Week 31
Tuesday was a low day. I was busy helping with school work all morning and then I got an email from Curtis's math teacher saying she wanted a conference with me because Curtis had a number of missing assignments. He works all day every day and is very diligent so I was confused as to what was happening and frustrated. We did the dance thing but baseball was cancelled because of the rain so I actually had time to make dinner and attend a RS actitivy where we shared about conference, which was nice. Afterwards was when I had my melt down. I tried to help Curtis and we figured it was technical difficulties but so many assignments are missing and then I heard from his other teacher and she said he had 8 missing social studies assignments and I was so confused and frustrated and so was Curtis. I sent him to bed and just cried. I felt so overwhelmed and it just felt like too much. I am busy helping Brandon most of the day, then Emma and so he has had to be very independent but he's a smart kid and a good worker so I figured he had it. Nope, and I felt like a terrible mother for not even checking on him, ever, to make sure he was set and things were going well. I felt like I had let him down and was a bad mother and there was just no way I can be a kindergarten teacher, 2nd grade teacher, 5th grade teacher and a mom and keep my house clean and have food to eat all of the time. Josh is too busy at work and with church to help me with any school burden and even that night he came down from tucking in Curtis, saw I was crying and just came and gave me a hug. When I was done crying he gave me a kiss and then had to get back to work. He worked until 2am that night filling out work reviews, one of his wonderful, new administrative tasks. He is doing his best to support me and I him but we're both pretty stressed out in our own responsibilities and it makes me feel lonely. So, that was a low, low point. I prayed, cried, and went to bed hoping for a better tomorrow.
Wednesday everyone got their work done, I exercised and then Michelle being a wonderful friend and RS president offered to bring dinner over. I felt funny about it because I know what is happening in her life and don't want to add to her burden by having her do things for me but in the end she told me she would bring dinner and we could all eat together and that won me over. I am a time person and while food would have been wonderful, the time we spent together while eating food was even better. She brought all the food over (it was so delicious too!) and made it while I rambled on for at least an hour. The kids had a great time and even though it felt short because the kids had youth activities (and Josh was late and then had to get ready for activities) it was so uplifting and fun. I am blessed to have her as a friend and RS president. I also conferenced with both of Curti's teachers that afternoon and we got things figured out. A lot of it was Curtis just being confused on how to submit things but I also need to check in sometimes, especially helping him get into the habit of checking his email and asking for help when he doesn't understand what to do or things are working. Brandon also lost his first tooth!
Thursday was school work and piano and then Lily had dance and Curtis had a baseball game. Josh stopped by to pick up the kids and then go get Lily from dance and take them all home for bed so I got to sit at the game alone and watch. It was fun and Curtis played super well. I was really proud of him for always listening to his coach and paying attention to the game and working hard. He played catcher for three innings and did well and then at first base he had a couple of great catches. He hit a triple and later an awesome single and got walked one time. It was a fun evening although I did have a moment of sadness. The coach's parents were there to watch his twin boys and his mother-in-law and her friend were there and it was a whole family party at the game. I can't help but be a bit sad we don't have that family time or support. We're pretty independent people and I enjoyed being there on my own to just watch the game but it would have been a nice way to spend the evening with my in-laws or parents too.
Friday we went to Target to get our flu shots and then I ended up doing my grocery shopping there, as well as getting a few other things we needed. I am so grateful for Target. We went to Emma's school for a materials pick up and got some lunch while we were there and then everyone did their school work. Curtis went to Quintin's birthday party at a movie theater and had a great time. It poured all day so his baseball game was cancelled but that meant he got to see the whole movie so that was nice. We got Lily from dance and had a late dinner and then Josh and I watched Stranger than Fiction after the kids were in bed. It just came to Netflix and Josh really loves that movie so it was fun to watch. He worked 21 hours of overtime this week and promised me that after this week, things should calm down a bit.
Saturday was a wonderful and beautiful day, one of the best we've had in a long time. We had a nice breakfast and then we went to the pumpkin farm we go to every year. It was a bit crowded but everyone was wearing masks and it was such a lovely fall day. The kids played, I got apples for applesauce, we saw the goats and everyone else did the corn maze. We did the hay ride and picked pumpkins and ate doughnuts. It was wonderful to be having our traditional family fun. We even saw a new family in our ward there and got to chat a bit. Josh was relaxed and the sun was shining and it all made me so happy. We got more apples at my Menonite farm and stopped at the library then Lily had a dance workshop. I dropped her off and went to Kohl's to wander around for an hour by myself before going to BJs and then picking her up. Chelsea had very kindly offered to watch the kids outside while we went on a date so we dropped them off and went out together alone for the first time since my parents were here in July. It was heavenly. He took me to Salsa's (I love it and he doesn't but was so sweet and took me anyway) then we walked around the wharf at sunset and then went to Harris Teeter for fancy desserts. We got some fresh cannolis and a brownie cheesecake so after we picked up the kids (who were freezing after being outside for three hours despite the fire they had roasted marshmallows on) and got them in bed, we watched our astronaut show and ate our treats. It was such a simple and fun evening and really made me feel peaceful and happy. Date nights are the best and so are friends who watch your kids.
Sunday was lovely as well. We slept in, had breakfast and showers and went to church at 12:15, although I also watched the 10am session that they broadcast on zoom so I could hear from two of our newest ward members. It was wonderful to see people and wave and to worship together. My kids miss primary and I am excited for us to get back to a bit more normal church but for now, we'll take the baby steps. Josh was gone all morning and then came home to be in meetings all afternoon but the kids played pretty nicely. I was making lasagna, which when we were at the beach Tony really liked, so I invited the Ainas over for dinner when we were walking out of church. It has been at least since December that they have been over and Adeline even asked where the bathroom was because she couldn't remember. The kids were in heaven playing and it was nice to just sit and talk with friends in our home. I am grateful for good friends and realized that even with the challenges of this week, I made it through by spending time with Leisa, Michelle, Sarah and Josh (thanks to Chelsea) and my heart is full of gratitude.
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