Rachael turns 20

 December 29th

Twenty! My little tiny wispy haired baby is twenty. Her sweet face and little nose and eyes that kept track of everything, still sparkle. She brings me joy. 

All of a sudden Rachael seems older. She is silly and funny, so funny and quick witted, and an interesting conversationalist. But all of this wrapped into a more mature her. Watching her be on her own, meal plan, handle a household, and be responsible in new ways has been rewarding to see. 

Back in the Fall we were disappointed that her driver's test had been canceled because of Covid scheduling. but it wound up being a huge blessing. It meant that Jim and I got to see her regularly as we drove her to and from work. I was glad to maintain regular conversation and Rae used it as a time to verbalize her to-dos and ask questions. Online college was hard and definitely challenged any good habit she was working on. But we talked each trip to work and she refocused. I was most grateful to see her. We are used to a relationship with physical closeness and it was a blessing to be able to transition slowly. Rae will get her license soon, but for now I am loving the regular contact.  I miss her.

For her birthday I picked her up from her apartment and the whole family got together. The girls got the bow and arrows out and in the chilly backyard did some archery until it got dark. We ordered dinner from Matthew's 1600 and Rae picked a burger. Her roommate is a vegetarian so they don't eat much meat and a burger sounded really good to her. In an inspiration of nostalgia she asked to put on the Crocodile Hunter movie. Steve Irwin had been one of her childhood heroes. It was fun to share that again.

We got peach and apple pies and ice cream for dessert. We dished it up on the Happy Birthday plate and she pulled out one big candle stub from the drawer. We sang to her and then Josh came over. They have been maintaining a long distance relationship and she was so glad that he was in town. Josh came in but stayed masked and kept at a safe space. She opened presents once Josh got there. He made her this cool light up wire frame with a moon and their initials. It was really sweet and it was so wonderful to be with her to celebrate. Her roommates, Josh and a friend were getting together in her back yard for a fire and cupcakes, so she didn't stay late. She was happy.

I am so glad she is alive and that she is my daughter.

Christmas 2020

 A Weary World Rejoices

Christmas joy was a respite from the worry of our world with its promise of God's presence in our lives and our redemption. God hasn't left us alone; he has joined us and he understands.

Much of what makes December feel of Christmas continued this 2020 despite the pandemic. The lights were hung, the tree picked out, the cookies baked and the carols were played (this year much earlier than usual). But it was all touched in some way by the encroaching virus. Our tree was missing both Emma and Rachael's ornaments. Despite the pandemic's impact Christmas held its magic and blessing, maybe even more so because the season was simpler and calmer and unencumbered by outside demands. 

We worked out times and safety concerns with Emma and Rachael coming over and planned on being together.  My favorite part of Christmas Eve is having Jim, myself and our girls together. We wouldn't be getting together with my siblings, Aunts, Uncles or cousins but the girls and I packaged cookies and made deliveries. It was fun to see them even if it was only from a distance on the front stoops. My cousin Kelly had reached out and set up a video call and invited the extended family to it. I didn't have the mental/emotional capacity to set this up and I was so grateful that she stepped in and that we would maintain the Aunt Mickey tradition.  Our day was soon filled with a schedule of Family calls. Everyone's schedule was a little different this year because Mass times were different but we finally worked it out. I talked with Jim's parents and we planned a video call with them. I set up a cousin gift exchange using an online service and we divided into 2 groups (older and younger), assigned names and added a cousin gift opening video call to the day. Gifts were wrapped and delivered ahead of time. We also made treats to share. Will, Heather and their kids made a trip up and visited Dad and all the siblings as they did their deliveries. 

Emma had to work on Christmas so we put all of our most important things on Christmas Eve so we could share them with her.  There was a moment of worry that the day was overscheduled but in action it worked beautifully. We got dressed up and we were ready to celebrate.

We started in the living room gathered around the TV with the laptop set in front for the camera and we logged into the Aunt Mickey Gathering Zoom call. Quickly our kids switched to a device down stairs and cousin Kelly created a bunch rooms so smaller conversations could be held. We all returned to the main Zoom and played a scavenger game. As we were saying goodbye, John asked if we could sing 12 days of Christmas. Singing on video calls is really hard but we divided into groups and days were assigned. It worked so well. It was fun and funny. The Kureks harmonized for the 5 golden rings and our girls had the 10th. On their first 2 tries the girls mixed up the 10 Lord's of Leaping with the Pipers and the Drummers but on that final verse they got it and we all broke out in cheers. 

