New Normal

Life goes on. Yes, I'm still grieving. Penelope has seen me cry plenty and kept asking why. I told her my brother died. She'll still randomly say, "your brother died?" to me. It sometimes makes me laugh because it's so cute but it's also a sad reminder and truth. 

Having my older siblings in town for Thanksgiving wasn't planned, but they were still around after the graveside so it was fun to have them here. We played pickleball Thanksgiving morning which might be a new tradition! We enjoyed it so much we played the next morning on black Friday too. Penelope cherished her time with Jeff and Jill and continues to ask where they are.

This purple dress (from Anthropology) I'm wearing is Joel/Jolyn's and I found it in her house. On Thanksgiving, my sisters and I all wore it (in varying colors/ versions) in Jolyn's honor. Joel/Jolyn's death has been heavy. I've been thankful for some distractions-- basketball, the aquarium, Santa, the movies, Cirque Du Soleil, a Ditto dinner, and a puzzle.

Basketball

James tried out to be on a club basketball team. We learned they held 2, two hour practices a week in addition to games and the practices weren't close by. It was also really expensive. Needless to say, we didn't do it. Instead, we signed James up for I9 which is another league that's more low key but a step up from Jr. Jazz. I9 actually keeps score! I'm happy with our decision.

James has rocked the season and has an awesome coach Jason! James has scored every game! The games are walking distance to my parent's house and they have come to support James all season. James does the cutest victory run after he scores. The goal is to catch it on film. He sprints full speed and swings his arms up.

Game 1: Saturday, November 8, James scored 2 points

Game 2: Saturday, November 15, James scored 2 points

Game 3: Saturday, November 22, James scored 4 points

Game 4: Saturday, December 6, James scored 10 points

Game 5: Saturday, December13, James scored 4 points

Game 6: Saturday, December 20, James scored 6 points

I told James if he scores 12 points this season, he would get a prize. He got a watch and tried negotiating another prize for more baskets. So far he's made 22 points. On Black Friday, the league had a special discount going, so I signed James up to play again next season too which starts in January. Watching James play basketball is a highlight each week.

Aquarium

For Christmas this year, my parent's gifted us a membership to the aquarium! I love experience gifts and it's close to our house too. Going to the aquarium was one of our first outings since my Joel/Jolyn's passing and it was needed.

Saturday, November 29

Santa

Penelope would not give Santa a chance. She was there though. James requested a drone from Santa and Isabelle an axolotl giant squish mallow. I wasn't up for going.

Monday, December 1

Zootopia 2

Why did I think Penelope could handle a movie? She talked about going to the "heater" aka theater for days. She lasted about 30 mins and then started chasing George around at full speed. Eventually, I had Andrew stop working and come get her. James asked to go see Zootopia 2 again!

"Twas the Night Before Christmas"

We went on a double date to Eccles theater and saw "Twas the Night Before Christmas" by: Cirque Du Soleil. My parent's gave us their tickets and watched our kids so we could go with my sister. So sweet of them! There were some amazing tricks! The couple roller skating was talented. All of the dancers could bend in ways I can't fathom. One girl was hanging upside down on a rope at the top of the stage only by her hair. Another performer danced using a bike as a prop.

A highlight of the show was when one of the performers was trying to amp up the crowd. The performer kept raising and lowering his hands to get the audience to cheer louder and softer. After about 5 minutes of cheering, the performer was ready to move on. Andrew was ready to give cheering his all and didn't realize we were done. The instant the performer moved his hand, Andrew full voice started screaming in a really low, deep voice, and planned to get higher. I could NOT stop laughing. Nobody else was cheering. The rest of us had stopped. I worry Andrew startled the poor boy sitting next to him.

If you want to enjoy a show to the fullest capacity, I strongly encourage taking Andrew along with you. He laughs at everything, and applauds graciously. He's your dream audience member and would enjoy every moment being called to the stage.

Friday, December 5

Ditto Dinner

We had our nieces and nephews who are living in Utah over. They are a nice crew and my kids love it when we host them. Andrew and I love it too. Penelope cried when everyone left and was in her element with so much attention. She kept giggling and saying, "again" after having various cousins toss her up in the air. Unfortunately, Isabelle threw up while our guests were over and James did later. We played jackbox games and "Santa, cookie, elf, candy, snowman."

The menu:

-Deviled eggs

-Double batch of grilled terriyaki chicken with rice

-Pinnapple x2

-Salad bag x2

-Rolls

-Lemon pie x2

Sunday, December 14

Puzzle Tradition

My parent's give each family a puzzle to start on December 1. This year the puzzle is a 1000 piece puzzle of the city of South Jordan. We race and see what family finishes first. A couple of families finished within 2-3 days. Andrew and I came in last and took a week and a half. Much to our dismay, we learned that we're missing ONE piece of our puzzle (thanks Penelope). I was bummed and planned on gluing and framing this puzzle to display in our home. I've found a solution. Thanks to Jess and Chris for letting us take the piece from their puzzle. I've found this missing puzzle piece to be a metaphor for my life lately. A piece of us is missing Joel/Jolyn and will be forever. Joel/Jolyn you've left a big hole and unfortunately I can't buy a replacement piece.

Can you spot the missing piece?