Christmas COVID style

Well, its been a crazy month and holiday season.  You saw that Billy had a great birthday. The Tuesday before Christmas it was 45 degrees, Billy actually went biking with his friends and then... the next day we had a HUGE blizzard. It took Tracy 90 minutes to get home from work and Tom got tboned in Kay's Jeep. Thank god he was driving the jeep and not his car otherwise he would have been really hurt. The jeep is tank and totally modular so...its going to be fairly easy to fix. Of course Kay was quite upset but...I do think she's thinking hard about how to get some parts upgraded with the insurance money.

Christmas Eve Eve was all about homemade soup and staying out of the storm.  Jimmy played in 2 worship services that night and we convinced him not to come home due to how bad the roads were. He stayed at another bandmates home 2 blocks away and was also glad he didn't try to drive in it.  He was also pretty cute, he said "He's like a real grownup. He's 30 and its his own townhouse!"

Christmas Eve the roads were slightly better but still fairly treacherous.  Jimmy played in the 9, 11, 10 and midnight services and managed to get home around 2:30am - exhausted.  We went to the 11 service and it was awesome to see him drum. The worship band is SO talented and they played a ton of carols.  I'm sure the kids didnt know the words to most, which is a generational fail. Growing up singing carols in school every year at least gave Tom and I a hearty catalog of songs we know by heart. Dinner was heavy appetizers and we watched Elf in front of the fire.

We agreed that Christmas Day was going to start at the crack of Noon. This gave the kids time to sleep in and gave Tom time to visit his Dad and make him a really good venison hash breakfast. Not to mention beating him in cribbage 2 out of 3.  Tracy shoveled the whole back patio with the hopes of a fire and then got organized for the weekend. (laundry, etc)

We had cinnamon rolls and stockings followed by presents.  There was a Manitowoc Minute, VMI and pet theme running through all the gifts.

Kay and Billy, for the 1st year ever, planning and got their own gifts. And, man were they sweet!

Kay found an artist online and had them do a sketch of Nikki. I can't wait to see it. Still trying to decide the best place to hang it so that we can all enjoy it.

Billy ordered a photo canvas print of Maui that's equally as sweet.  I want to hang them together so will need to figure that out.  So proud of my kids generosity, kindness and thoughfulness.

Jimmy gave everyone VMI gear, including all of Tracy's family.

Tracy got a Manitowoc Minute calendar and Sconnie state flag.  She's beyond thrilled!

Maui got a new winter coat and boots. He is NOT thrilled about his gifts and his 1st walk was semi-successful.  He at least made it all the way.  

Tom was happy as a clam cooking up a storm the whole weekend.  We definitely ate well!

It was relaxing and fun and low key until it wasn't.  Between the car and her disappointment that she didnt get everything on her Christmas list (very typical pattern of way too high of expectations followed by disappointment that it didnt turn out exactly as she imagined) Then...dinner was delayed by 20 minutes do to the "puff pastry fiasco" and that launched her into the 3 meltdown in 3 days. to call these meltdowns is an understatement.  Throwing out her present, breaking her lamp, laying on the floor in uncontrollable tears.  Its so hard to watch and be a part of. Mainly because I can't image how hard it must be to feel that way for her.  It just breaks our hearts.  However, we are trying to follow the advice we gave her. 1 thing going wrong doesn't need to ruin all the good. So, trying to stay focused on the good parts like her amazing gift, the giggles at Maui in booties, the wonderful food, etc.

Christmas dinner was beef wellington - which almost didnt happen. Tom pulled out the puff pastry and it was actually phyllo dough which EVERYONE knows just won't work. Grocery stores were closed and so we started texting our friends frantically. Luckily  Andre and Melissa had some in their freezer and we were back on track.  We watched A Christmas Story and had a fire again (notice we didnt mention the 3pm Vikings game where they got stomped on.....)

Post Christmas Tracy was able to walk with Wendy and Maui. He kept trying to go home at every turn and frequently just sat down in the road and refused to move in his boots.  Once he realized it was futile, the walk went much better.  She was also able to walk with Mary and ran into Paul Bennett.  That was a nice surprise!! Dinner was salsa verde chicken and more tv.

Today its snowing again, so more shoveling and the Packer game is on at 7:20. Go Pack Go!

All in all, a relaxing and anxiety ridden holiday.  At least that tradition continues.

Hope you are all healthy, safe and happy.

XOXOX

T.T

 

Oh my heart - Billy Baloo is 16!! How did THAT happen?! UPDATE!! He Passed!

 Well, good old Balloo passed his drivers test on his 1st try! He's equally excited and relieved and can't stop talking. Its adorable!  So proud of you Billy!! XOXO Mom and Dad... photos below of celebration DQ and the best smile in the world.

Happy birthday Billy!  He had a pretty good birthday weekend despite COVID.  He, and about 10 of his friends went biking and then had a bonfire with treats and pizza. It was warm for December, but still a bit cold.  I was impressed that they all did wear masks and keep social distance.

Then we had family dinner and shared our 16 favorite things about Billy - kind, persistence, hard worker, good friend, calm, common sense (in his heart), good at tkd, smart, animal whisperer, funny, strong, good at STEM, good at video games, great smile and forgiven for stealing Jimmys airplane sucker when he was 3 (Jimmy needs to figure out how to let that go)

Master Lemon and Ms Grayce even came by with gifts and to ask him to be the ring bearer in their wedding in 2022.. Seems like a long way off but, will be here before we know it! And...they seem bound and determined to turn him into a fashioniesta and they gave him 3 new shirts and a new pair of pants. Very generous!

