I can't wrap my head around an organized letter.

I actually thought that a phone call would be a good catch up for this week as I just had a jumble of thoughts. It really has been a whirlwind but so many good things have happened.

Scout is 7! Her favorite gift was the locket with photos of her grandparents and the doll from Aunt Abby. We went skiing in the morning, made cakes with grandma Doreen at a bakery and then had dinner on the mountain.

We finished installing the office doors, thank you MOM and DAD! They are at least 60 years old, pulled out of an old school in Maine. The transformation in the library is amazing, so cozy, warm and quiet.

I was driving when President Biden was getting sworn in, but I felt the spirit so strongly as he took the oath. I am so thankful for the peaceful transfer, I felt so strongly that what was taking place was how it was supposed to happen. That we are so blessed to benefit from the constitution, the right to vote and to live in a democratic society. 

Best thing I ate this week: Browned Butter Frosted Banana cake. We had the banana cake at Abby's for her birthday and then I made it again for dinner at grandma and grandpa's (but I actually forgot to pack it down the mountain and had to make ANOTHER fresh cake for dinner.) So we've had the same cake 3 times in a week. Guys, it's totally worth it. 

I am applying to Master's programs for this fall. Yesterday, I was accepted to Georgetown's online Master's program (ASU and Northeastern last week). Still waiting to hear back from 3 other schools before deciding if or which, but I'm thrilled. (I have an interview with Johns Hopkins next week, and if I want to get into Harvard I have to take 3 courses within my program and maintain a 3.5. Kind of like a tryout.) I feel a strong desire to be intentional about the time I will have next fall. It is such a gift to choose and prepare how to spend it. I don't know that I will actually start graduate school. I love the idea of it... but it would be a huge commitment. I am inspired by friends and family who have decided to pursue life long learning. I love to think that it would push me to become better and to strengthen me where I feel weak. I hope that it would also provide opportunities to learn more about how to learn, how to study, and how to connect with peers. Dan is supportive of either, but he thinks that being accepted is validation enough. Not so in my opinion, I think I had a lot of support from friends and mentors in providing referrals and the opportunity to get involved with refugees and other needy populations around the world. Without that, I doubt I would have seriously considered additional formal education.

Moses and Ollie had a great time at lunch today. Has Abby told you how they are the best of friends? They really NEVER fight or even disagree. Despite their friendship, when Dan told Ollie it was time to go home, Ollie said: "This is the best. day. ever!" And repeated it as they drove up to Mark and Abby's house. Can't blame him, I love Abby's house too.

We have decided to head up to the ranch for the summer, we'll be back to see family before we go. Probably several times. Dan is hopeful to go sooner than later, but we need to get the children re-enrolled in school at SAS before we decide if they will finish the last of this year online.

Maeser finished Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (book #2). Moving on to book three.

Dan got a confirmation from the arena and we will be starting horseback riding next week. (Tues/ Thurs mornings. 

Dan and I checked out some trailers to park at the ranch... not sure I'm a fan of having everyone in a space smaller than our NY apartment. (250 square feet.) He and Sam are enamored with the Airstreams... too bad we can't rent one for two months and then maybe he'll change his mind about the space issues. Who knows, it will probably be the biggest and best slumber party or kids have ever had. (I don't think we're serious about getting one, but Dan will probably be excited about it for a day or two.) 

*on the same train of thought... did you know we've never even been camping with our children with all of us in the same tent? It would be a rude awakening.

Mary was asked to serve as the YW Class President for the 15-18 year old girls. She has talked about it for a week now and she is so nervous. Only two girls moved up from the younger class, she being one of them. And she just turned 14 in December, so she is by far the youngest. As parents, we are thrilled. I don't know a more thoughtful and perceptive girl when it comes to making friends. She has had to make new friends constantly over the last 12 years and she is kind and inviting.

Mary and Maeser were evaluated for speech therapy. I was hopeful that the therapist would be able to schedule follow up sessions thru April or May, but he doesn't have any times that match with their schedule. (Only has availability during school hours.)

That's it. We still love having Hannah come over twice a week. Abe finished the Count of Monte Cristo and we're watching it for movie night.

Birthdays and Braces

 Happenings:

Abe came home from school Friday clearly upset that he was ousted in the first round from the class spelling bee. He was given the word "Scandinavian" and he spelled it with a "k". Not bad, but he was so disappointed. I had no idea he had an interest in vocabulary/spelling, but maybe it's more of a competitive streak than I knew he had. He's a brilliant kid and proud of the ease in which he understands principles.

I visited both my grandmother and a friend this week. Both don't get out much or ever under the current circumstances. Both would benefit from talking to friends or family more... I can only imagine how lonely this time is for them. Sometimes I'm dying to get a few minutes to myself, it means getting up hours before my children do, but it's worth it. I did get 3 days away with Dan while we checked out some projects at the Ranch. It was so fun to be there but without normal bedtime routines and children to get up with, I was in bed by 6:30 and slept for a blessed 13 hours. 

The children and I skied on Friday afternoon, we are all progressing. Some are getting faster than they should while others are slow and steady with many wide turns. Moses has such a hard time going slow, not that he can't, but he loves speed. I could not keep up with the little man and on our last run to the bottom a service road crossed the slope... with only light snow cover.  As soon as Lamond's skis hit the rocks he completely bowled over. Unfortunately, I was still halfway up the mountain when another, more apt, skier approached Lamond. I could see the skier looking around for the supposedly responsible adult who should have been accompanying their child. That combined with the previous entanglement with Moses as we alighted the lift and the emotional breakdown that ensued after yet another run meant that we didn't ski today. 

Maser has a complete set of new braces, a lisp and an eternal headache. Every night for the next 3 weeks we turn the crank to expand his bridge. Such a tough kid.

Dan had an uneventful birthday, celebrating 42 is a bigger deal for the children than for the adults. I count myself lucky to have had his influence in my life for 20 years. It's more than luck, it's the greatest blessing in my life.

I'm feeling very thankful for our current circumstances. For the opportunities we can pursue. For the comforts in our home and the support of our family.