Kids

A few years ago, a married daughter asked a very specific sexual health question and I answered it honestly. In a recent visit, our son-in-law, one who is, by the way, trusted with matters of national security, revealed said information in front of our other children. They were, of course, mortified. One child chose to share her discomfort about this situation with her therapist but failed to mention how she came to gain the specific information. Long story short. The "teach your kids to talk" thing is highly overrated. And also, I don't ever want to see that therapist again.

Ty had another archery tournament last weekend and once again raised his personal score. The first half of the shoot was shot at ten meters and his groupings were fantastic. They then backed up to fifteen meters and he froze. He has a specific goal he is working toward this weekend as result. It was pretty sweet watching him so focused and determined. 

She sent this stating we needed a "glow up".

Erin was interviewed for a podcast that highlights cancer survivor stories. We are biased, but think she did a great job. The link is posted here, if interested. 

Ty started discussing his faith journey several weeks ago after he blew me away with his retelling of a conversation he had with a peer. That student expressed displeasure with God and all His rules. Ty thoughtfully suggested he may want to consider that God only wants a relationship with him. Needless to say, I was pretty stunned and it launched deeper discussions which lead to his private baptism this past weekend. Despite his discernment, he is still very much our "under radar" kid and this was something he wanted done quietly. 

Makenna finished her first degree with cum laude status. She starts her next program in a few weeks where she remains a bit on the fence about her specialty. Whereas she loves special education, she does not love the direction education is headed. Long term, teaching may not be the best fit. She is seriously considering speech pathology so she can still work with her favorite little people but maybe not be responsible for the insanity that comes with the teacher title. 

In what felt like a terrible step backward, the district Ty and I attend made the decision to temporarily shut down due to covid spread and the resulting staffing issues. It felt heavy and disappointing. Ty, on the other hand, is planning to live his best Fortnite life for the next week. We all process this our own way, I suppose. 

Snow Days!

Lauren and Taylor spent the week staying in our guest room but primarily visited with Taylor's family around his Grandma's funeral. We were honestly thrilled when the weather changed their travel plans and they got to spend Austin's first ever snow day with us. There was sledding behind the Jeep, snowballs tossed at Mimi, silly dog shenanigans and hot cocoa with lots of marshmallows. It was perfect. 

Here are the photos in no particular order because Blogger is glitching and I don't actually think anyone cares that it appears our grandson had multiple cups of hot cocoa. He didn't. His parents were there. 😏

This is where I wondered if I should be intervening. Lauren grinned a little too much when she got into the driver seat to pull Taylor around the neighborhood. The result is further down the thread.

Lauren laughed and laughed as she spun tires, kicking snow into Taylor's face. She is sweet. 

Ty and I ran out "before it got bad" to pick up his new glasses. We regretted our decision when the people ahead of us slid down the hill backwards on our way home. We made it but local roads were treacherous. 

We spent some time together last weekend before kicking off what ended up being a short week. It was just enough time to hug some school kiddos before we were home again. We have no complaints.

Kate pulled out a cookie kit we were gifted late in the season. 

Incohearent has quickly become a family favorite game. The kids are constantly grabbing a few cards to play with each other. (Fair warning: the red cards are not family friendly if interested)

Hot cocoa options expanded. 

These two have reminded us so much of someone we miss very much around here. 

Taylor's stepmom thinks she knows me. 

This morning my grandson and I had breakfast while his exhausted parents slept in, waiting on roads to clear for the trek home later in the day. We then played with play dough and he made me a special tea. 

And then the house got quiet again. Too quiet. But I cleaned and washed bedding and towels for a guest coming next week. Makenna showed up with lunch and plans to catch an episode of a show we used to watch together. Quiet is okay too, I suppose.