tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46377751004239990582024-02-18T20:51:19.044-06:00 Westy Side StoryCF Wife, IVF victor, mom, shopaholic, animal lover, McDonald's Frappe addictChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.comBlogger748125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-51194702255097004432020-09-28T12:59:00.003-05:002020-09-28T12:59:50.681-05:00Update<p> I can't believe I went all of August and nearly all of September without an update.</p><p>Work has been really busy and with working from home, I never feel fully separated from work. I try to take Charlie on a long walk as often as possible, I rush through lunch, I pick the boys up from school and there just isn't a lot of time to sit down and write (type).</p><p>With that said, we're all doing great. The boys have started school. I can't remember how much I talked about this previously, but it was a tough decision to determine if they'd return. A month into it, we're really impressed by all of the precautions the school is taking. Both boys are loving school and seem to really like their teachers (though W does tell me that second grade is tougher than first grade!). The boys attend a small school and have about 15 students in their classes. They have gotten used to wearing masks all day, rigorous hand washing, and social distancing.</p><p>I celebrated another birthday in August. Oof. But it was fun going out to lunch (and eating outside) and celebrating with the boys. Work has been crazy and I've been weighing options. For now, I continue to work from home and learn as much as I can. I do like my job, but sometimes the office politics are just mentally exhausting and I wonder if I need a fresh start elsewhere. TBD. Grad classes are going super well. I'm really enjoying them and hope to graduate with an MS in 2021. Aside from that, I've been reading lots and I'm looking into another volunteer opportunity since resigning from my board position and choosing not to continue STEM mentoring.</p><p>A began the year teaching remotely and it seems to be going well. He had his first in-person clinic appointment a month ago and we were elated with his results. He is at his highest weight ever and his lung function is the best it's been in 10 years!! We're both ecstatic and so thankful for Trikafta!!</p><p>We're still taking family walks and spending lots of time outside. We've started visiting local apple orchards now that fall has begun and we're hoping to participate in other fall activities. A and I have been enjoying the return of professional sports and we still play trivia weekly. We're reading Harry Potter with the boys and are currently on the second book. We've been making the most of our time together, but I'm starting to get nervous about colder weather and less time outdoors. Eek.</p><p>What we've been up to...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2655wWTYTJJ8BIOUN3PO3xgi7jc5RG4N82ro2SiQrcj8HBWplqULkXr4po0w_31iMhma9azux1n_FUY17eY7lOVgNh7v7SR0qtxGKlofblJhfZoMTAXKc8os5-__1bb11Mi1LzqTRew/s960/116339280_10218397558717943_6376178909585250549_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2655wWTYTJJ8BIOUN3PO3xgi7jc5RG4N82ro2SiQrcj8HBWplqULkXr4po0w_31iMhma9azux1n_FUY17eY7lOVgNh7v7SR0qtxGKlofblJhfZoMTAXKc8os5-__1bb11Mi1LzqTRew/w300-h400/116339280_10218397558717943_6376178909585250549_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlEokectGkWO4X6klQMyZurA6eHIHwFfEmPoTTCNne34py_zTYrmdcgDiF4-YLJMPDFEHtRqvgOkuA8z18XNTN-en0pndrEKVOVny89BAf_X7v2_FnfI95jZv_fNcziiQBz3nIDclOmU/s960/116798678_10158175646241928_8035187763265258590_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlEokectGkWO4X6klQMyZurA6eHIHwFfEmPoTTCNne34py_zTYrmdcgDiF4-YLJMPDFEHtRqvgOkuA8z18XNTN-en0pndrEKVOVny89BAf_X7v2_FnfI95jZv_fNcziiQBz3nIDclOmU/w370-h400/116798678_10158175646241928_8035187763265258590_n.jpg" width="370" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1JV00b4WHpHMqoHpO2r8sQCxFti6PYZz3wDqLbuvZ4LAmjVCgen2goZcFdAoKrD-CvwL5bKuME100CgY1u2qsq737OBcahHZoH9Khol9RKIcEkMMSW9f_-FJR-iWdtFDOxC4V8OgXeU/s960/117697176_10158215635201928_7019191893567139239_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1JV00b4WHpHMqoHpO2r8sQCxFti6PYZz3wDqLbuvZ4LAmjVCgen2goZcFdAoKrD-CvwL5bKuME100CgY1u2qsq737OBcahHZoH9Khol9RKIcEkMMSW9f_-FJR-iWdtFDOxC4V8OgXeU/w400-h400/117697176_10158215635201928_7019191893567139239_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-OIsmYm1Me_Fe05KeVovgPAZhvFy1TB8AQV2xmNBcy0zV-ntp4IL7prYXEilbZUdu39i2AkFsP4wrao4GMWOb6Ti_qa1AbsIuIkpC_UR4qL3_yHAX1M2sTUdWsUgwxv_7Pi9NjSqeUc/s960/118651505_10158261832681928_5619735695971862273_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="830" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-OIsmYm1Me_Fe05KeVovgPAZhvFy1TB8AQV2xmNBcy0zV-ntp4IL7prYXEilbZUdu39i2AkFsP4wrao4GMWOb6Ti_qa1AbsIuIkpC_UR4qL3_yHAX1M2sTUdWsUgwxv_7Pi9NjSqeUc/w346-h400/118651505_10158261832681928_5619735695971862273_n.jpg" width="346" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCW8Bk1ZUtN6sztd1WcUEOsMqwWdKk0aNkNYVlEeynp1CnyxQ9TnDKFma8p7usuih3A1dtQp_4DDXIdr6lezBlWZgYW6mZHRqcD4abuhPpSZcFmM0wx3n5TC35RhKD0-kktcSHIzEEsFE/s960/118927291_10158275587291928_6551550885543666137_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCW8Bk1ZUtN6sztd1WcUEOsMqwWdKk0aNkNYVlEeynp1CnyxQ9TnDKFma8p7usuih3A1dtQp_4DDXIdr6lezBlWZgYW6mZHRqcD4abuhPpSZcFmM0wx3n5TC35RhKD0-kktcSHIzEEsFE/w321-h400/118927291_10158275587291928_6551550885543666137_n.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pKuHsWB6cKWIsJSuVopvzbL2KJlBEoCkdMS6w3cFDg9kQZmu7A9rOX1PUUVOuBgLGJNZEri-L4JQFKau3edhlWrzr_1kF87Jbou42NAYlEnrLgGwbd-3LTtuJ2agZsWpS9ZdSFjTzb4/s960/119063445_10158294176476928_6516719727018013432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pKuHsWB6cKWIsJSuVopvzbL2KJlBEoCkdMS6w3cFDg9kQZmu7A9rOX1PUUVOuBgLGJNZEri-L4JQFKau3edhlWrzr_1kF87Jbou42NAYlEnrLgGwbd-3LTtuJ2agZsWpS9ZdSFjTzb4/w320-h400/119063445_10158294176476928_6516719727018013432_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxUa8qMeLh_2L3FDpy2194PQZHQutBCDHkVijSiZkC8Y3-WdgHCObU5zdXx87NHFVGocoX5ZBX6MzKzz6qKYszpsdS9uwENDJiNUsDoYd25wx4Tq9KClKpQVvZKB9oL7hvfuE3AtvgnE/s960/119123202_10158294176616928_7021725043107475007_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxUa8qMeLh_2L3FDpy2194PQZHQutBCDHkVijSiZkC8Y3-WdgHCObU5zdXx87NHFVGocoX5ZBX6MzKzz6qKYszpsdS9uwENDJiNUsDoYd25wx4Tq9KClKpQVvZKB9oL7hvfuE3AtvgnE/w320-h400/119123202_10158294176616928_7021725043107475007_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0HHKMdGWkhGvBn_bU-GCz_H0SWKk-7RYddQzkhCVjU51PDr-ZtLku7S44AmjeanmN3uouif5Uyx_7M9B5ZgagsHQywEX8FZPcowXDuMZiboPD4oB4ssTEwrp-Qxp1JVIIhOt3asVgxo/s960/119168805_10158294176871928_8223784431455788024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0HHKMdGWkhGvBn_bU-GCz_H0SWKk-7RYddQzkhCVjU51PDr-ZtLku7S44AmjeanmN3uouif5Uyx_7M9B5ZgagsHQywEX8FZPcowXDuMZiboPD4oB4ssTEwrp-Qxp1JVIIhOt3asVgxo/w321-h400/119168805_10158294176871928_8223784431455788024_n.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC112ORm5e-oAJtvlIWBdjZkoaUR10r38ispHT9nhXeAnHNWlLrQEnmQtUbC5kQbRUjW5Ir01aXiR1LQ9WqeptZQztn1aeKPWVX5xZz9v7i8m3rdRAA3pDWKpB6Xt75ZqkZukcbDvgUnk/s960/119229566_10158294177291928_2781921590843006141_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC112ORm5e-oAJtvlIWBdjZkoaUR10r38ispHT9nhXeAnHNWlLrQEnmQtUbC5kQbRUjW5Ir01aXiR1LQ9WqeptZQztn1aeKPWVX5xZz9v7i8m3rdRAA3pDWKpB6Xt75ZqkZukcbDvgUnk/w321-h400/119229566_10158294177291928_2781921590843006141_n.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxCY-zVmYe1FvgcYfDJmpDiezGEszip_wgx4CQNKuBapFUPQxA5-k8VzreMDCbZz9_JsLfDO6J5b616TRErEYsa4e1g21oqG5PrJw7AmIX_vRi6zV9D5HB3uwtrX0lXOMPUwquApGxEQ/s960/120037138_10158319779271928_5471405032415120790_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxCY-zVmYe1FvgcYfDJmpDiezGEszip_wgx4CQNKuBapFUPQxA5-k8VzreMDCbZz9_JsLfDO6J5b616TRErEYsa4e1g21oqG5PrJw7AmIX_vRi6zV9D5HB3uwtrX0lXOMPUwquApGxEQ/w320-h400/120037138_10158319779271928_5471405032415120790_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5tyrvry9yQEadFJTZunwYacu89zvWbomDR2wrQ1Hm-NCBzC3THX8EfUIziz86SEYnXPZxr4YokZr_iHZslIJd1CbNYt6YlasiAhdo_KRs3iUK3qLqurXIxD0jKZsY8y9_nzACJwIo_w/s960/120095750_10158319778546928_5145316147591178028_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5tyrvry9yQEadFJTZunwYacu89zvWbomDR2wrQ1Hm-NCBzC3THX8EfUIziz86SEYnXPZxr4YokZr_iHZslIJd1CbNYt6YlasiAhdo_KRs3iUK3qLqurXIxD0jKZsY8y9_nzACJwIo_w/w320-h400/120095750_10158319778546928_5145316147591178028_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9iy0WJWorJCGtbs4Wb-xKhIerLXJzPvo7sC0INyjPLvNoiQQRC3_bRKVQje-ALrHqaSyt4EaAexOH6dnZIRbqr8apsQaP-KYlv1iqidF76Q34lmsFKQosIArn6_GkFoUYPXRirpf1mw/s960/119981432_10158319778846928_7158658854177097171_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9iy0WJWorJCGtbs4Wb-xKhIerLXJzPvo7sC0INyjPLvNoiQQRC3_bRKVQje-ALrHqaSyt4EaAexOH6dnZIRbqr8apsQaP-KYlv1iqidF76Q34lmsFKQosIArn6_GkFoUYPXRirpf1mw/w321-h400/119981432_10158319778846928_7158658854177097171_n.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-3855918635121838782020-07-29T13:18:00.001-05:002020-07-29T13:18:53.850-05:00Oops...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh my goodness… I know it’s been quite awhile since I shared
a post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had one started and never
finished it and the truth is, I just haven’t felt like writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of that is because our days aren’t super
exciting or noteworthy, but at the same time, I feel like we’re as busy as
ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Busy just looks different these
days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been cooking dinner together,
creating scavenger hunts for the boys, taking walks, cleaning out cars, and
eating as many meals as possible outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We just started taking the boys to local parks again, but only let them play if there are no other kids present. </span>We’re trying to make the most of our new normal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljAd8DrNrX1q8SfDqupB4NCh_Axc04MIhyphenhyphenVjcnIkHgd1HykyVIT2HVM1v1sYuRdUugWKeWUH-yRehh-BOpni0-PY6gxLKFC27JSr-xVxbDg-CoFcsM6IJXd5wU-z9tYmhF5tWvOsvdW8/s1600/106277954_10158089244426928_3409106507712820894_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljAd8DrNrX1q8SfDqupB4NCh_Axc04MIhyphenhyphenVjcnIkHgd1HykyVIT2HVM1v1sYuRdUugWKeWUH-yRehh-BOpni0-PY6gxLKFC27JSr-xVxbDg-CoFcsM6IJXd5wU-z9tYmhF5tWvOsvdW8/s400/106277954_10158089244426928_3409106507712820894_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjltNTMOLfGNGznnyTVQhpFgcPUCdYiPJys9oYtePpCdqH0_ewwKAInNsk74fPuGo3xDEU6j2np0cAiWJyqDfuv28H0kh4lbo1ZAI8lkKkSHNKdz6M6nhbGu9kI3xWlG96wQ0nXV5AynA/s1600/115867311_10218397561118003_4499644271897616336_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjltNTMOLfGNGznnyTVQhpFgcPUCdYiPJys9oYtePpCdqH0_ewwKAInNsk74fPuGo3xDEU6j2np0cAiWJyqDfuv28H0kh4lbo1ZAI8lkKkSHNKdz6M6nhbGu9kI3xWlG96wQ0nXV5AynA/s400/115867311_10218397561118003_4499644271897616336_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMDfVb8mL2ukWun4bVvELayfcpBJtKlrEHSy0FuWZbOVk3lsXHNKYdDZbNffuCYFXKdKHPyHix_hVSzOz7fSW1lClxbWB9pUhCxs47S8qBxyZNgFvZahZwMu25auUU7OIg-7hhpNSEYY/s1600/116339280_10218397558717943_6376178909585250549_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMDfVb8mL2ukWun4bVvELayfcpBJtKlrEHSy0FuWZbOVk3lsXHNKYdDZbNffuCYFXKdKHPyHix_hVSzOz7fSW1lClxbWB9pUhCxs47S8qBxyZNgFvZahZwMu25auUU7OIg-7hhpNSEYY/s400/116339280_10218397558717943_6376178909585250549_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjps-9pvLjczitgu1hEcaShGeEWNN_sLhBKiRQH4KYquxWib44Z6grEvbksAeKs3X_Vat5Yy3Xw9KxhukuWGYAn3hA1VGphMGvhumJUHNCUdGvnchX2uOaXgGemK5_RT10IrB3jJpKUvGE/s1600/116133864_10218397556037876_9050152902640674008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjps-9pvLjczitgu1hEcaShGeEWNN_sLhBKiRQH4KYquxWib44Z6grEvbksAeKs3X_Vat5Yy3Xw9KxhukuWGYAn3hA1VGphMGvhumJUHNCUdGvnchX2uOaXgGemK5_RT10IrB3jJpKUvGE/s400/116133864_10218397556037876_9050152902640674008_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9n-4mOwwkui_CJ_z5481o3zQZyVoHwF2jjp2Ys8vD7BPQwScFr__2GD8b5DD31rlkTY776VcfUGo4SDX4gC2aYyuzxixrrpE10wGmEX8oBSz1IXuiyi1aqwQxEsFNmZfL4bm6WGUq5lE/s1600/115811953_10218397559837971_4454506185127033797_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9n-4mOwwkui_CJ_z5481o3zQZyVoHwF2jjp2Ys8vD7BPQwScFr__2GD8b5DD31rlkTY776VcfUGo4SDX4gC2aYyuzxixrrpE10wGmEX8oBSz1IXuiyi1aqwQxEsFNmZfL4bm6WGUq5lE/s400/115811953_10218397559837971_4454506185127033797_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few events since I last posted… Father’s Day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will admit I’m a bit jealous because
Father’s Day was much better than Mother’s Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The weather was beautiful and the boys were great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The night prior, we went out to eat at a
local restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was our first time
since March.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wore masks, practiced
social distancing, and ate outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All
of the staff wore masks as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
really enjoyed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys and I made
our very first cheesecake and we had that for dessert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Father’s Day, we grabbed Starbucks in the
morning, went for a walk, the boys played outside, and A grilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We gifted A books, a game, cologne, and hand
sanitizer. <span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was just a nice, low key day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLnV_pHKltpGomBndxb2i_JHt0XLR_q0v2bikHGvllp3HEvgAarCx1xowouwZN0o4IXjd4st8ZCRiEEr30FRo7q3Jzc345E6Hy7XwB1kmwI880HT5gd5wkZ2Ctu_-FuCSu3O9_Dk3C6o/s1600/104643702_10158050519051928_2634293305148291381_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="960" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLnV_pHKltpGomBndxb2i_JHt0XLR_q0v2bikHGvllp3HEvgAarCx1xowouwZN0o4IXjd4st8ZCRiEEr30FRo7q3Jzc345E6Hy7XwB1kmwI880HT5gd5wkZ2Ctu_-FuCSu3O9_Dk3C6o/s400/104643702_10158050519051928_2634293305148291381_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HcDZeBQhJ55mSZv_HeADScc2JoERsE0pXh3ydXd3LDsufV9PLfNZUowqivGkI3jENlif4vfYfy_E06xsZi2uQOkZFkRXxxqkA4cOFxXTN47rc9-MWaXTKYT4sUGY0TBK6ZpDwLgkTuw/s1600/104096179_10158050362671928_2039457104172140835_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="882" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HcDZeBQhJ55mSZv_HeADScc2JoERsE0pXh3ydXd3LDsufV9PLfNZUowqivGkI3jENlif4vfYfy_E06xsZi2uQOkZFkRXxxqkA4cOFxXTN47rc9-MWaXTKYT4sUGY0TBK6ZpDwLgkTuw/s400/104096179_10158050362671928_2039457104172140835_n.jpg" width="367" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had a fun 4th of July that consisted of grilling, popsicles, and sparklers. The boys played in the inflatable pool while we sat outside and enjoyed a nice day. Our nextdoor neighbors went all out with tons of fireworks so we had an up close view.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBRs3KTljM3C1ukquWQFVwg-cteMdOiqHoGWaVzn7W4ixCBp_1UOTFy3FZar8dMsXFUFEg33PHf6vE4xJd5IzaldQsVUepEd_kINk5SJLvDEK8IPC_UC-9jVO7EmP-6qJ1jUp7ViDzAE/s1600/80018473_10158099908331928_5893315402668997495_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBRs3KTljM3C1ukquWQFVwg-cteMdOiqHoGWaVzn7W4ixCBp_1UOTFy3FZar8dMsXFUFEg33PHf6vE4xJd5IzaldQsVUepEd_kINk5SJLvDEK8IPC_UC-9jVO7EmP-6qJ1jUp7ViDzAE/s400/80018473_10158099908331928_5893315402668997495_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KsCMHKxOR57-cBJgmqf56IowV67lFAmyJpGuVDURDv0ERlvEr8e_0IpXhj1rjnWY04Lg8bnKA_ItI0RGnBfaLpExBbvGlhBuoAY9yU1N0t3THPPzfSi0g1sPEslzYVVSQA3CAAQS7Lw/s1600/106453104_10158099909031928_3146574353687282841_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KsCMHKxOR57-cBJgmqf56IowV67lFAmyJpGuVDURDv0ERlvEr8e_0IpXhj1rjnWY04Lg8bnKA_ItI0RGnBfaLpExBbvGlhBuoAY9yU1N0t3THPPzfSi0g1sPEslzYVVSQA3CAAQS7Lw/s640/106453104_10158099909031928_3146574353687282841_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLa_T9fDEdxajz-Fbufp3MPSKvkSh11DN-ZA5ZnLEAKm89Um2QqkBkgtH2DQ1ycbJQv-uofZSP-wMA2Zo_vAegGQcmXaYdTgBcHgZi9rZnLKbsTAw0bDjyfTwpx-YBcaNXy0LFOmYbPBE/s1600/106558281_10158099909321928_7948040221305839478_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLa_T9fDEdxajz-Fbufp3MPSKvkSh11DN-ZA5ZnLEAKm89Um2QqkBkgtH2DQ1ycbJQv-uofZSP-wMA2Zo_vAegGQcmXaYdTgBcHgZi9rZnLKbsTAw0bDjyfTwpx-YBcaNXy0LFOmYbPBE/s400/106558281_10158099909321928_7948040221305839478_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdWgyUZHdRDeH_pjVE36rlVbMzglAGiUGDy-_yn3S1hDKPUjHncb5GgA4mYvmJr5jKW055axZBvAWvytV4hSi3BBQ4lxXpJcD8vpKzf7806YvreO3QTXjhOWECXNU8JePs8gP6So9YU8/s1600/106585156_10158099909201928_347963602624200534_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdWgyUZHdRDeH_pjVE36rlVbMzglAGiUGDy-_yn3S1hDKPUjHncb5GgA4mYvmJr5jKW055axZBvAWvytV4hSi3BBQ4lxXpJcD8vpKzf7806YvreO3QTXjhOWECXNU8JePs8gP6So9YU8/s400/106585156_10158099909201928_347963602624200534_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcePT7PRCCk-EJTRoQyi_Wpa6Wrc1RLlIZqqxB_-T9qYH3cd3NHhRyDfYL_SLVIVpB-iz0sDuBhdQILT48C1gqZpQvHHxOu2ZUfe2yiyXDMvnsWCNfXzUNqXSeDMIzsKxYZU2laGG8TVQ/s1600/107052492_10158099908661928_5509812975260516484_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcePT7PRCCk-EJTRoQyi_Wpa6Wrc1RLlIZqqxB_-T9qYH3cd3NHhRyDfYL_SLVIVpB-iz0sDuBhdQILT48C1gqZpQvHHxOu2ZUfe2yiyXDMvnsWCNfXzUNqXSeDMIzsKxYZU2laGG8TVQ/s400/107052492_10158099908661928_5509812975260516484_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We traveled to Maryland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know this is controversial and we didn’t make the decision lightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll share more on this in another post, but
I will also mention that we wore masks every time we were in public and practiced
social distancing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed at my aunt’s
house and had an entire floor to ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maryland also has far fewer cases of COVID than our home state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were very careful and I feel like this
little trip was so good for our mental health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>More to come!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-8111373237154612312020-06-19T14:22:00.000-05:002020-06-19T14:22:18.970-05:00Currently...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m really appreciating a slower pace these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I’m sad that the boys can’t participate
in their usual summer activities and we can’t just turn up at our favorite
