Happy New Year

 What a year!  In January our President was in the midst of being impeached.  In March....March 13 to be exact, our entire country shut down for what we thought would be 2-3 weeks, max.  Nine months later we as Illinoisan's are still under lock down orders. Some children haven't been in a classroom since they walked out of one on March 13. Some kids haven't played sports since their spring or summer season ended. Seniors- mine included - didn't get a graduation ceremony.  Masks are now the norm. Vacations were cancelled.  Family events were put on hold.  Small businesses have been struggling and some haven't survived.  People weren't able to worship at church on Easter. Then in November we had what I believe to be the biggest election of my lifetime.  Biden supposedly won but under deep suspicion of fraud. If Biden is truly our President then I accept it and I pray for godly wisdom for him.  In fact I have already started praying for him and our new V.P. but I also believe there is still much to be uncovered and I shudder to think what my children's futures will look like.  Despite all the unknowns there was still a lot of good from 2020. I was able to live in the moment and just "be." I resisted it at first.  I am pretty sure I spent all spring swearing and crying over all the missed opportunities.  Summer came and with it came nicer weather and more opportunities to be "normal." I have actually traveled three times since the pandemic and I savored every second of those trips. Relishing the time with friends as I knew it was a rare gift. The fall was difficult but I am thankful our school district was in person so it was somewhat normal for Nick.  However, the fall has been very difficult for my sister and her kids. My mom broke her arm right before Thanksgiving and we are thankful it was her "bad" arm.  While it is true the pandemic hasn't done her any favors I am thankful she can still live at home with her dog. Then December hit and for the first time I can remember I loved December and was reminded of the real reason for the season. December has always been my busiest month.  Both boys played basketball and every week night was spent at games. It was a juggling act of getting presents bought, attending parties, planning menus and going to basketball games.  But this year there was none of that.  My December was filled with coffee and prayers in the morning, work during the day and evenings spent around the breakfast bar with my family, laughing and sharing. Truly I will always reflect on December of 2020 with fondness.  Eventually life will get back to normal (I hope) but something tells me I will long for these 31 days of December 2020 when it was just us, my small family of four, laughing and talking every weekday night, just as God intended. 

Nick's E.R. visit

On Dec. 17 I got out of bed in the morning quite proud of myself.  We as a family had managed to stay healthy, knowing that on on Dec. 18 we were flying to TX.  2020 has not been an easy year and we were looking forward to spending time with the Ausili's.  Covid had not struck any of us and for 8 people, that is a big deal. Then at 9:30 a.m. I got a call from Nick's school nurse.  He had terrible stomach pain and although he didn't have a fever (an indicator of Covid) he was sweating profusely.  I took Nick to prompt care where his pain got even worse.  Prompt care was concerned enough that they sent him to the E.R.. Covid wasn't even on the radar but we were all worried especially since we had a flight in less than 24 hours.  Nick and I spent the day in the E.R. to learn Nick was constipated.  I can't make this stuff up.  We went to TX with packets of miralax and pepcid and needless to say most of our laughs in TX centered around when and how big Nick's poo would be.  
 

Our TX weekend

We went to TX Dec. 18 - Dec. 21 and I have to say it was awesome.  If we could go every year for Sieb and Jenny's birthday it would be perfect.  We celebrated Sieb's birthday on the 19th and Jenny's on the 21st.  The Ausili's are our family and we love and miss them but every time we get together we pick up right where we left off.  The weather was beautiful, upper 60's and sunny most days.  Our flights were on time which for me is a big deal because I seem to have the worst luck with flights.  

These pictures look cute and they are but once again they paint a picture of what looks like kids who were agreeable for a picture.  I can assure you they weren't except for sweet Faith.  My boys especially were ridiculous.  But Jenny got the pictures and it was worth all the complaining. 

 

Our Xmas "bible study" get together

 In November Kim and I came up with an idea to do a bible study and since we are still living in the mess that is 2020 we decided to keep it small.  This group of women are my absolute fav's. Our bible study started meeting this month and it's our goal to meet once a month.  Yes, it's a small goal (ha) but it is a goal.  Shannon had us over on Dec. 23.  Her home was lovely and I don't think there was a time when we stopped laughing! 

