February

We entered February puppy sitting Nali. She had just turned a year old and was very much still a baby. Her energy remained at crack head level the entire weekend. We woke to the living room rearranged and a wrestling match at four in the morning. By six, zoomies in the yard and parkour throughout the house exhausted all of us. Diesel slept for days after she left. But Kate and Riley had an awesome weekend away and we owed them for keeping Diesel for us a few times. 

Ty started the month with the flu and just a week later, a stomach bug. He is pretty self sufficient in managing his own symptoms; however, make-up work stresses only his mother. The organization required to get back on track is beyond his ability as a freshman. His wrist is healing well. Four week images revealed he was stable enough to step down into a splint. We are optimistic March x-rays will free his arm and hand altogether.

In other news, we had a balmy 70 degree day and Ty was absolutely determined to take a bike ride; his pleas relentless. I finally declared that even as a relaxed mom, I had to draw a line when he wanted to cross his left hand over to the right handlebar to power the throttle on the motor of his ebike. Can you imagine the judgement of ER docs when a teen wearing a cast enters with another inevitable injury? He did not win his case. His life is hard. 

We finally got to spend a day with Austin once all the germs running through different houses in our family ceased. We spent the day playing, painting, baking and snuggling. We missed the little stinker. 

Kate and Riley stopped by for cookies and devoured several. We got to keep Kate for an overnight visit while she puppy sat for friends around the corner. She and Ty slipped out for pizza after my early bedtime and I loved hearing about their time together afterward. They are close, now that they don't live together. 

The first time both kittens and Diesel all relaxed in the same room. Oliver was off sulking somewhere.

His feelings are still frequently hurt because the kittens don't want his kisses. This particular moment was captured by Ty when Diesel interrupted yoga to pout on my lap.

Frankie also likes yoga and loves bedtime too. If I don't get everyone shut out of my room, I will laugh my way through poses as I am bound to get kisses, nose bumps and my mat taken by one of the many four legged trouble makers living here.

Makenna wrapped her student teaching and is now licensed in both elementary and special education. She loved her time in the second grade classroom alongside a teaching legend who is over 70 years old and still as sharp as ever. That spicy little redhead reminds me a lot of our own little teacher. Rather than take the first teaching role offered, she agreed to nanny for a friend who is taking excellent care of her while she eases into the next season of her life. She ended her relationship with Noah on good terms but could no longer live in his house. So we have a daughter in our home again. She brought a long her two male kittens with manic energy. Frankie and Freddie are the addition Oliver is absolutely certain we did not need but like all transitions, we are going to pull through this colorful chapter of life. Moving day started with a thunderstorm, transitioned into snow and ended with a single digit wind chill. Welcome to February in the midwest. 

Despite all the illness attacking Lauren's house, she has had a celebratory month accepting the role of PE teacher in Austin's school. She had been the building substitute for the last two years but loves having her own program. Listening to her plans and incentive programs for reluctant students has been a joy. This is a good fit as she and Dean often have Austin out on runs or are walking the dogs. No matter the weather, they are outside moving and are mentally healthier for it. Ms. B is often seen at basketball games cheering for her students while Austin shakes down Dean at the concession stand. 

Erin celebrated four years cancer free and invited us all over for Sunday afternoon soup. There was laughter, kitten shenanigans, some ball practice in the yard and I even slipped into the guest room for a short nap. Erin hosting is absolutely on my top ten favorite list of having adult daughters. She makes it look so effortless so I am able to fully relax and enjoy our family. 

I am not sure who called this meeting but suspect it may have been Oliver so he could steal someone's spot on Ty's bed while everyone else was occupied.

January

Meal prep drama 

We entered January with the typical post-holiday fog. What day is it? Do I have to wear clothes? When was my son's last shower? Do we have a vegetable in the house? Etc.... But I found contentment in knitting while cocooned in cozy blankets. There were pots of soup simmering on the stove more evenings than not and a couple well timed snow days made wintering that much more tolerable. I drank my weight in hot tea and consumed several books. Diesel grew even more snuggly as I lounged on the couch most afternoons. We found ourselves dozing often and even declared some days as mandatory nap days. Diesel is pretty persuasive about this. Even Oliver grew to cuddle more. Perhaps all it took was me sitting still long enough? But we bundled up and trekked out for cold walks to ward off the blues that often impact my winter moods. Diesel cannot handle the road salt on his paws so off leash time in our new adjacent park was the perfect location for hilarious zoomies. 

Puppy kisses do not aid in daily yoga practice so he found himself locked out of my room and was rather distraught. The idea anything can be accomplished without him; ridiculous.

