Sleep at Last

Eric has been struggling with severe snoring for the last several years.  It had gotten to the point where we couldn't sleep anywhere near each other because the constant roaring, gagging, and choking would keep me up all night.  He finally was able to get in to the Sleep Lab to get a sleep study to evaluate him for sleep apnea.  They discovered that Eric stopped breathing 110 times per hour - nearly every 30 seconds!  His sleep apnea was causing him massive headaches, irritability, forgetfulness, and such an extreme sense of fatigue that he could fall asleep mid-sentence.  So, the doctor ordered him a CPAP machine to be worn every night.  I'm happy to report that it has made a world of  difference for him.  Headaches are gone, mood has improved, and the roaring snoring has subsided...so much so that we can actually sleep in the same bed again.  It was quite the process to get this miracle machine (3 months and $5000 later), but I'm so glad it's providing him with some relief and restful nights.

Winter Recital

Monday night was the Winter Recital for my piano students.  Every single one of them played music that stretched their abilities and they did an absolutely wonderful job.  Things are getting more and more exciting as they begin to explore new key signatures and move hand positions within their songs.  I am so proud of these wonderful students and am thankful for the opportunity to be their teacher!

"SpikBall"

Eric and I almost died laughing when this gem came home from school.

"How to Make a Spik(e)Ball"

1. Make a SpikBall.
2. Done you made that.
3. Love that SpikBall.

Oliva Evelyn Frissmas

I've been going through baby clothes over the course of the last week - sorting out what to keep, sell, or donate before our new baby comes.  Olivia has been "helping" me and found this 18 month sized Santa suit that she insisted on wearing.  She told me she's "Olivia Evelyn Frissmas" and even wore it to pick Nolan from school.

Grandma Viv

Eric's Grandma Vivian has been struggling with dementia for many years.  Though she was still living at home when I met her 13 years ago, she was starting to slip in terms of memory and struggled with moments of confusion.  Over the past years, it was no longer safe for her to remain at home as she needed constant supervision, and the decision was made that she would move to a memory-care facility.  She remained there for many years and for most of them, she still lit up when she saw a young child and looked forward to her visits from Steve and the rest of her family.  But as her mind began to fail her more, it became difficult for her to remember her loved ones and her quality of life deteriorated.

Grandma Viv passed away on December 4th.  Per her request, we had a funeral and visitation for her at the Church where she taught Sunday School for many years out in Pelican Lake.  The tiny church was overwhelmed with the number of people that came, including all of Eric's siblings and their families from the Milwaukee area.  It was a simple, meaningful service that I know brought a lot of comfort to Grandpa Frank, Steve, and Uncle Dan.  (Despite our little daughter inappropriately yelling, "Grandma Viv is really dead," repeatedly throughout. She also LOUDLY told me that the first hymn was "Terrible.")

Nolan handled the situation very well.  He remembered the experiences surrounding Grandpa Ralph's funeral this spring, and he was comfortable asking questions and going up to the casket to visit Grandma Viv.  I was so proud of him for following along in the worship aid and hymnal and joining in when he was able.  He is growing up.

Later that evening, the whole Ory family went out to celebrate being together.  We went to Holiday Acres and spent some great time laughing, sharing stories, and enjoying some delicious food.  Though the circumstances were sad, it is always good when the family has a reason to get together.

Love Notes

Nolan's always been a super early riser and this morning, he used those wee hours to write special love notes for Mom and Dad.  Here is mine:

And here is Eric's:

(Dear Dad, I love you. Remember that time that I pooped my pants on Christmas! Love, Nolan!)

I find it so funny that he knows what will warm each of our hearts - a love note of gratitude for Mom and a hilarious note about pooping for Dad.  He is such a sweet, caring, and perceptive little boy.

Week 48: Snow

It was a beautiful 45 degree December Friday, and Eric decided to leave work early so we could take the kids to the cabin for a few minutes of outside play and sledding.  The icy snow propelled them down the hills and they had a blast enjoying the wintry fun!