Normally, Labor Day weekend is fairly unscheduled and overall rather relaxing. Of course there were many years when school began the Tuesday following and I was always a little sad about that, but it was still relatively relaxing. This weekend is NOT one of those weekends.
Tonight is the first high school football game and it's a home contest. I should be there both as the band boosters treasurer, and as the mother of a marcher, but that isn't going to happen. Thomas is back at school today, but does not need to be out running around at the game and up late. I am expecting that Andrew (who stats for the games) and Robert will be home in the 10-10:30 range.
Tomorrow morning one of us has to be OUT THE DOOR at 6:30AM in order for Robert to catch the cross country bus. The rest of us need to be out by 8AM in order to make it to his meet. We are leaving directly from his meet to travel east to visit my in-laws as Tuesday is my mother-in-law's 75th birthday. We are first making a quick stop at my grandmother's house so that Robert can shower. We will arrive sometime around dinner Saturday evening.
Sunday morning is church at 8:30AM, and having all of us ready to be out the door at 8 again is going to be no small task. That evening will be dinner with family. Monday we have to be on the road absolutely no later than 10AM so that we can make sure we are back in plenty of time for Robert's marching band practice.
I'll be honest, we are tired. Andrew has picked up extra hours (and a few extra dollars) by being a site manager for extra-curricular events at the school. Last evening he didn't get home until 9:30, and since Robert had band practice until 8:30, he was there with him. Robert is beginning to understand why we have not been gung ho for him to join all of these activities that interest him...he needs to get a better grasp on what high school is really like first.
So, all-in-all, it's going to be a busy weekend, but hopefully a happy one. More than anything I pray for safe travels!
Friday, August 29, 2014
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Sick kid already
Thomas is home today. Sick kids and neurotic moms are just not a good mix. I hate the fact that my kids can't "not feel well" without me going to worst case scenario in my head. I am not at all surprised that Thomas is miserable. My allergies are the worst they've been in years. I am a horrible mom and I haven't been good about making sure he takes his once daily dose to make sure he isn't miserable. I also know that he was up late last evening because of Catherine's meet (even though he didn't attend, he wasn't in bed) and the heat isn't helping either. I can't help but flashback to 50 weeks ago when he went to school feeling lousy on a super hot day and ended up passing out. So when I saw that same lethargic/I feel lousy behavior this morning. I didn't push to get him to school. I've given him an allergy med dose, as well as a decongestant/cough syrup, and he's gone back to sleep. His school goes so late in the date that I'm hoping I can take him in later and he doesn't have to miss the entire day.
I hate the fact that when any of my kids, but especially Thomas (I think because he was so sick as a little one) get sick, I immediately get my own sick feeling in the pit of my stomach and start praying. It is a complete overreaction, and I need to stop borrowing worry when there isn't a reason to worry. Here's to hoping he is up and about sooner rather than later!
I hate the fact that when any of my kids, but especially Thomas (I think because he was so sick as a little one) get sick, I immediately get my own sick feeling in the pit of my stomach and start praying. It is a complete overreaction, and I need to stop borrowing worry when there isn't a reason to worry. Here's to hoping he is up and about sooner rather than later!
Cross country round 2
Yesterday Catherine had her second meet of the season. This was only a middle school meet, so we left Thomas and Robert here at the house. It was miserable and there was no need for all of us to experience it.
If you read my post on seasons, you probably got the idea that it's pretty hot here right now. At race time, the heat index was over 90, although I am not certain of the exact degree. I can tell you that while I was standing in the SHADE doing absolutely NOTHING, sweat was dripping down my back. I was certain this did not bode well for Catherine's performance. This was a very, very large meet with well over a hundred runners (I checked official results, 140 runners to be exact). I thought perhaps this would motivate Catherine, and reminded her that with last week's time of 27:10, there was plenty of room for improvement.
Or not. Andrew positioned himself about half way through the course, and I was at the homestretch. Catherine reached the halfway point just a minute or so before the first runner finished. As she was finishing the race, no amount of cajoling, pleading, or even me trying to run with her could get her to run. Walking was it...until the last 100 yards where she flat out sprinted to a posted time of 27:14. So this week was four seconds slower than last week...not the direction we had hoped to take.
She has told us her strategy is to save something so she can sprint to the end. We understand, but there is so much walking happening during her race. Andrew has encouraged her to perhaps slow down at the start with the thought that perhaps she could push herself to jog more of the race instead of walking. Regardless, she is finishing the races and we are pleased with that...and not once has she asked to quit the sport. She is enjoying something about it, even if it isn't the running (which is kind of the point of cross country, right?). I am grateful that she is participating and that she is active, and I am grateful for supportive teammates!
If you read my post on seasons, you probably got the idea that it's pretty hot here right now. At race time, the heat index was over 90, although I am not certain of the exact degree. I can tell you that while I was standing in the SHADE doing absolutely NOTHING, sweat was dripping down my back. I was certain this did not bode well for Catherine's performance. This was a very, very large meet with well over a hundred runners (I checked official results, 140 runners to be exact). I thought perhaps this would motivate Catherine, and reminded her that with last week's time of 27:10, there was plenty of room for improvement.
