December 2021

Wed. 1st--I was in charge of the Primary Activity for December and since our Primary President had just had a baby, I thought it would fun for the kids to make a tie blanket for her. I had already separated the squares out, but they did the rest. They did such a good job, especially since many weren't even sure how to tie a knot, and got almost all of it done in the one hour! I was so happy to have all of our Primary children 8 and older attend. That's Madeline Dunn, me, JJ, Korbin, and Erik Jazexhiu. 

Benson Dunn and Korbin working together.

Elizabeth Dunn.

Benson Dunn

Madeline Dunn

JJ

Erik

Korbin

Thurs. 2nd--I took Rolo to the groomer that morning and then swung by the hospital. At my annual cardiology appointment a couple weeks ago, the doctor wanted to know why my heart rate was so low. It's usually in the high 40s-mid 50s. I told him I didn't know. He said he wanted me to wear an event monitor or Holter monitor for a week so he could see if there was anything to explain my low heart rate. I had to carry around a second phone though so I could record any pain or discomfort or other events (skipped beats, racing heart, palpitations, etc.). It wasn't too bad wearing the patch on my chest. Keeping up with 2 phones will be tricky though.

When I got back to the rental, my "service battery system" light came on in the suburban. I was scheduled to substitute every day of the school week, except Thursday, so if I was going to get this possible issue checked out, that was the day to do it. I drove to Dennis Auto and Repair. They were able to get me in and quickly assessed that it was the alternator. Fortunately, they had the part in stock and it was under $500. It was going to take a few hours though and I needed someone to pick up Rolo from the groomer. So I called Chris if she could get him for me. She actually needed to go to the doctor and didn't have anyone to watch the grandbabies. She offered to come pick me up and to get Rolo if I wouldn't mind staying at her house to watch the kids. I was happy to do that and not sit in a auto repair place for three hours. She'd take me back to get the burb before the kids needed to be picked up from school. It was a win-win! 

*After picking up Calvin from the junior high, I swung by the house to take a quick peek. I don't even remember why. But I noticed water on the cement floor in the kitchen. The water has been off for awhile. I wondered if something spilled when they were painting or cleaning. Then I noticed a plastic coffee container with the top cut off, under the kitchen sink, filled to the brim with water and a small path of water running from that container to the end of the cabinet bottom, to the floor. Water was leaking on my new cabinets! Nooooo!!!! I raced to find anything I could to mop it up. I got some napkins out of my car and found an old oil rag in the yard and grabbed it. I quickly and carefully took the container and dumped it outside and put it back under the leaky pipe and started mopping up the water. It wasn't a lot, but it was enough that it had already done. You can see where the wood is pulling away where the water was. I was so mad!

This was unacceptable. Someone knew the pipe was leaking, otherwise they never would have put that coffee can there to catch drips. But no one went back to check on it or fix it. As soon as I got it mopped up, I called Donell, out of breath, partially from my irritation and partially because I was moving fast to avoid any further water damage. She said she'd send Orlando over to turn off the water. I thought it already was. When we talked later, she said that the cabinet guy would fix it, but it would probably cost us. We told her it'll cost someone, but it won't be us. We are not the ones responsible. Someone dropped the ball. 

*I was working on some planks in the bedroom and Rolo came to join me...with his paws crossed. 

Fri. 3rd--I've been subbing so much, which is great, but consequently, I run out of opportunities to go to the store before things are picked over. So I decided to get up super early and head to Walmart at 6am when it opens to do my shopping then. It works. I'm usually home by 6:45, enough time before I need to take JJ and his cousins to the bus stop. What doesn't work is that I have to do my own check-out and bagging. Takes another 10 minutes and I'm sweating in the process, trying to hurry. Oh well. It'll do for now until I figure something else out.

*I subbed at Snyder High School. I loved how they had one entire hallway decorated for Christmas. Someone is very talented! The art students, maybe?

