Thursday, January 31, 2019
Our special family day
Today is the day we celebrate being a family. I love that the four of us are home today. The kids have swim this evening, but otherwise we get to hang out together. Of course, we aren't all together because Robert is on his own doing his own thing, but we will take what we can get. Andrew and I have commented how much we are going to miss these days. Our family is an amazing blessing...I have no idea how I got so lucky!
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Another day at home tomorrow
We received word at about 1:30 this afternoon that we are going to be closed again tomorrow. While it is disappointing that I was scheduled to work tomorrow, I can not be sad that we already know tonight that we get to sleep in tomorrow. And looking ahead...1-3" of snow overnight Thursday into Friday morning!
Our lives at the end of January
Only one day left in January. Is it too early to say that the year is flying by? I happen to know there are only 72 school days remaining this year. Not ready to wish away time though.
Our weekend was every bit as busy as we knew it would be. I loved being able to enjoy our ladies lunch Saturday. I am blessed with an amazing group of friends. We love each other, and make time for each other a priority. Granted, it requires scheduling months in advance, but we make it happen.
Thomas completed a 500m swim Sunday at his meet! His attempt in December ended with him not finishing the race, but this Sunday he did it. He was so proud of himself, and his time was pretty decent. I hated I couldn't see it, but we are so proud of him.
I haven't worked this week. I am scheduled for tomorrow, and then again Friday afternoon only. Tomorrow is cold again although not as cold as today so I'm not sure if there will be school or not. We are due to get snow overnight into Friday morning, so there is no guarantee of that day either. I am scheduled four days next week, and there is just nothing I can do about it. And goodness knows as cold as it is right now, none of us want to be out and about. I suspect the buses wouldn't start even if they had tried.
We've also had a major household issue. Our crawlspace had nearly a foot of standing water in it. We have no idea where it came from, but that is where our furnace is located. Fortunately, we realized it and have had it pumped out, but the plumbers were here all day. The bill is being sent, but I am sure that is NOT going to be inexpensive. Everything will work out.
Temps this weekend are going to be in the 50's. It's crazy!
Our weekend was every bit as busy as we knew it would be. I loved being able to enjoy our ladies lunch Saturday. I am blessed with an amazing group of friends. We love each other, and make time for each other a priority. Granted, it requires scheduling months in advance, but we make it happen.
Thomas completed a 500m swim Sunday at his meet! His attempt in December ended with him not finishing the race, but this Sunday he did it. He was so proud of himself, and his time was pretty decent. I hated I couldn't see it, but we are so proud of him.
I haven't worked this week. I am scheduled for tomorrow, and then again Friday afternoon only. Tomorrow is cold again although not as cold as today so I'm not sure if there will be school or not. We are due to get snow overnight into Friday morning, so there is no guarantee of that day either. I am scheduled four days next week, and there is just nothing I can do about it. And goodness knows as cold as it is right now, none of us want to be out and about. I suspect the buses wouldn't start even if they had tried.
We've also had a major household issue. Our crawlspace had nearly a foot of standing water in it. We have no idea where it came from, but that is where our furnace is located. Fortunately, we realized it and have had it pumped out, but the plumbers were here all day. The bill is being sent, but I am sure that is NOT going to be inexpensive. Everything will work out.
Temps this weekend are going to be in the 50's. It's crazy!
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Already closed for tomorrow
Our school district closed for tomorrow by 10AM this morning. Not at all surprising, as I had been saying since Saturday we were going to be closed. While it was forecasted to be frigid all along, we have now been projected to have wind chills between -25 and -40. This is definitely the earliest I can ever recall a closing being made, but it is best to allow for people to plan, especially those with young children. I am already looking forward to some carefree time this evening, and having all day tomorrow to just kind of hang out!
Friday, January 25, 2019
It's going to be a busy weekend
We have a pretty busy weekend happening here, and I'm not crazy about it. I'm just a homebody at heart, and the weather around here definitely makes it even more so!
This evening, the kids have a swim meet, and I'm working the doors. It shouldn't be a terribly late evening, and hopefully it won't be because I have to get the swim towels washed before bed. Tomorrow Andrew and I are attending a reception in our former town for a young man who is receiving his Eagle Scout, and then I have plans for a ladies lunch. Thomas and Catherine are attending an away swim meet. Andrew has to work at the hockey game tomorrow evening, then we are meeting my cousin and his wife for dinner and drinks. Sunday morning I have to be at church a little early to hand out some paperwork and after church is our annual meeting. It is pretty much one of my least favorite things of the year, but not only do I need to attend because of my job, I've also agreed to take on some additional volunteer responsibilities as well. I'm hoping to stay even after the meeting to get some work done (even though I've already done church work nearly six hours this week...'tis the time of year!) and then Sunday evening I am the volunteer at the youth group. Of course, Thomas won't actually be at Youth group because he will be gone all day at a swim meet. Catherine can't attend the meet because she has to work late afternoon into the evening. And when all of this is done...it's Monday and we get to start all over again! I am grateful though, that we have so many opportunities and blessings in our lives!
