Goodbye 2020

Today we prepare to say good-bye to 2020. There is so much we can claim as good in a year that was unusual at best, sad at times, and full of disappointment at others. 

Evan learned to fish. During our first quarantine, he took it upon himself to spend time outdoors at the local rivers. He caught these bass in East Texas, cleaned them with the help of his uncle Jamie, and ate them with a bit of lemon juice and Cajun seasoning. 

Keagan set a goal of playing soccer in college. He created a YouTube channel to highlight his talent, and just this week he started working with I-Movie to create a highlight film. 

Wes taught himself how to play guitar, took online guitar classes, and bought enough equipment to have a “band room.” 

I joined a gym last January and lost 25 pounds - 30 pounds on a good day. I’ve learned to run again, and I have muscle in my arms. I’ve never felt better. 

We have big travel plans for 2021. I’m hoping to finally get to Peru, see a national park or two, and go to the beach. We will celebrate Evan’s graduation in May, he will choose a university, and we will move him into the dorms in August. Here’s to a wonderful start to a new year!

Merry Christmas!🎄

Santa came! It was the Christmas of technology. Both boys got laptops - the school issued Lenovas just can’t get us through remote learning. Keagan also needed to up the ante with something that could make highlight videos. It will take Evan six months to get used to something new, so I decided he better get a head start before he leaves for school. 

Both boys got new shoes and Keagan had to take in the new shoe smell. 

Keagan got a mini fridge. Oh, the excitement on his face! Worth every penny! He has it stocked already with pumpkin roll, fruit, and drinks. 

Evan got fishing gear - waders, a fishing scale, and pliers. He’s pretty serious about his fishin’. 

Both boys got ice scrapers. Keagan took his out of his stocking and confusingly said, “Hummm, a back scratcher?” Then he asked, “Is is a pooper scooper?” Evan said, “Dude! It’s an ice scraper! There’s no excuse now - you’re going to school.”

The fun didn’t stop with the ice scraper. I put a travel grooming set in the stockings, and Keagan said, “A murder kit? It’s got knives and sharp things that could do some harm!” 

Evan and Makinley swapped gifts this afternoon. Looks like they got some matching Christmas lounge pants.

Next up on our agenda? Nothing! A day on the couch is in store for us.

Merry Christmas Eve

It’s Christmas Eve! We started the day handing out food for the annual Warm Souls event. It was cold as all get out. Evan lucked out with a job inside a big delivery truck while the rest of us stood in the freezing temps. However, the recipients were so grateful, so the cold wasn’t a real bother. 

I needed a quick lunch that I could put together while I prepped the potatoes for soup. After the gym this morning, I picked up a few things for a charcuterie board. 

I impressed myself, but I did not impress the boys. “That’s not lunch; that’s a snack.” And “That's a fancy lunchable from Publix.” Jeesh! These guys are so hard to please. I sure hope Santa has better luck pleasing them tomorrow.

The traditions continued all day long. We attended the candlelight Christmas Eve service at church; we ate potato soup and sausage balls for dinner. We opened a few family gifts. 

Keagan got a monitor; he may never leave his room again. 

Merry Christmas Eve! Santa comes tonight!

Christmas Tradition

Our holiday traditions continue, despite our being in the midst of state imposed restrictions. Things just look a bit different this year. Namely, reservations and masks are required at the Gaylord this year.

The crowds were non-existent this year. It was so wonderful! But the Christmas decorations and poinsettias were as beautiful as ever. 

Lunch at the Bierhaus wrapped up our day in the city. 

Meanwhile, Evan and Makinley drove to Alabama to tour UAB. Their access to the school was limited due to winter break, but it was good for Evan to see another campus as he tries to make a decision for next fall. It’s all so exciting for him - and me!

College Tour

We spent our first day of winter break touring Belmont University in the beautiful city of Nashville.

We got a tour of the school, a close up look at the simulation labs utilized by nursing and pt students, and got to meet one of deans in the health science department. We now know why Belmont is home of the Bruins and the history behind the gazebos on campus. They once housed real bears!

After the tour, we ate a great Cajun lunch in the Hillsboro neighborhood. Then we drove to 12th Ave South for a picture at the iconic I Believe mural. 

Evan’s still mum on where he might go to school in the fall. 

Acceptance #5

Acceptance letter #5 arrived this week, along with a $28,000 scholarship. If you had asked me a year ago if UT was even being considered, I would have said no. Five years ago, I would have said heck no. But here we are. 

Next step should be an official tour of the UT campus. 

Christmas Communion

Tonight was Christmas communion; it’s one of my favorite holiday traditions. This year the girls went with us. 

Our crew was so good looking, the entire church turned their heads when we entered the church. 😂