{Life} Roller Coaster Week

Hello! I did not mean to take almost a full month off but it does happen to be about my busiest month all year. Between Doug's birthday (end of April) and the end of May, so much happens. So I have now dubbed one week "Roller Coaster Week" as it's a roller coaster of emotions, thoughts, feelings, and just plain busyness.

The roller coaster week starts on May 16. 5 years ago on May 16, we lost my brother. I was going to write about it again as it's the 5th anniversary but I just couldn't put my feelings into words. I've done it before on here (last year on his birthday) and through Facebook and I even mentioned it on Instagram (follow me at thebrickbungalow) but I just couldn't make another post. 

He had a larger than life personality and so many people miss him. I know he would have adored Nate and Nate would be in love with him. My brother had a way with kids and he and Lily were an instant bond. The fact that Nate is almost his mini-me is crazy. And Jesse would have loved watching Lily play soccer and softball. 

This week, at least this year, was the last week of my school (as I'm a teacher). Doug's last week is this current week, so he's coming to an end too. But last week, for me, was chaos. They tell us to "teach 'til the last minute" but really… come on! Have YOU tried to teach middle school students on the last week??!?! Chaos. I become a babysitter, not a teacher. And don't even do the math on what I'd make if I was a true babysitter (hourly wage per kid x number of kids per class = way more than what I make!). Ugh. Just ugh.

Then, on the 20th, the last day of school, was my 10 (TEN!) year anniversary with Doug. TEN. Holy cow! The photo below was from our second anniversary. We are really terrible about taking photos of us on our anniversary - maybe that'll be our goal for the next 10 years! 

And then to end of the roller coaster was Lily's birthday. My baby girl turned 7. SEVEN. How did that one happen!?!? I'll be posting more about this now second grader soon. I'll update this collage of her birthday shirts (all made from my mother-in-law). 

So in one week, just seven simple days, I go from one of the lowest of the low type feelings to super excited and happy. You can see how crazy it's been. So now I'm anxious to get my hands dirty and work on gardening, updating blog photos, and working on our basement! 

Today is my actual first day off for summer and although my to do list is long and I have a little girl's birthday party to get ready for, I found myself not in the mood for anything. I did get two plants in the garden that were about to die if I didn't and I took a great nap, but still. I just felt like a balloon that lost its air. Out of shape, no energy, nothing to say "let's do this!" I tried music, sugar, caffeine… everything. But not much. Tomorrow should be better. I have huge plans for the next month!!

So how's your summer? Big plans for Memorial Day? We always have Lily's party then so that's about all we have going on.