Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas 2022!  Last night my sister and her family and my mom came out.  I remember last year we had great weather.  This year, not so much.  We've had fridgid temps with blowing snow but thankfully it had settled down enough so that everyone was able to make it out.  Mike made a brisket and it did not disappoint.  The picture above is the annual picture we send to the Ausili's.  It shows us in our "real" habitat.  Ha. 

We had all 5 dogs with us last night and they were actually very good.  Mike and I recently bought Cole, Copper and Walker a huge bed so all five dogs were able to make themselves cozy.  Notice they all have sweaters and coats on.  The temps have been sitting right at zero and below zero, too cold for any dog, let alone vizslas.  

Our boys!  Every year that goes by I count my blessings that they are with us.  It was so nice having Jay living at home during the holidays.  He's turned into a foodie, like his dad, and between the two of them we ate well all through December.  It was also nice to have Nick home for longer than 5 minutes.  Granted he's starting to act like a caged animal but he's coping.  He intends on working full time during break.  

The boys attempted to ice fish today but it hasn't been cold for long enough for the ice to be at a safe thickness.  Once they got on the ice and saw water pooling up they decided to come back in.  Thank goodness because everyone knows how much I hate ice fishing season.  I'm certain it's taken years off my life.  

My mom is a trooper.  She struggles more and more with each passing year but she loves being surrounded by her family at Christmas.  Last night sweet Jay literally lifted his nana into the car so Craig could drive her home.  As she got in the car I said, "You did it, mom."  She said, "Just, I just barely did it but I got it done."  Due to mom's mobility issues and the fridgid temps we elected to watch church from the comforts of my living room.  It is not the same - not even close, but it was the right decision this year.  Maybe next year we can go to in person church.  

My sister got the boys these cups.  Read it closely.  It's so spot on.  Today it is just me, Mike and the boys.  It's a slow, stress free day.  We leisurely opened gifts this morning.  After ice fishing was a bust Jay went to the gym.  Nick is relaxing.  I am blogging.  Mike is organizing.  We intend to have our big meal at 5pm tonight.  Our Christmas days have sure changed.  Mike's parents no longer come out and Ausili's are in Texas.  The more I age the more I realize you just have to adapt to the changes and find joy in every changing season.  This Christmas I'm joyful that my family could be together.  Considering the terrible weather we had I'm joyful we had power this Christmas.  I'm very joyous that we are all healthly and my mom is thriving.  God is good. 
 

Merry Christmas Eve

 Last night my bible study group got together for our 3rd annual Christmas gathering.  We are missing one member, Katie.  I am so thankful for all these women.  We formed this group during Covid in October 2020.  We meet once a month.  We've said countless prayers over one another, laughed together and cried over the many heartaches we've encountered through the years.  It's our faith in Jesus that sustains us and brings us great joy, even during times of sorrow.  I am honored to call each of these women friends.  

Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. 

It's Nick's world, I just live in it

I realize this is a pretty random post considering it's Dec.23 but I haven't blogged about Nick in awhile.  I've intended to but time got away from me.  I have just finished working for the day today.  Mike, Jay, Nick and Chase (in the football picture above) went shopping out of town and I have a little time before my bible study Christmas party.  I figured I'd sit down and write what Nick has been up to.  It's never boring with Nick.  He continues to keep busy with his friends, despite the fact he opted not to play football or basketball.  Our football team did so well this season and although he didn't play Nick went to every game to support the team and Chase.  The picture above was taken after a Win.  Nick ran onto the field to congratulate Chase and another parent captured this awesome picture.  

