My family has been on me about my lack of blogging lately.
Wendy is claiming that her refresh finger is wearing out. So, I'm writing this in letter writing format as it's a style of writing I've always enjoyed, but it's for anyone to read. I tend to use this type of writing when I'm trying to jumpstart myself again. :)

Dear Wendy,
Surprise! A blog post!
The boys, all four of them, went for a sunny Sunday afternoon snowy hike through the woods (they coin flipped to make a decision between Bishop or Kensington - and Kensington won) - but I was really just in the mood for some peace and quiet, such a rarity during pandemics, that I chose to skip this one and stay home. aaaaaaah It's blissful, it really is. I've learned that when dad and all three of your brothers go hiking, it turns out more like a fast paced trek with flying snowballs and words. Not exactly relaxing. Or blissful.
So. Here I am.
We had a snow day this week! Monday we had off school for Presidents' Day and Tuesday we woke up to over 7 inches of new, fluffy snow. Rocket took one step out the door and gave me a look like, "You've got to be kidding me" and then bounded off to play. Yesterday, by the way, was National Love Your Pet day. We got Mark another one of those National Day calendars again, so he always keeps us updated on the days. To love on Rocket yesterday, he made sure that there were play things and peanut butter filled kongs lying around. I have no doubt that Rocket could tell the day was extra special. Mark is good like that.
Mark has one more week of swim practice before his first swim meet of the season. They've been busy doing time trials, and it's been fun to see how much his time has improved. He's definitely stretching out, finding humor in looking down on me now, and those long limbs are pulling him quicker through the water. That, and I'm sure swimming laps in the lake every chance he could, right through October, is paying off.
I came home from basketball the other day and told him that I had a chat with the football coach, telling him that I wouldn't be opposed if he somehow managed to talk that big since the day he was born kid into trying football. Mark's response was funny: I'm way too polite for football. I'd be like, here....you can have it. True that. One of the times that I wished I'd shot video rather than taking pictures is during one of the several soccer games where he could be heard apologizing to all the players he mowed down. Sorry. sorry. I'm so sorry. Are you okay?
I did mention that part to the coach too, so he probably won't be working too hard to recruit him.
Between sports being back in action, running Mark to swim four days a week, and Brian to archery two/three times a week - it's gotten busy around here again. It's funny too - even with dad still working from home most days, I feel like he's busier than ever. He bowed out of coaching archery this year, and hasn't even been able to help with getting Brian to and from archery very often. I try not to work when I have to bring him, but it is nice that it's conveniently located at Three Fires so that I can work if I want to. So, sometimes I work, and sometimes I just walk laps.
And sometimes I have Allan help with shuttling so I can get to the sport of the night.
Get this! I was at a hockey game a couple weeks ago - one of the first events that I shot when contact sports were allowed to play again - and Lori Pennala says Hey Sharyn, that's so nice that they put you on the roster. And I was all - HUH? I'm so rarely caught off guard and I was NOT expecting that. So there I am, on all the winter sports rosters, along with Dan Zeppa, the other photographer. Since so few people can attend the games currently, they said it just makes it easier. It was a nice warm fuzzy for me. I feel like I struggle sometimes with finding my place, and just having my name there gave me a feeling of belonging somewhere. My eyes get a little fuzzy thinking about it (and I wonder where you get that from??)
Speaking of belonging, it's the 3rd Sunday - so I'll get to church tonight. I missed the last 3rd Sunday (I no longer remember why) so now it feels like it's been ages since I've been in person. I'll go to morning church again in the summer, but for now - this is where I'm at.
Someone asked me the other day if I'm scared of Covid. I laughed inside, but I could see where the question was coming from - and I appreciated being asked, so I answered honestly. No. I then went on to share things from my perspective, and I could see that it made sense then. That's one of the nice things about being able to go to the games is that I get to see people and enjoy some quick visits between periods. There have been a few games where I'm wandering up and down the bleachers on both sides, when we play Hartland or Brighton. I feel blessed in friendships and faith.
Anyway. With that, I think I'll go dig up that information that you just called me wanting, and then take a few moments to really revel in the quiet before the boys get back home. Oh! And I need to remember to pull that pan of bakery out of its hiding spot in the oven before someone decides to preheat it for dinner. With Allan still home, I admit that we've gotten savvy at hiding the good stuff now and then if we want to make sure he doesn't eat it all. He swears that he is moving out before the sucky things begin falling off the cottonwood trees.
I love you!
xoxo
Mom