The Nitty Gritty

 Phew! We made it through January! There is a line from one of Van Morrison's songs that we like to sing this time of year "Gotta get through January, gotta get through February." Now that January is done, we just gotta get through February! We had a snow day on Wednesday. This has only been the third snow storm we've had--one the week of Halloween, one on New Years Day and then this past Wednesday. I was surprised they cancelled school. It was mostly melted by the end of the day. But hey! An expected day off is always welcome. Overall, it's been a mild winter. Hopefully that doesn't mean March is going to be hit with lots of snow storms! Isaac and I are updating our bathroom. Isaac is doing all the dirty work. I get to pick out the new pieces and stand ready for any needed assistance. Our goal is to have it ready by Valentine's Day.  Will and Van are doing pretty well. They love playing Minecraft. One of their favorite pastimes is to say, "Alexa, dro...

Isaac turned the big 4-0 on Monday! It was also his first day back to school, but it was a rockin day nonetheless! Thank you to everyone that sent a video birthday message! He loved it so much. It ended up being 45 minutes long. Wouldn't you love sitting for 45 minutes and hearing all the reasons people love you?  I snapped a pic of us watching it together. For his birthday dinner, he wanted a breakfast burrito from Tacqueria Habana. We called it the burrito baby because it was HUGE. Birthday cheesecake--his fav! Isaac, we are so happy to celebrate your existence! You're so much fun and keep us laughing, you're helpful with the household tasks and a very involved dad. You love ME and ensure the boys show their respect and appreciation for me.  I love our conversations and spending time with you. I can't wait to spend your next 40 years together! "And when we both get older With walking canes and hair of gray Have no fear, even though it's hard to hear I will st...

We had a restful winter break and a wonderful Christmas. Although we missed seeing our family, it was so nice to stay in my own space and just hang out at home. Here is an iMovie that I made showing what we did the first week of winter break leading up to Christmas. It includes gingerbread houses, frosting cookies, seeing the lights, going on walks on the trails, and opening our presents! 

Things I learned in 2020: I really love where I live even more. The woods have been such a retreat and we've loved going on walks on all the trails around us. The open skies and open land are beautiful. Being outside makes it easier for me to find gratitude. It's hard to be mad when a cardinal is singing, a hawk is flying overhead, the squirrels are scrambling up the trees, the sun is setting in the west, the deer are leaping through the woods, you get the idea. A highlight of the year was sharing this surrounding beauty with my family.  I want America to be better. I've studied and read books, articles, listened to podcasts, watched documentaries, etc. on the history of racism in our country. One thing that 2020 has taught me is that racism is still very much alive in our country and is even found in the highest elected offices. It's more than someone using the n-word. It is built in the criminal justice system, the work force, housing, urban development, school system...