It's been awhile since I've checked in here, right? In 2019 and 2020 I spent a lot of time blogging and connecting with you all, as it was one of my only ways to connect with others during the pandemic and social distancing. 2021 has been a hard one, my friends. I think one of the hardest years I've had. But the last month or two has really shown a great uptick in my mood and life and I hope that if you had a similarly cumbersome 2021 that it's starting to improve for you as well. What's made things better?
My kids. I think that life, learning and relationships for them during the pandemic has been more difficult than I initially thought. James, who is now 14, really liked being at home more and doing remote learning, and getting back to full time in school learning this year was a bit of an adjustment. He wasn't keeping track of assignments and obligations well, and he just didn't seem to be enjoying school as much as usual. Lots of procrastinating for this 8th grader. This quarter he seems to be on track though and has some real pride in his grades. Plus he's been playing soccer predictably again and now he's goalie and really darn good at it. His team hasn't lost a game in this session and he seems to be really digging the winning. It's hard to believe that next year I'll have a high schooler. I started this blog well before I had kids (here's the first post back from my first baby break with James!), and hard to believe that I'm still doing it 16 years later.
Henry is not only in choir at school (it's adorable to see all these little masked kids singing their hearts out - I got to volunteer at choir this morning!) but he's also playing basketball. He's just so cute on the court in his little white uniform and I have a hard time not waving at him, or coaching him from the sidelines. Look at my little defender!! I really do need to learn to reign it in. heh.
Life lately has been busy but fun. I finally have the use of BOTH my legs back - I tore my Achilles (pretty significantly) a few months ago, was non-weight-baring then booted for two months, and about a month ago I was able to phase out of the boot and life has gotten SO much better. I was unable to drive for months, unable to do anything, really, and it's so nice to be fully mobile again and my PT tells me I should be back in volleyball shape by April. I've even started going to the gym again (though most things I still can't do) and the freedom I feel is wonderful. I guess this is to say that if you have a health setback in your life, the journey back could take months. But try to allow yourself time and grace and use kind words when thinking/talking to yourself. We have all had so much change since this pandemic started, and showing yourself some kindness goes a long way in feeling like you can come back from whatever has happened over the past year and a half.
Last year at this time my kids were home from school - if you had school age kids during the height of the pandemic, you know what I mean... here and there the kids would be home for 2-4 weeks when there weren't subs or rates got high enough in cities that whole grades and schools were sent on remote learning. This year, the kids are in school, which is great in some ways, but also I have less little helpers home to help me decorate for Christmas. Thus the house is woefully not-Christmassy. Our tree is up with one lone ornament, and our mantle is decorated, but that's it. Tomorrow night is the night though... we're getting this tree done and the stockings hung (with care). I purchased an entire freezer full of dinner goodies so that I can just pop tasty things into the oven the rest of the week and we can spend time noshing and decorating. I highly recommend Trader Joe's freezer section for tons of interesting eats like these.
I love how my apps and FB remind me of things that I was doing five years ago today. Like trying to take pictures of these little goobers for the Christmas card on the left. The one on the right is this year's card - a snapshot on a quick family trip we took over Thanksgiving. Much easier with older kids who listen! But, oh, how I hope in 20 years my kids "recreate" the photo on the left for me! That's one thing I can feel great about - getting my cards done and mailed the first week of December!
How's your December going so far? Are you feeling better this year than last? Are you decorating or baking more? Are you having family over for Christmas this year? Do tell! Next week you can tell me a lot more if you want, as our 12 Days of Sock Yarn starts on Monday!
Love the 12 days of Sock Yarn! Thankyou.
Posted by: Diane | December 08, 2021 at 03:01 PM
My daughters are adults and haven’t lived at home for quite some time. One of the huge things I miss from their childhood is having their help with Christmas decorating. I’ve never quite gotten used to doing it myself. Enjoy tomorrow night. These years go by too quickly!
Posted by: Kim Holbrook | December 08, 2021 at 03:15 PM
Wow, 16 years and I have been with you every step of the way. I remember the babies, the place out in the country and the card with the little kids. It is amazing how connected I feel with your family from reading your blog.. Thanks for sharing and I hope there are many more years of watching those kiddos mature ahead!
Posted by: Nancy DeMere | December 08, 2021 at 05:03 PM
I'm back to working a full-time job - I left my old career in 2011. It's been a big adjustment. I have a commute, so I don't have as much time for the holiday festivities and preparations. I'm starting over in a new career at the bottom rung of the ladder, and I hope it will be a good step for the future.
Posted by: Anonymous Please | December 08, 2021 at 09:26 PM
I remember when James was born...then you did a sock club and had a skein of sock yarn named after him. I still wear the socks I made from it! Enjoy decorating, I miss having my kids around to help! Is there a name for your glass Christmas trees? They are beautiful...are they antique? I hope you and your family truly enjoy the holidays...on both feet!
Posted by: Carolyn | December 09, 2021 at 07:16 AM
December has been busy! I’m trying to finish up some gifts and I’ll be finished working next Friday for two weeks but next week we have exams. I won’t have too many taking exams in my classes so it should be pretty calm! I should be able to get all my grades done and get some things ready for the second semester. Of course, I’ll sneak some knitting in too!
We went to PA for Thanksgiving so I’m not sure yet if I’m going up at Christmas. It will be after if I go. I don’t have much planned so far so it might just be a relaxing two weeks!
Posted by: Dana Snyder | December 09, 2021 at 11:09 AM
Our favorite Christmas recipe is Wassil, created last century and enjoyed by many generations of family members.
I always make gallons of Wassil just before Christmas and continue to do so until the last big snow of winter. The scents of clove, cinnamon, citrus fruits and apple cider make our home smell festive and welcoming everyday.
Posted by: Sheila Stanton | December 15, 2021 at 11:42 AM