Spring is starting

1. Owen is great with technology AND doesn't give up
My computer is SO old.  SO SO old.  On most days I can only use either the mouse or the keyboard.  Not both.  There are 4 outlets and only 1 consistently works.  It makes me bananas.  This afternoon Owen came into the office, did the trouble shooting so I didn't have to, and we are back in business.  For now.  I am sure the next time that I get onto the computer I will spend 10 minutes moving things multiple times in hope that the universe allows me to get some work done.  

Owen is ALWAYS my "go-to" person when having any type of issue or question about technology.

2. I didn't work today
Jack got off the bus this afternoon and proceeded to cry, sob, for 30 minutes.  His class has been watching eggs in an incubator grow into baby chicks.  The chicks were supposed to hatch today or tomorrow.  Well a sub accidentally turned it off and all of the baby chicks died.  He has been talking about this day for 3 weeks.  We even picked out names for the chicks this morning over breakfast.  I am so glad that I didn't work today so I was able to sit and just BE with him during this disappointment. 

3. Freshman wrestling season is over - officially.
On Thursday we had the first high school wrestling banquet.  Mike and Jack had a performance at his school so I attended the event solo.  I sat with Greg and we just caught up while the boys hung out with their friends.  It was easy and good food.

4. Birthday ON CALL
I picked up to work yesterday on my birthday because I would be in overtime (time and a half) plus they offered a $24/hr bonus AND weekend differential.  Though it would of been nice and much needed for the extra cash... it was also great to sit on the couch and do NOTHING all day.  Since I didn't have any tasks planned besides working, I took full advantage of the day off.  I also had time to dance in the kitchen, go to bed early, and eat sweets.

5. Cozi
I am trying to get myself into this century and stop using a paper calendar. I know that this should be easy but for some reason it's still tough for me. Bernadette suggested using an app, Cozi. It's been a week and I think that it's going well.  Fingers crossed I can officially put down the paper calendar. 

short. sweet.

1. Sham-rocktion 

We had a great time at the event this year.  Sometimes I feel like the odd man out since all of the other kids go to private schools BUT I'm also 42 and have learned to just be who I am and not worry about what other people are doing or thinking.

 

It was also great to see Maggie perform and hang out with Josh and Laurie

2. Jack's field trip

We visited Conner Prairie when it was 10 degrees out.  Yup.  An outside field trip when it was cold AF.  At least it wasn't snowing, the kids were great, and I actually learned new things.  This was my very first field trip chaperoning experience. I usually like to volunteer in the classroom.  

3. Cameron babysat

This was Cameron's FIRST sitting experience (for a little one who isn't close with the family) and he did great!  I drove him there and home, but he made a TON of money plus they brought him home food from Ruth's Chris.  I am hoping he is able to have a lot more experiences like this in the future.  

4. Permits

The twins both passed their permit tests on the third try.  We are purchasing a car from Mike and JoAnn McGuire and then I need to get them out on the road.  This is an exciting but also CRAZY time.

5. Owen's Rehab

Owen gets his brace off next week!!  He has done such a great job staying positive.  I am ready for his arm to be back to normal - I can't even imagine how he is feeling.  I am also impressed by the resilience of our kids.

No one is getting kicked out.

 1. Attendance

I am currently on hold with our elementary school.  I just received an email regarding Jack's attendance.  I just received a letter stating that he has too many absences and he is only allowed 10 in a school year.  My specific question - what happens after 10?  Does he get kicked out of school?  Just seems like a strange rule...though I understand that there are lots of kids who fall through the cracks.  Ironically, I want his butt to be in school.  He's just sick. A LOT.  He was diagnosed with pneumonia again this past week. 

I received the email for Owen too.  

2. Successful surgery

We are almost 1 week out from surgery, and I am glad to have that first week behind us.  Right now we are struggling with geometry and getting caught up on schoolwork more than pain and suffering.  I have spent a ton of time again with Owen in the car and waiting on appointments.  We both commented on how his injuries put us together more.  Personally - I love the time.  I wish it was under different circumstances, but I have loved spending this time with him.  For 48 hours we were just together.  Napping, icing his shoulder, and figuring it out.   It really made me stop and think how much I just like him as a person.  Not just the love that I have for him as my son.  

    He has to wear this brace for 6 weeks.  It's a PAIN but he is doing great.  Last night I thought that he was going to break.  Everything felt overwhelming.  It's such a strange phase in parenting that you step back, and your son just has to figure it out.  It's painful - you just want to save them.

3. Jack turned 10

Jack is officially in double digits.  The Saturday before his birthday we celebrated at the Escape Room.  He had 8 friends, and it was insane.  Elementary school teachers are the truly the best and who should make this list every week.  He received a TON of money which immediately went to his debt checklist.  Now I have a ton of cash like I am the 10 year old.  

