Here's to summer! 🥂

 Dearest M,

I started off April with a trip to Nashville for a 50th birthday celebration with Stacy and her friends. When I got home, I received not only a fantastic greeting from the pups, but you hung with me all night, going to Orange Leaf, having heart to hearts, walking the dogs with me, and actually letting me hug you (what?!) ❤️ I'm so glad to be home!

In other big news, you got your 2nd National Honor Society nomination and award this year?! Geesh kiddo! Below was your Westerville North ceremony night, and then later you received one from Ft. Hayes. So cool!

And a rando sleeping pic of me and UPB. What a cuddle bug.

I'm digging the closeness we've been having lately. All of April has felt like we've been spending more time together, talking about the big and little things, all of which are important in the minutiae of life. Just like when you were little and I nicknamed you "Late Night Talk Show"...this has the same feel. You will come and plop down, thinking of the things you want to catch me up on, ask for my opinion, or just spill the tea from school and friends. It's felt so good.

Mother's Day - no pics, just quality time together. First, Oakland Nursery and Weilands for a surprise for Kelly. Hard because her mama isn't here anymore. Intro'd you to smoked salmon at Weilands. Yum! Then tacos and beer at Yabo's (steak fajita, Nashville chicken, Mahi Mahi, Korean chicken, smashburger, and tandoori chicken). So good. Home to power wash the deck together, then ice cream (w Audrey) and a nap. We talked and goofed and had such a good time together. The night before you even spent time with me, too...frozen yogurt and taking the dogs to a new dog park where we laughed our asses off at Peanut's antics. Even Grizz made friends. Made me so happy. You know quality time is my love language and you delivered. 

Time at the dog park always wears Peanut out.

And another anecdote from the dog park with Dad...

Last weeks of school brought panic attacks for you. You came downstairs on a particular Sunday night and told me. We worked through the anxiety, I showed you some somatic techniques, we giggled, and then took a mile walk and talk around 11pm to get the scaries and excess energy out. I'm so glad I could help you through this, working together on it. This on the heels of an entire day together the day before where we went to greenhouses, lunch, Petsmart, and you painted my plant shelf purple for me while I gardened. Then I threw together some bang bang chicken at your request. It was a long but great day while also feeling hard as we faced some challenges. I just love you so much. I truly believe we can weather any ups and downs, no matter the size, as long as we face them side by side. 

Found a painted turtle in Mike's yard that we re-homed back into the creek.

with his stick collection at home; he brings one home from nearly
every single walk and adds it to the pile

In May, we went to a celebration at Kevin and Beth's for Memaw and Papaw's 80th birthdays!

for some reason, you were the designated cake cutter

Then we made an impromptu Memorial Day weekend trip to Buffalo to see Julia and her family during their shopping trip to the states. We learned a lot about your potential anxiety triggers and definitely have more to talk about with your therapist. The social anxiety reared its ugly head and you could barely eat the entire time we were there. To be honest, I was getting extremely concerned. We got through it, though, and all in all are still glad we went. Julia is such a sweet person and a good friend for you. And we'll figure out this whole anxiety thing...everything is manageable once we find the right tools.

first ever state line crossing on a road trip with you driving!

I joined you in taking my pills crushed up in yogurt, just like you...one of these days you'll learn to swallow them whole

Victoria, Olivia, you, and Julia
(after dinner at the home of the first 
and original Buffalo wing)

found free Naloxone at a rest stop and you wanted 
some to always carry with you, just in case
(spoken like a true future nurse)

babies clearly missed me

promptly destroyed the toy we brought home for him

you spotted these guys on a trip to Microcenter, haha

UPB loves to sit in here on the patio

our new Pride flag came!

just a silly pic of me and the girls out for Ashley's June birthday

the boys on neighborhood watch

if I fits, I sits

Daddy picked our blueberries...so yummy

Lao Lao went to Pride like this...as Mrs Roper

the treat dealer in action

one of my favorite ways to spend summer mornings

Double G loves the blanket Kelly crocheted me

and Peanut loves his new noisy chicken

an old pic you showed me from when Pip was still with us...
I'd never seen it before and it made me smile

cuddles

I headed to Ashley's parents' house on the lake and it was a good weekend with the girls. Just what I needed.

