The One Where We Got a Puppy!

(11/1) I worked from home today, Dad worked at work, and the boys had school. I had a meeting with the school first thing and crossed my fingers as I left. We set the bar low today: to just be there. Thankfully J was able to do that and now we'll have the weekend to rest and recoup. J had his last orthodontist visit for a while and got his retainers this afternoon. They make him snort-laugh as he's learning how to talk with them in. It was Toffee's fourth birthday and Cass' eleventh adoptiversary today so we celebrated with birthday bones for all. 

(11/2) I was absolutely fried so made the decision to stay home and actively do nothing this weekend. It's been a trying past couple of days and it was necessary. C met up with a friend of ours who took his senior pictures out at Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary. They turned out great! I still can't believe he's a senior! Where has the time gone? He promised to deliver the "mug shot" pose for our picture wall. 

(11/3) I slept in a little this morning and watched a podcast with the pups. Both Dad and C had to work today, but the twins and I had another stay-home day. I'm feeling more refreshed and am ready-ish for a busy week next week!

(11/4) The twins are off from school today and tomorrow for conferences. I've been in close contact with the school about both of them so didn't feel the need to attend. I worked from home for a few hours this morning, ran Nanan to a medical appointment, and then came home to work a few more.

(11/5) I took the day off to take Nanan to an appointment. It was a lot and we went to have lunch in La Conner again and sat in the setting sun trying to digest it all. I came home to watch the election returns and sent the boys to bed thinking it might still be days yet to count. I stayed up until the election was called. It feels like 2016 all over again only this time we're headed in eyes wide open. Good luck to us all.

(11/6) I'm really glad I had the day off today to process. D was despondent this morning that they had already called the election and I wasn't in a place to really help him feel better before he headed to school. We did have a good conversation once the twins came home though. D and I did our WinCo Wednesday trip and Dad and I shut off the outside world and put on Les Mis this evening.

(11/7) I worked from home today, Dad worked at work, and the boys had school. D has been saving a peppermint bark recipe for months just waiting for candy canes to return. We picked up the supplies we needed yesterday at WinCo and as soon as they got home from school the twins were ready to bake! Such an easy recipe and tasty too!

(11/8) TGIF. This week has been a doozy! The boys had an early release from school and I worked from home today. D has been anxious to get out our Christmas decorations so I pulled in all the bins. D is always excited about decorating, but this year he was even more so. He found the bell from 2020 and rang it for all the outstanding races. When he rang the bell in 2020, they called the presidency for Biden and he was feeling responsible for the results this year. Aw, bud.

(11/9) Sarah and I went for a walk this morning and then I came home to get ready to go wine tasting with my office besties. We had to pick up our wine shipment, so we made a day of it. We had a great time and it was therapeutic to get out! When I got home, D had all the lights plugged in and the snowflake projector going on the ceiling. He even had all the bells laid out in order for me on the table. I put up the bells and decided the rest could wait for tomorrow.

(11/10) I put up our porch lights and Santa pictures today. I want to wait a bit before putting out our outside lasers, so D went back to projecting them in the kitchen. I met up with the rescue group this afternoon and picked up a new foster pup. Poor thing has had a big day and was pretty shell-shocked tonight. I bathed him and then tucked him in his crate for the night. We'll tackle tomorrow when it comes.

(11/11) Happy Veterans Day! We all had the day off today. We mostly had a stay-home day. C had a friend over for the day and Dad hit all the stores and stocked us up for a while. I spent some time sitting with our foster boy and won him over using the power of cheese. By the end of the day he was zooming all over and feeling much more comfy. He is so adorable ~ he wags his entire body!

(11/12) The boys and I had school and work today. S and her friends were in a major car accident early Sunday morning. Dad drove her out to visit her friends in the hospital and to see if they could salvage anything from the car. Both friends are expected to be okay and we are wishing them a swift recovery!

(11/13) Dad and I had the day off. He helped S with more appointments and I was home with the boys. This week has kicked my butt and I really needed a day to recharge. Our new foster puppy came from California and he is thoroughly unimpressed with Washington weather. He just stands there, shakes, and looks pitiful. He's not going to be an easy one to housebreak.

