Hail To The Redskins ... I mean Commanders

 

There's just something so relaxing about a glowing Christmas tree in the dark evening.   I love it.  We have an artificial pre-lit tree where we can change to either colored or white lights.  Last year I was all about the white but this year the colors are making me happy.  

In other news, yesterday we drove 2.5 hours to watch a Washington Redskins Commanders game.  My husband has loved the team since he was a little boy and now the kids love them too.  I'm not much for football but my son asked me to go along.  Aside from the cold weather and rain it was fun.  

We got to see them unveil Sean Taylor's memorial statue to honor the 15th year of his death.  I remember the day so well as it was when I was preparing to take our little newborn home from the hospital.  We already knew he had been shot just a few days before but as the doctor was removing the staples from my belly the news on the television talked about how he had passed away.  Then later, my husband walked into the room and I hit him with the news.  The look of shock on his face was sad.  It was a bittersweet day as we were welcoming our new life into our home and then learning that the Taylor family was mourning their loss.  The day has significance to us, so I'm glad we were there yesterday, in the presence of Washington fans and Sean's family.  It was special.  As for the statue itself, it was a disappointment.  It's just his uniform on a rack.  No face.  Come on, Washington, you could have done better.  

Did I mention it was cold and rainy?  It was my first in person NFL experience.  I was pretty impressed by how sweet and friendly all the fans were.  Where I live, I'm surrounded by Eagles fans and let's just say they aren't very nice when it comes to football.  So, I've become turned off by any Philadelphia sport.  But I have respect for the fans of Washington.  Even when the team is bad, and that's quite often, they sure are devoted.  

I don't think the girl enjoyed being there so much but she did it for her brother, as it was a continued celebration of his birthday.  Oh, and we won!

Thanksgiving Birthday

 My readers and friends, I hope you had a Thanksgiving filled with blessings, surrounded by loved ones and full bellies.  

I didn't get any photos of our Thanksgiving festivities but I spent my time in the kitchen preparing the meal.  My parents didn't make it because my dad's been sick so it was my sister-in-law and mother-in-law.  I'll spare my feelings on that one but it was an okay day.  Not only was it Thanksgiving for us but my son turned 15.

He said he didn't care about the theme for this year's cake so this was what my talented and oh-so funny husband came up with.  It gave Matthew quite a chuckle.  

To think my oldest is 15 years old is so mind blowing.  These years are going by too fast.  He's been suffering chronic migraines and doesn't enjoy high school.   I know he'd rather stay a little boy but life is all about moving forward.   He hasn't quite hit 5 feet tall yet.  I make small kids and that's okay.  This boy is smarter than I've ever been, is always doing what is right instead of following the crowd, has made great strides in baseball and is very close to becoming an Eagle Scout.   He also got his first job working at a ski resort this winter.  I didn't want him to worry about working but he insisted, and I probably shouldn't stand in the way of his good work ethic.  I'm proud of this boy and very thankful.   Would love if he eased up on that teenage attitude and was nicer to his sister all the time but I guess that's all a part of growing.  

Now that we have gobbled up our Thanksgiving meal, with plenty of leftovers in the fridge, it's time to get started on Christmas decorating. 

I'm feeling the Christmas spirit already and that has been something so needed lately.  The joy, the excitement, the blessing.  I'm ready ... let's go!

The Day Before Thanksgiving

 

What's better than slipping into bed when the sheets have been freshly washed?  I feel like I wake up feeling much more refreshed the morning after.  It's also fun when it's brand new.  We were so desperately in need of a new comforter so last night we went to At Hone and picked up a new set.  I'm really loving it.  I can't wait to give it a try tonight. 

Then tomorrow we wake up to Thanksgiving.   What that's going to look like is up in the air since my son is getting over the flu and my dad is still sick.  I've thought of postponing until the weekend but tomorrow is not just Thanksgiving it's my son's birthday.   

It seems as though so many are sick right now.  A lot of kids have been missing at school.   I overheard a teacher suggest maybe it's time to get the masks back on.  I'm wondering if the reason we are seeing such an increase in illnesses is because for the last two years students were forced to keep the masks on, weakening the immune system.   Now they are back to breathing in those germs.  I'm no scientist so don't flip out on MY view but it's what makes sense to me.  I only hope we never revert back to mandatory masking because my kids were miserable.  

I'm spending our first day of Fall break cleaning the house.  Maybe I'll make a pumpkin roll, my husband loves those.  Since tomorrow is my son's birthday I wanted to separate the Thanksgiving and birthday celebrations.   Eat the turkey for the holiday and then have cake for the birthday.   When my husband said his sister was bringing dessert I wasn't happy.  I mean, who brings dessert to a birthday party?  

Holidays with family has often been frustrating.   Spending time with the people who have harshly judged you over the years is not the most pleasant experience.   It makes the day frustrating but now that I have children the celebrating is all for them.  So, I'll keep myself busy in the kitchen, hide my eye rolls at their rude remarks and just focus on my kids' happy faces.  That's what it means to be an adult, right?

Olay, back to cleaning!

Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving filled with blessings, good food and loved ones.  I am THANKFUL for you!

Sickies

 Last weekend Bri was fighting a fever and sickness.  She missed school on Monday and Tuesday.

Our faithful pug stayed at her side the entire time.  He's always there to comfort in a time of need.  Plus, he loves a good nap.

Then on Friday Matt came home from school feeling very lethargic and not good at all.  I checked his temperature and sure enough he had a fever.  He's been down all weekend.  Since he has a fever today he's going to have to miss school tomorrow.

My father is also sick with the same symptoms but everything he tested for at the doctor came back negative.

'Tis the season, right?