My 43rd Birthday Pandemic

Here I am 43 years later and the entire world is under attack with Coronavirus (COVID-19).  I'm thankful to be living in Kentucky where our Governor has taken necessary (but difficult) steps to try and protect us all from the spread of this virus.  I've been working from home the last week and half and am having trouble even keeping track of what day it is. Our lives have hit the "pause" button, and besides helping Miles with schoolwork each day, things are fairly relaxed.

Isaac's buddy Luke came over to work out one day.  Afterwards, they went to Basil Griffin Park for pickle-ball before all the parks officially shut down.

I've been cooking a lot more because the thought out eating, even take-out, scares me a bit.  Both Miles and I have always had respiratory problems - January 28, 2008 was one of the scariest moments of our lives.  We're taking extra precautions to try and limit social interactions.

I do splurge on the weekends with eating out and get the kids Chick Fil A minis on Saturday morning and some of their other favorites.  Matt and I have gone "out" and actually eaten in the car on mini-dates.

Life is super weird right now, but like everything...this TOO shall pass.  I'm simply glad that our Carnival Cruise was cancelled on March 13.  Up until that day, and despite CDC warnings, Carnival was only offering partial refunds and future cruise credits.  We booked our 5-day trip last JUNE for this Spring Break and were going with my parents, Matt's parents, Seth and Ben.  The plan was to drive to Mobile and get on the Carnival Fantasy and cruise to Costa Maya and Cozumel.  I'm honestly not sure how it would've been with five of us in one cabin, but we were looking forward to it.  At least we're getting the money back which is a bonus!

We've been social distancing as much as possible but hanging with our family and closest friends here and there.  My Dad and I share a birthday month.  We celebrated his (and mine) last Thursday at Mom's.  The weather was gorgeous.  We were able to be outside and visit.  The kids got to ride around on the golf cart, shoot basketball and play badminton.  My dad's gift...a COVID 19 survival kit with all the necessities (hand soap, gloves, Lysol wipes, Girl Scout Cookies, a picture of Chuck Norris, tissues, and a gift card). 

This was a candle blow-out on my own piece of cake.  Dad, nor I, blew candles on the actual cake out to avoid germs.

Normally, I'd be blogging about Karson's track meets, Isaac's lacrosse games, Miles's golf tournaments and the crazy, busy events that bombard our spring.

They've all been replaced with working 1000 piece puzzles (worked three of them last week and this weekend), doing yard work, taking Isaac practice driving, long walks in the evening, and other things to occupy the time.

Miles hasn't skipped a beat and has played or practiced golf almost every day since school has been out.  When he's not golfing, he's playing ping pong, pool, or football on the trampoline.  He had a buddy over last Friday, and they had so much fun being together.

Miles the Pool Shark!

Yesterday was perfect, and I'm glad to be trapped at home with my favorite people.  My sweet sister popped over for a while with Evan and Elizabeth.  We had a nice visit and worked on the puzzle.  She brought me a few more.  Another friend had her son drop some birthday cookies off (which were all consumed in a matter of hours).  Friends texted, Snapchatted, and wrote on my Facebook wall.  How cool is it that we can all still be connected in 2020 even if it's not face to face!?!

My Schmoozy Post

The days are long but the years are short...I feel this more and more in my 40's.  It seems like Christmas was a minute ago and now we're entering the month of February.

I have a lot of mixed feelings today - sadness, happiness, gratefulness, tiredness... We got Miles registered today for a golf tournament in March (he's played everyday since Saturday - little addict), Isaac has lacrosse this afternoon, and Karson faces District rival BGHS in basketball tonight.  Life simply feels fast.

(sadness) Maybe it's because it was sunny and beautiful yesterday and the rest of the week will be gray and rainy (blah)?
(happiness)  I read the sweetest Love Letters written by my friend Kari Carr in the recent edition of SOKY Happenings.
(gratefulness) That I was able to go for a quick jog last night after work because the weather was gorgeous.
(tiredness) Three teenagers.  Enough said.

This Schmoozy Post is dedicated to my Three Tuesday Teens because I want them to KNOW I am their biggest fan!

