The "Little Ones" Cleaning Team...

12 July 2026: Erin met me out at my parents' Martinsburg house to help with the clean-up/clean-out. I can't say enough how much help she was and how much real progress we made together. I feel a million times better about it all--despite being tired and dirty afterwards. 

She is a rock for me and a sanity checker. Profoundly grateful for her. 

As for the post's title, when we were growing up, the rest of the family called us "the little ones..."

Easter 2026

 5 April 2026: 

I love my little egg son. 

Had a wonderful Easter with Erin, Eric, Krista, and Isla. So blessed to have them so close.

Road trip partner...

6 March 2026:

[Catch-up post...]

Drove up to NY with Erin for Troy's funeral. We've made too many of these trips together lately, but I couldn't ask for a better co-pilot. Somehow we talk the whole time, but it never feels forced. On these last three trips (to see my dad when he was sick, to go back up for his funeral, and now this one), we've literally laughed and cried. We talk stuff out, think through things out loud, and work through big emotions. 

Basically, this is a baby sister appreciation post. Very blessed to have her in my life. 

Krista's first Shakespeare...

11 January 2026: For part of her Christmas gift, I got tickets for us to see Macbeth in Frederick (along with an annotated copy of the play). She was completely prepared and enrapt. I think she might be too smart? 

After we met up with Erin, Eric, and Isla for dinner. (Erin took the picture.)

Another pretty good day!

Lights...

28 November 2025: Over the course of hanging the Christmas lights today, I stopped and talked to all three of my siblings about our dad's condition. Later in the day, Jeff organized a conference call. It was comforting to all talk together, but my goodness: the reason is so sad. So yeah...another hard day. 

I can't imagine putting up any decorations this Christmas except these lights and I can't imagine not putting up these lights. All of that makes sense in my heart and my head. 

First year with the new landscaping and you can really see the lights so much better now. That makes me happy.

Jojo taking a peek here.

Every time my dad sees pictures of my lights, he says, "I like the colored lights." Just another way I am my father's daughter. 

Wind walk

16 November 2025: 

[Catch-up post]

Yesterday felt so long, but by 5:30 or so, I had only about 3500 steps. I also just needed to get out there and walk and think and just be alone for a bit--even though it was dark and my throat hurt and my voice was hoarse and there was a literal "gale force wind" warning.

There I was, for over an hour, doing laps at the high school, for almost all of it, the only lunatic on the track. At one point, the wind almost blew me over. 

But I did it and it helped and it felt good.

Erin gently teased me about my "wind walk," but I told her it was just what I needed. 

Family visit

20 August 2025: Got to spend some time today with my parents, Erin, Krista, and Isla. We celebrated my dad's 79th birthday a few days early, too.

Nonpareils...

27 July 2025: The first night in our hotel, when the staff did a turn-down service while we were out, they left a rose and two little nonpareil candies on a pillow. Those were Ryan's favorite candy. I teared up as soon as I made the connection. 

Erin, Tara, and I talked about how meaningful it was that our get-together coincided with the anniversary of his death. In fact, we talked about him and much more (some very painful, but also with lots of laughter) all weekend long. 

Sisters' trip, day two...

26 July 2025: 

[Catch-up post...]

From starting off at the Central Market to shopping to visiting Wheatland to a night-time round of mini-golf, we really made the most of our full day together. 

Sisters' trip!

25 July 2025: 

[Catch-up post...]

So much fun to get together with Tara and Erin for a couple of days in Lancaster.

Christmas: Part 2

29 December 2024: Hosted Erin and company, Tara and the boys, and my parents today for Christmas: Part 2. Pretty great time!

(this last one taken--obviously--shortly after everyone left)

Christmas 2024

25 December 2024: Blessed to spend the day with Erin, Eric, and the girls (and the dogs, one of whom was insistent on some face-licking...).

Thanksgiving 2024

28 November 2024: 

[Catch-up post]

So thankful to have these four in my life and for the chance to spend the day with them.

The girls invited me to spend the night and watch Christmas movies with them, which delighted me. We watched Mickey's Christmas Carol, Frosty the Snowman, and Home Alone. Just a really lovely, cozy day. 

"You know, making brownies for a bake sale..."

20 November 2024: The post's title comes from my sister's reply when I asked how her birthday was going. She added, "Does anything say 'Mom in her 40s more than that?'" We laughed about that and then reassured each other that "age is just a number" and then laughed at that.

She might be 44, but she's forever and always my baby sister. 

Street Fest 2024

29 June 2024: What a great day today was! This morning, I had a volunteer shift at Street Fest. Then I can home to meet Erin and the girls, who finally met Jo. That went swimmingly, of course. And we went to Street Fest. Hot as heck, but fun. 

Easter 2024

31 March 2024: Marshmallow Peeps are not my fav, but they helped my carrot cake look good enough to impress some of my *actual* favorite peeps. 

So very blessed to get to spend every Easter with Erin, Eric, and the girls. 

Snow ducks...

19 January 2023: I think Jane got me this duck snowball (?) maker two years ago and I had no chance to use it. Busted it out today for the fresh snow that fell, canceling classes for another day. 

After all these years, when it comes to groups of youngsters, I still think in fives.  

Christmas Eve 2023

24 December 2023: 

[Catch-up post...]

A couple of pictures from the nicest parts of the day...

Thanksgiving 2023

23 November 2023:Some pictures from Thanksgiving at the McNett house.

With Krista and my silly veggie turkey.

Doing the "mashed potato" at dinner.

The chefs with their work.

Art with Isla.

Just hanging with two of my favorite people.

My influence...

14 July 2023: Little trip to NY coming up for Aidan and Colin's graduation parties. Erin and the girls are already up there. Erin sent this dispatch earlier.

I mean, in the long run, my legacy of TV influence on them better be more than this, but I am not ashamed.