Mom’s memorial

Today was my mom’s memorial/celebration of life.  It was a small affair but we were blessed that multiple people from my mom’s family traveled to Colorado to have this event with us.  We tried to stream it for those who couldn’t attend, but it wasn’t great quality.   Ultimately, the important thing was that we had it.  It was an important moment for moving forward after this period of languishing grief.

I led the remarks/remembrances and used Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 as the basis for my thoughts.  I focused on the “and” that existed in each passage and how the tension is recognizing that we are many times dealing with both at the same time.

I was also really happy that Jacob felt comfortable enough to get up and speak as well.  He remembered that my mom’s last words to him included “shave your face” which was funny and true since Jacob is in the midst of that transition phase where he doesn’t get a full beard and the patchiness of the growth doesn’t look good…even though he is adamant that he wants to grow it out :)

I hope it is a good memory for him…it is for me.

Grateful that my mom enabled one more of those through her celebration.

Nipmuc soccer wins division title

 Jacob and the varsity team won the division title game tonight.  Exciting game and awesome result for them.

Love the joy on Jacob’s face!

Soccer for dad

 Yes, I really did this.

So, Ben Montano was at our house not too long ago for pictures for kids Homecoming event.

Was really nice to see him and catch up for a few.  We talked about playing soccer a bit together again and so, he invited me today to go play tonight.

I agreed before realizing it was outside.  I didn’t want to change my mind-I wanted to go hang out and help foster connection and friendship…so, I ran to the store after work and bought my first pair of outdoor cleats and played tonight -only 7 people TOTAL showed up- and made a wreck of myself and those new shoes :)

Mom passed

Mom passed today.  After weeks of expecting it, and an amazing amount of time just battling to breathe, her body finally gave out.

She truly was stubborn to the end and got more out of the tiny amount of oxygen and lack of food than you could possibly expect.

I truly think she had in her mind to make it thru her family’s reunion and after that…I am not sure.

Home renovations continue

 Boys bathroom was in dire need of help for a long time.  The floor, the tub, the sink…all needed some help.

Today the floors were done and we will soon have use of the bathroom again :)

Shed delivered

 

The shed was delivered today.  Generally delivery takes less than 30 minutes…our guy was here for a lot longer.

If you look at the cement blocks it was the max level that they would allow…about 3 feet of difference when all was said and done….yikes.  It will take tons more rock and blocks and fill to fill out the area so we don’t have a cave.  But we are excited to use the space.  Kristen was in complete shock at the size of it as she calls it a second home.  I know that it will be full in no time.

Vacation - post 4

 

A special memory from vacation as Kristen surprised me with a dinner on the beach.  We honestly did not end up enjoying the meal, but the location and time together was awesome.  We even got this crazy sky which was worth taking the picture because of how weird the line through the sky was…

Vacation post 3

Hit the pools, enjoyed the sun, and had a really nice vacation day.  We were determined to make memories…we signed up for a outing for later this week and when we were approached to participate in the evening entertainment, we said yes.  Yep…this is us on stage with other couples to attempt to win the ideal couple:

There was multiple “events” -

1- A “can you identify your significant others leg by feel”? game - Kristen was mortified as she touched all the Men’s legs - for the record - she did NOT guess correctly.

2- A get blindfolded and take instruction challenge with a horn and hoop - I think we did that one reasonably well.

3- A carry a ball with your butt game that was mortifying for both of us that we absolutely failed at

And finally….

This:

Yes…victory was ours.

Vacation post 2

 

Maybe not the post you expect…not the one I would have expected to post…but here we are.

Instead of enjoying the vacation and posting about starting our relaxation activities….we have largely been on the phone with Janelle and the rehab facility because despite the best laid plans…all heck was breaking loose.

Janelle is not being allowed into the facility to be with mom because she is from a “hot spot” Covid location.  Kristen went out of her way to make sure all was ready.  Mom was expecting and needs Janelle to be with her.

Hours of wasted time escalating to management and others to make this happen.

She still won’t have access the same way, but with full precautions gear, it looks like she will be able to get in.

I feel SO badly for Janelle about this whole thing….but certainly not the way we wanted vacation to start either.

Vacation post 1

 

It was a long flight/long day to get here.  But, what a gorgeous place and we are so excited to have this vacation.

So grateful to Janelle for coming up to be with mom during this week.  We definitely needed the break - iberostar’s hotel is amazing and the number of pools and places to hang out are crazy.  

More to follow.