We’re removing insulation, sealing our attic, and reinsulating. When contractors were in the attic removing insulation last week, they inadvertently knocked something loose. Now the lights above our dining room table no longer work. We have been eating by candlelight ever since. Believe me, it's not very romantic.
Cabbage is one of my favorite vegetables.
Isaac is upset that basketball season is coming to an end. He loves going to the games. It’s one of the only activities where he goes along and our family feels typical, whatever that means. The best part is that he chooses to sit in the student section with people he doesn’t know. He’d rather not sit with his parents. This I understand. After all, he’s a teenager. Sometimes when I look at him sitting in the student section doing what everyone else is doing, it makes me teary.
Every Wednesday night Isaac sorts the recycling and piles it up in our living room so he and I can take it to the recycling center Thursday at 4:18 pm. This drives me absolutely crazy.
Besides the recycling in our tiny living room, one huge tote and three big cardboard boxes full of old photos and frames take up most of a corner. They have all been sorted. I hope to get these family heirlooms disseminated to family in a few weeks or less.
Noah has to get his wisdom teeth removed. I like to remind the kids I had five wisdom teeth, which must be why I’m extra wise. They don’t buy it.
Henry has grown long legs since becoming a seventh grader. I wish I had legs like that. He’s become more responsible since attending the junior high. His grades are outstanding.
Chris and I listened to the high school Jazz One perform at the UNI Tallcorn Jazz Festival earlier this month. I sat in the audience and cried because I was moved by the music, and I was proud of Noah and other students for working hard. It was the first anniversary of my mom’s death, and I wished she could have been sitting next to me listening. And yet, I knew she was there.
I ordered a new vacuum because ours is a POS. I can’t wait to use it. Hopefully I can figure out how to put it together. My mechanical skills are almost non-existent.
I asked my mom to send me a sign on the anniversary of her passing. I was sorting coins from a clay pot in the kitchen where we routinely dump change. I sorted the coins into two piles: silver coins and pennies. I put the pennies in a sandwich bag, but just as soon as I did, I knew one was calling to me. I looked into the bag and without seeing any details, I had no doubt which one I needed. I reached in and grabbed it. To my surprise it was a wheat penny from 1945, the year she was born. Thanks, Mom. xoxo
My boys all love music. I’m glad. Isaac sings along to K98.5 FM 24/7. Noah and Henry play the trombone and sing in the choir. They’re both in jazz band. We have two jazz performances to attend this weekend, plus a concert on Monday. Earlier this week Noah sang the National Anthem at a substate basketball game. Last weekend Henry had two variety show performances and participated in a regional spelling bee. No grass grows under their feet. My heart bursts with pride when these guys are on stage.
Let's be honest. Sometimes I want to run away from home.
I fold underwear for four guys in our family. I know who wears what. Same with socks. It’s an art. I’m putting this skill on my resume.