Transitioning Into the New Year

Written on 12-29-22.

        Now that the kids are gone, B and I had a relaxing day together.  We got two major things done: 1. I started the Prezi and 2. We bought a new stove and microwave combo at Quality Appliance.  We are super excited about those.  The stove will match the fridge (Frigidaire appliances with stainless steel), and it has convection, induction, and an air fryer.  It has lots of bells and whistles, and we are super satisfied.  Now, we just need an electrician to get a 220 in the kitchen (we are getting estimates).  We will have to buy new pots and pans that work with induction cooking, also.  The microwave oven has a rack in it, so two people can heat their meals at the same time.  It will definitely be an upgrade.  Our oven died on Christmas Day when we tried to cook the ham for Christmas dinner, and we had to go over to the Edgerton’s house early to finish it.  Bummer.

Tomorrow, it will be more of the same.  We plan to write ‘thank you’s,’ continue the Prezi production, and relax some more before B goes back to work on Monday.

I will continue this, too.  I want to write about Becca’s and Matt’s decision, the puppy update, and the last time Eric and I played two days ago.

Until next year…

Written on 1-1-23.

The Prezi is mostly done.  I worked on it until...

close to 11:00 last night.  I’ve sent it to James and Danielle in order for them to preview it, and they said they want to make a few changes before we send it out to friends and family.  It always feels great once we have it all finished and shared.  It’s just such an engaging marking of our family history, and it contains the best pictures of the year, too.

Becca and Matt have decided that Matt won’t play for the Dallas Jackals next year.  Or, they are 99% sure they won’t.  We called to offer our support.  We didn’t know that he had been injured and had some tingly feelings in his arms, so we  completely agreed that avoiding a serious injury was most important for the long-term.  They plan on having children someday (soon?), and Matt wants to be able to run and play with them.  We had hoped to go see him play as a Jackal this March, but we told him we couldn’t care less if he played when we visit.  I am betting it’s a tough and heartbreaking decision for him, and I pray they make the choice that is best.  I believe he is getting a second opinion.

Now for the puppy update: Kyle found a little puppy for Amy as a surprise Christmas gift.  She had talked about wanting a more expensive one, but he found this little treasure, so he went for it.  It’s a girl and it’s an Australian Shepherd/ Blue Heeler mix.  An adorable little fluff ball they named Indy.  

James and Casey have wanted a dog, too, James a little bit more so, so they asked if they had any others.  They did, so James and Casey got the last boy out of a large litter.  He’s a chunk of a puppy, about 15 lbs. compared to Indy’s 8 lbs.  They had him over at our house during Christmas break, and they were very attentive parents.  He only piddled twice on the carpet.  They were careful in getting him outside often and beginning his training.  We all helped.  They took our crate and our doghouse, because we had no use for them anymore.  Ekko is the name they have given him.  He sports a mischievous look on his little face, but he’s a good puppy.  He would bark shrilly at Kody and Yenta to get them to play with him, or to demonstrate his overblown Alpha dominance, but they just ignored him.  I could see Kody wince a little on the first couple of barks.  Kody was a gentle and patient big brother when Ekko was here, of course.