This might be my favorite day of the year

I am on spring break.  It is a break that could not be more needed.  Work has been crazy, and as my boss put it, logistically challenging on nearly a daily basis.  Last week I was standing in a classroom trying to determine whether or not we were going to be able to have school in that classroom because there was no water in the building due to plumbing issue.  One of the teachers said to me that she was sorry I was dealing with that, and my response was that I was sorry it wasn't the worst thing we were dealing with that day.  That would've been the long-time student who needed to be suspended.  Yep, lots of stress.

But now, we are off on an entire week.  It was a fun weekend with all basketball, all the time.  There were some good upsets, and I enjoyed the fact that I really had nowhere to be all weekend, except for taking Thomas back to college yesterday.

I had trouble sleeping last night, and I allowed myself to really sleep in this morning.  I've had nowhere to be today.  It really felt like a perfect day, and a day just entirely for me.  The sun is shining, and it's just been an amazing day.  Andrew has a baseball scrimmage, so he won't be home until about 7:00.  I needed this day that was just 100% for me.  I need to get to the office for some payroll later this week, and I need to take my grandmother to a doctor appointment, but today is absolutely nothing.  I can't even describe how relaxing my day has been.  And it's just the beginning of the break! 

Turning it over, and what I want to be doing now

This weekend, I will officially be turning over the band stuff to the new Treasurer.  To say that I am excited is absolutely an understatement!  There are six boxes full of things that will be leaving my house.  None of us are sad about that.  After 8-1/2 years, it is time for the boxes to move out, and for me to move on.  I'm doing sponsorship this year, and maybe next, but that will be that.

I am thrilled beyond words.  I look forward to having time to work more on my genealogy, and catching up on my magazine subscriptions that are crazy old at this point.  I want to work on scanning family photos.  I am so excited about the opportunity to do something crazy like work a jigsaw puzzle, or even READ A BOOK.  My husband gave me an e-reader last year for my birthday, and I've read it once.  While it has been an honor to serve the students, I didn't realize what a burden it had become to me.  I am so, so excited to have this all off my plate!

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!

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! 

Our backyard

Last summer when we visited family on Lake Champlain, there were nine of us staying in a little camp building that could not have been more than 650 sq feet, and that might be generous!  Honestly, I was pretty much only inside to do the dishes, help with any cooking, and to sleep.  Otherwise, we were outdoors.  There was so much space outdoors that I remember all five adults being out one afternoon, and none of us were anywhere near another.  I remember sitting by the water one afternoon, and falling asleep from the peacefulness of it all.  It was truly inspiring to Andrew and me that there was so much more life outdoors rather than indoors.

I have never loved the outdoors.  In fact, heat and humidity are major triggers to my migraine headaches.  At the same time, sitting outside on a gorgeous weather day brings more peace than I can explain.  Our backyard is so private and peaceful, and I really decided I wanted it to be a place I enjoy being.  We can't afford an oasis, but we can make it enjoyable.

It started two years ago or so when I moved our porch furniture onto our patio.  For many years after we moved here, we used it as the furniture in our sunroom.  However, that room has a very fluid purpose, and decided to use the furniture as it was intended.  It makes a lovely little sitting area on our patio.  We moved the picnic table that had previous sat in that spot to underneath a tree.  I don't love eating outdoors, and it's really just extra places to sit when we have people over.

Last summer, I also purchased an early birthday present for Andrew and bought him a hammock.  He had always wanted one, and I found one at an end of season sale.  It was an unbelievable discount, and since we counted it as his birthday gift it was truly win-win!  It is located in a very shaded spot and both Andrew and Thomas love to spend time in it.

Our garage had been the home for five years of a porch swing that belonged to my parents.  My mother had no place to put it, and I was happy to take it off her hands.  Andrew built me an amazing a-frame for it last summer, and it is just in front of the woods by our fire pit.

