It was about 5 minutes before she had to leave to go to a performance she was in. Makeup was already on. But here they are sitting at the kitchen table, Scott helping Abigail with something tricky in her homework.
I've taken 'this' picture it seems like a million times. Many with Anna, many with Abigail.
Same park as this day
It was in February and it had just snowed on top of ice. So when we walked down the hill to this area we were slipping and sliding. It was still snowing just a little and it looked like magic.
This is what we captured:
This weekend I got a bunch of little home projects done and boy did that feel good! We are entering spring and it is a wild one for our little family... each 'thing' is such a huge blessing... I have 2 seniors with big, bright futures ahead of them and lots of changes for our family... so having small areas of beauty and joy give me hope. "A simple way to combat chaos is to focus on creating small spaces of beauty. Lighting a candle or setting a vase of fragrant flowers, using beautiful dishes or a beautiful centerpiece - any of these little acts can soothe a soul overwhelmed with life." Sally Clarkson
I've posted about this before:
I'll See you In the Mass (explained here)
Tonight this text came across my phone -- a picture and the text, "meet me at church".
And it took my breath away.
It reminded me of the verse,
Train up a child the way they should go,
and when they are old they will not depart from it. ~ Proverbs 22:6
Recently we've had a lot going on as a little family of 4. There are huge, big, life changing decisions to be made with obstacles in the way, lots of opportunities, and more. It is wonderful to see my girls wrestle with all of these choices. Having choices and being at a crossroads like this is a gift, truly. But it is a lot.
When Anna was home on spring break last week we went to our local church just to pray for a while. I've always taught my girls that going into that holy place will always be a good and wise choice. Coming into the presence of the eucharist and Christ is the place to make decisions, pour your heart out to God, and humble yourself in His presence.
So when this picture came across my phone it filled my heart oh so much.
Well goodness! I had such a plan to blog more and keep our memories alive since it feels like life if changing so fast! The last post I did was a look back at college orchestra concerts. And, yes, they are still wonderful. But gosh I missed that one! Scott actually drove up and listened, just him.
I was so so sick. Although the doctor confirmed it wasn't flu or anything else by name, it sure knocked me out for a week... fever, chills, cough, awful I tell you. And the worst of it was I kept going to school. I wasn't trying to be a work hero or something. I just kept thinking, "there is no way I'll still have a fever today..." so off to my classroom I went. And when I got there day after day the chills just wouldn't go away. I dread writing sub plans so I just kept at it, probably not the best idea. I rested and rested the weekend in between being sick and this week I hosted 21 parent teacher conferences. Wipe out, I tell you! I am so glad it's the weekend.
We've had so much emotion and things going on in our little family. I have two seniors this year and both have B I G decisions to make. It's not easy, I tell you! Not easy at all. Meanwhile Scott and I are keeping things moving day to day while he runs his school and I run my classroom. I know my girls being home is just a little bit left, so even though it's kinda crazy, we are soaking it in.
So that's where we are right now. The list is too long but the days are getting longer with sunshine! Of course my plan is to blog more... we shall see!
Oh my - more lasts
It's hard to believe that we are walking one senior through her lasts and another one at the same time.
Lots of emotions.
Lots of big decisions.
Lots of change.
I am so grateful for the rhythm of my 'regular days' that are so much work (teaching) but so wonderful to begin to forget all about big things, ha!
I am typing as we are headed up to Anna's college for one of her last concerts. It's not the - last - , but close to it. It will be her last playing in this venue. I was there for the opening in 2022. It's a wonderful auditorium and I will miss it.
I really am so blessed and grateful that Anna chose to play in her college orchestra. For us as parents it allowed us to visit often and be a part of something beautiful. Music makes things more beautiful in the world, I am convinced.
I thought I'd try to get all of Anna's concerts on one post. So here they are:
Freshman Year
November 2021 (masks were still a thing)
December 2021 ~ Lessons and Carols
Sophomore Year
December 2022 ~ Lessons and Carols
Junior Year
December 2023 ~ Lessons and Carols
The spring semester she was in China
Senior Year (so far)
December 2024 ~ Lessons and Carols
