2020 Year In Review

I remember how excited we were to go to Hamilton at TPAC – all of us – and it did not disappoint. AMAZING!

I remember getting a call that I needed to “come now” because mom wasn’t doing well. I threw who knows what in a suitcase and was out the door. I’ll always cherish those last 3 days with her. She wasn’t awake often but it was peaceful sitting at her bedside. She talked about going home and how she couldn’t wait to see Ken and Mother. I’ll never forget how she gave Angie the biggest smile ever! On the last night, she seemed to know she wouldn’t wake up again. She told us all that she loved us and asked for a REAL coke – not diet! Ha! I know it sounds weird to think about someone taking their last breath but I’m so thankful I was there to hold her hand and watch her peacefully pass.

I remember pretending to call Mom when I was in the car. Our phone calls were the one thing I missed the most urgently. Skylar had heard enough of our conversations that she could recite what mom would say. She’s so clever and it makes me laugh to hear her impersonate mom. I particularly missed mom when Skylar got her braces off. That was the one thing she said she wanted to see.

I remember Uncle Bennie passing away 2 weeks after mom. I was beside myself with grief and wanted to run away. Instead, Mike and I opted for a weekend getaway at a little cabin in the middle of nowhere in the snow-capped woods. On our way, the clouds revealed a perfectly-shaped blue heart in the sky. The whole weekend was unreal and relaxing and just what I needed.

I remember learning that mom had left her Massage Envy account to me. It took me until the end of 2020 to use up all of the hours she had saved for me. Giving me that time for self-care was such a sweet and thoughtful gift.

I remember seeing Skylar leave “love notes” for the puppies. She is such a good encourager and I like to believe that my February love notes tradition has helped foster that same spirit in her.

I remember how cranky Skylar was on our departure for Scotland but she perked up once she realized that she had her own personal screen and snacks for the overnight flight. I absolutely LOVED Edinburg. The Harry Potter tour and GF waffles at a cafe called Smoov were big highlights.

I remember that the eastern coast of Ireland was breathtaking, especially the Cliffs of Moher and the Dingle Penninsula. I remember it was so cold and we even got caught in a sudden hail storm but the sheep went right on grazing. Skylar loved Blarney Castle and the medieval dinner at Bunratty Castle the most. One night we stayed at Ballyseede Castle and Skylar spent the majority of the time petting the dogs. I’ll never forget that they had the best cup of coffee I’ve ever tasted in my life.

I also remember going to the laundromat in a gas station parking lot. At this point, everything started shutting down due to COVID. One night we even had dinner from a gas station because there were no restaurants open in the town. I remember being in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day. The city normally has visitors up to 2M but it felt like a literal ghost town. We walked for blocks and blocks one morning and barely saw a soul.

I remember landing in JFK and Mike getting a voicemail that he had been “furloughed” because the US was shutting down and going into quarantine. My initial response was pure glee. I had gotten so used to us all being together for the last 2 weeks and I didn’t want it to end. The news had also convinced us that we would definitely pick up the virus in the airport so I was quite surprised when 2 weeks went by and we were healthy as can be.

I remember how much I LOVED quarantine. It’s an introvert’s dream. There were a lot of projects we were able to accomplish, but I mostly enjoyed the peace of not having anywhere to be and no one to impress. I typically stay SO busy and this was a welcome reprieve. I also remember that my Enneagram 7 child was NOT OKAY for an extended quarantine. She needs to be around people but she shifted gears and did some of her best tinkering ever. Her clever mind amazes me!

I remember Mike getting the fence up around my garden using posts from trees on our property. We also used cedar mulch from our own trees. I was so tickled with how well it turned out and felt like we were on our own version of Homestead Rescue. I remember gobs and gobs of okra. I ninji chopped just like Uncle Bennie taught me and, I swear, it ended up 12′ tall. I also grew luffas for the first time.

I remember how a “normal” bedtime went right out the window. There were many many nights that Skylar and Mike didn’t go to bed until 3 or 4 am (night owls!!!). I also remember her cutting his hair, which was going well and then he ended up bald. LOL! I remember how hard it was to find baby chicks. Due to the lockdown, suddenly everyone wanted to be a chicken farmer.

I remember Mike flying to Ohio to pick up a bucket truck so we could launch BFF Tree Services. He drove through the night to get back home and surprised us at 5 am.

I remember Mike and Skylar working to clear “The Cove” and how much we have enjoyed that quiet and peaceful space. We debuted it at our annual Summer Solstice Party. Attendance was maybe 25% this year but I didn’t mind a more intimate crowd.

