I survived another Halloween

Even as a child, I found Halloween to be exhausting and exasperating!  I was only two in this photo!

I have never been a big fan of Halloween.  I really don't understand my feelings about it, but I remember being a child and refusing to dress up.  My mom stated I wouldn't get any candy without a costume, and that was fine with me...this coming from a choc-o-holic!  I don't even enjoy passing out candy and am very grateful that my husband was willing to go late to the football game in order be home and have fun with the kids.

I do however, enjoy seeing my kids have fun.  Catherine and Thomas joined Kona & Bella, two friends from the neighborhood, and they were given specific instructions to follow.  Andrew followed along for a bit to make sure all was well, and they were even home BEFORE they had to be.  I'm grateful it's a Friday night and we can just hang out.

I'm also grateful that our area ends the trick-or-treating as early as it does.  Catherine has her final basketball tryouts at 8AM, and she will know by 10AM whether or not she is on the team.  Fingers, toes, and everything else crossed!

It is way, way too early in the morning

Not only do I think 5AM is way too early to be up, I've actually been up for over an hour.  My alarm was set for 3:55AM.  Ugh!!!!  Robert had to be on a bus and that bus was LEAVING the school at 5AM.  He was elected president of the Greenhands (freshman group) of FFA and today is the national convention in Louisville...three hours away.  I appreciate the group saving us the expense of an overnight stay, but it's super early!  He will be back at 10:30 tonight so it's going to be a long day for him.  He's definitely a "car sleeper" though, so that will serve him well.  He has a very busy few days coming along here, but I am so proud of the person he is becoming!

Basketball tryouts

This Friday evening and first thing Saturday morning, Catherine is going to be officially trying out for the 7th grade girls' basketball team.  She mentioned today that there are at least 16 girls trying out, and my heart fell.  That means 1 of every 4 girls will be cut from the team, and I don't love those odds.  I know that she is very far from being the best player on the team, but she really enjoys it and she really wants to make the team.  I would love, love, love for this to happen for her, so if anyone has any good thoughts to send her way early this weekend we would really appreciate it!  I did learn that apparently she is actually a pretty decent three-point shot, so I am hoping that might be able to tip the scales in her favor.  She said that the coaches will let everyone know as soon as try outs are over on Saturday.  I think I'm going to have to send Andrew...if it doesn't go the way we hope I just don't know how I'm going to be able to comfort her when my heart will be breaking right along with her!

We did get really fabulous news at parent/teacher conferences this evening.  She is doing a fabulous job in her classes and we are really proud of her.  Her teachers all commented on her work ethic and that she is doing a great job of participating in classes.  This is not at all the girl who went to elementary school a few years ago, and I can't help but feel it is due in some part to making our move here.  I am so proud of my girl!

Yet another birthday

I am grateful that I am around to see another year.  That might sound morbid, but life is certainly not a guarantee.  I was pretty sad yesterday about this birthday because it is the first without my Dad.  In fact, my birthday last year was the very last email I ever received from him.  I'm grateful that I got a lot of the emotion and sadness out yesterday and that I could still enjoy today.

We all spent the day as a normal Monday, and I spent the day volunteering at the middle school and high school.  I was able to have another person I know volunteer with me, and we get along very well so it was kind of fun to spend the day with her.  I informed my family that I didn't want a big deal made about the day so we didn't go out to dinner.  Instead, I made a chicken marinade stir fry, and it was really good.  Next time I'll have to be more prepared and have more things to put in it, but I was happy with it as it was!  Andrew and the kids bought me a new sweatshirt, and as simple as that sounds, it was exactly what I wanted.  Most of my sweatshirts are old & raggedy, yet it is certainly something I would never spend money on for myself.  We had to squeeze dinner in between Thomas getting off the bus at 4:30 and Robert having to leave for band practice at 5:30, but I really enjoyed the day.  It makes me very grateful for friends, family, & life!

Wish I could hit the brakes

I really do...I wish I could hit the brakes and just stop time.  And then again, I don't.  Where would I stop it?  My first thought was before Dad died, but he was suffering and I certainly wouldn't want to extend that.  Then I thought maybe back to before Dad was even sick, but then I wouldn't be married with my amazing children.  So no, let's not stop time, but oh goodness, it just seems to be flying by so quickly.

