Finished with her first semester of college

Catherine let us know yesterday that she had officially finished her first semester of college!  I am so excited and proud of her.  She has worked hard, and I know there have been times when she is lonely because she hasn't been able to go out and meet people.  She got it all done, and although I'm not sure when she is coming, I'm looking forward to her being home for a while!

It won't always be this crazy

In some regards, I think I'm nuts.  Starting a full-time job at the end of the year in the middle of a pandemic seems a little crazy.  And I'll be honest, there have been plenty of crazy days.  Andrew commented the other day that there have been many evenings since I started this job that I've had to then work for hours at the church, or work on band items.  He's not wrong.  The fact that we had to get a new computer at church didn't help matters.  He was commenting last evening as I was wrapping that I always seem to have something to do, and more and more after that. 

He's not wrong, but I assured him it won't always be this way.  Christmas cards are almost done, and our shopping is complete!  The end of the year won't last forever, and I'll get the presents wrapped.  There will be days when I get to come home and just be home, and sit and visit with my family.  It is crazy right now, but this won't last forever! 

An afternoon to get some things done

Thomas has been struggling.  School is feeling overwhelming, and family emotions and the stress of a pandemic are not helping.  It's been an especially rough couple of days, and last evening was particularly rough.  I was feeling a little beat up over some things as well.  I made arrangements to leave work early.  Although I had to take care of a few errands, when I arrived home before 2:30, I didn't have to leave again,  I can't remember the last time that happened!  Most work days I've had since I started my new job I've either gone to church to work, or been working on band things, or running errands.  I'm not complaining, because this is life, and I know it won't last forever.

Today though, I was able to make sure Thomas was focusing on school work, and I was able to get some gifts wrapped.  I was able to clean out my purse, and I was able to go through some catalogs and mail that had stacked up.  I am so incredibly grateful to be able to have this afternoon!

It's beginning to look like mine

My job is very much beginning to be mine.  I actually had things to take care of today and tasks that were my own.  I truly enjoy my job, and I think I will grow to enjoy it even more with the passage of time.

I've also been making my desk my own.  When I first started the job, Andrew bought me a lovely nameplate paperweight for my desk.  I've had it there since early on.  Today, I added a family photo that we took with Catherine in her cap & gown.  It's in a lovely frame that I purchased yesterday.  It truly makes me smile to have it on my desk.  It's MY desk!  I put it that way only because for the last ten years, my job has literally been to sit at someone else's desk and execute their lesson plans.  Even at my church job, I use the desk and computer of our administrative assistant.  It is so very exciting to to have my own space!

I've been blogging for twelve years

Twelve years ago today, I began this blog.  Strangely enough, I vividly remember that day.  I am so very grateful for the memories that here.  I know it has become less about stories of my children (especially funny stories!), and more about my thoughts and feelings.  I don't think many people read this blog, and I'm completely okay with that.  I'm just so very grateful for all of the memories that are here!

Sunday Blessings

I kind of want today to last forever.  I know it isn't possible, but maybe the feeling I have today can last forever.

We spent last evening with our "social bubble friends".  They have been part of our social bubble since the beginning.  And honestly, they are the only part of our true indoor social bubble, other than Andrew's parents and my mom.  The kids love being together, and knowing that we are getting together always entices Catherine to come and spend the weekend with us.  It's beyond delightful.  While there, we made plans for the holidays.  We will have Christmas Eve dinner with them, just our two families.  We will also spend New Year's Eve with them, again, just our two families, and they have asked us to bring our pup and stay overnight.  I am so grateful for their friendship, love, and hospitality.

It's also been a truly lovely day.  We all slept in, and hope to do church this evening (our church is again closed and service materials are sent out over email).  When I got up this morning I put on YouTube, which has  channel that is a fireplace playing Christmas music.  It even simulates the crackling of the wood logs.  It was so lovely to sit in my living room this morning with that, my coffee, and the Christmas tree lit.

Andrew and Thomas had to go pick up some stuff from my mom this afternoon.  Catherine drove back to her apartment this afternoon to do a quick assignment, and then to get some more clothes.  She decided that since the campus is closed and finals are all online, she would prefer to spend at least tonight, and possible tomorrow night with us as well.  Truly, truly grateful beyond words.

I have a significant amount of work to do to pick up the house, but I am oh so grateful for the blessings in our lives.  Even though things are very different this year, it doesn't mean they are bad!

Early December

This week really flew by in many ways.  In addition to my school job, I also worked a significant amount at the church (and plan to work there again tomorrow).  Andrew also had to work an athletic event, and of course there are gifts that need to be purchased.  Honestly though, I don't feel stressed or exhausted.  I feel blessed and grateful most days.

Catherine is home for the weekend.  Last evening Thomas didn't have swim practice so we were planning to watch a cheesy Christmas movie.  That is exactly what we did, and we had an absolute blast.  I love that we were all there together, and I love that she wanted to be there as well.  Such an absolute blessing.

The only downside is the tremendous amount of sadness brought on by my extended family.  I truly don't understand the decisions made by my uncle, but I just can't help be sad by it.  I love my family and we've always been so close.  Was I fooling myself?  Will there ever be another big extended gathering again?  I don't have those answers, and I can't worry about it.  I've decided all I can truly do is to choose to love and be kind to the people who do choose to be in my life, and that's exactly what I intend to do.

I'm trying to soak up all the happiness of the Christmas season!