It's been a tough year for family

The issue with my uncle and my mother has exploded again, and I'm so very sad.  He is flat out accusing my mother of stealing, and is contacting the family to make sure everyone hears his side of the story first.  My heart is broken for my mother, and my heart hurts that our family is shrinking.  I always, always wanted a big family.  I wanted a lot of kids.  I'm so grateful for the three I have, but one of them wants nothing to do with us.  I never had any nieces of nephews, and Andrew's brother is already gone.  My paternal grandmother has decided there will be no family gathering this year.  While I understand entirely, I also know it means that we will lose the few connections we have on that side by not gathering anymore.  Andrew and I are feeling badly that our family is shrinking rather than growing.  I feel so awful for my mother who feels like she has lost nearly her entire family.

I'm sorry for the pity party today.  It's just been sad family news upon sad family news in the last 24 hours.

I get Monday off

I just found out that I don't have to work Monday.  I am so very excited!  It is a staff day for my current job, and there is just no need for me to be here.  That will help a lot with getting things caught up around the house.  I need to spend most of the weekend working at my church job because it is that time of year, and we have some computer issues that are going to require an entirely new system.  It will be so nice to have some extra time at home!

I got the job

I found out yesterday that I got the job at the private school here in town.  I wasn't as excited as I thought I might have been.  For one thing, I couldn't share the news immediately with Andrew.  For another, it meant I had to tell our best friend that I needed to leave my job at school.  Thirdly, I also know that while this job will be fine, the job I really, really wanted was the job at the high school.  It had been eight or so years since a high school secretary job was available, and it could easily be that long before it happens again.  I also hope that I don't regret giving up my carefree summers in order to take the job.

On the upside, they did offer me the job at the top of the pay scale they had offered, which definitely makes it worth it!  I am excited about the four mile commute instead of nearly thirty.  I am excited about being a part of a team.  I am excited about not having to be up at 5:15 each morning.  I am excited about being able to have coffee each morning, and not worry about whether or not I'm going to be able to use the restroom when I need to...I can go whenever the need arises!  That is a huge benefit.

I don't like change, but our friend at school who hired me was incredibly supportive and awesome.  This sis a wonderful opportunity!

It's been one of the best ever

Catherine was already home when I got home from work today.  Andrew and Thomas arrived before too much longer.  We ordered dinner in, and I opened cards and presents.  Thomas doesn't have school tomorrow, so he and Catherine have been hanging out in the front room.  I can't even put into words how much I have enjoyed hearing their chatter and laughter all evening.  It's been delightful.  It was also very sweet how excited Catherine was to give me the gifts she picked out herself, as well as an amazingly heartfelt card.  We had some cupcakes and played two rounds of wii bowling.  I've received lots of texts, emails, and cards.  This birthday is definitely going down as one of my favorites!  I'm more blessed than I can put into words!

My sweet girl is coming home for my birthday

Yesterday my sweet Catherine texted me and asked me what I wanted for my birthday.  I told her I would be pleased just to hear from her.  She responded that she thought she would come home.  I told her that I would be absolutely thrilled if she wanted to come and spend the evening with us.  She responded that she would come, and since her classes on Wednesday aren't until afternoon, she will stay over.  It's the best birthday present ever, and I am so excited.  I can't tell you how I am looking forward to an evening with my family.

There are also two bottles of champagne in the refrigerator.  I don't plan to partake this evening, but it is very sweet and thoughtful of my husband.  He was very convinced that we would have something to celebrate yesterday after my interview.  I sincerely appreciate his confidence in me.  The interview went well, but I was not offered the job on the spot.  It was explained to me that I would know their decision within a couple of days.  I am very optimistic, but trying not to get my hopes up about everything.

I am so incredibly grateful for the love and support of my amazing family!

Being especially mindful about Christmas

I hate change.  However,  it happens.  There is nothing I can do about it.  I feel like this year, the holidays kind of throw it in my face.  I can't control how things go.

We had planned on spending Thanksgiving at my in-laws because we knew there was no way my father-in-law could come here.  It's the fair thing to do.  The last time we didn't spend it with my family was 2012.  Yes, we always saw his family as well during all of these years, but often it was a quick trip over before, and then we would leave early on Thanksgiving morning to be here.  I hated the thought of missing the big family meal at my aunt & uncle's house, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen.  This will almost certainly be the last Thanksgiving for my father-in-law.  Of course, it is also the first Thanksgiving without G.G. as well.

And the first Christmas without her, although last year she was not well at all.  Her decline in the four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas was a little astonishing.  My paternal grandmother has already announced that there will be no Christmas celebration with all of us.  She says that it is mostly because of the pandemic, although she isn't up to hosting anyway.  I would be happy to do so, but there is also a cousin-in-law having major surgery at the beginning of December, so it just isn't going to happen this year.   I understand, but my grandmother is also 89, turning 90 early in January.  Next isn't guaranteed for any of us, and certainly not for her.  I can't accept that there is no Christmas with her.  We are seeing what we can work out.

I'm definitely being mindful about what we purchase.  Is it truly a thoughtful gift?  Does it have meaning, or is it just a gift for the sake of having a gift?  Whenever possible, I am choosing to support small, local businesses. 

I hope this Christmas is full of as many fabulous memories as we can make.  Memories are so important to me.  I don't get to control how much time Catherine spends with us, or how Robert feels about us.  All I can do is remember the real reason of the season, and make it as merry as possible for everyone.

I have an interview today

I officially have an interview today for the office manager of the private school here in town.  I feel pretty good about the possibility of getting this, and I truly believe I am a great fit.  I also found out that they have a school board meeting this evening, which I feel means I will know when I leave whether or not I have the job.  Fingers crossed!

I am especially excited about the prospect of not having to make my current drive each morning.  I don't know why, but I suddenly am not overly comfortable making the drive in complete darkness.  Maybe I'm getting older than I should be, but I'm just not thrilled about it!

Hopefully good news is coming my way!