The Huddle

Last week flew by.    We didn't have any snow days thankfully!   Instead we had school and homework and sports practices and kids birthday parties.     I also got the kids schedules organized for March and worked on the rest of years Sunday School schedule.     It feels so great for my soul to get organized even if it is just for as long as it takes for the ink to dry on the calendar.    Because undoubtedly it will change - coaches move dates,  snow day......    We just go with the flow and pretend we are organized.    Aaron continues to have major elbow pain, despite several visits to the sports medicine Dr.  So I have been helping split wood and load the stove.    I don't mind except for the smoke smell and also on the rare occasion that I get a stray ash that singes my hair.   The smell of burnt hair, especially  when it gets wet is the worst thing I have ever smelled...

We didn't go to Iowa for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year.   So I planned a trip for all of us to meet at a 1/2 point.  By all I mean us 4 from Michigan, Don & Marilyn and Steph, Crock, Cooper, Carson and Grandma Jenny.    I found a resort with pool and waterpark in Sheridan, IL; called Fox River Resort.     I reserved 2 villas (nice 2 bedroom, full kitchen rooms) and one standard room.   It was alittle over 5 1/2 hour drive for us and we got there first and checked out the resort (even stumbled on a waterfall).   It would be a very fun get away for the summer, as it has many outside activities.    We found a great mom and pop Pizzeria for a late lunch and it was yummy and authentic! Don & Marilyn got there next and we enjoyed nice conversation, catching up since we hadn't seen them since last January (when we met in Grand Rapids for the Globetrotter game).    We also gave them the rest of th...

I have to admit that I am not the mushy romantic Valentine's type of gal.   I don't Pinterest out our home with hearts and glitter and in the 18 Valentines's I have had with Aaron, I have probably only given him 10 cards or less.   And maybe because I don't put a lot of effort into the day, the same can be said for being on the receiving end.  The counter at out house is not filled with chocolates and flowers and going out for a romantic dinner - HA!  Guess what I don't get mad or sad! The hips don't need any chocolate and the card would get filled away! But, none of that means that I don't love my husband and children.  It doesn't mean that if I know someone that could use a Valentine card - that I don't send them one.   As a matter of fact I had a few dear friends that I sent cards to this year, because they are going thru some tough times.     And I am taking some Dove candy to give to my mother in laws and sister and law...

The crazy weather continues!    After 2 days off last week and Reese getting strep throat I was ready to start the week yesterday with a major to do list.    We were up early so that Parker could get to Dawn Patrol at the high school by 615 a.m. ( winter agility training for football!).    Between work and my list - it really was a great day yesterday.    The highlight was with both kids at a sports practice last night, I found my way to my beloved library!   I used to be a pretty frequent library visitor - especially when the kids were little.  Oh, how I love the library.    Last night it was very quiet and I found a biography on Eunice Kennedy and got lost in the quiet and lovely words of the book.   Soon it was almost 8 p.m. and time for the library to close.  I found a fiction book that was recommended by Sarah Jessica Parker - A Place for Us.    I look forward to reading that this weekend. ...

The grey skies, extreme cold, household issues and no school have really gotten to me.  My motivation is zero, my attitude crappy and all I want to do it sleep.  Yes, I know that is the clinical definition of depression.    The root of it all is that I am just missing my routine.   I like structure and my daily routine and not knowing day to day if there is going to be school or not has really interrupted life.   As of today they are at 11 snow/ice/water main break days.    The last week run down: After the frozen pipe and repair - the Polar Vortex continued and the pipe froze again.   I didn't even think to check and well let's just say the man of the house was not thrilled.   Woke up at 330 am on Friday to Aaron's phone calling him in for water main break.  Then 530, they called off Parker school and 630 they called off Reese school.  So Friday night we needed to all spend some time apart.  Re...