The Long Story, part 2.

Remember, in the last entry, I had muddled myself to bed at 3 in the morning....

Sunday morning, thank heavens, we got to sleep in. Actually, I slept in, Forest slept *through*. The cold combined with his athsma to make him even more miserable than I was, and I think he was only just falling asleep as the alarm was going off. I tucked him right back into bed, and slipped off to church without thinking of distrubing him again. I'm glad I didn't. He was in a much better mood when I got back.

Church was pretty cool; I was there mainly because Kirstin was singing, but it was neat to see the big addition they've put on there. They now have a gymnasium, and a nice music rehearsal room, and offices for the staff. It's big and empty at the moment, but I'm sure they will furnish it eventually. Kirstin sang beautifully, and it was fun for me to sit with Laura, who was also visiting that Sunday. My mom was so happy to have us both there, I think we made her month.

After church was over, I went back to the house, and ended up curling up for a nap with my very snuggly sweety until it was time to go to Karen's birthday party.

The party was a lot of fun, too. We had a big bonfire out back at my mom's house, and cooked hot dogs, and got to hang with my family. Grandma Ruth was there, and both of my sisters, and Jim and Sam and my mom; just the right-sized group. I have to admit being a little jealous of Karen. (Apparently I'm always a little bit that. *sigh*) She's teaching elementary music in the Eaton Rapids schools, basically working with my mom, but in a different building. The two of them are in contact daily, and are working closely together on many things. My mom is able to basically be a mentor for Karen, who is just a beginner, whereas my mom's been teaching for 15 years. No matter where we are as a family, they are always "talking shop". School is a major topic for discussion, and the rest of us are pretty much left out.

It's not that I want to be an elementary school music teacher. I just see it bringing them closer together, and envy it.

Then again, I probably wouldn't like it if I were in Karen's shoes, either, because I'm uncomfortable taking help from my family. I guess I'm silly all over.

Sunday was a beautiful night for a fire, though, and the stars shone brightly on everyone. The dogs played, and leaves were piled up nearby, and the fire blazed enough to keep the chill away. I love to spend an evening like that.