We are heading into the final week of October...this month absolutely flew by.  We are so very much looking forward to the holidays around here, yet I am NOT looking forward to the early parts of November.  There are going to be tough days, and I am certain of that.  It won't only be the memories of Dad and his passing, but things with Mom as well.  If we are able to proceed with a specialist for her esophagus it is going to involve traveling...one of my absolutely least favorite things to do.  I know I shouldn't complain, but I'm not looking forward to it.

Since the males in our house were camping last night, we are having a quiet Sunday afternoon.  I am grateful for these moments.

Wishing I'd had a nap

Yesterday I spent all day at the kids' school doing various volunteer projects.  I never love the days when I have to be out of the house at 7AM, but I did enjoy visiting with adults.  This morning was another early morning as I took Robert back to our former town for his scout meeting.  Thomas had art class here in town while we were gone, and when we returned Andrew, Robert, & Thomas left for a scout overnight camping trip.  Catherine and I left to do some shopping, and the weather made it just perfect for a nap.  If Andrew had been driving, I'd definitely have been asleep!  Catherine and I were gone over two hours and when we returned I decided to close my eyes for a bit.  The phone kept ringing though because my mom would remember something she wanted to tell me, so I decided to just scrap that thought and go to bed early...now I'm just trying to determine how early I can do that!

Wednesdays have become my favorite

These days, with the exception of the weekends, Wednesday has become my favorite day of the week.  Because it is an early release day for the school district each week, there are almost never any after school activities scheduled (although not true next week).  I love the fact that Thomas is off the bus by 4:00 and even if Catherine attends the after school bowling, everyone is home by 4:15.  And tonight, we have nowhere else we have to be!  As the days get chillier, I am even more grateful for these cozy evenings at home!

My mom's phone calls

Today my mom has called several times...mostly to tell me things I didn't necessarily need to know but she had no one else to tell.  I was starting to get a little annoyed as I was trying to get some things done around the house, and then I remembered what a blessing these phone calls are.  Last year after Dad died, it was very similar.  Mom would call to tell me nothing in particular, and I always felt it was very important to take the time to talk with her.  Andrew and the kids were very patient even though the calls could take an hour or more.  It was one of the reasons I didn't go back to work last spring...I wanted to be there and let Mom know I would always be there.  Then this summer, she was way too sick to talk on the phone.  I called nearly every day during the treatments, and then by mid-July only called every other day because I was trying not to disturb her...and we had reached a point where nothing new was really happening.  I am so grateful that she is back to being able to just chat.  These phone calls are blessings!

The kids

I feel badly that I haven't posted more about the kids lately.  Part of it is that they are older and honestly, spend less time at home.  Part of it is the fact that, along with having their own lives, they have their own stories as well, and they aren't necessarily mine to tell...but I do want to update.

Robert is enjoying high school and is involved in everything.  We keep telling him he doesn't have to try to fit four years of activities into the first semester!  He really enjoyed cross country and LOVES marching band.  I think what he enjoys most about that is the hours and hours of freedom from us that it gives him.  We had anticipated attending a competition or two during the fall, but that isn't going to happen.  For one thing, they aren't near by, and admission prices are at least $8, and in some cases $10.  We could leave the younger two at home to save money, but they would need a sitter that would far surpass the cost of admission...and $40 to see a band competition is not how we choose to spend our money.  They will perform their show for parents in November so we will see it then.  He has also been elected the President of the freshmen group of the FFA...another VERY time consuming event.  He is thinking about trying diving as a winter sport, but we'll see what happens about that.  He has also found an Eagle Scout project for himself and is beginning the process of getting that approved and underway.  He is doing a very decent job of managing his time and school responsibilities.  I'm enjoying this phase of his teenage years.  It is so fun to see his sense of humor and a glimpse into the person he is going to be.

Catherine is definitely entering the middle school phase of life.  Ugh.  Andrew tells me middle school=brain dead, and I am often astounded by the poor choices made.  On the upside, she is still very responsible and organized and takes a great deal of pride in that.  I don't think she was sad to see cross country end, and we were very proud of her improvement.  She has joined the school's online newspaper and is also going to be trying out for basketball this year.  We know she is very far from being the most talented, but apparently only 14 girls are trying out and the expect to keep 12.  I would hate for her to be one of only two girls who don't make the team, but she has also put absolutely no effort into developing her skills.  She is strong defensively, but is short, can't make a shot, and has poor ball handling skills so we'll just have to see what happens (and please understand, I am not writing this to be overly critical of  my daughter...I would LOVE for her to make the team but want to paint a clear picture of the situation).  Her scout group was going to disband and reform as a "Frontier Girls" group, but the leaders have all been busy, and since it is a 45 minute drive we haven't pushed the situation...it isn't like we are sitting around with nothing to do!