restaurants or go to a Cubs game, I love that we’re not busy all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our weekends aren’t jam packed for once.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgVROeKLlGlIkzTyCpv8UBkZbLgkSvkqro7a7kxCcLBS1cdkU4HikskCSdnIP8kbqdlapa-G1nMKb5at5anEsylkEdX4XTkX__jk1_CUi1pwwzdToI1rPjkoeO6Q-KY-y93lIsf3DgfQ/s1600/103308368_10158035172756928_7711553886002372738_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="960" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgVROeKLlGlIkzTyCpv8UBkZbLgkSvkqro7a7kxCcLBS1cdkU4HikskCSdnIP8kbqdlapa-G1nMKb5at5anEsylkEdX4XTkX__jk1_CUi1pwwzdToI1rPjkoeO6Q-KY-y93lIsf3DgfQ/s400/103308368_10158035172756928_7711553886002372738_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the past weekend, we picked out flowers from a couple
local shops and walked along the river trail at the forest preserve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was unseasonably cool and I loved it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re still eating outside as much as
possible (though I saw a spider today so I may never set foot out there again)
and playing badminton in the back yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve created more chalk drawings than I ever thought possible and tried
new recipes (spaghetti carbonera… yum!!) .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This past month has been the busiest at work for me and the
slower pace of things has helped me not feel too overwhelmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same could be said for grad school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this was a “normal” summer, taking a class
on top of all the activities would have been really tough (not to imply that it
isn’t tough… this class has been odd).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In other news, my intern started and I’m really enjoying
being a “boss”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like helping others
learn and I enjoy sharing knowledge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve appreciated the experience more than I expected.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A and I are also still enjoying weekly trivia nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still terrible, but love participating.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Looking forward to celebrating A this weekend!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-92024395476349527872020-06-03T13:12:00.000-05:002020-06-03T13:12:57.048-05:00Life Lately<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been a bit
since I posted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The state of the world
right now is heavy on my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need
to do better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I keep meaning to write something on my “lunch break” (ha!),
but lunch breaks look different these days and the weeks are just
challenging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So here we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of updates…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our weekends have been wonderful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For as challenging as the week days can be, the
weekends have been restorative and (mostly) peaceful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m living for the weekends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Memorial Day weekend was beautiful and we
spent the majority of our weekend outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We took walks and played badminton in the back yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom and Nani and Papa came over for a
socially distanced cook out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
great to catch up and it was wonderful to have a little “normalcy” back in our
lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsP4KzMtixwrRPbIjoqyp63FhpPG4rbuNI0f5h6aDLaEYHhl3S_WamTpq6YtAc7iTg5bFT_AlkkcWdKpI06KYRS8zeckdof1j1UEAtLeQiVoSardVZAb-ICX2I6-l8f1UUC4zsidV_fDU/s1600/99115322_10157962396476928_6594698394952794112_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsP4KzMtixwrRPbIjoqyp63FhpPG4rbuNI0f5h6aDLaEYHhl3S_WamTpq6YtAc7iTg5bFT_AlkkcWdKpI06KYRS8zeckdof1j1UEAtLeQiVoSardVZAb-ICX2I6-l8f1UUC4zsidV_fDU/s400/99115322_10157962396476928_6594698394952794112_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oYMdDY34VD-7g6llNSdR7sGh3wQRocetry8BxH8svjBEk3FK0GOSK5-zH3TgmpW_Q_6_S61NHxz95zVrYeGXO_yyUN6TTQUXs5ENN1UQcCvtpmuw1Rxs2Hqc-US8MqcgvYwJg6HXE48/s1600/99280858_10157966018896928_3207494560338935808_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oYMdDY34VD-7g6llNSdR7sGh3wQRocetry8BxH8svjBEk3FK0GOSK5-zH3TgmpW_Q_6_S61NHxz95zVrYeGXO_yyUN6TTQUXs5ENN1UQcCvtpmuw1Rxs2Hqc-US8MqcgvYwJg6HXE48/s400/99280858_10157966018896928_3207494560338935808_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve participated in a couple “drive by parades” for A’s
students and we have a couple scheduled for the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am absolutely loving these and think they
should become a thing even after virus concerns dwindle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>W has already asked for one for his December
birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure about that, but I do
know we’ve had fun creating signs, decorating the car, honking and waving. <span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve also enjoyed seeing a few parades take
place in our neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All the guys have finished school for the year and that
comes with very mixed emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
elated to be done with eLearning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
I’m also heartbroken the boys didn’t finish the school year AT school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they left in March, we had no
inclination they may not return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
was S’s final year of preschool. He left without saying goodbye to friends, some
of whom we likely won’t see again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was no celebration, no closure for such an important milestone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my contemplative W missed out on field
trips, projects only his creative teacher could effectively demonstrate,
thoughtful instruction, and fun with friends. A and I tried our best, but
between juggling our own work and having no experience teaching little kids,
there’s no way we could fill the shoes of the boys’ amazing teachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just so sad this school year ended the
way it did and I’m praying both boys can return to school in the fall.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R-MrImF7AxAgkCRI_WUVam3I76fuOac7WIM_zP4swN1XmRDIgKCWZ616ou3nE6L_Y_lvWRQc5KrKlb5h7cOQAOv8VcaQuBAuPhw3yqFejEmM9LfjewE1zlPayCAS0imIc9ZLXCZasjQ/s1600/101320262_10157978811421928_7504266309538938880_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R-MrImF7AxAgkCRI_WUVam3I76fuOac7WIM_zP4swN1XmRDIgKCWZ616ou3nE6L_Y_lvWRQc5KrKlb5h7cOQAOv8VcaQuBAuPhw3yqFejEmM9LfjewE1zlPayCAS0imIc9ZLXCZasjQ/s400/101320262_10157978811421928_7504266309538938880_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUqhdr1WCdJxGnZUkD5itVdtvA75Jjmid0JskfynxPSXF7TSSvAA6qPNZi_D3pM1BkbKNAQ8fCwq8z9l02WZkzijRWBwqV0ba496E34SpEkFz_CvlEGjcGI_g42l1qGhrBUGZ99T_X2M/s1600/101892164_10157979940931928_7348864913776836608_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUqhdr1WCdJxGnZUkD5itVdtvA75Jjmid0JskfynxPSXF7TSSvAA6qPNZi_D3pM1BkbKNAQ8fCwq8z9l02WZkzijRWBwqV0ba496E34SpEkFz_CvlEGjcGI_g42l1qGhrBUGZ99T_X2M/s400/101892164_10157979940931928_7348864913776836608_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We visited the lake this past weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys loved climbing on the rocks and
running along the shore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed far
away from any other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I absolutely
love the water – it’s so calming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
boys didn’t want to leave and asked if we could return the following day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can’t wait to visit again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This particular state park is only 15 minutes
from our home and we never visit – that needs to change.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhzuJCty7SwBk5BP6IQRfXDXaQFKG13bOPO6UB9yDWWOERV4n0dCdclkEpK9_LOjYC3Dkq95O_Mukwt_G2iYovrHpU9K9ve0KX0qaLMCgsiJdyVmAtfiX2Yuz9lAX406r8cOKNjw7ulc/s1600/100774889_10157988079021928_3135901913690669056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhzuJCty7SwBk5BP6IQRfXDXaQFKG13bOPO6UB9yDWWOERV4n0dCdclkEpK9_LOjYC3Dkq95O_Mukwt_G2iYovrHpU9K9ve0KX0qaLMCgsiJdyVmAtfiX2Yuz9lAX406r8cOKNjw7ulc/s400/100774889_10157988079021928_3135901913690669056_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTa6QZa79aAbHqDu_2_B-d4doBVArd1hWRvcwDSB-m6Uqv95kCn68QGqw-IINyM6aOf1FHw96fUDmha1IPPNn7Qx1a0UI_xyvbgdAvq-EzlSaWzoq93ZHzpNJPAUUW6lcDPIYRwj1ZMRU/s1600/101399471_10157988078966928_5938292847978479616_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTa6QZa79aAbHqDu_2_B-d4doBVArd1hWRvcwDSB-m6Uqv95kCn68QGqw-IINyM6aOf1FHw96fUDmha1IPPNn7Qx1a0UI_xyvbgdAvq-EzlSaWzoq93ZHzpNJPAUUW6lcDPIYRwj1ZMRU/s400/101399471_10157988078966928_5938292847978479616_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxtSoGxffAoun2n5MzmRWQqlDtE-nRqhHtlm1w0UBZsmKLF05yYf-KIWtXX0eddPYDcW7yKlGb8VKptJWwj1db0IwE89d1npWX2swwAQ_06CAeK6gIc14KhEJeb_TKcyxK38ufQh_bag/s1600/101661072_10157988064846928_5458560879509372928_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxtSoGxffAoun2n5MzmRWQqlDtE-nRqhHtlm1w0UBZsmKLF05yYf-KIWtXX0eddPYDcW7yKlGb8VKptJWwj1db0IwE89d1npWX2swwAQ_06CAeK6gIc14KhEJeb_TKcyxK38ufQh_bag/s400/101661072_10157988064846928_5458560879509372928_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptoxGUS93P63cWGTh2uz2U49C5onG2L5bTPNDn_A2D1q_rcMOcYnJRt0ktvhKJt-i0ZoVV91myGrDXI35_t8QfeVfzFmlofB5Je6zeDwDmCjJdvrbeRR5M8uMaa8PGHWp4pzu-WJ40Ts/s1600/100100687_10157988079011928_4330200166859538432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptoxGUS93P63cWGTh2uz2U49C5onG2L5bTPNDn_A2D1q_rcMOcYnJRt0ktvhKJt-i0ZoVV91myGrDXI35_t8QfeVfzFmlofB5Je6zeDwDmCjJdvrbeRR5M8uMaa8PGHWp4pzu-WJ40Ts/s400/100100687_10157988079011928_4330200166859538432_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOH86H31k1KKivH1R0G824Z_2RPiP21fAnq2Jqz3jO2Qeb1gx3mPfK1WSzUn_Cr-dHogG2p6KRWdtvsM05C5zWke8YBIM8RSR7pKSdUNWVF8PXoKHUsX_ynmjF88zDPBx1dtRx_R9PgM/s1600/101534728_10157988079116928_5523405458225758208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="834" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOH86H31k1KKivH1R0G824Z_2RPiP21fAnq2Jqz3jO2Qeb1gx3mPfK1WSzUn_Cr-dHogG2p6KRWdtvsM05C5zWke8YBIM8RSR7pKSdUNWVF8PXoKHUsX_ynmjF88zDPBx1dtRx_R9PgM/s400/101534728_10157988079116928_5523405458225758208_n.jpg" width="347" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve eaten dinner outside quite a bit lately and I’m loving
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A commented that we have eaten
outside more times in the past month than we have the entire time we’ve owned
the house. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We bought a new car!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A’s car wouldn’t start a few weeks ago and we had it towed to a repair
shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a pretty long list of
maintenance work that needed to be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were hoping it would last through the summer, but it didn’t make
sense to spend money on fixing things when we didn’t intend to keep it much
longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess the timing worked out
because we were able to trade it in and I feel like we got a good deal and 0
percent financing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess that’s all for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stay healthy and be kind to one another!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-62982344249883162722020-05-13T12:58:00.000-05:002020-05-13T13:08:30.036-05:00Currently...I keep meaning to write a quick post. Somehow it seems like there's less to do, but I'm busier than ever. A couple weeks ago we had the best week and I was all "we've FINALLY got this quarantine situation figured out!". And then the following Monday and Tuesday were a complete disaster and I realized that the previous week was a fluke. Ha! Really, though, this will never feel normal. Some days are wonderful and others are terrible. I've come to realize that W especially needs my undivided attention. He just does. And days in which I can do school lessons and focus on just him are usually good days. S continues to amaze me with how much he's learned in the past couple months. He writes, he spells several words, he recognizes several words. None of that was intentional. It was simply the result of him expressing interest and needing to find activities to keep him busy while W worked on school. I'm praying he can start Kindergarten on time because this boy is so ready.<br />
<br />
Mother's Day was... interesting. A went out to grab Starbucks for us and the boys were just awful. I was in tears when he arrived home and felt pretty foolish. I think I was just frustrated and so tired of quarantine life. I had high expectations that the day would automatically be great given that it was Mother's Day. Sadly, the weather was terrible and we even saw snow flurries. Ugh. Thankfully, things improved after breakfast and the guys treated me to a few goodies and lunch from a local restaurant. All's well that ends well - though I am hoping to leave the house next year. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOdYlX7aeajC1jaewUbMqdwUXkUTzuM4AnYG9HTtynCJizlMKw_m3AnSWhU34JyfPfsA8fFu65iKpkK6VhuUjV-RONOQn4LjClXCN1jj45cvzD_KQsCVVEIebi1qA1qnU8IhudexKxZU/s1600/96239681_10157917646226928_5314303235958243328_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="834" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOdYlX7aeajC1jaewUbMqdwUXkUTzuM4AnYG9HTtynCJizlMKw_m3AnSWhU34JyfPfsA8fFu65iKpkK6VhuUjV-RONOQn4LjClXCN1jj45cvzD_KQsCVVEIebi1qA1qnU8IhudexKxZU/s400/96239681_10157917646226928_5314303235958243328_n.jpg" width="347" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprqXmi-gtaZ6DhpMSalziOEOSJV32chI3wNGzCVMBBzyOpB0eoxWAUZvBzEKzbKnnkcLrhu2ew93B8dBGtYj98JCI5w9VAWWMTvf5JjzSXAEC5n9PSJK7CgrHqHGq5Tio3OmUV417kKo/s1600/96410078_10157920310561928_4927062950121832448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprqXmi-gtaZ6DhpMSalziOEOSJV32chI3wNGzCVMBBzyOpB0eoxWAUZvBzEKzbKnnkcLrhu2ew93B8dBGtYj98JCI5w9VAWWMTvf5JjzSXAEC5n9PSJK7CgrHqHGq5Tio3OmUV417kKo/s400/96410078_10157920310561928_4927062950121832448_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Have I mentioned that I'm getting an intern at work?? ME of all people. No idea what to do with her or how to provide meaningful work virtually, but I've got an intern, y'all!<br />
<br />
I finished my class and got an A. I'm proud of myself. It was my first grad class in several years and I did it while working full time, completing eLearning lessons, mothering, and volunteering. <br />
<br />
I know there was more I meant to share, but I'm drawing a blank. Until next time...Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-79886636579499194012020-04-28T21:21:00.001-05:002020-04-28T21:21:52.795-05:00Weekend RecapHow is everyone holding up?<br />
<br />
I thought we finally had things figured out as last week got off to a great start. And then Thursday and Friday happened. Ha. One child gave the cat a hair cut and the other threw a broom at me. They both trashed their rooms and broke a curtain rod. I won't tell you who did what, but I lost it. And then I started thinking about how I knew I'd be a terrible stay at home mom and moments like these only prove it. I miss going to work, I miss routine, I miss leaving the house! I was feeling pretty low. Except this current situation is not even close to what being a stay at home mom would look like and everyone is struggling in some way... So I know I need to cut myself some slack.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, the weekend came and we decorated cookies, played games, took walks, and ordered lunch. The baker who makes the boys' birthday cakes offers contactless delivery of baked goodies. So far I've ordered cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and a cookie decorating kit. Obviously the quarantine diet is going really well. But I've also realized we need little things to look forward to and I love treats.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzUHeA-6ImNaahbc16Ke3ct9IbAviQsVCxspBgreI2yFfv-JhvZ5hq-JQMZmhO9MkWzS-LDUU29ihyphenhyphenxp4JD2a0zjABwxJpoYn2HH67QPgNuwkaY2bbSgneaVpx_POFHx7khEfmovzX9Q/s1600/cookies+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1285" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzUHeA-6ImNaahbc16Ke3ct9IbAviQsVCxspBgreI2yFfv-JhvZ5hq-JQMZmhO9MkWzS-LDUU29ihyphenhyphenxp4JD2a0zjABwxJpoYn2HH67QPgNuwkaY2bbSgneaVpx_POFHx7khEfmovzX9Q/s400/cookies+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholqdbt45tkpzgtyKxxFqW4gRoa3hKee7S8deLYQJDjuK4VKrdyU131C715UOr9v0f6DyKvtufJqN5L2INCfG1ZVYTjZMpMB6fCyeq1qynaj560GM64dROHOSmr2hh_TI-xl_dw9rEhBA/s1600/cookies+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1285" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholqdbt45tkpzgtyKxxFqW4gRoa3hKee7S8deLYQJDjuK4VKrdyU131C715UOr9v0f6DyKvtufJqN5L2INCfG1ZVYTjZMpMB6fCyeq1qynaj560GM64dROHOSmr2hh_TI-xl_dw9rEhBA/s400/cookies+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEvrhRNjoEgebZVXh8mJqokZv4zg13G9aXVfMslMEe1_Hso_DAAKQrB5FSEFpb1QA62zydj4qaDZRlcWw2ZfCskuKiR49U-vZNJ4UGU3wIFEBEne92ixMpc8OKcEJNKGyyvojAvhFjug/s1600/cookies+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1285" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEvrhRNjoEgebZVXh8mJqokZv4zg13G9aXVfMslMEe1_Hso_DAAKQrB5FSEFpb1QA62zydj4qaDZRlcWw2ZfCskuKiR49U-vZNJ4UGU3wIFEBEne92ixMpc8OKcEJNKGyyvojAvhFjug/s400/cookies+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7cPASDJyRg7IWfczFflD7ECScis_j_xCnghfHQIEZZSGipsQ5_m3T6snYB_h0w5h-DQqikJNfbaTxh-rlgRKBoEgKgsaF2kKvbdCOWqnInqFIA7L2xrcyLOoKcWdb3bzS_iKPZa5ILo/s1600/cookies+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1440" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7cPASDJyRg7IWfczFflD7ECScis_j_xCnghfHQIEZZSGipsQ5_m3T6snYB_h0w5h-DQqikJNfbaTxh-rlgRKBoEgKgsaF2kKvbdCOWqnInqFIA7L2xrcyLOoKcWdb3bzS_iKPZa5ILo/s400/cookies+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I just completed my graduate class. I submitted my two final assignments early for feedback from my professor. I was really nervous and asked both A and a colleague to review my work before I submitted. Then I changed my mind and decided they already had enough work to do so I needed to suck it up and accept whatever feedback came my way. Well, my professor told me I nailed it. I'm proud of myself and I'm halfway through the program! One less thing to worry about! Woohoo!<br />
<br />
