Lunch Dates

Every Thursday, on Burke's one day off, he goes grocery shopping so that I don't have to.

He goes to Costco and Walmart and gets all the things.

He also gets me flowers each week.

These are this week's beauties.

These are the ones from last week, still blooming and still smelling splendor...

So he put the new ones next to the old ones so I can continue to enjoy them.

When I got home from my lash appointment, he and Ryker took me to lunch at Kneaders.

Kneaders is our fall-back go-to place when we can't decide where to eat.

It's that comfort food AND the sweets!

 

Oh Dammit

This sweet Squish is having some health issues.

His mommy and daddy have had him at several doctor's offices.

Yesterday was yet another visit with a new doctor.

Today, they are trying a very aggressive flush.

We are praying specifically that his body and the medication will work in unison;

That his pain and discomfort will be minimal;

That is body will work the way it should during the flush and after;

That he will feel comfort and peace;

That his mommy and daddy will also feel comfort and will be able to soothe him.

 

Snapshots

A parent (one of my favorites) took this picture of me at the team party on Sunday.

Literally standing in a corner while the coaches gave out the player gifts.

Right after this picture was taken, I walked across to go get the coaches gifts.

Suddenly, they start talking about me.

I wanted OUT.

The head coach was saying nice things about me, then the boys, then parents.

I just wanted it to end.

And it did.

I was so grateful for their words.

This snapshot shows my fatigue.

This snapshot also shows me showing up.

That matters.

This was the next day.

After some rest.

After coloring.

A hot shower.

And hugs.

This snapshot shows me rested.

And still showing up.

That matters, too.

 

Dear P

Dear P,

For months and months before you got on that airplane, you told me that Gage would be the one to take over for you whenever it was that you left the city.

I would ask you how you knew that, why you thought that, why Gage... why are you bringing this up to me?!

Then you got on the plan.

Then I had a stroke.

Then that other guy was hired to take your position.

And I lived in an actual hell for 7 1/2 years.

Hell.

Fear.

Sadness.

Confusion.

Abuse.

Day after day after day.

It wasn't the way you told me it was going to be.

But I hung in there.

Here.

I kept showing up.

Then that guy retired.

And Gage came.

And the sun started to shine again.

I stopped being afraid (literally scared to death) to go to work every day.

I started to do my job again.

I started doing my job again and doing it so well.

I started to blossom.

Heal.

Smile.

Yup, there's stress.

Yup, there's overstimulation.

Yup, there's craziness.

But it's safe again.

Nice things are being said to me.

There's laughter again.

It's just the way you promised it would be.

You knew all along.

You helped me to keep going when I just wanted to quit.

Dear P,

It's all better.

Thank you.

PS

I formed a city-wide administrative assistant boot camp.

My idea started with goals and a vision.

It now holds space for 40 people every month.

Two hours every second Thursday.

Gage has been my biggest cheerleader... in the flesh.

It's a HUGE undertaking.

But I'm doing it.

Every month.

And I know you're proud.

 

Ryker's Last Regular Season Game

Saturday was Ryker's last regular season game.

I hate to say this, and am sure I'll think differently a year from now, but I'm SO grateful this season is almost over.

I'm exhausted.

These boys played the best game they've played all year!

The MUSS showed up to cheer on our boys.

Literally.

One of our players has a cousin, who is the president of the MUSS.

He gathered some fellow MUSS friends and they made signs and cheered on our boys.

I cried.

Crying at this made me realize how exhausted I am!

Last night, we had their football party.

I had rented a pavilion at a local park, but we had a mama who offered up their stake center.

This weather has been nuts and I was so thankful that she was able to get us inside!

I love these boys.

I do.

I appreciate their parents.

It's overall been a good year, as team-momming goes. 

Their first playoff game is this weekend.

It's lose and go home.

I really do hope that they do well!

 

Last Regular Season Game

Well, this is weird.

Cooper played his last regular-season game ever last night.

But first - Hudson time!!!!

Hudson took up all of Cooper and Jane's time with cars and Legos.

I'm sure it was good game-prep!

Hudson was the best little fan.

He was pounding his feet on the bleachers to make lots of noise when "Uncle is #95 on that field!"

On the second defensive play of the game, my boy had a SAFETY!!!!

By the way, there was a truck vendor there from Aggie Ice Cream.

I may or may not have tried a few of these flavors!!!

 

Pumpkin

Burke decorated the front yard a couple of weeks ago for spooky season.

We added the pumpkins the girls and I brought home on Saturday.

I absolutely love mixing Halloween with warmer Fall weather - I love the spooky, cute stuff mixed with flowers that are still holding onto life.

I think it's so cozy!