Thankful

 

The calm before the chaos. I am grateful for both. Our family elected a traditional Thanksgiving despite warnings against. Given all decision makers were adults who understand risk, we obliged. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow and we chose to celebrate this day. Safety measures including a bonfire and cozy blankets allowed for some spreading out but together is where we chose to be. 

Counting Gifts

Ty started e-learning Monday, as decided by his district. My school followed suit today. I spent the week scrambling to assess kindergarteners and prepare lengthy packets of educational materials for the remainder of the semester. It was heartbreaking work. 

Ty is once again thriving as a virtual learner; his teacher and I in regular communication to confirm. Kate is delighted to once again have company throughout her day. They have resumed the friendship gained in quarantine last spring. I am grateful. 

Earlier than usual, I recognized a strong desire to cancel the holidays. I lack the emotional reserves to fake joy this year. Due to motherhood obligations and overall well-being, I resumed documenting gratitude. My mental health necessitates this and more. 

• golden bridge at sunset 
• caramel babies with squishy cheeks
• adult daughters checking in
• hot tea delivered bedside before the alarm sounds
• evening walk
• laughter among co-workers
• toothless grin
• early crescent moon on clear night
• Spiderman on a Google meet
• knitting lesson with Anna
• Austin's countdown to visit Mimi
• A tiny friend exclaiming she was "feeling giggled"
• Unexpected gifts from my smallest students as they said goodbye for a season
• Pink sky
• Virtual shenanigans with kindergarteners who simply do not care about reading lessons. They have far more interesting stories to share. I adore them.
• Kate's obvious amusement at the animated Grinch movie
• Five year old recommendation to use the bathroom as an office location for google meets. As amused as I was, I declined.
  

  

  Remember when she was sweet?(see message board)

  
  
  
  
  

  

  Even Pip, the hedgehog is ready for Christmas 

  
  
  
  
  

The kids drug their tabletop trees out of the attic together. Ready or not, Christmas is coming. 

Friday the 13th

Last weekend was amazing with clear skies, temperatures in the seventies, dinners with friends and so much fresh air. I walked a 5K with a few co-workers, had two photoshoots, taught pre-k at church and enjoyed grilled steaks with three of our girls. Austin called frequently as he is counting down the days until he gets to go to Mimi's house. Mimi is counting too. We participated in a date night scavenger hunt with two other couples from my Bible study group to wrap our weekend. It was a lot more fun than Home Depot. 

The week was full of 4:30 am wake ups; why is standard time so difficult? Teachers in tears was the theme and our daughters are struggling with virtual learning as well. The air is thick with conflicts and my heart is heavy. 

Friday we learned Ty's school system has adopted an e-learning schedule through Thanksgiving. What that looks like for our family specifically, remains to be seen. But for tonight, the boy is sleeping in his box and Kate attempted a new club at school. We are counting it all good.

Launching November

Our grandson voted with his mom last week. When Aunt Erin questioned who she may have voted for, Austin enthusiastically announced "Captain America!'. We think he is brilliant. 

Three soup nights and new flannel sheets made appearances this week. Cozy was the working theme even though it was sunny and warm.

When we first lost Ryan, I planted a tiny  Christmas tree in his honor. We did this annually and every summer, the newest tree died. After a few years, I couldn't handle the death of the trees anymore and transitioned to releasing balloons. Saturday, Greg and I ran back to Home Depot for more stadium lights. This is my nickname for them. Either way, he is thrilled with his brighter garage. But when we arrived, the store front was laden with tiny Christmas trees. I felt completely unprepared for the scene. I froze momentarily and had to will myself into the store. We need a new date location for the next couple of months. 

Halloween was celebrated with costume changes and a friend for each Kate and Ty.  Something called Omega was purchased this year but he quickly changed his mind and trick-or-treated as a worn-out Spiderman and half way through the neighborhood, changed again into something else I cannot identify. 

Kendra's dad created a socially distant trick-or-treat bucket. We appreciated his ingenuity far more than his daughter. We have entered the embarrassing parenting years and are loving it.

Kate and a friend created their own costumes and ran around shooting friends with marshmallow guns. They too had a great time. 

Kate volunteered to serve candy at our elementary school's trunk-or-treat. She had a great time and enjoyed so many of my co-workers who were shocked to learn I was in bed while they handed out treats. 

Greg assisted in candy duty until the Buckeyes started playing. He requires supervision because he thinks giving handfuls expedites our responsibility and allows us to turn off our light early. He is a bit of a Halloween scrooge. On the other hand, I loved seeing the kids and enjoyed holding down my porch swing with hot tea while visiting with neighbors. 

Tuesday Kate and I visited our chiropractor where a dance-off ensued. Both Dr. Ollis and Kate showed off their "dad dance" moves. I wish I had a camera ready for the unexpected scene.

That afternoon, Ty and his buddy initiated a new challenge. The "don't leave the air track" challenge took place despite Kate questioning the timeline given dinner and bedtime were quickly approaching. These boys will never allow logic to interfere with their plans. And that snack selection for endurance? It was not cleared by management. I owed a mom an apology for ruining dinner while holding down my porch swing. 

The Target dollar spot spoke to me

Election day was an e-learning day for Ty. Kate had homework as well. They both prefer being virtual but our conference with Ty's teacher this week further confirmed he needs to be in school. His confidence has skyrocketed. Having a teacher refer to him as her right hand man was beyond unusual. Our typically reserved student is now troubleshooting technology and assisting other kids. We are thrilled with his progress and the teacher who has so warmly embraced him, quirks and all.

I don't want to brag but some second graders gave me super power today. I am now able to freeze people. I vowed to not abuse this power. It was challenging in kindergarten to refrain.