A 2020 Review

2020 was definitely a year like no other. Covid and quarantine had us examine what we were doing and how we were doing it. For me, a lot changed, but then nothing changed. Instead of a shut down, my job was harder, longer, and more stressful for a couple months, until we figured out how to operate in the new normal.

Since Darrin's job was shut down/canceled/changed/postponed...he had free time that he's never had before. As with a lot of things in 2020, there were pros and cons. We found ways new ways to spend our time. We discovered Pinson Mounds, which the boys think is grand.

We bought this climbing dome. It was a flop. The boys didn't play with it and we sold it a couple months later.

We had people over for outdoor parties. Not hanging with our friends was hard on us, so we had several bonfires. 

Darrin took the boys on day trips like Bass Pro shop and exploring local lakes to help fill their days.

They also found some neighbors and church friends to help with projects. 

We spent a lot of time outside in what was one of the mildest, most beautiful summers I can remember.

Miles and Darrin discovered a love of fishing. Carson was happy to be along for the ride.

The time spent fishing was probably the biggest blessing of the year. I believe Miles is hooked for life. He spent a lot of his time and money building up his supplies and learning all about fishing.

In a normal year, Darrin never would have had the time to take Miles to lots of different lakes and spend this time doing something they both enjoy.

Carson is happiest when he's outside, so fishing was good for him too.

We drove around looking for bears in windows.

We did things like chalk art in our downtime too.

I'm not one to enjoy a lot of downtime, but 2020 gave me a new appreciation for it. When I had nothing to do and nowhere to be, I started to enjoy it. It felt good for my soul to rest and sit on the couch more. Our busy lives don't always allow for it, but this is something I hope to take with me from this crazy year.

Outside of the shut down and quarantine, we enjoyed time with friends. We enjoyed so many weekends of baseball in the beautiful summer weather.

Miles got to play with his friend, Mason, which is something our families have always hoped for.

That meant getting hang out with Mason's mom, Kelly. We had fun times.

Stephanie and I do a terrible job of taking pictures together, but we had fun shopping, eating at Picasso and La Caretta, and sitting by the pool.

We never have enough time with these two, but there are always laughs when we get together.

We had great times with Granny & Pa. Carson got to spend several weekends with them while we were traveling for baseball. Many memories were made.

A huge event this year was my mom moving to Jackson. After many years of contemplation, she is finally here and can enjoy watching the boys grow up from a little closer.

Hornet Nation winning the 10U State Tournament was a big highlight in 2020. They played terrible on Saturday and won four tough games on Sunday to win it all.

Miles closed out the game pitching on Sunday night. It was a moment he will always remember. We love these kids, families, and coaches, and are blessed to have spent so many great times with them.

Miles made his first school team...the 5th grade basketball team. A lot of the season has been interrupted by Covid, but we are excited about the future with school teams and basketball. It's so fun to watch!

We went on a mini trip to Muscle Shoals, AL. We were too afraid to plan anything else in this crazy year. The boys had a great time and didn't know the difference between this weekend trip and a full on vacation. Carson asks if we can got back to Muscle Shoals at least once a week.

Miles started middle school...in a mask of course. He LOVES middle school. He's had some really good years, but this is the best. He has four teachers and he loves them all. I think he likes some of the freedoms and treatment that come with being a middle schooler. He also started riding the bus this year.

Darrin and I celebrated birthday number 44...

...and anniversary number 19.

In other big news, we put up an inflatable pool for the last time because put a down payment on an inground pool for 2021! We have always wanted a pool and we can't wait for it to be installed in April or May. The quarantine and downtime at home made us realize how much we would enjoy having a pool. I know that all years won't be like this one, but we are committed to slowing down the pace of life to be able to enjoy our time together at home.

One of the funniest moment of this year was when Carson was playing outside and then knocked on our neighbor's door...a neighbor that we've never been inside their home...in the middle of pandemic and social distancing...and invited himself in for dessert. 

If I was reminded of anything in 2020, it's this. And, I needed reminding.

It wasn't my favorite year, but just typing this reminded me how many blessings we had. I enjoyed another year with these people and I'm looking forward to a fresh, new year and the memories to come. Happy New Year!

Less Words Wednesday

The boys got haircuts yesterday. Miles hair grows sooooo fast. Fun fact, haircuts fall under Darrin's realm of duties. I don't know why, but he's always taken them.

Darrin said that Carson watched Miles and then climbed up in the chair by himself and waited when it was his turn. 

A rare moment when all of us were in the same room at night. Usually we are spread around the house.

Darrin ordered some new storage bags for our Christmas trees. He sent me this picture while I was at work and told me how happy he was.