I started reading Harry Potter with the boys last night. I've never read the series and after W was born, I knew I wanted to read it with him some day. These aren't the types of books the boys would typically choose and S is definitely young for it, but we're going to give it a try anyway. We've been reading a ton since the stay at home order and I love it!<br />
<br />
Oh! I gave the boys haircuts. I watched one whole YouTube video and decided I could do it. And guess what! They turned out really well!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4PK5XMHk4Kzg84ZQlvcP8syIzNxzXJqHCx_tj2XbxAVdvZGxLy8svCnN-dhrbKnoJRcQ_yS4DMh11lEt6XfqWGKSsrlcvwEbJAxfMYAK7-BCahqGEmvP-E_i5ZmW6FOPHqiLkh3wSfM/s1600/94496576_10157843553901928_157190687727550464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="758" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4PK5XMHk4Kzg84ZQlvcP8syIzNxzXJqHCx_tj2XbxAVdvZGxLy8svCnN-dhrbKnoJRcQ_yS4DMh11lEt6XfqWGKSsrlcvwEbJAxfMYAK7-BCahqGEmvP-E_i5ZmW6FOPHqiLkh3wSfM/s400/94496576_10157843553901928_157190687727550464_n.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURHcvl672NCFiA_mhlGnhlGbALaJEHI7Xni0SVv7Znq0Rv8Ztglyq_LLp1TuPhTF-vi0af58BNOOuTQhPv5ORLRnKpdKcqYQ6mzHPWYfPap9l4iK52Lsly0m2JR_CgxQy-y-5HnFR7x0/s1600/93936771_10157843553936928_2191986862170570752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURHcvl672NCFiA_mhlGnhlGbALaJEHI7Xni0SVv7Znq0Rv8Ztglyq_LLp1TuPhTF-vi0af58BNOOuTQhPv5ORLRnKpdKcqYQ6mzHPWYfPap9l4iK52Lsly0m2JR_CgxQy-y-5HnFR7x0/s400/93936771_10157843553936928_2191986862170570752_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBccfJWe3DvjR4RTTIpwjbKsECKG5AVD8DyKO5uBZXlBD6b9cr4-5fo3ywaXhUl70vOqDxPewSH7DBYiMaqOn1smn_LGf-nLagRsVj338UCM3bgfyu-OQxPZdd3FlR_raddivVZRdsN2s/s1600/94127905_10157847391036928_4094407119439134720_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="723" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBccfJWe3DvjR4RTTIpwjbKsECKG5AVD8DyKO5uBZXlBD6b9cr4-5fo3ywaXhUl70vOqDxPewSH7DBYiMaqOn1smn_LGf-nLagRsVj338UCM3bgfyu-OQxPZdd3FlR_raddivVZRdsN2s/s400/94127905_10157847391036928_4094407119439134720_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think that sums up life lately. Really, we just take each day as it comes and hope for the best. :)</div>
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-44160717492252490402020-04-16T14:21:00.002-05:002020-04-16T14:21:40.974-05:00Weekend Recap / Easter<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m a bit late in posting an update/recap/whatever you want
to call it, but as I mentioned previously, not much is happening and every day
feels pretty much the same. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spent the majority of Easter just feeling sad and trying
to repeatedly give myself a pep talk about how our situation could be so much
worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still had Easter baskets, an
egg hunt, and an amazing dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the
way, A and I can apparently cook a really great grown up meal – who knew?!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had ham, roasted potatoes, mac and cheese,
green beans, deviled eggs, and cupcakes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yum!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I couldn’t help feeling disappointed that
we weren’t able to attend church or celebrate with our extended families like
we’ve done in years past.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboqTROIvo5OyA-cMhDiYdmdsbi-pLeUnUBO-EO51GYvR5kTGn7ejYgcy-speio2b71vCnsOME4_0vVhwTmWUE_YSGjbDei0y2u1DKnteAiwImJLnq_JigDvODwZg4mLW1eT_HHgzHIPQ/s1600/92093072_10157775933446928_7395437632169181184_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboqTROIvo5OyA-cMhDiYdmdsbi-pLeUnUBO-EO51GYvR5kTGn7ejYgcy-speio2b71vCnsOME4_0vVhwTmWUE_YSGjbDei0y2u1DKnteAiwImJLnq_JigDvODwZg4mLW1eT_HHgzHIPQ/s400/92093072_10157775933446928_7395437632169181184_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsV1sBsom8pSUd1Jr9VTn-w5306Fc9ep8A2nfyQJGomeaUpGPp9siyoujYmx6EJ7fjwtzlb54QRZAB6AhIpKrXTqXy3tkrt_Xezg-MMvWt62sCEwYOFTGsSHd_NqUTvlX3D_4UIgi680/s1600/92021246_10157775933981928_7447856376576999424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsV1sBsom8pSUd1Jr9VTn-w5306Fc9ep8A2nfyQJGomeaUpGPp9siyoujYmx6EJ7fjwtzlb54QRZAB6AhIpKrXTqXy3tkrt_Xezg-MMvWt62sCEwYOFTGsSHd_NqUTvlX3D_4UIgi680/s400/92021246_10157775933981928_7447856376576999424_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtCw9CKC84vP_g2sdxbQasDCuraWXcdZ-ZAtya9B3jYO3Gpj33jRPwqLlE-SNmnJ_vKCHEWhXGcZXLysMf90PKpm4Ayo3IWEzdR-HEs5olfvwv4iyNIxy3uQrF72IUWeJytIN6xu9fUo/s1600/92913490_10157804628416928_1155948399988572160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtCw9CKC84vP_g2sdxbQasDCuraWXcdZ-ZAtya9B3jYO3Gpj33jRPwqLlE-SNmnJ_vKCHEWhXGcZXLysMf90PKpm4Ayo3IWEzdR-HEs5olfvwv4iyNIxy3uQrF72IUWeJytIN6xu9fUo/s400/92913490_10157804628416928_1155948399988572160_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCCKwuw3sPJuQhJivgtn9Y1QAC1Sqyx1dOOPlBEH-NXeU8mERCypBvuydT-o4Jad_Z-lwVI4QambvTXY_JsWht4U8Unfgmqsyt-y-Tzk6yslZYWLJeRPOeV5jxiuj97ATPFTNRVwle4U/s1600/93303542_10157804628511928_7527964646293110784_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCCKwuw3sPJuQhJivgtn9Y1QAC1Sqyx1dOOPlBEH-NXeU8mERCypBvuydT-o4Jad_Z-lwVI4QambvTXY_JsWht4U8Unfgmqsyt-y-Tzk6yslZYWLJeRPOeV5jxiuj97ATPFTNRVwle4U/s400/93303542_10157804628511928_7527964646293110784_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib60uDQf25ktJrLWTTlUzDyFh9UasGET9NhSDeCKEJX-mfLYOlvVGSKrecicS2VQaQShDXBknDrx_W7-if9_TNtNHJDA4g2qhYnc4lOslTgbHRBPCW3qWirocyrr6FtksGIdCXWEA29Mw/s1600/92865050_10157804628841928_5277610819247407104_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib60uDQf25ktJrLWTTlUzDyFh9UasGET9NhSDeCKEJX-mfLYOlvVGSKrecicS2VQaQShDXBknDrx_W7-if9_TNtNHJDA4g2qhYnc4lOslTgbHRBPCW3qWirocyrr6FtksGIdCXWEA29Mw/s400/92865050_10157804628841928_5277610819247407104_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvj-BOfbWh8gIMyPa0qPsmtW4YWNTajokqXiX0TtGR0ojavYagXFqGnNrYDcSRnA12YDUpYZFj1qrRfdIGZjinDjW6ZWNqiMwsCpuTRQg61y7D-LIimdTxtNgQjVOPs0Rn-1gL2Vr-1U/s1600/92354608_10157804629076928_4343051516463022080_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvj-BOfbWh8gIMyPa0qPsmtW4YWNTajokqXiX0TtGR0ojavYagXFqGnNrYDcSRnA12YDUpYZFj1qrRfdIGZjinDjW6ZWNqiMwsCpuTRQg61y7D-LIimdTxtNgQjVOPs0Rn-1gL2Vr-1U/s400/92354608_10157804629076928_4343051516463022080_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhca7oNpFeTlCtEPo7uyK7WB1viVMebBvAUvjG1JRnzo6_1AzGmn5joVlg72mSEUL442yJh1VbXA90J7wsAkPyvJxR9JmaYWSgc8mM3vY3pvlYaGDE7qJV60BRvmVB0sxDU8E052tze2m8/s1600/93787397_10157804629271928_8466393817690406912_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhca7oNpFeTlCtEPo7uyK7WB1viVMebBvAUvjG1JRnzo6_1AzGmn5joVlg72mSEUL442yJh1VbXA90J7wsAkPyvJxR9JmaYWSgc8mM3vY3pvlYaGDE7qJV60BRvmVB0sxDU8E052tze2m8/s400/93787397_10157804629271928_8466393817690406912_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’re just taking things day by day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Admittedly, some days are really challenging
and just plain hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are they days
in which A and I have work meetings and the boys don’t cooperate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The boys come into the bedroom where I work about 8057 time or </span>they're fed up with the current situation, which results in yelling and throwing things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are meltdowns and arguments and A and I
end up completely exhausted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But luckily, the
challenging days are usually followed by better days. Days that include chalk drawings, dance parties, long walks, scavenger hunts, science experiments, and reading books.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I get overwhelmed easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve noticed it ever since my brother passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things that would typically bother me just
feel heavier and bother me so much more and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I feel a tremendous sense of dread. </span>So you can imagine that working full time with kids home full time, home
school, graduate class, and weekly preschool board meetings are weighing
on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a totally ironic twist, I talked
to my doctor about this and he prescribed a medication to only be taken when I
needed it most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, like now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except I didn’t fill said prescription before we went on
lock down and now I’m too afraid to visit the pharmacy for a non essential
medication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go figure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last night, after my board meeting, we put the boys to bed
quickly and hopped on a virtual trivia tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I now realize I sound like an uber
nerd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should know that I hardly knew
any of the answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it was the first
time in a long time that I felt a little more “normal”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had so much fun and I’m so glad our
friends invited us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up in third
place and our friends came in second out of 25ish teams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, can’t take any credit, but I love
trivia contests with A.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Other positive takeaways from the past couple weeks: We’re
still trying to get walks in when possible and I feel SO much better when I get a little fresh air and exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has snowed a few times, though. <span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">☹</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We joined our
neighbors in donating funds to our mail carrier, UPS delivery man, Fed Ex delivery man, and
sanitation workers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Tomorrow w</span>e’re presenting
them all with the money collected and also making thank you signs
for our yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that our neighbors
organized this!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>S and I have started
doing kids YouTube dance videos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I
needed confirmation that I’m the world’s worst dancer, this was it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But S told me I’m his favorite person to dance
with so there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stay well!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIWpQCo4ZUNSIqB25dDqLIh-s7WCjDaWo0JV4LsUYH_RWwDJeny2N1keIjrn_VudeaZN2SO9GDchbUnWLR7yqhMj0n0uKm00PwO3-ed9TJm3Eiqfc7hZTuqDWqOMjk9x-4er4lUgGRrI/s1600/93129109_10157800625801928_2134176817114775552_o+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIWpQCo4ZUNSIqB25dDqLIh-s7WCjDaWo0JV4LsUYH_RWwDJeny2N1keIjrn_VudeaZN2SO9GDchbUnWLR7yqhMj0n0uKm00PwO3-ed9TJm3Eiqfc7hZTuqDWqOMjk9x-4er4lUgGRrI/s400/93129109_10157800625801928_2134176817114775552_o+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-71703274046520471992020-04-03T13:00:00.002-05:002020-04-03T13:00:12.499-05:00Weekend RecapI don't really have much of a weekend recap because every day feels more or less the same. I think everyone is in the same boat.<br />
<br />
We've been going for walks everyday - thankful we live in a pretty big neighborhood and have been able to discover new routes and places.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUR30EYd5t6kUxuwZ9TOWpgZweqwqGuqREjkW8YCvfT3_z1Sn3ntxxEoG4KMqZ2BsBF7qhfSHBdjECzj0ClSL_R7au3XvZOfhzwvoeQOw8fd8tNuq_FEb2jYOjXMZzacTMKvRTXeGC_rM/s1600/family+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUR30EYd5t6kUxuwZ9TOWpgZweqwqGuqREjkW8YCvfT3_z1Sn3ntxxEoG4KMqZ2BsBF7qhfSHBdjECzj0ClSL_R7au3XvZOfhzwvoeQOw8fd8tNuq_FEb2jYOjXMZzacTMKvRTXeGC_rM/s400/family+walk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUSffuHa_aHyezvTZv5G7Y7cYySi-YJ42HXJf7WOFRcdrD-2b-gAL9fjvGwtByByWhboZk_EKldgyi-wsl0hyphenhyphenqx8VOi0prBlPILbMGvvUaFzEgEOvgKJ0nYDi33gG2r7_50AEW8DtYOc/s1600/91821823_10157761797276928_7301112221839392768_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUSffuHa_aHyezvTZv5G7Y7cYySi-YJ42HXJf7WOFRcdrD-2b-gAL9fjvGwtByByWhboZk_EKldgyi-wsl0hyphenhyphenqx8VOi0prBlPILbMGvvUaFzEgEOvgKJ0nYDi33gG2r7_50AEW8DtYOc/s400/91821823_10157761797276928_7301112221839392768_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPl3OY7DbdUpugQOUiKDd0Nq6nZmPgAHZZKincYCUGTjkUUEFeCyl1bdeCuC73zl6793i-kfgYor0-Ua_t9KwOjaYN3o4UzWa2XeaehNabcqArKosUcYcC8S-Y0a_eMRU19DNn1-GyVY4/s1600/91209137_10157761797351928_7493179220831502336_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPl3OY7DbdUpugQOUiKDd0Nq6nZmPgAHZZKincYCUGTjkUUEFeCyl1bdeCuC73zl6793i-kfgYor0-Ua_t9KwOjaYN3o4UzWa2XeaehNabcqArKosUcYcC8S-Y0a_eMRU19DNn1-GyVY4/s400/91209137_10157761797351928_7493179220831502336_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We visited my mom as well as Nani and Papa from the driveway. S even made a sign to hold up. I think it was so good for the boys to see their grandparents. They had a really really challenging Monday. The entire day felt like one giant meltdown, but since then, things have gone well. There are scuffles and arguments, but I'm grateful the boys have each other during this time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5ZN_3maF5FmIKn01EeRaWbC-M5AsLLN3KyyuRLPIBwPpRZPTmG3D_epSJPUykew30Mtf_7RRQdVx36i9XmaMoV-TVMuglBAMnj1Aaberd2crLdu695Y7ispmnUSI-hdi9rYEA1c-m8k/s1600/91844406_10157761532386928_9126185203348275200_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5ZN_3maF5FmIKn01EeRaWbC-M5AsLLN3KyyuRLPIBwPpRZPTmG3D_epSJPUykew30Mtf_7RRQdVx36i9XmaMoV-TVMuglBAMnj1Aaberd2crLdu695Y7ispmnUSI-hdi9rYEA1c-m8k/s400/91844406_10157761532386928_9126185203348275200_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My mom came over yesterday for a "social distance" walk - she stayed outside and walked 6 feet behind us, but it was great to catch up while getting some fresh air. We ended up walking for over an hour. On the downside, Charlie still smells like a swamp after our walk - so gross!<br />
<br />
We've done quite well with meal planning and I'm proud of us. W has surprised me with some of the things he's liked - mostaccioli, chicken tacos, and greek chicken with rice. I've made it a point to let him know that I'm trying new recipes and if he doesn't like what I make, we'll find something else for him. I think this has taken the pressure off in a way and he's discovered that he really does like different foods. A major win!<br />
<br />
Work is challenging because I don't have the office conveniences and the boys do interrupt often. I'm just doing the best I can.<br />
<br />
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-83508626150056606982020-03-25T16:38:00.000-05:002020-03-25T16:38:41.859-05:00Weekend RecapI think my next few weekend recaps are all going to sound the same. And honestly, I can't really differentiate between the weekends and weekdays. I know I work during the week, but I forget what activities we do when.<br />
<br />
I do know that we've been going on walks every day. I like the fresh air and exercise and it's nice to see so many neighbors out walking (though we keep our distance). Many people in our neighborhood have written chalk messages on driveways and sidewalks. We did the same. The messages are so uplifting and give me hope.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguu6VB2CnGfj-2OTHrGzUqFOmfGm-dUoAGLHx51njZcHwcc1o451c6o-FX4PjH2KsQQBs15wJ_9l5IBhiY4vkG272pG8xvQPbLPqHnP8rNoypHUuh-JaMIlsUiiEJiWT5IwHXXFcCo-q0/s1600/90348193_10157726265011928_6069297583958786048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="960" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguu6VB2CnGfj-2OTHrGzUqFOmfGm-dUoAGLHx51njZcHwcc1o451c6o-FX4PjH2KsQQBs15wJ_9l5IBhiY4vkG272pG8xvQPbLPqHnP8rNoypHUuh-JaMIlsUiiEJiWT5IwHXXFcCo-q0/s400/90348193_10157726265011928_6069297583958786048_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt53c9Ho372EUh0NXrfWuaKbzHces8di8vBkvrxireSwEtHU8NcG2uWfetpwYZmuXvMpe7Kjj-vOAwcC1AbDu4cU_cJwzzjZGXaluhaylGpvp07vPAwFbSUiUoELcUQ_o7aAt9m_oJrxc/s1600/90640180_10157726265201928_1506268983739809792_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="960" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt53c9Ho372EUh0NXrfWuaKbzHces8di8vBkvrxireSwEtHU8NcG2uWfetpwYZmuXvMpe7Kjj-vOAwcC1AbDu4cU_cJwzzjZGXaluhaylGpvp07vPAwFbSUiUoELcUQ_o7aAt9m_oJrxc/s400/90640180_10157726265201928_1506268983739809792_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbDDaHDKVT96XBOr0BI_RtX77ebh-0lO93fxTN9NyenpCHtxglK5blkrRx12T90NM5hShyc3earNePQuSF7_jfPdVriYolTfwPIpv2J4cZ5IlB2KjkEzOiC5WmALLvb-ZbvanAUgDS2U/s1600/90915584_10157726265051928_3816528765522018304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="960" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbDDaHDKVT96XBOr0BI_RtX77ebh-0lO93fxTN9NyenpCHtxglK5blkrRx12T90NM5hShyc3earNePQuSF7_jfPdVriYolTfwPIpv2J4cZ5IlB2KjkEzOiC5WmALLvb-ZbvanAUgDS2U/s400/90915584_10157726265051928_3816528765522018304_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74ouWZqXUwYmYRMAg01sSKY-BvAv5VKwLe3Mb_HMWznPFyIColYl6ZnkC3gi4Io-powon5IIryCcmAUobNTzCrHTNZGrtJd8-0kdgJcf1J-XaWnL8AOM5qvQTPLl2vgYrXKtOyULoyOo/s1600/90982764_10157726265106928_5435270105086820352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="960" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74ouWZqXUwYmYRMAg01sSKY-BvAv5VKwLe3Mb_HMWznPFyIColYl6ZnkC3gi4Io-powon5IIryCcmAUobNTzCrHTNZGrtJd8-0kdgJcf1J-XaWnL8AOM5qvQTPLl2vgYrXKtOyULoyOo/s400/90982764_10157726265106928_5435270105086820352_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On Saturday, the boys and I wrote down clues and then we all piled in the car for a scavenger hunt. A had to locate the destination according to our hints. It was nice to get out of the house and we had fun coming up with clues. I think we'll do the same this weekend, only A will come up with the clues and we'll have to figure out the destination and direct him.<br />
<br />
We've actually done really well with meal planning. We're limiting our grocery shopping to once per week and dare I say I'm actually enjoying coming up with a plan for dinners in advance. It takes the last minute guesswork out of dinner preparation and with no commute, we have plenty of time to make dinner.<br />
<br />
