Celebrating our family today

These are the kinds of weekends that are just absolutely wonderful...and it isn't over yet!  Catherine came home Thursday.  After Thomas's swim practice on Friday, our family sat together and watched a Hallmark movie.  I know they are a little goofy and cheesy and often have predictable plots, but our family enjoys watching them together at times.  It was really a fun way to kick off the weekend.

Yesterday was Thomas's swim meet, where he set several PRs.  He looks stronger and his definitely swimming better, although he is still swimming in the "JV" heat.  Hopefully next year he will be stronger and more competitive.  The boys won their 15th straight league title, but the girls lost after a 14-year winning streak.  It was close, and they only lost by nine points.  There are no senior girls though, so Andrew pointed out they have the opportunity to begin a new streak as seniors.

Thomas had been invited to stay over at his best friend's house who lives in our former town.  The buddy usually works Saturday, so when he got an evening off he wanted to spend it with Thomas.  Normally the league meet would've been in the evening, so having it in the afternoon was such a blessing!  It was meant to be.  Since Catherine was home and we had to make the trip to our former town anyway, we picked up the daughters of our best friends and had them with us overnight.  I can't speak for the boys (although I can guess), but the girls filled our home with laughter.  It is so awesome that these friendships are still so strong after all of these years.

We made the swap back this afternoon, and this evening is when we celebrate our family!  I'm so grateful that it was important to Catherine to come home for the weekend, and although it will be dinner brought in, Andrew ordered a cake and we have some gifts.  So very, very excited to celebrate our little family! 

The end of January

Life has been pretty unexciting lately...at least with our family.  My job at school has been CRAZY, but I love the craziness!

Andrew was happy to be back in the classroom.  The part we hate the most is having to put our sweet pup in the crate each morning.  She is still in there less time each day though, because I am putting her in an hour later than last year, and Andrew and Thomas are getting home only about 25 minutes later.  Plus, Thomas doesn't have in-person classes on Wednesday, and as an added bonus when Catherine is around she doesn't have to go in either.

Speaking of, Catherine is home for this weekend and will be back again next weekend.  She has no classes at all in person, so she is enjoying the opportunity to actually be around other humans.  And of course, we absolutely love having her around!  This past week, I kind of nonchalantly bribed her with dinner to come home Thursday and not Friday.  I asked about her plans, and told her either was fine, I just needed to know how many tacos to plan for on Thursday...knowing very well that tacos are her favorite meal!!  She admitted it swayed her to go ahead and come on Thursday.

Today is the league swim meet.  Our school is attempting to win 15 championships in a row for both boys and girls.  The boys should have no problem, but the girls could be close.  It's all so different this year, although different isn't always bad.

Life is moving along!

Kind of getting back to normal

Andrew gets to go back to school tomorrow.  The district decided they were being ridiculous and are allowing him to go back tomorrow instead of waiting until next week.  Even though they were paid days and he was still technically working form home, it will be nice for him to actually get to be back with his students.

It also means that he is able to attend the swim meet next weekend.  It will be the league meet.  Depending on events, Thomas has a shot at actually being able to score some points.  Andrew didn't want to miss it.  Even though he wasn't quarantined by health officials, because it was a school event, Andrew wasn't attending.  We are very grateful this has all worked out.

The only down side is that our sweet pup has to go into the crate each day.  Oh, we hate that!  The way she talks to us when we get home is a little heartbreaking.  I especially hate that I will be the one that has to put her in there each morning as I'll be the last one leaving.

There is a chance of ice overnight.  The odds aren't really in our favor, but a delay would be awesome.  Actually, I have a bunch of work with me at home that I could do, so a snow day would be even better.  I'm pretty sure we will all be in on time though.  I'm very grateful that I enjoy my job and don't mind working.  I'm very blessed!

A comedy of errors kind of story

Thomas needed to be at school yesterday at 12:45 to ride the bus for an away swim meet.  I told him he could just take my CRV since I didn't plan to go anywhere.  He came back in about ten minutes later and said it wouldn't start.  I immediately assumed user error and grabbed the keys to test it myself.  I hopped in, pushed the button, and got nothing but "click, click, click."  The battery was definitely dead.  Thomas was annoyed by my efforts and needed to get to school, so he just took the 2001 Honda Civic that he normally drives.  I knew we would get a battery sometime this weekend.  All will be well.