I signed up to substitute for a teacher I didn't know when I saw the job online. However, when I got to the school, the administrator said they needed me in Ms. Beard's class instead. The school can move us around wherever and whenever the need is greatest. It was fine with me, but I knew that was Calvin's algebra 1 class and I wasn't sure how he'd feel about that. If I know there's a job available in one of my kids' classes, I ask them first if it's okay to accept it. But I didn't have that chance. He gets driven over from the junior high 3 days a week for 6th period after lunch. I had already finished lunch and was reading a book waiting for class to start when there was a knock on the door about 10 minutes before 6th period began. It was Calvin. To say he was surprised was an understatement! Haha! He was not expecting me there and asked me what I was doing. I told him subbing--this was the class they wanted me in. I promised that I wouldn't embarrass him or even speak to him if he didn't want me to. He was pretty chill about it, at least on the outside. But I learned that this is one way to keep him focused--he kept his head down and worked the entire time. I wondered how the other students would treat him since he's a grade below them. Most of them left him alone. If they talked to him, it was because they wanted the answers, but they weren't outright mean. For that I was grateful.

*Our Christmas chain has begun and that day's activity was to dip and decorate pretzel rods. They make GF rods, so that was an easy activity everyone could participate in. 

But you can't put something in our hands without them becoming microphones! Ping Pong paddles, mixing spoons, bananas, pretzel rods...they all work! ;) 

*While the Christmas chain would happen no matter what, I was feeling a bit humbug about unearthing decorations from the garage and adding a flair of Christmas to the rental. We were supposed to be in our newly renovated house by now and I just wasn't feeling like decorating. But then I figured the kids would probably really benefit from it--as much normalcy as possible. I don't have a fraction of the Christmas decor that most do, but it's enough to put you in the Christmas spirit. So I made the effort to dig the decorations out while the kids were at school and surprised them with the magical feel of Christmas when they got home. They loved it and that made me happy.

Sat. 4th--This picture was taken by JJ at the pro shop at Whitewood Lanes in Lubbock. It's the bowling ball he wants. Start saving your pennies, Dude. Besides, we don't even know if he's going to continue with bowling once this season is over. That's not an investment I'm willing to make just yet.

He made sure to get the important info...the price...once it's drilled. Haha!

And more details about it. ;) 

JJ practicing his two-handed release more. 

Not necessarily a great league day for the boys, but every game teaches them something.

Sun. 5th--I take back everything I said about the heart monitor--the adhesive on the patch is irritating my skin. It itches like crazy! It's all red and splotchy. I can't wait to get it off of me!*

The Primary Activity children joined me after church to deliver the tie blanket they put together for Jordan Barrows and her new baby, Jess. She was very touched.

*JJ's teacher, Mrs. Porter, was out sick with Covid. We thought she and her family might like some homemade chicken noodle soup. Under my supervision, JJ made the soup himself! A perfect Sabbath activity--learning how to do something new while serving others.

*Even though I stand alone in my family, I'll say it until the cows come home...

Tues. 7th--Such a beautiful sunrise.

*JJ used his own money to buy some family gifts at the Penguin Patch at school. He wrapped them himself, too, and did a really good job!

*Calvin and his parents have been in counseling for a few weeks to help him manage his oppositional defiant disorder. We are having some good sessions together and we love Dr. Fife. Our sessions are over zoom because he's in Lubbock. But he connects well with Calvin and has helped us understand many things we didn't before. ODD is not a life sentence and Calvin can choose to decide which voice to listen to. Part of the therapy is to give Calvin's ODD a name and persona...if his ODD was a person, who would it look like. This was what Calvin came up with--the head demon from Demon Slayer and Calvin named him Derrick. Jared came up with the play on words...his "odd" little friend. So when we think of Calvin's ODD coming out, we all think of this sly guy, Derrick.

Wed. 8th--We had a chimney inspection at the house today. The chimney is basically unusable. Hasn't been used in over 20 years, because it's brick-lined. It should be lined with metal. And there are too many holes which are fire hazards. So...there goes that idea. But...we could get a wood burning insert where the fire is self contained and they can add a chute for the smoke straight up, no problem. They're only $5,000. But that's probably what we'll do. Especially if it'll help keep our electric bill down in the winter. Or if we get slammed with another week of snow-vid like we did in February. That will keep us warm and we can help others, as needed.

*My oldest nephew James teaches 6th grade math at the junior high. Calvin has been staying after once or twice a week to help tutor the kids with him for about 90 minutes each time. 

*The Little People nativity is out and this is how one of my elves set it up. :) I like the bowing down to worship the Christ child. Very appropriate!

Thurs. 9th--I'm pretty sure Jared wrote this meme. Haha! I can't help it if I gasp.