Thomas is also doing well in school, and while still the typical "baby" of the family, his responsibility level has increased.  He is playing rec basketball again this year and is also still in scouts.  This is the final year of cub scouts before he crosses over in February.  I'm not sure if he is really going to want to continue but we'll figure it out as we go.  He started art lessons this past weekend at the local university.  It is six weeks of a children's art class.  He absolutely loves it.  He is such a perfectionist though, and is easily frustrated if something doesn't work out the way he thinks it should.  Other than that, he's pretty much going along loving life like he always has!

I am so grateful for this time in life, and I am so grateful that I'm able to really experience it.  My kids are amazing!

Mixed signals

I've always been a person who believed in "signs" and that everything happens for a reason.  I understand not everyone feels that way, but it's always been my belief.  I've been told that the only "reason" something happens is the reason I assign to it, and perhaps my "signs" are just me processing information and reacting to it.  Regardless of the thoughts of others, lately I really feel like I've been getting mixed signals!

This summer I very much knew that I wanted to be home this year.  Andrew preferred having the extra money available, but he has always said he will support whatever decision I make.  He is also very clear that if we do decide that one of us is going to be home, it definitely isn't going to be him...he has absolutely no desire for that.  As the summer progressed and it became obvious that my mother was going to need me, we agreed it was for the best that I not be working.  Even though she is in remission, she is having a great deal of complications from the treatments, and I've considered them all to be a sign that I wasn't supposed to be working.

But there have been mixed signs...very expensive signs.  In addition to the added expense of helping Mom (it's over $25 in gas just to make the trip to her place...not to mention meals on the go, picking things up for her, and occasionally a sitter here for the younger ones). we've had other unexpected expenses.  This summer we had some major car repairs on Andrew's vehicle, and we pretty much know that it is on borrowed time.  We also had to put new brakes on my van, replace our garage freezer, and now the issue with the water.  The plumber was definitely not cheap, and now there is evident (although perhaps only to us) damage to our floor that we would like to be able to fix...all of this since July when I really started to think about being home.  Signs that I should get off my rear and go back to work?  Until this school year started we had been able to keep from dipping into our savings, and even now we've done so very little.  I guess I'm just afraid I'm ignoring that "go-back-to-work sign" and until I acknowledge it, we are just going to keep having expensive signs!

Today, I decided I am taking that leap of faith.  I am trusting that it is all going to work out, and I am going to plan on staying home this school year.  The good news is that if something majorly expensive does happen I can always go ahead and sign on to sub this year if we begin to really dip into the savings.  My life has been very blessed.  I am choosing to look forward to the many blessings that I know will come rather than worry about what isn't.

Our plans for the day

We have a busy morning, but the rest of today (and even tomorrow) are pretty unscheduled.  Thomas is currently at art class here at the local university.  This is his first class and it will run for six weeks.  Although Robert is not a varsity runner, he is at districts this morning cheering on his teammates and should return early afternoon.  Andrew is working this morning at the JV football game and should be home mid-afternoon.  I am home catching up on laundry and trying to make sure everything stays organized.  This afternoon though...NOTHING on the calendar, but lots of really good football on TV!  And it will be perfect to fold all of the laundry while I am watching.  Tonight is the BIG Notre Dame/Florida St. game.  I am so excited!  Regardless of the outcome, I just hope it is a competitive (unless by some chance ND can completely dominate)!

Tomorrow after church is Sunday School, and then another free afternoon.  Of course I'm sure there will still be some laundry and the beginning of our "get ahead on our week" things, but overall I am really looking forward to the next 36 hours!

It was a tough, tough week

I'm not going to lie, this was a tough week in our house.  But here we are at the weekend, and everything has worked out, at least for the most part.

The frustrations of the week began on Sunday.  Catherine made some of the worst choices she has ever made.  I was absolutely appalled to be honest, but also recognize that we are heading into what was the worst of it with Robert.  She repeated those poor choices on Monday, and I'll can't lie...it is the repetition of the same poor choices that can really push me over the edge.  It was so awful last weekend that we were forced to miss the birthday dinner of my best friend's husband.  There was simply no way I was going to reward her behavior, and Sunday evening gatherings are tough anyway with the distance we have to travel.

