Thursday, May 21, 2020
Graduation Day
Today is the day that Catherine is graduating from high school. I have so many thoughts and emotions about this, but I want to save all of that for another day. Today, I am just all about celebrating the happiness that this day brings. We have ordered Chick-fil-a catering for the evening, made some home made mac & cheese, chips, and a friend is bringing veggies and fruit. I also bought a giant cookie and Thomas will decorate it, and we will have some brownies. We hope we can get a family picture or two as she will be wearing her cap and gown, but we'll just see how it goes. I am so proud of my sweet girl!
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
A rainy, wet, and dreary Tuesday in May
It has rained pretty solidly around here for the last 24 hours. Nothing fun about that at all. There is a damp chill in the air, but also humidity. I don't have to leave my house today and for that I am grateful. Andrew isn't so lucky as he is at the school helping to collect baseball uniforms.
Andrew posted his last school assignment yesterday, and Thomas seems to be finished as well. It is kind of hard to feel "excited" about the end of school, because not much is really changing. It is all just so surreal in that regard.
We aren't really sure what our summer is going to bring. We cancelled our vacation that was supposed to begin in about ten days. We had only paid the deposit, and it appears as though we have a chance at getting that back. The Billy Joel concert we were supposed to attend was rescheduled for next year. We plan to try that again, and it appears as though our lodging will allow us to transfer the money paid to next year as well. Thank goodness! The pool won't be open until late June at the earliest, although they are still going to try to get in a summer swim season. I am hoping our family will enjoy walks, some time at the state park beach, and things like that this summer. Because my working is up in the air (and will certainly be reduced if at all) we are hoping to be a little more frugal, but want to enjoy our time with the kids.
We are cautiously optimistic that Catherine will be able to begin school in a "normal" environment in August. I am so excited for her, and also very grateful that while she will be on her own, she will be close by.
This dreary day causes me to want to sleep, but there is much work to be done!
Andrew posted his last school assignment yesterday, and Thomas seems to be finished as well. It is kind of hard to feel "excited" about the end of school, because not much is really changing. It is all just so surreal in that regard.
We aren't really sure what our summer is going to bring. We cancelled our vacation that was supposed to begin in about ten days. We had only paid the deposit, and it appears as though we have a chance at getting that back. The Billy Joel concert we were supposed to attend was rescheduled for next year. We plan to try that again, and it appears as though our lodging will allow us to transfer the money paid to next year as well. Thank goodness! The pool won't be open until late June at the earliest, although they are still going to try to get in a summer swim season. I am hoping our family will enjoy walks, some time at the state park beach, and things like that this summer. Because my working is up in the air (and will certainly be reduced if at all) we are hoping to be a little more frugal, but want to enjoy our time with the kids.
We are cautiously optimistic that Catherine will be able to begin school in a "normal" environment in August. I am so excited for her, and also very grateful that while she will be on her own, she will be close by.
This dreary day causes me to want to sleep, but there is much work to be done!
Sunday, May 17, 2020
The middle of May
It was an early start to our day since Catherine had to be at work at 8:00. This seems to be her new normal, and I don't love it, but since we get to sleep in the rest of the week, it's not that big of an issue.
The state is slowly reopening, and we all try to figure out our "new normal". I still haven't been anywhere except the grocery, although there are some errands I will need to run tomorrow. I have some trepidations about being out in that way again, although I plan to be as safe as I can. We are also starting to see people again. We were chatting with our best friends Friday evening, and I mentioned that if they felt comfortable, they could come over Thursday evening and watch the graduation with us. I explained no one else would be here, and they jumped on the chance to see us in person! We also had friends invite us over last evening, along with another couple, to have a bonfire in the backyard. It was wonderful! We have a fire pit in our back yard as well, so we look forward to being out there in the evenings as well. It was awesome getting to be social again!
School officially wraps up this week. I think Thomas might be finished in most of his classes. This has definitely been a school year to remember!
