November 2019 A

On Sunday, November 3rd, I was watching Hollyn and Nathan play Battleship until it was time to leave for choir practice. Just before I left I heard my phone buzzing, getting a call. I wasn't able to answer in time, but saw I'd missed a couple calls from Brian, and a text message asking me to call him. I also noticed my phone battery was at 1%. Hmmm. I tried calling Brian back, but he didn't answer. Because of my phone's need to be plugged in, I knew I wouldn't be able to get a call from him until after choir, but not knowing why he was trying to get ahold of me, I put my phone on airplane mode and headed out.

Choir practice was at someone's house instead of the church this particular week. Which proved problematic when Nathan drove out to the church looking for me. So it wasn't until I got home after practice that Nathan grabbed me, pulling me into the garage, to tell me in private that Brian had called him and reported that his Dad had had a massive heart attack and passed away.

It was absolutely surreal news. He hadn't been sick, or unhealthy. It has been a complete shock to everyone. I called Brian and we shed some tears over the phone together. Then I gathered the kids to tell them. Asher immediately began sobbing. Brennan tried to hold his surprise and sorrow together but cried quietly in his seat. Hollyn took a moment to process and soak in the other emotions and then began to cry as well. Kieran, who'd just come out of a shower, sat on my lap in nothing but a towel. And bless his heart, he didn't really get it, but that didn't stop him from laying on the *devestation* real thick. He had a little grin behind the tears, sure that his acting skills were really nailing it that day. Not that he wasn't legitimately sad, he just couldn't truly feel the feelings his siblings and Mom were expressing, but knew he should.

Anyway, it was tough news. Asher was somber the whole next day at school, and the most emotional kid that weekend at the services. On Thursday all 7 of us (Ky included) headed to Idaho Falls - my kids and I for the funeral, Nathan and Ky coincidentally got to attend a Winegardner cousin's baptism. So mixed bag this trip.

It was SO great to see all the extended family, especially those who are far enough away that it will take a funeral to see them much anymore. Because Brian was staying at his parents' house, I didn't sleep there this trip, but I did spend 90% of my time there with the Stevensons. They always make me feel SO loved, and the regard is mutual. I'm grateful for that. I'm grateful for Barry and his impact on my life as my first father-in-law. He will be dearly missed, and we sorrow for Judi, now a widow.

Brian is moving to Idaho next week though, which I think will be a great thing for him and his Mom. He was already looking forward to it, but now it will offer special benefits for Judi who won't have to live alone just yet. Brian's securred a job and begins training soon. It's his placeholder job while he applies for electrician school. I'm honestly very excited for him to have a fresh start and to try another career path. And not to brag or anthing, but it WAS my suggestion, sooooo...

Asher and cousin Will

 Clara and Hollyn

 

Kieran was really dedicated to this coloring. We were hunkered in the basement while Grana and her boys had a council just the 5 of them, and it was waaay past all the kids' bedtimes. Apparently, this is Kieran at 10pm at night. Huh, never knew.

80s Boy

Just Dance, ya'll!