 Nick continues to fish and his boat he bought in August is finally finished and out of our garage.  Mike literally covered it yesterday and moved it out.  It ended up taking four months to finish.  Considering Nick now has a boat and his hobbies are well...expensive, he got a part time job in late October.  His friend, Brantson (above) and Brantson's dad recommended Nick.  Nick works at a fabrication shop about 10 minutes from our house.  He loves it and in true Nick form, he's learned a skill.  Over Christmas break Nick intends on dividing his time and working full time at the fab shop and at the machine shop he worked at this summer.  Nick always has big plans and has a way of excuting them so they come to fruition.  I will say at this stage in my life and his he takes very little effot from a parenting perspective and it's challenging for me, probably because he's my "baby" and I want to hold on to him as long as possible.  He's hardly home so I don't see him.  By the end of the week I miss him.  Last night a winter storm rolled in.  All four of us were home by 6pm and had dinner together and we stayed home the rest of the night.  It was my Christmas miracle.  Nick went to bed early last night because he was tired.  I went up to his room and wrapped him in a huge hug.  I was so thankful to just have him home for longer than five minutes.  Ha.  

Mom's award for the ugliest sweater at the home

 As promised here is the sweater I took mom out to buy last week in the rain but it was worth it.  I mean really is it any surprise that she won the ugly sweater award at the home?  Mom's heart has been joyous lately and I'm so thankful.  She is actively involved in activities at the home.  Just this week she went on a shopping trip and last night she went out with other residents to look at Christmas lights.  No doubt this year has been hard but in usual mom fashion she finds the best in every situation.  Today I stopped in to see her.  Central IL is preparing for a big winter storm.  Mom and I agreed that it is comforting that she doesn't have anything to worry about during this storm.  She doesn't have to worry about getting Walker out to do his business, finding someone to plow her drive or worry about getting her mail.  It is a blessing to Kim, mom and I to know she is taken care of and continues to be a ray of light to everyone she encounters.  

Happy 50th Birthday, Sieb

My dear hubby turns 50 day and I mean it when I say he just gets better with age.  Mike and I have literally grown up together.  We met when I was just 19 and he was 21.  We've been through a lot together and still like each other.  ha.  I planned a "celebrate Sieb" weekend.  It started on Saturday night with a trip to a whiskey distillery.  Mary and John joined us (they are celebrating their 12 year anniversary today also).  We really had a great time.  

On Sunday night I invited a few of Mike's friends over (Craig, Neal and Joe) and they had steak and drank whiskey.  I knew that having a big party for Mike would be like torture.  I think he really enjoyed the whiskey distillery and having a small group of friends over.  Today we relax and celebrate all the things we love about Sieb.  
 

Holiday Parties

I had a full and fun weekend.  On Friday night Mike and I went to the "Welcome Home Haiti" event with friends of ours that we don't see often enough.  On Saturday night I went to a "favorite things" party with Kim at her neighbor, Chan's house.  On Sunday I attended Chan's daughters baptism.  

 The month of December always flies by.  Next week is Mike's 50th birthday - more on that later.  I do have a few things up my sleeve.  

Wonderful

 My mom has living in her new apartment at the "home" for four months now.  She has settled in nicely and compared to the train wreck we had this summer, life is well wonderful.  Mom's favorite phrase these days is so and so is wonderful, you girls are wonderful, Gail (her therapist) is wonderful and so on and so on.  Mom's outlook is bright and I've thanked God many times for this season of grace and restoration He has granted all of us.  We needed it!  True to our nature we also have lots of laughs.  The "home" certainly provides us with some interesting stories.  Last week mom told me she and another resident passed by the Christmas tree that was in the main lobby.  Mom commented that the tree was pretty and the other resident agreed but said she was sad Christmas was over.  Mom called me and shared the confusion over when Christmas actually is and we laughed together, as we always do.  I said, "Well mom it could be worse.  At least you know when Christmas is."  Mom lives next door to a married couple.  I got to meet them this week.  The wife introduced her husband to me as her dad.  The husband rolled his eyes and said "I've been dealing with this crap for 90 years."  Once mom and I were safely in her apartment we laughed again.  Confusion at the "home" is a common theme.  Mom is also playing "secret santa" to her neighbor down the hall, Milford.  Several weeks ago mom decided she was tired of sitting with the women for breakfast so she boldly started sitting with the men.  If you ask me this was wise on mom's part.  She is after all the youngest person at the "home" and still has all her mental capacities.  Plus morning is her best time of day.  I'm pretty sure she shines at that man table every morning.  Anyway one morning Milford shared that he hangs a stocking on his door every Christmas season but no one ever puts anything in his stocking.  Mom being the thoughtful person that she is directed (she's bossy too) Kim to pick up some goodies to fill Milford's stocking.  Milford commented this week that sure enough he found the loot in his stocking!  Mom stayed silent on her role in the secret stocking stuffer.  Yesterday mom bossed asked me to take her out so she could buy an ugly Christmas sweater for some event at the "home."  I did what I was told and we came home with what might be the ugliest but funniest sweater I've ever seen.  Just wait, I'll post pictures in another blog.  This current season of good health mentally and physically for my mom has been a joy for all of us.  It's been so nice to see mom be mom and we are so thankful!  