This week has started off much more challenging than the last. It's officially our spring break so W doesn't have daily assignments. I think the novelty of all of us at home all the time has worn off. The lack of routine is also resulting in some restlessness for the boys. We're getting them outside when we can and just trying our best to keep life as normal as possible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6anzqIy83OkJgHNggRsm7BumEK5ssdtT_A-Kj0Wn1BdWFYUIevQM0NmMa1_y3rRgtXeokS5XPb1vbzHUZqFxjHMd3xb-iAD3P_iYyeP-65UrHZbKF7o4aeIHDwhnB4dzAIfZDVclxrk/s1600/work+space+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1159" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6anzqIy83OkJgHNggRsm7BumEK5ssdtT_A-Kj0Wn1BdWFYUIevQM0NmMa1_y3rRgtXeokS5XPb1vbzHUZqFxjHMd3xb-iAD3P_iYyeP-65UrHZbKF7o4aeIHDwhnB4dzAIfZDVclxrk/s400/work+space+1.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-37803170155689517582020-03-20T13:22:00.001-05:002020-03-20T13:23:14.435-05:00Life During the COVID-19 PandemicIs anyone still blogging these days? It seems pretty quiet out there. If you're still reading, I'd love your input.<br />
<br />
This quarantine has been really tough. I've been trying to focus on some of the positives, but it's hard not to think about the negative impacts. I'll admit there are a few negative impacts that most would find trivial, but they're getting to me.<br />
<br />
I'll share my thoughts, but I'd love to hear from you too. No judgement.<br />
<br />
Let's get the trivial negative impacts out of the way:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Hair. Ok, I realize this is minor and maybe it makes me shallow or vain. So be it. I was supposed to get my hair cut and highlighted this weekend and the appointment was cancelled. The thought of going two-ish months without a hair cut and highlights is more daunting than it should be. This is causing me way more anxiety than it should.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>A and I often don't get home from work until 5 at the earliest. The boys are hangry and as a result we often eat out or pick up food 3-4 times per week. It's a lot, but it just works with our busy schedules. We also have picky kids so it allows some variety in our meal selections. We're not used to meal planning. Trying to get all of the groceries ahead of time and plan meals that all of us will eat well in advance has been challenging.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Related, we're going through food fast!! Again, we're not used to everyone home and not used to stocking up in advance. At least we have toilet paper.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Not so trivial:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Lack of interaction with parents. My mom and I are very close (especially since my brother and dad passed away). We're used to seeing each other at least 4 times per week. My mom nearly cried on the phone when we discussed staying away. The boys are also very close to all of their grandparents. They were asking when Nani would be coming over and I had to tell them I really wasn't sure. This one is breaking my heart.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Positives:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>All things considered, the boys have been getting along really, really well. They have moments in which they argue and yell, but they also have plenty of moments in which they work together on puzzles, play games, read together, look at flash cards together, ride scooters, build Lego houses, etc.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Home schooling is going pretty well. We don't have a great routine, but we are working through homework packets and incorporating other fun activities like science experiments, neighborhood scavenger hunts, and book madness (each family member chooses 2 books, we read and vote for our favorites). I even discovered S can write several numbers and letters... I seriously had no idea!</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Working from home. Ok, so this has been challenging with multiple interruptions, distractions, and lack of computer monitors. BUT. I don't take for granted the ability to work from home. It's been such a blessing during this trying time.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Related, having a webcam has allowed me to have face to face meetings with colleagues. I even had coffee with a colleague via virtual meeting.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Family time. I appreciate that we've gotten to spend so much time together. Happy we have each other and like each other most of the time. :)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Sleeping in and watching tv shows. Not having a commute means I've been sleeping in until 6am, which is amazing. It also means that A and I have been able to watch tv after the boys go to bed, which we hardly ever do. We've caught up on This is Us and started watching Schitt's Creek, which is both terrible and hilarious.</li>
</ul>
<div>
I'm sure there are more, but that's what I've got so far. </div>
</div>
Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-77384441124778268992020-03-18T14:11:00.002-05:002020-03-20T13:23:30.533-05:00COVID-19<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How is everyone coping as we practice social
distancing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re on day 3 of home
schooling and it kind of feels like month 3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re lucky because I’m able to work from home and A’s school is closed
so he is caring for the boys while attempting to home school a first grader and
a preschooler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are making the most of
it, but I already miss our routines and our “normal” days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some ways it’s comforting to know that
everyone is affected by COVID-19.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re
all trying to figure things out and working collaboratively to stop the spread
of this virus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s also hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I definitely struggle with change and
self-quarantining is the ultimate change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m worried that W won’t be returning to school this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love his teacher and he was thriving in first
grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is S’s final year of
preschool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It breaks my heart that there
is a possibility he won’t return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s a
social kid and being away from friends and teachers is going to be difficult
for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t even get to say
a proper goodbye to my boss because our office is closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We had to cancel our spring vacation that we were so much looking forward to. </span>My heart hurts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hoping and praying this virus goes away soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
I've had quite a few work meetings while working from home and each one ends with someone saying "stay safe and healthy". Wishing you all the same.Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-11378127990066929392020-03-12T16:20:00.002-05:002020-03-12T16:20:24.649-05:00Weekend Recap<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gosh, what a freaking week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The world is panicking, COVID-19 is spreading, the stock market is nose
diving, our vacation is in jeopardy, and my amazing boss resigned (finally found a job I enjoyed and an awesome boss - annnnd that lasted a whole 8 months... UGH).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m ready to just hide in my house and eat
nothing but Cadbury mini eggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seriously, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything is
a MESS right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so disappointed/concerned/frustrated/distraught with this current state of life and trying NOT to focus on all the fun events that will inevitably be canceled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This too shall
pass, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I never posted a weekend recap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were busy, busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of errands: hair-cuts for the boys,
gymnastics class, tax preparation, and outside time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys decided to use the gift cards they
received for Christmas and chose to purchase a garbage truck (W) and games
(S).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had lots of fun playing Hedbandz
(though S is the biggest cheater!!) and Guess Who.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also visited a nearby park and it was so
great to get some fresh air!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUeiqCzIiJ5fl9PvCT5XoRqMcN-WYg8RRoA9VwL1ScjkXklEzZMUX_e9HMTiUHB_QRhVzkXb4LVSFkep-KVN7UA9n6Uyv_4R1nxH-tq7i5V8HGIszJpxt2ufavGeIv8AskFXK2y7SUgE/s1600/89517480_10157681662366928_5459132208943988736_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="791" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUeiqCzIiJ5fl9PvCT5XoRqMcN-WYg8RRoA9VwL1ScjkXklEzZMUX_e9HMTiUHB_QRhVzkXb4LVSFkep-KVN7UA9n6Uyv_4R1nxH-tq7i5V8HGIszJpxt2ufavGeIv8AskFXK2y7SUgE/s400/89517480_10157681662366928_5459132208943988736_o.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dreaming of sunny days sans COVID-19</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-60856231335034666732020-03-03T12:47:00.003-06:002020-03-03T12:47:57.665-06:00Weekend Recap<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m falling behind on my exciting weekend recap posts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They aren’t exciting at all, but I love re-reading what we we’ve been up
to as the boys have grown.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The week A and I returned from vacation was a rough
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We returned Monday night and the
following Tuesday night/early Wednesday morning, S woke up around midnight
vomiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought he was just getting
W’s cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a tendency to puke any
time he has a cold/cough (which is going to make for a really interesting year
of Kindergarten, but that’s a worry for another day).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stayed home from preschool Wednesday,
vomited that morning, but then was ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By Thursday, he seemed to be totally fine and went to school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thursday around midnight, I woke up
vomiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday, I felt awful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t eat anything and couldn’t get out
of bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also on Friday, S came down with
W’s cold, which resulted in more puking for him (but this time it was
definitely the cough causing it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By
Saturday, I was mostly fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
appetite, but otherwise, I felt ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>W
continued to get over his cold and finally, by the following week, we were all
feeling much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SO the point of all that was to say that last
weekend was kind of a bust and I don’t really have much to recap.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This past Thursday, A turned 40.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t believe it!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When did we get so old?!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all seriousness, I’m incredibly proud of
him for taking such good care of himself. Hoping for continued health!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday, the boys were super crabby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They slept in their bunk beds and I’m
guessing they didn’t sleep well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
had gymnastics in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A and I
laughed as usual as the boys attempted to somersault, cartwheel, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took Charlie for a walk when we got home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>W got mad that he didn’t win some imaginary
race and turned around and rode home on his scooter (with A following him)
halfway through the walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eye roll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it was off to celebrate A at A’s
favorite pizza restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole family came and we enjoyed apps and yummy pizza.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday, another busy day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Church, Starbucks, Family Fun Fair at W’s
school, took Charlie for a long by myself (which was very peaceful), stopped at
the grocery store, and made dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thankfully, the boys were in a much better mood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were super helpful at the grocery store
and even took it upon themselves to bag groceries when they realized there
wasn’t someone around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thanked them
and told them they were such great helpers. Upon hearing that, S exclaimed, “Well, that
calls for a double high five!!”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
still cracks me up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a great day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-HUneJIl_4cPYKU5l5fdvw1KZoKMGySxKy_dsxDPsKIgrmlihr_P5EJwudo7SemLrUDI4c2kPm8KQaF1SKoHmvamdKrm5i3Wj4mRED9BgavpXTmru6EQajOw22O4jiXhMzPmlyVLWSk/s1600/88020372_10157658411756928_1715716658816876544_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="889" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-HUneJIl_4cPYKU5l5fdvw1KZoKMGySxKy_dsxDPsKIgrmlihr_P5EJwudo7SemLrUDI4c2kPm8KQaF1SKoHmvamdKrm5i3Wj4mRED9BgavpXTmru6EQajOw22O4jiXhMzPmlyVLWSk/s400/88020372_10157658411756928_1715716658816876544_o.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's been feeling more like spring around here and I'm excited for time spent outdoors!</div>
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-55745320159232893162020-02-25T12:11:00.002-06:002020-02-25T12:11:45.972-06:00Surprise Birthday Trip!!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I need to share our incredible trip before I forget
anything.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A turns 40 at the end of the month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him months ago how he wanted to
celebrate his big birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could
have a party, go on a trip, anything, but we definitely needed to celebrate
such an important milestone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A really
liked the idea of going on a trip – especially to somewhere warm seeing as
February in Chicago is typically cold and snowy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A is really easy going (unlike myself) so we
somehow decided that I would plan a surprise trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s face it, I would have planned the trip
regardless if it was a surprise so the surprise element was a fun twist.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I worked with a travel agent, which is definitely the way to
go in my opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I wanted to
head to one of the Caribbean islands and after much research on my own and
input from the travel agent, decided on Turks and Caicos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A literally had no idea where we were headed
until we arrived at the airport at 3:30am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Admittedly, it was a tad anticlimactic as A found out when the American
Airlines desk agent asked what our final destination was, but it was fun
nonetheless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even A’s colleagues were
trying to guess where we were headed (and they were all wrong!).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The morning we left, it was snowing steadily in
Chicago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a connecting flight in
Miami and realized that the next two AA flights from Chicago to Miami were
cancelled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanking our lucky stars we
were able to flight out – we were very, very fortunate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were delayed about 45 minutes and as soon
as we got off the plane in Miami, our next flight was boarding.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We arrived in Providenciales around 1:30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was such a weird feeling to leave 20
degrees and snow, fly 5 hours, and land where it was 80 degrees and sunny (but
we weren’t complaining!!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We soon
arrived at our amazing resort, quickly changed clothes, and grabbed lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were starving!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d planned on grabbing breakfast in Miami,
but there just wasn’t any time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
ordered fish tacos and I should mention that I never ever order fish in the
Midwest. If you asked, I’d tell you I don’t like fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I change my tune when near an ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And these were so good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, all the food we had was amazing!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdNEBFOUlNJiv3NKxeoW44Fk3omApdXpdvYx5RGBIiyfO-VO5-SrePbUPXHZ1LhC_U_7Rv2hC3dFjDh6LXbKO3YfYTxHzSBtU-Tmq4kpD6JaD6prd5nWqFFk_Yh0uH9_r_aBpY8Fs7X0/s1600/86304615_10157618916751928_1535179027084476416_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdNEBFOUlNJiv3NKxeoW44Fk3omApdXpdvYx5RGBIiyfO-VO5-SrePbUPXHZ1LhC_U_7Rv2hC3dFjDh6LXbKO3YfYTxHzSBtU-Tmq4kpD6JaD6prd5nWqFFk_Yh0uH9_r_aBpY8Fs7X0/s400/86304615_10157618916751928_1535179027084476416_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAtqL5hPWpV7MX-Y3oXqNMP1LkteQ01-vMid6sh97I2G6EGcd_49jjeiwVFkuIzr5L45FlaUSUqzfs_lIkTWGGWzW5yfCUWhrlDTEi0R5AiRlOfAZ8g6Ia25gOBRoCX9ACb0OFp1pv5c/s1600/84632319_10157609015296928_8156706802835128320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAtqL5hPWpV7MX-Y3oXqNMP1LkteQ01-vMid6sh97I2G6EGcd_49jjeiwVFkuIzr5L45FlaUSUqzfs_lIkTWGGWzW5yfCUWhrlDTEi0R5AiRlOfAZ8g6Ia25gOBRoCX9ACb0OFp1pv5c/s400/84632319_10157609015296928_8156706802835128320_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unbeknownst to me at the time, our travel agent had called
ahead and secured an incredible room (see, find yourself a travel agent!). We were on the top floor of the resort (Penthouse)
and had a view of the ocean. A platter