4. Super Bowl Party

For the past few years, we have done the Super Bowl with the Redman's.  Per usual, the food, drinks, and company were easy and comfortable.  

5. Audible & Libby

If I had to choose, it would ABSOLUTELY be Libby but I do think Audible needs a quick shout out.  I listen to so many books when I am not at work.  They make time pass as I get lost into a story while cleaning the house or folding laundry.  Thank you, Libby, for the ability to listen to so many books for free.

the normal

1. Heather

This is the most recent picture at Heather's house...though I do have one from last night of the boys at Top Golf... but this will have to do.  

I am so grateful for my friendship with Heather.  Over the past few years we have done a lot of life together.  I feel like I can truly be my full self and tell her the things going through my head... even the embarrassing, ugly, and TOUGH stuff.  She is honest, tells me things I need, and celebrates me on even the smallest victories.  I am so grateful to have her as my friend.

 

2. Driving Lessons

The twins had their first driving lesson on Saturday afternoon.  Cameron and Mike headed to the high school while Owen and I started at the elementary parking lot.  Then we switched.  They both drove the mile home on the road.  The next day while driving home from practice they both asked to drive home again.  Since they don't have a permit or insurance it was not happening....but still...they were excited!  This is going to be a long adventure.  Since Owen is having his surgery I have a feeling Cameron will get in a ton of time early.

3. Quick Trip

Last week I had no plans and Mike suggested I make a quick trip to Valpo.  I headed there in my comfy clothes and no makeup.  It was perfect and exactly what I needed.  I plan to do it again soon. It was a lot of driving for a short visit, but well worth it.  I listened to a book in the car, had a great lunch, and really enjoyed the time with my grandma.  

4. Mike's New Job

Mike started a new job this week and he is really enjoying it so far.  He is still doing sales but feels that this is a company that he will be able to grow with and thrive.  

5. Laundry Machines and Vacuum Cleaners

So grateful for these two things I use almost every day.  I think it's appropriate to say that I use the vacuum cleaner every. single. day.  but laundry I will pick a few days of the week.  Yesterday it ran all day and today will be the same.  Thankfully the twins do their own laundry and Jack puts his away.   Don't get me wrong, I am constantly saying to the twins, "put your laundry away" and it drives me bananas.  Also, I realized that Jack needs a bit more supervision because when he's done his clothes are still falling off the hangers.  I don't remember doing laundry at all while growing up....though I am sure it was exactly the same.  I just need to trust that they will figure it all out one day.  Today I am focused on Nash's blankets and beds before moving to Mike's laundry.

2025

1. The time

Wow.... I didn't realize it has been almost 2 months since I last did a post.  Thanksgiving, Europe, Owen's injury, Christmas....so much time has passed.  It was insanely busy and in the past few weeks I have been putting the house back together and catching up on taxes, laundry, and cleaning.  

I always take the near year to reset and figure out goals.  Last year TRAIL was front and center.  This year I want to focus on less screen time, more time outside, and more time with the boys.  I also want to pay off my car, change out the outdoor space, and move my body more.  

2. Dates

Rouzer and I have been more connected since coming back from Germany.  In the past few weeks I have been mentally telling myself - "no big trips this year."  Yesterday we received one of the post cards from Prague and now I want to plan another trip.  Instead, we went to Ale Emporium.  This is a picture of Mike getting me a new beer since my draft was flat.  It tasted like it was from a growler that was in the fridge too long.  Thankful for him and immediately taking care of me.  It's the small things.  **Like prepping the coffee every night.

3. Monday

I did my workout this morning.  It was tough but I just tried not to think too much and went to the basement and lifted.  I am not even near the place I was last year and that can be tough...debilitating even.  I know the work it will take to get my body to the place it needs to be.  BUT today....I started again.  I even put on my weighted vest and walked outside for 10 mins.  Yeah ....it was FREEZING and I wasn't ready for that so I did 10 mins and was grateful for the sunshine, the fresh air, and the movement.

4. The weekend

On Saturday night, after dinner, I told all of the boys we were having a mandatory ping pong tournament.  With all of the different personalities in the house this could of gone extremely poorly.  We brought the Alexa downstairs and everyone was able to pick two songs.  Don't worry - I still had the veto.  Everyone was engaged, laughing, and present.  Eventually Cameron and Jack started wrestling and having pillow fights.  No one was on electronics and of course Mike was always the champion.

It was probably 45 mins but exactly what my heart needed. No fighting, no issues, and then the boys played together afterwards.  It was a needed reminder that it doesn't need to be elaborate - it just needs to happen.

5. Owen is not cutting

I have Owen back!!  It was a solid lesson learned for him.  He is very aware that he was unhealthy and not as strong as he was in the past.  It sucks that he isn't wrestling right now and won't be wrestling for MONTHS .... but I am just so grateful that he is actually laughing, happy, and back to his old self.

