Family family family. A weekend full of family left my heart so full and, a lingering feeling of sadness for what was missing.
Hours of family on Saturday for my sister, Alicia’s wedding/open house/reception and then dinner at my cuz, Kirstin’s house to celebrate my other cuz, Joy’s birthday.
Kirstin and I

And hours of family on Sunday for my uncle, Dave’s 70th birthday party (okay, it was a few months early but, he was in town and a lot of other extended family was too).
When I finally did sit down on Sunday to catch my breath, my mind wandered back to a few moments on Saturday that took my breath away.
Reflecting on those moments with Paul and, the year past, brought tears to my eyes. I could see the hesitancy on his face as he walked into the room for Alicia & her husband, Nate’s celebration; I could see the pain in his eyes from those moments his life changed… from the moment all of our lives changed. The guilt I can only imagine he lives with is not greater, not better or worse than the deepest sadness we have mourning the loss of mom. We all suffered that day and, now, learn to live with results of it. Family gatherings are always bitter sweat. Paul has come to a few celebratory events over the past couple years, mostly as they relate to Colton (Alicia’s son). Colton survived the accident when my mom pushed him & his stroller out of harms way.
Aside from the family & a bit of sadness, I did get some Cinderella activities done:
- Laundry & put everything away
- Swept the floors
- Emptied & re-loaded dish washer
- Washed bed sheets & comforter
- Grocery shopping
Speaking of grocery shopping… I noticed as I was emptying my grocery bags on Sunday how much fresh produce & meat I bought, and how little processed foods I purchased. THREE CHEERS FOR ME!

- Asparagus
- Mangos
- Peaches & nectarines
- Apples
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Eggplant
- Red onion
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Sweet potatoes
- 2 types of lettuce
- Eggs
- Tomatoes
- 2 different types of fish
- Steak
Everything above cost about $55 which is actually a little less than we normally spend on weekly groceries. We have some frozen chicken and a few additional frozen veggies we can rely on, plus if we need it, we do have some brown rice. I forgot lemons so I’m not sure how I’m going to cook the fish; I guess just salt & pepper? Or, maybe I just stop being lazy and swing by a grocery store for a few lemons
Monday was one of those days at work where your head spins from the time you walk in until it was time to leave. I’m looking forward to a much more calmer day Tuesday, starting with a sweaty gym session.
But now, it’s time for me to crawl into bed & read a bit before I shut my eyes.























