not what today was.  On the upside, my fever broke mid-afternoon and I feel much better this evening!

A much needed lazy Sunday morning after a lovely Saturday evening

Andrew had been wanting to have colleagues over for quite some time.  Honestly, there hadn't been a good time for that, and I didn't really feel as though this weekend was any better, but he really wanted to do so.  My week was absolutely crazy, as I knew it would be.  Although I did a fair amount of cleaning Friday evening, I was stressed to the core yesterday trying to get things done.  We had dust and dirt just about everywhere, not to mention the piles of paperwork that had accumulated from band responsibilities.  Thomas had to work early which meant I was up early, but I knew I would run out of hours.  I was able to make the house look very, very nice, mostly by just stuffing things in our room and on my desk and closing the lid.  As it turns out of course, we spent the evening outside.  It was really warm, but with the pandemic rearing again, everyone felt much safer outside.  We had expected only a couple to be here, but all together there were eleven adults who brought eight kids.  Thomas had a date with his girlfriend and wasn't here, but the kids who were here were all around the same age and had an absolute blast.  As adults, we all enjoyed hanging out as well.

Thomas worked this morning, and Andrew and I decided we would not attend church.  My heart, my soul, and my body needed this morning.  While I love church, there are other ways to be spiritual, and this morning was one of those ways.  The house was so picked up, and there for sitting in a room was very relaxing.  I feel so grateful for having this morning to relax and regroup before we begin another busy week!

The end of the first week

 We made it through this week.  I'll be honest, I am more exhausted then I thought I would be.  There was a lot of stress outside of work that made the week crazier than anticipated, but we made it.  It's amazing how, no matter what the week has been like, there is just something about the fact that it is Friday that can really "pick you up".

It sounds as though Andrew and Thomas had a good week as well.  Catherine came home Wednesday for a dental appointment so our family went out to dinner that evening.  I loved sitting there laughing and sharing stories of our day.  Catherine doesn't start classes until Monday, but she started her job this week, so we all had new beginnings!  The evening made my heart so incredibly full!

Thomas is at the football game this evening with the pep band.  Andrew and I are having a quick dinner and then cleaning for some guests coming over tomorrow.  The students have arrived back in town, and the new year is underway!

Out the door for the last first day

Thomas just walked out the door to leave for school...his senior year.  This is his last first day of school, and therefore it is the last first day of school for any kiddo in this house.  I don't really understand how that is even possible.  There wasn't much fanfare this morning...a quick pic or two.  Even now, it is different with only him, and with him being mostly responsible.  My most vivid memories of first days are from our former town.  So many vivid memories of school starting.  This is my third "first day" when I've been working, but the first when I wasn't in a classroom.

This coming year will be full of so many transitions.  Andrew and I will most likely be adjusting to empty nesting at this time next year.   We will almost certainly lose Andrew's father during this school year, and at age 90 and with some health issues developing, there is a possibility of losing my grandmother as well.  This year will fly by.  There will be laughs, there will be tears.  There will be exhaustion and renewal.  I'm so grateful for the life I'm living that is full of so many blessings with such special people.

Monday emotions

When Catherine got her new job last week and was scheduled to work tomorrow morning, it suddenly became obvious that she needed to go back to school today instead of later in the week.  Ultimately, I guess I'm glad it was more of a "rip off the bandaid" rather than being sad about it coming up all week.  She will be back for dinner Wednesday to celebrate our first day of school.  We sure did loving having her around.  My heart hurt when I saw her location on my app.  I know it's a good thing and time moves on, but oh goodness, I love having my girl around.  I have some guilt that we didn't do lots of fun things this summer and I can't help but feel it is my fault because I was working.  She would often be off to work as I was coming home, so we didn't get to do lots of family activities that I would normally enjoy each summer.

My youngest starts his senior year in less than 36 hours.  I can't even begin to fathom how this happened so fast.  I'm so proud of the young man he is becoming.  I'm just not ready to be finished with parenting kids 24/7, yet here we are.  A classmate of mine just became a grandmother.  It's so hard for me to believe that is the phase of life we are entering.

We also made a decision about my grandmother's car.  We had been planning to buy it from her, but my sister and I hadn't made any final arrangements yet.  My aunt's car died, and I felt it was the right thing to offer it to her.  We still had the old car that Thomas was driving, but Thomas was so disappointed when I told him.  I hate disappointing my kids, but I did feel it was the right thing.  We all have so many things that tie us to my grandmother, and we don't need the car.