Happy 15th Birthday, Lauren

 Lauren's birthday is always the start of the Christmas season for us.  I am so thankful for this niece of mine.  She always makes me smile.  She is so kind hearted and easy to be around.  School does not come easy for her but she works hard and her hard work has paid off.  Her and Luke love attending their private christian school.  They can quote scripture and know their bible way better than my sister and I.  It's been worth every penny and I know Kim and Craig have never regretted their decision.  Lauren turned 15 over the weekend and got her drivers permit.  It's hard to believe she will have her drivers license next year.  Happy Birthday, Lauren.  I pray this year blesses you abduntantly.  

This House

 My cousin, Adam and his wife, Nicki, bought our grandparents home after they died.  I have not been in the house since my grandparents lived in it but last night Nicki posted this picture.  Suddenly the memories of this home flooded my memory.  I think of my grandparents especially this time of year almost daily and the older I get the more I miss them and cherish them.  I had so many happy memories in this home.  Every Christmas our entire family would pile down in the basement to open presents, after the meal was eaten and the dishes were done, of course.  Often times we would pull into the driveway and grandma and grandpa would be waiting for us on the porch.  When we left grandma would be in the front window waving to us.  Grandma's sugar cookies and her peanut butter fudge were in abdundance during the holidays.  Driving to Sterling was a long drive so we would always spend the night.  I'd wake up every morning with the same greeting from grandma, "How did you sleep, Amy?"  Then she'd prepare my oatmeal which my mother could never perfect.  Only grandma knew how to make the oatmeal I loved.  

After the holidays were over last year I remember feeling disappointed with how the holidays had played out.  Nothing had gone wrong and I had plenty to be thankful for but it was an odd Christmas.  My in laws didn't come on Christmas Day.  Jay had moved out and although he spent a good amount of time with us it was an adjustment for me.  Most of my sadness came from the past and having a hard time moving forward.  I realized at the time it was not healthy.  Time marches on and I know I need to be thankful in all things/time.  I voiced my sadness with Mary one day after Christmas last year and as always she provided me with sound, godly advice.  She said I needed to make the holidays my own.  I had to decide how I wanted the season to look for my family and be intentional.  That's exactly what I plan to do this season.  Someday I want my boys and grandchildren to look back at my house and think that is the house where I was loved, cared for and blessed.  

Happy Thanksgiving

I noticed that I last blogged on Nov. 13.  It's been a nice few weeks and I really have no excuse why I waited two weeks to blog.  In any case all nine of us celebrated Thanksgiving together at Kim's house.  As my mom said, "It was wonderful, just wonderful."  We played a game together and we....being my family....are NOT game players but this was easy.  It was a simple coin toss.  My boys played along relatively happily.  

Mom is doing so well.  It is a struggle for her to get around but she does it.  I was sure this summer she may never walk again but God has proven me wrong once again.  His faithfulness and how He has moved in my mom's life is a testament to His grace and love for all of us.  

 Mike fried the turkey again this year.  It did not disappoint.  Of course I think it has 5000 calories from butter alone but it's worth every bite!  

Hob Nob & Brunch

I had such a fun weekend.  On Saturday I traveled to Springfield and went to the Hob Nob Market with my aunt and cousin.  I hadn't seen my aunt and cousin since this summer.  It was wonderful to spend time with them while we shopped.  

