It's all about the perspective

Tonight I had HT and JC with me in the van and as we drove into town, there was a lady walking three dogs. I noticed it specifically because it was starting to sprinkle, and frankly, even if she'd had an umbrella, with trying to hold onto three dogs it would've been useless. I had to laugh at HT though. When he saw them, he exclaimed, "Look Mom. There are three dogs walking one person!" I love his perspective!

Early bedtime

Today was not the most fun day in our house. JC definitely woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. She was incredibly unpleasant before she left for school. I keep telling my husband that 8:30 is just too late for her and the last two nights that's what time she went to bed. Fortunately, she behaved in school and that is very important. She and HT have been fighting non-stop for the last month. This evening they came in for dinner tattling on each other and I let them know it all needed to stop. Then about 7 this evening, HT and JR had a physical altercation, which is inexcusable on both sides! I decided 8:00 was a necessary bedtime for all. This Saturday I'm taking them all to my parents' house to pick up walnuts. If you've never lived with a walnut tree before, consider yourself lucky. Every several years the walnuts literally fall by the hundreds (and possibly even thousands) and this seems to be my parents' lucky year! I told Mom & Dad it will do the kids good to be helping them and it will keep them from fighting over what to watch on TV. Of course, goodness knows what kind of fighting walnuts can lead to!

It's so true

One of the things I've always heard about Ohio weather is that if you don't like it, stick around until tomorrow...it's bound to change and be different. This is certainly very true in the spring and fall transitional months, but it's almost getting a little ridiculous here. Last evening as I was putting the kids to bed they were astonished it was raining...it had been a fairly pleasant evening. This morning when I got up it was a little cloudy, but nothing alarming. It then literally rained for three straight hours in the middle of the day. Not a little rain either, but a good, solid, steady rain. By the time I left work today at 3:00, it was an absolutely gorgeous and beautiful day. The sun was out and I was even wishing I hadn't left my sunglasses at home for the drive. Now I sit here at 3:30, and it's clearly only a matter of time before the rain starts again. Even with this crazy uncertain weather, I love Ohio in the fall!

Still a tie

Forty eight hours later, and JR's game still ended in a tie. They went ahead a practiced afterward, and it helped to seal the decision that the younger two and I weren't going to go. Overall their record for the year is 3-0-1 with four regular season games remaining.

Wish they were home

Today is an absolutely yucky day. Last night I was awakened several times by the sound of pouring rain. It seemed as though it lasted all night, and based on rain totals (over 3" of rain between Midnight and 8AM) it might have lasted that long! As my husband was leaving for work this morning, it sounded as though the rain was picking up steam again, but he texted that he had made it to work just fine. The kids left about 10 minutes ago to walk themselves to school. I really, truly wish, that today was a day where we could all just stay home and hang out. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that way today, but it would be so nice if none of us had to go anywhere today!

It's not over yet

JR's team played their fourth football game of the season last night. It was scheduled to start at 4:00, as it is every week, but didn't actually start until after 6. While this is the latest we've started all season, the earliest they've ever started is 5:20 so it's not like 6 was a big shock. They start with the third grade at 1:00, and we have no idea why they insist on scheduling the games an hour apart when it's simply not possible. Anyway, I was concerned about getting the game in...after all it doesn't stay light as late as it used to! This game was taking forever with penalties and injuries and I don't know what all. The last five minutes of the game we honestly couldn't even see who was in the game, and my husband told me that their quarterback hollered at them that he couldn't see the signals coming in from the sideline. It was DARK by 7:45, but the game lasted until 8...it was getting a little ridiculous. At the end of the game it was a 16-16 tie. We could live with that and were packed up and ready to go. Not so fast! The league requires OT unless both coaches agree they don't want to play it. The other team refused to take the tie, so on Monday we have to go back (of course it was an away game...they don't have to do the driving!) so that we can finish the game. The ironic part is that each team gets one possession and if no one scores than the game is officially a tie. So the result might not even change. Gotta love the sixth grade pee wee games that take 48 hours to complete!

TGIF!!!!