Merry Christmas

I have so much to blog about this past week but today is Christmas so I'll write about what we did and go backwards.  Makes sense, right?  Ha!  After what has been a hard year for the country, we as a family, have so many blessings.  First we've stayed healthy.  None of us have gotten Covid.  Jay and Kim are the only ones in the family who were tested for it and both tested negative which is pretty good considering all of Jay's friends got it.  Second, we are all employed.  My heart aches for small business owners who have lost their life's work in the restaurant business.  Third, our four kids have continued to thrive.  Kim would certainly say that remote learning has been no picnic and that her children have suffered academically from it but again all four kids seem happy and well adjusted even during this time where nothing feels normal.  Fourth, my mom is doing well.  She broke her arm right before Thanksgiving and will be in a cast for another four weeks.  The pandemic has not helped her socially or physically but mom is a trooper and marches forward.  As we always say we are grateful she lives in her home with her dog.  Fifth and most important....in all the craziness that has been 2020 we have Jesus which quite frankly He is our hope, our joy and our light.   

Christmas eve was spent at my mom with the dogs.  We all loved Xmas eve this year.  It was relaxing and cozy filled with lots of laughs.  

I adore this picture of Harpy and her dog, Calli.  She is full of innocence and kindness and this picture reflects who she is.  

I bought Kim glasses that reads "Brad's Bar" for her basement bar.  She loved them. 

More dog pics.  One of them was always on a lap during the day.  

Since March we've gotten use to watching church from home.  This year all 9 of us watched church from my basement.  While there is nothing like the feel of being in church on Xmas eve we all agreed that we loved watching it from the comfort of home this year.  

My boys - ages 14 and 18.  I mean seriously can they be any cuter or taller?  Parents of littles...don't blink.  Savor every moment.  

This was Jay's most exciting gift - a car washing kit.  He was over the moon about it.  So cute.  We also got him a North Face coat and a Yeti lunch box.....such "adulting" gifts.  

Nick's big gift was a tool set.  We also got him more fishing stuff.  I was certain Nick couldn't possibly need more fishing things but apparently it's impossible to have too much fishing stuff, according to Nick. 

My momma.  I loved what she did this year.  She buys Kim and I jams every year.  This year mom called her friend, Donna, and Donna took mom out to get the jams bought.  Thank you, Donna.  And God Bless you, mom!  

Ausili's annual xmas even picture from TX wishing us well.  We spent last weekend with them (more on that later) and loved every minute of it.  

 Our annual xmas picture back to Ausli's from IL!  Merry Christmas, everyone!  

Happy Vs. Joy

 The sermon my pastor delivered this morning inspired this blog so thank you, Mike Baker! However, if I'm honest this has been on my heart for a couple of months now, I just wasn't exactly sure how I wanted to write it.  Mike explained that happiness is different from joy.  Joy is the hope we have in Jesus Christ. He also said we as humans are addicted to happiness.  All true! For me personally I can find blessings in 2020 but I've spent a lot of the year grumbling, unhappy over the current state of affairs until about six weeks ago.  I noticed my attitude started to change.  It's probably something no one else has noticed which proves just how small the change is - ha! When I put a word to this change it's joy.  I started to find the joy in what has been a very difficult year and I believe the year(s) ahead will be just as challenging.  Believing that the years ahead will be difficult and uncertain (this is my just opinion mind you) I still have peace and joy. For example I have missed my grandparents and my dad more than I ever have since they passed. It has brought me great joy to think back on my childhood and my past with them, knowing one day I will be reunited with them.  I remember my dad driving to Nanny's house to pick up the turkey on Thanksgiving. Often times as I'm in the kitchen (which is a lot these days) I think of my grandma as she prepared for the holidays every year in anticipation of hosting her large family.  I'm not sure I would have reflected on them so much but I've had time to do so. This December especially is filled with nothing but time. It's been the first year on Dec. 13 that I have all my Christmas presents bought and wrapped with my Christmas eve and day menu planned.  Even though I don't have sporting events to go to or parties to attend I have found the joy in being home and enjoying my home and family. My husbands schedule has slowed down significantly as he begins a transition into a new career journey - a big blessing of 2020. It's been a joy to have Mike present more and see him relaxed. Being with my friends also brings me great joy.  My friends fill my cup every time I'm with them. My dogs bring me joy and make Mike and I laugh nearly everyday. The year 2020 has taught me that even in the midst of challenges there is still heart felt joy! 

