A day at Manteo

Yesterday we took the kids and spent an entire day on Roanoke Island. This is where the original English colony in the United States was located, where Virginia Dare, the first white child born in the United States was born, and where the colonists disappeared without a trace...a mystery that still remains. My husband and I never come to the Outer Banks without visiting Manteo. It's one of our favorite little corners of the earth. We took the kids to visit the Elizabeth II, a replica of the ship the colonists traveled on. HT was all about this. He couldn't wait. Unfortunately, when we got on, there was a tourist "pirate ship" putting on a display in the water as well. They threw someone overboard (obviously all part of the act) and that was all HT needed to see. He announced he didn't want to get on the pirate ship, and he wanted off this ship. He looked around a little, but mostly was happier on the dock where he could keep an eye on the pirate ship. The kids were also able to see a black smithing demonstration, and JR was the recipient of the nail the black smith made. We took the kids to a theater show in the afternoon which was loved by all! We also visited an interactive children's museum about the colony and of course had a good lunch and an even better dinner. The restaurant we found for dinner was by far the nicest restaurant the kids had ever eaten at. JC was a bit annoyed when her applesauce arrived and the rest of her food didn't. We explained that the food arrived in courses, and this was "round 1". They were all very pleased that we carried the meal all the way through to "round 3"...dessert. We arrived home last evening in time for another beautiful sunset over the sound. It was a wonderful day!

We suddenly became not-so-smart

This was the first year we've come to the ocean and had our GPS along. We don't have it on for everyday use. We only use it for trips where we're just not entirely sure where we are going. I prefer mostly back road traveling, and the GPS often disagrees with me, so we just don't use it that often. We had it on for this trip though, although I also printed out a trip tik just to be certain we had a good back up. What amused us though, is the fact that as soon as we turn on the GPS, the kids seem to think we get stupid. They are constantly asking us if we are going the correct direction, and do we really know where we're going? We have no idea why they are completely okay when we are on our own, but when we use a guide they suddenly have no confidence in us. Perhaps the statement I make regarding their video games (electronics can rot your brains) is actually sinking in!

In the Sun

We've had another great day on vacation. Even though some storms came through last night, we got to watch another gorgeous sunset over the sound. My husband and the kids were up early this morning and were off to the beach. Everyone enjoyed the water, except HT who preferred the security of building a sandcastle on the shore. When they returned we all hit the pool. I have been staying under the umbrella and lathering up the 50 spf sunblock, but I'm still getting some color. Of course, given how pale I am it doesn't take much to get some color! This afternoon we are headed out to do some shopping and are planning a late dinner here at the house. Mother-in-law brought some ribs and my husband is marinading some salmon so it's going to be a nice dinner. We are enjoying our time together!

Vacation Day 1

We have arrived safe and sound in North Carolina. It was a long day yesterday, but the kids are old enough that they really are great about traveling by now. We have rented a gorgeous home for the week. It has great views of the sound and we loved watching the sunset over the sound last night. The kids have enjoyed hours in the pool today and before too long we are headed out for a wonderful seafood dinner. So far, so good!

Ready to hit the road

My wonderful husband is packing the van so we can hit the road bright and early in the morning. Actually, just early as we are hoping to be on the road before the sun even comes up. The kids are very excited, and I'm grateful that they've reached an age where they can be a big help in the packing process. It's still a lot of work though, and I'm not terribly excited about the really long drive that faces us tomorrow, but to be able to spend a week at the ocean will be worth it!

We are also officially finished with ball season. JR's team played last night, the only game that happened. I'm appreciative of the league...they truly did everything they could to make that game happen. It was still only the seventh game the boys were able to play. They had a good time though, and I'm grateful that my husband coached JR again this year. I know they are making great memories together!

Packing up

I've spent the day doing laundry and getting ready to hit the road. We leave Sunday for the Outer Banks to spend the week with my husband's parents and brother. We've rented a house with a pool and I know that the kids are going to have a wonderful week. I'm not a huge fan of the ocean, but if I have to be there the Outer Banks are my favorite. Even though I don't want to vacation in the same place over and over again, year after year, I enjoy the fact that I'm familiar with the Outer Banks, and that helps me to relax about it a little bit.

The ball season is wrapping up here, but as always I never feel it's quick enough. HT had his final game Tuesday. JC had one in a neighboring town as well so I didn't get to be at HT's game. JR had one Wednesday evening, but they only made it into the bottom of the second inning before the skies completely opened up and it rained so hard that it literally flooded the diamonds. I feel badly for him and my husband. They've only been able to play six games this year because of the weather. Even the league president commented on how they've had the worst luck! It's rained here again today, and of course they are supposed to play this evening. My guess though, is that they might be able to get it in as long as it doesn't rain any more. I guess we'll just see what happens. JC's final game is tomorrow. It's a make up game and none of us are particularly pleased about it. She would rather be attending the league's year end picnic which is happening at the same time. It should be a gorgeous day to be outside, and they are both at the same park so it will all work out!

