Good week

 Good week! 

Monday: canned peaches all afternoon, made some peach jam, did laundry, taught piano, went to baseball practice. I felt very domestic and accomplished by the end of the day. 

Tuesday: I went and had brunch with my high school friend, Michelle. Actually we've been friends since 8th grade and it was fun to talk with her and catch up. I'm glad I get to see her every few months. Then I helped Curtis pick a science fair project and took him to practice. Tried a new recipe for dinner when I got home that was a winner!

Wednesday: went to the gym, watched my friend's little girl for a few hours while she went to the doctor, ironed so many white shirts, picked up groceries, took Brandon to baseball, and was so grateful for youth leaders who picked up Lily and Curtis to take them to their activities in different places. I got stressed about Lily's band rehearsal schedule and her dance schedule (lots of conflicts) but the band teacher was great about it and we already have a plan worked out for when it becomes an issue in January. 

Thursday: I drove two hours to my friend Carrie's house in Virginia. I talked to my sister on the way because it was her birthday and it was an easy drive. Carrie needed help painting and reorganizing her kid rooms so I went to help and chat with her. She's had a very difficult time emotionally lately with her step son and I was worried about her. She wasn't quite ready to paint but we got the room cleaned out, I did all the taping and I painted the ceiling for her. It was enough to get her going on a big project and we had time to talk and eat lunch together and it was the boost she needed. I talked to Shelly on the way home and got here in time to pick up Curtis and take him to baseball. 

I've had a lot of complicated feelings about social situations and relationships the past two years but Carrie helped me remember who I am and what real friendship feels like and also recognize that while relationships ebb and flow sometimes, true ones will always endure. So while there are some people who actively ignore me when they see me now or who have broken my heart and don't care, I know what kind of friend I am and can appreciate and enjoy the friends who truly see me and appreciate me for who I am. 

Friday: went to copy training at the school (I signed up to be what they call a copy fairy for the PTO), ran a million errands, paid bills, took Brandon to the Tripp's for Eli's birthday dinner and then Josh took me on a date. We went to Outback and walked around a bit and got Bruster's then picked up Brandon. Josh has been working as much as he possibly can lately in preparation for a big thing happening this upcoming week so it was nice to spend some time together. 

Saturday: I took Curtis to baseball practice, which luckily ended early so I had time to run him home before heading to church to play the piano for Petra's baptism. The baptism was sweet and we were happy to be there to support the Wiests. Vera played a special musical number with her Grandpa and as her piano teacher, I was very proud of her. I was then supposed to go to a baby shower but I didn't make it in time so we went home, we cleaned and then we went to see a movie because it was National Cinema day and tickets were only $3. I took E and B to see League of Super Pets while Josh took C and L to see Top Gun. It was his fifth time, Curtis's third time and Lily's first. She loved it and I'm glad she's gotten over her dislike of watching movies in the theater. Emma and Brandon loved our movie too and it was pretty fun, especially for $3. Then we grilled and ate outside and had brownie sundaes and watched the BYU football game. They won 50-21 and it was an exciting game! 

Dance, seminary and piano lessons all start this week and I'm already feeling overwhelmed and anxious but I'm sure we'll get into a groove soon. I always get so nervous before we start something new and especially when that thing starts at 6:15am, it's worse. However, Lily said this week that she actually liked school (something she hasn't said in three years) and especially her GIS classes because she doesn't hear  bad language in those classes (HUGE parenting win there!). I was dancing on the inside to finally hear something positive from her and especially about something I totally encouraged because I had a feeling it would be good for her. She also said she was excited to go to NYC (hooray! another huge parenting win since we told her she had to go because it would be amazing but she was really nervous about it) and she is rooming with some nice girls. I felt so validated and happy for her.