Next the girls came up and we switched to the Cousin Gift Exchange video call. Jim and I watched and enjoyed seeing them interact and share gifts and conversation with each other. They took pride in the gift they picked out and joy in the gift they received. The younger cousins went first and their gifts kept them occupied throughout the rest of the call. Next the teens and older crowd went. This year Megan drew Michael's name and it was significant because last year was the year of the sweet potato. Michael had drawn Megan's name last year and as a joke gave her a sweet potato with a face drawn on and wrapped in the blanket. There was no real gift only the joke and it didn't land well. This year Michael gifted her a proper present to make up for it, and Megan gave him a proper present plus a sweet potato. They were all so good hearted about it. Michael proceeded to eat the raw sweet potato throughout the call.  The exchange wasn't the same as a "normal" year but it good, very good. 

We transitioned to enjoying some food. Since eating is riskier we decided that we would continue our Christmas Eve buffet tradition and eat spread out. We wore masks throughout the day and pretty soon we forgot they were on. 

Our next call was to Colorado. We thought it would fun to open gifts together. We had sent Paw Paw and Grandma Kate, some of the oil that Megan bottled over the summer and a few other things and Uncle Bill seemed to really like his new painting supplies. The girls got all got robes, they put them on and stayed snuggled in them the rest of the evening. they also received gloves. Johanna's gloves had kitten faces and she engaged in a puppet show at the bottom of the camera for the rest of the call. It was so nice to see them, Jim and I talked about it later and said we would love to continue to do holidays via video call with them.

We played games and just reveled in each other presence. I love having them together. For dinner I made homemade Mac n cheese (that Heather usually makes) and our traditional cocktail meatballs. Em got a message that one of her co-workers tested positive for Covid-19 and the anxiety of the pandemic seeped into our house. There was nothing to do about it in that moment so we focused on the moment. After dinner we reconvened in the living room in front of the tree and pulled out the stacks of Christmas gifts. A few years back Jim and I started wrapping each girl's gifts in a different paper. We continued that tradition and it was easy to set up piles for each of us. In a normal year we would only unwrap Colorado gifts but with Emma leaving in the morning, this year we would open everything except for the stockings on Christmas Eve. 

We opened it all, taking turns of course. Some strong themes appeared. Emma's gifts revolved around her big gift of a Sewing machine, Rachael's filled her new tool box. Megan's were a looser grouping but included some favorite things like a collection of Ella Fitzgerald vinyl records and a beautiful teacup that Jim found. Bridget received embroidery things and room decorations. Johanna's gifts focused on Harry Potter with Legos and a wand. We are blessed to be able to give and to receive.  

After tucking a very sleepy Johanna into bed, Jim,  the big girls and I watched Die Hard. The girls were all snuggled in their robes and we tucked into the sofa for a crazy action film, skipping a few scenes as needed. It certainly wasn't our usual White Christmas screening but it fit the oddness of our year.  

Christmas morning was an early start, so we could all open stockings in the living room before Emma headed to work. We helped pack her up her gifts and cookies and sent her off with apple bread. She went to work and the rest of us went back to bed. 

When we woke up we had a lazy day, we watched A Christmas Story at Bridget's request. I made Christmas breakfast of egg potato casserole, cinnamon rolls and we just enjoyed each other with our tree as our backdrop. Mass was online and the church looked beautiful on screen. It was nice to see our poinsettia and decoration efforts glorify God for the Nativity. 

It has been a hard year but we are blessed with a God who knew we would need help to muck through and guide us back to the fullness of His Love. His help was sending His Love as an infant.

God rest ye merry gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember Christ our Savior

Was born on Christmas Day

To save us all from Satan's power

When we were gone astray

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy 

Bridget turns 14

Ever year it strikes me appropriate that December 22 is when days get longer, when the sun shines more than the day before. After the season of darkening and the winter solstice marking the shortest day of the year, we shift toward light and in our family we celebrate Bridget, who is bright and brings sunshine to my world. I am so glad she was born.

At 14

Bridget is a close sitter- when she joins me on the couch she sits so close she pulls on my skin just a bit and it releases to share the space.

Bridget is angling to be the tallest Kehrman girl, she has grown a few inches but she has a few more to go.

She got her phone a year ago and she plays a lot of Animal Crossing, Among Us and a Home design game. She is very good at being the Imposter in Among Us, making secret kills and avoiding detection.

Her phone has provided a social lifeline during this pandemic. Bridget isn't on social media, but she uses her phone to talk to friends. Her friend group has a video call lunch every school day through the school issued laptops, and she regularly talks with her cousins and plays games.