(11/14) I worked from home, Dad worked at work, and the boys had school. Jerry, our foster, has taken to guarding me from all the males in the house, which is super fun. He is turning into a bossy little thing. Good thing he's cute!

(11/15) I worked from home today, Dad worked at work, and the boys had school. I documented my day hour by hour today. I love looking back to see what a typical day looked like years ago, so I like to participate when it rolls around every year.

(11/16) Dad took C to get winter tires for his truck and I took S to get new glasses. S & I stopped for sushi afterward and had a great time shopping at H Mart. Both of her friends are home from the hospital--we're so glad! C was having car trouble this afternoon, so I offered him mine and he gave me his truck keys. It's been like 20 years since I've driven a stick, but I've still got it! Whoop!

(11/17) The boys and I had a quiet day at home and Dad had to work. C got a lesson in plumbing this morning and decided he definitely will not be picking it as a career choice! Good skills to learn though, kid.

(11/18) I worked in the building today. A coworker and I set up for the retirement party that we're throwing tomorrow and we were sweating up a storm after moving all the furniture. Shew! Once we were mostly done, we ran to Costco to grab the food. I think we're set! It looks so cute!

(11/19) I worked in the building today. We threw a 30-year anniversary / retirement party this afternoon at the office. Our coworker was thrilled and I think we really pulled it off! There was a bomb cyclone that blew through tonight and took out the power at home. I stayed for a few hours after the party to have drinks with my coworkers where there was still power and Dad got out the chess set and played a game with J in the dark. C had to work late and came home to a platter of leftover Mexican food and party leftovers which he was stoked to eat.

(11/20) Dad and I were off today and the boys had school. I ordered C's cap and gown this afternoon; it's getting real! Dad and C went to a hockey game tonight and the Chihuahua squad and I held down the couch and caught up on all the shows.

(11/21) I worked from home today. Dad and I ducked out and went to pick up our new chaise for the front room. It's so cozy! I cannot wait to set the Christmas tree up and enjoy my coffee and a good book in my new cozy reading corner.

(11/22) It was rainy and gross this morning so Sarah and I opted out of walking and I woke up shortly before I logged in for work. Yay for work from home days! We had another wind storm predicted for this evening so I cooked dinner early just in case. Thankfully we kept our power this time!

(11/23) I braved Costco today and it wasn't too bad. I put on an audiobook and enjoyed my time. I had a few things to pick up at the grocery store too so dropped by to grab D who managed to talk me into sushi and Chinese food for lunch. After lunch we set up the rest of the outside lights including the candy canes and lasers. D was so happy!

(11/24) Once I got the pack of princesses to actually do their business outside (cursed weather!), we piled on the couch and hung out for a while. I ran to WinCo this afternoon to pick up a few last things for our trip and then came home for book club. It was just two of us and we'd read the book long enough ago that we couldn't really remember what happened so immediately went on to discussing other books. 

(11/25) I worked in the building today and ran our food drive donations to the food bank. It's a busy time for events lately and it's not really going to slow down until next year. Weee!

(11/26) I worked from home and the boys had school. We loaded up and headed for the grands' house tonight in order to get ahead of holiday traffic. We rolled in around dinner time and everyone called it an early night.

(11/27) We got a verrrry early start this morning thanks to giggling cousins. We loaded all the cars up and headed to our Airbnb in the afternoon. Grandma was brave and took all the younger boys and I had a peaceful drive all by my lonesome. The grands rented an absolutely gorgeous home with an amazing view! Shan's family met us there and Craig and Roxxy came after dinner. There was much laughter, wining, and feasting. I love spending time with everyone! Back at home, Dad took S and W to W's first Silvertips game. He is bummed to miss Thanksgiving due to work this year.

(11/28) Happy Thanksgiving! J helped Shannon make these amazing brisket breakfast burritos and then the folks got the bird and all the fixings going. Jake and his fam arrived mid-morning and we hung out all day. Dinner was wonderful and put us all in a turkey coma.