To my Karson Ann, born on Tuesday, October 22, I sometimes wonder if I came home with the right child from the hospital because you are simply off the charts in every way.  You are the one that made me a Mom first and stole my Strawberry Shortcake blankie that Mamaw Pogue made ME.  In every way, you've exceeded any expectation your dad and I had for you.  I can't even imagine how difficult it is being a teenage girl in 2020, but you handle it beautifully with emotional maturity and strength.  You juggle three high school sports, take Dual Credit/AP classes, and have passed the District level of GSP.  It's truly incredible what you've accomplished, and we couldn't be more proud of the young woman you're becoming and what an incredible daughter and sister you are.  I love OUR time together - reality TV, spray tanning, trips to Panera, getting massages, or wherever our path takes us.  I've got you babe!

To my Isaac Matthew, born on Tuesday, January 25, after hours of being in labor...you were worth the wait and have always marched to the beat of your own drum (starting with your birth).  I've known you were mine from day 1 - you were the best baby (so was I).  I totally understand your personality...making people laugh, writing books and making movies at a young age, speaking sarcasm naturally, folding shirts neatly in your drawer, keeping your closet organized and ready to go at a moments notice.  We're different in that you've always had confidence that is super admirable and the ability to connect with ANYONE.  I see you cutting up with 1st graders at ballgames, playing for hours with Mae Kathryn, going next door to play football with the younger neighbors, amusing all your teachers at South, connecting through music with Phil your guitar teacher - you simply "have it."  I'll be your number one cheerleader forever, slip you some cash when no one is watching - hah, and absolutely love that you're always so affectionate to me with your hugs and appreciation!

To my Miles Collin, born on Tuesday, October 17, you were a surprise but a welcomed one.  I love seeing life through your eyes.  Wonder.  Excitement.  I'm not sure there's anything that makes your happier than when it's snowing (even if it's simply a dusting).  You want to be the BEST at whatever you're doing and willing to put the practice (hours long) and determination into it despite your stubbornness and sometimes self-defeating mentality.  Ping Pong, Golf, Basketball, Pool, Science tests...whatever you're tackling...you give it 100% effort.  As the baby of the family, you learned to adapt quickly - with two older siblings, our time was always divided trying to accommodate the needs of everyone at such young ages/demands.  You and Isaac have always been an inseparable team and love to love and despise each other.  It's bittersweet but fun knowing you all will have each other's backs ALWAYS.  The sky is the limit for you, and I know your future is going to be bright and hopefully fitted with a green PGA Tour jacket =).



To my hubby Matthew Colvin, born on Tuesday, November 30, it was you
from day 1.  Our worlds collided when were little and our moms taught together at Dishman and families vacationed together at Fairfield.  We'd cross paths at Area-Wide youth devotionals through the church.  I'd watch you play basketball for the Gators.  Eventually, we'd reconnect through church at the HFC house where you'd sport that bright orange North Face jacket and roll up in your gold Acura.  24 years together and more memories than I can count.  I always choose you and it's not even a "choice" - loving you is easy.  I can't really say that we've had "ups" and "downs" - but we've managed to roll with the punches of life and handle all of our experiences holding hands and saying "bring it on."  I love you and admire you and am proud that our kids have a dad like you!

Cookie Monster Turns 15

I'm not sure at what point Isaac fell in love with the Cookie Store Cookie Cake, but I've been ordering them for years.  In fact, this year when I ordered his cake, the lady I spoke with on the phone (after I mentioned how to accurately spell his name), said yes, I know you order one every year.  She didn't say it in a "smart" way, more like an "I know you because you order one every year" sort of way.  Isaac plans his own party and simply tells me how many are coming, and I grab pizzas and 2-Liters (along with the staple cookie cake).  I love his group of friends, and I'm thankful the could come over and celebrate with him last Friday night.

Matt made him pretend to blow out the candles - nice effort Isaac!

He and his buddy Ethan had planned an all day marathon watching Star Wars on his actual birthday which was Saturday.  However, Ethan got sick and wasn't able to come over for his "friend" party or the Star Wars binge watching.  We missed him!  We did get up early and celebrate at Chick Fil A with our family.  We've gotten in the habit of going there most Saturday mornings, especially since the new one opened on Scottsville Road. 