To the pool

In spite of the fact that we've had quite a bit of rain this week, there have also been many pool days. I don't necessarily enjoy being at the pool myself, but I do LOVE pool days! Why you might ask? Because my husband takes all three kids to the pool and I get to be in the house ALL ALONE. Love it, love it, LOVE IT! I am reminded every day how much I love my amazing husband, and as much as I love being a mom, I'm so grateful for a few hours of solitude each week. He's an amazing father.

Father's Day

This might sound odd, but Father's Day is a day that tends to make me feel inadequate. I always feel as though I never do enough or give enough thought to make the day special for the two best fathers in the world...my dad and my husband. They tell me though, that just getting to spend quality time is really the best gift, and for my dad that's probably true. He's been spending some money in an attempt to make himself more mobile. He's had a scooter lift installed in his van, and he also purchased a golf cart to have at home so that he can drive around the neighborhood. He took the kids yesterday on a golf cart ride while we were there. Knowing him, it was probably his favorite thing he had done all day, and I know it was for the kids. I know every day that I'm blessed to have these two wonderful men in my life, and I'm especially grateful for them on Father's Day. I couldn't ask for better examples for my sons!

Late nights

We've had several late nights around here, which have led to some late mornings. The kids had a great time at a pool birthday party Friday afternoon. That evening I wasn't home, and my wonderful husband decided it would be a good idea to let the kids stay up really late and watch a movie. I wasn't thrilled, but he often doesn't think ahead. Saturday, they were up early and we ventured out to JC's game at noon. We had to run out for some things after, and then we were at another friend's house for another birthday party by 5:00. We knew it would be a late night as these are our best friends, and the kids had packed pajamas so they could go to sleep there. Sure enough, it was after 1AM before we loaded the kids up and came home. I have no idea what time JC got up this morning because it was before me, but HT slept until 10:30 and JR slept until 11:30 (just another sign that his teenage years are almost upon us!). We attended Mass at 12:30 and then we spent the afternoon watching our Reds beat the Blue Jays. Dinner was at my parents house and then everyone came home and tumbled into bed. I know we are all tired, but we had fun!

Busy Signal

JR was trying to return the phone call of a friend this morning. He brought me the phone and insisted it was broken because it kept making this really strange noise. I decided to try myself and began laughing when I heard the busy signal...this generation has no idea what that is! They don't know anything except call waiting and voice mail...busy signal? His dad and I were very amused! Welcome to the 1970's son!

Settling into a routine

We seem to be settling into our summer routine as the days pass. For some reason though, and I can't quite place my finger on it, but I continued to feel unsettled. I really don't know why. I think it's mostly just because we haven't really had a chance to just relax as a family, and to be honest my husband doesn't seem to really want to do so. He seems very intent on accomplishing something major every day, and I just can't get on board with that right now. Some days I feel as though we are pushing against each other rather than communicating and working with each other. It's not the first time though, and this shall pass. I kind of wish we could just have a complete wash out of a day and that way we could play board games and hang out as a family without feeling guilty about not working outside or running off to a game. The season is only another week long!

We made it through a week

We've made it through an entire week of the kids being home for the summer. For several reasons, it's felt as if they've already been off forever. I'm happy to report that the family drama that was rearing its ugly head over the weekend has resolved itself, at least generally speaking. The bank has FINALLY posted our house payment and everything worked out there. I've sent off the documentation that was required for HT's medical bills and hopefully that will also work itself out without too much more hassle. The IRS has also caused some delays with our tax refund. They've requested some additional information which I have already sent them, but I'll send it again. It's a hassle as well, but I'm sure it will work out at some point. I'm also completely covered with chigger bites. It's been pretty miserable, but Benadryl helps tremendously with the itching. Unfortunately, I pretty much can't function when I take Benadryl, so I've been a walking zombie most of the day. We were also sad that HT's godfather lost his dad last week. We spent Sunday at the visitation, and my wonderful husband spent Monday helping the family at the funeral. I'm told it was a very beautiful service. Our friend is holding up well

As far as the kids, they've done pretty well. Thursday was a pool party thrown by JC's teacher. The family was invited and we all had a great time. There's also been a few graduation parties, and on Sunday the kids got to spend all day at my parents and grandmother's house. After the visitation, we had a great day visiting with family. Monday the kids got to visit some friends (who happen to live in the woods, and even though I was only there five minutes it's how I got covered with the chigger bites). There have been a few ball games, and a couple of board games in between cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Overall, we are enjoying our laid back life!

