It was a beautiful day in a beautiful cemetery. We met four of the Keepnews for breakfast: My Uncle Bob and our cousins Terry, Patty and Sue. It was wonderful to have that time. Claire and Dave already love them too which makes me happy. Then the 24 of us gathered around for a service by Deacon Tony. I could feel my legs shaking from thinking about leaving Mom there and so much emotion, but I was good. Several of us spoke about Mom and that was incredibly special. Peter and I stayed with her, and said our goodbyes again.... Continue reading

since I started the blog! I didn’t even realize. During a conversation today with sweet Joanne (friends and dietitians rule!), she mentioned following my posts and I abruptly realized I haven’t made any lately. I’m pretty sure Dianne (school friends and GodMom’s rule!) said the same thing. The loss of our mother continues to break against me like waves in the ocean or a shore. We’re all fine; we saw the storm coming and knew its precise path. So much advance notice. So much time to prepare. The loss still hurts. I’m grateful Mom expressed the desire to be cremated... Continue reading

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After Katie and Dave got their second covid shots. I’m so happy everyone in the house is fully vaccinated now! Continue reading

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It’s hard to believe this kid is 17-1/2. Continue reading

Our dogs are spoiled. Continue reading

Mark just wants to hang out at the house, but I did get him to Raleigh on Friday night for our 29th anniversary. We had fun and the food was delicious! Continue reading

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The kids had their last day today. It was Beach Attire for Spirit Days and I spent the morning taking photos of them in the parking lot. Continue reading

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Only a couple weeks away from summer vacation. Still coughing and ready for the 3-day weekend of healing. Just finished my grading backlog and a little romance book late tonight. Feeling tired, but optimistic. Continue reading

I was nearly late for work this morning due to coughing. Bright side: Slightly smaller green chunks and a garden variety common cold. Prayers for all dealing with serious infections and illnesses. 🙏 💕 Continue reading

I am in line for at least a Silver. Continue reading

Ruined my perfect attendance record. This cold took me out! Sick. Urgent care provided proof it isn’t flu or covid so I was able to return yesterday. It was great to be back but I’m exhausted and sleeping in tomorrow. Continue reading

Matt returned from the funeral early and sick as can be with Dave’s cold. I have it and so does Katie. Super sore throat, headache and congestion. That was one nice side effect of quarantine, no germs being spread around! Continue reading

Dave had a sore throat for two days, congestion, and a fever last night of 100.7. I canceled his first covid shot appointment and made an appointment to get him tested. Yesterday he said he couldn’t smell or taste. Today his nose wasn’t as clogged and his senses magically returned. Covid test was negative and I’m a happy Mama. Continue reading

We're teaching from home due to a gas shortage caused by pipeline hackers and hoarders (was really hoping we weren't going to have to do this remote learning thing anymore this year). Personally, this means no one gets to see my new haircut/style except via Google Meet - bummer. That's okay. It was nice to save the daily hour commute (30 min each way) and get rid of the gray roots. Then Matt dropped Layla off for the weekend because his friend died and the funeral is in Wilmington. Super, super sad. Wife and young baby left behind. Our 4-year-old... Continue reading

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Luckily it happened in a sort of slo-mo, thanks to a close friend holding the instigator back long enough for the math teacher and I to react. I know I won’t always be this lucky so I’m strongly encouraging students NOT to act this way moving forward. I told them “other kids” might get in trouble, but let’s make sure it isn’t any “Hannah kids.” Some were skeptical, but I had several who were very invested (I introduced a candy basket for the first time this covid year). Counting down the days for this insane school year to end. Continue reading

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She took a birthday trip to Charlotte to see Matt and Layla. She just returned to ham steak “cake” for her and cupcakes for the kids. Continue reading

Beginning teachers meet with their own assigned mentor once a week. I had something planned for tomorrow to show her, but didn’t accomplish any of it (due to “regular” work). It’s officially due early next week so it will get done, but I was sitting here feeling deflated and very tired. I asked Alexa to confirm my 5:30 alarm. Done. “Alexa, why am I not asleep?” Anazon requested permission for “The Hard Truth?” Granted. “You are you. And that’s something.” I feel better. Continue reading