New Year’s Eve party

We are hosting a small gathering tonight. The old gang is getting back together. 

Decorations are prepared and I’m told by Amy are a good choice. 

We will have heavy appetizers and play games. Fingers crossed for a healthy and peaceful NYE celebration. 

Teens

I always worried about the teen phase. I find it hard to manage. Max and Ellie both challenge me in different ways. 

Ellie is quiet and keeps to herself so much. I tend to hear about things only when there is a Big problem or something she wants. 

Maxs mouth runs non-stop. He doesn’t know when to stop. He always wants to argue. He can’t just do something when asked, instead he debates each and everything. 

Max is going to the gym with me now for two months and this seems to be a positive experience. We do have positive conversation on the way home. I think he likes seeing the results of his efforts. You can see he’s stronger. Some boys he plays soccer when at school were calling him “abs” the other day. It made him smile. 

Ellie has a small nice group of girl friends she enjoys hanging out with. She still does Jiujitsu sometimes. I worry she doesn’t do it enough to be worth it. She has also started volunteering at the church Sunday school. I’m proud of her for that. She really enjoys participating in the Young Loge Group at Linganore too. That’s a great outlet for her and I trust the leaders. 

Ellie still has not shown an interest in driving and doesn’t have her learners. I have a feeling this won’t happen until next summer. It’s up to her. She has tried to get a job and might start working at McDonald’s. Time will tell. 

They both love their cats, and hate doing the chores to take care of them. 😝

I know this phase of life is hard for them. I seem them growing and working through challenges. I’m proud of them. I hope they know this and know I love them! 

Free from the cast!

Friday Clair got the all clear to not wear the brace anymore on her arm, except when playing sports. She was excited but also a bit nervous. She said her arm felt empty and she wanted the brace back. But I forced her to go out and about Target shopping with me without the brace. After that, she seems to be good to go!

I told her that I’m very proud of her for how she handled this process with grace and poise. She listened to the doctors orders and was patient. She said it was her fault. But I reminded her this wasn’t about fault; this was about dealing with consequences with grace and without anger. She did very well. 

College is coming

In the midst of Christmas break, the first college materials have arrive for our sophmore. I asked her to look at them and consider. She says she did but isn’t interested in either. She’s not super thrilled about college really. I guess life around here must be better than she thinks. But I do hope she finds some inspiration soon. 

I’m excited for her. I hope she finds the excitement too. 

Boxing Day stockings

Christmas night

A few photos from Christmas night. It seemed the cousins really enjoyed hanging out in the basement finally. Dad too!

We got 18 people in the dinning room. 

Dessert table 

Aunt Katie’s game is always a hit. It was sort of beer pong this year with gifts instead of beer. 

A full house!

Young ones first. 

Interesting boy gift from Uncle Danny!

Christmas trips

This year we tried to be a bit more controlled and purposeful with kids gifts this year. 

Each kid got plenty of things. They also each got trips which I think were their favorites. 

Max, Ellie and David are heading to see Grannie in January. 

Clair and Mommy are on our way to Orlando Universal Studios to spend time in Harry Potter World. 

There were clothes and shoes for the bigger two. Max says he loves his new phone the most. Clairs most wanted and happy gift is her new VR headset. 

We also hosted cousin Christmas on Christmas night and everyone seemed to have a nice time. I make steak pie which was way more work than envisioned. Boy, Hazel deserves an award for her steak pie. Mine was not as nice but David and Katie were happy. 

The week between Christmas and new years has been relaxing. We really haven’t done much. There were thoughts of travel but it was too expensive. Max and Ellie also had colds so going into DC was also postponed. We’ve played games, watched movies and just hung out. 

Everyone has had lots of chance to sleep and eat well. It’s been a relaxing time.