Father Figure
Skating into the new year. We had attempted to go to Classic Skating over Christmas break, but after not being able to find a parking spot, we had one of the kids run in. They said it seemed to be reserved for a private party. On this occasion, we met up with some cousins who wanted to skate as well. Matt opted to watch, which was probably wise. We all have memories of my dad biffing it on skates and nearly breaking his tailbone. However, on this occasion, it felt like Matt was my dad watching me at a playdate, waving and taking pictures. Aren't there some arcade games you could busy yourself with? I thought. If not, at least babysit my purse! Graham appreciated the vibe at Classic, saying it was non-judgmental of any level of skater. He plowed around on blades.
Sweethearts for a Sweetheart—February 8, 2025
Cutie pie, Callie. I withheld a whistle. There was a recent conversation with Matt where I kept making the whistle sound (as a joke) after anything unusual or fascinating was mentioned. Finally, Callie laughingly said, "Oh my gosh, stop doing that!" (You'd be surprised how often you can do the whistling sound in a conversation.)
What we were not whistling about was when the dress arrived (from the UK!) that she ordered online. Like just, whyyyyy? Once again, the online dress did not work, and she found a dress that she already owned that would work great. She had forgotten about the above purple floral number she bought in Thailand at the night market. Looked great on her, which was a relief since there had been nowhere to try it on.
Callie is now a lifeguard at the pool. Sometimes she lifeguards during the high school swim meets and water polo games. The stands are packed. Grayson wanted to get it straight, "So, Callie, if someone was in trouble, out of all those people, YOU would be the one there that would save them?" I got to be under her protection at early morning water aerobics.
She was working one evening while Matt and I were having dinner at Costa Vida, which is practically in the same parking lot, or so I thought. I got Callie some dinner and told Matt I was going to walk it over to her real quick. It was farther than I thought on a dark, cold night, but she was appreciative.
I loved the unexpected text that her seminary teacher sent my way: Hey Abby—Just had to send a quick note and tell you how grateful I am to have Callie in my seminary class. She is a light to everyone around her. She is kind, faithful, and willing to share her faith with others. She gave a beautiful devotional today. Thanks for raising such a great young lady!
Ahh. Thanks so much!
Puzzled
I hastily donated too many of our puzzles to the library. Callie was soon looking for her cat puzzle. I had to replace it with a different cat puzzle. 
Growing Up Graham
I love the sound of him chattering in the kitchen. He always has something interesting to say. With his mission call in hand, these moments feel fleeting.
His senior class asked for updates from everyone as to what their after-school plans are. I loved his submission. I remember that Graham. Moments are fleeting.
Super Bowl 2025
Chiefs and Eagles
Another Taylor Fest, yay! Though it didn't go the Chief's way, we enjoyed watching the game together at the Shafer's annual Super Bowl Party. Their house gives all the loves.
Though Ashley had the girls' rapt attention.
Lady and The Tramp Moment
The youth put on a spaghetti dinner fundraiser. I put together some heart cupcakes for the bake sale using a marble to indent the cupcake liner.
Short End of the Stick
When I ordered a tassel to hang on Graham's graduation frame, I got one for Ava since hers went missing. However, it was shorter than the rest. When I sent her a picture and told her I could reorder, she reminded me that since she was in the class of 2020, her class was shortened, so it works out fine.
Still, I am glad recording is an option when needed.
We watched a super stupid movie, Must Love Dogs, I mean it was stoopid with two o's! However, while watching it, I did come up with a window covering solution, so it wasn't a complete waste of time. First, I ordered the white sheer curtains, but they gave off a too-bright, almost bluish hue. I reordered them in off white and was once again reminded, I am an off-white, not a white, gal! Gives a cozy vibe throughout the house and offers semi-privacy.
The skiff of snow in the backyard would triple in just as many days.
Valentine's Day—2025
I was asked to teach a lesson and activity using a donation from Walmart at the Charter School in Charleston, except I didn't know it had moved to Charleston! The last time I saw the school was at Soldier Hollow, so that is where I drove. I called my colleague once I arrived, "Do I go up the stairs or is it on the main level?"
She responded, "There aren't any stairs." I was in the wrong place! I was grateful that I had emailed her the lesson plan.
She responded, "There aren't any stairs." I was in the wrong place! I was grateful that I had emailed her the lesson plan.
Abby, being Abby!
I got there within 10 minutes and taught the other two classes. The next day, I went back to teach another class. (These photos made the local paper.) My lesson plan was on LUV Listening: Listening, Understanding, and Validating.
I served raspberry sweet rolls instead of sugar cookies and decorated the kitchen instead of the dining room. As the day wore on, the counter filled up with treasures.
But the biggest surprise of the day was all the SNOW! I don't recall any time since moving here 25 years ago when there has been a delay in school start time due to snow! It was a slippery ride out there. I can see why.
Matt worked his tail off out there all morning.
Ritual Chocolate
In preparation for Valentine's, Matt suggested the two of us go to a production of Guys and Dolls, which was playing on Main. I saw that with Ava and Callie at the high school a year or so ago, and we thought it was boring! Not an interesting storyline, blah music. Maybe I need to give it another chance, but I answered him honestly, "That idea brings me no excitement or joy." Ha! He said, "Well, let's not do it then!" I poked around online to see what other excitement we could drum up. I am so glad we stayed local, because who could have foreseen that storm! After I taught at the charter school and Matt got the walks cleared, we headed to Ritual Chocolate for a tasting tour. The lady talked us through the stages of chocolate from when it is cacao to melting in our mouths. We learned a lot, tasted a lot, and saw the factory. I made sure to go home with some Belgian drinking chocolate. Delicious!
We lunched at Old Goat, sharing a pulled pork, and then headed to Midway's The Dainty Pear for the grand opening. There were samples and giveaways, and it is just beautiful in there. All the Stuff in the Barn was the previous business that we had been going to for years. We are sad to see it go, but we'll take this as a replacement!
Our next adventure was to the local salt cave. I have wanted to try one of these ever since Matt ended up in the hospital with respiratory issues last summer. He sat closest to the salt blower, and we enjoyed a very zen 45-60 minutes in the cave, breathing it all in. Matt was impressed with the facility enough that he's gone back a couple of other times and tried out their other spa services.
Yes, I did taste the salt wall. Couldn't help it.
We also like to spread some love on Valentine's. We have a couple of special needs adults in our ward that we go visit. They seem pleased to see us.
I still have my LIVE tree. I am glad I kept it through Valentine's Day because it looked so pretty with all that snow outside!
When my friend Ann learned that I still have my tree up, she said, "When I pass by people's houses, and I see their tree still up, I think, I am glad I'm not them."