This evening, the kids have a swim meet, and I'm working the doors. It shouldn't be a terribly late evening, and hopefully it won't be because I have to get the swim towels washed before bed. Tomorrow Andrew and I are attending a reception in our former town for a young man who is receiving his Eagle Scout, and then I have plans for a ladies lunch. Thomas and Catherine are attending an away swim meet. Andrew has to work at the hockey game tomorrow evening, then we are meeting my cousin and his wife for dinner and drinks. Sunday morning I have to be at church a little early to hand out some paperwork and after church is our annual meeting. It is pretty much one of my least favorite things of the year, but not only do I need to attend because of my job, I've also agreed to take on some additional volunteer responsibilities as well. I'm hoping to stay even after the meeting to get some work done (even though I've already done church work nearly six hours this week...'tis the time of year!) and then Sunday evening I am the volunteer at the youth group. Of course, Thomas won't actually be at Youth group because he will be gone all day at a swim meet. Catherine can't attend the meet because she has to work late afternoon into the evening. And when all of this is done...it's Monday and we get to start all over again! I am grateful though, that we have so many opportunities and blessings in our lives!
An unexpected beginning to our morning
I've written before about the outdoor cats we began caring for nearly four years ago. We know these are not particularly young cats. There have been a couple of times one has disappeared for some time, and I've worried that the four might be down to three. There is one female in particular that often spends time away, and I'm always grateful to see her again when she returns. This summer, the male alpha appeared to have a stroke. These cats still won't allow us to touch them or get too close, so we knew a vet trip was not an option. Honestly, we were planning to allow nature to take its course.
That happened this morning. I went outside to feed them, and found the male alpha half in and half out of the shelter. It was dark, and had it not been for some light coming through the window I wouldn't have seen him. Honestly, I have a pretty serious phobia about dead things. I turned around and went inside and informed the family that one of the cats had passed. They asked which one, and I couldn't tell them because I didn't know. As soon as I realized it I was out of there. Catherine, my sweet girl who really should work with pets someday, went out to investigate and determined it was Abraham, the male alpha (we did not name them...the woman caring for them for years before us did so). Of all the cats, this one was the one I would be least emotionally attached to, but I am always saddened when an animal passes. I emailed their previous caretaker, and she confirmed he was definitely an elderly cat. As I told Andrew, I'm grateful that we know for certain, and aren't just left wondering if he was alive or dead, or if there was some awful ending. His time just ran out, and I'm sure the single digit temperatures didn't help.
It was definitely a startling and unexpectedly sad beginning to my day!
That happened this morning. I went outside to feed them, and found the male alpha half in and half out of the shelter. It was dark, and had it not been for some light coming through the window I wouldn't have seen him. Honestly, I have a pretty serious phobia about dead things. I turned around and went inside and informed the family that one of the cats had passed. They asked which one, and I couldn't tell them because I didn't know. As soon as I realized it I was out of there. Catherine, my sweet girl who really should work with pets someday, went out to investigate and determined it was Abraham, the male alpha (we did not name them...the woman caring for them for years before us did so). Of all the cats, this one was the one I would be least emotionally attached to, but I am always saddened when an animal passes. I emailed their previous caretaker, and she confirmed he was definitely an elderly cat. As I told Andrew, I'm grateful that we know for certain, and aren't just left wondering if he was alive or dead, or if there was some awful ending. His time just ran out, and I'm sure the single digit temperatures didn't help.
It was definitely a startling and unexpectedly sad beginning to my day!
Thursday, January 24, 2019
I could really use a nap
I'll be honest, I could really use a nap. I'm pretty darn tired, and my lack of restful sleep is not from lack of trying. Yesterday I had just closed my eyes for a quick nap when Andrew got home, and then I tried going to be nearly an hour early last night, but my kids had other plans...and they are part of the problem as well.
I actually did say good night to the kids and go to bed an hour early. But Andrew wasn't home yet, and all hell broke lose after I went to my room. About five minutes after going to bed I heard screaming. They were physically fighting. It infuriates me.
To a certain extent, these two have always been this way. Thomas finds ways to push her buttons, and Catherine reacts with physical pushing. Andrew and I actually suspended them from the swim team for three days a week before Christmas. It doesn't seem right now as if they have learned much. We have currently taken away all cell phones and driving privileges, and they will have to earn the right to participate in marching band together. We've explained if they can't behave together, than they can't be together at events. No more bus riding...they will have to hang out with me while I run errands. And spare time? It will be spent scrubbing and cleaning. Maybe they will figure out it's just easier to get along.
Parenting teens takes more mental and emotional strength than I ever imagined. At the same time, it is so important not to give in and just let them be monsters and get their way. I am exhausted.
I actually did say good night to the kids and go to bed an hour early. But Andrew wasn't home yet, and all hell broke lose after I went to my room. About five minutes after going to bed I heard screaming. They were physically fighting. It infuriates me.
To a certain extent, these two have always been this way. Thomas finds ways to push her buttons, and Catherine reacts with physical pushing. Andrew and I actually suspended them from the swim team for three days a week before Christmas. It doesn't seem right now as if they have learned much. We have currently taken away all cell phones and driving privileges, and they will have to earn the right to participate in marching band together. We've explained if they can't behave together, than they can't be together at events. No more bus riding...they will have to hang out with me while I run errands. And spare time? It will be spent scrubbing and cleaning. Maybe they will figure out it's just easier to get along.
Parenting teens takes more mental and emotional strength than I ever imagined. At the same time, it is so important not to give in and just let them be monsters and get their way. I am exhausted.
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