Today I went to brunch with Betsy, Calli and Laura to celebrate Betsy and Calli's birthdays.  B. and Calli have birthdays in November and Laura and I have spring birthdays.  It's our tradition to go to brunch in the fall and in the spring to celebrate us.  Nothing says fun like girlfriends, brunch and mimosa's.  
 

The Struggle Bus

 No one really prepares you what it's like to live with your adult child and teenager.  When I was pregnant many, many years ago I was able to read books to prepare me for what was to come.  I certainly felt more equipped and took the advice of women who were already parenting.  Years ago when Jay was in high school and Nick was in middle school my dear friend, Sarah, gave me great advice.  When dealing with teenage boys you bake, show up, repeat.  Once again I have to shift gears because the bake, show up, repeat doesn't work for my almost 21 year old.  It's not that I think Mike and I need to be actively parenting him.  He will be 21 in January.  That ship has sailed.  However, he does live in our home and there are times I want to say, "Really Jay - Do you think that is a good idea?"  I still try to limit the amount of questions I ask him.  Some things never change.  As far as Nick goes.  He's like a lightening strike.  He bolts into the house, eats and leaves.  Very typical and normal behavior for a 16 year old but this time around I'm four years older than I was when Jay was 16.  My biggest complaint   struggle these days is disrupted sleep.  During the work week this isn't as big of an issue but the weekends it's game on.  I'm asleep, then I'm not.  Then I'm waiting on Nick to come home.  Obviously I don't monitor Jay's comings and goings on the weekends but there is no telling what time he comes home and even though he's courteous I still hear him.  By the time Monday morning rolls around I am literally beat.  Mike and I both are.  For example, last night Nick went to a costume party (he didn't have school the next day).  Jay's girlfriend, Gabby, came over.  Nick was home promptly at his 11:00 curfew. Shortly afterwards Gabby left.  Nick comes into our room to say goodnight then takes his shower.  By this point Mike and I are wide awake.  We finally fall asleep around midnight only to hear Nick's alarm going off at 5am.  Thinking that maybe we can go back to sleep for another hour or so we can hear Nick in the kitchen filling his metal cup with ice.  I throw my arms up in disgust, get out of bed and start my day.  I've been on the struggle bus all day! 

Walker

 I refer to Walker as Big W.  He is our youngest dog and was rescued by my mom four years ago.  He lived with mom until June of this year.  When mom's mobility started to decline and then this summer literally blew up on us we knew that not only would mom need to move out of her home but it would also mean she could no longer live with Walker.  As upsetting as this was for everyone Walker's move into our home was seamless.  He instantly bonded with Jay and Jay is by far his most favorite person in the house.  Walker is Jay's sidekick, just as he was my mom's.  Jay and Walker run errands together and on nice nights Walker sits out on the deck with Jay.  I'm also pleased to say that Walker's behavior has improved since he came to live with us, as long as we don't have anything out on the counters.  Let's just say that issue is a work in progress.  Walker has no tolerance for Cole but will play with Copper.  His old man tendencies that he had with my mom are still who he is today.   Walker will shake with you when asked and will display a goofy grin.  We are never sure if he grins because he's guilty of something.  We surmise he grins to amuse us.  It works everytime.  Even though I say 3 dogs is ridiculous and I don't recommend having 3 dogs we do love Walker and we are glad he's a part of our home, especially Jay.  

Cole

Cole is our "middle child."  He is 100% Mike's dog.  We got Cole about 9 months after we got Copper.  Getting another dog was Mike's idea.  Cole was 4 mos old when we got him, still a puppy but house trained.  It was not love at first sight especially with Mike.  He complained that I had picked out a "defective" dog.  Mike had several struggles with Cole as to who was in charge.  Finally after what was a challenging first year Cole and Mike's relationship evolved into full blown obsession - on Cole's part.  Cole is the most loving dog we have and will probably ever have.  He has such a sweet soul.  His favorite place to be is on Mike's lap and if he can't be on Mike's lap, he wants Mike petting him.  His safe space is sitting right between Mike's legs so he can lovingly gaze up at him.  No kidding.  It's a weird thing Cole and Mike have going on but it seems to work for them.  He eats poop, gobbles down his food as if it's his last meal and is scared to death of thunder but Cole is ours and we love him, quirks and all.  
 

