Week In The Life™ 2026 | Wednesday

Here's a look at my Wednesday:

Mom had a sleepover with me on Tuesday night and when we got up and were getting breakfast together I suggested she go out and smell the Japanese Snowbell Tree and listen for all the bees that visit when the tree is in bloom.

The story with the microwave is that one of the kids burned popcorn in there bad enough to basically kill it. Unfortunately in our house the set up is a combined microwave + oven unit and we will have to replace the whole thing. We had hoped maybe it was just a temporary issue but it continues.

Something I want to remember about this time is getting a mocha for Mom often when we get together. It's such a simple treat that she enjoys so much.

Our first activity of the day was heading to Anna's school for an Academic Awards Assembly.

Anna looking up at me, Mom, Chris and Tiffany after receiving a Theology Award.

When my sister saw this photo on Instagram she commented, "I hope that gave Mom a glimpse of her legacy!!"

Both my parents, but my mom especially, truly valued the importance of education. She grew up in a very, very small town in Eastern Oregon and studied Clothing + Textiles (Home Economics) at Oregon State. She Mom advocated for a religious education for me and my siblings (my Dad was raised Catholic and my Mom was raised Presbyterian - she converted when I was older). She wanted us to have a strong foundation upon which to build our lives that was rooted in faith.

We went to Catholic grade school and Catholic high school and a lot of what I learned there absolutely influenced the person I am today. For me it was the combination of rigorous academics, competitive athletics, community service experiences, and a very strong retreat program that made the entire experience so fundamental and impactful. Mom was always really proud of herself that she pushed my Dad to spend their money on education.

All that to say, I am really deeply thankful for my Catholic education even though I am not a practicing Catholic. It was something that I wanted for my kids as well - to experience an education that taught not just about one religion but religions around the world (Go Jesuits). Catholic education was, unfortunately, not an option for Simon (which is a whole other story) but it was for Anna.

Getting to have Mom there to see Anna receive an academic award in Theology was a full circle moment. It was also a surprise! We knew she was going to be receiving an award but we didn't know which subject. Having it be one rooted in faith with Mom there to witness is another gift of this season.

The mission of my high school is: Bellarmine, as a Catholic college preparatory school in the Jesuit tradition, through dedication to academic excellence and development of the whole person, graduates young men and women of competence, compassion and conscience, who are committed to leadership and service.

The motto of Anna's high school is: Marist Catholic High School is a Christ-centered, welcoming community committed to academic excellence and preparing students to lead and serve others.

(And wow, I just started writing under that one photo and turns out I have a lot to say.)

On Wednesday I finished moving my parents into their new companion rooms. When they initially moved into their new community only separate rooms were available. Mom was really excited for the new set up.

Yesterday my Dad asked to go outside for the first time in over a month. Mom and I were shocked and delighted. We took him for a walk and a ride around the community before taking him down to their new room. It was a good day for him and we celebrated with Coke in glass bottles that he loves.

Aaron came over after work to help move a bed and a few bigger items.

New chapters. New stories. For all of us.

Once we got Mom + Dad settled enough to leave I headed over to Anna's Lacrosse Banquet to celebrate the end of the season. I missed most of it but was able to pop in and give some hugs and laugh with some friends who all want to know how things are going. Anna was awarded Second Team All League for Defense which is pretty darn awesome for her non-primary sport. I love that she chose to start playing this as a freshman for something fun - it's been a great experience for her.

And I love her friends.

I brought home burgers for me and Aaron and we ate in our bed while we watched NBA highlights from the last couple games.

Audrey and her sweet long term boyfriend Joren were at the house last night. These days she's at her Mom's most of the time because it's closer to school and activities and Joren (on the other side of town). She's been studying for finals and getting excited for summer.