*While subbing at Ira School, Mr. Jones, the principal, asked if he could speak with me for a few minutes in his office...and added with clarification and a smile, "You're not in trouble." I actually really appreciated that! He said that the secondary technology teacher, Mr. Burt, was retiring and not coming back after Christmas. There have been applicants for the position, but he said that he hasn't been impressed with any of them. He admitted I was actually his first choice and asked if I would consider being a long-term substitute for that class. 

Whoa. 

That was...unexpected. First I laughed and said, "I'm an elementary teacher and I'm the best you've got for a high school technology teacher? I'm so sorry about that!" It's pretty comical when you consider I'm part Amish at heart when it comes to electronics and technology. But I had been praying for more consistent work to help cover the rising medical costs that our family was accruing, not to mention we were still paying double rent and mortgage when we were supposed to already be moved in by now. 

I told Mr. Jones I was interested but had no idea what it involved. He explained I'd be teaching seven class periods (the 1st period would be my conference) and I'd have 8th grade through 12th grade. Technically, the seniors would be in "yearbook" but Mr. Jones wasn't going to make me manage that, so I could treat that more like a study hall and he'd give them tasks and assignments. But I'd be teaching art/visual arts, music/dance/communications, business/marketing/finance, and dollars and sense. I was excited to do dollars and sense...that's a subject I know a lot about and is close to my heart. I might could fake my way through art and music. But I was feeling a bit in over my head with the business class. Even though I would have the title of technology, I was really the electives teacher. I also think I was a bit out of my mind...I accepted a job I know nothing about 14 days before Christmas, with Jake and Trina coming to visit, and in the last stretch of renovating our house. 

*I received the report from my echocardiogram in the mail. The results indicate that I have normal pumping and there is no valve leakage. --crickets-- Huh. That's verrrrrrrry interesting because I have had a hole in my heart and a deformed mitral valve and leakage since, oh, birth. This can't be right. Even though the hole has been patched and the valve repaired, I still have moderate leakage at best. So I called to talk to the nurse who sent me the report. She dismissed my concerns and said that people have improvements like that all the time. Seriously? I told her that for the past several years, I've had three different cardiologists tell me the opposite and that this result didn't make me comfortable. Before I go off and celebrate a miraculous recovery, I told her I really needed her to go back and check those reports one more time. She was getting pretty indignant considering she's the one that does the reports and was very confident there was no mistake. I had to insist that the report is not right based on the last 44 years of medical records and I believed that taking a second look is a reasonable request. She said she'd leave a message for the doctor. Great. Thank you.

*As a very special and unique Christmas Chain activity, we drove to Abilene to watch the Chosen Christmas Special in the movie theater. Karole joined us. It was a wonderfully uplifting and edifying experience. We learned so many wonderful insights about the Savior and the events and people surrounding His birth that we didn't know before. 

Fri. 10th--Calvin's more detailed version of Derrick.

*The day arrived for Karcyn to get her ten, little broiler chicks and start a new adventure of raising animals to show and then to eat. Ironically, the chicks were picked up all the way down in College Station.

This is Jordan Gates, Karcyn's Ag teacher. He's so awesome. We had a thousand questions about the ag program and animal care and what this all means. He spent SO much time helping us understand and answer our questions. I was so impressed with his patience and kindness that I made him a plate of cookies with a note expressing my gratitude.

Mr. Gates picked out ten chicks, and as he did, he'd read the number on their tags and I wrote the numbers down on the form under Karcyn's name, so he'd know who had which chicks.

Karcyn was so excited.

Back at home, we made sure to carefully introduce Rolo to the chicks.

These are NOT chicky nuggies, Rolo!

They're super cute! Little balls of fuzz. (Cooper was in his church clothes because he was going to serve in the temple that night. But on his way there, he got really tired and didn't feel like he could safely drive all the way up to Lubbock, work a shift, and drive all the way home, so he turned around before he got to far. He was super bummed and we were, too, but grateful he erred on the side of caution. A big part of living with narcolepsy is knowing your limits. Which is frustrating, too.)

Out in the garage they went. Karcyn is only required to show three chickens at the FFA event. They start with at least ten, however, because several chickens will die and you need some cushion. In fact one kid who was in line behind us picking up the birds said she'll likely lose at least one during the first night.

Sat. 11th--We started the day by counting chickens. They all made it!

*Back to Whitewood Lanes in Lubbock for bowling league. This is the owner, Bill Wood, giving JJ some advice.