of fresh fruit was waiting. It was the
most amazing place I’ve ever stayed at.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cwiMhFYf_rPq4xNUcl93kQfhyphenhyphenwrA67k0nGw1Y3Gtai6x31i2nHub8JR9xmhKJMoevuPu4yP_BI3HblqYj34uoLZcAjMVzRmDzftdF5p5pMrpj-s1tzjGyQMfZ4BMzmTSQPVMaCJ3gDM/s1600/86694939_10157618916786928_6657141477065359360_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cwiMhFYf_rPq4xNUcl93kQfhyphenhyphenwrA67k0nGw1Y3Gtai6x31i2nHub8JR9xmhKJMoevuPu4yP_BI3HblqYj34uoLZcAjMVzRmDzftdF5p5pMrpj-s1tzjGyQMfZ4BMzmTSQPVMaCJ3gDM/s400/86694939_10157618916786928_6657141477065359360_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We went out to dinner that night and sat outside under the
stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had butternut squash ravioli
(so good!!) while A had coconut chicken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were beyond exhausted by the end of dinner.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRH-rAnzePArQJo_n2Jgew6CYg92pDHg-gZIHeIZvze03fUx5q9sr2cfAcNxQzOzZWyPCEa_OrGzl-OgusRYUTXgRyk2YwSWGy8Ut21pJ_m8H4O_tuyuwEd2OQWMvjVGW_L45awyoO1w/s1600/86695912_10157618916886928_7101563011860529152_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRH-rAnzePArQJo_n2Jgew6CYg92pDHg-gZIHeIZvze03fUx5q9sr2cfAcNxQzOzZWyPCEa_OrGzl-OgusRYUTXgRyk2YwSWGy8Ut21pJ_m8H4O_tuyuwEd2OQWMvjVGW_L45awyoO1w/s400/86695912_10157618916886928_7101563011860529152_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday, we booked a tour and traveled by ferry (the fastest
ferry ever!) to North Caicos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only 1700
people live on the island, most of whom are descendants of slaves who once
worked at the plantations on the island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We visited a sink hole, a plantation, a stunning beach, and then stopped
for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A and I both had snapper and
it was possibly the best fish I’ve ever eaten (fish again!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should also mention that our tour guide was
fantastic and actually lives on North Caicos.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZqhaEdizCZ9jkvuUHV32HZfV_NLP6qjymg0x8PmO71xlB4WDALZzw023JLG6pXg08WYKb2QohiiyY_kVdzHfcXG-MjFMc6jQFwHzDJk0n9eUEYmpUDscCTBwfoYpfNmviBWFQG-H1qs/s1600/86432907_10157612841696928_7793582839970136064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZqhaEdizCZ9jkvuUHV32HZfV_NLP6qjymg0x8PmO71xlB4WDALZzw023JLG6pXg08WYKb2QohiiyY_kVdzHfcXG-MjFMc6jQFwHzDJk0n9eUEYmpUDscCTBwfoYpfNmviBWFQG-H1qs/s400/86432907_10157612841696928_7793582839970136064_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBvHdddgCJL4J4UPoanrUNa8RhiXm5PEobI4pXwwAJ2CYkFKyEk24v173fH5-EBWxz8-xh9yXILMYqWWrWrGyqPedYm424jaM0QHtXHIFtBX3Re_eg2UCLzZbE7d12qCkMj9iEREhSiQ/s1600/86796129_10157612841726928_1165722414114406400_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBvHdddgCJL4J4UPoanrUNa8RhiXm5PEobI4pXwwAJ2CYkFKyEk24v173fH5-EBWxz8-xh9yXILMYqWWrWrGyqPedYm424jaM0QHtXHIFtBX3Re_eg2UCLzZbE7d12qCkMj9iEREhSiQ/s400/86796129_10157612841726928_1165722414114406400_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqSA4_lMbB-dRvU9PyNB37OqHOeigSaQrBWz97rLZLOXCOpX-D5fzHW3dYvn75hM2ihxAyU4z4-hrWbIc7CjiYqWUDu2sx71FqN48f2X_sCSa740xrx99laSnvnt5j44_Uu1Y6HWAEuA/s1600/86485919_10157612841926928_3485030334779621376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqSA4_lMbB-dRvU9PyNB37OqHOeigSaQrBWz97rLZLOXCOpX-D5fzHW3dYvn75hM2ihxAyU4z4-hrWbIc7CjiYqWUDu2sx71FqN48f2X_sCSa740xrx99laSnvnt5j44_Uu1Y6HWAEuA/s400/86485919_10157612841926928_3485030334779621376_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJat-wwNVMTh5ACSJDG1eUSQEYqZK3Bz-I3Ht0tX0hpc7LrUA7545Z1-RhOpf46uiKWLVH5djGRSGHAOTsxj0mNv72G8w1wuMMVcfSTVZhGkM29Tff0U6dnp-9xcoJzPk2vGzrVaVc54/s1600/86975221_10157612841866928_1661875416945655808_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJat-wwNVMTh5ACSJDG1eUSQEYqZK3Bz-I3Ht0tX0hpc7LrUA7545Z1-RhOpf46uiKWLVH5djGRSGHAOTsxj0mNv72G8w1wuMMVcfSTVZhGkM29Tff0U6dnp-9xcoJzPk2vGzrVaVc54/s400/86975221_10157612841866928_1661875416945655808_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGTdrrFtKZb6eJI-V2RXZfOZ9E22-6B_t-MgsZWHgYbGrrQ1Oq2-q_4Mj4T9jpF-WE30zmuuzUJQovOk9uPC4FTc2Nby3iMZmd55LqyAAmSXG39H847cP9Gf4U57GIVq4AO_vvs1HPM0/s1600/86699025_10157612842061928_7178473498036142080_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGTdrrFtKZb6eJI-V2RXZfOZ9E22-6B_t-MgsZWHgYbGrrQ1Oq2-q_4Mj4T9jpF-WE30zmuuzUJQovOk9uPC4FTc2Nby3iMZmd55LqyAAmSXG39H847cP9Gf4U57GIVq4AO_vvs1HPM0/s400/86699025_10157612842061928_7178473498036142080_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>After lunch, our tour guide took us to Middle Caicos. There are no residents, only a couple resorts
and restaurants. You basically feel like
you’re on a deserted island. It was such
an amazing experience. We first visited
an above ground cave. Apparently, it’s 4
miles deep and I can’t imagine you’d be allowed to go in something like this in
the US. The walk was treacherous, there
were bats, but it was so darn cool.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Y-_Bmio4dIO23iXsjhXrrX3elEEVhaMSa1gALP27-8UuSysedDmo1ILO6QMoqRSuCv10BeVL4iAoatMzECCR6sVdUh178XJjljRdYjsTuI6dozXVtw89u2DS9sZf8kZ-skt6LQfOaGA/s1600/86609160_10157612842181928_6403988090230145024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Y-_Bmio4dIO23iXsjhXrrX3elEEVhaMSa1gALP27-8UuSysedDmo1ILO6QMoqRSuCv10BeVL4iAoatMzECCR6sVdUh178XJjljRdYjsTuI6dozXVtw89u2DS9sZf8kZ-skt6LQfOaGA/s400/86609160_10157612842181928_6403988090230145024_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the cave, we headed to Mudjin Harbour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A and I walked up a cliff and then down a
narrow stairway to a deserted beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The photos don’t even do it justice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgog6Ypbvr4rfoKQX7vPZkGKUPSnZMmbjNsrEQ8n3dIzrLzYkdBSnsqx7rovMN96XIvdJt-nKYKv2aY39c_85ClSE5wM6h76Z2OqrUKWhn28IEhEJZbKg0uV_I4b5lQ4gKK6stClgOkyHI/s1600/86499877_10157612842896928_2855731730864668672_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgog6Ypbvr4rfoKQX7vPZkGKUPSnZMmbjNsrEQ8n3dIzrLzYkdBSnsqx7rovMN96XIvdJt-nKYKv2aY39c_85ClSE5wM6h76Z2OqrUKWhn28IEhEJZbKg0uV_I4b5lQ4gKK6stClgOkyHI/s400/86499877_10157612842896928_2855731730864668672_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOgWzFKxquuP1c-zJCJdshnIYciuVDLnHZjGRmk55PTZnIH0t2gTOeyRi_L4XeJZEURuFgPPbELBikQOjiWHOcas66BhCXY7wO8JaFfVOy4gyKLfI_6ohrQkdLybNVaxnpyYhZ2WfSgM/s1600/86388934_10157612842886928_2520534156459376640_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOgWzFKxquuP1c-zJCJdshnIYciuVDLnHZjGRmk55PTZnIH0t2gTOeyRi_L4XeJZEURuFgPPbELBikQOjiWHOcas66BhCXY7wO8JaFfVOy4gyKLfI_6ohrQkdLybNVaxnpyYhZ2WfSgM/s400/86388934_10157612842886928_2520534156459376640_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZ3_JP2sdhifSL3Gp04WPbazgJM3w8A90PoVB5TbVW6ZB1KOEssE7rj6C2-0gB2CzfDZv3sEqiwUXpZR2Xa295D8ybNjuLKBUbZQEViyCX1p6sYTHD-sH9V3w6vG1Li5HJc_ZGK8cWdk/s1600/86367381_10157612842811928_1147691617419788288_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZ3_JP2sdhifSL3Gp04WPbazgJM3w8A90PoVB5TbVW6ZB1KOEssE7rj6C2-0gB2CzfDZv3sEqiwUXpZR2Xa295D8ybNjuLKBUbZQEViyCX1p6sYTHD-sH9V3w6vG1Li5HJc_ZGK8cWdk/s400/86367381_10157612842811928_1147691617419788288_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJQhS_AoTJew6_77EcHFIccGfe-wAqcN3vO5fWFREto6RJHvSurSc2hRxn93TO_-7Thp9phzmIupiNQfWAbmhVsvIA60b6DrS1xarEUlK28JqvH1j1ZtYz2t4iMeVAMEtaiygUdgiKSc/s1600/86661809_10157612842411928_7479104535693099008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJQhS_AoTJew6_77EcHFIccGfe-wAqcN3vO5fWFREto6RJHvSurSc2hRxn93TO_-7Thp9phzmIupiNQfWAbmhVsvIA60b6DrS1xarEUlK28JqvH1j1ZtYz2t4iMeVAMEtaiygUdgiKSc/s400/86661809_10157612842411928_7479104535693099008_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivUTYtXSq-IxhXfoWRnaugmHDhxkctnczzvm9o-SHC905RThX2GaeeKPndlyQP9xPrnlbgsl9aBYkAylYgK_ADjDxu67gqGgCMBZ9Nz2pVIb7fc60JcEzxa3-3OiEhY7iD-iSBebR6eg/s1600/vacation+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivUTYtXSq-IxhXfoWRnaugmHDhxkctnczzvm9o-SHC905RThX2GaeeKPndlyQP9xPrnlbgsl9aBYkAylYgK_ADjDxu67gqGgCMBZ9Nz2pVIb7fc60JcEzxa3-3OiEhY7iD-iSBebR6eg/s400/vacation+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBSjmzNYNFJj0Uxeiz6-caguhQAEuPHTOR38MHqNIP5Y7yAvqVZLUCNyv8MJqkyboHJMB5DmFXpNn09yxzhuGRFdFVdm2fZ80sYvgRSvpHiL-7NrdKyoQpfhLFplljEyZ1RKwOi-I5mg/s1600/87394540_10157629104006928_3743842774819012608_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="853" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBSjmzNYNFJj0Uxeiz6-caguhQAEuPHTOR38MHqNIP5Y7yAvqVZLUCNyv8MJqkyboHJMB5DmFXpNn09yxzhuGRFdFVdm2fZ80sYvgRSvpHiL-7NrdKyoQpfhLFplljEyZ1RKwOi-I5mg/s400/87394540_10157629104006928_3743842774819012608_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBhYNW2xrK4nhVm_xR-_q9CKikFVZFBHmfhxiagxhHC84lwcwSlm5k-N__PFFWJNN401si-ulQjJvEIb1w_ysj8aMx0qxy_U9Aepkpav-p0jc38qR-VaAZL4tHSNZWytMCoQbljm1slA/s1600/vacation+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBhYNW2xrK4nhVm_xR-_q9CKikFVZFBHmfhxiagxhHC84lwcwSlm5k-N__PFFWJNN401si-ulQjJvEIb1w_ysj8aMx0qxy_U9Aepkpav-p0jc38qR-VaAZL4tHSNZWytMCoQbljm1slA/s400/vacation+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjZaZzdxgh7wfBJfl4w2vxpVt4sZGUxBD-qtIRB4Gpic9Jd-_uQMUQ7fIyJKPDti96aF5HKvlJpfpTg3CNPo2fV97Asih9MZUu1vBG39TEhQE_YIji4qte1faLZ-_zGd6rADq64QAF3Q/s1600/vacation+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjZaZzdxgh7wfBJfl4w2vxpVt4sZGUxBD-qtIRB4Gpic9Jd-_uQMUQ7fIyJKPDti96aF5HKvlJpfpTg3CNPo2fV97Asih9MZUu1vBG39TEhQE_YIji4qte1faLZ-_zGd6rADq64QAF3Q/s400/vacation+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuA2icf1B2s5FCJq8zrU4bL_7guE2DVQrABTc-dBzHVBFnMKDlFRoX8Q2WUWn4m0SXTVwu7oNZnWYxqR7DLhrTbBew4JJXpVpEa2DxMslnmR_W6jYXpmS9D5i5CfhFi6oY4ZvPV34UgI/s1600/86379477_10157612882181928_173679299105128448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="960" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuA2icf1B2s5FCJq8zrU4bL_7guE2DVQrABTc-dBzHVBFnMKDlFRoX8Q2WUWn4m0SXTVwu7oNZnWYxqR7DLhrTbBew4JJXpVpEa2DxMslnmR_W6jYXpmS9D5i5CfhFi6oY4ZvPV34UgI/s400/86379477_10157612882181928_173679299105128448_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRi0GNtZhwiGBSoR_HPs1Fx0tlk1J3YGs_lm3_7IcjJS6laJ0jFQvVGRMPgW82GTQWhqw_oRWqncHiRLgcsnhHyk9KLh16TFbnXAPTncmZFydVoKQ6mp5deOp6Mtj_2JQIqaLEuKxrYA/s1600/86373535_10157612843446928_2866851830690742272_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRi0GNtZhwiGBSoR_HPs1Fx0tlk1J3YGs_lm3_7IcjJS6laJ0jFQvVGRMPgW82GTQWhqw_oRWqncHiRLgcsnhHyk9KLh16TFbnXAPTncmZFydVoKQ6mp5deOp6Mtj_2JQIqaLEuKxrYA/s400/86373535_10157612843446928_2866851830690742272_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once we arrived back on Providenciales, we headed to
dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had lasagna and A had mushroom
ravioli (I think).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was my least
favorite dinner, but our dessert was delicious.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday and Sunday were spent on the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our resort brought out fruit on a platter and
all the bottled water we could ask for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even our lunches were delivered to our cabana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked along the beach and swam in the
ocean any time we were hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s
the most relaxed I’ve ever been. <span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNW8Vy8C1I0Cns__s-cSq0cqHAilkZBqoxPns-mrxA8DcUX3CMYuwzAeYYbz3lDfOggUOCVfBbnN6sjZh81Pl8sOt_VwDkvaOzj4afRsYiq-y7JsGvfwohqDaXmPkyGBP1TgXCCXsT7vc/s1600/86353778_10157615491226928_7246542501975162880_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNW8Vy8C1I0Cns__s-cSq0cqHAilkZBqoxPns-mrxA8DcUX3CMYuwzAeYYbz3lDfOggUOCVfBbnN6sjZh81Pl8sOt_VwDkvaOzj4afRsYiq-y7JsGvfwohqDaXmPkyGBP1TgXCCXsT7vc/s400/86353778_10157615491226928_7246542501975162880_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8pLwt_Ld1YdCptgqhV4WmUspXuvOTL8OHhFbjYeBMasDCe9R0x4EsevNuXNmrcuDaIejvdLfRWlvqUsTpyzwhha7W5KkhVaAAw91vD9Q9dN4IooNgEnTCoIZ9wI_DzQzi_4qheYPyB0/s1600/86380064_10157615491171928_2248644760774377472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8pLwt_Ld1YdCptgqhV4WmUspXuvOTL8OHhFbjYeBMasDCe9R0x4EsevNuXNmrcuDaIejvdLfRWlvqUsTpyzwhha7W5KkhVaAAw91vD9Q9dN4IooNgEnTCoIZ9wI_DzQzi_4qheYPyB0/s400/86380064_10157615491171928_2248644760774377472_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjqH9ewCFvHwmnIFF4p56WkNv-MFZn4VHQYkF97ULlamYEx4TKx1aSVrrU4t3sEyG5CNyid5ujwm7lNm3rw_VWdGRvAVzIkhG0ywxdKoSaSzLW_MqolozpPwPu7sjwTLp9FlxTf9RMwY/s1600/86870098_10157618916641928_1575067152866607104_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjqH9ewCFvHwmnIFF4p56WkNv-MFZn4VHQYkF97ULlamYEx4TKx1aSVrrU4t3sEyG5CNyid5ujwm7lNm3rw_VWdGRvAVzIkhG0ywxdKoSaSzLW_MqolozpPwPu7sjwTLp9FlxTf9RMwY/s400/86870098_10157618916641928_1575067152866607104_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>Our Saturday and Sunday dinners were both fantastic (and our favorite restaurants of the ones we tried)– beef tenderloin, mahi, steak. One restaurant even had a menu that lit up when you opened it and live music!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZO1dQxXnC4mUQypY0GrF2Q7W87EcYxJ38UEL1jNoPKetYQHYWeUH7pFvgdCAxfR0PPBYqGE5tE7BMeHZNCtfOZnsm6n7Ff4_k8zrMex_xazubuqd0gagCM6GF2lBzIYc_q-bP0KPZbok/s1600/86699437_10157618916901928_3242740075582193664_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZO1dQxXnC4mUQypY0GrF2Q7W87EcYxJ38UEL1jNoPKetYQHYWeUH7pFvgdCAxfR0PPBYqGE5tE7BMeHZNCtfOZnsm6n7Ff4_k8zrMex_xazubuqd0gagCM6GF2lBzIYc_q-bP0KPZbok/s400/86699437_10157618916901928_3242740075582193664_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79G5C1BPCsbLyG3mGDxkWtFdHE2BtAWaTr3YgsDrbMrpsg8Qbvxjz14j0bQfmaQJyshKCni_AYibd9aj5nYz_dSkOilVe4o_iWxRi1K84oGPs0sREtQrwwz1-6c3f7vmj4jQ-yNmy65k/s1600/86738723_10157618917031928_6917692777564209152_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79G5C1BPCsbLyG3mGDxkWtFdHE2BtAWaTr3YgsDrbMrpsg8Qbvxjz14j0bQfmaQJyshKCni_AYibd9aj5nYz_dSkOilVe4o_iWxRi1K84oGPs0sREtQrwwz1-6c3f7vmj4jQ-yNmy65k/s400/86738723_10157618917031928_6917692777564209152_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkGVGOB1dQoxW0af4TWvnwg5DSHxQjKLN7_VSKPubnk8SCOVH9hZc0LdA3UHraD481BU3lJqXW7yKtIorfhp6YpGPfse06z81IG8FEF1jWnXZ5h6zp3bYsdJr5pgOMtCe07nf7XgLWpU/s1600/86287330_10157615491356928_6479053389735919616_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="960" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkGVGOB1dQoxW0af4TWvnwg5DSHxQjKLN7_VSKPubnk8SCOVH9hZc0LdA3UHraD481BU3lJqXW7yKtIorfhp6YpGPfse06z81IG8FEF1jWnXZ5h6zp3bYsdJr5pgOMtCe07nf7XgLWpU/s400/86287330_10157615491356928_6479053389735919616_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This vacation was MAGICAL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had an unbelievable time and I’m so thankful A and I could experience
it together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also incredibly thankful
for our parents for taking such good care of our boys!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A couple more things to note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You drive on the left side of the road!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t realize this and considered renting
a car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So glad we didn’t because that
would’ve taken some getting used to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
EVERYTHING is expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I knew this before I booked the trip, but EVERYTHING was pricey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each dinner we had was outdoors amongst the trees and the stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think many of the restaurants are outdoors
and I couldn’t get enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone asked if our resort was all inclusive and I think
they were surprised I didn’t book one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
did NOT want to be at an all inclusive hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wanted to get out and try new foods and different
restaurants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, A and I are not big drinkers
so I don’t think we would’ve gotten our money’s worth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve never taken a relaxing vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Typically A and I try to squeeze everything
in when we travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to do
as much as possible and see everything because we may not have the chance to return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was SO different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never been so relaxed in my entire life
and this was so so good for my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think we need more relaxing vacations in our future! <span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😉</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-91074844244396953962020-02-20T12:41:00.000-06:002020-02-20T12:41:03.296-06:00Trikafta UpdateHello, hello! I need to write a post on our vacation (quite possibly the most amazing vacation I've ever been on!!). But that will have to wait until I have more time.<br />
<br />
For now, a quick Trikafta update will have to suffice. I (think) I mentioned previously that we were a bit concerned about the effects of Trikafta on A's liver (actually, it was probably just myself who was concerned, but anyway...). A's liver enzymes were slightly elevated and had been for a year or so. He had the necessary blood work done before starting the drug and has had two appointments with a hepatologist since then. Good news! A's liver enzyme levels actually decreased since starting Trikafta. A has no scarring and the test results were "reassuring". He has mild fat levels that the doctor was not concerned about. Such a relief and we're so thankful for this drug!!Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-62910501851761184302020-02-11T15:52:00.001-06:002020-02-11T15:52:12.143-06:00Weekend Recap<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We celebrated S’s 5<sup>th</sup> birthday on Saturday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a bit worried because he came down with
a cold on Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He never seemed too
miserable, but he did have a nasty cough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Luckily, by Saturday he was feeling much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think he really enjoyed his party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worked with a local baker and she was able