In June you were supposed to take your STNA exam for school, but unfortunately on that exact morning the power for your school, as well as the surrounding blocks, went out. We waited for over an hour, but it wasn't coming on anytime soon so we ended up leaving. Since you had wanted me to drive you to the exam to help with your anxiety, we decided to go out to lunch together before heading home. Later that day, I went to another No King's protest and then back home for you so we could take the dogs to DQ for some pup cups. Spontaneously, we decided to go check out the Pride Festival downtown so you could see what it was all about. It was a fun day, as was the day prior when you and I decided to go into Dublin for lunch, then grabbed some of Weiland's amazing smoked salmon, and to Kelly's to practice taking her pulse (in preparation for your nursing exam that we thought was to happen the next day). You've been doing that lately, asking to randomly stop by Kelly's when we're out and about together. I adore Kelly and it feels so good to know you feel as comfy around her as I do. 

And speaking of things you've been doing lately, you've also been reclaiming your nickname of Late Night Talk Show...as you are hanging in bed with me while I'm winding down for the evening. Lol

Since you've been majorly anti-camera in recent years, I don't have many pictures but I've loved all of our time spent together. Including the week we had together when dad went to the Dominican Republic for his friend Steve's wedding. You and I were full of team work; you helped with chores and dogs, talked with me late into the night, we shared jokes and laughs, and had meaningful conversations about our lives. I truly cherish the time we share with each other. Nothing like it! 

Grizz carried an Irish Spring box with her for almost
an entire walk one night...weirdo

 Since we are fully into the swing of summer now, we took the dogs to Hoover for some water fun to cool off and beat the heat.

Peanut is terrorizing you by shaking all his water
off directly in your vicinity

and Peanut decided he LOVES Lao Lao's garden and 
mostly only walks in the rows, like a polite boy

So thankful we have Hoover so nearby...and that Peanut intuitively knew not to step on Lao Lao's baby plants. Ha.

Here's to summer!

Love, 

Mama

Happy Birthday and Pura Vida!

Hello, my M-bop! 

So, a lot of good stuff to begin the year but I will start with our devastating news first. Sadly, Pipsqueak passed away in the wee hours of January 10th. I woke up and found her in the office. It appeared as though there was likely little suffering and she perhaps passed in her sleep just before I woke up. When an animal dies, there are so many thoughts and questions engulfing the sadness, but I hope (and take comfort in the knowledge) that I did all I could to help her feel loved, cherished, and comfortable during her time on Earth. I was definitely "her person" in the family and would always make room on my lap for her (even if I was working) so that she could get pets and snuggles. All I would have to do is touch her and she would begin to purr. If I said "I love you", she would do her little squeaky squawks back to me. She was squirrely and stand-offish, had a funny walk and an even funnier body shape. She felt like a hot water bottle when she'd lay on me in bed as we settled in for the night. But, she was my Pipper-Pants and I loved her so. I hope that wherever she is she continues to know how much she was and will always be loved. And that whatever ailments she had in her body are now healed and she is free. 

one of my favorite pictures of sweet Pip and me
forever a mama's girl ❤️🐾

Almost immediately after that devastating blow, Dad went out of town and you and I had the house to ourselves. It was a nice step back to spend some quality, one-on-one time together. Especially our Ikea and Container Store day. We wanted to tackle the pantry and clean out / organize so we made it into an entire day affair, having lunch at Ikea and engaging in a wonderful conversation that kick-started an entire day of brain-storming, shopping, joking, laughing, all interspersed with many more heartfelt conversations. It honestly was one of my favorite days we've spent together in a long time. We talked about our feelings, our relationships, family history, peer dilemmas, relationships in general, the future (we are both so stoked to decorate your first place on your own), etc. Such a randomly normal day of errands gave way to a core memory (for me, anyway). I loved it!