Bridget commented the other day, that she isn't good at getting social queues and she is glad her friends are used to her. Between the difficulty of understanding nuance via text and dyslexia there can be confusing moments on text, so I am glad she has the option of communicating with facial and vocal info.

The pandemic has given the time for Bridget to practice embroidery, and painting, and drawing. Most days Bridget has an active art piece on the floor with the tools of the trade scattered around her.

Bridget thrives on a solid start of a day and likes to have time to prepare. 

Bridget rearranges her room occasionally and redecorates. This year she asked for vines for her birthday and now has a lovely cottagey vibe in her bedroom.

Bridge is a vegetarian, but somedays her main food group is starch. This has resulted in the whole family eating more vegetarian meals. She likes the end crusts of a good loaf of bread.

Bridget is trusting and generous but her tendency to hang back and verify has allowed her to be a good judge of things. Cynicism has crept in a bit, but her instinct to think the best in people is still dominant. 

She is a solid member of Hufflepuff house.

We tease her that she is perpetually 8 years old in our minds, but Bridget has crossed into being one of the big sisters, one of the big cousins and is included in conversations and jokes. This transition means that we have also been able to watch shows with her that before I felt she was too young for. We watched "Stranger Things" together this summer and now she, Megan and I are watching "Downton Abbey". 

It is such a blessing to have Bridget in my life: to see her grow and learn and mature. She is beautiful and loving and kind. 

We celebrated Bridget's birthday with curbside pick up dinner. She chose Olive Garden, because she loves the breadsticks and we all enjoyed it. This was a welcome redo from last year, where we tired Olive Garden, but Papa was working, Emma's car wasn't running right, Rachael was struggling, and Johanna whined all through her birthday dinner. We salvaged that night last year but this year no salvage operation was needed. Bridget opened her gifts, mostly clothes since she has grown so much. I took her shopping for much wanted jeans that fit, so she knew some of what she was opening. Dinner was great and easy and we again went out to Baskin Robbin's for ice cream. We returned home with our ice cream and the girls played a game of Exploding Kittens. It was a really fun day.

Quite a Day in 2020

The year is rounding it's last corner before it slides into the past and certainly history books. Thing after thing has been in the news but today stood out to me.

December 14, 2020

- First doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer were administered in the US, and hopefully Moderna's vaccine will get approval through Trump's Operation Warp Speed closely followed by a few more pharmaceutical companies versions.

- Coronavirus deaths: 1.7 million worldwide,  330,000 United States,  5,000 Maryland

- Electoral Colleges vote in State Houses across the country and certify the US Presidential election for Joe Biden

- Trump loses his lawsuit claiming election fraud in the Wisconsin Supreme Court. There have been about 50 lawsuits, including a suit at the US Supreme Court where Texas sued to invalidate 4 swing state results that went to Biden, none of which have resulted in Trump's goal to overturn the election

- Trump US Attorney General, William Barr, cordially resigns 

- US Government Agencies and companies were hacked by a large scale Russian operation beginning back in March and discovered only this month. The extent of the intrusion is still being determined.

- Congress still hasn't finalized a Coronavirus Aid Bill or the Omnibus Spending Bill. Unemployment and other aid provisions run out after Christmas and the government funding deadline rapidly approaches.

- The US Postal Service is completely swamped by increased online shopping and are plagued with worker illness. Many packages won't be arriving on time for Christmas.

Covid Testing

 The Corona Virus is spreading wider in the community and we know people who have gotten ill with it. It is creeping closer and closer. Jim has had a number of co-workers not be able to come in because of exposure and quarantines. We got past Thanksgiving and Monday morning Shari texted me that Sierra was running a fever. Sierra's only outside contact- a walk with Bridget. Bridget isolated in the basement and we made appointments for testing. It took 3 days for Sierra to get in for a test because no one wants to bring in someone with symptoms. The rest of the Arciaga's got tests Monday. They got negative results pretty quickly. Jim took Bridget for testing at a drive thru site and they both got swabbed. Bridget stayed isolated in the basement and we brought her food and wore masks. 

Jim took off Thursday while we waited. Friday morning Bridget got her results- negative, that night Sierra got her results- negative. It was so nice to have Bridget at dinner again.  Jim still didn't get his results and work would not let him back without results. It was frustrating but we understood the policy. Jim kept checking and calling. Monday he finally got someone on the phone and was told the lab never transmitted the results but that it was negative. It isn't a perfect system. It could be smoother on many fronts, we are nine months into this pandemic, and it is exhausting.