I was thinking a bit about our history with dogs and the progression of behavior. Our first, Brutus was selected as a puppy and was so well mannered, we believed ourselves to be excellent dog owners; like Caesar Milan himself would ask our advice. And then we rescued Layla who entered our family like typical second children everywhere. Her sole purpose in life was to humble us. I'd like to say we learned a lot from that experience but I would be lying. Nine months after losing Layla so suddenly, we missed the energy of having a dog in the house. Clearly we were crazy because Greg and I slipped off to the shelter without telling the kids and fell in love with the facility's "problem child." Obviously we still thought we were so good at this that the crack head energy of a shelter dog didn't cause us any hesitation. We are a few years into our relationship with Diesel and he is very much in charge around here. His tantrums are legendary and the drama is laughable. I was always drawn to the spicier personalities in elementary school and have continued that trend with elderly patients in my current role. Why should my affection for rowdy pets be any different? I am not going to over analyze what this reveals about me, but I suspect the chaos that always seems to be present in my life is sometimes created. 

Kate came over for chili during one winter storm and was nearly stranded. I wasn't mad about it. I love that girl and the joy she brings with her. However, she had Nali (one of our bad grand dogs, if you ask Greg) and didn't have her food with her. It took hours to get her home. During some sibling shenanigans with her brother, I begged for a picture and was immediately denied by Ty. I keep threatening to abandon his final scrapbook since he forbids photos ninety percent of the time. But in my memory, they looked so happy and playful together that day. 

Ty slipped and fell on the ice one evening. I checked him out and believed he was fine. I instructed him to take ibuprofen and apply ice before putting myself to bed. The following morning, he again complained and I still saw nothing significant and sent him to school. After work that evening, I was shocked to see his hand was twice it's natural size and purple. We had an impressive experience with a local immediate care center where we learned he broke the scaphoid. The following afternoon, we met with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. He is currently in a cast that immobilizes his thumb and wrist and will repeat X-rays February 12th to determine next steps. We are hopeful he will not require surgery.

The rainbow yarn made me so happy while I created a custom scarf order for a coworker's six year old.

We received a few "late" Christmas cards this month and I loved the happy mail in January. It afforded me personalized responses, including long phone calls with distant friends. I think I prefer January for connecting; no obligation, just sweet touches. 

Greg and I slipped away to our favorite cabin for the first time in almost two years. We have now visited it in all seasons over the last ten years. I've decided winter is my favorite. Snow covered landscape, the cozy fireplace and a hot tub under the stars made this weekend memorable for all the right reasons. Not to be forgotten though, while my parents ran our home and fed our son, our kitchen flooded. I was ready to head home when Greg pointed out how very little we could do once we arrived. So shout-out to my parents and adult daughters for the cleanup and teamwork. We are grateful. The second plumber hired to eliminate our indoor pool situation appeared competent. We are hopeful the situation is finally under control. 

As promised, my mom sent photos of my crew gathered together. It was a little bittersweet to miss them all. I am happy they came together, took care of the mess and rallied around laundry and plumbing attempts. But I like being with them all too. Greg says this is a good sign. They step up, care for each other and we enjoy them. He is not wrong.

The girls didn't want Lauren left out so her photo was added to the table. 

Lauren missed the family breakfast my mom hosted in our absence and ended up with IV fluids to help combat a miserable virus. Eight days of fever took its toll. Just as she started to recover, Austin went down with both COVID and the flu. Sometimes I wonder when Lauren will get a break. 

Ty wrapped the final week of the month with a virus so instead of our weekly Wednesday night dinner, I slipped out with Kate instead. We chose sushi so Ty wasn't even a little disappointed. 

I ended the month with a float. The temperature was a balmy 60 degrees so all was pretty perfect in my world the final day of January. 

December

December was ushered in quietly with our first gentle snow. We woke on the first to a blanket of glistening white powder. It left the roads clear so

that Sunday morning drive to church was beautiful and safe.

Riley hung his deer in the living room and his mom told Kate to decorate it. Riley beat her to it and lamented not also having a neck wrap for the mount. For his birthday, I gifted a handmade scarf and he was as delighted as I assumed he would be. 

The wild child went to live with Erin after proving (he!) was extremely resilient. Erin has wanted to add a member to her family but worried Ada would terrorize an addition. As I watched Boo harass both Diesel and Oliver, I knew he could hold his own. Two days into the arrangement, Erin text, "Boo was born to be a second child." And then once we confirmed he was a boy, he was renamed Ezra; also known as the pesky little brother Ada didn't want.

I have kitten teeth marks in my glasses. It's fine. I miss the little stinker.

Apparently 15 is the age of the man cold onset. I was bewildered at first because his father is not at all typical in this area. But the boy followed me around the house for days whining and complaining about symptoms to the point my head was ready to explode. My repeated response, "I promise you will survive this" was ignored. Lord give me strength.

Kate visited with Obi. He is a sweetie too.

We took Austin to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and we all enjoyed it. Austin humming along to Silent Night was my favorite moment.

She often requests one-on-one time. It's the best.