Today we continued our quest to trim and work in the yard, and the focus today was on the backyard.  I planted some more flowers, and we did a great deal of mulching.  My favorite part was that Andrew trimmed back the ferns I hate, and I can't get over how much better it all makes the yard look.   We have a hanging basket and memorial wind chimes (from his brother's service) hanging on shepherd's hooks just outside our big family room picture window.

I love our backyard.  It is so peaceful, and I can't believe that I am lucky enough to be able to spend each day enjoying this little tiny peace of earth.  In fact, I am enjoying the beauty of my backyard as I type this!

We finally arrived at Friday

Woohoo!!!  It is Friday!  Yes, I am excited!

It's been a long week.  Andrew was gone for two days at the beginning, and it just never felt like I could every really recover.  I actually went to bed BEFORE 9:00 last night.  It was awesome.  I almost feel rested today, but that might also just be the Friday adrenaline kicking in!  Both Andrew and Catherine aren't feeling the greatest either, so a little bit of down time this weekend will be good for everyone.

Originally my plan for today was to go home when I am finished at 2:30 and not leave my house again until tomorrow.  That changed yesterday when I couldn't make the trip to the middle school because the band director was home sick.  Not a problem.  It will delay me about 25 or 30 minutes, but still plenty of time to enjoy my Friday of nothingness!

Then of course, I learned this morning that we are OUT of cat food.  Not running a little low, which is when the kids should inform, but just out.  Okay, well that means I need to go pick some up at the grocery, which isn't a problem except that today is mass exodus for students AND winter commencement activities.  Way too much traffic in our small little town today.

I'm still grateful though, that our evening is activity free.  We are trying to decide which Christmas movies we want to watch, and I'm so looking forward to hearing some laughter and just hanging out.  I would love to try and get two movies in, but we may all fall asleep during the second one if we try that.  I am so looking forward to our time together!

An afternoon drive in the country

Yesterday was another bright and gorgeous day, but still with fall temps.  I decided to head west and visit a candle outlet.  I had visited last year in early November on a Friday when I was off work.  While I would much prefer to go during the week, and usually I only allow myself to have "fun shopping days" on a Friday, I am scheduled every Friday possible from now until December 20.  I also felt the need to be out in the open country and enjoy the scenery.  I find it so peaceful and comforting.  It's less than an hour drive each way, but it didn't feel like it took even that long.  There is a route that will take the interstate, but I didn't want any part of that.  I only have to go through two very small towns on the drive, and it's just such a lovely trip.  I would've preferred Andrew come along with me, but he had responsibilities that couldn't be done later.  I'm so very, very grateful I took the time to make the quick trip.  We all need to take time for ourselves!

An extremely quiet Sunday morning

With Andrew and Thomas gone, it is only Catherine and myself (and our pets).  Catherine had to work at 9 this morning, so I was up at 8.  It is an amazingly beautiful and quiet morning.  Abby and Lincoln are sitting on the couch in the front room with me, and I've opened the windows.  I am enjoying cool weather and peaceful quiet.  I have tons of things I want to accomplish today, and with eight solid hours to myself I am certain I will.  I don't like going to church by myself so I'm staying home today, but honestly, there is something spiritual in these moments as well.

It was a lovely evening outside

Yesterday afternoon, we hosted a gathering for Andrew's department.  Six of the seven others in the department joined us, and one brought the entire family.  As we are close with that family and they have young children we adore, we were all thrilled.  It was a lovely day and we all ended up being outside into the early evening.  Everyone departed by 8:00, which was fine with us.  It was so gorgeous outside though, and I told Andrew I didn't want to be cooped up in the house the rest of the evening.  We took a drink and went out to the back patio.  We even took my laptop so we could continue to follow along with the Reds game, which turned into a rout of the Cubs.  It was an absolutely lovely evening to be outside and relax for a bit!  We haven't had too many ideal outdoor evenings this summer, but I am grateful last evening was one of them!

