Showing posts with label Rocco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rocco. Show all posts

Monday, August 31, 2026

Week 31--My Favorite Dump Run

Monday, July 27th
We unexpectedly found ourselves kidless so we set out on a dinner date.  Rocco and Renna spent two nights with family friends at their campground.

Tuesday, July 28th
His mama sent a pic of him with his beloved giraffe in his new giraffe jams.

Wednesday, July 29th
I think this was his last bounce.  He'd rather be sitting on the floor with toys now.
It's so unbelievable, yet all so normal to us after twelve years.  Lisa's call determined that because of some slightly detectable new growth, it was time to start chemo again after a glorious year and a half break!  I just shook my head like, "Well....we know what to do.  Here we go......"   It's crazy how desensitized I've become to parts of the story AND how utterly sickening, sad, and devastating it all is.  All we know to do is keep walking forward, ever grateful for whatever time God gifts us.  Round #48- absolutely nutty!  Lisa's courage and resolve is unmatched.
And because we can hold two things at the same time AND because God is so gracious and kind, Lisa would also learn on this day that her grand baby due in December is.....a BOY!  


Thursday, July 30th
Lil hosted Girls' Night Out.  It was so very sweet and she is just so gifted at hosting.  Meg and Lil were so patient to listen to our stuff.  We all have each other's backs, and that is a gift.
The sweetest one-sock boy.

Friday, July 31st
A very foggy morning walk.
Fridays with Maymee.

After Bo got picked up, I made my way to Jack and Avery's brand new-to-them house.  It's perfect!
I did what I could to help unpack the kitchen.  Thankfully, there were quite a few hands working together to get the move done.

Saturday, Aug. 1st
I went back to Jack and Avery's to do some yard work.  Nice, hot, sweaty weeding and hedge-trimming.  So when Lisa said, Ame, do you want to go with me to the dump?',  I said, "Sure."  

We  bumped along in the truck, happy to be together chatting away in the AC.  It wasn't until we stopped at the Lake house to "load up" what was there that I was like, "Wait a second...the two Grammas were elected to do the dump run?"  

No offense, and she'd say it herself, but Lis was gonna be no help.  So I hauled and heaved and pushed the pile for the dump onto what was already in the truck, and we were off again.

Only when the man at the dump asked, "What do you have?" did we look back and realize what we (the two Grammas) were tasked to do.  Dude!!!  Actual furniture.  A weight bench.  Rolls of nasty carpet.  So Lisa coached me on the best way to shimmy and leverage and flip and eventually, the job was done.  I was a sight.  Hair in every direction, dripping sweat.  Hedge clipping stuck to my neck and shoulders.  But we had laughed through the entire event, determined to rise to the challenge.   We laughed all the way back to Vernon wishing Renna had been along to vlog it all, because WOW.   As we bumped along in the truck back to the house I thought, I'm going to remember this day with Lisa for the rest of my life.

...and that's how a dump run became a treasured gift.


Sunday, Aug. 2nd
On a bit of a whim, Rocco decided to attend a week of Word of Life's camp with Trevor.  He literally registered the day before and decided logistically it made the most sense to drive himself up and back.  Up until this, he'd only done up to 30 minute trips.  Three hours and 15 minutes had me nervous, but I knew he could do it.  I gassed him up, lectured him about safety, gave him the best halfway spot to stop, hugged him tight, and waved goodbye.  Then I got in my car and cried.  Just another super obvious signal that my "kids" are quickly becoming NOT kids, and I know it's all good and how it's supposed to be, but I don't always love it.
He made it!  So excited for him and his week ahead.



Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Week 28--Lazy Summer Days

Monday, July 6th
It's an honor to be trusted with his feelings and so sweet that he appreciates my perspective.  He's so fun to chat with!
The end of the road for USA.

Tuesday, July 7th
Rocco's Senior High Camp
Taco Tuesday at the house.
Gianna committed!  Her dream coming true!  I actually cried a little.  So dang proud of her guts and hard work and commitment.  And so fun to have her close to home to see some games.

Wednesday, July 8th
Lisa and I drove out to Mom's to deliver a goodie basket for Russ to celebrate the end of radiation.  All the siblings chipped in.
Renna played a summer league game with the East Catholic girls.



Thursday, July 9th
Colombo's team was in town for a couple days of meetings.




Friday, July 10th
Two-week mark for these flowers.


Saturday, July 11th

Sunday, July 12th
Church, finance office, and then lots of packing, cleaning, organizing, and preparing to leave the next day for our highly anticipated trip to Europe to see the Rambarose's.  Oh!  And Rocco came back from camp with new hair!  A past-midnight decision in the boys' cabin for no apparent reason.  But I love it!  Very nostalgic of his growing up years and many summers with a buzz cut.

Monday, July 6, 2026

Week 25--Father's Day

Monday, June 15th


Tuesday, June 16th
Sweet Gabby had one extra ticket for her high school graduation.  I was so honored to be included.  It was hot in our seats with no escape from the sun, but the ceremony was fairly efficient, held at the Dunkin stadium in Hartford.  
She did it!


Three nieces graduated this spring and I wore the same dress to all three.


I sent the above picture to my crew, from ABC Burger so I got one in return from Moe's.
It's a real love affair.

Wednesday, June 17th
I met Lisa over at the lake for a bit.  Rocco (freshly certified lifeguard the day before!!!!) ended up swimming across the whole thing.  The others kayaked alongside as a safety patrol.
Last summer skate for East was a scrimmage amongst themselves.
Thursday, June 18th
Renna and I went to Sienna's 8th grade promotion.




...and then!  Our annual date-night to get fireworks.  Colombo didn't have the one-on-one help he's used to but was very happy with the end result!  We drove through some wild weather on the way up, apparently a tornado had even touched down unbeknownst to us.  


Friday, June 19th

Saturday, June 20th
Another graduation party!  Meg through the loviest evening party for Mason.  Flowers, food, fun all executed to perfection!  No surprise. Every detail thought through. She is the most productive, capable, intentional Mom, graduating her firstborn, which is NUTS, given Mason is still just the sweetest, little guy in my head.  She has been one of "my people" and Mason has been one of "Rocco's people" for an infinite of time now and I couldn't be more grateful.

These girls....


Also notable- my nephew, Levi, and his girlfriend, Daisy, arrived from Texas the night before.  That's a whole story for another time.






Sunday, June 21st
Happy Father's Day!!!  The kids all came over for a 'burger bar' and homemade cold stone.  The kids planned, spread the responsibilities, and made it happen.  



Harlem's mom help him make a thoughtful canvas with handprint and pictures.
Newest dad!!!  How did that happen?!?!  And he's the BEST in his role.  It is so fulfilling to see my kids pivot into the best spouses and best parents.