 I picked up a pack of mini-vanilla cupcakes, mainly for Mae Kathryn, because she loves them so much. 

Pap and his grandgirls - minus Karson who was in Boston for the week and Zella.

Isaac is such a special person.  At his friend party, he didn't think twice about coming up to hug me and tell me thank you for getting all of this stuff for my party.  He's especially considerate and very loving - always putting his arms around my neck or stopping me for a quick hug.  I love that the most!  He's affectionate and has a way of spreading that kind and gentle spirit to those around him.  Matt says all the teachers at South adore him and think he's so funny. He has a way of connecting with people of all ages which is special and very cool!  It's hard to believe he's already a freshman and will be 16 next year!  Whoa!

Post Christmas Blues

Two tournaments, nine basketball games, shin splints and makeup!  That's what this post-Christmas blog will be about...bah-humbug...that's how Christmas has felt this year for some reason.  There's been so much going on that it's truly been hard to get in the spirit.  It's December 31 and there's not one stitch of Christmas in my house.  Decorations are up, tree is down, and my winter snowmen are already out (even though it's been in the 60's this week).  I think we've been too busy with ball and other festivities to be home and relax.  I promise I'm not complaining because I like the busy and know it will all disappear in the blink of an eye with three teenagers in the house.  2020 arrives at midnight, and what comes to mind is that my son will turn 15 in 26 days, Miles's basketball season will conclude in January, and Karson will go to Prom this spring.  It's all surreal.

Karson completed her GSP application and got it turned in this month.  That sucker is a total bear, and she worked on it almost every weekend which was the only time with school and basketball.  Winter formal was also this month.  I thought it would be fun to get Karson's hair and makeup done as a test run for Prom.  We'd booked a time with a stylist from Flynn's, but the day of the formal, the young lady texted and had come down with strep.  She referred us to a friend who did a fabulous job, and it was exciting to see Karson's all glammed up.

 Karson and her gal pals looking fancy!  She and her formal date Carson sure looked good!

Isaac also asked a young lady to Winter Formal.  Since he didn't have actual dress clothes, we had to do some shopping to get him spiffed up.  No hair and make-up for him, but he sure did look handsome (and his date was super cute as well).

 Matt and Isaac got to watch the Titans play the next day.  They played the Texans and lost by three.  It was a close game and freezing!  However, the Titans won this week and managed to make it to the playoffs.  We've got some superfans in the house!

Before leaving for Karson's first basketball tournament in Lexington, we got have some Christmas Cheer at the Garcia's annual Ugly Christmas Sweater party.  We weren't able to stay too late because we had to wake up early and leave for the tournament.  Between one of the tournament games, we were able to sneak over to Geno's Formal Affair in Lexington and try on some Prom dresses.

We played some tough teams in Lexington which is always good.  However, I think playing five games in a row was a little much for Karson as she's been struggling lately with painful shin splints.  She had a few days of rest after the tournament before we hosted the Farmer's National Bank one at South the following weekend.  She played well the first day and got a game high of 16 points, followed by 11 points in the second game.  However, she was in a tremendous amount of pain the next two days.  I got her some compression socks because she was being taped by the trainer.  However, I think rest will be the best medicine for her.  She's been icing and taking Advil to try to alleviate the pain.

Christmas...the boys big request this year was Air Pods.  Karson got some things for Boston (she's going in January with her AP US History/English classes), like new boots, gloves, etc. 

Making Slime with Miles.  Always fun!

The kids always love Christmas Eve at Pops and Meme's.  Karson managed to find the Christmas pickle on Meme's tree and got a $15 gift card. 

After mom's we headed over to the Warehouse to celebrated with Matt's extended Deaton family.  Santa also made a surprise visit.

We spend Christmas morning at our house and afternoon with Pap and Nana.  I didn't manage to get many pictures.  I did manage to get one of Isaac and Louise.  We're looking forward to 2020!  It's going to be a BIG year!