Or not. Andrew positioned himself about half way through the course, and I was at the homestretch. Catherine reached the halfway point just a minute or so before the first runner finished. As she was finishing the race, no amount of cajoling, pleading, or even me trying to run with her could get her to run. Walking was it...until the last 100 yards where she flat out sprinted to a posted time of 27:14. So this week was four seconds slower than last week...not the direction we had hoped to take.
She has told us her strategy is to save something so she can sprint to the end. We understand, but there is so much walking happening during her race. Andrew has encouraged her to perhaps slow down at the start with the thought that perhaps she could push herself to jog more of the race instead of walking. Regardless, she is finishing the races and we are pleased with that...and not once has she asked to quit the sport. She is enjoying something about it, even if it isn't the running (which is kind of the point of cross country, right?). I am grateful that she is participating and that she is active, and I am grateful for supportive teammates!
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Ohio seasons
I am fairly certain there are very few places outside of Ohio that I could live...and pretty much none of those are outside of the midwest. I am a midwest girl through and through. One of the things that I love so very much about where I live is that we have seasons. Not cold, frigid, less cold, summer...not tolerable, comfortable, you-know-what's coming, and Holy Moses it's HOT...no, Ohio has seasons and I don't think I could live without them.
As we head back to school, I get so antsy to put out the fall decorations (heat indexes of 90+ remind me however, that it is, in spite of the school calendar, still summer). I love the scents of fall...the smell of a fire in a fire place on a cool night, and the beginning of apples and pumpkins season...either cooking or in candles. I love the feeling of fall...the need for a jacket or that cozy sweatshirt...maybe even a blanket while watching TV. I love being able to walk outside and be active without dehydrating from sweat in five minutes (it's really hot here right now). And there is my favorite...the sights and colors of fall. I love football returning and the festivals every weekend (take your pick!)...and of course the colors. The beauty of the leaves changing is just astounding. And of course, fall leads into the holidays and...
...winter! I, of course, love Christmas and all that goes with it. I love the "clean slate" of the new year and the opportunity to reflect on the last 365 days. I love seeing the untouched snow and all the pureness and beauty that it symbolizes. I love those days when we are snowed in and there is no where to go, for it is on those days that laziness is not only acceptable, it is nearly expected. I love not only the opportunity, but the excuse, to stay home and just hang out with those here. I love snuggling down under the flannel sheets, and I love the coziness of the fire in the fireplace. Winter can last a while though (like last year), and that is when we are ready for spring!
Spring...ah the days are growing longer and there is more sunshine. Color returns to our lives as the grass and trees turn green and flowers bloom. I love the return of baseball season and I love being able to venture outside without a jacket. I love those days when we might actually be able to open the windows throughout the house and feel the breeze. Spring is definitely nature's reward for the long winter months we endure each year. And the end of spring leads to the end of school, and...
...summer. Strangely enough, this is probably, in many ways, my least favorite season because I HATE hot weather. There are still so many things to love about summer though...the fresh produce so readily available, and the "need" to consume ice cream and Popsicles in such warm temps. I love the decorations of red, white, & blue, and I love that the summer is often filled with so many family gatherings. And I love that in our house, summer is filled with so many fewer responsibilities and so much fun. Laundry is certainly easier in the summer in that our clothing is certainly less big and bulky. At the end though, it's fun to look forward to that nip in the air and knowing that fall is just around the corner.
I am so grateful to live in a climate where, when you think you just about can't stand the weather anymore, it changes. Each season has something so special to look forward to and something to appreciate. I am so grateful for seasons...and to have seen so many of them. I look forward to many, many more.
As we head back to school, I get so antsy to put out the fall decorations (heat indexes of 90+ remind me however, that it is, in spite of the school calendar, still summer). I love the scents of fall...the smell of a fire in a fire place on a cool night, and the beginning of apples and pumpkins season...either cooking or in candles. I love the feeling of fall...the need for a jacket or that cozy sweatshirt...maybe even a blanket while watching TV. I love being able to walk outside and be active without dehydrating from sweat in five minutes (it's really hot here right now). And there is my favorite...the sights and colors of fall. I love football returning and the festivals every weekend (take your pick!)...and of course the colors. The beauty of the leaves changing is just astounding. And of course, fall leads into the holidays and...
...winter! I, of course, love Christmas and all that goes with it. I love the "clean slate" of the new year and the opportunity to reflect on the last 365 days. I love seeing the untouched snow and all the pureness and beauty that it symbolizes. I love those days when we are snowed in and there is no where to go, for it is on those days that laziness is not only acceptable, it is nearly expected. I love not only the opportunity, but the excuse, to stay home and just hang out with those here. I love snuggling down under the flannel sheets, and I love the coziness of the fire in the fireplace. Winter can last a while though (like last year), and that is when we are ready for spring!
Spring...ah the days are growing longer and there is more sunshine. Color returns to our lives as the grass and trees turn green and flowers bloom. I love the return of baseball season and I love being able to venture outside without a jacket. I love those days when we might actually be able to open the windows throughout the house and feel the breeze. Spring is definitely nature's reward for the long winter months we endure each year. And the end of spring leads to the end of school, and...