Not so fast folks!  Fast forward to about two hours later.  Andrew has gone to run some errands and the phone rings.  It was Andrew telling me that I'm not going to believe what has happened (as an aside, this annoys me...just get to the point of the call).  Andrew had pulled into the car wash.  When it finished, he went to start the car, and nothing happened.  I assumed there was user error (year, I'm lovely like that), and asked if was sure the car was in park and if had done everything correctly.  He put me on speaker so I could hear the "click, click, click" that was very similar to what I had heard earlier.  At that point I mentioned there was literally nothing I could do, as the only car that was home with me wasn't running either.  He decided to call AAA, but in the meantime the police office who was waiting behind him to wash the squad car approached and offered to jump the batter.

Thankfully, Andrew had already finished his errands and was able to get his battery replaced.  Today, he and replaced my battery.  And we knew Thomas's car would be good because we just replaced that battery last month!

That extra hour sure does make a difference

When the school year started, my alarm was set for 5:15 or 5:20 on work days.  I needed to be out the door at 6:30 in order to get to work, especially since I rarely knew where and how I would be spending my days.  I can't tell you how tired I was, and how many days there was a nap involved for me when I got home!

Now, my alarm is set for 6:15 each day.  Because I am staying up later most nights, it does not mean that I am getting five extra hours of sleep every week.  It does, however, mean that it is better in tune with my natural body clock.  I feel so much less tired...all the time!  That extra hour each morning has made a wonderful difference!

Happenings around our house

Inauguration Day!  I tuned in at work to catch the oaths, and I'll be honest, my eyes became teary as Kamala Harris became Vice-President of the United States.  I can only hope it opens doors for women and people of color everywhere.

It's been a few busy days around here.  Even though Monday was a day "off", between church and bringing school work home I've already worked over 24 hours this week.  I'm looking forward to not having many plans this weekend so I can hopefully stay on top of everything.

Our public school opened again yesterday.  I am very grateful that Thomas gets to be back in the classroom.  I'll be honest, it's not as emotional for me this time because I am in a job that I truly love.  Unfortunately, Andrew isn't allowed to go back to school until February.  Because he visited his parents this weekend and PA is still considered a "hot spot", he isn't allowed back in school.  It's a little frustrating that someone in his class can test positive and he won't be required to quarantine due to current state recommendations, but because he was helping his parents, even though he barely leaves the house, means no school for him.  He is teaching/zooming from home.  It is what it is.

I am hoping things slow down and I get to post more, but for now, all is well!

I've never before been so glad the Steelers made the playoffs!

Our family was all dressed appropriately and ready to go last Sunday evening as the Steelers played in the first round of the playoffs.  We were all a little sad that we were playing the Browns, because normally we would want to root for them.  Our rooting clearly didn't do the Steelers any good though, and we will be rooting for the Browns for the rest of their run.

I am sooo glad the Steelers made the playoffs though, and played in that 8ish game Sunday evening, because that mean Andrew didn't go to baseball workout.  Since he didn't go to baseball workout, it meant he wasn't around another coach who woke up feeling poorly the next day and then was diagnosed with COVID.  Because he wasn't exposed, he doesn't have to quarantine, and neither do Thomas and I.  We are unclear if Thomas would be allowed to go to school, but my job has a very strict policy and I would not be allowed at work.  So very thankful that the Steelers made the playoffs!

Friday evening heading into a long weekend

It is before 9:00 on a Friday evening.  The only time that is better is about four hours ago!  This Friday though, Andrew is visiting his parents.  He is trying to make the trip once a month, although we are heading into a stretch where it can be tough to do that.  Having the extra day off this weekend (yay!!!) makes it a good weekend for him to make the trip.  I sure do miss him though, and he took our sweet pup with him.  She is a good companion for my father-in-law, and of course Andrew loves having her along.  Catherine was home for a few days this week, and with her back at school, and Andrew and the pup being gone, it sure is really, really quiet here.  Thomas has a swim meet tomorrow, so he stayed home with me, but it's still pretty quiet.  Grateful for some down time, even if I do think it is too quiet!

