Mondays are the definition of possibility. Sundays are about rest and vision and goals, but I set my feet on the path on Mondays. I haven’t met my mistakes of the week yet, so there is less to carry. My boys get back to their routines and I don’t have to wonder where they are. I have a lot on my mind, but it’s manageable in steps. Take courage now, let’s get started.
Category: Motherhood
Seven years ago and twenty-six years ago
It’s all there: the old family van, Mark is barefoot, Tim avoids the shot, and we are enjoying the warmth of St George in February as we did each President’s Day weekend. Good memories.
This is Rebecca’s house and it is also where Richard proposed. 🌹
2020 photo album
Richard is on the 9th or 10th day of his bout with COVID-19. We don’t know where he was exposed. The illness has a new character each day, but his oxygen levels have been fine, so I am grateful for that. He has stayed isolated from us, and no one else at home has tested positive. The worry I have felt is a small thing compared to what others have gone through with this illness so I hesitate to even mention it. I will say that although Richard’s case can be termed as “mild” and he has not complained, this is a different kind of illness and unpleasant at best.
What is helping us get through quarantine? Entertainment. Empathy from an employee of the attendance office at the high school. Dedicated teachers who make education happen. Surprises left on our porch from friends. Sunsets. For me, it helps to have routines I can do without thinking and something to look forward to each day. On Tuesday, it was the arrival of our 2020 photo book. I wrote before that creating this album helped me see that 2020 was a great year for the Ross family. God gives us eyes to see sometimes.
The words you speak become the house you live in. -Hafiz
This borrowed wisdom is what I have for today. ♥️
Sterling Scholar Assembly
Richard and I were able to cheer for Tim and the other Sterling Scholars this week. Tim performed Valse Romantique by Debussy at the assembly, attended only by parents and the scholars. It felt good to be back in the auditorium again.
Senior year is intense, pandemic or not. I am making efforts to avoid the indulgence of crying about the end of Tim’s era at home, because that would take away necessary energy to press forward, as that is what we must do. We are so proud of him!
Wednesday is for laundry
Reading: Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather
Thinking about: some failures in my leadership; my grandmother, my parents, my kids.
Celebrating: 5 consecutive weeks of health.
Looking at: ideas for displaying some art.
Embarrassed about: a video I made for all the Primary children in my Stake. I forgot to put on my shoes, and the camera caught it. I am all dressed up, but have only stockings on my feet. In my Mr. Roger’s moment of making programming for children, I forgot the importance of SHOES.
Wishing for: some snow or some sunshine, just not this gloom.
Praying for: that’s personal, but our nation is high on the list.
Smiling about: Timothy’s piano performance coming up today that Richard and I can attend.
Eating: I have no idea. It’s time to go grocery shopping.
Thankful for: working machines to wash and dry the laundry so I can focus on other things. And for the chance to be alive at this important time.
Thoughts while cleaning the house
I’m at the phase of pandemic living that I wish for a baby Yoda doll just to sit in a barstool and watch me work.
There are only 80 rolls of toilet paper left in the house…That feels a little edgy to me.
Nope, the outdoor wreaths are not coming down today.
Ooooh, someone just drove into the culdesac! I will stare at them and learn their secrets.
Maybe if I place these cleaning supplies in the middle of the floor, I will be more likely to scrub this bathroom after I check my email and Instagram…(Four hours and many distractions later) Nope.
I need to finish listening to this Christmas album before the boys come home and wish they hadn’t.
(Leveling two picture frames) I think they’re level. Are they level? Yes! *Snap* go the Velcro Command Strips. (Standing back and noticing I have hung them backwards) Noooooo!
So many towels. So many dog hairs. So much glitter on Christmas cards this year.
I love this house, especially after I mop. ♥️
The real joy and triumph is finding happiness when things are difficult.
(Taking a trip into the spare bedroom where I have hidden the chocolates) Maybe I will just open them and see how many are left. (The better angel of my nature takes control) Stop. Now! (Me, backing away from the chocolates, issuing them a knowing look) Later, girlfriend. Sometime later, but really soon.
December Snapshots
Eagles
There are some things for which we should just leap for joy. (Tim did a leap picture, too, but I promised not to share it. But trust me, it’s adorable.)
Tim’s latest car
Tim’s car was able to make it up the hill to the temple and back before succumbing to its latest malady. The garage floor is awash in some fluid, but the tires are new. He got some good glamour shots on this ride.