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.