We have been trying to eat healthier. Tonight we had mesquite chicken cooked in the air fryer because it was raining and Darrin didn't want to grill in the rain. I actually think the air fryer was better than the grill.

And now to catch up on a few things from November. Carson had his Thanksgiving play. Usually they have a play and a big lunch, but with Covid, they decided to stream it online.

He was an Indian. Every time the director said a certain word, he and his fellow Indians would pound their chests and say "brave and strong".

I'm not the only one with a loaded tea problem. (His is a kids' drink without caffeine)

Miles used his money and bought a new fishing back pack. He was so excited to organize it. He's so much like me.

Darrin and Miles went fishing one afternoon. Carson and I were watching TV on the couch and I realized he hadn't said anything in a while. He slept for over two hours. I had to go to the bathroom so badly, but I held it so he would stay asleep :)

He has loved coffee since he was really little.

We played Catan a few times in November. Nothing like the obsession we had last year though. We really like it, but setting it up and then cleaning it up is a pain.

Black Friday shopping looked different this year because of my surgery (more on that in another post). Darrin's sister and I have shopped together for several years now. I actually think shopping online from my living room was more productive, but I missed the company. Hopefully we can get back to that next year.

Last Night

I've mentioned on here several times how I loathe forts. I understand that they inspire creativity and boys will be boys, but the mess makes me cringe. Carson constructed the biggest, messiest fort we've seen in quite some time. I will say, he cleaned it up 100% by himself and you have to give him some style points. He put his toys all around it as if he was decorating his house. 

We've been telling Carson for a couple weeks that after Christmas he was going to have to go to bed by himself. Darrin is tired of laying down with him because it makes him so tired by 8:30pm every night. When I was reminding Carson last night that he had to either go to bed in his bed or Miles' bed, but both would be by himself because Miles wasn't ready to go to sleep, he climbed up in Darrin's lap and tried to sweet talk him. He was whispering in his ear "I not want to go night night by myself".

He must have gotten tired because I heard him walk in Miles' room and tell Alexa to turn off the light. Miles has his desk lamp and fan connected to an echo dot. In order to turn off his desk lamp, you have to say "Alexa, turn off my desk". Carson was saying, "Lexa, turn off Bubba light" :) I used the app on my phone to turn it off and then it got quiet. Since we couldn't see Miles' room from where we were, we chose to take our chances and hope he had climbed up to Miles' loft bed and gone to sleep. When we looked 10 minute later, he was fast asleep.

Even though he was incredibly proud of himself and we bragged on him all day, he fought us a little tonight. For some reason, he was more awake and much later than usual. He went to bed once and got up, but after taking him back, I think he's down for the night. I hope this is a major turning point for bedtime in our house. Darrin is so happy to have his nights back. Fingers crossed we can stay with it without too much of a struggle.

Weekend Wrap Up

The weekend was about Dad & Miles time and Mom & Carson time. Unintentional, but that's just the way it worked out. Miles had the opportunity to go hunting for the first time. It was a youth hunt. Darrin's cousin's husband took Darrin & Miles. He was ready to go with his new sunglasses and boots from Christmas.

While they went hunting, Carson and I jumped on the trampoline. He was sad about them leaving, but the trampoline cheered him up. 

We also made popcorn with butter per his request. The popcorn popper always equals happiness.

We played with a lot of his new Christmas gifts.

Darrin and Miles got there a little early so Miles could practice shooting with Tony.

Miles was so excited about going. I wanted him to have a great time, but selfishly I did not want him to get hooked b/c I'm not sure we have the time or money for another hobby. 

They saw some deer as soon as they got there, but they were too far away to shoot.

Some deer started getting closer towards the end of the afternoon, but a truck in a nearby field scared them off and he never had the opportunity to take a shot.

This morning during church Carson fell asleep and started snoring. 

I guess it was just too much excitement over the last few days. Carson isn't one to fight sleep. When he's tired, he usually tells us or even asks to go to sleep.

Today was the last day of the youth hunt, so they went back with Tony. They saw some deer at the very end, but ran out of daylight. As Darrin said, it was a good life lesson that some things take work and patience. He had a great time even though he never got to take a shot. 

Carson and I hung out again. We jumped on the trampoline again and just did things around the house. He was good, but wanted my attention all.day.long. It was a little exhausting.

Carson was all about helping today. It's hard when they want to help at this age b/c helping means the task takes twice as long. I had the time today, so I let him help. First, he put the silverware away from the dishwasher. He kept saying, "I being so good."

He also helped me make a dessert after dinner. I made the Creamy Tomato Cheese Tortellini soup again and he ate his whole bowl. Afterwards, he yelled from the living room, "thanks for making me that dinner."

Back to work and daycare tomorrow. Everything is done for the day and we are so excited to watch the Titans' game now!!!