*Christmas chain activity: Decorating Sugar Cookies. Karcyn couldn't decorate or eat them. But she became our resident judge for the decorating contest.

 

Here are the final products. Starting at the top, going clockwise: stocking--Jenn, snowman--JJ, "H"--Cooper, tree--Calvin, star--Jared.  And the winner....*drumroll*...

JARED!!!

I thought Elder Hough's was pretty cool.

Sun. 12th--I need to preface this by saying I've never liked the Christmas song, "Mary Did you Know?" and this mockery made me laugh! Hopefully it's not too irreverent. 

*While eating dinner, Calvin passed on the mashed potatoes saying he didn't like them, only baked potatoes. Without missing a beat or even looking up, Karcyn pointed out, "Actually, your stomach thinks all potatoes are mashed." Got 'em! And Cooper, too, who gave props to her quick comeback. 

*Having extended family close by has been a blessing...especially when we can gather for fun family events like decorating gingerbread houses in pairs.

Or building gingerbread Christmas trains.

Or singing Christmas Carols led by Karole :) together.

Grandma "judged" the gingerbread houses by giving them all a special label.

Tues. 14th--I went to go speak with Mr. Burt, the soon-to-be retired teacher, about his job and to get an idea of how he did things. I took pictures of the room while I was there. It was just a mish-mash of tables and chairs with no rhyme or reason. I was told the students were allowed to just sit wherever and do whatever. A lot of them just played hard-core video games or played with the 3D printer. And to expect push-back.

I had my work cut out for me in more ways than one!

Wed. 15th--We took treats to our soon to be neighbors on Garwood Avenue to introduce ourselves. This is Dixie Brooks. She is a patient at Jared's clinic and oh how she loves the Hough brothers. JJ has an old soul...he connects deeply with elderly people. It's very sweet. We were talking with Dixie and JJ went up to her and gave her a big hug and asked if she would be his friend. It was so sweet, I wanted to take a picture. Dixie is a breath of fresh air--like any good 'ol southern woman, she tells it like it is. It'll be fun to live across the street from her. Dixie has no family. Her husband Brooks, died a couple years before. They had no kids and she was an only child. Hopefully, we can become family to her. 

Dixie and her husband built their house 50 years ago. It was the first one on our street. It's in impeccable condition. She loves the color red! She has a red room...red carpet, red furniture. She also collects Coke products and other red paraphernalia. 

Thurs. 16th--The 3 Amigos--our Snyder Branch 10 year olds...JJ, Korbin, and Erik Jazexhiu. We were all at a junior high choir concert to support: Calvin, Olivia, and Ariana. The choir concert itself lasted a whoppin' nine minutes! We went to the Dairy Queen drive-thru for post concert treats and it took TWICE as long to do that than it did to listen to the concert. And as a double drag, they were out of hot fudge. Nothing for me then!

Fri. 17th--Ira Elementary School put on a Christmas Concert for all the parents, grandparents, and community members. JJ is in the green shirt up front. I was a substitute and was with 2nd grade a few times when they had practices. I was surprised by how many children don't know Christmas songs like "Silent Night," "Away in a Manger," "Joy to the World," "O Little Time of Bethlehem," and "Angels We Have Heard on High." Especially beyond the first verse. That's when I realized that I know them because I sing them in church and have my whole life. 

*Jared took Cooper and Calvin to AT&T Stadium in Dallas to watch the College Station High School football team play in the State Playoff game--for the second time since we've lived here. They didn't win but it was a great experience and they even got to see some friends from CS!

Sat. 18th--Just a cute dog sitting with his "frog legs." 

*Calvin was giving JJ some tips on how to bowl two-handed--something JJ has decided he wants to do now. 

Success!!!

*I entered a raffle at the bowling alley for a duffle bag. AND I WON!!! YAY ME!!

Sun. 19th--The last time our Jared Hough family acted out the Nativity was in 2011 when JJ was a baby and both my parents and Jared's parents joined us for Christmas that year because Jake would be receiving the priesthood that next Sunday. We never have enough people (or blankets or towels, haha!) and so it was fun to join forces with the cousins to create an extended Nativity. :) 

James and JJ (and Korbin) as Wise Men.

Calvin and Ayzlynn as Mary and Joseph.

Garrett as a shepherd.

Karcyn and Olivia as angels.

The shepherd and his sheep.

Mary and Joseph and baby doll Jesus.

And baby Jesus in the lantern courtesy of Amaya. :) 

The audience. 

