Kate and Riley headed to Gulf Shores, Alabama with his family for a week on the beach. They had not yet arrived when his family dog became suddenly catastrophically ill and had to be put down. It was a brutal start to their vacation. However, they made the most of the week on the beach, including family photos that involved a proposal. We knew it was coming after a few indepth conversations where we asked Riley to wait a few years and he quite respectfully declined. He fits right in around here. They are young and we are still reeling from the impact of both Taylor and Noah's infidelity. Riley deserves better than to be held responsible for their transgressions; however, we see age as factor and would like to see Kate more sure of herself before being committed for life. It will be what it will be and like her sisters before her, Kate too is stubborn resilient. Riley's family is supportive and adores Kate. So whereas we aren't over the moon, we are also not disappointed. She says they will wait a couple of years before getting married and this helps my racing heart. Our beautiful girl is engaged.
We got the pleasure of keeping Makenna's cats and Riley's dog while they all vacationed. It was absolute chaos and not in the best way. The house may never recover but the cats loved Nali's energy and Diesel slept for days once she left. I lost one lamp in a sudden onset bout of zoomies and was never more thrilled to open windows to air out the odor associated with a house full of animals.
Austin had a sleepover with pops around an OSU game while Lauren attended an evening wedding and I worked all weekend. Unfortunately he woke with a rash that Sunday and spent the entire next week pretty sick with Fifth Disease. October weather finally arrived just as he went down with the virus and I spent days in bed fighting something myself. On our final day of break together, we were both ready to stretch our legs so we walked the zoo for an hour and a half, sticking to the perimeter and away from enclosed exhibits. We knew we weren't yet strong enough to combat whatever the general public was sharing that afternoon. I'm glad we got the outing before routine resumed.
I spent my birthday with Anne and Kristil in
Nashville, Indiana shopping and enjoying brunch on a sweet garden patio. We all commented on the relaxed day and how good it is to see one another. We promised to do it again soon. However, there is a rumor of a possible job opportunity for Kristil's husband that would bring them to Louisville. I have crossed all my fingers and toes. That would be amazing. On my drive home, Austin called to wish me a happy birthday and invited me for ice cream where I had to get a photo with other family member born on the second. Since I'd not eaten anything since brunch, I chose a gyro instead of ice cream. Austin found my decision perplexing and judged hard.
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| He is now two years old and allegedly better behaved. |
Bringing me joy this month: open windows, colorful lemonade stand with a gentle lie about delicious warm lemonade, a pop up pumpkin patch along the highway, kiddos in the Halloween aisle declaring who they will be this year, good books, long naps, phone calls with Austin, group chat banter among sisters, soup Sundays at Erin's, harvest sunsets draping the world in golden light, Ty's word vomit when he is behind the wheel, phone-free walks, Austin's giggle when he is up to no good, nose-to-nose chats with Frankie, sunlight filtered through fall leaves, the smell of rain, crunching leaves on otherwise quiet walks, work pitch-ins and contests, Cuban food with Erin, sweatshirts and cozy blankets.
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| This dog. He unmakes beds to get cozy and secure his spot. You would not believe the pouting that takes place when Greg comes home from work early and wants his spot back. |
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| Soup Sunday Greeting Committee President |
Makenna bought herself a new to her jeep after Moab. She is in love and assures me she can sleep in it. Given she currently lives with us, this might be good news. Just kidding. Kinda. We love her. And her cats.
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| Her first duck is a teacher duck and was gifted to her by the dealership manager. |
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| She got ducked while we were shopping together! This jeep is so much fun. |
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| Top off! |
The kids asked my sister to host a Halloween party for nostalgia purposes. They all missed the messy pumpkin carving, pretzels dipped in chocolate and time together. Theresa, of course, went all out. We had the most amazing day together. However, my mom was called away just before we arrived to support her brother as he drew his final breaths. Cancer ate away at him slowly and painfully over the last several months. I have so many angry thoughts swirling in my head about the way he suffered. It simply isn't right and certainly shouldn't be necessary. This country is more humane to suffering animals than people.
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| From left to right, artists were Austin, Dean, me, Kate, Erin |
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| Mine. |
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| My sister never ceases to amaze me with her creativity and decor details. She makes everything feel special. |
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| Little man got pretty choked up releasing this his fuzzy friend. He has such a heart for all animals. |
The following is the story of one very sweet baby. Boo came to us late last year, terrified of literally everything until he was comfortable. We noticed how well he tolerated Diesel's affection and Oliver's indifference so we reluctantly sent him to live with Erin and her not so welcoming cat, Ada. Erin had wanted another family member but Ada had a track record that made her more than a little apprehensive. I honestly believed Boo, re-named Ezra in his new home, would be a good fit because he could hold his own; however, he quickly grew so comfortable, he terrorized Ada to the point Erin knew she had to give him up. I wanted him back but Makenna had just moved in with her two kittens, so Kate added him to her family. Riley insisted on another name change so Ezra became Vader and fit in beautifully with Obi and Nali. He had health issues repeatedly and required a lot of antibiotics to combat recurring bladder infections. Kate noticed his swollen belly when she returned from vacation and thought he was constipated. She started him on pumpkin baby food to help get things moving. A few days later, I visited and felt his extremely distended belly and protruding spine and knew he was in trouble. Kate took him to the vet where he was immediately admitted in critical condition with liver failure from an unknown source. Overnight IV antibiotics improved his situation temporarily but he quickly declined again and lost his life. We are all heartbroken. He was such a fun little guy who maintained a gorgeous coat and bright eyes until the very end. For those keeping track, that is two pet losses for Kate and Riley this month. It's been tough.
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| Boo |
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| Ezra |
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| Vader |
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| Rest easy, beautiful boy |
Two of Makenna's students chose to dress as Ms. Baughman for their dress up as the person you want to be when you grow up day. One made an Alani out of a water bottle and wore a colorful sweater. The other wore messy hair and leggings as Ms. Baughman on Fridays. I cannot love this more.
