ihop senior menu

 Yesterday was my birthday. I am 55.  That means I am qualified to order off the senior menu, at ihop at least. 

Colleen took me out to lunch, and we had a great time chatting.  Everyone called and sent messages. It was a good day.

Next week I am going to Idaho, can't wait. I've been trying to get ahead in class work so I won't have much to do while I'm there.  That's been keeping me busy.

Snapshot of life recently:

Rob works, golfs (a new hobby/exercise he’s starting), and he is the elders quorum secretary. Pete is the president and the two of them get along well. He is into gun carrying, fishing, hunting, woodworking, smoking meat, iPad games, and recently organizing the garage! We only have one car in MD right now so he also gets to shuttle me around.  And he’s been diligently watering our new grass.

Dani and Greg are well. Greg and I are birthday twins so he also had a bday this week. Greg works at the bank. Dani at the hospital. Dani loves her job, Greg does not. They have a cute house with lots of room to gather people. Recently they took their whole family skiing. Tatum is in orchestra, plays the piano, has lots of friends, goes to YW and is still a reader. She is playing softball and babysits.  Penny is still busy with her little miss attendant responsibilities, she plays basketball and softball, Marshall is playing soccer, Dani and Ethan coach his team. He is an amazing kid. He likes to reads, build things, is musical and smart. D&G serve in the youth program. 

Sierra and Chris are well. They work. This weekend is their first wedding anniversary. They are taking a trip to AZ to celebrate. They team teach Gospel Doctrine.

Clayton and Jenna. They are going on a European cruise next month. The girls got into a charter school next year. It is a duel immersion school so if they stick with it they will learn Spanish. They are in ballet. Darcy is a full time walker now! And she knows animal sounds! Jenna plays in a community orchestra and serves in primary. Clayton serves in YM and plays sports.

Sawyer changed majors to software engineering. He is working at a vet clinic and is busy. Hannah’s calling is new mother specialist for her married student ward. It’s busy! Ezra has multiple therapies he goes to each week. He loves horses and movies and going to gymnastics and running around. Poppy is a good baby. She sleeps and poops and eats. They are waiting for spring and hoping to make some great friends soon. 

Ethan is finishing up his first semester. Hoping for all As. His chemistry class is tough and he might get a B (stay tuned). You have to have a 94% in the class to get an A. He has 91% now but if he aces the final he will be golden. Next fall he will be a junior, which is crazy! He coaches soccer, plays sports a lot, dates, goes to the temple, and hangs out with friends and family. It seems like he is doing really well. He got a summer job as an FSY counselor, which I think will be awesome. 

Grace is slogging through. Almost at the finish’s line. Her FLVS classes are almost done. She has two jobs: chipotle and macaroni grill. She and Blake date and she always has surprises health issues pop up. I am excited to see her in a few weeks and sad that I have not been there.

I am busy with school. The cat and I hang out all day and we watch the grass grow in the yard and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. I really wanted E and Lu to have cars. In fact it was a bit of a thing to come to that “agreement”; that’s  left me temporarily without a car which has  been tough. We “agreed” the same way we agreed to live in the woods. Lol

I am not bored, the days go fast and I enjoy sitting on the porch and studying or praying. Our house is beautiful. Everyone is healthy. So life is good. I will be glad to have a car, to have internet that is fast and reliable (I have been downloading a video for school for literally 94 minutes and it’s “almost done”) and to be on the far side of empty nest adjustment. It’s funny how life always takes twists and turns that you do not expect. It’s good though. And I’m grateful.