to make this amazing car wash cake! I loved celebrating this sweet boy and I can't believe he's 5!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTuuXymvhgA9fyP0-t70MPh1dzduHImTjmmu1JGmJ970hI9bg3BXnj4KKU6drSp0d47leODh1cVGA1uHXtolTvIQ_7K6VoTUY5LoiMU1Xbd4r7AsyVcEp54Gb2BM8uOFmDsBZhYKDeng/s1600/84407101_10157594363056928_7441282198986031104_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTuuXymvhgA9fyP0-t70MPh1dzduHImTjmmu1JGmJ970hI9bg3BXnj4KKU6drSp0d47leODh1cVGA1uHXtolTvIQ_7K6VoTUY5LoiMU1Xbd4r7AsyVcEp54Gb2BM8uOFmDsBZhYKDeng/s400/84407101_10157594363056928_7441282198986031104_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfsEN7OB32eb7t9L_6PJQnuQQnsYx0OcCmGWFy5q6tIrcU4fzdzDrR0DHLof67H_L3i_BTkGzvRQQoeEIxYwuBbsdmd7Y6Isg2jWMwiExSjoM-9EPi1YR9coHiR8Qr_To3YjpWCVgiVI/s1600/85160234_10157595142726928_2530427957223096320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfsEN7OB32eb7t9L_6PJQnuQQnsYx0OcCmGWFy5q6tIrcU4fzdzDrR0DHLof67H_L3i_BTkGzvRQQoeEIxYwuBbsdmd7Y6Isg2jWMwiExSjoM-9EPi1YR9coHiR8Qr_To3YjpWCVgiVI/s400/85160234_10157595142726928_2530427957223096320_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkN2Yq4bl8Px7bgzJC9b6U90rfHalGQz4G3QQbE3hG0nnHeRi9mNIzSpPUcH7NtEMm4cLyUd57mwSKSP-wljSJ5lhz7k2YB6jR78ychoZrhqvkj8WeLHNrIDXd4Fhkz4oBrUf5IHQlRs/s1600/85044854_10157595143631928_2600972395627937792_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkN2Yq4bl8Px7bgzJC9b6U90rfHalGQz4G3QQbE3hG0nnHeRi9mNIzSpPUcH7NtEMm4cLyUd57mwSKSP-wljSJ5lhz7k2YB6jR78ychoZrhqvkj8WeLHNrIDXd4Fhkz4oBrUf5IHQlRs/s400/85044854_10157595143631928_2600972395627937792_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovS_0r-3dJ3_g6hJYnjz1DY24QtTpTQt8XshxSMl1vcZd_WQHHka6VX1J5JNjC10I9aGyqyClDkejVlkY-RwJ4bRwDK3T6nNIz5398ffXSMnuLH4hDxf1cDPh481VfGRGpASgCBjAE-Y/s1600/86272436_10157595144151928_8616950928429285376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovS_0r-3dJ3_g6hJYnjz1DY24QtTpTQt8XshxSMl1vcZd_WQHHka6VX1J5JNjC10I9aGyqyClDkejVlkY-RwJ4bRwDK3T6nNIz5398ffXSMnuLH4hDxf1cDPh481VfGRGpASgCBjAE-Y/s400/86272436_10157595144151928_8616950928429285376_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cvVAI8ziKDZ83C96nvX5Wc4ZbJ_oXi3_4qAvagPUOZOKFIxmrSuj5gBSl6Y2cS9rTQ7VF6Zjefh1zH9WedBcw77z7iK7Hy-ybBmKIvLs3Gtk1-NRHEOPGJ6Au91pylrN5q_M5Y4Brs0/s1600/85066460_10157595144826928_3280899305228992512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cvVAI8ziKDZ83C96nvX5Wc4ZbJ_oXi3_4qAvagPUOZOKFIxmrSuj5gBSl6Y2cS9rTQ7VF6Zjefh1zH9WedBcw77z7iK7Hy-ybBmKIvLs3Gtk1-NRHEOPGJ6Au91pylrN5q_M5Y4Brs0/s400/85066460_10157595144826928_3280899305228992512_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A and I leave for a little vacation on Thursday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turns 40 at the end of the month so we
decided to celebrate his big birthday in a big way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I planned a surprise trip!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has no idea where we’re headed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a little nervous – I don’t like being
away from the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’m also
excited.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-74771222143050845912020-02-04T12:48:00.000-06:002020-02-04T12:48:00.969-06:00Weekend Recap<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had quite a busy weekend…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gymnastics
class number 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again A and I were
laughing hysterically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys are
really enjoying the class and it’s great to have a place where jumping, rolling,
swinging, etc. are encouraged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also
great that the boys are not doing these activities in my house… ahem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From there, we grabbed lunch, ran lots of
errands, and the boys got haircuts while I got a pedicure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll have to miss the next gymnastics class and I’m pretty
sad about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Church,
Starbucks, and then we went for a long family walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard some statistic that we’d only had
like 2 sunny days in all of January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
so so good to see sunshine and have milder weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all really needed fresh air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we got home, I spent lots of time
cleaning with bleach because all these viruses going around (flu, corona) are
making me paranoid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that, my mom came
over to watch some of the Superbowl and have snacks with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know it’s been quite the controversy, but I
loved the halftime show. Those ladies were amazing!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6QH-05XqeU1rfXMpTzH3z97bVv1UUP84r7Yt4tljrLuVnZfbLQzuXEdUyrFafzHyFJrYZduEmW8OFO6p_MbLatBn31anfYVw6GAehv2ywJON0fRa2u-fwg_j2NHuWuIYCew1nsv_OFU/s1600/0201-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6QH-05XqeU1rfXMpTzH3z97bVv1UUP84r7Yt4tljrLuVnZfbLQzuXEdUyrFafzHyFJrYZduEmW8OFO6p_MbLatBn31anfYVw6GAehv2ywJON0fRa2u-fwg_j2NHuWuIYCew1nsv_OFU/s400/0201-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoNY2OUScDiGC6mgZ1zealwR87YeCWhbOTxXVn2S5eDMgLtlT6x0BUSeq8USKxqaOujBTpio_8Tmf6tcERdbC-gu187SieEcMX4h_AQ3GSB8Fmf7iOVl3vu44gjQ6Zr3cbNXxKksBE6A/s1600/0201-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1285" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoNY2OUScDiGC6mgZ1zealwR87YeCWhbOTxXVn2S5eDMgLtlT6x0BUSeq8USKxqaOujBTpio_8Tmf6tcERdbC-gu187SieEcMX4h_AQ3GSB8Fmf7iOVl3vu44gjQ6Zr3cbNXxKksBE6A/s400/0201-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiE4w3Jsoej0hid95DR5j2cdRDag8aUs8yfpGtEIA-DZAeFOso667ZPCeKzghTvjFVpz-kzMdXSFRULcI2G3-UeWqU7V9av0bEuaz733G8TBxsjSIYj11QZ4vBsYmlwhqY8YacdJ8O38/s1600/0201-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiE4w3Jsoej0hid95DR5j2cdRDag8aUs8yfpGtEIA-DZAeFOso667ZPCeKzghTvjFVpz-kzMdXSFRULcI2G3-UeWqU7V9av0bEuaz733G8TBxsjSIYj11QZ4vBsYmlwhqY8YacdJ8O38/s400/0201-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Annnd of course, S now has a cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Ugh. </span>I’m taking vitamins, washing my hands 83,050 times a day, and praying A
and I don’t get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>S’s birthday is
tomorrow, his party is on Saturday, and A and I head out of town next
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay away, germs!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-44078938257978460432020-01-28T15:40:00.000-06:002020-01-28T15:40:00.466-06:00Weekend Recap<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys
started a gymnastics class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A and I
thought they needed an activity to do seeing as we’ll likely have cold snowy
weather for at least another 2 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
gave the boys a choice of tennis, swimming, or gymnastics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both wanted to try gymnastics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And oh my gosh, was it funny to watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think A and I were the only parents
laughing hysterically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>S is just a funny
kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His somersaults (front rolls?), or flips
as he calls them, looked more like rolling down a hill versus an actual
somersault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He emerged from class a
sweaty mess asking when he could do it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love that he’s willing to try most things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>W seemed to enjoy it too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This feels like the first “real” class the
boys have taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could see the older
kids practicing several impressive flips, turns, etc. and view all the state
and national qualifier plaques on the walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m assuming the boys won’t reach competitive levels, but who knows.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From there, we grabbed lunch and then headed home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Church,
breakfast, and Open House at W’s school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had fun visiting W’s classroom and S’s future kindergarten classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved seeing all the projects the children have
worked on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The students in W’s class were
focusing on Martin Luther King Jr. and each one had to come up with an idea for
improving their community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naturally, W
chose recycling. <span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
cute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also visited the book
fair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love W’s librarian – she always makes
sure to set aside cat books for W.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
love that she’s taken the time to get to know my boy and remembers that he love
cats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My philosophy has always been to
purchase most books the boys have requested (within reason).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Books are given for birthdays and
holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m definitely a believer in
the benefits of reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we did go
a bit overboard at the book fair, but the boys are really enjoying the books
they chose.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also worth mentioning, I started a graduate class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think I previously discussed it, but
I was accepted into grad school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
decided to pursue this after my company announced that they were providing
tuition assistance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earning my MS has
always been a goal of mine and it seemed like it was now or never.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, I’m setting my expectations
low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d love to complete my Master’s
degree, BUT I’m going to wait and see how this first class goes. I’m trying
not to put too much pressure on myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If I’m being honest, I’m a bit overwhelmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was really excited at first, but now the
reality of being a full time working professional, involved mom, board member, STEM mentor, and student is weighing on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My plate is really, really full.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eek.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And one more thing. One of the kids in S's preschool class broke his arm. S came home and told me Rafael had a casserole on his arm. LOL! Cast, casserole... same thing.</div>
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-34631490966995118732020-01-21T15:50:00.001-06:002020-01-21T15:50:08.837-06:00Weekend Recap<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had the laziest weekend and it was amazing. <span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday afternoon, it started snowing right around 4pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result, it took me an hour to get home
from work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ordered Chinese food and after the boys
went to bed, A and I caught up on crossword puzzles and Jeopardy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are very exciting, obviously.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys
woke up some time in the 7am hour, which is actually really good for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BUT!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They got themselves up and went downstairs to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I overheard W getting juice for S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They played really well together and I dozed
on and off in bed until 9am!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has
never happened before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think
I’ve stayed in bed until 9am since before the boys were born (unless I was
sick?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A headed out to pick up coffee
and juice while I slowly put on some makeup and attempted to put my hair
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had plans to go to Target since W
was supposed to attend a classmate’s birthday party on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I received a message that the party
was cancelled because his classmate was sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This meant that none of us even got dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed in our pajamas all day and played
games (Uno, Dos, Sorry!), watched too much tv, and read books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a busy week, this was really needed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our usual
morning routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise we try to be
good at church, but I guess we were all well rested and giggly on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was wearing a black and white striped
sweater and at one point, W looked over and said, “Well, helloooo mommy
zebra!”, which I found hysterical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
church acquired a new painting – it’s a GIANT portrait of Jesus and mounted
right next to the pew we sit in every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m pretty sure this was done on purpose to remind us to be on our best
behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A looked at it and commented
that it looked like it should be titled “Disappointed in His Pizza Jesus”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon hearing this, W burst out laughing,
which made A and I laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SO extra
penance is in order for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope
Jesus has a sense of humor. :\<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That afternoon, we headed out to meet one of my college
friends for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so great to
catch up with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t remember what
the remainder of the afternoon entailed, but I’m sure more games and tv shows
were involved.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another low
key day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went out for lunch and ran a
couple errands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made lemon chicken and
penne per W’s request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any time this boy
requests something other than pizza or chicken strips is worth celebrating!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One other thing I want to mention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>W has always been shy in public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He talks nonstop at home, but is really,
really quiet at school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, the
only somewhat negative thing his teacher noted in his first report card was
that W didn’t often raise his hand to participate in class and he seemed
reluctant to ask for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither of
which was concerning to me because I really think the participation will
increase as he becomes more and more comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am the exact same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I digress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week, A and I received a message from
W’s teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told us that W had
volunteered to do a reading at the K-2 school mass on Tuesday (today).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a bit shocked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sweet boy who doesn’t always speak up in
class was volunteering to speak in front of six classes of students?!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He practiced his lines all weekend and
delivered them today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A sent me a video
and he completely nailed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so
incredibly proud of him!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsln-cO1_ihel8jZLMJIt6NayHku-jXqyaFqbx36EkHEOtrKA8HYtHb6WYMl8CtsaKM-gb65mx749FCKilIOS3EIy2-XYy99UR6aL98__HcVw_KZzyuqg-zOeSi0zDBBUiCrGe4C5XNA/s1600/82929335_10157534783081928_4102925594365263872_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsln-cO1_ihel8jZLMJIt6NayHku-jXqyaFqbx36EkHEOtrKA8HYtHb6WYMl8CtsaKM-gb65mx749FCKilIOS3EIy2-XYy99UR6aL98__HcVw_KZzyuqg-zOeSi0zDBBUiCrGe4C5XNA/s400/82929335_10157534783081928_4102925594365263872_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-38303127807023527272020-01-17T13:42:00.002-06:002020-01-17T13:42:44.252-06:00Weekly Update<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m just realizing that I never did a weekend recap and it’s
Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, it was a very mellow
weekend and that made it great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday
was snowy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A offered to get us coffee
and juice (he’s the best!) and we spent the remainder of the day indoors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys made a Lego city that took over the
entire dining room table and we worked on a 500 piece puzzle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunday, S requested that we go out for breakfast
after church so we did just that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
ended up meeting with the preschool Executive Board (it sounds fancy, but it’s
not) to discuss tuition rates while the boys went grocery shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that was our weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week has been crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had a preschool board meeting on Wednesday night, which meant I didn’t
arrive home until 10pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then this
happened yesterday:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I arrived home from work to a frantic A and S. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>S is in tears. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A is near tears. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They quickly explain that they were playing
hide and seek, but W cannot be found. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmm...
