NJROTC

Our youngest found out that taking ROTC in high school (Junior ROTC) counts as PE, so she signed up! The branch in her school is Naval JROTC, so she learns about the military ranks, tactical planning, and jobs associated with the Navy. Papa would be proud!

Her physical training (PT) day is Friday, and she was given a tshirt, shorts, sweat shirt, and sweat pants all for $20. Pretty cool.

On Wednesdays, she dresses in their uniform. When issued, it's very plain. But as she earns accolades, she receives ribbons and cords to make it look decorated.

She excelled on the physical fitness test, scoring top levels on each category and earning a gold emblem on her ribbon. She also participates in their orienteering and academic teams, both competetive programs with other schools.

Her shoes have been the biggest frustration. During inspections, she's docked for not getting them shiny enough. I think she's ready to get out Eric's power buffer!

Outside, she has to wear a hat and if cold, the Naval jacket. I think she looks so sharp! I also like the way she keeps her hair pulled up, so I had her look to the side for a picture.

Any blog post about ROTC and the military wouldn't be complete, though, without a picture of our son. Only two more months until he's commissioned!

51st

My 51st birthday was bitter sweet, but having the kids home was the absolute best. After church, they treated me to breakfast at Panera, my fav!

The birthday cake was really a pudding dessert, and the rules were I could make it however I wanted. The Little One was funny to watch as I put in each scoop of sugar, cocoa, or butter. 😄

We burned off our excess energy from the calories playing disc golf. Kisses and hugs were a plenty every time I parred (which was only once). The threat alone of me making par was slim, so they didn't mind the odds. 

Saying Goodbye

The past few weeks have been some of the most difficult in my life, but I wouldn't trade those precious moments with my mom for anything. Our conversations, the smiles, and just being together was priceless. As she took her last breaths, it was time for her to go home.

Mike wouldn't leave her side until her remains were placed in the ground. Only after that would he leave her side. It was so beautiful. He loved my mom so much, and that broght joy knowing how much happiness she brought him as well.

We had quite a few cousins and aunts from my dad's side come to the services, plus a few others who came the night before. It was so great to see everyone!

Mom was always so organized with the plot, tombstone, and her affairs in order just in case. Note to anyone reading this...please do this for your family. The process was much simpler and less stressful knowing what to do. 

Despite our sadness, we tried to enjoy being with extended family and sharing a few smiles. I also enjoyed the time with my own family since we don't have the kiddos home much anymore. Some chicken at Eichens, a game of dominoes, and a few beers brought back the laughter I needed. 

My mom loved to dance. She spent a lot of her time at Czech Hall over the years, and we drove right past it on the way back to where we were staying. When we saw the cars lined up and heard the polka music playing, we decided to stop by. It was a perfect way to end the weekend services in her memory.

Here's the link to mom's obituary:

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/linda-harris-obituary?id=32991738

This picture was taken quite a few years ago, but still one of my favorites of mom and us kids. Rest in peace, mom. Love you always! 💙

Covid

It hit, and it hit hard.

You're healthy, fit, taking your vitamins, and you are strong. Most have a mild case, so you will, too. Until that's not the case.

These monitors were my life for the past few days. I stared at them constantly. I cried. I prayed. I was glad to be there during the night when the lights were off so the hospital staff and my loved one didn't see my red, watery eyes. 

And speaking of the night shift, this was my sleep wear. I didn't eat, drink, blow my nose, or remove any part of this protective equipment for 12 straight hours while in the room. 

When I left each morning, I went straight to a hotel to shower and put on fresh clothes. There was a park nearby and, although it was cold, it provided the perfect place to strech my legs. The fresh air did wonders for my own health, both mentally and physically.

The park led to a large pedestrian bridge that crossed the interstate. I had to check it out.

Quite breezy at the top, but neat!

After my walk, I picked up some stationary and gift cards for the hospital staff. The doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and medical techs have been awesome, providing the best care they can while respecting their patients' wishes. This team, and all workers in the Covid unit, put their lives on the line every day and risk carrying that exposure back to their own famlies. They are heroes. I don't think they are told that often enough, because when I would tell them thank you, they were so grateful. Many of their patients arrive with mistrust, and they have to work extra hard to prove their vow to "do no harm".

With this experience over the past few days, I wanted to be transparent about what it is like for loved ones going through this. We are leaving our own families behind to be by your side. We are taking precious vacation time to not just be with you, but also having to quarantine when we get home. We are risking our own health from the exposure. We endure the cost of last minute travel. And we suffer immense emotional stress by watching you fight for your life. 

I am not discounting the patient's experience and suffering at all. I just cannot imagine the pain they are going through when they have this and what it must be like. I am only reflecting on the caregiver's experience. And we would do it again in a heartbeat to be by your side. 

When you make decisions that affect your health, remember that those decisions also affect your loved ones.

Snow! And a Brewery

We wanted to get away for the long MLK weekend, but decided to cut it short with the winter storm. Our brief trip to NC included a little skiing, a steep climb to a church, the chocolate factory in Asheville, and several breweries. While I didn't take many pictures of our trip, I did capture this one of Eric in front of a massive and very elegant Sierra Navada Brewery.

The back of the place had a beautiful terrace and gardens. These are hops and greens. I thought the hops were brussel sprouts (dbl-click to zoom in).

Once the flurries started, we had our little one drive us back home. The roads were still fine, and it gave her practice with the visual flakes falling lighter than raindrops. We then hunkered down for what was to be the biggest snow storm on record for our area...5-8".

We wanted our youngest to see how it feels to drive in snow. Obviously the first lesson was NOT to drive in it. But if you had to, make sure you have a 4-wheel drive and go slow.

It took a while to clear the windshield, windows, and mirrors. You can see that the roads are packed snow and turning to ice. We just drove to the end of our street and back.

When safely back home, she and Eric went for a walk. So peaceful and quiet outside! We're grateful the power stayed on. 

Having the skiis still out from Saturday, we put them on to try our skills at cross-country skiing. The little one did great!

Me, not so much. 

After a few more attempts, I was ready to go back inside for some warm chili and hot chocolate.

Driving

During our trip to Florida, the yougest accumulated several more hours of driving. It was her first long interstate experience, going across state lines (FL-GA), and driving through a major city (Jacksonville). It was scary to say the least, and we're thankful to be alive.

I decided to have her go through a car wash because it required that she align her tires just perfectly along the converyer belt.

Once aligned, she had to follow the guide's directions on pulling forward and putting her car in neutral.

Whew, success! Now to relax just a bit before having to pull into a vaccum space. 

Christmas

For the first time in many years, we spent Christmas at home. All the kids were here, too, and I cherished that so much. Our Little One was the last to wake up Christmas morning.

Ashlyn was already on her 2nd cup of coffee waiting to open up gifts.

Santa had come and filled the stockings with goodies!

Then we all headed to the tree to open up gifts!

Our Christmas meal was one of the best! We eat turkey & dressing 3 times a year (Thanksgiving, Christmas, & Easter) and never tire of those wonderful dishes. We all pitch in to cook and clean, then enjoy visiting, a nap, and family time.