(11/29) We had a lovely day all doing our own things. We gathered again for dinner and put a small dent in Granddad's wine supply. So.much.wine! We alternated between football on the TV or the live feeds at the Monterey Aquarium. D loves the otters so we watch them a lot. We played Rummikub until the wee hours of the morning. I'm going to have to pick that game up!

(11/30) The boys and I packed up and headed home this morning. They were glad to get home where they're the comfiest. I had a great time! Hope we go back next year!

Smells Like Teenagers

(10/1) I worked in the building, the boys had school, and Dad was off today. He made up bacon bourbon noodles for dinner which is a fam favorite! I watched the VP debate tonight and texted my friends throughout. I'm so ready to zip forward to the election already!

(10/2) Dad and I were off today. We intended to go for a date day, but plans got changed and we ordered in instead. I did the boys' WinCo run by myself, which was weird but much cheaper and grabbed a big sandwich for dinner along with their requested goodies.

(10/3) We all had work and school today. The twins had dentist appointments this afternoon and I took a few hours off to run them in. As is tradition we went to McDonald's for lunch afterwards.

(10/4) Sarah and I met to walk before I came home to work. Our lil foster boy is definitely feeling better and he got himself stuck behind the food bin when he was scrounging around for more food. Oh buddy...

(10/5) This afternoon I met up with two of my biological brothers. I met them in person about five years ago and it's crazy how much we're alike! Our lunch ran far past the dinner hour and the twins were starting to text me asking if I was ever coming home.

(10/6) The twins and I went up to have lunch with my brother's family this afternoon. I completely failed to get any pictures, but we had a lovely afternoon and caught up on all the things!

(10/7) I worked in the building, the boys had school, and Dad had the day off. It was surprisingly sunny and warm for October. But it looks like we return to our regularly scheduled program tomorrow.

(10/8) Sure enough today started out rainy so Sarah and I skipped our morning walk. I worked in the building today, the boys had school, and Dad was off.

(10/9) Dad and I had the day off together. The boys are getting their computers in their rooms for their birthday. After we moved the boys' desks up to their rooms, we determined that our front room was way too empty. We went out "just to look" at furniture stores and ended up finding the perfect chaise to make that room cozy. We picked up Chinese food from Panda for dinner and Polar Pizzas from Baskin Robbins to celebrate together while we're all home. Happy birthday, twinadoes!

(10/10) I worked at home today, Dad worked at work, and the boys had school today. I decided to remove the Chihuahua neighborhood watch station (bench by our front door) and put in a shoe rack instead. Now watch as my children ignore it in favor of eventually taking us out with their shoes strewn across the floor. Update: 2/3 children failed to use the rack. This is how I'm gonna go out.

(10/11) Happy official birthday to the twins! The kiddos had the day off from school so I took the day off and we hopped on a boat and to go see the grands. We packed a picnic lunch and went on a short outing on their new boat. We had a fun time and then came back to their house to hang out until it was time to prep dinner. J helped with making graham cracker crust which the boys LOVE. The grands made us a wonderful dinner and we capped off an amazing day with ice cream for dessert.

(10/12) The boys and I had a quiet day at home. I made up a double batch of tortellini soup and D was bummed when there weren't any leftovers. I might have to up it to a triple batch with this crew!

(10/13) I ran all over today. I went to Woodinville for a wine pick-up, out to the shelter with our foster dog to see the vet, back to grab D who wanted to go to GameStop, and then to see S to drop off a chair that she had purchased. Our poor foster boy has a horrible heaving cough and is really having a time of it. We'll be starting him on some new meds and hopefully he'll be back to being spry soon.

(10/14) I worked from home today so I could meet up with the rescue and pick up some new meds for our foster dog. By the end of the day he was resting more comfortably and even ate a bit.

(10/15) I went in to work today, the boys had school, and Dad had the day off. He took our foster for another vet appointment. He's thankfully feeling much better today and is eating again!