Once home, you organized the pantry and it looks AMAZING!

before

after

After the organizing day, you made us garlic cream chicken from scratch. It smelled incredible and tasted even better. You weren't quite on board with it and only saw where you needed to improve, but I thought you did great. I even had two helpings! 

you even gave Grizz a bath on your own...such a huge help!

Once Dad was home, we enjoyed some snowfall and played with our new snowblower.

this was beautiful, freezing cold, and a handful!

we split a snowblower with Lao Lao and
here she was learning to use it

came home looking like a powdered donut

Below are just some candid shots of our Peanut and a sunrise (just because).

UPB has disgustingly become attached to this zombie hand
from Halloween...blech!

at Kelly's with his buddy Benji

the donut of shame

I love it when we actually get a colorful sunrise

sleeping in and missing said sunrise

Towards the end of January, we took our annual holiday Garrabrant trip...this time to Marietta so we could learn more about where Lao Lao's family heralded and look over some ancient family photos with her. The dogs came and we had lots of fun in this beautiful Victorian house with all of our furballs. As we were getting ready to leave, you were going to drive us home and began clapping to yourself. You said you do that when you're excited. Even sometimes getting out of the shower. But mostly when you're about to drive. It's too cute!

looking at the old photos and hearing family lore

it was a giant, historic, and very cool Victorian home
(hard to get us and all of it in one shot)

More adorbs pics of our ornery Peanut.

what used to be our new XL beanbag chair has now become
the world's most expensive dog bed

he LOVES his sticks

his current (and growing) collection of
contraband that has to be taken before 
entering the house

after a good day at the dog park *facepalm*

On President's Day (aka No Kings Day), Lao Lao and I attended another protest because, well, Fuck Trump.

And the Soup Sluts and I went to a drag show to benefit the Pride Band (of which our neighbor Mary is a member).

it was a fun show

In February it was my turn to head out of town on a girls' trip to Costa Rica with the Soup Sluts / my ladies. You and I kept in touch throughout the trip with you even tracking me on the way home. You actually let me hug you when I got home! (*swoon*!) And Dad said you were such a huge help and strategized on how to make sure the house was clean when I arrived. You also even spent 3 hours helping putting Lao Lao's desk together for her. Acts of service are clearly your love language. ❤️ 

our first home near the beach and San Viejo

my favorite palm tree ever

this was me in the ocean, just before Kelly dove in
and lost her only pair of glasses to the wild waves of the sea
(now THAT was a debacle)

the fire-heated hot tub shaped like a soup pot

San Viejo

We took a tour to the Bri Bri tribe's indigenous village and learned about their daily life and "health care" from the village chaman (shaman) who taught us about (and let us taste) several of their herbal medicines made from plants and animals found in their local rain forest (including boa constrictor oil!) He also taught us about the sacred cacao bean and how they make it into chocolate that is used in their special tribal ceremonies.

one of our tour guides, Yiyi (pronounced GG)

the various medicines (the milky looking one is
the boa constrictor oil - it tasted like fish)

a cacao bean still on the tree

the chaman offering us a cacao bean

getting ready to roast the beans

roasted

sharing a ceremonial cacao tea with the
chaman's wife before leaving for the day

our second home on a mountaintop in the rain forest
(just outside La Fortuna)

in the middle of a hike to the waterfall (that we were
told was easy but was anything but)...Kelly and
(her sister) Angie were not pleased. hahaha!

worth it though!

a well deserved beer in our hot tub once we got home

our Sunday morning at the local restaurant in mumuus
and drinking margaritas

with our new buddies who ran the rainforest restaurant,
Tito (in front) and his boyfriend Manuel

the Arenal volcano near La Fortuna

we passed this house on the long bumpy ride down the
mountain where they had about a million dogs

playing pool in the rainforest and clearly Kelly
just made a very good shot

commemorating losing her glasses to the sea

hahaha

soaking in the local watering hole that is heated by 
the local Arenal volcano's hot springs

and now going to the other local watering hole, this
one cold and with lots of places to swing and jump

just before plunging into the swirling river

pura vida!

and now swinging like a local into the same
chilly river below

pura vida!