Tues. 21st--Mr. Gates, Karcyn's Ag teacher, sent me a text and wondered if he could stop by and check on the chicks. He knew that some of the wings were growing over the tags and he needed to help us make sure the wings were loose and free to grow. 

He and Karcyn worked to get the tags loosened.

Mr. Gates had Karcyn do some of it herself.

Look how big the chicks are after 11 days! And...I was so proud that we still had all ten chicks!

*I was the water aerobics substitute at 11am. And I was supposed to swing by my cardiologist's satellite office here in town to sign a form that would release my records to him so that their office would know, once and for all, that I really do have moderate valve leakage. But I totally forgot! And I'm kicking myself because this doctor and his team are only in Snyder 1x a month. I was also scheduled to get a mammogram at 1:30 that day and I missed that appointment, too! What is wrong with me? I've never missed appointments before. I was completely mortified. 

Wed. 22nd--My friend, Cassandra Gonzalez from Oregon, posted on FaceBook that her husband, Jose, was being intubated and has less than a 20% chance of pulling through. He'd been in the hospital for a couple weeks already with covid. So devastating. I just can't even imagine how heartsick she and her children must be. And right before Christmas...

*Karcyn went with me to Ira to design the bulletin board outside my classroom door. It took about an hour. I was grateful for her help. I also cleaned the tables, desk, and counters while I was there. Layers of dust, grime, and dead skin cells. So gross.

But here is the bulletin board!

*Yep...#accurate!! :) 

*I sure love this meme, too! #alsoaccurate

Thurs. 23rd--Bill Wood (owner of Whitewood Lanes) offered to give Calvin some one one one training. So I drove him up there and while he did that, I went to Lowes to get painting supplies for my big project...

*We picked up Jake and Trina from the Midland airport--super late. They didn't get in until 11:40pm. Then they needed to eat. We didn't get home until close to 2am. But we all made it safely!

Fri. 24th--Just a view of the stockings hung by the chimney with care. 

 

*Jake playing around on the piano with Calvin looking on.

*Ro-ro burying his face in Jared's arm. 

*Little siblings hanging out with big sis, Trina.

*Trina making her bacon wrapped smokies. I was going to get a picture of everyone eating them, but they were gone in 2.2 seconds.

*Big bros having fun together.

*Time to play Telestrations!

One of my phrases was: Holding Hands.

This was Calvin's drawing.

This was Karcyn's interpretation of Calvin's picture.

Trina's sketch of that.

Cooper's guess. 

Jake's rendition of Cooper's description.

And...JJ's guess. Haha!! Hilarious! He's not entirely wrong. 

Jake had this secret phrase. 

This was JJ's drawing. The circle above the head of his cow is a halo.

I had NO idea what to guess. I mean, I understood the udder, but the head and tail were throwing me off. So this was my honest guess. ;) 

*We had our traditional "candlelight" spaghetti dinner with the addition of Trina's Watergate salad. The missionaries joined us for dinner and our little Christmas Eve program afterwards and even participated, too.

Calvin played on the piano. 

As did Karcyn.

She also sang a catchy song in Spanish that she learned at school.

JJ taught himself how to play "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and did a wonderful job! The only drawback to our set up is that our piano is in the dining room and everyone else was in the living room, so we had to listen real good.

We read the Christmas Story in the scriptures, shared some jokes and our testimonies. It was a lovely evening.

Sat. 25th--Jared made French Toast for a delicious Christmas morning breakfast that even Karcyn could enjoy. 

Present time!!

The kids were shocked that Santa actually brought them a VIDEO GAMING SYSTEM. A Nintendo Switch. A console that can be played at home or taken with you on the road. It came with Mario Cart--one of their favorite games. 

JJ got a watch.

Calvin got an NF shirt--one of his favorite artists. A clean rapper.

Karcyn was moved to tears when she found out she was getting to go visit her friend, Ashley, in Seminole, TX (just under 2 hours away) for a few hours on New Year's Eve.

Cooper got a variety of hot sauces.

Jared enjoying the "view" with his buddy, Rolo.

Jake and Trina not sure what they're getting.

They love sushi so it's a sushi maker.

Karcyn and her new, cozy robe.

It's been a great Christmas!

Elder Hough got some new jammies...Tapitio bottoms and a red top.

Got to FaceTime with Grandma and Grandpa Lee in Utah.

