Whew. I made it. Last week was exhausting and overwhelming on so many levels and I'm so glad that it's over and done with. And it feels good.
Monday, we went to the wake of Craig's best friend's grandmother. It is always hard to see people you care about hurting due to the loss of a loved one. I am so glad we were able to go and support Ryan, during his time of need, and remind him that we will be there whenever he needs us just like he has been there for us and our family. The evening ended with us going out to eat with two other couples who are really good friends from college. It was great catching up with them on an unexpected trip to the cities.
Tuesday was a big day that I was excited for and dreading for quite some time now-Hunter's first day of Kindergarten. He was really excited for it and I was really nervous like most moms are. With the death of Ryan's grandma, Craig was able to be home for this day which was so nice. The night before we were talking and I had a good long hard cry with him consoling me. It is still so hard to believe that our little boy is going off on his own now and that he is growing up and there is absolutely nothing we can do to stop it. It is heart breaking. I really wish they could stay little. Well, as I was saying, he was excited. He woke up great, had breakfast, took some pictures, got a little interview on the video camera from him. The morning was going perfect, except those tears that would come from nowhere. Well, as time ticked away, I knew we were getting close to the big yellow bus coming. 15 minutes before the pick-up time I asked Craig if I should take him down the road. He told me to settle down, relax and that it would be pointless to wait there. Ok, he was right I thought. So, then 5 more minutes passed. I was ready to take him but Craig once again convinced me to hang out for a few more minutes otherwise we would wait forever down at the stop. Well, after 2 minutes passed, my nerves got the best of me. It was time to go. Craig still thought I was a little paranoid, but I didn't care. So we were off. Hunter's bus stop is about 5 houses down the road from us, so a good walk. We were one house down the street and that bus showed up. Panicked, we both started to run. Thankfully the driver saw us, hit the brakes and waited. No good-bye hug, no good luck, just running, panicked that Hunter would miss the bus for his first day of school. Well, I started the tearful walk back to the house. My husband greeted me and asked what bus I sent Hunter on. Uh....I don't know, the one that is supposed to pick him up. It said on his schedule it's supposed to be bus 18, not 52. What?!?! I just sent my kindergartner on the wrong bus his first day of school?!? I felt awful! The tears turned into sobs. So, Craig told me he would go to the school to make sure Hunter made it.
About 15 minutes passed and he returned. He told me that no bus 18 showed up and if bus 52 did, it made it to the school before he did. I said, well you did check his classroom to make sure he made it, right? I'm pretty sure that's what moms would do. Nope. Why would he do that? Ahhh!! So at this time I'm freaking out that I don't know where my son is. The issue could have been resolved so easily and I am mad. Craig called transportation, but they weren't really sure. So then he called the school and the secretary checked his room and he made it. I'm pretty sure the extra 15 minutes of stress, crying, worry, fear...you get the point...could have been avoided if Craig would have just checked. But really, then we wouldn't have this really cool story. And the best part is, Hunter has no clue that we thought we sent him on the wrong bus.
I went to visit a friend and her new baby girl that morning and then had lunch with another friend. The perfect thing I needed for one of the most stressful days of my life. But really, look how cute this kindergartner is. :)
{Love Pinterest ideas.}
Wednesday the house seemed quiet with only one son. No fighting, no wrestling matches and a sweet little Brody all to myself. That evening we had supper at Craig's grandparents and I also had a meeting at church since I will be a counselor for our Sr. High Youth which I'm super pumped about. So, not a stressful day, just a little busy in the evening and bedtime for the boys.
Thursday, Brody and I went shopping in town in the morning. It was so nice and relaxing and he did great! We even went to Culver's for a little lunch date. That evening I went to a wake for my aunt's boyfriend of 12 years who became a part of our family. My dad watched the boys and I took my mom with me. After the prayer service, my mom, cousin and I went out for supper since I was starving! Turns out we sat at the table right next to my mom's cousin who just got into town for the funeral the next day. We chatted, laughed, heard some great stories of their youth, caught up on life and before we knew it, it was after 9! And we still had an hour drive ahead of us. We decided to scoot and head home. But once I got home, the night was not over. My aunt had asked me to write the eulogy for the funeral. Nothing like waiting until the last minute, huh? So, at 11 PM I started it and finished around 11:30, called my aunt with the final product and finally got ready for bed after midnight. Exhausted.
Friday morning I had a little boy who did not want to go to school. He hated it, never wanted to go back, didn't understand why he has to be there 7 hours and so on. Many many many tears came out of that little boys big brown eyes that morning. I had to literally push him out the door for the bus and walked him down and it took a lot of convincing to get him to go on the bus. He was not happy with me at all. Finally, he was off (in tears) and I had to quickly finish getting ready to head to the funeral.
We made the hour drive and were greeted by family. It is always hard to say good-bye to people and see those you care and love hurt so much. After a great lunch of BBQ ribs to celebrate Greg's life, we came back home to get that little kindergartner off the bus. Then, that night we had a get together with people from church. The kids were having a pizza party and the adults were going out for supper and drinks. It was a great night with great people! But, I was tired after a busy week and organizing the event and knowing I had a big day coming up on Saturday.
{Yay for friends and matching drinks!}
Saturday morning came and Hunter and I were at City Park just after 6AM to set up for the 3rd annual CHD walk in Alexandria. We got things set up for the walk, then participated in the walk and then it was time to say good-bye which was heart breaking. Hunter was exhausted and overwhelmed from a busy week. We were gone Monday, first day of school Tuesday, Craig leaving Tuesday, a new schedule, Friday night not with me and now I was leaving him for the rest of the day and night. I do not blame him for being crabby, tired and upset. If I had the stress level that he had for the week, I would be mad too. So, many tears and hugs and much convincing, Craig's sister was kind enough to take the boys to Grandpa and Grandma's so I could go to a bachelorette party! I was excited, but everything hit me. I had a big break down and cried really hard for about an hour. I felt like a horrible mom, I felt overwhelmed. I was exhausted and yet I still had more to do. So, after a little pep talk from my amazing husband, I got myself together and got ready for a fun night.
{Brody and I at the Heart Walk}
The beautiful bride-to-be and me road tripped the hour down to the hotel that we would be staying at. We checked in and found our sweet suite. Two levels and all! We had a blast heading out for supper, a quick stop at Old Navy (who doesn't go to ON on the bachelorette party night?), and played some games at the hotel before heading out for a night of bar hopping, making new friends, laughing and having fun.
{Photo booth props are a must for bachelorette parties.}
Phew! It was a crazy week and I'm so glad it is over. There were a lot of good things about it, but it was just busy. There was no planning ahead for the activities. I just had to take them as they came. I'm ready for fall and the slower pace of life. Thank you Lord, for helping me make it through.