Thanksgiving 2020

 Nov 26, 2020

   This has been a year that has caused me to see how blessed we are. As Covid-19 continues to claim lives and the pandemic is pulling people into poverty in large numbers, I am grateful for the support system that we have, the blessings of jobs and health, the blessing of our home, the blessing of family to share our physical life and our cares, and I am ever thankful for the faith in our God of hope.

   We wouldn't be getting together as an extended family at Will and Heather's but none of us wanted to miss our family meal. We decided to do a food swap in the parking lot after Thanksgiving Day Mass. Each of us made our traditional dish x 5 and we swapped passing on our Holiday greetings. I then drove Will and Heather's share to them in Gaithersburg and picked up Will's famous stuffing. When I returned to the area I made the rounds to pick up Rachael and to drop off the stuffing at everyone's house. 

   When Rachael and I got back home we all wore masks. The really odd parade was already over and got poor reviews from the girls, but they still seemed glad for something. We decided to use a cloth tablecloth and the good china and make the most of our dinner together to celebrate. As we prepared the turkey and set the table Rachael suggested we listen to a podcast by Native Americans and their take on the holiday and the things they focus on. They brought a good perspective, had a few challenging things but also many confirmations of values that we hold, being humble, being grateful, taking care, and honoring family, history, and community.  Emma arrived during this time and soon our turkey was ready, all of our dishes were warmed and it was time to eat. Rachael wanted to abide by CDC guidelines so we set up a table for her in the living room and we all sat down for dinner. Johanna struggled to pick the perfect beverage and the perfect glass but soon we said our prayer of thanksgiving and enjoyed a delicious meal.

After dinner we did a whole family video call and then the cousins broke off to their own call, where they played a number of virtual games. Jim and I stayed on with the adults and visited with my siblings and Dad, who was at Joe and Magaly's.  After that we did a little clean up and then got a video call with Jim's brother and parents. It was so good to see everyone and catch up and "be" together. We are so thankful.

I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart;I will declare all your wondrous deeds.  Psalm 9:1

Rachael gets an apartment

Gaining independence during a pandemic is a challenge, and Rachael was one of thousands of college students trying to make headway into adulthood when we shut down. Rachael pushed through the barriers and searched for apartments online and worked with friends in similar situations. Finally in October after months of socially distant planning, she found a 3 bedroom/1 bath townhouse with a basement that allows for cats and got to the paperwork. The apartment is within walking distance of UMBC, so if it turns out to be a good place, she can stay here until the end of college. Lease paperwork was a hassle with 3 first time renters and 3 co-signers but finally it got submitted and accepted.  The move-in date was set for Halloween.

Rachael had to work that weekend and we weren't available to help, so Rachael slept over on Halloween after work and we set her move-in to be on Tuesday, which also happened to be election day. Moving was a great distraction from politics.

Rachael's first night was a fitting pizza and moving boxes vibe, but spiced up with Rachael's Halloween costume, Kyoshi Warrior. she asked me if I would bless the new place, so I brought over holy water and offered a house blessing when I dropped her off.

On Tuesday Jim had off and Emma came down to help. We packed up the van and got the twin bed, that Emma had used and had been stored in our garage, over to the townhouse. While the sisters put the bed together, Papa, Bridget and I went over to my Dad's house and picked up the white dresser and mirror and cabinet, that I had in middle school and moved those over as well. About 2 weeks prior we went to an estate sale around the corner and found a kitchen table and a bunch of kitchen wares.  Between those items, lots of personal items, and Aunt Mickey's brown dishes the only thing missing was a sofa and coffee tables.  That night I took her grocery shopping and we stocked her pantry cabinets and fridge. 

I found a free sofa on Facebook Marketplace, so on my birthday, Jim went with Rachael to pick it up and move it into her place. It was really heavy and was a physical undertaking, but they did it, and immediately it felt more like a home. Leia, Rachael's cat, took a few days to get settled but she was more relaxed once the place was furnished. The next day I grabbed her a bookshelf from online. I feel like Rachael is set up for success and I look forward to seeing her grow in her independence.