...summer. Strangely enough, this is probably, in many ways, my least favorite season because I HATE hot weather. There are still so many things to love about summer though...the fresh produce so readily available, and the "need" to consume ice cream and Popsicles in such warm temps. I love the decorations of red, white, & blue, and I love that the summer is often filled with so many family gatherings. And I love that in our house, summer is filled with so many fewer responsibilities and so much fun. Laundry is certainly easier in the summer in that our clothing is certainly less big and bulky. At the end though, it's fun to look forward to that nip in the air and knowing that fall is just around the corner.
I am so grateful to live in a climate where, when you think you just about can't stand the weather anymore, it changes. Each season has something so special to look forward to and something to appreciate. I am so grateful for seasons...and to have seen so many of them. I look forward to many, many more.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Summer lake songs
It's hard to believe an entire month has passed since we spent a few days at the lake with our cousins. We had so much fun! While we were all "stuck" on the one boat because the other had broken down, my cousin Dillon was our group DJ. Although I love country music, I had never really thought about how many great country songs are related to being on the water. Dillon seemed to have them all on his iPod though, and it helped to make the afternoon even more fun as we all sang along.
Now that we've been home a month, I can't tell you how many times we've heard some of those songs, and we almost always laugh and smile when we hear them. My cousin Sean changed some of the words to the songs and sometimes we will sing those instead of the real words. For just a few minutes when those songs come on, we all get to feel like we are at the lake again! We love hearing those songs...and know those feelings get to stay with us.
Now that we've been home a month, I can't tell you how many times we've heard some of those songs, and we almost always laugh and smile when we hear them. My cousin Sean changed some of the words to the songs and sometimes we will sing those instead of the real words. For just a few minutes when those songs come on, we all get to feel like we are at the lake again! We love hearing those songs...and know those feelings get to stay with us.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
A quiet and lazy Sunday afternoon
Last night I took an allergy pill...very much needed. I literally kind of just fell into bed after my husband arrived home from an evening with some friends (and it wasn't late at all). Never thought to set my alarm. By the time we woke up this morning, church wasn't really an option (our church has only one service). Andrew pointed out Sunday School hasn't started yet, so staying home is what we did.
And I must admit, I am looking forward to this completely unscheduled day. I am sure we will watch some baseball (although with the Reds season being what it is, some football would be better) and there will of course be preparing for school tomorrow, but no one has to leave the house if no one wants to!
Yesterday was also a day of sleeping in so we are transitioning slowly into what is our "back to school" grind. Andrew had dinner and attempted to watch the Reds game with friends last evening (they left because of weather) and I took Thomas to a scouts pool party. Catherine and Robert were thrilled with the hours upon hours of freedom here at the house, and I was pleased that we are able to do that again...trust is slowly returning.
Hope everyone has a quiet and blessed day!
And I must admit, I am looking forward to this completely unscheduled day. I am sure we will watch some baseball (although with the Reds season being what it is, some football would be better) and there will of course be preparing for school tomorrow, but no one has to leave the house if no one wants to!
Yesterday was also a day of sleeping in so we are transitioning slowly into what is our "back to school" grind. Andrew had dinner and attempted to watch the Reds game with friends last evening (they left because of weather) and I took Thomas to a scouts pool party. Catherine and Robert were thrilled with the hours upon hours of freedom here at the house, and I was pleased that we are able to do that again...trust is slowly returning.
Hope everyone has a quiet and blessed day!
Saturday, August 23, 2014
First complete week a success
Everyone made it through the first week, and we managed to find a way to have everybody where they needed to be at the time they needed to be there. I was a little astounded that we managed to make it work, but it did!
Robert is really enjoying high school. After all of the trust issues from last year, I am struggling with giving him the freedoms that I think high school students should have. It helps tremendously that Andrew is at school with him everyday. The other teachers have reported to him that they have enjoyed having Robert in class...hopefully that continues throughout the year!
Catherine is definitely entering the middle school years. Ugh. She hasn't pulled any major stunts yet and I'm grateful, but that the same time I just can't stand the attitude. I know that this is just the beginning, but I also know she's a good kid at heart.
Thomas has so far managed to show more responsibility than last year. He seems so grown up at age ten. Having him on the elementary schedule is such a pain, so I've tried to make a deal with him that he can move to sixth grade, but that is as old as he is allowed to be. He is not on board with this plan.
The weekends just feel so short during the school year. We are grateful that this weekend is relatively unscheduled with just a few fun activities because Monday morning will roll around again very quickly!
Robert is really enjoying high school. After all of the trust issues from last year, I am struggling with giving him the freedoms that I think high school students should have. It helps tremendously that Andrew is at school with him everyday. The other teachers have reported to him that they have enjoyed having Robert in class...hopefully that continues throughout the year!
Catherine is definitely entering the middle school years. Ugh. She hasn't pulled any major stunts yet and I'm grateful, but that the same time I just can't stand the attitude. I know that this is just the beginning, but I also know she's a good kid at heart.
