October

Oh how I love October. We ushered it in with a quiet birthday dinner where Greg slipped away from work to join me and Ty. The house was slowly decluttered as Lauren moved out; the reduction of dog hair alone refreshing. 

After Greg's daily workout, he and Diesel take a walk. Diesel, who somehow can apparently tell time, takes up his position in the kitchen and stares Greg down until he finally makes his way to gather the leash. Greg laughs as he attempts to negotiate with the stern dog, "just ten more minutes."

And then one day Greg thought he would skip the walk to get some things done around the house. He was wrong.

October weather makes adulting challenging because I just want to hold down my porch swing with a book and a cup of tea rather than be at work. I compromise with lunch breaks outside. Greg is still bewildered to find me wrapped in a blanket under the stars on early Saturday mornings. I simply can't get enough of the crisp, clean air. 

We got to hang out for a few hours with his mom while they did laundry. We crafted, had dinner and dessert before choosing a show. 

Austin has been lamenting his first loose tooth could result in the tooth fairy visiting while his dad lives in Hawaii. Trying to find a way for his dad's feelings to not be hurt when he missed the milestone, asked Taylor if his fiancee still loses teeth. Whereas she is quite young, she isn't that young. This child cracks me up with his insight and ability to throw shade so innocently. His father, by the way, was not nearly as amused as the rest of us. 🤷

After months of campaigning, the boy finally scored his coveted ebike. I had so many reservations about this purchase but he has fully embraced the cold air to take himself to school and hopes to secure his first real job now that he has transportation. I'm waiting on the reality of January to hit but he insists he is tougher than the elements. That being said, one of the arguments I had against the ebike was storage. I made it clear I was not losing my parking place in the garage.......

Clearly, I wasn't specific enough. We ultimately created space in the garage around Greg's workout equipment. Ty is so thrilled with the purchase, he invited me to take his picture. Not looking a gift horse in the mouth, I jumped at the opportunity. He was shocked I insisted on shots sans the helmet.  

Makenna had a sweet little cat that in so many ways, was like her child. Kiwi was taken abruptly and it crushed her. A few weeks later, they learned of two tiny guys in need of a home. They waited until they were fully weaned to add them to their family. Meet Freddie and Frankie......

Everyone is delighted. I mean, how sweet are these faces?

Erin treated me to dinner at a local Venezuelan restaurant for my birthday and I loved the entire experience. First, hanging out with Erin is always special and secondly, the food was fantastic. All the things you hear about oldest daughters being the organized ones who step in to help and problem solve? It's all so true. 

My job requires an annual flu shot and because I am currently on two immune suppressing medications, I was concerned about this one. I scheduled it for a Friday morning to give myself a weekend to recover. It not only robbed me of my weekend but cost me my first sick days. I slept on average 18 hours a day and only Diesel didn't mind. He is such a perfect cuddle buddy/weighted blanket.

Giving me life this month:

Crisp, cool mornings; fall leaves both on the trees or gently falling from the bright blue sky; the Curious George soundtrack; daily yoga challenge (even if in some moments, I am sure it is trying to kill me), puppy snuggles and sweet kittens, Ty asking to volunteer at school because a teacher invited him to work alongside her, reading on the porch swing and hot tea on the deck. 

Read this month: 

I abandoned one particularly dark novel halfway through the month because I was not in a headspace to appreciate it and googled, "light reading suggestions." I should have specified that it need not be mindless or lacking plot. So one book was bust but the second? Delightful. The Rosie Project was the only book I read this month I'd recommend to others. The Girl Who Was Taken was decent and unfortunately, You Only Live Once could have been written by a middle schooler.

 

A friend gifted me these shirts after I photographed her extended family. I am so touched by the gesture and adorable designs. I mean, how sweet are these?

This moment prompted a conversation about where on the autism spectrum we all land...

Our county postponed trick-or-treating due to a rainy forecast until Friday, November 1. The result landed all of my kiddos and most of their significant others to join us for chili and hot dogs. It was a beautiful night sitting on the lawn enjoying the company and neighbors. Diesel was certain the entire event was designed to get him lots of attention. Of course he was. The evening was so perfect, we ran out of candy. This is not a bad problem to have but I was surprised we managed to unload over six pounds of chocolate one piece at a time. 

September

Diesel was likely responsible for the cone. The boys are either fighting or wrestling and Ricky took a paw to the eye that lead to an infection. It is quite literally always something.

