Date night on the river

Last year for Christmas, Andrew gave me a gift card for a dinner cruise on a riverboat in downtown Cincinnati.  Honestly, I wasn't thrilled.  I hate cities, and I'm terrified of being on a boat in the water.  Most of the time I can handle it, but the thought of being forced to be on a boat without a life jacket for 2-1/2 hours was awful.  We made reservations though, and last evening was the date.  I appreciated Andrew's support on how hesitant I was, and he even offered to take me somewhere else.

I enjoyed the lovely city views from the river.  The first half of the trip was daylight which was cool, and then the second half it was dark so we got to see the city lights.  While that was all lovely, the rest of the experience left a little to be desired.  The food was "okay", but very few choices considering it was a buffet.  I knew alcoholic drinks wouldn't be included, but I found the prices to be exorbitant.  The bathrooms were awful, and service was also only "okay".  Overall I found the experience to be way overpriced.

However, I loved spending the evening with Andrew.  We discussed that we need to take evenings for ourselves more often.  I am so grateful to be living life with my husband!

Torn between what I want to do and what I should do

I really feel like scrapbooking today.  However, I have several things I should do to day.  Several things that are responsibilities that should be done.  It's not even that I don't want to do them, it's just that I really want to do some scrapbooking today.  I am still 9-1/2 years behind and I want to get closer to catching up.  Andrew is taking Thomas to his parents next weekend, so I am going to force myself to wait until next weekend, and be responsible today!

I wish everyone was home this Friday evening

I'll be honest, I really wish the family was all home this evening.  I spent the day running errands and then working at my church job..  I was planning to scrapbook this evening, but honestly, I just don't have the mentality to do so.  Andrew and the kids are at the football game, and I would really love it if everyone was home.  I have a college game on TV, a candle lit, and the pets are all sleeping nearby.  I know the kids are having a blast at the game, but I would've loved having a family evening together, being cozy with all of us!

An incredibly peaceful beginning to the weekend

Unbelievably, I am off today.  An off day on a Friday is pretty rare, as teachers like to schedule appointments and other things in order to start the weekend early.  Generally speaking, I don't mind working on Fridays, because it is Friday, and I always say that makes everything better.  However, I won't lie...I also love having a Friday off work because it is like the weekend begins even earlier!  I have a bunch of errands to run, but for right now, I am sitting here enjoying my cup of coffee and the view.  Usually I spend my mornings in the back of our house, but this morning I couldn't pass up the opportunity to watch the day begin from the front of our house.  We have a large picture window, and a comfy overstuffed chair that faces east.  It's been lovely to watch the day break, as well as watching our sweet pup and one of our cats peacefully sleep on the couch.  It is also a fabulous temp, with an overnight low in the 50's.  It is absolutely delightful, and I enjoy the possibility of needing a sweatshirt!  I have a few errands to run later, and I just plan to enjoy the day.

RIP Aunt Cathy

Aunt Cathy passed away this afternoon.  My mom and grandmother, as well as both of her daughters, were with her.  It was very peaceful, and we are grateful.

My cousin and I mentioned that our hearts hurt for our grandmother.  It doesn't matter that my grandmother is 90 or that my aunt was 64.  Parents are not supposed to bury their children, regardless of the ages.

Growing up, I was close to my aunt.  She was only 18 when I was born, and adored me.  I was then eight and ten when my cousins were born and I adored them.  They lived less than a block from me, and I loved being able to walk over to their house whenever I wanted.  As I grew older, she was so helpful to me.  When I lived on my own, she was often the one who would house sit and take care of my pets.  If I couldn't remember if I unplugged something, she was happy to stop by my house and double check.  When a stray cat showed up at our house, and we didn't feel we could add her to our family, Aunt Cathy added her to her family.  She loved her family dearly, and loved her daughters and grandchildren, as well as all of us in her extended family.  She was very proud of all of us.

I was able to go up and spend some time with my mom this afternoon and then went over to spend a little time with my cousin.  I'm grateful I was able to be there, and I'm grateful for all of my family.

Yesterday was Aunt Cathy's birthday

Aunt Cathy had her birthday yesterday.  When Hospice was first called in nearly two weeks ago, my mother mentioned that my grandmother had hoped Aunt Cathy would make it until her birthday.  I thought that sounded awful.  I didn't want her to hold on and suffer for that long.  However, she doesn't seem to be in pain and isn't suffering in that regard.  Mom mentioned my grandmother had said it because she wanted to be able to tell her "Happy Birthday" one more time.  I understood that.  After all, my grandmother was there when Aunt Cathy came into the world.

Yesterday came and went, and Aunt Cathy is still with us.  As I said, there doesn't seem to be pain.  I hate to think about her not being here, but things have been so hard for her in the last several years.  When she passes, she will be in a better place.  My prayers continue for peace for all of our family.

Our Labor Day weekend

It's been a nice weekend, but of course it always goes too quickly.  This is especially true when travel is involved.  We've enjoyed our visit with my in-laws, and are so grateful for Nonie's 80th birthday! 

It's been a nice visit, but even Andrew mentioned there were some reasons to be a little melancholy.  Andrew's father is deteriorating, and it is undeniable.  Last Monday marked the one year passing of Andrew's brother.  And we have no idea what is happening with Robert.  We've not heard from him in over a month, and now it seems as though the text messages aren't even getting sent to him.  Is something wrong with his phone?  Is he on a ship?  We have no idea what is happening and he seems to be choosing not to communicate.  While Andrew and I always suspected this might happen at some point, it is hard on everyone.

We have another busy week, and another busy weekend next weekend.  Just hoping to hold on and treasure whatever peaceful moments we may have along the way!