Thomas has so far managed to show more responsibility than last year. He seems so grown up at age ten. Having him on the elementary schedule is such a pain, so I've tried to make a deal with him that he can move to sixth grade, but that is as old as he is allowed to be. He is not on board with this plan.
The weekends just feel so short during the school year. We are grateful that this weekend is relatively unscheduled with just a few fun activities because Monday morning will roll around again very quickly!
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Stick a fork in them, the Reds are DONE
Within the last couple of years, the Chicago Cubs had a losing streak that reached double digits. It was either their 11th or 12th loss where they lost the game on a bases loaded hit-batsman. WHAT???? Who does that??? I remember at the time the mockery from the media going along the lines of...the Cubs were so bad they were actually finding new ways to lose.
Ugh. Fast forward to 2014. The Cincinnati Reds are not a bad team. They do however, seem to be a rather unlucky and oft injured team. Joey Votto has been on the DL since early July and isn't coming back anytime soon (my guess would be not this season at all). Brandon Phillips just returned to the lineup after going on the DL shortly after Votto. Our phenom closer Aroldis Chapman began the season on the DL after having his face practically dislocated in spring training by a line drive (if you don't understand what I mean, be glad...it's not a mental image you want to have). Mat Latos, our #2 starting pitcher began the season on the DL. Jay Bruce, an all-star outfielder, spent a stint on the DL. Skip Schumaker, our #1 bench player began the season on the DL, and then was placed on the 7-Day Concussion DL right before the All-Star break. Not a big deal, except that he was the back up to Phillips at second base. Ramon Santiago filled in and when he was unable to play due to shoulder stiffness from a play he made, we were on our FOURTH STRING SECOND BASEMAN. I mean, seriously, are you kidding me? Todd Frazier has been our bright spot, and of course our pitching is lights out...as long as our starters can go seven complete innings and we can get to Broxton for the 8th and Chapman for the 9th (who is currently unavailable due to shoulder issues). Middle relief...don't even go there.
This year's rookie manager has seen things in his inaugural year of managing that some never see in their careers. For instance, the Reds and Rockies had their game Saturday in Denver postponed...due to a water main break downtown. Yeah, that happens all the time (sarcasm, folks)! They were all set to play the day/night double header on Sunday, when the game was delayed in the first inning due to weather. Well now, who doesn't love the prospect of MORE time at a ballpark on the day of a double header? And of course, Price probably feels he has earned a medical degree this year with all the time he has spent in conversations with the training staff.
This brings us to Tuesday night. I did not stay up to watch the entire game because school is back in session and there was yet another rain delay. We are also in the midst of a losing streak and it just isn't fun right now. Still, I was not at all prepared to wake up yesterday to find out the Reds had lost (not a huge surprise) on a bases loaded hit-batsman. Okay folks, that's the low. You know the season is done when that is how you extend a losing streak (that they extended yet again last night). Hall of Fame writer Hal McCoy wrote in his blog that the fans don't even seem to care...there is no riled up anger like there was in all those years that this happened with Dusty Baker. My thought is this...Dusty Baker often managed as though he was going to stand there and get that square peg into the round hole...there was no talking him out of it. He was not about to change his methodology no matter how many times you attempted to explain anything to him. Bryan Price has been the exact opposite of that. He as tried nearly as many different line-ups as there have been games. Granted, part of that was necessity because someone who played yesterday may be injured today, but he was the first to admit when something didn't seem to be working. He wanted to try something new.
It's also my opinion that Reds fans aren't angry...who is there to be angry at? The baseball injury gods? That's all I've got. If anything, as a fan I'm much more sad than angry...sad that this team had so many injuries that they just couldn't compete at the level we had hoped, and probably expected. I love this team, more than any team I can remember in recent history. I love these players and their personalities. I love Brayan Pena's smile (anyone who follows the Reds will know what I mean!) and I love the effort this team has shown...all of which just kind of adds to the sadness that this team is just done. The season is cooked, and it's time to look towards football.
Ugh. Fast forward to 2014. The Cincinnati Reds are not a bad team. They do however, seem to be a rather unlucky and oft injured team. Joey Votto has been on the DL since early July and isn't coming back anytime soon (my guess would be not this season at all). Brandon Phillips just returned to the lineup after going on the DL shortly after Votto. Our phenom closer Aroldis Chapman began the season on the DL after having his face practically dislocated in spring training by a line drive (if you don't understand what I mean, be glad...it's not a mental image you want to have). Mat Latos, our #2 starting pitcher began the season on the DL. Jay Bruce, an all-star outfielder, spent a stint on the DL. Skip Schumaker, our #1 bench player began the season on the DL, and then was placed on the 7-Day Concussion DL right before the All-Star break. Not a big deal, except that he was the back up to Phillips at second base. Ramon Santiago filled in and when he was unable to play due to shoulder stiffness from a play he made, we were on our FOURTH STRING SECOND BASEMAN. I mean, seriously, are you kidding me? Todd Frazier has been our bright spot, and of course our pitching is lights out...as long as our starters can go seven complete innings and we can get to Broxton for the 8th and Chapman for the 9th (who is currently unavailable due to shoulder issues). Middle relief...don't even go there.