December in 2020

While 2020 has not been a great year there is still much to be thankful for.  Harpy turned 13 last week. She is such an innocent and sweet girl. Kim threw her a Hawaiian themed party and we gave Covid the middle finger and attended. There was no way we were going to miss this girl turning 13. 

 The weather thus far has been nice.  Nice enough that Nick invited this cluster of boys over this weekend to ride four wheelers! 

As the end of 2020 comes to an end I have to say this has been the most unsettling year with a very uncertain future.  Never in my lifetime I have experienced such a year. I look around me and there is no doubt the fundamentals, values and principles America was founded on are being chipped away.  I'm witnessing things I never thought I would.  Illinois and other blue states have crippled small businesses.  As I drive through town I see tents up in parking lots just so restaurants can still try to serve food.  The tents have heaters in them b/c Hello.....it's December in IL.  My heart goes out to restaurant and bar owners.  In my opinion (so I don't get fact checked) the backbone of our society is our small businesses and our children and what Illinois specifically has done to crush small businesses and our children is absolutely disgraceful. Yes, my son has been in school and I'm incredibly grateful but my niece and nephew have not and they are suffering academically, physically and socially.  There is no data driven science that proves the virus is spread in schools (in fact it is not - fact check me on that) nor is it spread in restaurants.  If the goal is to crush the U.S. economy then we are well on our way for the "The Great Reset." Wake up, people! 

Tonight, thoughts by Jay

 Back when the boys were small there were nights I thought I might lose my mind.  Funny how things change because tonight is one of those nights I'm pretty sure Jay thought he might lose his mind. Picture it (Yes, I know I sound like Sophia on The Golden Girls) an almost 19 year old boy/man who is living at home because all the plans he had were derailed by Covid. He doesn't seem to mind living at home.  Mom and Dad for the most part stay off his back until dad wants to have "one of those" conversations that revolve around your future which by the way happened just the other night. Then your brother fills the entire pantry with his white cheddar cheez-its making it impossible to find anything you want to pack for your lunch because unlike Nick.....you work full time. All Nick has to do is get up for remote learning which he does in bed with his dog for 5 hours a day while you're out freezing and raking leaves.  Plus there has been a slight problem with the ice maker in our house which granted is a small problem in life but every morning and afternoon you hear your mom going crazy with trying to break up the ice which sticks together which isn't supposed to happen but neither nor mom or dad have bothered to fix it thus far.   It's the same song and dance every morning and afternoon, hearing mom frantically trying to break up the ice and it sounding like nails on a chalkboard from my room.  Tonight you may have reached my your limit.  After being quarantined for a few days with possible Covid you  learned your Covid test was negative and you returned to work because that's just the kind of worker you are. You came home to find your mother asking you a million questions wanting to double check that in fact you were negative for Covid.  Does your throat hurt?  Have your lost your taste and smell?  This was after I already went over these questions with her this morning! Then your brother sits in "your chair." and your mom is annoyed with Nick because he had her order something for him for Christmas from China - apparently mom thinks they may never see it now.  She was complaining about this while she chipped away at the ice that was stuck together AGAIN - with no mention of maybe having the ice maker fixed.  Meanwhile I'm trying to take a pre-test for Algebra so I can attempt to take the real test in January, if and when I get hired as an electrician apprenticeship.  All I want to do is start saving some money so I can get out of this house! 

Signed.......Jay