January 2022

 This was a hard month.  We got back from our cruise at 9 p.m. on January 3 and I started working and didn't stop until about January 25 when Omicron started to slow just a moment so I could catch my breath.  Many, many 14 hour days.  I was praying for some relief so I could travel and spend time with family and friends after almost 2 years of focusing on helping our employees with COVID concerns/cases/time off work, etc.  It has been relentless and I felt completely burned out.  And then my mom unexpectedly passed.  It's just been a hard winter and I am so looking forward to spring.

In the middle of a tough month we did have some things to celebrate.

This was our last night on the cruise ship.  Thomas took us to his favorite bar (???????) on the ship and we enjoyed some time together.  I love traveling with my family.

Then for Brennan's birthday we went to the Purdue vs. IU women's basketball game. with friends - we were a mixed crew with 5 for Purdue and 4 for IU.  It was a fun day in West Lafayette for brunch and the game.

And then we got to celebrate Brennan's 20th birthday with him!

A couple of cute Remy photos (this bed may be too small!)

And Bailey's 8th birthday!

Dinner with our friends Laura, Cindy, Gene and Eric one night helped me sooooo much.

Snow started late in the month and didn't let up.

This was Brennan's car in his apartment parking lot as he was trying to drive south for the service in Mississippi.  He made it safely (we all did) but again, I'm ready for spring.

Hoping you are all doing well.  Thank you for all the kindness you've shown our family during this difficult time!

December 2021

 A full month, but also the last time I was able to see my mom.  Hug your loved ones tight.  It's a truth of life that you never know when you will see those you love for the last time.  Not to take a turn into sadness but that's what we're going through right now.

Our December was a lot of fun once we were all able to be together.  Work was unbelievably busy and the boys had finals but they both ended up with great grades and we were able to visit family for Christmas and then head to the Caribbean on our first cruise!

Brennan joined us for a Christmas toast at the Lirettes.  Happy to have him home for about a month.

I was on the county's Bicentennial Committee for 2 years - it wrapped up in December.  Here are the thank you gifts I got 

David and I celebrated our 29th anniversary at Oceanaire in Indy.  Such a fun night!

I got to meet up with Jeanne and Mrs. MacGregor in Cincinnati for lunch before the holidays.  Fun afternoon at Incline Public House.  The view is worth it!

Both boys were home for a day or two before we headed out.  Unfortunately the cold weather set in so the cute coats were brought out for the little boys.

With cousins Ellie and Taylor for Christmas

And with cousins Danielle and Natalie for Christmas

All the cousins with Grandpa and Grandma after lunch

On the way to New Orleans for the cruise we saw the monument to Lynyrd Skynyrd and had to stop.  David and I watched a documentary on the band a couple of months ago.  It's really well done, right off I55.

And now, some of my favorite cruise photos.  We went to Cozumel, Belize, and Roatan - a Honduran island.  We had a ball, got some rest, some sun, and had a really fun time together.  I love traveling with my family!

And finally, Bailey and Remy were treating like royalty with Brittany, Mike, and Lincoln.  Wow they had fun and we were so happy to see them when we got home!