Out of Hand: May 2024

When You’re Responsible for the Global Email

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

#LivinTheDream

Trimester Awards

These for us were solely a recognition of the Firstborn participating in volleyball. The team was made up of mostly novices without the best season record, but improved throughout the year and made coach proud. He shared a story of a few of them praying the Rosary on the bench so they would win. And they won that game! The only other thing of note is that our kid is by far the biggest here. We’re a little dumbfounded considering our own sizes, but those recessive genes are at work:

The kiddo didn’t even notice I was there (and has instructed me NOT to hoot and holler like some other parents—a preemptive instruction) and was chatting with his friend, Blaise, the entire time.

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

DH took these and told me I had to post them. I’m trying so hard to keep up the workouts. So anywhere I can throw one in is a win to me. It’s been difficult to hit 5 days/week since I started doubling up on classes. But DH encouraged me here. The shortest strength training workout has paid off for me over time. It’s helpful to know that I don’t have to workout for 90 minutes a day to be successful.

We met up with friends at our pool on Sunday. I made beer brats and cucumber salad and fruit. A new mom came and was the type of mom I could see myself being real friends with. It’s hard here.

Even with all the spiritual support we enjoy here, my best friends have gone. I thought I was making one recently, but she made it clear that she was more interested in self-promotion. I’m torn between gently calling people out and silently accepting that not every has the depth I want them to have.

We are trying to spend less. DH spontaneously suggested we go out for drink here. One of his football dads is a bartender. So I met him along with a couple, the husband of which ended up being a CEO of a rather large international corporation. They were so down to earth. We talked for an hour. The Lord knew I needed that professional encouragement. One of my favorite parts of working is meeting people who inspire me, learning their stories, finding common ground, and offering encouragement.

This drink was far too strong.

DH managing soccer, science projects, and little kids while I do the easy job in my law office.

Our old pastor was in town. If I had $100 for each time he pulled me out of a funk just by being kind and listening, I would fly to Rome with DH.

Almost done with Contracts. DH was discussing this earlier this day; and it popped up later in my class:

This is what we think of bed time. 9:45 p.m. now you know why we’re tired!

Monday, May 20, 2024

While DH studies for the CA Bar, I show the kids my favorite outdoor spot to take lunch on workdays. They watched the sunset and were surprised by how quickly it sets once it touches the horizon. Sweet Pea made a friend (per usual); and we have another play date. (Here she hit her shin on the edge of that seat and did not have it in her to smile anyway. When the new friend arrived, she was immediately distracted from the pain.) Spending time with my kids is so joyful even if they ask for the Poop song on the road. (Did you know there was a poop song?) I don’t want to know where they learned about this.

Sunday, May 19, 2024

The Engineer and Sweet Pea booked it the whole time and completed 14 and 13 rounds in 20 minutes. One child was far too cool for this. The two youngest did their best. F5 was confused. Then, three hours in, my good camera died and the phone went to slow-mo to Baby Shark. What’s worse than Baby Shark at regular speed? Anyway, like real life, the last 20 minutes was the hardest; but these kids made an effort and were good sports about it.

Thursday, May 16, 2024

She is improving!

Sunday, May 12, 2024

What a privilege it is to live this life, all possible because of the woman in the last photo. Happy Mother’s Day!

No one was happier to give me gifts than the Fourth. He gave me his treasured heart. The Fifth made drawing upon drawing and brought them to me. “This is me and you…” The Engineer made the heart card with construction paper, which he somehow has managed to save from destruction by the 4- and 2-year old. They must not know it’s here. The Firstborn pinch hit at Mass, which we thought was just the 4th of 4 spots suddenly open; but it turns out two other boys just didn’t show. So, his presence was critical. The kids had their best behavior at Mass since there has been six of them. So, dad and I were ecstatic. Doughnuts for all!!! Finally, this rendering by Sweet Pea depicts the injustice of her life, dramatized. She and the Fourth cleaned up a box of pasta that Five and Six dumped all over the back yard patio while Five and Six jumped on the trampoline to their hearts content. I’m not sure about the accuracy of them shouting, “Do all the work for us!” but you get the point… The kids (and perhaps mostly their father) delivered on my request for a clean home for Mother’s Day.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

This is what he asked for for his birthday. He was thrilled and can’t wait to return.

Sunday, May 5, 2024

She picked out her dress and adamantly wanted long sleeves and a veil. She was not interested in a satin gown or a poofy skirt.

She said she was "not nervous."

This is one of her best friends. She comes from a great family. We like this friendship:

The Firstborn served, but there was room for only one sibling per first communicant because we had so many boys actively interested in altar service.

This was the moment I wished we had bid on the first row auction item at our gala. Professional photos will follow:

We had a moment of panic regarding the sheer part of this dress, which included the whole back and far too much of the front. I pinged the neighbors and put one of my tighter, white tanks on her tiny body. It was a little big but did the trick. We could absolutely not find white shoes in her size that she liked. She had a strong opposition to ballet flats. We tried three shoe stores, all of which were sold out; and finally got permission for silver shoes from her teacher "if we can't find white." So much went into this ensemble; but she looked beautiful. I can't believe I get to do the white dress thing with only one child!

I convinced her a floor-length gown would be best.

She wanted her hair curled with a little bun holding back the top part. She enjoys having me do her hair, which is an absolutely delight. She instructs me as we go, but I relish my girl time with this one:

This never gets old! Such precious little girls.

With our rector, principal, and pastor. She is confident and truly unafraid of everything.

The parish photographer asked for this one:

The Engineer got an In-N-Out gift card for a free burger and was so excited about gifting her with it for her First Communion. He was super sweet to her all day.