Today was also the day that I attended my final Open House as a parent.  As I drove into the high school parking lot, I began to cry.  I'm grateful for my job, but my heart is still at that school.  I miss subbing and being with all of the kids.  The hard part to accept is that I could be doing office work and applied for jobs at the school, but it just didn't work out that way.  I know I'm so blessed to have what I have, but I also know it's okay to be sad at the same time.

So many emotions on this Monday in the middle of August.  So much going on this week as well...going to need to unwind this weekend!

The middle of August

Today is essentially the middle of the August...often my least favorite month.  So much sadness has occurred in the past Augusts.  When August 13th falls on Friday, I get particularly nervous, and this year was no exception.  I had a doctor appointment that I was afraid was going to have bad news, but I am grateful it worked out well.  I'm also learning to navigate the fact that Thomas has a social life and sometimes that means driving home from a friend's house in the dark.  I'm learning to relax a little though, and I've always said there is nothing like having teenagers to keep one's prayer life going strong.

Here we are...school starts this week.  It's going to be pretty busy, but I think for the most part we are ready for the new routine.  What I truly can't believe is that this is our final year of parenting a child in school.  This is our last go round as parents of a high school student.  This just seems so, so hard to believe.  We've had a child in school for over 15 years...and this is the end.  As I've done before, I plan to soak up everything I can about it.  So many, many changes are on the horizon in our lives!

So glad we got to share it with them

We are currently visiting my in-laws.  My father-in-law is not well.  There is a very real possibility that some of us will not see him again.  His mental decline is significant, his physical decline is almost as bad.  He knows Andrew, but had no clue who I am.   This evening, he didn't even know where he was, even though he was in his own bed.  This trip was already planned weeks ago, but the timing was absolutely perfect.  

And an even better part of that timing was the NFL Hall of Fame inductions.  The class of 2020 was inducted this evening, and there were some prominent Steelers included.  Those kinds of ceremonies are always emotional.  Even though my father-in-law was in bed, I made sure the kids and I watched the speeches that were pertinent to the Steelers with all of us crammed into the bedroom so we could all be together.  My husband has been able to share so many great Steelers memories with his father, and I'm so glad we all shared this together.  I know that my kids don't really understand the significance, but it was special.

Things happening here

We are almost an entire week into August...my least favorite month.  I don't think this year is going to be any different in that regard.  It is, without a doubt, a month of transitions.

Catherine worked her last shift at McDonald's last evening.  We had thought she might keep the job for the fall due to her class schedule.  However, she was able to find what sounds like a great job on campus.  She'll be in food services, which could be anything from dining hall to catering to working in the coffee shop.  It sounds perfect for her!  Classes for her start in two weeks, and I think she will be around here for the bulk of that.  We are disappointed that the majority of her classes are still online this fall, although two are in-person.  She is hoping between that and the new job that she will be able to meet new people.

We are heading to my in-laws today.  This was a pre-planned trip, but made very necessary when my father-in-law suffered what appears to be a stroke this week.  I am dreading this trip, as it very much feels as though this could be the last time any of us, but especially Catherine and I, see him.  As much as Andrew is going to hate losing his father, he hates watching him suffer even more.  I understand that entirely.

The weather has been gorgeous, but it's about to ramp back up to normal weather this time of year.  Just another thing I don't care for about August!

The beginning of August

The first three days of August (and this past Saturday as well) have been absolutely beautiful days.  The temps have been in the low 70's with no humidity.  We've enjoyed a couple of evenings outdoors, and Sunday evening I even decided we should eat outside...I never want to do that!  It's just been so spectacular though, and I want to soak it all up.

This is the first August in so very many years that I will be working each day.  It's such a big adjustment, but I'm grateful for the income.  Overall, it hasn't been a huge adjustment, although I am getting up hours earlier each day than I did before.  While Andrew enjoys the extra income stability, he has mentioned that he misses our care free days we had.  This job is a good compromise though, and I'm grateful for that.

Today will be another beautiful weather day!  It's a fabulous way to begin August!

July flew by again

As in just about every year except last year, July has absolutely flown by.  I really can't believe how quickly the month passed.  We had our wonderful vacation at the beginning, and then band began while swim was still finishing.  I was able to have a great deal of time off, but that is pretty much done for a while.  I'm looking forward to seeing what a normal school year means for my job.  At the same time, I truly miss subbing and being at the high school.  Although I will have significant flexibility, I hate that I can't be at the high school and see Andrew and Thomas each day.  Regardless, this month really stormed by.