The state is slowly reopening, and we all try to figure out our "new normal". I still haven't been anywhere except the grocery, although there are some errands I will need to run tomorrow. I have some trepidations about being out in that way again, although I plan to be as safe as I can. We are also starting to see people again. We were chatting with our best friends Friday evening, and I mentioned that if they felt comfortable, they could come over Thursday evening and watch the graduation with us. I explained no one else would be here, and they jumped on the chance to see us in person! We also had friends invite us over last evening, along with another couple, to have a bonfire in the backyard. It was wonderful! We have a fire pit in our back yard as well, so we look forward to being out there in the evenings as well. It was awesome getting to be social again!
School officially wraps up this week. I think Thomas might be finished in most of his classes. This has definitely been a school year to remember!
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
A day all about our senior
Today was a day that was really all about our senior. Part of the graduation ceremony requires that each graduate submit a photo of the student in the cap & gown. They wanted the students to be creative and even allowed the use of "props". We had her clarinet and senior swim sign and stood in front of the high school. We also took pictures of her dad handing her the diploma just as we had with Robert, although this one we were able to stage a little more. We really enjoyed taking the pictures, and we will select one to send by the weekend. After that, we drove around town to see where senior students might live. We can identify them by the signs put out by the Boosters last week.
This evening were the senior awards. The guidance department basically just announced the names and Catherine was allowed to log in via a meet. She was awarded a scholarship, and we are very excited for her. It's a small one, but we are very proud she was able to get it.
At the end of the award ceremony, they announced that a billboard had been put up by a local realtor with the first name of each graduate. It was literally just around the corner from us, so we went up and took some pictures.
We really had a lot of fun celebrating her today. Even though this isn't the way it's always been and certainly not the way we imagined it, it can still be fun!
This evening were the senior awards. The guidance department basically just announced the names and Catherine was allowed to log in via a meet. She was awarded a scholarship, and we are very excited for her. It's a small one, but we are very proud she was able to get it.
At the end of the award ceremony, they announced that a billboard had been put up by a local realtor with the first name of each graduate. It was literally just around the corner from us, so we went up and took some pictures.
We really had a lot of fun celebrating her today. Even though this isn't the way it's always been and certainly not the way we imagined it, it can still be fun!
Monday, May 11, 2020
Picking up the cap and gown
Today was the day that Catherine officially turned in anything school issued and picked up her cap and gown. They had it all set up so that you just drove the route around the school parking lot and never had to get out of the vehicle. Andrew had mentioned to me last week that teachers were invited to come and cheer for the students as a show of support. I think he would've gone had he been in town. I decided to drive Catherine because we were going to leave straight from there and go to see my mom and work at my grandmother's house. As we were driving there, I couldn't stop the tears. I hadn't been to the school since I walked out my last day of work 8-1/2 weeks ago. This wasn't how I had wanted our spring to go, and it wasn't how I wanted my daughter to finish her schooling. I wanted to make sure this was all about Catherine, and yet at the same time I was so happy to see all the adults I had been so used to seeing every day. It all just made me so emotional. The school did a fabulous job of trying to make it special. There was even a gift bag payed for from class fundraising. After we picked up things at the school, we then drove to a business in town to retrieve more gifts from a community effort that was put together at the last minute. It really truly was as special as it could possibly be. We will be taking pictures this week of her in her gown. I think she looks absolutely amazing.
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Mother's Day 2020
It's been a fairly quiet day around here. Catherine had to work eight hours today. I spent the day cleaning the house, and then I worked on labeling photos to put in an album. I got all of 2013 finished, although I realized there are still a couple of months that need to be printed. I spoke to my mom earlier, and we are planning to see her tomorrow. I'm sure Andrew and Thomas will call sometime later today. I really look forward to seeing them on Tuesday. Overall it has been a pleasant day.
