Celebrations and Orthodontists

Thanks to Makenna's sense of humor and photoshop, it appears Lauren made it up for the birthday too.

This weekend we celebrated Kate's birthday with friends Saturday and family on Sunday. Candles weren't lit Sunday because Erin had severe germ issues prior to Coronavirus. But it was good to get together with a few people and celebrate our mostly sweet Kate.

The girls have asked Greg about his hair for years and were beyond delighted when he finally located it. Between the wig and his shirt, no one could look at him without laughing. It was hilarious.

Makenna and Noah went somewhere other than fishing this week. They picked up carry-out sushi and parked on the edge of an alley to people watch downtown. She laughed about the unusual date but they had a great time together. They cleaned up pretty well too!

Anyone else hear the Little Mermaid's song about going where the people are? Maybe it's just me.

Monday Ty asked me to get him new socks and underwear. He never asks for clothes and certainly not anything as boring as socks and underwear so I picked them up when I also made a quick produce run. I later mentioned we needed to remove long pants and long sleeved shirts from his dresser. It was during that chore I realized the boy did not need socks and underwear. The dresser was empty. What he needed was to do his laundry. Well played, Ty. Well played.

I asked him what else he might want to do if the whole famous youtube gig doesn't work out. First, he accused me of not supporting his dreams and second, shrugged that he isn't tall enough to play basketball. The idea he may work hard like his dad at something that makes a difference in the world doesn't yet appeal to him. Expressing my concern to Erin, she quipped, "mom, when I was his age I wanted to be a pastor's wife and have a lot of kids. That would have been a disaster." She is right, there is time for everyone to come to their senses. 

Although not inclined to hold a sign, she aims to be an FBI agent when she grows up. Given the nature of her vastly swinging moods of late, sister would be quite dangerous armed so we appreciate the time that dream will take to achieve.

Ty wrapped up the fourth grade last week and Kate finished her middle school career this week. Thanks to the decision to move him last fall, he has one more year of elementary school but Kate will be a freshman in high school whenever we get to return to classes.

Kate had her final consultation with the orthodontist early Tuesday morning. She was nervous about starting the process without me in the room with her. Covid protocol prevents support people in all instances. The closer we get to surgery and braces, the more she is dreading it all. She will be getting her braces shortly after oral surgery next week. The impending changes to her smile break my heart a little. I happen to love her little gap. But an impacted tooth and emerging wisdom teeth trump my sentimental desire to leave her beautiful smile alone.

Tuesday evening the boys sweet talked themselves into the pool for the first time. His lips were literally blue but he swore he wasn't cold. Air temperature was 66 and water temp was 72.

Wednesday a daughter scheduled another biopsy; on-going invasive treatment becoming far too routine. This time, she faces the pain without my hand to squeeze per latest regulations. My eyes keep leaking frustration and fear.

Thursday I forced Kate to attend her middle school farewell parade. She had no interest as she never really loved school but I felt some form of closure would be beneficial. As it turns out, we were in a traffic jam for forty-five minutes to spend thirty seconds waving to an enthusiastic staff. She was getting grumpier the longer we waited so I teased her about the parents who decorated their cars and recorded the entire event (traffic jam, not just 30 second parade). When she still failed to appreciate me, I acted like the car broke down so we would have to direct traffic around us. She nearly fainted. Middle schoolers are easily mortified and I am a good time.

Early this week a friend text inviting me to join her and another friend for a walk Thursday evening. I quickly agreed. Seeing work friends and getting some exercise sounded perfect. After I agreed, she informed me she usually walks ten miles. I assumed she was messing with me and laughed. Thursday night, I walked ten miles with friends.

Today Ty had his first playdate at a friend's house since February. He was pumped! The mom said I could leave him there as long as I wanted. She was warned about the dangers of such an offer. But Kate and I took advantage of the free afternoon by enjoying salad together on Panera's patio and then selecting some soft food at the grocery. The food has been hidden from the family with a crazy snack food Spidey sense so there will still be options available after Kate's oral surgery next week. Sister is worried about what's to come and her mom wishes there was a way to avoid it.