Three days on an island

I have to backup a little...almost an entire year.  When Andrew's brother passed away, only one of the northeast cousins was able to come down for the funeral.  He is the youngest of Andrew's four cousins, and therefore the one closest in age to Andrew.  I've only seen him three times in the last 15 years, including almost exactly 15 years to the day when Andrew and I visited them in Boston with their then four-month-old twins.  They visited my in-laws over ten years ago and we made the trip over, but the twins didn't come along.  So their kids had never met our kids.  However, when we saw Tom at the funeral, there was much discussion and we learned how much Ryan and Thomas had in common, and they are only six weeks apart.  They began to communicate over text, then eventually conversations, and we knew we had to get them together.  Tom and his wife Stephanie invited us to their family's island in the middle of Lake Champlain.  The other twin is a girl and much in common with Catherine, and we decided we needed to make it happen!

We arrived Sunday afternoon and were picked up by boat (the only way to access the island).  It was only a ten minute boat ride, and then as soon as we stepped onto the island, the stress of everything began to just lift away.  It was amazing how the kids interacted as though they had known each other forever.  Tom and his wife could not have been more gracious hosts.  They took care of all the food for the days, and honestly, most of the time we just sat and enjoyed the gorgeous view.  The kids did some reading, played some volleyball, worked on some projects, helped out some neighbors, went kayaking, had a boat ride, sat around the campfire, helped get the boat up and down on the lift...it just goes on and on.  The shelter we were in was very tiny.  It had a functioning kitchen and room for all of us to sleep.  It has a bathroom and shower, but they don't really use it.  Their septic system is fragile and they prefer the outhouse.  I have to say, it was pretty impressive in terms of design, functionality, and not too icky!  The weather while we were there was beyond ideal.  In fact, it was chilly enough that pants and even sweatshirts were necessary.  They owned a half acre on this island, and we could all spread out while relaxing outside.  There were times I would just sit there and take in the view.  One time I was so relaxed I actually fell asleep.  Andrew and I loved the fact that there were games to play and books to read, and just visiting with each other.

Three days was exactly the right amount of time.  We were ready to move on when it was time to leave, but we loved our time there.  Andrew and I admitted to each other that we were both hesitant and apprehensive about certain aspects of this trip...not the least of which was the isolated time spent with family we didn't really know very well, with no TV or internet.  It really was awesome though.  I don't know how we will ever be able to repay their generosity!

Yesterday was such a tease

None of the schools in our county had school yesterday since it was election day.  It turned out there was nothing on the ballot here, but there is no way to know that before the school calendar is decided.  Because our schools are used as polls, from a safety stand point, they have decided not to hold school on election day.

It was an amazing day.  Of course, it started with sleeping in which is always wonderful.  Secondly, the weather could not have been more beautiful.  I had a couple of errands that absolutely had to be done yesterday and I didn't mind being out and about.  The sun was shining, the temperature was wonderful, and the humidity was low.  Catherine didn't have to work, and since baseball practice was cancelled even Andrew was home fairly soon after work.  It was a relatively care-free day without much to worry about.

Days like this are rare, and pretty much non-existent during the school year.  We are soooo close to having them more frequently though with our summer off.  With only twelve more days of school remaining (counting today), it is so easy to just feel like coasting into the end of the school year.  With high school students have finals though, it doesn't really work that way.  That's what makes yesterday feel like such a tease.  We are so close, but not there yet!

So grateful for the little moments today

I am not working today.  I intended to be.  There was a job I knew would be available today, and my alarm was set to get up and go in.  However, it was a rough night of sleep, and I decided to stay home today.  It is a job I don't particularly like, and I decided being home with my pets was better for me today.  I know how selfish that sounds, but I don't regret my decision.  And I've already been asked to work tomorrow, so that is still four days this week I'll be scheduled.

I am so grateful for the sunshine and the warmer temps, and the birds chirping.  I am so grateful for my sweet dog and one of our cats to be curled up together and literally cuddling with me on the couch.  I am so, so grateful for these peaceful moments.