ok. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we’re all yelling, “W, come out,
the game’s over!! W, you’re scaring us!! W, are you ok?! W, we’re worried, you
need to come out!! W, we’re going to call the police for help!! W!!!!!!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many variations of the same worried, panicked
pleas for W. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, I’m scared
out of my mind. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re all thinking the
worst... W is injured, he can’t breathe, he was taken. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A is running around outside, I’m looking
under/behind everything, we’re checking the sump pump sewer area, looking in
containers in the crawl space, S is calling for his brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s complete and utter chaos. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re about 2 seconds away from calling 911,
when W emerges from behind a chair (that NO ONE thought he could fit behind),
angry that no one found him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NO MORE HIDE
AND SEEK IN OUR HOUSE.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy Friday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-82162096908178956872020-01-13T13:42:00.001-06:002020-01-13T13:47:41.482-06:00Trikafta Update<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just before Christmas, I shared that A finally got insurance
approval for Trikafta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
frustrating month as A followed up with his clinic and Vertex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was initially denied approval – twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the approval finally came, I was so
excited, but also nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if it
didn’t work for him? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if he
experienced adverse reactions and had to stop taking it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if it affected his liver function?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The approval also came after a really disappointing clinic
visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shared a bit <a href="https://westysidestory.blogspot.com/2019/12/trikafta-update.html">here</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a nutshell, A had his lowest pft results
<i>ever</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I was really scared and upset. </span>A needed a new nebulizer and he
was prescribed an oral antibiotic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was also to start on Cayston (earlier than planned).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse practitioner wanted to admit A, but
he declined thinking that once he had a new nebulizer and the antibiotics, things would improve. He also wasn't feeling particularly bad despite the pft results.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A started on Trikafta just before Christmas – 12/21 to be
exact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to wait until the
weekend because we’d heard so much about the “purge” so many CFers have
experienced - lots of productive coughing, headaches, fatigue, body aches,
etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were prepared for the worst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I asked A about 50 times over the
course of that Saturday how he was feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He kept telling me “fine”, that he didn’t feel much of a
difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following day, we again prepared for the
worst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, A said maybe he felt like
he could breathe a bit better, but for the most part, he didn’t feel much
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Day after day I’d ask and day
after day, A felt fine. I wasn't convinced the Trikafta was even working.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On 12/23, A started Winter Break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The timing couldn’t have been better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all needed some down time after a few
really busy weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We slept in, spent
time with family, and ate well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also
went on a few really long family walks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We often walked for an hour in chilly weather and I noticed A didn’t
seem tired – at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also noticed he
was coughing less (not at all).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because of the low pft results, A had a follow up
appointment 3 weeks after his clinic appointment (2.5 weeks after starting
Trikafta).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If his numbers didn’t
improve, he would likely be admitted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
seemed to be feeling better, he was eating well, and he seemed to have energy,
but I was still nervous about the appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the day of, I asked A if he was nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He responded with a flat out “no”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A texted me a photo of his results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The results page contained his numbers for
the past 11 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On first glance, I
could see the numbers were good and I was so relieved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon further examination, I realized that
these were his highest numbers in 4 years!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And with a 10% improvement over his results 2.5 weeks ago, this was the biggest jump in pft percentage that he’d experienced in
11 years!! Fortunately, A's pft numbers are typically very stable. He may go up or down 1 to 2 percentage points from clinic visit to clinic visit, but for the most part, they're stable. This is also why there was concern when he was down 5% at his last clinic appointment. 10 percent is huge for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m still cautiously optimistic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A meets with a hepatologist later this
month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still worried about his liver
enzyme levels and the effects of Trikafta on his liver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for now, I’m incredibly thankful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Approval came just when we really needed it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One other point of note, for the first time in a<i> REALLY</i> long time, A could not provide a sputum sample. I've known A for over 16 years and he's always been able to cough something. This time, the NP had to swab the back of his throat! I'm pretty amazed.</div>
Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-63433915773603874112020-01-10T11:28:00.003-06:002020-01-10T14:50:21.471-06:00Christmas Recap<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
still around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work has been a bit
crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t remember the last time I
was THIS busy, but I’m learning so much and still really enjoying my job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was supposed to have a stretch of days off
starting December 20, but I received an urgent request from the FDA so I didn’t
have as much time off as anticipated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was so looking forward to that Friday before Christmas and had plans to take
Charlie to the dog park, go out for lunch, help in W’s classroom, and wrap
presents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still helped with W’s
Christmas party (It was also his birthday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hello, 7!!), but the rest of my day was spent working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was disappointed, but had the wherewithal
to keep in mind that I would have been SO much more miserable if I wasn’t in my
current job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long hours aren’t quite as
awful when you enjoy the work and I’m so grateful to have transitioned to a new
role.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, I managed to wrap presents and get things done just
in the nick of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Christmas Eve,
we went to my cousin’s house for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was great to see relatives I hadn’t seen in a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys had fun running around the house and
watching Frosty the Snowman.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJnJfYpOAWNBrHSOKNRYoRy3AG2JUtrS6y1A_x2Bt_h3rdreYfW4MISODFZqxZOMfGcxMcNlZ9EAFRLSQ1s9QNa4E9gFoBssSGRSgz1y2uY3o74izeu-_5v5LG-EnfPbe7IHuJ-cLy30/s1600/81549934_10157457276106928_7475317246416388096_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJnJfYpOAWNBrHSOKNRYoRy3AG2JUtrS6y1A_x2Bt_h3rdreYfW4MISODFZqxZOMfGcxMcNlZ9EAFRLSQ1s9QNa4E9gFoBssSGRSgz1y2uY3o74izeu-_5v5LG-EnfPbe7IHuJ-cLy30/s400/81549934_10157457276106928_7475317246416388096_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Christmas day, the boys were super excited to see if
Santa visited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They ran downstairs to
find new scooters and several packages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We went to church and grabbed coffee and then it was off to Nani and
Papa’s house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys enjoyed running
around with cousins and opening presents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>W took time to examine each gift, while S really didn’t seem to care
what he received, he just wanted to open everything!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We returned home with full bellies and two
tired boys.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmXuKN19lEUCcyYYBlyrxkeE-kv_xWGouGTFLS7yy7_2V20pmkcQB0-WQmB-HzHefVmUKbQB3DjrkHzJQW4Kj1-FBKJKrXbWDRwA66_TUKAqkkSfTfA0lWRbiemqh1o8WgVk8wbfgbQg/s1600/80991229_10157460407216928_5584766934429204480_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmXuKN19lEUCcyYYBlyrxkeE-kv_xWGouGTFLS7yy7_2V20pmkcQB0-WQmB-HzHefVmUKbQB3DjrkHzJQW4Kj1-FBKJKrXbWDRwA66_TUKAqkkSfTfA0lWRbiemqh1o8WgVk8wbfgbQg/s400/80991229_10157460407216928_5584766934429204480_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhNpOz4P7iD0njwiuiSrWOWyMfVdlWHoSulLmUznrOm-4s2P06N7J9srel6dTrark9qsimWjM9xL8wlcowQfLS0VJ8J6FQW6ed-_D7AnX6PnAeuui8gA7JsKzlqUHLE4zrebIBWZ3SNI/s1600/80103442_10157460407396928_114664855025221632_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhNpOz4P7iD0njwiuiSrWOWyMfVdlWHoSulLmUznrOm-4s2P06N7J9srel6dTrark9qsimWjM9xL8wlcowQfLS0VJ8J6FQW6ed-_D7AnX6PnAeuui8gA7JsKzlqUHLE4zrebIBWZ3SNI/s400/80103442_10157460407396928_114664855025221632_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4bE5p3tihQ9IEDdGhxc2vpBi7_DU9UiKKjGmqkLjt53E6pCK7OkPqnkElNmQjTqN5OcsJ539HD-hccWzvjIIZ5KBQzLDqtZXuMUn47wtQjsJRqhpTjkjwzoBrbLVreQzXfJN34goeao/s1600/80631939_10157458877791928_4790773072200204288_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4bE5p3tihQ9IEDdGhxc2vpBi7_DU9UiKKjGmqkLjt53E6pCK7OkPqnkElNmQjTqN5OcsJ539HD-hccWzvjIIZ5KBQzLDqtZXuMUn47wtQjsJRqhpTjkjwzoBrbLVreQzXfJN34goeao/s400/80631939_10157458877791928_4790773072200204288_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjx1PUxcZpKAj970vIrK1AaLY6fM06EL4QHtRBhjsxQCmzyijKiYSwd9sH6DvmDgj2kIkZSg32Ht8h1V5M-gK3-G1GPWwC9aL9oaJ0feKjjBiiKZ6NOgXswE6xQBYeU15oWM8iYOkAiU/s1600/80231242_10157460408306928_3269132623846309888_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjx1PUxcZpKAj970vIrK1AaLY6fM06EL4QHtRBhjsxQCmzyijKiYSwd9sH6DvmDgj2kIkZSg32Ht8h1V5M-gK3-G1GPWwC9aL9oaJ0feKjjBiiKZ6NOgXswE6xQBYeU15oWM8iYOkAiU/s400/80231242_10157460408306928_3269132623846309888_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the day after Christmas, my mom and Susana came over for
brunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys opened their gifts from
my mom, Santa, Susana, and A and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was quite the scene as the room filled with torn wrapping paper and too many
boxes to count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys received Legos,
Magnatiles, games, watches, and books along with their scooters – all of which
were perfect for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day happened
to be warm – near 60 degrees, which is unheard of for late December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all went out for a family walk and enjoyed
the fresh air.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskeP8R1MgMSgK0AjfUPH6z9JfQcJO53S-cLpSpqvxVrsIB_h7Gg2Ik0UPKkhNuQIYMXk2-pv6nSN-FHuHfc3rEB1VVyVxnbFCmIpz7hrg8JW3To7kLtAN4EAF0TXBY-UHACOIEbXBo5o/s1600/80253209_10157463139751928_5810555851965988864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskeP8R1MgMSgK0AjfUPH6z9JfQcJO53S-cLpSpqvxVrsIB_h7Gg2Ik0UPKkhNuQIYMXk2-pv6nSN-FHuHfc3rEB1VVyVxnbFCmIpz7hrg8JW3To7kLtAN4EAF0TXBY-UHACOIEbXBo5o/s400/80253209_10157463139751928_5810555851965988864_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSEyJc58WdwCqJdT7c_uxaguvxvJbMCy4ZAZFrUSM_AgNkB2TRbqy2-BTzSL6ki3wzgXmwTLSMPtbuLmECdcVb9mKvv694P8s_D8aBq1FcvqPNqxQWW2Y3nh1eWsMxsEI8MJXT8osC7s/s1600/80203947_10157463139666928_8964959269292081152_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="960" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSEyJc58WdwCqJdT7c_uxaguvxvJbMCy4ZAZFrUSM_AgNkB2TRbqy2-BTzSL6ki3wzgXmwTLSMPtbuLmECdcVb9mKvv694P8s_D8aBq1FcvqPNqxQWW2Y3nh1eWsMxsEI8MJXT8osC7s/s400/80203947_10157463139666928_8964959269292081152_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKmICNGPBiETYf5KuGw6qE0Qh2G-Nl9PZTocY3ww6rodwa9mJl82xW8V_RhUjOLvfQLtN34mX7_rhlmj04nIgtADxULPclFQO8R08U9YKyrjDGDVQNM76lKASfxBApKZmpkQOzJRIuss/s1600/80547165_10157463139946928_5692455452600696832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKmICNGPBiETYf5KuGw6qE0Qh2G-Nl9PZTocY3ww6rodwa9mJl82xW8V_RhUjOLvfQLtN34mX7_rhlmj04nIgtADxULPclFQO8R08U9YKyrjDGDVQNM76lKASfxBApKZmpkQOzJRIuss/s400/80547165_10157463139946928_5692455452600696832_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The days after Christmas were my favorite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We slept in, took long family walks, played
too many board games to count (W is obsessed with Sorry!), visited friends, and
took things slowly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the boys went
to bed, A and I caught up on shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
one day, we spent at least 6 hours cleaning up and organizing, which was very
much needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A and I managed to
squeeze in a much needed lunch date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
also took the boys to the library and they picked out lots of books.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVjCwLcyBDusgKkpvzxbhwXvoXrUtzzdYv85EE8RiTxnyS-Um5f9sY6MXBuF_79bg4R2AlF6zX4hg1ep1n47J745cfqaRIzjopB2fwk-QM19qpSN0xEv_CIS4gCFTpt9KvmL7wHmX9xg/s1600/80797884_10157463140326928_2316354250180919296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVjCwLcyBDusgKkpvzxbhwXvoXrUtzzdYv85EE8RiTxnyS-Um5f9sY6MXBuF_79bg4R2AlF6zX4hg1ep1n47J745cfqaRIzjopB2fwk-QM19qpSN0xEv_CIS4gCFTpt9KvmL7wHmX9xg/s400/80797884_10157463140326928_2316354250180919296_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jc8rJXj6lCYSoNC0DR6su5cMen3gdpnRJWBBypNwIQEsi_kcDtEJqdXyzgsfF3FvRphYyCILcXajfHOTUJvxuZdZf0LZ1zt9xhZN7Okvelmd5ZMMN3zgFJvOhf4UfOZdCoKi_g2g6fs/s1600/81353526_10157463140476928_5150916031409029120_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jc8rJXj6lCYSoNC0DR6su5cMen3gdpnRJWBBypNwIQEsi_kcDtEJqdXyzgsfF3FvRphYyCILcXajfHOTUJvxuZdZf0LZ1zt9xhZN7Okvelmd5ZMMN3zgFJvOhf4UfOZdCoKi_g2g6fs/s400/81353526_10157463140476928_5150916031409029120_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vAVxknhNMU4oKBfLnEyyXR3ViQFJhvzmCnCNbMPTKNq0I666S2Zxtphgqwh8uLB8l2K8_XKyxMJh59esF-ha_0Svl8fZ9RzIkL3HOxTz-eDmnixpVSm_PxrC6P2DJvi8b8sjBSwd3fg/s1600/81191718_10157463145256928_3098789449178284032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="750" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vAVxknhNMU4oKBfLnEyyXR3ViQFJhvzmCnCNbMPTKNq0I666S2Zxtphgqwh8uLB8l2K8_XKyxMJh59esF-ha_0Svl8fZ9RzIkL3HOxTz-eDmnixpVSm_PxrC6P2DJvi8b8sjBSwd3fg/s400/81191718_10157463145256928_3098789449178284032_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>I also want to remember a couple things I made. I was asked to bring a “cheese ball” for our
Christmas Eve gathering. My initial
reaction was “a what?!”. But then I
remembered that my grandma (who passed away 12ish years ago – wow, typing that,
I can’t believe it’s been that long) used to make this cheese ball with cream
cheese and chipped beef. I found the
recipe and made it and love that it brought back memories. I also made strata for our after Christmas
brunch and used a recipe from my uncle who lives in Oregon. I love that I was able to make a couple
family recipes (even if they were easy). <span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif;">😊</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With work and only 4 weeks between Thanksgiving and
Christmas, this Christmas felt especially chaotic and rushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as I wanted to slow down, I
couldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed Christmas, I always
do, but I wish I had more time to prepare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m really hoping the holidays will be less hectic this coming year (but