O heavenly Father, Almighty God, we humbly beseech Thee to bless and sanctify this house and all who dwell therein and everything else in it, and do Thou vouchsafe to fill it with all good things; grant to them, O Lord, the abundance of heavenly blessings and from the richness of the earth every substance necessary for life, and finally direct their desires to the fruits of Thy mercy. At our entrance, therefore, deign to bless and sanctify this house as Thou didst deign to bless the house of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob; and may the angels of Thy light, dwelling within the walk of this house, protect it and those who dwell therein. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Johanna turns 8

Nov 2, 2020

Our girl is eight!  Johanna had a fantastic birthday. It started with breakfast in bed surrounded by her family singing to her. This is a tradition that had fallen victim to diverging schedules and early mornings and Johanna had mentioned that she didn't remember ever getting breakfast in bed. I know that we had done this but she was so young that she doesn't remember it. The pandemic allowed for all of us, including Rachael who moves out tomorrow to make pancakes and bring her a tray. She was so joyful! She was still in a good mood after school and had definitely felt special at school. 

 When Johanna got home from school her attention was on baking and icing her cake at her request. We made a good team and she had a good time picking a tiered cake and sparkly blue icing. she asked to decorate it herself and she did a beautiful job. She picked meatballs and spaghetti again for dinner so I picked those up from Scitinos and Jim prepared them for dinner.

After dinner we shared cake and then Johanna got to open gifts. This year we got her a weighted blanket and Jim found a Dragonology book, that has maps and diagrams and secret codes. The two of them have been reading a series called Dragon Masters and Johanna loves main character Drake and all of the different dragons that they meet on their adventures. Rachael has been packing and going through her stuff and she decided to give Johanna her nook. Johanna's face lit up at having her own device. She wants to be able to play games and have a screen like everyone else in the house does. She was thrilled. That night Rachael read her another chapter in Harry Potter Chamber of Secrets

Johanna is full of big emotions and ideas and energy. She loves books and is reading independently. She has been reading through the A to Z mysteries series. Her favorite show recently has been Dragon Riders, which is a spin off of How to train your Dragon and Super Monsters. this pandemic has shifted our focus in the neighborhood and mostly plays with Elliot from across the street. He is generally just as happy to swing sticks and run around as she is. Johanna plays in her room with Barbies or Legos and she likes to set up shops where we can come and purchase a thing or service. Johanna uses lots of sticky notes and makes us all id cards and love notes. Johanna talks through scenarios, when rules are given, and is a stickler for accuracy in what is said. She will hold you to your word. Johanna is going to be great at running things someday. She has plans.

Happy Birthday Johanna!

Halloween 2020

To host or not to host. Covid can't cancel holidays but it does impact the plans we make to celebrate them. We usually have a firepit in our front yard and host 3-4 families. We go trick or treating in big groups and visit all of the neighbors.  This year we decided not to go Trick or Treating, but we still wanted to get-together. We talked about options for a few weeks and decided that we would host a movie in the back yard for the kids and we would have a firepit in the front yard for the adults. We'd start later, limit food and wear masks. 

Johanna picked a cat for her costume, and I sewed a mask to make it an easy costume. she got to wear it to school on Friday. The outside parade was canceled because we had heavy rain the night before and it was a muddy mess, but they live streamed it and all of us at home got the stop and see her go through the halls at school.

Bridget put together a peacock costume using her dance costume for the recital that got cancelled. I got her peacock feathers for her hair and it was a comfortable pretty look.  Although I think it may have been a bit chilly in the back yard. She and Sarah had matching dresses. 

We worked with Wendell, who had a projector and big portable speaker and we set up a movie in the back yard. the kids spread out around the fire pit to watch the new version of The Witches by Roald Dahl. It was a little scary for Johanna and she came around to the front yard for a while. The kids kept a good fire going because it was a cold night. But we pulled out blankets and hats and everyone had a good time.

Megan decided to be El this Halloween. Eleven is a character from Stranger Things which is based in the 80's. We went and found a yellow button up shirt and Megan painted it to match the shirt eleven wears in one of the episodes. She tested a few blood options for her bloody nose to complete the look.

Jim and Rachael both had to work but both got off early enough to enjoy the evening. Rachael wore her Keoshi Warrior makeup to work and then got in her full costume which she designed and sewed herself. Halloween was also the first day her roommates were moving into the new apartment and she would be joining them for the night. (Her move-in date was a few days later) So she gathered Leia, a sleeping bag and various and sundries. We stopped for sparkling cider and pizza.

Halloween was the first gathering of friends we had in a long time and it was so good to be together. Us, Shumakers, Arciagas, Brinks. It was only a few days before the election and tensions were high and our guest list included different politics. I had been nervous, but we had wonderful natural conversation around the firepit and avoided politics. It was a great evening, albeit cold. Those facemasks were a welcome addition to ward off the cold.