The days between Christmas and New Years at work were so painfully slow, I took my knitting to occupy my hands while training another new employee. That woman laid claims to the first completed scarf and another coworker placed dibs on the second. The projects brought some joy to otherwise mundane days. 

I surprised myself in the middle of the month when I decided to set up Lauren's old pre lit Christmas tree. I told Ty we would abandon the idea entirely if the lights didn't work. He was in full agreement. He emerged from the attic with the star topper and we collectively decided we didn't want it further decorated. The early morning and evening light was charming. I'm not disappointed by the spontaneous decision.

They are brave. I have on good authority neither of their babies are on the good list but they decided to give it a shot, none the less.

Our Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt wasn't accomplished in our traditional method this year as we were unable to connect virtually with the Hills and Edwards due to so many conflicting schedules. But Ty, Austin, Diesel and I took off with our list and made the most of an evening together. I denied a second cup of cocoa because I wanted his mom to let me have him again. Ty and Austin are both fairly competitive and just wanted to be finished fast. I sought to savor the experience. Long story short, we completed the list in 42 minutes. 

We could have knocked everything off the list at this one house. The property owners encourage viewing while walking around their yard. I was shocked by the number of interactive displays. Santa was singing to Austin in this tiny portion. 

This year, Ryan's birthday crept up on me and caught me off guard. My emotions were heightened and I kept mentally checking out, unsure what was wearing me down. And finally, after heading out early from the Bible study I wasn't absorbing, it occurred to me; this was the week of Ryan's birth. As if every store, ad and street wasn't screaming the season's arrival. My mind was busy doing other things but my body recalled, as it does every year. And so I canceled the float that would have me isolated for a couple hours with my brain swirling and then also canceled the secondary plans of walking a park with friends and finally even bailed on Erin who offered some snuggles with the kitten I miss. Instead I soaked briefly in a hot bath and then let Ty pick a movie while we assembled an office chair. (The Fast and The Furious, Lord help me.) And so Ryan's birthday was remembered. He would be 21 this year and that fact alone is shocking. 

The drive to the Baughman family Christmas was colorful with Kate and Riley in the backseat. We were warned. But the meal was pleasant and all the kids appreciated the heads-up to Grandma's changes. Uncle Brad provided a warning of decline just before we met. I love that she has softened with age and actually smiled in a photo with her grandchildren. This is a first. Family is tricky and this one has perplexed me from the beginning. Thirty years in, we have all unofficially agreed to a superficial relationship and it appears to be working. Erin, the one no longer willing to make an effort, was not present. I am proud of them all for doing what works for them, even though a couple of them ordered cocktails at the end of the table to make it through the awkwardness.

Austin brought Buddy, his elf in a Rubbermaid container because his choices created a need for more behavior monitoring. He got a little rowdy in the restaurant and was escorted to the restroom for a firm conversation with his mom. Upon returning to the table, he loudly demanded to know why Lauren wasn't taking "Noah to the bathroom for stirring the pot."  Noah looked terrified. It was hilarious. Both Austin and Noah were on their best behavior after that.

We celebrated Christmas as a family on Christmas Eve with our traditional steak and crab meal before church. Afterwards, sweet treats and the annual hot cocoa bar kept everyone snacking. The kids, as usual, laughed their way through the sibling gag gift exchange and then appreciated the date night gift bags Greg and I supplied each couple. I'm so glad I saw the need years ago to make Christmas Eve our family day so we can almost always have our whole gang together. By contrast, Christmas Day was a super quiet affair, complete with a walk and short nap. Greg and I were the only ones at the table for a turkey dinner I erroneously believed we needed, "just in case the kids stop by."

Erin brought everyone a Friendship bracelet and the most ridiculous hats. The bracelets were all created for us individually but the hats were luck of the draw. We all laughed a lot that day.

I added a painting project to our evening. We all started a painting without sharing what we were working on and then five minutes later, we passed our painting to the person on our left. The rotating continued until our original project was back in front of us. We all had a blast. 

Austin painted while we were at church because we worried he may get upset if his artwork was ruined by other's interpretation.

This man. He has always "drawn" elaborate scenes that take forever and then calmly explains the project is covered in a snow storm. Welcome to my childhood.

We snagged a few pictures of our favorites. Mom and Dad spent the night and had breakfast with us before heading home to spend Christmas Day with Theresa. 

Aunt Theresa's gift was well loved. He insisted on a photo with it. The results; hilarious.

My babies. 

My reading lists for November and December, alongside knitting, kept me calm this holiday season. I guess we all escape in our own way. 

• Home Again
• True Colors
• Here One Moment*
• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 
• The Rosie Effect 
• The Friday Night Knitting Club

My writing class lead to a personal project I have quietly been undertaking so I decided to spruce up an office space for inspiration moving forward. I love the warmer tone on the walls and having a space that is mine for creative purposes.

P.S. The color looks much better on the walls than the dog. Sigh.