It's been a pretty crazy week around here, but I'm sure it's no crazier than any week in any house with children! On Monday and Tuesday, my husband attended what he described as the "worst conference EVER" and is not particularly looking forward to the other five trips that are required. In fact, his principal has already been in contact with the state Dept of Ed (as had other principals who had sent attendees) to discuss the displeasure. I guess we'll see what happens! I was very grateful that football practice was canceled on Monday. My parents had come down for dinner and it just made the evening much more laid back. JC and HT have laid off the fighting somewhat, and that certainly makes life more pleasant as well. I really enjoyed my two days of subbing this week. Today I'll spend a few hours at the jr. high, and that ought to be very interesting. I'm definitely a little nervous, but feel confident enough to know that it's just a few hours and I should be fine. Tonight and tomorrow morning my husband has volunteer responsibilities, and of course there is another of JR's football games tomorrow afternoon. He's been moved to receiver so I'm somewhat hoping that he'll get a little more playing time...of course he's also going to have a target on his back if he gets the ball and he isn't going to like that. It's still amazing to me how quickly the weeks go by!

That explains a lot

The Weather Channel has released it's top 10 cities for fall allergies sufferers. Our metro area ranks...(drum roll) #2! I have no argument with this whatsoever. I'm allergic to ragweed/pollen, and I also have sinus issues, and they are all in full-on attack mode. And they have been for about six weeks now. I've been so miserable, and I've also experienced some asthma flair ups this year like I haven't had in years. The article (and several others I've read) also mentioned that our weather this year (extremely wet spring and extremely dry August) made things perfect for some of the worst allergy conditions ever. Isn't that just great???!!! It all certainly explains the way I've been feeling!

Another week begins

It's early Monday morning, and it feels REALLY early. I haven't slept much at all the last two nights between allergies/cold and the scheduled life of a mom/wife. There were things that needed done, and it didn't really matter how little sleep I'd had. I'm already looking ahead and thinking that I ought to be able to hit the sack by 9:30 this evening, and I've got time for a little nap this morning, if everything goes according to plan. We've got something of a busy week this week. Of course there is our regular football schedule for JR, plus my husband has his own football responsibilities Friday evening and also has a meeting Weds. He's out of town today and tomorrow at a conference for school, and will also be working at the town festival this weekend. I have a dentist appointment later today, and will be working at least two days this week. JC is also scheduled to be on safety patrol duty this week, and thinking about it all just makes me more tired. My husband and I laugh. Before we were parents we used to think we were so busy. Now we have a much better idea just how busy we weren't back then!

I was unaware brushing teeth was a contact sport

I don't know what is going on with JC & HT these days. I do not remember JR and JC going through a phase like this, but perhaps I (my sanity) have blocked it from my mind like so many other unpleasant things in life. I honestly didn't know it was even possible to fight over some of the things that they fight over. Tonight for instance, they managed to come to blows while brushing their teeth. I can't imagine what they could possibly have been fighting over...we have two sinks for goodness sake!

Football games

In the world of college football, Notre Dame FINALLY won a game last night! Last week was such a heart breaker and I can't even stand to think about it. Our Steelers didn't play so well last week, but we are hoping for better things this year. JR's team is 3-0 so far this year. In fact, yesterday was the first touchdowns they had given up all season. While I know that JR is not necessarily thrilled with playing football, I'm grateful that he's able to be part of a successful team. Because their team is so successful though, they don't play a lot of defense, and since he's already splitting time because there are 50 players on the team, it's a little difficult for all of the defense to get any quality playing time. He's enjoying the games, but has still informed us that there is no future in football for him. We're proud of him for trying though!

At least they can't fight on the way home

JC and HT have been beyond intolerable lately. I'm sure it has something to do with being tired and a new routine, but there is absolutely no excuse for their behaviors lately. They fight. All. The. Time. They fight over everything and nothing, usually at the same time. On Monday I was watching them walk down the hill from school behind JR, literally punching, pinching, and skirmishing as they went along. I explained to both of them that I was not interested in excuses or explanations. Their behavior was dangerous. They couldn't possibly be paying attention to traffic if they are paying that much attention to hurting each other. In addition, it's distracting to JR who IS attempting to pay attention to traffic, and it can even be distracting to drivers going by...all of this adds up to not being a good situation. They were assigned to spend the rest of the day, with the exception of dinner, in their bedrooms. Now, of course there are things to occupy themselves in their bedrooms, but at least they weren't together. That's the ironic part about all of this...they can't stand being apart and always want to be together. Over the course of the last 2-1/2 days they have managed to fight about who got to the bathroom first, who was really standing next to JR at a particular moment, who has the best school principal and so on and so forth. I worked at the school yesterday and told the kids to please walk themselves home as usual. I would be home shortly after they arrived home. JR called me as I was leaving the school to inform me that yet again, there had been physical fighting on the walk home. I spoke to each of them and informed them each that it was bedroom time again. I spoke to each when I got home and reiterated the conversation from Monday, and this time I removed some of the more fun items from the bedroom. In addition, I've explained that since it seems as though they aren't getting enough sleep and therefore can't be pleasant people, their bedtimes are 1/2 hour earlier this week. Today, JR and JC are staying after school to attend a meeting to be on Safety Patrol. I've informed JC that if she can not begin to make better decisions that I will revoke my permission for her to be on Safety Patrol. I told HT that I would meet him after school and we'll walk home together...at least for one afternoon they won't be fighting with each other while they walk!