Today Andrew and I spent the day together driving around looking at antique shops.  Thomas has gone to a nearby county fair with his girlfriend and her family.  Catherine has a nine hour shift at work.  We enjoyed the day together, and I'm so grateful that still have such a solid marriage.  After all, this time next year we could be facing empty nesting on a fairly consistent basis.  That just seems so hard to believe, but I also know that is reality.

Tomorrow August begins, and I suspect it's going to be crazy and and fly by as well!  Not wishing away anything right now...just enjoying life's blessings!

It was fabulous time spent

Yesterday afternoon, three of my girlfriends met and spent some time shopping, then we checked into the state park lodge, had dinner, sat by the lake, and just spent hours upon hours chatting and catching up, and definitely laughing.  Our friend who lost her husband five months ago joined us.  Our families have been friends for well over a decade, and in the cases of some, they've been friends for over half their lives.  We no longer have the exhaustion of parenting young children, but we all have faced much more dramatic and challenging events.  I am so grateful for those friendships, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to make more memories.

Watching the hometown Olympian win gold!

Our family has always loved the Olympics.  Catherine was disappointed to realize that she had to work Friday and would miss the parade of nations, but we were recording it and will watch it with her later.  Sunday we had the TV on pretty much the entire day watching whatever happened to be on.  Swimming is a particular favorite in our house because our kids swim!  We had watched prelims that afternoon, and had been able to catch Zach Apple swim.  He is from the next town over and attended the rival high school.  He held the league record until this past year when it was broken my Thomas's teammate.  It was excited to watch him swim in the prelims, but even more exciting to watch him anchor the mens 4x100 relay that brought home a Gold Medal!  We were so excited!  My favorite part was getting to share that with my kids!

We aren't at the lake

This year we were invited to join much of the extended family at my cousin's place at Norris Lake.  Since we were last able to go seven years ago, my cousins have added two additional bedrooms and also purchased a second house that has three bedrooms.  They had asked us to join them this year, and originally we thought we would go.  There are about 20 family members there from four different states.  It sounds like a blast, and we would absolutely love to be there.  However, we learned at the beginning of the month that they weren't planning on us bringing Catherine & Thomas.  We could not begin to imagine going without them.  We were debating how to handle it when we received word that our friend's burial ceremony was going to be yesterday.  Since we had gone to the funeral a few months ago, we weren't necessarily sure we needed to go the burial.  However, then we found out band camp was having a dinner on Friday for the first time since we started doing camp at home.  That meant we couldn't get down to the lake until Sunday, and everyone is leaving Monday morning.  We had a lovely day yesterday with our friends, and today the four of us got to have dinner together.  This week I get to go and have a ladies overnight at the state park here near us.  These are all things we would've missed if we were in Tennessee.  At the same time, I have an amazing family.  I know there is tremendous laughter and they are all having so much fun.  I Hope that we get to join in the laughter and fun sometime!

Band camp is officially a thing of the past in this house

By 7:00 this evening, Andrew and I had returned home from serving dinner at band camp.  For a variety of reasons, this band camp was the toughest we've had.  Part of it was that I am currently working.  Part of it was that we had to be upstairs, which meant lots of up and down.  Part of it was lots of other roadblocks during the week.  Part of it was COVID, and part of it was just that we are two years older than last time.  We were absolutely exhausted when we got home, but I was so, so excited about being finished.  Because being finished this evening meant being finished...for all time!

Thomas got home just about an hour ago.  That means band camp is officially over for this year, and officially over for this family.  This is our eighth marching band season which included seven band camps.  Whether they went away or stayed at our school, it was a tremendous amount of work and stress for me.  There are many things I will miss about not having kids in high school. Band camp in any form is not one of them!

I remember 25 years ago today

On this date in 1996, my father went to our family doctor and received a diagnosis of pneumonia.  It was the beginning of his seventeen year fight with a disease called BOOP.  For this disease, about 70% of the people who have it respond well to steroid treatment and are better after four months.  My father was a seemingly healthy 42-year-old man when he went to the doctor that day.  Even with the BOOP diagnosis, he should have been fine by Christmas.  Instead, my dad literally never had a normal day of breathing again.  The doctors never knew what caused it, which is typical.  Although it is a rare disease, two other people living within two blocks of my parents also developed the disease, which has always made us wonder about an environmental link.  I also knew someone in our former town whose father had the disease.  All of those men were much older when it developed.  My father once told me his pulmonologist told him he was the longest living person with his chronic form of the disease.  We assume it was because he was diagnosed so incredibly young.  He was determined each and every day to enjoy what he could, no matter how he felt.  My dad was truly an amazing man.