This picture is from last night.  I was making a huge salad and all of a sudden Owen was eating from the bowl.  He truly thought that it was just his.  I had enough so then I made Cameron his Own salad as well.  Instead of using a fork ... he was eating with the mixing tongs.  Jack on the other hand doesn't eat salad --but still wanted to be in the picture.

 

The Highs

 1. Owen is on VARSITY

My determined, dedicated, and hardworking athlete is on varsity as a freshman.  This past weekend was the first official high school wrestle off for the twins and Owen came out on top.  He knew that 106 was his best bet and he set the goal and started the grind.  It was nerve racking and then extremely exciting.  I had so much fun watching his goal become reality.  Take that back.... I struggled, STRUGGLED, with the weight loss aspect.  I leaned into Jenny Culp (another mom) and stayed on top of his health.  Now that the major cut is over, he has been doing AMAZING keeping his weight.  Wrestling is a crazy ass sport.  I could not be prouder of his hard work. 

2. Week off

I have the entire Monday - Friday off this week.  Usually, I pick up work but since the Cancer Center didn't need me, I decided to just be off.  Today I will get officially caught up on laundry and will try to finish most of Christmas...if not all of Christmas.  We finally have all of our lodging booked for Germany & Prague, but I still want to look at train schedules and things to do besides eat and drink our way through Christmas markets. Ehhhh.... that actually sounds great...

3. The girls

On Friday I went to Amy's house with Laura to just spend time together.  I brought stuff to make Christmas snowflakes and Amy pulled out her laminator.  That means I literally brought over my personal task and asked if they would help.  It turned into the perfect morning of just BEING.  On Monday the three of us went to Shelby's.  We helped fold laundry, Amy gave her bags of girl clothes, and Laura and I continued to work on snowflakes.  I am so grateful for their friendship.  And that they put up with my crazy.

4.  HSE Skyward

I am not sure if it should be a love or a hate relationship with Skyward.  It fully allows me to be a helicopter parent with grades....and it fully allows me to be a helicopter parent with grades.  How did our parents know if we did our assignments?  How did they know if we were doing absolutely nothing.  My only guess is....I did my assignments, so it wasn't an issue.  I am still grateful that I have a heads up and try TRY my best to figure this out without being a helicopter parent.  It's not working but I am super grateful for this crutch.

5.  New Eye Mask

I believe that gift giving is my mother in law's love language.  Every year she spoils us for Christmas, bdays, mother's day....everything.  Since Mike already received one, huge present, I decided to open my presents and use them as they come.  Right now, my new eye mask is my favorite.  I have used an eye mask religiously for years.  Even in a completely dark room.  This one is a bit weighted, silky, and fabulous.  I still look like an old, swollen, wrinkly lady when I wake up.  I am obsessed with sleep and since I will not be pulling the trigger on a $2000 cooling system, this eye mask is the next best thing!

Pots

 1. Halloween

Another year of Halloween success.  I love the tradition of hanging out with the Redmans.  The littles went off by themselves and at the end of the night Cameron and his friends showed up for dinner.  It is easy and fun.  We sit outside by the fire while people trick or treat.  

2. Wrestling Tournament 

Early last week I found out there was a tournament in Ohio on Sunday and I was NOT WORKING.  I had Greg sign Owen up, I got Jack to agree on attending, and we traveled to Cincy.  It was a 12-hour day with lots and LOTS of waiting -- but also lots of yatzee.  Jack and I played a ton of games, Owen wrestled great, and I was able to spend time just being together.  

Today is the first official day of high school wrestling plus no CIA tonight.

Also -- here is what I packed for the day. 

3 peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chip sandwiches, 2 PB&J sandwiches, popcorn, 4 drinks, 1 protein coffee, 5 peaches, 3 electrolyte packets, 3 protein bars, 3 fruit snacks, 1 cinnamon bar, 2 bananas, 1 chickpea/quinoa salad, and Halloween candy

But while there I also bought 1 pretzel with cheese, bag of skittles, and chipotle on the way home.  

No - we didn't eat all of this food.  Greg brought his own food as well that I saw Owen eating.  

3. Owen's Hair

I didn't have to pay $90 or $50 (both quotes I received) to bleach Owen's hair.  We did it at home.  It didn't turn out fully miserable.  

4. Driver's Ed

The twins are officially signed up for Driver's Ed.  Cameron has completed 10% of the course.  Owen hasn't signed in.  

5. Harry Potter

Quickly back to Halloween - Jack's new costume, Jack Skeleton, was not comfortable on him.  So, at the very last minute we switched to Harry Potter.  Jack had the robe and wand from Universal this summer.  He refused the glasses or a lighting streak.  So thankful it wasn't a meltdown and was resolved quickly.  Also, we might be able to regift the costume to Grace.  Fingers crossed!