Tuesday was a long day as well.  My aunt arrived at 7:30 to be with Thomas before school as I had to get my mom to a doctor appointment.  It was her radiation oncologist and wasn't particularly notable with the exception that he was running an hour behind.  The kids also had tons of activities that evening as it seemed everything fell on the same night that Andrew was gone with some staff members and I had a meeting myself.  We made it through though!

Wednesday I was doing laundry when I noticed that my kitchen sinks were filling with soapy water.  Definitely NOT a good sign!  After the load was finished the sinks were still full, and I made the mistake of attempting to run the garbage disposal...thinking perhaps there was something stuck in there.  As I did so I heard water gushing back through the hoses into our laundry room.  Fortunately it was right at the end of the school day for Andrew and he came home as quickly as he could.  He got the washer moved and I was able to get things pretty well cleaned up before any real damage was done.  We tried drain clog clearing chemicals and we tried snaking the line with our neighbor's snake, but after 3-1/2 hours we conceded defeat and decided to call the plumber.  The good news (we felt at the time) was that it wasn't effecting the showers/toilets and it just meant no laundry or dishwasher until we could get it fixed...certainly functional.

Thursday was only some minor frustrations with some little things.  They were very little things, but I also recognize that my stress level was VERY high that day, and the little things easily felt like big things.

Yesterday was a very long end to our long week.  I had to be up at 5:00 in order to make the 60+ minute drive to the hospital where my mom was beginning the process of having her esophagus dilated.  I am so very grateful that a good friend of her's offered to drive her there and meet us so that I didn't have to leave my house until 6:15, saving me over an hour.  When I got up I took a quick shower and went out to get a bowl of cereal before I hit the road.  Our kitchen light is pretty dim and is a CFL so it takes a bit before it comes on at full strength, but I wondered when I went to get a bowl why my shoes were squishing.  It began to register that the sinks were overflowing and there was water EVERYWHERE.  The counters were flowing down and there was standing water on our wooden kitchen floor.  NOT GOOD.  I woke Andrew quickly and we cleaned up as fast as we could.  Unfortunately some water had already gone beneath the flooring and we can tell there is some damage.  We are grateful though, because it could've been much, much worse.  Fortunately, Andrew was scheduled to be homes yesterday anyway because of Mom's procedure and since we knew there was a problem he had already scheduled the plumber to come.  While I was becoming concerned about a thousand dollar issue, it was only a couple of hundred for them to snake the lines with a heavy duty snake and determine a food blockage.  They feel the overnight water had been from either the water heater or water softener pushing water through the lines.  Regardless, it is fixed and I will be able to do laundry again!

Meanwhile, I have journeyed to the hospital with my mom.  As we were riding in the elevator I was jokingly telling my mom that since I don't like dealing with strangers in my home, I felt that I get the better task of the day by being with her rather than at home with the plumbers.  That would be when the orderly noticed that the elevator had stopped and the doors weren't opening.  He was pushing the "Open Doors" button and nothing was happening.  I am mildly claustrophobic, and I am very proud of myself for not panicking, although I could feel it rising up inside me!  It was only about 20 seconds before things fixed themselves, but what an interesting/terrifying experience!

Unfortunately, Mom's procedure didn't go well either.  After getting in there, the surgeon was very confidant that any attempt at dilation and stretching the esophagus would result in tearing and rupturing and that is the last thing any of us wanted.  At first my heart fell, because my mom has always been one of those people who truly enjoys food.  The surgeon did offer the suggestion that there is a specialist in Indianapolis who has had some success with more severe restrictions and high risk dilation.  I was so grateful to hear that there is still an option to explore, and as always my mother was positive about the situation and grateful that they hadn't forced what couldn't be done and caused even greater problems.  My mother's attitude is fabulous and such an inspiration.

