Easter

We were blessed with an amazing Easter Sunday this year. We were able to celebrate the resurrection with pretty much everyone on both sides of the family. The only ones we didn't get to see were Kjell and Paul.
Jack, Wayne, Julie, Jenny, Arne, Beth, Abbie, Nina and I went to church with Susie. It was cool to be there together again, of course thinking about my mom the whole time. There was even a bagpiper! Totally Marmar. Susie donated flowers for the altar  "in memory of Marie (Jack's mom) and all her saints who reign in glory; in honor of her sisters and in celebration of the upcoming wedding of Wayne and Julie". So thoughtful! And I was so impressed by how Pastor Nancy and their church included the kids. Abbie and Nina were given a tote bag with goodies to keep them interested (but all Christ centered goodies). The best part was the wand with ribbons that they were told to wave every time they heard the word "Alleluia". So effective! After church, we went to Panera for a quick lunch. How simple and how special. Loved it!

We went to dinner at 3 at Franconello's with Jack's side of the family. It was fun to be together, though we were all missing Marie and Mike. Franconello's has been our go-to  spot for the past few years. For many years, Easter was spent at the Union League Club with the petting zoo and Easter Bunny and dessert buffet in a separate room. Those were fun times, but Nello's (as the folks in the neighborhood call it) is the perfect spot for us now. 

Franconello's with the family

A Meaningful Week

It is Holy Week and that has been on mind the past several days. Probably not as much as it should be, but definitely part of my consciousness. The power of Holy Week is that its sadness ends in great joy on Easter Sunday. I pray that I never forget that.
I was privileged to experience many meaningful encounters this week. Of course, number one was getting to pick up my father-in-law at the airport. And it seemed like there was one meaningful encounter after another this week, all that resulted in me feeling God's presence in my life.
Some of the special moments of the past several days:
-a glass of wine by a cozy fire on Tuesday night at Lynn's house. Very spur of the moment and very deep conversation. Plus Lynn made me Jack and me some very delicious Easter treats. Bonus!

-a conversation with a coworker whose mom (her mom is 2 years older than I am) had a stroke last summer. Listening to Jennifer talk about the battle of getting her mom health insurance (ACA turned her down. That is correct. You read that right. Could not get insurance through an exchange because she no longer is employed. Really? that is crazy stuff) and trying to get her on disability...I am SO blessed to be healthy and able to go to work every day. I do not ever want to lose sight of that.


-a work event for employers who provide work opportunities for high school students...it was a recognition breakfast for the Vocational Alliance. There were about 300 people there, students and business people and educators. I was invited because for the past few years I have had girls from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program working in my classroom for an hour each afternoon. It was an interesting experience, sitting there with a table full of people who were fluent signers (me, not so much; I can sign, but not well). It gave me a glimpse into what it is like for deaf people in a hearing world, not understanding why people are laughing and generally trying not to feel like an outsider. But the best part of the morning was seeing a former student who I had as a preschooler at least 13 years ago. Michael was one of the student speakers. I approached him afterwards and he remembered me! It was so sweet! And his speech is great by the way!

-I ran into Teri and Caylen on Thursday morning while I was walking and then Caylen mentioned it  on facebook. I know it sounds funny, but her kind words meant a lot to me.


There were several other conversations over the course of the week that served as affirmations. It was just the boost I needed. That, along with the sunny and warm weather of the past two days (AND a day off yesterday!) have put a spring in my step (no pun intended!)

Oh, not so meaningful but very energizing...I got a new iPad Air at work on Thursday and it is so fun getting it loaded up, ready for the kids! 

Looking forward to family time tomorrow on Easter Sunday.

Look who is back in town!

I am happy to report that Jack's dad is back in town! Bucky flew back late this afternoon and I got to pick him up at the airport. Thank goodness it was a sunny afternoon and the snow from yesterday was gone. That would not have been a nice welcome back for Bucky. We made a stop at County Fair on the way home and I got to experience Grandma and Bucky's grocery store for the first time ever.  I was duly impressed. They even had the Noosa yogurt that is supposed to be the most awesome stuff ever. There is just something about a grocery store that says "family" to me. 

County Fair!

Welcome back, Bucky!

More snow. Ugh

I spoke too soon with my post yesterday. It snowed tonight. Yes, it did. The weather was rainy and cold all day and then around 5pm the snow began. It'll probably only be an inch, but still...

It's time for spring to come and stay for awhile. 

Spring Weekend

Spring is in the air...finally!! It makes a difference in my mood and motivation. Thank goodness!

I had a fun Friday night with Suz and Nina. Beth had asked if I would watch Nina while she worked a Daddy Daughter Dance that Arne and Abbie were attending. So I picked up Nina and then we picked up Susie and went out to dinner at TGIFridays. Nina fell asleep before the food arrived, but Susie and I had a great dinner and got to catch up. 



Abbie and her dad

Yesterday, I slept until 8:30 (heavenly!) and woke up to sunshine and 70 degree weather. Totally energizing! Jack was on his way home from out of town, so with no distractions, I spent the day cleaning. It felt so amazing! Jack was duly impressed by my work when he walked in the door around 3:30. 

After 5:00 mass, Jack and I went to dinner at Matt and Sally's with Wayne and Julie and we had a super fun and relaxing night. And delicious food, too!! Loved being with the kids. Matt and Sally were superb hosts and we never take for granted our time together.

love these kids

 

Surprise, Christy!!

Last Saturday night, we celebrated a special milestone birthday for my dear sweet Christy Ann Marie. It was quite the night. Her husband, Steve, planned a huge surprise party for her. That is not an easy thing to do. And he did it with so much love and generosity. I was lucky to be a part of the planning process along with Kathy C, their next door neighbor and Christy's dear friend. This shindig had been in the works since December, with our first official meeting in January at the York Tavern, but really, Steve did all of the work. And he did an amazing job. I loved all the behind the scenes texts and calls. 😍

The party was held at Butterfield Country Club and there were about 100 folks in attendance. It was special to have Sally and Matt there; Wayne and Julie were invited as well but were in Vail to celebrate Julie's cousin's 30th birthday and engagement. Jack and I loved catching up with both Christy and Steve's families and so many friends....many of whom had also been in attendance at Christy's 40th. Time flies :)
Such a fun night.

I love this girl so much!!

Back to work and a Tuesday Night Visit

Spring Break is all done.  Time for work.

Or "First Spring Break, then Work". 

That's the sort of talk we use with our students to help them deal with transitions.

 I am back to work and loving the rhythm of the routine and structure. 

Did that sound convincing? 

I do feel like that most of the time. 

Happy to have a job I love.  And I really do love it. 

And here is something else I love:

A quick Tuesday night visit from my son. Wayne was in NY for work and stopped in tonight on the way home from the airport to pick up a package that he had delivered to our house. 

So great.