Troll earrings from Grandma and Grandpa Lee now that her ears are pierced. At least one of them anyway.

Jared got a gift certificate from Dr. Hough (aka his brother) and socks, a calendar, and a storage container for various batteries.

And we all got a family gift of $100 from Aunt Kelly and Uncle Steve--which will likely go toward new games for the Switch.

Elder Hough got a missionary stocking from Grandma and Grandpa Lee.

Trying to set up the Switch.

Sun. 26th--Jared had to help cover the urgent care and missed church with the fam, but I sure enjoyed it! Especially having both my big boys there.

A bright and sunshiny day after Christmas. Love these peeps of mine. (Trina wasn't feeling well, so she stayed at home.)

We took Jake by the house to see the slow progress. 

The blind-corner storage system--I have one on each side of the kitchen.

I like the idea of this, but there is a bit of wasted space where the unit doesn't fully fill every inch of space. And there's not very much head space for the items that would occupy the bottom shelf. But in the end, I think it'll be fun to have. I'm just not sure how to use it yet. 

The paint is great, but totally clashes with the brick around the fireplace. There's no doubt that it needs to be painted white. And it needs to be done BEFORE the flooring is installed. With me now employed as a long term substitute at Ira, my days are now gone, until the end of May. This fireplace needs to be painted before we go back to school in January. But first, the mantle needs to be removed. Luckily Jake was there to lend a hand.

The main bathroom. It's an awesome transformation. I love the shower tile and the floor tile and the new vanity. But the walls need to be painted white still.

I like the light fixture, too.

One last picture of the kitchen. 

*Trina working hard on some important legal documentation in regards to her family. It took a lot of her vacation time. She was the one doing the typing and organizing the information. Jake stayed close to offer her moral support and to clarify some dates, etc.

*Mario Cart wars!

*One of my very favorite ornaments given to me by a friend. Amy hadn't known me for long, but somehow she knew that this is one name that I cherish.

*The guys trying out Cooper's hot sauces...with chocolate milk close by for putting out the fires. I had fallen asleep on the couch and woke up to them yelping in reaction to a couple of them. Haha!

Mon. 27th--Happy 22nd Birthday to Jake! I spent it starting on the fireplace. The first step is to vacuum it with a shop vac to get all the dirt, dust, cobwebs, etc. off the surface. Except the shop vac we borrowed from Kevin actually blew the dirt (and ash) out the back, hence the layer of ash that you see in this hazy picture. What a mess! It was on the ceilings, the walls. I texted Donell to tell her what happened and she was quite calm in her response and said she'd come over and get it cleaned up. I told her to tell me when she was coming and I would join her. I wasn't going to make her do it alone. 

So I left to go back home and help transfer the chicks from our garage to the school barn. When we got there, we opened up the big barn door only to discover that the gate to the BIG PIG pen was open. We closed it really fast so he (or she) wouldn't get out and to think about what our options were.

When we opened the door again, the PIG was at the opposite end of the barn, looking like he (or she) was going to charge us. And he (or she) did!!! It was a wee bit terrifying. I don't know what a pig like that is capable of. We closed the door as fast as we could before we got mauled. 

Finally, after what seemed like forever. The pig returned to its pen with its back to the door. Somehow were able to hurry and close the gate behind it before it could escape again. Phew. I know nothing about pigs and how to interact with them. What I do know is that definitely ain't no Wilbur. 

The chicks were getting really big...and stinky. We were glad to finally move them out of the garage because their feathers had grown in.

We bought an industrial-sized feeder (in the background) and waterer (in the foreground). That waterer is SO heavy. I can barely move it filled with water from the spigot to the pen. There's no way Karcyn could.

Happy in their new home. And Karcyn was smart enough to not name them.

More Mario Cart wars!

*Jake's dinner request: Green chili burgers. But we had them for lunch instead.

And now...for gifts.

Presenting....fuzzy, bunny slippers!! In honor of Steve on Blues Clues...Jake grew up on the first generation of Blues Clues and we are still quoting it today. :) 

"In fact, my feet feel ridiculously fuzzy, right now." 

We're so glad he loves them as much as we loved giving them to him.

He got a joystick.

And a Brandon Sanderson book.

For his birthday evening, we made the trek up to Lubbock to go bowling. Except that, we didn't know they have adult leagues on Monday night. So we had to wait quite a while for a lane to open up. *sigh* Trina and I decided just to watch.