I got her home and got her settled.  She continued to be in good spirits and just amazes me.  I had told her earlier in the week that I would clean her house since Andrew was home and I had nothing I had to rush back for.  I spent some time doing that before my grandmother arrived to be with her, then I made a quick trip over to see my other grandmother.  I started the drive home mid afternoon, and it was such an absolutely gorgeous drive.  The leaves are even more colorful and vibrant than they had been a few weeks ago, and I couldn't help but be calmed by the gorgeous scenery.  At the same time, due to the timing of everything (and the fact that Mom has no food in the house since she can't eat), I also hadn't eaten anything all day.  I got home to help Andrew with some final clean up and he went out to mow the yard.  He managed to damage both our riding lawn mower and our push mower.  He was pretty upset with himself, but I was pretty philosophical at this point.  It will get fixed and work out okay.  It is the end of mowing season and we can pay to fix them after the first of the year if needed.

I threw some frozen pizzas in the oven while Andrew was dealing with the yard, and it took everything I had to stay awake until 8:00.  I had made a deal with Andrew that I would get up at 6AM this morning to get Robert to school for the cross country bus if he would stay up last evening and pick him up from the marching band bus in the 10:30ish range.  I had no problem falling asleep when I went to bed, and even though I woke up ridiculously early this morning, I actually feel rested.  I can't remember the last time I felt this way.  I know that in spite of the craziness of the week, we made it.  Everything works out and life is good even if it is frustrating or irritating at the time.  I am so grateful for feeling rested and at peace!

Sometimes I wish I could be more like my husband

I don't often feel this way...I am pretty happy and content in my own skin.  My husband and I are fairly different people, but maybe that is what makes our marriage so wonderful!  One of our biggest differences is in the worrying...I do and he simply doesn't.  Trust me when I tell you that I have to really focus on pushing the worries out...and most of the time I just can't do it.  He is very quick to admit he doesn't worry.  He can only control what he can control and the rest just can't be worried about.  Right now I am very envious of that.

At the same time, I recognize we can't both function that way.  Because he doesn't worry and nothing EVER bothers him, he assumes things don't bother others...like his sometimes forgetfulness or lack of communication...or running late (he doesn't worry so he gets there when he gets there).  These things DO sometimes bother others, so that is where my worrying and planning is an asset I suppose.  Trying to remember all blessings today, big and little.

Catalogs

Apparently, October is the official beginning of the holiday shopping season.  I feel badly for my postman who has delivered no fewer than six catalogs to my house...EACH DAY!  Since I don't particularly enjoy shopping, I appreciate the catalogs, although I often find that sometimes I need to see things in person.  The real joy of the catalogs arriving is Thomas.  He devours each one, and I LOVE the giggles and "Mom, look at this" that I keep hearing.  Andrew and I were discussing the memory of being a kid and the excitement of the Christmas catalog arriving.  Sears and J.C.Penney were the two big ones in our area, and oh goodness, I can still remember trying so hard to be patient and wait my turn while my sister got to go through it first.  Such fun memories!

Family fun & Cosby

Friday, our day off, wasn't entirely as relaxing and peaceful as I had hoped.  Andrew decided that we would all venture to the grocery together, and since I am usually by myself with a very specific routine, there was nothing relaxing about that at all!

Once we were home though, we had such a fun evening!  I had decided that we would make our own pizzas for dinner and purchased the ingredients at the store.  Usually I don't enjoy the homemade pizza process because I have to do all the work.  This time though, the entire family helped.  Thomas grated the cheese, I chopped and diced the vegetables, and Robert and Catherine worked on getting the dough ready and putting the pizzas together.  We laughed and had a good time even while getting dinner together.  Then we popped in The Cosby Show and watched a couple of episodes together.  We absolutely love watching this with the kids.  They still think it's as funny as we did when we were kids, and we find it even funnier as parents!  Friday evening was exactly the kind of family time I hoped it would be!

Cross country has ended

Yesterday was the league meet for the kids' cross country seasons.  The weather was pretty good...not to warm, not too cold, and not rainy.  This one is slightly hillier than some, so I wasn't sure what to expect.  It was at this meet last year that Robert collapsed at the end because it turns out he was sick.  He ran first and we were very pleased when he cut eight seconds off his personal record to post a 21:11.  Catherine began lagging early and I was very concerned about her performance.   She managed to cut thirty seconds off her time for a 20:50 (she runs only two miles, Robert runs three).  We were so proud of both of them.  I LOVE watching my kids and their teammates run, and when we realized Catherine was going to set a PR I loved watching how Thomas couldn't stop cheering and encouraging his sister.  I love watching the camaraderie of this sport.  No matter how well or how poorly anyone does, there is always a tremendous level of respect because the person has finished.  I am fairly certain that is more than I could do on most days!