Yesterday was not peaceful.  I was in my favorite sub job in the building.  I love it!  The kids are awesome and it's just a great job.  However, we learned some very difficult news about the teen daughter of some friends.  It is not publication, but it shows how quickly unhealthy teen relationships can become dangerous.  I am angry and having trouble processing, and I had the young man who is causing problems in class yesterday.  It was tough for me.

I love the fact that my sweet animals are curled up here with me, and I've got over 4 hours until Catherine gets home this evening.  I'm going to enjoy my day of peace!

Yesterday was wonderful

Yesterday was really as wonderful as I thought it would be.  Sleeping in was definitely a fabulous start to the day.  I didn't get nearly as much finished as I would've liked, although I did get about 95% of Christmas cards finished.  I really just sat and relaxed while working on the cards, and just thoroughly enjoyed the quiet down time.  That is very rare.  It was even an extra treat that Andrew's work finished much earlier than expected, and he was home before the kids.  It was nice to have some time to catch up.  I have a bunch of errands to run this evening, but I am cautiously optimistic I can live in an uncluttered house by this weekend!  I even have a few fun holiday plans!

A wonderful day to be off work

Within the last two weeks, I missed a couple of opportunities to work today at the high school.  I was bummed, but it turns out that today is the only day I'm off this week...and my first school day off since November 2.  Because I get to sleep in 45 minutes on days I don't work, it meant we were still asleep when a later-than-normal phone call came that school was on a 2-hour delay.  That meant I got to sleep until nearly 8:00!  It almost feels too good to be true.  That unexpected snow at just the right time was much appreciated.

And even better is the fact that I don't have to leave my house all day.  In fact, I have almost all day to myself.  The kids will be home at 3:00, but have to be out the door by 3:45 for swim workout and won't get home from practice until nearly 8:00.  Andrew has athletic director duties at a wrestling meet this evening and probably won't be home until even later.  I plan to get so many things handled around the house, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to make it so.

In the meantime, I'm enjoying a few moments to just sit.  I have Christmas music playing, and the animals are all sleeping.  In fact, one of the cats is cuddled up with me.  I know that when I get up and start cleaning, I'm going to be irritated by the things my kids couldn't put away, but with the Christmas music on and the snow covering outside, it is incredibly peaceful.  I am so grateful for this.

Rural country roads

Last week, on one of my days off, I made a trip over to Indiana to do some shopping.  It was a cloudy day, and the drive was about 45 minutes.  I absolutely loved it.  While it would have been even more gorgeous if the sun had been shining, even a cloudy day in the fall...over rural farmland...it doesn't get much prettier (except for maybe that sun).

Honestly, it really doesn't matter what time of year it is...driving through rural farmland is, to me, one of the most peaceful experiences on earth.  I can remember driving through farmland one time and literally feeling the stress escape.  It's amazing to me.  I know there are many people who need the lights and sounds and excitements of the city to feel alive.  Not me.  I love the quiet and peacefulness that empty roads can bring!

Controlling the remote

I've been busy working on the house since I've had it to myself since Thursday afternoon.  This is the longest amount of time I've had to myself since before I was married.  I've been able to get a lot done, but I am so very ready for everyone to come home tomorrow.

One thing I am enjoying is having control of the remote to myself.  Today I had the Reds game on while scrubbing cabinets in the kitchen.  It was a fun game to watch as a Reds fan!  I then took Abby on a walk, watered the flowers, and took a much needed shower.  I knew that tonight I could watch whatever I wanted, and I settled on my favorite movie, Bull Durham.

I can't wait until we are all reunited under one roof, but in the meantime I am enjoying my television watching for the evening!

