The Sunday Seven 10-30-2016

1.  Monday was senior soccer night and Lexie was asked to escort her favorite young man Colby onto the field.  It was a sweet moment, Colby's family there, church friends there and it was his last home soccer game.  They announced Senior Colby Myers #19 escorted by Ms. Lexie Liptrap accompanied by his parents...they went on to announce activities he's involved in; church, scouts...then they announced his future plans.  A year at BYU before serving a 2 year mission for the LDS church.  

The audible "ohs and ahs" from the audience was telling, people were impressed and maybe a bit surprised.  It was a good night.

2.  Wednesday night Lexie was off shooting and Kaylie opted to go to her last middle school football game.  It was the traditional trunk or treat at church with a chili cook off.  I had been on the fence about going anyway, so I just decided to stay home.  The first time I went to this activity at this ward I was pregnant with Lainey.  I had been writing on caring bridge about her condition and our lives.  A woman from across the table, shyly stated, "I've been reading your blog, and I've been praying for you".  It's so hard to know who, knew what, when.  I remember feeling a bit shocked but grateful someone knew.  It was a night I didn't want to face.

3.  The same day was filled with much dread of the anticipation of my birthday.  As stupid as that sounds.  Felt weepy mostly all day.  Gave myself permission to suffer if I wanted to.  Stupid I know!  

    

4.  My 45th birthday arrived, off to work.  Some text well wishes, Facebook notifications about my birthday...I walk in work to find the whole crew having breakfast and on my desk was a dozen dunkin donuts.  I took my donuts out to the table and shared my birthday treat with everyone.  The guys were extra chatty, we joked and had fun.  My phone kept lighting up from messages.  Despite my biggest efforts to feel miserable, my day was shaping up!

5.  Arrived home to a clean kitchen, with a birthday cake made by the girls and dinner purchased by Kodi.  Rick was away at Martinsville.  So we sat around and watched the newest "Ellen" Halloween videos featuring her producer Andy, and we laughed and laughed!  I love to laugh!

6.  I held off going to bed as long as possible, it's the alone quiet moments that can be the worst.  I finally settled myself into my room and I sat on the floor with Ricky's box of things.  I looked over his baby blanket, which surprisingly smelled like a hospital.  I looked over the booty socks he was buried in, I kept a set of them.  I looked over his little handkerchief hat, his hair (so much lighter than Lainey) his death certificate, his photographs.  I spent a few minutes thinking of that night, then I reached for the 6 lb. 3 on. weighted heart someone made for me and I held it on my chest as I feel asleep.  23 years in Heaven. 

7.  Friday night was spent at the Mooresville vs. Lake Norman Rival football game.  It was CROWDED, like ridiculously crowded.  I saw so many people I knew and loved, people who had blessed my life the 15 years while living in Mooresville.  I enjoyed watching people more so than the game.  Several Young Women from my old ward were in the marching band, I got to visit with them.  A hug from an old neighbor, sitting with another neighbor.  It felt so good to be surrounded by familiar people in a familiar place.  We lost and headed home.  I had been thinking, "We could move back here, the girls were off with old friends, I think I might like to move back, I work in Mooresville, Rick works south of Mooresville..."  All feelings of nostalgia were suddenly lost when Lexie said, "I sure don't miss that place"!  Sigh...guess we'll just stay put!  :)