My first paint project

Yesterday was the very first painting project I had done in our new home.  I am one of those people that both love and hate to paint.  I love the way it changes a room when I am done, and I love how nice it looks, but I don't love the work itself!  We had a bright blue wall in our dining room/living room area that was fine, but it wasn't our style.  I had been wanting a brown wall for quite some time, and now I have one.  As a note, I'm not sure this is exactly the color I wanted and it may change, but we'll live with it for a bit and see what happens.

This project was also the first painting project since my dad passed.  This is notable only because of how alike we are when it comes to painting...we are definitely the painters in the family.  I think it is that accountant/detail oriented personality.  We both hate to tape our paint jobs and yet we usually can be steady and careful enough to still get crisp clean lines.  I remember a bookshelf my aunt (Dad's sister) had painted for Thomas.  We were both a little appalled at how sloppy the paint job was.  At the same time, it was for a bedroom so I didn't go crazy worrying about it.  Dad and I used to have many discussions during my paint jobs as to the necessity of primer, what kind of brush, how much sanding, what kind of paint finish...it's just what we did.  I'll be honest, it got to me a bit that there was no one to call to ask if I should prime the wall before painting (since I bought paint with primer I decided no...and I'm such a perfectionist I almost always use two coats anyway).

I had no idea how many little, little things were going to make me miss my dad each day, but at the same time, I'm so grateful I get to think of him each day in so many little ways!

No school tomorrow

Tomorrow is a day off!  I must admit, we are pretty excited!  I love the fact that since today is cold and drizzly, I have no reason to leave the house (other than the bus).  The best part about tomorrow is that after cross country practice at 9AM and trip to the grocery, I have no reason to leave the house again tomorrow either.  Originally we had thought Robert would be at the away football game with the band, but once we learned it was optional, we decided to "opt out" since he has to be on the cross country bus at 8AM Saturday.  I can't even begin to tell you how much I am looking forward to tomorrow.  Saturday will be busy with both the league cross country meet in the morning and then a band competition in the evening, and Sunday is church, visiting friends for a birthday dinner, and a bit of shopping as well.  I enjoy being with my family no matter what we are doing, but relaxing time at home is definitely my favorite!

GREAT news!

Mom's scans show no cancer activity!  We are so very grateful, and I can't tell you how relieved Mom is.  We still have her esophagus issue, but we really all feel that there is light at the end of the tunnel in this!

Today we learn the results

In about five hours, we will be learning the results of the my Mom's scans.  I've been feeling fairly confidant about them, but not knowing is a bit tough.  I'll be very glad when we know, and of course our prayers are for a completely clear scan.

I'm also praying for peace in my heart today.  My sister continues to be challenging and while it often makes me sad, I have to work very hard at not being angry either because part of what makes her challenging is her lack of caring and compassion towards others, specifically those in my family.  She is joining us at Mom's appointment today and I pray that although emotions and tensions will be high, that it can be a peaceful appointment.

I'll post the results when I can!

One of my most fun days as a parent

Yesterday will go down as one of my most fun days as a parent.  It was very busy and definitely exhausting, but I really enjoyed every minute of it.  It began early with a cross country meet for both Robert & Catherine.  It was in the same town that we ventured to on Tuesday, and I also knew that because our former school district was there again, and this time our good friend Jen would be there.  We thought that Robert wasn't running until the "open" race at the end, but Kyle was running an earlier race so we got there to watch him.  Thank goodness we did...it turns out Robert did run in that race as well!  As is typical for a fifteen-year-old, communication isn't his strong suit!  It was such a cold and damp morning, but we enjoyed it.  Robert's race had a fabulous ending.  While he still finished in the last 1/3 of the racers, he was involved in a photo finish.  As he and another runner rounded the corner, the Dunbar runner (a school known for its sprinting speed) began to sprint.  Robert kicked it up as well, and a sprint to the finish was on!  Knowing the reputation of Dunbar's speed, I didn't think there was anyway Robert could out sprint the kid for the distance they had left.  He kept just a step ahead though, and as they passed I really started screaming for him.  I then began jumping up and down (my enthusiasm has always been part of my charm, lol) and Robert managed to finish 0.2 seconds ahead of the other kid.  Our friend Jen managed to catch in on video, but because I don't have a smart phone we don't know how to get it off and save it.  Catherine ran her race (and she is no longer walking, so we are pleased) and we came home to warm up before our crazy evening.