This year's rookie manager has seen things in his inaugural year of managing that some never see in their careers. For instance, the Reds and Rockies had their game Saturday in Denver postponed...due to a water main break downtown. Yeah, that happens all the time (sarcasm, folks)! They were all set to play the day/night double header on Sunday, when the game was delayed in the first inning due to weather. Well now, who doesn't love the prospect of MORE time at a ballpark on the day of a double header? And of course, Price probably feels he has earned a medical degree this year with all the time he has spent in conversations with the training staff.
This brings us to Tuesday night. I did not stay up to watch the entire game because school is back in session and there was yet another rain delay. We are also in the midst of a losing streak and it just isn't fun right now. Still, I was not at all prepared to wake up yesterday to find out the Reds had lost (not a huge surprise) on a bases loaded hit-batsman. Okay folks, that's the low. You know the season is done when that is how you extend a losing streak (that they extended yet again last night). Hall of Fame writer Hal McCoy wrote in his blog that the fans don't even seem to care...there is no riled up anger like there was in all those years that this happened with Dusty Baker. My thought is this...Dusty Baker often managed as though he was going to stand there and get that square peg into the round hole...there was no talking him out of it. He was not about to change his methodology no matter how many times you attempted to explain anything to him. Bryan Price has been the exact opposite of that. He as tried nearly as many different line-ups as there have been games. Granted, part of that was necessity because someone who played yesterday may be injured today, but he was the first to admit when something didn't seem to be working. He wanted to try something new.
It's also my opinion that Reds fans aren't angry...who is there to be angry at? The baseball injury gods? That's all I've got. If anything, as a fan I'm much more sad than angry...sad that this team had so many injuries that they just couldn't compete at the level we had hoped, and probably expected. I love this team, more than any team I can remember in recent history. I love these players and their personalities. I love Brayan Pena's smile (anyone who follows the Reds will know what I mean!) and I love the effort this team has shown...all of which just kind of adds to the sadness that this team is just done. The season is cooked, and it's time to look towards football.
Finding this year's routine
Generally speaking, not much has changed about this year's routine. Technically, Robert & Catherine's schools begin ten minutes earlier, but the bus is only coming about five minutes earlier. And technically as well, Thomas's school begins ten minutes later, but the bus doesn't seem to be coming any later...so no major changes in our morning routine. We did have to work out the bus stop situation for Catherine. Robert rides to school with Andrew, and Catherine could do the same and catch a transfer bus to the middle school, but she has no classes with her best friend Emily, and the morning bus ride is their only time together. Because there are more kids in the neighborhood getting on the bus, the stop is no longer at our driveway. We ended up switching corners to one a little further away, but that I can see from the porch. I'm still not crazy about her out there in the dark by herself though, so I think we are going to work on getting her a flashlight so I know that any drivers out there are aware she is there, and I'll watch from the porch.
Our after school is a little more challenging. Thomas's bus doesn't get here until 4:45...really late if you have older kids with activities! Everyday after school except Wednesday, Robert & Catherine have cross country practice until 4:30, and on Monday & Thursday he has marching band practice from 6-8:30. He came to the conclusion himself that it's pretty silly to come home in between, so right now he is packing extra food and just hanging out at the school between the two events. I don't really like not having everyone home for dinner every night, but I have come to accept that we now have a high schooler, and this is the way it's going to have to be.
I am grateful that it's been a pretty smooth transition to school this year. I'm grateful that everyone seems to enjoy their classes and their teachers, and I'm optimistic it's going to be a great year!
Our after school is a little more challenging. Thomas's bus doesn't get here until 4:45...really late if you have older kids with activities! Everyday after school except Wednesday, Robert & Catherine have cross country practice until 4:30, and on Monday & Thursday he has marching band practice from 6-8:30. He came to the conclusion himself that it's pretty silly to come home in between, so right now he is packing extra food and just hanging out at the school between the two events. I don't really like not having everyone home for dinner every night, but I have come to accept that we now have a high schooler, and this is the way it's going to have to be.
I am grateful that it's been a pretty smooth transition to school this year. I'm grateful that everyone seems to enjoy their classes and their teachers, and I'm optimistic it's going to be a great year!
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Nope, nope, not at all for me!
After yesterday's experience of trotting alongside Catherine, I insisted that today we run around our "block". It was an "off" day for cross country, but they were supposed to do at least 30 minutes of work outs on their own, and I was going to go with her. It has been confirmed. I still HATE running. Hate it with every fiber of my being. My body was clearly not cut out for this form of exercise. Now if you will excuse me, there is a TylenolPM calling my name!
