Week Forty-three

Evan's family showered Erin with love Saturday. My mom and sister drove down to help us celebrate. It was a beautiful day and lovely party. Our girl is well loved. 

Erin and I with her future mother-in-law, Tracy

Erin and Evan are under contract for the most adorable house in Louisville. They plan to have the move completed in time for their honeymoon at the end of December. It's been such an exciting year for Erin. She says she has single handedly redeemed the mess of this year. She isn't wrong. 

Our favorite little guy came for a sleepover tonight and we finally watched Mr. Popper's Penguins. The storyline was nothing like the book we read together but we enjoyed the movie, none the less.

Week Forty-two

He needed shoes and as soon as we had them purchased, he declared the need for "real food." Apparently pizza the size of his head has lost its appeal. The sudden growth of over three inches and two shoe sizes has jump-started his protein intake. But I begged for a photo and even gave him creative control because his face is missing from the annual album. He is changing so fast now and I don't want to miss it.

Diesel has to be in the center of everything. Evan grew up with tiny dogs but has grown to accept the beast. Diesel leaves little choice in the matter.

We took Ty to register for our local public school on Wednesday. I'd had previous conversations with the staff to prepare them for my "sweet boy." As we were leaving with his schedule, the counselor warned him about the girls in the building. She told him he would be "fresh meat." Without missing a beat, the "sweet boy" said, "why do you think I am here?" 

I had to go to work before he left for his first day and asked Greg to handle the morning pep talk. He offered, "don't add to the population. Don't take away from the population. Don't go to jail and if you do, establish dominance early." This is where I tap out. It's all beyond my control. But Greg took the above photo in the truck at drop-off and I see the face of a boy feeling pretty uncertain despite his bravado. I think I'm glad I wasn't the one handling the first day jitters because I had them too.

Erin sold her condo this week. It was listed for only twelve hours when it went under contract with a cash buyer who wants to close next week. Erin and Evan aren't yet certain about their next move but anxious to have a home before their December wedding.

Austin hung out with us for a few hours while his mommy took a short parenting break Thursday evening. He brought his new lightsaber and Uncle Ty enjoyed sparring with him. 

Week Forty-One

The queen has resumed the throne.

Austin and I had a little date to the Falls of Ohio fossil beds. Despite all literature indicating what kinds of fossils we would locate, Austin discovered all the dinosaurs he hoped to find. We climbed and explored and ultimately wandered back to our vehicle in time for a needed snack. Austin gave me a high-five and declared we made a good team. I couldn't agree more. However, I later felt the impact of our rock climbing. Austin was no worse for wear. 

While editing a few photo sessions this week, Diesel made himself quite at home on the guest bed. I will require advance notice of overnight visitors based on the condition of this previously clean bedding. He has no concern whatsoever. 

Wednesday Greg and I took Austin to the zoo and commissioned him for some artwork to hang in our guest room. He was thrilled with both prospects. He finagled a sleepover and was an easy house guest. He was the first to stay in our newest guest room and woke in time to join Pops in the garage for a workout. 

There was a shake down. His dad called and told him to choose one item in the gift shop. Austin couldn't decide between the meerkat, his favorite zoo animal or a snake to scare his mom. Long story short, he got them both.

He started with one vision and ultimately chose to use all the paint instead. All artists have their methods, I am told. 

He swears tumb tacks in kinetic sand is art. Clean up with caution.

Greg and I drove to Bloomington today to see the Rentschlers. We miss them being close enough to be "the family we chose" but loved the delicious food and laughter. Seeing the girl's schools and hearing about friends and projects was somewhat bittersweet. They are absolutely where they will thrive. We just miss them. 

Week Forty

Makenna brought me flowers for my birthday and a few days later, I purged the dying blossoms and reworked the existing flowers into smaller vases. I love the simple result.

It was a tough week even though it was launched with so much love from family and friends. I drove to Dayton Friday afternoon to see my girlfriends for dinner and a grown up sleepover. Grown up sleepovers apparently still require late nights talking and laughing. Who knew? I spent two and a half hours parked on the highway on my way there. Most assume that was stressful. I guess my world is crazy because I absolutely was not too worked up about it. I had windows down and a book. Things weren't uncomfortable until they were. As it turns out, bathrooms are not supplied on highways during shutdown situations. But I was alone and had no one else to worry about, unlike so many others. I arrived in time for a wonderful meal and warm hugs from those who know me best and love me anyway. I'm pretty lucky. 

Sunday I battled a migraine in a dark room in the basement of church. It was not my finest moment or the ideal location to be hit so hard. That one took a lot out of me. But I recovered fairly well for my family to join us for dinner that afternoon. 

Work tensions reached a breaking point this week and both my coworker and I have pulled the proverbial plug. We will no longer fight the system that has essentially removed our impact. This will be our last year. After tears from both of us and drive away from the building, literally screaming in frustration from her, we knew it just wasn't something we were going to continue pouring our hearts into. Of course our students will still get the best parts of us, but they will be the final ones we service. Our new administrator is amazing but he inherited a mess, a giant mess and it's more than he can repair in a short season. I can easily replace my paycheck in a situation with significantly less stress and at this point, the bar is so low, every other job feels like a good move. All I know is it won't be in education.

Lauren is puppy sitting this weekend and brought the 11 week old chocolate lab to meet me Thursday after school. I adored her and her sweet little puppy breath. Diesel was jealous and Cowgirl (yes, they named her Cowgirl) figured that out fairly quickly. She was smacking him for putting his face on my lap too. Somehow puppy kisses and soft puppy fur melted some stress. It helps she wasn't staying because puppies and stress reduction do not go hand in hand. 

My happy place; the serenity float room. 

Fall break launched today because Jesus loves me. I soaked in salt water before picking Erin up at work to attend an Art show. A friend of hers was participating and it was hosted on a gorgeous square in Louisville. We enjoyed some much needed connection after all the major life changes in her world. Despite her being our latest roommate, she is rarely home and quiet when she is. It's a stark contrast to the energy we've housed the last five months.