Sick x2

 Well, 2022 is not starting out strong. Yesterday morning boys were sporting high fevers, sore throats and annoying coughing fits. I spent the day shuffling between the boys fetching water, fever relief, a thermometer and any other comfort I could muster. Despite all of my efforts, they were miserable. Hopefully this is not indicative of the rest of the year.

To add insult to illness, yesterday we had the biggest snow in three years and Timmy was too sick to play. He was devastated that he couldn't throw snowballs or go sledding. In the middle of the afternoon I bundled him up to walk the dog, hoping that it would make him happy to at least feel the snow. Hamlet ended up wheezing within 20 seconds of the cold air hitting his face. 

I am hoping that the fevers come down this morning. I am not keen on going to a doctor right now, especially with the new strand wreaking havoc in our area. I'm hoping for colds that will wane quickly.

Pickle Drop

Thursday morning the boys and I piled into the car and headed to visit my Mom. (Robby was especially excited about spending New Year's Eve with his cousins.) I was worried about how Friend was going to socialize with my Mom's dogs, but it turns out that he is a go-with-the-flow pup, happy to sit on anybody who is sitting. 

Saturday we kicked off our New Year celebration by going to a splatter paint room. The kids, including Timmy, were practically giddy as they changed into their overalls for the paint fight. While they were throwing paint the glow of black lights I was watching them from the comfort of the lobby. I could see them on the live stream feed, but I could hear their squeals and giggles through the walls.

Unfortunately, I didn't plan well for this little adventure. The coveralls were only moderately effective to protect their clothing and all exposed skin was covered with colorful paint. I had them sit on plastic bags during the drive home. Thankfully it was warm so we were able to spray them down in the yard with the garden hose before allowing them inside.

After everybody was clean from the paint battle and Timmy was tucked into bed, the big kids and I went to a local New Year's Eve street party. They were hankering to see something drop at midnight, and I figured that the local dill pickle drop would fit the bill. (Yes, they actually dropped a large pickle themed character into a barrel at midnight.) 

I'm sure the organizers were disappointed, but I was delighted by the lack of crowds. We had a great time, dancing to music and waiting for the pickle to drop. After midnight we watched the fireworks and headed home. 

I don't know what 2022 will bring, but I do know that we started it with laughter and fun.

 

Back to Pain

My back has been tender for nearly a week. I am functional but cautious in my movements. Bending or twisting too quickly or at the wrong angle sends twinges of pain through my lower back and down my leg. I've tried ibuprofen, heat, ice and various rubs to little avail. 

Yesterday I was texting my prosthetist and I mentioned my back issues. After going back and forth, we are hypothesizing that my limb has shrunk and that I am sitting deeper into the socket, causing a height difference between my legs. I slipped an insert into the shoe on my prosthetic side to try to even the height and I immediately felt the difference. 

My back is still sore this morning, but the pain feels like the remnant of an issue instead of a nagging problem. I am crossing my fingers that I located the issue and that the twinges will continue to wane. Back pain is miserable!

3D Printer

 Yesterday was a day for assembly and setup.  Assembly day is always stressful. We have so many talents, but assembling little parts into a working machine are not among them. 21 years together has taught us that we will inevitably scrap and fight, but that all frustrations and transgressions are forgiven as soon as the task is done. Before beginning any assembly project we agree to harbor no hard feelings after the job is done.

We've assembled a lot of toys and items over the years, but putting together a 3D printer ranks among the most frustrating. The directions were lousy, with unclear drawings and minimal words. After working for nearly 40 minutes to put on the first piece, we finally brought out the computer and searched YouTube for assembly videos. 

After searching for a few minutes we found a video that walked us through the assembly slowly and with clear instructions. What an absolute godsend! At the end of the afternoon a task that was estimated (by the company) to take one hour ended up taking us three. But thanks to YouTube, we have a fully assembled 3D printer on the kitchen table. 

Today Robby and Scott will figure out how to use it, which will hopefully not be nearly as stressful as piecing it all together.  Wish them luck!

I Hate New Years

 The week between Christmas and the New Year always feels uncomfortable. I feel like the holiday decorations should be cleared because Christmas is over, but I also want to enjoy them through New Years Eve. Part of me is done celebrating and is ready to shutter in for the winter, but the social convention to be jubilant on December 31 is being pushed down my throat. I have always hated New Years!

There is so much pressure around the New Year to "better yourself." Lose weight. Drink more water. Drink less wine. Take these vitamins. Work out. Meditate. Walk. Join a gym. Get a new job. Live your best life. Change yourself. The messages are exhausting and depressing.

At this point in the pandemic, I can't handle the pressure of another major life change. Are there things I want to change? Of course. But I'm also too tired and too overwhelmed to tackle those issues. Instead of making a change my life resolution, this year I am striving to be satisfied with who I am today. In 2022, I want to be enough just the way I am.

Christmas

 We had a fantastic Christmas. My Mom came down on Christmas Eve to spend time with our little family and to exchange gifts. Per tradition she stayed overnight in Timmy's room, an event that Timmy has been looking forward to since last year. Having his Nana have a sleepover at his house was almost as exciting as Santa's visit.

He was worried but Santa did arrive and leave presents. In fact, he left a small mountain of gifts for both boys. Timmy's favorites include an electric scooter, stilts and a HotWheels car wash garage.  Robby received a new computer desk and chair and a limited edition School of Rock Les Paul Gibson guitar. The guitar is special because there are only 100 that were made and he received #1 of 100. Talk about being rare!

Although I piggybacked the announcement with Christmas, I was finally able to reveal my big surprise to both Robby and Scott. After much research, I booked a trip for the two of them to tour European WWII historical sites. They are heading to Normandy, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Austria this summer on a 10 day Band of Brothers tour at the end of June.  They were both gobsmacked by the news!  

My Mom, who is notoriously difficult to buy for, seemed to love her present as well. I hired a genealogist to research her family history. The researcher uncovered names, dates and wonderful stories that have been lost over time. (It turns out we have a car thief and prison escape artist in our family lineage.)

I spent yesterday puttering around the house, trying to combine boxes and pick up trash. Slowly things are getting organized. Hopefully the trash will be removed by New Year!

Merry Christmas Eve

 Merry Christmas Eve!!

I am so excited about Christmas this year. It isn't often that I feel like I nailed everybody's gift, but this year I feel like I hit a grand slam. I am chomping at the bit for everybody to unwrap their surprises. 

Today my Mom will come down to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas with us. Per tradition, she will stay in Timmy's room. He loves having a special sleepover with his Nana. (Scott and I appreciate that she can keep him in his room during the Santa magic.)

We have a lot to do before Santa comes, so I am going to keep this blog short. Because we are unsure about Santa's favorite cookies, we are baking three different options for him. I know that my Mom doesn't care if my house isn't immaculate, but I want to at least tidy up a bit for her.  

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!