Cross country has begun
Yesterday was the official kick off of cross country meets...and I love this sport! I remember my mom telling me that she always enjoyed watching my uncle run in his meets. My dad ran too, although he did it mostly just to stay in shape for track. Anyway, we had to venture to just outside of downtown Cincinnati for yesterday's meet...during Cincinnati rush hour traffic. YIKES! So grateful for my fabulous husband who doesn't mind driving in that nearly as much as I do! We were able to see both kids prior to running and then figured out our plan for watching the race (sometimes we just plant ourselves at the start/finish line, but since this one had different spots we decided to become more "mobile" spectators). Junior high girls ran right before high school boys, so Robert wasn't able to watch Catherine run. Probably just as well...he is pretty critical of her. Honestly, we've all been a little critical of Catherine's effort, or lack thereof, when it comes to her training. She started off strong yesterday though, and I thought perhaps she was going to surprise us.
About half way through though, she stopped running. In fact, I became concerned that she might have collapsed somewhere on the course because the last group of runners had passed and she was nowhere to be seen. Eventually she came into view again, and anytime she would pass us, she started running again, although I could tell she had a pained expression on her face. At about the last half mile mark, she was completely left behind and walking with her hand on her side. I ran to meet her, and told her we were going to finish the race together. Now, anyone who knows me know that I absolutely HATE to run...I would pretty much prefer almost any medical procedure to running...just HATE it. But my daughter was struggling, and she was going to finish this race. I'll be honest, inside my head I had my doubts as to whether or not I could even do it with her because I'm not exactly in running shape. When she saw me running though, I saw Catherine set her jaw and begin to run alongside me. Tears began to form in her eyes from the side cramp, but she kept running with me, and I actually kept running too, somehow! She finished in just over 27 minutes, almost double the winning time...but most importantly, she finished.
One of the things I love about cross country is that no matter where you finish or how long it takes, teammates are along the "tunnel" at the finish to cheer you. That was true in Catherine's case as well. I remember looking up and seeing a teammate, Jenna, who is going to be a star in cross country someday, cheering on Catherine and reminding her she was almost done and to finish strong. It meant a lot to Catherine that she was still being cheered on at the end, and she took that lesson to heart. During the high school boys race, she positioned herself near the finish line and she cheered on and clapped for every single runner, even those that finished long, long after the others, as he headed down to the finish line.
Robert's race was much less dramatic and eventful. After his success during track season, we had anticipated that a strong cross country season. He ran 14:27, which was a PR for him in two miles. I have to remember though, that he is now running against kids who are three years older than him, so the fact that someone finished in 11 minutes shouldn't be a shock. This was a two-miler warm up race and most of his races will be three miles this year. I have no doubt that he will continue to improve as the season goes along, and Catherine certainly has plenty of room for improvement as well!
About half way through though, she stopped running. In fact, I became concerned that she might have collapsed somewhere on the course because the last group of runners had passed and she was nowhere to be seen. Eventually she came into view again, and anytime she would pass us, she started running again, although I could tell she had a pained expression on her face. At about the last half mile mark, she was completely left behind and walking with her hand on her side. I ran to meet her, and told her we were going to finish the race together. Now, anyone who knows me know that I absolutely HATE to run...I would pretty much prefer almost any medical procedure to running...just HATE it. But my daughter was struggling, and she was going to finish this race. I'll be honest, inside my head I had my doubts as to whether or not I could even do it with her because I'm not exactly in running shape. When she saw me running though, I saw Catherine set her jaw and begin to run alongside me. Tears began to form in her eyes from the side cramp, but she kept running with me, and I actually kept running too, somehow! She finished in just over 27 minutes, almost double the winning time...but most importantly, she finished.
One of the things I love about cross country is that no matter where you finish or how long it takes, teammates are along the "tunnel" at the finish to cheer you. That was true in Catherine's case as well. I remember looking up and seeing a teammate, Jenna, who is going to be a star in cross country someday, cheering on Catherine and reminding her she was almost done and to finish strong. It meant a lot to Catherine that she was still being cheered on at the end, and she took that lesson to heart. During the high school boys race, she positioned herself near the finish line and she cheered on and clapped for every single runner, even those that finished long, long after the others, as he headed down to the finish line.
Robert's race was much less dramatic and eventful. After his success during track season, we had anticipated that a strong cross country season. He ran 14:27, which was a PR for him in two miles. I have to remember though, that he is now running against kids who are three years older than him, so the fact that someone finished in 11 minutes shouldn't be a shock. This was a two-miler warm up race and most of his races will be three miles this year. I have no doubt that he will continue to improve as the season goes along, and Catherine certainly has plenty of room for improvement as well!
Monday, August 18, 2014
This year's first day of school
Everyone is off and at 'em for the first day of school. Oh my goodness, it is unbelievably quiet in this house. Thomas got on the bus about ten minutes ago, and I have almost eight hours until anyone will be home again. I know that I'll grow accustomed to it again and quickly, but right now it is almost eerie how silent it is. I thought I would be so excited to have some quiet alone time again, but honestly, it's just too quiet.
I was a little unprepared for some of the emotions I felt this morning. Going through all of this brought back so many reminders and feelings from doing this last year. While I am so very grateful that things are smooth and I am sure it's going to be a great year, I couldn't help but feel the feelings again, and they aren't feelings I am in any hurry to experience again. Even though the stress of last year is over, it felt palpable this morning. It's one of the many reasons I am grateful I won't be working for a few weeks...we need this time to adjust to our routine without any other changes or stress, and I'm grateful that we can make that happen!