We were able to watch some college football and hang out for a bit until Andrew left to meet up with some friends from Florida who were in town.  I was helping Robert get ready for Homecoming, and then we left for group pictures.  It was just so amazing to watch my son all dressed up and be "adult-like".  The other kids and their parents all seemed very nice (although I had to wonder about the folks wearing Alabama t-shirts...hmph) and they were off.  Andrew and I went back to hang out with his friends from Florida a bit more, and by the time we were home near 8:00, I was ready for an early bedtime.  Dream on though, because Robert needed to be picked up from the dance at Midnight, and we had agreed he could attend a bonfire afterwards.  We all (minus the younger two) tumbled into bed at 3:00 this morning and to be honest, we are ALL feeling it today.  I absolutely loved though, hearing him tell us about all of the fun he had last night.  Parenting a social high school student is definitely a new phase, but right now it's a lot of fun!

An unsual encounter

On the mornings when I walk, I walk around the neighborhood.  Our neighborhood is "closed off" in the sense that there is only one way into and out of the community.  Inside the community there is a loop and several cul-de-sacs off the loop, so when I walk I usually walk the perimeter of the loop and a few of the cul-de-sacs.  Yesterday, I was coming out of one of the cul-de-sacs and turned to continue walking the loop, and there stood two beautiful deer.  I stopped in my tracks, and they immediately looked at me and froze.  I wasn't really sure what to do next, but finally I just started walking again.  Both deer turned and ran back into the woods.  I can honestly say it was the first time in my life I've ever been that close to a deer without being in a vehicle.  It was quite an experience...and another unexpected blessing of living here!

A wet and windy Friday

I've really been looking forward to this cold front that is coming through.  I know, I'm "not right", but I just love cool autumn weekends...and for those of you wishing me bad karma don't worry, I got caught in a downpour!

After running hours worth of errands this morning, I am home for the day with my only need to go being to the corner to get Thomas off the bus.  Unfortunately both Andrew and Robert have to spend the evening at the (wet) football game, but I will be home...warm and toasty.  Tomorrow's cross country meet could be wet as well, but we'll keep our fingers crossed.  By the time we gather for Robert's Homecoming pictures tomorrow evening the skies should be clear.  Sunday is a fairly unscheduled day and I suspect we will be using it to rest up!

His first date

Robert has his first official date this weekend...wow, how is that even possible???  It is his first high school homecoming, and he is taking a young lady.  They were set up as mutual friends, and I think initially there was some interest in something more, but clearly at this point they are just going as friends.  Robert also wants to attend a bon fire after the dance at Midnight, and while it's late, I'm inclined to let him go.  I was talking to my best friend Stephanie this evening and we just don't understand.  We remember our high school days so clearly, and we just can't fathom that we are now parenting teens and pre-teens.  Wow, just wow.

Visiting with old friends

Catherine had a cross country meet in a "neighboring" community (I use quotes because it is still 30 minutes away...we live close to very little out here).  Andrew had conferences so I left Robert and Thomas here and made the drive myself.  She set a new PR, and we are very pleased that she is no longer walking during the races.  We will take what we can get when it comes to her.

As I pulled into the park where the meet was being held, I was delighted to see some decals from our former community.  I whipped out my cell when I realized some friends would be there and was able to not only locate them, but visit with so many other friendly faces as well.  I was grateful that many of them (who have sons) stayed to watch the girls race as well and Catherine had quite a cheering section when she finished.  Catherine was also very excited to be able to visit with former classmates and they were all genuinely pleased to see her.

I am so grateful for all of the relationships we had in our former community, and I am even more grateful for the opportunity to reconnect!

Falling leaves

Living in a wooded neighborhood in the fall is absolutely gorgeous.  Andrew and I often talk about how we feel we have the perfect lot.  We have a few mature trees, our back yard backs up against some woods, but we actually have a yard that the kids can play in, and plenty of it!  Not only do we have a yard, but by not living "in" the woods we are less likely to get poison ivy and Andrew and I are both VERY allergic.

This morning after I got Thomas on the bus I took off for a walk.  It was very peaceful with all the colors (although it is cloudy today, so the colors aren't as vibrant), and I love hearing the crunch of the leaves under my feet.  It was a great start to my day!