LOVE this weather!

I am absolutely in love with this weather! A cool front came through over the last 24 hours, and it couldn't be more gorgeous right now. It got down into the 40's over night, and right now, although things are wet, it's sunny and 52 degrees. Just an absolutely perfect fall day to be home and doing...well, I'll figure that out as my day goes along!

She's just not good at adjustments

As with every school year, JC is having a VERY difficult time adjusting to the new routine. On the upside, I'm not aware of any incidents that have occurred at school. On the downside, she is an absolutely awful person to be around at home. I had forgotten (or perhaps blocked for my own sanity) the previous Septembers when she had trouble adjusting, but it's all coming back to me now. She loves school, and she's really enjoying it. I know part of it is that she is tired and especially this year with all the changes in our district, everything is so different. Today I watched as she and HT physically fought with each other all the way down the hill while walking home. For the past 48 hours she just hasn't been able to be pleasant with any of us. Both she and HT have spent the entire afternoon/evening, with the exception of dinner, in their individual bedrooms. I've explained if they can't be nice to each other then they will definitely be separated and I don't wish to be around either of them. Hopefully this is a passing phase for JC and she will quickly adjust, and I also hope that HT stops pushing her buttons as well!

New policies

There are new policies and procedures in place for this school year, and for me personally, it kind of stinks. Last year the school secretaries and principals called the subs, and I had a great relationship with them. They knew that I WANTED to work, that I considered this my JOB, and that I would not say "no" unless it was completely and totally unavoidable. I would cancel plans and reschedule doctor appointments in order to be able to work. And from what I understand, I was also pretty good in the classroom. However, this year the sub caller is located at the central office. This is certainly more efficient as she would know if I'm scheduled at another building and there wouldn't be duplicate phone calls. Apparently though, she has a policy that she does not accept requests (we know this because I was specifically requested by a teacher and didn't get called) and she wants to offer equal opportunities to the entire list. In the past there were certain individuals that teachers and principals did not want in certain classrooms, or even in their buildings, but that is no longer a concern for her. As someone who was doing a good job and got to work a lot, it's very frustrating. My husband is also very frustrated, but as we both said, there is really nothing we can do about it. We are continuing to tighten our budget and make tough choices, and we've explained to the kids that they will be participating in the budget tightening and tough choices. I'm also keeping my eyes open for an ideal part time job that doesn't require child care. My husband and I both agree that is NOT an option for right now...we want me to be home when the kids are home. And for that, I'm very grateful!

Ten Years

It seems almost incomprehensible to me that it's been ten years since the day that changed our country. September 11, 2001 seems like another lifetime ago. My husband wanted to discuss it in his high school social studies class on Friday, and I reminded him that he had to, in essence, teach the history first. He didn't understand until I reminded him that for his students at age 14, they have no (or very little) personal remembrances of the day. They can't understand the emotions, the horror, the sadness, the shock, and so many other myriad of feelings that happened. I had thought about writing my story of the day, but decided against it. After all, it's not about me and my story. It's not about my thoughts and feelings. It's about the brave heroes, the victims, their families, and most importantly it's about our collective story. And I don't need to write that here...no one old enough to remember will ever be able to forget.

So that's what I was smelling!

We had an awful odor in our kitchen this week. It was definitely the smell of something going bad, but I couldn't seem to figure out what it was. Trust me when I tell you I've been burning lots and lots of candles and doing lots and lots of cleaning. I had taken so many things out of the fridge, and even started going through the freezer. Yesterday, I happened to notice something on top of the fridge. When I put my hand up there (because of course I'm too short to be able to see what is up there, I found that there was a bag of chicken breasts, now VERY thawed sitting on top of our fridge. Yuck, yuck, and yuck. My husband had taken a bunch of things out of our freezer last week trying to find a pound of ground beef in order to make stuffed peppers and apparently had missed putting the chicken back. Even though things were completely wrapped in both freezer paper and a ziploc bag, it will still be a while before I have a craving for chicken again! On the upside, the smell is gone!