Family drama

There has been enough family drama around here in the last 48 hours to last a lifetime. I am a little bit accustomed to this in my mother's family, and for the most part I'm able to experience it from afar and just kind of ignore it. I might get mad about some things, but it rarely affects me directly. This however, is occurring in my husband's family. Even though they are all over 250 miles away, this directly affects our household and I've been hopping mad for the last two days. My husband has always been the easy-going, laid-back, I'll-keep-my-mouth-shut-because-it's-the-right-thing-to-do member of his family. This particular incident however, he couldn't just sit by and let it happen. The lever of disrespect was just too much. He decided to speak up, and unfortunately there are a lot of hurt feelings in the family right now...ironically the person that started all of this is of course being "sheltered" from all of it. I know that this is all going to subside. I just don't want my kids suffering because of the actions and decisions of others. I hope they never have any idea all of this has happened!

Most funnest day

According to JR, today was the most funnest day. Apparently, he still has some learning to do!

The kids loved every minute of their last day of school. I was extremely concerned about the heat because the heat index is near 100 degrees here. Each kid had half a day of field day, and then spent the other half indoors. There isn't air conditioning at school, but they did make every attempt to keep everyone quiet, cool, and hydrated. The report cards also came home, and everyone did very well in that regard also.

My wonderful husband and I spent the day shopping. I'm not sure we've ever had a shopping day like we did today. We bought some clothes and shoes for ourselves, some clothes (and Christmas presents) for the kids, and some other things we wanted for the house. We also treated ourselves to lunch out. It was great having the entire day all to ourselves. We are taking the kids to a movie this evening as a reward for all of them having a great year. Looking forward to the popcorn myself!

What happened to spring?

I've got to wonder, what happened to spring around here? On May 27, we went to a friend's house for the evening. I literally was wearing a turtle neck sweater. Three days later it was in the 90's. That's pretty much been the pattern we've been having here. There have been a couple of days in the 70's and low 80's without humidity, but seriously, just one or two. It's only the beginning of June...I'm not ready for this oppressive heat!!!!!

Anxiety

Today I'm feeling a bit of anxiety...more than just a bit I suppose. This afternoon I'm having a meeting with the school principal to discuss HT's year. I've never written about it here, but this hasn't been a good year. His personality and the personality of his teacher were not a good match, and she flat out told me in October that there were times she couldn't stand to be around him. Some people I've told this to can't believe that I didn't request to have him moved, but at the time I was just too stunned, and looking back now, probably in denial. Anyway, as you can probably imagine, it wasn't a great year for him, and my meeting with the principal is to express our sincere concern that this NOT happen again next year. Because the principal is also my "boss" (after all, he makes the sub calls!) I feel a little anxious discussing this with him. I have no intentions of making demands or asking for promises, but when it comes to my kids I can get a little emotional.

We also know that the father of HT's Godfather is expected to pass anytime now. It's always tough waiting on the phone call. Our family will of course attend the services and be there for "Uncle Nick" however he needs us. I've been saying prayers that he not suffer and the family can find some peace and comfort.

It also seems as though our house payment has been lost in the mail. This is SO frustrating! It was mailed 12 days ago and still hasn't posted on our account. We just refinanced in March, so this is only the second payment I've made to this bank. I do not want to have to get on the phone and deal with this. I know it's not a big deal, I can always make another payment and either stop payment on the first, or just have them apply the "second" payment to our principal. We are very fortunate in that the money is in our savings account and this isn't a huge issue...but it is a hassle.

There are a few other odds and ends happening that when added up cause some anxiety, but mostly I'm just trying to turn it over to God and remember that I'm not supposed to sweat the small stuff!

Three more days!

The kids only have three more days of school. We are all so excited! My wonderful husband has to work Monday and Tuesday, and then everyone is done for the summer. We'll still be busy with ball games of course, but there won't really be a strict schedule to follow. And of course Mom gets to sleep in! That is my favorite part of summer. I've always been a good morning sleeper...not that I'm a night owl, but I'm most certainly NOT a morning person!

A beautiful morning

It is an absolutely gorgeous morning here. Starting Sunday afternoon, things got pretty miserable as far as the heat and humidity. We broke down and turned on the a/c Sunday, but we were able to to turn it off last night. Instead of the 90's that we've had all week, our temps are supposed to be a high of 80, and some places may not even get out of the70's. And there is very little humidity, so it's actually feeling like late spring instead of going straight from early spring (ie wet & cold) to late summer (hot & humid). I've been out planting a few flowers this morning, although HT has asked that I wait and finish when he gets home. Although it will be warmer then, I'm over half done now and he wants to help.

Today should be my last day of subbing for the year. I had a 1/2 day yesterday morning and then 1/2 day this afternoon. It's been so much fun and I've really enjoyed it, but like the kids I'm definitely ready for summer. It's going to be so nice to have us all home at a more relaxed pace. And of course I'm looking forward to sleeping in! My allergies have kicked in, and after the kids left Tuesday I went back to bed until noon. Those days are very rare! I enjoy my quiet time, but I'm still looking forward to our summer!