So many things to be thankful for this season - including, but not limited to white trees and vaccines.

 

I think we should just keep adding one more tree, every single year, for the rest of time. 

 

Look out, Neighbors, as we officially welcome back SAUNA SUNDAYS!!!

 

 Here are the cliff notes to Bennett's 15th birthday.  You know - the one where Mom couldn't find his birth certificate that he needed to take his permit test? 🤦 The evening before the big 1-5 - Bennett reminded me to grab his birth certificate.  He had scheduled himself to take driving permit test 6 months prior.  It was very important to him to take the test on his actual birthday, and have this mission completed before school started for the day.  Pretty sure you are already making predictions, Reader...

Yep.  I couldn't find it - we looked everywhere, and there was not certificate to be found.  Bennett was extremely disappointed, but he handled it with grace.  I, on the other hand, was angry and so sad, (and wondering why everyone kept saying "mom" lost it...)  

Twelve hours later, I was still looking for that piece of paper - with no luck.  Bennett went to school, I stayed home with Harper - because to add to this happy situation - Harper had a doctors appointment that included 5 shots on this very day.

Prior to heading to the doctor's office, H and I dropped by the Stearns County Court House to order a new birth certificate.  And, guess what?? They just print it for you right there on the very fancy paper!!!!  YAAASSSSSS!  I texted Bennett, planned to pick him up after the visit with Dr. Denise, and drive back to the DMV for the originally scheduled test! (Because guess what again? You can just walk in to take your permit test, you don't even need an appointment!)

And just like that - we have a legal permitted driver - and the birth certificate is in a safe location.

Happy Birthday, my dear sweet boy.  You have been forced to grow up more than you should have, this past year.  And, there are no words to express how incredibly proud we are of who you are, the decisions you make, and the action and advocacy you take.   Continue to surround yourself with people who challenge you, take care of each other, and create change.  Oh, and thanks for holding off on all those angsty teenager behaviors another year.  We love you, Bennett Daniel. Like a lot. 

                                                  

 

YAAASSSSSS!!!!  Finally, sweet girl - it's your turn!!  You were so brave, even though there were crying kids all around you.  You put on a brave face, and told all those terrified toddlers it would be just fine.  And, it was. Yay to a fully vaxed family!!

November is going to be a big month! 

 

 I wonder how many nights we have sat like this...  another highlight of my pandemic life. 💙