End of 2024, Hello 2025

Happy 2025 everyone! It is already 9 days into the new year and it feels like this year is already flying by and is being crazy busy. 

The end of 2024 was crazy emotionally. Long story short, I received a phone call from our police department on the Friday after Christmas letting me know that the FBI had received confirmation that there was a "hit list" on a social media site that included students names from our high school. Jacob's name was on the list so they were calling to inform me and to see if he had any enemies, etc. They said that they were working on it and would be in touch with any updates. Thankfully the kids have been on break. It was all overwhelming as Jacob is a sweet kid. It definitely was a cloud over our head. (As an update, on January 2, I received a phone call from the sergeant who informed me that they had made 2 arrests of juveniles and that charges were pending. The school was aware and had banned them from school property and they felt that it was safe for the kids to go back to school. Apparently there were close to 30 names on the list and most of the names were girls with a couple boys. I found out that a coworker's granddaughter's name was also on the list.) 

The last Sunday of 2024 we had a "soup night" at my parent's house. One of our family goals that we had all talked about at Christmas was getting together at least once a month for a family dinner. We started with a soup night. I took a copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup. My sister made chili. My sister-in-love made lasagna soup. My mom made corn chowder and a vegetable type soup. I also made homemade garlic bread. It was all super yummy. 

Our New Year's Eve was quiet and at home. The kids and I played Uno No Mercy which is a great card game. We then watched the ball drop at midnight; Ben opened the door and kicked the old year out and let the new year in. 

New Year's Day started with mass for the Solemnity of the Blessed Mother which was a great way to start off the year. Then it was home to putter around, get a planner set up, etc. I made a yummy pork and peppers dinner. 

I spent the rest of the week reading a couple books, putting away the Christmas decorations and switching it out for winter decor. I also had to deal with a visit from Murphy. My washing machine died. I ordered a new one and it was delivered on Satruday. Unfortunately the delivery men were condescending, acted mad that they were delivering in the snow, wouldn't hook it up as they said that my cold water valve was leaking, and couldn't understand how the drain hose got hooked up to the pipe as this is an old hose. They said that once I had a plumber come out and fix those issues I could call them back and get them to install it. Well, I called my landlord who came out and the valve was not leaking they just didn't turn it on all the way. I was able to get the washer drain hooked up after have the clasp come off twice, but I got it done. So yay for clean clothes! 

The kids were supposed to go back to school on Monday, but we got snow and had a snow day for them. I went to work and got some things done. The drive to work was crappy, but the drive home was much better. Tuesday and today the kids had a 2 hour delay due to snow. I will say they were all 3 glad to go back to school. I am back to work after our school had a snow day on Tuesday. I went into work and worked on some trainings. Last night I also had to go and take a CDA exam. I am so glad to get that over with. Now to finish my portfolio and plan for my observation day that is scheduled for 2 weeks from today. 

I have also been working on some goals for the year. One of the my goals is to get in a better place financially. I am trying to not eat out, have no spend days, and am doing a low spend January. So far so good. Tonight I really wanted to get fast food however I came home and made tomato soup and grilled cheese and it hit the spot. The kids really enjoyed it as well. 

Well, I need to get ready to head to bed so I can get up tomorrow for work. I haven't been sleeping well lately. I will leave you with a scene that I encountered when I left work yesterday. It was snowing and there is a farm field next to our center. The deer were having the time of their lives! 

Hope everyone is having a good start to 2025! Until next time, I wish you all well.