I've been reading

My last day off school was two weeks ago yesterday.  It has all been at the high school, which gives me plenty of time to catch up on my reading.  This was especially true last week when I was helping to supervise study hall during the state testing...a total of ten hours!  A couple of weeks ago I had started reading the Lucy Stone mystery series after I saw that another blogger was reading it.  I didn't want "heavy" or dark mystery dramas, and this sounded more like a set of "Murder, She Wrote" books.  I loved the first one, and was delighted to return it and begin the next one.  Our local library is part of the county system, and sometimes in order to read a book we need to request it from another branch.  That happened last week, and after study hall last Monday I was in need and the next one wasn't ready.  I went to the school library and checked out The Help.  I really enjoyed reading it, but the next book in the mystery series was ready and I couldn't want to get to it.  I finished The Help, returned it to the library, and was anxious to get started.  Sadly, it was a little disappointing as it took her out of her quaint little Maine town.  I went ahead and requested the next one, and began it after finishing the disappointing one.  I was frustrated to learn it also takes her out of her town.  Ugh!  Hopefully I can find another one that I will enjoy more...although with school winding down my days of sitting in a classroom looking for something to do are coming to an end!

Front porch sitting

Last evening Andrew and I were finally able to enjoy a glass of wine on our front porch.  That is one of the things I love most about our house.  At our old house, the house literally sat right up at the sidewalk.  We had a lovely screened in porch, but I didn't enjoy sitting where everyone could just see us when they walked by.  It was pleasant for entertaining though, if others were over and wanted to be outside.  Although our current front porch doesn't work at all for entertaining, we now have a patio out back that works just fine for that.  And our front porch works perfectly for Andrew and I to sit next to each other and enjoy a beverage.  We sit rather far back from the road so if someone is walking by and doesn't want to acknowledge us, it isn't awkward, but not so far that we can't wave and hollar "hello" if someone does.  An evening drink on our front porch is pretty much the #1 thing I look forward to each spring.  Last evening was really ideal for it.  Often in the summer it begins to get too warm for it, but last night, with a sweatshirt, it was just perfect!  We even noticed that the buds are really starting to come out on the trees, and things are really beginning to come to life.  Although it is six weeks later than the spring equinox, it seems as though spring might really be here!

Didn't leave the house all weekend

I'll be honest, I didn't leave the house the entire weekend.  I got home Friday by 2:00, and I was HOME.  Lots of basketball to watch, and we had frozen pizzas and salads.  Andrew brought Robert and Thomas home from track practice, and Robert had to work.  There was basketball and more basketball.  Robert came home from work...still basketball!  Robert and Thomas went to bed, but Catherine stayed up and watched history with us...basketball history!  UMBC, as a 16th seed, knocked off #1 Virginia.  It was a fabulous game!  I had contemplated going to bed early, but I'm so grateful I stayed up to watch it.  It was awesome!

Saturday morning we all slept in.  Robert went on a date that afternoon, then worked that evening.  He had to work until close and was very tired when he got home.  Andrew had to teach Sunday School yesterday morning, but we decided that the rest of us were going to stay home.  None of us had anywhere to be, and other than going outside to take care of a few things, I didn't leave the house again.  Our family enjoyed a board game and of course, there was more basketball!  It was a great weekend!

It turned out to be a very relaxing weekend

Our four day weekend turned out to be full of much relaxation.  I don't love having sick kids, but I did appreciate how it freed our weekend.  The only morning we had to set an alarm was Sunday, and even that was extremely reasonable.  It was so fabulous to feel so rested, and I enjoyed spending time together as a family.  We mostly just hung out and watched the Olympics.  Our family loves sports!

Four such fabulous days does make today's "back to reality" a bit of a slap in the face though.  I was so well rested I had some troubles falling asleep, and the extremely warm temps (today is in the 70's) we are currently experiencing don't help either.  It was too warm to sleep on our fleece sheets, but I am not changing them for just two nights.  By Thursday morning it could be snowing again.  And of course my husband sure can snore.  It was especially loud last evening.  He made the comment to me this morning that he hadn't slept well, and I kind of wanted to punch him!

This week is a rather light week though, and I'm grateful for that.  I am especially looking forward to family dinners!