It's kind of odd that I remember this day so very vividly, considering at the time we had no way of knowing how serious the illness was.  My brain though, made an indelible image of him on the back porch as I got home from work.  I'm so grateful for any memory that involves my dad.

Second early morning this week

This is the second time this week that not only have I had to be awake earlier than going to work, but it's been even earlier than I get up to go to work during the school year!  Wednesday we were out the door about the time I normally get up during the school year thanks to the joy of swim championships.  Thomas cut time off of all of his events.  We weren't overly committed this season due to work and life, but we are all pleased that he did show improvement as the season went along.  Although Thomas didn't swim in the finals last night, we did wake up to news that the team had won the overall championship!

This morning, Andrew had taken him to a university about 70 minutes away.  We are a little behind in this whole college thing, and I really just can't believe this is happening.  These years have flown more quickly than I even imagined possible, but I am so proud of the young man my son is becoming!

Canvases

I really love the new design trend to have photos made into canvases to hang on the wall.  I had two made about two years ago, and then I had two made about a week ago.  I could not be more thrilled with these four particular photos.  The ones that were made two years ago hang in our dining room.  One was taken in 2009 and is a picture of our three kids at the ocean.  It is one of my favorite pictures ever taken of my kids, and is definitely my favorite picture ever taken at the ocean.  The picture that hangs above it was taken in 2008.  It is a black and white photo taken by my friend Jen.  Thomas is 4-1/2 and our dear friend M is 2.  They are holding hands and walking across a field.  They are walking away from the camera, but there has never been a picture of more innocence.  It is one of the sweetest pictures I've ever seen.

When the two newest canvases arrived, I decided to rehang everything in the wall of our living room.  I absolutely love sitting there and looking at the wall.  One canvas was taken at the graduation party this past May of our best friend's daughter (and Catherine's best friend).  It is the children of so very many dear friends, all of whom grew up together.  The oldest, Kyle, was leaving the following weekend to move to California, and that picture means so much to me.  The other canvas was taken on July 4th, and is four couples who are parents of the kids in the other picture.  These four families have also "grown" up together as we parented our kids.  Our friend in MO wasn't there, and of course Tim won't ever get to join us again.  But that picture also means so much to me.  I am so grateful for the pictures, for the memories, and how happy they make me!

Band camp week with roadblocks

One thing I knew I didn't miss during COVID last year was band camp.  I was so, so right.  This year, it seems as though we've had added roadblocks thrown at us.  The school decided that we couldn't feed the students dinner in the cafeteria.  Not only that, but we couldn't even walk through the cafeteria.  That meant we had to take everything outside to move it to the upstairs auxiliary gym, which is where it had been decided we could eat.  We managed to push & lug the coolers to the trainer's room where we found that the ice machine had no ice.  We then managed to push & lug the coolers to the outdoor trainer's room.  We also found out that the elevators weren't working and the custodians hadn't moved the tables upstairs.  To be totally honest, Andrew began swearing at that point (obviously no kids were around).  We got it all handled though, but we are definitely exhausted.

The rough part is this is Monday...and camp lasts all week.  The thought of taking those coolers up and down those steps every day is a little overwhelming.  It's our last year though, so I keep telling myself that next year it will be someone else's problem!

A visit with my grandmother

This past Tuesday I made a trip to my hometown for the express purpose of visiting with my grandmother.  I had called to make sure I wouldn't interfere with dinner.  I was able to be there for a little over an hour, and it was such a lovely visit.  She is doing absolutely fabulous!  In fact, the very next day she was reassessed and her care level was dropped to the minimum.

She truly makes me laugh.  She is now on regular ibuprofen and receives a pain patch, but has no other medications.  She laughs about the others who sit around and are so cold and she is in her short and t-shirts (no blood thinners for her!).  She is annoyed by the people who can't remember her name and the fact that it is so quiet at 6:00.  She is such an amazing 90-year-old, and after a rough spring I'm finally feeling pretty positive about her reaching 91!  I'm so grateful for her!

I even used the same bowl

When I was a child, the annual Baseball All-Star game was a highlight of the summer.  My sister and I were allowed to pop a big bowl of popcorn and even have a soft drink.  I have wonderful memories of sharing that evening with family.

