Project 365, Week 7

Sweet, regular life with some hard and special sprinkled in.

February 13

Reminders pop up nearly everyday of photos "from this day" many years ago. What a joy to be mom to these three through all the stages. 

One day you are walking them home from school as they excitedly relay the events of Valentine's Day at elementary school and the next you're sitting at the kitchen counter completing college entrance paperwork. It's wild!

February 14

Three days earlier Jack turned 18 and became legal to have passengers in his vehicle, which meant this was the first time he came and picked Avery up for a date. Jack brought Avery a beautiful bouquet (and so sweetly a bouquet for her mom, too). They were gracious to allow me a photo. :)

Back at home, Aiden and I worked quickly to put dinner together for the four of us. It had been a tough day, so we all made the choice to make the best of our time. 

Love is not a feeling it's an act of your will.

February 15

I took a long lunch and met up with Amy and her little friend on the trail. It was the first time I'd laced up sneakers in a month and it felt amazing to be out there again! I echo the eloquent words Amy wrote about our walks over the last several years:

we've had many conversations about kids, teens, finances, husbands, faith, crazy family, and all the rest.  We sort of bring our highs and lows and work them together as we muddle through this life as best we can, always keeping each other in check.

February 16

Aiden, Shaun and I completed our last "mission" of the game The Crew. Its a game for 2-5 players who work together to complete tasks that get progressively more challenging. 

February 17

The social worker came out to meet with our family and collect a doctor's note stating I would not especially be put in harm's way by having the germs of a little one in our home. We are strictly earmarked for short-term respite care and overnight emergency situations of young children, as we are able. Yes, we are crazy. Yes, we will use discernment.

February 18

The office was quiet for the last hour of this Saturday, so we all hung out in Shaun's office. We thought it was Avery's one hour of the day in between waitressing and babysitting, but at the last minute the babysitting canceled and we had her for the evening!

February 19

When I was done serving, I went to the café to wait for Aiden and found Amanda sitting around a table, talking and laughing with friends and her youth pastors. They care so genuinely and put the time in that it takes to develop real relationships.

It was such a beautiful afternoon, Ginger and I found a new walking route near the house.