Copper

 I don't often blog about my dogs but I wanted to devote some blog space to each of them this week.  I love having dogs and I doubt there will ever be a time that Mike and I don't have a dog.  Granted, having three of them is a bit much and I don't recommend having more than two.  Just sayin.  We have three vizsla's.  Vizsla's are affectionately referred to as velcro dogs because they stick to you.  There is also a saying that the females love you and the males are obsessed with you.  I can attest all are true.  Copper is our oldest vizsla.  We will have her eleven years in 2023.  She is a good dog.  She is sweet and of our three dogs she requires the least amount of attention.  She is a little sneaky and finicky.  She makes it a point to get into the trash daily and tear up toliet paper.  She loves to eat grass and then barf it up.  And she loves to tease her brothers with her lack of eating.  Copper takes her time and chews her food.  She'll eat a little, walk away from her food and then come back to it.  Cole and Walker stand around her full bowl  completly bewildered that there is food left to be eaten.  Copper started out as Jay's dog but through the years she is the family's dog.  Her favorite person in the house is Mike.  She has her own language with Mike and I swear he can understand her.  Just another thing to add to Mike's resume.  Turns out he's a dog whisperer too.  

The Maple Tree

 Here it is November 1!  I have committed to blog more this entire month.  When I let our dogs out today I was pondering what I could blog about that would be light and humorous.  My maple tree was right in front of me so I snapped a picture of it.  This maple tree gives me so much joy.  My boys have hung from the braches for first day of school pictures.  I've taken countless snap shots of Faith, Curt, Jay and Nick nestled within one of its many trunks.  I find it to be a beautiful, old tree, especially during the fall.  Sure it drops leaves everywhere and I do mean everywhere and in the spring the helicoptors from the tree go every which way and often times I find maple leaves growing out from my planters.  Never mind the fact that a tornado could potentially wipe this tree out - right on top of our house. This tree also provides a great hiding place and get away for squirrels who stand at the base of it and mock our dogs.  Mike hates this tree for all the reasons above.  Everyday after work during this time of year he spends a good 30 minutes blowing all the leaves that have fallen during the day.  And in the spring our gutters get overrun by the helicoptors the tree drops.  Jay and Nick are no fans of it either.  This tree is only around because I love it.  Rest assured if I die first Mike will take this tree down immediately following my funeral.  

Nick's Junior Homecoming

Nick's homecoming was last night.  He took Taylor, a senior.  Aren't they the cutest?  I love seeing these kids get all dressed up.  The girls always look gorgeous and the boys so handsome.  

Taylor's mom got this picture.  I think it's hilarious.  Notice the picture below.  Mike usually ends up with this job every year.  Ha.  

Thankfully the weather cooperated last night.  It has been so cold this week but the temperature warmed up to 70 yesterday.  What a great group of kids! 

Friday morning breakfasts

This fall Nick and his friends came up with an idea.  They decided to make breakfast in the school parking lot.  They started doing it one Friday of every month but recently they upped their game and have been doing it for our Friday home games.  I just think this is the coolest thing!  Our administrators agreed to it and often times they come out to talk to the kids and eat breakfast.  At the last breakfast the kids had a "donation can" and they got enough donations that Nick went out this week and purchased all the food from the donations.  This past Friday was our Homecoming game so this particular breakfast was a big deal.  Thankfully the weather cooperated.  As you can see Nick's role is cooking and serving!  He wears my apron and gets to work.  

 

It's Nick's world, I just live in it

 It's homecoming week and Nick is living his best life.  This is the first year where homecoming will be normal.  There was no homecoming due to Covid his freshman year and last year the kids were still in masks and although they had a dance, it was outside due to you guessed it, freaking covid! This year there are no more restrictions.  Yesterday Nick and his buddies went and collected wood pallets for the bonfire this week.  Yep, that's Nick with his arms raised on top of the pallets.  Nick and his date, Taylor went shopping over the weekend for his clothes.  I was glad to pass that torch to Taylor this year.  Ha.  I'm sure it will be a great week! 

