Outside on our Turkey Ranch... I'm writing this from my mom's house in Ft. Worth, where Cate and I are waiting out her critical recovery period and follow-up appointments in closer vicinity to her pedi hospital. Back home we are in Stage 1 Drought Conditions in our county. Our pond is the lowest I've seen it. Cate & I haven't been on our regular walks around it because of my bad knee but it appears relatively lifeless. Knee replacement for me at the end of this month; then, we can walk it again daily. Mark built an impressive fort on the far west side of the pond this fall. We also had concrete ramps poured for Cate at our front and back doors so she can drive in and out in her power chair- all the younger kids are enjoying them.
From the bookshelves... Lots of reading silly Frozen and Fancy Nancy books, as well as a few more classic ones I choose but that she doesn't enjoy as much, with Cate post-surgery this week. It's been fun watching her enjoy all things Frozen during another winter, including getting wide-eyed at our "Frozen" hospital room. Mary and I have been reading the second in her Alex and Eliza (Hamilton) series when we have time. Both girls always enjoy our Christmas book basket. We're all especially enjoying a new Jesse Tree during this Advent: Ann Voskamp's Greatest Gift book version. Such a beautiful and ingenious design! I love how the tree unfolds and the vibrant colors of the small, tucked-away ornaments.
With our hands... Cate made a sweet Christmas tree tea towel at therapy (OT/VII). Mary has been doing the family Christmas baking and decorating with amazing friends who've wanted to help us get it in despite Cate's surgery less than two weeks before Christmas. Jesse has been coordinating kids' schedule and doing the driving while I'm gone, with plenty of help from JP. I am busy learning to run and clean Cate's G-Tube pump and bags/tubes/syringes.
In my head... Cate! Her needs and new schedules. She really is amazing- tackled her procedures and is adjusting to her new normal very well. She has been her usual cheerful self since Day 3. She had multiple procedures- a scope & tonsils/adenoids out and a G-Tube put in. She wants to scoot around on the floor and is sleeping on her tummy already. She doesn't want to eat much, even ice cream, so I am glad we have the tube for her liquid meals. I am a little worried about caring for her when I get my new knee but I know I will have help!
On my heart... All the kids are on my heart as we tackle this transition together. I've missed a lot of basketball games and academic/UIL awards with JP and Mark this past week and will be missing down time with all the boys before Christmas. Jude stopped here overnight to see Cate on his way home from A&M which was fun. Jesse will bring Mary to be with Cate & I this weekend and next week. Despite missing some of the boys' activities, I caught Mary's Christmas program and will get to celebrate my brother's birthday with him while we are here and had a good visit with my sister earlier tonight over a couple glasses of wine.
Most recent road trip was... to Our Lady of Clear Creek Monastery in eastern Oklahoma with Jesse for a marriage retreat weekend for our 20th anniversary. So beautiful and peaceful, like stepping outside of time. We really enjoyed the Benedictine atmosphere and Latin Liturgy of the Hours and Mass, also the Ignatian Discernment of Spirits in Marriage material in the retreat sessions. The property was once a family ranch and remains a working farm. The couples guesthouse is the family's fabulous log cabin still on the property. We brought home delicious cheese and coffee, not to mention some great books from the monks' gift shop.
