Thanksgiving Break

Don’t get me wrong – I very much enjoy peace and quiet. But it always takes me a little while to get use to it after a few days like we’ve just had.

It started Tuesday at around 11pm when Meagan walked in the door, and the dog peed on the floor in excitement. But we were prepared for that since the dog always pees on the floor when she first sees Meagan.

On Wednesday Heather, Nicole, Andres, and Dave all made it home in the snow from various originating locations. And there wasn’t a clean surface in my kitchen after that. For some reason, I take it on as a challenge to provide good food for my family. And I do love a challenge. And they are always eating. For example, Andres had a meal at 11:30 pm after getting back from the movies.

Thursday, we woke up to no power, and we managed to get ready and showered using the electricity from a generator. I was so thankful I didn’t have to worry about getting a turkey cooked.

We made our way to Bellingham where the day was spent with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. We established a new tradition that day. Instead of a kids table, we now have a 50-and-over table. I believe I was the youngest one there. Dinner conversation touched upon the advantages and disadvantages of assisted living, and I mentioned Dave and I had just purchased long term care insurance. My uncle commented “Michelle, you’ve arrived.”

The 50+ Table

From the conversation, I also learned my grandmother and I have something in common. On rare occasions, our liquor hits us just right, and our loved ones find that very amusing. For both of us, our biggest concern while under the influence is what our kids are going to think of us.

And of course my grandfather added his inappropriate comments – Like telling Wayne he liked him since the first time he met him since he thought he had an in with Obama. (He’s not so sure about that now.)  And telling Meagan he was anxiously awaiting the fifth generation.

We came home that evening, and I sent out an Instagram picture of all the kids cozy on the couch. I thought we were in for the evening. Apparently not. After coming downstairs from changing clothes, I was informed we were going to the movies.

Friday, the Christmas decorations came out, and the house is now partially decorated.

Saturday, Sue and Lexi came to spend the night in our cookie dough guest room. (I’m still working on it.) Dave recently lost a bet to Austin, so he gave $50 to Sue to give to Austin. In pennies. Because that’s what families do.

Sunday morning, Dave and Meagan took a crack-of-dawn flight to DC (after he got home at 3 am from a high school reunion), and I got Nicole to a soccer game – outdoors. I know. That doesn’t make much sense. But, you see, they plowed the fields. So, it’s okay.  She was able to get in three games over the weekend (and had two game-winning goals). She also played two basketball games.

When I got back from soccer, there was a quick trip to the mall to get a new computer for Heather (a late graduation gift.) This was after spending some time diagnosing the problems with her current computer  – faulty fan, slow processing, a power cord with exposed wires, and no free disk space (not surprising with 177 GB of photos).

After shopping, there was one more dinner (just for 3 this time). Heather actually asked me to prepare two meals that night so she could bring leftovers back with her. But, by that time, I was well over my desire to succeed at the cooking challenge, and I told her no. After dinner, she headed back.

While Nicole decompressed up in her room, I relaxed by watching an episode of Breaking Bad on Netflix. Always good for a pick-me-up.

Today, it’s back to quiet and routine. Tomorrow, I’ll start enjoying that.