We made it through January. Taking each day and reminding ourselves, we're doing the best we can.
January 27
Aiden is helping out at the office most afternoons...he's the landscaper, maintenance guy, furniture-assembler, and front desk person....whatever the day requires. He's enjoying it and doing really good work and we're so grateful to have him around. I smiled to come across his handwriting, done with his very best, pain-staking penmanship.
Avery and Jack have been looking at apartments online for a while but this was their first in-person. Though they are more than capable, they invited me to go along since its a new experience to them.
They looked at several more but ultimately decided on this one! Its in a small, quiet apartment complex, tucked away off the road but with every convenience within minutes. It will be a great first place for them. They only thing I don't like about it is its not on our street. 😉
January 28
Morning. I desperately miss going for walks now that I have to save my steps for getting around in my day-today. But I still love stepping out to witness the sunrise or feel the crisp air.
January 29
I cashed in on Aiden's Christmas present to me and he took me out to dinner. I'm so grateful for the relationship we've had, the man he is becoming and time.
January 30
Chats with our PA girl.
January 31
And one day later, we were there with her! Our friend Sarah was turning 21 so Avery dreamed up a girls weekend. We got a hotel close to Amanda's school and Sarah drove the 45 minutes from her school to stay with us. We collected our girl and checked in with the boys from our favorite gas station restaurant.
By chance, we were there for Summit's annual coffee house, a talent show of sorts with many contributors. It was fantastic! So well put together with a wide variety of "acts". It was very enjoyable and such a safe, encouraging environment for the students.
Amanda's roommate sat with us, Sarah met us there, I was flanked by my daughters and I couldn't believe I was among such beautiful, amazing women.
I'm in complete awe of this couple, watching them from a distance. They are easily retirement age, yet they wake up every day to give their lives away. She is the president of the school, he is the Overseer of Times Square Church and dozens of other hats, I don't know they wear. In lots of circles they are "big deals" but on a Friday night, they are happy to be supporting young adults, putting in the time to build relationships. Its a beautiful, full way to live.
At 10, Avery and I headed back to the hotel but the dance party was just starting.
Meanwhile....most of the TBQ crew gathered in New Jersey for a tournament. Colombo always does a great job taking and sending pictures.
February 1
I was at Amanda's campus early to pick her up for the day.
NJ hotel lobby....
...PA hotel lobby. Which is where we parked it for the day. We talked, played cards, read....lots of nothing, which was perfect. Eventually we ventured out for some Mexican.
Aiden was home in time to play in his two games.
February 2
Another quiet morning before Sarah headed back to school (her birthday!!) These girls! They are growing and learning and finding their way, in different ways. I'm so proud of who they are becoming, honored to a listener of their hearts.
Unanimous decision to go back to the same mexican place.
We watched Groundhog Day and played cards while singing showtunes.
We got Amanda back to school ahead of curfew. Full hearts.