Through the first week

Everyone had a wonderful first week! HT was especially excited that his teacher had her baby boy yesterday morning. JC had enjoyed the additional responsibilities that come along with fourth grade, and she's also been making some new friends. We had hoped this might happen for her, that she would be able to "start over" with her new classmates from the other elementary. JR enjoyed his week also, but he's learning that school AND football can be an exhausting combination. In fact, I was a little worried about everyone's behavior yesterday because even before they left for school I could tell they were all absolutely exhausted. It's to be expected, but had some concerns about their ability to keep it together. Fortunately, all was well at school and last night we had a family game of Apples to Apples. It's such a fabulous game! The kids are learning that part of the fun is not necessarily taking the game completely literally, and it's also a great vocabulary tool for JR. And I love the fact that our family is having fun together without a TV screen being involved...it's awesome!

Major weather change

I know that Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, but the weather change here is a bit ridiculous. Friday marked the first day since the 1960's that our area had a September day in the 90's. And we didn't just reach 90, we were in the upper 90's! Same with Saturday. I hung out laundry on Saturday and would literally sweat just walking outdoors. It was miserable. Then the front moved through Saturday night causing so much damage to my hometown, and Sunday was a yucky day with rain. On Monday, the high was in the low 60's and rainy...literally a 35 degree temperature drop from Saturday. Yesterday JR actually wore jeans on the first day of school and it was another day of low 60 degree temps. As we were walking to the school JC mentioned that it was usually much warmer on the first day. So true! Today it's rainy again and still in the 60's. Would you believe I love it? It is absolutely a perfect day to curl up with a book and light some candles or do some scrapbooking or stick in a movie. The house is mostly picked up and I intend to spoil myself on this "perfect" fall day!

Memorable first day

The kids had an absolutely wonderful first day! They were so full of stories and information when they came home. They were very wound up and chatty...it was very cute! We celebrated their successful first day by bringing McDonald's in for dinner and shortly after that JR and dad were off for football practice. They hadn't been gone 15 minutes when HT started swinging on the furniture. I was opening my mouth to tell him it probably wasn't a good idea when his hand slipped and he went face (particularly nose) first to the floor. As long as I live, I'll never forget the screams or the look on his face...he was looking at me and it was as if he was begging me to make the pain stop. I was holding him and trying to comfort him when JC started screaming. HT had bit his lip at impact, and as with any facial injury, there was a lot of blood, followed shortly by blood coming from his nose. My mother happened to call right then and she suggested having an x-ray taken just to confirm that the nose hadn't damaged any sinuses. Fortunately there was pretty much no one at urgent care last night and we were still able to be home by 8:00 with the news that nothing was broken. The nose is still very swollen, but I was surprised that the lip wasn't more swollen, and there are no black eyes. He's still uncomfortable this morning, but Tylenol is doing wonders! Before bed last night I asked him what lesson was learned and he replied, "Don't fall." I then asked how we could guarantee that he didn't fall and he responded with, "I need to make sure I have a better grip." Apparently in his mind, NOT swinging from the furniture isn't even an option!

And they're off!

The school year officially began 20 minutes ago. I walked them up today because I wanted to see how the morning traffic patterns are working since my kids have to WALK through them, and I also wanted to see who was in HT's classroom. His teacher is due to have her first baby any day now, and she wasn't sure she'd be able to be at the first day. She is though, and I'm excited for the kids. With the changes in our district there are so many new things, but as we were walking up this morning it just all seemed to be exciting. I think it's going to be a great year!

