Around Here: Week 42 2021

 {October 10-16th}

Ashmae's inspiring art

Caring... for sick kids with runny noses and sore throats.  They've passed this cold from one to another to another and I am so tired from being up with them in the night and early mornings.  I decided that sleep was more important than book club this week, that's how bad it is.  But even with all of that suffering, I still find myself standing over them as sleep, counting their breaths, adjusting their blankets and thinking to myself, "How could anything on earth be that beautiful?" 

Inspired... by my friend Ashmae's paintings.  She is a writer and artist, and I am so moved by her work. It makes me want to paint, and I'm not sure I have a painter bone in my body.  But maybe someday I will give it a go because she makes it look so beautiful and fun. 

Running... errands and feeling amazed at how quickly I can get them done without any kids needing to climb in or out of their carseats or seatbelts.  I feel equally free, and unmoored.  It's disorienting still at times. 

Sad... that my dahlia season is over.  We had a harder freeze and all my plants turned to slush. It's super weird. They got all slimy and gross over night!! But I am glad they lasted as long as they did, and I am really glad that so many of my plants made it. (I grew all of these from tubers!)  In November I will dig them up and store them in a box in the house to plant again next year. 

Loving... how much our kids love the neighbor dog.  His fence is along the sidewalk where we pick up our mail, and everyday on the way home as we get the mail, both kids bail out to see if Link is out.  They pet him and talk to him, and sometimes he is even wearing a sweater, which is too cute and ridiculous for words.  (He's a BIG dog, so his sweater is just hilarious!) Carly loves him so much she asked for a Link stuffed animal a year ago, and now that's what she sleeps with every night. I don't even know his owners, but their dog is surely beloved in our household. 

Cheering... along with Carly as she learned the routines for her cheer performance Friday.  Four days of practice all in preparation for the high school half time show.  Carly's excitement was palpable, and she had no problem being dropped off for practice (no parents allowed). She is so outgoing and confident. I just pray, as a woman who used the be the same, that she doesn't ever lose those things. 
Thursday Jack had a football game in Chelan. Josh took him so I could get Carly to her practice.  Some nights it already feels like there aren't enough parents for the kids in activities in our house. I cannot imagine how much busier it's going to get between now and when the twins get their drivers licenses.

Watching... a friends daughter again for a few days this week.  My kids are so sweet with her, and it warmed my heart because you never know for sure how your kids are turning out, and I love when I can see that I did alright. Hah! They weren't the only ones I was proud of. I was also proud of Grady.  He was so patient and sweet with her.  You'd never guess he was the size of a horse with how gentle and careful he is around little ones. 

Facing... a health crisis in our extended family that sent us all a bit over the edge.  It was one entire day of just waiting for answers and praying, and then more days of waiting to see what the next step was.  Very stressful and upsetting for all involved.  Your prayers for healing are welcome. xoxo

Celebrating... ORANGE day at elementary school (Carly's hair that day was so fun!) and also getting her all decked out for Game Day! She wore the cutest little yellow tutu and her hair in buns with yellow ribbons.  She was adorable. Her game and performance were a welcome distraction from the worry I had over the family health issue, and seeing my friends there was really buoying for my spirit. 

Reading... Apples Never Fall, which is not what I expected, but is fun; and listening to September on audio.  Such a cozy read. I am also reading to the boys, and since we finished Pax, we are now reading The Winter Room by Gary Paulsen. I loved Gary Paulsen's other books (Hatchet and the sequels) but Winter Room so far is pretty dry. 

Thankful... that the workers have been showing up for each step of our house leak getting fixed.  We are getting closer. 

Listening... to Carly practice the Pledge of Allegience and feeling so proud of her and amazed at her speed for memorization. It's incredible. 

Taking... Before & After pictures of Carly's American Girl Baby.  I bought her for $8 at a resale shop when I was pregnant with Carly, and recently my mom sent her back to the company "hospital" where she got all cleaned up.  She looks brand new and Carly is having so much fun with her. 

Suffering... four migraines this week and calling the pharmacy to continue checking on my new prescription.  It's still waiting for prior authorization from my insurance... so hopefully next week?!

Attending... my niece Romy's birthday.  Her joy was palpable.  She was so happy to open her presents and play with cousins. It was the sweetest. The food was arranged in a rainbow and the cake was adorable! And I got to squish on my baby niece and nephew and visit with my mom and sister. 

***

***