I was a little unprepared for some of the emotions I felt this morning. Going through all of this brought back so many reminders and feelings from doing this last year. While I am so very grateful that things are smooth and I am sure it's going to be a great year, I couldn't help but feel the feelings again, and they aren't feelings I am in any hurry to experience again. Even though the stress of last year is over, it felt palpable this morning. It's one of the many reasons I am grateful I won't be working for a few weeks...we need this time to adjust to our routine without any other changes or stress, and I'm grateful that we can make that happen!
Sunday, August 17, 2014
A year in this house
Exactly one year ago today we moved into our home. I just can't believe a year has gone by...what a heck of a year it has been! There is part of me that is sad it's been a year because I feel this date marks the beginning of the year of stress.
There have been so many good things about this move though. We could not be happier about the kids and the schools...these schools are AMAZING. I am also very proud to live in the district where my husband teachers. It has been very humbling to hear what a fabulous teacher he is, and I just have absolute certainty that this is where we are supposed to be.
I am also filled with such pride about my kids. Two years ago, Robert made the decision to leave behind a negative situation and break out into the unknown. He did not HAVE to come here...he decided he wanted to be here on his own. I am certain that no matter how bad things might've been, I never would've made the same decision at his age. And I am also so proud of Catherine and Thomas. They didn't have the choice like Robert did...we were moving and they had to go with it. NEVER once did they complain. They have been filled with excitement and enthusiasm from the very beginning. They never once showed any doubt or nervousness about starting over in a new school system last year. My children have inspired me in ways I couldn't even imagine.
Andrew and I have spoken many times over the last year how much I love this house. What I really love though, is the life we have in this house. I grow more grateful every day and feel amazingly blessed to be living this life!
There have been so many good things about this move though. We could not be happier about the kids and the schools...these schools are AMAZING. I am also very proud to live in the district where my husband teachers. It has been very humbling to hear what a fabulous teacher he is, and I just have absolute certainty that this is where we are supposed to be.
I am also filled with such pride about my kids. Two years ago, Robert made the decision to leave behind a negative situation and break out into the unknown. He did not HAVE to come here...he decided he wanted to be here on his own. I am certain that no matter how bad things might've been, I never would've made the same decision at his age. And I am also so proud of Catherine and Thomas. They didn't have the choice like Robert did...we were moving and they had to go with it. NEVER once did they complain. They have been filled with excitement and enthusiasm from the very beginning. They never once showed any doubt or nervousness about starting over in a new school system last year. My children have inspired me in ways I couldn't even imagine.
Andrew and I have spoken many times over the last year how much I love this house. What I really love though, is the life we have in this house. I grow more grateful every day and feel amazingly blessed to be living this life!
Friday, August 15, 2014
Last day for sleeping in
I am grateful that we finished the summer on "high" note...although Monday morning's wake up times are going to be soooo early! Originally we were told that Catherine & Robert's bus would be arriving at 6:10, but we received a phone call last week that moved it back to last year's time of 6:35/6:40. Robert doesn't plan to ride the bus, but Catherine will be. Their school is starting 5 minutes earlier and getting out 10 minutes earlier, while Thomas's school begins 10 minutes later and gets out 10 minutes later. He is not currently scheduled to get off the bus until 4:45, which is a real pain for those of us that have older kids in activities. There may be many days that I arrive to pick him up at school in order to get us out the door and going!
Last evening we were able to meet Thomas's teachers. As a fifth grader, he now has "team" of teachers and not just the one. I am excited about the year for him. Catherine received her schedule in the mail, and although I don't know all of her teachers, I am pleased about the ones that she did get. Robert received his schedule at a meeting, although we already knew which teachers he had because Andrew had gone into guidance last spring and gone over the schedule with the counselor (a "perk" to being a teacher in the district).
I am so grateful to be settled (or as much as we'll ever be) and to be looking forward to the school year!
Last evening we were able to meet Thomas's teachers. As a fifth grader, he now has "team" of teachers and not just the one. I am excited about the year for him. Catherine received her schedule in the mail, and although I don't know all of her teachers, I am pleased about the ones that she did get. Robert received his schedule at a meeting, although we already knew which teachers he had because Andrew had gone into guidance last spring and gone over the schedule with the counselor (a "perk" to being a teacher in the district).
I am so grateful to be settled (or as much as we'll ever be) and to be looking forward to the school year!
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Andrew back at work
It's official...whether we are ready or not the new school year is coming around! Honestly though, it really isn't possible to be LESS ready than we were last year. Actually, given the circumstances I thought we did a fabulous job of being ready for school last year, but this year is certainly much smoother! I am even excited about it. One of the things I always dread about going back to school is the loss of sleeping in, but since there was so very little of that this summer, well, you can't miss what you don't have! I am especially excited that for the first time in three years, no one is entering a new district! Robert is switching schools, but I get to be one of the very few that is completely and totally comfortable with high school and how everything works. I am looking forward to our routine, and if I can locate my sub license I'll be looking forward to a little extra money as well. I am very, very optimistic that this is going to be a great year!