Ever have a season that feels like trying to take a drink from a fire hose? Holy chaos Batman, there were some exhausting days I barely pulled myself together. This month involved dinners straight from the fridge without the benefit of reheating because it simply required more energy than I could extend. My team of coworkers operated with half our crew missing due to several situations, none of which were managed well. Whereas I have no intention of being in charge, I often wish someone with common sense would take the reigns. In summary, both my personal and professional life was less than ideal this month. But it gave me the courage to step out of a teaching role at church and allowed me to see where better boundaries are necessary at home moving forward. 

But this month ushered in my favorite weather; mostly sunny with more comfortable temperatures. Austin and I slipped out with my old point and shoot camera. Watching him explore and appreciate the simple things in nature like sparkles on rocks and pumpkins growing in a dried up creek beds will always slow me down to notice. 

Kate working at Feeders Supply has already added a new member to her little family. I call him Bean because he was discovered in a soybean field. He lives at Kate's with Nali, who is beside herself with worry about the tiny hissing animal. Also, Riley, Kate's boyfriend opposed the name Bean and calls him Obi. Either way, he is absolutely adorable.

We had sleepovers with popcorn and movies. I prepared for soup dinners with a bulk order of disposable bowls after one too many experiences digging though Ty's room for missing dishes. His ramen and ice cream addiction is concerning. 

One of Ty's teachers called me after school one day to share her positive opinion of Ty's character. Hearing someone point out his kindness and respect toward all others was such a refreshing call to take. High school isn't without challenges but so far, he is remaining true to himself; respectfully forgetting assignments. Sigh. 

The amount of planning and preparation that went into what was supposed to be Ty's first date took me by surprise. He had strong opinions about his outfit, the flowers and dinner plans. And then the night before the dance, he ended the relationship and most of it was returned. I threatened a photoshoot of my handsome kid before he "found" the missing tags needed for the return. 

The relationship ended poorly, as most of us assumed it would. The young lady likes drama and made some pretty horrendous threats Ty took to administration at school and handled himself. As his parents, we were ready to step in but he was adamant he could manage this situation. And then he did. Greg and I remain impressed. The horror of her accusations unnerved me and I realized that even though I have a significant amount of experience raising teenagers, I am still not in control of their journey. Generally, I don't want to be but I would appreciate the ability to safeguard the experience. 

"I used all my might to get up and just barely did."

Loving lately: sunlight draped across morning tea, early morning snuggles and late night tickles, patients who recall conversations and resume discussions upon return visits, Austin with the camera, cooler mornings and mild afternoons, reminders of God's grace in parenting, Greg trying to coax two sleepy pups from our bed when he gets home (they strongly believe he can just sleep on the couch), dinner out with my Katebug, a farm yard photoshoot for a super sweet young man, gold star stickers for my coworkers and sweet treats. 

Kate and Riley told Ty all about the cookie cart at school. Ty surprised her with cookies from the cart on the last day of school before fall break. Kate hugged him and much to everyone's surprise, Ty not only allowed the embrace but warmly hugged her back. 

My routine follow-up with my rheumatologist revealed my inflammation numbers have multipled by seven since July. This explains my exhaustion and pain. I have to assume stress is the largest contributing factor. I started some intense medication to knock down the attack. Local reactions to shots and manic episodes from heavy steroids made the entire experience less than pleasant. However, I am feeling optimistic we will find the best regimen now that my health insurance covers medication so well. Spending only thirty five dollars a month on medication that retails for over six thousand dollars is an enormous benefit. 

A banana peel as a hat. Why not?

Ty had a lot of difficult life to process this month and at one point, I was also losing sleep. I brought home Halloween M&M's hoping they would help. They didn't. And they lasted a long time. Boys are apparently not as easily bribed. Chocolate took the edge off a lot of teenage issues when the girls needed support. So whereas Ty didn't decline them, he wasn't as interested in mulling over life quietly while savoring a little something sweet. In other words, this is a whole new ballgame.

B.B. gun practice in the yard was a great way to spend an evening. 

Remember when dogs weren't allowed on furniture? Me either.

The escalation of fights between Diesel and Ricky determined a much earlier move out date for Lauren. Their last week with us involves Diesel staying with Kate to prevent more harm. Greg was bitten breaking up a fight and I worried Austin would end up on the receiving end if we didn't take drastic measures to eliminate the possibility. We are grateful for Kate's willingness to help and look forward to the energy reduction in our house in October. 

Books read this month:

We Begin at the End*

All the Colors of the Dark*

Sandwich 

Horse

*Recommended titles

August

I realized at the end of the day on August second, Diesel was officially three years old. Austin was pretty disappointed in me for failing to provide a birthday party. We kind of have a lot going on. Puppy parties aren't making the cut these days.

