Despite this, it's been a good week. I've just had a lot of moments. Good moments with the kids. Meaningful discussions. Surprise service from different family members. The things that make you smile inside.
Friday morning was Catherine's district spelling bee competition that she went to with 3 others from her school. Because there were maybe 150 kids, 4th-8th grade, that progressed to this point, they had all of the kids do a 50 word written test first. Only the 25-30 top scores participated in the oral portion. I ran down after work to be there for the announcement of these top scorers. Although she had worked hard studying, Catherine didn't make it, but we enjoyed having some one on one time afterwards. Made better with french fries and a hot fudge sundae.
Friday evening Brandon and I went to the 60th birthday party of my choir buddy, Sarah Chatterly. It was a done up affair at our neighborhood clubhouse with dinner. It was very personalized with everyone getting to share memories and sweet talent displays by the grandkids. The most touching part, though, was done by her husband Larry. He wasn't able to attend as he had a detached retina and had doctor's orders to stay laying down. His kids, however, had recorded him singing a song for his wife which they played for her over the sound system. I don't know the name, but it's one all could sing along with...ends 'But I...can't...stop....falling in love with you'. Although the voice wasn't polished and there was some cracking on the high notes, I couldn't help but tear up.
Saturday we decided to do a family day. The kids got off the hook for MOST of their Saturday chores (the bathrooms just have to be done...I can't let them go ;). First we went to the Movie Tavern for lunch and a movie. The Lego Movie started out slow, I thought, but built momentum and ended strong. The kids were cracking up and now have a new stock of quotes to quote in the coming weeks (the last month has been dominated by the random phrase 'cause...I'm Batman' from Sean. Which I've enjoyed, but wouldn't mind a little variety). Afterwards we went ice skating at our local, seasonal outdoor rink, 'The Pond'. There were some sore ankles, but overall was a treat. After a few times around holding the sides, the whole family finally got comfortable enough to skate on their own. I even got to hear the phrase, 'Mom, how come you are so good?!'. Ha ha. They were actually being serious, but I think 'good' is very relative here. The strangest thing to see as a parent were some teenage girls hitting on Sean as he skated. Not ready for that yet.
Of course, that evening, we had to get some Olympics in.
All in all, I'm just glad to have time to hang, work, chat, discuss, grow, and laugh with my family. That's the good stuff.