Saturday, May 9, 2020
So many emotions
This is going to be a long post. Please feel free not to read it. It is my feelings and my thoughts, for my memories.
Today is full of so many emotions for so many different reasons. The first being that Andrew and Thomas are traveling to my in-laws, and that always cranks up my anxiety. However, my father-in-law has declined rapidly since Christmas. We've already explained to Thomas that Pappy may not know who he is, especially at first. Because of the virus, Thomas and Andrew quarantined themselves this entire week, even more than normal. No trips to the store or anything that might involve being around people. I feel strongly that it is important they make this trip. They have taken our sweet pup with them because my father-in-law loves dogs. Andrew and Thomas will not be going out at all while they are there. We are doing our best to minimize any risk to my in-laws.
Catherine has finished her high school days. I am so proud of her I can't even explain it. More than anything, I am proud of the way she has handled these last two months. It sucks for her completely, but her attitude has always been phenomenal. I am so grateful for all of this extra time together, and I think in many ways she is as well. I can't wait to really be able to celebrate her, and hopefully that will be sooner rather than later.
We just finished up eight solid weeks of the "virus life". Things are beginning to reopen, and it's terrifying. I have agreed 100% with the closings and restrictions that have been in place. I also agree 100% that it is time to get things open again. Our family has been so incredibly lucky. Although I have lost my income, Andrew is the primary earner and we'll be fine. And yet, he doesn't have to leave the house right now to earn his paycheck. Although it's been challenging, he's been able to work from here. We can all completely stay home if we want, or run to the store if we want. We are safe, and we don't have to worry about paying our bills. We have each other, and we've had so much fun together. But not everyone has these same circumstances. Many are worrying about jobs, and bills, and health, and so many other things. Even I am feeling "virus stress", and our circumstances are about as ideal as they can be. There is, without a doubt, a mental and physical toll that is being exacted even in those who are not physically affected by the virus itself. I get it. That doesn't mean reopening is going to make me feel better about anything though. It's a fine line, and it brings me a different kind of stress.
Tomorrow is Mother's Day. I am so incredibly blessed to be the mother of my kids. My heart could not be more full. I can't help but think about my mother, who lost her own mother less than three months ago. I'm sure this holiday is more bitter sweet for her. We will see Mom on Monday to share some lunch (carry out). Although Andrew and Thomas won't be here, I know that I will talk to them tomorrow and Andrew made sure I had a card from them. I insisted on waiting until they get back though. It's fine. I don't need a big deal made about me at all. I can't help but think about my oldest though. Andrew and I have officially begun using the word "estranged". It isn't a pleasant situation, but I also know that the choices he has made and is making are completely his own. We love him, and each member of my family has reached out to him at times over the last few months. We understand, as best we can, where things stand with him, and we accept it.
My mother also mentioned that she is selling my dad's Corvair. On my dad's last birthday, his boss/best-friend (who passed six weeks before Dad) surprised him with a Corvair convertible. My dad had one as his first car and always loved it. Unfortunately, Dad was too sick that summer to enjoy it. I'm not sure there was ever more than one ride in it. Thomas had wanted to own that car someday, but I completely understand Mom not wanting to pay the storage, insurance, and registration on it each year. I began to cry when Mom told me, and Andrew offered to buy it. I appreciated it, but as I explained I don't really want to pay the storage, insurance, and registration on it each year either. We have two children who are leaving for and nearing college, and I would much prefer, without any doubts or regrets, that any extra money we have go to that cause. I was so grateful that Thomas didn't get too emotional when I told him. I don't think I could've handled that.
I am grateful that I have a few hours completely to myself before Catherine gets home from work. There certainly hasn't been much quiet time the last couple of months, and I'm okay with that. At the same time, I enjoy these few hours right now. I know this post is long and some might even think ridiculous, but that's okay. There is a lot going on in my heart right now, but I also know that we are pretty much fine. I just wanted to record all of these thoughts to become part of my memories. Our lives are a blessing!