I introduced him to the Magic Treehouse and he couldn't let us read only a few chapters a day. He needed to hear the whole story in a single sitting. I understand this.

Austin asked about the white in my hairline and I called it wisdom glitter. The next night he discovered wisdom glitter in his mom's hair. Not everyone loved this. Also from Austin on a quiet Sunday morning, "watch out, my mom has a very angry attitude right now." Pops had to walk away to adjust his face. Mimi was glad she missed that one in person because laughter was absolutely required.

Cherie and her boys were in Louisville for a hockey tournament. I invited Austin along to watch one of their games. Austin had only one question about the day, "will I get to punch people?" When it was over and we were heading home he declared that when he gets to play, it will look like boxing. He was a little disappointed no one fought in that game. 

I invited Austin to church with us and asked he if he had to get dressed. It took a nano second for him to decline once he knew real clothes would be involved. He is his mother's child. As a preschooler, Lauren would be highly agitated if we had somewhere to go on her "day off." What three year old knows about a day off? Lauren did. 

Traffic coming home from work was so intense most of this month, I started listening to an audio book to pass the time and help me relax on the parking lot also known as the highway. It's too bad the hospital helicopter can't be borrowed for a quick commute because some knucklehead closed multiple roads simultaneously. 

Books read in August:

• The New Menopause
• Take my Hand *
• The Rose Code*

(* Indicates titles I recommend)

The old Wii has been reinstalled and several bowling games broke out as result.

Lauren asked Austin how he got dressed after his  shower without first using a towel. "Um, it was hard." 

Noah and Makenna ended up staying here while their house was prepared for a delayed closing. Makenna declared us, "packed in like sardines." But twice I came home to dinner prepared and decided things could be worse. 

Theresa treated us all the the Monet Immersion Experience in Cincinnati for Mom's birthday. We all enjoyed the day out together.

A lazish Sunday morning before church. Makenna braided Lauren's hair for the zoo and Austin stole a few minutes of screen time while I attempted to finish a book. 

Loving lately: sun flare rainbows and gentle summer rains; puppy snuggles, quick embraces with a husband half asleep before I slip out to work; school meetings with encouraging results; Austin's giggle; date nights with Ty; hair chopped off (I am calling it a weight loss program); a new car with a little pep in her step; classic rock on the radio; group chats with friends; sibling texts; freshly laundered sheets (with yellow flowers!); laughter with coworkers so hard we cry; impromptu dinner with Bible study partners; Diesel watching nature on TV at bedtime; reading with Austin; books that keep me up late (just one more chapter); vacation planning; Greg's Sunday meal prep for the week; infrared light therapy; fountain cokes gifted by a coworker; Amy Grant's Better Than A Hallelujah; a place at Kristin's family table and play time with a dear friend's busy grandson. 

Don't let these faces fool you......

They were responsible for this mess and others just like it 

Kate and her baby, Nali in their new place. It is ready for Halloween in August because, why not? 

Kate and Ty like each other more now that they no longer share a roof.

The cutest teacher in all the land spent a week working in special education at our local middle school before returning to her student observation hours in second grade. Both places have promised her positions whenever she is ready.

Greg and I spent a night in Bardstown, Kentucky with Chris and Kristin. They rented an adorable little house near the town square where we were able to walk to dinner and breakfast. We sat on the rental's patio and listened to live music and appreciated the relaxing moment. I played DD for the bourbon loving trio as they experienced a tasting at one distillery and the bar at another. I find the stories behind the businesses interesting even though I do not drink so we all had a great weekend.

Don't mind me. I'm just photographing adorable old cars on scenic roadways. I wish I'd brought my camera to capture the charm of Bardstown. It was a really cute little town, full of historic character.

Bedtime YouTube for dogs. I am this person now.

A. There is never a dull moment. B. Kate has nursed wild rabbits back to health, rescued a baby opossum and came dangerously close to catching a baby skunk. All of this has transpired just this  summer. She now works in a pet store part-time. I believe this is dangerous. She, of course, loves it.

Makenna and Noah closed on their house finally and are spending Labor Day weekend moving in, cleaning and painting. The to-do list is lengthy but they are delighted with the opportunity to put their own touch on the place. Anyone who saw Makenna's house tour of their rental would agree they could only move up from there. 

5am on a weekday and these two decided it was time for snuggles. Despite Greg only sleeping for a couple of hours, we enjoyed the few moments of conversation and connection before I had to start my day and the dogs got evicted.