Nashville to Dallas

What a wonderful fun filled week I've had.  Last Tuesday (Oct. 4) I left for Nashville for a work trip.  In March 2020 my work team and territory changed.  It has been two years of uncomfortable growing pains. My team has lost a lot of people along the way but I finally feel that as a team we are settled.  I believe my boss, Amy, would also agree.  Me, Amy (left of me), and Shelly (far left) are the only "originals" of our team.  Now we are a team that stretches from the east coast (VA and GA) to the midwest to the west coast (ID and CA).  My company paid for us to meet somewhere "central" to all of us so we could enjoy some time together as a team.  It was nice to be with my coworkers in person instead of our monthly team meetings over camera.  Our central location just happened to Nashville.  What a fun city!  Amy arranged a food tour for us (our guide is the woman right up front in the picture). While on the tour we ran into Governor Lee of TN so of course we asked him for a photo op.  

On Thursday, Oct. 6, I left Nashville and caught a flight to Texas to visit my girl.  Jenny and I toured the Dallas Arboretum, shopped, watched the AL game on Saturday night and just relaxed.  Although I was ready to get home on Sunday, my heart was full.  Four years have gone by since the Ausili's left and although I miss them dearly, the wound from their move has healed.  I am always thankful for each and every visit with them.  Everytime we visit we pick up right where we left off.  What a blessing it is to have a friendship like the one Sieb and I share with Mike and Jenny.    
 

Grace & Rest

 Today is October 1 and we Illinoisian's can feel the change in the weather.  I am wearing gloves and a sweatshirt on my morning walks.  The air is crisp and as much as I love fall weather it's also a reminder winter is right around the corner.  Winter is no friend of mine, just saying.  This week Hurricane Ian hit southwest Florida and wrecked unimaginable havoc.  I believe I heard it was the 4th or 5th worst hurricane that has hit the states.  It effected family members of mine who had to relocate during the storm.  They are thankfully all okay and their homes are intact.  There are thousands of people who aren't okay and have seen their lives change overnight.  My heart is broken for the losses Floridians are having to endure.  I was reminded of several things this week.  As much as I hate winter, Illinois is my home.  It's not my forever home but it's my home here on this earth.  It's where my roots are planted and the older I get the more I feel drawn to stay.  My grandparents farmed in this state.  I was born and raised here.  My boys experienced a childhood filled with wide open spaces right in our backyard.  Just as Floridians love their state, hurricanes and all, I am thankful for my home state of Illinois, terrible winters and all.    

As I enter this fall season I am most thankful for the answered prayers of grace & rest.  Once mom was settled in her new community I was able to catch my breath.  This summer was the most challenging set of circumstances I've had to endure.  God knew what I needed and through my prayers and the prayers of  dear friends God delivered.  I know one day when I get to heaven I will be able to see even more clearly the things His hand of protection shielded me from.  For now I intend on enjoying the season I'm in with a thankful heart.    

Mike comes to IL

 Mike Ausili was at our house this weekend for a visit.  He flew in on Saturday and stayed that night.  He has work in Bloomington through Wednesday.  We plan on seeing him one more time before he flies back to TX.  We had Sarah, Mary and John out on Saturday and we had such a good time.  The weather was absolute perfection and the company was even better!  What a wonderful weekend.  

Fishing is Life - for Nick anyway

Nick's fall season of fishing is in full swing.  He loves it!  Our boys are doing pretty good too, considering it's their first year and first fall season as a team.  

                                                        Nick and Jackson! 

