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.