This Week

Benjamin spent last weekend with us as he was kicking off his spring break and we were wrapping up ours. I miss this boy and am happy to report his life is as settled as possible for the moment.

After taking a couple months hiatus from electronic devices, Ty got his ipod back. We installed an app that allows him to text people I first approve through my messenger app. After his first evening with this new found communication tool, I received a phone call letting me know Ty was inviting family to Easter and my mom was suspicious I was a little out of the loop. As it turns out, she was right. So apparently I am hosting Easter this year? It's a good thing I actually enjoy big family meals and don't mind at all but that being Ty's first order of independent business amuses me.

Monday Ty left for school early with an aid in his building we happen to know well so they could play a couple harmless April fools pranks on his teachers. He was quite excited and believes he is not a suspect.

While he was away, I cleaned and organized his room as it had reached the point of being too big a job for him to tackle independently. Spring cleaning had to start somewhere I decided his room was the most obvious choice until the oldest girls move out later this year. The result of a clear cubby system? He created a makeshift desk for himself and quickly got to work writing a fan letter to his favorite minecraft gamer complete with a drawing. He is now working on a letter to his buddy who has written Ty a couple of times. Add discovering his headlamp flashlight and a book in his bed one morning and I have hope he may finally be turning a corner as he has always been a reluctant reader and writer.

Greg is in Mexico a few days this week for work. This does not sit well with me given how turbulent the situation is along the border. I am praying for his safety throughout his trip and anxious to get him home Friday night. This is the same man who thought wearing Ohio State gear in Michigan last month for a business trip was a wise decision. But Ty is occupying his daddy's side of the bed and we are enjoying easier dinners as it seems I don't cook as much when Greg is away.

I have a little friend from church coming over after her preschool program for a couple of hours a week until the school year ends. Ava loves having someone to play with and they made fast friends. Ivy's spunk matches Ava's and so far, they are adorable together.

Oh, and Thursday morning Kate woke with a rubber rat in her bed. Ty believes he is not a suspect. 

Road Trip with Ty

At the last minute, Kate bailed on our day to Columbus, Indiana. We got up and joined Greg's commute at five in the morning and spent the day enjoying all this awesome city has to offer while he worked.  Ty and I had a very Ty-focused day and we loved it.

We had a great time together hitting all of Ty's favorite locations including the indoor playground, the children's museum, the bookstore and of course, the old fashioned ice cream parlor. We then discovered a pet store where Ty began dreaming of the days Erin will no longer live here with her cat so he can get a hamster. Oh boy.

Oh, and Kate? She spent the day in a salon chair with her youth group leader and new favorite hair stylist.

The results are amazing. She is delighted.

Celebration Weekend and Spring Break Week #2 Kick-off

I am writing from the observation deck of our local trampoline park. Greg and I are here because Kate and Ty made a hefty deal. They would cease bickering for the remainder of spring break if we brought them for an hour of jumping. At this point I would pay good money for peace so we obliged. If they fail to hold up their end of the bargain? They will spend the remainder of their spring break grounded to their rooms. Momma is all done now.

This weekend we celebrated Erin's 24th birthday and Greg's 49th. An upcoming birth and adoption for a friend was also acknowledged with a beautiful shower. We noted Makenna and Noah's six month dating anniversary and Greg and I slipped away for a night in honor of us still liking each other despite spending the last 24 years raising some ornery kids together. We also celebrated my nephew's birthday in London and topped that visit off with Donatos Pizza in Lexington on the way home. It's been six years since I last had any and the indulgence was so worth the fat and calories. Thank God we don't have a franchise closer as I lack willpower.

Spring Break Week One

Missing Them

It must be privilege to love someone so much it literally hurts when he leaves. Austin is a light, a bubbling joyful baby full of personality and the best belly laughs. He has left serious marks on all our hearts and letting him leave again was anything but easy. We kinda like his mom too.

We had a great visit. Austin started walking in my living room and it was a delight to watch him achieve what he clearly set out to accomplish that afternoon even if we felt pretty badly for his daddy who was missing that giant milestone. This baby is determined, smart and genuinely happy. Lauren and Taylor are doing such a great job with him. This Mimi and Pops gig is incredible. Rumor has it the Aunt and Uncle role is fairly sweet too.

Saturday was the only day of their visit we were all able to be together so after our traditional large breakfast, we did a quick photo session before Pops took Uncle Ty and Austin to Bass Pro and the girls went shopping. I had an actual photo session for a young couple before meeting the girls in a tattoo parlor where the oldest three got sister tattoos on their ribs. Now they are literally numbered I, II, and III. Kate watched and is undecided about following their trend in a few years. Afterward, they chose hibachi for dinner and then we had an early birthday cake for Erin. It was a great day and the only break Lauren has taken from motherhood for more than an hour in a year. It was good for her.

I am glad we had the time together. It doesn't happen frequently enough.