Project 365, Week 9

Amanda was home from school this week, though we were all at the office quite a bit and didn't get to do much. There was bridal shower prep to do and she and I discovered we're not ideal planning partners. But we focused on making it nice for Avery and got through the stress of it. 

February 24

Several nights a week, Aiden makes himself an egg and cheese sandwich. He was trying out the new gadget he bought that makes the sandwich all in one step.

February 25

For close to 15 years, a color-coded, handwritten, paper calendar has hung in our kitchen, in an effort to know appointments, activities, sports, events, whats for dinner, etc. It was a really great system that worked well and the kids, particularly our foster kids, took a measure of comfort in.

Now we're down to just four living in the house and our family calendar is shared online. Its a silly thing, but taking down the calendar felt like the ending of an era. A reminder of one of my favorite verses now hangs in its place.

February 26

Amanda and I ran a few shower errands. What a happy thing flowers are in February!

February 27

We brought in lunch for the office to welcome back a co-worker who had a baby.

February 28

I stopped in to check on the flower project and Amy and Amanda had it well under way.

I found a bunch of pictures of the girls being silly. Its a crazy thought that Avery has just a couple more months of kicking around in our kitchen. Soon it will be the exception, not the norm. 

March 1

Aiden had his first outdoor soccer game of the year. It was pretty chilly so I wasn't too sad to be at the office instead of the field.

Me: Aiden, you look really nice with your shirt tucked in, your brown shoes and belt. 

Aiden: I looked in the mirror and thought, I look like Pop! 😁

March 2

Avery's bridal shower day! 

 

Project 365, Week 8

Life, in this season. I'm thankful to know, deep down, the love of the Father's that allows me to be "rooted and grounded" even when the days bring trouble and pain.

February 17

When I checked in at the front desk of my usual building in Westchester, I was told the appointment was actually in Manhattan. If that sounds familiar, its because that same thing happened a month ago. I should have noticed it, and also there are a number of factors involved with the scheduling and appointments. At any rate, it was frustrating but we got it done. 

Amy's been there with me more times than I can count. About 5% of my appointments are easy, the rest are hard, weighty, important. She never shies away from it...she's a show-upper, loving and loyal. I'm so grateful for her.

February 18

My view for the day when I was awake.

February 19

Because my appointment was so early on Monday, 48 hours with the pump ended early on this day. It was good to be out of bed.

February 20

Climbing out of the chemo hole. Again. 

February 21

My view from the kitchen at 6:45 am.

Amanda's school was doing a weekend outreach at Yale. Since they were going to be in Connecticut anyway, Amanda and one of her roommates left early and spent the night at our house. 

We really enjoyed getting some time with Journey...she and Amanda are super sweet together.

They went to youth group and then out to dinner.

Found this gem of Amanda and Journey serving at the campus/community church.

February 22

That pretty lady in pink, my Aunt Janice, got to go be with Jesus this day, my dad and much of her family had the chance to say goodbye.

We were separated by 2,000 miles most of my life, but whenever we were together, the family connection was strong. Her love for Jesus and her family was fierce and she had a whole lot of grit. My dad was very close to his sister and she could still get under his skin in a way only a sibling can do and that tickled me. A hole will be left in place of her love and her laugh but I'm so happy she's partying with Jesus.

During Aiden's soccer game, I watched the live stream of the evening service at Yale, 600 students representing many universities. Pretty special!

Jack got trivia set up for us and then we moved on to finding countries. We had some good laughs!

 

February's 10 on 10

A hybrid-type of Ten on Ten post...

Pretty start to the day!

Amanda was still home from the weekend and she was logged into class by 8 AM.

Such a pretty view at the office.

We burn a candle all day, everyday at the office. It makes it cozy its very popular with clients.

Jack had mentioned to Avery a while back that he'd like to do a murder mystery. So, for his birthday, she surprised him with a dinner party.

Amanda worked the kitchen and served the table all evening, making it flow well and easily.  She was truly happy to serve.

Avery's guests arrived excited, a little unsure and happy to be together.

People came dressed in costumes, 1950's theater.

It was such a fun evening and Shaun and I were honored to be a part. Brought back so many treasured memories from the many years we hosted a Valentine's Murder Mystery.