I'm emotional about this trip

Andrew and the kids just left to go to Andrew's parents.  For a variety of reasons, I didn't go.  I'll be honest, I had really been looking forward to all of the quiet and alone time I am going to have this weekend.  However, I am much more emotional about this trip than I thought I would be.  For one thing, it's usually only a two day thing, but this time they won't be back until Tuesday.  That's a lot of hours alone.  For another thing, usually once they make the trip over, I get to relax from my anxiety over them traveling until they return.  That isn't the case this time though, as they will be leaving tomorrow to drive another four hours, return to his parents Monday, and then drive home Tuesday...so the entire trip is traveling.  Lastly, the death of Bryston makes me want my family right here at home with me.  Right now I don't want them out of my sight.  I know that isn't realistic, but it's my emotional state right now.  I am praying fervently for them all to return safe and sound on Tuesday!

Hall of Fame year continues

After visiting the football HOF in April and the baseball HOF last month, we made a visit to Cincinnati this afternoon.  The Reds have the largest team Hall of Fame in the country, and we had purchased a membership for the year.  We had last been there several years ago, and many things had changed since then.  We all enjoyed getting to see the memorabilia, and the kids especially enjoyed things that were recent enough they could remember.  Even Andrew who didn't grow up a Reds fan, enjoyed all the memories.  We were only there an hour, but with a membership we get to go back again anytime in the next year!

After the Hall, we visited our family's favorite restaurant on the river.  It's tough not to overeat at this place, but even more than my stomach, I came home with such a full heart.  We loved our afternoon together!

Independence Day '19

This is our first Independence Day as a military family.  As with all of the patriotic holidays, there is a new perspective.  My son is serving in our military to protect our country.  That is never lost on me, and it is amplified on these days.  I am so grateful for all of those who serve and have served.  It is also never lost on me that although his assignment is relatively safe, anything can happen.  Just a little over two months ago, high school classmates of my sister lost their son in an accident while he was serving.  Although it had absolutely nothing to do with the military, it had been months since they had seen him because of his assignment.  I know it could happen to us.  Nothing in life is guaranteed, and the tragedy of Bryston enforces that.

Having said all of that, I do still think today should be a celebration.  We ARE free, and for the most part we live in a wonderful country.  We should celebrate our freedoms, and we should celebrate life.

RIP Bryston

Our friends' son passed away this morning.  I can not even begin to imagine.  Our former community is amazing and is rallying around the family.  Hearts are broken.  Prayers.

We are half way through the summer of 2019

Six weeks from today school begins.  I'm not ready, but I suspect I will be in six weeks.  Even this week, there are times I think my family is having too much togetherness.  I'm not ready for the rigorous schedule, and I'm not ready for band to begin in just 12 days.

There have been some changes this summer.  Of course Robert isn't here.  While he is missed, the drama and chaos he brought to our lives is not missed.  We also don't have to worry about Andrew's football schedule this summer since he is no longer coaching.  The four of us have enjoyed so much family time and made so many amazing memories.  I am so grateful for this.  And we don't plan to stop yet!

I've been seeing school supplies stocking begin to happen in stores.  It's a little different when your kids are in high school, as basically all they need are folders, notebooks, and pencils/pens.  This school year will mark the last "first day" I'll get to have with Catherine, and only two more after that with Thomas.  It breaks my heart a little to think about it, but I am so grateful for these days, and I plan to be grateful for each day that comes.

I can't even imagine

I received a text this morning that just has me sick to my stomach.  There is a couple in our former town with whom we had mutual friends, and because of that we had hung out several times.  There was a horrible ATV accident last evening, and their eight-year-old child is brain dead.  I don't even have words for this, and I can't begin to imagine.

It's hot

July has arrived, and so have the hot temps.  I understand it is the lower midwest, and I should expect it to be warm in July.  That doesn't change the fact that I find it uncomfortable, even in air conditioning.  If money was no option, my thermostat would probably be set about eight degrees (more than 10%!) lower than it is.  Life goes on though, and if this is the worst problem in my life, I am immeasurably blessed.

Unfortunately, the kids have a swim meet this evening, which means being outdoors.  It is the largest (and therefore longest) meet of the season, and it is also supposed to storm...making it even later.  Not looking forward to that particularly, but again, small life problems.  This though, is why I love January weather better than July!