Everything is ready

The bags are packed with new school supplies and the lunches are already made...even included is a dessert of a homemade cookie. The first day outfits of new clothes are laid out, and I've done my "homework" by completing all of the paper work we brought home from open house. Everything is ready for the first day tomorrow...everything except me. The kids are excited, but I'm so sad...so sad I could actually cry about it. I don't know why. Maybe it's because I know this is the last year my kids will all be in elementary school...next year we'll have one starting junior high and I almost can't stand the thought of them growing up so fast. Maybe it's because I know that life gets hectic and scheduled again and free time is at a premium. Maybe it's because I don't feel like I really got to accomplish the fun and carefree things I had hoped to do with them. But mostly, I think it's because I'm going to miss them. I mean really miss them. I'd been doing some research on homeschooling HT this year in case he had been placed with a teacher that I knew would make the year miserable. I'd never before understood why a family would want to homeschool, but I had a new appreciation for it. I didn't feel like it was something I really wanted to do, and I know that it's not what is best for them or our family as a whole at this time in our lives, but because part of my mind was set on getting to spend the day that way, I'm really, really going to miss them. I'm glad each of them is excited about the beginning of the new school year.

Today, we spent our last day at home before the routine of school begins by going to the county fair. As part of their art curriculum at school, the teacher has each child make a poster and enters it in the fair poster contest. Our weather has turned quite brisk (after being in the 90's on Friday and Saturday for the first time in September since the 1960's) and it was actually pretty chilly! We got to see the posters though, and everyone had a snack. I'm looking forward to a quiet and peaceful evening.

Feeling helpless

I've been feeling so helpless when it comes to my parents and the storm clean up process in my home town. We are only 40 minutes away for goodness sake...we ought to be able to help somehow! By mid-day I had spoken to my mother, sister, and grandmother, as well as my cousin who had spoken to her mom (my aunt) and our grandmother (my other one). It was nice to know that everyone was safe, but knowing where they lived throughout the town meant there was pretty much no power in the town at all. I worried about my parents especially, but I had spoken to Dad and he was doing fine. We offered to come up and help with sawing, but no one took us up on it. We offered to have everyone come down here to spend the day, but everyone wanted to be home. The pictures I had seen of the town showed such destruction, but miraculously there were no injuries at all...truly amazing! By bedtime last night 95% of the town was back in the lights, but Mom & Dad were not and they knew it would be today before their power came back on. They've had a rough summer with their a/c going out three weeks ago and selling the cottage, and just ordeals they've had to navigate. I'm wishing I could find a way to do more than just send good thoughts!

Very grateful

We had "big" plans today. We were going to visit the county fair and then drive to my parents' house for dinner. However, it's rained all morning so the fair is doubtful at this point. No big deal, we'll either go tomorrow or we won't...no one is going to lose sleep over this. My mother, though, called an hour ago and canceled our dinner plans. They have been without power since 1AM and according to her, the town looks like a war zone from a storm that went through last night. I've been in contact with a few other friends who confirm that most of the town is without power and it seems as though my mother is not overstating the amount of damage. Fortunately, no one seems to be hurt, and although there are some cars with trees on top of them, I haven't heard of any major damage to buildings. I've also heard that it's thought to be straight line winds, although some of the pictures I've seen show things literally twisted...that to me sounds a little more like a tornado. I'm very grateful that there don't seem to have been any injuries, and Mom says that Dad has plenty of oxygen tanks at this point. I've invited them down in case Dad needs to plug in his oxygen machine (in order to conserve the tanks) or if they are in need of being in a/c. At this point though, they are okay, and I'm grateful for that!

College football

I LOVE FOOTBALL! Today is the beginning of the college football season, and because it is a holiday weekend, JR has no game. In fact, we have no plans today at all. Actually I do have plans. My plan is watch football. All. Day. Long. The first game begins at noon, and the last game of the day begins at 10PM tonight. I can watch about 15 consecutive hours of football...what a great day!

COSI

Today my sister took the kids and me to COSI, a children's science museum. She has a family membership that includes the kids, so I only had to pay for myself. We had a great day! The kids enjoyed visiting the traveling dinosaur exhibit and loved the 3D dinosaur movie we saw (I wasn't as big a fan, but it's all about the kids!). I love seeing the kids faces light up when they get to participate in some of the hands on experiences that are offered, and it was just a really fun day. On the way home, we stopped at the local farm market that we often frequented when I was a kid. I DO NOT understand how I can live in such a rural area and yet can't begin to find any kind of farm market that comes even close to matching this one. HT suggested that we pick up some sweet corn for dinner, and it was a great idea! Our dinner consisted of corn-on-the-cob and tater tots...definitely an all out hit with the kids. Tonight my wonderful husband is at a high school football game, but the kids have put in a movie and I'm going to the other room to enjoy some college football and whatever else the evening brings. Today has been a really wonderful end to our summer!