doubtful!). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stay tuned for a Trikafta update!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-75450393412309746262019-12-22T14:31:00.000-06:002020-01-13T13:42:29.859-06:00Trikafta UpdateIt's been a week... a very challenging week. One that consisted of a pretty terrible clinic visit for A (more on that in a bit), Charlie ruining the quilt on my bed (thanks to the boys letting him in our bedroom while I was showering), the boys accidentally recycling the pricey Christmas gift I purchased for W's teacher, my company announcing they were moving further away (only about 15-20 minutes, but that means an extra 30-40 minutes of driving per day), and I was supposed to have Friday off, but a surprise email from the FDA on Friday morning meant I worked all day and through the weekend (and will work tomorrow). UGH. I think I was near tears more than once.<br />
<br />
But one really great thing happened....<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, A had clinic. He picked me up for lunch and when I asked how it went he responded with "ehhh...". I knew that wasn't good. I asked what happened, what was wrong? Apparently A's lung function was the lowest it has ever been. Wait, what? A had a cold, but didn't seem to be affected by it. He seemed normal for the most part. I've seen him at low points and expected that his clinic appointments wouldn't be good, but this one was a bit of a surprise. A admitted that he'd run out of one antibiotic and his nebulizer wasn't working. He didn't think it would make much of a difference to wait for clinic to get replacements and he was wrong. I was really upset and told him his health had to be his first priority. No more waiting. The NP suggested a hospital admission and A declined. He thought his PFT scores would improve once he had his antibiotic and working nebulizer. He was also prescribed an additional antibiotic.<br />
<br />
I was also really angry. We've been fighting with insurance to get approval for Trikafta for a month. Maybe if A was on it, he wouldn't have experienced such a decline.<br />
<br />
I arrived home from work feeling pretty defeated. And then A held out his phone and played a message he'd received just before I got home. Insurance FINALLY approved Trikafta!!!! I was so excited!!<br />
<br />
We're both hopeful the drug will have a positive impact, but also cautious. We found out that A's liver enzymes are slightly elevated so another concern. Things can never be easy, but we're thankful that A is able to try this new drug.<br />
<br />
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-19546776629511728632019-12-22T14:10:00.001-06:002019-12-22T14:10:18.848-06:00Weekend RecapThings have been a bit crazy around here. 'Tis the season, right? So here I am popping on to write a quick update before I lose track.<br />
<br />
We spent last weekend in Chicago. We did this last year and loved it so much, we decided to do it again. You wouldn't believe how many people tell me W is going to hate his birthday because it's so close to Christmas. I find it really obnoxious. After several rounds of IVF, I don't care when my kids' birthdays are - I'm just happy they're here. Anyway, we've tried to make December extra special so W doesn't feel slighted. Back to Chicago...<br />
<br />
We arrived at the hotel around 3 and our room wasn't ready yet. We left our luggage at the hotel and ventured out. It was fun to walk along Michigan Avenue and we found a restaurant for an early dinner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvROcJgWqX7aTub2Q3XSdqAuAYJDG6dk_5fQkex5aScPhcahcNlteikS0u38kUtprO1i1G0JKSk_yZ9D4HpeC4aJmSclIYImEJnySwbe0WytgmX11eBF9cDqrdRAl_mOAWaJNxWDb3qM/s1600/79205716_10157428814226928_5251922525360750592_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvROcJgWqX7aTub2Q3XSdqAuAYJDG6dk_5fQkex5aScPhcahcNlteikS0u38kUtprO1i1G0JKSk_yZ9D4HpeC4aJmSclIYImEJnySwbe0WytgmX11eBF9cDqrdRAl_mOAWaJNxWDb3qM/s400/79205716_10157428814226928_5251922525360750592_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_9XO41iXlJXCr-UdEcwagiFev7jGY-dYk8_3C8fwZZ_gv80XJzyJjqhDbxnqQg5ftl9bkqoO0gxIFJbkMyDZdLi4QraKUikQu4faIp5QVtkq1LtpRJ1Avwkt0xDjDpjGJQxKGyJj2H4/s1600/80082348_10157428814241928_1821818779277983744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_9XO41iXlJXCr-UdEcwagiFev7jGY-dYk8_3C8fwZZ_gv80XJzyJjqhDbxnqQg5ftl9bkqoO0gxIFJbkMyDZdLi4QraKUikQu4faIp5QVtkq1LtpRJ1Avwkt0xDjDpjGJQxKGyJj2H4/s400/80082348_10157428814241928_1821818779277983744_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After dinner, we headed back to the hotel. Our room was ready and we had a beautiful view of Michigan Avenue. The boys decided to check out the pool and enjoyed swimming.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywqYOUvFzjgJmwlVKkE_loTLOBynIvBfiODTU9HfHBEiA4fkLALmF0e1Dv-VklIwj5H4kRcQdV0xLyJsikOpDRiRX0QA6DhKOs6R-2Y24BSFYhKDE9X7UnzqTlfEfbj_PTbQK-i3dORw/s1600/79503781_10157428815136928_8197904842102931456_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywqYOUvFzjgJmwlVKkE_loTLOBynIvBfiODTU9HfHBEiA4fkLALmF0e1Dv-VklIwj5H4kRcQdV0xLyJsikOpDRiRX0QA6DhKOs6R-2Y24BSFYhKDE9X7UnzqTlfEfbj_PTbQK-i3dORw/s400/79503781_10157428815136928_8197904842102931456_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
From there, we headed to Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo. Although, the zoo wasn't far, traffic was horrendous and it took awhile to get there. We had a great time seeing all the lights and checking out some of the animals. We returned to our hotel exhausted.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRVrG-Iu1BmjThl_sCcBKfYTszMeWZRgSNQH6BL6Q4_WulNesWhvOWaySiAQW6R86ao7QoYkrbd6InhYEI1kAI1OqUIdKYqDMjHUbfSCbe1STwm22wNiREQAVu9nsdfK_5hCW_TZJHFQ/s1600/79278905_10157428818371928_1180165306799095808_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRVrG-Iu1BmjThl_sCcBKfYTszMeWZRgSNQH6BL6Q4_WulNesWhvOWaySiAQW6R86ao7QoYkrbd6InhYEI1kAI1OqUIdKYqDMjHUbfSCbe1STwm22wNiREQAVu9nsdfK_5hCW_TZJHFQ/s400/79278905_10157428818371928_1180165306799095808_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8hNeWqZcjtBDDOEVhRh-iSLvLv9MKTivSzemtPmdtwBolLsYQ77Tx6E0ZhHoIHJVbkImim4HzPvfWSgflTXwkRzgHCoqqsnfCD74zUxGG5YNbyHFL3nTRezI2RLKugNBmp3_AIPyLwU/s1600/79254186_10157428814661928_3603010423521017856_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8hNeWqZcjtBDDOEVhRh-iSLvLv9MKTivSzemtPmdtwBolLsYQ77Tx6E0ZhHoIHJVbkImim4HzPvfWSgflTXwkRzgHCoqqsnfCD74zUxGG5YNbyHFL3nTRezI2RLKugNBmp3_AIPyLwU/s400/79254186_10157428814661928_3603010423521017856_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDLI8c7PLtnmzluYT0fXL5uaUir5T9lfop9cMVW1TCaMqDUf8k8pN1jV8s9dbx6841xtdhvI6DNVSZOgsJuUBdcLMjE1d9T1-9kQZIj3f9cLirHE7iad5U2PzpynNztb_OxN2ih3QkNU/s1600/79785103_10157428814571928_6841653426720342016_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDLI8c7PLtnmzluYT0fXL5uaUir5T9lfop9cMVW1TCaMqDUf8k8pN1jV8s9dbx6841xtdhvI6DNVSZOgsJuUBdcLMjE1d9T1-9kQZIj3f9cLirHE7iad5U2PzpynNztb_OxN2ih3QkNU/s400/79785103_10157428814571928_6841653426720342016_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdir086c5pKBOvx7lkVDgY-ZRVDMEesfbCxW8NLFbLS7vBozZhvlbM9aamNOQV9PPrKiXX3ekfD1T3e09vZ5jUlfQCtOth2IYjAZFy0EnXItlHIJU-jOnDgcSPrbsJ4J7htt8iYo7AYQ/s1600/78667314_10157428814846928_1715950274973007872_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdir086c5pKBOvx7lkVDgY-ZRVDMEesfbCxW8NLFbLS7vBozZhvlbM9aamNOQV9PPrKiXX3ekfD1T3e09vZ5jUlfQCtOth2IYjAZFy0EnXItlHIJU-jOnDgcSPrbsJ4J7htt8iYo7AYQ/s400/78667314_10157428814846928_1715950274973007872_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0ynsUsHJ-FuW9bnrzGAvkGofZRk2CKGWCRTadSQG5Qb9z95GMXz6WXGMfkQsAnVbqRMfYEhEr87FT3Nnlrq_9eIyQm2qXGSfn7tWq_WtBN7yRrdSeXkGZguh_wLtBkH9bbu5VYLSnkw/s1600/80989794_10157428815021928_7669263315075334144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0ynsUsHJ-FuW9bnrzGAvkGofZRk2CKGWCRTadSQG5Qb9z95GMXz6WXGMfkQsAnVbqRMfYEhEr87FT3Nnlrq_9eIyQm2qXGSfn7tWq_WtBN7yRrdSeXkGZguh_wLtBkH9bbu5VYLSnkw/s400/80989794_10157428815021928_7669263315075334144_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswohXIHko9YphliJPQDSGHOmb2CabT_MIm1fEtomrqgNpf9OtPpfka-x3sgQgFWa2VO_llwG6bZ1x5hjEL6VycFxAkLwNB9BZR42kwsCgpxTr1xDijR8iwcdxzo-82Hfc1te3npBzYMw/s1600/80203410_10157428815116928_9216055560066039808_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswohXIHko9YphliJPQDSGHOmb2CabT_MIm1fEtomrqgNpf9OtPpfka-x3sgQgFWa2VO_llwG6bZ1x5hjEL6VycFxAkLwNB9BZR42kwsCgpxTr1xDijR8iwcdxzo-82Hfc1te3npBzYMw/s400/80203410_10157428815116928_9216055560066039808_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sunday, we visited the world's largest Starbucks. It was fun to see, but definitely intimidating.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4wrahNljkENITvm_XccZ-4PeVSvNlf3YgmX2bcbO369kOh2pI6EyaaurQp-9xmJLScduz_vA_FpJm_jomL7rggveTsOu58WNO9qRWH_ZjKbB4ZORbZ9T_gNasEPo8MTlK1RbMuvBCYM/s1600/79020344_10157430518856928_2475993588958232576_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4wrahNljkENITvm_XccZ-4PeVSvNlf3YgmX2bcbO369kOh2pI6EyaaurQp-9xmJLScduz_vA_FpJm_jomL7rggveTsOu58WNO9qRWH_ZjKbB4ZORbZ9T_gNasEPo8MTlK1RbMuvBCYM/s400/79020344_10157430518856928_2475993588958232576_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We headed to breakfast at the Grand Lux Cafe and were seated right by a large window. It was so fun for the boys - they enjoyed people watching and even got to see a garbage truck.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdiB6XXJHHcUSLgtlnD3FlkS-EP2TL1dngtm94typH0om1kzEO9qPRTkgHxGl4YAfAlKuIoiAOW1_cXxr7mLFKQDD7kP02ps5qLeDkPaPam2pRqORaFDxu_N__eQSk2nIk6dEhOPWYx8/s1600/79813799_10157430519216928_5873820080285941760_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdiB6XXJHHcUSLgtlnD3FlkS-EP2TL1dngtm94typH0om1kzEO9qPRTkgHxGl4YAfAlKuIoiAOW1_cXxr7mLFKQDD7kP02ps5qLeDkPaPam2pRqORaFDxu_N__eQSk2nIk6dEhOPWYx8/s400/79813799_10157430519216928_5873820080285941760_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBEE7tuj3UVm6CeoHnw_SmeYa_qT2NcpLyMOSkwwlDEjITdIV8OOPAGOMaFbt18toVCDf0U7mRz2uCNvguHcj3rdaVHZLltYv1vxmY_85OTlFhyphenhyphenF6daKARnj93VoZf_nEavdOLdCcejM/s1600/79335288_10157430519541928_3638151669843230720_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBEE7tuj3UVm6CeoHnw_SmeYa_qT2NcpLyMOSkwwlDEjITdIV8OOPAGOMaFbt18toVCDf0U7mRz2uCNvguHcj3rdaVHZLltYv1vxmY_85OTlFhyphenhyphenF6daKARnj93VoZf_nEavdOLdCcejM/s400/79335288_10157430519541928_3638151669843230720_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Such a fun weekend!Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4637775100423999058.post-17353069488680968562019-12-10T12:52:00.000-06:002019-12-10T12:52:01.993-06:00Weekend Recap<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had the busiest weekend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love this time of year, but gosh, there’s so much to do and I’m not
sure how to cut anything out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to
Christmas Craft Night at W’s school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
boys enjoyed making three different crafts and decorating cookies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to catch up with W’s kindergarten
teacher – I just love her so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
boys also picked out a couple new books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All in all, a fun night.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>W’s 7<sup>th</sup>
Birthday Brunch!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to talk W out
of a home birthday party, but failed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That meant that I spend much of Friday trying to clean and organize
things around the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In retrospect,
this was much needed, but it was a lot of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Anyway, W loves his Starbucks bagels and apple juice which influenced
the brunch idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We served donuts,
bagels, cinnamon rolls, breakfast casserole, and fruit along with coffee and
juice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really love how it turned
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And since it started early, our
guests still had the afternoon/evening for other activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most importantly, W loved having his family
and friends over for his favorite foods.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDMzq1Qj0CKFd51Av33-hDF5wm6ogZFZc5RxkgNduRII2ETeRXLflfxPVXw7MJMYbYICy7OTlS3xwxjex_1sgTrb_TU60Xn-QuMYF2NoStw3s_Rs2Nk2JOyLTj5CkyjRyNcX-DwRzYPY/s1600/77085079_10157408107031928_4154799260178579456_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="786" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDMzq1Qj0CKFd51Av33-hDF5wm6ogZFZc5RxkgNduRII2ETeRXLflfxPVXw7MJMYbYICy7OTlS3xwxjex_1sgTrb_TU60Xn-QuMYF2NoStw3s_Rs2Nk2JOyLTj5CkyjRyNcX-DwRzYPY/s400/77085079_10157408107031928_4154799260178579456_n.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKQ7lOohseV6aCmlCdYEgbDj95fVSi1I1-x-D1ic1WgK8Dj0G1-mqdAeJsMsh88GXlBT_r-FEd8YroWxiuyXJ0OnTDL1P8Rh5iyDTGbOef2LraEJm_hAtpbZVIuEYbEIc3nckWJ3G5eg/s1600/79111618_10157408107091928_5848530075896512512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="782" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKQ7lOohseV6aCmlCdYEgbDj95fVSi1I1-x-D1ic1WgK8Dj0G1-mqdAeJsMsh88GXlBT_r-FEd8YroWxiuyXJ0OnTDL1P8Rh5iyDTGbOef2LraEJm_hAtpbZVIuEYbEIc3nckWJ3G5eg/s400/79111618_10157408107091928_5848530075896512512_n.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzG19XjuqOSENxvQNbmkaeSEe0-JQQMaSle1wOJCEoEcW_xwuswGDevsRKnC5xKsqOWIT1FTEGbDDSP6VKd4n-Xekg-djhyphenhyphenqN_Ki2rtYQAgoPrnX9Rmx533oNnH_9U1nyB7XajuBJod6A/s1600/78353612_10157408107186928_2819155566033633280_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="786" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzG19XjuqOSENxvQNbmkaeSEe0-JQQMaSle1wOJCEoEcW_xwuswGDevsRKnC5xKsqOWIT1FTEGbDDSP6VKd4n-Xekg-djhyphenhyphenqN_Ki2rtYQAgoPrnX9Rmx533oNnH_9U1nyB7XajuBJod6A/s400/78353612_10157408107186928_2819155566033633280_n.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptmxiIaPS6jSyWKD_QTvNLEpmix7Ua74ugBIFpQpbCO9doYrL9wDUXVLvUWzMqR8yrUZxDBNmqT5mD1IpAIbvVveRhxV1pjm5JgZiVM3ymnLaOJldBup5_ZhMCT69h6gesYtD434SSvQ/s1600/78595696_10157408107301928_2064960932353671168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="786" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptmxiIaPS6jSyWKD_QTvNLEpmix7Ua74ugBIFpQpbCO9doYrL9wDUXVLvUWzMqR8yrUZxDBNmqT5mD1IpAIbvVveRhxV1pjm5JgZiVM3ymnLaOJldBup5_ZhMCT69h6gesYtD434SSvQ/s400/78595696_10157408107301928_2064960932353671168_n.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rbuIZUTFYkFvJQ3ZGeP9F649-0QUF6uNcxGWMIAjP7oAOHC3xOAsaPEakhHJYV_ioS5hHt22qpTQXaT88WM5pfaeevTUiESOCjMlqdZsi0TeK7xodDnqMp8wTwLs34W7yPjaLTI8ePc/s1600/78396995_10157408107431928_2610572296074559488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="784" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rbuIZUTFYkFvJQ3ZGeP9F649-0QUF6uNcxGWMIAjP7oAOHC3xOAsaPEakhHJYV_ioS5hHt22qpTQXaT88WM5pfaeevTUiESOCjMlqdZsi0TeK7xodDnqMp8wTwLs34W7yPjaLTI8ePc/s400/78396995_10157408107431928_2610572296074559488_n.jpg" width="326" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bTcs5u_QcsiLFWPC_igNMcPnwl9_TdWtBf1GO7bTN0Ku-3mvcvk2RTkDEpZ4zBVWNVZgdTdtKlaHO1S1Q83j-8IEKABSy71J2PKUm2VW9tA4lrQV5HhhkDA7DMB8v9JsqbrRZuoTkn8/s1600/78476830_10157408107581928_5086181837647118336_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="786" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bTcs5u_QcsiLFWPC_igNMcPnwl9_TdWtBf1GO7bTN0Ku-3mvcvk2RTkDEpZ4zBVWNVZgdTdtKlaHO1S1Q83j-8IEKABSy71J2PKUm2VW9tA4lrQV5HhhkDA7DMB8v9JsqbrRZuoTkn8/s400/78476830_10157408107581928_5086181837647118336_n.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyjgjLOcE_emdbxGHLgSEdKlQA3FWJNaOS5kuFoh9kVxTBOUm-7z9WNY5zSUGejz5gSdeldFl3kHz3r_ObjVOCdZb36grPfpBCnbXLVbEoYSORjmQaNDvVuP_b4q0-b7IErvIrb6kGEA/s1600/78866909_10157408107666928_2319047959179689984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="832" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyjgjLOcE_emdbxGHLgSEdKlQA3FWJNaOS5kuFoh9kVxTBOUm-7z9WNY5zSUGejz5gSdeldFl3kHz3r_ObjVOCdZb36grPfpBCnbXLVbEoYSORjmQaNDvVuP_b4q0-b7IErvIrb6kGEA/s400/78866909_10157408107666928_2319047959179689984_n.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday evening, my high school played A’s high school in
basketball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all went to the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>W and S really haven’t showed much interest
in sports, but they’ve enjoyed the couple basketball games we’ve gone to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly (for me), A’s school won, but we all had
fun watching.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Church followed
by a pancake breakfast with Santa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
filling up on pancakes, sausage, bagels, and juice, W and S greeted Santa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure what W requested – possibly miniature
traffic signals?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>S requested a toy car
wash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why can’t my kids request something
easy??</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0O8s3Qmm9lBm4Mb7ynSoMgAB_dtppbOAo816GP9vxe7GFyPosHmXOGGJ9wxEY3IF3diSPWzJcmp_bDOSiZZshbHS3hk7q7O10Q4FnVMv3K3Z9sKfHaviMzjTUtUZ-nOoILCMmPCxwEzE/s1600/78956213_10157412117646928_43289306088865792_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="589" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0O8s3Qmm9lBm4Mb7ynSoMgAB_dtppbOAo816GP9vxe7GFyPosHmXOGGJ9wxEY3IF3diSPWzJcmp_bDOSiZZshbHS3hk7q7O10Q4FnVMv3K3Z9sKfHaviMzjTUtUZ-nOoILCMmPCxwEzE/s400/78956213_10157412117646928_43289306088865792_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From there, W attended a birthday party for a classmate
while S and I dropped off gifts for our adopted family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all ended up at my mom’s house where the
boys played with Legos and we ordered Chinese food for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So lots of fun, but I was so tired on Monday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04877399848566077924noreply@blogger.com0