It may seem odd to share my vacation pics here, but since you're such a stinker about being photographed (as I mentioned a while back), I'm taking this blog as an opportunity to document experiences, reminders, lessons, etc for our entire family. That being said, I want you to always remember how important it is to take time for yourself to create adventure, enjoy new experiences, learn about wildly different people and places, and make connections with those around you. It may feel like a lot in preparation, but you will very assuredly never regret it. It's crucial to a healthy soul. Why else are we here if not to drink in all this life has to offer? Love you, kiddo. ❤️ 

Unfortunately, quite shortly after I arrived home, I realized how glad I was to be home as you fell ill and became dizzy all of a sudden. We still aren't 100% sure why. So through this one particularly harrowing night, I was checking in on you, bringing you medicine, cold rags, etc. I was about to go to bed myself, but instead asked if you'd rather me hang with you and tickle your back. YOU SAID YES! so I crawled into bed with you and by the time I got up, we were talking and giggling. I never thought you'd let me do that again! You spend so much time and effort trying to be independent from Dad and me. Thank you for letting me be the nurturing mom (that I so long to be) again ❤️ 

Now that you're feeling better, here is some random silly / cuteness. 

you could not get your clip on sunglasses to work
(and ended up driving like this, haha)

Mr Lucky hanging with his human

And once again, before we knew it, it was your birthday! #17! I let you play hooky (me too) and we had a great relaxing day of tradition and small celebrations. You were in a great mood all day. Even allowed multiple hugs and pics (with smiles!) Aunt Audrey joined the family at Tokyo Grill for dinner (us, Lao Lao, Memaw and Papaw, and Flint and Monica). You were adamant about her coming and I'm so glad she could make it. You even said you not only want a tattoo with Dad and me as a family, but also one with Audrey because she's been your only aunt that's really stepped up and been there throughout your life thus far. She is such a huge part of your childhood. ❤️ Awww. 

Lucky was so excited about your balloons

after our morning tradition of your birthday breakfast surprise

with Aunt Audrey

Belle's strawberry cake, as requested

best 17 yr old on the planet!

In mid-March we got a visit from Stacy and KK. It was extra nice because you and KK could hang on your own now that you have your license (aka freedom). Such a good visit with them both.

snuck this pic of you two teens (driving alone) - eek!

we took them to dinner and then to see the Book Loft, 
their first time! (also, that's our friend Misti in the 
back - Stacy's bestie from high school)

the stacks at Book Loft are so high...how do they
expect vertically challenged people to shop??

I don't even know if you realized you were dressed identically that day

a pic Stacy snapped, so cute!

We had a houseguest for spring break this year as Marisha had us babysit Kaia for the week. She got along so well and the dogs had fun together, especially Peanut and Kaia. 

Below is Peanut attempting to become a weighted blanket for me as I sleep.

double snuggle bugs

And below is an example of how Daddy has mortified you once again. We spotted the Google Maps car driving around the neighborhood a long while back and so ran outside to do some silly poses for him. He passed by our house about three times and honked while he did so. The final product is what you see next...not only is Daddy on Google Maps like this, but a random company that offers to buy houses sent us some spam mail with the same picture on the front of our house. Hahaha! You were so mad but I suspect in about 10 or 20 years, you'll laugh your ass off at this one. Lol!

Love you so much, Bubba!

Mom