When my home is full, so is my heart

Catherine came home on Monday and didn't go back until today.  Unfortunately, I had to work ALOT while she was here and didn't get to spend nearly enough time with her.  However, she and Thomas, as always, had a blast together.  They always seem to be laughing and talking with each other.  It always breaks my heart a little when I get the notification on my phone that she has left home on those days when she is going back.  I love, love, love having her around, and I'm so grateful that she and Thomas are close.  My heart is always so full when our house is full.

A first for me as a mom

This morning as I got to work, I received a text from Andrew.  He said that Catherine was texting him that her stomach really hurt.  My first thoughts went back to ten years ago, when she was in the hospital three times due to stomach pain when she had the stomach flu.  Andrew was getting ready to begin his classes and wasn't sure what to do.  I called and talked to her, and after some discussion, I was pretty sure it was just he spicy and acidic foods she had eaten yesterday.  Because classes haven't started yet, she was planning to come and spend a couple of nights with us, but I told her if she wasn't up to it that was fine also.  Ultimately, she felt fine and she is currently at home (and my heart is full).  I truly can not describe the joy I feel when listening to her and Thomas.

Anyway, this was a first for me.  I've always been there when my girl was sick.  Even though Andrew was the one who was with her in the hospital, she told him she wanted me (due to COVID, only one was allowed, and since he was already there they weren't allowing us to make a switch).  I'm a mom, and mothering sick kids is my job.  It has been a honor and a privilege to do so.  I know this is a normal fact of life, and of kids growing up.  I know that she was fine ultimately, but not being able to be with her was a first for me...and I know the first of many.

Unexpected hits on my emotions this weekend

My emotions have taken some hits this weekend.  Waking up to the news of Kyle's death was tough.  Overall, I was doing okay throughout the day until I read words by her cousin.  It brought me to tears, and they flowed freely.  Honestly, it affected me the rest of the day.  I think that is all understandable.

Today was even more unexpected.  I am taking down the Christmas decorations, which always makes me a little sad.  This year is certainly no exception, and I'm a little sad about things that normally happen but didn't get to this year.  As I put away Christmas frames with family pictures, I unwrapped a picture, and so unexpectedly, the tears flowed again.  It is a picture taken in my dining room nearly 5-1/2 years ago of my aunt, grandmother, mother, and uncle.  It felt like a punch to the gut and tore at my heart.  Grandma and Aunt Cathy are gone, and my uncle is ripping the rest of the family apart.  It just truly, truly breaks my heart.  I have such wonderful memories of growing up with my cousins (part of the reason Kyle's cousin's words brought me to such tears) and I have loved watching my kids grow up with their kids.  Those days are almost certainly over.  Nearly six months after my uncle showed his true colors things are not better, and in fact are worse.  So that seems to be what it is.

The last attack on my emotional state was an email sent by our friend (and former boss this year).  He is dedicating a Veteran's Wall at his school and shared with staff the slides of each veteran.  My heart was not prepared for the twist it felt thinking of my own son, who not only wants nothing to do with us, but who, from the sounds of what little information we have received, disgraced the uniform.

I am grateful that today we have no where we need to be, and that there is the distraction of football most of the day.  I was not prepared for (or expecting) all of these emotions this weekend!

Woke up to very sad news

I woke up to very sad news this morning.  There was a text from my mom that the woman I wrote about passed away this morning.  The news earlier this week had been positive, and I really, really thought she was going to beat this.  I knew it could take months, but I really thought she was going to be one of those that came through it.  I knew before I went to bed last night that things had taken a turn, but still I wasn't prepared for the text that came this morning.  My heart is broken for her family.  I can't help but think of her mother.  She is one of the most positive and upbeat people I've ever known, and I can't imagine how she is feeling.  It is such a sad, sad day.

My grandma turns 90 today!

My paternal grandmother turns 90 today!  How amazingly blessed am I that not just one but BOTH of my grandmothers lived to be 90.  I am 47-years-old, and still have my grandmother!  Such a true blessing.