One Year Later

 It was during this week one year ago that I reached my goal weight.  In March 2021 I started my health journey.  Six months later I met my goal weight.  Fast forward to the present day.  I've managed to maintain and even lose another pound or two.  I'm not sure I've ever kept weight off after losing it for an entire year.  What changed?  I'm 48 years old, that's what changed.  I don't have time to be messing around with this anymore.  My mother was a type I diabetic by the time she was my age.  I also know there are no guarantees in life.  I can try to do my very best to maintain my weight, exercise and eat right and still get some crap disease.  Recently my friend, Erin's, mother in law passed away.  Becky was a few years older than my mom.  She was a kind woman who never smoked or drank in her entire life.  Like ever.  But she still got stage four lung cancer and passed away this summer.  My goal is to simply live each day the best way I can.  A few things that have worked for me is structure and routine.  I get up and walk everyday.  I allow myself to rest on Sundays but because I've established such a routine it feels weird to not walk on Sundays so I do.  I also strength train.  Nothing major but I do spend about 10 minutes a day getting into positions that aren't so appealing but get the job done.  Years ago Mike bought me a stand up desk for work and I swear by this thing!  I spend 90% of my day standing up.  Apparently spending your day sitting down is now being compared to smoking, that's how bad it is for you.  I take a handful of supplements everyday.  Many of which I probably don't need but I take them anyway.  During the work week I make myself a huge (and I do mean huge) salad about 2 or 3pm which usually sustains me through the evening.  I love my salads.  I really do look forward to eating them everyday.  I suppose I should set new goals for myself  in order to keep challenging myself but that's not me and at this point in my life I'm pretty darn comfortable in my own skin.  I want to feel good about myself and live each day with the intent of being the best version of myself.  

The Boat Project

Our boy Nick is in full boat project mode right now.  Of course Mike is helping him, even though initially Mike complained that all this boat would do is cost him money.  He's probably right but Nick has really done a good job in budgeting and paying for what he needs for the boat.  I'm enjoying watching the two of them together each night as they collaborate on the project.  

Last night when they tore the floor up they found these old signs.  The signs were used as "carpet" in the boat.  Who knew? 

 

Labor Day Weekend

This was our 2nd year going to Michigan over Labor Day Weekend.  Kim and Taylor couldn't join us this year so Betsy's sister, Mary, came and Erin D. joined us.  I cannot express how much I needed this weekend.  The summer was rough and honestly as I started August I wasn't sure if I would be able to break away or not but it happened!  I rested and laughed with these girls and it was just what I needed to restore myself mentally and physically - although physically I have some work this week to undo some of the damage from the weekend.  Just saying.  

This is Laura and I out in Lake Michigan.  We had a private beach and the water was lovely.  Cool at first but great once you got in and got use to it.  

Me, Erin and Laura.  On Saturday night we went out for dinner and hit a few breweries.  

Here's the six of us on Saturday night.  Calli, Laura, Mary, Erin and Betsy.  What a great weekend with an awesome group of women.  
 

My Stock Tank

Anyone who knows me knows I have hounded Mike for a pool for years.  His answer was always a hard NO!  I must admit his reasons were valid.  He would end up taking care of it and fixing it.  He didn't have much confidence in me cleaning it everyday.  The expense of maintaining it, not to mention the electric bill, were all the reasons Mike thought a pool was a terrible idea. During one of our conversations Mike had a slip up.  He said the only way I was getting a pool was if it were an animal troff.  At the time I blew his comment off but then I went away for a girls trip over Labor Day weekend 2021.  Leave it to my girls to find a loop hole.  My friend had recently bought a stock tank but at the time hadn't gotten it installed.  My interest was peaked.  

I came home from that trip and reminded Mike of his animal troff statement.  I proposed my stock tank idea.  I think Mike thought I wasn't serious but he is a man true to his word.  In April I purchased the tank and all the supplies.  Mike faithfully went and picked up the tank for me.  He dug a trench for the electrical and installed the pump for me.  He even built a deck around the tank and named my flamingos Berta and Jade.  Apparently Mike thinks flamingos are trashy so he made a fake cigarette and stuck it in Berta's mouth.  Only Mike would construct a fake cigarette that hangs from my flamingo chlorine dispenser.  It does provide good entertainment, however.  

This summer wasn't the summer I had envisioned because I've been so consumed with my mom but my stock tank is everything I wanted it to be.  Jay and I use it often.  Mike and Nick, not so much. It's been easy to clean and I've been devoted to cleaning it daily which given the size of the tank takes me all of 5 minutes.  Sometimes during my lunch break I'll go out and float for 30 minutes.  It's been good for my mental health and I'm truly thankful to my dear husband for being such a good sport about it!