Jay's family party

On Memorial Day I had Jay's family party.  My sister had gone to so much work and made a photo slideshow for him, along with video messages from his friends and family.  I could tell he was touched! 

Curt is visiting!  Yay.  He came out to spend the day with us.  It was wonderful seeing him.  He's headed to Alabama in August.

What Nick is up to

Nick is officially done with 8th grade.  He missed his 8th grade promotion also.  He doesn't care but once again I do.  Our subdivision did a parade for all graduates on Saturday.  Jay was working but Nick was the lead of the parade.  Nick really did have a great 8th grade year and like everyone else it was cut too short.  I have no idea what his freshman year will look like but I do know it will look different than what anyone had imagined.

Nick has his own deck.  I mean really how lucky is this kid?  He loves to hang out on it and light fires and enjoy the view.  It's truly Nick living his best life.

Despite the relentless rain Nick still manages to fish everyday.  Today he had to wait until this evening as it literally poured all day!  I guess the wait was worth it.  He got a big one!

Graduation, Class of 2020

This happened today.  Graduation didn't quite look like we thought it would but none the less, it was still a really nice day - even though it poured all day long!  I'm pretty sure the virtual graduation that was put on today was for the history books.  Our principal gave the speech from the gym which was empty and a few people gave speeches virtually from the comfort of their bedrooms.  One of Jay's friends parents invited a few kids over, along with their parents so we could watch the virtual graduation together.  Sure it wasn't the same but these days you've got to get creative.

Sadly Nick couldn't attend the virtual graduation.  All parents kept their other kids at home as siblings would have just lead to more people.

Just a handful of the kids from the Class of 2020!  What a group.  So proud of these kids.

Jay and Reece, friends since 1st grad. 

This is what the ceremony looked like.  Each kid has their name read and a picture of them came across the screen. 

What a great day.  It wasn't what any of us thought the day would be but such is life.  These kids are a part of history - good or bad - they lived it and experienced it.  I can't wait to see what great things they do in small ways!  They are a tight knit group.  Many of my high school friendships faded after high school but I just don't think that will happen with this group!  To be young again!  The options are limitless for them.  May God bless them all.

Shelter in Place & being 46

Well it's true 2020 is not turning out at all like I had hoped or planned it would, however, there are still bright spots.  My sister surprised me last night and brought Mary and Sarah with her.  Mom even made a quick appearance.  The weather cooperated, even if it was a bit chilly, and we sat on the patio and deck doing what we do best, eating, drinking and laughing together.  After not spending any time with my friends for over 8 weeks it was wonderful to see them and truly made me appreciate the time we spent together.

Thoughts on being 46.  I got nothing this year other than eat cinnamon rolls for your birthday breakfast with coffee!  I've been listening to my pastor, Mike, every morning.  Mike looks forward to Fridays because he and his wife get these amazing cinnamon rolls.  I decided to try for myself.  They did not disappoint.

What a wonderful evening!  Not being able to see or spend time with your friends for weeks is very isolating.  There are so many things I'm seeing now that I find very disturbing.  Please know I am specifically referencing Illinois and not the rest of the country.  I drove by a playground yesterday and there was yellow tape around it - like the murder scene yellow tape.  The tape is up to prevent children playing.  I go into an "essential" store now and everyone is wearing masks so you don't see anyone smile and no one stops to talk to anyone.  Folks are in a big hurry to get in and get out of the store. Illinois has cancelled all sports for kids for the rest of the summer.  People are not in church worshipping.....yet.  Summer camps are cancelled.  Kids won't be attending church camps or mission trips.  Rumors are circulating E-learning will continue into the fall.  Hair salons aren't open yet which saddens me greatly as my own hair dresser, who is my friend and who I love, is suffering.  But last night was a bright spot.  Yes, we did talk about the state of the world but it can be done in my safe zone of my dear sister and my wonderful girlfriends.  Humans are meant to be around others which is something I've taken for granted.  I never realized how much I would miss my friends until I couldn't see them or hug them.  Never again.  I am forever grateful for my tribe of women!

And oh yeah, it's Mother's day too!  Happy Mother's day, mom!  I love you.  I admire you greatly!  You have overcome so many obstacles.  As you always say, keep on keeping on!  Every day with you is a gift.

Happy 14th Birthday, Nick

I'm late in blogging about Nick's birthday, probably because it was rather uneventful and Nick is the only kid I know that simply tolerates his birthday.  He doesn't eat cake (weirdo).  He tends to stick to his routine so when I suggested that maybe I could make him something special for breakfast he flatly told me No and that he would stick to his eggs and waffles.  His E-learning continues and he's doing so/so with it.  I think he's mentally done with school.  He is spending a lot of time fishing these days and I'm so thankful for his love of fishing and that we live where we live - even if it is Illinois.  I included this picture of Nick because it's so Nick.  Trump hat, Pit Viper sunglasses and an AL shirt.  He looks like a redneck that has no business living in IL.  Just sayin....

Mike, the boys and I are still hard at work with our yard.  It's coming along.  After 17 years seeing my yard, patio and deck come together brings me great joy!

I order all of our cakes from a small bakery in Tremont, IL.  We love it.  I asked for a fishing theme for Nick's cake and boy did they deliver.  I love how it turned out.  Of course Nick didn't eat any.

Our world as we know is still very different.  As of May 1 IL is still under a "shelter in place" order but I have admit my patience is running thin.  However, I am very mindful that not all people think like me, imagine that, and I am trying to give a lot of grace to others who are still very afraid of this virus.  All Illinoisans must wear a mask out in public now.  I get the idea behind the mask.  What I don't get is why we waited until May 1.  We should have been wearing masks back in March, but I digress.  Last night I had my family out for Nick's birthday.  It was the first time since probably mom's birthday in early March that all 9 of us were together.  I know it made my mom very happy!  Whenever she comes over the dogs know who drops the food the most.  Ha!  As we enter a new week I remain hopeful for my country, my state and my family but each and every day that goes by and for those of us still on "lockdown" I'm afraid the message loud and clear is one of submission.   A lawsuit in southern Illinois has already been filed which states what our governor is doing is unconstitional.  I'm afraid there are still scary and uncertain times ahead.