Today is full of so many emotions for so many different reasons. The first being that Andrew and Thomas are traveling to my in-laws, and that always cranks up my anxiety. However, my father-in-law has declined rapidly since Christmas. We've already explained to Thomas that Pappy may not know who he is, especially at first. Because of the virus, Thomas and Andrew quarantined themselves this entire week, even more than normal. No trips to the store or anything that might involve being around people. I feel strongly that it is important they make this trip. They have taken our sweet pup with them because my father-in-law loves dogs. Andrew and Thomas will not be going out at all while they are there. We are doing our best to minimize any risk to my in-laws.
Catherine has finished her high school days. I am so proud of her I can't even explain it. More than anything, I am proud of the way she has handled these last two months. It sucks for her completely, but her attitude has always been phenomenal. I am so grateful for all of this extra time together, and I think in many ways she is as well. I can't wait to really be able to celebrate her, and hopefully that will be sooner rather than later.
We just finished up eight solid weeks of the "virus life". Things are beginning to reopen, and it's terrifying. I have agreed 100% with the closings and restrictions that have been in place. I also agree 100% that it is time to get things open again. Our family has been so incredibly lucky. Although I have lost my income, Andrew is the primary earner and we'll be fine. And yet, he doesn't have to leave the house right now to earn his paycheck. Although it's been challenging, he's been able to work from here. We can all completely stay home if we want, or run to the store if we want. We are safe, and we don't have to worry about paying our bills. We have each other, and we've had so much fun together. But not everyone has these same circumstances. Many are worrying about jobs, and bills, and health, and so many other things. Even I am feeling "virus stress", and our circumstances are about as ideal as they can be. There is, without a doubt, a mental and physical toll that is being exacted even in those who are not physically affected by the virus itself. I get it. That doesn't mean reopening is going to make me feel better about anything though. It's a fine line, and it brings me a different kind of stress.
Tomorrow is Mother's Day. I am so incredibly blessed to be the mother of my kids. My heart could not be more full. I can't help but think about my mother, who lost her own mother less than three months ago. I'm sure this holiday is more bitter sweet for her. We will see Mom on Monday to share some lunch (carry out). Although Andrew and Thomas won't be here, I know that I will talk to them tomorrow and Andrew made sure I had a card from them. I insisted on waiting until they get back though. It's fine. I don't need a big deal made about me at all. I can't help but think about my oldest though. Andrew and I have officially begun using the word "estranged". It isn't a pleasant situation, but I also know that the choices he has made and is making are completely his own. We love him, and each member of my family has reached out to him at times over the last few months. We understand, as best we can, where things stand with him, and we accept it.
My mother also mentioned that she is selling my dad's Corvair. On my dad's last birthday, his boss/best-friend (who passed six weeks before Dad) surprised him with a Corvair convertible. My dad had one as his first car and always loved it. Unfortunately, Dad was too sick that summer to enjoy it. I'm not sure there was ever more than one ride in it. Thomas had wanted to own that car someday, but I completely understand Mom not wanting to pay the storage, insurance, and registration on it each year. I began to cry when Mom told me, and Andrew offered to buy it. I appreciated it, but as I explained I don't really want to pay the storage, insurance, and registration on it each year either. We have two children who are leaving for and nearing college, and I would much prefer, without any doubts or regrets, that any extra money we have go to that cause. I was so grateful that Thomas didn't get too emotional when I told him. I don't think I could've handled that.
I am grateful that I have a few hours completely to myself before Catherine gets home from work. There certainly hasn't been much quiet time the last couple of months, and I'm okay with that. At the same time, I enjoy these few hours right now. I know this post is long and some might even think ridiculous, but that's okay. There is a lot going on in my heart right now, but I also know that we are pretty much fine. I just wanted to record all of these thoughts to become part of my memories. Our lives are a blessing!
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