(10/16) Yay, our foster boy is back to demanding his meals! I love his lil stomps! Dad and I were off today and we went apple picking with the kids at Bailey Farm this afternoon and they joined us for dinner. I made up some homemade apple crisp for dessert which was delish!

(10/17) I worked from home today, Dad worked at work, and the boys had school. Dad did something to his arm and has been pretty miserable today. The event he was working started late and he didn't get home until close to midnight.

(10/18) We went to urgent care first thing this morning to see about getting something for Dad's arm pain which kept him up all night. Unfortunately nothing they prescribed even put a dent in it.

(10/19) We went back to urgent care this morning and they changed out Dad's meds. He hasn't slept since Wednesday night and is beyond exhausted. Thankfully today's meds finally allowed for some very broken sleep. I met with our foster boy's new mom this morning and it sounds like he has found the perfect home. Happy tails to him!

(10/20) Dad managed a good enough stretch of sleep that he felt okay enough to go into work this morning. The boys and I had a quiet day in today. It was stormy most of the day, so we were good with staying put!

(10/21) I worked in the office, the boys had school, and Dad was off today. Sleep was still difficult, but he did manage one longish stretch and has an appointment with the back doctor tomorrow.

(10/22) I worked in the building today, the boys had school, and Dad had the day off. Dad went in to see the back doctor and had another change of meds. We laughed that he's getting the full "rescue dog treatment" since he has been on all the same stuff our last foster was on. We're hoping this plus a PT referral helps resolve the issue without surgery!

(10/23) Dad and I were off today. D was feeling cruddy so we called him out. D came down asking for lunch from WinCo so I went shopping for him and then went again with J when he got back from school.

(10/24) I had the day off today and took Nanan in for a medical appointment. We decided to have lunch in La Conner when we were done and I ended up taking a meandering route. I kept an eye on the range of miles left and thought for sure we'd be fine, but by the time I got back to her house, it jumped from 30 to 12 miles and I ended up having to plug in at her house. I found a slightly faster charger in town and charged just enough to get there only to find all the spaces occupied by non-charging vehicles. I ended up knocking on doors and happened to find one kind person who moved their car so I could put a few miles back on. I ultimately ended up driving back to Nanan's to charge it overnight and Dad came to get me. What a fiasco!

(10/25) I started my day working at home, Dad worked at work, and the boys had school except for D who stayed home again. I had a doctor's appointment this morning so was gone for that. And then, after school, C drove me up to Nanan's so we could pick up our car with a much more comfortable range of 95 miles!

(10/26) We finally made it to the weekend! Last week was exhausting and it was nice to sleep in a little. I bummed around in my jammies this morning and got a little yard work done this afternoon between rain showers. I went to a hockey game this evening with Rob & Mel. It's been too long and was fun to catch up, and the win was the cherry on top!

(10/27) The twins and I had a quiet day at home. It was gray and drizzly out and was the perfect weather to hole up inside with a book. I had book club this afternoon and enjoyed chatting with the ladies. Last month's book was a fun read and we all enjoyed it!

(10/28) Well, we thought D was all good to go back to school, but nope, and they called for an early pick-up. Poor bubs. J got his braces off this afternoon and indulged in some long-awaited popcorn. He has saved all his popcorn tickets at school for this day!

(10/29) I worked in the building today, Dad had the day off, and the boys had school. I attended D's IEP meeting this afternoon and just love his team. They really enjoy him and are committed to helping him succeed!

(10/30) Dad and I were off today and 1/3 boys went to school. D probably could have gone because he made a miraculous recovery just after I called him out. I went up to take Nanan to a medical appointment and we went for breakfast afterwards. Our inflatable pumpkins stopped inflating so I put up our new ones up in the rain this afternoon. You know, two days before we take it all back down. 

(10/31) Happy Halloween! We never did get out to go costume shopping, but J had a cloak from last year that he wore and we hit a few houses on our way to see the Irwin Family Lights. C brought a friend over and D stayed to man the goody table. We had around 40 kids, which wasn't bad for a rainy night!