I remember giving in and letting Skylar take ice skating lessons. This was the first step to her trying hockey. Oh boy, I had no idea where that would take us. I’ve never seen her more excited or committed to something. She was big mad when she thought our trip to Ireland would cause her to miss the first week of hockey classes, but COVID put everything on hold until July. Hockey training did not get off to a great start but I remember us getting connected with Allie and that was the game changer. Allie is special and rare (and Minnesota nice!)

I’ll never forget the time we had to take the Jeep to her first lesson at The Lab. Mike had accidentally taken my keys so we drove an hour on 840 with no doors, no top, and no back seat. Her huge hockey bag was being held down with bungee cords and we laughed the whole way. I remember how genuinely happy hockey made her and it came at the perfect time. We were on the verge of her becoming an angsty teenager or staying true to herself as Skylar-the-amazing. I’ll forever be thankful to hockey for making age 13 one of my favorites. She would do anything to get to go to practice and she also made some pretty great friends. I remember that she was helpful and nice and considerate and a delight to be around. It also took her tinkering game to a whole new level. She made hockey training aids, a rowing machine, and a stationary bike. I remember realizing that I am literally raising MacGuyver.

I remember having to change our 15th anniversary travel plans multiple times but we ended up on the side of a mountain in Chattanooga and it was great. I remember hang gliding for the first time. It wasn’t near as scary as I thought it would be and very relaxing even though I was a little motion sick from all the turning.

I remember finding not 1, 2 or 3 – BUT FOUR yellow zipper spiders in my garden. I’ve been trying to get them ever since we moved here 4 years ago. I named them Betty, Betty Jr., and the other Bettys. It’s a sign of a good, healthy ecosystem and I was so fascinated that they finally showed up.

I remember going to the beach for the first time without mom. It felt weird but we talked about her a lot. Every time we found a scalloped shell we thought of her. We also finally made it over to Shell Island, which she always talked about.

I remember starting a running group and ice skating lessons at the same time. I still don’t enjoy either but I remember how strong I felt at the end of those 6-8 weeks. I remember how encouraging Skylar was. She would go run with me and remind me to stretch on my off days. She even woke up at 5:30 am on skating days to make my coffee and get me and Mike out the door.

I remember our fall family photoshoot at the waterfall. Mike said it was his favorite one ever (and he hates photos). Skylar took her hockey gear and those photos are some of my most favorite of her. Kris did an excellent job once again and also gave us an awesome recommendation for dinner (Italian).

I remember Aunt Sheila giving me the quilt she made from Mom’s clothes. It was absolutely perfect. It had all of mom’s favorite colors yet trimmed out with white and grey to match my home decor. I remember chopping off my hair for donation #6 as soon as we got home from Thanksgiving. It ended up being 12 inches. I also remember being enamored with Brad Mondo videos. So funny!

I remember that Skylar starting singing Christmas music on the way home from trick-or-treating. We also put our tree up before Thanksiving this year because we all needed a little extra cheer. We used the decor we bought 70% off at JoAnn’s last year. It was all-natural and woodland-themed and I was so pleased with how it looked. I don’t know that I’ve ever been that excited about tree decor before.

I remember that December 2020 was absolutely lovely and I didn’t want it to end. I remember doing our Advent tradition with a Playmobil Hockey Set this year. Skylar didn’t miss a day.  I remember us being able to skate with Skylar at her team Christmas Party. It seemed like the perfect culmination of her hard work and ours at a very fun event!

 

I remember finding out on my birthday that I was officially named “Lady Staci Bishop” and that I am also a landowner (1 sq ft) in Scotland.

I remember that Skylar took a particular interest in Hanukkah this year so we lit the menorah but I saved the traditional meal for Christmas Eve. It was my first time cooking all of these new foods (and it took all day) but it was delicious and I can’t wait to do it again next year.  As always, we looked forward to our Harry Potter Marathon and Christmas at Grandma’s. Ben also spent Christmas Eve with us which is becoming a tradition in itself. I started shopping so much earlier this year and it made Christmas week so much less stressful. By not being rushed, I also feel like I was able to choose gifts that everyone really loved. I remember discovering a happy accident from Amazon where I received 10 row covers for my garden instead of just 1! I still can’t believe it!

I remember that Skylar waited up until midnight on New Year’s and ran outside to yell “Jumanji” LOL!

Honestly, I didn’t mind 2020. I loved that we got in one of our “bucket list” trips before the lock down. I enjoyed the slower pace and being home together. In fact, thinking of going back to “regular” life gave me more anxiety than quarantine ever did. I’m happy that Mike found a new way to earn income without being controlled by a schedule and thrilled that Skylar had such a great year. I’m proud of myself for trying new things and overall content with life. 202o was a year we will never forget but I’m thankful that my memories are fond ones.