Week 48--L I F E

Monday- no picture.

Tuesday, Nov. 29th

I continue to sift through the many, many amazing pictures that Lisa wrapped up editing.  She and Meg did the most beautiful, selfless job.  There's so much love in front of and behind the camera!  It's been a treat to see photos trickle in over the last two months.  Lisa will randomly text me a favorite.  For sure, this dance was one of my favorite moments of the whole special day!

The videographer also delivered several parts of the day including the Father/Daughter Dance.  Click here to watch.  (p.s.  I don't know why Youtube dumbed-down the quality...the original cuts from the videographer are perfect.)

Wednesday, Nov. 30th

A week and half previously, Mason baptized 11 of his students- his first time in the tank as a pastor!  They actually created a special baptism service because so many kids were wanting to take this faith step.  Finally, this day, I started our school day in Colombo's office with the kids watching the 11 students give their video testimony (I cried!), followed by my new son-in-love BEAMING as he baptized each one.  Just precious!  If you care to watch, here is the link to the service- fast forward to the 5:30 mark for the start of the testimonies.  Click here.

Meeting with the oncologist.  Sometimes we get off and feel like the wheels are just spinning in mud.  It's like having many questions, but not knowing what to ask.  Very frustrating.  But from this day, we learned that Lisa could skip her mid-December treatment and get a healthy(er) Christmas season without dealing with a week of sick in the middle of the month.  A much needed reprieve!

Thursday, Dec. 1st

Maddy and Renna have their own private "Be Real" app via text.  Once one texts the other, the other returns.

Friday, Dec. 2nd

Lisa and I met Dad for brunch.  71, looking and feeling good.  Love that dude!

Tim, Lisa, and I chipped in for the gift.  He was sooooo happy with it!

He wasted no time getting it up.

We went to Nathanael's game in Danbury.

A win for the team and hat trick for Tall Brother.

Saturday, Dec. 3rd

Back to Danbury for a surprise 40th luncheon for our dear friend James.  We were honored to be included.

I've worked with James for many years doing the shows at church.  Through that he's gotten close with our family.  He's fun, always up for whatever, and a ball of energy.  The bigger the challenge, the better.  He's an avid athlete, always pushing himself for more; super disciplined.  He knows my kids, cares about my kids, and takes time to encourage and inspire them.  He's been like an uncle to Maddy since she was six.  He and my husband egg each other on in bad ideas (like hiking Katahdin) and "big fish" stories.  He is the most prepared person in the world and has fun quirks and routines.  If I ever had to sign up for one of those survival shows or travel around the world partner-type races...James would be my first pick.  Fun fact: he also once painted my kitchen ceiling to bail out a friend who was house-sitting for us.  So grateful for him and all he has meant to our family.

Another game for Nathanael.  His group of fans that came left him a message on the glass.

It's fire season.  I love sitting by the fire doing nothing.  The 'doing nothing' part isn't always a great byproduct of fire season.  

Sunday, Dec. 5th

Church, nursery, hockey... (kind of my new Sunday routine)

Lisa had a Monday 8a appointment in Manhattan, so she asked if I wanted to tag along for a girls trip.  I used to love a day in the City.  Unfortunately, after so many horrible trips for horrible reasons over the last 7 years, it's created a bitter taste in my mouth.  But we made the best of it.  The City was bustling, extra Christmas flare, and lights and decoration abounding.  And I'll never tire of a day with my best friend!

Hotel lobby

Our view from the 29th floor- that's the 'Lipstick Building.'

We walked to Rockefeller Plaza and spotted Lisa's oncologist on the way.

No more scaffolding at SPC.

The weather was mild but the crowds were not.  

Saks' light show.

Then we stopped in a restaurant called Brass.  Picked it only by walking by, but the food and service were amazing and it had a fun, city, chill vibe happening.  We laughed, we chatted kids- all the normal things.  And then Lisa, in her Lisa way asked, "So what's the hardest part of all of this for you?"  

So we talked.  We both asked and answered unthinkable questions as we BOTH do our best to navigate all of the things.  We give grace and space and silently acknowledge how unfair it is that we are here.

Among my answers, I said, "I just don't want to do life without you.  I have never lived a moment without you and I'm not ready for that to change."

Week 47--Thanksgiving Weekend

Monday, Nov. 21st

Low production schooling.

Tuesday- no picture

Wednesday, Nov. 23rd

Trevor had a half day and Colombo took a half day, so he wrangled the crew out to do the last of the leaves.  Even Juliet whole-heartedly volunteered.

Trevor is always working to get 'the group' together.  I try to always say yes, even if it means cooking an unexpected meal the night before Thanksgiving.

Trevor wanted to take the time to surprise Amanda a few days early, too.  They really are a sweet bunch of kids!

My dad was in Idaho for Thanksgiving.  Though he has seen all of his siblings through the years and different combos together at different times, this was the first time all 6 of them had been all together in 22 years!  (Their oldest sister passed years ago.)

Thursday, Nov. 24th

Thanksgiving '22.

I wasn't gonna run the Road Race, but between Andrea twisting my arm, FOMO, and the beautiful running weather, I decided to go for it.  The only kid who ran this year- for the first time!- was Renna.  I stayed with her and Sienna the whole time.

All smiles at mile 4.

DONE!

Then Jon and Annie's.  It was a low-key, smaller group, slow-roll kind of day.  C4, Maddy, and Mason stopped by for appetizers.  I think only 19 of us for dinner.  The tv was on with games playing but muted so the Christmas music could be heard above it.

The Idaho gang.

Friday, Nov. 25th

Nick really wanted to get the cousins together to skate.  The Albano's joined us, as well.

Poor Harlem's not gonna want to keep coming with me.  Every time I have him he gets dragged to a hockey rink!

Our traditional brothers + wives dinner.

Saturday, Nov. 26th

Lots of swapping kids around and sleepovers over the long weekend.

I snuck out to Lisa's house for a quick visit.  It's just helpful sometimes to be in the same room as her.  We were both able to retell our Thanksgivings and update each other on the in-laws.

East Catholic had their alumni hockey game.  Both C4 and Nathanael played and looked great!  After the game, the coach mentioned that while there have been multiple siblings play together, this was the first alumni game that two brothers asked to be on the same team as opposed to specifically asking to be on separate teams.  

Both boys, Nathanael with the puck and C4 right behind.

Renna's capture

Hooligans!

Sunday, Nov. 27th

It's getting harder and harder to pull all my people together, but we squeezed in my birthday dinner at the Enfield Longhorn.  I was touched that they all took the time and so thankful for the beautiful cards.

Not sure who or when, but I smiled to see this.