Days with the Dorans

 This is 44 and my first birthday without my Nan. Thought about that a lot and about all my birthdays that we so special in Hamtramck with Auntie Irene, Uncle Joe, the Jonasens and all the rest. Aunt Barb sent me the above card which of course immediately made me think of Auntie and our rolled dollar bills the number of our age! My favorite restaurant closed so we went to the one that took its place and to be honest... not great. I guess we have some time to figure out where to go next year. The cocktails were good and the company even better. This was a year when the Drapals got to join us.  After dinner we headed to church. I loved seeing Pastor Paul and giving him a big hug! He remembered my birthday which was so sweet. I miss my St. Matt's family and it was great to see them. The orchestra and choirs were great and as always- tears streaming down my face. I thought of all my loves NOT here and found myself touching my Grandpa's signature on my arm a lot. I miss ...

 I had a GREAT pre-celebratory night with Jodie! Jodi could not come or I would have been with both of my favorite Jodi(e)s. We headed to Kickstand and had some adult beverages and yummy dinner. Jeff came and picked us up so we didn't have to worry about driving. I'm so excited about my new watch too! Happy Birthday to me! Run and then a walk with my other best friend!

 I love that we get to spend birthdays with Grandma! The only time we have missed is if we have work on the 22nd. I'm glad we were off so could celebrate her! We went to Olive Garden and met up with the Dorans (except for Trisha since her mom is sick) and had a great time and yummy dinner! Of course I was enjoying the moment and totally forgot to snap any pics until RIGHT before we left. But... I did it! I love this woman! I love this family! Feeling blessed! Happy Birthday, Grandma. We love you so!!

Had a virtual race the day after school got out. The Bigs had friends over the night before, I ate too much, drank, and was feeling like a slug but running a 5k should be nice and easy since I had been running 4 so consistently. I was surprised when I beat my previous PR by 1 second!!! Yay me! The hills in my hood are no joke!!

 I couldn't wait for Z's choir concert. Of course he didn't want to do any small group or solo work which is a shame because he has such a nice voice... maybe next year. He did get a new vocal teacher~ He's Polish!!! Most of the concert which you can see HERE , Zach was blocked by the teacher or he looked pretty miserable. I finally caught his eye and told him to smile which you can see (top picture). Overall it was a pretty quick concert- so quick that Sean didn't even have a lot of time to finish his book. I also forgot to tell Nana and Papa. Thankfully they're close so could run over. I texted them where we were sitting and they had no idea what I was talking about... I told you it's a busy month. My brain is fried!! Love our Goose! Great job, buddy!!

My new winter pajama day gear!

Zach's friends are starting to turn 13. This means HE'LL be turning 13 soon! Slow down, time! Mitchell's mom sent me these so I thought I'd put them here for Zach!