And Grandma is an amazing woman.  She loves her family, and Katie and I were so lucky to be able to spend a good deal of time with her when we were growing up.  She stopped working when about six, so she was around a lot to help with us.  Grandpa retired when I was eleven, so that meant they were both around.  They took us to their summer place in Coldwater, MI and would allow us to spend time there.  I so loved being there.  They adored my sister and me.  Grandma can fix anything too.  She is kind of like a female MacGyver.  She is just an amazing woman and I love her so much!

We need to laugh tonight

The news from our nation's capital today has been so horrific.  I don't even have words for this.  Sending many prayers for peace.

Andrew decided we didn't need to watch the endless news cycle, and I could not agree more.  When we turned it back on, I was pleased to see that Congress had reconvened, but I couldn't sit there and watch anything be debated.  I turned on my favorite show of "Big Bang Theory".  We need to laugh tonight!

The last six weeks

Six weeks ago today, it was the Monday before Thanksgiving (only ONE more day of work that week!) and Catherine came home to spend the holiday with us.  In those the last six weeks, she has spent 30 of the last 42 nights with us.  My heart broke today when I got the notification on my phone that she was back at school.  I know this is exactly how it is supposed to be, and I'm grateful for that.  At the same time, it sure is very quiet around here without her.  I know Thomas misses her tremendously.

The last six weeks of the year are really hard to beat.  The summer is delightful, although my summer will be very different.  I'm so grateful for the last six weeks.  I wish I could relive them, but I'm so grateful that I got to experience them at all.

Another trip around the sun for my husband

Today is my husband's birthday.  I am so grateful that we got to spend the day together, at least mostly.  He had baseball tonight, but other than that we were together today.  We ordered dinner in, the kids picked up a cake, and we gave him his cards.  For birthday gifts, I am having him choose exactly what he wants because many years I get him something, and it isn't what he wants, etc.  He was actually excited about this path!

I am so incredibly grateful to get to do life with him.  He is an amazing husband, father, and son.  I truly feel that I hit the jackpot when I married him! 

The end of break

Today is the last day of break.  While I always know it will come, I never like it.  And this year, I'll be honest, I am feeling especially sad about it.  With me working during the summers now, it could be another year before I get two full weeks off at a time.  And it may literally NEVER happen again that my two kiddos are both under our roof for three weeks.  I've treasured the moments and memories with my kids, and I've not taken them for granted.

While I am grateful for my job, I can't deny how much I truly, truly miss being a substitute teacher.  I know that sounds ridiculous, but I loved that job.  I recognized how wonderful that opportunity was, and didn't take that for granted either.  I appreciate the increased income from my new job, but money isn't everything.  

Overall, life is amazingly blessed, and I know that!

Putting together the puzzle

Starting last Sunday, I've been putting together a Christmas puzzle.  I had purchased it last January, and waited throughout the entire year to put it together.  It is called "Decorating the tree" and it is bringing me such joy!  It is full of so many little different Christmas symbols and colors.  It is a family with four kids and grandparents decorating the tree with a winter wonderland outside...and there are two cats and a dog as well!  It is lovely.

It reminds me of my childhood.  Every year on the day after Thanksgiving my sister and I would go to my paternal grandparents and help decorate their tree.  This lasted through my high school years.  The tree then always came down on New Year's Eve when we would spend the night with them.  My entire childhood that is where I spent New Year's Eve.  We would take down the tree and we always had fun snacks during the night as we stayed awake until Midnight.  These are absolutely precious and cherished memories!

The first day of 2021

Here we are at the first day of 2021!  I looked back at last year and I was so full of optimism for the year, and that makes sense.  Clearly I, and no one around anywhere, had any idea what the year was going to bring.  The year is done, and 2021 is here.

And today is often one of my favorite days of the year.  No one has anywhere to be, lots of great football is on all day (particularly for us Irish and Buckeye fans), and this is the beginning of a weekend.  While I've been sad today that our two weeks is nearly over, I remind myself how much I love Friday evenings on "normal" weekends.  We aren't even at that point yet, and again, so many things are awesome about today.

We rang last night in with our good friends.  They asked us to stay over and we could bring the dog.  It was really very sweet to get to hang out so much.  We are so grateful for their generosity and their friendship.

Here's to this year...whatever it will bring!