When we asked him his favorite memory of being 15, COVID was NOT at the top of the list. Top of the list includes: TKD Nationals in Florida with Grandma and Grandpa.  Getting his drivers permit. Biking with friends.  Playing soccer. Not favorite ... distance learning. no TKD tournaments. no vacations/trips with cousins.

He's excited and nervous to test for this drivers license this Friday. Jimmy wants him to be the 1st Murphy kid to pass on the 1st try. We'll see. Tom took him driving yesterday and he nailed his parrallel parking.

Billy, we are so grateful for you. You are sweet, kind, loving, patience, gentle, smart and determined.  We are also extremely grateful for your birth mom, birth family and foster family in Korea. You truly hold the hearts of many many people in your hand.

We love you beyond measure!! And, cant wait to see you success in the next year.  

XOXOXO

Mom and Dad

Some throw back photos below:)

He's ALWAYS loved TKD

He misses Ace. Damn COVID

He was such a good friend to Ian

Momma's boy in the best possible way

My heart 

A pretty good haul!

The future Lemon's with their ring "bear"

Happy Gotcha Day Kay!

 WOW 17 years ago we were blessed with a trip to Korea to meet Kay and bring her home to be part of our forever family!

She has been a fierce and independent spirit since the day we first held her. Kay was always trying to do things on her own and her way, eating, walking, dressing, cutting her own hair! Yes, each time she was able to accomplish something on her own she was happy, and still is today!

This year has been extremely rewarding and difficult all at the same time. Kay was able to pass her drivers test after a couple of tough tries and is an incredible driver. She loves the Jeep and has tricked it out in a style that only Kay could, with interior lights, sound, navigation system. She spent several nights over the summer with her friends in the Jeep up at the local park watching movies, hey with Covid drive in movies are a hit!

Kay was also picked to be the captain of the Gymnastics team! Way to go Kay! She has always loved gymnastics and it is awesome she is one of the Captains. She has been meeting regularly with the coaches and other Captains to plan potential practices, floor routines and most importantly team apparel!The season is currently paused and we are hoping that it happens. 

Kay spent the summer working at the local Golf Course on the driving range and loved it. She has now started working for the Community education program the Tom works for called Kids and Co. They provide before and after school programs for the kids in the Hopkins school districts elementary schools.

Kay and Tom are NOT working in the same school. Kay is working at Glen Lake in the Kindergarten and first grade rooms and the kids and staff love her.The kids are waiting at the door every morning waiting for Kay to get there, cute!

Kay we love you we are blessed that you chose us as your forever family and we are so looking forward to what come next for you!

Holy crap, we just lost a month of our lives

Wow, how did we go a whole month without posting?!  Well...COVID...urgh.

We have been busy just trying to keep healthy, on top of distance learning and the kids engaged in their sports/jobs.  I'd say we are partially successful.  Billy is doing great in school and TKD.  Kay is working hard at making money and VERY involved in planning for gymnastics but...school is not going so well

Then, on top of all of this, Tracy went to Green Bay to help Sue with rotator cuff surgery and ended up there for 9 DAYS!!! Urgh!  Sue isolated and took a COVID test prior to her surgery, then, the day after her surgery they informed her that they hadn't gotten the test results but went ahead with the surgery anyway and...drum roll...she was COVID positive.  This meant that Tracy had to stay and take a test and wait for results.  It probably was a blessing in disguise since she was able to help Sue, get her to her PT appointment, grocery shop, get Stephanie (Jennifer O's daughter) set up to come in and check on her/shower her, etc but...still.  

We all survived and Tracy/Sue had some great bonding time but...really. When will the madness of 2020 end?!

While she was in Green Bay, of course Tracy walked every day and every where. See a walking tour below.  They also watched a LOT of Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock movies and I think Jumani is Sue's new favorite. Not to mention lots of football (Badgers = boring. Packers = nervewracking) 

She and Sue also did some "Sunday" drives since they were quarantined. Tracy LOVES Lake Michigan and big waves so, she was in heaven.  Side note, they did have a bit of excitement when a man in flooded waiters crawled up a drive way, flagged them down and asked for help. They ( 3 people) were duck hunting in kayaks, the waves picked up, 2 of the 3 capsized and only 2 made it to shore. There was still a woman missing. We could see her upside down kayak but couldn't see her and the waves were GIANT. Both of the guys were freezing cold and wet but were doing everything "right" in terms of saving her. The lake rescue team came and after a couple nerve racking days, we got confirmation that she had been saved and was going to recover. super super scary. 

And, if you ever get to Green Bay, there is LOTS to see:)

There is a heritage walk you can do all through GB that gives the history of the Packers. Saw some dedicated fans doing the walk on game day

History of settlement in GB

I LOVED this place as a kid and even was in one of their Christmas plays. I was a cat

Grade school 4-6th grade. Doty

My 1st babysitting gig. Carsten was a doll

Our house

Julies best friend Nickys house

Res - where all the catholic kids went - 71% of GB is Catholic

The penitentiary 

:)

My mom worked here and we spent a LOT of time here

Our church and Sue's church - Bart Starr went here when we did 

Sues house!

Super cool to see these boats go through the river

PACK!

These boats are HUGE!

How cool that the Green Bay East high school football team plays on the Packers old field?!

Tradition

Having fun

Scenic drives

Maxwell Braes, Bunny worked there in college - Bailey's Harbor, my new favorite place in the whole world 

BIG waves and wind

I need to retire here - heaven

There are 2 bridges in downtown Green Bay, on game night, they light up one in green gold and...

one in the other teams colors

Yep. This house is for real

GB's only gentleman club. Given the press conference at the Four Seasons Landscape company, I figure Trump can give his concession speech here

SO good....

Thats a wrap!