A good chunk of the first couple of weeks of 2016 was spent helping my grandparents settle into their new apartment living. They moved away from the house they had lived in in Carroll for 25 years. I was always impressed at how simple my grandparents kept their house; I never thought it looked like they had a ton of stuff! Until it was time to settle into a smaller space. Then all of the sudden they had TONS of stuff! There are a few boxes in our basement...just checking daily to make sure there isn't water in the basement causing problems until I get a change to go through everything. My aunt has the task of getting rid of the furniture that was left...no small task!
Shortly after this move my uncle Don passed away, so I made the trip to the funeral in Omaha with a couple of my siblings. It was a beautiful service for a man who had been suffering with illness for several years.
Also in January I finally accomplished the first meeting of a "Make ahead meals" group. This had been on my goal list for 6 months. The basic goal was to get a group of busy ladies together to make freezer meals for our families on busy nights. I have found myself irritated with the lack of eating as families and the lack of teaching kids healthy choices, so this was my way of trying to contribute to healthy eating plus family time. Its the 'way of the world' now that most women work; but most of us still want to emphasize good family values and food. I was certain my goal would be a flop (I know, that's pretty negative thinking) but I was overwhelmed by the response! 6 people came throughout the day. I left with 15 meals made. I worked 3 weekends in the past month and never had to have a pre-bought frozen dinner or pizza ready for the baby-sitter thanks to freezer meals.
Last year I also had the goal of completing 'No One Dies Alone' training at work, and was able to complete that in January. I have not been called yet for this, which is a good thing :) It is basically a ministry to provide relief to families whose loved one is dying in the hospital. It gives the family a chance to go eat or run errands without feeling like they are leaving their loved one alone. Or, it provides someone to sit with their loved one while they are still traveling to be with them.
Because there wasn't enough to do, the opportunity to take "Annie's project" through the ISU extension came to Sac County in January. 6 Thursday nights of training; only 1 left now! Hopefully I can contribute more to the farm bookwork this way, we'll see :) I always have good intentions of helping with books but it rarely happens.
This month I have started to crochet my first 'prayer shawl' for the hospital Auxillary. I had the option to assist with baby blankets or the shawls, and decided on the shawls. I did one row today...hoping it works out!
Have to post a 'funny' until I can get them in my written journal. Gabbie called me yesterday when she got home from school after finding one of the pictures she'd colored in the garbage. "You can't throw things away that your daughter makes you, those are special!!" I tried to explain that we can't keep everything, but in typical Gabbie fashion I was informed "this house is huge, what are you talking about?"
What else...the major thing in our house right now is the beginning of our Lenten journey. I grew up Catholic and we typically sacrificed something during the 40 days and nights of Lent, usually candy or pop. One year I went to mass daily instead of 'giving something up'. I want this tradition for me to continue through my family. I made the decision of what we were going to sacrifice. For me, I have given up Facebook to spend the time I would spend on that focusing on my family, reading an actual newspaper or book, or working on a prayer shawl. I also gave up online shopping, though I do have to admit I purchased all of the kids Easter clothing on an online consignment store yesterday. I couldn't help it...its just so much easier! For the kids, it has been no Ipad other than to listen to music, and no TV unless we are watching as a family. Do you know how many times I've already heard "Can I play the Ipad" and "Can I watch TV"? Its easily surpassed 20 in 2 days. It might be a long 40 days, but we are going to do it! We have become too relaxed during the long winter months and have occupied our minds with mindless things. Time to form some new habits!
Here are some pictures since Christmas...
The last picture I have of my Grandparent's home. Grandpa was making his final inspection before the buyers 'walk through'
Fun in the snow!
Always after someone's hat and someone to read to him
This is a common site for these 2. Henrik loves to watch videos with Gabbie, or bring her books to read to him.
Sneaking a few licks of chocolate I'm sure...
Henrik is sure a helper when it comes to rearranging furniture!
Finally, after a year, playing with my camera's special effects
Will found a cozy spot on a windy day!
What a wonderful Big Sister!
The night before school Valentine's parties. Gabbie was so creative and did all homemade Valentine's for her class!
Hopefully Blue loves hugs and kisses :) He gets a few from Henrik. This picture was taken today