Jake's form looking good.

Almost!

Taking flack from Jared and Cooper.

JJ super close! That darn 10 pin.

The kids next to our lane saw how good Calvin was (we don't need people encouraging the growth of the big head!) and asked for his advice. He was happy to oblige.

Tues. 28th--I managed to the get the fireplace vacuumed, washed, and wiped off the day before. I was now ready to begin applying the primer. I started by working my way in between the bricks. That was the most tedious because I often had to go back and forth a few times to make sure the primer got into all the holes and cracks. This was the beginning at 7:54am.

This was FOUR hours later. My hand was definitely feeling sore and stiff.

Bathroom still not painted white...

I grabbed a bite to eat and went back to it. Gotta get this project done. This was at 5:05pm. Soo much better, just with the primer.

*This is what Rolo thought of that baseball in his Christmas stocking. 

Wed. 28th--HAPPY GOTCHA DAY, ROLO!!! We adopted you 1 year ago. That's crazy! We've been through and done a lot since then.

*I started on the fireplace hearth early again and got to this point by 11am. 

I wasn't quite done with the project, but wrapped up for the day just before noon.  

*Rolo got a little sweater for Christmas, but now we're thinking it's a bit of a fail. And he's probably rethinking his life with us. :) 

Bwahaha!

Poor floofy baby.

*Jared had a gift card to The Butcher's Block...a very expensive restaurant in town. So we decided to treat our adult children to a dinner out before Jake and Trina have to head home.

More Mario Cart races. 

Thurs. 30th--Rolo got his annual check-up and vaccinations. Then we got ready to take Jake and Trina back to Midland. Cooper graciously came with me. I needed to pick out some ceiling fans and wanted a second opinion. I think what we found were good choices. Some were fairly inexpensive. It was still $370 for 4 fans. 

*I got a call from Dr. Bradley's office. My cardiologist. Ah, maybe they finally have some information for me about my accurate echo results. The nurse said that they got the readings from my event monitor and the doctor is satisfied with my low heart rate. Nothing concerned him there. However, they did learn that I have SVT (supraventricular tachycardia)--an irregularly fast or erratic heartbeat. It has to do with faulty electrical conditions or signals. So I would need to see an electrophysiologist cardiologist...Dr. Cervera, but he does not travel to Snyder. I'd have to see him in Lubbock. I asked the nurse if this was life threatening. She said no. Then I asked if I could wait until Spring Break because I just accepted a teaching job and didn't want to have to leave if I could avoid it. She said that was no problem. 

Then I told her I actually thought she was calling about another issue. I gave her the cliff notes version of the inaccurate echo results and told her I was speaking with another nurse. She told me that nurse was there and would let me speak to her. The second nurse (the one I spoke with originally a few weeks prior) got on the phone and was over the top sweet with me. She said she actually went back to look at my echo results and that I was correct (nooo--shocker) that I do have moderate valve leakage. She said she must have hit the wrong button when processing mine. I told her I understood and that I guess I won't be celebrating my miraculous healing after all. 

*You can see here in this picture the contrast between the "dairy bell white" on the wall that Donell went ahead and chose for us, versus the white on the ceiling. It just looks grungy next to the gray tile and ceiling.

*Time to actually paint the fireplace. 

And now I'm totally finished. Look what I did! I'm super proud of myself. I researched how to do it, got the supplies on my own (with some help at Lowes) and did it from start to finish. Minus the little shop vac mishap at the beginning, I'm really pleased with how it turned out. It makes ALL the difference. And I'm so relieved it was done before the flooring went in, while everything was still in the renovation stage. Only took 22.5 hours.

*Just a boy enjoying his sweatshirt, his dog, and the new video game.

Fri. 31st--Gorgeous 7:30am winter sunrise on the last day of 2021 as Karcyn and I headed out to meet up with her friend Ashley Pace and her mom, Meredith.

It was actually a leisurely drive to Seminole, with the minor detour through some construction in one of the small towns. We met up with Ashley and her mom and the girls commenced to get pedicures...our treat. I enjoyed talking with and getting to know Meredith. 

The toenails.

Lunch at Dominoes--one of the few places Karcyn can eat out.

Me, Meredith, Ashley and Karcyn before heading home. The 3 1/2 hours went by way too fast. But I'm so glad our girls could meet up for only the second time in five months. Thank goodness for texting and FaceTime!