Welcome to July, my friends! I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend for those here in the U.S. It’s been a good week overall.
Finally, Chloe got back to gymnastics practice. Her coaches set up some outdoor practices at a nearby park, which is allowed here in Michigan since the gyms have not been opened by the governor yet. It was good for her to get back to training. And I got to get back to writing in my “mobile office,” as I like to call it. I’ve written and edited so much of so many of my books in my car over the years while she’s practiced hard at the sport she loves. It’s nice to be back in the writer’s seat. 😉
It’s been a very hot week here in Michigan – in the 90s and humid daily – so we’ve been staying inside for the most part. I decided to crack open my Instant Loss Cookbook and try a healthy recipe or two. I made the chicken tortilla soup and it was so good. I’m not one for peppers and onions in my food, but for my husband, who loves those things, I made sure to include everything the recipe called for and I challenged myself to just eat it all, and I did not regret one bite. It wasn’t too spicy, which was good since spicy foods are not my thing and my tummy doesn’t like them. But this was the perfect amount – not too spicy. Jake just added extra seasonings after the fact to spice it up and it was all good. HERE is a link to the recipe if you’re interested.
Watched a few things this week while staying cool. Chloe and I watched the documentary, Athlete A, on Netflix about the sexual abuse that went on within USA Gymnastics for years. It was heartbreaking that this happened to hundreds and hundreds of girls. Was a very well put together documentary worth watching.
Another series we watched was Dark on Netflix. Jake introduced me to this apocalyptic story (German with subtitles) last year. We watched the first two seasons and have been waiting for season 3 (the final season), which came out a week ago. Finished that last night, and the finale was really good. We were pleased with it. We always compare it to Stranger Things and even Lost at times, with all the twists and turns. It was really well done, but it for sure can give you a headache, trying to keep track of all the characters, who is connected to who, etc.
We also watched HAMILTON, of course. Who didn’t? haha! I have to admit, I knew very little about it, except how popular it was. I had only ever heard one of the songs, and I didn’t know anything other than Lin-Manuel Miranda was Alexander Hamilton. And I really enjoyed it. Will definitely be watching again. So many great moments and songs. Especially the forgiveness scene. Those who have seen it will know the exact moment I’m talking about. Such a powerful moment.
Spent some time at my parents’ farm on Friday, celebrating my brother Tim’s birthday. The last birthday we celebrated all together like that was Chloe’s in February. And we’ve only all been over there a couple times in the past four months, so it was good family time.
We had a quiet 4th of July at home, which was nice. Didn’t venture out to any fireworks, but we had plenty of neighbors shooting them off around us.
Felt like getting out of the house yesterday, so I went to my parents’ again and sat on the porch with my mom for a few hours. The weirdest pop-up rain showers came through while we sat there. It was fun to just sit and talk and watch them roll in, downpour, then go away. Cooled us off, too, which was nice. And my dad’s fields needed a drink so that was good too.
I just wanted to end my post today by thanking everyone who prayed for Chloe over the past week. We have felt your prayers as her broken heart begins to heal. It’s hard being a teenager with so many dreams for the future and wanting to grow up so fast. I just want her to slow down and enjoy this stage that she’s in, but I know she won’t. I didn’t when I was her age. Trying to keep listening and giving her the best advice I can, always reminding her that God is where her true happiness will come from.
Have a wonderful week!