Last night, I got out the air popper and made a big bowl of popcorn.  Recently, my mother had even given me the bowl that we used as a kid, so I used the exact same bowl.  We watched as they paid tribute to Hank Aaron, and we enjoyed getting to see our Reds representatives (Winker & Castellanos...voted in as starters!) get to play the game.  It was fun to share it with my family, and I even used the same bowl to make that popcorn!

Our eighth (and final) parent meeting

Tonight I attended the eighth (and final) parent meeting for marching band season.  I vividly remember the very first parent meeting I attended.  I remember the parents and how things were done.  We've made changes to so many things, but the excitement of the very first day remains the same.  I can't believe this day has arrived...the unofficial beginning of my youngest child's senior year.  It's going to be a great year. 

Back to an alarm

Since Friday, July 2, I've only had to wake to an alarm two times, and both of those alarms had a "9" as the first number...we just needed to make sure we were up to travel.  It's been wonderful.  It all ends tomorrow though.  Back to the alarm that is earlier than a "9".  My hours at work will be slightly longer than they'd been the last two weeks before being off, and additionally, band practices begin.  We still have five weeks of summer remaining, but our days are becoming a little more scheduled!

The end of our vacation

These next (and last) two days of our vacation have been nice.  Yesterday we didn't really do a whole lot.  We stopped for some afternoon ice cream, and allowed ourselves to take naps.  Catherine and Thomas spent a little bit of time at the pool.  We went to an early dinner on the waterfront, then walked along the water for a while.  After, we decided to drive around Lake Mocatawa and just see some of the sights.  We came back to watch TV and just hang out.  

Today was shopping in downtown Holland.  They have several blocks of shops, and we wanted to see them all.  We each found a shirt and our traditional ornament before finding another brewery for dinner.  Thomas and I both agreed that the best meal we had was Tuesday evening at the first brewery.  All the meals were good, some were just better than others.  Andrew and I took our sweet pup to a dog park this evening.

Honestly, it's been the perfect amount of time to be here.  Unless we wanted to spend more time at the lake, there isn't much else to do at this point.  We actually have LOTS of plans this weekend, so it should be fun.  

I'm so grateful our family took this opportunity to make this trip.  Our family enjoys vacations and I love that we make these memories together.  Hopefully someday the kids will want to take vacations with their kids and with us as well!  We are very lucky!

The beginning of our vacation

 Yesterday early afternoon we left home to begin our four days in Michigan.  We were also able to bring our sweet pup with us, which has truly been a treat.  I plugged the address into my phone, and we were off.  The beginning of the trip had us not on the interstate, which we all really enjoyed.  As we got along further, I realized that we were going to start to follow the path that my family took when we traveled to my grandparents' vacation home in Coldwater, MI.  The memories came flooding back.  Had we gotten an earlier start, I would have asked Andrew to spend 1/2 hour driving through the town.  It's been nine years since I was there for a couple of hours, and 30 years since I'd been able to really visit.

It's one of the many things that have made me want to pick up the phone and call and discuss with my dad during this trip.  He's been gone nearly eight years, but there are still so many things I want to tell him each and every day.  I know I'm not alone in that.

The trip got off to a bit of a rough start in that the motel in which we are staying is not nearly as nice as we had anticipated it being.  It's also further out of town than we had planned.  As it turns out, it's not causing any problems.  Last evening consisted of a quick dinner and a trip to the grocery.  The kids hit the pool for about 20 minutes, and we just relaxed.

This morning Andrew took our pup on a walk and then we hung out a bit more.  We decided to hit one of the state parks with a beach, and we were delighted we could bring Abby along as well!  It was very pretty, and the breeze keeps things from being too warm.  We were even able to be up on the dune where there was some shade.  It was so funny to watch Abby dig and dig and dig so that she could create a hole.  She preferred waiting for the rest of the family by sitting in that hole.  She wanted nothing at all to do with being down at the water, so she and I hung out and just enjoyed the view.  Unfortunately, she got sand in her eye and that has been bothering her a little bit.  The other downside was that while we were hiking back to our car from the beach, Abby's leash got caught around my legs.  Catherine didn't understand what was happening and wouldn't drop the leash, so I have pretty bad rope burn on the backs of my knees.  Ugh!  Life goes on though.

We had a nice dinner at a brewery where Andrew and I each tried a flight of four different beers.  We finished that up with ice cream, which always tastes better on vacation!  We still have two full days before we head home Friday, and overall we are enjoying the more relaxed pace!