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Gotta take the bad along with the good
I love, love, love the fact that it is perfectly beautiful weather here. The windows are thrown open, and last evening Andrew even closed them because of the chill in the air...even though he was wearing flannel pajama pants! It is just a wonderful way to end our summer at home together (this is it today...Andrew goes back tomorrow).
At the same time, and I really hate to complain, but I can NOT stop sneezing! Sniffling, sneezing...and just general yuck! August 10 has kind of been the "marker" of when my allergies tend to really kick in, and this year is no exception. I try not to take meds for it, because I am completely unable to function. Better figure something out though...life has to go on!
At the same time, and I really hate to complain, but I can NOT stop sneezing! Sniffling, sneezing...and just general yuck! August 10 has kind of been the "marker" of when my allergies tend to really kick in, and this year is no exception. I try not to take meds for it, because I am completely unable to function. Better figure something out though...life has to go on!
Monday, August 11, 2014
A visit with my mom
One of the things that has been so hard on my mom is not seeing my kids. She certainly hasn't been up to it though, and she even told me at one point that my kids had to see my dad so ill for so long, and she didn't want them to have to go through it again. Although we had stopped to see her briefly in June, it really hadn't been since April that she had been able to visit with them. Since she was feeling so well last week and this week was going to be the beginning of the final chemo (along with the fact that kids start school next week) I decided that we would journey up yesterday. We were there a little less than two hours, and I allowed the kids to visit while I did a massive round of cleaning. I know that it did everyone good (including myself) to be able to have that visit yesterday. Hopefully in just a few weeks she'll really start to feel strong again and we'll be able to have more visits!
Saturday, August 9, 2014
My in-laws' visit
My in-laws arrived here on Wednesday and just left this morning. We truly had a very nice visit, and I hope they felt the same. It's a little stressful when they visit because we give them our bedroom and move into Catherine's room, and three nights seemed like a long time, but I think it was relaxing without crossing over into boring...at least that's what I hope it was for them! Robert and I had band duties while they were here and there was still cross country commitments, but overall it seemed to be just the right amount of time together. We are headed there in about three weeks for my mother-in-law's 75th birthday, and that always makes it easier to say good-bye!
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Really fabulous news
Yesterday was a really long day, but oh so worth it in the end! I had to be in my hometown early yesterday to take my mom for a ct scan. Later that day we had a follow up doctor appointment, then after a quick visit with my grandmother I spent some time with a very good friend at the funeral visitation of his grandmother. I was gone from home nearly 12 hours, but the result of the scan made it so worth it! Mom's tumor appears to be gone! There are still cells and a PET scan later this fall will give more conclusive information, but this is such great news! We could not be happier!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Sunday afternoon
It is Sunday afternoon. Our family made it church today, the first time all together in over six weeks. There have been Sundays when I was up with Mom, or Sundays where other family obligations prevented a successful 10:00 church attendance, but today we were all there. I enjoy that we've met many people there, and I always enjoy feeling renewed each week.
Andrew has taken Robert into Cinci to buy some running shoes. We agreed since he is in high school this year that we would spend money and invest in "real" running shoes that are fitted and suggested by people who actually know what they are doing. Catherine and Thomas are just hanging out, and I will eventually get back to cleaning the house since Andrew's parents are coming to visit this week.
In the meantime, I'm just sitting here enjoying the peace and quiet, the beautiful weather, and remembering to be thankful for so many blessings.
Andrew has taken Robert into Cinci to buy some running shoes. We agreed since he is in high school this year that we would spend money and invest in "real" running shoes that are fitted and suggested by people who actually know what they are doing. Catherine and Thomas are just hanging out, and I will eventually get back to cleaning the house since Andrew's parents are coming to visit this week.
In the meantime, I'm just sitting here enjoying the peace and quiet, the beautiful weather, and remembering to be thankful for so many blessings.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Made it through band camp
Robert arrived home last evening and had made it through band camp. He was exhausted (which he refused to admit) and was experiencing a great deal of pain from holding his trumpet up for hours on end, but he loved every minute of it. Andrew and I commented that talking to him, it seemed as though he had matured in just the week that he was gone. He had a senior for a roommate and at first I was concerned about being set up for "freshman pranks". However, Andrew had assured me that Connor was a good kid, and that seems to have been the case. Robert said there were a few pranks pulled on freshman, but not really anything on him. A cousin mentioned that the fact that Robert looks older than a frosh would be beneficial, and I pointed out that the biggest benefit to Robert in that regard was going to be his last name. Andrew is a very well-liked and respected teacher, and that was only going to serve Robert well.
I am very much hoping that this experience is going to help him find a good group of friends to fit into...and I continue to hope that we have turned the corner on his behavior. He's a good kid, there is no question about it. He just needs to learn to make good choices!
I am very much hoping that this experience is going to help him find a good group of friends to fit into...and I continue to hope that we have turned the corner on his behavior. He's a good kid, there is no question about it. He just needs to learn to make good choices!
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